Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 26, 2023
The Blackhawks and Rangers are believed working on a Patrick Kane deal, the latest on Timo Meier, what’s next for the Jets and Predators, the Flyers are shopping James van Riemsdyk, plus the latest on the Oilers, Blue Jackets, Senators and Leafs in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
BLACKHAWKS & RANGERS WORKING ON PATRICK KANE TRADE
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Rangers have started moves to clear cap space in anticipation of acquiring Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks. They traded winger Vitali Kravtsov to the Vancouver Canucks and placed forward Jake Leschyshyn on waivers. However, there’s nothing official yet regarding Kane and the Rangers.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).
He believes the earliest the Rangers could acquire Kane would be Tuesday when they would’ve accrued sufficient cap space. However, that could become as early as Sunday if Ryan Lindgren ends up on long-term injury reserve after he was injured during Saturday’s game against Washington.
TSN: Chris Johnston reported Kane would not play in Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks as he returned home to Chicago. His agent said the decision was a collective one based on the situation.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury still has to find a third team to broker this deal and spread around Kane’s $10.5 million cap hit after the Blackhawks retain half of it. Brooks feels this deal could be inevitable with Kane perhaps joining the Rangers lineup by Wednesday.
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report Drury remains stuck to his position of not parting with a first-round pick in June’s draft or any upcoming year or surrendering prime prospect Brennan Othmann. They also suspect the Rangers GM could be unwilling to part with prospects Matthew Robertson, Will Cuylle, Dylan Garand or perhaps even Adam Sykora.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t sound like the Blackhawks will get much of a return for the Rangers for Kane. At this stage, a second-round pick and defenseman Zac Jones could be the main pieces of a return based on recent speculations.
LATEST ON TIMO MEIER
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the leading contenders for Timo Meier (New Jersey, Carolina, Vegas) want to get an answer from the San Jose Sharks. As of Saturday, the Devils remain the lead contenders while the Hurricanes don’t sound as likely though Friedman cautioned that could always change. Some teams wanted to make a contract extension for Meier as part of the deal but that doesn’t sound as likely now.
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported things seemed to be heating up on the Meier trade front. The list of suitors is shrinking as the Sharks zero in on what they want to do.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited a source claiming the Golden Knights are “in hard for Meier.” Peng remains doubtful they can win a bidding war citing the lack of depth in Grade-A prospects within their system. One option could be for the Golden Knights to become a middle-man team that re-routes Meier to another club. There is the possibility of Vegas offering up their 2023 first-rounder plus a future unprotected first-rounder in a package offer.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock reports the Hurricanes have the cap space to spare, the prospects to dangle and could perhaps part with their 2023 first-rounder for a roster upgrade. Meier would make sense as the pending restricted free agent would be a “sort-of” rental but the asking price would be expensive. DeCock believes the Hurricanes would be willing to move a prospect such as Jack Drury or Scott Morrow but not both while Alexander Nikishin is untouchable.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Meier could be moved well before Friday’s 3 PM ET deadline. The Devils remain the favorite but I don’t rule out the Hurricanes. The St. Louis Blues are reportedly willing to offer up two of their three first-rounders in this year’s draft but not their own pick, which could be a deal-breaker for the Sharks. I don’t see the Golden Knights having a realistic chance unless the Devils, Hurricanes and Blues drop out.
PREDATORS ARE SELLERS
THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina reports Nashville Predators GM David Poile confirms his club is a seller after shipping winger Nino Niederreiter to the Winnipeg Jets. Poile isn’t going to forecast anything and won’t just make a trade for the sake of doing so. However, he adds that most teams know he’s willing to listen to offers.
SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek believes captain Roman Josi, goaltender Juuse Saros and winger Filip Forsberg are the only untouchables. He anticipates defenseman Dante Fabbro could be moved this week with the San Jose Sharks as a leading contender for his services. Teams have been calling about power forward Tanner Jeannot. Marek wondered if the Dallas Stars could pursue him though the asking price is high.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jeannot might be drawing interest from contenders but he might not be available. Poile opened contract extension talks recently with his agent. Unless those discussions have gone south, Jeannot could also be untouchable.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE JETS
SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe expects the Winnipeg Jets will have a busy week leading up to deadline day after acquiring Nino Niederreiter on Saturday. They could have up to $5.5 million in accrued cap space by Friday to add one or two more players, though Timo Meier isn’t expected to be one of them given the Sharks’ high asking price and the difficulty of working out a contract extension. A middle-six forward like St. Louis’ Ivan Barbashev or Arizona’s Nick Bjugstad could make sense.
