In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news that Montreal Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield might be headed overseas to play hockey. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard says he likely won’t be back with the team, but will he retire? The Vancouver Canucks deny any notion they’re trying to trade Brock Boeser, and will the Philadelphia Flyers try to move a big-name forward and big-name defenseman?
Caufield Headed to Europe?
Montreal Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield may be the latest in group of prospects names heading overseas to play hockey. Given the uncertainty around the NHL and other North American leagues, NHL clubs are loaning players and some prospects are electing to sign deals to play early and enhance their development versus waiting.
While it has not been confirmed, Caufield has been rumored to be heading to Sweden. As per Chris Peters, there are reports that Rogle is interested in signing the Montreal Canadiens prospect. Rogel hasn’t confirmed or denied their interest.
Howard Not Retiring, But Not Returning to Red Wings
As per a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is not planning to retire, but he doubts he’ll be back with the Detroit Red Wings next season.
Friedman said he spoke with Howard and the 36-year-old pending unrestricted free agent said, “probably not” to a Red Wings return. But, as for retirement? Howard has no interest in hanging up his skates. “Someone is going to have to tell me I can’t play anymore,” he said.
Howard is looking to rebound from a very poor season. He posted career lows with a 4.20 GAA and a .882 save percentage in 27 appearances (17-49-5) and he understands he could have trouble finding work. The market is flooded with capable goaltenders, most of whom posted better numbers.
Howard said that this past season is not how he wants to go out. A poor year on a record-breaking bad team, he’s been training for two months in preparation for another shot. His family is already aware that he may need to move away for a year should the only jobs that come up be far from home.
Related: 5 Free Agents the Wild Need to Target
Flyers Looking to Move Two Bigger Names?
Philadelphia Flyers beat writer Sam Carchidi believes the Flyers will try to move defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and winger James van Riemsdyk in trades this offseason. Of the two, he believes Gostisbehere will draw more interest.
Both players are signed through the 2022-23 season and both come with hefty price tags. Gostisbehere’s $4.5 million might be more manageable for some teams, but the question will be if organizations believe he can get back to the offensive-defenseman he was earlier in his career. He had 12 points in 42 games for the Flyers and spent time in the AHL.
van Riemsdyk is $7 million player and is coming off a season where he scored 40 points in 66 games. There won’t be a lot of takers for that contract.
Canucks Deny Interest in Boeser for Dumba Trade
According to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre, the Vancouver Canucks are not looking to move Brock Boeser this Fall. At least, not in the rumored deal that would bring Matt Dumba back to the Canucks.
Canucks general manager Jim Benning recently denied reports that he might be trying to trade Boeser. While the team has big contracts to renew — Jacob Markstrom, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev — and moving Boeser’s $5.75 million off the cap would help, let’s not forget, this is a player who scored 71 goals in the past three seasons.
Benning explained:
“Lots of GMs call us about our players. I listen and sometimes we have a conversation. That’s my job as a GM. If I’m not listening to other GMs, then I’m not doing my job. But we’re not trying to trade Brock Boeser. I have not had a conversation with Minnesota about him.”
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