Jets, Canadiens, Senators & Skinner

In today’s (May 14) Canadian Daily Rumours roundup, I’m looking at three bits of hockey chatter: The Jets might blow the bank to snag a top‑2 draft star like McKenna or Stenberg. The Canadiens shrugged off Lindy Ruff’s “diving” jab after a PP-heavy Game 4. And, the Senators might be interested in Stuart Skinner (and maybe Ristolainen) to shore up backup and defensive depth.

Jets Rumour: Winnipeg Could Gamble Big to Steal a Top-2 Draft Gem

Looks like Winnipeg might be ready to go all-in and trade a mountain of assets to grab one of those game-changing guys — think Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg — if San Jose actually shops that No. 2 pick. The Sharks reportedly think they don’t need another top forward, so they might prefer a haul instead, and the Jets could be the team to pounce.

If Winnipeg pulls this off, it’d be franchise-altering. They would be risking future depth for a potential superstar, but the upside is massive. McKenna or Stenberg sliding into the Jets’ lineup would instantly shift expectations. That said, it would probably cost a king’s ransom.

Ruff Calls Out ‘Diving’ — St. Louis Shrugs It Off

After Game 4, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wasn’t thrilled about Montreal getting seven power plays, saying players “go down easy” and teams will embellish to draw calls in the playoffs. St. Louis mostly waved it off and joked about it. Then he said he won’t waste energy blaming refs, and that relying on them to win is the wrong move.

Players had the same take: Josh Anderson thought Montreal could’ve had more power plays, and pointed out missed high sticks. He said the refs were doing their best. The bottom line is that Ruff might have poked the hornet’s nest, but the Habs aren’t taking the bait. Interestingly, the Canadiens scored two power-play goals to help them win Game 5 tonight, 6-3, in Buffalo.

Is Stuart Skinner the Backup the Sens Need?

Looks like Ottawa’s probably hunting a backup for Linus Ullmark, and Stuart Skinner’s name keeps popping up. Skinner is young, has NHL experience, and wouldn’t be a total stopgap. If the Senators want someone who can actually step in and steal a few games without freaking out the locker room, Skinner makes sense.

Rasmus Ristolainen’s another name floating around as a different kind of add. He’d add a veteran presence on the blue line who’d bring physicality and leadership. Sens could go goalie-first for depth or shore up the defence. Either way, this offseason might be all about balancing a solid short-term fix with longer-term upside.

Related: Canadian Daily Rumours: Maple Leafs, Canucks, Oilers & Rielly