Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part One) – July 3, 2022

by | Jul 3, 2022 | Rumors | 30 comments

Are the Flyers pursuing Alex DeBrincat? Could the Islanders pursue Johnny Gaudreau? Check out the latest in Part 1 of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

TRADE & FREE-AGENT RUMORS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Montreal Canadiens will continue testing the trade market on veterans such as Christian Dvorak, Jeff Petry and possibly Josh Anderson. Teams believe they’re not interested in moving goaltender Jake Allen. It will be interesting to see if they’ll revisit their interest in Ottawa Senators forward Colin White.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Petry remains the more likely to be moved given his age (34), his trade request last season and his $6.25 million cap hit through 2024-25. It could take a significant offer to pry Anderson away from them.

The New Jersey Devils have made it known they’re willing to shop the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft but there’s no certainty that will happen. There have been some trade rumors regarding restricted free agent winger Jesper Bratt. Kevin Fiala’s new contract with the Los Angeles Kings could have an effect on Bratt’s contract negotiations. The Devils could also pursue St. Louis Blues goaltender Ville Husso if he tests the unrestricted free agent market on July 13.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala signed a seven-year deal with the Kings worth an annual average value of $7.875 million. There was speculation the Bratt camp was seeking over $7 million per season before the Fiala deal was signed. If the Devils trade him, they could seek a good player in return who’s carrying an affordable cap hit beyond 2022-23.

The trade status of Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun continues to blow hot and cold. This could be one of the times when it heats up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll believe it when I see it. The Coyotes have set a high asking price. With Chychrun signed through 2024-25, they will remain patient in their quest for the right offer.

A lack of draft capital could make the Seattle Kraken turn to the UFA market rather than pursue talent via trades. Friedman believes they’ll be aggressive, suggesting they could target such notables as Johnny Gaudreau, Nazem Kadri, John Klingberg, etc.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken made two significant signings last summer in Philipp Grubauer and Jaden Schwartz. They have plenty of cap space and a willingness to make another splash or two in the UFA pool.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

The Philadelphia Flyers made a legitimate pitch for Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat. They’ve also tested the trade market on most of their players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher intends to swing for the fences again. Last summer, he acquired Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen, shipped out Shayne Gostisbehere to the Arizona Coyotes, and swapped Jakub Voracek for Cam Atkinson.

Friedman thinks the Columbus Blue Jackets will consider upgrading their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have over $19 million in cap space with 20 players signed for 2022-23. A big chunk of that could be eaten up re-signing Patrik Laine but there should still be sufficient room to bolster their defense corps.

The Ottawa Senators are willing to move the seventh overall pick for the right offer. They’re seeking a right wing and a right-side defenseman. They’ve had calls on Connor Brown after he indicated he intends to test next summer’s free-agent market. Friedman wondered if they’ll move Matt Murray and land Claude Giroux.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murray’s injury history and $6.25 million cap hit through 2023-24 scream, “Buyer beware!” I think Giroux’s preference is signing with a Cup contender but maybe he’ll consider joining his hometown club for the right offer.

The Detroit Red Wings are believed working on a contract extension for captain Dylan Larkin. Friedman doesn’t see them among the favorites to land Jack Campbell if the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie hits the open market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expect the Red Wings to bring in a reliable backup for starting goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. Campbell wouldn’t be a fit there unless he’s the starter.

It’s believed the Buffalo Sabres are working on a new contract for winger Victor Olofsson. They’re also expected to examine the goalie market to find someone to share the goalie duties with Craig Anderson, who recently signed a one-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be wild if Campbell signed with the Sabres. It probably won’t happen but it would add some spice to their rivalry with the Leafs.

Friedman wondered if the Anaheim Ducks might bring Josh Manson back via free agency. He also mused over the possibility of the Los Angeles Kings signing him. GM Pat Verbeek will want something tempting to part with goaltender John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has denied rumors he’ll welcome a trade out of Anaheim. He’s got a 10-team no trade clause plus a $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27 that some teams will find too expensive to take on.

The San Jose Sharks are still going through the process of hiring a new general manager. They could prefer retaining goalie James Reimer but it’s not a certainty. They must also decide if it is worthwhile keeping both Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson is younger than Burns but carries more term on a more expensive contract plus he has a long history of injuries. Burns has a three-team trade list but perhaps he’d widen it for a chance to play for a contender.

