Mike Green Headlines Potential UFA’s//
Photo Credit: Tom Hurk – THI
NHL Quick Hits and Rumors – 6/29/2015
Buyouts
Mike Richards – Los Angeles Kings: Richards has been waived by the Kings for the purpose of a buy out. Richards was to receive $6M next season and an average of $5.75M until 2019-20.
P.A. Parenteau – Montreal Canadiens: Parenteau had one season left at a $4M cap hit. Canadiens needed to make room on the roster for a potential move, possibly for Patrick Sharp.
Other notable names on Waivers:
Mark Fistric – Anaheim Ducks
Viktor Stalberg – Nashville Predators
Cody Hodgson – Buffalo Sabres
Trade Rumors:
Fowards:
Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs: Kessel has been linked to the Penguins and the Kings, but don’t rule out the Ducks being involved. The asking price seems to have come down for Kessel, but it teams may wait until the free agency period when it could drop again.
Mikko Koivu – Minnesota Wild: Looks like Koivu’s time in Minnesota is coming to an end. Montreal is still interested, but the Washington Capitals might be looking to acquire the veteran centers services. However, with a $6.75M cap hit, I can’t see this being a possibility unless the Wild take back a lot of salary.
Eric Fehr – Washington Capitals: Fehr has decided to move on from Washington as it seems like the Caps are definitely heading in another direction. He could be the most underrated player in the UFA market. Arizona might be a possibility, but St. Louis would be a great fit and they are very interested.
Mike Richards – Los Angeles Kings: Well, he’s not a King anymore. Richards cleared waivers and expected to be bought out shortly. He’s only 30 years old, and believe it that a lot of teams are eager to get him signed to a cap-friendly contract. I’d love to see the Washington Capitals take a chance this season.
Jeff Skinner – Carolina Hurricanes: His name is out there, and teams looking for scoring are asking about him. Skinner hasn’t been the same since his concussion issues, but a change of scenery could help him re-discover his goal-scoring ability. Pittsburgh is a very real potential landing spot. LA might be interested now that Richards is gone.
Shane Doan – Arizona Coyotes: Chances are, he stays in Arizona, but with all the drama going on down there, Doan could be dealt away in the final year of his contract. Nashville, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Winnipeg – all could use his leadership and grit.
Kyle Okposo – New York Islanders: Okposo may or may not be moved but the Penguins are looking at him, as well as other wingers, to play with Malkin or Crosby. The Capitals will also inquire about him. He has a cap-friendly $2.8M hit with one year remaining on his contract.
Patrick Sharp – Chicago Blackhawks: It’s looking more and more like Montreal will be Sharp’s new home. The Canadiens would love his leadership and experience come playoff time. They are shedding some cap money to try and bring him. Pittsburgh is also involved.
T.J. Oshie – St. Louis Blues: Oshie will be the victim of the cap, and Pittsburgh (again, desperate for a winger) will be involved. The Caps might be interested if they get their RFA’s under control.
Drew Strafford – Winnipeg Jets: Same deal with Stafford – the Penguins and Caps will look to see what happens on July 1st. The Devils may also make a move.
Michael Frolik – Winnipeg Jets: See above. Add the Flyers in that mix as the front-runner.
Matt Belesky – Anaheim Ducks: He’s not coming back to Anaheim, and he’s expected a raise on the UFA market. The Devils can land him, but, again, Pittsburgh and Washington are also looking. Montreal could be a possibility. Buffalo is a dark horse.
Defensemen:
Paul Martin – Pittsburgh Penguins: Martin will not be resigned by the Penguins. The 34 year old dman could probably end up in L.A. or Colorado.
Dion Phaneuf – Toronto Maple Leafs: The Red Wings are out, and it looks like the Ducks are the most interested party now for Phaneuf. The Sharks and Kings are also kicking the tires on the asking price which, like Kessel, is starting to fall.
Mike Green – Washington Capitals: WHY the Caps have not traded his rights is beyond me, but it seems like Green could be heading to Anaheim. The Ducks are said to be very interested and we could see something happen with Green’s contact beforehand. Also, keep an eye on the Devils.
Francois Beauchemin – Anaheim Ducks: Once the Ducks decided whether or not they want Green or Phaneuf, then they will decide on Beauchemin. Look for the Devils to be interested if he hits the open market.
Goaltenders:
Karri Ramo – Calgary Flames: Not sure why the Flames wouldn’t want to hold on to Ramo, but he could see himself in San Jose next season. The Sharks have let Niemi go to Dallas, and they need a new tender.
Jhonas Enroth – Dallas Stars: He’s the odd man out now in Dallas and after a so-so season he will probably find work as a back-up, but there a lot of goalies floating around that are up for grabs.
More to come…
