Tis the season! TSN’s annual trade bait board has been released and they’ve ranked the top ten players likely to be moved.
For the uninitiated, we’ve already ranked 19 players on our running Trade Bait Tracker with a new update in the works this week. Let’s dive into TSN’s rankings little further first.
NHL Rumors: TSN Trade Bait Board
In reviewing TSN’s list, the absence of Vladimir Tarasenko, who has not rescinded his trade request from the summer, was most interesting. Also, pending UFA’s Johnny Gaudreau, Claude Giroux, and Reilly Smith did not rank – yet.
- Ben Chariot, D (MTL)
- Anton Khudobin, G (DAL)
- Jake DeBrusk, F (BOS)
- Mark Giordano, D (SEA) – #5 on DGH
- Tomas Hertl, F (SJS) – #4 on DGH
- Nick Leddy, D (DET)
- Vitali Kravtsov, F (NYR) – #9 on DGH
- Kevin Fiala , F (MIN) – #7 on DGH
- Phil Kessel, F (ARI) – #2 on DGH
- Evander Kane, F (SJS)
Robin Lehner declines Sweden’s invite to the Olympics
“I will not go to the Olympics,” Robin Lehner announced on social media. “I’m very disappointed and it tough decision for me as it’s once in life time opportunity. Reality is that what has been said about how it’s going to be is not ideal for my mental health.”
The 30 year-old goalie of the Vegas Golden Knights is referencing strict COVID protocols for his reasoning.
“Took long time to make decision with my psychiatrist and family,” he continued. “My well being has to come first and being locked down and not knowing what happens if you test positive is too much of a risk for me. Sweden will have a great team and Markström is a beast. Hope people understand.”
Obviously, this has some wondering what other NHL players may follow Lehner’s lead.
“There are certainly a lot of conversations going on among players that were included on long lists, about whether it’s worth some of the hassle or trouble of going over to China,” Chris Johnston reported on Insider Trading. “Basically, in the deal the NHL and the NHLPA negotiated with the IOC, the players have the right to withdraw their participation at any point between now and the start of those games.”
Currently, the plan to go to the Olympics is still on, but if there’s a rash of withdrawals will it really be worth shutting down the League? A big question that will likely be answered in the coming weeks.
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