NHL Trade Rumors: Eriksson, Varlamov, Ducks

NHL Trade Rumors

NHL trade rumors are continuing to heat up with some new names and faces this week. Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa released a piece Friday on Boston’s difficult decision to trade or re-sign Loui Eriksson. TSN‘s Frank Seravalli also announced that Colorado is listening to offers on Semyon Varlamov. Lastly, the Ducks top scouts have been sighted at several Buffalo Sabres games.

Loui Eriksson

After being traded a few years back for Tyler Seguin, the once 70-point scorer in Dallas failed to match expectations in Boston. He was submerged into a more defensive-minded system and team, so the point productivity was never expected to match his Dallas totals. But he’s still managed to fall short with some dismal seasons. Finally in 2015-16, Eriksson has stolen the spotlight in Boston, most recently netting a hat-trick.

There was always a belief that Loui Eriksson was highly overpaid until this season, and all of a sudden he’s earning his money in a year where he’s vying for a new contract. He’s played well early into the new season, and as Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa points out, it’s time for GM Don Sweeney to figure out whether to trade Eriksson or sign him to an extension.

Semyon Varlamov

Nov 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) makes a glove save on a onetime against the Calgary Flames in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of NHL trade rumors surrounding the Avalanche of late have involved Matt Duchene. It’s still possible that we could see a transaction involving one of Tyson Barrie, Gabriel Landeskog, or Matt Duchene, but the Varlamov rumors are intriguing.

Currently, Reto Berra has played well, while Calvin Pickard has lit up the AHL. Colorado may believe the two could co-exist as a 1-1a pairing.

Teams that could use Semyon Varlamov’s services: Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs

Even though Karri Ramo has started to play better, Calgary has proven they don’t possess the necessary quality of goaltenders needed to compete in the postseason.

Philly’s goaltending looks alright on the surface with Michal Neuvirth‘s hot-start and Steve Mason who was the projected starter. Again, come playoff time, neither can likely provide quality enough goaltending for a deep run.

Toronto thought they had their starter when they extended Jonathan Bernier in the offseason, but so far James Reimer has stolen the show. Unfortunately, Reimer is a free agent next summer, and has proven he’s nothing more than a good backup that can play well for stretches of games. At best he’s a 1a, and neither are the long-term solution to Toronto’s goaltending woes.

Varlamov might be a little older than Toronto would like for their starter in a rebuild, but perhaps he’d make for a decent temporary solution. Call the Toronto destination unlikely though.

Ducks-Sabres

Recent NHL trade rumors suggest that Anaheim’s scouting department (including most of their top scouts) have been spotted at several Buffalo Sabres games this season. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, considering how heavily the Sabres were pursuing Ducks G John Gibson at the beginning of the season. At that point, Anaheim had no interest in moving their young top prospect, although slow struggles may have changed that thought process. Frederik Andersen and John Gibson will not be able to co-exist long-term, meaning one will be traded at some point.

When Robin Lehner went down with injury, concerning questions surrounded who might step up in-goal for Buffalo. Surprisingly, Linus Ullmark has filled in very nicely, but he’s still not likely to be the long-term solution. If Buffalo could acquire John Gibson, they’d still likely be very interested.

Next: Couture Practicing with Sharks

Anaheim’s only major need is a top line winger to play alongside

Corey Perry

and

Ryan Getzlaf

. So unless the Sabres are willing to discuss the possibility of moving

Tyler Ennis

Matt Moulson

, it’s difficult to speculate who is Anaheim is eyeing.