Could Brendan Gallagher be playing his final games for the Montreal Canadiens in today’s NHL rumors? In the meantime, are the Anaheim Ducks open to the transfer of goaltender John Gibson?
When it comes to NHL coaching news, which teams are trying to bring back their expiring bench bosses, and which teams will be looking in other directions?
Gallagher done with Canadiens after this season?
According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, “The Canadiens have only five games left this season and you have to wonder if they could be Brendan Gallagher’s last on the team.” Discussing the many changes expected for the Canadiens this offseason, Cowan suggested that GM Kent Hughes would likely be happy to give up the last five seasons of Gallagher’s six-year, $39 million contract.
Cowan also believes Gallagher would not be averse to a change of scenery and looking for a chance to win. He adds:
This has been a difficult season for Gallagher, who has struggled with injuries and has scored just six goals in 51 games. His contract might put other teams off, but if the Canadians were willing to eat some of it, maybe a deal can be struck.
Source – ‘Stu Cowan: Are Brendan Gallagher’s Days Numbered With Canadians?’ – Stu Cowan – Montreal Gazette – 04/20/2022
Cowan suggests the Los Angeles Kings might be interested. They found success signing Philip Danault as a free agent, and Marc Bergevin is now senior advisor to King’s GM Rob Blake.
Ducks listen to offers for Gibson
While the Anaheim Ducks aren’t rumored to be goalie John Gibson, The Athletic’s Eric Stephens writes that the team will likely listen to offers for the veteran goalie. Saying that finding legitimate No. 1 goaltenders in the NHL isn’t easy, any offer would have to blow the Ducks away.
The Ducks would also need to learn that Gibson isn’t interested in going through with a rebuild with the club. Stephens writes:
And if the conversation hasn’t already taken place, I would imagine that Verbeek will gauge how much Gibson would like to endure this rebuild. If he gets the feeling that the 28-year-old prefers playing with a team that’s closer to the Stanley Cup, then you can bet there will be more trade speculation that’s genuine and not conjured up for our amusement .
Source – ‘John Gibson Trade Chatter, Dallas Eakins’ ‘wild ride’ and more: Ducks Mailbag, Part 2′ – Eric Stephens – The Athletic – 04/19/2022
In one scenario (just an idea he spat out), Stephens suggested that there could be a fit between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ducks involving Tristan Jarry.
Blackhawks 50/50 to keep the king
With so many potential changes for the Chicago Blackhawks this offseason, it’s no surprise that Chicago’s coaching situation remains fluid. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun notes Derek King’s position as manager is not secure.
See Also: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Giordano, Robertson & the Avs
He writes:
GM Kyle Davidson told me this week that the Hawks would address the offseason coaching situation. My feeling is that the players enjoyed playing for King. But with the front office as a whole still charting a new course, it’s not a bull’s eye that he’s returning. A source suggested to me it was 50-50.
Source – ‘LeBrun: With so many NHL coaches on expiring contracts, who’s staying next season? Who is going?’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 04/21/2022
If he stays, there could be a short-term extension. There are many questions surrounding the team and Jonathan Toews has been vocal about the lack of motivation of some players. That can’t work out well for the coaching.
Oilers will likely keep Woodcroft and Manson
LeBrun also writes that Woodcroft, who led the Oilers to a great second half, didn’t go unnoticed by teams. However, Oilers GM Ken Holland will wait until after the season to address the coaching situation. LeBrun notes that fans shouldn’t worry about losing Woodcroft as he won’t break the bank.
Mark Spector was on Oilers Now this week with Bob Staufer and said he knows Holland doesn’t do such deals during a playoff stretch run or the postseason. He anticipates a three-year postseason contract and states that no other team will rival the Oilers for the services of their current interim coach. Manson and Woodcroft are probably a package deal.
Jim Parsons is a senior freelance THW writer, part-time journalist, and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes NHL news and rumor while also writing features about the Edmonton Oilers. He’s been a trusted source at The Hockey Writers for more than five years, but beyond that, his mission is to keep readers up to date with the latest NHL gossip and tech talk. Jim is a daily must-read for readers who want to be “in the loop.”
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