NHL Talking Points: Leafs’ defensemen, Kovalchuk, Stanley Cup and more

NHL Talking Points is a weekly column highlighting 10 stories that have been circulating around the league. This week, we take a look at speculation surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line, Ilya Kovalchuk rumors, the Stanley Cup Final and more.

The past week has seen a host of narratives occupy the talk circuit of the hockey world. The Stanley Cup Final is in full swing, trade rumors loom large and free agency continues to serve as a recurring subject of interest.

Let’s take a look at 10 stories that have been circulating around the National Hockey League.

1. The Winnipeg Jets are interested in making Connor Hellebuyck a long-term offer.

The Vezina Trophy nominee is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2018. Although the Jets have some serious decisions to make about the overarching direction of the future of the franchise, Elliotte Friedman has reported that the organization’s administration shall aim to make the 25-year-old netminder a favorable offer. Should they succeed in balancing term with contract, the team’s fans will revere in admiration for General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and Co.

2. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been in talks with a wide range of defenders.

We have previously gestured to the possibility of the Buds targeting Justin Faulk. But what are some of the team’s other options?

The Maple Leafs have apparently been linked to the likes of the aforementioned Faulk (CAR), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARI), David Savard (CBJ), Alec Martinez (LAK) and Chris Tanev (VAN). Signing any of these defensemen would be massive for the franchise, as fans await the first major move from new GM Kyle Dubas.

3. Could Ilya Kovalchuk end up with the Islanders?

It’s no secret that the veteran forward has been planning a return to the NHL for quite some time. Where he will play, however, has been — and shall continue to be — a recurring point of discussion.

While Kovalchuk was previously linked to the New York Rangers, the past week has seen increased talk of the possibility of the famous winger going to the New York Islanders. Speaking about the Isles’ new president of hockey operations, Lou Lamoriello, Kovalchuk remarked: “He’s one of those guys you want to always keep in touch with and ask him for advice…. He’s a great man”.

Expect discussions of this nature to occupy hockey media in the weeks to come.

4. Mike Van Ryn is on his way to St. Louis.

The former member of the Blues is set to join the franchise again — this time as an assistant coach. He’ll replace Darryl Sydor, who has parted ways with the team in order to spend more time with his family.

5. Jim Rutherford has commented on the Phil Kessel rumors.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ GM has reflected on the notion that his club is looking to shop the talented right winger.

Rutherford even went as far as to suggest that Kessel is not on the trade market:

"I don’t think it’s been any secret here for three years that Phil’s preference is to play with [Malkin]… But when [Mike] looks at our team, he believes balance throughout the lineup is the best way to win, and we won [the Stanley Cup twice] that way with Phil not playing with [Malkin]."

6. Will Max Pacioretty stay in Montreal?

TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger recently speculated on the future of the Habs’ captain during a panel on free agency. Despite acknowledging that talk of trade continues to run rampant, Dreger drew the attention of listeners to an often under-discussed prospect — that is, the possibility of Pacioretty remaining with the Canadiens. He noted that although GM Marc Bergevin and his counterparts have not yet made a decision on the matter, they are currently entertaining the idea of offering an extension to the veteran center — a decision that would surely serve as a subject of scrutiny across the hockey world.

7. P.K. Subban and Zdeno Chara are classmates.

They may be on-ice rivals, but the two defensemen — both former Norris Trophy winners — are enrolled in a multi-day course at Harvard University (entitled The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports).

https://twitter.com/PKSubban1/status/1002188556255748096

The defenders are not alone in this endeavor. As per professor Anita Elberse’s official Instagram page, the course is presently host to a multitude of athletes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjfczZDDfZ-/?taken-by=anitaelberse

8. Ryan Callahan is slated to miss a sufficient amount of playing time.

Like several of his teammates, the veteran winger powered through the postseason with a nasty injury. Callahan recently disclosed that he underwent surgery for a dislocated shoulder that he suffered in a December 14 contest against the Arizona Coyotes:

"It’s tough…That’s my third (surgery) in four years or something like that. It’s never fun. It’s part of it. Everybody goes through injuries. Everybody deals with it, so rehab, get better and get ready for next year."

Given that the injury rendered Callahan sidelined for two games of the Bolts’ first-round series, we can expect the 33-year-old forward to take his time recovering.

9. The Vegas Golden Knights’ television viewership has been through the roof.

According to NBC’s Sports PR, it’s estimated that almost half of the televisions in Las Vegas were tuned into the first game of the Stanley Cup Final.

Who’s still doubting Vegas’ credibility as a hockey city?

10. This year’s Conn Smythe Trophy race is one for the books.

Among the most exciting stories of the playoffs has been the question of who will take home the award given to the player deemed most valuable to his team throughout the postseason. It’s reasonable to estimate that, as it stands, Marc-Andre Fleury, Alexander Ovechkin, Braden Holtby, Jonathan Marchessault and Evgeny Kuznetsov are the frontrunners for the trophy. Look for this list to be trimmed down between now and the final matchup of the series.

NEXT: One free agent every NHL team should sign this offseason

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