NHL Rumor Mill – February 29, 2024
Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars, Bruins, Senators, Predators, Rangers, Islanders, Leafs, Flyers, Kraken and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST FROM “KYPER’S KORNER”
THE TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reported hearing the latest offer to Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks is an eight-year, $96 million contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported the Canucks had made progress in negotiations with the Petersen camp on a possible eight-year deal. $96 million over that period is an average annual value of $12 million. Stay tuned!
Kypreos expects the Dallas Stars could pursue another defenseman after adding Chris Tanev and only taking on 50 percent of his salary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames retained 50 percent of Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit with the Devils picking up $1.125 million and the Stars $1.125 million. Nevertheless, as Kypreos points out, the Stars have the cap space ($2.05 million) to add another defenseman if they wish by the March 8 trade deadline.
The Boston Bruins are pushing hard to acquire Noah Hanifin. The Calgary Flames seek “three significant pieces” from the Bruins for the 27-year-old defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I jokingly suggested Jake DeBrusk for Hanifin yesterday. In reality, it will be daunting for the Bruins to pull this off. They don’t have any picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft to draw on for trade bait, their prospect pool is shallow and there aren’t many roster players they can afford to part with.
I’m not saying the Bruins can’t meet the Flames’ asking price but other clubs with more cap space, draft picks and prospects could outbid them.
The goalie market is shrinking. Marc-Andre Fleury, John Gibson and Juuse Saros are unlikely to be moved by the trade deadline. Meanwhile, teams could be less willing to pitch a mind-blowing offer to the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since this was published, the Wild stated they’re not trading Fleury while the Predators intend to hang onto Saros while they’re in playoff contention. Gibson’s contract remains too expensive for the Ducks to move in the offseason. The Devils were interested in Markstrom but the Flames aren’t willing to retain half of his $6 million average annual value, which runs through 2025-26.
UPDATE ON THE BRUINS
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL hockey operations executive saying it would be a gutsy move by the Boston Bruins to trade goaltender Linus Ullmark before the trade deadline.
The executive gave Shinzawa three reasons why it would make sense to move Ullmark. It would allow them to upgrade other areas of the roster, and free up $5 million in cap space, and Jeremy Swayman is ready to be the full-time starter.
However, Shinzawa believes moving Ullmark would require adding an experienced backup for Swayman as promising Brandon Bussi hasn’t played an NHL game yet. Finding a suitable trade partner for Ullmark, who has a 16-team no-trade clause, could be difficult.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out trading Ullmark by the deadline but that move seems more likely in the offseason. A strong goalie tandem has enabled the Bruins to jockey for first overall in the standings in what was supposed to be a transition season for the club.
Shinzawa also considered it unlikely that the Bruins would move defenseman Matt Grzelcyk at the trade deadline. That would mean risking his departure this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports winger Jake DeBrusk confirms his contract extension talks with Bruins management have stalled. That’s raised questions over whether the 27-year-old winger will be traded to a team like the Edmonton Oilers by the March 8 deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Bruins trading DeBrusk solely because of his pending UFA status. They won’t move him (or Ullmark or Grzelcyk for that matter) for draft picks or prospects. They’ll want a return that helps them contend for the Stanley Cup this season.
They could move one of them for picks and prospects to clear cap space to move another player for immediate roster help. If that’s not possible, they’ll likely keep DeBrusk as an “own rental” for the playoffs and deal with his contract situation after that.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
TSN: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug there was no truth to social media rumors claiming captain Brady Tkachuk was on the trade block.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).
“That could not be further from the truth,” said Staios. “There’s obviously no truth to that. We’re building this team around Brady Tkachuk and the type of person, player, and leader that he is.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That hasn’t stopped some pundits from speculating over the possibility of the team they cover acquiring Tkachuk. If you’re gonna dream, dream big.
Staios also addressed recent Jakob Chychrun rumors, once again expressing his disappointment that the defenseman’s name has been mentioned again. However, he acknowledged that conversations come up with other clubs and names get bandied about.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios also expressed disappointment last month over Chychrun’s name surfacing in the rumor mill. At that time, he said he hoped to re-sign the 25-year-old blueliner, who has a year remaining on his contract. By the sound of things, teams are asking Staios about Chychrun. It doesn’t sound like he’s shopping him but he could at least be listening to offers.
The Senators GM also said Vladimir Tarasenko is drawing some interest in the trade market. However, he didn’t commit to moving the 32-year-old winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumored asking price for Tarasenko is a second-round pick and a prospect.
