NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2020
A look at TSN’s updated trade-bait board in today’s NHL rumor mill.
TSN: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray remains on top of Frank Seravalli’s trade-bait board, followed by Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Josh Anderson, Arizona Coyotes blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Winnipeg Jets left wing Patrik Laine.
Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
Seravalli reports the Penguins are looking at an internal salary cap of $75 million. GM Jim Rutherford is looking to free up cap space to “dip a toe” into the free-agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Penguins have $75.3 million invested in 20 players following yesterday’s trade of Patric Hornqvist to Florida for Mike Matheson and Colton Sceviour. If they trade Murray it could be for draft picks or prospects. They also have eight blueliners under NHL contracts. One of them could be moved in a cost-cutting deal.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is No. 10 on Seravalli’s list, but everything I’ve read and heard out of Pittsburgh suggests he’s staying put. He’s got an 18-team trade list but also carries a no-movement clause, meaning he’d have to be protected in next year’s expansion draft. That could be a sticking point if the Penguins shop him.
Regarding Dumba, Seravalli’s colleague Darren Dreger believes the Wild could set a high asking price. GM Bill Guerin would love to land a first- or second-line center but could be willing to accept a “softer deal” of a high first-round pick and a good young NHL roster player. He points out they can hold onto Dumba until their price is met.
Seravalli suggested the Blue Jackets could also attempt to move out Alex Wennberg or Markus Nutivaara to clear space to re-sign Anderson and Pierre-Luc Dubois. The latter, of course, is the priority. The Jackets could shop Anderson if contract talks stall.
Ekman-Larsson is among several Coyotes (Phil Kessel at No 6 and Darcy Kuemper at No. 12) on Seravalli’s list who could become cost-cutting candidates, along with Derek Stepan, Michael Grabner and Niklas Hjalmarsson. Ekman-Larsson, however, has a full no-movement clause and controls his fate. Arizona Coyotes insider Craig Morgan recently reported Hjalmarsson currently doesn’t intend to waive his NMC.
Laine’s appearance on the trade-bait list prompted criticism suggesting TSN put him there as clickbait. Seravalli’s colleagues Dreger and Pierre LeBrun dispute this, with Dreger claiming Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is listening on Laine. However, he indicated there hasn’t been a lot of action, perhaps in part over economics going forward or the cost of re-signing him before he becomes arbitration-eligible next summer.
LeBrun believes the Columbus Blue Jackets has some interest in Laine while the Carolina Hurricanes had a brief conversation with the Jets that didn’t go far. The Montreal Canadiens could use a scorer like Laine but LeBrun said they currently don’t intend to get into the Laine sweepstakes.
New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri, the Ottawa Senators two first-round picks, and Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury are also among the top-10.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli has Palmieri on that list because he’s a year away from UFA eligibility. So far, there’s no indication of what the Devils intend to do with him.
Senators GM Pierre Dorion could listen to offers on those picks. If he moves a first-rounder it’ll likely be the one he got from the Islanders (28th overall) in the Jean-Gabriel Pageau trade. Fleury’s a goner if the Golden Knights re-sign Robin Lehner.
Wild winger Ryan Donato, New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk, St. Louis Blues rearguard Alex Pietrangelo and New York Rangers Tony DeAngelo and Ryan Strome also make the cut between spots 11 and 16.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato ($1.9 million for one season) would be a cost-cutting candidate. So would Boychuk for the cap-strapped Isles, who has an eight-team trade list as well as an annual average value of $6 million.
LeBrun believes a club could be interested in acquiring Pietrangelo’s rights because re-signing him for eight years would give them a favorable annual average value. DeAngelo and Strome are both RFAs with arbitration rights. One of them could be traded if the Rangers can’t find a way to shed Henrik Lundqvist’s $8.5 million cap hit for next season.
Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei, Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn, and Canadiens center Max Domi fill spots 17 through 20.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes acquired Skjei at the trade deadline and recently shipped out Joel Edmundson. They could use a scorer or an experienced starting goalie, but I suspect they’d find other options than moving Skjei.
