Conflicting rumors regarding talented veteran forward.

Several weeks ago, when it was revealed that Arizona Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal had no interest in negotiating a new contract during the regular season, we got some serious trade rumors and with Hanzal set to be an unrestricted free agent they made a lot of sense.

Earlier this week with the Montreal Canadiens losing two of their top centers in Alex Galchenyuk and David Desharnais, the rumors began connecting Hanzal's name to Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin. On the surface those rumors made a great deal of sense but we now have conflicting reports.

TSN insider Darren Dreger has now stated that there have been no "high-level" discussion between the Coyotes and the Canadiens regarding Hanzal thus far, although obviously that could change. That's not to say the two sides haven't talked, but likely that they aren't anywhere close to making the deal a reality.

A report from Habs insider Marco Normandin may have revealed the reason those talks have cooled. According to the report the Coyotes ask was a first round draft pick for Hanzal, something that Bergevin balked at. It's honestly way too steep a price for what would merely be the rental of an injury-prone player, and we don't think this deal gets done unless the Coyotes ask comes way down.

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