NHL Rumors

The Buffalo Sabres are holding forward Taylor Hall out of Tuesday's game against his former club, the New Jersey Devils, in the latest sign that the winger is likely to be moved by the April 12 trade deadline, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.

Will be interesting to see if Taylor Hall is in the Sabres lineup tomorrow. Kevyn Adams continues to have trade discussions. There’s a sense talks have escalated. Nothing imminent, but a precautionary pull this week could be telling.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 5, 2021

Hall has underperformed this year with just two goals and 17 assists in 37 games, but  the 29-year-old doesn't have much talent around him. The Sabres are 8-23-6, last in the East Division and coming off an 18-game winless streak. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted Hall's removal from the lineup doesn't exactly mean a trade is all but finished. It's more likely the Sabres want to keep one of their most valuable assets sidelined rather than risk any injuries.

With a week until the deadline—and a few teams still on the bubble of becoming contenders—more suitors may emerge for Hall, who should be used to being in this position by now. 

If the 2010 No. 1 overall draft pick is dealt again, he'll be joining his fourth team in the last three years after stints in New Jersey, Arizona and Buffalo. He spent the first six years of his career with the Edmonton Oilers before the Devils pulled off a stunning one-for-one trade that sent Adam Larsson to the Oilers for the Calgary, Alberta, native. 

Hall recorded at least 50 points per year in six of his first eight seasons, but hasn't topped 40 points in a year since 2017-18, when he tallied 39 goals and 54 assists en route to winning the Hart Trophy as the league MVP. He remains a magnificent playmaker and a useful tool on the power play, but it may take a team loaded with talent to help him rediscover his scoring touch after being targeted by defenses the last few seasons. 

The left wing signed a one-year, $8 million deal with Buffalo this offseason that included a no-movement clause, but he has signaled a willingness to waive that in recent weeks as the Sabres have plummeted out of contention and into an historic losing streak. 

The NHL is formulating plans for the 2020-21 season, but there is reportedly disagreement about whether it is worth it at all.

According to Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, multiple owners have argued the NHL will be "better off financially if it shuts down next season" instead of playing in empty arenas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioner Gary Bettman reportedly disagrees with this mindset, claiming that would do more long-term damage to the sport similar to the result of lockout seasons.

Though there could still be a shortened season, league sources reportedly believe 48 games will represent the "absolute minimum."

Empty arenas and additional lost revenue could be a significant concern for the NHL after the pandemic caused massive changes to the 2019-20 season. After the league paused action in March, it resumed more than four months later with a modified postseason in two bubbles in Canada—in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta—that ended with the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup in September.

Bettman has previously said game-day income accounts for about 50 percent of total revenue for the NHL, per Sports Business Daily.

Local restrictions still prevent arenas from operating at full capacity, but the league is hoping to have fans return to games at some point in the 2020-21 season.

"I think the ultimate goal is to end up with fans in the arenas," an NHL source said. "I don't think we'll get to capacity, but I think we'll have enough socially distanced fans."

One plan could include starting the season in a "hybrid bubble" with four hubs—three in the United States and one for Canadian teams. Players wouldn't be restricted to hotels, but it would at least limit travel for several months.

This would be a temporary situation before opening things up later in the season.

The NHL at the very least wants spectators for the Stanley Cup playoffs, which would return to the usual 16-team format after 24 teams made the postseason last year.

"We want to make it as traditional a tournament as we possibly can," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "We want to maintain the competitive integrity of the playoffs, for sure."

There are still clearly a lot of moving parts, and nothing has been finalized for the upcoming season, only featuring a target date of Jan. 1, 2021, and a goal to complete the season before the Tokyo Olympics, which get underway in July.

"It's premature to be drawing up plans [when] you don't have a real good idea as to whether they're practical, feasible or going to be put in place," Daly said. 

With the biggest pieces off the board in free agency for the most part, the trade market is now the most fertile source for NHL general managers looking to strengthen their teams ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Yet even on that front, a blockbuster deal may not be in the offing.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher told reporters last week that this is "the most different offseason that I've ever seen." He added that keeping the salary cap flat is restricting what teams can realistically do.

And that's before you consider how no-trade and no-movement clauses already make the process of executing a trade difficult. The Arizona Coyotes may have sent Oliver Ekman-Larsson elsewhere were he not able to significantly limit his potential landing spots.

