In today’s NHL news and rumors rundown, will Elias Lindholm realistically be traded before the March 8 deadline? It is within reason to think that the Flames are hopeful to re-sign their center, but if the right deal presents itself, why wouldn’t you move him? The Montreal Canadiens are looking to fetch a second first-round pick for forward Sean Monahan, with the reclamation project being successful, the ask isn’t unreasonable. Which player is traded first?
The New Jersey Devils gave their long-time general manager a multi-year extension and a new title, what does this mean for the future of the team? The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up an embarrassing own goal, leading to the loss against Arizona, which is something you don’t see every day. The Winnipeg Jets’ streak of allowing three goals or less was finally brought to an end at the hands of the Boston Bruins. Finally, Casey Mittelstadt made it known that he is currently happy to stay as a Buffalo Sabre and was surprised by the trade rumors surrounding him.
Will Elias Lindholm Be Moved Before the Trade Deadline?
The Calgary Flames are in a situation where they own the most sought-after player ahead of the trade deadline. If Sean Monahan is off the board earlier than Elias Lindholm, the price will certainly be a premium to get the Flames forward.
The veteran center is at the front of trade discussions, and teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and the Colorado Avalanche are calling about Lindholm’s price tag. The team that intrigues me the most is the Canucks as they’ve already done a deal with the Flames this year. The Canucks will certainly be looking to bolster their top-six forward group making Lindhom a fitting candidate for the team.
The one obstacle is the price to acquire Lindholm. The betting wars for the center will certainly be high, but it hasn’t been revealed yet what the price is. It is expected that at minimum a team must give up a first-round pick and a top prospect, after that, the bidding begins and the Flames will look for a haul for their pending unrestricted free agent.
Could The Canadiens Fetch Another First-Round Pick for Sean Monahan?
The Montreal Canadiens acquired Sean Monahan’s contract with a 2025 first-round pick in June 2022, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will likely be able to get a first-round pick for Monahan at the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old currently has 11 goals and 31 points in 46 games with the Canadiens this season. He’s a strong two-way player and versatile, something that Stanley Cup contenders are looking for. If Monahan can keep up his strong play, teams needing center depth will have no choice but to give up a first-round pick.
Teams to watch before the March 8 deadline are the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars.
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald Gets Contract Extension & President of Hockey Ops Title
The New Jersey Devils announced today that general manager Tom Fitzgerald has agreed to a multi-year extension with the franchise. As reported by TSN insider Darren Dreger, Fitzgerald will also be promoted to president of hockey operations in addition to his GM title.
Related: New Jersey Devils Extend and Promote Tom Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald began his run in New Jersey in 2015 when he was hired as assistant general manager. He was promoted to interim GM in January 2020 following the firing of Ray Shero and later named full-time GM and executive vice president in June 2020.
The Devils have a 122-116-27 record in parts of four seasons with Fitzgerald as the general manager. Their one playoff appearance under Fitzgerald came last season when they were eliminated in five games by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.
Penguins Letang & Malkin Miscommunication Leads to Own Goal
It’s not every day when an own goal happens, it’s even rarer that multiple Hall of Famers are on the ice when it happens.
The official’s arm went up to signal a penalty, so Pittsburgh pulled goalie Tristan Jarry for the extra attacker. While the Penguins should’ve maintained puck control and tied the game up, that was not the case.
While circling back to set up a rush, Evgeni Malkin mishandled a pass from Kris Letang and the puck found its way over the goal line. Long before that, Coyotes’ Lawson Crouse took a puck off the head. This bizarre goal was credited to Crouse and this would be the turning point for the Coyotes snapping their 11-game losing streak.
The Coyotes would rally behind this gift of a goal to win 5-2 against the Penguins on Monday night. Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram stopped 25 shots to help the team end their losing streak.
Jets Allow More Than Three Goals for First Time in 34 Games
The Winnipeg Jets fell to 30-11-4 as they lost 4-1 to the Boston Bruins. For the first time since November, the Jets let in more than three goals, ending their 34-game three-goals or less streak.
In this stretch, Connor Hellebuyck was dominant, arguably being the most valuable player on the team and in the NHL. However, Hellebuyck can’t put the team on his back every single game. The team’s power play continues to cost the team games and it’s a glaring issue they need to resolve sooner rather than later.
The Jets went 0/3 on the power play, something that fans have become accustomed to this season. The team’s penalty kill has been a big reason for this consecutive three-goal or less streak. The Jets will look to rebound from this loss as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs in back-to-back games, the first in Toronto and the second in Winnipeg.
Casey Mittelstadt Calls Trade Rumors Surprising
Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt likely did not expect to hear his name get sucked into trade rumors ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. The 25-year-old has expressed his desire to stay in Buffalo, but ESPN insider Kevin Weekes thinks differently.
“They’ve taken care of all their young players with long-term deals, they haven’t with Casey Mittelstadt. So that’s why he could be the odd man out in Buffalo. He (Mittelstadt) is drawing a lot of attention as well.”
Kevin Weekes on Casey Mittelstadt – News of the Weekes
With Buffalo’s cap situation getting tighter as some core players are due for raises and others have new contracts kicking in, Mittelstadt might find a new home. Mittelstadt is in the last year of a three-year bridge contract while teammates Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson got their long-term deals.
There is certainly trade appeal for Mittelstadt who can be a good second-line center option for most teams needing additional help down the middle. With the trade deadline getting closer, the Sabres might make a tougher decision and move the restricted free agent sooner rather than later.
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