NHL Rumour Report - NHL Trade Rumours and Speculation: 2015

Pinpointing the source of Simmonds-to-Montreal rumours: Any truth?

Simmonds after seeing his name in trade rumours

Is there any truth to the Wayne Simmonds to Montreal rumours?

Indeed, Habs GM Marc Bergevin was in Philadelphia several weeks ago to watch the Flyers play, encouraging some Canadiens bloggers to speculate that he might have interest in winger Wayne Simmonds.

It wouldn't be a huge surprise to see the first defenceman domino drop before the December 19th trade freeze. Talks continue virtually throughout the league and although nothing is imminent, several teams are inching closer to making something happen. Keep an eye on the Flyers, Senators and Blackhawks in this regard. The Panthers have crept into defenseman trade rumours in the last few days, although it's not clear whether anything is on the frontburner there.

Reports emerged on the weekend that pending RFA defenseman Tyson Barrie could be traded by the Avalanche if they fail to resign him. This is not the first time Barrie has seen his name in trade talks, with some close to the scene in Colorado predicting a Barrie trade as early as last season. It would certainly take a lot for the Avs to trade their top puck mover, but it's rumoured the two sides are not on the same page in terms of dollar figures.

The Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau rumours have been simmering for years now, but the rumour mill got fired up a little when word broke out of San Jose that Marleau would consider a deal to the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks or New York Rangers. Other reports indicate the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators could be teams Marleau would at least consider as well.

Another three potential suitors have surfaced - rather quietly - over the past weeks and months.

Latest on the defenseman market

Teams most interesting in adding a defenseman: Columbus, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Dallas, Detroit, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Boston

Teams willing to trade a defenseman in-season: Calgary, Toronto, St. Louis, Edmonton, Carolina

Would the Penguins trade winger David Perron? Quiet rumblings out of Pittsburgh have the team debating putting Perron on the market. The Penguins' big acquisition at the 2014 trade deadline doesn't seem to be a fit in the top six, but would still hold value around the league as a reclamation project. The Penguins are eager to acquire a defenseman and would be willing to move Perron in return.

It's no secret that the Blue Jackets are working really, really hard to acquire a defenseman right now. After seven straight losses to start the season, the panic button has officially been pushed in Columbus.

It sure seems dead on the NHL trade front, but that's to be expected this early in the season. Teams continue to assess what they've got in house before they go out and use assets in a trade.

Doesn't seem like a ton of things are happening out there, but here are a few situations worth keeping an eye on:

Rumours out there suggesting the Rangers have a deal in the works and it could be for a forward. In other Rangers rumblings, some believe defenseman Raphael Diaz will head back home to Switzerland.

Bruins scrambling for help on the blueline

The Bruins have been long rumoured to be after a defenceman but injuries to Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara all but assure they make a deal in the coming days or weeks.

Would the perfect piece to dangle be forward Alexander Khokhlachev? The young Bruins forward has made it clear that he'd like a chance at the NHL level, and at 22 years of age, he has yet to crack the Bruins roster full time. The Bruins management might be losing patience too, as quiet rumblings have the team gauging levels of interest around the league. Without a doubt, Khokhlachev would be highly sought after.

Rumoured trade partners include Montreal, Edmonton and Minnesota.

UPDATE: It's believed Khokhlachev is generating interest from SKA Petersburg if he decides to go the KHL route.

The rumour mill has fired up for the regular season as players, GMs and media wrap up their summer holidays and head back to school. As a result, rumours seem to be emerging from every corner of the league.

Bozak could be on the move before regular season begins

The Leafs have renewed their efforts to trade Tyler Bozak before the start of the regular season.

A few teams still have interest in adding another center and the Leafs feel they have enough NHL pivots in the mix to fill the void. Part of the Leafs rebuild plan is to give younger players like Nazem Kadri and Peter Holland increased responsibilities, making veterans like Bozak expendable.

Rumours abound today after word broke that the Chicago Blackhawks have already been contacted by five NHL teams regarding Patrick Kane's availability. There is obvious tension between Kane and the Blackhawks management, who have warned him in the past over his off ice conduct. From a source: "The relationship is definitely strained. Could be best for both sides to move on".

To say nothing of the moral implications of acquiring Kane, the player comes with two huge off-ice caveats.

We're getting there folks. Training camp is just around the corner. Summer unofficially ends for several NHL players who will take part in pre-training camp camps such as the one put on by BioSteel this week.

