NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2023
The latest on Patrick Kane, Ivan Provorov and John Klingberg plus updates on the Jets, Kraken, Bruins and Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the conversation between Blackhawks management and Patrick Kane about his future won’t be happening until the 34-year-old winger has returned from the “little injury” that has been nagging him this season. Teams with an interest in Kane are monitoring his health status closely. He’s expected to resume play on Saturday.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why interested clubs are closely watching Kane’s health in the coming weeks. Assuming he agrees to be traded, those teams will have to deal with difficult financial gymnastics and what could be an expensive asking price to obtain him.
Darren Dreger observes the Winnipeg Jets have the cap space to become buyers at the trade deadline if they wish. They are slowly getting back players that were sidelined during the first half of the season and a lot will depend on the health of their roster as the deadline nears.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets did a fine job handling the absence of those injured players. Still, I think general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will keep an eye on the trade market for a deal or two that bolsters his roster for the playoffs.
LeBrun reported the full no-trade clause of Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Klingberg reverted on Jan. 1 to a 10-team list of preferred trade destinations.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates it’s a 10-team no-trade list to the end of the season. Bit of confusion there. Regardless, LeBrun points out Klingberg will want to join a playoff contender so there shouldn’t be too much issue with him waiving it should one of them make a suitable pitch to the Ducks.
Dreger was asked if the Seattle Kraken could draw on their stockpile of 11 picks in this year’s draft (including three second-rounders) if they wish to boost their roster for the postseason. While it’s too early in the season for GM Ron Francis to start shopping picks, there’s a belief he could do so for the right fit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if there’s an affordable depth option or two out there. I can see Francis making that type of move if the Kraken remains in the thick of the postseason hunt by the March 3 trade deadline. I don’t see him pursuing a big-ticket player like Patrick Kane.
ESTIMATING PROVOROV’S TRADE VALUE
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Giana Han examined the pros and cons of the Flyers trading Ivan Provorov. The 25-year-old defenseman has recently become the subject of rumors suggesting it might be best for all concerned if he was traded to a playoff contender.
Han believes potential buyers would want to determine how much of Provorov’s struggles stem from himself or his current environment. With an annual average value of $6.75 million through 2024-25, he wouldn’t be a rental player. Given his age, he could still have some upside for contenders as a top-four blueliner.
NHL Network analyst Brian Lawton believes the Flyers shouldn’t trade Provorov for anything less than a first-round pick. He also thinks two other pieces should be included in the return. Han points out the Flyers aren’t under pressure to move Provorov by the March 3 trade deadline. However, they should be willing to listen to offers given their need to accumulate assets for the future.
THE SCORE: Josh Wegman lists the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres as five clubs that should try to acquire Provorov. He believes the Flyers defenseman would make a good consolation prize for teams that fail to acquire Jakob Chychrun. Provorov could also be more affordable to acquire than the Arizona Coyotes blueliner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time is on the Flyers’ side here. They can afford to wait for the offseason if they don’t get any suitable offers for Provorov before the trade deadline.
Provorov has heard the recent trade talk but insists he wants to remain with the Flyers. He lacks a no-trade clause so he won’t have any say in the matter if GM Chuck Fletcher (or his replacement?) decides to peddle him.
His contract offers interested teams cost certainty for the next two seasons. However, his cap hit could prove difficult to move this season given the high number of cap-strapped teams.
UPDATES ON THE BRUINS AND CANUCKS
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney won’t hesitate to move any of his prospects, including Fabian Lysell or Mason Lohrei, if they’ll help to fetch a return that helps them pursue the Stanley Cup this season.
Shinzawa points out the Bruins are all-in to win the Stanley Cup this year. He also noted that Sweeney hasn’t had any qualms over shipping out prospects in his recent trades, pointing to last season’s deal with the Anaheim Ducks for Hampus Lindholm.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depleting their prospect pool could cost the Bruins down the road when current stars like Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Krejci and Taylor Hall have moved on.
Given where they are in the standings right now, Bruins fans will likely forgive Sweeney if shipping out promising youngsters fetches a return that turns them into Stanley Cup champions in June.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman yesterday reported Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin have had talks with Rick Tocchet. Now a TNT hockey analyst, Tocchet was an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins when Rutherford was their general manager and Allvin his assistant GM.
Friedman doesn’t think the Canucks are close to a coaching change, suggesting it could be at least a couple of weeks away. Still, Rutherford and Allvin could go with someone they’re familiar with if they decide to part ways with current bench boss Bruce Boudreau.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Media consensus suggests Boudreau is the most likely head coach to be replaced during this season. Whether Tocchet becomes his replacement remains to be seen. In my opinion, it’ll take more than a coaching change to address the Canucks’ roster weaknesses. That’s the management’s responsibility.
Provorov for Chychrun? anyone?
