NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2021

by | Jul 14, 2021 | Rumors | 76 comments

Will the Wild pursue Jack Eichel after buying out Parise and Suter? What’s the latest on Gabriel Landeskog and Jake Allen? Are big decisions coming for the Blackhawks, Predators and Panthers? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WILD TO PURSUE EICHEL?

TSN: Darren Dreger talked about what could be next for the Minnesota Wild following their decision to buy out the contracts of winger Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter. Re-signing restricted free agents Kirill Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala are priorities.

Dreger said the Wild would love to add a first-line center. He believes they’ll make a trade offer to the Buffalo Sabres for Jack Eichel. However, general manager Bill Guerin won’t blow their cap space or overpay with trade assets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild’s buyouts of Parise and Suter give them over $26 million in projected salary-cap space for 2021-22. Nearly half of that could be invested in Kaprizov and Fiala.

They’ll have less room beyond next season when they’ll have between $12.7 million and $14.7 million in dead cap space from 2022-23 to 2024-25. I don’t think Eichel’s a fit in Minnesota unless Guerin convinces the Sabres to absorb a healthy chunk of his $10 million annual cap hit for the next five seasons.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS FOLLOWING THE KEITH TRADE?

NBC SPORTS: Adam Gretz examined what could be in store for the Chicago Blackhawks after shipping Duncan Keith to the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week. They could attempt to acquire Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones, especially after getting younger brother Caleb Jones as part of the return from the Oilers. They also have enough cap space to pursue Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Dougie Hamilton if he hits the open market on July 28.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers reports the Blackhawks are also open to improving their goaltending. He cited a league source saying they could be in play for Vegas Golden Knights netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. With just one season left on his contract, the Blackhawks can afford his $7 million cap hit for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is believed keen to add a top-pairing right-side defenseman. His preference could be for Jones if the Jackets blueliner is willing to sign a long-term contract extension. If not, that focus could shift to Hamilton.

The Golden Knights are pressed for cap space and probably won’t take back much salary if they decide to move Fleury. He could be had for a draft pick. That depends on whether Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has changed his mind about Fleury finishing his career in Vegas and if the Blackhawks are on Fleury’s list of trade destinations.

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog (NHL Images).

COULD AVALANCHE PART WAYS WITH LANDESKOG?

Dreger said the Colorado Avalanche and captain Gabriel Landeskog aren’t even close in their contract talks. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 28. He pointed out it’s still early in the process.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landeskog is completing a seven-year deal with an annual cap hit of $5.57 million. He could seek over $7 million on a long-term deal. The Avalanche has over $25 million in cap room but they must also re-sign Vezina Trophy finalist Philipp Grubauer and Norris Trophy finalist Cale Makar. Both are in line for big raises.

Rival clubs will be ready to pounce if Landeskog hits the open market. The St. Louis Blues are reportedly preparing a “full pitch effort” to sign him. They have over $17 million in cap space but could be $7.5 million more if they can trade unhappy right wing Vladimir Tarasenko.

TOUGH DECISIONS AHEAD FOR PREDATORS?

Pierre LeBrun believes the Nashville Predators face some difficult decisions in the upcoming expansion draft. They’ve got five defensemen they really like in Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, Dante Fabbro and Alexandre Carrier.

He thinks the Predators have had a discussion about a side deal with the Seattle Kraken. They could also trade a defenseman to another club before the draft. They could opt to protect those five by protecting eight skaters but LeBrun doubts they’ll do that. He also speculated they could expose center Matt Duchene.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the side deal is trying to convince the Kraken to select Duchene. Given his declining production and $8 million annual average value for the next five seasons, they’ll have to toss in a significant sweetener.

LATEST ON THE PANTHERS

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: In a recent mailbag segment, George Richards was asked if the Florida Panthers would ask Keith Yandle to waive his no-movement clause for either a trade, buyout or exposure in the expansion draft.

Richards hasn’t been able to confirm if the Panthers have approached Yandle about it. He said he’d heard whispers of a handshake agreement between the two sides but nothing’s been substantiated. He thinks Yandle won’t be back with the team one way or another.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports half a dozen teams have contacted the Panthers with a serious interest in pending UFA goaltender Chris Driedger. That level of interest could boost the cost of his next contract to $3.5 million per season. LeBrun believes the Seattle Kraken are among the interested parties.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The deadline for teams to ask players to waive their NMCs was yesterday at 5 pm ET. Any players asked to do so have until Friday to reach a decision. We’ll learn by then if Yandle was among them.

