Headlines

Go To MLB Trade Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Hurricanes Rumors

Metropolitan Notes: Konecny, Kuznetsov, Rust, Van Riemsdyk

at CDT | by 7 Comments

There was some hope that after Ivan Provorov signed, the Philadelphia Flyers would put all their attention to their other unsigned restricted free agent, Travis Konecny with the hopes of getting him to training camp as quickly as possible. Instead, that hasn’t happened yet with Philly.com’s Sam Carchidi reporting today that no progress was made between the two sides on Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault expressed his disappointment that Konecny isn’t in camp yet as he will be missing valuable time learning the new coach’s system.

“I’m very disappointed that T.K. is not here,” Vigneault said after his first practice leading the Flyers (via NBC Sports’ Jordan Hall). “It’s the start of a new era, a new group, I felt that it was very important for everybody to be here.  With my time in the NHL, my experience, anybody that falls behind — whether it’s injury or in T.K.’s situation not coming to camp — usually it takes them a little bit of time to get back at it, especially at this time with a new coaching staff and new way of doing things. It’s unfortunate, but I’m going to work with the players that are here and going to work extremely hard with those players.”

Konecny could also find himself sliding down the lineup if he can’t get back to camp quickly. On day two of training camp, Vigneault used rookie Joel Farabee (in place of Konecny) with first-liners Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux, with the rookie faring quite well and getting praise from Vigneault.

“He showed that he belonged there,” said Vigneault.

  • With a three-game suspension hanging over Evgeny Kuznetsov to start the season for inappropriate behavior, Washington Capitals head coach Todd Reirden suggested that Kuznetsov is likely to get a lot of exhibition action during the preseason to make up for the three suspended games, according to Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. NHL.com’s Tom Gulliti adds that Kuznetsov’s $7.8MM AAV will not against the Washington Capitals salary cap during the suspension, which could be a benefit to the team, which is currently over the cap.
  • The Athletic’s Josh Yohe (subscription required) writes in his most recent mailbag column that the Pittsburgh Penguins most valuable and likely trade chip is forward Bryan Rust. The 27-year-old scored 18 goals and 35 points last season and is a key depth option, but at $3.5MM per season, Rust is the perfect candidate to solve some of the team’s cap issues, although the Penguins’ preference is to find a team that would be willing to take on Jack Johnson and his four years at $3.25MM AAV contract.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes revealed that they don’t expect defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to be ready for the start of the season, according to NHL.com’s Michael Smith. The 28-year-old van Riemsdyk underwent surgery on his left shoulder in May and has been cleared to begin skating without contact after team practices. “I don’t expect him to be ready for the start of the season,” Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell said. “It just depends on how things go for him. There’s no reason to rush him back in game one or game two. It’s a long season. If we’re going to go deep, we’re going to need him. We’ll be very patient.”

 

Chase Priskie Out Week-To-Week

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

  • Hurricanes defenseman Chase Priskie has been listed as week-to-week following an injury sustained on Friday, notes Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer (Twitter link). The youngster signed with Carolina after being an unrestricted free agent back in mid-August.  At the time, he was told that he’d be given a long look at earning a roster spot with the big club but missing even a couple of weeks could make that a much tougher task.

Friedman: Justin Faulk Trade Looking Less Likely

at CDT | by 2 Comments

Earlier this month, there were reports that a trade that would see Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk get traded to the Ducks was gaining some traction.  However, in an appearance on Sportsnet 960 (audio link), Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggests that the deal is unlikely to happen now.  While Anaheim is open to doing the move without a pre-arranged extension in place, Faulk is presently unwilling to waive his partial no-trade clause unless he gets it.  Considering the status of their back end and this near-swap, the 27-year-old likely realizes that the writing is on the wall with regards to his future in Carolina.  Accordingly, Friedman suggests that the two sides may be working together to find a landing spot that Faulk is amenable to going to.  It would certainly be in the best interest of the Hurricanes to do so as if they can find a spot he’s happy with and willing to sign an extension, that could certainly boost the return coming their way.

Fredrik Claesson To Attend Carolina Training Camp

at CDT | by 3 Comments

The Carolina Hurricanes will have Fredrik Claesson in training camp this year, signed to a professional tryout for the time being. Claesson was left unqualified by the New York Rangers earlier this summer and became an unrestricted free agent.

The 26-year old played just 37 games for the Rangers last year, a step backwards in his pursuit of being a full-time roster player. Claesson has now played 150 games at the NHL level, but will have to hope some other team likes what they see in preseason. That’s because the Hurricanes certainly don’t have room for him at the moment after signing Jake Gardiner. Even if the team moves on from Justin Faulk and doesn’t have Trevor van Riemsdyk ready for the start of the season, it’s hard to see Claesson jumping over the likes of Jake Bean, Chase Priskie and Roland McKeown for one of the final spots.

