Samsonov Struggles, Coaching Talk, and Kuzmenko Updates
Plus, an exclusive, free-depth update on an incorrect rumor regarding Kuzmenko and the Canucks...
Welcome to the THW News and Rumors rundown.
Today, the Colorado Avalanche might be trying to pull off a sneaky move. Meanwhile, the Devils will have some money to spend and the Bruins loan Matt Poitras to Team Canada. Finally, the Oilers might have a sweetener good enough to trade Jack Campbell.
Plus, there is more news out of Edmonton, Washington, Toronto, and Columbus.
NHL News & Rumors: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Penguins, Canadiens
December 22, 2023 by Jim Parsons
In today’s NHL news and rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs might be looking at sending Ilya Samsonov down to the AHL following the roster freeze. Meanwhile, could the coaches in Buffalo and Pittsburgh be on the hot seat? Finally, are the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils serious about trading with the Montreal Canadiens for Jake Allen?
NHL News & Rumors: Oilers, Senators, Penguins, Nolan Patrick…
December 21, 2023 by Jim Parsons
In today’s NHL news and rumors rundown, Jack Campbell has faced another setback for the Edmonton Oilers as it appears he’s lost the starting job in Bakersfield to Olivier Rodrigue. What happens next with both players? Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are struggling and many are wondering if they will become early sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Are the Pittsburgh Penguins thinking about trading Jake Guentzel? Finally, did Nolan Patrick quietly retire from the NHL?
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Sammy, Jones, Matthews & Liljegren
December 22, 2023 by The Old Prof
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ match against the Buffalo Sabres had all the makings of a high-scoring game, and 12 goals is just that. However, that nine of those goals would come from the Sabres wasn’t expected. The team was hoping for a rebound game from its struggling goalie Ilya Samsonov. Unfortunately, they got just the opposite.
Canucks News & Rumors: Hughes, Kuzmenko & Suter
December 21, 2023 by Sartaaj Bhullar
In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, Quinn Hughes reaches the 40-point mark. Additionally, head coach Rick Tocchet scratched Andrei Kuzmenko for the fifth time this season. Also, Tocchet praises Pius Suter for his play.
Update for Paid Subscribers: Shooting Down a Rumor Regarding Andrei Kuzmenko
** Shortly, premium content like what you’ll read below will only be available to paid subscribers of THW Substack. Get access to all of The Hockey Writers’ premium content, including exclusive subscriber-only reports, analysis, long-form commentary, podcasts, video recaps, and much more… all with one subscription!
Keeping reading for the update that will only be available to paid subscribers starting in 2024!
Some Inaccurate Information Out There Regarding Kuzmenko
Despite all of the trade talk surrounding Andrei Kuzmenko and the rumored potential discontent between the two parties, any friction has been greatly exaggerated by some reports. According to a few insiders and in reaching out to a couple of sources, I’ve been told that Kuzmenko completely understands what’s happening and he’s working with the team, accepting the process that it will take to get back into the lineup.
Kuzmenko is disappointed that he’s not producing more, but he’s still upbeat. He’s not seeking a trade, nor is he upset with the Canucks. He’s working through his struggles and the team is looking to work with him to get him on track again.
I’ve also been told the first thought of the Canucks is not to trade Kuzmenko. Rather, the Canucks would like to find a way to maximize his impact and make him a productive player in the post-season. They still believe there is a lot of upside and potential and if he finds his rhythm, the floodgates could open.
One of the interesting comments I saw was the fact that the Canucks feel they dodged a bullet by not trading Brock Boeser in the off-season and in seeing the kind of steps he’s taken this season, the worry about trading a player like Kuzmenko is that he could explode offensively for another team if traded. The Canucks feel it was right to hang onto Boeser. They learned that avoiding panic trade at the lowest possible value for the player was the right move.