With more NHL rumors coming in on Sunday, we look at the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and more.
Tampa Bay Looking at Rasmus Ristolainen?
Andy Strickland is reporting the Tampa Bay Lightning might be looking to add a top-tier defenseman and have their eyes on Rasmus Ristolainen out of Buffalo. Considering the Sabres just added Brandon Montour on Sunday, it’s hard to imagine they would move one of their top d-men. That said, Strickland is a pretty reliable source and he’s said, “Speculation of Rasmus Ristolainen to Tampa Bay won’t seem to go away.”
Speculation of Rasmus Ristolainen to Tampa Bay won’t seem to go away. #Sabres #gobolts
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) February 24, 2019
The Lightning may see themselves as needing to keep up in the Easter Conference with teams that are making moves. That said, they are still likely considered the favorites heading into the playoffs.
Related: NHL Rumors: Simmonds, Hayes, Oilers, Blue Jackets, More
Penguins Looking for a D-Man
After losing both Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin to injury on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Penguins might be in the market for a defenseman. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now reports that one of his sources told him that before the game even ended, the Penguins were trying to find a right-handed d-man in trade.
Kingerski said, the Penguins had interest in Montour but might have to turn now to Colin Miller of the Vegas Golden Knights. Miller signed a four-year, $15.5 million extension in the offseason and the Golden Knights but has often been a healthy scratch by the team.
Meanwhile Colin Miller is getting healthy scratched (again) by VGK, and he's probably not valued as highly league-wide…👀 https://t.co/RuF27kCbnR
— Ian Tulloch📊 (@IanGraph) February 25, 2019
Islanders Likely to Add, Not Subtract
Andrew Gross of Newsday tweeted that Islanders coach Barry Trotz said he believes the Islanders won’t move many of their players and that if they do anything, they’ll add.
Trotz said, “I think there’s not going to be a lot of movement for us. We feel we’ve got a good core group and we’ve got good chemistry in that and Lou is working the phones and trying to improve our hockey team.” He added, “We trust in Lou, Lou has got great experience. He’s working diligently to try and improve our hockey club and if there’s a right fit, he’ll make the move.”
Edmonton Oilers Updates
There is a ton of news coming out of Edmonton even though the team is not considered to be a player going into Monday’s deadline.
There is interest in winger Alex Chiasson and the Oilers will move him for the right price. That said, Ryan Rishaug of TSN says it will take a third-rounder or better. Rishaug also says the Oilers will Matt Benning and Alex Petrovic but hang onto Zack Kassian and Kris Russell.
On Russell, Rishaugh said, “While things can change in 24 hrs, doesn’t sound like any discussions have been had with Russell camp about potentially waiving his NMC. Due 4 million next season, 1.5 the next in salary. Don’t think they are looking to move him right now.
Oilers not in the mix on any potential Ceci deal, despite their continuing search for a right shot defenceman.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 24, 2019
Rishaug also said the Oilers have no interest in Cody Ceci even though Ceci being pulled from the Senators lineup suggested a trade might be coming.
Ryan Dzingel to Re-Sign in Columbus?
The Columbus Blue Jackets added forward Ryan Dzingel in trade on Saturday. It is speculated he is a rental, but there might be more to it than that.
Kekalainen said, “He is definitely one of those players that we have identified as a candidate to stay here into the future.” So too, Dzingel was open to the possibility according to NHL.com’s Jeff Svoboda. “There’s a very high chance of that if they want me,” Dzingel said.
Teams Afraid of Adding Eric Staal?
Sportsnet is reporting via Elliotte Friedman that Minnesota Wild center Eric Staal does not want to be traded and that because of his desire not to be moved, teams are worried about adding him at the deadline.
Listen to the Latest Episode of the Hockey Writers Podcast
