Penguins/NHL
As reported here in January, the Penguins interest in Matt Duchene is significant and the Penguins have had back and forth talks with Colorado for over a month on Duchene and a much lesser extent, Gabriel Landeskog.
(Link here from last month on why the Penguins are drawn to Duchene)
Colorado is one of the three to four teams the Penguins have made Olli Maatta available so go ahead and connect the dots on what the Penguins are looking to do.
There are strong indications this week that It’s more likely than not that Jim Rutherford takes a serious run at Duchene before March 1. A source says Rutherford told close associates following Thursday’s game vs Colorado [hide], ‘we’re going after him [Duchene]’.
The chatter is only picking up as Nick Kypreo’s of Sportsnet on HNIC headlines segment, discussed the rumblings that Jim Rutherford could go after Duchene.
“Those deals are hard to make. Usually when you’re dealing with star players of that magnitude that deal happens at the NHL Draft or even in the off-season, but there is some thought that Joe Sakic is pushing really hard. Some people are even suggesting that Jimmy Rutherford might take a run at him,” Kypreos said. “Feeling is that they’re still always looking for scoring for Sidney Crosby, but will he have enough pieces? Can he shed enough of that salary to move in a guy like Duchene at $6 million dollars.”
“Joe Sakic is wanting as many as three pieces: a top draft pick, a prospect, and maybe even a top defenceman,” Kypreos said. “That is what is on his wish list of getting someone back.”
Kypreos suggested defenseman Derrick Pouliot as a trade piece but reality is Pouliot would be a thrown in as a 3rd and 4th piece, not a significant piece.
“I don’t know if you can sell Pouliot,” Elliotte Friedman said when Kypreos made the suggestion.
Friedman also relayed the following quote from Jim Rutherford when asking Rutherford if he can add a player with term.
“I will do anything I can to win and if I have to sort it out after the season I will do that.”[/hide]