Yandle is signed through 2022-23 with an annual cap hit of $6.35 million. His full no-move becomes a modified 12-team no-trade list next summer. Buying him out would could as $2.3 million this season against the Panthers cap but it jumps to $5.3 million in 2022-23 before dropping to $1.2 million per season for the final two years of the buyout.

If Yandle won’t waive his clause for the Kraken (or they don’t take him if he does), the Panthers’ best option is to try to trade him to a team if he’s willing to waive his clause for certain teams. That’ll likely mean taking back a toxic contract or absorbing a chunk of his cap hit to facilitate a deal.

Keep an eye on Driedger. He could be traded before the expansion draft next Wednesday.

COULD THE CANADIENS SHOP ALLEN?

TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Montreal Canadiens could be tempted to trade Jake Allen rather than risk losing him for nothing to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. He’s starting a two-year, $5.75 million contract. The Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres are two clubs whose goalie issues have been well-documented.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will depend on whether Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin can convince his Kraken counterpart to pass over Allen for another unprotected Hab. Failing that, maybe Bergevin can swing a deal with a club seeking reliable goalie depth before the expansion draft.







76 Comments

  1. It’s more likely that the Habs make a deal with Seattle to not take Allen than trade him.

    • Agree…. Certainly not out of the realm Howard…. Thoughts on what that side deal might look like? Who do Krakken take; and what is the side deal? Habs have 4 EXTRA picks in the first 4 rounds this year… so ample flex for a side deal

    • I think that any team shopping for goalies has already contacted Seattle with a list of guys they would deal for. The trade freeze on Saturday would make it a crapshoot to make a deal before the lists are in.

  2. Can’t wait to see what Holland offers Bergevin for Allen. I assume it starts with two first rounders and Leon Draisaitl.

    • 😂

      • @ Pengy……I think Ryan Suter would be a good fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins..

        Now that he is a UFA and wont cost that much he would ideal to add to our second defensive pairing with John Marino..

        Of course half the league is involved and the freaking Capitals are interested too.. Suter with Dumoulin and Letang gives us kind of a big three on defense like Tampa / Montreal.

        Dumoulin / Letang

        Suter / Marino

        Matheson / Friedman (or UFA David Savard)

      • Hi BnG

        I can’t see Suter coming to Pens

        Already overloaded at LHD…. so one in means at least 2 out

        I am hoping Ceci stays (at reasonable hit of course)

        I’m thinking now , per other posts here…. Suter and/or Parise come back to Wild on low 1 yr contract… Wild will be able to protect Dumba (they weren’t going to be able to before); and if only for one year… and both back…basically little change of Wild team, but lower Cap hit this year. Parise/Suter don’t have to up-root home/fam…. And recoup a reasonable amount back… of what they lost in the buyout

        Wild doesn’t need them in 22/23

        If Suter moves…. Knights should be on him…. His interest… contender (only team not losing a player to Krakken …. And were 2 posts away from being in SCF this year); and beneficial taxes

        Knights would just be replacing Martinez with Suter…. And done cheaper…Likely $3.5 M cheaper!! Knights are relatively tight to Cap now

        Pens first move should be trading Zucker…. I’d love Vlad on Gino/Kappy line…. but that would be one hell of a negotiation (retention by Blues AND likely 2 more Pens going in the deal)

    • Greg, I know it was just a joke, but for those trashing the Keith deal (there are many here in EDM) Holland gave up next to nothing for Keith.
      A 3rd and Jones.

      Just so all understand where Jones fit in Edmonton, it is the 7th D man. Maybe less this upcoming year.
      He never played a game in the playoffs.
      EDM traded for Kulikov instead of playing Jones. They played Koekkoek ahead of Jones.
      Think about that for a minute.

      Jones is 24, they didn’t trust him enough to play him on their 3rd pair.
      Could he become a full time NHL D, ya he has the physical tools and he is still young enough and as ready as he will ever be, but Tippet didn’t think so this season.

