NHL Rumor Mill – December 11, 2023
Could the Bruins pursue Elias Lindholm or Pat Maroon? Could the Flyers target Mario Ferraro? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill
LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION
NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss recently noted that Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm sat No. 1 on TSN’s latest Trade Bait list. He noted the Bruins had been linked to Lindholm during the offseason following the retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
After watching the play of Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle and rookies Matthew Poitras and Johnny Beecher, Goss believes it might not be a good idea for the Bruins to part with assets to acquire Lindholm. Based on the performances of those four thus far, depth at center is not a massive weakness right now.
Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).
If the Bruins are interested in Lindholm, Goss suggests waiting until July if he decides not to re-sign with the Flames and test the free-agent market. They currently have a projected $27 million in cap space for 2024-25, providing them with more cap flexibility.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve said the same thing about the Bruins’ rumored interest in Lindholm’s teammate Noah Hanifin. Acquiring either guy will cost them draft picks, prospects, and even perhaps a promising youngster such as Poitras or Beecher.
The Bruins are currently jockeying with the New York Rangers for first place in the Eastern Conference. Barring an epic and historic collapse, they’re in no danger of missing the playoffs in what is considered a transition season for this club. Better to make do with what they currently have or make affordable roster tweaks and wait until next summer to pursue the big fish.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy suggests the Bruins consider looking into acquiring forward Pat Maroon from the Minnesota Wild. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery recently pleaded with his players to be more physical and tougher. They could use someone to replace Milan Lucic, who’s been away from the club since being arrested and charged last month in a domestic violence incident.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy wrote that there’s no indication Bruins management is targeting Maroon or a comparable player. For now, Maroon probably isn’t going anywhere as the Wild struggle to get back into the Western Conference playoff chase. That could change, however, if they remain out of contention near the March trade deadline.
A source told Murphy that Maroon would probably cost a seventh-round draft pick. That was the price the Wild paid the Lightning to acquire him earlier this season.
UPDATE ON THE FLYERS
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Philadelphia Flyers are sitting in a better position in the standings than expected when the season began. Nevertheless, Caleb Kearney points out that they’re still a rebuilding team that could shop some older veterans to acquire more draft picks and prospects to accelerate the process.
Kearney suggested peddling defenseman Marc Staal, center Garnet Hathaway, blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen and rearguard Sean Walker.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker appears the most valuable given how often he’s surfaced in recent trade speculation. Hathaway could also be an attractive trade target if he becomes available. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an affordable average annual value of $2.375 million.
Ristolainen has also popped up lately in the rumor mill. However, his $5.1 million cap hit through 2026-27 won’t be easy to move unless the Flyers retain half of it. Staal, meanwhile, hasn’t seen much playing time this season. At 36, his best years are well behind him and he’s not likely to fetch much of a return.
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey recently noted that San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro has come up in the rumor mill of late. He believes the 25-year-old blueliner would fit in well with their rebuilding plans.
If the Flyers continue playing well this season and their 2024 first-round pick won’t be that high, Bailey suggested it would be worthwhile to part with it to land a good young defenseman like Ferraro.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not a bad idea. Whether Flyers management feels the same way remains to be seen.
Despite all the rumors swirling about this club of late, general manager Daniel Briere could be content to wait and see how this season unfolds before getting busy in the trade market.
Re: “SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve said the same thing about the Bruins’ rumored interest in Lindholm’s teammate Noah Hanifin. Acquiring either guy will cost them draft picks, prospects, and even perhaps a promising youngster such as Poitras or Beecher. ”
The question I’d be asking if I were a Bruins fan is – “is Lindholm a better C than either Bergeron or Krejci ?” If the answer is no, then why would they expect a better result than bowing out in the 1st round of the playoffs, while at the same time relinquishing key assets that may be needed if a rebuild lies somewhere in the near future?
Bergeron was injured last year through the first few games and played injured when he returned.
I’d argue Lindholm is better than last year’s version of Krejci.
So there is a definite improvement.
#46 wasn’t #46 last year he lost a few steps
Remember both of these Bruins player were Old and at the end of the line….
36 & 37 years old
A younger Lindholm is better at 29 yr old
Next season
-Gone will be 3 UFA d/man
Matt Grzelcyk & Kevin Shatenkirk and not sure if they bring Derek Forbort’ back he was at $3.M….??
and hopfully they move the 3rd liner Charlie Coyle @$5.25.M❗️for 2 more years after this one…
They also have a Key Trade Chip in Linus Ullmark $5.M
that will give them over $30.M in Cap space to play with
spending $16-17 on the 2 UFA from the Flames leaves them about $14.M, $5M for DeBrusk
leaves $9 for the rest……🤔
Lyle also said, “Better to make do with what they currently have or make affordable roster tweaks and wait until next summer to pursue the big fish.”
I have seen a lot of Lindholm since the Flames acquired him. He is one of the NHL’s best 2-way forwards. Maybe not at the level of Bergeron, but who was? The guy pretty much owned the Selke trophy. This season has been a down season for him, but the talent around him has declined around him the past couple of years.
