In today’s edition of Stat Hockey’s NHL News & Rumours we look at the possibility of seeing a trade out of Ottawa soon and the likelihood of the Calgary Flames bringing back their veteran winger. Then we finish off by examining the potential return to coaching by Barry Trotz and which team he may be interested in.
Formenton Trade More Likely Than Signing
Alex Formenton of the Ottawa Senators remains the final unsigned restricted free agent as the NHL season is already about 10 games in. After a long stalemate, the Senators could really use a player like him on the third line right about now. With Josh Norris injured long-term, Shane Pinto moved up into the top-six and Formenton’s third line spot is open once again. Yes, he’s a winger, but Mathieu Joseph can move over to centre.
It’s either get Formenton signed now or trade him. Darren Dreger suggested some believe it’s more likely that Ottawa trades Formenton then signs him. He had a solid first full season in the NHL in 2021-22, scoring 18 goals and 32 points. He was primed to elevate his game even more with better linemates, but is still sitting on the sidelines without a contract.
Flames Looking Into Re-Singing Lucic
After trade rumours and talks of Milan Lucic’s time with the Flames finally coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, there are talks that the team is looking at potentially re-signing him, per Anthony Di Marco. He may not be the consistent 20-goal scorer he once was, but his style of play is admired by coach Darryl Sutter.
If you look past his contract that sees him earn far too much money per season, he has done a great job in his role since coming over to the Flames. He has become a regular force on the fourth line, but may just see his role increased as the Flames just altered their forward lines. His next contract won’t be nearly as high of a cap hit and the Flames would be able to afford to keep him around to continue playing his role.
Barry Trotz Could Return to Coaching Around December
As one of the greatest head coaches in NHL history, there will constantly be talk around Barry Trotz as to when he’s returning to coaching and with which team. He has been rumoured to want to coach an original six team if he does return. Pierre LeBrun reported that Trotz is not ready to come back to coaching yet. It’d be December at the earliest.
As no team has fired their coach yet, an original six team could very well be waiting it out to see where the team is at in another month. Trotz implements one of the greatest defensive systems and the teams he coaches are always one of the best in the league in goals against and at shutting down opponents. He has won two Jack Adams Awards, one Stanley Cup, and most recently took the New York Islanders to consecutive conference finals when they didn’t really have any business being there.
Related: Sheldon Keefe’s Job Isn’t in Jeopardy With Maple Leafs
This was another edition of Stat Hockey’s NHL News & Rumours as I keep you up to date with the latest around the NHL.
