NHL Rumor Mill – December 28, 2023
Check out recent speculation about the Maple Leafs, Sabres, Predators, and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently looked at what the Toronto Maple Leafs have for potential trade assets in their quest to add a defenseman. He noted their lack of prospect depth and draft picks doesn’t leave them very much to bargain with.
Possible trade bait includes their 2024 first-round pick, promising goaltender Dennis Hildeby, forward prospect Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, forward Nick Robertson and defenseman Topi Niemela.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).
Siegel thinks rival clubs could be interested in forward Matthew Knies but he’s too valuable to their present and their future.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Siegel isn’t saying the Leafs will move those assets but is showing the potential cost if they intend to bolster their blueline for the playoffs. General manager Brad Treliving will likely make a move or two by the March 8 trade deadline. What he gets will depend on what he’s willing to part with. Stay tuned!
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reported last week that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams continues to resist making knee-jerk moves to help his struggling club. Nevertheless, he wonders what moves Adams could have in store if they hope to turn things around.
Harrington speculates on how close Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost or Eric Comrie are to going on waivers. Perhaps the Chicago Blackhawks will be interested in Olofsson with the losses of Taylor Hall and Corey Perry. He believes Adams must bolster his bottom-six forwards and improve their defense. It’s clear Erik Johnsson is their No.7 option on the blueline
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Harrington also pointed out the difficulty the Sabres face in making trades given how many clubs have limited salary-cap space right now. He recently acquired depth forward Eric Robinson from the Blue Jackets so I daresay he’s monitoring the trade market to see if there’s another deal to be had to improve his roster’s depth.
THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina examined why defenseman Dante Fabbro has been a frequent healthy scratch this season, which has resulted in his name surfacing in trade rumors.
Head coach Andrew Brunette said part of the problem was the Predators’ logjam on defense. Meanwhile, Fabbro isn’t making waves over the situation and tries not to think about his name popping up in the rumor mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fabbro’s situation could be alleviated if the Predators can find any takers for blueliner Tyson Barrie, who recently requested a trade. His agent received permission from GM Barry Trotz to speak with other clubs but it doesn’t appear a deal is coming soon.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch wonders what Senators president of hockey ops and interim GM Steve Staios has in store for the club in the New Year.
The expectation is that suspended center Shane Pinto will sign a one-year deal in the range of $875K. He knows he has no leverage and reportedly appreciates that Staios has been supportive in preparations for when he’s eligible to return to action on Jan. 21. He will be allowed to start skating with the club 10 days beforehand.
Pinto’s return could make Dominik Kubalik expendable. Garrioch claims the Senators have received some calls about the 28-year-old winger, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kubalik could indeed become the odd man out once Pinto returns but it could take some time to move him. Just because some teams have called doesn’t mean a deal will take place right after Pinto comes back.
Why would anyone give up anything of value for Robertson?
Robertson is still very young, and has lost large parts of the last 3 years due to injury. That means his development has been delayed, not that he is a bust. He still has potential. There are definitely teams that would welcome him to their roster. The only question is value. Some GMs will value him higher than others.
I hope they hold onto him. He could break out in the not-too-distant future.
The fact that he’s constantly getting hurt is the problem, not something to be taken lightly. The risk is that three seasons lost to injury will turn into four, five and six. Obviously he may still develop but right now no team will give up much for him. Too risky.
Leafs don’t need to trade anyone. Right now they have a house league coach. Play 4 lines cause everyone plays equally. Then, at the end of the game I’m aloud to put all my best players on the ice at the same time.
No trades, new coach.
To Penguins: Sheldon Keefe
To Leafs: Mike Sullivan
To San Jose: Robertson, Reaves (for salary cap balancing)
To Leafs: Mackenzie Blackwood.
Seems Buffalo could use a RD to play with Dahlin or Power, Tanev comes to mind. Would be a worthwile addition on a two year deal
They better find a goalie while they are at it!
How about getting a goalie?
Not that a vet goalie is a bad idea but if your goalie makes the first save it would would be nice if the D and forwards played a little D. This team is in shambles and it’s all on the coaches…first thing that should happen is fire the lot of them and start from there. How does your PP go from near the top of the league to the bottom of the league in a half a season?
This team is made up of small forwards who do nothing in their own end night after night, get beat on the boards and have trouble clearing the puck out of their own end which ends up in the back of their net.
Adams does nothing but smile, give the same BS answers to the same question time after time. If Pegula doesn’t care, sell the team to someone who does.