NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2022

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Rumors | 24 comments

Analysis of the Daily Faceoff’s updated 20 trade targets in today’s NHL rumor mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot and Arizona Coyotes blueliner Jakob Chychrun top Frank Seravalli’s updated list of 20 NHL trade targets.

San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl (NHL Images).

Hertl’s having a strong performance in his contract year and could fetch the Sharks a strong return. Seravalli suggests keeping an eye on the New York Rangers in the Hertl sweepstakes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks remain in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card spot but they could move Hertl if they fail to gain ground between now and the March 21 trade deadline. He’ll draw plenty of interest but the Rangers have the cap space and the depth in tradeable assets to perhaps outbid other clubs.

Seravalli said the Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues have been linked to Chiarot. He believes the 30-year-old Canadiens defenseman could help Stanley Cup contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals or the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And if one of those clubs is willing to part with a first-round pick they might be able to land Chiarot provided they’re not on his 10-team no-trade list.

The Coyotes won’t have much to build around if they trade Chychrun. That explains why their asking price is so high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Coyotes could seek a return comparable to what the Buffalo Sabres got from the Vegas Golden Knights for Jack Eichel. In other words, a good young NHL player, a top prospect close to being NHL-ready, a first-round pick and a second-rounder.

Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse and New York Rangers goaltender Alexander Georgiev are fourth and fifth on Seravalli’s list. He said the Philadelphia Flyers have spoken to the Coyotes about Crouse. Georgiev made what Seravalli considers a “soft trade request” last summer. While it’s important for a team to have two trustworthy goalies, Seravalli considers Georgiev an unnecessary luxury when the Rangers have one of the best goalies in the league in Igor Shesterkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 16 points in 31 games, the 24-year-old Crouse is well on his way to exceeding his career-high of 25 points on the low-scoring Coyotes. As Seravalli observes, he could become a 20-goal forward on a deeper club.

Shesterkin’s recent injury history and Georgiev’s improvement over the last month suggest the latter isn’t going anywhere this season. Georgiev is a restricted free agent this summer so the Rangers aren’t under any pressure to move him before the trade deadline.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk, Blue Jackets center Jack Roslovic, Jackets winger Max Domi, and Vegas Golden Knights winger Reilly Smith fill positions six through 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli said several teams have “engaged” with the Jackets regarding Korpisalo. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, he’s more likely to move than Georgiev.

DeBrusk’s trade request has been well-documented but Bruins general manager Don Sweeney hasn’t found a suitable offer yet. Perhaps DeBrusk gets shopped soon to free up some cap space for Tuukka Rask’s imminent return.

I’m not surprised to see Domi on this list given his UFA status this summer but Roslovic was a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. He’s struggled this season but the 24-year-old is an RFA this summer and really likes playing in his hometown. The Jackets don’t have to move him at the trade deadline but it wouldn’t hurt to entertain offers.

The Golden Knights must shed salary to make room for Jack Eichel’s return from neck surgery next month. Smith is considered the likely candidate because of his UFA status in July. Seravalli suggested he could fetch them a solid return, pointing to the Toronto Maple Leafs parting with a first-round pick and two-fourth-round picks at last year’s deadline for Nick Foligno.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nick Leddy, Florida Panthers winger Patric Hornqvist, Anaheim Ducks winger Rickard Rakell, Coyotes winger Phil Kessel and New York Rangers winger Vitali Kravtsov are 11 through 15 on this list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Red Wings jockeying for a wild-card spot they could be reluctant to part with Leddy. Seravalli suggests the Panthers could move Hornqvist as a cost-cutting move but that could take place in the offseason. His gritty style could be invaluable for them in the playoffs.

I also have my doubts about Rakell being available with the Ducks flying high in the Western Conference. That could change if they should tumble down the standings. A playoff club in need of scoring depth could add Kessel as a rental player. He’s a proven postseason performer.

Kravtsov is on loan to KHL club Traktor Chelyabinsk. He cannot be recalled by his NHL team until Traktor’s season is over.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan, Seattle Kraken blueliners Mark Giordano, Blackhawks center Dylan Strome and winger Henrik Borgstrom and San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 37-year-old Giordano’s a UFA this summer and his chances of playing for a Stanley Cup contender are dwindling. Maybe he’ll get shopped to a Cup contender by the deadline.

Strome’s been in the rumor mill all season long but there’s doesn’t appear to be much interest in him, de Haan or Borgstrom. However, that could change leading up to deadline day.

Kane’s personal baggage and hefty contract have been well-documented obstacles blocking any chance of a trade. It could take enticing another team to get involved as a third-party broker to get a deal done but even that seems like a long shot.







24 Comments

  1. It seems to be a foregone conclusion, on Jackets blogs, that Domi and Korpisalo will be traded by the deadline. However, Rosolovic is not, IMHO, going anywhere since the Jackets are thin down the middle and no strong prospects ready to step up, yet.

