Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours! With a busy day of rumours, we decided to take a look at three extra ones. Today we will look at NHL Rumours from the Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens.
NHL Rumours
Vancouver Canucks
Rumour: Thomas Drance of The Athletic reported that Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning was optimistic with how talks with RFA Brock Boeser were going.
Analysis: The whole article focused on Boeser’s case as an RFA and how it is different. Unlike many big RFA’s this year, Boeser can not be offer-sheeted. He is classified as a 10.2(c) RFA. The lack of NHL time is the reason Boeser can’t be offer-sheeted. It’s uncommon but does happen. Both Johnny Gaudreau and Torey Krug were 10.2(c) RFA’s.
It was noted that the one difficulty with this is that sometimes it means regular RFA’s can’t be comparables. Boeser would also be eligible to sit longer than the December 1st deadline without having to miss the whole season. Despite this, talks seem to be going well with the two sides.
Boeser is a big part of the Canucks offence and is needed on the ice. The Canucks clearly believe they are close to a playoff team as they gave up this year first-round draft pick. If things go south, they can make it next season’s first-rounder. However, they clearly believe they are on the edge of being a playoff team. Boeser will have to be a huge part of that and they will likely not want him to sit out for long. Finding some sort of deal that fits both sides will be crucial. It is possible a short-term deal could get done if they want him to play this year and then negotiations could start again at a later date.
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Speaking of former class 10.2(c)’s, Torey Krug has said there has been no contract talks with him and the Boston Bruins. This comes from TSN.
Analysis: Krug is one year away from unrestricted free agency. The Bruins still have time to negotiate through the year. However, given they are likely focused on a return to the Stanley Cup Finals, they may not want to. This could mean the Bruins are unsure of their cap situation going forward. They have RFA’s Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo still needing a contract.
It is possible they wish to see where these players come in before starting any negotiations with Krug. The Bruins currently have $7.2 million in space to sign their RFA’s. They certainly need to be cautious of the cap if they wish to keep their Cup window open.
Krug is already 28-years-old so the Bruins do need to be careful about extending him for too long. However, he is a crucial part of their defence core and with their window being right now it seems like a bad idea to let him go. The more likely of the two options is that they are waiting to see what the RFA contracts look like. Krug has also stated he would be willing to take less than free agency value if that’s what it takes. He seems to understand that this is a very good team and keeping the team together means everyone has to do their part.
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Jake Gardiner has gotten down to four teams who have given him offers. The Montreal Canadiens are one of those teams who have given a multi-year offer.
Jake Gardiner & his camp are “working on options,” I’m told. Heard 4 teams have offers for his services, all varying in term & dollars. Montreal is believed to be one of the teams with a multi-year deal on the table. Still unclear when a decision will be made.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 5, 2019
Analysis: The Canadiens have been one of the most popular destinations for Jake Gardiner. The fit on the blueline does make enough sense in terms of personnel. As well, Marc Dumont of The Athletic broke down why his playstyle could fit very well too.
There is an obvious risk with Gardiner. For one, he just came off of a massive back surgery. While all reports say it shouldn’t affect him moving forward any team would have the right to be somewhat cautious. Injuries can linger and come back, especially as players get into their 30’s like Gardiner would be in a few seasons.
Playstyle
The playstyle fit is an interesting one too. Gardiner is likely underrated because of a few parts of his game. There is no denying that when he screws up it is pretty obvious. However, people have it in their heads that he screws up a lot more than he actually does. Also, the positive value Gardiner brings is almost never counted because he does so many small things right. Gardiner can breakout the puck pretty well. This would help a Habs d-core that is always looking for a puck-moving defenceman. On top of that, Gardiner is pretty solid in his own end. He can box players out and recover pucks.
He’d be a fit on most teams, a team like the Habs who are on the cusp of playoff contention could greatly benefit from his services.
That’s all for NHL Rumours! Come back again tomorrow for more!
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