NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2024
Recaps of Tuesday’s games feature a five-point performance by the Stars’ Wyatt Johnston, the Golden Knights acquire Anthony Mantha, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
**UPDATE**
The Ottawa Senators trade Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retain 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators reportedly sought a first or second-round pick plus another asset. It appears Tarasenko’s trade value wasn’t as high as rumored.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston tallied his first career NHL hat trick and collected two assists in a 7-6 win over the San Jose Sharks. Roope Hintz scored in overtime as the Stars overcame a 6-3 deficit on three unanswered third-period goals with Johnston scoring two of them. Jamie Benn and rookie Logan Stankovan each had four points for the Stars (38-17-5) as they moved ahead of the Winnipeg Jets into first place in the Central Division with 85 points. Anthony Duclair scored twice and had two assists for the 15-39-7 Sharks.
Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stankovan now has five goals and eight points in six games for the Stars. Meanwhile, Duclair’s improved performance of late could bolster his trade value.
The Jets, meanwhile, dropped a 4-3 decision to the Seattle Kraken as Andre Burakovsky broke a 3-3 tie late in the third period. Jared McCann had a goal and two assists while Joey Daccord stopped 30 shots for the 28-23-11 Kraken. Adam Lowry had a goal and an assist for the Jets (39-17-5) as they sit two points back of the Stars in the Central Division.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken held center Alex Wennberg out of the lineup for the second straight game. I’ll have more about Wennberg in today’s Rumors update.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored the tying and winning goals in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists for the Oilers (38-20-2), who’ve won five straight games and sit in second place with 78 points in the Pacific Division. Pavel Zacha replied for the 36-13-15 Bruins, who slipped into third place in the overall standings with 87 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid (99 points) sits six points behind league leaders Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the scoring race. Meanwhile, Bruins winger James van Riemsdyk played his 1,000th career NHL game.
The league-leading Florida Panthers (90 points) picked up their sixth straight win (43-16-4) by beating the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Sam Reinhart tallied his 45th goal of the season, Nick Cousins scored twice and Aaron Ekblad collected an assist to become the all-time assist leader (230) among Panthers defensemen. Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist for the 30-28-4 Devils, who were playing their first game under interim head coach Travis Green.
An overtime goal by J.T. Miller lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Elias Pettersson scored the tying goal while Quinn Hughes collected two assists for the 40-17-7 Canucks, who moved into second place in the overall standings with 87 points. Trevor Moore replied for the Kings (31-19-11) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 73 points.
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored in overtime to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-3, snapping the latter’s eight-game win streak. Suzuki and linemate Cole Caufield each had two points for the 24-28-10 Canadiens. Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and two assists for the Predators (35-25-3) as they hold the final Western Conference wildcard berth with 73 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Canadiens placed forward Colin White (upper body) on injured reserve.
The New York Islanders picked up their fourth straight by doubling up the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Kyle Palmieri had a goal and an assist while Brock Nelson and Adam Pelech each collected two assists for the Islanders (27-20-14) as they sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 68 points. Joel Hofer made 29 saves for the 32-27-3 Blues.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Islanders placed defenseman Scott Mayfield (lower body) on long-term injury reserve as he’s expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. Meanwhile, Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello said his club won’t be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline.
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Reilly Smith had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist for the 28-24-8 Penguins. Jack Roslovic and Andrew Peeke each had a goal and an assist for the 21-31-10 Blue Jackets.
The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. Seth Jones scored twice as the Blackhawks (16-42-5) ended their 22-game road losing skid. Connor Ingram made 27 saves for the 25-32-5 Coyotes, who held winger Jason Zucker out of this game for trade-related reasons.
HEADLINES
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights acquired winger Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Capitals also retained half of Mantha’s $5.7 million cap hit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha reached the 20-goal plateau this season for the first time since 2018-19. He should be a good rental scorer for the Golden Knights. They might not be done adding to their roster as they still carry over $4.4 million in salary cap flexibility.
STARTRIBUNE.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed defenseman Zach Bogosian to a two-year, $2.5 million contract extension. Bogosian, 33, averages over 17 minutes of ice time per game, blocking 51 shots and sitting second among the Wild with 80 hits.
THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Nick Seeler could miss a bit of time with an undisclosed injury but isn’t expected to be sidelined for long.
CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames plucked defenseman Joel Hanley off waivers yesterday from the Dallas Stars.
CALGARY SUN: Meanwhile, Flames forward Martin Pospisil faces a disciplinary hearing with the league on Wednesday for a dangerous hit on Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn on Monday.
TSN: The Edmonton Oilers placed forward Sam Gagner on waivers.
