NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2024
Updates on Chris Tanev, Jake Guentzel, the goalie market, the Flyers, the Blue Jackets, the Rangers’ first-round pick and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” SPECULATION
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thought” column, Elliotte Friedman reported a lot of teams are interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. However, some are non-contenders this season looking to become contenders next season (Ottawa), some have limited cap space or tradeable assets (Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver), and some (like New Jersey) aren’t sure yet if rental players make sense for them this season. Dallas could also be lurking.
Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).
The Maple Leafs want Tanev but the Flames are asking for a first-round pick. The Senators are very interested in the 34-year-old defenseman and could pursue him as a free agent this summer if they don’t land him before the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators will try to sign Tanev to a contract extension if they acquire him before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Los Angeles Kings could also be a suitor.
It seems like Tanev is certain to be moved by trade deadline day. However, it could still take some time for that to happen. Many teams have limited cap space and could wait until deadline day to accrue sufficient space to make some moves.
Garrioch also cited a league executive claiming teams looking at Tanev are also looking at Carolina’s Brett Pesce and Arizona’s Matt Dumba. I don’t think Pesce’s available as the Hurricanes are in the thick of the playoff chase. Dumba’s been sidelined for a couple of weeks now with a lower-body injury but could become available if the Coyotes become buyers leading up to the trade deadline.
Regarding the Philadelphia Flyers, Friedman reports they’re trying to lay the groundwork to sign Travis Konecny to a contract extension. It’s believed defenseman Nick Seeler will be re-signed but the recent addition of Jamie Drysdale makes Sean Walker a trade candidate. The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are possible destinations. “Rasmus Ristolainen’s stock is up, but the contract is tricky.” Friedman also noted that Scott Laughton’s ice time is down this season, suggesting a move might be better for everyone.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsurprisingly, the Flyers want to keep Konecny. He’s thrived under head coach John Tortorella…Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the Flyers seek a first-round pick for Walker…Ristolainen is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.1 million. Tricky, indeed…Laughton carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26. He’s also well-liked by his teammates and coaches. They’re in no rush to move him and it could take a significant offer to tempt Flyers management.
Friedman expects teams to call the Columbus Blue Jackets about captain Boone Jenner. However, he’s got a partial no-trade clause and they probably won’t move him unless they get a massive return. Elvis Merzlikins’ availability was well-known before his blow-up last month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline shares Friedman’s opinion about Jenner. He speculates defenseman Ivan Provorov could be on the move to free up room on their crowded blueline. Provorov has 23 points in 50 games this season and lacks no-trade protection. He carries an annual salary-cap hit of $6.75 million through 2024-25 but the Los Angeles Kings carry $2.025 million annually as part of the three-team trade that sent him to Columbus from Philadelphia.
The Washington Capitals could hold onto checking-line forward Nic Dowd. They’re looking at moving defenseman Joel Edmundson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I saw some skepticism on social media regarding the possibility of moving Edmundson but I wouldn’t be so dismissive. A general manager desperate to bolster their blueline could take the gamble, recalling his performance with the St. Louis Blues during their 2019 Stanley Cup run and the Montreal Canadiens during the 2021 playoffs.
Friedman believes the Boston Bruins attempted to acquire Elias Lindholm from the Flames before he was traded to the Canucks. He thinks they’ll pursue the 29-year-old center in this summer’s free-agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins lack the tradeable capital necessary to acquire Lindholm. They’ll have the cap space (a projected $27.7 million) this summer to take a run at signing him.
The Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche or Edmonton Oilers could be good trade destinations for Marc-Andre Fleury. However, the 39-year-old goaltender has a full no-movement clause. Nothing happens without his say-so.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury reportedly would want “a prominent role” if he were traded. He doesn’t want to be in a position where he’s seeing little action as a backup. We’ll see what happens.