      For all those trashing Holland (I agree a risky move if it doesn’t work due to age) tell me who you think EDM should have on their blue line next year if they didn’t get Keith. Remember that would be short term as Broberg (8th overall) will very likely play 2nd pair LD in 2 years.

      Before they signed Keith they had only 4 NHL quality D. 2 of which are 3rd pair. LD are Nurse (1st) and Russell (3rd pair/7th D)
      Oleksiak isn’t signing for short term, and no, Suter isn’t coming to EDM.
      That leaves Martinez. So snap your fingers and make it so he comes to EDM cheap for 2 years?
      Not really a plan nor is it reality.

      EDM is better today, they needed vet D badly, they got one. Or if you prefer Holland does nothing and they lose again come playoff time, then go ahead I guess.

      Ballsy move that a highly motivated Keith may just make look good. I’m rooting for him.

      • Ray I think the point is Chicago had pretty limited options, cap space is huge value & the collateral damage is that Oilers now arent going to probably sign Larsson & may very well lose him as a UFA. I guess Chicago could have played the Keith being exposed & getting picked off by the Kracken card but that was their only card & I guess it worked. Then the Hawks would have been depending on Seattle to do that & if they didnt, Hawks were back over a barrel. In this league GM’s throw anchors not favours.I hear there is a conditional 2nd that the 3rd round pick can turn into depending on games & how well the Oilers do next year.

        I guess as a Flame fan all I have heard from other fan bases is how no way Seattle take Gio because he’s over the hill. His analytics blow chunks over Keith’s.

      • If he had waited he could have had Suter for less money and no cost

      • I agree with you Ray that 100% Edmonton needed/needs to address their D and with this move they did. Was the trade worth it in terms of assets and $$$? Time will tell. Did they immediately improve their D? Absolutely.

      • Edmonton not only needed a more reliable D man, they needed someone who can help change the culture in that room.

        If creating a winning culture was easy, the leafs would not lose every year in the first round (sorry leaf fans, had to throw that in there)

      • Kevin R, I know what the argument on the other side is regarding paying too much. I have listened to it on the radio for 3 days. It is a fair argument, and likely an overpay. I agree with that as there is risk involved with a player that age.

        My argument is, and Holland’s yesterday, if you didn’t, you didn’t get him and the Oil have a worse D than last year, and last year was meh. That was a worse option to Holland. If that is the case I agree with him, not sure why he would lie.

        Folks are stating that CHI had to move him. Not true, they didn’t have to do anything and had no intent on moving him until Keith asked to try and get a deal done. They weren’t giving him away. Does Duncan Keith seem like a guy who sits for the year pouting if Bowman doesn’t move him? On the only team he has played for? Keith knows the drill. This isn’t Drouin making a stink in TB.
        If Bowman could make a move that made sense he would, so he did.

        Kent – Why do you think Suter would come to EDM? By all accounts he wants to stay near his roots in WIS. There are plenty of US teams that will call. Maybe even CHI, but my guess is more of a contender. TB comes to mind.

        So I ask again, who should have EDM signed or traded for to play LD for the next 2 years? Or even 1 year.

        I assume if no reasonable responses, perhaps the criticism is not justified, or at very least lets wait and see how he does.

      • @ Ray Bark…
        Duncan Keith can still play and will be a good addition to the ruder less Oilers. He can still skate and that is what players as they age lose. Is he the 2015 Duncan Keith (No) but he can still skate and make a strong outlet pass. If he plays on their second pairing he should be fine.

        He will be motivated being closer to his son and they didn’t give up all that much as you said. Oilers need leadership he will help in that category.

      • His work off the ice as well blackngold.
        With Broberg and Bouchard getting close to being NHL regulars, that example is a plus.

        He needs to be able to still play or it is meaningless. But an attitude adjustment is coming, not that the Oil were a bunch of whiners who didn’t try, but he has clout as a player and by all accounts out works everyone not named Chara.

      • “For all those trashing Holland (I agree a risky move if it doesn’t work due to age) tell me who you think EDM should have on their blue line next year if they didn’t get Keith.”

        I’ll respond with a question of my own: do you think that Edmonton beats Winnipeg with Duncan Keith?

        That’s what I thought.

        And as an actual answer to your question, they could’ve signed a free agent goalie. They could’ve traded for Seth Jones. They could’ve put together some other package and gotten someone better.

