NHL Rumor Round-Up: Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets And Kraken Are Said To Have Engaged In New Trade Talk

However, they do tend to prefer using traditional means like mail order companies for convenience of payment and billing purposes. David Kampf/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesThe Toronto Maple Leafs recently made an effort to reduce costs when they traded Timothy Liljegren and his $3-million salary cap hit to San Jose Sharks for Matt Benning ($1.25 million salary cap hit) and two draft picks from that trade. But in order to free more cap space they must soon release defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar from their AHL conditioning stints and clear more cap space from those moves. James Mirtle of The Athletic noted they also have Pontus Holmberg on an extra forward roster and two blueliners (Benning and Philippe Myers) available as backup defensemen. Hockey News reporter David Alter reported coach Craig Berube said it’s wise for Hakanpaa and Dewar to receive additional games in the AHL since they haven’t seen action for awhile. Alter noted that keeping them on conditioning stints could give the team time to figure out a way to create roster room. Mirtle noted the Leafs may still attempt to trade Benning but may put him or Myers up for waivers and move them down if unclaimed; additionally they must find room in their roster when sidelined forward Calle Jarnkrok returns from being sidelined. Mirtle suggests either waiving and demoting Holmberg or seeking to trade Nick Robertson or David Kampf; Mirtle considers Kampf an attractive trade candidate given that doing so would clear away his $2.4-million annual cap hit from 2025-2026 from their books. Meanwhile, The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau suggested parting ways with 23-year-old Nick Robertson for various reasons, notably his struggles to establish himself among the Leafs’ top nine forwards. Related Article: It Is Time For The Maple Leafs And Nick Robertson To Part Ways Here’s WhyRobertson was at the centre of summer speculation when he requested to be traded before eventually agreeing on one year contract worth an estimated $875k per season. Proteau believes he would benefit most as an NHL top-nine forward on either of Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders rosters, who both have experienced heavy injuries this season. Robertson would likely fit within a cap-strapped team’s budget, according to Jason Newland of The Hockey News. Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff writer Frank Seravalli recently reported Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell informed teams he is willing to assume an undesirable contract in exchange for assets. Waddell has received offers from some teams with players still on three to five year deals; however, Waddell appears to prefer those with only a year or two remaining on their contracts. Newland noted this move would enable younger players like David Jiricek, to hone their craft in the AHL. Looking at Seattle, The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio quoted Seravalli saying the Kraken are carrying too many forwards and could opt to trade one once their roster is healthy; potential candidates include Yanni Gourde or Brandon Tanev as trade candidates. Both forwards will become free agents this summer and both possess good checking-line offensive capabilities; however, their lack of goal production may make one expendable. Seravalli indicated teams have inquired about Gourde given his versatility of playing both center and wing positions. However, The Kraken are currently unwilling to move him. Stay informed with breaking news and stories by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here and share your opinions by commenting below the article or visiting our forum – related: NHL Power Rankings: An Important Month Lies Ahead As Kings Rise and Lightning Drop While Senators Rebound.