NHL Rumors: Patrick Marleau not interested in Sharks rebuild, Jets in on Mattias Ekholm, and Draft Lottery changes approved

Originally posted on The Daily Goal Horn
By Anthony Scultore | Last updated 3/23/21

Erik Karlsson isn’t the only player not thrilled with GM Doug Wilson announcing a reset with an eye on youth for the Sharks. Patrick Marleau made some notable comments on the topic, including being open to leaving San Jose.

NHL Rumors: Patrick Marleau open to go to a contender

“I wouldn’t actively maybe look for it, but if it does happen or it does come, or a team wants me, that’s something you have to seriously consider,” he said. “Obviously, that’s still my goal, to win a Stanley Cup. It would definitely be something to consider.”
Patrick Marleau to The Athletic

The 41 year-old Marleau has only five points in 30 games this season while averaging 13:16 of ice time. Teams won’t be banging down the door for him, but depending on how some things shake out with players like Eric Staal, Marleau could be a depth add and contribute to a contenders 4th line.

NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets looking at Matthias Ekholm

Trades are going to be tough for the Canadian teams, especially with U.S. based teams due to the 14 day quarantine restriction that the government will not reduce. However, the Jets are looking at the playoffs and Mattias Ekholm could be that player that helps them out of the North division.

Sportnet’s Ken Weibe noted that he expects the Jets to add a defenseman at the deadline. There’s no bigger blue-liner available than Ekholm and the Jets have been linked to him along with the Flyers, Bruins, and Canadiens.

Ekholm is a 30 year-old lefty defenseman that has a deal with an AAV of $3.75M which expires in the summer of 2022. That means he’s not a rental and the Predators will listen to offers but there’s nothing to discuss unless you pay the price it seems.

What is that price? Elliotte Friedman recently laid that out.

Nashville’s made it clear the Los Angeles/Toronto Muzzin deal is the template for Ekholm. That was a first rounder, a second rounder the previous season (Sean Durzi) and Carl Grundstrom, who was in the AHL at the time and has played 25 of 27 career games this year.
31 Thoughts

Looking at where the Jets are and what they have in assets, I can see them giving up Nashville’s asking price.

NHL Draft Lottery changes approved

Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the NHL BOG has approved the lottery changes.

A reminder of the draft lottery changes, approved by the Board of Governors: https://t.co/IHBFWbsGw7 pic.twitter.com/YLwCw2IAJj
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 23, 2021