The Lightning must free up cap room to re-sign Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Sergachev. With Johnson carrying a full no-trade clause, Killorn and his 16-team no-trade list seem the most likely to go.
Domi is an RFA with arbitration rights who spent time on the fourth line during the playoffs. He could be moved for a scoring winger if the Habs are comfortable with young centers Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Andreas Johnsson, Canadiens center Phillip Danault, Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour and Edmonton Oilers blueliner Adam Larsson are in spots 21 through 25.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could move Johnsson in a package deal for a defenseman or in a cost-cutting move to clear cap room to sign a blueliner in free agency. The rise of Suzuki and Kotkaniemi has some pundits wondering about Danault’s future, but I don’t believe the Habs intend to move him. He’s a UFA next summer but it’s best to keep him around in case Suzuki or Kotkaniemi struggle next season.
Montour is an RFA with arbitration rights and he could be moved for a forward. There was talk of the Oilers shopping Larsson for a top-six right winger but that’s died down of late.
Philadephia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, St. Louis Blues center Tyler Bozak and Hurricanes blueliner Dougie Hamilton round out the list. Patric Hornqvist and Mike Matheson are also there but this listing was published before they were traded for each other yesterday.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gostisbehere’s struggles this season made him a frequent subject of trade chatter. Bozak could be shopped if the Blues re-sign Pietrangelo. Hamilton is a UFA next summer but the Hurricanes could be reluctant to part with him.
In other trade-rumor nuggets, Seravalli believes it’s a poorly-kept secret the Vegas Golden Knights could pursue Pietrangelo via free agency but he wonders how they can afford him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They can’t unless they forget about re-signing Robin Lehner or find a way to shed a lot of salary. They have $76.5 million tied up in 18 players. Even moving Fleury’s $7-million AAV won’t leave enough for Pietrangelo and Lehner, who could cost a combined $15 million to sign.
Seravalli also reports many are wondering if Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney is quietly checking the trade value of goaltender Tuukka Rask, who has a year remaining on his contract at $7 million AAV.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney must find a suitable replacement for Rask if he’s going down that road, especially if he still feels the Bruins championship window remains open. Rask has a 15-team trade list.
Pens basically at their informal budget with 3 to fill including starter… moves must come
The mandatory buyout (hope the paperwork has already been faxed) clears another $2.1 M… but now 4 roster spots to fill
Another move after the JJ buyout is mandatory… yes ZAR starts on LTIR…. still not enough
How can Jimbo go to UFA market without the buyout plus at least one more contract moved
Tanger stays… as he should
The only remote and ridiculous possibility is to Habs for Webber and that just ain’t happen’
Gmjr just had an interview where he expressed dismay that the cap didn’t rise to the amount he thought it would. Sounded like a man who missed the memo of the whole internal cap thing is accurate
Hi Chrisms
GMJR has been missing reality for a while
I am still searching but I have yet to find anybody reporting that he’s started the paper-work yet on the JJ buyout
This is getting me very worried…. he’s still got to cut costs even after a buyout… is this hinting towards him keeping JJ and doing the maniacal trading of Dumo???
Can someone tell me where Rod Serling is buried …. I need his help
Hi Pengy, Just to answer yesterdays question, I’ll be 70 in December.
I saw my first NHL game in 1957 at the old MSG.
I even had season tickets to the NY Golden Blades of the WHA. They were $2.50 a ticket.
So yeah, I’m around for a while.
Early happy 70th Bill
Basically you’ve got 10 years on this old fart
You’d be of the age for Woodstock … did you go?
Absolutely!!!!!!
My friends and I were experienced campers, so we had all the equipment. We got there 3 days ahead of the show and set up a great campsite.
We also knew what to bring and to bring plenty of it.
I also went to the Watkins Glenn festival which was really fun.
Ahhh the good old days!
Funny story. My daughter told me that she spotted me in the crowd during the mud slide scenes in the movie.
I laughed her off.
