With the NHL trade deadline little more than 24 hours away, “activity” is starting to pickup as several marquee names remain available for trade.
NHL trade rumors: Flyers, Penguins in hunt for Ryan Kesler, Kings targeting Matt Moulson
The Deadline is just around the corner. Here’s all the crazy stuff everyone has been talking about.
Ben Nelms
As is tradition, tension is starting to build as reports begin to increase about talks intensifying and serious offers being tabled. Of course, substantial hurdles still stand in the way, as the two clubs work towards a workable deal. If an agreement can’t be reached by Wednesday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline, then talks might resume at this year’s draft.
The whole thing kinda feels like everyone is standing around a pot of boiling water waiting for the soup to appear. But the fun thing about the deadline is the ingredients can show up at any minute and the soup could be on in an instant.
Here’s what could be on the menu for Tuesday:
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh make pushes for Ryan Kesler; Chicago in the hunt
The Ryan Kesler situation has quickly evolved and it seems like if he gets traded, it will be to the state of Pennsylvania.
The Flyers and Penguins emerged as the top candidates for Kesler after a report from Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review highlighted how interested the Penguins are in re-establishing a triple-headed monster up the middle, similar to what the team had with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal.
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Rossi writes that Kesler is being "aggressively" pursued by the Penguins, who have tabled an offer of Brandon Sutter, two 2014 draft picks and the Canucks choice of Simon Despres or Brian Dumoulin.
In addition, Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News writes that the Flyers are also making a push for Kesler. Seravalli writes that the Flyers have tabled a "substantial offer" for Kesler and could be looking to acquire defenseman Alexander Edler as part of a larger package.
Vancouver is reportedly looking for a 20-25 year-old centerman, a prospect and a first-round draft pick for Kesler. In terms of Philadelphia, that likely means one of Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier would have to be involved, with several reports indicating Philadelphia would rather move Schenn if push comes to shove.
While information is sparse, the Chicago Blackhawks apparently remain on the peripheral of this situation and could make a push for Kesler. Rossi writes that they might actually be the biggest competition.
Los Angeles Kings target Matt Moulson
The Kings desire for added scoring is well documented and Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Moulson is apparently the solution to that problem. Dennis Bernstein of the Fourth Period tweeted on Monday night that Moulson is the team's top target heading into the deadline.
Buffalo is apparently seeking Tyler Toffoli in any return, something which the Kings aren't interested in doing. However, Bernstein adds that Los Angeles might reconsider if Christian Ehrhoff was included as part of a larger package, which the Kings would be willing to add to.
Christian Ehrhoff emerges as a target for Detroit
Los Angeles isn't the only club looking at Ehrhoff, as the Detroit Red Wings are kicking around the 31-year-old defenseman. Ehrhoff has a no-trade clause and has seven-years of term remaining beyond this season. But, more than half of Ehrhoff's $40 million salary will have been paid off by the end of this season ($22 million), which is an appealing dynamic for interested teams.
Chris Phillips will cost a first-round draft pick
Another defenseman teams might start looking at is Chris Phillips. Ottawa has tabled a one-year contract for the 35-year-old defenseman, who is reportedly looking for a two-year-deal. TSN's Darren Dreger tweets that the Senators are thinking about adding an extra year to their proposal, but will require a first-round pick if they decide to trade him.
Decisions loom for Ryan Callahan
The New York Rangers and captain Ryan Callahan are expected to resolve their negotiation by Wednesday's deadline. Either Callahan will sign an extension with the Rangers or he will be traded. Callahan reportedly walked back his demands but a gap still remains between the two sides. Tuesday might play a huge factor in whether he stays with the Rangers.
Price set for Andrej Meszaros
The Philadelphia Flyers are requesting a second-round draft pick for pending-unrestricted free agent Andrej Meszaros, according to Darren Dreger. Meszaros has battled injury issues over recent years but can add flashes of offense. Teams like the Boston Bruins have reportedly expressed interest in Meszaros.
Dreger adds that teams are asking about Kimmo Timonen, but he wants to stay in Philadelphia and has a no-trade clause to ensure that.
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