In today’s NHL news and rumors update, there is news on Patrick Laine and how he feels about this coming season. Plus, what are the Dallas Stars asking for to land Julius Honka? Finally, which team claimed which players off the waiver wire yesterday?
Laine: “I’m Going to Score a lot of Goals”
In his first media appearance since re-signing his two-year extension with the Winnipeg Jets last week, Patrick Laine met with the media and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know what he expects out of himself this season. “I’m going to score a lot of goals, that’s for sure.”
As per a report by the Winnipeg Free Press, Laine also said, “I know that I will be good for the next two years.” and “I’m going to be betting on myself in these two years.”
Laine talked about how rough a year it was for the Jets and not the ending to the season they wanted. Laine said he’s been playing well over the past couple of month and he’s just going to continue that trend into the start of the NHL regular season. His goal is to show he can be more consistent.
Related: NHL Rumors: Kane, Gardiner, Oilers, Isles, More
Asking Price for Julius Honka
Rumors surrounding a trade that will include Julius Honka leaving Dallas have not gone away. As the last remaining unsigned restricted free agent, the focus of a lot of trade speculation will be on him and the Stars organization. But, a trade doesn’t seem near.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman both confirmed that the asking price for Honka remains high. Reports are Stars GM Jim Nill is seeking a second- or third-round pick or a young player with a similar early-round pedigree.
It’s hard to imagine too many teams are jumping at that kind of asking price considering Honka played in just 29 games with Dallas last season and recorded only four points. There’s not a guarantee he’ll be a regular NHL player so it is expected teams will wait until the Stars drop their asking price.
Related: Edmonton Oilers News and Rumors: Gagner, Centers, Baertschi, More
Two Players Claimed Off Waivers
Among the 39 players available on the waiver wire yesterday, only two players were claimed. Names like Sven Baertschi, Sam Gagner, Thomas Hickey, Curtis Lazar and Luke Schenn all went through with no claims from any NHL franchises and youngsters like Josh Ho-Sang and Daniel Sprong will have to work their way back into their respective lineups.
Only Eric Comrie and Carl Dahlstrom were claimed by Arizona and Winnipeg respectively.
Lee Stempniak Retires
After not being picked up by an NHL club this offseason, Lee Stempniak is calling it a career in the NHL. He played 13 seasons in the NHL but today, he announced his retirement from the NHL altogether.
Penguins and Avalanche Talking Trade?
Paul Bissonnette on his Spittin’ Chiclets podcast said that he’s been told that the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins are talking trade and that the Avs might acquire defenseman Jack Johnson In the trade, the Avalanche will acquire some extra assets from the Penguins.
Related: Toronto Maple Leafs Make Their Final Roster Moves
