NHL Rumor Mill – March 23, 2024
Check out the latest on the Blackhawks and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
FREE-AGENT TARGETS FOR THE BLACKHAWKS
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers believes the Chicago Blackhawks must bring in some forwards this summer who can provide support for franchise star Connor Bedard.
His suggested options include Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights, Teuvo Teravainen of the Carolina Hurricanes, Tyler Bertuzzi of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jake DeBrusk of the Boston Bruins or Tyler Toffoli of the Winnipeg Jets.
Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks attempted to add experienced depth last summer by acquiring Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno and signing Corey Perry. Hall suffered a season-ending knee injury but still has a year left on his contract. Foligno played well enough to earn a two-year extension. Perry’s contract was terminated last November following an off-ice incident.
The Blackhawks have plenty of cap space ($38.2 million) to make one or two additions up front via free agency. Most of those players would come in on short-term contracts as the Hawks continue to promote younger players into their lineup.
Landing any of those players on Powers’ list will depend on the type of contracts they’re seeking and if they want to join a rebuilding team. Playing with a rising star like Bedard could be enticing for some players.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch looked at the Senators’ top-five head coaching candidates for next season.
Toronto Marlies’ head coach John Gruden topped Garrioch’s list. He was also head coach of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs from 2016 to 2018 when they were owned by Michael Andlauer, who bought the Senators last year. Senators general manager Steve Staios was the Bulldogs’ GM at the same time that Gruden was their coach.
Former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason, and former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube are also on Garrioch’s list, followed by Philadelphia Flyers assistant coach Brad Shaw.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andlauer stuck with who he knew best by having Staios take over as general manager last November. It wouldn’t be shocking if they hired Gruden provided the Toronto Maple Leafs would allow him to speak to the Senators about their head-coaching job.
SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan reports Senators assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson said he hasn’t thought about if he’d like to take over the head-coaching role. He’s been busy adjusting to what he called a steep learning curve from the coaching side of things.
The former Senators captain was hired on an interim basis along with head coach Jacques Martin back in December.
Alfredsson admitted he has caught the coaching bug, hinting that this season might not be his last behind the bench. However, he might not be the ideal candidate to take over the reins as the Senators’ head coach.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the new head coach will keep Alfredsson as an assistant coach.
Garrioch also speculated whether the Senators might attempt to improve their goaltending during the offseason. He doesn’t see them buying out the remaining four years of Joonas Korpisalo’s contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are stuck with Korpisalo. Perhaps they’ll try to ditch backup Anton Forsberg and bring in a more reliable backup.
The defense also needs improvement, especially on the right side where Garrioch believes they need a “rugged top-four blueliner.” He doesn’t see the Senators trading blueliner Thomas Chabot unless they’re willing to retain part of his $8 million average annual value. Rearguard Jakob Chychrun’s future remains murky.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Senators are interested in signing Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev if he becomes a free agent on July 1. Chabot’s contract is tough to move. Staios has said he’d like to re-sign Chychrun but I wouldn’t be shocked if he was traded this summer for a player who can provide immediate help to their roster.
Changes also need to be made among the forward lines. Garrioch doesn’t expect Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Shane Pinto, Drake Batherson, Ridly Grieg and Claude Giroux to be moved. However, the checking lines could use more depth.
If OTT needs a new coach, here’s hoping Pascal Vincent will be available soon.
I can’t see them trying to tank next season though.
Just out of curiosity, William Nylanders contract of $11.5 @ 8yrs kicks in next season and Rasmus Dahlin Contract of $11m @ 8yrs kicks in.
Would you make the trade?
Why? The Sabres are loaded with forwards. Dahlin is a left-shot defenseman who’s more comfortably playing left-side d while the Leafs need right-side top-four d-men.
Lol Lyle, take away the variables. It’s in jest.
If you had to start your team with one of these two players and their new contracts who are you taking.
it’s not about rosters and who is there. It’s meant to be a fun post.
Toronto…yes.
Buffalo…no
Toronto absolutely no
Buffalo no
In a heart beat!
Moves Relly back to the 2nd pairing as a really good #3.
Hopefully Liljegren breaks out next year and becomes Leafs #4.
It still leaves Leafs without a RH, #2 defenseman.
Matt Roy (29.5), Sean Walker (29.5) or Dylan DeMelo (31) are about all that will be available come July 1st that are worth signing.
Re; Senators
Surprized to not see Jay Woodcroft’s name not on the Garrioch coaching top 5 list…❓out of the list of Potential for head coach
Marlies’ head coach John Gruden would be a Great choice for the young Sen’s
For Sens Goaltending,🤔
I can see the Sen’s being Agresive and going after
Bostons Ullmark as he wants to stay in the East.
I could see the Sen’s trading a d/man like Chabot or Chychrun right up in a sign & trade for Goaltender Ullmark, Boston need a top 4 d/man, they may go after Hanifin so it may have to be an other forward they trade or a 1st pick and prospect…
Preds Saros,
offering the same deal to the Pred’s?
Or
The Sen’s 2nd 1st round pick in 2024 and a young good d/prospect and Joonas Korpisalo to make the money work to the Re-tooling Preds for Saros and a sign and trade deal
This need’s to be GM Steve Staio’s #1 priority to get a starter and not have 2 back ups❓
I m sure Boston would be OK with Chabot,Chycrun for Ullmark! That’s if they Don t sign Hanifan without turning over players! Then they package Ullmark and get the center they want!Or continue on the free agency route and sign Lindholm,Duchene,or Chandler Stephenson!
Why would Ottawa make that trade? Chycrun for Ullmark maybe but not more than that