Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 22, 2023
An update on Noah Hanifin’s contract talks with the Flames plus the latest on the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha, the Canadiens’ Joel Armia and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
UPDATE ON HANIFIN’S TALKS WITH THE FLAMES
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames have made progress with Noah Hanifin in their discussions regarding a contract extension. The 26-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).
Friedman cautions that nothing is done until it’s done. Nevertheless, he indicates that there is optimism the two sides can reach an agreement.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin was the subject of considerable trade speculation throughout the offseason following reports claiming he informed management about his reluctance to sign an extension. However, the blueliner indicated during training camp that he merely wanted time to digest what had happened during a disappointing 2022-23 season. He subsequently said that he wouldn’t rule out re-signing with the Flames.
The Flames already had one key potential free agent under contract when they signed captain Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension last month. If Hanifin agrees to stay it could help management in their efforts to re-sign first-line center Elias Lindholm.
TRADE TARGETS WORTH WATCHING
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman notes there isn’t much going on in the NHL trade market right now. However, there are a few situations worth watching.
The Montreal Canadiens recalled winger Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate where he started the season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored the Canadiens are exploring possible trade options for Armia. The 30-year-old two-way forward lacks no-trade protection and carries a $3.4 million average annual value through 2024-25.
The Habs are already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry but have one retention slot remaining for this season. Perhaps they’ll consider using it if they can find a decent return for Armia.
Everyone knows Conor Garland’s situation as the Vancouver Canucks have given him permission to speak with other clubs about a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland’s been linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets. The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain 30 percent of the 27-year-old winger’s $4.95 million AAV which runs through 2025-26.
The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner reported the New York Islanders inquired about Garland after he recently changed agents. Given the Isles’ limited cap space, Rosner believes a third team would have to get involved to broker the deal by taking on part of Garland’s AAV.
San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc played his first game of the season on Oct. 19.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc, 27, was a healthy scratch through their first three games. The club swiftly denied a recent report claiming that the Sharks intended to place him on waivers.
The Washington Capitals have been “looking around” on winger Anthony Mantha.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals have been peddling the 29-year-old Mantha since last season without success. Given his declining production, his $5.7 million cap hit for this season and $6.5 million in actual salary, it’s unlikely they’ll find many takers with so many clubs carrying limited cap room at this stage in the schedule.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke has played only one game this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peeke was mentioned as a trade candidate following a recent report claiming the Blue Jackets were looking into trading one of their defensemen. He’s been a healthy scratch since their season opener. They’ll have to get him into more games to showcase him for a trade.
Lindholm and Hanifan are playing it close to the vest! Don t want to be stuck in a long term contract during their prime years with a questionable organization and Canada s tax structure!Would love to see a huge deal with Boston for both,since they were traded together to Calgary!
From a tax perspective, Alberta is the best tax jurisdiction in Canada. And no provincial sales tax, only the Fed’s GST. Probably less expensive to buy a Ferrari in Calgary than in New York or California.
Bet you can drive that Ferrari a lot more in a year in cali though.
It’s doubtful that the Bruins have enough ammunition to acquire Lindholm or Hanafin let alone both of them!
Trade to Bruins probably won’t happen. But maybe ufa signings next year would
Yes, Peeke has played only one game. Boqvist hasn’t played at all and, now that Werenski’s back, Jiricek is still with the club. Could a trade be imminent?
It seems like the Leafs/Jackets look like good trading partners that can help each other fill some roster holes, both in a short term or long term fix. Both have surpluses of assets where the other has few.
Ron, IF the Leafs want to maintain a 21 man roster, they will be forced to make a move when Timmins ($1.1 M) returns from LTIR. Sending Minten ($846k) back to Junior and keeping Holmgren ($800) will not be enough.
Toronto currently has $123k of cap space.
123 + 846 = 969
Need another $131k.
I was surprised that Lafferty didn’t end up with Columbus with one of Peeke, Bean or Boqvist headed to Toronto.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke has 3 yrs at $2.75M He would be a good trade for the Canucks RW/LW Conor Garland who has 3 more years at $4.95M
if the canucks retain $1.25M they may have a deal there….as the canucks want to have 1M in extra cap space going forward.
both team need what each other has…🤔
Thank you Gary bettman.I searched for hours to find last nights toronto/Tampa game without success.I have subscriptions that indicate I should be able to watch any and all games but that now seem to include toronto. The new contracts with ESPN seemed to be altered this year for areas in the u.s.
That happens when the “nhl network” gets the rights to a game, yes you heard me correctly, nhl network – that cable channel no one has or watches because it’s really a YouTube quality programming that takes precedence over all. Really dumb and counterproductive really. You’ll have to wait 24 hrs before you can watch the game on ESPN. How any broadcaster would agree to giving up games to a ‘network’ like the nhl one is a joke. It doesn’t serve anyone any good.
The Habs won’t get much for Armia. Even if they retain half his cap hit. Better to just keep him in the AHL and buy him out at years end. Or bite the bullet till his contract expires. Not worth tying up third retention at this point.
And LeBanc showed his stuff since by no points, a minus 2, and 5 shots with over 17 minutes toi. He should be on waivers.
Thanks Lyle for reviewing the 2nd intermission of HNIC