In right this moment’s NHL rumors rundown, the New York Islanders misplaced Mathew Barzal for 4-6 weeks. It’s an enormous blow to the group if you think about different damage considerations. In the meantime, one insider thinks that one other shoe goes to drop in Toronto because the Maple Leafs have a look at the commerce market. Lastly, is Boston Bruins’ head coach Jim Montgomery on the recent seat and is there any likelihood the Bruins and Brad Marchand go their separate methods?
Islanders’ Offense Hit Arduous as Mathew Barzal Faces 4-6 Week Absence
The New York Islanders introduced key damage updates Saturday, with star ahead Mathew Barzal anticipated to overlook 4-6 weeks as a consequence of an upper-body damage. Barzal’s placement on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) makes him ineligible for not less than 10 video games, a major blow to the Islanders’ already struggling offense. Defenseman Adam Pelech additionally faces a 4-6 week restoration, whereas Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are day-to-day.
Barzal, an important playmaker and offensive driver has struggled this season recording solely two targets and three assists in his first 10 video games. Whereas his manufacturing has been slower than anticipated, his absence nonetheless impacts the Islanders, who’re among the many league’s lowest-scoring groups. His damage will power the group to search out new methods to generate offense and push different gamers to tackle extra accountability.
Maple Leafs Weigh Commerce Choices for Nick Robertson Amid Roster Crunch
The Toronto Maple Leafs face difficult roster selections as they get more healthy and have cap questions that require solutions. With defenseman Jani Hakanpaa near returning, roster house is changing into more and more restricted. Based on Frank Seravalli of Each day Faceoff, ahead Nick Robertson is likely to be a major commerce candidate if Toronto finds the correct worth.
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Regardless of main the group in preseason targets, Robertson has struggled, scoring solely as soon as in 10 video games. Head coach Craig Berube needs to be rising a bit pissed off and Seravalli means that Robertson’s inconsistency and restricted influence make him a possible piece Toronto might transfer.
With Matthew Knies as their solely waiver-exempt choice, the Leafs have few selections in the event that they wish to clear house with out shedding gamers on waivers. As Seravalli notes, “the opposite shoe has to drop” for Toronto as they navigate the top of this conditioning stint.
Brad Marchand’s Future with Bruins Unsure?
The way forward for Brad Marchand with the Boston Bruins appears safe, regardless of hypothesis surrounding his upcoming unrestricted free company. When requested about the potential for Marchand not being a Bruin subsequent season, hockey insider Frank Seravalli responded emphatically, stating, “I don’t see one. This man is a coronary heart and soul Bruin.”
Issues could not all the time be easy in Boston and there have been some public points between the coach and Marchand, however that doesn’t imply there are regarding long-term points. Colby Cohen introduced up parallels to the Steven Stamkos scenario, reflecting on how followers felt final 12 months when Stamkos was additionally dealing with free company. Nonetheless, Seravalli dismissed any fears about Marchand’s future in Boston, noting that the group values him extremely.
The Bruins are anticipated to prioritize retaining Marchand. In truth, he is likely to be a precedence over the pinnacle coach, who has been rumored to be on the sizzling seat of late. With the Bruins’ early struggles this season, Jim Montgomery is likely to be the one who takes the autumn if the Bruins can’t get issues circled.
