Not a ton of predictions tonight, been working on the Zach Werenski story. But I’ve got a few. 

First, Werenski himself: The most important thing is that cooler heads prevail. One rumour making the rounds Tuesday night is that Werenski’s camp is so upset at recent developments that all trade possibilities will be rejected. (I absolutely believe that’s part of what happened with Dallas.) But that might be short-term hot-headedness, as opposed to realistic long-term outcome. We’ll see.

I don’t think Toronto will fool around. The Maple Leafs will step up and take their swing. (Werenski and wife Odette’s roots are not difficult travel to Toronto, which is believed to be a reason he’d consider the Maple Leafs.) I’d be very curious to see what Tampa offers. If Florida wants to trade a legitimate player from its roster, the Panthers could be a player, too.

As Michael Keaton once said: “You wanna get nuts? Come on! Let's get nuts!”

Connor Hellebuyck: I don’t buy the New Jersey hype. It’s not a contract that fits the profile of new GM Sunny Mehta. Hellebuyck would waive to Buffalo, but a couple of sources have said since last weekend that a trade wasn’t as close as we thought. Some of the rumoured Sabres returns have new trade protection. Winnipeg would love to bring him back, but I think it’s unlikely.

Free........

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