Rumours swirl around Tuukka Rask, and could the Kings be looking to ship bodies out in the offseason?
- The Tuukka Rask rumours got re-ignited with speculation out of Boston that the team might be best to look elsewhere for a starter. The veteran netminder has been the team's go-to guy since taking the reins in 2013, but has been criticised for his lack of "big game" success in recent seasons.
- This isn't the first time Rask's name has appeared in rumours, with some rumblings emerging around the 2015 NHL draft - a busy time for GM Don Sweeney who shipped out both Dougie Hamilton and Milan Lucic. Nothing came of those rumours, but speculation continued to grow over the next few years as the Bruins struggled.
- He's still a top tier goalie. If you're going to trade him, you have to replace him with something better. That's not going to be easy. Rask is under contract until 2021 at $7 million a season.
- It's possible Rask's name emerged in rumours because he's one of the big salary players on the team. Over the past few years, Bruins players such as Matt Beleskey, David Krejci and Zdeno Chara have come up in the odd rumour or two. Even pending RFA Ryan Spooner, who will look for a solid raise this offseason, has featured heavily in trade buzz. It's clear the Bruins are desperate to keep their cap situation under control.
- The LA Kings are headed for another playoff-less season, and that could mean big changes on the ice, behind the bench, and in management. Coach Darryl Sutter and GM Dean Lombardi are candidates to get the axe, with the former seeming to be on a particularly hot seat. Roster-wise, the Kings will look for a shake-up. Rumours continue to surround Marian Gaborik and Dustin Brown, who come with heavy cap hits on long term deals. The futures of Jordan Nolan, Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis are also up for speculation. No question, the Kings will be looking to shake up the roster to help their core of Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick take another run at a Cup.
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