NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2024
Check out the latest on the Rangers, Canadiens and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano suggests the New York Rangers might not make any major moves this summer after all. All the top unrestricted free agents are now off the board and it’s difficult to find an impact trade as there don’t seem to be many players available.
A lot of eyes are on the Winnipeg Jets. They’re believed to be deep in talks to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Mercogliano also noted the Rangers had previous trade discussions with the Anaheim Ducks about winger Frank Vatrano. It’s believed the Ducks wanted to do more during this offseason. They could hang onto Vatrano and hope for higher bids at the trade deadline.
The Rangers will have access to a second contract buyout once Ryan Lindgren’s arbitration situation is resolved. However, they’re not expected to make use of it.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).
They can also afford to keep Jacob Trouba on the roster despite the awkward fallout from general manager Chris Drury’s failed attempt to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings. It might be easier next summer to find a trade partner among those not on his no-trade list.
A source told Mercogliano that the Rangers aren’t thrilled with the trade offers they’ve received for winger Kaapo Kakko. They’d need an NHL-caliber player in return to fill the resulting hole in their lineup by trading Kakko.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury could surprise us by finding a team willing to take Trouba or Kakko off the Rangers’ hands for the right price. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if both players are still on their roster when their season begins in October.
TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will find slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market if he intends to go that route to add a scoring forward.
The site suggested the three best remaining options are Daniel Sprong, Tyler Johnson and Alex Nylander.
Sprong had 18 goals and 43 points last season with the Detroit Red Wings despite averaging only 12 minutes of ice time per game. Johnson had 17 goals in 67 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks and would’ve netted over 20 had he played a full 82 games. Nylander had 11 goals and 15 points in 28 games after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s not a heck of a lot left to choose from here. The best you can say is they’ll be affordable signings. Maybe one of them might thrive in a third-line role with the Canadiens on a one-year deal.
THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reporting Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason are among the finalists for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head-coaching position.
Former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan was reportedly the first choice of Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. However, he’s no longer in the running after contract negotiations fell through. McLellan still has another year remaining on his contract with the Kings, meaning the two teams would have to determine how much the Blue Jackets would pay. A source told Portzline the Jackets could circle back to McLellan.
Ranger fans all over Trouba for invoking his rights. Chris Drury over played his hand and tried to force Trouba out, it back fired.
Can still buy him out and he can take the year off while his mrs finishes the residency. win win
as a rangers fan trouba seems like a nice fella. but he is 3rd pair now.
i also wonder how long of a leash Drury has
With UFA pickings now somewhere south of “slim” and trade rumours (aside from the Ehlers talk) described as lukewarm at best, it appears each team sees the existing structure as their starting roster. So now the summer speculation begins as to whether or not roster and/or coaching changes made by your team of choice has resulted in improvements. One approach to that end is to look at team differential in goals scored and goals against, a factor that is, by and large, matched by where they finish after 82 games played.
Having no particular interest in the fate of Western Conference teams (if someone wants to do the same for that grouping, fill your boots), here’s the way each Eastern Conference team fared this past season, broken down into four groups of 4 from best to worst:
1-4: Fla 268 – 200 +68; Car 279 – 216 +63; NYR 282 – 229 +53; Bos 267 – 224 +43
5-8: Tor 303 – 263 +40; TB 291 – 268 +23; * Det 278 – 274 +4; * Pitt 255 – 251 +4
9-12: Buff 246 – 244 +2; ** NYI 246 – 263 -17; NJ 264 – 283 -19; Ott 255 – 281 -26
13-16: Pha 235 – 261 -26; ** Wash 220 – 257 -37; Mtl 236 – 289 -53; Col 237 – 300 -63
When I say “by and large” above I acknowledge that there can always be exceptions to the rule, and this past season that is reflected in the fact that Detroit and Pittsburgh, despite finishing among the teams ranked in the second-best grouping, missed the playoffs, while the NYI and Washington, although finishing among the two bottom groupings, made the playoffs.
Where Ottawa and their -26 is concerned, the hope is that the new coaching staff will design a more cohesive overall defensive game and, of course, get the roster to “buy in.” To that end, the acquisition of Ullmark and departure of Korpisalo, the deal for RD Jensen to pair Chabot, the departure of the diminutive D-man Brannstrom and the elevation of big Tyler Kleven to take his place, and changes to the bottom 6 F (Kelly, Kastelic, Kubalik, Katchouk out – Perron, Gregor and Amadio in with probable elevations of Ostapchuk and Crokshank), should help to turn that team minus into a plus.