Boston now has 15 OTL,more than their 13 losses! This is directly connected to skilled,offensive talent! With their goaltending keeping them in every game should they at least be looking for an offensive player like Necas,or are they going to say that OT in the playoffs is just a different strategy!
Playoff OT IS different so that is a valid point to argue. What are they offering for Necas?
Off topic as per this mornings headlines
1. Bruins are coming on, “spanked the Leafs” , should of won last night , but played well
2. Play the Leafs again tomorrow night
3 . Is Ullmark in play …
Well, there is this:
“With the #canucks believed to be among those pursuing Jake Guentzel, word is they’ve had discussions about potentially flipping Elias Lindholm to the #bruins as part of the machinations to make it happen.
Nothing concrete in place at this time. Still lots of moving parts.”
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 5, 2024
Considering Lindholm’s lackluster production this year, I’m wondering why the Bruins would still want him and be willing to pay a lot to get him.
I like this “Deserve To Win O’Meter” from Money Puck. After using all of the data from last night’s game and after 500 simulated games each team would win 50% of the time. I have never seen that before. It was a good game and both teams played well.
Here is the link to the win o’meter.
https://moneypuck.com/g.htm?id=2023020981
It was a tough finish for us B’s fans KevJam, but ya, both teams played smart, good hockey. Both tenders were great.
Nice to see Ullmark get it going again, would have like to see him get the shutout.
Oilers are back to playing the patient, structured game that will give them success in the playoffs if they stay healthy. They believe in it now.
Oil vs Panthers Cup final would be where I put my money on if I had to place a bet today. Things staying equal, of course, which they won’t.
Good move by the Knights to pick up Mantha. Adds some secondary scoring at a cheap price. But he’s too risky to sign long term. Gets injured a lot and is maddeningly inconsistent.
I would think Mantha to Vegas means Guentzel to Vancouver?
I’m seeing reports that a three team deal may have Lindholm going to Boston, Guentzel to Vancouver, not sure who or what else is involved?
It may also mean Dubas needs to come down on that ridiculous ask.
Guentzel is a much better offensive player than Mantha.
But a 2nd and a 4th for 50% retained looks a lot more appealing than a 1st, a young roster player and a good prospect. This is probably why Vegas stepped out of the race.
That is a very high price for a rental.
I’ve seen DeBrusk name mentioned
It’s not ridiculous if…a) someone is willing to pay it, or b) you get a deal below the expected, but still substantial return, by virtue of asking more and accepting less. Basic negotiation tactic.
I’m 99% sure Guentzel is concussed. Contrary to someone who posted here from a reliable source that he only has a “broken pinky “.
He’s out there taking shots at practice with nothing on his hands after missing 12-13 days on the ice at all.
Something isn’t adding up. Multiple reports out there are saying interest in Guentzel isn’t very strong. Some saying there is more interest in Smith than Guentzel.
So something is WAY off. So it’s either that asking price, whatever that injury is, or a combination of both.
I’m still thinking, injury or not, that’s one hell of a starting point for a rental.
Why isn’t there more interest in a winger with a point + per game?
I could be very wrong, but I don’t think they even get close to that ask.
Imo, a 1st and solid prospect (if he’s healthy and ready to go) with some retention is probably more in line. And with the amount of teams interested evaporating , they may not even get that.
Probably cause he is arguably the best player known to be available. Maybe argue that hanifen is up there. Jake should set the peak of the market. And the limited suitors is because he is a chips to the middle trade. If Rutherford is involved I could see pens getting a strong return. If that dude wants something he will overpay to get it. Pens fans saw that first hand for better and for worse.
I don’t think that means Vegas is out.
Still tons of cap space due to LTIR.
I do think Vegas (at least for now) is more likely than Vancouver, Edmonton or Florida.
I laid out my logic in a post below
As a Pens fan, Just want max return and biggest set of changes, no care where Guentzel goes. That team will benefit.
Penguins won last night against Columbus but that outcome was certainly in doubt.
