Wait, you thought there would be only one article pertaining to Nicolas Hague's future whereabouts? If you thought that was the case, well...
...Guess what? That was only the Western Conference teams involved. You had your divisional buddies, such as the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, involved. There was also a Colorado sighting (despite giving Brock Nelson a contract extension).
But there have been rumors of an Eastern Conference team involved. It's the Philadelphia Flyers, who are looking to get over the hump in a mediocre Metropolitan Division. Could the 26-year-old be on his way to boo Santa Claus? Stay tuned.
That news brought two other names to light. Both are, well, stuck in a rut and are looking to get out of it. Think of being stuck in a ditch on a wet day and you need extra help. It's even more believeable when you imagine snow instead of rain.
Anyway! There are plenty of reasons why these three teams could use Hague. Want some blocked shots? Check. Need a physical presence to soften up your opponents? The defenseman has you covered. Anyway, let's dive into the Hague sweepstakes with "Part 2!"
1.) Philadelphia Flyers
On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Flyers contacted Vegas about Hague and other minor details. Believe it or not, it makes perfect sense.
For one, they have roughly $19 million in salary cap space ($18,991,905, according to PuckPedia). They can take on a contract extension and bolster their blue line's physicality.
Philadelphia also had the 16th-fewest hits in the NHL this season (1,727). Adding a physical player like the 26-year-old will make them better overall. By the way, the Flyers had the most blocked shots this season (1,455). The rich would get richer with the giant defenseman in the lineup.
2.) Detroit Red Wings
If you thought the Philadelphia Flyers didn't hit anybody, well, take a look at the Red Wings. They had the ninth-fewest team hits in the NHL (1,570) and need something to break through. Perhaps the Yzerplan can take on a 6'6" giant on the blue line?
What's more, Detroit has plenty of draft picks (23) in the next three seasons. They also have over $21 million in cap space ($21,336,628, to be exact) and wouldn't mind taking on a big body. Of course, they might be chasing after Mitch Marner, just like everyone else. However, it wouldn't hurt to ask Vegas about any extra defensemen.
3.) Carolina Hurricanes
You know, William Carrier needs a buddy on the Hurricanes. He hasn't been the same since he left Las Vegas, only posting four goals and seven assists this season.
Why not give him Nicolas Hague and make him feel better? Carolina is in need of some younger defensemen. The unit looked old against the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, after all.
Brent Burns might come back for another season, which would make the team as old as Wrigley Field. Luckily, Hague brings that youth to the team. It also doesn't hurt to have $28,415,958 in available cap space to work with.