NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2022
Check out the latest on Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alex DeBrincat, Johnny Gaudreau, Nazem Kadri, Jesse Puljujarvi and more in the Canada Day edition of the NHL rumor mill.
LATEST RUMORS FROM TSN’S NHL INSIDERS
TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s “tons of trade interest” in Pierre-Luc Dubois after the 23-year-old center informed the Winnipeg Jets of his intention to test the 2024 unrestricted free agent market. Dreger mentioned the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens among the possible suitors but believes it’ll take a substantial offer to pry him away from the Jets.
If it’s the Rangers, Filip Chytil, Braden Schneider or Kaapo Kakko and a first-round pick would have to be part of the return. Otherwise, Dreger doubts Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has the stomach to move Dubois during this offseason.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: And if it’s the Canadiens, a young forward such as Nick Suzuki or Cole Caufield would probably have to be part of that discussion. I doubt the Habs would part with either guy. They also won’t part with the first-overall pick for Dubois but would probably offer up the 26th overall selection they received from the Calgary Flames in the Tyler Toffoli trade.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).
Pierre LeBrun reports the Chicago Blackhawks have been listening to offers for winger Alex DeBrincat for five or six weeks. However, the asking price is more than the first-round pick and prospect the Los Angeles Kings sent to the Minnesota Wild for Kevin Fiala.
LeBrun suspects it would be a “triple-asset haul” for Chicago, including a 2022 first-round pick. With the first round of the draft slated for July 7, things could come to a head over the next several days.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrincat’s a more reliable offensive winger than Fiala, with two 40-goal seasons under his belt. Unlike the Wild, the Blackhawks are a rebuilding club so they’ll want a larger return focussing on long-term assets.
Bleacher Nation’s Patrick K. Flowers cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying the Hawks turned down an offer for DeBrincat that would’ve contained a couple of first-rounders. However, there are no details as to what else was proposed in that pitch.
Speaking of Fiala, Chris Johnston reported the Seattle Kraken were among the interested parties before he was shipped to the Kings. They have the cap space to make a splash in the trade or free agent markets this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Writing for The Athletic, LeBrun cited a source saying the Kraken intends to be active in this summer’s UFA market when it opens on July 13. He wonders if they might make a pitch for Johnny Gaudreau if the Calgary Flames winger tests the open market. Cap Friendly indicates they have $22.8 million in cap space with 14 players under contract.
And speaking of Gaudreau, LeBrun said he remains undecided about the offer from the Flames. He suspects the winger wants to keep Calgary in the fold but may want to see what’s out there in the free-agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Gaudreau departs, the Flames could be scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Maybe they’ll attempt to sign Nashville’s Filip Forsberg if he goes to market or try to swing a trade for DeBrincat.
Dreger said the Colorado Avalanche will try hard to re-sign Nazem Kadri before he becomes eligible for UFA status on July 13. He wonders if they can afford what could be an $8 million to $9 million annual average value to keep the 31-year-old center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With $26.8 million in cap space and 14 players under contract, the Avalanche can afford Kadri. However, that will take a big bite out of their cap space, hampering efforts to re-sign or suitably replace goaltender Darcy Kuemper, winger Valeri Nichushkin and winger Artturi Lehkonen. LeBrun believes they’ll prioritize Nichushkin even though they really want to retain Kadri.
Johnston reports the trade winds are blowing increasingly stronger on Jesse Puljujarvi. The Ottawa Senators are among two clubs believed to have an interest in the 24-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Mark Spector (No, that’s not me!) reported several professional scouts told him the Oilers could get a second- or third-round pick or perhaps a third-line player with upside for Puljujarvi. He mentioned the Senators and Carolina Hurricanes as having an interest in the former 2016 first-rounder. Spector also wondered if the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils or San Jose Sharks will come calling.
On the topic of the Oilers, Darren Dreger reports GM Ken Holland will meet soon with Mike Smith to discuss the goaltender’s future. The 40-year-old has one season left on his contract and could spend it on long-term injury reserve. Dreger anticipates Holland will “dive deep” into the UFA pool with an interest in Toronto’s Jack Campbell, St. Louis’ Ville Husso and maybe others.
PLD to Montreal could get real! The Habs have tons of picks to include and need to jettison at least $6-7M in salary to make this happen. I don’t think any of Montreal’s stars that have M-NTC’s have the Peg as a destination, so this could be very tricky! But I am sure they make an offer. Yeah, you say wait 2 years when PLD is a FA. But he could change his mind again.
