{"id":31863,"date":"2018-06-26T13:17:48","date_gmt":"2018-06-26T17:17:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=31863"},"modified":"2020-12-21T14:44:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:44:53","slug":"nhl-off-season-rumours-rick-nash-erik-karlsson-devante-smith-pelly-slava-voynov","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/26\/nhl-off-season-rumours-rick-nash-erik-karlsson-devante-smith-pelly-slava-voynov\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Off-Season Rumours: Rick Nash, Erik Karlsson, Devante Smith-Pelly, Slava Voynov"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s time for another fresh batch of NHL off-season rumours. We\u2019re less than a week away from the July 1 signing day and teams are making their pitches to players. Today we speculate on the futures of <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Nash<\/a>,<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/karlser01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Erik Karlsson<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/smithde06.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devante Smith-Pelly<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/voynovi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Slava Voynov<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>These rumours come from the originating source and are subject to change.<\/p>\n<h2>Rick Nash<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> TSN\u2019s Darren Dreger reports that teams are interested in the unrestricted free agent forward. Dreger said at least five teams are interested in the former All-Star.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Significant interest in veteran forward Rick Nash. At least 5 teams are pursuing the star winger.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarrenDreger\/status\/1011419750432432128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 26, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The Athletic\u2019s Aaron Portzline added the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blue-jackets\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> might look to bring Nash back home. He played for the club for nine seasons. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/bruins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston Bruins<\/a> are also in the mix to re-sign him. This is the first time Nash has been a free agent in his career.<\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Nash has been known to struggle in the playoffs but is a solid regular-season scorer. The Brampton, Ontario native registered 21 goals and 13 assists in 71 games this season with the New York Rangers and the B\u2019s.<\/p>\n<h2>Erik Karlsson<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportsnet.ca\/podcasts\/31-thoughts-podcast\/june-24-2018-a-kinda-quiet-draft-in-dallas\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">speculated on the 31 Thoughts podcast<\/a> that the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/stars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dallas Stars<\/a> could be a sleeper in getting the Norris Trophy winner. Credit also goes to Chris Nichols of FRSHockey.com.<\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/senators\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ottawa Senators<\/a> defenceman would be a big coup for Stars general manager<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nillji01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jim Nill<\/a><\/strong>. One of Dallas\u2019 main problems was defence and Karlsson would be a big-time fix. The Stars are also in the mix for <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a><\/strong> and would love to find a way to get them both.<\/p>\n<p>Getting one or both would add to Nill\u2019s reputation of making splashy off-season moves.<\/p>\n<h2>Devante Smith-Pelly<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> Associated Press hockey writer Stephen Whyno said the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Capitals <\/a>are still trying to negotiate with Smith-Pelly despite not extending him a qualifying offer. No other reports on other teams that might be interested, but its\u2019 still early.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Caps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Caps<\/a> say they are still negotiating with Devante Smith-Pelly despite not tendering him his $715,000 qualifying offer as an RFA. He will be a UFA July 1.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SWhyno\/status\/1011353385914822656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 25, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Smith-Pelly hitting the open market would be a huge surprise. The Scarborough, Ontario native was a valuable cog in the Caps Stanley Cup run.<\/p>\n<p>He made key plays on both ends of the ice and will be a welcome addition to any club that signs him. Washington may still get him back, but he\u2019ll likely get interest.<\/p>\n<h2>Slava Voynov<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> TVA\u2019s L.A. Lariviere confirmed that the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/canadiens\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> and the KHL defenceman have a mutual interest in each other. Voynov\u2019s return to the NHL hinges on a July 2 court date in California and the league would then take steps on reinstating him.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Confirming MTL has expressed interest for D Slava Voynov. Delicate situation. Has a court date July 2 in California for a pardon. NHL will then take the steps to decide on reinstating him. Or not. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Habs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Habs<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LAKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#LAKings<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#KHL<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; L.A. Lariviere (@L_A_theRiver) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/L_A_theRiver\/status\/1011316512613777408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 25, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> This situation is a delicate one based on the domestic abuse conviction on thr former <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/kings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Los Angles Kings<\/a>&#8216; defender&#8217;s record. Habs general manager<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bergema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marc Bergevin<\/a> <\/strong>and the rest of the club are likely to face a huge backlash if they do bring the Russian blueliner back to North America.<\/p>\n<p>The columns telling Voynov to stay in Russia will only pile up the more the speculation grows. Montreal is going to have to weigh this transaction carefully. The club has brought in former KHL players like<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/radulal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexander Radulov<\/a><\/strong>, but his situation is a lot more tenuous.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo: PITTSBURGH, PA &#8211; MAY 25: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators controls the puck in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on May 25, 2017, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s time for another fresh batch of NHL off-season rumours. We\u2019re less than a week away from the July 1 signing day and teams are making their pitches to players. Today we speculate on the futures of Rick Nash, Erik Karlsson, Devante Smith-Pelly and Slava Voynov. These rumours come from the originating source and are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":17889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,8,4321],"tags":[267,90,111,102,1902,550,1575,499,517,78,264,152,5715,70,370,3471],"class_list":["post-31863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-senators","category-rumours","tag-alexander-radulov","tag-boston-bruins","tag-columbus-blue-jackets","tag-dallas-stars","tag-devante-smith-pelly","tag-erik-karlsson","tag-jim-nill","tag-john-tavares","tag-khl","tag-los-angeles-kings","tag-marc-bergevin","tag-montreal-canadiens","tag-nhl-rumors","tag-ottawa-senators","tag-rick-nash","tag-slava-voynov"],"modified_by":"Ben Kerr","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31863"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31863\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}