WHAT ARE THE PREDATORS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators’ surge up the standings will affect how general manager Barry Trotz approaches the trade deadline. He’s balancing long and short-term needs but LeBrun believes he’s in a hold or add position.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t be trading away Juuse Saros unless someone is willing to overpay for the privilege. They’ll also likely hang on to defenseman Alexandre Carrier.
THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty noted that Trotz hopes to re-sign forward Tommy Novak, a player he’s mentioned as someone he didn’t want to lose to free agency this summer. He listed the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning as possible destinations if Trotz decides to move Novak by the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Novak is another that Trotz could hang on to even at the risk of losing him to free agency. If he doesn’t move Novak, a contract extension is possible.
DUCKS SCOUTING RANGERS
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek scouting the Rangers’ 4-1 win last night over Columbus. The Rangers have been linked to Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano. It’s unclear who he was scouting unless it’s Kaapo Kakko, which doesn’t make sense to Brooks unless it’s for a blockbuster deal involving Trevor Zegras. Brooks indicated there’s no indication that sort of deal is on the table.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers don’t face the Ducks again this season. Neither do the Blue Jackets.
COULD THE ISLANDERS SHOP PAGEAU?
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears wondered if the Islanders might move Jean-Gabriel Pageau to free up some cap space. It doesn’t seem likely given his $5 million AAV through 2025-26 and his 16-team no-trade clause. However, he could help a playoff team that needs a middle-six forward with defensive acumen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can see the Isles moving Pageau if they agree to retain half his cap hit. Otherwise, no.
THE LEAFS STILL NEED A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted the Maple Leafs pressing need is a right-shot defenseman. The heat is increasing on GM Brad Treliving to address this issue, especially after the Stars acquired Chris Tanev from the Flames. Koshan listed Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker, Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin, and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier as trade options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker and Carrier could be unavailable with their current clubs holding playoff positions.
UPDATES ON THE FLYERS, CAPITALS AND KRAKEN
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers could get a first-round pick for Sean Walker.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd remains “very much” on the Edmonton Oilers’ radar. Capitals winger Anthony Mantha could also draw some interest from the Oilers.
THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte reports struggling Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto could become a trade candidate if the club becomes a seller by the March 8 deadline.
Let’s do a hypothetical. Dallas beats the Devils in the cup final. One of the stars for Dallas. Tanev, who is also paid by the Devils.
I “LOVE” this scenario!!! Let’s stay with this.
Let’s get real: NJ misses the playoffs!
Who grabs that last spot is anyones guess. Everyone Detroit and over is playing very good. With the exception of Boston (3- 2-5) Every team from Tampa down is playing .500 or worse.
Tampa 5-5
NJ 5-4-1
Washington 5-3-2
Pittsburgh 5-4-1
NYI’s 4-3-3
Realistically, the only team that could possibly be a deep threat is Tampa provided they make a couple of moves.
So I do agree that a Dallas / NJ cup final is as likely as me hitting the powerball this week!
NJ needs a Starting Goaltender,
if they don’t get one they will miss the playoffs 100%.
NJ will be one of the teams looking at trading for one of these 3 Goaltenders at the NHL draft…❓
Ullmark
Markstrom
Saros
Was this Devils way of keeping an Eastern rival from picking up Tanev?
Im ok moving Gryz even for futures. Bruins won’t miss him at all
And if Jake not signed moving him as well just not straight up for pics As for Ullmark if can get a good working offer that make s bruins better I move him as well
I’m for moving all 3 get whatever you can … Neely wants a tough defender and a forward ….Bring up the PB goalie …
While we are are thrilled with where the B’s are in the standings, this is the downside. We all know they need more picks and prospects for the long term, but they won’t be acquiring any this TDL.
I will be shocked if they trade away guys contributing to that success, maybe Ullmark, because you can only play one tender at a time.
You gonna tell Marchand, Coyle, McAvoy, etc that we are moving quality roster players because you don’t want to lose them for nothing?
Only way a guy like Jake gets moved is as a part of a package that will add an upgrade somewhere else in the lineup.
Tough move to make because playoff teams aren’t selling, and who else will pay for a pending UFA?
Let’s just get a big 3-team trade with Hanifin to the Bruins, pieces like Gryz to a 3rd party broker, and high picks / prospects to the Flames.
Outside of Barzal, Horvatt, Dobson and Sorokin everyone should be available for the right deal. Which means picks and prospects. But Louie thinks the team is playoff bound and will hold on to them trade our picks for old washed up players . He needs to be fired. And Henrigue is not the player I want back though Louie loves him. Go get Zegras.
