NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2024
Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jakob Chychrun, Patrice Bergeron and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
PENGUINS GM DISMISSES GUENTZEL TRADE SPECULATION
SPORTSNET: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he hasn’t had any conversations with other teams about Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Penguins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Dubas downplayed recent comments by Guentzel’s agent Ben Hankinson suggesting the possibility that negotiations could get ugly. He felt that Hankinson was referring to where the team is going in the next few years and that the agent didn’t mean for his comments to develop into the level of noise they received.
The Penguins GM said at some point they’ll determine together what’s best for both sides.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Dubas could consider trading Guentzel by the March 8 trade deadline if the club falls out of playoff contention and an agreement on a contract extension hasn’t been reached by then. We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold in the coming weeks.
WILD GM CONSIDERS FLEURY TRADE TALK PREMATURE
THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that it’s premature to start gauging the trade market for Marc-Andre Fleury. The 39-year-old goaltender is eligible for UFA status on July 1.
Guerin understands Fleury will draw interest from other clubs if the Wild fail to rise in the standings soon. Nevertheless, he said his team isn’t giving up on their season.
Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).
Fleury carries a full no-movement clause. LeBrun believes it would take a prominent role with another club for him to consider moving it.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sure a prominent role is out there for Fleury at this stage of his career. He remains well-liked but I think interested clubs would prefer him in a backup role.
COULD CHYCHRUN BE ON THE MOVE?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch suggests we keep an eye on Jakob Chychrun as Senators GM Steve Staios weighs his trade options. He cites sources claiming Staios is getting plenty of interest in the 25-year-old defenseman from other teams.
Garrioch claims the Edmonton Oilers are among the teams that could use some help on defense. They were in heavy pursuit of Chychrun last season which is why Garrioch thinks they’d be the best trade fit.
Chychrun is signed through next season with an average annual value of $4.6 million. Garrioch thinks Staios could meet soon with the blueliner’s agent to discuss a contract extension. If the numbers don’t add up, Staios’ discussions with other clubs could heat up.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t surprise me if Chychrun wound up on the trade block before deadline day. Staios didn’t acquire the rearguard and isn’t beholden to him. The Senators are a mess and changes must be made.
However, I’m not convinced the Oilers will be the best fit in terms of salary cap space. They’re pressed against the $83.5 million cap and only have $920K of projected trade-deadline cap room. It’ll have to be a dollar-for-dollar swap or a three-team deal with the Senators retaining half of Chychrun’s cap hit with the Oilers moving out a salaried player to make the dollars fit.
Let’s not forget that the Oilers were interested in Chychrun at the time because they were in the market for a left-side defenseman. They addressed that need before the 2023 trade deadline by acquiring Mattias Ekholm. What they need now is a right-side defenseman. I know Chychrun can play that role but he’s better off on the left side.
COULD BERGERON RETURN TO THE BRUINS?
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney discussing the possibility of Patrice Bergeron returning to the Bruins during a recent episode of their “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast.
Bergeron has been skating to stay fresh for the Bruins’ alumni games. Bissonette and Whitney mused over whether the former Bruins captain might be preparing for a February comeback.
Murphy casts doubt on that possibility, citing two sources who dismissed that notion. He also pointed out that Bergeron has repeatedly said he’s at peace with his decision to retire and considers him a man of his word.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergeron enjoyed a career that will make him a first-ballot Hall-of-Fame inductee. He’s got a Stanley Cup ring and won more Selke Trophies than anyone in league history. He’s got nothing left to prove and now wants to spend more time with his family. I’ll be shocked if he staged a comeback.
LATEST ON THE FLYERS
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently musing over Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings. Friedman observed that the 22-year-old winger hasn’t been playing much this season. Bailey wondered if this might be an opportunity for the Philadelphia Flyers to try and acquire Kaliyev if the price is right.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have been struggling of late. If they were to put Kaliyev on the trade block they’ll probably want a good roster player in return instead of draft picks and prospects.
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a recent report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Flyers could be interested in signing Nick Seeler to a contract extension.
However, a league source informed Kurz that no dollar figures were exchanged and the club doesn’t seem to be in a rush to do anything with Seeler or Sean Walker before the trade deadline. They could opt to retain both blueliners and try to make the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring injuries or a collapse in the standings between now and March 8, I think the Flyers will stand pat and push for the playoffs. After that, they’ll sit down with Walker and Seeler and see if they can negotiate new deals with them.