        OR Ken Holland could’ve seen that Chicago was trying to unload salary and Keith wanted out and that Keith wanted to go to Western Canada and THEN realize that he, as the potential acquiring team, held all the cards.

        All of them.

        He should’ve lowballed Chicago and then hung up and waited.

        Keith doesn’t make Edmonton demonstrably better and he ties up $5M+ for two years in a flat cap.

        There are plenty of teams that have good, young D they can’t protect. Holland could’ve called Colorado or Carolina or Minnesota or Anaheim or Florida or LA or Montreal or New Jersey or the Islanders or Philly or St. Louis or Tampa.

        Holland saw an aging veteran, got a hardon for him and panicked.

      • Greg, CHI wasn’t dumping salary. Bowman was trying to help Keith and wasn’t doing it for free as he has a job as GM of the Hawks.
        He wasn’t looking to trade Keith until he was asked.

        Which COL D-man? Graves, Toews or Girard.
        What do you give up Broberg or Bouchard plus? Although they likely want a roster player back as they are chasing a cup. Who would that be? That is if COL doesn’t protect 8 skaters and they have no reason to move a D.

        Seth Jones – I’ll bite. Who are you trading Bouchard or Broberg for 1 year of Seth?
        Or is CLB trading him for a 1st RD pick? I doubt it. He has a NTC, is EDM on it? You don’t think Holland called?

        Lots of bravado talk, but without specifics it just sounds like bluster.

        Sorry Greg, but it isn’t like Holland has dementia and stumbles around the office. He knows every team and every available LD, he liked this deal better, likely because there weren’t many or even any out there as good as Keith.

        If they sign Larsson and get a tender, yes they beat WPG. Do you think they blow a 4-1 3rd period lead in game 3 with Keith on the team?
        EDM still has over $15M with Klefbom’s LTIR.

        Plenty of room, to even take a flier on a winger for cheap ahetr those deals. D is hard to find these days. Here’s hoping Larsson get’s signed and is simply waiting until after expansion draft, or we will be chasing more D.

  3. Why would Jack Eickel want to play with Minnesota. Sure the Wild would have him locked in for 5 seasons, but would he be a happy player? Likely not as the team would be just like Buffalo, lacking sufficient talent to compete. With the dead cap space coming for three years from the buyouts, they won’t have the money to surround him with enough good players to win.

    The Wild will have to supplement their roster with low-priced talent for 3-4 years as it is. They are already at $54M including the dead cap for 22-23 season and that is 9 players under contract. Assume the wild resign Fiala and Kaprizov for an average of $4M each and they’d are now at $62M for 22-23…lump in $10M for Eichel and it’s $72M in used cap and only 12 players signed. That’s not even money to build a Stanley Cup roster…in my opinion.

    • no way Kaprizov signs for a cap hit of $4M, he’ll want at least $7M or threaten to go back to the KHL

      • KHL don’t give out big contracts. He’s not turning down 4 million to go play somewhere he’ll be lucky to make a million.

      • Agreed – Kirill wants to be paid!

        I think the buyouts were stupid to be done in the same year. Would have done Parise this year and Suter next. Suter is still viable, Parise is not.

        This is a catch 22 – no money to make your team better or wait til contracts are done.

        Buffalo and Wild very similar – Eichel no chance he comes to Wild!

    • Pete, Buffalo will trade Eichel to whatever team sends the most valuable assets back.. Buffalo could give a rats behind if Jack is “happy”. They could care less.

      • Exactly Vincois, why do people keep referring to what Jack likes or wants? It doesnt matter, he lacks any sort of trade protection.

      • Totally agree.

      • Vincois – I wasn’t meaning whether Sabres care. I meant would the player play hard if he is traded and doesn’t like the situation? For Eichel – same situation, different logo. It’s just going to pull the dressing room down. If I am the Wild, I have to consider that as a factor when I consider picking him up.

    • Who cares where Jack ‘wants’ to play. Buffalo has one year before his NMC, if he wants out, Buffalo can trade him anywhere they get best return. I don’t see him going there (prefer Anaheim or Vegas maybe) but its not about making him happier. I would want to get out too with Buffalo ownership meddling and screwed up, but he signed and has no say until next summer

  4. If Driedger is not traded, I would think Krakken have serious interest

    Yandle…. Zito could say to him… “like your streak to continue ?…. ‘Cuz we’ll sit you….so sign on the dotted line

    Handsome Jack and Wild…. They have the space to go all in for this year, but would be giving up big assets …. And then be able to compete for Cup in 22/23 through 24/25…. With close to $13M, $15 M, $15M in dead cap space for those three years…. So what is the point of acquiring HJ with his yet to be proven “repaired” neck?

