NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2024

by | Aug 26, 2024 | Rumors | 10 comments

The latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas, Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom,  Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, and an update on the Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports Martin Necas was “50-50” about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old forward said he didn’t have the best season and was unhappy.

However, Necas said he and the club “turned the page”, figuring out a way for him to stay for two more seasons. “I feel like Carolina is my home”, he said, adding that he’s happy to stay and looks forward to a better performance this season.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Before signing his new deal, it was reported that multiple teams expressed interest in him after his father criticized the Hurricanes’ handling of his son’s role with the club. Necas said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets were among the suitors but his Hurricanes teammates convinced him to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk of the Blue Jackets offering up Patrik Laine for Necas and the Jets dangling promising center Cole Perfetti.

Necas will likely play more of a top-six forward role with the Hurricanes this season. The trade rumors have died since he signed his new contract last month. His role and performance this season will be worth watching.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted the recent activity in the NHL trade market and wondered if the Islanders might get into the fray by attempting to move Oliver Wahlstrom.

The Isles made Wahlstrom available at the end of last season but he couldn’t have had much value in the trade market. Nevertheless, they’re in a salary-cap bind and must free up space for offseason addition Maxim Tsyplakov.

Macias suggested the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias is right about Wahlstrom’s trade value. They could send him to the minors to make room for Tsyplakov. He’s on a one-year deal with a $1 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Shayna Goldman report Filip Gustavsson could be sticking around with the Minnesota Wild.

Gustavsson was considered a trade candidate after the Wild re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and with Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings. The 26-year-old goaltender surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason. He could be part of a three-goalie rotation with the Wild this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson’s struggles last season combined with his $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26 explains why he’ll likely be back with the Wild this season.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider adding a left winger before training camp opens in mid-September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Free-agent options at left wing include Max Pacioretty, who reportedly has firm offers from a couple of clubs. Former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins could be another if GM Brad Treliving maintains last summer’s obsession with adding “snot” to his lineup. Former Leaf James van Riemsdyk is also available.







10 Comments

  1. With Teravainen gone and Guentzel not re-signed, Necas will certainly have his opportunities this season. It’s put up or shut up time for him.

    Let’s add Mr. Necas Sr. to the list of fathers who have to realize that speaking up like that is not helping their sons.

    • I think Necas was a victim of the Kotkaniemi drama caused by Dundon..

      Subequent tight cap meant releasing Trocheck, no money to sign Jarvis and playing hardball with Necas watching KK getting paid more and getting a shot at centre.

  2. Wahlstrom is worth a gamble if the price is right .

    • Wahlstrom reminds me a lot of Frank Vatrano! Late bloomer traded by Boston for a 4th round pick! Led Anaheim in scoring with over 30 goals! Give this kid a chance and it might be worth the risk for what he is going to cost!

      • A serious shoulder injury is not good for an aggressive winger who likes to shoot from everywhere but id still give him 3rd line time and on the 2nd powerplay.
        Simon Holmström has outplayed him forsure though

  3. Wahlstrom was drafted to be what the Isles need most, a young sniper to juice a popgun offence. What a disappointment he has been.

  4. NYI…

    Wahlstrom has not showen much offence with NYI in the past 4 seasons, his best was 13G &11A for 24 points inthe 21/22 season,
    he looks to be a 3rd line RW, he is 25 soon and signed up with the old NYI team for one year @
    $1M for one more year. The NYI are at the cap with 22 player and sitting at $88.M Cap

    if they could move a JGP who is at $5.M for 2 more season or a Lee, @$7.M or a Nelson @$6M….🤔
    who are in there last year of there contracts

    That would help them out, but that looks like a trade dead line deal….
    Thats if they look like a playoff team……..❓

  5. if that’s true the Avalanche are looking @ all scenarios with the team, i read somewhere re: filling needs? i would think they would look @ someone like Wahlstrom for depth with the forwards at a minimal price? i have seen him play on isles games either in regular season/ or playoffs, he seems like a really good player/scorer! the Avalanche would do themselves a favor by improving that part of the team as well as trying to fix goaltending/defense. GO AVS!!!

  6. As per the comment above
    Leafs are considering 3 candidates for a left wing position

    I would have to go on Treliving’s obsession to adding , “snot” to his lineup !

    I am surprised this brief didn’t gather attention
    Well , I guess I am a little late to gather momentum !

  7. Really, TOR is looking for a top 6 LW.
    I don’t see any of those 3 guys fitting that bill. Certainly not as well as Richardson would.
    I could see Cousins on a third or 5th line though.