A quick look around the NHL for the latest Rumors. Covering the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators
Vegas Hockey Now: The last 17 seconds of Game 4 ‘felt like 17 minutes’ for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Because Alex Pietrangelo left the penalty box at the end of the game and engaged in the fracas at the end of Game 4, he could face a one-game suspension. It’s not certain he will however as he did leave the penalty box, but it was after the game had ended, so the NHL could choose to suspend the star defenseman, but it is the NHL and they are always loathe to punish their stars, especially in a Playoff game.
Either way, Vegas will have a true battle when they face off on Tuesday in Game 5 at home. Vegas will need to be up to the challenge the Panthers will provide if the Golden Knights want to hoist their 1st Stanley Cup, and do so on home ice.
Montreal Canadiens: The Hockey Writers: Montreal Canadiens general manager (GM) Kent Hughes holds the most significant pick of the 2023 Draft. It will set the stage for the rest of the draft. Who they select, and why, will cause a ripple effect among all other teams and selections for the remainder of the two-day event in Nashville.
THE ATHLETIC: Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Michael Russo reported on some of the latest trade rumors regarding the Jets, Kings and Canadiens
Starting with the Winnipeg Jets. Agent Pat Brisson has reportedly informed Jets’ management that Pierre-Luc Dubois will not sign a contract extension with the team, effectively demanding a trade. Brisson has offered work with management to find a trade partner Dubois would sign with. The Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens are at the top of the list, and according to Elliotte Friedman of 32 Thoughts Podcast, he has a hard time seeing anyone other than Montreal.
Still with the Jets, LeBrun states that Connor Hellebuyck will not sign a contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets. “That ship has sailed. His next contract will be with a new team.”
Staying with the Jets, according to Mike McIntyre of the WINNIPEG FREE PRESS the Jets know the reason why their top players are refusing to remain in Manitoba. It is a dysfunctional room. The organization tried to steady the ship a year ago by bringing veteran coach Rick Bowness on board, and it seemed to work for the first few months until bad habits re-emerged and the team imploded down the stretch. Winnipeg needs to do a self-assessment and face the uncomfortable truths and address them.
Toronto Maple Leafs:
On the Leafs. Retaining the “Core 4”, and especially Auston Matthews looks to be GM Brad Treliving’s main focus this offseason. Getting him signed is their top priority, and there’s no doubt that hiring Shane Doan, Papi’s childhood hero is a transparent attempt at convincing Matthews to stay in Toronto.
Treliving will have his work cut out for him as Toronto is up against the cap ceiling and needs to make significant improvements if the team hopes to compete for more than winning one playoff round in two decades.
Ottawa Senators:
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne cites a source claiming Alex DeBrincat is open to staying with the Ottawa Senators despite the trade rumors. That being said, it will take a contract with term similar to the eight-year deal that Cole Caufield signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
Ottawa’s ownership will be solidified this offseason, once it is, then management can look to commit long term to the under-sized sniper. If not, there will be no shortage (no pun intended) of suitors for the two time 40 goal scorer.
Keep checking in with Crier Media as we expand our NHL Coverage and give our growing lineup of NHL Podcasts a follow to keep up to date on your favorite teams
Habs Unfiltered – Montreal Canadiens
Talking Buds – Toronto Maple Leafs
PP1 Podcast – Vancouver Canucks