Byfuglien rumours rampant

Speculation surrounding Dustin Byfuglien's future in Winnipeg continues to percolate through the NHL blogosphere. Some are connecting him to the Red Wings and Ducks, while others see the Bruins and Canadiens as potential landing spots. You can also never rule out a guy's hometown (Minnesota) as a potential landing spot.

Bruins defenseman search called off?

Reports indicate that the Bruins might be starting to cool off on the idea of adding a big name defenseman via free agency.

Long rumoured to have kicked tires on Cody Franson and Marek Zidlicky, the Bruins may wait until the season has already started before making a decision. And we we know that by that point, it's not likely that any of the top blueliners will still be available. The Bruins are more likely to take their time and give youngsters like Colin Miller and Joe Morrow a chance to show they belong in the NHL. Sweeney will continue to ask around, but unless prices come down he might just stand pat.

Byfuglien rumours gain momentum

A name that's starting to crop up more and more in the NHL rumour mill is Winnipeg's versatile defenseman/forward Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien is entering the last year of his contract and can expect a big pay raise, but will it be with the Jets?

Goalie Jonathan Bernier and the Maple Leafs appear destined for arbitration Friday with the two sides remaining far apart on salary. It shouldn't be a major surprise that the Leafs are ready to go this route given it was team itself that elected for arbitration in the first place. Reports that the Leafs are "lowballing" Bernier only increases the likelihood that this negotiation will go right down to the wire. It's believed the Leafs are refusing to offer anything over $4 million in negotiations, while the Bernier camp is aiming for over $5 million on a short term deal. The Leafs have reportedly submitted an arbitration offer worth even less: the league minimum $2.89 million (85% of his previous salary).

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 27: Antropov...? Skinner, Johansson, Drouin, Staal, Ward

It's mid-offseason and we're talking about Nik Antropov. Yes, that guy.

Rumours are swirling in Russia after Antropov's agent told media his client is contemplating a return to the NHL. Antropov remains a free agent after his last deal with Barys Astana of the KHL - with whom he continues to negotiate - expired. Of course, this NHL talk might be nothing more than a bargaining tactic against the KHL teams hoping to sign him. The 35 year old center last played in the NHL during the 2012-2013 season.

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 24: Tlusty, Ehrhoff, Alfie, Lamoriello bringing over Conte?

While the media was zoned in on Lou Lamoriello becoming the new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday, a few arbitration hearings quietly took place: the Capitals' Braden Holtby and Alex Chiasson of the Senators. The Capitals and Holtby found common ground this afternoon, agreeing to a 5 year, $30.5 million extension. Meanwhile, Chiasson and the Sens continue to negotiate ahead of the arbitrator's ruling tomorrow. There remains cautious optimism that a deal will get done.

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 22: Johansson, Holtby, JvR, Chiasson

A (strange) rumour which has been swirling around lately has teams across the NHL lining up to make offers for Toronto left winger James van Riemsdyk. I cannot account for the other teams, but I do believe the Capitals at some point had internal discussions about the player and whether or not he was a good target. But this is an old, expired rumour at best: the Capitals already have added two top 6 wingers in TJ Oshie and Justin Williams. It would be a shock for the Capitals to make an offer on JvR now, let alone Toronto entertain one for their relatively young, talented, and inexpensive star. What can I say, it's the summer. We've gotta find something to talk about, right?

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 20: Leafs cap space auction, Ehrhoff Watch

The Maple Leafs are one of the few teams who are both willing and able to take on a bad contract in return for picks and prospects. So some are wondering: why haven't they done that yet? The Leafs are essentially conducting a bidding war right now - as in, who wants to shed salary the most? How much are you willing to give us in return for that sweet, sweet cap space? The ultimate pressure point, which should smoke out the best offers, is the opening of NHL training camp when teams are once again required to be cap compliant. At that point, I think, you'll see a few moves of this sort. There is no shortage of teams carrying dead weight on their salary cap who would be willing to sacrifice assets to get rid of it.

Rumour Tidbits, July 19: Canucks and Flyers moves coming? Franson Watch update + more

If the Vancouver Canucks made plans to sign any more UFAs or RFAs, they'll probably have to shed some salary first. As of this post the Canucks find themselves with less than 3 million dollars in cap space. They would have interest in defenseman Cody Franson were they able to find the cap room required to sign him. Furthermore, the lack of cap space is preventing them from resigning young RFA forward Sven Baertschi. Names that have been in the rumour mill as trade candidates include Chris Higgins, Luca Sbisa, Dan Hamhuis, and Radim Vrbata. The latter two aren't likely to move until later this season though, if at all. Nonetheless, the Canucks are a team to watch in the coming weeks.

