NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2023
The latest on the Leafs’ search for a defenseman, an update on the Oilers’ Philip Broberg, plus speculation on Chris Tanev, Tyson Barrie, Jake Allen and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON THE LEAFS
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is looking to see what’s on the trade market with defensemen John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Mark Giordano sidelined by injuries.
Treliving said he wants to improve his defense but there aren’t a lot of high-end defensemen available at a low cost. It’s believed the Leafs GM wants to bring in a right-shot blueliner with an edge to their game.
Friedman believes the Leafs took a long look at Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen, who has three seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million. However, he doesn’t think the Flyers are in a rush to move him when they’re currently playing well. He also wondered about the San Jose Sharks’ Matt Benning, who’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $1.25 million.
Another possibility is unrestricted free agent Ethan Bear. However, the Vancouver Canucks would like to bring him back and there are other clubs also interested.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also weighed in on the Leafs’ pursuit of a defenseman, citing a source claiming Treliving remains interested in the Flames’ Chris Tanev. He’s in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Garrioch claims there’s a belief around the league that Flames owner Murray Edwards is in no hurry to help his former general manager.
Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving denied this during an interview with Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne and Nick Kypreos, claiming he has “a great relationship with the people of Calgary.”
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran also cited Tanev as a possible trade target. The Flyers’ Sean Walker and the Columbus Blue Jackets Andrew Peeke could also be available.
McGran noted that help is on the way for the Leafs as Liljegren is close to returning to action. He also pointed out that their defensive numbers have improved since Klingberg was sidelined thanks in part to call-ups Simon Benoit and William Lagesson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving will continue to search for a deal that makes sense in terms of return and cap hit for the Leafs. As long as his club is in the thick of the playoff race he can take his time and wait for the trade market to improve.
Ristolainen didn’t make sense in terms of cap hit unless the Flyers are willing to retain half of his salary. Benning would be affordable but that doesn’t mean he’s available. Treliving could kick tires on Bear but I don’t think he’ll be coming to Toronto.
BROBERG ON THE BLOCK
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that Philip Broberg may not have received official permission from the Edmonton Oilers to seek a trade but “the word is out and teams are interested.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the difficulty Broberg’s faced cracking Edmonton’s defense corps, I doubt the Oilers will get much of a return for him. Interested clubs will look at him as a cheap reclamation project.
THE LATEST FROM GARRIOCH’S WEEKLY “INSIDER TRADING”
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Calgary Flames might not be done attempting to re-sign Noah Hanifin. Talks broke off earlier this season with the 26-year-old defenseman, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. There’s been no shortage of interest in him in the trade market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides were reportedly close to a seven-year, $60 million extension back in October. However, it’s believed Hanifin wanted to wait and see how the season unfolded and the Flames withdrew the offer.
Garrioch believes the New Jersey Devils could be a good fit for Tyson Barrie. The Nashville Predators have allowed the 32-year-old defenseman to speak with other clubs about a trade. The Devils will be without puck-moving blueliner Dougie Hamilton for a while as he’s recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes saying the Devils have been impressed by the play of call-up Simon Nemec following Hamilton’s injury. Rather than pursuing another offensive-minded defenseman, Weekes suggested they might have more interest in a stabilizing blueliner such as Calgary’s Chris Tanev. Nichols also mentioned the Anaheim Ducks’ Ilya Lyubushkin or the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker.
Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis is in the market for a goaltender. It’s believed he reached out to the Montreal Canadiens, who could be willing to move Jake Allen or possibly Cayden Primeau. The Buffalo Sabres have also sniffed around Allen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen is earning an AAV of $3.85 million through 2024-25 with a seven-team no-trade clause for this season. The Habs might have to retain part of his cap hit to make a deal work if they’re willing to move him.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are willing to discuss “just about anybody” when it comes to the trade market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets already made a move by shipping depth forward Eric Robinson to Buffalo yesterday. Rookies Adam Fantilli and David Jiricek are out of bounds. They’d probably love to ship out disinterested winger Patrik Laine but his $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2025-26 is a showstopper.
Teams are kicking tires on the Winnipeg Jets’ Logan Stanley. The Jets are shopping the 25-year-old defenseman but teams are looking into seeing what it would take to land him.
Ristoleinen is the last player the Leafs need. Even putting aside his cap hit, he’s primarily been an offensive D-man and his offensive numbers have dropped like a rock the last few years.
He doesn’t have the defensive ability and edge that the Leafs need. His underlying defensive numbers have improved lately but that seems more a result of his playing fewer minutes and against weaker players.
The Leafs should stay away from him.
