Penguins/NHL
(Rumblings, Musings, Opinions)
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Though they are similar in age, Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen would have been the NHL’s version of Luca Doncic for Anthony Davis in star power for star power getting moved at the deadline. What a fascinating move that would have been as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Leafs went to Marner to see if he would waive. Then the funniest outcome would have been if he accepted to go to Carolina and then walked, which would have been a likely scenario. This one stings for Toronto as Rantanen would have signed and been an excellent long-term fit over Marner because of his size, power forward presence to go toe-to-toe with Florida, Tampa Bay for years to come.
Marner’s Free Agency is going to be something with Rantanen taking himself out of the mix. No secret he loves the big city lights or the beach life when trying to predict his destination but there’s been a turn where leaks are emerging that places Marner will consider are expanding. We’re going to see contenders maxed out at $12 million, Rangers, Oilers (sleeper team to watch), some non-playoff teams like To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! Marner idolizes Penguins To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
Don Sweeney might be the second most hated General Manager right now in sports behind Nico Harrison for trading away Brad Marchand. However, there’s a little too much doom and gloom in Boston right now. You still have three building blocks who are in their prime and among the best at their positions in David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman (If he turns back into 2023-2024 Swayman) for a quick turnaround; Among other factors: It’s a destination city, not on par with Florida teams and Dallas, but a place players want to sign; Boston has Nine Draft Picks in the Top-2 rounds over the next three years and enter the summer with around $30 million in cap space to revamp the roster around Pastrnak & co.
Asked One NHL Assistant coach on who the scariest team is now out of the deadline: His response “Colorado Avalanche“. The coach’s response on what playoff team he feels bad for with the moves in the West: “Minnesota Wild” who are likely to still be stuck in first round purgatory.
Word around the league in deadline week is the Top Atlantic Teams don’t fear the Washington Capitals at all, but Washington has the potential easiest path to get to the Eastern Conference Finals with New Jersey, Carolina weakening. Some coaches believe the New York Rangers could still be the most dangerous team in the Metro if they nab the final wildcard spot or move up to third and avoid having to go through the Atlantic.
Rumors: Penguins have set internal July 1 as deadline for possible Erik Karlsson trade