Rumour Tidbits, July 15: Oduya Watch ends, Franson Watch begins + more

The hockey world can collectively exhale now that The Decision Pt. 2: Johnny Oduya Edition is over.

Rumour Tidbits, July 11: Stepan, Hamhuis, Berglund

Restricted free agent center Derek Stepan and the Rangers continue to negotiate a new contract with the hope of avoiding arbitration. A few rumblings out there suggest that the Rangers could be forced to trade him if they can't get him to a sign to a reasonable deal.

Rumour Tidbits, July 8th: Sharp suitors shrinking?

If you've been keeping a close eye on the Rumour Board the last few weeks, you'd have been startled to see Vladimir Tarasenko at 1% going to the KHL.

Rumour Tidbits, July 7: Sharp, Grabner, Oduya

Things sure have gotten quiet after a busy opening to unrestricted free agency, haven't they? Many believe that signings are being held up by the active (or rather, inactive) trade market.

Rumour Tidbits, July 4: Is Shattenkirk available?

The talk today was all about whether St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is available for trade. It seems like a crazy notion given his importance to the Blues this past season.

Rumour Tidbits, July 2

St. Louis seems to be up to something today on the trade front...keeping an eye on that one.

Rumour Board Update, July 1: Frenzy just getting started

The first day of NHL Free Agency began with a bang, perhaps not with quality but with quantity. GMs were relatively cautious on Day 1, with no real Clarkson-esque deals being handed out.

Plenty of guys on the UFA market getting lots of attention...Oduya, Ehrhoff and Franson holding strong and hoping to get long term contracts at 5m or more per season.

Rumour Board Update June 30th: Watch Calgary, Buffalo, Columbus, Vancouver and Colorado tomorrow...

'Twas the night before unrestricted free agency...

Saad, Bieksa and Jones wiped off the rumour board today but lots of teams getting ready to get in on the action tomorrow.

Rumour Board Update June 29th: Kessel, Phaneuf, St. Louis

The Phil Kessel sweepstakes kicked off this past Draft weekend but the teams interested want to avoid paying the $4 million bonus due to him on July 1st. A number of teams interested in Kessel will likely try to sign or trade for the a less expensive winger like Patrick Sharp first.

Rumour Board Update: Goalie Dominoes About to Fall

Goaltender Martin Jones - previously bumped down to 1% on the Rumour Board after coming close to reaching an extension with the LA Kings - has skyrocketed up to 50% after news surfaced that talks are heating up.

Cam Talbot still remains the most likely goalie to be traded before the Draft on Friday.

Penguins pursuing a couple of KHL wingers who have long been rumoured to be on their way to North America.

Dougie Hamilton continues to be a name bandied about as a potential offer sheet target. Several teams are preparing...

Lots more on the Rumour Board.

Rumour Board Update: Sharp Sweepstakes Crowded, Lehner/Anderson deal nears

The list of teams interested in Patrick Sharp continues to grow. Despite his sizeable $5.9 million cap hit, the two years remaining on Sharp's deal is attractive to teams who want to win now. The Blackhawks have asked for a boatload of assets, but I have heard that the best offer they've received so far is a 2nd rounder.

I was told by a source that while Craig Anderson is on the market, the Senators are more eager to move Robin Lehner. If they can't get a deal by the weekend, they will likely be patient and wait until later in the summer to make a deal.

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Rumour Board Update: Oduya, Sekera, O'Reilly, Talbot & more

Contenders for two of the top defenseman on the UFA market continue to emerge.

The Ryan O'Reilly situation gets harder and harder to read as negotiations continue with the Avalanche but trade talks ramp up with other teams...

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Rumour Board Update: Sharp, O'Reilly

Lots of tweaks today as rumours heat up ahead of the NHL Draft. A few contenders added to the Patrick Sharp sweepstakes, meanwhile Ryan O'Reilly's odds of being traded went up even further today...

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Rumour Board Update June 16: Martin Jones

Lots of adjustments coming today, but news is out that RFA goalie Martin Jones is likely re-signing with the LA Kings. It wasn't expected he'd leave, but there were rumblings. He gets bumped down to 1% on the rumour board.

We're getting closer to the official site launch...if you are here already, thank you! I hope you stick around.

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Rumour Board Update, June 14: Kessel, St. Louis updates

A few small tweaks to the board today.

Have put AZ beside Kessel's name as the rumours are out there...but I just don't see how a rebuilding, cash-strapped team adds that contract.

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