Merzlikins and a New Home?
Pagnotta and Friedman are both reporting that the Merzlikins market is heating up. A few weeks ago, Pagnotta reported the Devils on XM Radio, and added it to his top players page on the Fourth Period. The Devils have been more tied to John Gibson than Merzlikins, but they need a tandem goalie to Vanacek if they are poised to win this year. I like Scmhid and Daws in their pipeline, but can they take games from Vanacek?
Friedman is also reporting the woes of goaltending continue in Carolina and Edmonton for Merzlikins. Edmonton is also looking at Spencer Martin as well, as Jack Campbell has not been a fit, even on Bakersfield.
In summary - Elvis to New Jersey, Carolina, or Edmonton. Martin to Edmonton? Personally, I think Edmonton is the best fit based on term and salary in a package involving Campbell plus back? Maybe Merzlikins and Martin?
Boone Jenner to a Contneder?
Pierre LeBerun reported on ESPN that there might be a fit for the Columbus captain with the Colorado Avalanche. There is locker room concerns about their efforts and winning ways, but no specifics as to who and what the issues are in the Avalanche room. Jenner has only made it to the second round once, but his 200 foot game and All Star pedigree with a low cap hit may help replace the loss of Nazem Kadri the Avs miss. If I’m Kek, Byram in a one for one might do it.
The Kyper podcast also suggested with nhltraderummor as a follow up source that there could be a fit around a Boone Jenner for Nick Robertson package. This feels like a stretch. The Leafs need cheap talent under their control to help the expensive stars lift the cup in the city of Toronto. It’s been a long time since 1967, but the toughness call is logical for the Leafs. Goaltending is their bigger need.
I know earlier in the summer there was also suggestion for the Buffalo Sabres and the Blue Jackets for their toughness. They already acquired Robinson from the Blue Jackets in season. There is light history beginning with Kekalainen and Adams.
In summary - Jenner to Colorado/Toronto. Avalanche, to me, are the better fit for Jenner. The Avalanche need the Kardi replacement. MacFarland knows the Blue Jackets from his time under the brass here. They have the better prospect pool to grab from as well.
Adam Boqvist to the West?
Pagnotta, is also reporting on a potential battle of Alberta trade rumor for the services of young defenseman Adam Boqvist.
Edmonton has been scouting the Blue Jackets more than once this season, but I’m not sure if Boqvist is the fit in Edmonton. They have young defenseman in Broberg and Bouchard coming into their own. Why add another young defender when they house several?
Calgary is interesting as nobody knows their direction. They seem to be selling the rentals including Noah Hanifin and Christopher Tanev. They already dealt Nikita Zadarov. They may be moving Dan Vladar to make room for Dustin Wolf. Does Boqvist become the guy in Calgary with Andersson and Weegar on the right? Is that too deep already for Boqvist? They do have young attractive forwards in Coronato and Pelletier that could be desirable for the Blue Jackets, but the Jackets also have such a young pool of talent. They need now players.
In Summary - Boqvist to Oilers or Flames? Flames have more to offer. Oilers have been looking around the organization. Maybe Boqvist/Bean/Peeke??
Additional News/Notes Jack Roslovic has had his name begin to pop-up in the rumor mill, but no known teams have been reported. A cap hit of $4M is a tough pill, unless they retain half.
Team USA DJ Gavin Brindley (as reported by Will Smith on Spittin’ Chicklets) wins gold for the American squad over Sweden. Congratulations to the USA and Brindley.
Denton Mateychuk and Jordan Dumais both lost in the quarterfinals; and Oiva Keskinen finished 4th with Finland.
Speaking of Dumais, he is now out for the season with double hip surgery and a sports hernia.
Thoughts on the rumors? If you’re the general manager, what are your legit packages??