NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2024
The Sabres are rumored to be shopping Casey Mittelstadt, speculation over Max Pacioretty’s future, two Canadian clubs could have an interest in Alexandre Carrier, plus the latest on the Flyers and Sharks in the NHL Rumor Mill.
REPORT: SABRES ACTIVELY SHOPPING MITTELSTADT
AFTER THE WHISTLE: Andrew Peters said Friday that he’d heard “from a very reliable source” that Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is “shopping Casey Mittelstadt hard” because he doesn’t want to pay the 25-year-old forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’s in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million. The versatile forward enjoyed a 59-point breakout performance last season and currently leads the Sabres in scoring with 42 points in 50 games.
Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt (NHL Images).
Peters’ source didn’t know what Adams’ asking price would be for Mittelstadt but indicated that he’s looking for a goaltender. “They don’t trust the three that they have,” said Peters.
SPORTSNET: On Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mittelstadt’s contract situation. He believes Mittelstadt would not be happy not to get a lucrative new contract when several other teammates did. “If you’re not going to pay him, you almost have to move him.”
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Peters’ claiming the Sabres are shopping Mittelstadt. He believes the Flyers should pursue him and suggested offering up right-shot defenseman Sean Walker as part of the return.
COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal also noted Peters’ report about Mittelstadt. He believes the Sabres forward would be a good candidate for the Avalanche’s second-line center position. However, a young forward under team control for a few more years would be expensive to acquire.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes last month suggested Mittelstadt could be available if Adams didn’t want to sign him to a long-term extension. He shrugged off the speculation while Adams has not spoken about it.
Mittelstadt will draw plenty of interest in the trade market if Adams is indeed peddling him. Finding a reliable, established starting goaltender, however, won’t be easy as the pickings are slim right now.
Maybe Adams could offer up Mittelstadt to the Calgary Flames for Jacob Markstrom provided the latter would waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. Perhaps a deal could be made with the Nashville Predators for Juuse Saros provided he’s willing to sign a contract extension on July 1. Anaheim Ducks starter John Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill stretching back to last season but the Sabres could be on his 10-team no-trade list.
COULD THE CAPITALS ATTEMPT TO MOVE PACIORETTY?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun speculated the Washington Capitals could become sellers if they don’t gain ground soon in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their pending unrestricted free agents include Anthony Mantha, Joel Edmundson and Max Pacioretty.
Pacioretty carries a full no-movement clause giving him and his agent complete control over his situation. However, LeBrun believes he could waive it for the right fit and a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
LeBrun thinks Mantha could be difficult to move even with retaining some salary. Edmundson’s playoff pedigree, meanwhile, could make him enticing to a contender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty is on a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million plus another $2 million in performance bonuses. The six-time 30-goal scorer has seven points in 14 games thus far in his comeback with the Capitals.
LATEST FLYERS SPECULATION
SPORTSNET: In Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek talked about possible trade-deadline moves for the Philadelphia Flyers.
They believe they are contemplating retaining Sean Walker and moving Rasmus Ristolainen. The latter would be easier to trade in the offseason for financial as well as hockey reasons.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen, 29, lacks no-trade protection but carries a $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. He would be easier to move this summer when teams have more money to absorb that type of cap hit. However, he could still be a difficult sell unless the Flyers are willing to retain some salary.
They also believe Scott Laughton’s time with the Flyers could be drawing to a close. It could happen at the trade deadline or in the offseason.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, 29, is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing. He carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26 and lacks a no-trade clause. He could attract a fair bit of interest in the trade market.
UPDATE ON THE SHARKS
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting Mikael Granlund might fetch the best return for the San Jose Sharks in the trade market.
Peng noted that the 29-year-old two-way center has bounced back this season with 29 points in 38 games. He carries a $5 million AAV through next season and lacks no-trade protection.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited The Fourth Period recently claiming the Vegas Golden Knights are interested in Anthony Duclair.
