Follow @eklund and @hockeybuzz on Twitter for the latest NHL news and rumors.
Here are some of the interesting highlights in the rumor world that I am chasing...
On Vrbata...
An odd name that I never would have thought would be in on Vrbata suddenly looks like the favorite...And this has been brewing since I hinted at it last week, but now has gained a ton of momentum... The NY Islanders are considering making a move for Vrbata in an attempt to not only help them make a playoff run, but also see how he may fit moving forward with Tavares...
On Trouba...
All are saying that Jacob will likely be a move in the off season or possibly even next years trade deadline...I know the Bruins have been very persistent however, causing more than one source to tell me. "I would consider them a favorite for Trouba...No other team has done more legwork on this one or talked to Chevy..."
On Neuvirth...
With Quick out even longer the Kings have gotten stellar goaltending...and while they are still very much interested in Neuvirth, should he become available, I keep hearing the Stars mentioned, and the possibility the Flyers would take back a pick and Niemi and his contract that goes another year...There is some logic to this...the Flyers have two pending UFA goalies and may just need one or two more years out of a goalie like Niemi at 4.5 to tie over until Carter Hart is NHL ready.
Later today I will have updates on the Colorado 3...Iginla, Duchene and Landeskog.. plus possibly a Oilers deal involving one of their top forwards possibly moving to Montreal due to the Galcheynuk injury...
We will of course discuss all this and more on the Buzzcast at 1pm.
HockeyBuzzcast w/@Eklund, @sportsology & @MikeInBuffalo available on #iTunes https://t.co/yXakLaiyRy & TuneIn https://t.co/Yqbm5JmlvM #NHL
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) December 12, 2016