In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we look at the reported asking price the New York Rangers have for superstar Artemi Panarin. We then move to the New Jersey Devils and look at the Dougie Hamilton situation, which has changed significantly. Finally, the Ottawa Senators made a coaching change internally, hoping to spark some major change.
Panarin Asking Price Starts at Nelson Trade
When a big-name player becomes available, it can often be hard to find a comparable trade. For Panarin, there are a few in that echelon who have been dealt. In terms of the player calibre, Mikko Rantanen, Jake Guentzel, and Alex DeBrincat are some of the biggest names who have moved on the wing.
One other move that has been talked about as comparable was the Brock Nelson trade last offseason. The Colorado Avalanche paid a first-round pick, a third-round pick, defenseman Oliver Kylington, and prospect Calum Ritchie. That is a good haul to base a trade on.
Panarin has proven to be a better player than Nelson for quite some time now. The return would likely be a bit more than that.
Elliotte Friedman reported that comparable on Saturday Headlines, and he has also linked Panarin to the Washington Capitals.
If the Capitals were to put together a similar package, the first and third-round picks are easy; Washington has both. Kylington’s inclusion in that trade was more about the roster spot or cap space, and he was not an NHL regular. The Capitals have a few tweeners who could be included.
The conversation about the value comes from the comparison to Ritchie for the Caps. He was the centerpiece in the Nelson trade, and the Rangers will want a marquee prospect back.
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There were some rumours that Cole Hutson was being talked about when the Capitals were in on Quinn Hughes, so he could fit that mould. Outside of Ryan Leonard, who isn’t going to be traded, the Capitals could look at Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, or Ilya Protas, along with Hutson.
Ritchie is likely looked at as a better prospect than those listed, but not by much.
Considering the magnitude of a potential deal, especially if an extension is talked about, you could expect two of those top prospects to be included, as well as draft picks.
Hamilton Trade Talks Fading Amid Luke Hughes Injury
Just two weeks ago, the Devils had scratched Hamilton, his agent and the general manager spoke very candidly in the media, and a trade felt imminent. There were certainly hurdles that needed to be jumped, but the Hamilton era in New Jersey felt like it was all but over.
Fast forward to now, 15 days and six games later, the Devils are sporting a 5-1-0 record, Hamilton has a point in each game and seven in total across the span, and the vibes are getting higher for the club.
On top of the success since being scratched, having Luke Hughes out for a significant period gives more opportunity for Hamilton, and with his play, the Devils now need him.
Friedman reported that they are no longer actively looking to move him, but if a team approaches the club with a solid offer, they will consider it.
Senators Make Internal Coaching Change During Struggles
The Senators are doing a lot of things right this season, but not enough. They have been desperate for a solid string of saves in a row, leading to the James Reimer signing, but there have been more issues than just that.
Their penalty kill is becoming close to an automatic goal on each power play opportunity for the opposition. Assistant coach Nolan Baumgartner has been taking care of the shorthanded times, and the Senators sit ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks and have a 71.6% rate. It has been killing the team and losing them games.
Mike Yeo, another assistant coach with the Senators, has taken over the responsibility for the penalty kill, leaving the powerplay to Baumgartner. The Senators used the diamond formation previously, and were often leaving one defender with double coverage, and teams were taking advantage. The Senators’ fanbase is looking to see them transition to the box formation and have some better success.
Amid the Senators’ struggles, there have been some calling for a coaching replacement, but there are enough positives to take away from their play that he is likely sticking around, at least until the end of the season.
