What will the Maple Leafs do with Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, and Bobby McMann? Are the Canadiens still interested in Nazem Kadri? What’s the latest on the Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION
TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Maple Leafs need to decide what they have in Auston Matthews and whether the remaining two seasons of his contract are worth investing in, or whether they should consider moving him elsewhere.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Maple Leafs management touched base with the Matthews camp, and the latter remains committed to the team.
Nevertheless, a disappointing performance by the Maple Leafs next season could prompt Matthews to reconsider his future in Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).
Simmons believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving must approach Morgan Rielly about a trade. The 31-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Given the downturn in Rielly’s performance, Simmons wondered what the blueliner might fetch in return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not long ago, Rielly would’ve fetched the Maple Leafs at least a first-round pick and a top prospect or a promising young NHL player. Not anymore. The Leafs might also have to retain part of his salary. They might get a second-rounder if they’re lucky and one other piece.
Simmons also proposed trading UFA-eligible winger Bobby McMann for “some kind of futures” and then bringing him back as a free agent this summer if he agrees to that.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those types of moves are rarely done as players who hit the open market tend to go where they can get the best deal. Maybe McMann would accept that scenario proposed by Simmons, provided the same management team remains in place for the Leafs this summer. If Treliving is fired, his replacement might have other ideas.
ARE THE CANADIENS INTERESTED IN NAZEM KADRI?
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports sources confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens were interested in Nazem Kadri earlier this season. The 35-year-old Calgary Flames center is signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million, and a 13-team no-trade list.
D’Amico indicated that the Canadiens are not on Kadri’s no-trade list. However, their interest in Kadri cooled by the time January rolled around. The emergence of Oliver Kapanen as their second-line center, the progression of top prospect Michael Hage, and the December acquisition of Phillip Danault have made Kadri less of a fit for the Habs.
According to D’Amico, the Flames are reportedly willing to retain part of Kadri’s salary to facilitate a trade. The Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings could be among the suitors, with interest likely to increase after the Olympic break.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico didn’t fully close the door on the Canadiens’ interest in Kadri, especially if the asking price softens near the trade deadline or if injuries arise. However, it’s now believed the Habs are more likely seeking a scoring winger to play on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
UPDATE ON THE SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios continues working the phones. It’s believed they recently spoke to the Flames about defenseman (and Ottawa native) MacKenzie Weegar, and “kicked tires” on winger Blake Coleman.
It’s believed that Staios prefers adding players with term remaining on their contracts because returning to the playoffs next season is not out of the question.
If Staios decides to sell by the March 6 deadline, Garrioch believes pending UFAs such as Claude Giroux, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Cousins could have some value in the trade market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a disappointing season for the Senators after snapping a seven-year playoff drought last year. Injuries and shaky goaltending were the main culprits. A healthier lineup with more reliable goalies next season could result in a strong bounce-back effort on their part.