Speaking of goalies, Friedman also mentioned the Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar, Montreal’s Jake Allen and Anaheim’s John Gibson. Nothing new that hasn’t already been previously reported.
Friedman also indicated there’s nothing new to report on the status of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, “just that there’s no panic.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Edmonton Journal’s David Staples cited a Pennsylvania online betting site listing the Oilers as the team most likely to acquire Guentzel. The Oilers have just $2.3 million in projected salary-cap space. Good luck with that. It’s also doubtful they could meet what would be a high asking price from the Penguins for Guentzel.
RANGERS FIRST-ROUND PICK IN PLAY
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed a recent report from TSN claiming Rangers owner James Dolan forbid Rangers management from trading their first-rounder. Dolan is the owner of Sphere in Las Vegas where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. The TSN report said that the Rangers owner wants his team to be part of the excitement of the opening round.
“The concept is ludicrous,” wrote Brooks “More to the point, it has zero validity.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks would know. Like him or not, he’s well-connected with the Rangers.
Once again. Baffling to me how anyone in the Sens org believes Tanev, a year older and way more expensive is somehow going to age better than Hamonic on a shiny new expensive deal. While Hamonic appears to have lost a step it might be more who he’s paired with. He and Tanev are clones. Hard hitting old war horses who block shots.
You want to go balls out on D? Trade Norris to Chicago for Seth Jones. Trade Brannstrom somewhere. Waive Kubalik. Waive Macewen.
Chabbot Zub
Jones Chychrun
Sanderson JBD
Hamonic…Guinette on his way.
Ties a lot of money in the D but that’s how you win
Harmonic is hard hitting? When this Sens fans watch Sens game, and he’s watched 99% of them over the last couple of years. His thoughts are the Sens are too soft in the defensive end and need a D man that can lay a body out or pin a guy to the boards. This Sens fans does not think Harmonic is hard hitting.
A good old regular Methot Hip check or Grand O Volchenkov A-Train going down the middle of the ice would be nice to see.
Does Tanev fit the bill, not if he equates to Harmonic.
Re Sen’s & the d core
if they can Re-sign Jakob Chychrun,
then
Trade out Chabot for a RD Man or a Staring Goaltender ,
Chabot is allways out injured he missed 25 games so far this year
I would rather get him out, & fix the Sen’s goaltending….❓
top 4 would be
1st Sanderson & Zub
2nd Chychrun & New guy RD man
3rd Travis Hamonic & JBD New big Phiscal d/man like Sens rookie LD Tyler Kleven..❓
Mads Søgaard did not play well at all, he need’s 1.5 more yrs in the AHL….
in his 4 NHL Games played , GA 5.09, SV% 0.825…⁉️ and he is Not ready for the NHL.
The Sen’s need a Real #1 starter like Preds Starter
Juuse Saros who is a UFA in 2025, Do a Sign and Trade with them for Chabot, as the preds have a Very Old d/core………🤔
A good trade for both teams
Maybe they can trade Joonas Korpisalo back to the kings, he played much better down there in LA….
they also have a better d and very poor goaltending in LA
Nobody trades a #1 G for a defenseman. Just isn’t going to happen. Teams today need 3-4 quality Goalies just to make it through the season.
Do not trade for Saros..not worth it for a small goalie
I dont know about Hamonic now, but when he was with Vancouver, Tanev was twice the defender. Also, while Tanev is slowly losing speed he has always been an excellent skater and still is very good, most of all, he makes his fellow D better. There is a reason for coaches pairing him with young defenders like Hughes and Kylington, who before he played with Tanev was considered a bust. I would however hesitate to give him more than 2 years.
Hey Dov,
Juuse Saros who is a UFA in 2025 and dose not sound like he wants to stay with the Preds for there re-build ….❓
with Chabot they would have a PP point getter for 5-6 years as he is only 26….