It doesn’t sound like the New York Islanders intend to move goalie Semyon Varlamov. Winger Anthony Beauvillier could be a trade candidate. Friedman sees them as a stealth candidate for Johnny Gaudreau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly shows the Islanders with $12 million in salary-cap space with 18 players under contract for 2022-23 and defenseman Noah Dobson due for a raise coming off his entry-level contract. They’ll have to shed a lot of salary if they hope to sign Gaudreau and have enough left to sign Dobson and fill out the rest of the roster.

Friedman believes the Jets won’t trade Mark Scheifele. There’s interest in Pierre-Luc Dubois but they still hold his rights for two more years. They will work with Blake Wheeler to look into a trade. There’s also interest in defenseman Brenden Dillon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 35-year-old Wheeler’s age, his $8.25 million cap hit and five-team trade list make it difficult to find a suitable trade partner. Teams will have more interest in the younger Dubois, who intends to test the UFA market in two years’ time.

There’s a path for the Vancouver Canucks to sign captain Bo Horvat to a contract extension. With Brock Boeser signed, Friedman doesn’t see him getting traded. The Canucks will set a high asking price for J.T. Miller and should get it whether it’s from the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals or another club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems more likely the Canucks will trade Miller, preferably before the free-agent market opens on July 13. Much of the talk from management seems to suggest a contract extension is a long shot.

Friedman expects Filip Forsberg and the Nashville Predators will reach an agreement on a new contract. He believes it’ll be eight years at $8.5 million annually. He also wondered if Phil Kessel might sign with the Predators, mentioning they nearly acquired him at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kessel could be an affordable depth option for the Predators. As for Forsberg, there’s speculation the holdup in his contract talks is the inclusion of a no-trade clause, something the Preds don’t usually hand out.

Friedman pondered whether the Dallas Stars can afford long-term contract extensions for young RFAs Jake Oettinger and Jason Robertson. They can’t afford to re-sign Michael Raffl, who wants to continue playing in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have over $18 million in cap space with 18 players under contract for next season. Oettinger and Robertson could get affordable bridge deals but it would be best if the Stars can lock them up for long-term contracts now. They would be much more expensive to sign coming off short-term deals.







30 Comments

  1. Marner could of been signed for 8 million for 8 years, 1 year prior to signing his 11mil/year
    Signing of Mrazek for 3.8 mil/yr over 3 years ???
    For those who doubted me, “U can kiss my ass.”

    All reflects on Dubais
    Now he is going to let more free agents walk out the door
    When is this incompetence going to come to an end .

    Trade Muzzin Kerfoot, Holl , it’s not rocket science
    Buyout Mrazek
    14 million freed up cap , can we not plug some holes , with 8 million on top of that ???

    • What’s going on with your post? Sounds crazy.

      • Kadri’s post after the Stanley Cup U mean ?

  2. NYR: As much as I hated seeing JT Muller included in that trade to Tampa, doubling down and bringing him back AFTER his best seasons really makes no sense. Trading him at start of rebuild and then bringing him back when he’s entering last year of contract? And giving up the young players you’ve developed? Isn’t he primarily a LW? Expecting him to play C full time and gel with team is a huge risk. If you’re going to deal Chytil and Kakko as Friedman reported, then I’d rather it be for PLD or Larkin. Friedman also mentioned in article that
    Larkin has a full ntc kicking in July 13th, so if not extended soon he could be moved. Detroit still owes NY “future considerations” from Staal trade. Maybe taking back Nemeth to complete deal.

    • Larkin for Nemeth? Ha Ha Ha – had to check my calendar, thought it was 4/1.

      Future considerations? Here’s a “Nice Try” T Shirt for you.

      • David. Really? Was meant as taking back Nemeth as part of mentioned Chytil/Kakko deal.

    • I don’t see Larkin going anywhere. Nor PLD or Schiefele as of now. Kadri May be a possibility for NYR but he’ll likely price himself out of their range and there will be other teams better able to pony up. Malkin May be an option but he gets hurt a lot.

    • If the Wings trade Larkin, they might as well trade Bertuzzi and Vrana too and pretty much start the rebuild over since they wouldn’t just be missing 1 top 6 center but two. By the time they got 2 top 6 centers those players would be close to 30 years old. Only way the Wings don’t sign their captain is if he flat out refuses to sign with the Wings.

