NHL trade rumours continue to swirl around the Leafs and Red Wings with time running short before training camp.
- The Maple Leafs appear to be poking around in the left wing bargain bin, according to reports. There aren't many quality UFA left wingers available, but it's possible the trade market is being scoured as well.
- The Leafs desire to add a left wing has caused a bit of a stir in Toronto, considering RFA winger Nick Robertson was expected to have a shot at filling the spot vacated by Tyler Bertuzzi. That's where it gets interesting: despite that opportunity, Robertson has made it no secret that he'd still prefer a change of scenery. The 23 year old sharpshooting winger has spend most of his professional career bouncing around between the NHL, the minors and the injury ward.
- Despite an offseason coaching change, it's been made clear by Robertson's camp that the trade request is still in place. The Leafs could be publicising their intent to explore the market to apply pressure to Robertson, but they may be merely preparing for if and when he refuses to report to camp this September. Either way, this situation will likely come to a head in the coming weeks as training camp approaches. The Flyers have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Robertson in the past.
- Perhaps unrelated, but rumours suggest free agent winger Filip Zadina has begun to get some interest, with at least three NHL teams reportedly kicking tires. The former 2018 6th overall pick has struggled to secure a spot in the league, but you'd imagine there's still runway for a 24 year old of his calibre. It's quite possible the Leafs are among the teams with some degree of interest.
- The Leafs are believed to have investigated the possibility of bringing in veteran winger Max Pacioretty as well.
- Elsewhere in the Atlantic Division, eyes are on the Red Wings and their ongoing contract negotiations with franchise cornerstones Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Those two should be expected to sign, but there are growing rumblings around RFA winger Jonatan Berggren.
- Berggren's name has swirled in the NHL rumour mill for much of the past year, with him and the Red Wings seemingly at an impasse. But as with Robertson, the team holds most of the cards over their RFAs. I would not be surprised if these players and their respective teams punt this decision and sign short term deals.
- It finally feels like the league is kicking back into high gear, with NHL rumours and trade news coming at an ever-increasing pace. Please consider sharing this post and following NHL Rumour Report on Facebook and Twitter for the latest NHL rumour updates!
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