NHL Rumor Mill – January 26, 2024
The Blue Jackets could listen to offers for Patrik Laine and Ivan Provorov plus the latest on the Senators and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
JACKETS COULD LISTEN ON LAINE AND PROVOROV
TSN: Darren Dreger reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is willing to at least listen to trade offers for winger Patrik Laine and defenseman Ivan Provorov.
He also indicated there were other players the Jackets GM could listen on but didn’t indicate who they were.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
Dreger said teams are interested in forward Boone Jenner but the Jackets captain is a “heart-and-soul guy” so it’s highly unlikely they’ll trade him. Their “untouchables” include young players such as rookie Adam Fantilli.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know which clubs would be interested in Laine unless they’re hoping to pay very little to get him and have the Jackets retain up to half of his $8.7 million average annual value through 2025-26. Injuries and inconsistent play have likely hurt his value in the trade market.
Provorov was acquired by the Blue Jackets last June from the Philadelphia Flyers. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $6.75 million and lacks no-trade protection. He has 23 points in 47 games and could still have value as a top-four puck-moving defenseman. Nevertheless, his cap hit could be a sticking point.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
TSN: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios said he’s been exploring all options for his club heading toward the March 8 trade deadline. He remains focused on adding experienced players with leadership ability who play a 200-foot game.
Staios said the market would dictate if he’ll be able to find such players this season. If not, he’ll continue looking in the offseason.
The Senators GM said he hasn’t approached Vladimir Tarasenko yet about waiving his no-trade clause. The 32-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a $5 million cap hit.
Staios also expressed his disappointment that Jakob Chychrun has come up in trade rumors. He’s not surprised other clubs covet the 25-year-old defenseman but said his club will try to find the cap space to sign him to a contract extension. Staios also doesn’t want to rush to a decision regarding his club’s core players leading up to the trade deadline.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes Staios seeks a gritty winger and a right-shot defenseman.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne observed Staios said he’ll keep Jacques Martin as interim head coach for the rest of this season while continuing to search for a full-time replacement.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think it’s only a matter of time until Staios asks Tarasenko to waive his no-trade clause. He’s likely waiting to see how the market develops for the scoring winger. That decision could come by late February.
The Senators aren’t under any pressure to move Chychrun as he’s signed through next season. They could consider shopping him during the offseason if any difficulties arise during contract negotiations. It’ll likely cost at least $8 million annually on a long-term deal to keep him in the fold. Combined with Thomas Chabot’s and Jake Sanderson’s cap hits, that would mean tying up $24 million in three left-shot defensemen, though Chychrun does play on the right side with the Sens.
KINGS TO STAY THE COURSE FOR NOW
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the struggling Los Angeles Kings intend to stay the course despite losing 12 of their last 14 games. That means no coaching change or trades, at least for now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are clinging to one of the wild-card berths in the Western Conference. If they slip out of contention, I think general manager Rob Blake will have little choice but to replace head coach Todd McLellan or shake up the roster with a trade.
I don’t watch the Kings so can’t comment on their play, but when you look at the roster there seems to be a ton of offensive talent that just isn’t producing. Is it the line combos? Is it the system? Something else?
Those problems would seem to lean towards coaching, so maybe McLellan needs to change the lines and ice time up a bit. He’s got to try something.
Re LA.kings
its the Kings Goaltending its Very Weak…. Cam Talbot is only good for 30-40 games a year then he is out hurt and run out of Gas he has already played 31 games…
look at the last 5 years and 5 diffrent teams he has played for….. you will get the picture 🤔
The big L.A. season signing has been a Big Bust
Pierre-Luc Dubois….
he only has
10G & 10 A in 45 games this year @$8.5 M…..
LA dont look like they did last year and could well miss the playoffs….❓
with the Preds & Blues & AZ and Kraken all on there tail within 4 points of each other…..
Daryl Evans was on 1440 talking to Gregor about the Kings yesterday.