Mentioned late last night I can see a Chytil/Kakko package if Jets take Nemeth as well. Would clear close to 7 mil in cap space (assuming Kakko new deal is over 2m per)
Paul signed with Tampa. 7 years. 3m per
Chytil and Kaako have not impressed yet. The Habs could offer up Dvorak, an established center, and a 1st round pick, neither of which the Rangers could offer. They also have several decent prospects not named Kaiden Guhle they could offer up. They’re in better position than NYR to make the trade, but I still don’t see it getting done – at least not this year.
Habs offer. 2023 1st. Dvorak and Petry with 1.5 retained. Hmmmm
Correction. Paul’s contract is 3.15 per.
Howard. Guhle unproven yet he’s untouchable? Rangers have Jones and Lundkvist as D prospects who have already gotten some NHL games. Honestly feel Schiefele or Wheeler go before PLD. Still haven’t seen any reports where he’s said anything but he doesn’t want to commit long term at this time. Not sure if he’s willing to do with another team.
Mrbruin4, maybe Montreal can trade Petry and 2nd round (Edm pick) to Dallas for their 18th, then move that pick in a trade for PLD.
I don’t see Petry going to the Peg….
Slick, Guhle is far and away the Habs top prospect on D. Was one of the top Dmen in the CHL this year. Sometimes there are prospects which you don’t trade even if they haven’t proven themselves yet. Trading Guhle would greatly weaken their prospect pool on defense. Obviously, that’s just my opinion. If Hughes and Gorton disagree, guess who carries the day.
Ny has Othmann, Jones, Lundkvist, Kakko, Chytil, Kravstov, Robertson, etc. I think NY is in a much better position to make a deal than Montreal.
Dvorak will be 27 years old mid season next year. More than likely has hit his plateau. I seriously doubt he gets better than he is today.
I don’t think he’s a starting piece. Would you trade a 24 year old center for a 26-27 year old center that’s hit his peak? I wouldn’t.
All that being said, I don’t believe NY can afford PLD without moving a big contract.
After watching that kid line in the playoffs this year, I wouldn’t trade any of Kakko, Chytil or Laffrienere.
Montreal has much better assets to give up for him than the rangers but i think montreal waits until he is a free agent in 2 years
I have to agree a deal between NYR and the Jets would be easier than on with the Habs. The Rangers have better assets and cap space to make it happen.
Also it would have to cost that 1st++ since the Jets gave up a former #2 overall that the current #1 isn’t anywhere close in their projection. The Habs hand over the first being the draft happening in Montreal.
MrBruin that’s a good proposal except that Petry will never waive his NMC for Winnipeg. Instead of Petry it would have to be either Norlinder or Harris and maybe a 2nd and another prospect.
I believe it is a 15 team no trade now. But pretty good chance peg is on the list regardless
Good for him. But that’s 3 more years than I’d give him.
The whole Jesse Puljujarvi situation interests me. I live no where near the Edmonton area (I live in NY) so have no perspective as the locals may have. But now seeing “whispers” that he is an offensive anchor and Edmonton players don’t want to play with him. It seems to me his entire time in the Oilers organization has been a tire fire, both parties guilty. If there was ever a player who might flourish in a new environment he might be a prime example.
Living in Edmonton… this situation is way too familiar.
His numbers dropped off after getting covid and an injury. It’s super frustrating our media forgets this.
Our team needs to find ways to get better. Trading Jesse for a 2nd or 3rd round pick doesn’t make us better (yes that pick could then in turn be traded for something else, but this would be another trade we lose)
He’s a great 3rd liner right now (his defensive game is really good) with potential to get better yet.
It seems he produces a lot when he’s playing with lots of excitement and energy.
His big goofy smile disappeared once the media started making him the new “Tobias Reider” here.
Ug – sorry for the venting.. this just reminds me of what happened to Eberle , then Strome…. We never seem to learn.
Hey George, Thanks. I am really hoping the Devs can put together an attractive offer for him. I always see the Oilers when they come to town, my son’s second favorite team.
His availability is solely due to cap restraints.
On another note, it seems that the Sharks have fired Bob Boughner.
The other day I floated Rick Bowness as a possible Habs assistant, but it seems he’s not interested in a rebuild situation and likely not a position as assistant. Boughner May be a good choice for the Habs. He’s nearly 20 years younger than Bowness so he’d be more open to assistant job in a rebuild
Might work, Howard. Boughner was a D as a player. But I have to think St Louis will reach out to someone he knows from his playing days.
If Gaudreau is going to New Jersey could Tkachuk be going there as well. Would Calgary want to go through the same situation with Tkachuk as with Gaudreau not knowing if he will resign next year and risk losing both players getting nothing in return. Tkachuk to Jersey for Hischier and #2 pick using it to take Slafkovsky
Montreal should be ALL in to get Dubois….IF he signs long term. He checks all the boxes for the 1st line C that they’ve been looking for for too long. He’s worth the 1st overall in my opinion…IF he signs long term.
