NHL rumors: Latest buzz around trades, coach firings, signings
The NHL trade deadline is four days away, and several contenders are looking to add a piece or two that will help them make a push for the Stanley Cup. Among the bigger names rumored to be available are Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Ladd, Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin.
Check out the latest NHL news and rumors below.
• The Edmonton Oilers announced they traded the rights of defenseman Philip Larsen to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a conditional 2017 fifth-round draft pick.
• The Canucks have let teams know that multiple players are available in a trade, reports TSN’s Bob McKenzie. The players on the block are Linden Vey, Matt Bartkowski, Ronalds Kenins, Adam Cracknell, Chris Higgins, Brandon Prust and Yannick Weber.
• The Florida Panthers announced a one-year extension for 38-year-old forward Shawn Thornton. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
• Chat Sports: Four potential deadline deals no one is talking about
• The Panthers’ interest in Ladd has cooled, reports George Richards of the Miami Herald. Richards reports the price tag of a first rounder and top prospect is too high.
• The Boston Bruins and Loui Eriksson continue to discuss a contract extension. However, there’s a gap in both terms and dollars, reports Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot.
• Staal’s preference is to remain with the Hurricanes, reports McKenzie. If he’s dealt, McKenzie mentioned the New York Rangers as a possible landing spot.
• Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman told the Tampa Bay Times that he wants to deal disgruntled forward Jonathan Drouin by the deadline.
• Chat Sports: More NHL news and rumors inside the Chat Sports App
• The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that St. Louis Blues forward Ryan Reaves was suspended three games for boarding San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Tennyson.