The St. Louis Blues have scratched Mike Hoffman and Robert Bortuzzo tonight in anticipation of a trade. Now that the Devils have moved Kyle Palmieri many teams could be interested in Hoffman. The price on Taylor Hall; a first round pick plus a prospect could be too rich for some. There is also fitting in his cap hit as well, which may also take other contenders out.
Mike Hoffman could be moved soon.
Bruins miss out on Palmieri; time to make the move for Taylor Hall?
The Islanders just filled their need for more scoring tonight by acquiring Palmieri and Zajac. Boston and Toronto were rumored to be in on Palmieri as well. So with the Bruins fighting to hold onto the last playoff spot in the East; do they cave and add Taylor Hall at the deadline?
There’s also been some noise that Toronto may try to acquire him as well. Hold on to your hats as tonight’s deal may trigger some more trades.
Maple Leafs still forward hunting
The Toronto Maple Leafs may claim to be happy with the way Alex Galchenyuk is playing; but that hasn’t taken them out of the rumor mill. Names like Hall and Mikael Granlund remain connected but a more interesting one is being added.
One name that hasn’t been mentioned is Kings right winger Adrian Kempe. According to an industry source who requested anonymity, the 24-year-old Kempe has been heavily scouted by the Leafs. At six-foot-two and 200 pounds, he would come with a $2-million (U.S.) salary-cap hit this year and next before restricted free agency.
Mark Zwolinski, Toronto Star
This is not a rental. L.A. is not going to give up a 24 year-old forward with 12 goals and 21 points in 37 games this season for nothing. We are looking at a hockey trade that may include a roster player and a top prospect. If Kyle Dubas can pull it off it would be a great deadline acquisition.
More must-reads: