This rumor comes from Kevin Allen, who is very connected. There is a team with interest in Kevin Hayes.
According to Allen, they’re a very good team and they would want him as a center. I know that Philadelphia Flyers coach, John Tortorella isn’t using him as a center, but still, teams are looking for centers with some term.
Three more years at $7.1 million is a lot, so some salary retention will be necessary on the Flyers’ end. But they should try and get this deal done, but the obstacle is Hayes has a modified no-trade deal. Get a good prospect and a second-round pick. Or make a hockey trade to add a roster player. It’s up to Chuck Fletcher to get creative with this one.
Tyler Motte Is On The Trading Block
The 4th Period broke the news that Ottawa forward Tyler Motte is on the trading block. I wanted to get more on this story, so I spoke to Dennis Bernstein, who told me the Tampa Bay Lightning would be a great destination because Motte is inexpensive at $1.3 million, and then he’s a UFA. With retention on Ottawa’s part that’s easy. I still think the New York Rangers would like Motte back, and Bernstein didn’t disagree. Motte filled a fourth-line role and played 12 minutes a game in the playoffs. His two goals in 15 playoff games aren’t the reason you get him back. It’s his overall feisty play and puck possession. Sometimes you need players who can grind it out in the postseason.
The Penguins Will Try and Shed Salary To Make An Upgrade
Another rumor comes out of a source of mine in Pittsburgh. The Penguins are in a weird spot. They don’t know how severe the Tristian Jarry injury is because that will affect the Penguins at the deadline and their ability to go far in the playoffs. He is practicing and if things go well, they will be buyers, but it’s possible they could be buyers and sellers. Two names that were mentioned were veteran defenseman, Brian Dumoulin, and right wing Kasperi Kapanen. Dumoulin has played in 81 playoff games. Kapanen has been up and down with them, but his speed is always enticing. Minnesota is a team that the Penguins may find a deal with.
There is a feeling out there that some players won’t get traded because of tight cap space. Even with retention, Allen told me that JVR, a good player, might not find a new team at the deadline because of circumstances. That surprised me, but I am reporting what I’m being told.
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