NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2024
Does Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov want to join the Blackhawks? What’s the latest on Leafs winger Nick Robertson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
B/R OPEN ICE: cited The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus saying it was rumored during the 2024 NHL Draft that Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov wanted to join the Chicago Blackhawks when his contract expired in 2026.
Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).
Lazerus made the remark on his podcast, “The Athletic Hockey Show.” He subsequently took to “X” to clarify his comment, saying the Blackhawks saw Kaprizov “as a potential big add” in two years when he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.
Lazurus claimed he misspoke during the podcast, tweeting that Kaprizov is “intrigued” by the possibility but doesn’t “want” it now.
“Kaprizov has two years left on his contract,” wrote Lazerus. “This decision is forever away. Nothing is imminent, nothing is set in stone, Kaprizov is not asking out, nothing like that. Stand down. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.
Lazerus finished by tweeting that the Blackhawks “have their eye” on Kaprizov, not the other way around.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could stir things up a bit among the fans and media in Minnesota. Kaprizov and Wild general manager Bill Guerin will likely be asked about the winger’s future much earlier than expected.
Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging that Kaprizov will draw plenty of interest if he tests the open market in 2026. The Blackhawks won’t be the only club with their eye on the skillful Wild winger.
Kaprizov will seek a substantial raise when his current contract expires. He’s currently earning an average annual value of $9 million and has reached or exceeded 40 goals in each of the last three seasons. He could earn over $12 million annually on his next deal with two more 40-plus goal campaigns.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted that Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson was held off the score sheet during their game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
Robertson, 23, is in a competitive battle for a full-time roster spot this season. Koshan noted the winger logged the second-most ice time of Leafs forwards in that contest, adding that the Senators were limited to just two shots on goal when he was on the ice in five-on-five situations.
Koshan pointed out that Robertson would have to clear waivers if the Leafs attempt to send him to their AHL affiliate this season. GM Brad Treliving couldn’t find a trade partner for the winger during the offseason but Koshan believes a rival team would pluck him off the waiver wire.
When Koshan pointed out that Robertson was held off the scoresheet Tuesday in Ottawa with 18.40 of ice time, he could also, in fairness, have pointed out that so were 17 others, including regulars Nylander (15.06), Knies (18.34), McMann (18.44) and Kampf (17.13).
Why single him out?
Because Robertson is the subject of the trade rumors. The others aren’t.
If Kampf, Jarnkrook or Liljergern can not be moved for early or mid round picks which Leafs really need ..they then will be sacrificed and most likely picked up off waivers for sure…
So those are obvious options ..for a giveaway and cap relief …
They have easy to accumulate AAV ..and will be useful to clubs looking for experience depth.
It shouldn’t be an issue.
Leafs have alot of bodies to chose from and a few that ard easy to replace for the season.
I would like to see mod draft picks back as they are worth that.
Leafs still have issues with size on wings that fits into a Berube system and what it takes for a deep run.
They need to address that still…
Lorentz can fill in for Kampf at a lower AAV on 4th line ..
Patches for Jarnkrook
Leaves room for Robertson and maybe a surprise player still on an entry deal.
Lilijergrens contract has to be first to go..
They have way to much depth on D at lower AAV that do the same thing ..for his ice time…he will not be missed in any positional play or scoresheet …
Cheers
Makes sense Kal el – certainly, with so many teams seeking a RD, either Liljegren or Timmins could bring back what they want in terms of picks. They have to be careful, though, because if Hakanpaa is not ready to start the season (he has yet to appear in pre-season), that would leave only Tanev, Liljegren and Timmins as right side D (unless I’m missing someone obvious)
Since any player could be traded and none of us really have a clue until it happens or if. But, if Toronto is going to gamble with players on the waiver wire, my guess the first players to hit the wire would be Reaves, Kampf and Timmins. According to Berube Liljegren has had a good camp so far, so I don`t see him being moved at the moment, unless the return is good. But, not just as a cap dump. You have to remember Toronto hasn`t got a lot of RHD depth that can play at the NHH level right now. If Willie stays at centre, that makes Kampf a bit of a luxury as a 4th line centre. Timmins hasn`t looked good so far and Reaves get picked off the waiver wire, nobodies losing any sleep. Jankrok would be next on my list of obvious choices as dumps. You might also notice through player comments that Keefe`s coaching style might of been part of the problem, players can sometimes come out of nowhere under a new coach and a new system. Judging players from past performances may not be the wisest move
Because the ones you named are guaranteed roster spots and Robertson isn’t.