Matt Dumba's modified no-trade clause doesn't kick in until 2021-22, but The Athletic's Michael Russo cast some doubt on the Minnesota Wild finding a suitor for the veteran defenseman:

"Now isn't the most opportune time to trade Dumba. We're in the middle of a pandemic, he's coming off a down year. So, we'll see. Vancouver never seemed really interested. I don't get the sense the Wild have interest in Calgary's Sean Monahan. I don't see a trade to be made with Winnipeg because the Jets don't have the centers. Ottawa wasn't interested despite the ability to add Dumba for a bunch of futures. Toronto moved on when it knew it wasn't getting Alex Pietrangelo. Vegas got Pietrangelo. St. Louis signed Torey Krug when Pietrangelo priced himself out of there."

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Wild spoke with the Florida Panthers about acquiring their first-round pick. The Panthers held onto the pick and selected Finnish center Anton Lundell.

Russo suggested the Wild might do well to continue monitoring Florida to see if the team is willing to make Sasha Barkov available. Minnesota would then send Dumba as part of a trade package to land Barkov and strengthen its attacking options.

Joe Smith of The Athletic similarly downplayed the likelihood of the Tampa Bay Lightning finding a new home for Tyler Johnson, citing a different reason.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported Oct. 6 that Johnson was working with the Lightning to facilitate a trade:

Tyler Johnson has given the Tampa Bay Lightning several teams to work with in the quest for trade. Sources say the list includes a mix of teams league wide. Good communication between Lightning GM, Julien BriseBois and the Johnson camp.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 6, 2020

However, the interest may not be too strong, given Johnson's $5 million annual salary for the next four years.

According to Smith, the Lightning may have to add a draft pick or prospect to Johnson to get a team on board. One source told Smith that Johnson's market "has stalled" and teams appear ready to wait out the Lightning.

In a normal offseason, Tampa Bay wouldn't have a ton of leverage anyway because the franchise's salary-cap situation is less than ideal. The Lightning will want to shed some money, and everybody knows that. The COVID-19-related financial ramifications erode their position further.

Johnson has already cleared waivers. 

Eating a portion of his contract doesn't make sense for Tampa Bay because offloading his contract is the primary motivation in any trade. Forfeiting a valuable pick or prospect means losing what is a cost-controlled asset, something that is critical for a contender to fill out its roster amid a cap crunch.

At this point, general manager Julien BriseBois may have to determine which of those is the lesser of two evils.

After a quiet first weekend of the NHL free agency following last week's draft, the league's trade market still offers plenty of talent. 

Matt Murray has gone from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Ottawa Senators, and Ryan Donato has been dealt from the Minnesota Wild to the San Jose Sharks. On Saturday, the Chicago Blackhawks continued moving toward a rebuild when they moved Brandon Saad and Dennis Gilbert to Colorado in exchange for Nikita Zadorov and Anton Lindholm. 

Here are three players to keep an eye on as the offseason continues.

     

Tyler Johnson, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

The veteran center cleared waivers after Tampa Bay requested them Friday on the two-time Stanley Cup champion, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2011. 

Joe Smith of The Athletic reported that the Lightning were just $3 million under the league's mandated $81.5 million salary cap, but they only had 18 players signed as of Friday. Johnson is on a four-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million that includes a no-trade clause. 

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL Network Radio said Saturday that there are teams interested in the 30-year-old, but that the Lightning would need to throw something into the mix to repay them for carrying the load of Johnson's contract, which is worth $17.75 million.

Hearing there is still a trade market for Tyler Johnson, but teams want a sweetener for taking on his contract (4-years left, $5M cap hit - though $17.75M in actual $).

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 10, 2020

Teams remain interested in Johnson after he cleared waivers, according to TSN and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, and draft picks will be the way to go for Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois if he wants to get teams to bite. 

"Tyler Johnson's a good player, but this is more about the fact that this market is absolutely paralyzed by the difficulty in moving money," LeBrun said. 

LeBrun also reported that Johnson's trade list grew from three teams to "seven or eight" during the process.

Though he hasn't been much of an impact player as of late, Johnson's record of 13 playoff goals from the 2015 postseason held up until his teammate Brayden Point scored 14 en route to the championship. 

    

Braydon Coburn, D, Tampa Bay Lightning

With the Lightning trying to sneak under their salary cap, TSN's Frank Seravalli reported there is also a market for Braydon Coburn, who is owed $1.7 million heading into the last year of his contract. The 35-year-old also has a no-trade clause. 