JETS IN THE MARKET
TSN: Darren Dreger reported Tuesday that the Winnipeg Jets are looking for an affordable fit at center and on their blueline as the trade deadline approaches.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also reported hearing the Jets would like to bolster their depth at center before the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal’s Sean Monahan could be a fit here but the Jets could face competition from other clubs to acquire him. Cost-effective blueline depth could include the Flyers’ Walker and Seeler and Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin.
CANADIENS NOT PLANNING TO TRADE XHEKAJ
TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said his club isn’t planning to trade Arber Xhekaj. The popular defenseman has been skating with their AHL affiliate in Laval since Dec. 4, prompting rumors that he might not fit into the club’s plans.
Hughes noted the Canadiens sent Xhekaj to Laval to work on improving aspects of his game. The improvement of Jayden Struble allowed them to do so. They want Xhekaj to improve his defensive play so he can help the Canadiens over the long term.
Of course Bergy and Krechi are coming back at the deadline that was the plan all along. Lol. Nope unfortunately they will not be returning 🥲
Kaliyev for Berggren might work. But Kaliyev seems to be pretty much a one way player, not that Berggren has it all together. This would be a change of scenery trade that might work out for both.
Interesting take on LA and Kaliyev. They will need to make room for Arvidsson who is scheduled to return mid-Feb some time. But he is also a UFA at the end of the year. Do they keep him or trade him for help? Kings are Cap strapped. Need a bonafide goaltender. Philly has Hart but what are they wanting in return. Much more than Kaliyev. Even if LA gets him he’s a RFA next season and will make much more than his $3.9M. Are they even willing to part with him? Unless Blake pulls a rabbit out of his hat I see LA fading the rest of the season.
Interesting to note. Kings have no goalies signed for next year.
Berry should return as an assistant coach. His presence , expertise, and popularity with his ex-teammates with be of tremendous boost to the team without the chance of injury as a player.
I don’t see Flyers trading Hart!
Why would they??
He is a true #1 goaltender, something half the teams in the league are looking for.
When you have one you don’t trade him.
Besides, Flyers are in the playoff race and have no motivation to trade their starting goaltender.
RE; The Oilers & Jakob Chychrun
Oilers are very close to the Cap. $83.5 million cap and only have $920K trade-deadline cap.
Going after Chychrun would be the 5th trade on the list and its Not going to happen this season as they dont have enough cap space
The Oilers need to address 3-4 things Before they they start working on the 1st RD position.❓
1st,
– Jack Campbell & his $5.M for 3 more years need to get traded out, a 1st and a top prospect going the other way
2nd,
-Oilers Still need a 2nd line RW to complet the top 6,forwards. Connor Brown has been a Bust now he is on the 4th line
3rd,
-Oilers still need a 3rd line centre like a kevin haynes from the blues
4th
-A 3rd goaltender….? not sure what they are thinking, but they need to play Calvin Pickard a little more so they dont burn out Stu Skinner who is a on roll now with Amazing numbers…👌
Williew, agree with the wish list, and agree the Oil will add, but likely just depth guys IMO. No cap $$, and have internal options. Say “middle 6” forward. My best guess:
1 – not gonna happen unless Holland has been infected by Chiarelli disease. All GM’s make mistakes, they don’t make it worse by paying more for them to go away when they don’t have to. The Oil don’t have to, as much as they want to. Too expensive.
2 – This could happen, just not sure how. They have Kane back up playing in top 6, and seems to answered the wake up call he was sent. Last couple games anyway. If he falls back, they will try Holloway there, or McLeod again. Holloway is playing C on his conditioning stint in Bakersfield, which is interesting. More natural position for him. Flexibility. Draisaitl on the wing? Either of those guys can play their off wing as well. Not sure the team has given up on Brown as much as the fans have. That was a serious injury/surgery, it takes time.
3 -#2 takes care of #3 as McLeod is back at 3C. He was playing like a true shut down C before they moved him up. The kid can skate and defend with anyone. Chipping in offence again too. I have no worries about him in that spot, in fact I think he’s great at it. Hayes isn’t a guy I would want in that role at playoff time. Can’t keep up, so can’t defend.
