The Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings are aggressively pursuing trades; Duchene, Pearson and more in today's NHL rumour update.
- Will Matt Duchene's words about the Senators coaching staff in the 'Ubergate' video hurt his chances of staying with the team? Apparently not - conversations on an extension seem to be ongoing between Duchene's camp and the Senators. On one hand, it's a bit surprising Duchene would want to stay with a non-playoff team after years of losing in Colorado, but he does have family ties in the region. It's also quite possible that Dorion overpays in order to avoid the embarrassment of trading him so soon after last year's controversial Duchene-Turris blockbuster. Duchene would become one of the top trade deadline targets if negotiations don't progress.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins never really leave the NHL rumour mill, they just take breaks. Well, they're back in the thick of things today with a rumour that forward Daniel Sprong is on the trade block. Sprong has struggled to crack the Pens lineup full time, and may need a bigger opportunity elsewhere. At just 21 years of age, he's a prime asset to dangle on the trade market for a Pittsburgh team that might need a jolt. It sounds like Sprong might not be the only move the Pens make, with rumblings that GM Jim Rutherford might have something bigger up his sleeve.
- In addition to their rumoured pursuit of Maple Leafs RFA William Nylander, the Hurricanes are apparently trying to move out Valentin Zykov. The winger had a successful stint in the NHL last year, but hasn't been able to carry it over to this campaign.
- The LA Kings are a team to watch on the trade front. In addition to their interest in William Nylander and the rumour that they're willing to listen on Alec Martinez, Tanner Pearson has surfaced as another trade candidate. Pearson hasn't been able to contribute much this season for the Kings, despite having established himself as a 40 point player in the NHL. There's probably no team more desperate to make a trade, with head coach John Stevens already axed and GM Rob Blake on the hotseat.