NHL Rumors: Buzz on Potential Matt Duchene Trade, Rangers and More

It has already been a busy NHL offseason, and the free-agent market doesn't even officially open until Saturday.

There was the expansion draft for the Vegas Golden Knights, which landed the league's newest team a roster full of players, including three-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There was also the NHL draft in Chicago and a number of trades involving notable names such as Jordan Eberle, Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad and Niklas Hjalmarsson.

Despite the action, there are still plenty of rumors circulating around the likes of Matt Duchene and others.

With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest buzz from around the NHL.

Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators Reportedly Eyeing Duchene

Duchene has the ability to be one of the best offensive forces in the league, and a number of teams are reportedly pursuing him if the Colorado Avalanche are going to move him.

According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes are "in the mix" when it comes to Duchene talks. Dan Rosen of NHL.com noted the New York Islanders "should have the ability to acquire a No. 2 center" even if they re-sign defenseman Calvin de Haan and used Duchene as an example.

Rosen also said Colorado is looking for defensive help as it dangles Duchene, which makes sense since the team finished last in the NHL in goals against per game (3.37) in 2016-17. However, he said the Predators aren't willing to trade any of their four primary defenders—P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis or Mattias Ekholm—despite serious interest in the Avalanche center.

Considering Nashville lost James Neal to the Golden Knights during the expansion draft, Duchene could slide right in and replicate or improve on the lost production. However, it may take an impact defender to bring him to Music City.

It is no secret why so many teams would like to add someone like Duchene. He is still just 26, has played more than 70 games four straight seasons, scored 70 points as recently as 2013-14 and has five seasons with more than 50 points in his career.

The right offer in a trade package would serve as an immediate boost to an offense in 2017-18.

Rangers Searching for Defensive Help

While some are in the market for offense, the New York Rangers would reportedly like defensive reinforcements.

Rosen called their defense a "work-in-progress" group and said even though they like 21-year-old Anthony DeAngelo, "they likely remain in the market for a defenseman, preferably a righty who could play with Ryan McDonagh."

The NHL.com writer pointed out New York could re-sign Brendan Smith since he can play on the right side even though he's left-handed or could pursue Kevin Shattenkirk.

Shattenkirk is an offensive-minded blueliner who tallied a career-high 56 points this past season between the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues. It marked his fourth straight campaign with at least 44 points, and he is only 28 and could be an impact player on both ends of the ice for the Rangers.

His presence would end some of the defensive "work in progress" for New York after it was a middling 12th in the league in goals against per game (2.63) in 2016-17.

Since its Metropolitan Division rivals in the Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets were all in the top six in the league in goals per game with explosive offensive groups, the Rangers need those defensive reinforcements to compete for a favorable postseason spot in 2017-18.

Vegas Looking to Wheel and Deal

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Perhaps New York could look Vegas' way in the pursuit of defenders.

Rosen wrote the Golden Knights are expected to trade some of their defensemen even though they already moved Trevor van Riemsdyk and David Schlemko after they picked 13 in the expansion draft. He specifically pointed to names such as Nate Schmidt and Griffin Reinhart—who could both become restricted free agents in July—when discussing the new squad.

Vegas is in an interesting position because its best opportunity to develop into a long-term contender is likely through the acquisition of draft picks, but it also has Fleury in net and could theoretically move a defender or two to acquire a formidable goal scorer and compete for a playoff spot in the near future.

Whether the Golden Knights opt for draft picks or proven players in future trades remains to be seen, but expect some of their defenders to be on the move before the team hits the ice in the fall.