Trade chatter is already bubbling around the NHL, and Dallas Stars forward Mavrik Bourque is in the middle of it. David Pagnotta said nothing is finished yet, but there has been some trade talk involving Bourque. Marco D’Amico added that a source close to the situation said the Stars are talking to teams about him, with a couple of clubs in the East potentially involved.
D’Amico also said he’s hearing a lot around the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Utah Mammoth are another team to keep an eye on.
Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes are still in the mix for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Darren Dreger said Carolina remains interested, and wondered if the Buffalo Sabres will circle back. He also noted that the Jets will be focused on free agency today, though they’re fine if trade talks heat up.
In Tampa Bay, the Lightning are apparently chasing more than one kind of upgrade. Pagnotta said that, beyond their push to acquire Zach Werenski, they’ll also be looking to add some grit through free agency.
Florida is trying to keep one of its own in the fold. Chris Johnston reported that the Panthers are still working to get defenseman Radko Gudas signed before free agency begins.
In Minnesota, there’s momentum toward a pair of familiar faces staying put. Michael Russo said it’s looking like Nick Foligno will return to the Wild next season, and he’s also hearing that defenseman Zach Bogosian will be brought back.
As for Edmonton, Bob Stauffer said it could be a quiet day for the Oilers because of the uncertainty surrounding Darnell Nurse. He added that the Oilers still need another goaltender and have to sign their RFAs Colton Dach and Spencer Stastney, all while working with limited salary cap space.
In Other News...
Lightning Fans Wont Like The Latest Werenski Trade Buzz
Trade chatter around Zach Werenski is starting to pick up again, and for teams with an eye on the market, it is the kind of development that can change the feel of an offseason in a hurry. The defenseman remains one of the more coveted names in the conversation, and any movement involving him would draw attention from across the league, including clubs trying to strengthen the blue line with a major addition.
For now, though, nothing is close to finished. Columbus is still working through discussions with multiple teams, and the latest buzz suggests the process remains fluid as front offices weigh what it would take to get a deal across the line. For Lightning fans watching the same rumors as everyone else, the important part is that the door is still open and the final destination has not been settled yet. [Read more 🡒]
Lightning Just Made A Move Fans Knew This Depth Chart Needed
The Lightning kept busy with another depth move, signing goaltenders Olivier Rodrique and Mads Sogaard, along with defenseman Michael Callahan, each to one-year, two-way contracts. It is the kind of roster housekeeping that matters more than it looks at first glance, especially after Tampa Bays recent trade of Nick Paul and with the season approaching.
For a club that wanted a little more insulation in net, the additions help smooth out the organizational picture behind Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson. Rodrique and Sogaard both bring AHL experience, while Callahan adds another blue-line option for the minors, giving Tampa Bay more flexibility if injuries or call-ups start testing the system early. [Read more 🡒]
Corey Perry Is Back And Kings Fans Will Have Strong Opinions
Corey Perry is headed back to the Kings, a return that immediately gives Los Angeles a familiar, opinion-splitting veteran presence as the calendar turns toward another season. Perry spent part of last year with the Kings before finishing the campaign in Tampa Bay, and his long track record across six NHL teams has made him one of the leagues most recognizable stopgaps for clubs looking for experience and bite.
For the Lightning, Perrys latest move closes another chapter on a player who brought steady production through the regular season and then was part of Tampa Bays playoff run without registering a point in the final seven games. He is now moving into his 22nd NHL season and sits within reach of a major career milestone, so even as the destination changes again, the veteran storyline around him is still very much alive. [Read more 🡒]