      Chytil and Kakko for Larkin would be a bad trade for Detroit. To me Kakko has about the same value as Zadina and Chytil as Veleno. Would you trade Zibanejad for Zadina, Veleno and a cap dump? Yes i know Zibanejad is signed long term but so will Larkin soon enough. Trading Larkin makes no sense for the Wings unless they want to extend the rebuild for another 3 to 5 years.

      Finding a solid top 6 center in the draft isn’t easy and proof is the Wings still haven’t found one in the 3 years of drafting with Yzerman. Their last one was Larkin 8 years ago.

  3. Mikheyev scored 21 goals in 53 games last season
    1. A weapon on the penalty kill
    2. Speed to burn , Is he not the fastest skater in the nhl
    Can he not be signed for 3.5-4 mil/ year ???

  4. I agree that Petry is the most likely Hab to be traded. Once the draft is in the books, I see the D core as being more in need of change than up front. They could get a decent return for Petry, but would need a veteran RD to take his place. Possibly Barrie or Dumba, maybe even Subban. The young D-men, Barron, Harris , Guhle, must be given the opportunity to earn a regular role in the lineup.
    I wouldn’t trade Dvorak. Assuming the Habs draft Wright, they’ll have two solid young centers in Suzuki and Wright, plus a solid 4th line center in Evans. They need a reliable veteran center to take the pressure off the youngsters. Dvorak is a solid center who could put up 45-50 points and is very good in the circle. His play improved noticeably after the coaching change. And he’s signed for 3 more years at a very reasonable hit. At least for now, a PLD trade remains a pipe dream.
    I’d be very hesitant to trade Anderson. They need his size and speed on the wing. I would dump off Drouin and Byron to open cap space. Won’t get much for them, but they’re tradeable given that they only have a year left on contracts. There are teams that need to get to the floor.
    Of course, the main unanswered question is with Price. Well have to wait and see about that.

    • So what will it take to trade a +34yr old with 3 yrs left for only $6.25M per… like Lyle said about Murray in Ottawa, it ain’t gonna be easy especially when teams will have better and cheaper options. I’m just curious of what the Habs think they will hopefully get or make this trade happen for this declining asset?

      • Unlike Murray, Ron, Petry is not injury prone. He had a bad season last year when the team was in chaos and playing with a confusing defensive system. Once the new coach changed the system his play improved. This “in decline” stuff is inaccurate.

        No question he is 34 and that has to be a consideration, but he has a long, easy stride so speed and mobility aren’t an issue. He is still a top 4 D who can move the puck, and they are hard to come by.

      • One more thing, Ron: the value of Petry is complicated by the Bolts trying to move McDonagh. Similar ages, similar contracts, McDonagh’s Stanley Cup pedigree will make him more attractive.

      • Hate to break it to you but he is past his best before date. At this point he’s not a top pairing or good 2nd pairing and won’t be anytime soon. He might be an option on teams like the Habs but I can’t see him being an effective $6m+ player.

        Can you tell me how he is and why teams would benefit from trading for him?

      • I don’t often take things personally here as this is just entertainment for me. But when you start a post by saying “I hate to break it to you ..” what room does that leave for discussion? You are convinced Petry isn’t top 4. I think he is, and there are few teams he wouldn’t be.

        If he is traded we will both see what the market values him at, irrespective of what you or I think.

      • LJ, I agree. Petry is a top 4 on many teams in this league. Don’t listen to Ron. Someone apparently makes wee wee in his cheerios on a regular basis.

      • Ok so you’re saying just about any GM, with a very few exceptions, he would be currently welcomed in a trade to their team playing in the top two defensive pairings for the next 3yrs at $6.25m? All I’m asking is that really. Looking at his past performances and all and all isn’t perfect as recent history shows…so where is the value you think he has? There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to players worth cap wise or status wise made by fans who don’t follow the team a certain player(s) play on but a sure shortage of proof of those opinions.

      • Ron, I don’t know what I can add to we’ll have to see what happens. Right?

        I am surprised at the low return on McDonagh, I don’t think that augers well for a great return on Petry. Irrespective of the return on any trade, you can wait and see where Petry ends up and where he is paired. If you are correct, feel free to come back and say so.

    • Howard,
      Petry has been a steadily improving D-man as he’s gotten older, pretty much a #1RHD given Weber’s injuries.

