In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Montreal Canadiens will be without Rafaël Harvey-Pinard for four months as he recovers from surgery. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders signed Oliver Wahlstrom but does that mean they won’t trade him? Trade talk surrounding Nazem Kadri out of Calgary has seemed to calmed down, and what is happening in broadcasting as rumors swirl that Jeff Marek has parted ways with Sportsnet?
Canadiens’ Rafaël Harvey-Pinard to Miss Four Months
Canadiens winger Rafaël Harvey-Pinard had successful surgery yesterday to repair a broken leg, the team announced. He’s expected to miss four months, targeting a return around American Thanksgiving.
Related: 6 Players Who Recently Rejected the Maple Leafs in Free Agency
This is another setback for Harvey-Pinard, who struggled with injuries during the 2023-24 season. He played in 45 games, scoring two goals and eight assists for a total of 10 points, with a -2 rating. This was a decline from his 2022-23 performance when he scored 14 goals and 20 points in 34 games after being called up from AHL Laval.
With his injury, Montreal’s depth at left wing faces uncertainty. Harvey-Pinard’s absence opens opportunities for players like Alex Barré-Boulet, Brendan Gallagher, Michael Pezzetta, and prospects Owen Beck, Filip Mesar, and Joshua Roy.
Islanders Could Still Trade Oliver Wahlstrom
Ethan Sears of The New York Post reports that Oliver Wahlstrom’s future with the Islanders is uncertain, despite his new one-year, $1 million contract signed on Thursday. He writes that the player is safe for now, but adds, “It would still be a surprise, however, if Wahlstrom was on the opening night roster.”
The contract puts the Islanders over the $88 million salary cap. GM Lou Lamoriello admitted the team was seeking trade partners during the NHL Draft last month. If Wahlstrom is traded, it won’t be for pennies on the dollar. Lamoriello praised Wahlstrom’s performance in the 2022-23 season.
Sears suggests the Islanders will give Wahlstrom a chance to earn a roster spot during training camp. However, also possible is that the team could use the preseason as a showcase for a potential trade. If he doesn’t make the team or a trade partner isn’t found, Wahlstrom could end up on waivers or in the AHL.
Trade Talk on Kadri Quieting Down
With the offseason rush that was the NHL Draft and free agency, talk of trades have calmed down, including…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…