The Columbus Blue Jackets may be staring at more than one major decision, and both involve the future of the organization. On one hand, there’s the possibility of a coaching change. On the other, there’s the question of Zach Werenski and whether his long-term future eventually becomes a real issue.
Frank Seravalli said it wouldn’t shock him if Columbus made a change behind the bench within the next 20 games. Rick Bowness, he noted, keeps calling out his players, but that message may be starting to wear thin. Seravalli also pointed to uncertainty around Werenski’s future, saying the defenseman is content for now, though the Blue Jackets will need to come back to him on a contract extension next summer.
Elliotte Friedman struck a slightly calmer note on the Werenski situation, saying everyone is wondering if the “Werenski watch” will begin again. “But I think it’s premature for that.”
If Werenski doesn’t want to commit long term, Columbus would have to take a hard look at its options.
In Buffalo, Jarmo Kekalainen went public with his support for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but the trade chatter around the goalie hasn’t disappeared completely. Speaking Tuesday morning on WGR 550 AM, the Sabres GM said, “We believe in our goaltending…Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a really good goaltender who has a lot to give to the Buffalo Sabres and will be a big part of our future,” Kekalainen said.
That’s a clear vote of confidence, though not necessarily a full stop to the rumors. Buffalo has been mentioned in connection with Connor Hellebuyck, and the market could shift depending on other moving parts. Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson’s strong early-season play could make another goaltending addition less pressing for the Jets, while the New York Rangers also emerge as a possible fit after Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury.
For now, though, the Sabres’ message is simple: Luukkonen is viewed as part of the future, even if the situation could still change down the road.
Toronto, meanwhile, sounds ready to spend big if the right defenseman becomes available. Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that Maple Leafs executive John Chayka has told multiple general managers the club is willing to pay a premium for a true difference-making blueliner. One thing, however, appears to be off the table: Easton Cowan.
Friedman said the Maple Leafs believe Cowan has made major strides and see him as a key part of what comes next. If Toronto keeps him, then the trade chips could come from elsewhere, including the first-round pick acquired from Colorado and a number of prospects not yet in the NHL.
Luke Fox backed that up by suggesting Toronto shouldn’t even think about moving Cowan unless the return is someone of Zach Werenski’s caliber or a legitimate No. 1 defenseman.
In Nashville, the conversation is bigger than simply scraping into the postseason. Pierre LeBrun said on Melnick in the Afternoon that the Predators’ roster remains a work in progress, and that GM Chris MacFarland wants something more ambitious than a bubble team.
The goal, LeBrun said, is to build a club that can keep taking swings at contention instead of just chasing a wild-card spot year after year. That means the Predators may lean toward moves that help the long view rather than quick fixes aimed only at making the playoffs.
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Auston Matthews Is Giving Maple Leafs Fans A New Captaincy Debate
Auston Matthews has looked at his captaincy differently this season, and it has given Maple Leafs fans something else to debate beyond the usual questions about his production and the teams ceiling. There is a sense that his leadership has become more deliberate, both in how he carries himself with the media and in the way he handles his role on the ice, which has made the early read on this season feel a little different than in years past.
One thread worth watching is whether that change is happening in a vacuum or with some help from around the organization. Mats Sundins presence has been floated as a possible influence on Matthews approach, though nothing about that is confirmed, and the broader point is simpler: Matthews may just be settling into the job on his own terms. For a captain under constant scrutiny in Toronto, even a subtle shift in demeanor can turn into a meaningful storyline fast. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Suddenly Have A Jake McCabe Concern They Cant Ignore
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The concern for the Leafs is obvious because McCabe is such a steady part of their blue line, and any facial injury brings an immediate layer of uncertainty. Head coach Jim Hiller is expected to provide an update, but for now Toronto is left hoping the situation is not as damaging as it looked in the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Leafs Blue Line Trouble Just Made This Erik Karlsson Rumor Real
Torontos injury pileup on the blue line has pushed the Maple Leafs into a familiar place this time of year, searching for help and trying to figure out whether a move can steady the back end before the situation gets worse. That search has now sharpened around Erik Karlsson, with reports linking Toronto to the Penguins defenseman as the club weighs how a high-end puck mover would fit into a lineup that has been stretched thin.
Karlsson is still producing offense in Pittsburgh, which is part of why the rumor has real legs, and the fit is easy enough to imagine for a Leafs team looking for immediate impact. The harder part is the price, and nothing has been settled yet, but this is the kind of conversation that tends to get louder once injuries force a contender to explore every possible option. [Read more 🡒]