In at this time’s NHL Rumors rundown, all rumors come from TSN’s Insider Buying and selling the place Pierre LeBrun, Bob McKenzie, and Darren Dreger convey the newest information. The rumors embrace optimism surrounding Dustin Byfuglien, how Kyle Turris’ robust play impacts his commerce worth, and whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs can re-sign Jake Muzzin. Plus, simply how scorching are the seats of Bruce Boudreau and John Hynes.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Penguins, Coyotes, Devils, Extra
Byfuglien Leaning In the direction of Returning?
With the way forward for Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien up within the air, there could also be motive to be optimistic about his return to the lineup. Darren Dreger reviews that there’s a “rising sense of optimism” that Byfuglien may return this season. He makes it clear that there’s nothing official and that the crew has neither confirmed nor denied any reviews surrounding Byfuglien. Nonetheless, his hypothesis does help Winnipeg Free Press writers Mike McIntyre and Jason Bell, each who really feel there’s motive for optimism.
Though the Jets have gotten off to an honest Four-Four-Zero begin, they’ve allowed 4 or extra targets in 5 of seven video games. Their protection is struggling and has allowed a league-leading 274 pictures on purpose. Granted, their goaltenders, who’ve an .891 crew save share, haven’t helped out the protection, however the blue line clearly must do a greater job at stopping possibilities. Byfuglien’s return would assist with that whereas concurrently offering offense from the blue line.
Are the Predators Nonetheless Seeking to Commerce Turris?
Kyle Turris’ Nashville Predators tenure has not gone nicely. The Predators gave up quite a bit to amass him, signed him to a six-year, $36-million contract, and he has not lived as much as expectations. This summer time, normal supervisor David Poile tried to maneuver Turris after he had 10 factors in 10 video games for Staff Canada on the World Championships. He has had a very robust begin to 2019-20, with 4 factors in six video games, however is presently centering the fourth line and averaging 12:30 of ice time per sport, his lowest since 2010-11.
Associated: What’s Incorrect with Turris?
That’s good manufacturing from the underside line, nevertheless, $6 million per yr is an excessive amount of to spend on a fourth-line heart and it’s unlikely he passes Ryan Johansen, Matt Duchene, and Nick Bonino on the depth chart with out accidents occurring. In the course of the preseason, Turris performed some on Duchene’s wing, however that hasn’t occurred but throughout the common season. Bob McKenzie factors out that the present scenario will not be excellent for Turris or the Predators, however transferring him gained’t be straightforward. Sure, Turris has considerably rebuilt his commerce worth this season, however his cap hit stays a sticking level.
Predators heart Kyle Turris (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports activities)
He’s presently on a 55-point tempo over a full 82-game season, so there’s sure to be curiosity from groups seeking to bolster their heart depth, nevertheless, will Poile break his well-known coverage of not retaining wage to maneuver Turris? A foul contract-for-bad contract commerce doesn’t appear to be the answer both. So, what would the Predators be in search of in return for Turris? Wouldn’t it solely be futures, both draft picks or prospects? Wouldn’t it be for a controllable middle-six winger with Craig Smith being an unrestricted free agent (UFA) subsequent summer time? It’s the unknown for the time being, however I believe it’s truthful to count on the Predators to present Turris the most effective alternative to succeed with a view to additional rebuild his commerce worth.
Maple Leafs’ Plans for UFA Defensemen
The TSN crew, and particularly Pierre LeBrun, additionally addressed the Maple Leafs’ protection scenario now that the crew has prolonged their core forwards. Jake Muzzin, Cody Ceci, and Tyson Barrie, all acquired inside the previous yr, are UFAs at season’s finish. In truth, of defensemen presently within the NHL, solely Morgan Rielly is signed via subsequent season. Travis Dermott is controllable, however he’s a restricted free agent subsequent offseason and may very well be expensive. With the crew solely predicted to have $15.9 million in cap house for subsequent season and in addition needing to re-sign three RFA forwards, the Maple Leafs are going to be cash-strapped.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Based on LeBrun, the crew has had no conversations with Muzzin relating to his future and thinks that the entrance workplace is ready to see how Barrie and Ceci slot in earlier than transferring ahead. LeBrun states with absolute certainty that it’s going to be tough for the Maple Leafs.
They will’t signal all three. They could not even have the ability to signal two. Prioritize the man you’ll go after, maybe within the new yr, and go from there. Pierre LeBrun on Muzzin, Barrie, and Ceci’s free company
Contemplating that Muzzin ($Four-million cap hit) and Barrie ($2.75 million) are due sizable raises, with Barrie reportedly in search of eight years at $eight million per yr, there’s little room for the Maple Leafs to signal even two of the gamers when factoring in different contracts. (from ‘SIMMONS SAYS: Kawhi needed to be half participant, half GM,’ Toronto Solar, 07/06/2019) The crew additionally has to account for Frederik Andersen turning into a UFA after 2020-21 and Rielly reaching free company after 2021-22 when signing any future contracts. With over $65 million invested in 11 gamers for subsequent season, it’s going to be a tough scenario for GM Kyle Dubas with little wiggle room.
Wild and Devils Being Affected person with Coaches
Lastly, the final rumors touched on by the TSN crew had been the conditions with Bruce Boudreau of the Minnesota Wild and John Hynes of the New Jersey Devils. Neither crew has gotten off to a powerful begin, and in New Jersey followers have already began calling for Hynes’ job. Nonetheless, LeBrun and McKenzie really feel that each organizations will preach persistence with each head coaches.
Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau (AP Picture/Hannah Foslien)
Concerning Boudreau, LeBrun believes new Wild GM Invoice Guerin has a excessive stage of persistence with the present scenario. That is sensible. Boudreau is in a contract yr and might be parted with at season’s finish. If the crew is sincere with itself, they’d acknowledge that this isn’t a playoff-bound crew, no matter coach. LeBrun additional stated that Guerin’s persistence extends additional than the teaching workers.
…in talking with Invoice Guerin on Tuesday, he stated, ‘hear, I respect Bruce Boudreau. I’m going to be affected person right here.’ When he says affected person, he means not simply with him however with the whole roster earlier than he begins making massive adjustments. Pierre LeBrun
With reference to Hynes and the Devils, McKenzie feels that GM Ray Shero may even be affected person. That is regardless of the pretend tweets that emerged yesterday that claimed Hynes was fired. McKenzie factors out that the crew has been horrible in all areas to begin the season and never all of that’s on Hynes. As an alternative, he feels that Shero is extra prone to make roster adjustments earlier than a training change. I believe that’s true given Shero’s monitor document of being affected person along with his head coaches. Nonetheless, as I discussed in yesterday’s Rumors piece, will expectations power Shero’s hand? The Devils play the New York Rangers, a historic rival, on Thursday night time. If the Devils win, Hynes’ seat cools. But when they lose, particularly by way of blown lead or blowout, and the requires his job will solely get louder and extra frequent.
