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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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February 8, 2017
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.
"Both Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman watching Anaheim play at Florida. The Ducks were in Tampa the following night but their presence makes a ton of sense. Both men are looking for defense. Anaheim’s got a surplus and it’s been believed for a while now GM Bob Murray will trade one for a forward. Both the Avalanche and Lightning have that.
The more difficult thing to pin down is what specific defender Sakic and Yzerman eyed. Colorado prefers youth and term, Tampa Bay is looking top-four. The Ducks could certainly do either."
THE BUZZ – Based on the needs of each club, the Lightning are probably looking for one of the Ducks top-three; Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen or Cam Fowler and have a number of forwards they could offer, but Anaheim would likely be looking for a top offensive forward like Tyler Johnson or Jonathan Drouin(both RFA’s) back from Tampa.
The Avs are definitely on the path to a reset using Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog to bring back young assets. GM Joe Sakic would likely target prospects like Shea Theodore, Brandon Montour, Josh Manson or Jacob Larsson.
Fowler is having an All-Star season and has a year left on his contract, if Murray has determined he cannot afford to sign him, then a deal this summer makes sense and the Ducks replace him with one of the youngsters.
If Fowler is re-signed, they could use one of their D prospects to get the scoring help they need.
"Another GM sighting that made a lot of sense was Arizona’s John Chayka in Chicago for Blackhawks-Stars. Chicago is downplaying its chances of making a move, especially since it's hosting the draft and wants to keep its first-rounder.
But the Blackhawks love to win, so opponents think this is stealth. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Hawks take a look at Thomas Vanek. He’s not the fastest but he’s smart. If Detroit chooses to make that move, the Red Wings can always bring him back in the summer.
THE BUZZ – For a deal involving forward help coming from the Coyotes (Martin Hanzal, Anthony Duclair or Radim Vrbata), Hawks GM Stan Bowman might have to offer a youngster like Tyler Motte, Nick Schmaltz, Michal Kempny or Gustav Forsling to avoid giving up their first.
Vanek may be an easier acquisition to make, since Arizona is currently asking for the moon on most of their rentals. A 2018 draft pick or one of the players mentioned might fetch the 32-year-old forward and he appears to be a better fit to play in a top six role with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa than any of the players being shopped by the Coyotes."
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