NHL Rumors: Bruins, Sens, Flames, Predators, Hurricanes, Stars, and Lightning

The Boston Bruins have spoken to the Jets about Rutger McGroarty

Mike McIntyre: The Boston Bruins have been in ongoing trade talks with the Winnipeg Jets regarding Rutger McGroarty.

The source said the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders are also in.

The Senators are still trying to trade Erik Brannstrom

Bruce Garrioch: The Ottawa Senators are trying to trade defenseman Erik Brannstrom. They have until Sunday at 5:00 PM to decide if they qualify or not.

The Flames will be looking for defensemen and goaltending depth in free agency

Pat Steinberg: Calgary Flames manager Craig Conroy said defensive depth and scoring will be priorities when free agency opens Monday.

Alexandre Carrier may not be back for Predators … Could Preds be interested in Colton Ross and Chandler Stephenson

Alex Daugherty: Based on what you heard yesterday, defenseman Alexandre Carrier will likely hit free agency.

After the Nashville Predators traded Ryan McDonagh to the Lightning, talks with Carrier picked up again, but don’t think he’ll be back.

Nick Kieser: Elliotte Friedman on 102.5 The Game radio said Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton could be one depth player that could interest the Nashville Predators. Colton has a no-trade clause that will begin next season.

Nick Kieser: Friedman also wonders about Vegas Golden Knights pending UFA forward Chandler Stephenson. Barry Trotz coached him in Washington.

The Hurricanes and Jake Guentzel are moving forward and the Stars may be hiding

Taj: Elliotte Friedman said yesterday on the Jeff Marek Show that the pressure is growing between the Carolina Hurricanes and Jake Guentzel.

Friedman added that the Dallas Stars could be one team in pursuit of Guentzel.

Can the Lightning buy Conor Sheary?

Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning could use some salary cap space and buying forward Conor Sheary would be one option for them to get a little extra cap room.

Sheary has two years left at $2 million per season. The buyout will give them an additional $1,416,667 in cap space next season.

In his first year with the Lightning, he scored just four goals and 15 points in 57 games. Rookie Mitchell Chaffee and the Lightning trading Anthony Duclair led to Sheary getting healthy at the end of the season.