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates also believes the Jets aren’t done shopping before Friday’s deadline. He also sees them looking at rental players like Barbashev, Bjugstad or Vancouver’s Luke Schenn. James van Riemsdyk would be worthwhile if the Flyers agree to retain half of his $7 million cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t believe the Jets are done here. They’ve got sufficient cap space and wouldn’t have to give up a lot to land that middle-six forward.
COULD THE OILERS AND BLUE JACKETS BECOME TRADE PARTNERS?
THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Edmonton Oilers must do something to improve their defense after watching their dispiriting 6-5 loss on Saturday to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He feels they can’t just stand pat or pick around the edges at the trade deadline.
The odds of acquiring Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks seem minuscule while it’s unlikely they can pry Jakob Chychrun away from the Arizona Coyotes.
Aaron Portzline, meanwhile, wondered if the Oilers could become a destination for Blue Jackets defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov now that the deal with the Boston Bruins has fallen by the wayside. He wondered if packaging Gavrikov with goaltender Joonas Korpisalo might convince Oilers GM Ken Holland to part with his 2023 first-round pick along with picks and prospects. The Jackets would also have to acquire winger Jesse Puljujarvi and his $3 million cap hit to make the dollars work for the cap-strapped Oilers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers clearly have to do something to improve their defense. I don’t see how Karlsson is possible given his expensive contract and the high asking price that the Sharks would set for him. The Coyotes remain steadfast in their demand for two first-rounders plus a top prospect for Chychrun.
Gavrikov could help the Oilers. He has his critics but I don’t believe he could do any worse than what they’ve already got playing left-side defense on their second pairing. They can’t afford Korpisalo what with Jack Campbell and his $5 million cap hit already on their books.
FLYERS SHOPPING JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK
SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reports the Philadelphia Flyers have let teams know that James van Riemsdyk is available. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets have been lined to the 33-year-old winger, though Marek isn’t certain if the Jets’ acquisition of Nino Niederreiter changes things for them.
SENATORS, LEAFS SHOPPING FOR DEFENSEMEN
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Ottawa Senators are in the market for a right-side defenseman. He believes they have a little bit of flexibility to add a blueliner with some term remaining on his contract.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are committed to seeing what the trade market is for defensemen. There’s a surplus of blueliners in the market right now and cap-strapped teams like the Leafs could be hoping the prices come down as sellers get squeezed.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle believe the Leafs must shore up their defense for a matchup with the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs. They indicated that Canucks blueliner (and former Leafs) Luke Schenn is among their targets. Another enticing option would be Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm if the Predators are willing to move him and retain some salary.
Word this morning is that the Canes are out on Meier.
It seems like Kane will only go to the Rangers, which means the Hawks can either accept what the Rangers will offer or hold on to him and risk losing him for nothing. It seems like they’ll do Kane the courtesy of following his wishes given all he’s done for them. Still, I don’t think it’s out of the question that he returns in the offseason on a short term deal to end his career with the Hawks.
Yeah, heh, I can just see it – NYR get Kane just in time for their game at home against the Senators next Thursday … and he goes on a scoring binge!
Hey George…long time since we connected hope all is well. I remain impressed w/ OTT and very optimistic about their trajectory (assuming ownership issues stabilize). I think great things lie ahead. What are your thoughts on potential for CBJ-OTT deals centering on Peeke and/or Korpisalo? Not sure if they are quite the right fit but thought there could be potential there.
Hey DeaconFrost – good to see you back on.
Dorion and Kekäläinen have a history of making trades and if the latter decides to move Korpisalo I hope Dorion is front and center with offers that would appeal to Columbus. I would think, though, that Dorion would likely want to be able to talk to Korpisalo and his agent first, seeing as he’s a pending UFA, to make certain he could get his signature on a new deal.
I say that because I don’t see him offering a new contract to the older Talbot, and it doesn’t look good for Forsberg ever playing again. The two kids – Sogaard and Mandolese – are coming along nicely, but both likely could do with a bit more AHL seasoning. Which means, even if they could get Korpisalo, Dorion is probably going to go after another back-up type (Reimer?).
As for Peeke, I must confess I know nothing about his game. He is a RD, but that -19 jumps out at you – although, given the way the year has gone for Columbus, with all their injuries, that could be misleading.
