In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there is talk in Edmonton that the Oilers might be trying to convince forward Andreas Athanasiou to forego his arbitration case and sign a one-year deal with the team. In Philadelphia, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has been officially placed on the trade block, and rumors out of Boston suggest Torey Krug’s rights could be traded as early as today. Finally, what’s the latest on Max Domi trade talks?
Oilers Want Athanasiou to Sign One-Year Deal
According to a post by Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, “the club [Oilers] would love for Athanasiou to agree to a short-term deal with a “show-me” AAV. A 1-year, $2m contract.” While this isn’t confirmation the team has approached the player and asked for this, Leavins notes this is likely where the Oilers heads are at with negotiations and that the deal would good for both sides.
Leavins explains this type of contract would:
“create vital cap space that Holland desperately needs in the short term. But it would also give the player (with a full summer for him to get into proper, peak physical condition) a chance to enhance his value on a team that features 2 of the best Centers in the world.”
source – ‘Whether Andreas Athanasiou remains a member of the Edmonton Oilers depends a great deal on Andreas Athanasiou: 9 Things- Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal – 09/27/2020
Leavins also notes that it’s unlikely Athanasious goes for this. Saying he’s got a fierce negotiator in Darren Ferris for an agent it feels like a long-shot. Not to mention, if Athanasiou was going to go for this kind of deal, he could wait, see what’s out there on the market and then sign with Edmonton if no team comes calling with a higher deal.
Related: Red Wings News & Rumors: Staal, Rasmussen, Gagner & More
Flyers Serious About Gostisbehere Trade
We’d discussed the rumors before, but Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic confirms that defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers is available in trade. LeBrun writes that the team has moved beyond just contemplating a trade, but “shown a serious willingness” to move Gostisbehere for the first time.
He writes:
The 27-year-old blueliner has three more years on his deal at a $4.5 million cap hit, although the cash payout is $3.25 million per season from here on out because it was a front-loaded deal. That might be appealing to some teams.
He screams change of scenery, that’s for sure. And it appears he may get one.
source – ‘LeBrun: New GMs fast at work in Arizona and Florida ahead of pivotal offseason’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 09/28/2020
Could Krug Be Traded Today?
Whether or not he’s a reliable source for breaking trades, Rear Admiral of Barstool Sports is certainly connected to the Bruins scene and the Spittin’ Chiclets crew might have been leaked some information that defenseman Torey Krug could be headed out of Boston as early as today.
Rear Admiral tweeted on Sunday, “Look for the Bruins to trade Torey Krug’s rights tomorrow to a team looking for exclusive negotiations before UFA opens on 10/9.” He added that the team interested in acquiring his rights are Colorado, Florida, Vegas, and Detroit.
Speculation is that the return for his rights might be only a fifth-round pick which makes it a gamble worth trying for those NHL teams. It gives them a window of time to negotiate a deal, even if it is not a guarantee.
Related: Canadiens News and Rumors: Petry, Suzuki, Laine & More
Domi Has Not Asked for a Trade, Could Stay in Montreal?
According to Domi’s agent Darren Ferris, depsite rumors that Domi might want out of Montreal, the forward hasn’t requested a trade. Ferris tells Sportsnet, “Max’s desire is and always has been to stay in Montreal.”
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has confirmed Domi hasn’t asked for a trade and any trade could depend on what gets decided when it comes to the future of Phillip Danault.
Expect trade speculation to continue as long as Domi is an RFA with arbitration rights. Like Edmonton is trying to do with Athanasiou, the Canadiens could be seeing if a one-year deal would be something Domi would agree to.
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