In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Bruins could be planning a shakeup, the latest on Trevor Zegras, the Leafs could use another center, defensemen potentially available at the trade deadline, and a coaching rumor involving the Canadiens is debunked.
ARE THE BRUINS PLANNING A BIG CHANGE.
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a belief among some NHL general managers that the Boston Bruins could be on the verge of a big change.
Murphy cited “a well-placed, NHL executive” telling him to “be on the lookout” for a potential shakeup move by the Bruins. It’s uncertain if that’ll be a coaching change or a trade.
The source claimed it’s no secret Bruins general manager Don Sweeney wants to add a top-six winger but he could also snag another top-six center.
It was rumored Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo drew the interest of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, their recent addition of Dante Fabbro likely shelves those discussions for now.
Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).
Another source told Murphy the Bruins were talking to the Utah Hockey Club and the Anaheim Ducks. The latter raised the question of the availability of struggling forward Trevor Zegras.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A coaching change seems more likely than a major trade at this point in the season. Nevertheless, it’s still early in the season and the Bruins are currently among the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
Sweeney could conduct diligence in the trade market by calling to see who’s available. However, he could remain patient and give his team time to improve.
Speaking of Zegras…
TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE ATHLETIC’S CHRIS JOHNSTON
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked if there were any trade talks about Trevor Zegras. The 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward is struggling to score this season and might benefit from a change of scenery.
Johnston indicated trade discussions about Zegras might pick up at some point this season. However, it doesn’t seem like a priority or a serious thought right now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The more Zegras struggles the more his value drops in the trade market. The Ducks would likely prefer offers with a first-round pick involved but interested clubs will try to capitalize on his poor production by offering up considerably less.
A reader asked Johnston if the Toronto Maple Leafs might try to add a third-line center. He believes they’ll likely attempt to do so by the March 7 trade deadline. Johnston pointed out they’ll have cap room if they wish to add a player signed beyond this season with a couple of big cap hits due to expire next summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: He’s referring to Mitch Marner and John Tavares as they could depart via free agency in July. Tavares could stay but he’ll have to accept much less than his current $11 million average annual value. However, that could be taken up by a hefty raise for Marner.
Johnston was asked which defensemen might become available by the March 7 trade deadline. Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets tops his list, followed by Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov and Ceci are slated to become UFAs next summer and are the most likely of this group to get moved. Fowler is signed through 2025-26 and could entice teams looking for more than a blueline playoff rental but the Ducks might have to retain part of his $6.5 million AAV. Ristolainen has an AAV of $5.1 million but the two years left on his deal could be a sticking point.
CANADIENS DENY SPEAKING WITH GALLANT
TVA SPORTS: cited a recent rumor from BPM Sports’ Georges Laraque claiming Montreal Canadiens management met with former NHL coach Gerard Gallant over the weekend.
Laraque claimed Canadiens GM Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis met with Gallant in Toronto to discuss a coaching position with the club. However, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports no member of the Canadiens met with Gallant in Toronto or anywhere else.