Hmm, interesting proposal but Winny needs a C back that can play NOW.
#1OA and Dvorak for PLD and #14 OA is more realistic, but I don’t know, Hmmmm……
Dubois..seems to be a locker room cancer and a diva..had isuues in the minors, demanded a trade out of Columbus, now demanding a trade out of Winnipeg…good luck who ever gets him..sounds like the Nba… to me
Dont honor a contract scream cry demand a trade
And Bob Boughner is out as head coach of the San Jose Sharks. Odd timing, no?
Kyle Dubas needs to sign Campbell, Lyabushkin and Mikheyev before July 13.
Campbell has proven he’s a top third tier starter. Now I’d not the time to roll the dice on unproven goalies who have a high risk for possible upside (Georgiev, Husso, Blackwood) it trading assets for a more expensive option (Gibson).
Lyabushkin can replace Muzzin in my view although the preference would be to have both.
Mikheyev can sign a bridge deal that works for both sides.
Frank, why would a UFA and his agent sign a bridge deal? Bridge to what? This is his one big crack at a career contract and, coming off $1,650,000, and potting 21 goals, he’s going to want something a lot closer to $2.75 or $3 mil. And Dubas can’t afford that.
You’re right, Lyabushkin would probably be better placed in Muzzin’s place – but what do you do with Muzzin? The guy has slowed perceptively, turns 34 next Feb, is injured a lot, and has a $5,625,000 cap hit for 2 more seasons. Good luck trying to find a trade partner. Meanwhile, Lyabushkin is also a UFA and, coming off a $1,350,000 cap hit with his first crack at a career contract, you’re likely looking at something close to $3.5 to get him signed. Again, Dubas can’t afford to do that. Not AND sign a goalie like Campbell.
The Toronton Maple Leaf need to have a good goaltender as there Defence is Not Great..
I would Not move Muzzin after Reiley he is there Best and most Physical d/man
Regarding unproven goalies with a higher risk with a possible upside these 3
(Georgiev, Husso, Blackwood and
The 2 from Washington as it sound they want to move one of them….. ⁉️
A more expensive option would be the Ducks Gibson would be an upgrade over Cambell, but at $6.5M buy the leafs would have tome Cap dollars and in a trade give up a
1st and a couple of very good prospectslike a
D/man, Sandin or D/man Lilegren and
A good young prospect like Nick Robersson if they want to go that way,
they could even move back up tender Petr Mrazek in the deal too as the Duck have Lots of Cap space @$39.M……❗️
The Ducks do have a lot of cap space – which they won’t waste a nickel of on an overpaid albatross like Mrazek.
George what else can you tell us about the Leafs? Any leafs fans need any thing ask George. He has an opinion on all things Leafs. Don’t waste this resource!
So, I’m not entitled to have an opinion – especially if it doesn’t agree with yours? Is that what you’re saying?
Still haven’t grown any extra skin when it comes to anyone have you? – ANYONE including some avowed Leafs fans – who dares to offer an opinion contrary to yours is open to attack, is that it?
Why not detail for all us ignoramuses where – for example – what I say is wrong? Try that.
Ok I can also play that game George. Don’t be upset at me for basically stating my options regarding your unprovoked opinions. I’m also sorry you find the tone similar to how I often hear yours. And lastly, the kettle shouldn’t call the pot black as well as don’t live in a stone house, ok?
Lyle
I guess you mean as part of a package.
the 26th pick, Josh Anderson (if Winnipeg isn’t listed on his 8 team no trade list) and Romanov.
The trade proposal doesn’t work for Winnipeg. The jets need to acquire a C in any deal for PLD.
With PLD and Scheifele potentially leaving in 2 season. Chevy needs to bring back a quality C in return or a prospect at C with plausible upside.
Jets should want a defenceman . Chevy Need’s to move Dubois sooner rather than later . It will become an Inceasing distraction In concert with a new coach. Fresh start to the season. They had a lot of stink on last year ,
Is Ottawa close enough to Montreal ?
7 overall a good start. Formenton a nice add . Another piece or two and it could get done
Hmmm. In terms of what re-building club Dubois would be more comfortable joining, Montreal or Ottawa, I think he’d see the Senators as much closer to being a playoff contender again than the Habs.
The 7th overall, Formenton and their choice of Bernard-Docker or Thompson could get it done.