The Leafs best option and fit is the Calgary Flames 🔥
UFA RD Chris Tanev @$4.5M
To play with LD man Reiley
Now Klingberg @$4.1.M is done for the year
The Leafs may go after him, I’m sure Calgary want a good prospect & pick for him..❓🤔
Re;Flames🔥1st par d/man
I think we all know bye now UFA Noah Hanifin is going home to play for his hometown team
Boston Bruins ….❗️✔️✔️
Totally agree.
Tanev and Reilly give Leafs a true top pairing.
Not equal to the best in the league by any stretch but better than the Leafs have had for years!
As well, it allows Leafs to drop Brodie down to the LHD slot on the 2nd pairing with Liljegren or the RHD on the 3rd pairing with McCabe.
Giordano (when he gets back) can resume being the 7th D.
It would take a lot of pressure off Brodie who has seen his play deteriorate considerably this season.
Whose decision was it to let Luke Schenn go instead of paying him what nos looks like a fair deal for what he offers, which is more than snot.
Why would Calgary do any favors for Treviling. Would Toronto do any favors for Kyle Dubas?
Unlike Dubas and Treliving, Conroy was Treliving’s assistant GM in Calgary. There is a close relationship there. However, it sounds like Murray Edwards is no fan of Treliving’s.
Whose decision was it?
Leafs are looking for a RHD with grit.
Schenn would look pretty good.
Leafs are looking for a puck moving defenseman?
Gustafsson would look pretty good.
Instead we got Klingberg and Reaves.
Whose decision?
Treliving!!!!!!
I don’t think the Habs will need to retain salary on Allen. He’s a really good goalie. It’ll be a fair swap or a slight win for Hughes if he moves at all.
The salary retention might be needed on the part of the buyer, doesnt have to reflect the value of Allen perse
Former Oiler Kent Nilsson is one of my favourite Oilers players of all-time. He could skate and handle the puck like it was on a string–so much fun to watch, playing alongside Messier and Anderson. Great team in those days.
SOP, the Habs are going nowhere fast and have few offensive prospects in the pipeline. I very much hope the Habs move Allen as I’d rather have them finish as low as possible rather than being in draft’s no man’s land by finishing 6 points out of a playoff spot.
This past draft: Bedard, Fantilli, Carson … mind, the Habs drafted KK over Tkachuk …
WHO???? Remember that incredulous couple at that draft?
Actually, I don’t remember George. And in fairness, KK was rated the top center in the draft. But hey, it’s a rainy day and my team sucks, so …
LJ, it was a man and a woman, decked out in Habs sweaters, waiting for their pick announcement with the talking heads tossing around a few probable names (which, at that time, did not include Kotkaniemi), headed by Brady Tkachuk … and when they chose the Finn the camera focused on that couple who had an incredulous WHAT??? expression (I mistakenly said WHO)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB11YkzRSjk
Too funny! Thanks.
LJ,
The story at the time was that the couple were Filip Zadina’s billet family but it turned to be just a rumor.
Zadina had more goals and assists than Svechnikov and they were seen as #2 and #3 .
So, they and most Hab fans were shocked at passing on Zadina to pick KK.
My quarterly Leafs report card:
A- (exceeding expectations individually)
Joseph Woll, William Nylander, Simon Benoit, William Lagesson, Noah Gregor
B+ (meeting expectations)
Matthew Knies, David Kampf, Mark Giordano, John Tavares, Timothy Liljegren
B (high and low, inconsistent production but higher ceiling attainable)
Austin Matthews, Mitch Marner, Nic Robertson, Max Domi, Ilya Samsonov
B- (consistent, good work ethic but non factor in game situations so essentially filling a sweater and expendable)
Calle Jarnkrok, TJ Brodie
C (mistake prone, liabilities on the ice)
Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan Reaves, John Klingberg
Overall team assessment: soft, void of leadership, forwards who don’t finish checks, forecheck, stand up for each other, porous defense and better goaltending than most realize if than can shore up what’s in front of it
Takeaway message: 23 players with 20 players who play with eggs in their pockets, 2 of the remaining 3 who are goalies and aren’t supposed to have contact and one who can’t hit because he’s warming up the bench. Might as well lay the eggs for the others while he’s sitting there.
Recommendations:
1. Sign Nylander to max 8 yr term to spread out cap hit over rising projection so it’s a good contract over the long term
2. Not signing or trading Nylander will mean Leafs will be held hostage by Mariners next contract negotiation. Good luck with him and company taking a home town discount.
3. Trade for true grit: players like Sam Bennett, Radko Gudas, Ilya Lyabushkin, Chris Tanev, Luke Schenn both up front and on defense
4. Anoint Woll starting position and give him the starts needed to grow his potential.
5. Put Bertuzzi on the fourth line and give Gregor a look. If Bert didn’t have a clause in his deal he should be sent packing.
