BHN Puck Links: NHL Trade Rumors; Yandle; Bruins And Hall Close?

The NHL trade market is heating up and the Boston Bruins are expected to be right in the thick of the madness. Did the Brandon Carlo signing Wednesday signify the revamping of the blue line is set to begin?

Are the Boston Bruins closing in on an extension for winger Taylor Hall, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 28?

Defenseman Keith Yandle has long been linked to the Boston Bruins in NHL trade rumors. Well, with the Florida Panthers buying out Yandle on Wednesday, let the Yandle to the Bruins NHL Free Agency rumors begin!

Boston Bruins

Friend of BHN, Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest is reporting that the Boston Bruins are closing in on an extension for winger Taylor Hall. 

Hearing Taylor Hall return to #NHLBruins is moving in that direction.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 15, 2021

Longtime buddy and fellow proud Celiac, Kevin McGran says the Boston Bruins are one of a plethora of teams looking to acquire the rights to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Zach Hyman before he hits unrestricted free agency on July 28. (Toronto Star)

As mentioned above, the Boston Bruins locked up defenseman Brandon Carlo to a six-year, $24.6 million contract extension on Wednesday. (Boston Hockey Now)

My partner-in-crime, Joe Haggerty says the Carlo signing could signal that the Boston Bruins blue line dominoes are about to fall into place. (Boston Hockey Now)

Is recently bought out defenseman Ryan Suter a no-brainer for the Boston Bruins to sign? Haggs thinks so, and I tend to agree with him. (Boston Hockey Now)

Kevan Miller’s body has had enough and sadly he had to announce his retirement Wednesday. When I first heard the news, I’ll admit I was emotional. Miller was a true warrior on the ice and a class act off it. I immediately thought back to this story I wrote for his high school alma mater, The Berkshire School on his rather unique journey to the NHL. Congrats on a great career Kevan! (Berkshire Bulletin)

National Hockey Now

Our man in FLA, George Richards with the newser on the Keith Yandle buyout. (Florida Hockey Now)

After buying out Yandle, the Panthers made some signings, inking defenseman Gus Forsling and forward Anthony Duclair to new contracts. (Florida Hockey Now)

Suter is in HIGH demand, it seems. Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher spent a few years as the Wild GM. The Flyers need defensemen. Is this a match? (Philly Hockey Now)

Sources told the National Hockey fam that goalie Brian Elliott is likely headed towards free agency. Here’s the scoop. (Philly Hockey Now)

Another scoop for CHN. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare will hit free agency on July 28. (Colorado Hockey Now)

Here’s a fun one—betting odds for the expansion draft. Evgeny Svechnikov is the betting favorite to be the Detroit Red Wing selected by the Seattle Kraken. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Want to see the Islanders’ new arena? Our staff got the tour, and it’s surely NOT the Coliseum. (NYI Hockey Now)

For our prospect watchers and WBS Penguins fans, you’ve seen Washington Capitals prospect Beck Malenstyn. He’s back from an Achilles injury, but can he challenge for a roster spot? (Washington Hockey Now)

NHL Trade, Marry, Expose?  Brent Burns, Evander Kane, and Kevin Labanc. If you’re a hockey podcast nut, this is fun. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Should the Pittsburgh Penguins protect Jeff Carter in the expansion draft? The PHN debate series begins – Our Dan Kingerski vs. notable sports radio hosts. Take the reader poll, too. Protect Carter, yeah or nay? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

More Penguins content from Dan: What are the chances the Pens land any of these potential UFA’s? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

NHL

After helping to lead the Montreal Canadiens to their first Stanley Cup Final in 28 years, is captain Shea Weber’s career suddenly over? (Sportsnet)

Former UMaine star goalie Ben Bishop has waived his no-movement clause with the Dallas Stars ahead of the NHL Expansion Draft. If the Seattle Kraken don’t select him, could he be the veteran goalie the Boston Bruins are looking for? (Dallas News)