Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canucks, Blackhawks, Senators
In today’s NHL rumor roundup, one analyst made a number of predictions for 2023 as they relate to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Max Domi has found a home in Chicago. Is he more likely to be traded or retained by the Chicago Blackhawks before the NHL trade deadline on March 3? The Edmonton Oilers may have their eyes on a Blackhawks defenseman and the Vancouver Canucks may have to trade a valuable forward who isn’t named Bo Horvat or Brock Boeser.
Some Maple Leafs predictions, including goalie changes
Nick Kypreos has made nine predictions for the Maple Leafs in 2023. Among them, the team could face difficult contract negotiations with Auston Matthews, William Nylander’s name would be discussed in trade rumors, Michael Bunting would sign a long-term deal and the goalkeeper would change.
Matt Murray, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Kypreos believe this will be the last and only season that Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov will play together. He writes:
Samsonov’s development will progress enough for him to re-sign for less than the $4.6 million the Leafs are currently paying Murray. Murray, who has one year left on his current contract, is also eligible to sign an extension on July 1 and his requested number for next season will be too high for the Leafs to justify. The Leafs will again look for cheaper and capable veteran options.
source – ‘Will the Maple Leafs finally win a playoff round? Nine bold predictions for 2023’ – Nick Kypreos – Toronto Star – 12/29/2022
As for the team’s near-term prognosis, Elliotte Friedman reported during Hockey Night in Canada’s 32 Thoughts segment that the Maple Leafs may rethink their strategy of taking a big swing on a player before the deadline. trades. Instead of one big move on the blue line, the club could make two small moves.
Max Domi could stay in Chicago
Jeff Marek discussed Max Domi’s future with the Chicago Blackhawks and reports the forward is not a lock to trade. Once considered an asset, the Blackhawks would definitely return, Domi loves it in Chicago and the team loves having him. They plan to keep it. It could be dealt with, but it’s certainly not a given at this point.
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Marek says there are already ongoing discussions between Domi’s agent and general manager Kyle Davidson about what to do.
Jake McCabe could be a target for the Oilers
While talking about the Blackhawks, Friedman said he believes Jake McCabe could be a potential target for the Edmonton Oilers. It wouldn’t be a lease, but a hockey trade where the Oilers see him as a good candidate and something they can build part of their defense around. As Mark Lazerus of The Athletic writes, “The Blackhawks allowed twice as many goals as they scored at 5-5, but they died even when Jake McCabe was on the ice. He was really good. And he’s doing everything he can to stay positive.
Jake McCabe, Chicago Blackhawks (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
McCabe has a modified no-trade clause in his contract that gives him the right to name seven teams he won’t trade with. He currently has a cap of $4 million and has two more seasons on that current deal after this one.
Senators are actively trying to swap Zaitsev
According to Kevin Weekes: “I am told that @Senators are actively seeking a Dr. Zaitsev trade. They authorized his representatives to speak with the clubs. I understand the Senators are willing to move a high draft pick or prospect to accommodate the trade.
Could the Canucks trade Andrei Kuzmenko?
Sportsnet’s Iain McIntyre writes that the Canucks can’t afford to lose forward Andrei Kuzmenko and notes that if he’s not signed to an extension by the March 3 NHL trade deadline, he could be exchanged. Kuzmenko has been great for the Canucks, but as a UFA standby, he has the opportunity to test the market this offseason.
McIntyre writes:
Agent Dan Milstein said he may need the whole season to determine a value on Kuzmenko as a potential UFA. But Allvin, despite his strong relationship with Milstein, cannot take that risk for such a valuable asset. If the winger isn’t re-signed by the deadline, he could become the Canucks’ second-highest trade since Bure.
Jim Parsons is a THW senior freelance writer, part-time journalist, and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes NHL news and gossip, while reporting on the Edmonton Oilers. He’s been a trusted source for more than five years at The Hockey Writers, but more than that, he’s on a mission to keep readers up to date on the latest NHL rumors and trade talks. Jim is a daily staple for readers who want to be “in the know”.
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