Do the Vancouver Canucks have a better roster than last season, and is that enough for the NHL playoffs? Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens discuss. Brock Boeser [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk0MzIzODg5OTUyNjYzMDQ1/usatsi_19461839.jpg] Brock Boeser I'm heading off for a week's vacation before training camps open later this month. In the meantime, here are a handful of recent notable media-generated rumors and conjectures you may have missed. Elias Pettersson's decision to put his contract talks with the Vancouver Canucks on hold prompted one pundit to suggest the Boston Bruins look into his availability. Vegas Hockey Now's Chris Gawlik [https://vegashockeynow.com/2023/08/25/elias-pettersson-to-replace-jonathan-marchessault-and-chandler-stephenson/] proposed the Golden Knights do the same if they're unable to sign Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson to contract extensions. Pettersson's an RFA next summer, so the Canucks aren't facing the same pressure to sign or trade him as they would if he were unrestricted. Speaking of the Canucks, Brock Boeser was the subject of frequent trade speculation over the past two years. Sportnet's Ryan Dixon [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/biggest-unanswered-question-for-each-team-in-the-pacific-division/] recently wondered if those rumors might resurface before training camp. The 26-year-old winger stated at the end of last season that he wants to stay put and there's no indication the Canucks intend to peddle him. Boeser's signed through next season with an average annual value of $6.65 million. Montreal Canadiens goaltender Casey DeSmith could be on the move again. Acquired last month from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 31-year-old DeSmith was informed by Canadiens GM Kent Hughes that they would look at possible trades or other changes. Montreal Hockey Now's Marc Dumont [https://montrealhockeynow.com/2023/08/19/montreal-canadiens-trade-options-rumours-casey-desmith-sharks-senators-blues-bruins-nhl-teams-trade-talk/] suggested the St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Philadelphia Flyers could use affordable backup goalies. He also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets as wild-card options. Alexis Lafreniere's new two-year contract with the New York Rangers could become a “show-me” deal. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/] thinks the 2020 first-overall pick might be moved next summer if he has another performance comparable to last season's.
