NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Canucks, Sabres, Bruins, Krakens – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s game of NHL rumors, Auston Matthews is dealing with an injury and will not be available for the team on Tuesday night. Where is the problem? Are teams interested in waiting for unrestricted free agent Trent Frederic out of Boston? Could the Vancouver Canucks be targeting a defenseman like Bowen Byrman out of Buffalo? Finally, do the Seattle Kraken get calls on a few of their pending UFAs?

Auston Matthews Suffers Upper Body Injury

The Maple Leafs will be without Auston Matthews who is day-to-day with a physical injury. According to coach Craig Berube, it is something that has been delayed but has nothing to do with past problems. Max Domi moved up to the top practice line and Pontus Holmberg, a healthy scratch on Sunday, was moved to the third line to play center.

It’s unclear when Matthews suffered his injury, but it’s possible he’s been dealing with it for a few games and could explain his resistance to shooting the puck as often as he used to. He is on pace to score just 32 goals this season, which is significantly lower than the star’s regular season.

Related: Canadiens Players Drawing Trade Interest From Other Teams

He logged more than 22 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Wild without missing a shift.

Can the Canucks take a look at Bowen Byram?

Recent speculation from sports analysts Mike Halford and Jason Brough has turned heads in Vancouver, suggesting the Canucks could pursue Buffalo Sabers defenseman Bowen Byram in a trade. While this is still a hypothetical situation, it raises important questions about the Canucks’ plans to improve their blue line.

The Canucks don’t have two solid defensive pairings. The dominant pairing of Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek is among the best in the NHL, but the depth remains inconsistent. The two athletes wonder if Byram can be a game changer, able to step into a front four role and drive the offensive game. He would slot into the second pairing as a left-handed shooting guard.

Brough suggests the Sabers could target NHL-ready players like Brock Boeser, making it a risky gamble for the Canucks. Would they really trade for a player like Boeser? He is a pending UFA and if there is any thought that the Canucks will struggle to sign him, would the team move him?

Trent Frederic Is Getting Interest In The NHL

ESPN analyst and NHL insider Kevin Weekes says that Trent Frederic has become a player that other teams are showing interest in trading him. Frederic is a 26-year-old pending UFA making $2.3 million this season. He has one goal and three points in the team’s first 13 games.

There is speculation that the Montreal Canadiens may be interested as they look for a fringe forward. Frederick is second on the Bruins with 41 hits and is averaging 13:56 per game.

Kraken Fielding Calls Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde?

According to Julian Gaudio from Hockey News, Seattle Kraken forwards Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde are attracting interest from other teams. He cites a report from Frank Seravalli who said that the Kraken have received calls about both players as they are faced with a number of forwards and will have to act if everyone stays healthy.

Tanev and Gourde didn’t contribute much offensively, but Gourde’s ability to play in the middle and on the wings makes him a valuable asset. His Stanley Cup experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning adds to his appeal to teams looking for depth on the offensive line.

So far, it’s not been confirmed if the Kraken are ready to split up moving forward, but talks about their possible acquisition continue to gain momentum.