NHL Rumors: Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals

Welcome to the Sunday edition of Full Press Hockey’s NHL Rumors. The trade deadline is upon us and the rumors are picking up. The action off the ice is escalating as deals are going down. Therefore, we here at Full Press Hockey will continue to deliver NHL rumors articles four times a week, whenever possible. In fact, with all the trade activity, we will be publishing TWO articles for Sunday. The second edition of March 20th NHL rumors covers the latest with the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals.

Chicago Blackhawks – Dominik Kubalik, Calvin de Haan

Rumor: Per – Ben Hope – suntimes.com. Ben Pope recently reported the Chicago Blackhawks were making progress on a trade involving winger Dominik Kubalik, whose production has significantly declined this season. Pope also anticipates Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan will be on the move by deadline day.

Kubalik has had a terrible season. With just 11 goals in 61 games, that amounts to just 0.18 goals a game. That’s down from 0.44, and 0.30 the last two seasons. His shooting percentage is also cratering when he had a 19.1 percent stat, then 10.9, and this season it is at 8.6. He will be a restricted free agent at season’s end with a cap hit of $3.7 million, with arbitration rights.

It is rumored that the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks have interest in Kubalik.

Pope also indicated that de Haan will more than likely be moved. His salary cap hit is set at $4.55 million. He is more of a defensive player with only one goal, four assists in 55 games. His strength is in his physical game since he averages two hits per game and has 140 blocks to his credit. With the Ducks trading Hampus Lindholm, de Haan may be the priority for them.

Do the Oilers really need another scoring forward? It seems like they should concentrate on getting an upgrade on their defense and goaltending first.

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Minnesota Wild – Jack McBain

Rumor: Per – Michael Russo – theathletic.com. Jack McBain, the prospect center has indicated he’s not going to sign with the Minnesota Wild because he doesn’t see a center position opening for himself on their roster.

McBain may have at least three NHL teams chasing after his services. The Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, and Arizona Coyotes have all mentioned they wouldn’t mind adding him to their roster. He has been playing at Boston College for four years and is ready to jump to the NHL. His current season statistics look impressive. He has tabulated 19 goals, 14 assists in just 24 games. At 6′-3″, 201 pounds he certainly has the size to succeed in the NHL.

If he were to be acquired by the rebuilding Coyotes, he could join an alumni in Clayton Keller who attended Boston College as well. The Canadiens are certainly rebuilding also and could use McBain in their efforts to regain some success. The Jets may be looking at McBain as a possible replacement for the aging Blake Wheeler who is 35 and still has two more years left on his contract at $8.25 million.

Washington Capitals – Max Domi

Rumor: Per – Tarik El-Bashir – theathletic.com. GM Brian MacLellan of the Washington Capitals isn’t willing to part with his first-round pick or a top prospect for a rental player. Rumors have linked the Capitals to Blue Jackets forward Max Domi.

Domi has scored nine goals, 23 assists in 52 games this season. MacLellan has been working the phones in search of a middle-six forward and Domi may fit the bill. The only issue is Domi makes $5.3 million and the Caps are well… CAPPED out! Something would need to happen to create cap space before a deal could be made.

The popular method recently has been for the team wanting a player to retain salary. The Columbus Blue Jackets have $10.8 million in cap space, so it’s entirely possible for them to retain some salary to rid themselves of Domi’s cap hit. He will be an unrestricted free agent and losing him to free agency will not be a wise decision. Every team wants to get something for a player before they reach that level.

That does it for a busy Sunday for NHL rumors! Be sure to check in to see the latest right here at Full Press Hockey.