Also helping would be an up-tick in goals scored, and that too is probable IF – and admittedly that’s a big IF – Josh Norris can put in the better part of a full season at C on the 1st line without going down again with another shoulder problem. Helping, too, will be a full season from Shane Pinto (who missed a full half through a suspension), a return to form of Stutzle who had a bit of a downer season, and avoidance of the Sophomore Slump by Ridley Greig.
Will it be enough to grab a playoff spot? Hard to say at this juncture – but both NYI and Washington got in with fewer goals for than Ottawa and not that many less goals against. In any event, I do believe the entire 16-team Eastern Conference will, at the finish next season, be the tightest it’s been top to bottom in years, with the WC teams likely needing something in the range of 94-98 points to qualify.
Be interested to hear how others see their team of choice doing based upon changes (if any) they may have made.
George, a crazy amount of work. ThusI feel badly saying I see no value in looking at where teams should fall, based on the past season.
Have understood your analysis correctly?
A writer from the Athletic ranked teams based on the just made changes free agents leaving/joining would make to the teams, something he called their Net Rating:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5626787/2024/07/10/nhl-teams-offseason-2024/
Even then, why rate any team in July, when we have so much that can change before the season begins: summer trades, surprises who make the roster, injuries during pre-season, etc.
Yes, I know this is dog days for hockey fans, but way too early for me to give any more thought to hockey – though I will say that the Habs will almost assuredly miss the playoffs again.
LJ, it’s just a vehicle for discussion. Sure, s&^t can happen bet ween now and the season opener – we can also be hit b y a comet.
All I’m trying to reflect is the correlation between final position and team differential in goals for and against, and how addressing that aspect can make the world of difference in a team’s final standing.
But if what I tried to do is seen as useless – at least insofar as generating dialogue is concerned during the “dog days” – then, I won’t bother.
I’ll find other things to do with my time while some revel in highly unlikely multiple-player blockbuster deals involving equally highly unlikely exchanges of millions of dollars in cap.
Have a good summer.
Nah George, I appreciate your analyses! You have often calmed my mind about the Sens as you end up reminding me of so many assets they DO have…
and like you… I also get a little tired of everyone demanding huge trades and signings and yadda yadda…some teams just need a couple pieces to be transformed so not much will happen all summer.
I like to have small chats on here to get through the off season.
Something to cheer you up, George. I have looked at the odds of being hit by a comet, and as a result recommend you do not increase your insurance premiums.
It’s still a greater risk than seeing one of Pengy’s old 5 canoes for 6 battleships come to fruition.
LOL! Yeah, I quickly tired of Pengy’s stream of consciousness posts.
Still, we have 8787, who is not Pengy ….
You forget George. One of pengy canoes and battleships actually happened.
Yeah, and “an infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters … yadda yadda “
Is there a real need for Kent Hughes to spend cap dollars on a borderline UFA this season???
Let some of the kids battle for a roster spot, Heineman, Roy, Mesa, Kapanen, Beck, Perreault, Farrell. Maybe even an outside chance of Tuch or Deputy Flo playing up a few games.
Continue to develop what they have in this rebuild. They are still three years away, IMHO, from making a serious playoff run.
That said, I would take a serious look at adding a Laine, for the right price, as well adding a piece or two for the future from a team needing to tidy up their Cap Hell.
I agree Uwey. The remaining UFA’s are third line players at best. The Habs have several prospects who can fill that role. Zegris/Necas will cost too much to acquire and so I agree that taking a chance on Laine who is still young at 26 is still worth the risk. I would propose a Gallagher and Harris + a draft pick, if needed, to get Laine. Laine has 2 years left and if doesn’t work out then no real big loss as we have lots of defencemen and Gallagher is past his prime (by the way – congrats to Gallagher on his marriage – she is a real beauty – another reason why Gallagher is not going to mess up his body any further). Plus Gallagher has 3 years left on his contract so we gain cap space in the third year if needed.
I’m just not sure how desperate Columbus is to trade him and whether they would be interested in that package. From Montreal’s perspective, it should be a no-brainer.
Washington traded Kuznetsov to Carolina for a 3rd round pick.
Laine for the same cap dump, a 3rd round pick, hopefully they just laugh.
I would think Laine on the Chicago powerplay would be a fit
Washington ate $3.9M of the $7.8M salary as well. For the remainder of last year, and the one coming up.
CLB gonna do that? Maybe, but if it was me I would see how he plays this year, and if not in contention, try and move a the TDL.