What he said sounded like the Oilers early in the year. Different mistakes, by different guys each night. Tender being hung out to dry too often, and not saving their butt, ever. Plus, not scoring any goals. Death by a thousand cuts.
He said PLD has been inconsistent, but also hasn’t had any consistent wingers, so hard to get chemistry with anyone.
He thinks both PLD and the team will get it turned around, but better get on it soon.
@ Ray Bark,
I think PLD is getting a little too much of the criticism. He is what he is. LA knew that (or should have) when they signed him.
But he can produce offense if given opportunity and linemates. And he’s had neither consistently this year.
He’s not going to be a defensive star playing 3rd line minutes, so the coach needs to put him in position to maximize what he is.
foleyd, he also said they have been trying PLD on the wing at times lately, and gave Byfield a full game at C. Nothing to do specifically with PLD, but trying to get some offense, somehow.
One positive was Byfield was very good at C. They won that game 2-1, he scored the winner. Kid’s gonna be a player. And a big fast one at that.
Maybe PLD finds a home on the wing, who knows. When Arvidsson comes back soon, maybe they pair those 2 up.
The Kings are too good to keep struggling this bad aren’t they?
I don’t know who would trade for Laine at this time. He’s got two years left after this one on a large contract, doesn’t play hard, has a bad attitude and gets injured a lot.
Provorov on the other hand may be worthwhile.
The Finnish equivalent to Pierre-Luc Dubois. I think if Liaine got with the right set-up man…he’d flourish it just hasn’t happened. He has the size and skill. Tough spot.
The word in Ottawa is that Tarasenko has expressed interest in staying. I suppose if a great deal to a contender came up Staois might ask him if he wants to go? I think Chabbot is the odd man out here.
I wonder if anyone would call about Korpisalo.
I was thinking of Laine the same way Dark. Fitting that they were traded for each other.
Calgary should kick the tires on Laine. They need a shooter for Huberdeau. Might be able to get a bargain on him.
Maybe Calgary should offer Columbus Huberdeau for Laine?
They have both been huge busts.
Even out the cap hits with Calgary retaining $1M and give both guys a fresh start.
Just spitballing but….
Re; CBJ
if Blue Jackets are willing to listen to offers on 25 yr old RW/LW Patrik Laine $8.7M for 2.5 more years
they are going to have a Very Tough time trying to move him with 6 G & 3 A this year in 18 games even if they retain $4.M PA for the rest of his contract and its a player Swap
27 yr old LD Ivan Provorov who is good on the PP
could be an easy move at $4.7M for 1.5 more season
plays top 4….
The only place he wont be going is Ottawa…..😀
Zegras for Laine
But….either retain salary on Liane or add a 2nd.
Why would the Ducks trade for Laine? Seriously?
And why would Columbus trade for Zegras?
A Trade thought….
Laine $8. 7M @ 50% Retained @ 2.5 years left
to
The Oilers for Jack Campbell @ $5.M 3.5 years left
just spitting bullets🤔
its going to end up being a trade something like this with players and salary retained to make something work with Laine
CBJ would be lucky to get a 2nd round pick for Laine at this point. Pretty sad decline.
$4.725M is Provorov’s cap hit, as LA retained a bit in the trade. CBJ would only have to only about a$1M if taking some salary back in a trade.
Maybe the Pens go all in and make a move for Laine. Malkin could use a winger. How about Reilly Smith, Ryan Graves,prospect and a 2nd round pick.
The only thing in this entire trade proposal that has any value is he wnd round pick. All other pieces are playing like garbage, including Laine
Don’t think the pens are going anywhere….
They have to much money tied up in Erik Karlsson and Chris Letang on the D,
Pens and Caps both miss the playoffs this year and Both go into a Re-build/Re-tool
Pens are done. Only chance they have for a quick recovery is trading Crosby, which they seemingly will not do. As much as I dislike Chicago, I have to admire their willingness to not live in the past glory and to move on once a window is firmly shut.