Outside of those four players then you can’t find a Isle that any GM would want.
If Tanev didn’t fetch a first, Walker won’t either. As I posted on Morning Coffee, teams are thinking better about trading firsts or good prospects for rental players that are solid but not difference makers.
And yet Monahan got a first, Howard. I know we both think a lot of Hughes as a GM, but he didn’t “Uri Geller” Chevy. It’s perceived value, and while Tanev has value he is not a difference maker and a rental.
It surely is much of that thinking, given that this coming entry level draft is not supposed to be that deep.
I know I am repeating myself from the Headlines page, but I wouldn’t assume Calgary wasn’t offered a 1st.
I think the Flames value Grushnikov more than some folks on here.
So if they believe the kid will be an NHL player, say 4/5 guy, plus a 2nd, that is just as valuable as a late round 1st IMO. Maybe more.
Word is that this draft is not deep. Big drop after the first few picks.
Don’t disagree with Ray here. With the Flames aiming to ‘retool’ rather than rebuild, they may have valued Grushnikov more than a low 1st rounder because he’s more of a known quantity and would likely be NHL ready as a 6/7 much sooner.
Yes, he may be ranked 10th on the Stars prospect lists in a few prospect rankings, but we all know that defensive d-men get knocked both in those rankings and Norris voting for a lack of offensive production. He is still continued to be a definite NHL player, even if it is bottom pairing.
That has to be true, Ray. And we all fall into the trap of evaluating a trade or prospect at the time we hear of the acquisition. We won’t really know if the Flames “won” this trade until Grushnikov has had a few years to demo his value.
why all the love for Dumba? he had a terrible year with MINN last year and having a bad year for ARZ this year, I’m seeing a pattern…
Apparently come trade deadline all 6th and 7th defenceman are the difference between winning a championship or losing.
Well they might not be the difference winning the Cup, but if you get to the Final, you are often down a couple of defencemen due to injury, so better to have some extra bodies on hand with NHL experience.
Couldn’t agree more Mike P.
It has been a few years since Dumba was an effective, NHL defenseman.
He currently leads the Coyotes team with an abysmal -14 and has reportedly been their weakest, full time defender.
Exactly the type of player Leafs should not pair with Morgan Reilly who needs a strong, stay at home, defensive partner to be at his best.
I’m not surprised that Sweeney wants Hanifin it goes back to the 2015 draft. My question is will Sweeney over pay to get his man?
I would think any trade would include Lohrie (personally hope not) Lohrie is 6’4″ smooth skatng dman with a lot of upside.
With Lindholm and Hanifin both playing the left side there wouldn’t be much ice time for Lohrie. I say this because Sweeney is only trading for Hanifin if he can sign him; he won’t be a rental.
It would be 2025 1st round pick, Lohrie and Grzelcyk.
I prefer Sweeney to wait until the offseason and sign Hanifin if possible.
Ullmark to NJ for Dawes and a 2025 1st
The NJ 1st, Gryz, Beecher and 2025 3rd for Noah
Ullmark to Sens for Forsberg, Tarasenko and a 3rd round pick
Hanifan could be a trade and sign by another team (TB) then the Bruins won’t get their man
Caper. I am with you no trade Lohrie. I’m ok if 25 1st Gryz and say either Beecher lauko or merkulov for a signed hanafin
That’s a no from a Flames fan perspective on Gryz and Beecher. A 30 year old overpaid 3rd pair defender (cap dump) and a 22 year old ‘prospect’ who can crack the lineup of a team with Coyle as their #1C? Sure, the 2025 first is a must, but this proposal is a first and leftovers for the best available defenseman. Replace Beecher with Poitras or the Flames should laugh and hang up.
DeBrusk has I believe 1 G …2 A since the AS break … he’s 27 years old probably going to want 5 mil per …Trade him out of Boston
Joe. I think if long term contract he will want more than that. If so pkg him with something get an upgrade
Agree 100% … Oilers would take him I would think
Don’t know if Jake DeBust
Gets $5.M pa in a new contract….
He is very inconsistent
Maybe a 3 year deal at $4.M if he hits the market…⁉️
I haven’t seen much written about NJ playing 3rd wheel in the Tanev deal and eating some of the cap hit.
Why would NJ do this and take on additional cap if they (in theory) are supposedly in the market for upgrades themselves at D or Goalie?