The 28-year-old Sharks winger has just 17 points in 46 games this season with San Jose but was a productive middle-six forward for the Florida Panthers during their run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. He’s in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $3 million.
Gaudio’s colleague Max Miller cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there are teams with an interest in Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen. The pending UFA has put up good underlying numbers this season but doesn’t have a resume in high-pressure games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the three, Duclair seems the more likely to move given his cap hit and his performance in last year’s playoffs.
Granlund’s cap hit remains difficult to move unless the Sharks retain part of it. Having used up two of their three salary-retention slots on Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, I doubt they’ll keep any part of Granlund’s cap hit to facilitate a trade.
Kahkonen’s inexperience in playoff action will be an issue for contenders shopping for goaltending depth.
OILERS & CANUCKS COULD BE INTERESTED IN ALEXANDRE CARRIER
NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if the Edmonton Oilers might be looking at Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier as a trade option. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Thomas Drance recently mentioned Carrier as a trade target for the Vancouver Canucks.
Gallagher noted that Predators GM Barry Trotz isn’t necessarily shopping Carrier but is willing to listen to trade offers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier could be an attractive option for contenders with limited cap space looking for an affordable defenseman. He carries a $2.5 million cap hit, lacks a no-trade clause and is slated to become a UFA this summer.
Gallagher also noted the Predators are trying to move blueliner Tyson Barrie following his trade request back in December.
Buffalo spent too much money on his D corps,and they are still looking for a goalie!Have no money left for leading scorer,tough spot to be in!Sounds like a perfect spot for Ullmark,probably already owns a home,condo there from previous seasons!Bruins could take Middlestadt off your hands!
What do the Bruins have that Buffalo wants?
What does Buffalo have the bruins want is the real question lol
DeBrusk or Geeke, a 1st and DePietro for Mitts
Buffalo gets their goalie of the future, someone that will be cheaper and less term than Mitts, and a pick that is more like a high 2nd
Boston gets a good, young C that will vie for a top 6 position.
Hey Randino,
Buffalo, Boston Trade…
Buffalo #1 need is a Real Starting goaltender
to be there starter,
But only if its a Sign & Trade deal for a goaltender for RFA Mittlestad who had 59 points last year & has 42 point so far this year….⁉️
Not sure Ullmark wants to go back to Buffalo but what about a three way trade?
To NSH: DeBrusk & Ullmark
To BOS: Mittelstadt & something
To BUF: Saros & Glass
Win for each team?
I haven’t watched Mittlestadt much, but he puts up points. Can anybody comment on his overall game? Why they are trading him is a good question. I would take Cozens too if they just have too much money tied up in C’s. The kid will be a player IMO.
My guess is BUF would want Swayman if dealing with BOS. B’s would want Luukkonen back for their #2, and in case they can’t re-sign Ullmark, which shouldn’t be that hard if they are fair with the $$. Luukkonen has played pretty well hasn’t he judging by the #’s. High pick for a tender as well.
What else would BUF want? C’s cost more than tenders usually.
If it isn’t crazy for the add, I would do that if Middlestadt plays a decent 200′ game, big IF I guess.
I’m fine with Ullmark as the clear #1. Or Swayman, either one is fine. 2 is a luxury that will get way more expensive this off season.
I doubt Ullmark has Buffalo on his trade list!
Markstrom for Mitts! But i doubt he would go to Buffalo ethier!!!!!!!
Markstom and Tanav ($1.5M retained) to NJ for Meier
“Have no money left for leading scorer,tough spot to be in!”
Huh!? Look at the Sabres cap situation and then feel free to change your sentiment.
Why Don t they just sign Mitts if they have the money you say they have?
Mittlestad will want Cozens money who he is outperforming
they paid Cozens too soon imho
SteveR, the Sabres definitely have the money. That’s an easily provable fact
The questions are: 1) do they want to sign him? (Or do they need to change the org. mix?) 2) Does CM want to sign with Buffalo?
