Check out the latest on the Islanders, Bruins and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examines the Islanders’ stunning decision to place Pierre Engvall on waivers Sunday. The 28-year-old forward is entering the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.
New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall (NHL Images).
Sears expects Engvall will clear waivers today and likely start the season with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The Isles will only get $1.15 million in cap relief.
The Isles would like to find a trade partner for Engvall. However, his 16-team no-trade list combined with the years remaining on his contract makes that unlikely. A club willing to trade for him could demand a draft pick be included in the deal, which the Isles would find unpalatable.
Sears suggests Engvall’s contract could go down as one of the worst in Islanders history, one they could be dealing with for a while. Buying him out next June would cost $1 million annually against their cap through 2035. If not, they’ll be dealing with his $3 million cap hit through 2030.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engvall’s contract makes it unlikely another club will claim him off waivers.
The Isles could attempt to swap him for a player with an equally toxic contract in the trade market in the hope the change of scenery would improve the performance of the incoming player. However, that also seems unlikely.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Christopher Hurley observes the Bruins have just over $386K in cap space after signing Jeremy Swayman yesterday to an eight-year, $66 million contract.
Hurley believes the Bruins have more roster juggling in store with PTO invitee Tyler Johnson still unsigned and several other players on the bubble.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean demotions to the minors or a cost-cutting trade. They could send John Beecher, Matthew Poitras or Mason Lohrei to their AHL affiliate. They’re on entry-level contracts and waiver-exempt.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes the Columbus Blue Jackets will be worth watching near the March 7 trade deadline depending on the club’s performance this season.
The Jackets have several players heading into the final season of their contracts. They include forwards Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Mathieu Olivier and James van Riemsdyk, plus defensemen Ivan Provorov and Jack Johnson.
Portzline isn’t suggesting all of them will be traded but some of them could, especially if younger players push those veterans for playing time.