{"id":48791,"date":"2019-06-12T08:30:53","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T12:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=48791"},"modified":"2020-12-21T15:09:59","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T20:09:59","slug":"nhl-rumours-philadelphia-flyers-pittsburgh-penguins-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2019\/06\/12\/nhl-rumours-philadelphia-flyers-pittsburgh-penguins-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumours: Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Word On Hockey is here with another delivery of NHL Rumours! It’s Wednesday, and we’re taking a look at the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>, Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>, Montreal Canadiens<\/a>, and Anaheim Ducks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All rumours are taken from the original source and subject to change.<\/em><\/p>\n

NHL Rumours<\/h1>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/h2>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/DennisTFP\/status\/1138453804645568512?s=19<\/p>\n

Rumour:<\/em> Anthony Di Marco and Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period tweeted that the Flyers and Canadiens are in trade discussions over Shayne Gostisbehere<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis:<\/em> The Flyers are looking to build up their forward group ahead of next season. Gostisbehere is talented and could bring the team an excellent return. He’s a smaller defenseman but adds good offense at even-strength. Perhaps the most attractive point Gostisbehere brings is his cap friendly contract of $4.5 million average annual value, which doesn’t expire for four more years.<\/p>\n

Despite the career-low season, Gostisbehere is a dynamic puck-moving defenceman. Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin<\/a> has expressed his desire to bolster his blueline. Gostisbehere would be a prime candidate to add to their roster.<\/p>\n

If the Flyers do agree to move him, the team is said to be targeting Andrew Shaw<\/a><\/strong> or Paul Byron<\/a><\/strong> in return. Though it likely would not be a one-for-one move, both sides would benefit from the trade.<\/p>\n

Shaw had his best run yet, tallying 47 points in 63 games. His grittiness and skill would fit in well with the Flyers lineup. Byron in on a $3.4 million yearly contract with four years remaining. He’s a solid veteran, posting 31 points and averaging 14:34 minutes of ice time this year.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumours: Pittsburgh Penguins<\/h2>\n

Rumour: Josh Yoshe of the Athletic<\/a> reports that Phil Kessel<\/strong> <\/a>is unlikely to be traded before the start of next season.<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis:<\/em> A month ago, NHL rumours swirled that the Penguins were on the brink of finalizing a trade that would’ve sent Kessel to the Minnesota Wild<\/a> along with Jack Johnson<\/a><\/strong>. Then, he was also rumoured to go to the Arizona Coyote<\/a>s<\/a> and play for Rick Tocchet<\/strong><\/a>. Kessel has a notoriously rough contract to move. His headache of a partial no-trade clause painted Pens general manager Jim Rutherford<\/a> into a corner.<\/p>\n

After quashing the move to Minnesota, nothing significant seemed to materialize from any other teams. Unloading Kessel would’ve been helpful, but wasn’t a necessity. The forward had a rough season by his standards, but still collected 27 goals and 55 assists.<\/p>\n

Keeping Kessel isn’t exactly the worst thing that could’ve happened to the Penguins. But with roughly $3.2 million in cap space left, Rutherford will need to move some bodies to leave breathing room for upcoming player raises and expiring contracts.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens<\/h2>\n

Rumour: Yvon Pedneault stated<\/a> Phillip Danault<\/a><\/strong> is drawing attention from teams around the league, including the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis:<\/em> The Oilers would be lucky to steal Danault away from the Canadiens. He’s a valuable center that could have a hand in shaping both Nick Suzuki<\/strong> <\/a>and Ryan Poehling<\/a><\/strong>. Danault had the best season of his career, posting 41 assists and totaling 53 points.<\/p>\n

The forward is on a bargain contract of just over $3 million a year. Pair that with his ability to create offense and his value on the penalty kill, and he’s probably not a piece Montreal is eager to move.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumours: Anaheim Ducks<\/h2>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/Prospects_Watch\/status\/1138518545309020167?s=19<\/p>\n

Rumour:<\/em> Darren Dreger on TSN690 mentioned Corey Perry<\/a><\/strong> is on the market and the Oilers are a potential landing spot.<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis:<\/em> Perry has had a drop off the past few seasons. After a knee injury limited him to 31 games last season, he saw a career low of just 10 points. He has two years left on a hefty $8.6 AAV contract.<\/p>\n

The Oilers could be on deck to take Perry in. His veteran status is appealing to the team. They’d look for him to help Connor McDavid<\/a><\/strong> lead the team. A discount price on a short term loan would be ideal for the Oilers.<\/p>\n

Anaheim will obviously explore the trade route first, but it’s rumoured they’re not above a buyout. Either way, this will likely be Perry’s last season as a Duck.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>