George
Health is the key to hoist if lord Stanley. League parity has made it so Bergy or no Bergy
I believe bruins will go past 1st rd this season and not because they are better than last year because they are not
Goss is right on the money. Bruins will wait till off season for any move of substance wether Lindholm or Hanafin
Detroit could be interested – especially with Larkins injury. Reports say that a couple of Detroits better AHL prospects were healthy scratches recently, and 3 others were promoted from the ECHL to the AHL in Grand Rapids.
Not sure they’re available in the Summer, If they get moved this year they possibly resign with the club that trades for them–Although if Hanafin wants to play for the his hometown team that can probably happen
i would prefer that bruins trade for hanifin and lindholm before they are traded to some other team first. i know some will not agree but i would trade lorhei lysell grizlic and lauko if flames would hold back some money .hanlfin is only a few years older than lorhrei lindholm although not quite bergeron level is still a great 2 way centre with a good 5 to 6 years left in the tank .this would give the bruins a great defense and add more scoring to not only take a run at the cup this year but for a few more years
Boston lacks toughness and seem to be easily pushed around, yet they have decent size players.
Maroon is definitely not the answer, watched him recently, he was on a breakaway and was easily caught from 20ft behind.
I will repeat my last week trade proposal:
Hampus Lindholm, Matt Grzelcyk ($750,000 retained) for Noah Hanafin, Christopher Tanev and a second round pick.
Lindholm would have to waive his not trade clause giving Calgary a top level dman on a very good contract for this season plus 6 more.
Why would Boston do it; Sweeney has always wanted Hanafin and would extend him, Tanev would give them some physical presence they are missing.
Carlo, McAvoy, Hanafin, Tanev, Forbort and Shattenkirk.
I don’t see H. Lindholm waiving his M-NTC to go to the Flames nor do I see the Flames agreeing to this deal as they want to get younger and faster. This does neither.
Once again, let’s be clear. The Flames are not trading their two best defensemen for Boston’s middle-aged, one being an undersized UFA and 2nd rounder. Just quit with it already. Yeesh.
Give them DeBrusk
H, just to be clear both Boston players are better then both Calgary players.
If that’s true Caper, how does that trade make Boston better?
Come on George, logic has no place here.
George O, great question.
The trade helps both teams, Lindholm gives Calgary a top 2 or 4 dman under a good contract for 6 years.
Grizz is a good second pair dman who can move the puck. He is an ufa that Calgary can move for further assets or sign him.
Some fans won’t agree on my take on the two Boston dman and that why we would have different points of view.
Both Calgary players are ufa’s. If you got a first round pick for Hanafin, i guessing the Calgary fan base be quite happy if he turned out as good as Lindholm. We already know Lindholm is good.
Hanafin is the player Sweeney tried to give his 3 first round draft picks to Calgary in 2015 to move up the board and draft him.
Hanafin and Tanev is not about the regular season for me, it’s about adding size and grit in the playoffs.
Both LIndholm and as per usual Grzelcyk were soft during the playoffs and seem to play scared and quickly got rid of the puck leading to far too many turn overs.
I should clarify that Lindholm is slightly ahead of Hanafin and Grzelcyk is more valuable than Tanev in the regular season.
My trade proposal is building a tougher team for the playoffs.
This trade doesn’t hurt Calgary for competing for a playoff spot this year. However if Calgary wants to bottom out then this trade isn’t for them.
I don’t think Hanafin makes you tougher Caper, but Tanev sure does. Hanafin can wheel and defend because of it.
H, both CGY guys are pending UFA’s who they are not currently negotiating an extension with, how much do you expect they will actually bring back in return? Hanafin will get you a first, and another good asset/pick/prospect but we’re not talking about a contender for the Norris Trophy here.
Lindholm is a very good D-man, he is 2nd on the B’s in ice time this year, first last year. And this is one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. Was 4th in Norris voting. I like Lindholm, and I don’t think we are contending for a cup with or without those 2 guys from Calgary.
I would keep Lindholm and wait and see on Hanafin in the off season. My guess is he tests the market, but just a guess. I would chase Lindholm’s cousin before Hanafin.
Ray, every Flames fan knows the big four UFAs left, and I get there is a reduced leverage on the return. However, why would we take GRZ and to burdened with flipping another UFA for nothing, and Lindholm is not waiving to come to Calgary with all its current baggage? Throwing in a second rounder is laughable. Hamilton is out, so I would talk to the Devil about their first rounder and prospects. That is the direction the Flames have repeatedly said they’re heading in. Just my thoughts, not offence.
No offence taken H, and agree Lindholm isn’t waiving, so kind of a moot argument. But we do lots of those on here!
I agree with Caper that Lindholm is very good value on that deal and worth a lot. It’s an overpay for Hanifin & Tanev who aren’t signed IMO even with Grz included to take salary back. Grz is a decent NHL player. But I get his thinking.
