Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Martin Necas and Tanner Jeannot plus updates on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS AND PATRIK LAINE
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets had been working on trading Patrik Laine since early last season. He believes there’s interest in the 26-year-old winger as a player but his contract complicates things.
Laine has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also carries a 10-team no-trade list.
Friedman believes it comes down to what the Blue Jackets seek in return and if they’re willing to retain part of Laine’s cap hit. He also believes the winger’s injury history makes him riskier.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
Jeff Marek observed that the Utah Hockey Club wants to add veteran players on short-term contracts. He thinks their young player might benefit from having a proven goal scorer in their midst.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets will want to move the entirety of Laine’s contract from their books. They won’t get much in return to do that. The Jackets might have to take back an expensive struggling veteran in the deal.
THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER
Friedman believes Mitch Marner’s contract will make it difficult for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade him. He noted that the type of contract Marner would seek once his current deal expires next summer is one factor while another is his no-movement clause. Friedman also pointed out that Marner’s agent prefers to go to free agency.
This saga could carry over into next season unless the Leafs can sell Marner on a trade. “I think people are underestimating just how complicated this whole thing is,” said Friedman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, Elliotte, Marner’s critics in Leafs Nation are willfully ignoring those complications. They want the scapegoat for their club’s playoff woes traded immediately for a big return and won’t accept no for an answer.
RED WINGS FOLLOWING MARTIN NECAS
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Stockton cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Detroit Red Wings is among seven clubs closely following Martin Necas’ trade status.
Stockton pointed out that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is determined to add a top-fix forward this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly seek “star power” in return. If they’re unable to get it, perhaps they’d be interested in what the Red Wings could offer in terms of draft picks and prospects.
COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE HRONEK AND MIKHAYEV?
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Filip Hronek fits the Vancouver Canucks perfectly but that doesn’t mean he’s staying around long-term. They’ve been trying to re-sign the 26-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman but haven’t gained much traction.
Johnston suggests there might be more value in trading Hronek rather than signing him to a deal that is above what Canucks management wants to pay him. He noted that the blueliner played well alongside Quinn Hughes but not in limited minutes away from the Canucks captain.
Meanwhile, Johnston cited sources confirming the Canucks are trying to trade Ilya Mikheyev. The 29-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.
Mikheyev has struggled with injuries and consistency in his NHL career. They’d like to move him out to free up cap space for other needs. It could cost them a draft pick to move him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hronek would have more value in the trade market than Mikheyev. However, the blueliner is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal worth $8 million annually, which is more than Hughes is making as the Canucks’ top defenseman. His salary demands and unimpressive numbers away from Hughes could dampen his value in the trade market.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Dakota Joshua is drawing plenty of interest. The 29-year-old Canucks forward is a UFA coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $825K. Dhaliwal believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the clubs interested in Joshua.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua enjoyed a breakout performance this season with 18 goals and 32 points, bringing a gritty presence to the Canucks’ checking lines. He won’t be lacking for suitors willing to pay him over $3 million annually on a multi-year deal if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.
SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS INTERESTED IN TANNER JEANNOT?
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes a young team like the San Jose Sharks or Chicago Blackhawks would be interested in Tanner Jeannot. The 27-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning forward has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $2.6 million.
Kypreos thinks Jeannot would make more sense for a young team than a contender with only a fourth-line position.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Jeannot plays well with a young club they can try to re-sign him. They can also flip him to a contender at the trade deadline.