NHL Rumors Weekly: Rangers, Sabres, Hurricanes, Bruins, Oilers, and Kings

gerard gallant rangers
May 12, 2018; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant at a press conference after game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Rumors Weekly is our newest feature thanks to The Daily Goal Horn. Every Sunday we bring you the most comprehensive rumors update in the game today. Updating the top rumors of the week and the latest buzz of the morning.

In this edition, we kick off with the latest on with the hometown Rangers.

Rangers close to naming a coach?

Elliotte Friedman was on The Instigators on WGR550 in Buffalo. He was asked about the current situation with Buffalo’s coaching search but offered up that both the Blue Jackets and Rangers are close to hiring coaches.

He was also asked about Gerard Gallant for the Sabres but he noted that he thinks Gallant will land in NY or Columbus. The Blue Jackets opted to name long time assistant Brad Larsen their bench boss so is Gallant landing with the Rangers? It appears so, but Rod Brind’Amour seems to be gumming up the works.

Gallant was on SPUD 102 in PEI this Sunday morning and provided this update. “I’ve had conversation with different teams. Things are moving along,” he told host Paul Schurman. “Teams are doing their due diligence but I’m hoping something is done soon. I wish I could tell you something is done.”

Will Rod Brind’Amour leave the Hurricanes?

The moment Rod Brind’Amour was eliminated from the Playoffs he catapulted to the top of the available head coaches list. His name was mentioned in the rumor mill before that, especially when it was reported he didn’t sign a three-year deal worth $1.8 million per season.

“I understand that one of the biggest issues is that Brind’Amour has asked that as much as he wants himself to get a contract extension, he also wants extensions for his coaching staff,” Elliotte Friedman said in early May. So is Brind’Amour just using his free agent status and the reported desire that both the Rangers and Kraken want him to get the Canes to give him what he wants?

I think so. However, Friedman also cast a King Kong sized shadow of doubt on the all thing recently. On his latest 31 Thoughts Podcast he received a cryptic text with regards to Brind’Amour’s situation that read in essence, “Buckle your seatbelts.” Let’s see where this goes this week.

Sabres Rumors: Jack Eichel saga continues

sabres rumors
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

“It’s a negotiation,” Friedman tried to explain on WGR550 in Buffalo. “What the Sabres are trying to do is say ‘we’ve got eight teams interested in Eichel’, I’m, just throwing a number out there, and they are trying to pit these teams against each other.” He went on to say that these “teams” are basically not buying it. “I think Kevyn Adams is being told you got trade him,” he concluded. “But he has to create the market place.”

I have to wonder it Friedman’s use of the word “teams” isn’t really just one – the New York Rangers. That’s because a report from John Hoven eliminated the only other team experts thought had the assets and cap space to acquire Eichel.

“How many teams have you heard of behind the scenes are showing real interest in trading for Eichel,” host Andrew Peters asked Friedman. “I think there’s a few,” he responded with a hint of uncertainty. This only reinforced what I believe is mostly buzz being generated out of Buffalo to drum up more interest.

Bruins uncertain future for three veterans

taylor hall bruins
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Hall is coming off a one year deal earning $8 million and is unlikely to get anything close to it. With his desire to stay in Boston, Cam Neely may find a real bargain in the former Hart Trophy winner.

“I’m not looking to absolutely maximize my value at this point in my career,” Hall remarked. “I’ve been fortunate enough to make some good money in this league, and at this point, it’s more of a fit for me than maybe money, or long-term thing. You want to find a home for the next few years here.”

David Krejci, Hall’s center is unsure if he will be re-signed this offseason. “It’s not going to be about money. I just can’t see myself playing for a different team,” the 35 year-old said. “We’ll see what happens.” As for Tuukka Rask he sounded pretty clear that he will either play for the Boston Bruins or opt to retire after he recovers from hip surgery.

Oilers may target Zach Hyman

With Ryan-Nugent Hopkin possibly on the way out via free agency, Kurt Leavins sees several options as his replacement.

If the Leafs can’t get Zack Hyman done, I expect the Oilers will be in pitching for him. But there will be many suitors. So, who else may they target… One to watch could be Alex Killorn. He’s a legit Top-6 guy at $4.45. That would be right in Edmonton’s price range. If Boston can sign Taylor Hall, then hometown RFA Jake DeBrusk becomes expendable. The Bruins won’t get what DeBrusk is worth, they’ve been too busy devaluing their own asset. Oh, and if Hall doesn’t sign in Boston then do not dismiss Edmonton’s interest in Taylor, either.

Edmonton Journal

Kings likely in on Sam Reinhart

kings rumors
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Kings were reportedly in on Jack Eichel since last season. Is it possible that the communication between Buffalo and L.A. were misread? Could they have been eyeing Sam Reinhart since the trade deadline?

The Kings were rumored to have a made an offer for Jack Eichel. They are also believed to be a top landing spot for Seth Jones. Very busy time for L.A. it seems.

Recently, Darren Dreger said that the Kings could actually be trying to add two top six forwards via trade or free agency. One potential target via free agency is Zach Hyman of the Toronto Maple Leafs who is expected to make at least $6.5 million on his next deal. When it comes to a trade, RFA Sam Reinhart may be the best fit for a team looking to get better and younger at the same time.

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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