Sjpp…Not a bad idea but That would leave us with only 3 top 4 defenseman…we are bad enough on D at times.
I was thinking Reilly Smith to Ottawa and maybe a pick for Vladimir Tarasenko.
Both are 32, both make $ 5 million, Tarasenko is a UFA and Smith has only one year left after this year.
Tarasenko another Russian could help Malkin and Reilly Smith brings a two way game to Ottawa???
I have no doubt Tarasenko will be traded this year. But I doubt they’ll be looking for a less productive winger with another year on the books.
They have 73 million committed to 15 players and 1 goaltender. Bringing back 5 million doesn’t leave much wiggle room.
Tarasenko more than likely won’t be returning a roster player with any kind of term beyond seasons end.
Sens will take Riley Smith, Nole Accari and Pierre-Olivier Joseph and the Penguins 2024 2nd round pick.
Penguins get Vlad Tarasenko and Thomas Chabbot who has experience making Karlsson look good.
If Tarasenko and Chabot could be had for a package like that, 25 other teams will out do that trade.
I get why Pittsburgh makes that deal, but why on earth wound Ottawa even consider it?
Captain, OTT fans have really soured on Chabot it seems. I can’t imagine he is playing that poorly, but haven’t watched him this year. Seems to be unanimous on here, probably something to it.
blackngold
Wouldn’t mind Tarasenko. Liked him from his St. Louis days. It would give Geno someone to hang out with too!
This was one of the most funny series of comments in a while:)
Columbus should trade Laine at 50% and see what they can get. Having a player like that on a rebuilding team is not good.
Agree that Chabot should be the man out in Ottawa due to the injuries
Dont think McLellan is the problem and agree on Talbot, they should get a goalie. Markström gets my vote since Calgary has to think about next season now. Retain 2m+Oesterle/Gilbert and get LAs first rounder this year, top 10 protected and Roy to make the numbers work
Why would Calgary want to make the numbers work when Markstrom is worth that without making numbers work?
I don’t know what’s gone down hill quicker, Laine’s play, or Laine’s hairline.
I don’t see any team taking a chance on him without heavy retention and sweetener.
Patrik Laine is on injured reserve, he isn’t tradeable at the moment.
He’s expected to be activated sometime on this road trip.
Laine can easily score 30 IF HE stays healthy. his attitude and game have matured
but he is a big man that gets injured it seems often.
not sure CBJ want to eat much salary unless the pick/prospect are worth it.
I get the distinct feeling that Staios might be okay with 3 Dmen making 8million each ha. I also believe that is he were to trade one, it would like be Chabot but that may not even be possible.
He description of his desire to have players that play the 200 foot game seems to reiterate that he wants Chychrun to stay.
Tarasenko is definitely gone. Not for any bad play reasons, but I feel like Staios wants to shed as much salary going into next season so he can start building from a cleaner slate.
Dead cap will be gone from expiring buyouts and retained salary. The cap goes up. Tarasenko expires. A few other random players will go away. Much more money to play with than Dorion had (but why Pierre decided that had to go to Tarasenko is still anyone’s guess).
First order will be Pinto re-signing I think. Then he will take stock. But I really get the vibe that he will use money to get Chychrun extended.
Tarasenko & Bruins are a nice fit
Tarasenko and the Bruins were always a nice fit in my opinion, but it hasn’t happened over the years so I am not sure if he doesn’t care for Boston, or if its the Bruin’s management that lukewarm to him. Or maybe it has been just cap issues that prevented this from happening, but I would like to see it.
Lindholm and Hanifin take your chances on signing one of them for Laine and Kent Johnson and conditional first on signing either Flame
Kings will be fine. One issue with Dubois is he is third line center behind Danault. It will be fine when Kopitar retires would not trust that goaltending but who knows.
Not sure how Jarmo Kekäläinen still has a job. Mind boggling. I think the Canucks can pry Jenner outta there. Jackets are going nowhere with or without him. Would be a nice versatile veteran and a Tocchet type guy.