In addition to Tyler Johnson, #GoBolts are actively working to move D Braydon Coburn. He has one year left at $1.7 million and controls his destination with no-trade clause.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 9, 2020

Coburn was dealt to the Lightning in 2015 after nearly nine seasons in Philadelphia. His production has dipped in recent years, with an average of 14:03 minutes on ice as the Lightning won the Stanley Cup—his first. It was his least amount of ice since the 2005-06 season, when he appeared in just nine games in his first season. He logged just 44:35 on the ice in the postseason over three games in Tampa Bay's five-game series with Boston in the second round. 

Before winning the Cup, he told Joe Fordyce of NBC Sports Philadelphia that he was leaning into his off-ice responsibilities:

"[In 2010] and [2015], I was playing a bunch. I've been in a way different role for this run. I haven't played in [the Final] so far. For me, it's been mostly about supporting the guys. Passing on any wisdom, just keeping myself ready. Making sure physically and mentally when I get my chance, if I get my chance, I'm ready to go."

A departure for Coburn would create a bigger hole in the Lightning defense, as Tampa Bay lost Kevin Shattenkirk when he signed a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. 

     

David Savard, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

In dealing with a backlog of defenders, the Blue Jackets are looking to trade David Savard, according to Fox Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland. 

Hearing #CBj shopping Dman David Savard. 1 year left at $4.25 hit https://t.co/AiXNiDz6GA

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) October 9, 2020

It's a tactic Columbus has already been employing this offseason, having dealt Markus Nutivaara and Ryan Murray to the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils (respectively) on Thursday, adding $7.3 million in cap space. 

The 6-foot-2, 229-pound defender is tied for the third-most games in Blue Jackets history with 557 since being drafted in the fourth round and making his debut in the 2011 season. He did not score a goal despite having 97 shots on target through 70 games but collected 11 assists. 

Teammate Nick Foligno, who is also tied for third-most games played in franchise history, spoke highly of Savard in talking with BlueJackets.com's Jeff Svoboda: "He's quietly been a guy that everyone looks to. He plays hard minutes. He's gone from being an offensive defenseman to now being in more of a shutdown role and handled that as much of a pro as anyone, and he still has the flair to score some big goals and make some big plays for us."

Savard has one year remaining on his contract, which carries a $4.25 million price tag. The 29-year-old is a solid option for teams that need to add defenders but aren't able to spend a lot of money in an effort to stay under the salary cap. That could include the Vancouver Canucks, who lost Troy Stecher in free agency, or the Philadelphia Flyers, who are looking for a replacement for the retired Matt Niskanen.  

Now that the Tampa Bay Lightning have beaten the Dallas Stars to win the Stanley Cup for the 2019-20 NHL season and the much-anticipated draft is over, all eyes are on free agency.

Some of the biggest names have already signed deals. former Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug landed with the St. Louis Blues, and former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom is now with the Calgary Flames.

                       

Where Will Taylor Hall Land?

One of the most sought-after free agents on the market is Arizona Coyotes left winger Taylor Hall, who is a one-time All-Star and won the 2017-18 league MVP after scoring 93 points for the New Jersey Devils in 76 games.

Hall had a more disappointing season this year. He was traded to Arizona in December with New Jersey out of playoff contention, and the Coyotes were bounced in five games by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the postseason, with Hall only recording two points in the series.

According to Elliotte Friedman during an appearance on the NHL Network on Friday, 25 teams have called to inquire about Hall.

25 teams called to check in on Taylor Hall!!! #NHLFreeAgency | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/oUUPusJuWE

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) October 9, 2020

Friedman whittled down Hall's possible destinations to the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadians, Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins.

Right now, the Bruins are heavily pursuing the 28-year old phenom for a shorter-term deal, according to Bruins reporter Joe Haggerty. 

Another team that may sneak into the Hall sweepstakes is the Colorado Avalanche.

TSN's Jason Gregor thinks the Avs are one of the front-runners, which would make sense if Hall wants to use next season to show he's back to MVP form to secure a larger contract later. Gregor also mentioned the Nashville Predators as a possible destination.

After taking all of his Zoom calls, Hall has a big decision to make and it likely won't be rushed.

"Don't expect a decision today from Taylor Hall," Gregor tweeted late Friday. "He and his agent have met (via Zoom) with numerous teams and will look at all offers. Decision likely over the weekend. It is a big decision, so they won't rush into it."

Prediction: Hall signs with the Bruins.

