NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2023
The holiday roster freeze is in effect through Dec. 27 but that hasn’t stopped the media conjecture. Find out how the Blue Jackets, Blackhawks and Senators could affect the trade market plus some recent Rangers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
BLUE JACKETS, BLACKHAWKS AND SENATORS COULD AFFECT THE TRADE MARKET
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently suggested the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators are beyond the point of no return when it comes to saving their seasons. He believes their struggles will beef up the trade market in the New Year, especially by the March 8 trade deadline.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets have two pending unrestricted free agents in goaltender Spencer Martin and forward Jack Roslovic who could end up getting shopped by the trade deadline. Proteau also suggested Patrik Laine could also become a trade candidate.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be surprised if Martin and Roslovic aren’t peddled by the trade deadline but I don’t see a market for Laine because of his contract. The oft-injured underachieving winger is signed through 2025-26 with an $8.7 million annual average value and a 10-team no-trade clause.
The Jackets can afford to wait until the offseason when clubs have more salary cap space to test the market on Laine.
Proteau noted that the Blackhawks have four pending UFA forwards in Nick Foligno, Tyler Johnson, Anthony Beauvillier and Jason Dickinson who could draw interest from playoff contenders near the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks remain very much in the middle of a roster rebuild. All four of those UFAs will likely be moved by March 8 for draft picks and prospects.
The Senators, meanwhile, have two pending UFA wingers in Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik who are bound to draw lots of attention in the trade market. Tarasenko would be among the top forwards available and could waive his no-movement clause to join a club that’ll give him a contract extension.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko remains a streaky scorer but when he’s hot he’d be a terrific short-term addition to a playoff contender. He also has Stanley Cup experience which should still make him an attractive trade option.
LATEST ON THE RANGERS
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent Rangers mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about the possibility of former Blueshirts like Tarasenko, Patrick Kane or the Minnesota Wild’s Mats Zuccarello returning to New York.
Staple would be interested in what the “buy now” cost for Tarasenko would be. He thinks he’d be worth a second-round pick right now but the Senators could hold out for more.
If the Detroit Red Wings fall out of playoff contention, Staple doesn’t think the Rangers will try to bring Kane back.
Zuccarello, meanwhile, has a two-year contract extension that kicks in next season with a reasonable $4.125 million AAV. However, the current Rangers management doesn’t have any special ties to Zuccarello, who is an important piece for the Wild.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t rule out Rangers GM Chris Drury making a move or two near the trade deadline to address any nagging roster needs. However, I doubt we’ll see Tarasenko, Kane or Zuccarello rocking the Rangers colors again.
Tarasneko and/or Kubalik will have to be dealt when Chabot comes back from LTIR and Pinto comes back from suspension.
Re; The Sen’s & NYR Trade
I think The Senators, have two Good pending UFA LW/RW wingers.
Vladimir Tarasenko X NYR Who could get them a first pick as he can Score would be a great addition to any team in the playoffs❓
Dominik Kubalik who could get the Sens a 2nd or 3rd pick can play 2nd or 3rd line and can score with the Right centre….❓
As the Sen’s dont look like they will make the playoffs this season
More rambling from Willie. Dude merry Xmas.
Same to you H….
Santa hopes your coment’s try to improve and
come true for 2024….😜 have a Great Xmas
PS
if the Sen’s hold some Salary back like 50%…?
There is no ressone they dont get a First round pick back for
Vladimir Tarasenko he is a Shooter and can play to six any where
Tarasenko fetching a first? no way.
Just a 2nd round pick for Tarasenko, which would be in the more like a 3rd depending where NYR finish seems likely, right guys? 😵💫
If there’s a bidding war for taresenko maybe he gets a 1st. I could actually see one of the conditional 1st things where a second turns into a first if conference finals are made etc.
All Chicago ufa’s are over priced. No one is taking Nick Folingo at $4m, i don’t value him at half that, the return will be very underwhelming.
I’ve come to the conclusion Jake Debrusk can not handle pressure. He couldn’t handle the demands of Cassidy and now he can’t handle the pressure of being in a contract year. For Jake it’s all between the ears.
Hey Caper,
I would not be Surpprized to see the Hawks Re-sign
Nick Folingo for an other year he looks like he is one of the good leader in Chicago for the young and
re-building Hawks.
Your Right about DeBrusk…. Realy Hot & Cold again this year…. ❗️
I dont think he is getting the big deal from the Bruins…..🤔
Bruins will not be resigning Debrusk he will be demanding too much.Kuzmwnko not very well in Vancouver apparently is in Tocckets doghouse.how about a swap of Debrusk with Lysell for kuzmenko and Vancouver holding back 1million dollars
To CMB: Hertl (50% retained) & Barabanov
To SJ: Fantilli, Johnson & Roslovic
CMB retains center depth and Hertl at 4m is solid. Age is in line with Johnny G and Laine and Werenski and Jenner (who is playing amazing). Also fits their cap
SJ gets Fantilli the prize for youth movement and can pair with Johnson and will Smith.
Win for both?
Lol
A loss for all that read that.
Fantilli?
Zero chance of that happening! Zero!
I don’t see San Jose trading those guys to Columbus when they could get McDavid, Matthews or Bedard back instead.
Lol! Perfect.
Giving up their future first line center (Fantilli) for a 30 year old Thomas Hertl.
Columbus is a rebuilding team just like San Jose.
The Laine and Gaudreau mistakes aside!
Kekolainen has already done enough to get fired but that should put him over the top.
That would be a huge mistake.
Re Columbus could shop Spencer Martin, do not think you can trade a player picked up on waivers? Not that he would bring much; but he is playing well and they are carrying three goalies