Recent news regarding the New York Rangers focused on who would become their next coach following their recent firing of Peter Laviolette.
The latest speculation has Mike Sullivan joining the Blueshirts after recently parting ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As for potential player trade candidates, Chris Kreider seems the most likely to be moved. The 34-year-old left winger has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list.
Center Mika Zibanejad was mentioned in trade rumors, but moving him would be difficult. He has more term left on his contract than Kreider (five years) and a larger average annual value ($8 million). Zibanejad also has a full no-movement clause.
Nevertheless, Zibanejad recently told the New York Post's Mollie Walker that he's aware his disappointing performance this season puts his tenure with the Rangers at a crossroads. He was also unhappy with how management handled what Walker called “certain business” this season, perhaps alluding to the departures of Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow since last June.
Regarding his clause, Zibanejad said he knows what his contract says.
“Both parties agreed to it, and like I said, I think I earned it,” he told Walker. “Until it's time to adjust it, I have no plans of going anywhere. I've invested a lot of years here.”
Still, Walker wondered if GM Chris Drury might meet with Zibanejad to discuss adjusting his no-move clause.
Turning to the Boston Bruins, there was recent conjecture over whether they might make Jeremy Swayman a trade candidate. The 26-year-old goaltender is their only high-priced player lacking no-trade protection for next season.
It was suggested the Bruins might peddle Swayman to free up cap space. However, that move seems unlikely, coming less than a year after re-signing him to his eight-year extension. Besides, there is no suitable replacement within their system or available in the trade and free-agent market.
Joonas Korpisalo is the more likely candidate if the Bruins move a goaltender. RG.Org's James Murphy reports sources claim his agent, Markus Lehto, told management that his client would welcome a trade if they don't intend to give him more starts next season.
Korpisalo, 31, was acquired from the Ottawa Senators last June in exchange for Linus Ullmark. He's signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $4 million, with the Bruins carrying $3 million and the Senators $1 million.
Murphy indicated Lehto was unavailable for comment, and no formal trade request was made to the Bruins. Nevertheless, his situation could be worth monitoring. The limited goalie options in this summer's trade and free-agent markets could make him enticing for clubs seeking depth between the pipes for next season.
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