The 2023-24 season is in full swing and that means that the rumour mill is churning as well. Even though it is in the early stages of the year, there are plenty of things going on behind the scenes. There are some players that could be on the move but also staying put with their respective clubs. Todays NHL Rumours focus on the New Jersey Devils and a forward who is going to make his return to the game.
NHL Rumours
New Jersey Devils
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts discussing if there will be an Akira Schmid extension soon.
Friedman on 32TP: “I’m wondering if we’re going to see an Akira Schmid extension soon”
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) October 17, 2023
What a ride it has been for the New Jersey Devils netminder. His sample size is small but he has shown flashes of promise with the sample size. In a forgettable year during the 2021-22 season, he played six games and displayed poor numbers. Also, he was one of seven different goaltenders the team used during the year.
His level of play picked up during the 2022-23 season and he made a name for himself. He came in to relieve Vitek Vanecek and shined brightly in those starts. However, it was during round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs he made a name for himself. After a disastrous two games, he stole the show on Broadway and the series. Schmid shut down the New York Rangers and finished the postseason with a 2.35 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. In addition, he finished with 2.4 goals saved above expected and proved to the Devils organization that he belongs.
There were many questions surrounding the position entering the 2023-24 season. It seems like those questions have been put to rest and the future of the position lies with its netminder. Vanecek has one year left beyond this one and Schmid looks to be the goalie of the present and the future. New Jersey will have a large portion of salary cap space, so getting a deal done will not be a challenge.
Patrick Kane
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading discusses the updates surrounding the star forward.
INSIDER TRADING with @DarrenDreger, @PierreVLeBrun & @reporterchris…
– Meier benching sends message
– Eye on teenaged junior players
– NHL/NHLPA Olympic issues
– 1st NHL Pride Night later this month
– Latest on Kane
– Bowman awaits reinstatementWATCH: https://t.co/JEeppUiwro
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 17, 2023
When the Chicago Blackhawks traded Patrick Kane, it signaled a new era for them as an organization. Eventually, Kane got his wish and got to play for the Rangers. It was a short tenure and upon the ending of the season he underwent hip surgery.
The Kane sweepstakes will be in full swing, but as of right now the potential landing spots will be quiet. LeBrun mentioned that he spoke to Kane’s agent and said the star winger is progressing well with his recovery. However, Kane is not medically cleared and is still working towards that.
The Kane sweepstakes will pick up once he is cleared, as a dozen teams have reached out on July 1. Furthermore, LeBrun said that his agent has remained in talks with some teams but are on a “keep us posted” basis. Tune in for the Kane sweepstakes once he is medically cleared, as he will be a great addition for a playoff run.
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The post NHL Rumours: New Jersey Devils and Free Agent Forward appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.