                          

Alex Pietrangelo Won't Rush Decision

Another big name on the unrestricted-free-agent market is Alex Pietrangelo.

According to TSN's Carlo Colaiacovo on Saturday, the St. Louis Blues defenseman will "spend the day evaluating his options and is not expected to make his decision today."

The Blues' signing of Torey Krug presumably indicates that Pietrangelo is moving on from the team he's played for since 2008.

It looks like we will no longer be able to say that the St. Louis Blues captain is Alex Pietrangelo. He was seen boarding a plane to Vegas. #STLBlues pic.twitter.com/IqRcZ89e0R

— STL Sports Today (@STLSportsToday) October 10, 2020

With his star, who still had 16 goals and 36 assists this past season, likely gone, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had great things to say.

"He's been a stalwart player with this team for a number of years," Armstrong said, per Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "A huge part of a championship-caliber team, put in a difficult position to replace a good friend in David Backes wearing a 'C.' Those were some tumultuous times. We were transferring into a new leadership group and Alex had to take that on his shoulders and I thought he did a great job.

"We had some coaching changes during that time and Alex would always be front and center to myself and our coaches. We knew we could trust him to deliver the message that needed to be delivered. If I had to describe him I would say he's going to go down as one of the best Blues ever."

Looking ahead, Pietrangelo has plenty of options on the table.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights have already spoken to him, possibly ironing out the details of what a contract might look like.

Pietrangelo was on a plane to Las Vegas on Saturday, per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

Prediction: Pietrangelo signs with the Golden Knights.

                           

Mike Hoffman Also Taking His Time

Patience seems to be the overall theme for this year's free agency.

It's been 24 hours since the bell rung, and some of the league's biggest names are still unsigned, including Mike Hoffman.

No last-minute deal with Florida, Mike Hoffman and his UFA-leading 29 goals this past season heads to the UFA market today. Door isn't closed on the Panthers, but he will hear pitches from teams.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 9, 2020

Per Matthew Ross of Expos Nation, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period told TSN Radio the Montreal Canadiens are in on Hoffman, but he's willing to be patient to weigh his options.

Even with multiple teams eyeing Hoffman, there's still a shot that he returns to the Florida Panthers.

Asked about the prospect, general manager Bill Zito told reporters that he's "open-minded":

"We'll still continue to work the market. We'll still continue to try and improve the team every single day in every way we can. We're working. (So you're not done.) We may be done, I don't know. I don't know what the future holds. We are working, I can tell you that."

Prediction: Hoffman stays with the Panthers.

                       

Follow Maurice Bobb on Twitter, @ReeseReport. Team and player stats via NHL.com.

The 2020 NHL offseason is now in full swing after free agency kicked off Friday following the draft earlier this week, and the trade winds continue to blow as well.

Several deals have already been made since the start of October. Devan Dubnyk, Max Domi, Josh Anderson, Matt Murray and Paul Stastny are among the high-profile players heading to new teams ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, with others likely to join the list in the coming weeks.

Let's check out some of the latest rumors and speculation about the trade market from around the NHL as front offices attempt to build a roster capable of taking down the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

           

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Trade Deadline Passes

Ekman-Larsson is one of the Arizona Coyotes' cornerstones. He's the team captain and ranks 15th in the NHL among defensemen with 353 points (124 goals and 229 assists) since he became a full-time player in 2011-12, per QuantHockey.

His future with the organization has come into question, though. The Coyotes have less than $400,000 in cap space, and the hit on his eight-year, $66 million contract is $8.25 million, according to CapFriendly.

Chris Johnston and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Ekman-Larsson, whose deal includes a no-movement clause, wanted a resolution in trade talks before Friday amid interest from the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins.

"Obviously, when you're painted in the corner and you have two teams to choose from, they're not going to maybe give you their best hand," Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong told reporters.

While the deadline has passed, it'll be intriguing to see whether the trade talks resurface at any point during the offseason. The Coyotes are one player short of a full 20-man roster and don't even have enough space for a league-minimum signing ($700,000), so something has to give.

Ekman-Larsson would represent a significant upgrade, especially on the power play, for the Canucks, Bruins or pretty much any other interested team.

                     

Philadelphia Flyers Most "Engaged" on Patrik Laine

Laine is one of the NHL's most lethal goal scorers, finding the net 138 times over the past four seasons, including 28 goals during the 2019-20 campaign. Add in that he's just 22, and it's been a surprise to see his name pop up in the rumor mill over the past few months.