Preds Top 4 d are Very Very Old,
this 32,33, 34, 34, and a year older buy december 2024.
after that the other 3 have been talked about as Trade bait, they have
They also have 8 or 9 UFA players on there team
the only top prospect thats looks good is the young 22 yr old Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov who is posting Great numbers in the AHL
Games 24, GA2.17, SV% 0.921,
Kevin Lankinen, there good back up is a UFA July 1st unless they sign him
Seth Jones would most likely refuse to play or be dealt to Ottawa. He already left a small market to sign in a Big Sports City Chicago.
I don’t necessarily like Brooks, but I agree 100%. I brought this up yesterday. It would be a really bizarre move for NY to hold that 1st round pick to showcase at the draft. Dolan is getting paid for the event either way. Why would he care about the buzz of a player likely to fall in the 20’s that won’t be relevant for years if ever?
I’m pretty sure NY will create more buzz and a showcase by getting assets that help them now. I think most Ranger fans would pass on the opportunity to spend thousands to see them pick 25.
It really isn’t that exciting unless you’re picking #1-2 in another Mcdavid / Eichel draft.
I wouldn’t call the draft exciting either Captain, interesting, sure.
Isn’t the NHL considering not even having the teams participate in person anymore? I don’t think the NFL has the teams present either. ESPN, Roger and the players only if I recall.
I hear the Sphere is pretty cool though.
I would prefer to only trade the 1st for a long term asset as I do not think NYR a team that get to the SCF. Not enough scoring depth to balance out the lines. If they shut down Bread like last year and Zibby also struggles that really only leaves Trocheck to carry 5 on 5 play
If they can get a player for that 1st that’s within their cost structure and can keep 5 yrs or better than sure.
I just think the market is more inflated than ever since Monahan set the market
And I don’t think any player available is worth a 1st for nyr just to have me walk end of season
I suggested yesterday or the day before NY trade for now and the future.
I’d target Turcotte for the future who is just buried behind other draft picks , fa’s and centers they’ve traded for the last couple of years. I’d roll the dice on a 1st for him. Especially with Chytils future being murky.
Honestly, I don’t see this team even with an additions of a 3rd line center and top 6 RW going far this year.
I disagree that Monahan set any type of market. It’s pretty common to see rentals go for a 1st when they are on the top of trade list. A 1st and conditional 3rd isn’t really going to affect teams going for it now.
NY should try to improve this team, but honestly the only way I see them being a true contender is a major roster shakeup. And Shesterkin miraculously finding his game. Which appears unlikely. Injured ? Mental? Idk. He is way off this year.
Unfortunately for NY, they tried to rush the rebuild and have forced themselves into this corner. They more than likely will be trading assets for a failed run either way.
I have no doubt Sweeney checked in on what it would cost for Lindholm and did the correct thing by walking away with a hope to maybe circle back if he becomes a UFA
Ya but now that Poitras is gone for the season.
The Bruins need to do something
Do they actually need to?
I think they would probably like to, but if your talking picks, the cupboard is pretty bare already. Best prospects of interest are Poitras & Lohrei. Next tier you have Lysell and Beecher.
I guess the question is will trading any of those guys bring back something that gets you over the hump?
I would like to see, just once, a top 4 team in the league standings just not mess with it and go in with what they have and see what happens.
Depending upon what Sweeney has to give up. Maybe grab Maroon for 4th line Or big defender for 3rd pair. I would also be ok to ride what they have this year
Maroon out back surgery
Joe
Knew Maroon was on ltir but did not know it was back.
I think Lindholm resigns in Vancouver with them trading one of the other forwards.
What is a reasonable ask for Jenner? Think he can fill 3c in NY and move Brodzinski to 4c?
@ihate
Jenner would be a very nice 3C. what would that costs be and how much more than Henrique will?
i get the lack of available centers…
Upgrading Wheeler to me has become #1
LW/C Boone Jenner has 2.5 years left at $3.8.M
He would be really good fit for the Sen’s
they need one more older Leader up front and
thats what Steve Staios is looking for The
Cost….??
