Those are not strange birds soaring around Rangerville, those are Blueshirt rumors that are flying.
The big fish of all is Artemi Panarin. He'll be 33 when the new season starts and – slowly but surely – is sliding along the down grade. Still, he has the moves and could help a "Win Now" elite club.
EXCLUSIVE: A Ringing Endorsement of Mike Sullivan From A Penguins Reporter
The hire of Mike Sullivan as the latest Blueshirt coach has inspired all kinds of speculation in Rangerville.
The Old Guard – alias The Core – must go. Removing Breadman's big salary is as important as pulling in a gifted youngster and a Draft pick or two. Drury should trade Artemi if he can surmount the dreaded NO TRADE CLAUSE.
The rotten fish is Chris Kreider who will be 34 and should have been traded last season. Chris Drury botched that up but perhaps Beantowner Kreider can delete his "No Trade" clause for a return to hometown Boston.
The young fish is Alexis Lafrenière whose play this past season made it seem as if he was alternately drifting and dreaming, This is one 24-year-old top draft pick who could bring in a good haul. Bet on it!