Today's NHL speculation update,Sidney CrosbyTrade speculation has resurfaced again, even though he has repeatedly denied it. Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri's name remains part of ongoing trade talks and rumors. Lastly, there is an assumption that the Buffalo Sabres might show interest in a forward.Yegor Chinakhov, who recently requested a trade fromthe Columbus Blue Jackets. Everything else, in today's summary.
Sidney Crosby's Trade Speculation Resurfaces
Although Crosby has repeatedly denied the rumors and expressed his desire to stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the rest of his career, analysts and insiders keep bringing up his name in potential trade discussions. Commentator Frank Seravalli mentioned that there are a few teams on his radar that he is evaluating, whileNick Kypreos recently hintedlooking at it in his latest off-season trade board article.
At 37 years of age, Crosby is expected to be a topic in trade discussions until he ends his career, given the Penguins' current circumstances. The team is still in the process of rebuilding as they aim to become competitive in the coming seasons. However, it's reasonable to think that Crosby would prefer to stay in a competitive environment and not continue experiencing losing seasons and finishing near the bottom of the standings. Nevertheless, he has made it very clear that he does not wish to leave the Penguins, so any trade will only happen if he completely changes his mind.
Nazem Kadri Connected to the Maple Leafs and Canadiens
In the same article from Kypreos on the trade board, he explores the chance of the Flames moving Kadri to free up some salary cap space and capitalize on teams aiming to strengthen their center position, with particular reference to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, who have recently been connected to him.
Kadri, 34 years old, has his contract extended until the 2028-29 season and currently includes a no-movement clause. For next season, this will transition to a modified no-trade clause, allowing him to specify a list of 13 teams where he cannot be traded. At present, his contract is difficult to move due to the trade protection and the $7 million cap hit associated with it. However, given the urgency of some teams looking to acquire a top-six forward, there might be a deal possible this offseason, provided Kadri is open to being traded.
Sabres Interested in Chinakhov?
Following his trade request from the Blue Jackets, supporters and analysts started to speculate about where Chinakhov might be headed if the team decides to move him this summer. Chad DeDominicis notes that the Sabres have shown interest in him and may attempt to sign him before the 2025-26 season begins.
At 24 years of age, Chinakhov participated in just 30 matches during the previous season, netting seven goals and providing eight assists for a total of 15 points. Over the course of his professional journey, he has competed in 175 games, scoring 34 goals and contributing 37 assists, resulting in 71 points overall, which equates to an average of 0.41 points per game.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have indicated they anticipate Chinakhov's presence at the upcoming training camp, and will not initiate a trade unless it serves their interests.
Oilers Hope Matt Savoie Will Make a Major Progress
With a summer full of transformations for the Edmonton Oilers, there are chances to be seizedseems to be knockingregarding prospect Matt Savoie, both head coach Kris Knoblauch and general manager Stan Bowman have expressed positive opinions about him, suggesting he might be poised to take on a significant role on their penalty kill unit this season.
Knoblauch discussed his brief time in the NHL during the previous season and praised him, describing him as a dependable two-way player when the game is at even strength. He also noted that he definitely envisions him being part of the penalty kill next season.
With the Oilers aiming to secure their first Stanley Cup since 1990 following two consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses, they appear willing to promote from within instead of seeking players via trades, focusing on their young talent and expecting them to make an immediate impact in the league.
With the 2025-26 season drawing near, make sure to keep up with the updatesThe Hockey Writersas your go-to source for news from across the NHL and the hockey community.
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