Reminder that Jets aquired PLD for Laine and Roslovic. Roslovic is a year younger than Dvorak and is coming off a season with numbers better than any season Dvorak has had. And he was the throw in. Cap numbers will influence any deal but, I’d assume If Jets do move PLD, they’ll want a package equal to or better.
I suppose if the Habs offered their # 1 overall pick and included Dvorak and probably a D prospect it would work. The Jets are in a tough spot with Wheeler being 35 and apparently not a good influence in the dressing room, and Scheifele not too happy in the “Peg. The Jets could then pick Wright or Cooley and trade one of Wheeler or Scheifele for cap space or a good D.
To give up the 1oa, PLD would have to sign a long term contract first.
Absolutely.
The #1 pick overall will not be traded! Period!
There is no way I would do PLD for Shane Wright straight up. I don’t think anyone would.
Under no circumstances, Howard? Really?
I got caught up in this PLD stuff, and stepping back I cannot see why the Habs would jump now instead of waiting for two years when it would not cost assets to acquire him.
And for PLD, surely better for him to wait and ride the market up for his big pay day than to sign an extension now.
But to say that the Habs would under no circumstances trade their # pick? Remember the tird cliche, even Gretzky got traded.
LJ, when I wrote that the #1 pick will not be traded, I assumed that everyone understood that I was talking about realistic scenarios. Obviously, if the Habs could get Connor McDavid or Cale Makar for the top pick, they’d do it. Even more obviously, that won’t happen. I don’t see the Habs trading the top pick in a deal for anyone who is realistically available.
Why in the world would the Canadiens give that much for a guy that will be a UFA in two years and clearly stated his dream was to play in Montreal ? Is it possible that it’s just fans that don’t like the habs that are hoping they would have to give good assets away ? I think Kent Hugues is smart enough not to make that move knowing that the team is not yet competitive and that he has a chance for the Bedard lottery. Wait two years and watch him play with all these assets then.
🍁Edmonton Oilers, GM Ken Holland has chatted with Mike Smith to discuss the goaltender’s future.
He has one season left on his contract @$2.2M
It Sounds like he will spend it on long-term injury reserve from what was said in the meida last night in Edmonton….👍.
Ken Holland will “dive deep” into the UFA pool with an interest in one of these five goaltenders,
the top 2 would be the first ones he would chase….
1-Blues Ville Husso
2-Toronto’s Jack Campbell
they could even look at a Trade with Washington for ether one of the goaltenders
26 yr old Vitek Vaneck
or
25 year old Ilya Samsonov
or
26 yr old NYR Gorgiev
It Sounds like 3 of the Edmonton Oilers are on the Trade market
1-RD man Tyson Barrie there is Very Strong intrest
2- Winger Jesse Puljarvi
3- Winger Zack Kassian
A prospect could be put in the deal with #2&3
There is also Duncan Keith he has not told the oilers if he is coming back….🤔❓
Hopfully the hear before the Draft on the July 7th then they can work on deal ahead of time especally with the UFA starting at 12.00 on wed 13th july
Mike Smith on LTIR? Someone explain the basis for that. Please.
It took me by surprise as well BCLeafFan
But they discussed this (yesterday) on TSN as a more than likely possibility
It would have to be medically approved
BTW… was watching that Hockey show onnTSN just before the Lions/RedBlacks game
3-0 and Rourke has impressed
Barrie & Kassian have negative value IMO…..not sure about Foegele at 2.75 million….Jesse has more value than many Oilers fan seem to believe… like most fans, Oiler fans overate their players…it is part of being a fan
Barrie has value, but as a 3rd pairing guy and #1PP. He is not worth the cap hit unless you can shelter him as such.
Maybe the Stars can trade Khudobin, and a prospect for Barrie if Klinger walks.
Khubby is in the AHL and the Oil can leave him there for insurance.
Tell that to Ron Moore. He clearly thinks Mrazek has some trade value.
Don’t know for sure if PB is coming back to the Bruins but if he is I don’t think it’s just to get a pay check the guy wants the playoffs and a run at the SC but the problem is he’s not going to get there with the roster they have now so changes will need to be made ….2nd line center,tough large Dman rework the 3rd and 4th lines …get bigger..stronger..quicker to the puck..shake that tree Sweeney…..the new Bruins HC …..wanted Quinn to get job
WHY Quinn.What has he ever won in his coaching career.All those 1st round NHL draft picks at BU,the Rangers go to the conference final the year he is traded,no medals in international play with the U S. team and leaving BU after the cloud of a gambling problem,altough tough for him to be tied to.He must be a great interviewer.
Why is everyone just dismissing Dubois’s character issues??
Just turned 24 & is creating yet more drama on his second NHL team.
