NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Bruins, Blue Jackets, Penguins – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's NHL rumors, can the Toronto Maple Leafs move on from David Kampf? One Toronto-based columnist thinks so. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman opted not to file for arbitration. Why? The Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked with Joel Quenneville but they are not interested in him as a head coach. Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are closing in on a lucrative contract extension.

Will The Maple Leafs Continue From David Kampf?

In a recent Toronto Star article, Nick Kypreos suggested that veteran forward David Kämpf could be traded from Toronto. Kampf, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract, could be someone the team can no longer afford with the money now tied up in a new defense and seemingly sticking to their “Core Four.” While still a utility player, Kämpf's $2.4 million salary is significant for a bottom-six player.

Kypreos commented:

“The top six players need attention too. Is David Kämpf in the running to lead the Leafs' scoring line? They might cut the food there too.”

source – 'This offseason for the Maple Leafs is off to a great start. Still a long way to go to win the Atlantic' – Nick Kypreos – Toronto Star – 07/04/2024

His place will hopefully be in an organization ready to make the jump to the NHL, or the team will try to find an inexpensive player who can do some of what Kampf did well; is very important to the penalty kill of the Maple Leafs and contributes to the defense.

Neither the Bruins nor Swayman have filed for arbitration

Last season, Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins went to a settlement, which resulted in a one-year, $3.475 million deal for the 25-year-old goaltender. Swayman expressed his distaste for the arbitration process and did not want to repeat it. The Bruins also didn't want to go through that process again. As a result, neither party applied for arbitration. Now that the filing deadline has passed, what's next?

Related: Bruins' Ullmark Trade May Have Unintended Consequences for 2024-25

The Bruins and Swayman can now negotiate a contract extension. The only problem now is that Swayman can sign another team's sheet, if he so chooses. As a restricted free agent who won the first job in Boston, Swayman is set for a significant promotion after a strong 2023-24 season. Also, with the trade of Linus Ullmark to Ottawa, Swayman has gained a lot of power, as an RFA. Even though it's rare, is there a team out there that would consider scooping up Swayman with an offer sheet? The Bruins have $8.6 million left on Swayman's contract. Any offer beyond that is difficult for Boston.

The Blue Jackets Don't Care About Joel Quenneville

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic tweeted that the Columbus Blue Jackets are not considering Joel Quenneville as their next coach. He is not a candidate despite being allowed by the NHL to seek employment with an NHL franchise.

Quenneville, with three Stanley Cups and 969 wins, ranks second in all-time wins by an NHL coach. He led the Panthers to the 2020-21 playoffs and had a perfect record the following season before being kicked out of the league due to allegations of sexual harassment by the Blackhawks.

Crosby Will Re-Sign With Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby are nearing a contract extension, according to Rob Rossi of The Athletic. The details of the agreement are still unknown. That said, Rossi writes:

During those conversations, sources said, Crosby reaffirmed to Dubas what he has said publicly several times – that he wants to finish his career with the Penguins, who selected him No. 1 in 2005. commitment to Pittsburgh,” a team and league source said….As previously reported, a deal within three years and potentially averaging $10 million per year is possible.

source: 'Sidney Crosby nears new contract with Pittsburgh Penguins: Sources' – Rob Rossi – The Athletic – 07/08/2024

Crosby's current contract, which pays him $8.7 million a year, has one season left. He will turn 37 in August but led the team with 94 points in 82 games in the 2023-24 season, moving up to 10th on the NHL's all-time scoring list.