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NHL Rumors: Flames, Oilers, Canadiens, Penguins, Maple Leafs, More

In today’s NHL rumor update, there is news Jonathan Tavares might be named the next Maple Leafs captain, plus news on the Canadiens, Penguins, Oilers and more.

In today’s NHL news and rumors update, there is news on the Calgary Flames, Ethan Bear played extremely well in Edmonton’s preseason game on Thursday. It appears with his two goals and steady defensive play, he knows his future with the team. Both sides of the latest Montreal Canadiens rumors speak and watch out for the Pittsburgh Penguins who could get active in a hurry.

Flames Won’t Make Rush Decision

GM Brad Treliving told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis that despite the common thought that the Flames will have to move some salary out after signing Matthew Tkachuk to a three-year $21 million deal, he says the team actually doesn’t and that he won’t participate in a “distressed transaction”.

CapFriendly puts the Flames at $650K over the cap at the moment but using LTIR for Juuso Valimaki (torn ACL) would get them back under and the team may choose to carry less than the allowed 23 players a roster can have.

This isn’t to say the Flames won’t make a trade, only that Treliving is making it public knowledge he doesn’t have to.

Related: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Wild, Penguins, More

Ethan Bear Makes the Oilers?

There’s one more preseason game, but for now, it appears Ethan Bear will be on the opening night roster for the Edmonton Oilers. A blueliner that might have been seen as the forgotten man, with Joel Persson’s injury, Bear had an opportunity. He seized it.

Bear scored twice in the Oilers win over the Winnipeg Jets and played steady minutes. He’ll likely be placed in as a No. 7 d-man with some second-unit power play time.

It also looks as though Tomas Jurco played himself onto the team with Thursday’s performance.

Related: Oilers McDavid Gets Unexpected Phone Call

Bergevin Comments on Jonathan Drouin

Eric Engels writes that Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin had the following to say about rumors and reports that forward Jonthan Drouin was on the trade block in Montreal.

Bergevin said, “I don’t know where they come from. Most of those reports are from somebody in his basement in Toronto, so I don’t pay attention to that to be honest with you.”

Drouin himself commented and said, “I don’t have a take on it,” he added. “I’ll let you guys tweet about it and talk about it. That’s your job, it’s not mine.”

Penguins Set to Make a Series of Moves

As per a report on NHL.com, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said that goaltender trade market is heating up. Matt Murray is slated to be the Penguins starter, with Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith battling for the backup role. But, there is a sense someone is being moved.

Rutherford said, “Conversations are going on.” He added. “If someone wants to make a trade, then there’s a good chance we will do that.” If a trade doesn’t materialize, he will put one of the backups on waivers and hope they clear.

Still with the Penguins, Rob Rossi of The Athletic has also reported that the Penguins are willing to trade Jack Johnson, Bryan Rust and Nick Bjugstad.

Related: Can Jonathan Drouin Finish the Season with the Montreal Canadiens?

Tavares to be Next Maple Leafs Captain?

Brian Burke reportedly claimed on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver that based on “his information”, John Tavares will be named the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

There is also word out of Maple Leafs practice that Nic Petan got booted off the ice by coach Mike Babcock for not skating hard enough. It was revealed on TSN 1050 that Petan wasn’t giving it his all during a team’s bag skate. Rumors are, Babcock said, “Are you even supposed to be here?” 

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