Does this signal that NJ will really be sellers and/or just stand pat at the deadline.
Usually you see these 3rd party salary pass throughs with teams that are clearly out of the playoffs (like Arizona for the last 5-10 years!)
I think it means Markstrom is going to be traded to the Devils sometime before the deadline.
Chris Drury should be in on Hanifin. If nothing else to keep him out of Boston or Tampa.
Lindgren can’t seem to stay healthy, Bringing in Hanifin puts Lindgren down with Schneider on the 3rd pairing. If possible, I’d keep Gustafsson as a 7 depth guy, the cap makes that tricky.
Bring in Wennberg and go with what you have.
I’m positive NY is fixated on a RW and center so none of this is happening.
I agree with Brooks about twice a year. NY is not trading Kakko at this time. This rips one hole and patches another.
They were in the market for a RW prior to the Wheeler injury. How does trading Kakko help?
I don’t see Wennberg helping at all and I’m hoping the Rangers don’t acquire him. Brodzinksi and his line has been playing well with him as 3C. I don’t see Wennberg as a 4th line grinding banger. If you get Wennberg he really needs to be 3C to show some sort of value add.
I’d love to see the Rangers target a top-6 RW to play with Zib. And not a RW sniper, but a RW playmaker who could enable Zib could get back to shooting more. Not sure who that is though. Would love to see them land a player like Giroux for that role, but he’s not going to be available and I’m struggling to think of any available RW who could fill that role.
If Walker gets a first, Conroy should receive an earful by owner. The trade of Tanev was terrible considering that they retained 50%
Kent
Walker is 5 years younger and 1/2 the salary of Tanev.
That may be the difference between getting 1st for Walker and only a 2nd for Tanev.
I’m thinking if the Bruins were going to trade for a player like Hanifan then why aren’t they getting it done now … what would be the reason for waiting ? For what you’ll have to give up for him he has to be a trade and sign I would think
Quite possible there is a Canuck team deadline with Pettersson. IMAC’s story which came after a supposed meeting has EP re-stating he hasn’t lied about what he would do. Rutherford hinted that any EP trade would not happen at the time of the interview in January. Could be now?
the tanev and zadorov trades should make it obvious that calgary is never going to trade with treliving.
C Canuck, why?
Re; Ottawa’s Josh Noriss
He has never played a Full Season he is like d/man Chabot They both seam to be Very Fragile
in the past 4 season
2021 17 Goals and 35 points. 56 Games.
2022 35 Goals and 55 points. 66 Games.
2023 2 Goals, and 3 points. 8 Games.
2024 16 Goals and 30 points. 50 Games
Now Noriss is out injured again Coach Martin said
he is is out Again for an Extended period of time… ⁉️
With Norris once again out for an “extended” period it seems obvious that they’ll go with Stutzle, Pinto and Greig as the 1-2-3 Cs the rest of the way, and if the line combinations show promise, it raises the question “how do they approach next season with Norris still under long-term contract?
Because one thing is certain: no one is taking a chance on the unfortunate kid with a deal running to 2029-30 and costing almost $8 mil per. No matter what Ottawa would agree on in return. And buying him out is not an option.
I don’t know where the Tkachuk “trade” emanated from – likely some fan blog – but barring some mind-blowing offer, that ain’t gonna happen.
Chychrun I’m not so sure about. If an offer comes in offering a good young roster F with term, Staios would be nuts not to consider it because he’s going to cost a helluva lot more off the cap when his current deal of less than $5 mil per expires after next season. And they do have promising LD/RD Kleven and RD Guenette almost assuredly ready to move up from Belleville after next season – if not before.
Regardless, whatever transpires they can’t continue with the same cast – the mix just isn’t right.
Yeah, I really hate that there is no way out of these contracts unless the player retires or goes on permanent LTIR.
these insane term contracts I tell ya…
I agree why did the Devils help with the cash on the Tanev deal.
Lohrei and a 2025 first for Hanifin would get Conroy’s interest . Boston would need some form of salary going out .
I guess 2025 is up in the air sort of with existing conditions
2026 first and Geekie ($2m) and Lohrei
Flames hold some money to make the world go around
As a Leaf fan, I fear a knee jerk reaction by Treliving to the Dallas trade for Tanev, followed by a trade for Matt Dumba.
Dumba is currently an abysmal -14 which leads the whole Coyotes team and has reportedly been their weakest, full time, defender this season.
Dumba is definitely not the right type of player to partner with Morgan Reilly who needs a strong, stay at home, defensively sound partner.