The latest on Jacob Trouba, Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri plus the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers offseason plans to shake up its roster were thwarted by defenseman Jacob Trouba’s unwillingness due to family reasons to report to a team if traded.
New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).
The plan was to move Trouba and his $8 million cap hit once his full no-movement clause became a 15-team no-trade list on July 1, even if it meant retaining 25 percent of that cap hit to facilitate a deal. Multiple teams were interested in the 30-year-old Rangers captain, with Detroit considered the most likely destination.
Trouba’s NMC was set to expire at the same time when his wife’s medical residency was to end on June 30 but her residency was deferred by a year. The couple also welcomed a son in January, leaving the blueliner unwilling to leave his family behind.
TSN: Trouba acknowledged this season is likely the “last crack” the current Rangers core will have to win the Stanley Cup. “I don’t think it’s a secret by any means.”
Trouba said he communicated well with the Rangers regarding the offseason trade rumors, insisting there were no hard feelings. Meanwhile, head coach Peter Laviolette said he wasn’t involved in any of those conversations and is glad to have his captain back for another season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba and Rangers general manager Chris Drury are determined not to let this situation become a divisive issue for the coming season. Nevertheless, it’s expected they’ll attempt to move him once his wife’s residency is completed next June as they try to clear cap space next summer to add younger talent.
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is somewhat surprised that New York Islanders center Brock Nelson is entering his “walk year” without a new contract. He doesn’t rule out the 32-year-old Nelson signing an extension but noted some “what if” scenarios could creep in.
Staple wonders what happens with Nelson if the Islanders are out of the playoff race by the March 7 trade deadline, or if he decides he wants a change of scenery. He also suggested the cost of re-signing Nelson could rise if he remains the Isles’ leading scorer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson is among the notable pending UFAs worth monitoring this season. He turns 33 in October so it’s unlikely he’ll get a deal over four years. Nevertheless, he could seek a raise over his current $6 million AAV and could get it on the open market if the Isles aren’t willing to pay.
CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin recently wondered if Nazem Kadri would be happy as the best player in a rebuilding Flames club. The 33-year-old center led them with 46 assists and 75 points last season.
Kadri hasn’t said anything publicly to suggest he wants out but Austin thinks the Flames would have to consider moving him if the right offer was made.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri doesn’t seem keen to move on from the Flames, telling reporters on Thursday to “pump the brakes” about whether he’d be open to a move. He’s indicated he wants to stay and help the Flames become a better club.
Kadri has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. Unless he changes his mind, he’s not going anywhere.
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source claiming the Montreal Canadiens are working the phones in pursuit of upgrades to their roster.
The Canadiens were linked to Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras, Carolina’s Martin Necas and Rutger McGroarty before his trade from Winnipeg to Pittsburgh. Ultimately, those deals fell through because they landed promising forwards Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage in this year’s draft.
They’re now looking for an experienced right-side top-four defenseman. They still believe in their young blueliners. However, if they take longer to develop, the Habs will need an upgrade at that position.