Note George, it was Alex Nylander playing not Willie, so you can`t include him as a regular. Robertson didn`t score, but he came close a couple of times. Knies, McMann and Robertson all actually had a decent game, just didn`t score. One should give Ottawa a little credit for that
Thanks. Completely forgot Alex was in camp.
Besides, with Treleving over the cap by $1,069,667, and barring someone in excess of that starting the season on LTIR, trying to option Robertson and his $875,000 cap hit to the Marlies doesn’t do it. In fact, someone else would have to be sent down as well, and that would leave them with a 21-man roster. And for sure, Robertson would be snatched up on waivers.
The only one with an option, according to Puckpedia, is Knies, but that would not only be counter-productive but again, insufficient as his cap is $925,000.
If you scan their roster, the only one with a sufficient cap hit to cover the over, and with little chance of being grabbed on waivers, is Ryan Reaves and his $1,350,000 cap hit.
This is one reason why – if you examine the situation closely – it makes sense for some trade to be in the brewing stage.
George, cap compliance can be achieved by placing a player on LTIR and going with a 22 man roster.
Players with cap hits greater than $1.07 M.
Dewar, Reeves, Hakanpaa, Benoit, Timmins
Currently there are 8 D on the roster.
I reference the LTIR option above … but is there anyone currently dealing with training camp dings who could possibly be an LTIR option by opening night?
George, I don’t know a lot about the current Leaf ailment and injury situation but stuff happens during Training Camp / Preseason. Drew Doughty fractured his ankle the other night.
Jani Hakanpaa has yet to join the main group in camp but is supposedly close. Maybe next week. He will be lucky to play 2 preseason games. Any setback and Jani will be a prime LTIR candidate.
Leafs Cap Problem’s
I would move Ryan Reeves
Out @$1.350.M
Buy him out or trade him with a pick, he is a Goon they don’t need!!
Retain the difference to be under the cap
Then do a trade with Timmons he would be a good 3rd RD on any team…
Then try to move the other 2 & Dewar and or Hakanpaa…..?
A player must be certified as injured, by a doctor to go on LTIR.
Timmins $1.1m dollar contract covers that $1.06 cap shortfall nicely.
I do not believe the Leafs are overly concerned about losing him.
Knies is likely to be Leafs 1st line LW and isn’t going anywhere.
Robertson would immediately be lost on waivers.
Reaves at 37, (38 in January) would not be missed.
If Robertson hits the wire I am certain one of 31 teams take a chance on him. He would be a footnote on most teams and not sure why he gets the press but it is Toronto.
Let’s not forget, Pacioretty also needs a contract, which puts the Leafs in even more of a Cap bind…..
Good point.
Speaking of whom, I wonder what he’d be ready to sign for – his last deal with Washington was $2 mil – before that in the $7 mil range.
He isn’t going to see that again, of course, and probably not even the $2 mil he got in Washington. But would he be prepared to play for something below $1 mil?
George, at this stage of the game, I’m guessing he will take whatever is offered. After having 2 blowouts repaired, I’d guess he’d be happy just to be able to keep playing this season, prove himself (or redeem himself), and maybe earn a better contract. 100% Grade A Pure speculation on my part as I haven’t poked around the contents of his cranium. (Nor am I qualified to do so)