Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Big moves have already begun and more is to come. Teams have found their target and are bringing them on board. One position that goes for a premium price at the deadline is defencemen. Today we discuss two teams that have players potentially available. Today’s rumours swirl around the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: Chris Johnston on Insider Trading discusses the domino effect of the Flames defencemen
The trade deadline has gotten off to excellent fireworks. Two big trades have already happened, signalling that more is coming up. One team that has been on watch all season has been the Calgary Flames. Craig Conroy has already shipped off one player with an expiring contract and two more are in line. Johnston highlights what’s to come for defenceman Noah Hanifin and the Flames.
It’s no secret that Hanifin is the heavily coveted defenceman on the market. He is solid at both ends of the ice and is a shoe-in top four defenceman. However, the situation in Calgary has shifted its course more than once. At one point there was contract extension talks. Then they were put on pause and they picked up again. Johnston now sheds better light on the matter.
Hanifin’s agents will have discussions with the Flames front office in the coming days. This could lead to what comes next for the defenceman. If they cannot come to an agreement on a potential extension, all signs will point to him being on the move.
Pierre LeBrun also discusses Chris Tanev. Many teams are looking to upgrade the right side of the blue line and he’s the top target. LeBrun says that like Elias Lindholm, this could be the domino that falls and dictates the rest of the deadline. Keep your eyes open, this will be a must-see movie.
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading discusses the future of David Savard
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the Eastern Conference. One team to monitor is the Montreal Canadiens. General Manager Kent Hughes got a nice return for centre Sean Monahan and is not shy to making a deal. One player that has been floated around is defenceman David Savard.
Savard is a veteran presence and a strong leader. In addition, he brings a winning pedigree, as he has won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Any team looking for extra depth on the back end should give Hughes a phone call. But does Montreal even want to part ways with him?
According to LeBrun, he believes that the team does not want to trade him. Also, given the state of the team and the young core, they value his veteran presence. The only way a deal gets done is if it’s an offer that blows them out of the park. It is definitely something to monitor, especially as defencemen are heavily coveted at the deadline.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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