The early-season struggles of Steven
Stamkos raised speculation about his future with the Nashville
Predators.
Earlier this week, we noted that some
observers suggested trade speculation could start swirling if
Stamkos’ production failed to improve. The 35-year-old right winger has
just three points in 16 games while earning an average annual value
of $8 million through 2027-28.
A report out of Vancouver claimed the
Canucks had looked into Stamkos’ availability. It’s unlikely they’ll
be able to land him since he has a full no-movement clause.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the
Predators have had no trade discussions with other clubs about
Stamkos, nor have they approached him about the possibility of a
trade. However, LeBrun doesn’t rule it out if the Predators remain
out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman felt that
it could happen sooner than that. Appearing on the Morning Cuppa
Hockey podcast on Wednesday, he speculated that things could reach
a point where the Stamkos camp meets with Predators management to
discuss their options.
Friedman was asked if the Predators
would retain part of Stamkos’ average annual value to facilitate a trade. He thinks
they would, provided they get an offer that makes sense.
Given the decline in Stamkos’
production over the past two seasons, the Predators could end up
eating half of his cap hit to move him.
NHL Rumor Roundup: Could Steven Stamkos Or Evgeni Malkin Become Trade Candidates?
Steven Stamkos’ slow start with the Nashville Predators has started some trade speculation, while conjecture over Evgeni Malkin’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins persists.
Turning to the Boston Bruins, Pavel
Zacha remains the subject of frequent media trade chatter. The
28-year-old center is signed through next season with an affordable
average annual value of $4.75 million.
Zacha has been linked to several clubs
in need of an experienced second-line center. One of them is the
Montreal Canadiens.
According to Nicolas Cloutier of TVA
Sports, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes “adores†Zacha.
Hughes was Zacha’s agent before moving on to his current position
with the Habs.
Cloutier claimed the Canadiens are not
on Zacha’s eight-team no-trade list. He indicated the club discussed
possible trade options during the summer, with the Bruins forward
being among them.
Despite the speculation, there is
nothing to suggest that the Bruins intend to part with Zacha. Their
current five-game win streak has vaulted them near the top of the
Eastern Conference standings. They won’t be going into sell mode
anytime soon.
Meanwhile, James Murphy of RG.Org
reports teams are showing an interest in Brandt Clarke, but the Los
Angeles Kings aren’t interested in moving the 22-year-old right-shot
defenseman.
Clarke is a promising young blueliner
who netted 33 points in 78 games last season. He’s due to become an RFA next summer, but his lack of a contract
extension has some clubs wondering about his future with the Kings.
The Kings’ management is currently
focused on re-signing UFA-eligible winger Adrian Kempe. Once that’s
sorted out, Murphy believes they’ll turn their attention to
re-signing Clarke, who lacks arbitration rights as he completes his
entry-level contract.
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