What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.
HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?
SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.
Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).
Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.
Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.
Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.
COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.
Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.
Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.
THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS
THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.
Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.