Still, he’ll provide some extra insurance should someone else suffer an injury. In those 150 contests the former Ottawa Senators prospect has 26 points and at times has looked the part of an NHL regular. He’ll certainly get the chance to play with a strong defensive group throughout the exhibition schedule, hopefully letting him catch on somewhere around the league.

Oilers Notes: McDavid, Puljujarvi, De Jong

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

When it comes to franchise centerpiece Connor McDavid, the Oilers aren’t taking any chances. When asked about how many games McDavid would play in the coming preseason, new GM Ken Holland was very honest: “Either one at most or very likely zero… I’d rather be safe than sorry.” He took it further than that as well, stating that if McDavid is not fully ready for Opening Night, he won’t play. McDavid has spent the off-season rehabbing a leg injury suffered late in the regular season, but has already been skating with his teammates and early reports are cautiously optimistic that he will be at full strength come October. Holland and company will play it safe though if their star player isn’t back to 100% in time and don’t appear willing to risk that status in the preseason either.

  • Holland also spoke about estranged winger Jesse Puljujarvi, but it was a similar refrain. “I believe there are teams out there that are interested,” he said, adding “I’m not going to force something. If it’s there I’ll explore it. If it’s not, I am prepared to sit.” Puljujarvi recently signed with Karpat of the Finnish Liiga, but Edmonton doesn’t seem fazed by the change in status quo. The team will retain his NHL rights no matter what and have held steady in their message that they will hold out for what they deem is a fair price for the young winger, even if that means he plays in Europe all season. The 2016 fourth overall pick recorded just nine points in 46 games last season and so far teams seem reluctant to pay up for his potential.
  • The Oilers have announced their first round of training camp cuts today, sending several rookie game invites away before the NHL veterans join the team-owned prospects on the ice. Three of those participants were re-assigned to AHL camp with the Bakersfield Condors. While Steven Iacobellis and Jakob Stukel were not a surprise, having signed with Bakersfield this off-season, defenseman Brendan De Jong will also be given a chance to win a spot with the Condors. De Jong, a former Carolina Hurricanes prospect, was not tendered a qualifying offer this summer and became a free agent. With both incredible size and offensive instincts, De Jong has been a valuable member of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks over the past few years and could still turn out to be an effective pro.

Latest On Justin Faulk Trade Talks

at CDT | by 3 Comments

Though several reports have come out that there is trade on the table between the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes revolving around Justin Faulk, the deal still hasn’t been finalized thanks to a no-trade clause and extension talks. An extension hasn’t yet been reached, the Hurricanes defender can block a deal to Anaheim if he chooses, and according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic other teams have now increased their interest in trying and add the offensive-minded Faulk. Those teams include ones that would not require Faulk to waive his 15-team no-trade clause, though LeBrun doesn’t give any indication of who they may be.

With training camp just a few days from opening up across the league, Faulk has become the most talked about non-RFA around. His services would certainly help a number of teams in the league, but currently exists as a pure rental that is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet believes that Faulk would be targeting $6.5-7MM per season on any extension, though he also wrote earlier today that the Ducks “appear willing to make the move without any long-term security at this time.”

At just 27-years old, Faulk represents the kind of player who would normally be extremely coveted on the open market. If he were an unrestricted free agent today, you can bet a number of teams would be knocking on his door trying to bring him in on a long-term deal, which makes the interest in him on the trade market understandable. If a team can acquire him for a reasonable cost a year early and extend him to a contract they believe he’s worth, they don’t have to fight the entire market next summer. That reasonable cost is the biggest question however, as there have been reports that Ondrej Kase would be involved in the deal should the Ducks get it done.

If that’s the kind of asset the Hurricanes would receive, it makes a lot of sense for them to move on from the puck-moving defenseman. Carolina recently added Jake Gardiner who, while being the other handedness, carries a lot of similarities to Faulk in regards to playstyle. They also have one of the deepest defensive units in the league, and could probably remove two names given that Haydn Fleury and Jake Bean look ready to take on increased minutes.

The Hurricanes also have to shed some salary before the season starts, though that could be accomplished in other ways if necessary. The team currently sits at just over $83MM in projected salaries for the 2019-20 season, though that takes 24 players into account, more than you can carry at any one time.