  2. Not many of these names are attractive-Giordano will go back to Flames? Crouse would fit anywhere but the others are mediocre by and large.

  3. agreed on those predictions Paul. Roslovic may be good for now but with Sillinger, Johnson and possibly Foudy waiting in the wings + Jenner as a 3rd line center I can’t see a spot for him on the top 6 unless he shifts to the wing….dare I suggest a trade with Boston for DeBrusk as the principles?

    • Paula and Fergy, Domi & Korpi are sensible TDL candidates. I was also very surprised to see Roslovic’s name on the list. Given Korpi’s struggles this season, I found Seravelli’s comment that many GMs are interested/convinced of Korpi’s value based on his playoff performance was particularly notable. It will be interesting to see where Domi & Korpi land and if Roslovic actually gets traded. Perhaps if interest/return is sufficient he will be but I would not have thought he was available. Nonetheless, a very interesting list from a CBJ perspective

    • I don’t see Roslovic being traded unless it is i a package for a better/higher projected center. Such as for Hertl, just an example.

      • Hertl not going happen, he would be a rental for a non playoff bound team. But I get what you are saying and that would most likely be an off season deal.

  4. Just curious what is Domi s value ? third line winger in Zona and the Habs showed flashes but nothing great . I just dont see a playoff team being interested but dont watch CBJ much

  5. Re Knights and trading Smith…. Yes UFA…. But 2nd on team in points; 3rd on team in goals; great chemistry with top goal scorer on team (Marchessault)…. It would be Better to treat him as an own rental

    Better move is to give up something to move Dando

    Alternately…. Asking Bruins fans here who have talked about an upgrade at D (and have also talked about trading DeBrusk)…. Not sure how long he is on LTIR for…. Would Bruins take….

    *Martinez for DeBrusk ?

    If so….. Knights could then flip DeBrusk as the “sweetener” for a team to take ** Dando

    Martinez has partial trade protection but I’d think Bruins would be on his “available” list

    **Dando can be traded to 21 teams…. Would need to be a non contender with space. Knights might have to pony up also a mid round pick on top of DeBrusk) to make it work

    Right now… Capfriendly shows 28 players on Knights (including Eichel, IRs and LTIRs)…. For a total of $91.9 ($10.4 M over) …. Dando and Martinez out has them at 26 players and $300 K over …. Getting number down to 23 (taking off lowest 3 Cap hits)…. And full healthy team…. 23 players leaves Knights with a minim of $2M in space

    So… Bruins fans…. Would you take a DeBrusk for Martinez flip right now ; even though Martinez is currently on LTIR?

    If Martinez is LTIR for balance of year; and adding the other surplus counts to Cap (currently 28 players…. So another 4 at league min)…. Worst case Knights are $2M over

    Again… easiest move for Knights is give a “bonus” / “sweetener” for someone to take Dando

    • Would absolutely take Martinez for DeBrusk Pengy, pretty sure that offer isn’t coming from Vegas though. They will need him come playoff time in their top 4.

      IMO the player they move will be a forward.

      • You are probably right Ray…. and IMHO, It should not be Smith…. Giving up a fair prospect to move Dando is better than losing the Smith production and Chemistry

        Martinez is very good in playoffs, but a move (Dando and Martinez out) that nets at least $2M in space… would allow for a trade to upgrade their back-up

        That keeps Smith , Marsh, Wild Bill together
        Eichel would centre Stone and Patches
        Stevenson then centres likely Janmark and Nolan

        3 scoring lines

        Kolasar, Carrier , Howden for 4th line with size

        The increase in offence and improvement at goalie tandem, should offset Martinez (2nd pairing ) loss

        Starts with a move out of Dando

      • Not sure what it would cost to move Dando for this year and next, but agree Pengy. A first or Brisson or Dean or is that too much? Dando isn’t a terrible, just paid too much plus has a 10 team no trade, so he could make it a little tough if he chose to.

        Perhaps a Seattle or Arizona so he can be closer where he lives now, both could use a young prospect or a 1st.

    • @ Pengy..
      After watching this 10 game streak here is what they need assuming they don’t trade Malkin, Letang, and Rust.

      1. Lawson Crouse Arizona 24, 6ft 3, 215

      2. Jaroslav Halak Vancouver 36 excellent back up goalie and take over as the starter for long periods if necessary…..has done it.

      3. Josh Manson Anaheim perfect physical good skating 3rd pair RHD and can move up easily if necessary.

      Brian Rust ufa for Lawson Crouse ufa

      Dominik Simon for Jaroslav Halak

      Jason Zucker for Josh Manson

      Anaheim can use Jason Zucker’s speed, skill, and he will add depth to their young line up. They have the cap space $1.4 million difference

      Dominik Simon a quick shifty slick little forward 27 who will fit in with Bruce Bourdieu’s style of play now in Vancouver

      Arizona will love Brian Rust (we can resign him in the off season) but Lawson Crouse makes us tougher, younger, and deeper. Evan Rodriques has made Brian Rust movable…don’t think Rust doesn’t know either…he does so does management. Rust will want $ 6 million in free agency too much…..Rust gets us Lawson Crouse

      Thoughts Pengy?