    • and Yandle says “so sit me, i’m not signing.” Zito ready to sit $6.35 cap space? I think not.

      Yandle is the bus driver here, he’ll decide were he plays.

      If he waives it will because he doesn’t mind being selected by Seattle.

      • I humbly disagree Caper

        Yandle has repeatedly said he wants to continue his streak

        I don’t think Q has any issue sitting Yandle 1 game to end his streak, IF (big IF) that is what it takes

        EJ waived as there was no chance Krakken picked him up. There is also no way GMRF picks up Yandle.

        Yandle would only be waiving the NMC for the Seattle draft… it is not a permanent waive of MNC

        This helps his team, as they can then protect another player (I would think that is why EJ did it)

      • Pengy, you seriously think Yandle is shallow enough to say “Ok, i go somewhere i don’t want to go to keep my streak alive.”

      • caper:

        Pengy is spot on here. Yandle has to declined to the level of a 6th/7th defensemen at best (and some would say not even that). Q has shown that he will play whomever gives the team the best chance to win any given night. If he’s in a FLA sweater when the season opens, his streak will end and he knows it. He also has to be keeping an eye on Marleau and Kessel who are ~20 games behind him on active game streaks as well.

        As far as Driedger is concerned, I think Zito goes for the KISS (keep it simple stupid) route. If Seattle signs him as a UFA when the window opens, it counts as the selection for expansion. Meaning that his rights, if they’re traded at all, won’t be moved until after 7/21.

      • Hi Caper

        He is only waiving his NMC for the Krakken draft…. And no way they pick him up… the waive does NOT extend after the expansion draft… so by signing …. No skin off his back, AND he helps team.

        To me…. If he can’t spend 5 minutes to sign a piece of paper that literally has no effect on him; but benefits his team; then I find that very strange

        EJ had no issue of taking the 5 minutes to sign in the line; why wouldn’t Yandle??

      • Pengy i don’t disagree with signing, i disagree with the threat.

        If you come at me with a threat i tell you “pound sand”

      • ‘Zito ready to sit $6.35 cap space? I think not.’

        They sat Bobrovsky at 10 milli

      • Agree Caper, streak is secondary to where he plays.

    • Maybe Zito trades rights to Driedger for a 7th rounder if they take Yandle for the ED.

      • Hi Kevin

        Francis can grab Driedger for free…. So I can’t see him accepting a 7th to take on Yandle

        To me , it’s virtually zero chance Francis takes Yandle… his side deal demand would be completely “prohibitive” for Zito to agree

        Yandle should agree to waive for expansion; so another player can be protected

        Regardless.., Bobo MUST be protected…. So Driedger (barring a trade before the Expansion Draft) will be available to Francis

        W/0 a trade soon… Francis will be able to negotiate (during the window) with Driedger to get an idea of cost …. If he likes (and Driedger likes the offer)…. Zito should just verbally agree; grab another Panther in the draft; AND then sign Driedger to the verbal agreement; once UFA season opens

      • Pengy:

        “Francis will be able to negotiate (during the window) with Driedger to get an idea of cost …. If he likes (and Driedger likes the offer)…. Zito should just verbally agree; grab another Panther in the draft; AND then sign Driedger to the verbal agreement; once UFA season opens”

        Assuming you meant “Francis should just verbally agree”. Doubt he does this since at that point, Francis loses all leverage with Zito as he can either trade Driedger’s rights to the highest bidder or sign him outright himself. The UFA open is after the ED. The window for Seattle is the 48hrs beforehand.

        The timing just doesn’t work to Seattle’s advantage if they want Driedger as a Kraken.

