The post-trade deadline lull is quickly coming to an end as teams across the NHL get set for a busy offseason.
- The NHL offseason has started to feel a little bit closer with the number of teams on the sidelines about to hit 24. The teams that bow out in the first round will include a few that could be in line to make major changes. Lots to get into.
- The Lightning will have to make changes this offseason regardless of their success or failure. Alex Killorn could be hard to retain, and rumblings suggest they may have to trade Ross Colton due to their impending cap crunch. The Canucks have already been linked to Colton, but there is no doubt he will highly sought after.
- An interesting name to enter the rumour mill is Taylor Hall, who has played well at times in Boston but has a hefty $6 million dollar cap hit for a player who has settled into a third line, second powerplay, 50 point role in Boston. Boston could, and perhaps must, use that money elsewhere. Rumblings suggest they are at least thinking about it internally.
- The market for Kevin Hayes appears more robust than previously thought. Rumours surfaced earlier this season that the Flyers wanted to divest themselves of the $7.1 million dollar player, having even contemplated a buyout this offseason. They likely won't need to resort to such desperation, as a large group of teams including the Bruins, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Stars and Red Wings have inquired. Columbus and Boston seem particularly interested in making a deal this offseason, especially if a chunk of that salary is retained by Philadelphia.
- Another Flyer seeing his name in the rumour mill is Tony DeAngelo. After a series of healthy scratches to end the season, a change of scenery is perhaps in order. Philly isn't shopping him by any means, but he doesn't appear to be a Torts favourite and could bring back a decent asset for the rebuilding Flyers.
- A lot has been made about the Jets core and the likely departures of Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Scheifele in the coming years. To a lesser extent, Connor Hellebuyck and Blake Wheeler have been in the rumour mill as well. Rumours of Hellebuyck's desire not to be left on a gutted roster appears to have gained increased momentum in recent weeks as rumours of a retool on the fly continue to surface.
- And let's not forget Logan Stanley, who has found himself on the outside of the Jets defense mix for a lot of the season. He's believed to have requested a trade as well. There are a load of moving parts in Winnipeg this offseason.
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- There's a lot percolating in the NHL trade rumour mill right now, and it's only expected to increase as we get closer to the NHL entry draft and free agency. Please consider sharing this post and following NHL Rumour Report on Facebook and Twitter for the latest NHL rumour updates!
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