NHL rumors: Latest buzz around trades, coach firings, signings
With the start of the NHL season in full swing, SI.com is rounding up the news around the league surrounding trades, coach firings, signings and more. Check back often for the latest buzz around the NHL.
Calgary Flames
• Flames GM Brad Treliving doesn’t seem to be inclined to trade his way out of his team’s current slump. “We’re not out there trying to blow up our team and do all these sorts of things,’ he said. “At the end of the day, we’ve got a really good group here.”
Philadelphia Flyers
• With two forwards injured, there’s a chance that Vincent Lecavalier could make his season debut on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. The Flyers have been looking to trade the veteran forward, but his remaining salary and his inability to crack their lineup have worked against that end. A good showing here might spur some interest ... if the Flyers are willing to retain some of Lecavalier’s salary.
• Elliotte Friedman says the Flyers have been trying to move defenseman Luke Schenn for awhile now but there are no takers. Considering the number of teams that are looking for defensive help around the league, that’s telling.
Toronto Maple Leafs
• In a somewhat surprising move, Jeremy Bracco is leaving Boston College after five games to play for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Bracco, a second-round pick by the Leafs in 2015, might find junior hockey a better fit as it allows him to skate against players his own age.
Anaheim Ducks
With the Ducks off to a dismal start, speculation surrounds the future of head coach Bruce Boudreau. Although he boasts the best points percentage of any coach (minimum 600 games), there’s a growing sense that he’s no longer getting through to the team.
• Frank Seravelli believes a strong effort by the Ducks in Chicago may have bought Boudreau some time.
• Speaking on Sportsnet 960 in Calgary, Elliotte Friedman suggested that assistant coach Trent Yawney is the favorite to replace Boudreau.
“I think it’s probably going to be Trent Yawney if they fire Bruce. And he’s already there. Their assistants are (Rich Preston), they have Paul MacLean and they have Trent Yawney. My guess is it’s going to be Trent Yawney if they make the change."
• Gary Lawless suggests former Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle as a possible replacement.
• Helene Elliott writes that the Ducks hit a critical point in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Blackhawks. She believes it would be a shame if Boudreau took the fall when the team is getting no production from its top players.
• MORE NHL: Who stays, who goes at the rookie 'slide rule' deadline
Pittsburgh Penguins
• With their offense stuck in neutral—the Pens are averaging just 1.63 goals per game, 29th in the NHL—the calls for the head of coach Mike Johnston are growing in volume. Mark Madden writes that “a coaching change may not be imminent but certainly seems likely with Pittsburgh’s offense mired in a deep slump.”
Team USA
• After losing John Tortorella to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Team USA has finally settled on a new coach for next week’s Deutschland Cup.
• MORE NHL: Bruins' Rask falling short of expectations with early struggles
Boston Bruins
• B’s GM Don Sweeney is reportedly shopping winger Loui Eriksson. Bruce Garrioch believes a contender would also be willing to take Chris Kelly off Sweeney's hands.