      • Hi Matt

        The verbal agreement would be Francis and Dreidger (more approprietly Driedger’s agent)

        For Zito to sign Driedger…. He has to get Driedger to sign as well

        Of course Driedger could go back on his verbal commitment (to GMRF) and sign back with Panthers … but the Panthers have the youngster on the horizon

        What I was getting at was handshake agreement Francis/Driedger

        Then Francis picks up another Panther in ED

        Then as soon as UFA market opens…. Formally sign Driedger to the Krakken roster

        There is also a possibility that Zito is swinging a side deal with GMRF regarding Krakken taking another player

        All will be clear in a week

    • @Pengy..I hope the leave Jarry unprotected.. I also think Linus Ullmark, 27, UFA, 6ft 3 220 is a nice young big goalie for the Penguins.

      9 – 6 – 3 917 save % 2.84 GAA

      On a crappy Buffalo team he fits the Bill/checks the boxes.

      • Hi BNG

        Hextall should not leave Jarry unprotected

        He is far better than DeSmith

        Too much blame has been placed on him re playoff exit (very much like MAF in Vegas)

        Remember…. Pens hit 3 posts late in game 1… any of those go in…. That means Pens win the first 3 games… down 3-0 … Isles coming back…. Longshot..l Pens win that series… no discussion at all re Jarry

        Jarry let in 1 crappy goal in the series ; and had 5 goals against that were not only partially or fully screened; but also either deflected or double bounced

        Not a chance DeSmith wins the series for Pens

        Setting aside all that happened before… exposing Jarry; and then if picked up by Krakken… then Pens need to “bid” on a UFA starter…. Not a wise move

        They can still explore goalies in UFA AFTER the draft; but risking losing Jarry for nothing is too much

        Remember, even if DeSmith stays… and they sign a UFA goalie; the worst case is burying him and he then only counts $75K towards the cap…. Basically nothing

        I’ve seen some media discussing the possibility of the Flower back to Pens

        IF (big if) , Hextall can dump Zucker…. Say for a 3rd…

        Flip that 3rd, and DeSmith , and say a non roster Pen, to Knights for MAF (25% retained)

        Knights free up $3.9 M in the move (re-sign Martinez?)

        Pens bring up Poulin….

        MAF faaaaar superior to DeSmith …. MAF prob go 60/40 starts over Jarry

        Poulin…. Bigger, stronger, faster, waaaay younger than Zucker

        Team better…. And Pens gain ~ $400 K in Cap space 👍😁

    • @ Pengy…. I disagree with you about Suter being a good addition for the Penguins.

      Matheson LHD can go to the third pairing where he belongs, we trade Marcus Petersson, and Pierre Oliver Joseph in waiting

      Dumo /Suter/Matheson nice top 3 left d-men

      Yes I agree we need to move Zucker !

      I disagree with you on Tarasenko he is damaged goods.. I’ll take Suter who can still skate, play 20 minutes a night, and makes a terrific first pass.

      Of course the hated Capitals are interested in both Suter and Tarasenko..

      • Hi BNG

        Sorry if I inferred that Suter would not be a plus to the team

        It is more that Pens are already loaded in LHD; so they’d then need to move 2 LHD with Suter addition; AND still have a costly bidding war for Suter

        I still think there is a chance of Suter re-upping with Wild…. same team, teammates, no uprooting fam

        The other fair possibility… Knights… he’d be cheaper replacement of Martinez, Knights tight on Cap… Suter gets to move to a tax haven on a club that was two posts away from being in the SCF (for the 2nd time in 4 years)

        Re Vlad…. If he came in at same Cap hit as Zucker; even if both shoulders had been operated on…

        Gino/Kappy/Vlad IMHO waaaaay > Gino/Kappy/Zucker

        If Zucker was never a Pen… different story… but Vlad in; Zucker out…. And no change in Cap 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  5. The Wild don’t have 6 NHL dmen on their roster, Guerin needs to round out his d-pairings, and resign Fiala and Kaprizov for next season, AND has to consider the big loss of cap space starting the season after next. I can’t see how he can bring in Eichel

  6. Thinking last night…. what about a 3 way trade for Seth Jones & Eichel

    To BUF: Dach, CHI #11, CMB #5

    To CMB: EIchel

    to CHI: Jones

    So everyone gets what they want.

    CMB needs #1C
    CHI wants #1 D
    BUF wants to rebuild fast

    Thoughts?

