In right this moment’s NHL rumors rundown, Elliotte Friedman provided some updates, together with information on Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils. He’s additionally predicting some fallout from the Connor McDavid suspension amongst NHL officers and questioned if the Oilers will get some favorable calls. In the meantime, what are the Chicago Blackhawks planning forward of the commerce deadline, and are the Pittsburgh Penguins denying that the crew has any plans for a “fireplace sale?”
Simon Nemec Drama Quieting Down
When it appeared like the 2 sides could be headed for a divorce, cooler heads might need prevailed between the New Jersey Devils and Simon Nemec. The group doubtless realizes {that a} younger prospect who’s pissed off with the best way issues have gone may vent occasionally. Nemec’s response to not being within the NHL with a world information outlet was doubtless little greater than a participant getting a bit carried away.
Associated: Canadiens Ought to Be Cautious Patrons Forward of the Commerce Deadline
Friedman writes:
“Just a few days after pissed off feedback to a Slovakian newspaper, issues have cooled down round Simon Nemec. The Devils communicated to anybody who requested they’ve zero curiosity within the dealing the 2022 second-overall choice. If something, the Olympic qualifier damage final August damage his possibilities of making New Jersey. Issues will reset subsequent fall. Let’s see what unfolds then.
The Devils may nonetheless commerce the participant in the event that they take a giant swing on the commerce deadline, however they definitely aren’t procuring Nemec simply because he’s barely sad.
Will There Be Fallout from the McDavid Suspension?
Friedman talked about that watching the officers after Connor McDavid returns from his suspension may expose an fascinating development. He cited a earlier scenario the place “Calgary’s penalty depend went from thirtieth to fourth after Dennis Wideman high-sticked a linesman in 2016.” The officers have been exhausting on the Flames. May the alternative occur with the Oilers?
Friedman stated he’s been advised by one other NHL government that the Oilers and their opponents will likely be on excessive alert. Seeing because the consensus was the officers let that Canucks and Oilers sport get out of hand, had penalties been referred to as throughout the board, that scuffle on the finish of the sport doesn’t occur, and McDavid and Tyler Myers aren’t suspended.
The officers are doubtless feeling the warmth and, as such, may name the sport much more tightly. The Oilers may get extra energy performs in consequence.
Blackhawks Plans Heading into the Deadline
Scott Powers of The Athletic checked out a few of the main storylines in Chicago because the deadline approaches for the Blackhawks. He stated he doesn’t suppose the crew will commerce gamers with time period however notes Taylor Corridor and Ryan Donato are the more than likely strikes. He additionally stated that Lukas Reichel‘s future is unsure.
Powers writes:
Lukas Reichel’s future will likely be fascinating to observe. The Blackhawks might not be bought on him as a long-term piece, however they’re additionally not in a rush to eliminate him. There are nonetheless indicators he may flip it round. As at all times, it’s in regards to the consistency with him. He’s additionally nonetheless younger at 22 years outdated. Plus, at his cap hit of $1.2 million, the Blackhawks can afford to attend to see the place his growth goes. That’s to not say Reichel is untouchable, however he’s not somebody the Blackhawks are simply seeking to give a change of surroundings.
supply – ‘What I’m listening to in regards to the Blackhawks because the commerce deadline approaches’ – Scott Powers – The Athletic – 01/23/2025
Penguins Deny Rumors of a “Fireplace Sale”
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was requested on Josh Getzoff‘s ‘GM Present’ on the Penguins Radio Community in regards to the potential for “critical motion” or a “fireplace sale” forward of the commerce deadline. With studies that everybody on the roster was tradeable, excluding a couple of items like Sidney Crosby or Evgeny Malkin, huge names may go.
Dubas laughed off notions of a “fireplace sale.”
Dubas defined he’s not straying from his unique plan to get youthful and assist the important thing guys win. He famous:
“We’re making an attempt to usher in youthful NHL gamers, we’re making an attempt to usher in prospects, and we’re making an attempt to usher in draft picks, with the objective being to shortly develop these belongings into folks that may assist the core group of the crew right here win another time after which set the crew up for the long-range future.”
He additionally stated it isn’t correct that the crew is prepared to retain wage on gamers with long-term offers.
