Check out the latest about Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, Ducks center Mason McTavish, and Avalanche center Jack Drury in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
HURRICANES INQUIRED ABOUT JORDAN BINNINGTON BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports sources suggested the Carolina Hurricanes checked in with the St. Louis Blues about goaltender Jordan Binnington before the March 6 trade deadline. However, that’s all it was, as the talks never got serious.
St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images).
LeBrun’s report was part of his interview with Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky, which included a discussion about the club’s limited activity at the trade deadline. He noted that Tulsky wouldn’t comment about the Binnington-to-Carolina rumors leading up to the deadline. The Hurricanes GM indicated they tried everywhere to upgrade the roster.
The limited options in this summer’s free-agent market could send Tulsky into this summer’s trade market. He indicated that his club will be “actively pursuing any means” to bolster their roster.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were expected to take a big swing at a major deal before the deadline. Following the deadline, Tulsky noted that the asking prices were too high for his liking. Whether they’ll become more affordable this summer remains to be seen.
The Blues are expected to remain sellers this summer, with Binnington among the players they’re willing to move. Tulsky could revisit his interest if his current tandem of Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi fails to backstop the Hurricanes on a deep playoff run.
SHOULD THE FLYERS PURSUE DUCKS CENTER MASON MCTAVISH?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Dailey noted the Philadelphia Flyers have had a good trade history with the Anaheim Ducks, bringing in Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. He wondered if they should continue that streak by inquiring about the availability of center Mason McTavish in the offseason.
McTavish, 23, has struggled this season with 13 goals and 32 points in 62 games, and was a recent healthy scratch against the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. He’s in the first season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million, and lacks no-trade protection until 2029-30.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is McTavish’s first season under head coach Joel Quenneville, which could explain his difficulties this season. He also missed part of training camp last fall due to his contract negotiations.
McTavish never came up in the rumor mill before the trade deadline. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean teams seeking depth at center (like the Flyers) won’t make inquiries about his availability this summer.
COULD THE AVALANCHE TRADE JACK DRURY THIS SUMMER?
COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen was asked if the Avalanche might trade Jack Drury. They acquired Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline, and could decide to move the 26-year-old Drury, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Deen thinks trading Drury this summer is a real possibility. It could allow them to recoup some of the assets they gave up to acquire Roy and Nazem Kadri. However, they could keep him if they could get him signed to a reasonable contract.