    • Hi IHC

      The moving pieces have logic ; Sabres get 3 firsts in effect for HJ

      but I don’t see Bowman moving the up and coming Dach and Chi pays in effect; 2 firsts for only 1 yr guaranteed of Jones. If they extend… worth it; if only 1 year…. Way too much to give up

      I still think Chi bids on Jones, but don’t see Dach in the deal

      BTW… do you find it odd (as I do) that no one has posted the obvious trade of Jones (50% retained) for the world renowned Chad Ruhweedel and the rights to Janko?

      • Perhaps sabres send a 4th and cmb sends a mid pick too. those are just the base pieces

        then sabres send Reinhart & low rd pick to Seattle for the #2 pick

        go full blown 1yr rebuild.

        Trade 2nd rd pick & Risto to NJ for #4 and select hughes to continue building back end

        trade future considerations to EDM and take on Koskinen contract to be their goalie for now.

      • Think if they talk $$ beforehanad they can ink something out.

      • @ Pengy… Leaving Jarry exposed saves us $3.75 if he is claimed.

        You use that money so sign 27 year old Linus Ullmark who is a better goalie. He is bigger, plays angles well, and has better numbers…

        What Islanders/Penguins series where you watching….LOL

        Jarry let in two bad goals in game one alone not to mention the major stickhandling blunder in double OT that handed the Islanders Game 5 and the series.

        He wasn’t sharp that whole series really.

        With regards to Suter he likes the Style the Penguins play fast, slick passing, strong skilled game.

        He wont be that expensive and if we lose Zucker and Petersson that is $9.5 million we could also add David Savard too.

  7. I think Dumba Spurgeon Brodin and Soucy is a decent top 4. They will have Addison in the mix as well.
    Who’s to say the wild don’t bring the buyout pair back at even league minimum. Calgary did it with Stone. Would not be a shocker

    • Fully agree SS re Dumba Spurgeon Brodin and Soucy as a decent top 4. And yes… Addison in the wings

      I had some thought last night re a “re-sign” of the two by Billy G…. would be weird…. But not (as you pointed out) unprecedented

      If both were say “re-upped” after draft for say $1.5 M each, 1 year…. Neither player has to move home/fam; gain back $1.5 M of the $3.3 M gross they lost; stay with team-mates….

      End result for Billy G…. Nothing changes 22/23 and on… sunk costs; but actually has him likely only losing a depth forward; keeps team basically the same this year; and still nets freeing up ~ $7.5 M in Cap space this year (current Cap savings from buyout less the re-up hit)

    • You cant resign a buyout for 12 months I think. Now if they sign somewhere they can be traded for

      • Kent, I believe that is only for compliance buyouts.

    • Flames did it right before the season started which factored when the NHL reviewed it. Stone had over 2 months to get a new contract & wasnt able to. I know back then a lot of Flames posters were throwing darts at Treliving for that signing.

  8. A partial list of available goalies for the Kraken:

    Adin Hill
    Jarolav Halak
    Linus Ullmark
    Alex Nedeljkovic
    Petr Mrazek
    Anton Khudobin
    Chris Driedger
    Anton Forsberg
    Filip Gustavsson
    Brian Elliott
    Casey DeSmith
    Frederik Andersen
    Braden Holtby
    Vitek Vanecek
    Laurent Brossoit

    I wouldn’t make a side deal for Allen though I like him, means the Habs keep their 4 D.

    • Hi HF30

      Unless Driedger traded…. I’d think Francis takes him

      I’ve seen different media representatives discuss/suggest that Francis might also look at grappling Hill and Khudobin

      I don’t think Francis picks up Anderson or Holtby

      • Pengy,

        It’s a mixed bag list of who’s available.

        I happen to think Halak would be an excellent UFA signing. He has consistently maintained a high save % and low gaa through his career and has never been expensive.

        I also think any two of these set them up for years to come,

        Driedger,
        Hill
        Nedeljkovic

      • Pengy,

        Francis won’t make the same mistake he made before. He will want a goaltender that has more experience as a No 1 goaltender.

    • Unless Berg makes a side deal to keep Allen and the 4 D.

      And I assume that in keeping their 4 D you also see no need now to acquire Schmidt?

      • LJj,

        I don’t like the idea of making deals for draft for a few reasons:

        a- you have to lose a player either way

        b- a deal means losing a player +

        c- recency bias makes one overvalue players.

        Habs could sign one of the UFA goalies in the list

        Sutter, Martinez, Savard are a few UFA D that can be signed not to mention the farm.