      His contract was considered to be a hometown discount when it was signed.

      Both he and his family were unhappy last year, at least for the pre MSL time during which he was back to his old self.

      Somebody is going to get an affordable 1RHD whether through trade or Habs keep him.

      • LJ , HabFan, agree with you both for the most part. Ron, with the exception of the Ducharme debacle, Petry has been a solid point producing D-man for the past 5 years. Obviously, he’s not getting younger and is closer to his final game than his first, but he is still s solid player who will be of use to a playoff team looking to challenge for the Cup, or a near playoff team looking to get over the hump. Hughes will probably want an NHL ready prospect and a first rounder in the 15-25 range which would hopefully allow him to package that and Calgary’s pick to move up.
        LJ, as to Subban, I just threw him out as a possibility. Hughes has said that if Petry is traded he will look to bring in a veteran RD so as not to throw the youngsters to the wolves. It would be best to bring in someone with a reasonable cap hit without much term left. Not Letang, who’ll want too much term and too much coin. I’d prefer Barrie or Dumba, but Subban would be a consideration if they don’t work out.

    • Howard, the Habs are not going to bring back Subban, especially with quite a # of young D who need to be mentored. We all liked Subban’s bubbly personality, but you seem to forget that his refusal to play proper D got him traded. He has refused to change his power lifting regime despite being asked by his team. Do you really think he would be a good influence on young players?

      And, unlike Petry, he is clearly in decline.

      Other than that, I agree with pretty much all the rest of your post. I got sucked in by the PLD stuff, but when you think about it, he can’t both want to play for the Habs enough to press for a trade, and want to hit free agency too.

      Good luck trying to trade Drouin. Trading a francophone shouldn’t matter, but in Montreal it does. Remember the howls when he was injured and there were no francophones in the line up?

  5. Devils are not trading 2 OA. Devils are not trading the 2nd overall pic. OK?

  6. McDavid MacKinnon and Larkin win place and show for any racing results. The rest are also rans.

    Ironic that the Canucks need a player like Miller but yet have to trade him. They will get at least 3 assets. I think he will go east for sure. Flyers could make it work. Sanheim Farabe & a couple of picks ??

    • Jordon Kyrou says hello.

  7. Vegas could trade Nic Hague and Brossoit to Detroit for Zadina and Victor Brattström (goalie prospect in Grand Rapids) This would relieve some of their cap problems and Detroit needs LD’s

  8. If reports are accurate as Freidman eluded to Sweeney is trying to bring back Bergeron and Krejci.

    Both would be on bonus laden contracts.

    Meaning effecting next year cap.

    I’m guessing this means one last kick at the can. Trading of future assets.

    If it brings a cup, im fine with it; if it doesn’t well be a tough season and the rebuild begins.

    Make all the right moves doesn’t guarantee anything.

    • That would be the plan Caper.
      Not sure how many teams have won the cup with both top C’s over 35.
      It does allow Haula to move to the wing in the top 6, I think he a Krecji could have some chemistry, or play him with Bergy/March, with Pasta and Krecji together. All of them are smart with puck.

      I’m fine with going again, might as well because we could be waiting a while after.

      Move Jake for a less expensive player, pick or prospect. No deal will blow the doors off, but need some cap $.

      • Move Jake and Haula for Zadina, opening up the Cap you need to get a center. It will have to be a negative trade to get space.

    • Neely said after the playoff exit the team needed to change in play and scheme. I’m guessing there’s a few guys they will be looking to move out for new blood. I’m all for bringing both Bergy and DK back. They both are still solid players. I’d look into moving Carlo Haula or Coyle and Jake. Then buy out Flognio .Those moves could open up a good amount of cap space depending if any players come back out way. I know if PB and DK return we need a solid second line winger a big tough 4th line center and a tough gritty D for the 3rd pairing. Lysell could be option for a winger if he bulks up and puts on muscle. But if not he’ll end up like Studz and get pushed around on every play. I think with the right subtractions and additions Bruins could be the surprise next year. Has to be the right moves tho. They were pretty impressive from new year’s on last yr. And that was a roster full of holes.

      • Sweeney won’t be buying out Foligno.

        The cap savings is equivalent to $750,000

        No need to push onto next year cap, especially considering you could have both Bergy and Dk eating up a few million in achieved bonuses.