NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2024
The Rangers are believed interested in two key Ducks’ forwards plus the latest on the Hurricanes and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RANGERS INTERESTED IN HENRIQUE AND VATRANO
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Eric Stephens report the New York Rangers have an interest in Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique as a playoff rental replacement for the sidelined Filip Chytil.
It’s also rumored that the Rangers might be interested in a reunion with winger Frank Vatrano. The 29-year-old winger played well for the Blueshirts two years ago before signing as a free agent with the Ducks.
Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (NHL Images).
Vatrano is Anaheim’s leading scorer but he might not fit into the club’s rebuilding plans. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek could try moving him while his value is high.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Verbeek’s reputation as a tough negotiator it won’t be easy for the Rangers to land one or both players. Reports emerged last week claiming Blueshirts GM Chris Drury was taking calls about winger Kaapo Kakko. Perhaps he’d be part of an offer to the Ducks that would also likely include some draft picks and one or two prospects.
WHO COULD THE HURRICANES TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?
THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette recently looked at some possible targets for the Carolina Hurricanes leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.
Lavalette doesn’t seem them pursuing a blockbuster trade for an expensive goalie such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Nashville’s Juuse Saros or Anaheim’s John Gibson. They could stick with Pyotr Kochetkov and Antti Raanta and it’s possible sidelined Frederik Andersen could return. If they go the trade route it could be for more affordable options like Minnesota’s Marc-Andre Fleury, Detroit’s James Reimer or San Jose’s Kaapo Kahkonen.
It’s expected the Hurricanes will try to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo before the deadline. Washington’s Joel Edmundson could be one possibility if they wish to acquire a blueliner while forwards such as San Jose’s Anthony Duclair and Alexander Barabanov or Chicago’s Colin Blackwell would be cost-effective forward options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lavalette pointed out that Hurricanes GM Don Waddell acquired players over the last four trade deadlines. With over $6.6 million in projected trade deadline cap space, he’s got the room to make one or two affordable depth additions.
LATEST ON THE CAPITALS
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently wondered if the thin market for centers could work to the Washington Capitals’ advantage if they become sellers leading up to the trade deadline.
Checking-line center Nic Dowd should receive some interest. He’s got a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $1.3 million.
Silber also mused over whether the thin market might increase interest in center Evgeny Kuznetsov. Signed through next season with a $7.8 million AAV, his contract and inconsistent play make him difficult to move.
Winger Anthony Mantha could also be worth watching. He’s on pace for a career-best 27 goals this season, which should improve his value in the trade market.
PLD for Kuznetsov?
@mike
not a bad swap. Kings must be looking to recoup the PLD situation…and has no NMC? shocking
Great idea… Probably too early for Blake to officially throw in the towels though…
Kuznetsov ($7.8) has one more year on his contract while PLD ($8.5) has 7 more years.
There is absolutely no way Washington Capitals are going to make a trade like that.
Re; Canes Goaltendingš²
Hurricanes have always had good teams over the past few years…
However goaltending alway’s looks like a
question mark….? and its the same again this season
24 yr old Pyotr Kochetkov, Rookiewho has played ok
34 yr old Antti raanta who is a back up
28 yr old Spencer Martin back up they got of wavers.
35 yr old who is injured again Frederik Andersen,
will he even make it back for the playoffs…ā
There is no clear cut number one hear with the skill needed to take the canes & go into the playoffs as a starter
they need to go out and trade for one……š¤
Ya williew, hard to argue that their tending hasn’t been very good.
But the hard part, is who do you trade for that won’t break the bank in terms of assets or hurting you elsewhere in the lineup. That also is a worthwhile upgrade and capable of carrying or sharing the load?
Here are some pending UFA options, that might be available.
Nedeljovic & Kahkonen.
Not what you might consider as cup worthy tenders, but either Hill and Thompson weren’t considered that either.
It is weird that we used to have arguments over who was the best goalie in the league on any given season…
Now it seems like there are one or two elite tenders and then a bunch of…mediocrity…?
I just cannot recall the last time I got pumped for an upcoming goalie battle.
I vote Fleury. I can’t imagine he’d cost that much, and he’s a proven playoff performer.
Maybe a 3rd rounder? A 2nd, maybe, though that seems high. Or a B-level prospect?
The other options shown aren’t any better than what they have now.
Hey Ray
I Really like the Nedeljovic thought ā¦.š¤
he is a 28 yr old UFA , pens look like they will miss the payoffs the way they are playing
A trade
M.Buntting and a goaltender like a Martin or A Raanta & a 2nd pick for
Alex Nedelovice
Pens are more than likely going to trade Jake Gentzel
In March, bunting would be a cheaper replacement for JGā¦ā¦.āš¤
A trade with Anaheim for Henrique and or Vatrano has many caveatsā¦Henrique would be a 33 yr old rentalā¦that would take a 2nd round pick and therefore you canāt possibly swap Kakko for Vatranoā¦thatās optimistic return for Verbeekā¦but certainly not a realistic one.
Vatrano has a year left at $3.65M
Rangers have only 13 players signed for next year and only $15.3M to sign 9-10 players next season.
Bruins have 12 players on current roster signed for next season but will have around 30 million to spend ā¦ with just under 1 million in cap right now canāt see how they add to roster both a middle 6 scoring winger and a tough Dman with size without moving someone off roster..
I think either Debrusk or Grz would have to be moved.
Well, NY can plug in Zac Jones whoās under contract and Othmann.
More and more it appears Chytil may have played his last game in the NHL. If he has, that gives NY an additional 4.4 per to work with.
Unless they create miracles this year, Kakko (who may be dealt) and Schneider wonāt be up for any type of big paydays.
Lindgren may be in for a raise, but I donāt see him breaking the bank either.
Next years cap is projected to be 87.7.
If Chytil canāt return this leaves NY with about 22 million to re-sign or replace 7-8 players.
Should be more than doable.
@Capt
i know you dont agree with me but after July1 when Kreider has a 15 team list…you move him.
will be 33 soon.most of the Rangers best prospects play LW. I dont see any other ways to add cap space IF needed.
Iām not against it , but I donāt believe NY has a capable guy that can step in and replace him. Laffrienere or Othmann I suppose could be. But not today or next year imo.
Kreider plays top minutes, kills penalties (and is pretty effective doing so) etc.
I donāt think a rookie (Othmann) gets that chance, and Iām just not 100% sold that Laffrienere can. A little consistency, and I may change my mind. He just hasnāt been that guy.
But if NY could get a solid offer, perhaps a RW etc. Iād be 100% on board.
I like the idea of NY chasing Henrique and Vatrano this year, in addition to chasing Turcotte for the future as well.
Not sure what’s up with Turcotte. Hasn’t played much for the big club, seems to have missed a lot of games in the AHL as well.
Maybe just injuries have slowed his development? I have no clue. He has to clear waivers next year, so if LA doesn’t plan an giving him a full time spot, they will trade him I would think.
Kuznetsov likely went āskiing ā on his break. Then checked himself in for some help which is a good thing. Should be done for the year . Take the off season too and get it straighten out or you are done in the NHL. Might be anyway