Mellin’s NHL Rumor Blog

Could Sharp Be in DC Soon?
Bill Smith – Getty Images

Mellin’s NHL Rumor Blog

Forwards:

Patrick Sharp – Chicago Blackhawks: The rumors are all over the place, and it seems like Sharp is all but gone after hoisting the Cup only a few hours ago it seems. Washington may go hard for Sharp, but don’t count out Nashville. The Isles are rumored as well, but I can’t see that happening.

Carl Soderberg – Boston Bruins: The centerman will probably be a victim of the salary cap, but he’ll find some love in cities like Washington or Montreal. Winnipeg is a dark horse. He’s a good two-way guy.

Brad Richards – Chicago Blackhawks: He’ll most likely stay in Chicago if they’ll have him. Unless he’s offered a ton of money, which he won’t, he’ll probably re-sign for a lesser deal. Pittsburgh will also be interested.

Eric Staal – Carolina Hurricanes: Toronto has always loved Staal and if he becomes available they may strike a deal with Carolina. The Hurricanes are rebuilding and Staal says he wants to stay and help. We’ll see.

Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning: He’s not going anywhere, and he’ll re-sign. Tampa is too good to leave, however, his bottom-line has to be $10M, which might hurt the Lightning a few years down the road. Toronto, of course, is drooling.

Martin St. Louis – New York Rangers: If he wants to stay close to New York then the Islanders, Devils, Sabres, Flyers and even the Washington Capitals might be good fits for Marty. If he’s smart, he’ll do what his buddy Brad Richards did and a take a small, one-year deal and have a bounce back season.

Rick Nash – New York Rangers: Detroit and possibly Minnesota, but chances are that Nash takes his $7.5M to Motor City and then the Rangers can re-sign their kids. But replacing 40 goals a season will be tough.

Vincent Lecavlier – Philadelphia Flyers: If anyone takes him, it would be a miracle. Vinny’s career isn’t ending well, and he there’s still a chance he may be bought out, but GM Hextall will try his best for a trade to get his salary off the books.

Milan Lucic – Boston Bruins: Lucic might be a sacrificial lamb for the Bruins who are up against the cap. His play has diminished recently and he’s not as effective. Dallas will be interested if he becomes available. He’s a UFA next season.

Defensemen:

Mike Green – Washington Capitals: Keep watching Edmonton as they desperately need an offensive defenseman to quarterback the power play. Detroit is looking hard at Green as well. They need someone to play with Kronwall, especially a right handed shot. And keep your fingers and toes crossed that GMBM trades Green’s rights away and that they don’t let him go for nothing.
Mike Reilly – Columbus Blue Jackets: He wants out of Columbus and has a list of two or three teams narrowed down that he would take offers from. Most likely Chicago and the NY Rangers.

Christian Ehrhoff – Pittsburgh Penguins: He would be a cheaper option for the Red Wings than Mike Green, plus Ehrhoff is a better defenseman. He will get a bunch of offers from teams looking to retool and strengthen their blueline.

Dougie Hamilton – Boston Bruins: The Bruins are in a pickle. It’s very possible that someone like Edmonton will give an offer sheet to Hamilton and the Bruins would have to match or else lose their future on the blueline. Boston is very tight against he cap with only $4.8M to spend.

Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins: Which leads us to Chara. Should the Bruins trade the big man now and re-sign Hamilton? Chara would fetch a decent return for a Bruins team who is on the verge of rebuilding. His value won’t be any higher than what it is now. Someone like San Jose would be very interested.

Goaltenders:

Cam Talbot – New York Rangers: Florida is actually a name being tossed around, which is odd, but every thing is odd this time of year. However, look at Edmonton making a big splash for Talbot – they need goaltending bad.

Eddie Lack – Vancouver Canucks: Miller is the guy in Vancouver for now, but Lack has shown that he can handle a workload, however Jacob Markstrom is also a capable backup if Miller goes down again. Either Lack or Markstrom will be moved, and the Canucks have to decide which is worth keeping. Lack would bring more value.

Antii Niemi – San Jose Sharks: Edmonton once again will be looking at Niemi, as will the Buffalo Sabres. Both teams need net presence and may want to go with a veteran instead of a relative newcomer.

Craig Anderson – Ottawa Senators: With the emergence of Andrew Hammond, Anderson is now expendable. He’ll draw some attention if the Sens decide to part ways. Dallas could be an option.
Cam Ward – Carolina Hurricanes: Same deal with Staal in that Ward wants to stay and help with the rebuild, however I can see the Hurricanes trading him as his value won’t get any better than it is now. Minnesota comes to mind if the Wild want Ward to backup Dubnyk and can trade or buy-out Backstrom. Calgary is another option.