Lundek - Draft Week Edition
Aug 4, 2021 18:06:29 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, and 9 more like this
Post by Lundek on Aug 4, 2021 18:06:29 GMT -5
Quick Update,
Hi guys, Im Lundek and reporting live rumors as they come to surface here on draft week in the VHL. I'm hearing TONS of rumblings.
Lets start with the trades that have already had trade calls submitted and have only to be accepted by the league.
Chicago is trading Rodion Amirov and picks 41 and 47 as well as VGS 2nd in 2022 to Pittsburgh for Pick #8. (L5)
Anaheim is waiving Micheal Frolik, Toronto is waiving Richard Panik and Winnipeg is waiving Dan Hamhuis (L5)
Now for the JUICY material.
Im hearing rumblings that Florida is taking serious calls for pick #1. This trade is gonna set the tone for the rest of the draft weekend. (L5)
Sources have also told me that while Calgary has opened up talks with Brock Boeser, a trade is also just as likely. With the moves and specifically the cap space that Winnipeg has cleared this week, I wouldnt be surprised if they are the frontrunners, although Im not sure how Calgary feels about trading within the division. (L2)
Rumors are swirling about the availability of Alexander Barkov in Columbus leading up to the draft. Id expect a huge haul with multiple picks / prospects going in return. I expect Philly could be in on this one. (L3)
There are reports out of Washington that GM Travis Felts may have to package up his young goaltender Carter Hart in a deal for a team to take on Blake Wheelers 10 million dollar salary. I'm looking at Chicago, Florida and Philadelphia for that as its just so much salary(L2)
Also there's a GM, unconfirmed reports, has eluded to handing out at least two lucrative offer sheets to two different star players currently RFA. They are waiting for their chance when free agency officially opens. We will definitely be following up on this report in the coming weeks as we inch closer to September 1, 2021. (L2)
Vancouver appears to be at a crossroads in their franchise. Rumors have them shopping Mark Stone, but Im not sure that anybody can pony up enough to pry him from Vancouver. Expect the ask to be at least one young roster player, an A grade prospect and at least one #1 round pick.
Andreas Athanasiou has spoken on his unhappiness of being claimed by the last place Chicago Blackhawks last year, he wants to go to a competitor. Expect at least a 2nd round pick to be headed back to Chicago, but they might have to hold some salary to make it happen. Michael Del Zotto may also be in the same boat as Athanasiou. (L4)
Lastly, I heard that Buffalo is trying to trade into the top 5 of the draft and that Brad "The Rat" Marchand may be on the table to kickstart a rebuild...(L2)
MORE TO COME....STAY TUNED
Reporting from Booger Hole, West Virginia
Lundek the Rumor Monger
UPDATE 7;37 pm / August 4
My sources tell me that their is a blockbuster coming regarding Florida, with the West being the other team. Could this involve #1? (L5)
Sounds like Ryan Reaves has interest from multiple suitors, particularly in the west as teams want a Tom Wilson equalizer.
Im also now hearing that Buffalo may be doubling down for one more run at the cup. They may be in on Wheeler, and may not need Hart to get it done.
Montreal, Anaheim and Dallas are all teams that could be looking to shed salary, and may pay handsomely to do it. Look out for the rebuilding teams with cap here....and well Arizona, because that's all they ever do. (L4)
UPDATE 8;32PM EST / August 4
I have confirmed that Calgary has had discussions about trading Brock Boeser, but now being told that those conversations were broken off quickily and that the team is working towards a brdige deal. (L5)
Also can confirm that Sergachev was asked about and quickly shot down. Rumors that the Flames will be prepared to match any offer sheets that come there way while hoping to still be active in Free Agency. (L5)
San Jose was interested in Andreas Athanasiou at the deadline last year, but the waiver claim wasnt processed before the deadline. Im hearing reports that they may have opened up talks with Chicago again about this. (L4)
UPDATE 9;31AM EST / August 5
Doing a little more digging today as we get closer to the start of the draft. I'm hearing specifically that the deal is done for pick #1 from Florida. Still working on the team acquiring it, but my sources say its a trade down scenario with Florida staying in the top 5. Looking specifically at Seattle as they would love the 1st pick to introduce to their new fanbase.