      • Hi BNG

        the way Rusty is playing…. Keeping him is like an “own” rental …. May just be the prudent move

        No ifs ands or buts… 1st move must be for an upgrade at back up

        Would be great to get the Flower (at 50%)

        Zucker must go

        Top line going excellent…. Lights out

        Blueger McGinn ZAR does not need to be broken up

        E-Rod between Heiden and Kappy looked very good last night

        Gino coming back, Carter returning

        I think for a few games (until he is back up to NHL speed) Sully might put Gino on Carters wing

        Would love a flip of Zucker for Manson but it’ll cost more for sure

        I don’t think they’d accept Simon for Halak

        Pens are looking great…. Pens do not need and should not bring back Zucker

        They are nearing end of window and the way they are playing , with a much better back up AND improvement at RHD …. Pens playoff performance expectation DRAMATICALLY improves

        I posted yesterday …. This proposal….

        Zucker, DeSmith, O’Connor , Ruhweedel; 1st to Chi for
        The Flower and DeSmith… both at 50% retained….

        Sid Guentz ; E-Rod or Rusty
Gino Hienen ; E-Rod or Rusty
Carter Kappy; Simon or Bjorkquist

        Or …

        Sid Guentz Rusty
        Gino centering Carter and Simon or Bjorkquist
        E-Rod Heinen Kappy 
Blueger McGinn ZAR
Zoho and; Simon or Bjorkquist

        Tanger/Dumo
Marino/Pettersson
DeHaan/Matheson
Friedman/ Riikola or P-O J

        Jarry/MAF

        Massive upgrades at goalie tandem and D; 3 scoring lines

        It’s a 7 asset trade (6 players and a 1st) with 2 players having 50% retention…. So odds ver slim it happens

        An easier move is 2nd, O’Connor , Zucker for MAF (50%) and a 5th
        5th flipped it Sabres for Psyk…

        Forward lines, goalies; top pairing as above ; Psyk in at 3RD… but has the benefit that he can start in any game at 4RW or 3RW in case a D man is ailing and then drop back to 3RD if D man can’t continue or there is an injury to a D-man (Psyk plays equally well RW and RD)

        The big key to Pens this year…. If Jarry goes down to a lengthy injury…. Without a change to back up… this 10 game winning streak could easily be followed by a 10 (or more) game losing streak

      • The way PIT is rolling don’t need to do too much especially if Malkin comes back ready to go to work and healthy.
        Wake up already Pens.

        Depth for the D and a backup tender depth as insurance and in case DeSmith keeps struggling. Guy like Korpisalo who won’t have too much left owing come the TDL and shouldn’t cost much for assets has had success in playoffs?

    • Yes, Dando is the one that has to go and VGK will have to at least have a 3rd or prospect accompany him for “future considerations” or a C level Ahl guy.
      If Martnez and Patches ride out the season in LTIR, no move is needed. But I have the feeling someone will replace Martinez in LTIR in March, so he can get a few games in before the play-offs. Maybe the guy that replaces Martinez in LTIR will be Dando. LOL

      Dando will definitely be gone this summer if still on the team.

      • EDIT: “FOR” a C-level AHL guy

    • Pengy im with Ray, yes i do that deal in a heart beat and would add a third rnd pick to get it done.

      • I think it fits both teams…. 3rd would certainly add flex to Knights… 3rd plus good prospect just might moveDando…. 3rd and Mirimanov?

  6. I’d like too see them package Rask with Debrusk, Beecher and a second for Hertl. Wait a minute …..who do I see? Ray raising his grumpy ole gnarled head for another sarcastic comment.

    • I thought it was funny, but your right my head/face has some marks on it because I struggled keeping my mouth shut plus pucks and sticks. If SJ wanted Rask, and if he wanted to go there, why wouldn’t he just sign there as a UFA?

      Take Rask out and it might work. Depends what they think of Beecher I guess.

      • So the likely best forward rental available… one who might be able to be sold on resigning thus giving the team early access to one of the best ufas next year won’t garner a first and more?

      • Beecher was a first projects as a big, fast, D first 3C for a ceiling, DeBrusk was, and is a middle 6 winger, slightly over paid.
        But you’re likely right, change the 2nd to a 1st.

      • Better. I’d imagine other teams would beat though. But I believe you are still much higher than mine and what’s apparently the league’s value of debrusk.

  7. Roslovic isn’t very good. People need to accept that. Yes, he is NHL level, but certainly not top two lines, and not nearly defensive enough for a 3rd line. He is a 4th liner that can skate. That’s it. The sooner that people stop expecting anything more than that the better.