TSN's Frank Seravalli reported the Flyers were the team most "engaged" in discussions with the Winnipeg Jets, but he noted the talks have "cooled" as of late.

Philadelphia is led by one of the league's best top forward lines in Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux, but it could use some more firepower alongside Travis Konecny on the second line. Laine would be an ideal fit for that role.

The Finnish winger is a liability defensively, which could explain why there isn't a more widespread push to acquire him, but players with his scoring ability are limited. Winnipeg should eventually able to find a trade partner if he remains available throughout the offseason.

             

Toronto Maple Leafs Set To Move Andreas Johnsson?

The Leafs have been busy during the early stages of free agency, adding winger Wayne Simmonds and defenseman T.J. Brodie after previously re-signing center Jason Spezza.

Although the moves have helped add further depth to the roster following a disappointing first-round playoff exit, they've also moved Toronto closer to the salary cap. 

A Johnsson trade could be a necessary response to give the team more flexibility. Jeff Veillette of the Faceoff Circle expects the 25-year-old Swedish winger will "almost definitely be on the move soon," while James Mirtle of The Athletic also mentioned it as a possibility amid the Leafs' cap crunch.

Johnsson is a solid middle-six forward. He recorded 43 points (20 goals and 23 assists) in 73 games during the 2018-19 campaign, but his numbers dipped a bit (21 points in 43 games) last season.

He could flourish on a team with less offensive talent than Toronto, which would give him a better chance to earn playing time in the top six and on the power play.

All good things must come to an end.

The Tampa Bay Lightning just won the Stanley Cup last week, but they're already in the throes of making roster changes.

That means even good players will have to be moved.

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the only players that are "untouchable" are Conn Smythe Trophy winner Victor Hedman, playoff MVP runner-up Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy.

So who's not on that list?

Steven Stamkos, the center and team captain.

While it will be difficult to actually trade Stamkos because of his no-trade protection, McKenzie points out that multiple players need to be moved because Tampa Bay needs to shed at least $10 million in order to re-sign their free agents.

Stamkos' health may also put the kibosh on any movement, too.

The 30-year old star had hernia surgery in March, which limited him to only three minutes in Game 3 of the Cup Final.

During those three minutes, though, he scored a goal on his first shot.

"He did a tremendous job rehabbing during the pause and getting himself ready," general manager Julien BriseBois told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "As it happens sometimes with injuries, and particularly with this injury, sometimes your body compensates. It eventually triggered what we believe is a compensation injury that has developed into—or turned out to be—related to this injury.

"We fully expect him to be ready for next season."

Stamkos had 29 goals and 37 assists for Tampa Bay this season, good enough to be the second-leading scorer on the team.

Signed for three more years, he has 422 goals, which is sixth among active players.

                           

Do Jets Have Laine on the Trade Block?

Once the Winnipeg Jets put it out there that they were willing to trade right winger Patrik Laine, the rumor mill started to buzz and it hasn't stopped.

The 22-year old is a scoring threat for sure, but according to TSN's Darren Dreger, "you have to be willing to part with quality to get quality in return."

The Jets have a strong need for a No. 2 center, so if Laine can get them there, they are willing to make a deal.

TSN's Frank Seravalli reported that the Flyers have been the most engaged in talks about Laine, but that the talks have "cooled." They offered a defenseman to the Jets to help them plug up one of their holes, but that hasn't moved the needle yet.

One of the biggest roadblocks Winnipeg will face in trying to deal Laine is his contract. His deal expires after 2020-21 and he'll be looking for a new deal, so when teams consider taking him, they have to also weigh the salary-cap hit of having to sign him next summer.

                      

Could Brandon Saad Be on the Move?

One name that has garnered interest from teams across the league is Brandon Saad.

According to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. several teams have checked on the Chicago Blackhawks right wing's availability on the trade market.

Saad has one year left on his contract, and that is very attractive for a lot of contending clubs that are weighing their cap situations for next season.

LeBrun further reported that one of really interested teams are the Colorado Avalanche. They are watching their cap room but still want to be able to rent a player with Saad's talent to help them win now.

Another team kicking the tires on Saad are the Boston Bruins.

No further details on the Bruins' interest has leaked, but it's likely that the 27-year-old winger's $6 million expiring deal has something to do with it.

     

Follow Maurice Bobb on Twitter, @ReeseReport.