Friedman reported last night that Vancouver was still trying to get Guentzel with a three-way trade including Boston getting Lindhom
Below of course would all NEVER EVER happen; but just posting an arm-chair GM nut bar extravaganza to make people amused this morning
Before that 3 way happens:
Penguins retain 50% on Smith; add Eller; send to Vegas for Roy and Morelli; Penguins gain another $1.20 M in annualized Cap space
Penguins send Nedjelkovic to Tampa Bay for Meyers and Motte
Then, Here’s a 3-way (actually more than that) to that end game netting Guentzel in Vancouver, Lindholm in Boston
To Vancouver : Guentzel @ 25%+ Accairi
To another team (from Penguins) : 4th or Gruden for retaining 25% on Guentzel (about $350,000 cash retention)
To Penguins: Lindholm at 50% retained, Hoglander
Vancouver net cap change …. Lost only $25,000 in annualized Cap Space, gained an extra player
Penguins net almost $1.5 M in annualized Cap space
Then:
To Boston : Lindholm @ 25% ; Hinnistroza, Motte
To another team (from Penguins) : 5th and Morelli for retaining 25% on Lindholm (about $280,000 cash retention)
To Penguins: Geekie , Wotherspoon, Harrison
Boston gains space , gets Lindholm; and two veteran depth forwards for Geekie and 2 prospects
Penguins…. Out….Guentzel (29) , Smith (32); Eller (34); Accairi (32) ; Hinnistroza (30 in 3 weeks); Nedjelkovic (28) ; and Carter (39) will be gone next year; Ruhweedel (34 in 2 months) will be gone next year; Gruden possibly (23) or a 4th; plus a 5th
Replacing those Penguins players: Hoglander (23); Roy (27); Meyers (27) ; Geekie (25); Wotherspoon (26); Harrison (20); and from WBS: Bolmqvist (22); Poulin (23); Pickering (20)
Much younger, much faster, much bigger and stronger. Gained Cap space. Did not empty the “futures” cupboard
Technically with all that space now freed up…. They could circle back and potentially sign Guentzel as a UFA on July 1st
Value of above. Priceless!!
Chances of happening. Exactly the same as Orr AND Gretsky AND Lemieux all signing pre TDL , at League Minimum; to play the balance of season and playoffs, for Boston AND Edmonton AND Pittsburgh, respectively.
So. It’s definitely happening.
Nick Suzuki is very reminiscent of Jonathan Toews. young center, captain serious, carries the team on his back.
He’s unflappable and doesn’t let the team lose it either, all business not emotion, he just delivers.
Bergevin had a horseshoe up his butt when Las Vegas forced him to take Suzuki instead of Cody Glass.
There’s a place for emotional guys who live and die for the team, just not in the captaincy.
Sidenote, I didn’t know much about Tanner Pearson before he joined the Habs but this guy is a real pro, he’s the kind of guy any contender needs on their team. He doesn’t do any thing really well but his whole package is valuable, some team will be taking him.
HabFan, agree on Suzuki. I wouldn’t quite put him in the Toews category yet but he’s all you want in a captain. A leader, highly intelligent and does so many things well. And for what it’s worth, I preferred him to Glass even when the trade was made.
I agree that Pearson is a real pro, but there’s no denying that his game has really dropped off. They’ll be lucky to get a 4th for him but I think some team will pick him up hoping he could provide some depth scoring.
Bruins OT issues … I wonder how many of these OT games that were the cause of the Bruins tying the score late in game and how many were due to the opposing teams scoring late in game ….. I’ll go out on limb and say 12 of the 15 were the opposing team scoring
I found this info on the NHL website.
The Bruins have 8 losses after having the lead going into the 3rd period. They also have 6 OT losses after having the lead going into the 2nd period. They lead the NHL in both of those categories.
Bruins….last night the Oilers hit on 57% of the faceoffs … This has been a big problem for the Bruins all season, they are under 50% …
Stank oven is my favorite player name in a long time.
And in last night’s game, the Sharks announcers butchered his name. I kept switching back and forth for the different feeds and since he was so prominent in the game, his name was said a lot. I yelled at my TV more than once.
Saying stank oven over and over as an announcer would fill my inner child with such glee.
Just gotta say, the Dallas Stars seem to hit on picks better than most teams. Mid/late firsts, 2nd rounders. Or they’re better at development. Probably a bit of both.
Stanky comes in and lights it up, Robertson, Hintz, all 2nd rounders. Even hit on their big tender Oettinger late in the 1st, I know it’s early for a tender, but often they don’t work out either.
Now Bourque is knocking on the door.
Nill is either lucky or good. Another guy from the Devellano/Holland Detroit tree.
Looks like they’re going to have to get his name right.
This tiny guy has gone 5-3-8 and +5 in 6 games!!
Pretty impressive
Can Dubas send Guentzel to Dallas and have Stankoven coming back as part of the deal?
Of course this rate of production won’t sustain; but he’d certainly be welcome in our arena any time.
We’ll call him whatever he wishes to be called.
Stanky 😂😂😂.
That would be the nickname I would start with chrisms if I played with him, and work from there.
Like you said the possibilities are endless!
The Stankmeister
Sir Stankalot
Skanky Stanky
Happy Stank
Or go Prince’s route…. Once the nickname was renowned …. He wanted to be known only by a symbol…. I guess “ 👃💩 “ might be too much
Now they’re reporting high likliehood that Guentzel going by Wednesday evening tonight) with “a minimum of 6 legitimate interested parties” and they have said these include Florida, Vegas, Edmonton, Vancouver; and anticipated return is 1st + NHL player + Prospect ; or equivalent 3 assets.
