Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Teams are getting their ducks in a row and looking to have the game plans ready. The trade deadline is getting closer and the fireworks are going to begin. New faces have emerged in the trade talks, which helps spice things up in the rumour mill. Today’s rumors focus on the Dallas Stars and the New Jersey Devils.
NHL Rumours
Dallas Stars
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun on Insider Trading says there is a front runner for Chris Tanev
Craig Conroy is fixing to be a busy man over the next several days. With the trade deadline growing closer and closer, the coveted defenceman will be in high demand. Noah Hanifin is one and Chris Tanev is the other. Lebrun says there is a front runner for his services.
Tanev could stay in the west but he’s down south to Texas, where the Dallas Stars play. Lebrun says the Stars in the front runner for his services and have provided a package of what they can send. However, there is a holdup with the trade due to the team not including a first round pick. That could be the reason why he is not moved.
Tanev would be a massive addition to the Stars blueline. He is big, physical, stellar in both ends of the ice, and is a good puck mover. The Stars defence could use a bit of both when it comes to the blueline. With the Central Division lining up to be a dog fight, adding Tanev would be huge to helping lock things down.
Tanev will be a free agent this summer but acquiring him would go a long way for a postseason run. It could be a tough pill to swallow, but parting with a first is a wise idea. Also, Dallas has a strong prospect pool, so reinforcing the roster is a good move.
Other teams interested are the Oilers and Maple Leafs. Dallas could meet the Oilers in the postseason, so outbidding them has its price.
New Jersey Devils
Rumour: Darren Dreger on Insider Trading discusses the future of Tyler Toffoli
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us back to the East. One team to keep an eye on is the New Jersey Devils. They currently are outside of the playoff picture and need help from the teams in front to lose. Also, the team desperately needs help between the pipes even with the emergence of Nico Daws. The current California road trip will be a good indicator of where the team heads at the trade deadline. One player to keep an eye on is Tyler Toffoli.
Toffoli was acquired in the summer and has been everything you could ask for. He has scored 25 goals and 42 points, which has been great overall. However, the team does sit outside the playoff picture and he is on an expiring deal. Dreger sheds light on how the team could approach him.
The Devils have engaged in contract extension talks with Toffoli. He would be a great player to keep in the fold but business is business. If the road trip does not net the desired results, the team could reassess where they go with him.
Losing for nothing would be bad asset management. If the Devils are going to mail it in this season, trading him and getting a return makes sense. It would be a tough pill to swallow but a move that makes sense in hindsight. Something to keep an eye on, as many contending teams would eye his services.
Main Photo: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