Also rumblings that the Islanders are taking offers on Boone Jenner as he will be due a hefty raise after this season...
Stay tuned for more.....
UPDATE 10;26AM EST / August 5
Word is Minnesota has interest in Justin Schultz but the cap could be an issue…(L1)
Also hearing rumblings that the entire Tampa Bay core of Sebastian Aho, Matt Barzal, John Klingber, Zach Werenski, Filip Forsberg, Nicklas Backstrom have demanded trades, citing that management was unbearable and a grammar Nazi. Expect players like Evander Kane, Josh Ho-Sang, PK Subban, to be targeted via trade and Logan Mailloux to be targeted via the draft. They should all fit right in with Jake Virtanen in Tampa Bay. (L4)
Update 12:07PM - August 5
Florida is trying to get an additional top 10 pick to no avail. They are working the phones hard.
Update - 5:07 EST / August 5
My sources have confirmed that Philly is not one of the teams in discussion for the 1st overall pick.
Its down to Seattle, Ottawa and Chicago. (I hear multiple picks are involved with some players possibly moving too. Its gonna be a blockbuster)
Also hearing separately that the Montreal Canadiens may be looking to move on from Keith Yandle, but that contract may just be impossible to move.
Update 9;34PM EST - August 5
Jack Eichel's agents have once again reiterated his trade request from the Pittsburgh Penguins. League sources have suggested that Eichel co-Head Coaches John Tortorella and Mike Babcock have butted heads for years. While Eichel's neck injury and subsequent surgery have his 2021-22 status in doubt, it is believed that the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering a coaching change to keep their captain.
Sheldon Keefe was spotted touring the Penguins' practice facility early this week, but it is unclear if he would be brought in as the sole head coach, or if Pittsburgh would stick with the co-head coach model. Despite ownership pressuring for a single head coach, rumours persist that the Penguins are also looking at bringing in Bruce Boudreau in some capacity.
If the Penguins move Eichel, league sources suggest they would be after a massive haul, and may make a push for the 1st overall pick from Florida.
In other breaking news. regarding possible new ownership in Colorado.
“With only 11 players under contract for the pro roster, losing Ullmark in expansion, and many RFAs in the system unsigned, the league is beginning to grow concern with what’s happening in Colorado. The team has a whopping one roster move in the last two years dating back to August 2019. Will we see any action from Colorado this summer? The team desperately needs the help!” - From a trusted source at the leagues head office.
Update 5;09 AM EST - August 6
Well draft day is officially upon on. Not alot to report on since last night, but I am getting word of a potential blockbuster between Anaheim and Vancouver. My sources didnt mention any names, but maybe Mark Stone??
Update 7:23 EST - August 6
Buffalo working the phones HARD for a David Backes replacement for the 4th line.
Inner division trade is possible with another contender also made offers on Sturm and Nosek.
Also expect the #1 pick to be traded moments after the official start of the entry draft. My sources tell me this trade is now 100% complete and just waiting on the start of draft for the announcement. Can also confirm the team acquiring will be taken Owen Power, as expected.
Update - 12:42 PM EST - August 6
What a wild ride during the top 5. Draft boards across the league being torn up very quickly into draft day.
My sources had Ottawa taking Edvinsson at 3, but when It was Clarke coming off the board, it affected a trade Philly had tentatively agreed upon to move back.
Also hearing Chicago and Florida both wants to package picks to move up in the draft.
MASSIVE RUMOUR breaking out of New York has the Rangers shopping Seth Jones, expect a young forward, too prospect and a #1 to be included in the ask for Jones.
Update - 7:25 PM EST - August 6
Reports out of Pittsburgh suggest that there has been a ton of action in the secondary market for the dominant winger. Teams have come out of the woodwork offering all kinds of creative package. The Penguins are still holding out, waiting for something resembling more of a 1 for 1 trade for an elite prospect. But with the draft rolling on at a decent piece, their hand may be forced.
