It’s time for another round of NHL rumours to start the week. We’re closing in on the March 8 trade deadline and general managers are going to be busy. Whether it’s trades or contracts, there’s going to be a lot going on in the next few weeks. Will we see a busy trade deadline or will all be quiet on the dealing front? Today’s NHL rumours are an Original Six and goalie-specific edition. We focus on the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens in today’s NHL rumours.
All NHL rumours are from the original source and subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers
Rumour: Mollie Walker of the New York Post said the Rangers and goalie Jonathan Quick have yet to talk about a contract extension.
Analysis: Quick has been what the Blueshirts have needed in a backup goalie. He’s been able to give Igor Shesterkin some rest and allowed the Russian goalie to work through some struggles. Quick has given his hometown team a chance to win the Metropolitan Division and get home ice for a playoff series or two.
The Connecticut native has also been a bargain-basement deal for general manager Chris Drury. Some questioned if Quick had anything left in the tank to give. However, he’s gotten 13 wins and two shutouts for the Rangers. Quick has a cap hit of $825,000, but may have raised his value with his stellar play. However, the problem is the Rangers don’t want to spend more than $1.5 million on a backup goalie.
The Rangers have to address other needs in the off-season and likely don’t want to break the bank on Quick. Ryan Lindgren and Kaapo Kakko are both eligible for a new deals as arbitration-eligible restricted free agents. The Blueshirts will have to be smart about the cap choices they make.
Walker did explain that the Rangers could load the contract with incentives to make the deal more enticing. Quick would probably love to play for another season with his hometown team. No one knew how the veteran goalie would play this season. However, he’s been one of the shrewdest signings from the most recent off-season. The Rangers would be smart to make sure Quick sticks around for at least another season.
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said the Canadiens aren’t in a hurry to deal Jake Allen at the upcoming deadline.
Analysis: Montreal is using a three-goalie system with Allen, Cayden Primeau and Sam Montembault, It’s not the most ideal situation, but the Habs are making it work for the moment. Montreal has been carrying three goalies because it can’t send Primeau down without him having to go through waivers. Another team would likely claim Primeau. Hence, why Montreal is carrying three netminder.
Allen might be a name that fetches some interest at the deadline for general manager Kent Hughes. The veteran goalie is making $3.85 million for this season and next season, too. Some think the Canadiens would love to off-load Allen to give the team some cap space. However, it’s not imperative that Montreal trades Allen at the deadline. The Canadiens could give Montembault and Primeau a chance to get more starts without having to worry about another netminder.
LeBrun said the Canadiens may wait until June before pulling the trigger on shipping out Allen. There’s also the matter of Allen’s no-trade clause that Hughes has to deal with. The Fredericton, New Brunswick native has seven-team no-trade list for this season that goes down to three teams for the 2024-25 season. This could give the Habs some flexibility when making a trade.
Hughes is likely going to sift through the offers and wait for the right trade. The only question is if that deal will happen in March or after the NHL Draft in late June.
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