Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! There have been a lot of different stories going on around the league. Patrick Kane is officially back and even lit the lamp for the first time. New Jersey is winning consecutively, whereas their cross-town rival New York Rangers has taken a back seat drive. However, there are other teams in the division looking to improve. Today’s rumours are about the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks.
NHL Rumours
Washington Capitals
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses the Capitals making a strong push for Ethan Bear
If there is one team that has been a surprise to many, it is the Washington Capitals. After making minimal moves during the offseason, the team has managed to land in third place in the competitive Metropolitan Division. An even bigger surprise has been the emergence of Charlie Lindgren, as he has held the fort down in the crease. With the team playing well and in a playoff position, the Capitals are looking to add.
Friedman mentions that of all the teams interested in Ethan Bear, the Capitals have been the team to bring forth a strong effort. Bear has been skating on his own and has been getting his body into shape to continue his career.
Vancouver ideally would love to keep Bear, but given the tight cap space it will be difficult. Washington is in prime position to capitalize, as they have the money. Bear would give the team an extra boost of depth and be able to contribute offensively.
The Bear sweepstakes is on and a decision could loom shortly.
Vancouver Canucks
Rumour: Elliote Friedman says that teams are calling on Andrei Kuzmenko
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us out to Canada. For the right reasons, the Vancouver Canucks are stealing the headlines. Quinn Hughes is a Norris Trophy calibre talent. Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller have been a force offensively and Thatcher Demko is challenging for a Vezina Trophy. Furthermore, the team made a big splash trade by acquiring Nikita Zadorov. It may have come as a surprise, but the Canucks are among the best in the division and the conference. However, the rumour mill surrounding them keeps moving.
Friedman mentions that teams are calling about Kuzmenko and rightfully so. The Canucks are right up against the salary cap and could look to shed money. Kuzmenko currently has one year left on his deal and a salary cap hit of $5.5 million. In hindsight, that is not a large sum and teams are pouncing at the idea of adding him.
Kuzmenko is a solid weapon offensively and would be a big boost when it comes to scoring. During the 2022-23 season, he scored 39 goals and 74 points in 81 games played. He could play on the power play as well, as he scored 14 goals and had 19 points.
Kuzmenko is still young and has plenty of good hockey to be played. Whatever the case may be, Kuzmenko has yet to play over 15 minutes in a game. He would be a worthy addition and teams needing an offensive boost should be looking for his services.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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