NHL Rumour Report - NHL Trade Rumours and Speculation

Flames goalie trade? LA after centers, NYI rumours + more

We're getting there folks. Training camp is just around the corner. Summer unofficially ends for several NHL players who will take part in pre-training camp camps such as the one put on by BioSteel this week.

Byfuglien rumours rampant

Speculation surrounding Dustin Byfuglien's future in Winnipeg continues to percolate through the NHL blogosphere. Some are connecting him to the Red Wings and Ducks, while others see the Bruins and Canadiens as potential landing spots. You can also never rule out a guy's hometown (Minnesota) as a potential landing spot.

Bruins defenseman search called off?

Reports indicate that the Bruins might be starting to cool off on the idea of adding a big name defenseman via free agency.

Long rumoured to have kicked tires on Cody Franson and Marek Zidlicky, the Bruins may wait until the season has already started before making a decision. And we we know that by that point, it's not likely that any of the top blueliners will still be available. The Bruins are more likely to take their time and give youngsters like Colin Miller and Joe Morrow a chance to show they belong in the NHL. Sweeney will continue to ask around, but unless prices come down he might just stand pat.

Byfuglien rumours gain momentum

A name that's starting to crop up more and more in the NHL rumour mill is Winnipeg's versatile defenseman/forward Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien is entering the last year of his contract and can expect a big pay raise, but will it be with the Jets?

Goalie Jonathan Bernier and the Maple Leafs appear destined for arbitration Friday with the two sides remaining far apart on salary. It shouldn't be a major surprise that the Leafs are ready to go this route given it was team itself that elected for arbitration in the first place. Reports that the Leafs are "lowballing" Bernier only increases the likelihood that this negotiation will go right down to the wire. It's believed the Leafs are refusing to offer anything over $4 million in negotiations, while the Bernier camp is aiming for over $5 million on a short term deal. The Leafs have reportedly submitted an arbitration offer worth even less: the league minimum $2.89 million (85% of his previous salary).

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 27: Antropov...? Skinner, Johansson, Drouin, Staal, Ward

It's mid-offseason and we're talking about Nik Antropov. Yes, that guy.

Rumours are swirling in Russia after Antropov's agent told media his client is contemplating a return to the NHL. Antropov remains a free agent after his last deal with Barys Astana of the KHL - with whom he continues to negotiate - expired. Of course, this NHL talk might be nothing more than a bargaining tactic against the KHL teams hoping to sign him. The 35 year old center last played in the NHL during the 2012-2013 season.

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 24: Tlusty, Ehrhoff, Alfie, Lamoriello bringing over Conte?

While the media was zoned in on Lou Lamoriello becoming the new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday, a few arbitration hearings quietly took place: the Capitals' Braden Holtby and Alex Chiasson of the Senators. The Capitals and Holtby found common ground this afternoon, agreeing to a 5 year, $30.5 million extension. Meanwhile, Chiasson and the Sens continue to negotiate ahead of the arbitrator's ruling tomorrow. There remains cautious optimism that a deal will get done.

NHL Rumour Tidbits, July 22: Johansson, Holtby, JvR, Chiasson

A (strange) rumour which has been swirling around lately has teams across the NHL lining up to make offers for Toronto left winger James van Riemsdyk. I cannot account for the other teams, but I do believe the Capitals at some point had internal discussions about the player and whether or not he was a good target. But this is an old, expired rumour at best: the Capitals already have added two top 6 wingers in TJ Oshie and Justin Williams. It would be a shock for the Capitals to make an offer on JvR now, let alone Toronto entertain one for their relatively young, talented, and inexpensive star. What can I say, it's the summer. We've gotta find something to talk about, right?