Hey George,, I can say this for Peeke his analytics look quite poor (similar to Gavrikov) this year largely because he has been asked to play top pairing quality min & volume which is not ideal. He was quite good last year when pairing w/ Gavrikov on 2nd “shutdown” pair and did a reasonable job of playing when needed on 1st pair w/ Werenski. He is a steady 2nd pairing RD defensive d-man with good size and some decent puck skills signed to a very reasonable deal w/ term. I don’t mean to oversell him but he is a young solid 2nd pair RD which do come available all that often. I am surprised he’s available but that speaks to the way CBJ view their RD depth w/ Jiricik coming.
You could have stopped after I know nothing..
Peeke isn’t going anywhere for, at least, a couple of years and, potentially, never.
Kane has been very vocal about not liking the direction the team has taken. Trading away young players like Debrinkat, Hagel etc.
I don’t think he’ll be doing Chicago any favors at this stage of his career. Where he lands in fa, no idea. But I think we can scratch Chicago off his wish list.
Add to that: I read recently that if he’s not moved he might shut it down for season and have minor surgery on hip. Will prioritize getting ready for FA.
I think that may be in his best interest. I know he’s been on a roll the last few games, but he may want to think about the longer term than making that hip even worse.
Paul, I am just as surprised Peeke’s name is out there but Portzline, Seravelli, and Friedman all reported on it…so just to be clear I’m not speculating (nor advocating for him to be traded) it’s being reported by reputable sources that he’s available..
Shades of Taylor Hall
Good morning Lyle and the rest of the Hockey Rumors folks. It’s been a while since I posted so I hope all is well w/ everyone in the interim. I’ll chime in w/ select CBJ thoughts. With the caveat that it is contingent on ownership being amenable to retention and/or taking back an expiring contract to provide the acquiring team cap flexibility, I do remain cautiously optimistic that CBJ can ultimately land a 1st rd pick in select deals for Gavrikov. Korpisalo and Nyquist will also be traded for modest returns. To my mind, the more curious names that will be interesting to see how they play out are Peeke and Roslovic. I believe Roslovic would more likely be an off season deal but the fact both are being included on many of the insiders big trade boards is interesting. Friedman also reported teams are asking on Jenner but Portzline believes that would signal CBJ are altering their “retool” plan and its unlikely I tend to agree. I’ll also share this, Portzline wrote this week that Laine is available (not being shopped but available). Some here in CBus are skeptical of that perspective and I imagine if it is accurate it would have to be an offseason move due to the cap considerations. Nonetheless, just for fun, if he is available do the teams that miss out on Meier (For example: Carolina; Vegas?) look into this…doubtful but interesting. Have a great trade week folks…hope all your teams land what they need
Dreger reporting Barbashev to Vegas…have to think Meier to NJ is looking pretty strong now.
Would have to agree with you on that But Vegas always want the shiny object. So maybe not. They only gave a prospect according to the early reports. Dadanov. To StRs 1/2 retained for Gurianov
Kane and a 1st to Pittsburgh for O’Connor and a 5th.
Garikov 50% retained to Arizona , Garikov 50% retained to Pittsburgh for Future considerations.
Chychrun to Minnesota 50% retained, then to Pittsburgh 50% retained for Dumo 12.7% retained.
Karlsson 50% retained to Arizona 50% retained to Pittsburgh 50% retained for Desmith 4.6% retained and a 5th in 2027.
Problem solved.
😀😀😀
Now that’s a lot of math. 🤐
😁 the more complex you make the math, the less people will think about the horrible proposal in front of the convoluted math!
As an arm chair GM, you must understand the importance of the Jedi mind trick.
This is why I’d make a better GM than most.
Pretty sure I can turn Ruhwedal into Mcdavid given the opportunity.
Oil need D upgrade; and Campbell not cutting it
EK just not happening… and his offensive prowess (to oil) not anywhere near need for a defensive defenseman
Gav (UFA) too expensive
If I was Holland…. Better move is for Soucy
Yammo for Soucy and 3rd (‘23)
Take that 3rd; add a 1st and JP to Jackets for flipping Campbell for Korp & Nyquist
If they have to add Bougot to get it done…. Do it!
