Updates on Rangers stars Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek is drawing attention in the trade market, and the latest on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RANGERS GM SPEAKS WITH TROUBA AND KREIDER
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with team captain Jacob Trouba, winger Chris Kreider and other veterans regarding the memo he sent around the league earlier this week indicating his club was to trade offers. The discussions were said to be honest and productive.
New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).
Trouba and Kreider were the two players mentioned as being on the trade block. However, Staple considers it unlikely either guy will be moved based on their contracts and their current roles with the Rangers.
It’s not the first time that Trouba’s been mentioned in trade rumors. In Juen, it was reported that the Rangers hoped to move the defenseman before the start of free agency on July 1 but the blueline refused to play along.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba and Kreider each have 15 team no-trade lists this season. However, most of the teams that might be able to meet what would likely be the Rangers’ expensive asking prices are rebuilding teams that would probably be on their respective no-trade lists. Their cap hits for this season (Trouba at $8 million, Kreider at $6.5 million) would also be sticking points.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to move them this season but, as Staple points out, the odds are slim.
LATEST ON DAVID JIRICEK
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli has Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek sitting atop his updated list of NHL Trade Targets. He reports sources claiming the Blue Jackets have received offers from five or six teams. The Minnesota Wild were said to be the front-runner for the 21-year-old blueliner, with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers in the mix.
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports the Wild are believed to be interested in Jiricek because of his upside as a potential top-pairing defenseman. With Jared Spurgeon aging, they envision a “Faber-Jiricek right-shot tandem” on the top two defense pairings for years if Jiricek reaches his full potential.
Russo doesn’t see the Wild offering up young center Marco Rossi for Jiricek, speculating they might pitch a package consisting of a prospect and a draft pick or NHL throw-in.
Russo’s colleague Rob Rossi believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the mix for Jiricek. He cited sources claiming no Penguins prospect was off limits in the package, including recently acquired forward Rutger McGroarty. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t soured on McGroarty but loves Jiricek, a right-shot defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Seravalli, it’s not a case of “if” Jiricek gets traded but “when”.
It’ll be interesting to see if other clubs also get into the bidding for the promising young defenseman. There was speculation suggesting the Edmonton Oilers might pursue him as a potential replacement for departed young blueliner Philip Broberg. However, they might not have enough tradeable assets within their system to swing the deal plus there is concern over Jiricek’s skating.
LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios seeks help on defense with blueliner Artem Zub sidelined by a broken foot. However, finding a suitable defense option won’t be easy this time of year.
Zub could be out for two months, forcing Staios to shop for a blueliner who can log top four minutes. Garrioch listed Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as potentially available options.
Garrioch also indicated the Senators have been trying to gauge interest in center Josh Norris. A league executive said Norris’ durability and contract make him “a target to move.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler has a four-team trade list that he’s reportedly willing to expand but it’s doubtful he’ll want to jump from one rebuilding club to another. The same goes for Jones, who has a full no-movement clause. The Senators would likely balk at his average annual value of $9.5 million.
Pettersson has a more affordable cap hit ($4.025 million) and an eight-team no-trade list. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Senators were on it.