Snapshots: Malkin, Kase, Fiala

at CDT | by 4 Comments

Evgeni Malkin has been the target of trade rumors for years now, but after they perked up again following a disappointing 2018-19 season he’s hoping to put them behind him. In an incredible piece that delves into Malkin’s home life and the relationship he has had with teammates (including a spotlight on Phil Kessel) and coaches, Rob Rossi of The Athletic (subscription required) also got an idea of what the big Pittsburgh Penguins forward hopes his future holds:

It’s (a) huge next three years. I still want to play 100 percent — and sign (for) three more years with Pittsburgh.

Malkin’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2022, when he will be 35 (turning 36). That would mean another contract would be of the 35+ variety, adding some risk for the Penguins should Malkin decide to retire at any point during it. While that’s a long way away, you can bet GM Jim Rutherford has already contemplated his actions down the road in regards to the franchise icon.

  • With a Justin Faulk trade still being discussed between the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes, Sara Civian of The Athletic confirms previous reports that Ondrej Kase would be involved. That news has surprised some other teams around the league according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, who reports that Kase was unavailable in trade talks for a long time and suggests his new availability may be linked to health concerns. Kase has never played a full 82-game season in the NHL and actually has just 149 games to his name at this point in his career. Still, the 23-year old forward has shown an ability to score goals at a strong rate and could be a nice addition for the Hurricanes.
  • Kevin Fiala remains unsigned, but Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin hopes his talented young forward is in town for training camp when it starts in a few days. Guerin told The Athletic (subscription required) that the team has made a “fair offer” to Fiala and that the 23-year old is now deciding. Fiala came to the Wild from the Nashville Predators last season and put up seven points in 19 games down the stretch, but has shown flashes of top-line offensive potential in the past and could be a huge part of the turnaround in Minnesota.

Anaheim, Carolina Discussing Justin Faulk

at CDT | by 12 Comments

When the Carolina Hurricanes signed Jake Gardiner last week, speculation immediately erupted about the future of Justin Faulk. The right-handed Faulk has just one year remaining on his contract before hitting unrestricted free agency and was made expendable—at least on the powerplay—by the depth of the Carolina blueline. Now, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the Anaheim Ducks have had discussions with Carolina about the defenseman. Friedman notes that the Ducks are on Faulk’s no-trade list but would also like to work out an extension, and makes it clear that the deal is not done at this point. James Mirtle of The Athletic tweets that Faulk’s 15-team no-trade clause has been “causing issues” for Carolina as they try to move him.

Once considered a haven for young defensemen, the Anaheim blueline depth has become thinner and thinner over the last few years. The Ducks have watched Shea Theodore, Sami Vatanen and Brandon Montour leave town through various trades, leaving Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson as the lone three defensemen the team can really count on this season. While Brendan Guhle, Josh Mahura and Jacob Larsson provide some interesting upside, adding Faulk would give the team another established name to line up in their top-four every night.

That said, the deal wouldn’t make much sense for Anaheim without the contract extension. The Ducks have turned their focus to the next wave of forwards coming through the system and will be without long-time core pieces like Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler. That young group is exciting and talented, but could very well leave Anaheim chasing in the Pacific Division. Faulk is just 27 however and should be able to contribute at a high level for the next several seasons.

That high level is impressive in this case. Faulk has been one of the most consistent offensive defensemen in the NHL over his career, recording at least 31 points in each of the last six seasons. Though he’s prone to a bad turnover and isn’t a star in his own end, there’s good reason to believe that he could have a lot of success in Anaheim if paired with Lindholm or Fowler.

For Carolina, moving on from their former co-captain made the most sense after Gardiner was acquired.  Dougie Hamilton, Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce are all signed for at least two seasons, while young Haydn Fleury and Jake Bean look ready to contribute. If the team can add some more offense or future assets in exchange for the expiring Faulk, it will only help them improve their own program that got all the way to the Eastern Conference Final last season.

Eastern Notes: Hurricanes’ Cap Issues, Johnsson, Djoos

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

After signing defenseman Jake Gardiner to a new four-year, $16.2MM contract, the Carolina Hurricanes have added key depth to their team, but have also now gone beyond the salary cap and are currently sitting about $1.5MM over it. Teams are allowed to go over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but with the season approaching, the team will have to make some adjustments, according to Hockey News’ Jared Clinton.

While a trade might be the obvious solution for the Hurricanes, the scribe writes the team could send some players down to the AHL to make up the difference in salary, including center Clark Bishop, who played 20 games (and two playoff games) for Carolina last season, as well as recently acquired defenseman Gustav Forsling. The problem is, neither player is waiver-exempt and the team could lose both players to other teams looking for a young center or a defenseman with 122 games of NHL experience.

