The Stanley Cup Playoffs are almost here, but we have plenty of NHL rumours to discuss. The field is almost set, but there’s plenty to decide when the off-seasons rolls around. Teams eliminated from the post-season have some decisions to make about their roster. However, teams that hope to be playing into June also have to make some tough choices as well. This edition of NHL rumours focuses on the Detroit Red Wings and the Vancouver Canucks.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Detroit Red Wings
Rumour: Ansar Khan of MLive said the Red Wings wouldn’t mind bringing back Patrick Kane for the next season.
Analysis: Kane signed after recovering from hip surgery in the most recent off-season. The 35-year-old put 44 points in 46 games this season with the Red Wings. Detroit had a heartbreaking end to the end season in getting eliminated in the last game. However, Kane has said nothing but positive things about his time in Hockeytown.
The Buffalo native inked a pro-rated $2.5 million deal with Detroit this season. His performance could draw some interest from clubs, but Kane was just focusing on hockey during the team’s failed playoff push.
However, Kane can now turn his attention to where he wants his career to go next. He hit a few milestones this season and was almost a point-per-game player on a team that’s looking to take the next step. The team does have to sign restricted free agents like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond in the off-season. General manager Steve Yzerman also has to decide on if veterans like Kane and David Perron will come back for another season.
Kane could be a useful addition to a roster for next season if he can continue to produce. However, the right fit and the right price are two things that could factor a lot into the future Hall of Famer’s decision.
Vancouver Canucks
Rumour: The Donnie and Dhali Show looked into the possibility of the Canucks re-signing Elias Lindholm in the off-season.
Analysis: Vancouver was one of the team’s that got the ball rolling early when it picked up the former Calgary Flames forward. Rick Dhaliwal, Don Taylor, and Ryan Henderson speculated on if Lindholm should be given at least another season in Vancouver.
The Swede has struggled at times in Vancouver and has not been the impact player that some thought he would be. General manager Patrik Allvin gave up a lot to make a deal happen, but it’s not been a picnic. There was even speculation that Lindholm was going to get flipped to another team at the deadline. However, nothing materialized out of that.
There was speculation that Lindholm had rejected $8 million. However, his troubled season could mean that someone is going to get a discount for a more than capable centre. Dhaliwal said that the Canucks should at least put a feeler out on Linholdm for next season.
The caveat is if the Swedish pivot will sign for cheap. Dhaliwal is all for bringing back Lindholm if he can get him for a very low price. Lindholm’s value may have taken a dive during the season and Vancouver could be the team that benefits.
One of the main problems in bringing back Lindholm could mean there’s no money to sign Dakota Joshua to a new deal. Joshua is a UFA that’s looking for a raise over his current salary of $825.000.
If Lindholm’s price tag is too high, the Canucks can simply move on. That money can be better spent on players Filip Hronek and Joshua in the coming off-season.
More must-reads: