Calling Fact or Fiction on the Hottest NHL Trade Speculation

With the Thanksgiving weekend over and the NHL Christmas trade freeze commencing on Dec. 19, trade speculation is growing. Some of it involves notable NHL stars such as Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene and Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Brandon Saad.

Several of the players in this slideshow, such as Duchene, Buffalo Sabres left wing Evander Kane and St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, are no strangers to this season's rumor mill. Others, such as Saad and Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond, are appearing for the first time.  

But how much of this speculation is based in fact or fiction? That's what we'll attempt to find out. Please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below. 

Carolina Hurricanes Put Ryan Murphy on the Trade Block

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 18, TSN's Darren Dreger reported the Carolina Hurricanes were actively shopping defenseman Ryan Murphy. Four days later, Dreger told Vancouver's TSN 1040 (via Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports Network) at least three teams had interest in the 23-year-old Murphy. 

Analysis

A first-round selection (12th overall) by the Hurricanes in the 2011 NHL draft, Murphy struggled to earn a regular spot on their roster. The rise of blueliners Noah Hanifin and Jaccob Slavin makes him the odd man out in Carolina. 

Murphy is still young enough to salvage his NHL career. He has a very affordable $787,500 annual salary-cap hit through 2017-18. There's a demand for right-shooting blueliners such as Murphy. 

Fact or fiction?

Fact. There's no room for Murphy on the Hurricanes blue line. He could benefit from a change of teams.

The Hurricanes probably won't get much for him, perhaps a draft pick or a prospect. For teams with limited cap space, such as the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders, Murphy could be an affordable gamble. 

Ottawa Senators Shopping Andrew Hammond?

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 14, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Senators were testing Hammond's value on the trade market.  On Nov 20, Sportsnet reported the 28-year-old cleared waivers and was demoted to the Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton, New York. 

Analysis

Hammond played in only two games this season, sidelined for eight games by a groin injury. During his absence, the Senators acquired Mike Condon on Nov. 2 from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Condon's subsequent performance pushed Hammond into the No. 3 goaltending position. When he declined to be sent to the minors on a conditioning stint, the Sens eventually waived and demoted him. 

Fact or fiction?

Fact. On Nov. 21, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said he tried to trade Hammond but couldn't find any takers. 

Hammond's limited action and his $1.35 million salary-cap hit hurt his trade value. While he's now in the minors, the Sens could attempt to shop him again later this season. 

Three Coyotes on the Trade Block?

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 17, Sportsnet's Eric Engels reported being told Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal could soon be on the move. He also noted the Montreal Canadiens were among several clubs in the hunt. 

The following day, Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal reported Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone was apparently on the trade block. He wondered if the Edmonton Oilers might be interested. 

On Nov. 19, Engels' colleague Nick Kypreos reported hearing Coyotes sophomore winger Anthony Duclair could be available for the right price. 

Analysis

On the same day as Engels' report on Hanzal, Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports suggested not to put any stock into that trade speculation. ESPN.com's Craig Custance said the Coyotes haven't ruled out re-signing the 29-year-old center, who's eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. 

Duclair has only four points in 20 games. However, the 21-year-old winger had a solid rookie campaign last season, tallying 20 goals and 44 points. 

Like Hanzal, the 26-year-old Stone is eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. He missed nine games this season to knee and upper-body injuries.  

Fact or fiction?

Fiction. The Coyotes are mired in the bottom of the Western Conference. That could explain the sudden rash of trade speculation. It's likely the Coyotes intend to see how this season pans out before deciding if they'll shop pending UFAs such as Hanzal and Stone. If so, those moves could come near the March 1 trade deadline.

Clubs could be making inquiries into Duclair's trade status. However, it's doubtful the Coyotes will give up on this promising winger in only his second full NHL season. 

Could Brandon Saad Become a Salary-Cap Casualty?

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 16, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wondered about Saad's status with the Blue Jackets. He said the 24-year-old was recently almost made a healthy scratch. He also noted the cap-strapped Jackets need to clear some cap space. Friedman said Saad's former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, looked into reacquiring Saad last season but couldn't make it work.

Analysis

Acquired from the Blackhawks on June 30, 2015, Saad achieved career highs in goals (31) and points (53) in 2015-16. With 17 points in 20 games this season, he's on pace for a 60-point performance. 

The Jackets gave up a lot (four players, including center Artem Anisimov) to acquire Saad from the Blackhawks. They also made a long-term investment in the winger, re-signing him last July to a six-year, $36 million contract. 

Fact or fiction?

Fiction. Friedman followed up on Nov. 17 saying he was merely curious about Saad's status. He doesn't believe the Jackets are shopping him.

Considering how much the Jackets spent in players and salary for Saad, he appears to have a long future in Columbus. 

Coyotes, Penguins Interested in Dougie Hamilton?

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 12, Sportsnet's Rory Boylen cited colleague Nick Kypreos reporting teams were interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton. While Kypreos wasn't suggesting the Flames were shopping the 23-year-old, he heard the Arizona Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins were two teams interested in the Flames blueliner.

Analysis

Since being acquired by the Flames on June 26, 2015, Hamilton is struggling to reach the potential he displayed with the Boston Bruins. Some clubs, however, could gamble on him regaining that once-promising form with better coaching.

Given Hamilton's struggles, his value is likely low in the trade market. If the Flames decide to move him, it might be better to wait until his play improves in order to get a decent return. He also carries an expensive $5.75 million salary-cap hit through 2020-21. 

Fact or fiction?

It's probably a fact that there are clubs interested in Hamilton. Moving him at this time of year, however, is fiction.

The Coyotes and Penguins lack the cap space to take on his contract. Unless it's a dollar-for-dollar swap, any trade of Hamilton probably won't happen until the offseason, when teams have more cap space and willingness to deal. 

Boston Bruins Still Pursuing Kevin Shattenkirk?

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 16, CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty responded to a reader asking if the Boston Bruins were still pursuing Kevin Shattenkirk.  Haggerty said he hadn't heard anything about talks being rekindled. 

Analysis

Shattenkirk's been linked to the Bruins since the offseason. On July 25, Haggerty speculated over possible trade scenario that could bring the blueliner to Boston.

He now points out Shattenkirk's playing well this season for the Blues, who have championship aspirations. Still, he didn't rule out the possibility of the Bruins pursuing the defenseman toward the holidays. 

Fact or fiction?

While it's a fact the Bruins could use a skilled puck mover such as Shattenkirk, it's fiction to believe they'll land him this season.

After a slow start, the Blues are now among the top clubs in the Western Conference. Unless things change or other roster needs arise, Shattenkirk's not going anywhere this season. 

Vancouver Canucks Pursuing Evander Kane?

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 18, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported the Vancouver Canucks were no longer pursuing trade discussions with the Buffalo Sabres regarding Kane. The following day, Sportsnet's Andrew Bottomley cited colleague Elliotte Friedman saying the Canucks rejected the Sabres' asking price, though he didn't elaborate what it was. 

Analysis

The Canucks badly need scoring depth. That explains their interest in Kane, a Vancouver native, despite his inconsistency and his brush with the law this summer.  Earlier in the season, Kane was sidelined 11 games to cracked ribs. Since his return, he has just two points in 10 games.

On Nov. 21, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News said the Sabres need blue-line help. He speculated Sabres general manager Tim Murray might have had interest in Canucks blueliners Ben Hutton or Chris Tanev. 

Fact or fiction?

Fact. The Canucks were apparently willing to explore the option of acquiring Kane but not at the cost of giving up a key defenseman.

If the Sabres are willing to lower their asking price, perhaps the Canucks might revisit their interest in Kane. 

Could the New York Islanders Acquire Matt Duchene?

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Speculation

On Nov. 15, Newsday's Arthur Staple reported the New York Islanders were desperately seeking an offensive boost to help them overcome their poor start.  He noted the Isles and Colorado Avalanche had scouted each other. Staple felt a roster-changing deal for someone such as Duchene was a long shot.

Analysis

Two weeks following Staple's report, the Isles are still struggling. Offense remains an issue, as they're sitting in the bottom third in goals per game (2.40). The Avalanche aren't doing any better, with a goals per game of 2.20. Both clubs need a shakeup, but it doesn't appear as though they'll get it by dealing with each other.

Salary-cap concerns are also an issue. Duchene carries an annual cap hit of $6 million, but the Isles only have just over $611,000 in cap room. They could get more by placing sidelined center Mikhail Grabovski ($5 million) on long-term injury reserve, but they'd have to free up space when he eventually returns to action.

Fact or fiction?

Fiction. The Isles could certainly use Duchene, but as Staple observed, they're unlikely to land him.

At this stage in the season, it makes no sense for the Avs to part with one of their leading scorers. Besides, a deal of that magnitude usually happens in the offseason, not in November. 

Player and team stats (as of Nov. 27, 2016) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.