NHL Trade Talk Weekend Rumors: Flames, Canucks, Wild

In today’s NHL Trade Talk weekend rumors report, the Calgary Flames have told teams that three of the most popular trade targets on their team are not available. Meanwhile, Ryan Hartman has been offered an in-person hearing by NHL Player Safety for this “roughing” sequence last night. Offer of an in-person hearing allows the NHL to suspend for five or more games. Finally, Patrik Allvin talked about the why behind the J.T. Miller trade. Was it the right decision by the Vancouver Canucks?

Elliotte Friedman noted that one thing we’re seeing is that for rental players, a first-round pick is the standard price. Both of these recent deals for rental players (we’ll talk about them more below)—who might get extended—have included a first-rounder.

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Flames Not Trading Andersson, Weegar, or Kadri

As per Friedman, the Flames have told other teams that MacKenzie Weegar, Nazem Kadri, and Rasmus Andersson are not available. Weegar and Kadri are under contract, though several teams have inquired about Kadri. As for Andersson, he’s heading into the final year of his deal, but the Flames are growing more confident that they’ll be able to keep him.

GM Craig Conroy has made it clear: these players are staying. They’re in the race, and they’re important to their plans within the salary cap structure. If the Flames fall out of contention or something happens with Andersson that the organization feels he’s had a change of heart, things could change in Calgary. For now, none of these three pieces of the roster are being moved.

The Why on Canucks Trading Miller and What’s Next for Vancouver

Patrik Allvin said when asked about why the team traded J.T. Miller, the two sides talked over the last two months to see if there was common ground moving forward in Vancouver, but it became clear that this was in the best interest of both Miller and the Canucks. “With J.T. having a full no-move clause, he was willing to work with us, and it became evident that this was the right path.”

Elliotte Friedman weighed in and said that everybody in Vancouver assumed after last year that none of this would be an issue. “Earlier in the season, I heard that when the Canucks went on an East Coast swing, including a stop in Florida, a small group of players got together and asked if the situation could be resolved…” Obviously, things remained rocky.

I think the Rangers were the most motivated buyer, and that was the team he really wanted to go to. In the end, everyone worked it out that way.

Pettersson Plans and Signing the Two Newest Canucks

Friedman added that in the aftermath of this, there are other things to consider. First, the noise around Elias Pettersson can finally calm down. “I believe the Canucks are determined to see how things play out for him now.” They don’t want any distractions—they just want him to focus on playing and see if this helps settle everything.

Additionally, the two newest Canucks, Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor, need contract extensions. “Don’t forget, Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin played major roles in bringing them to Pittsburgh in the first place, so they’ll be eager to sign both of them.”

Ryan Hartman to Get In-Person Hearing

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman is facing an in-person hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. He was given a match penalty for a roughing incident involving Ottawa Senators star Tim Stützle.

The league’s decision to offer an in-person hearing suggests a suspension exceeding five games is coming for Hartman. Hartman has a history of crossing the line and this marks Hartman’s fifth career suspension. His pattern of questionable on-ice conduct could be why the NHL DoPS isn’t going to go est on him.

Next: The Good, Bad & Ugly In Maple Leafs’ 4-3 Win Over the Oilers