NHL Rumors: Hockey Canada Looking for a GM, and Five RFAs Who Could Get Traded

Who will take over GM for Team Canada?

TSN: Doug Armstrong is stepping down as GM of Team Canada, and there is some debriefing going on with the rest of Team Canada’s management group at the GM meetings, according to Pierre LeBrun. The group included Doug Armstrong, Don Sweeney, Julian Brisebois, Kyle Dubas, Jim Neal and Ryan Getzlaf.

LeBrun notes that Hockey Canada would prefer to have one GM for the 2028 World Cup and 2030 Winter Olympics.

“First things first, do those GMs that I just mentioned, do they have interest in the job? I think we know what the answer is. And then they’ll go from there. But it’s a privilege. I mean, from Wayne Gretzky to Steve Yzerman and Doug Armstrong, not a lot of people have had the chance to be a GM at best on best for Team Canada. There’ll be a lot of interest.”

Five restricted free agents who could get traded this offseason

Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report: A look at five restricted free agents who could get traded this offseason.

Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars – The Stars shouldn’t be looking to trade him, but finding a way to keep a top goal scorer. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals could find a way, and you can’t exclude some big markets.

Braden Schneider – New York Rangers – How far and aggressive will the Rangers go this offseason with their retool? Schneider is stuck behind RHD Adam Fox and Will Borgen, but hasn’t put up good all-around numbers this season.

Cole Perfetti – Winnipeg Jets – Still only 24, but like many Jets, isn’t having the greatest season. Teams called at the deadline, but they shouldn’t be looking to move him. If they do want to add a second-line center or top-four defenseman, they may have to move him.

Simon Nemec – New Jersey Devils – It might a risk for the Devils to move him, given he’s a right-handed defenseman who hasn’t reached his potential yet. He’s going to want big money, and the Devils have an expensive blue line already. Could be traded to fill other roster needs, though.

The Goalie Interference Dilemma in the NHL

Matias Maccelli – Toronto Maple Leafs – Has his second half been enough to earn a longer-term deal, or will he get moved as part of the changes needed to turn the Leafs around next season? The Leafs need to acquire more draft picks and long-term assets. There might be a market for him.