HF30. Kuznetsov is 32. Laine is 26. Liane has the potential to be a contributor for many more years , unlike Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov for a 3rd sounds about right for a team looking to add depth and make a long playoff run. I know you are not a Laine fan and would not trade for him but Laine for a 3rd wouldn’t work from Montreal’s perspective. The only way a trade works is if Columbus retains a significant amount of his contract, or takes a bad one back in return. In your post, who would hopefully laugh?
The move for Kuznetsov reeks of desperation. You can say that a 3rd rounder is fair for Kuznetsov at this point of his career, true enough, but this a far cry from a team trying to land a big fish or a move that moves them up the rankings. This is more like a move where they look at their depth and say uh-oh, we need to do something to shore up some of these holes. I would say that Carolina takes a step back this year. yes they make the playoffs, but the talent of those exiting exceed the talent of those coming in. The other issue is that not all of those coming in will successfully adapt to their system. With the D loosing some key people, and goaltending being the same area of concern with Anderson being a year older, I think they blend in a bit more as a lower tier playoff team.
Uwey three years from a playoff run! In pro sports that is an eternity! Do the coaches and President and GM have 3 more years on their contract!
Playoff appearance droughts are not uncommon Sr.
In MLB Detroit Tigers & L.A. Angels are at 9 each, Pittsburgh Pirates & Kansas City Royals 8 each; Colorado Rockies 5; Washington Nationals 4; Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds & Oakland Athletics 3 each
In NBA Charlotte Hornets 8; Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs 5 each; Houston Rockers 4; Portland Trail Blazers & Washington 3 each
In NFL NY Jets 13; Denver Broncos 8; Carolina & Atlanta 6 each; Washington, Indianapolis, Chicago & New Orleans 3 each
In NHL Buffalo Sabres 13, Detroit Red Wings 8; Ottawa Senators 7; Anaheim Ducks 6; San Jose Sharks 5; Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets 4 each, Montreal Canadiens 3
Certainly not a good time to be a pro sports fan in Detroit!
Building a truly strong team is a marathon not a sprint.
All too often media & fans become restless with the process & pressure a team to accelerate that process, quite often contributing to more years of disappointment.
At this point, the Habs are roughly half way to there. Also notice I stated “playoff run” meaning not yet then true contenders.
I agree with that statement 100% Uwey.
It takes way longer than we fans would like when it’s our team, but it is reality the majority of the time.
Average playoff drought for a tear it down rebuilding team is 7 years. Some more – EDM and BUF, some less like the Rags.
I would rather Carolina keep Necas than trade for Ehlers. I assume either player would be one and done in Carolina. Carolina already has 9 UFA’s at the end of this season. It will be a rinse and repeat of what happened this year. Brind’Amour knows what Necas can and cant do and who he has chemistry with. Necas has more upside and is more durable. Also Carolina would miss the speed of Necas.
Carolina already has two very good prospects competing for positions this year so Carolina is probably not a good fit for McGroarty. They both averaged more goals per game in the NCCA last year than McGroarty and they have signed two way contracts.
Agree on Necas, he is younger, bigger and less injury prone and from what I gather better in the playoffs than Ehlers who tend to do a invisible act
you lost all credibility when you said Necas has more speed. Ehlers is one of the fastest in the NHL. Ehlers stats last year. 82 games 25 goals 36 assists 61 points and a plus +27. Necas stats last year 77 games 24 goals 29 assists 53 points and a -9. Ehlers was 3rd on the Jets in +/- while Necas was 3rd from the bottom on the Canes team.
The move for Kuznetsov reeked of desperation. You can say that a 3rd rounder is fair for Kuznetsov, true enough, but this a far cry from a team trying to land a big fish or a move that moves truly makes a difference. This is more like a move where they look at their depth and say uh-oh, we need to do something to shore up some of these holes. Regarding this year. I would say that Carolina takes a step back this year. yes they make the playoffs, but the talent of those exiting exceed the talent of those coming in. The other issue is that not all of those coming in will successfully adapt to their system. With the D loosing some key people, and goaltending being the same area of concern with Anderson being a year older, I think they blend in a bit more as a lower tier playoff team.
Montreal said that they would give Roy a legitimate shot at being a top 6 forward, I am not sure where the rumours are coming from.
GR,
Joshua Roy is a 5th rounder who has been elevating his game at every level.
When he was called up last year he had 2 bad games and then he got into the NHL rhythm and kept improving till he was injured and ended his season.
He earned the opportunity for a shot and it’s the ideal situation, forcing his way into the discussion.