Hi guys, Im Lundek and reporting live rumors as they come to surface here on draft week in the VHL. I'm hearing TONS of rumblings.
Lets start with the trades that have already had trade calls submitted and have only to be accepted by the league.
Chicago is trading Rodion Amirov and picks 41 and 47 as well as VGS 2nd in 2022 to Pittsburgh for Pick #8. (L5)
Anaheim is waiving Micheal Frolik, Toronto is waiving Richard Panik and Winnipeg is waiving Dan Hamhuis (L5)
Now for the JUICY material.
Im hearing rumblings that Florida is taking serious calls for pick #1. This trade is gonna set the tone for the rest of the draft weekend. (L5)
Sources have also told me that while Calgary has opened up talks with Brock Boeser, a trade is also just as likely. With the moves and specifically the cap space that Winnipeg has cleared this week, I wouldnt be surprised if they are the frontrunners, although Im not sure how Calgary feels about trading within the division. (L2)
Rumors are swirling about the availability of Alexander Barkov in Columbus leading up to the draft. Id expect a huge haul with multiple picks / prospects going in return. I expect Philly could be in on this one. (L3)
There are reports out of Washington that GM Travis Felts may have to package up his young goaltender Carter Hart in a deal for a team to take on Blake Wheelers 10 million dollar salary. I'm looking at Chicago, Florida and Philadelphia for that as its just so much salary(L2)
Also there's a GM, unconfirmed reports, has eluded to handing out at least two lucrative offer sheets to two different star players currently RFA. They are waiting for their chance when free agency officially opens. We will definitely be following up on this report in the coming weeks as we inch closer to September 1, 2021. (L2)
Vancouver appears to be at a crossroads in their franchise. Rumors have them shopping Mark Stone, but Im not sure that anybody can pony up enough to pry him from Vancouver. Expect the ask to be at least one young roster player, an A grade prospect and at least one #1 round pick.
Andreas Athanasiou has spoken on his unhappiness of being claimed by the last place Chicago Blackhawks last year, he wants to go to a competitor. Expect at least a 2nd round pick to be headed back to Chicago, but they might have to hold some salary to make it happen. Michael Del Zotto may also be in the same boat as Athanasiou. (L4)
Lastly, I heard that Buffalo is trying to trade into the top 5 of the draft and that Brad "The Rat" Marchand may be on the table to kickstart a rebuild...(L2)
MORE TO COME....STAY TUNED
Reporting from Booger Hole, West Virginia
Lundek the Rumor Monger
UPDATE 7;37 pm / August 4
My sources tell me that their is a blockbuster coming regarding Florida, with the West being the other team. Could this involve #1? (L5)
Sounds like Ryan Reaves has interest from multiple suitors, particularly in the west as teams want a Tom Wilson equalizer.
Im also now hearing that Buffalo may be doubling down for one more run at the cup. They may be in on Wheeler, and may not need Hart to get it done.
Montreal, Anaheim and Dallas are all teams that could be looking to shed salary, and may pay handsomely to do it. Look out for the rebuilding teams with cap here....and well Arizona, because that's all they ever do. (L4)
UPDATE 8;32PM EST / August 4
I have confirmed that Calgary has had discussions about trading Brock Boeser, but now being told that those conversations were broken off quickily and that the team is working towards a brdige deal. (L5)
Also can confirm that Sergachev was asked about and quickly shot down. Rumors that the Flames will be prepared to match any offer sheets that come there way while hoping to still be active in Free Agency. (L5)
San Jose was interested in Andreas Athanasiou at the deadline last year, but the waiver claim wasnt processed before the deadline. Im hearing reports that they may have opened up talks with Chicago again about this. (L4)
UPDATE 9;31AM EST / August 5
Doing a little more digging today as we get closer to the start of the draft. I'm hearing specifically that the deal is done for pick #1 from Florida. Still working on the team acquiring it, but my sources say its a trade down scenario with Florida staying in the top 5. Looking specifically at Seattle as they would love the 1st pick to introduce to their new fanbase.
