NHL Rumors: Capitals sign Craig Anderson to PTO, Michael Grabner won’t sign until season starts, and Zdeno Chara update

NHL Rumors: Capitals sign Craig Anderson to a PTO

Ilya Samsonov was expected to take the number one spot regardless this season for the Capitals. That’s why they let Braden Holtby walk in free agency. Sadly, back-up Henrik Lundqvist is unable to play this season due to a heart condition which put the Caps in the market for a goalie.

The rumor mill had two names attached to the Caps, Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard. Back on December 19th I wrote, “I think Anderson is as good as done.”

The 39 year-old goalie was one of my top options for a PTO, and today he fulfilled my predictions. Anderson was the backbone for a very bad Ottawa Senators franchise for a long time. On most nights, the Senators would’ve been blow out of the water if not for this 17 year veteran.

NHL Rumors: Michael Grabner weighing his options, no rush

Speedy veteran, Michael Grabner is not going to decide on which team he will sign with until AFTER the season starts. According to Craig Morgan, he has spoken with a few teams.

The 33 year-old winger still has the wheels to help a team out, especially on the PK where he thrives. He scored 11 points in 46 games for the Arizona Coyotes last season. Grabner has 22 shorthanded goals in his career.

NHL Rumors: Zdeno Chara waiting on the Bruins?

For months, Zdeno Chara and his agent have let it be known they will wait until they have all the details for the 2020-21 season before making a decision. Well here we are and we will see if Chara opts-out, or returns. If he does, it may not be with the Bruins.

“The Bruins have been very communicative with us about how they see things moving forward,” Chara’s agent Matt Keaton said Sunday. “Now that we know the format of the season we will be assessing Z’s options going forward.”

The Athletic

In a recent report in The Athletic, a source isn’t so sure the Bruins have re-signing Chara as a top priority. “Not sure,” a league source discussing a Chara extension told Fluto Shinzawa. “Feels like they are waiting to see if the trade market opens anything up first.”

At the same time, Chara’s agent Matt Keator feels no pressure. “Now that we know the format, he can sign with the Bruins, retire or sign another team,” he said. “Obviously the first is the priority. We haven’t gotten into retiring.”

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