She ended up getting a still of the scene and sure enough, there I am standing with my cousin and best friend.
How weird is that?
A Friggin legend, Bill. That’s what you are.
Jeez I love stories from older guys.
Come back, George.
I’ve almost given up on Striker.
To OTT: LAINE
To WPG: 3rd & 5th
Thank you.
ihatecrosby
No to that trade .
WPG can fine a line 2 center, clear cap to fix their D and draft another top winger as well.
Love to see Toronto offer Marner for 3 & 5.
Then use the money to sign Petro.
Ott could try and offer #5 and Duclair to CGY for Matty Tkachuck but CGY would say no
Hell no
Why would sens ever do that. 3 and 5 could get you a marner for much less headache and cap space. That’d be a hard no for me.
Hell no
This cracks me up a bit. Ottawa is in a position to draft two quality centres or the centre and star D or wing and you all think a winger will land 3 and 5. Not happening. Ottawa is not trading 3 and 5.
Ottawa also has 28 and 33. Finishing 2nd to the bottom and the 2nd round any affected by the lottery. They could use hem to move up the draft or bring in quality prospect forward from a cap strapped team.
Dreaming my friend!
Laine to PHL
to WPG:
Gostisbhere
Morin
#1 pick
On that trade bait list would like to see Dorion look into trading for is Patrik Laine or Josh Andersson.
I think that Matt Murray ends up getting traded to the Senators.
Hi Al
I’m hoping that George is OK… he’s not been on in a while… but he always points out the depth list of Goalies in the Sens system when anybody posts re Sens trading for a goalie
… so I think MM on Sens is unlikely
Pengy..matt Murray is going soon, j j will be bought out, rikol9 or pettersson will b moving on as well. I like jared McCann just not sure what happens with him.. gutsays he stays.
ZAR. LTR To start season
Johnson buyout
Move pettersson we have. $6.2 million. We have so many good young defensemen coming pierre oliver Joseph. Cam Lee. William Rielly Nick manascalo
On the trade bait list
I would to see. Dorion look into trading for one of Patrik Laine or Josh Andersson.
I thy that Matt Murray ends up getting traded to the Senators
Trading Dumba makes no sense to me. He’s 26 on a reasonable contract for 3 more years. Suter will be 36 when season starts with 5 years left on his deal. Who knows if he makes it that far. Minnesota only has 3 fwd’s under contract after this season. The assumption that Dumba needs to be moved based on expansion ignores the option of protecting 4 dmen and 4 fwd’s. They have a solid top 4.
Arizona: are they still considering signing Hall? Hjarlmonson has said publicly he’s not waiving. Can’t see OEL doing either. Stepan most likely trade candidate, has only 2 mil in salary owed (hello Minnesota) Buy our Goligoski
>out.
Wonder how many teams are already talking to Brisbois. Seeing how there hasn’t been a ton of moves yet, could be a lot of GM’s waiting to see who Tampa makes available.
Friedman has said two weeks ago that OEL could be open to waive off his NMC for some teams. He added that the new owner has some financial issues and wants to get rid of OEL’s contract which is too rich for him especially on the bonus side.
Friedman has said two weeks ago that OEL could be open to waive off his NMC for some teams. He added that the new owner has some financial issues and wants to get rid of OEL’s contract which is too rich for him especially on the bonus side.
Has anybody heard from George O I like hearing his comments I hope all is well with him.
Robo. Was just wondering same. Havnt seen him post lately. And I’m sure he would’ve responded to these Ottawa trade proposals. Hope he’s ok
Ryan on waivers for a buyout. If imagine we’ll see a few more in the next few days.
Saw that. Puts Ottawa further from cap floor. Not a team that needs cap space, I wonder what they do going forward. Was that just to save some money? Will they take on some of those big cap hits that don’t carry salary like Stepan?
I guess it’s not that surprising, as it saves considerable $$ for ownership.
Dead space when they may need it in a couple years though.
Now that Ryan is clean and sober, he is an interesting player to take a flyer on. Assuming that is still the case.