Also rumblings that the Islanders are taking offers on Boone Jenner as he will be due a hefty raise after this season...
Stay tuned for more.....
UPDATE 10;26AM EST / August 5
Word is Minnesota has interest in Justin Schultz but the cap could be an issue…(L1)
Also hearing rumblings that the entire Tampa Bay core of Sebastian Aho, Matt Barzal, John Klingber, Zach Werenski, Filip Forsberg, Nicklas Backstrom have demanded trades, citing that management was unbearable and a grammar Nazi. Expect players like Evander Kane, Josh Ho-Sang, PK Subban, to be targeted via trade and Logan Mailloux to be targeted via the draft. They should all fit right in with Jake Virtanen in Tampa Bay. (L4)
Update 12:07PM - August 5
Florida is trying to get an additional top 10 pick to no avail. They are working the phones hard.
Update - 5:07 EST / August 5
My sources have confirmed that Philly is not one of the teams in discussion for the 1st overall pick.
Its down to Seattle, Ottawa and Chicago. (I hear multiple picks are involved with some players possibly moving too. Its gonna be a blockbuster)
Also hearing separately that the Montreal Canadiens may be looking to move on from Keith Yandle, but that contract may just be impossible to move.
Update 9;34PM EST - August 5
Jack Eichel's agents have once again reiterated his trade request from the Pittsburgh Penguins. League sources have suggested that Eichel co-Head Coaches John Tortorella and Mike Babcock have butted heads for years. While Eichel's neck injury and subsequent surgery have his 2021-22 status in doubt, it is believed that the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering a coaching change to keep their captain.
Sheldon Keefe was spotted touring the Penguins' practice facility early this week, but it is unclear if he would be brought in as the sole head coach, or if Pittsburgh would stick with the co-head coach model. Despite ownership pressuring for a single head coach, rumours persist that the Penguins are also looking at bringing in Bruce Boudreau in some capacity.
If the Penguins move Eichel, league sources suggest they would be after a massive haul, and may make a push for the 1st overall pick from Florida.
In other breaking news. regarding possible new ownership in Colorado.
“With only 11 players under contract for the pro roster, losing Ullmark in expansion, and many RFAs in the system unsigned, the league is beginning to grow concern with what’s happening in Colorado. The team has a whopping one roster move in the last two years dating back to August 2019. Will we see any action from Colorado this summer? The team desperately needs the help!” - From a trusted source at the leagues head office.
Update 5;09 AM EST - August 6
Well draft day is officially upon on. Not alot to report on since last night, but I am getting word of a potential blockbuster between Anaheim and Vancouver. My sources didnt mention any names, but maybe Mark Stone??
Update 7:23 EST - August 6
Buffalo working the phones HARD for a David Backes replacement for the 4th line.
Inner division trade is possible with another contender also made offers on Sturm and Nosek.
Also expect the #1 pick to be traded moments after the official start of the entry draft. My sources tell me this trade is now 100% complete and just waiting on the start of draft for the announcement. Can also confirm the team acquiring will be taken Owen Power, as expected.
Update - 12:42 PM EST - August 6
What a wild ride during the top 5. Draft boards across the league being torn up very quickly into draft day.
My sources had Ottawa taking Edvinsson at 3, but when It was Clarke coming off the board, it affected a trade Philly had tentatively agreed upon to move back.
Also hearing Chicago and Florida both wants to package picks to move up in the draft.
MASSIVE RUMOUR breaking out of New York has the Rangers shopping Seth Jones, expect a young forward, too prospect and a #1 to be included in the ask for Jones.
Update - 7:25 PM EST - August 6
Reports out of Pittsburgh suggest that there has been a ton of action in the secondary market for the dominant winger. Teams have come out of the woodwork offering all kinds of creative package. The Penguins are still holding out, waiting for something resembling more of a 1 for 1 trade for an elite prospect. But with the draft rolling on at a decent piece, their hand may be forced.