Lots percolating as teams gear up for a frantic pre-draft frenzy.
- With the NHL draft and free agency just weeks away, teams across the league are putting the finishing touches on their offseason gameplans.
- A lot of eyes on what incoming GM Brad Treliving does with the core of the Maple Leafs. Most reports suggest he plans on keeping the band together for at least another season. But what about the rest of the team? A massive chunk of the roster is headed to free agency. Early indications suggest that acquiring a high end defenseman is a priority. Quiet rumblings indicate pending UFA defenseman Michael Stone might be an option further down the depth chart.
- The John Gibson rumour mill is cranking up once again, with fresh reports suggesting the player has all but requested a trade this offseason. Last year there was plenty of buzz around Gibson, but nothing came of it with the Ducks' asking price sky high. This year, GM Pat Verbeek sounds more eager than ever to move on from his veteran netminder. At $6.4 for another four seasons, there is likely going to be some salary retained by the Ducks to make this work. Among the teams that have been linked to Gibson are the Penguins, Senators, Devils and Hurricanes.
- Sounds like things could be coming to an end between Kailer Yamamoto and the Oilers. Rumours suggest a buyout could be an option if a trade partner can't be found.
- Plenty of rumour buzz following the Stars' Conference Finals ouster. Rumours continue to swirl around captain Jamie Benn, who has two years remaining on his deal at a hefty $9.5 million per. Benn is no stranger to the rumour mill, but there has been increased chatter in the past few days if the time might be now to turn the page on the team's older players. To a lesser extent, Tyler Seguin's name has been out there as well.
- On the Stars' blueline, the future of Ryan Suter appears uncertain. Suter struggled at times despite munching up big minutes in the Stars' top four, and the time might be now to consider a trade or buyout. It would be the second buyout of Suter's career, after he was sent packing by the Minnesota Wild in 2021.
- Lots of eyes on the Devils and Timo Meier. It was expected a contract extension would be fairly straightforward after the team went all-in on the Meier bidding war at the trade deadline. The backup plan for New Jersey appears to be club-elected arbitration to secure another year of Meier, with the hopes that an extension can be worked out. Would they listen to offers this summer if it becomes clear that no extension can be worked out?
- The same conundrum faces the Senators and pending RFA Alex DeBrincat. At this point it appears that DeBrincat still doesn't plan on signing long term with Ottawa. He's a name to keep an eye on in the coming weeks as Ottawa weighs whether to recoup assets or go all-in with DeBrincat for one more season.
- This is likely to be a frantic few weeks on the trade market leading up to the draft and free agency, especially since the UFA crop leaves a lot to be desired. Stay tuned.
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