Rumours continue to swirl around the NHL as teams prepare to make major moves in the months ahead.
- Several underperforming NHL franchises appear headed for massive change this summer.
- In Calgary, the Flames have struggled to make sense of the disastrous performances of Jonathan Huberdeau and Jacob Markstrom. One season removed from a Vezina nomination, Markstrom in particular has struggled to put together more than brief stretches of quality goaltending. Huberdeau has been a shade of his former self after getting traded from Florida and signing a whopping 8 year pact in Calgary.
- Daggers will be pointed at head coach Darryl Sutter, who has been perceived as being too hard on his players. If the team misses the playoffs, nothing is off the table. That is especially true if GM Brad Treliving is not extended. But Sutter maintains a very high status in the Calgary front office, and could be difficult to dislodge this offseason.
- Quiet, but growing rumours have started to swirl around the situation in net. It's no secret that Markstrom has struggled, but would the Flames move him? Dustin Wolf, the Flames standout AHL prospect, is pressuring for more time with in big club's crease and could force an uncomfortable decision. If the Flames can't move Markstrom, or decide they ultimately don't want to, they could move on from Dan Vladar, who has flashed brilliance at times and struggled at others.
- The same pressure cooker exists in Pittsburgh, as the team battles for a wildcard spot in the East. GM Ron Hextall will be under the microscope this offseason, and could be on thin ice if the Penguins either miss the playoffs or flame out in the first round.
- With the Penguins window closing fast (or already closed), this will be the last kick at the can for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Co. An underwhelming supporting cast will likely need to be overturned once again - at least as far as can be done in a salary cap world. And there could be change in goal with pending-UFA Tristan Jarry struggling to stay healthy enough to provide stability in net.
- The Jets' likely roster overhaul has been well documented around these parts, but the smoke continues to billow. It now sounds all but certain that Pierre-Luc Dubois will be headed to the Canadiens, whether it's via trade this offseason or through free agency. Rumours suggest a deal is already being worked on. Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Connor Hellebuyck are among the names that could be out the door in the coming months as the franchise looks to turn the page on an aging (and contract-expiring) core.
- The Capitals will continue to remodel their roster after a busy trade deadline. Rumblings suggest Evgeny Kuznetsov - long rumoured to be disgruntled in Washington and wanting a trade - could finally get moved. The Caps appear ready and willing to make that move now that his game has tailed off and with the team looking to retool on the fly.
- Expect more big changes in Edmonton if the team can't muster a deep playoff run. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl under contract for the next 3 and 2 years respectively, time is of the essence. Goaltending will be of particular scrutiny - reports suggest a Jack Campbell trade or buyout could be options to rid the team of what has turned out to be an albatross contract thus far.
- Plenty more coming in the days and weeks ahead. Teams across the NHL are just beginning to formulate their offseason strategies and plan for major moves closer to the draft and free agency.
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