BOS or EDM could use a scoring winger that can play with skill and produce.
As to the Habs:
Danault is not going anywhere. He’s a solid two-way center, great on faceoffs and they certainly need a veteran center around notwithstanding Suzuki and Kotkaniemi. They’ll ride out the season with him and see if they can re-sign him.
I still expect Domi to be traded. The Habs need a winger who can score 25-30 goals and he’s their top trade chip. If a winger can’t be acquired by trade, there are some UFA options. Hoffman, Dadonov, Granlund, Toffoli. With the Hornqvist trade, Florida will likely let both of their guys go. In that case, Domi may be moved for futures to clear cap space.
Bergevin not even checking into Laine is a microcosm of his tenure as GM. Too hesitant to make the big but necessary move. I don’t believe that Laine will be traded. The Jets realize that scoring wingers like him aren’t easy to find and it’s doubtful that trading him would improve the team. And the asking price would likely be way more than what the Habs should give up. But what’s the harm in calling Chevaldayoff to inquire? That wouldn’t cost anything. Bergevin must at least do his due diligence.
Saw this on Twitter. Something that gets discussed a lot here
http://twitter.com/HabsLaughs/status/1309497518514937856
Walsh had good study habits throughout school.
He isn’t an intelligent person. He often omits important information.
The information he does provide is usually filled with fallacies.
I think somebody posted that earlier Slick.
While there are benefits to an RCA, from what I can tell Mr Walsh over simplifies the potential benefits of it.
The benefit is similar to an RRSP that we have in Canada. You are taxed at a lower rate when you withdraw the $$ as you are making less income at retirement vs when you are working.
While this most often true in player’s cases they are still subject to the tax rate of where they live at the time or retirement and withdrawing the $$. They are more than likely still subject to the maximum Canadian tax rate if they reside in Canada when they retire from the league, as their income will exceed the threshold.
If a player then retires in a low tax state or province vs where they played, then ya, the benefit is there.
From what I can tell, many Canadian players retire in Canada. Most are from Ontario, where the comparison is often made.
Still better off, from a strictly tax perspective, to play in a low tax state like FLA, or province like AB as you can live, withdraw/use the $$ wherever and whenever you want.
You can read the short version here.
http://www.gblinc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RCA_2016.pdf
Bruins have said multiple times they were understanding about Rask leaving the team during the playoffs. It has the looks they want to move on from him with one year left on his contract and not a chance they resign him … Looks like the Bruins needs just expanded …..bigger tougher in the lineup scoring on the wing, possibly a Dman and now a goalie
Josh Anderson is the most intriguing player via trade for me with the bruins. Big bruising RW when healthy that can score you 25/30 goals. I wonder if Columbus would take Kase and a pick for him.
They also need to get bigger on D. Chara will be back on a 1 year deal but we have too many little guys in there right now.
Boston
Six Months ago Bruins were the King on the hill, then the stoppage hit and things went down hill.
So far I read that
1) Move on from Rask
2) Let Krug walk
3) Retire Chara
4) Kase was a bust
5) Ritchie was a bust
6) Fans are even unhappy with DeBrusk even though he’s only 23
7) Some even think Krejci will walk after next season at 35 years old.
Looks more like a start of a major engine overhaul rather than a tune up ?
What’s going on in Beantown
You are correct, there has been a ton of rumors surrounding them, but lets be honest.
I would be shocked to see Rask move
Krug needs to go IMO
Chara will be back for 1 more year
Kase was a bust
So was both Ritchie brothers
Debrusk is a take it or leave kind of player
and the only way Krejci walks is if he asks for anything north of 6 mill
End of the day they need a scoring winger with size and at least 1 more bigger D man
Pretty much sums it up Greatgonzo.
Kase still has a year left to prove he wasn’t a bust.
I think the reason for all the talk is that the B’s window is closing, or perhaps just closed.
Ownership is bleeding money due to Covid, in all their businesses.
