NHL Rumors Weekly: Latest on Seth Jones; Flames; Maple Leafs; Sharks; Oilers; and Habs

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Dec 27, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Rumors Weekly is our main Sunday feature thanks to our sister site The Daily Goal Horn. Bringing you the top rumors of the week and the latest buzz of the day. Our goal is to have the most comprehensive update available.

In this edition, we kick off with the latest on Seth Jones and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Note: The majority of this article was originally published at The Daily Goal Horn.

NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets allowing Seth Jones to talk with other teams

Yesterday, reports surfaced that the Flyers had backed off on trying to acquire Seth Jones. The reason being that he was not willing to discuss a contract discussion. For more clarity, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta states a source informed him that Columbus has indeed allowed Jones’ to speak with other teams.

The 6-4 defenseman is considered one of the best in game and is only 26 years-old. Last season, he managed to register 28 points in 56 games. Over the last six years in Columbus, Jones has played top pair minutes averaging 24:47 per game per Hockey Reference.

He is coming off a deal that has a $5.4 million AAV. At this time, there’s no word as to what his camp is looking for, but a new deal with max term and in the neighborhood of $7.5 million and up seems reasonable to speculate.

Flames negotiating with Johnny Gaudreau

nhl rumors weekly
Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, in New York. (Adam Hunger/AP)

The summer of change in Calgary may not be as big as initially expected. Latest reports indicate that the Flames are speaking with Johnny Gaudreau about an extension. The winger will turn 28 next month and currently earns $6.75 million against the cap with one year remaining. His next deal should be for more, but unlikely that much higher.

Things seem to turnaround for the two sides when the season ended. Gaudreau openly stated he loved playing in Calgary and wanted to stay. However, if the Flames do wish to trade him, they should do so before his 5 team no move clause kicks in on July 28th.

Sharks open for business

It’s Shark Week on the Discovery Chanel, and we actually have some Shark news to share out of San Jose. According to Kevin Kurz, some names are being shopped.

Names that have been dangled as potential bait include Kevin Labanc, Radim Simek and Dylan Gambrell. The club would prefer to make a so-called “hockey deal,” a trade that involves established NHL players on both sides, but is also hoping to gain more picks in the upcoming draft — something that general manager Doug Wilson has already said he expects to achieve.

The Athletic

This really shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The Sharks are flirting with a “retool” over a “rebuild” since last trade deadline. Players like Erik Karlsson have already spoken out against the idea, but GM Doug Wilson needs to make some moves to get this club back on track.

Oilers already very busy

As the drama continues to unfold between the Oilers and Blackhawks in the Duncan Keith acquisition, GM Ken Holland is also keeping an eye on Zach Hyman before he hits free agency.

During a radio spot on Toronto TSN 1050, Darren Dreger indicated the Edmonton Oilers are targeting Zach Hyman this offseason. What he indicated is that they may trade for his rights in order to begin early negotiations prior to free agent frenzy on July 28th.

The 28 year-old Hyman is UFA and will make substantially more than the $2.25 million AAV he earns now. Estimates have him looking at 7 years with an AAV around $5.5 million range.

Edmonton is also trying to determine what to do in goal, and could be in the market for a netminder. They are also being mentioned as a team to use a buyout. James Neal is the likely candidate and will save them $3.8 million on the cap for the next two seasons, before costing them $1.9 million for two seasons after.

Toronto Maple Leafs eyeing Taylor Hall and Rick Tocchet

Things are always busy in Toronto it seems. There’s talk they will try and come to terms to keep Frederik Andersen, but it’s almost a certainty Zach Hyman is gone. Of course, if they also can’t work it out with Andersen they could look to spend what little free cap space elsewhere.

Taylor Hall Maple Leafs
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“But there’s outside interest as well [on Taylor Hall], including from the Toronto Maple Leafs, which may surprise some,” Darren Dreger said on a local radio station. “Toronto has interest, I’m sure, if they can’t get Zach Hyman signed, or depending on what happens with Freddy Andersen.”

At this time, all signs point to Hall and the Bruins working out an extension.

In other news, since all the open head coaching positions are filled, Toronto has reached out to Rick Tocchet to join their staff.

Canadiens looking to retain Phillip Danault

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to do some housekeeping before looking to outside the organization for any missing pieces. GM Marc Bergevin recently commented on UFA center Phillip Danault. The bottom line is they want to keep him.

Danault, who was excellent in the playoffs for Montreal is likely amicable to staying.

New York Rangers top trade targets

From the often rumored Jack Eichel, to the lesser discussed Sean Monahan, here’s Forever Blueshirts latest on Rangers trade targets. Read here.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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