In at present’s NHL rumors rundown, there are conflicting reviews relating to the standing of negotiations between the Boston Bruins and captain Brad Marchand. One insider claimed one story, whereas the participant himself denied it. In the meantime, are the Montreal Canadiens in search of extra than simply assistance on their blue line? Friedman believes the workforce can also be testing the marketplace for a gritty ahead. Lastly, the place are issues at with commerce talks involving Timothy Liljegren? Are the Edmonton Oilers nonetheless within the dialog?
Marchand Denies Report of Three-Yr Extension With Bruins
Brad Marchand has denied latest reviews suggesting he and the Boston Bruins are near finalizing a brand new three-year contract extension. The rumor surfaced after Elliotte Friedman talked about on Headlines that the Bruins and Marchand have been working towards an settlement to maintain the veteran ahead in Boston for the long run.
Following the Bruins’ time beyond regulation win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, Marchand addressed the hypothesis, dismissing it as inaccurate. “Elliotte is simply incorrect,” Marchand advised the media, including that he most popular to not focus on contract issues publicly.
Regardless of Marchand’s denial, Friedman expressed confidence in a possible extension taking place sooner moderately than later. He famous that Boston stays cautious with long-term offers, particularly given Marchand’s age and up to date damage historical past. Nevertheless, Friedman additionally acknowledged Marchand’s worth to the workforce and that the Bruins need him to remain. Friedman did acknowledge Marchand’s feedback, but additionally famous, “We’ll see how issues play out.” The trace right here is that it was the three years, not the extension talks that Marchand was capturing down.
This report follows a latest minor on-ice incident between Marchand and head coach Jim Montgomery, which some within the media tried to painting as a possible supply of rigidity. Marchand downplayed the scenario, suggesting folks have been overreacting.
Canadiens Exploring Commerce Marketplace for Grit at Ahead and Improve on Protection
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly exploring commerce choices to deal with their sluggish begin to the 2024-25 season, particularly concentrating on defensive depth and a ahead with grit. Friedman mentioned through the Saturday Headlines report, that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has been reaching out to groups for potential roster boosts however stays cautious about messing with the workforce’s long-term plans.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Canucks, Canadiens, Penguins
The Canadiens’ rebuilding course of continues to be the workforce’s prime precedence. Pierre LeBrun of TSN notes that if Hughes can discover the proper transfer, he’s prioritizing a right-shot defenseman who may slide right into a top-four function. This isn’t a short-term repair.
Friedman’s report additionally suggests Hughes is open to including a bodily ahead if the proper alternative arises, as long as it aligns with the Canadiens’ macro view of the roster. Montreal is prone to deal with salary-matching trades.
Maple Leafs Nonetheless Engaged on a Liljegren Commerce
Friedman additionally famous that the Timothy Liljegren commerce out of Toronto continues to be one thing the workforce is engaged on. They’ve reportedly talked to groups, even when nothing is imminent.
A number of golf equipment have been linked to the defenseman, the newest being Utah, San Jose, and Los Angeles. In a latest Athletic submit (October 25), the scribes additionally mentioned groups like Vancouver, Dallas, and Edmonton as being within the dialogue however much less probably. In terms of the Oilers, they write:
The Oilers are clearly skinny on the blue line after shedding each Ceci and Philip Broberg within the offseason. They’ve been attempting to get by with a proper facet of Evan Bouchard, Troy Stecher, Travis Dermott and Ty Emberson, and all however Bouchard have been overwhelmed up on the scoreboard and territorially, which has contributed to their sluggish begin. … Count on the Oilers to look elsewhere earlier than the commerce deadline.
supply – ‘Maple Leafs’ Timothy Liljegren commerce locations: Which groups might be a match?’ – Harman Dayal and James Mirtle – The Athletic – 10/25/2024
Apparently, each Emberson and Stecher have taken huge strides since this text was revealed. The Oilers have particularly favored what Emberson did in opposition to the Pittsburgh Penguins and if he can settle right into a third-pairing function and slowly get comfy, Edmonton is much less prone to make a panic commerce.