After watching them today against St.Louis,they need to do something!
Because they NEED a goalie real bad & Mitts isn’t tied into a long term deal like Adams did with a bunch of them. Nobody looking to take on 7-8yr deals costing 7-8per at the trade deadline
Buffalo has 9 mill in cap space and could be 14 million if they move out Ollofsson. Next year Buffalo has no cap issues, our top two centers are signed cheap for 6 more years. We only have 3 D men signed, Dahlin, Power and Clifton. They are sitting in a great spot for next year, the cap is going up big next two seasons.
Samuelsson……?
The Sabres would be absolutely nuts to trade. Middlestadt. A really fine young player who’s getting better. Pay Him!!!
Friedman just reported on HNIC that the Sabres are looking for players who can help out now. That leaves the Habs out, as much as I’d love for them to pick up a guy like that,
I know there is no way Lou would do it, but I would love to see the Islanders offer Varlamov along with Scott Mayfield and Wahlstrom. Mittlestadt on the LW with Horvat and Barzal sounds great. The Islanders have also considered moving out Pageau and Engval for Cap space, with the market for centers I don’t think they would have trouble moving Pageau.
Why would Anthony Mantha be a tough move?
Washington would hold some salary. Martha has the frame for playoff hockey.
Mantha has 16 goals in 45 games.
I think he makes 5,7, so even with 50% its close to 3m which a lot of teams cant handle
His inconsistency is the issue, Caper. The Capitals tried moving him last summer and couldn’t find any takers. His market value could be better this season given those 16 goals and I don’t doubt the Capitals would retain some salary if they got a suitable return.
Who in their right mind takes Granlund for 5m?
I think Markström would accept trade to Buffalo, but Calgary would have to retain 1,5-2m for it to work for Buffalo, so would take more than CM
Duclair to Vancouver for a 3rd+6th with 40% retained
How in the world can the Avs afford any player that would clearly fill the 2C spot for them? First off, they’d have to trade significant capital to acquire them and they are very thin on that front. Second, someone getting paid $6-7M is going to cost them at least two roster players in the offseason to make room for that unnamed 2C and they’ll still have very little space to not only replace those players they trade but also the other empty roster spots. It simply does not work for the Avs to acquire an expensive 2C so all the pundits and fans that think the Avs should “go for it,” need to get real.
Re Preds,
any time you hear about them….. its always Predators GM Barry Trotz isn’t necessarily shopping Player X…..🤔
Im sure he is not sanding still, his team is mediocre and look s like it a re-build thats coming
When December rolls round The Preds top 4 d will be Very Very Old,
33, 34, 35, & 35….⁉️ and there is no real star coming up to help them on defence.
When they eventuly trade Goaltender Juuse Saros
they should be looking to get a PP specialist top 4 d man back in return …🤔
“To put some cold water on the report, shortly after Richardson’s article was published in Spector’s Hockey, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News quickly downplayed the reports, citing that the Sabres are more than comfortable moving forward with a tandem of Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. In Lysowski’s defence, Luukkonen has been rather remarkable over his last 10 games, putting together a 6-4-0 record since December 30th all while averaging a .940 SV%.”
Lyle, what say you?
Johnny, Lyle consolidates what is in the “rumor mill”, he doesn’t write them or claim to have inside info.
He posted what Andrew Peters was reporting, along with the others.
So perhaps you should ask Mr. Peters “what say you”
OK, Ray. I see Lyle’s comment that he did not add to Peter’s speculation, but he did not refute it either. I was only trying to get his more expert opinion on it. I value Lyle’s take more than most.
For those of you not in the Buffalo area, please note that Andrew Peters “scoops” never happen. His inside information almost always seems to be made up.
Except his Eich to Vegas one did turn out right.
Does Patches to EDM make sense? Guy can score when healthy and I think the cap hit works for EDM