With only 11 days to go before the trade deadline, the TSN Insider Trading updated us with some juicy rumors circulating in the NHL. Pierre Lebrun, Daren Dreger and Bob Mckenzie brought up the rumblings they heard in the last 24 hours and offer their opinion on what could happen. Headliners were the Montreal Canadiens and their issues encompassing Michel Therrien with PK Subban, Lars Eller on the market and Dale Weise. They also discuss what the Chicago Blackhawks will do, another update on Jonathan Drouin, the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim’s plan now they are entering the Western Conference playoff derby.
A few words on the Michel Therrien and PK Subban controversy
Daren Dreger pointed out during the TSN Insider Trading segment that Therrien’s comments after the game against the Colorado Avalanche was aimed at the whole dressing room in order not to lose his veteran’s respect. He added that everybody will pay for their critical errors during the game. It was meant as a team concept type of comment. Pierre Lebrun added like he did a month ago, unless the owner Geoff Molson intervenes, Therrien’s job is safe for the remainder of the season. He even went as far as indicating that PK Subban will not be traded. Subban’s full no-trade-clause will kick in July 1st.
The trade deadline is mostly dedicated to rental players who will become unrestricted free agents. Teams who wish to re-build with long term players will do so in the summer at the draft or at the free agency period. Lebrun stated the Canadiens may be tempted to resign penalty killer expert Paul Byron, who was claimed off waivers from the Calagary Flames.
Lars Eller is on the market
Darren Dreger mentioned that the name of Lars Eller is circulating in trade talks right now. According to Dreger, bergevin is not actively shopping Eller but teams are asking for his availability. He even as far as saying that certain executives were surprised he wasn’t on the TSN available players. Dreger said that his name will become increasingly discussed as the trade deadline looms. With his versatility, Eller could interest a few teams. Eller, this season is earning $2.5M and next year will be making $4.25M and $4.75M the year after.
Jonathan Drouin trade talks
Pierre Lebrun mentioned that the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning have discussed the possibility of acquiring Jonathan Drouin, a few weeks ago. Since then, talks have toned down between the two teams. Tampa Bay Lightning’s general manager, Steve Yzerman feels like he doesn’t need to make the best deal by the trade deadline and could wait until the season is over to action on Drouin.
Sharks
Blackhawks are looking for a second line left winger
In Chicago, it is now well known, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking for a second line left winger for the final stretch and the upcoming playoffs. This player will complete the line of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. Bob McKenzie stated that four players are in Chicago’s sight. They are: Andrew Ladd from the Winnipeg Jets, Mikkel Boedker in Arizona, Loui Eriksson with the Boston Bruins and Eric Staal in Carolina. The Blackhawks will have approximately 3.9M available under the salary cap. McKenzie pointed out that Stan Bowman is excellent to negotiate salary retention by other teams on players he acquires, so his skills may help out the Hawks again this year.
Sharks searching for a defenceman
Add the San Jose Sharks to teams looking for a defenseman. We all know the Sharks are looking for a solid backup goalie but the need of defenseman are increasing for them. They have their eyes on Dan Hamhuis in Vancouver and Roman Polak in Toronto. Hamhuis would need to agree to a trade anywhere in the NHL, since he has a full no-trade-clause.
