Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours. The regular season is in full swing and has been great to see thus far. Injuries have piled on and players are missing time early. Also, one team has made the headlines early and often. Todays Rumours focus on the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Rumours
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman discusses the Senators General Manager Search
If there is one team that has been exciting it is the Ottawa Senators. They have made the headlines each week and not just for their play on the ice. It has been something different but normalcy has not been the strong suit. The biggest thing regarding the team is the punishment received regarding the potential trade with forward Evgenii Dadonov. The club will lose its first round pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026. Ottawa saw General Manager Pierre Dorion be relieved of his duties and now a journey begins to search for a new one.
Around the league you are seeing new blood step into the spotlight. Guys such as Daniel Briere with the Philadelphia Flyers and Mike Grier of the San Jose Sharks. They are both former players but have learned the ropes of the front office roles. One player that could take the role is Jason Spezza.
Spezza is a former Senator and longtime captain of the franchise. He has spent a few years learning under Kyle Dubas, as he grows more familiar with the front office roles. Friedman wonders if he can be lured back to Ottawa and help reshape the franchise. He will be a manager in this league it is just a matter as to when he will take the role. Spezza would make a great addition to a core group that looks good together.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses the role of Tyler Bertuzzi on the Maple Leafs
If there was ever a year where the Maple Leafs did well in the offseason, it was this past one. They addressed the needs and brought in some much needed toughness. It is not just toughness but the skill that goes along with it. Both Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi had strong seasons during the 2022-23 campaign and look to bring that to Toronto. However, things have not gone as planned for Bertuzzi in Toronto.
Bertuzzi is a hard nosed winger that excels on the forecheck. It is a reason he worked so well in Boston. Toronto does not play that type of style and his fit is becoming a concern. In last nights matchup against the Boston Bruins, Bertuzzi did not play the final 8.5 minutes of regulation nor overtime. Furthermore, he got demoted to the fourth line. This was a player expected to be that added scoring alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
In ten games this season, he has two goals and three points and is struggling to find rhythm with the team. There is no need to panic yet but something to monitor.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