As a Habs fan, I am not interested in moving any of the top prospects or the 1st overall for someone with that kind of baggage at such a young age.
I suspect with his mentality, he will be expecting a long term contract worth $10 mill or more.
IMO, let the Rangers add the drama at the price everyone is expecting it will cost to trade for him. .
Why is telling your team that you will test free agency in two years a character issue?
In fact, why is any good player saying they will test free agency a big deal? Is there enough ink in the world to list those that have already?
Loose lips sink ships. But other than that, I am all for players maximizing their earnings.
I remember years back the Bruins FO had a problem with one of its up & coming players and they decided to trade him at such a young age ….. Tyler Seguin
I hear ya,it’s the ghost of Harry Sinden “my way or the highway,” This was their chance to rid themselves of Sweeney and Neely and what do they do? Give Sweeney a new contract. If I screw up on the job once I get a warning, if it happens again could be the unemployment line. I wish I made in a year what Sweeney or Neely make in two months. Second round draft pick, Sweeney trying to worm his way out the maze him and Neely created. screen play by Mario Puza , based on a nightmare by Rod Serling.
Was smart trading Tyler has zero interest in winning but saying that they should have gotten more.
I’m not 100% sure if PLD will sign in Montreal.
If you think about it. By saying he wants to play in Montreal it doesn’t put him in a strong negotiation position and losses the power of maxing out on his contract.
Rumor – No guarantees , in the past 24-36 hours Penguins and Kris Letang are making progress for a new deal.
DeBrincat was the headliner and has received no love! LOL
He would be a big boost to the scoresheet on any team. He would be a better add to Seattle than any FA, age wise and has outscored all the FA’s except Gaudreau. Maybe his price is too high yet…and Johnny only costs a lot of $$$$$
Would either team do this:
DeBrincat to Carolina for Seth Jarvis and Carolina’s 2023 1st rounder?
Or add in Necas to Chicago and the Hawks add a piece back to balance
I sincerely doubt Johnny Gaudreau signs in Seattle, even if he gets an extra $500k or $1m a year for it. If he leaves Calgary it will be to go somewhere close to home, not to a new franchise that has a few years yet before playoff contention. The Kraken are a long term project.
I still think JP for Zadina makes sense. And for those who say JP is still a problem child, 14 goals as a problem child ain’t bad for, as another poster said, a decent defensive forward (can’t say one way or the other myself if he is or not).
On the PLD front, the Rangers can afford to wait and see how Chytil develops this coming season – if he stalls yet again, they go looking for a top six center, if he grows his game it would be worth keeping him instead of chasing another $8m plus player.
If what I read the other day was correct, the Leafs are shopping Mikheyev’s rights and will probably find a taker for a mid-round pick and a veteran to plug into Toronto’s bottom six
Justv a mid round pick….and Campell the sameand they are looking at NJ.
I say trade Mickey’s and Soupy’s rights for Bernier’s rights! LOL
Yeah, Seattle would do better to trade for D-Cat then think they can attract big time FA’s!
Question is, could Seattle possibly have a better offer for Chicago than other teams without gutting their own draft stock and hampering their future efforts to build a strong base?
Hi Augustus,
If Johnny Gaudreau leave the Flames… my guess is he gos back east to his home town
NJD as first choice with Hughes and Nico Hischier as the two top centres they are set for years to come
and have the 2nd pick over all in the draft…..🤔
He will test the market on day one and maybe Sign with an other teamrather than the flames…
Like the Wings have lots of Cap space+$35.5 M…..🤔
and they need fire power
If the Pens dont through money Away at Malkin the $8-9M he wants❗️ Johnny Gaudreau could be a great fit with the Pens too infact all three teams
Hi Williew, all signs point to the Pens and Malkin trying to get a deal done, as he has said he is willing to take a pay cut to get it done. It all hinges on Letang, who seems to want 5 years at $8m per, or more.. if the Penguins let both Letang and Malkin walk, they might be able to afford Gaudreau, but would Gaudreau sign on with a Pittsburgh team that is at the end of its contention window and would be further from it with the loss of Letang and Malkin? Detroit, too, is far from contention and is better served building more through the draft and with a few shrewd moves for young players with potential.
When Torts signed on with the Flyers I figured, nah, they’re out no matter what they do to free up cap space.
The Devils would be the likeliest landing spot from a hockey perspective mixed with a “close to home” thing, as his addition would be huge and put that team a goaltender and a few pieces on D from being a pretty scary looking team in a couple of years.
Don’t know of any team willing to take Tyler at. His cap hit.
Bruins better off without
Unfortunately, damaged goods!