With the Stanley Cup Final and NHL draft now completed, hockey will shift its attention to free agency and trade season as the sport stares into an uncertain 2020-21 season.

No one quite knows when the league will resume play. Commissioner Gary Bettman says the current target date is Jan. 1, but there are several complications related to COVID-19 that could push that date back. The Canada-United States border remains closed for the time being, and while it may soon open up, there is no end in sight for a pandemic that continues to ravage the U.S.

With that in mind, rumors and behind-the-scenes machinations may be the only thing we have for the time being in the hockey world.

Let's take a look at two of the biggest stories of this week.

          

Jets Consider 'Complicated' Patrik Laine Trade

It's not too often teams look to get out from under 22-year-old rising stars with a knack for scoring. Patrick Laine has flashed an ability to rack up points since making his debut as an 18-year-old, scoring at least 50 points in each of his four seasons. 

That said, there are some...complications. He is a noticeably below-average defender and hasn't ascended to true superstardom on the offensive end the way some expected after a breakout rookie campaign.

With free agency coming up after the 2020-21 season, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Winnipeg Jets are trying to move on but trade talks are "complicated."

The Jets are no doubt putting a high price tag on Laine, who could flourish into a perennial All-Star at any moment. He has the offensive skills to make it happen. It'll be at least a decade until he is even close to the end of his prime; these aren't the type of players you give up on.

The Jets could look to move Laine in an effort to shore up the remainder of their roster, particularly a top-tier defenseman. Winnipeg has the scoring chops to potentially withstand his loss, but it has a glaring hole behind the blue line.

          

Capitals, Henrik Lundqvist a Match?

The New York Rangers bought out their legendary goaltender late last month, allowing Henrik Lundqvist to become a free agent for the first time in his career.

Despite this technically being a waivers situation due to the buyout, the Swede is ineligible to sign with a team until Friday.

When he does ink a new deal, it's looking increasingly like it'll be in the nation's capital.

Bob McKenzie of TSN reported the Capitals are a "clear front-runner" to sign Lundqvist on a short-term contract. 

The 38-year-old could replace Braden Holtby, who is a free agent. Washington may be looking for a cheaper alternative to Holtby, and Lundqvist should come as a bargain after being ousted in New York.  

The Vegas Golden Knights reportedly completed a trade Friday to send center Paul Stastny back to the Winnipeg Jets.

Sportsnet's Ken Wiebe first reported the news. TSN's Darren Dreger later provided full details of the deal:

Pending a trade call, the VGK have traded Paul Statsny to Wpg for a 4th in 2022 and Carl Dahlstrom

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 9, 2020

Stastny made 19 appearances for the Jets during the 2017-18 NHL season after being acquired from the St. Louis Blues.

The 34-year-old Canadian is coming off a down year offensively for the Golden Knights, recording 38 points (17 goals and 21 assists) in 71 appearances. It was the lowest total of his 14-year career in a season where he played at least 50 games.

His performance represented a sharp decline from his first year in Vegas when he recorded nearly a point per game (13 goals and 29 assists in 50 appearances) despite limited power-play time (four PP points).

Paul Statsny isn't the guy he was during his last stint in Winnipeg, but he's still a strong top six center. pic.twitter.com/XbtwVam4JF

— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) October 9, 2020

Winnipeg is betting on a bounce-back campaign as he heads into the final season of his three-year, $19.5 million contract.

Stastny enjoyed a productive, albeit short, first stint with the Jets. He scored 13 points in 19 games during the stretch run of the regular season and added 15 points in 17 contests during the 2018 playoffs.

Paul Stastny, reportedly headed back to WPG, has seen his on-ice shooting percentage plummet, but is otherwise still a great playdriver and top six centre. #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/S7Y56j1aX4

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 9, 2020

Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff tried to retain him when he hit free agency two years ago but told reporters they couldn't match the offers he received on the market:

"We were able to cross the first hurdle and try and create the ability to just speak with him when we made the move to clear some cap space. If we were fortunate enough to have gotten him, there would have been a lot more surgery that would have been needed on the roster as well. It was never a situation about willing to pay or do anything like that. It was what we were able to do. While we offered the same term, obviously it wasn't the same money."

Now Cheveldayoff was able to bring the veteran center back without as much of a financial commitment.

Stastny should slot in as the Jets' No. 2 center behind Mark Scheifele to open next season. He's projected to skate on a line with Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine, though the latter winger has been the subject of trade rumors early in the offseason.