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NHL Rumor Buzz
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NHL Rumor Buzz is Hockeybuzz’s version of an aggregator blog, similar to Spectorshockey.net or MyNHLTradeRumors. It is the home for the latest NHL trade rumors from other mainstream sources and websites other than Hockeybuzz. It will include our thoughts on the rumor in question and will be updated each day as new rumors surface.
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In this week’s “30 Thoughts” column, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman provides us with the latest rumors of possible deals before the March 1 trade deadline.
Much of the trade talk around that group spotlights Kevin Shattenkirk. Some chatter was starting about Patrik Berglund, who is also free in July. We’ll see if the Blues continue down that path or hope for a similar jolt the Islanders got under Doug Weight.
THE BUZZ – The firing of head coach Ken Hitchcock on Wednesday has thrown everything for a loop in St. Louis. The Blues were thought to be a playoff lock, but the club’s goaltending has been horrific and the departure of veterans David Backes, Steve Ott and Troy Brouwer has created a leadership gap.
Berglund could very well be a fallback for teams that strikeout in acquiring Arizona’s Martin Hanzal. The 28-year-old provides size and versatility (can play center or wing) and makes $3.7 Million, which may not be difficult to fit under a contending team’s salary cap.
What is Steve Yzerman’s acceptable threshold for a Ben Bishop trade? There is a growing sense Tampa Bay is willing to move the goalie, give him a fresh start six months before unrestricted free agency. The move benefits the Lightning, too, allowing Andrei Vasilevskiy the rest of the season to learn what it will be like to be the full-time No. 1 in goal.
Bishop got the first start out of the all-star break, a 4–3 loss to Boston, where he made 31 saves. It’s a worthwhile gamble for someone needing a jolt without taking on a firm commitment. Word is current offers are low and Yzerman isn’t biting. His risk is seeing a rejuvenated Bishop deliver high reward somewhere else.
THE BUZZ – Yzerman may have waited too long to make his move with Bishop. The former Vezina Trophy finalist can be a difference maker between the pipes, but teams interested in him have to be concerned about his propensity for getting injured.
There are at least three teams (Dallas, Calgary and St Louis) who are in desperate need of the goaltending help and still in the mix for playoff spot. The offers may get better for Tampa, but if Yzerman is looking for significant defensive help in return for Bishop, he may have miscalculated.
Another UFA-to-be worth watching: Buffalo’s Dmitry Kulikov. Nightmare of a start to the season, a freak pre-season injury from smashing into an open bench door. Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said Kulikov won’t practise much the rest of the year. He played 24:11, 25:32 and 22:47 in the last three games, after a month-long absence.
THE BUZZ – The acquisition of Kulikov has been an unmitigated disaster for Sabres GM Tim Murray. Buffalo hoped that the 26-year-old defenseman would have a career year heading into free agency this July and instead he has missed half of the season with injury and scored two points in 23 games.
Unless the Sabres make a run for a playoff spot, Murray will likely try to recoup a draft pick from the team willing to roll the dice on Kulikov regaining his Florida form and providing defensive depth.
On Tuesday,
Hawks GM Stan Bowman(according to the Sun-Times Mark Lazerus poured cold water on Chicago following their usual modus operandi of adding players at the deadline and hinted that he will rely on youngsters currently on the roster to improve.
‘‘So we’ll see. Things change quickly. But as we look at it today, I’m not expecting a big addition like that.’’
In fact, Bowman went so far as to say, ‘‘I’m not expecting to make a deal this year, unlike previous years.’’ Take that with a big grain of salt, of course, because Bowman has said such things in the past and then been one of the biggest players at the deadline.
THE BUZZ – It would be a dramatic departure on the part of Bowman not to add some help before March 1. The Hawks are likely not moving their 2017 first round pick, since they host the NHL Draft this June, which is why the Chicago GM is lowering expectations of being a buyer.
Teams desperate to get something for a rental may find the Hawks bargain basement shopping at the eleventh hour.
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