They're still sweeping up the confetti in Las Vegas, but the rumour mill is going at full speed with the NHL offseason now officially underway.
- There is a LOT of trade chatter around the NHL right now. Here's what we're keeping an eye on these next few weeks.
- The Flames have decisions to make on several of their key players in the coming weeks, many of which are on deals that expire in the next year or two. At the top of that list are Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin.
- There is a growing sense that neither will be easy to extend and one or both could be moved around the draft. Hanifin, in particular, sounds likely to be on the move. Lindholm is a priority for the Flames, but it's unclear if the player is willing to commit long term. He's less of a longshot to extend than Hanifin, but will likely be moved if no extension can be worked out by draft time.
- Also up in the air is Mikael Backlund, but there's a bit more optimism that he can be retained now that Head Coach Darryl Sutter, with whom Backlund seemed to bristle with, has been sent packing.
- Among the many names on the trade market in Philadelphia is veteran centerman Scott Laughton, who the team is loath to move but may end up doing so for the right price. The Leafs, Senators, Canucks and Penguins are among the teams linked to Laughton thus far.
- It wouldn't be a rumour update without some Jets trade talk, would it? GM Kevin Cheveldayoff continues to gauge the market on their star players, and have a lot of GMs around the league watching and waiting to see what happens with Connor Hellebuyck and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
- The Kings and Devils have been rumoured as potential fits for Hellebuyck, while the Kings have also surfaced as a major contender for Dubois. Aside from the obvious Dubois co-frontrunner Canadiens, the Wild, Lightning, Stars, Rangers and Hurricanes are reportedly in the mix.
- If the Kings do make a big move or two with the Jets for one or both of Hellebuyck and Dubois, there are some quiet rumblings that young players such as Quinton Byfield could be made available. He, Arthur Kaliyev, Jordan Spence, Gabe Vilardi and Alex Turcotte have surfaced from time to time as potential trade bait, although it remains to be seen if any of them would be part of a package heading to Winnipeg.
- Rumours emerged last week that the Blue Jackets were listening to offers on Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean. Add the rugged Andrew Peeke to that mix. There should be a decent amount of interest for these players as we watch the defenseman market thin out.
- Going to be an exciting few weeks as we head towards the draft and free agency. Buckle up!
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