In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there is chatter that defenseman Tony DeAngelo is open to playing in the AHL. How likely is it that happens? There are updates on the contract negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Phillip Danault and the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks still seem to be working out the details of a possible trade. There is chatter the Toronto Maple Leafs want to add another forward and a few different outlets weigh in on the likelihood of a Jack Eichel trade this season.
DeAngelo Willing to Go to AHL
TSN’s Frank Seravlli has noted that New York Rangers might try to work out a deal with DeAngelo who has interest in getting back to playing, even if that means going to the AHL to do so. If it comes to pass, he’ll need to find another organization willing to allow that happen.
Seravalli notes:
“He’s willing to accept a loan to any AHL franchise and I believe the Rangers are interested in facilitating that, but it would take someone else stepping up to do so. Because the Rangers have let him know he’s not welcome in Hartford, the ties have been cut with the entire Rangers organization to this point.”
Update on Danault Contract Negotiations
Elliotte Friedman noted during his recent 31 Thoughts article that Montreal Canadiens pending UFA center Phillip Danault had turned down a six-year, $30 million offer from the team. Friedman cites Mathias Brunet of the La Presse in saying that the two sides are believed to be about $750,000 per year apart on a deal.
Friedman believes that the stress of getting a deal done has weighed on Danault and has affected his play. It’s not clear if the Canadiens have viewed his long-term future with the team any differently in light of their recent struggles.
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Canucks and Ducks Working on Multi-Player Deal
Freidman also notes that the Ducks and Canucks have looked at a multi-piece deal involving Danton Heinen and Jake Virtanen and the challenge is making the money work. The NHL insider suggests the Ducks are trying to get Vancouver to take Derek Grant‘s contract.
Eichel Trade May Have to Wait
While different media outlets have suggested there are varying odds Eichel is traded, Friedman believes a deal isn’t likely to take place this season, but could happen during the summer. He suggests that there are just so few teams that can afford his cap hit ($10 million), the options for the Sabres are simply too limited.
Friedman does believe the Rangers are a team that could afford it and have the assets to make a deal but suggests the proposals that are out there are “kinda crazy.” The Sabres will likely wait until there’s more potential to have increased suitors involved.
Maple Leafs Looking for Middle-Six Forward
Darren Dreger said during Tuesday’s TSN Insider Trading, that the Maple Leafs still want to bolster their forward lines before the April 12 trade deadline. He noted that their continued success has sparked more talk and hammered home the need to add a bit of depth. The name that seems to be out there is that of Nashville Predators forward Mikael Granlund.
Dreger believes there could be a deal there if the Predators agree to retain some of Granlund’s salary. If the two sides can work things out financially, the Leafs have the prospects and draft picks to make something happen. That said, the Predators would have to absorb close to 50% of his salary or take back a contract of equal or greater value. Would another team will be willing to take Grandlund without the same strings attached?