In at present’s NHL rumors rundown, what’s the plan in Detroit the place the workforce has three NHL goaltenders to start out the season? In the meantime, might Andrei Kuzmenko be a commerce candidate out of Calgary if he doesn’t discover one other gear past his high-end goal-scoring? How shut had been the Pittsburgh Penguins to buying and selling Kris Letang to the Montreal Canadiens? Lastly, is James van Riemsdyk ready for the Jeremy Swayman scenario to kind itself out earlier than re-signing in Boston?
Purple Wings Goaltending Dilemma Heading Into Coaching Camp
Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com stories that the Detroit Purple Wings face a problem with three goalies heading into coaching camp: Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, and newcomer Cam Talbot. Final season, the workforce unexpectedly carried three goaltenders after Husso was sidelined by a number of lower-body accidents. Will they achieve this once more?
GM Steve Yzerman admitted they debated waiving a goalie however finally held off, a call that proved sensible because the workforce leaned on Lyon and James Reimer in Husso’s absence. Now, with Talbot becoming a member of on a two-year, $5 million contract after a stable season with the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit should resolve how you can handle its goaltending trio. Yzerman said they’ll assess Husso’s well being throughout coaching camp. “We’ll play it by ear. We’ll determine it out as we go alongside.” It’s unlikely the Purple Wings will hold all three on the roster for the upcoming season.
Kuzmenko a Potential Commerce Piece Out of Calgary?
The way forward for winger Andrei Kuzmenko with the Calgary Flames stays unsure as he enters the ultimate season of his two-year contract with a $5.5 million AAV. After a robust NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23, the place he scored 39 targets and 74 factors, Kuzmenko’s struggles in Vancouver led to him being traded to the Flames. He rediscovered his scoring contact there, netting 14 targets and 25 factors in 29 video games.
Whereas the Flames are affected person with Kuzmenko, his long-term future in Calgary hinges on his capability to spherical out his sport past scoring. If he turns into greater than only a stable purpose scorer, he might earn a long-term extension. Nevertheless, if he doesn’t, he might turn into a fascinating commerce deadline commerce goal earlier than he hits free company subsequent summer season.
Kris Letang to the Canadiens?
In line with NHL insider Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive, the Pittsburgh Penguins had discussions about buying and selling veteran defenseman Kris Letang to the Montreal Canadiens. Letang, who’s coming into the third yr of his $36.6 million contract, has been a cornerstone of the Penguins’ protection.
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Nevertheless, after the Penguins missed the playoffs final season and doubtlessly on the surface of the playoff image and searching in, Letang reportedly expressed curiosity in becoming a member of the Canadiens, his hometown workforce. Madden revealed that there have been talks between the Penguins and Canadiens concerning a possible commerce, however nothing materialized.
It’s not clear why the commerce by no means went down however the Canadiens selected to not make vital strikes this offseason, focusing as an alternative on securing their younger expertise, together with Kaiden Guhle, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Arber Xhekaj, with multi-year offers. Letang stays with Pittsburgh, however it is going to be intriguing to see if there may be extra discuss of a commerce to Montreal if the Penguins have a tough go of issues in 2024-25.
May James van Riemsdyk Nonetheless Signal with Boston?
Surprisingly, James van Riemsdyk has not landed anyplace in NHL free company but. That may very well be as a result of he’s ready for the Boston Bruins to handle enterprise with goaltender Jeremy Swayman after which signal a team-friendly take care of the Bruins as soon as the membership is aware of their wage cap scenario.
Swayman is ready for the fitting deal and the Bruins have $8.6 million in cap house. Signing anybody else prior would complicate issues, so Swayman has to come back earlier than different enterprise.
