In as we speak’s NHL rumors rundown, the Pittsburgh Penguins stay open for enterprise and there are updates on a couple of commerce conversations that may be occurring. Is Bryan Rust turning into a well-liked goal for groups? In the meantime, the Carolina Hurricanes are in search of a goaltender, however are they panicking? Lastly, the NHL has fined Edmonton Oilers ahead Jeff Skinner for embellishment. What precisely does that imply for his future and the workforce?
Penguins Open to Commerce Calls, Bryan Rust Might Be Enticing Possibility
The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open to exploring commerce choices for a number of gamers, together with notable forwards Rickard Rakell, Michael Bunting, and Bryan Rust. Rust, 32, may change into a big commerce goal forward of the deadline. Groups have reportedly checked in on the ahead. Whereas he presently holds a no-movement clause till June 2025, no discussions about waiving it have occurred, in response to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Interval.
Rust has three years remaining on his contract, carrying a $6.1 million cap hit this season earlier than lowering to $5.31 million subsequent yr and $3.66 million yearly for the ultimate two years. Rust’s future will depend upon the Penguins’ efficiency and the affords they obtain because the commerce deadline approaches. Groups in search of skilled scoring depth with contract management could view him as a major goal.
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The Penguins are additionally fielding calls on pending unrestricted free brokers Marcus Pettersson, Drew O’Connor, Anthony Beauvillier, and Matt Nieto.
Hurricanes Received’t Rush a Goaltending Commerce
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman joined the FAN Hockey Present to speak in regards to the Carolina Hurricanes and their goalie search. Saying they’re wanting, he additionally famous that they may be a bit extra affected person and wait for his or her guys to get wholesome.
Friedman mentioned the workforce has given themselves sufficient of a cushion that they don’t have to rush right into a commerce. He additionally cited the workforce’s historical past as one which reveals a measured strategy to creating strikes. Simply because they received blown out by the Florida Panthers doesn’t imply that they’re prepared to overpay for a repair.
Friedman additionally questioned what number of different NHL groups are additionally in search of goalies and since not a whole lot of groups are looking for a netminder, the Hurricanes may be able the place they’ll wait as a result of it’s a purchaser’s market. Friedman notes, “They’re wanting, however they aren’t panicking.”
Jeff Skinner Fined by the NHL For Diving
In a rule that’s not enforced fairly often, the NHL has fined Jeff Skinner $2000, beneath NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment). They wrote in an announcement on Monday, “NHL Rule 64 is designed to carry consideration to and extra severely penalize gamers (and groups) who repeatedly dive and embellish in an try to attract penalties.”
The league shared video of Skinner falling in one of many cases towards the New York Rangers, whereas they cited a recreation versus Carolina on Oct. 22 as the opposite (they didn’t share footage of that incident). It didn’t look like egregious, however the league should have seen one thing they didn’t like and have primarily flagged Skinner as somebody they need to regulate.
It’s price noting that further fines develop in measurement and may doubtlessly be levied on the coach. That’s not nice information for Skinner, who’s seemingly already within the doghouse with Kris Knoblauch and never getting nice alternatives to up his manufacturing.