Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Things are heating up in the trade world and players are landing with new homes. There are many high profile talents on the market still and the buzz surrounding them is heating up. Today we stay in the Metropolitan division and focus on the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils.
NHL Rumours
Washington Capitals
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts discussed the Capitals and Noah Hanifin.
Analysis: One team to monitor is the Washington Capitals. They are not entirely out of the playoff race and with Alex Ovechkin still playing, they’ll be competitive. The franchise icon is currently chasing the goals record and management has said they’ll put competitive pieces around him. One player that Friedman mentions regarding the Capitals is defenceman Noah Hanifin.
The sweepstakes for Hanifin will heat up, as he is the best defenceman on the trade block. Washington is not a bad team but is not a great team and could look to make some changes. Hanifin would be a welcomed addition and would pair nicely with John Carlson.
Eventually the team is going to rebuild, but while that is not the case going after Hanifin would give them something they’ve been missing on the roster. He does need an extension, and that begs the question how that fits in the competitive timeline for the Capitals.
New Jersey Devils
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun talks about the Devils regarding goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Analysis: The next set of NHL Rumours keeps us in the Metropolitan Division. Chris Tanev made his departure and all eyes are on Jacob Markstrom. Originally, he was set to depart the Flames for the Devils but a deal fell through due to the retention package. However, Lebrun says that the Devils can circle back and this time will be willing to take on the full contract.
Markstrom has two more years left on his deal and with a salary cap hit of $6 million per season. Obviously the Devils would have to move money out to make a deal work but it appears Tom Fitzgerald is willing to go the distance. It was reported that the Flames were going to hang onto Markstrom but things can change.
Markstrom does have a NMC in his contract but can waive it. The Devils desperately need stable goaltending, as that has been the Achilles heel for the club this season. Markstrom easily boosts a goalie room currently ranked 31st in save percentage. The Devils are not far out of the playoff mix and a goalie such as Markstrom can land them into a playoff spot.
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