A blurb in the Ottawa Sun yesterday didn’t rate a mention in Lyle’s Rumors thread, but I found it interesting. Under the heading “The next three weeks will be pivotal in determing Senator’s deadline approach” Garrioch writes “Dorion and the hockey operations staff remain focused on trying to help this team make the playoffs. That’s why, as TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Tuesday, the club has kicked tires on Minnesota Wild veteran defenceman Matthew Dumba. Sources confirmed Thursday the Senators have interest in Dumba and Dorion was in Minnesota to see the club’s 5-1 win over the Wild last Wednesday. A UFA, the Wild aren’t sure they want to lose Dumba for nothing at the end of the season and, though they’re in a playoff spot, there’s talk GM Bill Guerin is open to deal to get a return for the asset. The Wild is among the teams that have held talks with the Coyotes about Chychrun and that may be why Guerin is open to the idea of dealing Dumba. If he can get an asset in return he may be able use that in a deal for Chychrun or another defenceman that’s in the marketplace. ”
As a UFA coming off a cap hit of $6 mil, re-signing Dumba is going to be expensive for anyone, including the Wild who are looking at $14,743,588 in dead cap space thanks to those buyouts, and IF Ottawa ever did land him, that would negate any plans to qualify – or sign in a different deal – DeBrincat. Nor would it make sense to send DeBrincat to the Wild in exchange for Dumba, unless he was then flipped to Arizona in a deal for Chychrun.
Stay tuned.
Re; Vancouver Canucks
What the piont in moving Bruce Boudreau now its just a poor team same as last few seasons⁉️
They are not going to make the playoffs, Lost the last 3 and are10 points out of a playoff spot
Now sitting 12th in the west and picking 7th spot in nthe up & coming draft🤔
They are about to trade at least 2 of the top six
# 1 Centre Bo Horvat a UFA & Brock Boeser to start a re-build of some type on a very weak Canucks team
willie w
Exactly.
Teams usually have a surge when a new coach is appointed.
They’re not making the playoffs so might as well just play out the season and increase their chances at a lottery pick.
I would wait BB out and try and sign Trotz, if he cant get them to play defence no one can.
Also, dont really think Tocchet is a good coach
Trotz is going to end up back in Nashville, maybe as GM.
So much for all the talk of Lysell being a non starter in trade rumors!
With Edvinsson and Wallinder slated to join the Wings LD Corp in 23 & 24, it’s hard to imagine Mr. Yzerman giving up assets for Provorov. If it was for a Cup run this year or next, maybe. But that is not in the cards for Detroit.
Wally will be in Grand Rapids. There is room for Provorov, as there may a LD going to Philly for Ivan. And possible another LD gone at the TDL. Provorov would be a big upgrade to the left side over any of the Wings at this moment. However, Walman is contesting for a spot right now for a future in the top 4 at DRW.
I agree Johnny…Edvinsson in 23, Wally in 24. And I like Walman…keep him. I think that will be a nice top 3 LD’s, which is why I have no interest in Provorov.
Jets could use a Jonathan Toews but it would be crazy to give up a 1st round pick. Hopefully Chevy doesn’t do anything crazy.
Agreed, but you have to give to get. If Toews is what throws you over the line to win the SC, then that late first round pick is worth it. If you wash out in the first round, not so much. The GM has to know his team and the landscape to either go all in or not. Staying put could be admission yo are not that good, especially when others improve at the deadline.
Does Toews for Brad Lambert make sense ?
I think Chicago would want more than that, Lambert didn’t look great in the A and his WJC play for Finland was underwhelming. They’d probably want Chaz Lucius or Rutger McGroarty. Trading either of those guys and not winning the cup would be a very bitter pill for the Jets. The only way they put high end talent on the roster is the draft and the occasional huge trade. Excluding Wheeler, the biggest name on the roster that they didn’t draft is PLD and they had to give up Laine+ (so far the trade was well worth it at least).
I am with you on not parting with Lucius or McGroarty. Maybe Lambert and a 2nd round pick in 24 or 25 if $ retained , otherwise pass.
Hard to believe that Lambert was ranked in the top 10 in last years entry draft at the beginning of 2022.
Brock, Red Monsters, Fergy
The additional incentive to slightly give more for Toews… it certainly helps them this season; but more importantly, Toews has full control over IF he waives and if so , for which team…. If he’s waving for Jets… he likely has interest for next year; he’s from Winnepeg…, and Chevy has his rights for re-upping; right up to 1/7
If another team outbids Jets…. They have to wait until 1/7 to talk to him
As at now, I feel there is s low probability of him returning to Chi (only NHL team hr has ever played for)…. So finishing his career in his hometown just might be what he’d like
That said, this Pens fan hopes Hexburkie makes bids on Toews… Toews in at 3C (over Carter) and centering 2nd PP unit…. Big improvement
@ Pengy and Brock
Two of the most important positions to fill or have depth for the playoffs are Centre and Defence.
I think if CHI is retaining salary on Toews a 1st round pick and A level prospect is a must. Toews is a 3 time Cup winner and Olympic gold medal winner. He knows how to get it done under pressure.
If I’m a legit contender and I can get Toews for a lottery ticket (20-32 pick) and a prospect I’m making that trade.
From a Leafs standpoint…1st pick and Robertson for Toews @ 50% retained…done deal
@ Pengy and Brock
Two of the most important positions to fill or have depth for the playoffs are Centre and Defence.
I think if CHI is retaining salary on Toews a 1st round pick and A level prospect is a must. Toews is a 3 time Cup winner and Olympic gold medal winner. He knows how to get it done under pressure.
If I’m a legit contender and I can get Toews for a lottery ticket (20-32 pick) and a prospect I’m making that trade.
From a Leafs perspective if I can get Toews for a 1st and Robertson…done deal. Throw in a late round pick or Engvall for more salary retention