Source of above is The Hockey News, The Athletic, Sports Net, and TSN
Vegas has most need (due to injuries and recent slump);still has 1st (even after Mantha acquisition) has space; has a GM that does big moves with futures; has owner who not only backs those moves, but encourages it
Vancouver has virtually no space (shows just over $3M but apparently Soucy coming off LTIR, no 1st or second this year
Edmonton does have a 1st and 2nd this year; has very little space (just over $500,000) , has a team that has been quite good over last 2 months
Florida is tops in League right now, only $1.2 M in space, no first this year or next, no second this year
To me, from above, Vegas most likely of trade partners
If Edmonton… Penguins would have to retain 50% ….. McLeod , Ryan, 1st….. hard to see Edmonton parting with McLeod, and Broberg nigh untouchable…. Slim chance in this trade
If Florida, since no firsts…. Would have to up player/prospects: Guentzel @50% for Luuistarinen, Mahura, Alscher…. still slim chance, maybe a tad more likely than Edmonton trade
Vancouver, would have to be 1st in ‘25, so package needs to be better than if 1st in ‘24. Guentzel 50% retained for 1st ‘25, 4th (‘24 if still available , see Calgar trade) or 2nd (‘27); Hoglander; Juulsen. Still slim chance, but to me, slightly higher chance than Florida deal
Vegas. They also would like Smith. Guentzel AND Smith, both at 50% for Roy, Howden, Korczak, 1st
OR Just Guentzel @ 50%; for Roy, Korczak, 1st
I think Vegas most likely for Guentzel. Vegas with Mantha AND Guentzel added…. Wow
87, according to Cap Friendly the Oil have $2.373M in deadline cap space. Last night on the broadcast they said that after waiving Gagner last night they will have just over $3M.
Can’t see Holland moving McLeod for a rental.
I would worry about the Crosby factor with Guentzel (along with his injury). Not everybody is the right fit for a great player like Sid, but they all get more points and goals, the question is how many more.
Draisaitl wouldn’t get as many as he does with someone other than McDavid feeding him on the PP, or in OT. Last nights goal was a classic example – a nice one-timer by Drai, but McDavid did 90% of the work on that. He created that goal.
Guentzel is a top 6 player all day, but I would knock 25% off his totals unless he plays with another super high end guy. So unless he ends up playing with Mcd, Kuch or MacKinnon, I wouldn’t expect Guentzel’s career average with Crosby.
Jake’s numbers have been strong with Malkin and during times of crosby being injured. And I doubt he gets placed on a teams third line so he will be playing with top 6 centers. I think he will fit wherever.
Agree chrisms, he is top 6 all day. The ask is super high if above is accurate. Not saying the Pens will get that, but somebody might buck up. I am suggesting the might be better value/less expensive options elsewhere, like Toffoli, that will produce at a rate near Guentzel.
McLeod isn’t going anywhere. He gets it done at both ends of the ice. When needed he can play on the PK and the PP. He can slide onto the wing in the top 6 to fill in for an injury or someone who is having an off night. In all categories, his numbers are on the positive side. It’s hard to find third-line centres like McLeod.
I think the main reason why the Oilers want Guentzel is because of his success with Crosby. It’s not easy to play with smart skilled star players. You have to have high hockey smarts and the skating ability to keep up with them. Lucic proved not everyone can do it. I think it’s funny when fans say that they can score at least 20 goals playing on McDavid’s wing. LOL
Believe it or not, Lucic, who isn’t a great skater in the NHL, could probably out skate any beer leaguer.
If Maroon could beat Lucic in a race, it wouldn’t be by much. He pumped in 27 playing with McDavid, but he has better hands than Lucic.
When not in Edmonton his high is 11, usually single digits.
Looks like Edmonton got Henrique and Carrick but TSN doesn’t show what went the other way or what retention happened
Depending on what was given up; adding now just a depthD, and Edmonton should be set
Ray Bark, did you say Maroon has better hands then Lucic?
Maroon had the one 20 goal season; Lucic had 4 and 1 30 goal season.
I wonder if Lucic’s wife would think Maroons hands were softer?
My guess would be yes!
Is it just me?
Last night Jack Edwards “Ryan McLeod younger brother of Michael Mcleod has a 62.4% in the faceoff dot, Bergeron like numbers” not the exact quote.
It bother me that Jack felt the need to throw Michael name in there. Yes they are brothers and that’s all he said, but i felt it was dirty and wasn’t needed to be said.
Maybe i just read too much into it.
To be fair, This was after Edwards drank three full bottles of Nyquil though