The Daily: NHL Rumors Sizzle in Vegas Heat; Marner Talk

LAS VEGAS– The NHL is gathered in Las Vegas officially for the draft, but general managers are spending as much time concentrating on the now as the future.

Plenty of trade rumors sizzling in the 102-degree heat, like how the Columbus Blue Jackets turned down a whopper offer for their No. 4 pick. The Flyers own the No. 12. They offered multiple assets. Pierre LeBrun reported that the deal included an NHL player and a first round pick. Could the Flyers’ 2025 first pick been in play?

Jonathan Bailey of Philadelphia Hockey Now’s story about the offer:

GM Don Waddell has switched from the Carolina Hurricanes to the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer. Rumors suggest he will shake up the team, perhaps starting here at the draft.

Meanwhile, there are still plenty of trade rumors about Mitch Marner. Vegas rumors abound. The Golden Knights certainly have a history of making major deals in their short NHL history. Wouldn’t the Golden Knights like to make a splash by announcing a major trade on the draft floor in front of their home fans?

One name you won’t hear any more in the trade rumors is goalie Juuse Saros. He is close to signing an eight-year contract with the Nashville Predators.

From the #TSNHockey Insiders in Las Vegas – The latest on Leon Draisaitl, Mitch Marner and Steven Stamkos as the NHL’s off-season kicks into high gear ahead of the #NHLDraft: https://t.co/E4vg8xhju4 pic.twitter.com/HBbwaqSckG

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 26, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

GM Steve Yzerman will likely have to clear more cap space if he wants to sign a significant UFA player like Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault.

Former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland is out in Edmonton after five consecutive seasons of making the playoffs. He got the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final this season. The Oilers let his contract expire.

Russia celebrate Pavel Datsyuk‘s selection to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Paywall story: At No. 15, the Red Wings could be looking at Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, a gritty Norwegian forward with skill. He is going to play with Axel Sandin Pellikka in Skelleftea next season in the SHL. To subscribe, click here. To receive a $10 discount for a yearly subscription, use the promo code kevin10.

 Red Wings Offseason

Lucas Raymond was not among the first six Swedish players named to his country’s team for next season’s Four Nations Cup. The first six Swedes are Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, William Nylander, Gustav Forsling, Mika Zibanejad and Filip Forsberg

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Jason Moser looks at why the Sabres moved down in the draft. Buffalo Sabres.

Colorado: More fuel to the rumors that Ross Colton may be traded. Colorado Avalanche. 

Florida: Good read here about how about for Matthew Tkachuk, the Stanley Cup is a family affair.

Montreal: Marc Dumont provides an update on Montreal draft intentions, signing issues and trade possibilities.  Montreal Canadiens.