From contract uncertainty causing trade rumors for Vladimir Tarasenko, and Jack Eichel, to Marc Bergevin‘s future, here’s CSM’s NHL rumors. So, two players and one head coach are wondering about their futures. We have the NHL rumors right here for you to read.
St. Louis Blues – Vladimir Tarasenko
Rumor: From David Rosen at NHL.com. Tarasenko may not get traded until prior to the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline on March 21st. It all depends on the status of his shoulder. He had it surgically repaired and if it holds up he could help the Blues playoffs hopes.
Analysis: If Tarasenko can’t stay in the mix due to the shoulder acting up, then he could be traded but his trade value will deteriorate. If he manages to stay healthy, his trade value will be higher. Keep in mind that he carries an eight-year $60 million contract ($7.5 million average annual value) which has two years remaining on it.
It’s a touchy situation to invest in a player whose health is in question. Yet, if he is healthy he has proven to be a productive forward in the NHL. This is a player who has 218 career goals with 224 assists in 534 games. He has scored 30 or more goals in five of his nine seasons. Many teams could use that production.
Buffalo Sabres – Jack Eichel
Rumor: From Adam Proteau of The Hockey News. Jack Eichel’s $10 million contract for five years will be difficult if not impossible for any team to trade for him due to a lack of salary cap space. If it does happen, it won’t be until closer to the trade deadline.
Analysis: Eichel’s been in the news for some time now with his needed neck surgery and pending trade rumors. With almost half of the NHL teams having less than $1 million in cap space, most teams couldn’t trade for Eichel if they wanted to.
A team like the Anaheim Ducks with nearly $12 million in cap space would love to get a top center like Eichel. They could throw some prospects Buffalo’s way to escalate a prospective deal.
Montreal Canadiens – Marc Bergevin
Rumor: From Eric Engels of Sportsnet. Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin is entering the final year of his contract. He seems to hold leverage with his contract negotiations.
Analysis: Bergevin has spoken to owner Geoff Molson since the beginning of the year. The hang up seems to be the term of a prospective new pact. He may have been offered a three-year deal, and wants a four or five-year term instead.
The Tampa Bay Lightning just gave general manager Julien BriseBois $3.5 million on an extension, so Bergevin could be waiting for over $3 million. With the new season starting on October 13th, getting Bergevin signed becomes paramount. The alternative would be seeing him walk.
Be sure to follow NHL rumors right here to stay informed.
