A look at all of the latest NHL rumors. This includes what the Toronto Maple Leafs are up to, a potential trade between the New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes, the latest on Matt Duchene, and more.
It’s silly season for the NHL. As NHL free agency approaches (it starts on July 1), the latest NHL rumors have been swirling around. It seems like just yesterday the St. Louis Blues hoisted the Stanley Cup, but the 2019 NHL Draft starts on Friday.
The latest rumors involve the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matt Duchene‘s pending free agency, a potential trade between the New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes, and more. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
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Is Ryan Callahan’s Career Over?
Ryan Callahan was expected to be traded this summer. He has one year left on his deal and the Tampa Bay Lightning need cap space.
However, this situation has taken a turn for the worst. The Lightning have announced Callahan will be put on the long-term injury reserve list thanks to a degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.
He has a $5.8 million cap hit. If Callahan never plays again, which sounds like an at worst plausible scenario, the Lightning will be able to erase his cap hit from the books by placing him on the LTIR.
However, doing so will do virtually nothing for their offseason salary cap woes because you can’t use the LTIR during the summer.
Teams are, however, allowed to go over the salary cap by 10% in the offseason, as long as they are compliant on Opening Night.
We have announced Ryan Callahan will be placed on long-term injury reserve. https://t.co/2amMi49Y2e
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 20, 2019
Latest On The Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are facing a significant cap crunch. In order to try to squeeze in under the salary cap, they’ve been trying to trade a number of players. The Leafs recently revived their discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes about Brett Pesce.
I’m told Carolina and Toronto recently had a chat about a deal involving Kapanen and Brown going to the ‘Canes in a package involving Pesce. But I don’t think Carolina wants to move Pesce at this point. That could change of course ... https://t.co/FqTP93MDpQ
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2019
Toronto Maple Leafs bracing for activity. Telling teams they will listen on Kapanen and Kadri. Would need a D back in a Kapanen trade and a centre back for Kadri. Strong sense Connor Brown could go as well.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 20, 2019
On the Patrick Marleau front, the San Jose Sharks are his preferred destination. Given his history there, that’s not surprising at all. However, given the Sharks cap concerns, there might have to be a third team involved who would buy out Marleau and then San Jose would sign him.
It is beyond doubt that Patrick Marleau would covet a return to San Jose. And the Sharks may potentially have interest but they’ve got higher priority items to figure out now in trying to re-sign pending UFAs Pavelski, Thornton, plus RFA star Meier.... so on back burner for now
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2019
The Latest on Duchene
The Columbus Blue Jackets would like to keep Duchene around. This feeling appears mutual. However, Duchene is trending towards speaking to other teams during the interview period leading up to free agency. Both the Nashville Predators and Canadiens have expressed interest in him.
Columbus remains in the mix for pending UFA star C Matt Duchene. He hasn’t cut the cord there. But the expectation is he will talk to teams once speaking period opens. Agent Pat Brisson is slated to take phone calls from teams Sunday/Monday then decide on potential visits
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2019
Canadiens Calling About Gostisbehere?
There have been whispers about the Montreal Canadiens being interested in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. They just got a lot louder, as LeBrun had this to say.
Flyers after acquiring two D have gotten calls from a few teams on LHD Shayne Gostisbehere. I think they would rather keep him but are listening. I believe Montreal is among those teams who have inquired.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2019
The Canadiens are looking to add a left-handed defenseman this summer. It’s about the only true weak point of their roster, outside of backup goaltender.
Islanders and Coyotes Discussing a Trade?
The Islanders and Coyotes are both looking to shake up their rosters. Both would like to add some goal scorers. Which makes a recent rumor that would send Alex Galchenyuk to the Islanders very interesting.
Vegas Looking To Clear Cap Space
The Vegas Golden Knights will be greatly affected if the salary cap ceiling isn’t at $83 million. Even if it is, they are currently over the salary cap. According to LeBrun, the team is open to trading several players, including Colin Miller.