Teams are gearing up to make pitches on Kasperi Kapanen, Kevin Hayes and Vladimir Tarasenko.
- The list of teams pursuing Rangers centerman Kevin Kayes continues to expand, with the Bruins and Avalanche entering the mix. The Jets are also believed to have kicked tires earlier in the year. With the Rangers still in 'retool' mode, Hayes is likely to garner plenty more interest in the lead-up to the NHL trade deadline.
- Further evidence has emerged that Vladimir Tarasenko has indeed been made available by the Blues. Tarasenko has had a tumultuous relationship with the team and management over the past several years, and with the teams struggling mightily, things could be heading towards a divorce. There aren't many teams that wouldn't want to get their hands on a player of Tarasenko's calibre.
- Rumours continue to surround the LA Kings defense core - Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez chief among them. The Penguins have been linked to both defenseman, but there are plenty of teams in the playoff mix who will be kicking tires in the coming weeks.
- Acquiring William Nylander didn't work, so why not try for the next best thing? Rumours suggest the Hurricanes are now discussing the possibility of acquiring another young Leaf - Kasperi Kapanen. Carolina has made it no secret that they want to add more scoring help up front - and with the Leafs in a tough position cap-wise this summer, pending RFA Kapanen makes some sense.
- I'm sorry if it's been Leafs overload in the rumour mill lately - this is just where the rumours are emanating from right now. The Dubas-led front office is definitely a lot more leaky than the Lamoriello regime, and it's certainly reflected in the rumour columns.
