In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start with Auston Matthews and the future between him and the Toronto Maple Leafs as they continue tearing down their roster. Next, we head to the Vancouver Canucks and look at some of the decisions they made leading up to and over the deadline. Finally, the Ottawa Senators may see two significant injuries and a suspension on their blue line, and are awaiting updates.
Matthews’ Future to be Discussed in Offseason
Elliotte Friedman noted on Saturday Headlines that one of his credible sources sent a joking message stating Matthews was going to the San Jose Sharks. While that was nothing more than a way to get Friedman worked up, he used the opportunity to discuss what the future may hold.
While Matthews still has two more seasons after this one, and is eligible for an extension in 2027’s offseason, there could be some conversations about what is next for him this offseason.
Friedman noted that during his 2023 extension negotiations, he said that unless things fall off the rails, he has no intention of leaving at any point. Fast-forward three years, and the phrase “falling off the rails” could be used to describe how the Maple Leafs’ season has gone.
There was no chance he was dealt at the trade deadline, and moving into the offseason, there is no reason to think one could happen then, either.
But what could happen is the discussion about the direction of the team – the Maple Leafs have an old team, have given up plenty of futures, and aren’t playing very well now.
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If the Maple Leafs ever look to move him, the earlier they do, the more value they can get. Matthews reportedly will not put the Maple Leafs in a difficult spot or make a deal impossible, if that were to ever get to that point, though he does have full control of his future.
Canucks Make Good Moves, But More Were Desired
Over the trade deadline week, the Canucks moved on from Tyler Myers, Conor Garland, Lukas Reichel, and David Kampf. With the position they are in, those were all players in the rumour mill, and they brought in a fair deal of draft picks for those players.
For Myers, he was losing his no-movement clause this offseason and would only hold a 12-team no-trade list, losing some power over his destination. The Canucks would have moved him in the offseason if he wasn’t dealt, and even considering the lack of freedom the Canucks had with him, they got a good return from the Dallas Stars.
Garland, whose six-year extension hasn’t even kicked in yet, was the opposite. If the Canucks wanted to move him freely, it would have had to be before his no-movement clause kicks in this summer.
There was a lot of talk about some Canucks players who weren’t moved, too. Brock Boeser wasn’t a likely candidate, but he popped into some trade rumours – Jake DeBrusk fits in here too. The same can be said about Elias Pettersson, who has a contract too big for many teams to try and take on.
For Evander Kane, rumours go back to the holiday break about a trade for him. The Canucks were looking for a third-round pick and were willing to retain salary. Considering his impact in the playoffs with the Edmonton Oilers over the past four seasons, it is surprising to see the report from Friedman on 32 Thoughts that there wasn’t much of a market for him.
Teddy Bluegar reportedly garnered some interest, but the market wasn’t strong for him either.
The teardown for the Canucks will likely bleed into the offseason as they look to bring in more assets to help them in the future.
Senators’ Defense Concerns Amid Sanderson Injury
During the Senators’ 7-4 thumping of the Seattle Kraken on Mar. 7, they had their two top defensemen go down with injuries, and a third could face a suspension.
In the second period, Jake Sanderson took a big hit from Brandon Montour and fell to the ice. It is unclear if the initial contact or the fall led to the injury, but he skated off on his own power but was seen holding his shoulder while heading down the tunnel to the dressing room.
Sanderson has been the Senators’ best player all season. Considering the impacts of players like Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk, that is a statement in its own.
Sanderson leads the Senators’ defense group in nearly every metric, and the TSN broadcast noted he leads all defensemen in the NHL in top skating speed, loose puck recoveries, completed stretch passes, and speed bursts over 35 kilometres per hour. He is a critical piece of the team, and would be a huge blow.
Thomas Chabot took a hit the next shift and went off the ice, appearing to hold his wrist. He played the rest of the game and didn’t make any comments about it after the game, but that could be another concern.
Chabot has been excellent for the Senators this season and would be a huge loss.
Tyler Kleven, the third left-side defenseman here, delivered a cross-check to Jared McCann, and while the initial point of contact was the chest, the stick rode up and caught McCann in the face. He was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for it.
The NHL has been tough on these and leaning toward the side of a suspension on many occasions. While it would likely only be a one-game, there is a possibility the Senators are without all three left-shot defensemen on their roster for their next game.