6. One true checking line.
7. One true hitting line.
8. Two consistent scoring lines.
9. Someone with testosterone to play with Reilly. He hit another level in the playoffs last year with Schenn.
10. If forwards don’t hit, forecheck, backcheck hold them accountable. Coaches like Rick Tocchet, Rod Brind’Amour and John Tortorella do this for all players not just a few.
Laine for Chabbot straight up
No thanks,
Laine looks like a very expensive Bust just like his last two teams @ $8.M…❗️❗️❗️
no way. at least Chabot has a good attitude…
No. The last thing the Jackets need is yet another defenseman when they have 9 NHL experienced blueliners.
Jarnkrok, Brodie and Bertuzzi lead the Leafs in plus/minus. It’s not the most reliable stat, but at least a suggestion that they are more than “filling a sweater.” Perhaps your big guns should learn to play on their own side of the red line once in a while.
Järnkrok has 5+7 in 22 games and is plus 8 in 15 minutes of ice time, 1,39 of which is SH. Corsi is over 50% while 42% of his starts are in the D zone.
Sure, non factor player and expendable….. In my book, he is a great player for what he costs
A comprehensive assessment Frank.
I don’t watch the Leafs much but I don’t get this “snot” theme. Seems to me that imbalance has been the Leafs issue come playoffs, particularly not good enough on D and in net. That and an inability to switch to a playoff mentality.
Your team, your call …
Re; Oilers young d/man
Friedman jumped the gun there with Philip Broberg
Did not have received official permission from the Edmonton as per GM Holland for a trade sounds like teams are interested….
I think he or Hollaway will be part of a package & 1st or 2nd pick to move Campbell out if his game dose not improve down in Bako
I wouldn’t trade him if I was Holland, he is their 7th D man, but he needed to be playing, plus waiver exempt, so he is Bakersfield.
Tough break as the plan was to play him with Ekholm, who then got hurt missed camp, plus Oil came out of gates brutal and had to win games. Growing pains from a young D went out the window. Sucks for him, but the way it is.
The Oil will get an injury on the back end, he will get called up. So unless they get forced into trading for a tender, by an injury or Skinner hits the skids again, I keep him.
Plus why sell low. Maybe he gets it at the NHL level, maybe he never will, but the physical tools are there for all to see. Holland has time to find out, so use it.
IMO
Lyle and all,
Is Nick Leddy the type of player that the Devils (or the Leafs) would have interest in—it would allow the Blues some cap space and maybe a mid round pick.
Also, I think I would have some interest is a Perunovich for Broberg swap. Would like to package Vrana somehow as well–any interest Oilers?
IP
If the Oilers want a d-man in return for Broberg I think they would want one with size and the potential to be strong in his own zone, not a small offensive d-man.
Honestly, I think that they will be looking to use Broberg in a deal to get a goalie.
Once upon a time, Leddy certainly would’ve had value to the Devils and Leafs. I’ll be surprised if they were to pursue him now. His performance and his stock has declined in recent years.
Did Tuuka Rask just sign back in Boston for one year ?
Nope Rask just suited up cuz Swayman under the weather
He’s the EBUG.
Just putting this out there. What do the readers think about Calgary hiring an American company to manage the project for the new arena. Maybe Alberta should reconsider their part in the development. There are lots of Canadian companies that could do this job!
Hey, whatever happened to the “Alberta Advantage”? 😉
Our provincial government has killed it.
The partnership construction the new arena is CANA and Mortenson.
CANA is Calgary owned/based and built the Saddledome & Mortenson is US based with a bunch of experience building large sports facilities, like this one.
What’s wrong with that plan? Flames can use whoever the heck they want to, free market.
Provincial money to pay American companies where it could use Canadian enterprises. Makes no sense to me!
I am a diehard Oiler fan and the Broberg camp are off the mark if they belief he deserves more opportunity than he is getting at this time.
The Oilers back end is weak. Each season Broberg has a good training camps but never take the step forward when inserted into the lineup. He would make costly mistakes and coaches don’t trust his play. He’d be very inconsistent. Desharnais was ranked lower on the depth chart but earned his minutes not be being great but being consistent in his play.
Broberg couldn’t earn a regular spot under Tippett, Woodcroft (gave him 46 games to try) or Knoblauch…3 coaches can’t all be wrong.
Broberg is only 22 and has 79 NHL games played and an outside chance develop to a second pairing guy on a weaker team but more likely suited for 3rd pairing like Kulak is.
If it were me since he’s an RFA at end of season, unless the return is decent, I’d keep him in the Bakersfield. I’d be honest with him and say…”defense will be retooled in the off season. You will be given every chance to make the roster next season – fresh start out of camp with a coach who hasn’t seen him play” I’d not give up on him yet though. If Ceci, Kulak or Desharnais go down…he may get another his shot this season. I don’t believe Holland has written him off. His agent yes, but not Broberg. He was patient in the Puulujarvi situation. Holland can be patient here.