4 – Can’t see them spending assets on a tender, they really don’t need. That bad anyway. Agree they need to play Skinner less, as much as he says he likes the workload. Pickard has been fine.
If someone doesn’t earn the 2nd line winger roll you are talking about, that could happen, just not sure how they make the $$ work. Something to be said for the youth and speed up front, let Holloway and McLeod give it a go! They’re ready.
Agreed
Before anything happens regarding Trades
the Oil need to move Campbell and his $5.M contract to free up the caps space, it could cost them a Hollaway & a 1st pick
Or a Broberg & 1st or XB down in Bako
To one of the rebuilding teams with lots of cap space like the Hawks….❓
McLoed has been playing great at centre on the third line and the 2nd line of Kane – Draisasilt – Foegele has looked really good. I believe Money Puck has them ranked as the second-best line in the NHL that has played about 80 minutes or more together. Although I could be wrong, this was a quick look at a post on Twitter (Or X as it may be called now. lol)
The goaltending situation is interesting though. Skinner is playing the way he is expected to now and Pickard has been doing his part. He has won his last 3 games and they weren’t soft teams either in the Red Wings, Ducks, and the NJDs. They certainly aren’t top teams, but the Red Wings and NJDs aren’t easy either. I guess if they do anything at the goalie position I could see them going after Fleury IF he becomes available and he agrees to come to Edmonton. He has a NMC so IF he goes anywhere it will be to a team he wants to go to, and I don’t think Edmonton is on his list of places to go to.
Ken Holland has put my Oil in Cap purgatory with two bizarre overpays. Purse & Soupy. Between shoddy performance & contract terms & amounts theyre like food poisoning to all other teams; nobody wants anything to do with either of them
Williew why would any team give the Oilers a 1st round & top prospect for a goaltender who has the struggles that Campbell has? I think that would be an unrealistic ask wouldn’t you think?
Hi tommy, I think he meant EDM would have to add a 1st and prospect to get rid of him
Tommy
I believe he means oil will have to include a 1st and prospect to move Campbell
Correct MB4, and that might not be enough, which is why Holland will never do it. When it comes time to extend Skinner, assuming he keeps playing like a starter, might be the time. Should cost a little less to move by then as there will be less term left on Campbell’s deal.
Mr Bruin
Yes your right,
A 1st, and A top prospect and Campbell heading out for future’s……🤙🤙
Ok, my bad! Sorry about that, misunderstood!
Jacob Chychrun
It’s nice that the so called injury prone headline is forgotten. Never believe that. Yet the season is just at the half way mark so we shall see. Perhaps Ottawa should trade him before the massive garuanteed injury comes that many here believe is inevitable.
Mayself, I liked Chychrun since he arrived. I hope Ottawa can resign him and move out Chabot for a more physical D.
Heck I think Ottawa should talk with Winnipeg. Maybe Giroux will take a chance at the cup there. Bring Logan Stanley to Ottawa in some kind of multiplayer package.
Oh and then resign Giroux over the summer lol.
Jeff
Only problem with that is Giroux is not a ufa he is signed for another year
Duh! I thought this was his final years
yes Chychrun brings a well rounded game when he is healthy, but not on sold on how he will hold up when the intensity gets going for the playoffs if a contender brings him in.
had surgery on both knees, shoulder surgery, ankle surgery and a pair of wrist surgeries.
Jets should pursue Brock Nelson for second line center role.
I like it
Won’t happen.
surprised no talk of Tomas Novak NSH..UFA center
Jets and Bruins should be checking in on Novak
WW. Send Campbell brown and 2024 1st and 20261st to Anaheim for
Henrique and Silfverberg both 50% retained.
EDM gets upfront depth for playoff run
Ana can trade Gibson for a nice package to maybe Carolina or NJ who both need goalies
Ana can let Dostal play the bulk of the rest of this season to get valuable playing time with Soup as his backup
Winnipeg does not need Monahan…I would prefer they go after a player like Adam Henrique.
Campbell will be bought out in the summer. He is not even good in the AHL. If bought out he may end up in the east coast league at some point next year. Or Done.
I also believe his problem is 90% have mental. Which may be correctable but he is short on runway
Would not trade Holloway .