  9. Chicago an option for Suter?

  10. Suter could be a option for the Bruins as a 2nd pairing LD …still would like to see them get a SAH Dman with size and toughness

    • Nice extension for Bruins with Carlo’s new 6 year deal. Hope this is a sign that players realize $$$ are going to be tough to come by with a flat cap for the next 2-3 years. Hope that trickles out & we re-up Gaudreau & Tkachuk for reasonable 6-7 year deals. Knock on wood

    • Agree Kevin R, happy to see Carlo extend for that term. Bought some UFA years, but not the max of 8 year term.
      Judging by the $$ they expect the cap to go back up in a couple years.

  11. I would really like to reunite Landeskog with Ryan O’Reilly!

    The Blues have SO MANY moving parts right now—Tarasenko trade? Dunn trade? Schwartz ?? Hoffman ?? Landeskog????

    Armstrong=Do Something

  12. After trying to sweep a despicable sexual assault under the rug, pretending it would just go away, Stan Bowman shouldn’t be making any decisions for any team in the near future …

  13. I keep saying on here that Landeskog isn’t going anywhere; however, reading some public comments that he himself made today makes me a bit nervous! Landeskog is the heart and soul of the Avalanche and I can’t for one second understand why they would let him get upset. He has done everything for this club and I will be seriously pissed off if I am to find out that they are dragging their heels on this? I thought perhaps they were just waiting for the expansion draft to pass before signing him and behind closed doors they were assuring the captain that he would get a good deal but would have to wait until then. With the comments he is making, it sounds like they haven’t seriously discussed with him what’s up. That would be a huge mistake for the Avalanche to make and show just how foolish their ownership is!

    • tommyboy, I suppose it’s all boiling down to what Landeskog and his agents think his contributions on and off the ice are worth. Coming off a cap hit of $5,571,429, and his last big chance at a top dollar deal (he’s only 29), he probably wants a long-term deal at closer to $8 mil.

      With the $56,010,834 committed to just 11 players, and although that leaves him $25,489,161 to sign 12, that’s going to be whittled down pretty fast when he signs his best of his 3 RFAs – Makar who’s going to command a big jump over his $880,833 ELC – and presumably re-up 3 of his UFAs – Landeskog, Grubaur, who’ll be seeking a big raise over his expiring $3,333,333, and Saad, who may not be getting more than his expiring $6 mil – but if they wish to retain him it’s still going to cost a decent chunk.

      But OK, let’s say he lets Saad walk and spends what’s needed to keep Makar, Landeskog and Grubaur happy. Collectively that would be well over half what he has to spend and now he has 14 signed, with around $11-12 mil to sign 9 – including a back-up goalie if they don’t keep UFA Dubnyk (coming off $4,333,333 per).

      I hope you don’t expect Landeskog to “take one for the team” by signing well below his market value.

      • I think 7.5 would be fair and 8yrs? Let Saad walk even though I like him, we have got to retain Landeskog. Plus it’s his best shot at winning a Stanley Cup to remain an Avalanche!!!

    • tommyboy,

      I think the Rantanen contract threw things out of whack. Avalanche players took hometown discounts till then.

      MacKinnon, Landeskog, Burakovsky, Grubauer.

      The door is open now for Avalanche players to want “fair” compensation or at least explore it.

  14. Carlo worth the $4.1 is very good at what he does well … just hope he stays healthy with the concussion issues 4 times in 5 years

    • Little double talk above …

      Bruins Miller retired … the guy was a warrior ….

      • Really liked Miller but was held together with duct tape and baling wire ate the end. Seems like a guy worth keeping around in player development or AHL asst coach.

  15. Bit worried about Carlo the length of the contract, good defenseman when he’s healthy. Joe you’re right people feared Miller he could fight, hit, was pretty reliable he’ll be missed. Don’t worry about Eichel he’ll be a bruin before the end of the summer.

  16. Ray .. Miller was one of those guys you just need on your team … same with McQuaid & Shaun Thornton

  17. Ray Bark,

    I think the Duncan Keith contract is one that will pay off next year and even more in a couple of years.

    His winning pedigree will rub off and guide the young D, btw he had the highest TOI on the Black Hawks.

    You’ll be laughing at the downers.