In today';s rumor rundown, the Rangers and Kevin Hayes might find ground on a
one-year deal but will that signal the end of his time in New York? So too,
Milan Lucic recently conducted an interview where it became clear he';s not
looking to leave to Edmonton and that he doesn';t understand why athletes get
so upset about being traded. Finally, the Panthers are still shopping and
Montreal might be settled into saving money over being competitive.Kevin Hayes
Leaving Rangers?

Larry Brooks of the NY Post is reporting the New York Rangers and Kevin Hayes
are not close on a long-term contract and will likely meet on a one-year deal
that will take Hayes to unrestricted free agency. They have an arbitration
hearing scheduled for Thursday but progress between the two sides has not been
made with Hayes seeking between $5.5 million and $6 million per year on a
long-term contract.Kevin Hayes, New York Rangers, Mar. 22, 2018 (Amy Irvin /
The Hockey Writers)

Rangers GM Jeff Gorton doesn't appear ready to commit to Hayes and with the
Rangers deep at the center position and Hayes never having posted a 50-point or
 better season, Brooks believes the Rangers will trade Hayes for a late
first-round pick.

If the Rangers do only sign Hayes on a one-year deal, he would then be added to
 a list of players who could be trade deadline moveable assets. The other two
players on that list are Mats Zuccarello and likely Ryan Spooner.Related: NHL
 Rumors: Provorov, Faulk, Neal, MoreLucic Happy to Stay, Won';t Be Bitter If
Traded

After months of trade speculation out of Edmonton, the news was Milan Lucic
would be leaving Edmonton and his asking for a trade was inaccurate
reporting. During an interview with Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette on
the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Lucic discussed a number of topics including
the trade rumors, how well the Oilers organization has treated him since his
arrival and how he';s looking forward to bouncing back in Edmonton. Lucic said,
 "I'm excited to come back and have that ΓÇÿprove people wrong' kind of
mentality and get back and be an elite team all over again and for myself
personally be an elite player once again."

This is all great news for the Oilers who need Lucic to rebound with a strong
season.Milan Lucic, Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey
Writers)

The conversation then turned an interesting direction, suggesting he wouldn';t
have the right to upset if traded. Lucic used the DeMar DeRozan situation in
Toronto as an example of what not to do if you';re an athlete who gets moved.

As an athlete, you';re not entitled to a heads up and unless your name is
Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid or LeBron James, you';re just another player.
Lucic feels no sympathy for DeRozan who got traded to one of the best
organizations in basketball. The former Raptor is going to the Spurs - a team
constantly in the hunt for a title, will be coached by Greg Popovich, make $30
million per year and play in a location that has no state tax. Lucic said,"
nobody feels bad for you, like fu%$ off."

Authors Note: It';s amazing how the storyline has switched gears so
dramatically when it comes to Lucic. It will be interesting to watch his
upcoming season and how supportive of Edmonton he remains.Were the rumors he
was willing to help the Oilers facilitate a trade just him being a grateful
player wanting to help his team? Or, did he actually want out? And, is his
attitude different because he has a no-trade clause he can use to control where
 he goes?Related: NHL Rumors: Matthews, Seguin, Lombardi, MorePanthers Still
Looking to Make Moves

Jameson Olive of the Florida Panthers website reports Panthers' general
manager Dave Talon still has his eyes on a number of players available on the
market. This has lead to speculation the Panthers could be one of the busier
teams over the next few weeks.

So far, the Panthers have added Mike Hoffman from the Senators, signed
goaltender Michael Hutchinson to a one-year deal and are looking at prospects
 like  Henrik Borgstrom and Owen Tippett to take a step forward. With just
over $2 million in cap space and a roster full of contracts, a trade might more
 likely than a straight free agency signing.Related: NHL Rumors: Nylander,
Strome, Reinhart, MoreFans About to Be Unhappy in Montreal

Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette notes this is now the second year in a
row the Montreal Canadiens have left significant money in their salary cap when
 they could have used it to improve the team. This year, with almost $8 million
 in cap space, insiders are starting to sense the pattern is the club wants to
remain a bargain-basement team.Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (Stephen R.
Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

The Canadiens have no free agents that currently need new deals and they are
still looking at shipping out one of their best players in Max Pacioretty.
Kelly suspects fans won';t be happy to hear the club would rather save money
than be competitive.

Specifically, when it comes to Pacioretty, Joey Alfieri of NBC Sports lists
the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils
and San Jose Sharks as five logical landing spots.

The post NHL Rumors: Lucic, Pacioretty, Hayes, More appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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