NHL Rumors: Wild, Penguins, Blues, Maple Leafs – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's NHL rumor mill, the Minnesota Wild aren't looking for anyone else to sign Kirill Kaprizov, but they aren't talking about a contract extension. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have told teams that almost everything is available for trade, and they've already made one deal. What is the latest on the situation of Robert Thomas and St. Louis Blues? Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has been activated on LTIR. Will you play with the Washington Capitals?

Wild Long Way to Expand Kirill Kaprizov

According to an NHL.com article, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin is not in a position where a contract extension for forward Kirill Kaprizov is imminent. Kaprizov is eligible for an extension on July 1 and both sides could get their ducks together to sign him on that day if both sides know they want to move forward together.

When asked if there was anything new in that, Guerin replied, “No. We are very far from that. We are just focusing on the season. We just want to play. Kirill just wants to play hockey. We just want to play hockey. We'll get to all that later.”

Penguins Trade Eller, Open to Multiple Deals

After trading Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals, insiders are wondering what might be next for the Pittsburgh Penguins. DK Pittsburgh Sports special report Taylor Haase noted that a league source told Dubas that he had informed “everyone is available, except for 87 (Sidney Crosby)”. That has led to speculation that the Penguins will waive players.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that the Penguins are not involved in a trade despite recent speculation. Dreger says Dubas has recently reached out to other GMs around the league to let them know he's open for business but that's standard practice for NHL general managers. There is no sense of panic, but the Penguins want to have conversations.

Related: 3 Boston Bruins Trade Targets From Pittsburgh Penguins

Eller's deal wasn't a snap decision. It had been there for a long time. Also, Dubas promised Crosby that the team would try to stay competitive. A complete rebuild doesn't happen until after Crosby retires.

Robert Thomas Back with the Blues, But No Timeline

According to The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford, Drew Bannister said of forward Robert Thomas: “It was great to see him on the ice. He wants to have a team. I think the boys were happy to see him and maybe a little surprised. I thought he looked good (but) obviously there's no timeline on his injury.”

Maple Leaves Activate Jani Hakanpaa

According to a statement from the Toronto Maple Leafs' PR department on Wednesday, defenseman Jani Hakanpää was returned from LTIR's loan and worked at LTIR. After two games in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, he could be ready to join the lineup as the Leafs take on the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Hakanpaa hasn't played an NHL game since March 16 and fans will be surprised to see how well he catches and who comes off the roster to make room for him. According to PuckPedia, with Hakanpaa activated, the Leafs now have $732K Cap Space left at LTIR with 23 active players IR: Matthews, Pacioretty LTIR: Mermis, Jarnkrok.”

Are more changes coming? Will the Leafs wait to see how things go before planning any other moves?