Their top 2 C’s are in their mid 30’s so will inevitably decline. No replacements in the pipeline to fill a top 2C role.
Their captain is 43.
Rask is 33 and has 1 year left on deal.
Krug is likely waking which is the right move for both parties.
IMO they give it another go, look to fill the holes with short term UFA’s, and the rebuild will start in a year or 2.
As a B’s fan, I hope they pull it off, but I would put my money on a different to team to win the cup next year.
They have some cap space but pursuing a guy like Hall or Petro to save the day is a fool’s errand IMO.
Just the way it works in the cap world and when you draft mid to late.
Yes I know what happened in the 2015 draft.
Ray
I may not got after AP, but if I could get Hall and Hoffman to line with Krejci I would take it.
They need to free up the Kase, Ritchie and Moore contracts.
And Again get bigger on D. All those rumors out there about trading Debrusk for Nurse bring it on I say providing we sign soem scoring wingers
Ya Greatgonzo, if they could get Nurse for DeBrusk you do it. Not sure why Edmonton would.
I live in Edmonton and the fans here rag on Nurse for what he isn’t and ignore what he is really good at.
Big, skates great, can lug the puck and has a side of nasty. He makes some mistakes but not too many and he isn’t the guy you want running your PP long term, but he is good at a bunch of stuff and just hitting his prime.
My fear with the B’s is elite prospects are non existent and no top 2C prospects to replace what we have. Age will get them like everybody else.
Might be able to give it another go next year but sooner or later we need to start to rebuild. I dare say within the next couple years.
new crap turning into diahrea lol
go boston go or maybe don’t go lol
PIETRANGELO to LEAFS at $6M AAV. Here’s a scenario I haven’t seen suggested yet but might work. Get another team to sign Pietrangelo for $9M and then trade him to Leafs, retaining $3M/yr. In return Leafs would give up picks and prospects. Leafs could give up 3 1st round picks and/or some top prospects. Think of it as a trade for a $6M Pietrangelo. A rebuilding team with cap space and a need for young talent would probably do it.
Mark R.
Have you EVER seen a team sign a player to immediately turn around and trade the player holding on to 1/3 of his cap hit?
Me either. You haven’t seen this suggested because it is beyond far fetched to say the least.
No team would be willing to take on 3 million per for 3 first round draft picks and prospects. It’s insanity!
Sorry, I’m not trying to be a jerk here…. but this may be the most far fetched proposal I have ever seen. NO team will be willing to help Toronto out to the time of 3 million per.
Whether you are trying or not NYR4life you are being a jerk to Mark R.
Leafs acquired Lehner just at the last deadline with the sole purpose of retaining salary to help vegas in exchange for a pick.
Dubas we be wide open to this if their team was in a situation like Ottawa. It is a great idea but takes a little non linear thinking which is hard to find on this site.
Mark dont let these ignorant posters stop you from being a creative thinker.
You can’t be a jerk to someone whose jerkin off.
Wendal,
Delusional as usual. Lehner wasn’t signed to a deal to be dealt while holding 3 million per year!
Stop that damn ridiculous right now! Ignorant!!!! Stop! Show me ONE deal where a player was signed with the intention of trading and holding ANYWHERE near 3 million per year! One year or especially with term! Show me ONE!
Creative thinker ? Jeezus Christ! Delusional thinker!
If any deal like this happens in the next 5 years …. I will pay you both 1k (us)!
Beyond stupid here!
Its not the specifics of the proposed trade as its way too much. But the concept is sound.
i read here everyday–i like the outside of the box thinking—need more of it
Right on Jeff
Re Ryan Buyout
If Dorian got Melnyk to agree to this buyout… Why can’t Jimbo do the same … as he has been instructed specifically to cut costs by owners…. the worst player in NHL history is still sitting on the Pens roster… 🤬😡 WTF… he should have been on the waiver wire at 12:01 AM
Ryan out $3.7 M…. any offer now as a UFA , for 2 @ $1.9 M or more; has him better off financially in the long run… I think there will be takers
As a Ducks fan I’d take a chance with him for two years at 1.5 mil a year, he had a lot of good years here, Bobby come home.
first off I am glad Ryan turned his life around.
