This is the best time of the year. The chaos that carries on and the buzz that surrounds the league is electrifying. Teams are preparing for a gauntlet of a week with the draft and free agency around the corner. Trades are happening and contracts are being signed. There are two Atlantic Division teams that are going in polar opposite directions. Today NHL rumours circle around the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: The Boston Bruins may have a trade partner to relieve the salary cap
As the hockey world knows, the Boston Bruins have a salary cap problem. The bonus overages carry over from the Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci contracts from a year ago. Furthermore, the club only has $4 million in cap space. At the top of their list is goaltender Jeremy Swayman and trying to bring Tyler Bertuzzi back. But the problem is their salary cap and not enough money to go around.
There is a solution in place. As mentioned above, the Chicago Blackhawks could be a trade partner to help relieve the salary cap. The players with the highest salary cap hit on the Bruins are Taylor Hall ($6 million) and Linus Ullmark ($5 million). In addition, both have modified no-movement clauses, which could pose a problem. Another key name to watch for is defensemen Derek Forbort. His cap hit is lower, but with one year left, Chicago can flip him for assets at the deadline. The real work for Don Sweeney is just beginning.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Toronto has a tough decision to make with star winger William Nylander
The core four may be no more in Toronto. With all the signs pointing to an Auston Matthews extension, the attention shifts to the next best thing. William Nylander is entering a contract year with the club and is coming off a career season. His 40 goals had him tied for first on the team and his 87 points were second behind Mitch Marner.
However, the time will come to make a decision. Nylander has a 10-team no-trade list that goes into effect on July 1. If Brad Trevliving has an indication he can’t get the star winger signed a trade could be on the horizon. As mentioned above, he is seeking $9 million per season on his next deal. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but given his level of play, all signs point to a raise.
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