In today’s NHL rumor rundown, the Arizona Coyotes won’t be able to trade defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson because he has no desire to leave. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, there are updates as far as potential trades go, and in Detroit, the Red Wings could be eyeing a very popular goaltender. Finally, who will the Edmonton Oilers take at No. 14 in this year’s draft. One NHL insider says it’s a slam dunk as to who the team should take.
Hjalmarsson Won’t Waive No-Move Clause
As per Craig Morgan of AZCOYOTESINSIDER.com, league sources say Arizona Coyotes blueliner Niklas Hjalmarsson will not waive his no-movement clause for the final year of his contract. That means, despite how much the Coyotes offload salary, the defenseman won’t be among the group of exiting players.
The reports note that he wants to spend the season in Arizona for family reasons and it doesn’t appear the Coyotes will buy him out to move his salary because the savings would be nominal. He’s already received half of his $4 million in actual salary in signing bonus money, and he’s an excellent defenseman so there would have been a lot of interest in his services.
Penguins Trade Potential Still Strong
According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic the Pittsburgh Penguins are still expected to make some significant changes and while the stress of the early loss against the Montreal Canadiens has died down, general manager Jim Rutherford is actively shopping a couple of players.
Yohe writes that Jared McCann is not necessarily safe just because he got a new contract. He’s a decent trade chip and his new contract won’t scare teams off. Yohe writes:
My sense is the Penguins are still intrigued by the idea of McCann as their third-line center. … There’s plenty of room at center. I think he’ll start the season as the No. 3 center if, indeed, he’s still with the Penguins. I think he will be. I think.
source -‘Yohe: 10 observations on the Penguins’ offseason and where it’s headed’ – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 09/20/2020
Yohe also adds that Matt Murray is going to be traded. It’s just a matter of time. He believes the Penguins want a first-round pick in return but would settle for less. Because of cap issues, the team is perfectly happy to receive prospects or draft picks for the two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender.
Yohe doesn’t expect Kris Letang to be traded even if he’s not considered untouchable and the Penguins might be interested in Chris Taven on the blue line if he hits free agency.
Related: Red Wings News & Rumors: Howard, Markstrom, McIsaac & More
Red Wings to Make Pitch for Jacob Markstom
If goaltender Jacob Markstrom shakes loose from the Vancouver Canucks, one team that might make a big pitch for him is the Detroit Red Wings.
According to Kevin Woodley of In Goal Magazine, who was on the Jason Gregor Show (TSN 1260), the Red Wings have the money and the need for a starting netminder and could make such a “big pitch” for Markstrom that he has a hard time turning down the extra cash.
He said, “I’m hearing, if he goes to market, the Red Wings are looking to make a big pitch for Markstrom. I wonder if they give Markstrom his ask of $6m how it would impact others after Lehner signed for $5m in Vegas.”
Related: 3 Canucks Prospects From 2019 Draft Who Could Surprise
Oilers Know Who They’ll Take a No. 14 in the Draft
According to TSN’s Craig Button, if Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov is available at 14th overall in this year’s NHL draft, the Edmonton Oilers will likely select him.
Asked if that would be a slam dunk for the Oilers, Button said:
“Yeah, a Lebron James slam dunk pick. In 2015 they had an opportunity to draft Ilya Samsonov and they passed. So where do they find themselves five years later? No viable goaltending option. So if Askarov was somehow available at 14, yeah, absolutely, jump all over him.”
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