Check out the latest on the Canadiens, Red Wings, and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE CANADIENS MAKE A TRADE FOR A BLUE JACKETS FORWARD?
THE SICK PODCAST: Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette recently speculated that the Canadiens could’ve made an offer to the Columbus Blue Jackets for winger Kirill Marchenko that would’ve been similar to what they offered for Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).
According to Cowan, that offer was prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, another prospect, and a first-round pick. He believes the Canadiens are well-positioned with many draft picks and young prospects other teams are interested in, which is why general manager Kent Hughes can afford to wait for the right opportunity to present itself.
Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if the Canadiens make a significant move this summer. He noted that last year’s trade for Noah Dobson came out of nowhere.
THE STARR & D’AMICO SHOW: Marco D’Amico recently addressed speculation suggesting the Canadiens could look at Blue Jackets center Kent Johnson if they’re unable to land Marchenko.
“I would be surprised if the Canadiens tried another reclamation project like that,” D’Amico said. He expects that Johnson could bounce back this season, but doesn’t see it as being to the point where he fills a legitimate need for the Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buzz suggesting the Canadiens could acquire Marchenko has cooled since it flared up last weekend. That’s probably because Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell refuted a report out of Russia claiming he was working on trading the 26-year-old winger. Marchenkov’s agent, Dan Milstein, took to social media to dismiss the speculation.
As for Johnson, some Habs fans suggest he’d fill the Canadiens’ second-line center role. However, his performance thus far in his NHL career offers up little evidence that he can confidently handle that position on a reliable basis. Johnson has been used primarily as a winger with the Blue Jackets.
LATEST ON THE RED WINGS MANAGEMENT SITUATION
THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman believes the reason why the Detroit Red Wings haven’t yet found a replacement for Steve Yzerman as general manager is that it’s still early in the process.
It’s been over two weeks since the Wings announced their management change, with Yzerman maintaining the day-to-day duties until his replacement is found.
Bultman noted that no other NHL clubs are seeking new management, meaning the Red Wings aren’t under pressure to make a quick change. Instead, they’ll continue to be patient in their search for the right candidate.
Whoever gets the role faces some challenging long-term decisions. They must address center Dylan Larkin’s trade request, sign restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a new contract, and negotiate an extension with winger Alex DeBrincat, who is UFA-eligible next July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have indicated they’ll consider all options, including promoting from within their ranks. So far, there’s no indication who they may have reached out to from other clubs or if they’re speaking with former NHL general managers.
ISLANDERS COULD SOON ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW ASSISTANT GM
THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Stefen Rosner reported Friday that Evan Gold is expected to join the New York Islanders as an assistant general manager.
Gold’s contract with the Boston Bruins expires on Aug. 1. Rosner expects the hiring will be officially announced over the next several days.