The end result gives Oil very fair shot of getting back to WCF
Here is one fit you Pengy
Ek 2 mil retained and Reimer. 1/2 retained
2 1st. Rd pics. JP. Barrie and Campbell
Hi MB4
Math fits and they get EK…. But only gain his production (over Barrie) and still no gain D wise; and Reimer/Campbell saw off for this year
Absolutely helps next year and beyond but prob doesn’t move needle this year
I really think Oil should shut down all EK consideration until off season
LD … who is strong defensively ; and upgrade over Campbell
The who (replacements) and cost (to acquire) … TBD
Campbell showed what game he could show in playoffs…. Two of those in the same series, could mean lights out
Pengy, I appreciate the creativity but it would be virtually impossible for CBJ to take on Campbell’s contract. Elvis has 4 years remaining at $5.4 and Tarasov at $1.05 (starting next year) has to clear waivers to be sent down in 23-24 so that is going to be their NHL tandem next year for better or worse.
Hi Deacon Frost
Morally reprehensible for Jackets to make deal…. But
1st, 3rd, JP, Bougot …. Just might be worth it for Jarmo to make the deal
Cap works
Jarmo’s gain against pain of carrying Campbell and potential loss of Tar on waivers (could buffer with a trade for Tar to gain an equiv prospect non goalie or a pick
Can be done…. But long shot to get (1) Holland making that offer; and (2) Jarmo accepting
For sure Oil need to address between the pipes
Pengy what about Campbell and PJ and Broberg to Philly for JVR 50% retained, ersson, and Risto??
Cap is about the same ish.
That still leaves Philly carrying 3 goaltenders.
I don’t think Philly wants any part of Campbell. Not at 5 per for 4 more years.
Captain….I ask thinking to Trade Hart in the offseason for a really nice package
TRade Hayes to CMB for Roslovic
Trade Courturier out west for whatever you can get
TRAde cam Atkinson In THE offseason too whenever teams have more cap space
THAt reduces Philly big cap contracts and they can sign bottom 6 help And short term D contracts.
Maybe Provy to WSH at the deadline for a 1st and 2nd this year.
No point keeping Hart when he’ll be past his prime by the time they are playoff contenders again.
The problem with that idea of trading Hart for a nice package is goaltenders seldom return nice packages.
If I were a Philly fan, I’d not want Campbell over Hart.
Captain think OTT would offer a nice package for Hart?
George what will you offer for HArt?
Captain you are right Philly would chose Hart over Campbell but Hart nets a better return imo.
And I do concede goalies don’t net the best return but I rather Campbell and trade Hart that Risto for all those years.
Hi IHC
Certainly rids Campbell but Ersson about the same; and they don’t need JVR
Risto certainly seems to have improved defensively but likely not enough to move needle for Oil
Hart would – SHOULD – command a lot more than Dorion could reasonably expect to relinquish. Don’t get me wrong – he’d be a great addition – but the cost would be something that a “coming” team in Ottawa’s position could ill afford without hurting themselves elsewhere in the roster.
As you say, Ihatecrosby, IF the Flyers do decide to move him, an off-season deal would be their best bet – maybe at the draft.
Gurianov for dadanov.
Meh.
Dadonov had zero value, getting anything for him was a win by Montreal.
I’ll say. I was surprised they found a taker to begin with.
What did vegas give for barbashov?
Says prospect. No name yet
Dadonov dealt to Dallas
Lol, Canadiens got rid of Dadonov for Denis Gurianov. I know Gurianov wasn’t producing this year but he is still only 25 yo, wonder what he’ll look like under Martin St Louis. Dadonov was simply not bringing anything to the team and is 33 y.o. Not saying I have high hopes at all but I still like this trade…
As a matter of act, I wonder why the Stars made that trade ? Gurianov is a 6’3″ 205 pounds RW first rounder that might only have needed a change of scenery but for Dadonov ? I thought the Habs had better chances of trading Hoffman first
@George
Deaconfrost says Korpisalo will be traded for a modest return
There is your goaltender ..
Chabot – playing 26 minutes a game is not good – Chelios minutes
Give Kyle a call , free him up some cap space for another defenseman
What is the point of the Preds keeping Josi around during his prime playing days is they’re going to go into a retool/rebuild mode? Josi would bring back the greatest return, so why waste his prime years on a rebuilding team?
Is that contract $9 million per year for 6 years at 32 years old for Josi … large contract not counting what you have to give up to get
No Joe, their not done.
Looks like the B’s are done .. they have team set depth in place goalies ready …now just have to see if it’s good enough the playoffs are a different season
was the orlov move to get an extra D to trade Carlo or Grez in a package of prospects and some picks for Chychrun?
Don’t see how the Leafs don’t add Schenn
Caper … don’t see anything out there that won’t cost them players off their NHL roster in which could be a bad move right now with the togetherness they have going
Tdl never disappoints.
and now its weeks long