We’ve got more NHL rumours to start your off-season. The Vegas Golden Knights are Stanley Cup Champions for the first time, but there’s plenty of stuff to talk about. We’re into the off-season and teams are making moves to make cap room. Other teams are making moves to shore up a push for the Stanley Cup. Today’s NHL rumours take a look at items about the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
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Rumour: Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff released his list of restricted free agents that may not get qualifying offers. Montreal’s Denis Gurianov was listed as a player that may not get a qualifying offer.
To qualify or not to qualify?
That is the question teams are facing with these 10 RFAs. Some are cut and dried, some are facing arbitration awards that the team might not be able to risk.#NHL qualifying offers are due June 30:https://t.co/NlGOodwTMU
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 8, 2023
Analysis: Gurianov came over from the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline to move the expiring Evgenii Dadonov contract. The winger is due at least a $2.9 million qualifying offer before the June 30 deadline. Habs head coach Martin St. Louis has done wonders with forwards like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. However, Gurianov only recorded 17 points and that may not justify the dollar amount.
Could the Canadiens give the forward another season to fix his game? Not qualifying Gurianov doesn’t mean that he’ll instantly hit the open market. The two sides could be working on a different deal. General manager Kent Hughes has done some good things to set Montreal on the right path. One wonders what the future holds for Gurianov and the Canadiens.
Arizona Coyotes
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Rumour: The Athletic’s Big Board 2.0 has Nick Schmaltz listed as the 13th overall target.
Analysis: Arizona is trying to get maximum value and assets. Dealing Schmaltz would likely get a decent return, but there could be some complications. Schmaltz’s deal is backloaded with some big-dollar years such as $7.5 million, $8.45 million and $8.5 million. The 27-year-old also has a limited no-trade clause kicking in on July 1.
Actual money seems to be a big issue for the Coyotes, so moving Schmaltz might be on the to-do list. Arizona also may deal Clayton Keller in the off-season. The Athletic article mentioned the St. Louis Blues, who have three first-round draft picks. Keller is a point per game player and he could be a bargain. The 24-year-old has a $7.15 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season.
Main photo by: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
