Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Moves are being made and trades are happening. The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline week is approaching and managers around the league are getting their plans set in motion. Big names are on the board and could find themselves in new homes. Today’s Rumours swirl around the Vegas Golden Knights and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL Rumours
Vegas Golden Knights
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman on NHL Network discusses the future of Jake Guentzel
What was to be a turn around campaign for the Pittsburgh Penguins has turned into a team that could be big sellers. With the team out of a playoff position, Kyle Dubas has work to do. The core four in Pittsburgh are locked in for the foreseeable future but one player to keep an eye for is Jake Guentzel.
He is a pending unrestricted free agent and is having a strong season for the Penguins. While he is currently injured, he has been a point per game player this season and is an immediate boost to a team needing scoring. Friedman does discuss the type of return the Penguins are looking for. He says that preferably, the Penguins want prospects over picks. That could help out some contending teams who don’t possess as much draft capital. One team that Friedman mentions that’s been interested is the Vegas Golden Knights.
Jack Eichel is currently on injured reserve but has resumed skating. However, a tough blow to captain Mark Stone as he is out for the rest of the season and possibly the playoffs. With the team needing to fill that void, Guentzel is the perfect player. Vegas is not shy to making a big splash either.
Other teams that have shown interest are the Oilers and the Hurricanes.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman discusses the preferred landing spot for Noah Hanifin.
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the Eastern Conference. Craig Conroy has his work cut out for him the next several days, as he has two players heavily coveted in trade talks. The biggest name on the block is Noah Hanifin and there will not be a shortage of suitors.
The definitions that have come about are Boston and Florida but the preferred place according to Friedman is Tampa Bay. One of these Atlantic Division juggernaut teams will land a top-four defenceman. Tampa Bay is a very enticing spot to play and deservedly so.
The no-state income tax plays a huge factor, especially with a new long-term deal coming. Tampa Bay has its core locked up for the foreseeable future, but also needs to extend Steven Stamkos. Warm weather, a playoff calibre hockey team, and a great contract have all the appeal in the world.
The team can fit Hanifin under the cap due to Mikhail Sergachev being on LTIR but acquiring him will be difficult with limited draft picks at their disposal.
Main Photo: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