Agree there will be plenty of demand for Hanifin, how much will he get? I dunno, but the Orlov deal seems like a decent comparable if it is a pure rental. Plus the B’s got Hathaway and had folks eat salary. So unless a year of Hanifin is worth way more than a year of Orlov, I think I’m pretty close? And it might be, but not by huge.
Sign and trade? Maybe, that happens. We’ll see I guess.
Bruins haven’t had team toughness since 2011 and we know what hat team did
Yes, you made this suggestion last week.
And I asked you last week why you thought Calgary, who will be entering a rebuild, would be interested in a 30 year old Lindholm and a 30 year old (in 3 weeks) 3rd pairing defenseman in Grzelcyk?
Calgary would be giving up the youngest and best player in the trade as well as the 3rd best player (Tanev) and you want them to send a 2nd round pick your way as well??
Great from Bostons perspective but it does absolutely nothing for Calgary’s future.
Trades proposals need to have some semblance of balance.
Fair trade for both teams, Id rather wait till Hanafin is a free agent but its a fair trade
Caper
Sweeney not moving Hampus.
Hanafin will get a chance to join bruins in off season if he wants to. I think he does
Ray and H, agree Ray about Hanafin and furthermore Lindholm won’t waive
But I was disappointed on how Lindholm played against a in your face Florida team and I don’t think it had anything to do with injuries
H, it’s all fantasy. If you think the trade suggestion is laughable all good.
My reason for the 2nd rnd pick: imo Lindholm is the best trade value in the proposal, contract length, cap hit, age and quality of the player.
You have to pay for that, if you don’t think Lindholm is worth it and the wrong direction for your team. Ok
Boston gave Moore, Vaakalainaine, 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick for Lindholm. Vaak was a former 1st round pick. I will add, everyone in Boston including me here in Winnipeg would make that same trade today.
If your trading Hanafin at the deadline its going to be for a first but a late round first.
Holy sound like u should be wanting to keep him.
Found him soft in the playoffs.
Although Hanafin isn’t overly physical I don’t think he’ll play soft.
How about the Bruins going after both Elias Lindholm and Pat Maroon now
Marroon skates like he has broom all sneakers on.
How do the Bruins have a 18-5-3 record when they have 2 players in the top 50 in points,2 players in top 50 in goals, 1 player top 50 in assists,3 players in top 150 in hits, 3 players in top 55 in plus/minus…it just doesn’t add up..
Goalies better keep making saves…
Goalies playing around 41 games each will keep them fresh!Continuing to make saves!
Yep … paying a goalie $5 million per to play 41 games and another $3.5 million to play the same amount of games is a bad move … pick one and move on
Hey, if I was told the B’s would be first in their division and fighting for 1st overall in the NHL, at the start of the season, I would have thought you were on glue.
I’m thrilled with where they are and Zacha and the Coyler, have been very good in their new roles. Especially Coyle who is 39th in scoring for C’s and doesn’t get 1st PP unit time. That’s pretty darn solid isn’t it for $5.25M/year?
I think the majority of B’s fans on this site got to where Goss is above before the season even started. Or seemed that way to me.
Do I think the B’s have a realistic shot at the cup this year, nope. Will I enjoy watching them try in the post season if they get there? Yep.
The Bruins probably can’t make any big moves this year, but they can certainly upgrade that fourth line with some toughness and energy. The Laucko, Beecher and Steen line will not get it done in a playoff series.
Looks like the Bruins will have to trade to get themselves a legit 1st line center,( good luck with that ) the UFA centers there are a few but nothing that’s a game changer
Joe. Bruins will be what they are this year no big trades are coming enjoy them winning they are doing more than everyone thought possible
Tom Wilson would be just what the Bruins doctor ordered. Full no move and that contract, ouch, will not age well. Some how the Bruins keep getting it done with essentially one line.
Systems, and team buy in works. They are evidence of that.
Lindholm to CAR for KK a 1st and a prospect
Cgy gets a young center cost controlled and assets
Car gets upgrade 2c who is a 1c for their playoff run
They can also extend him by letting a Dman walk in free agency
Re; 🔥Calgary Flames & Boston Goaltenders Value
Center Elias Lindholm and his teammate & good buddy Noah Hanifin. I dont think Boston go after ether this season, However they will go after both July 1st than they dont have to give up assets/picks..
they have No 1st round picks in 2024 or 2025 draft. and a bit thin on prospects.
They Boston will also have Goaltender Linus Ullmark to trade as he will be a UFA at the end of next season 24/25…
Lots of Good teams need a final part to there teams need a Good #1 Starter like NJD & Carolina asap both of these teams that there weak link is Goaltending…. ❗️
Detroit, & Habs & Buffalo could also be in the market for a starter sooner than latter
all 3 have inconsistant goaltending 🤔
All 3 have tenders in the pip-ling… But they are a few years away and couple of years NHL experinnce also….❓
WW
Have to agree
The Habs were just going to wait on Pierre Luc Dubois. How did that work out ?
Dubois obviously didn’t want to be a Hab