Biggest Rumors In NHL This Week

Here are the biggest rumors in the world of hockey for the week of October 28 to November 3, 2018. There is plenty to talk about.

We're in the second month of the NHL season and “Trade Bait” names have circulated. Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander tops the list and a number of others names aren't far behind. The top names include Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello of the New York Rangers, Alec Martinez and Tanner Pearson of the Los Angeles Kings, Gustav Nyquist of the Detroit Red Wings and Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Outside the most common is Brett Pesce of the Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Tyler Myers, and Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers. What's really going on with these names and others? Here are the biggest rumors in the NHL this week.

Teams In On Sergei Bobrovsky

Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 690 and discussed possible destinations for Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Since the start of the season, rumors have persisted that Bobrovsky will be moved since it's not likely he'll stay with the team when the season ends.

“Well, it’s hard for me not to think Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t look into it,” noted LeBrun. Specifically, LeBrun figured it would be the Islanders adding Bobrovsky in free agency versus in a trade. LeBrun then stated that while he hasn’t heard anything about the St. Louis Blues, and he thinks they could make some sense. “If Jake Allen doesn’t firm up his game, does St. Louis look at that?” The Islanders won't have salary cap issues but the St. Louis Blues definitely will considering Bobrovsky wants to be the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL.

LA Kings Not Looking For A Netminder

With Jonathan Quick absent for would could be months with a knee injury, it was thought the LA Kings would look to find a netminder on the market who could come and help the team get out of the basement of the Pacific Division. Speculation is, that is not the case. Curtis Zupke of the LA Times is reporting. the Kings may have already looked at this season as one that can't be salvaged and will stick with Jack Campbell and veteran Peter Budaj to hold down the fort in his absence.

This is not good for the organization considering the season is only in week four. The Kings have not gotten off to a good start and are currently 3-8 over their first 12 games.

Jets Won't Trade Tyler Myers

The Winnipeg Jets are looking at an interesting problem. They have a number of contracts coming up that will require big money, but they're also a team that feels they can compete for the Stanley Cup. They can't and won't likely trade their big free agents, even if that they can't sign them. On the latest edition of Insider Trading on TSN, Pierre LeBrun said that list includes defenseman Tyler Myers.

LeBrun said that there has been some communication between the Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Myers agent but doesn’t think any actual negotiations have taken place. The Jets would have to really fall off in terms of their play this season but right now, they sit fourth in the overall NHL standings.

Zack Kassian Wants To Stay In Edmonton

Thanks to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, there were rumors the Edmonton Oilers had given Zack Kassian permission to seek a trade. Speculation was that Kassian was unhappy with his role with on the team and not sure of his future after being a healthy scratch.

Kassian has since clarified that he didn’t ask for a trade only that his agent was checking in for his client and asking if the Oilers felt things were in a bad place. He added that he and the team are in a better place now and feels he’s got some chemistry with the line he’s on. Kassian claims he is still happy living and playing in Edmonton but did acknowledge he’d had a rough start to the season. The Oilers have been much better over the past few games and Kassian has contributed to their success.

NEXT: BIGGEST RUMORS IN THE NHL THIS WEEK - OCTOBER 21-27, 2018