If he stays healthy, especially his fingers and hands, he is a good value signing for 1-2 years. He has a nose for the net but he has really slowed down over the course of the past 5 years.
TML needs to sign this guy for 2M for 3 years and sit next to Tavares and Marner.
Worth it for both sides…..
Petry extended 4 yrs @ 6.25 AAV
Thanks Fergy22
How is the contract structured? Mid term loaded?
Pengy ….6.25 across the 4 years term per CapFriendly , also no details on NMC or NTC
UNCONFIRMED: Contract based on initial report. Once the details have been confirmed the contract will be updated
Thanks
They just updated it… middles two years…$7.5 M combined S and SB; yrs 1 and 4 …$5M
SB in years 2,3,4
This middle loading of the contracts seems more likely now with the night 20% escrow and 10% deferred in 20/21; a little less escrow in 21/22 then tapering to 6% eventually I think
Fair deal for Habs and Petry IMHO
Lyle
Asking in general… not thinking there will necessarily be any rush on BR…. but once he’s bought out …. can any team sign him at any time; or must he wait to even talk to anybody; until actual UFA date… just like all others?
Thanks in advance
Rust isnt going anywhere..Murray pettersson Johnson possible McCann are..
Bruins need to let Rask retire Halak can handle the load Krug needs to find home elsewhere to much money to much term. Kase will be fine definitely not a bust Ritchie is horrible Chara will sign another year. Studnicka will take over for Krech and Jake needs to sign a bridge and show what he is made of. Grizzzzz and Charlie need to step it up a bit especially on PP and other than that hockey players need to stick with hockey and stop embarrassing them selves with all this BLM crap and stop driving away fans. Salary cap will drop to 70 million if they keep putting criminals names on their helmets and following Evander Kane’s advice the biggest clown in hockey. If not Get Woke go Broke been happening for years.
Obe, you know how you are sometimes?
Quit being like that.
Why would leafs trade for Petriangelo , when they come have him for nothing , as per above statements , just another pie in the sky 9 million salary cap hit ..
Leafs will be heading onto Plan B , which I cannot figure out in my wildest dreams , other than how to obtain a first line defenseman, which I honestly cannot see in the foreseeable future , as no team is going to part with such an asset in my opinion .
It will again be the bandaid fix , a player of some value , but nothing of any significance .
To trade their 1st round draft pick is a “huge” mistake , but Dubais continues to part with first rounders; therefore , I can see that happening .
Anderson’s – 1 million final year -salary owing will look attractive to another team , as well .
I do not see the goaltending position , as a major deal , as there are plenty of players on the market, at this position .
Draft Askarov, the Russian goaltender prospect , the Leafs will have to trade up to get him and build from the goalie out .
Obtain someone to mentor him for the next 2-3 years , until he is ready .
Trade for another 1st rounder , as there “3” highly rated prospects , at the defense position .
Marner , I prefer to go, Nylander , if need be , as he is only a 6-7 million dollar cap hit vs Mariners -wacked out -$11 million hit ..
Dubais and many think Leafs are in the “ Win” now mode , which is so far from the truth ..
Dubais has made too many errors , and it’s back to the drawing board , but in actual reality – it will be a complete make over , once again -3 years down the road .
Thankyou Dubais and Shanahan for putting the Leafs behind the 8 ball , once again , as we are headed towards another 7-10 year drought , at the earliest , hoping the “chain of demand” can finally figure it out !!!’
Proof in the “pudding” -Keep an eye on Yzerman in Detroit ..
Yzerman was available to the Leafs, prior to accepting Tampa Bay’s post ..
Tatenbaum wanted someone experienced , at the time !!!!!
Will I ever see a Cup in my lifetime , in Toronto -53 years , 9 years old , at the time ..
What a mess !! Talk about FAILURE !!!
Is this a JOKE?