NHL Rumors: Latest Buzz on Jonathan Bernier, Kevin Shattenkirk and More

The 2015 NHL free-agent market opened last Wednesday, and there have been plenty of moves made between then and now to occupy the attention of hockey fans everywhere.

There are still rumors flying around worth paying attention to, though. Certain notable players have yet to sign, are potentially being used as a trade chip or are on a collision course for arbitration, which begins July 20.

Find out what the buzz around pro hockey is about at the moment by reading on for a closer breakdown of the latest whispers.

Maple Leafs, Jonathan Bernier Could Go to Arbitration

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Jonas Siegel of TSN.ca reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing talks to hammer out a new contract for goaltender Jonathan Bernier. However, the netminder's agent has doubts the two sides will come to an agreement before arbitration.

The following context added by Siegel is important to bear in mind:

Although the flexibility on the duration of the contract suggests a deal could be done before resorting to arbitration, there's little doubt Bernier's side would prefer an extended commitment.

Neither Bernier nor his direct competition in James Reimer played tremendously last season, but Bernier made 55 starts to his backup's 27. Reimer will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, making the Bernier situation all the more difficult to handle.

Maple Leafs personality Marco Perruzza weighed in on the future of the team's goaltending situation:

"

I like Bernier a lot. Think he's a very good goalie. Also feel the same way about Reimer. I still lean Reimer over Bernier due to size.

— Hope_Smoke (@Hope_Smoke) July 7, 2015"

This all has to be a bit frustrating for Bernier, who would love to have a secure future in Toronto if the club can successfully rebuild and return to prominence. Goalie play is so important, and Bernier has the talent to be an All-Star as a former first-round pick.

After being unable to get out of Jonathan Quick's shadow in Los Angeles, Bernier is now having trouble selling himself as the Leafs' long-term starter between the pipes. Of all the decisions Toronto has to make on younger players, the goaltender spot is among the most important.

Blues to Trade Kevin Shattenkirk?

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The St. Louis Blues All-Star could be on the move to either the New York Rangers or Philadelphia Flyers.

According to CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty, those two suitors have been in talks with the Blues about acquiring Shattenkirk this summer.

Just one day before that report, Shattenkirk's agent, Jordan Neumann, denied prior speculation that his client would be traded, per ESPN The Magazine's Craig Custance. The rumor nevertheless persists, and at least two teams have been singled out as possible destinations.

NHL.com's Lou Korac believes Shattenkirk could be in line for a greater leadership role moving forward if he stays in St. Louis:

Shattenkirk was a dynamic two-way player en route to 52 points in 56 games played in 2014-15. An abdominal injury required surgery and cut the 26-year-old's season considerably short.

With two years remaining on his contract, there's a chance Shattenkirk could get away in free agency in the summer of 2017 without any compensation. The youngster is bound to improve and command an even bigger payday when he does hit the open market.

Selling high on Shattenkirk makes sense for the Blues, who still managed to tie the Anaheim Ducks for the best record in the West last season despite being without him for a significant span. On the other hand, an uncertain goalie situation makes every Blues defender extremely valuable in the near future.

Johnny Oduya, Marcus Kruger Mulling Blackhawks Return

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

With three Stanley Cup triumphs in the past six years, there's a lure to playing hockey in the Windy City at the moment.

Dynasty talk persists with regard to the Chicago Blackhawks despite the difficulty of maintaining a quality team with such a hard salary cap. Indications are Oduya and Kruger want to remain in the fold—even if it means waiting and taking less money.

The Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc reports Kruger will avert arbitration in the hopes of landing a longer-term deal, and that Oduya is waiting to flesh out a contract with Chicago despite other teams' interest.

Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times added this intel from Kruger's camp, which hinted at all the cap maneuvering on tap for Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman:

A scant rotation of defensemen didn't stop Chicago from hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup, but Oduya's position alone at least gives him some leverage to advocate his value for depth purposes. Oduya also played through severe pain in the playoffs, as he told ESPN.com's Scott Powers:

"

I have a tear in my elbow, but it actually felt pretty good. It was just that one game where I went off. I didn't really have any power in my triceps, but other than that, I felt good the last few games here, so it was no issue, really. …

That's just the way of the game. I think it's impossible to go through this point and not have a couple bumps and bruises. Obviously, when you win, it's not an issue.

"

Kruger also admitted to being dinged up in the run to the Cup, which shows the type of culture the Blackhawks organization has built. In addition to being a steady, prolific winner, Chicago is a great market with passionate fans and a coveted destination for players.

The motivation for both to stay is logical considering where they stand in their respective careers. At just 25 years old, Kruger could be in line for a bigger role in years down the road. As for Oduya, he's 33 and won't have a much better chance at one last run at the Stanley Cup with another team.

As long as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are leading the way, anyone who can stay around for the Blackhawks' historic era will likely follow suit with Oduya and Kruger.