If the team does want to go the trade rout, the most likely candidate would be Justin Faulk, who will be playing in his final season before hitting unrestricted free agency. However, moving him might be somewhat challenging as Faulk has a 15-team no-trade clause, while another blueliner Dougie Hamilton, does not, making Hamilton a more likely candidate to move.

  • Despite a new four-year, $13.6MM contract, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Andreas Johnsson has high expectations for himself and notes that his goal is to come out of the gate better than he did last year, according to NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy. The 24-year-old winger started very slow for Toronto last season, scoring just three points in the first 18 games of the season, before finally breaking out with a hat trick on Nov. 24. He finished his final 55 games with 40 points (18 goals and 22 assists). A better start could mean a better season. “[The slow start last season] is in my mind,” Johnsson said. “I want to have a better start this season than I did last. I’ve tried to be as prepared as I can be. Now I have a full season under my belt and I know what to expect from it. It was a little bit longer summer for me this time, so it was a long time to prepare. I feel like I’m able to be healthy and was able to work on my body and mind. I feel like I’m coming stronger into this season than last.”
  • The Washington Capitals have rebuilt their defense as the team has moved out several players including Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen, while bringing in Radko Gudas, getting a full season out of Nick Jensen and high expectations for youngster Jonas Siegenthaler. One forgotten player is defenseman Christian Djoos, who many have already penciled in as the Capitals emergency defenseman after struggling returning from a midseason injury. However, The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir (subscription required) writes that Djoos, who suffered a thigh injury that forced him to miss 24 games during the season, now claims to finally be 100 percent healthy and wants to reclaim his spot on Washington’s defense, but will have to beat out Siegenthaler as well as 2018 first-rounder Alex Alexeyev and Martin Fehervary, the team’s second-rounder in 2018, to do it.

Metropolitan Notes: Gardiner, Vatanen, Sbisa, Friedman

at CDT | by Leave a Comment

There were quite a few surprised on Friday when the Carolina Hurricanes announced that they had signed former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner to a four-year, $16.2MM contract. After all, the team already had a significant amount of depth on their blueline to begin with. While many believe it’s the first piece of another potential trade, there is another major reason for signing Gardiner.

The Hurricanes’ biggest weakness last year was its power play, which ranked 20th in the league with a 17.8 percent success rate during the regular season. Despite that, the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Had they possessed even a competent power-play attack, who knows whether they could have advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. Adding Gardiner, according to The Athletic’s Sara Civian (subscription required), could solve some of those problems. The veteran has seen quite a bit of time over the years as a quarterback of a power play and should be able to bring those talents to the Hurricanes along with the additions of Erik Haula and rookie Martin Necas, all of whom the team hopes will turn around that power play.

  • NJ.com’s Chris Ryan writes that the New Jersey Devils are still trying to figure out who will partner next to newly acquired star defenseman P.K. Subban this season. With New Jersey being overloaded with right-handed shot defensemen, including Subban, Sami Vatanen and Damon Severson, the team might have to move one of their top-four blue liners over to the left side. The most likely scenario is to move Vatanen over to the left side and then pair him with Subban on the team’s first defensive pair. One reason for that is that Vatanen has spent some time on the left side while with the Anaheim Ducks. “I played (left side) in Anaheim for a bit, and last year I played here sometimes,” Vatanen said, “It takes a little time to get used to it, but it’s a long season, so I’m ready to play wherever. I’ll start to be a goalie if they want me.” Vatanen claims to be 100 percent after missing all but four games over the final two months of the season due to concussion and an illness.
  • In a notebook column, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple (subscription required) writes that unrestricted free agent Luca Sbisa is still skating with veterans of the New York Islanders. Sbisa agreed to a PTO last year and eventually signed a one-year deal, but only appeared in nine games over the course of the season, serving most of the time as a healthy scratch. Staple writes that Sbisa could return to Islanders camp once again on a PTO, but his chances of making the team would be much slimmer with a number of young defenseman who are ready to step into the lineup. Sbisa’s best chance is to impress another team for a potential job elsewhere.
  • Philly.com’s Sam Carchidi reports that Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Mark Friedman will miss rookie camp after undergoing offseason abdominal surgery over the summer. Already a longshot to make the Flyers team, his chances aren’t likely to improve by missing this camp. The 23-year-old is expected, however, to be at training camp next week with the veterans. Friedman had a solid season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season, his second season in the AHL, but will have to impress to have any shot at a NHL job.

Pro Hockey Rumors is not affiliated with National Hockey League, NHL or NHL.com

scroll to top