A 2nd and a d/man like sens LD/RD 24 yr old
Erik Brännström…….❓
With his intangibles and contract he’s a first at least.
Reports are Sweeney is interested in Hanifin. Yes we know from the 2015 draft.
If Sweeney wants Hanifin now it would be a sign and trade or trade and sign.
If Hanifin pulls a Taylor Hall and says i’m only going to Boston…. well that would be terrible!
Trying to find a fair trade for today; does this work
Hanifin and 2nd rnd pick to Boston for Boston 2025 1st, Mason Lohrie and Matt Grezlcyk
Sweeney gets the player we wanted since 2015, Calgary get a 1st round pick, Grezlcyk for dollars reason, Calgary can flip or keep him to help get to the playoffs and a very promising top 4 dman Lohrei.
Would McAvoy, Carlo, Lindholm and Hanifin put Boston on solid ground for a playoff run?
Fair?
Keep dreaming. Why would the Flames take Matt Grezlcyk to make the money work? So that they go through the hassle of flipping him? Also, that trade scenario is a ridick underestimated value for Hanifin.
Lol H, tell me how you really feel. Funny thing is i thought it was too much on Boston part. A 1st round pick and Lohrie for a ufa.
Pretty strong reaction H!
Caper, IMO it isn’t ridick. Hanifin is a good player, but he we’re not talking Hedman here.
The guy can skate as good as any D-man, but not real physical, or aggressive, plays on the PK and PP, and puts up a few points. Good size. Good all around D-man. Good #3, and an OK #2?
Flames get a 1st, and Lohrei who will be an NHL player, we just don’t know how good yet. Seems about right, if he agrees to an extension prior. If not an overpay IMO. I still prefer the B’s pursue a C in the off season.
He’s a local boy, and if he wants to test the market, the B’s will get a kick at the can in July and will only cost them cash, so if the Flames want more, move on.
So what is Hanifin worth H? I get the feeling we will find out fairly soon.
That was a rare fair offer in my book.
Sorry Caper. I get a little emo with the Flames these days.
H, passion is good.
tough spot for flame fans, can push for a playoff spot or trade off?
Can you trade and add like the Lindholm deal.
Decent forward in Kuzmenko who can help and the 1st round pick in the back pocket.
That’s the trick for me, get some value and show the fans we haven’t given up on the season.
Ray, I agree a C should be priority #1
I think Hanifin been the guy Sweeney wanted for awhile.
Does he have the patience to wait? or does he see Hanifin as an add for a cup run? maybe Hanifin sign long term in Calgary.
Is there any C out there that is available?
Personally i don’t think Boston has the team to win the cup and like you pleasantly surprised at where they’re at in the standings.
Only UFA is Lindholm Caper that I can see. Might have to be a trade, and those 2 assets would come in handy.
O’Reilly is on the back 9 at 33, but is playing pretty darn good in Nashville. Plus the Preds have a bunch of dead cap issues, now, and getting worse next season. Over $11m next season.
Term is too long on his deal, but his cap hit isn’t that bad, for the first 2-3 years. Doesn’t have a NTC or NMC.
Plays a 2 way, Bruin type of game too.
Just a thought, depends what Trotz wants to do in Nashville I guess.
B’s have an 80-90% chance of signing Hanafin in July. I would take those chances and wait till July.
Boone Jenner would look good in Vancouver, would be a perfect fixture in their top 6.
I think Lindholm will sign in Vancouver especially if they have any kind of run.
The money is there anyway. In fact he left millions on the table leaving Calgary ( year 8)
Moving sucks why do it twice or live out of a hotel for 3 -4 months.
Hanifin is 3-4 assets .
If Lohrei is so good where are his NHL minutes ? Boston first is really a second. Won’t be enough in a trade scenario .
Note Lindholm is still an UFA and didn’t stop Vancouver much