NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Rumors | 21 comments

The latest on Igor Shesterkin plus some under-the-radar options at the 2025 trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing confidence that the New York Rangers will re-sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

I believe it’s going to work out,” said Friedman. “I think the Rangers have made the choice they’re going to pay him and, to me, it just comes down to what the numbers are going to be. Until I’m told otherwise, I expect them to work out. Work it out. I believe the Rangers have made their choice here.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Shesterkin, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. It was reported that his camp would shelve contract talks until the end of the season if a deal wasn’t reached by the Rangers’ season opener on Oct. 9. However, Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported management isn’t fazed by this supposed deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will re-sign Shesterkin to a long-term extension and he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. The only question is how much? It’s reported his camp seeks an average annual value of $12 million while the Rangers are willing to pay around $11 million. That doesn’t seem like a bridge too far.

As for that rumored deadline, it’s doubtful Shesterkin’s camp would refuse to discuss the matter after Oct. 9 if the Rangers offer up close to what they want.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Herman looked at six players who could be under-the-radar trade options at the March 7, 2025, NHL trade deadline.

Topping the list is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. Herman cites the Flames’ current rebuilding phase and the 34-year-old Kadri’s $7 million AAV through 2029 as reasons he could be moved by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri surfaced several times in this summer’s rumor mill. At the start of training camp, he told reporters to “pump the brakes” on the trade speculation. He has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. The remaining value and length of his contract would also make him a difficult sell at the trade deadline even if he agreed to be moved.

Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch was next on Herman’s list. While the Sabres might be reluctant to move the 28-year-old winger, they might have to consider it if they’re out of contention by the deadline. Tuch’s contract expires in 2026, and it’s fair to wonder if he’d be willing to stick around and face more uncertainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a fair point. Tuch could have more value leading up to the 2025 deadline because he wouldn’t be a rental player. Having him around for two playoff runs could entice Stanley Cup contenders. He also has Cup Final experience, having played in the 2018 Final with the Vegas Golden Knights.

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is another option. He’s on a one-year deal, wasn’t productive last season, and has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never, but it’s doubtful the Rangers will move Lindgren this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency next summer. Herman noted they expect to be a contender plus he usually pairs with top blueliner Adam Fox. It’s unlikely they’ll want to split them up.

Herman speculates the Pittsburgh Penguins could attempt to shop Erik Karlsson if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline. They need to get younger and peddling the 34-year-old defenseman could fetch picks and prospects they need to rebuild in earnest. It’ll also free up salary cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Herman believes Karlsson’s contract wasn’t as problematic as it once was. The Penguins are carrying $9,999,998 of his $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27. That’s still a big chunk to swallow unless the Pens agree to retain some of it. He’s also reaching the stage in his career when his performance steadily declines. Karlsson also still has his full no-movement clause over the remainder of his contract.

Anaheim Ducks forward Cam Fowler is also on Herman’s list. The 32-year-old defenseman could welcome a move to a contender after spending the last several years with the rebuilding Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last month that Fowler has had discussions with Ducks management about his future, including the possibility of a trade that would mutually benefit them. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a four-team trade list, though it’s believed he’s expanded that list to double digits. He could interest a contender seeking a puck-moving blueliner who would be more than a rental player.

Herman wonders about Boone Jenner’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The rebuilding Jackets have two promising young centers in Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom. Jenner, 31, is signed through 2025-26 and would interest contenders seeking depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner would be a tempting trade target. He’s a big, versatile forward with leadership skills who can play in all situations. He also carries an affordable $3.75 million annual cap hit. Jenner also has an eight-team no-trade list but that’s unlikely to be much of an obstacle. It depends on where first-year general manager Don Waddell sees Jenner in his plans for the Jackets and if his captain wants to be part of them.







21 Comments

  1. As we get ready to embark upon a new season there are hordes of questions that will be front and centre throughout, including Shesterkin’s ultimate contract, speculation about McDavid’s following the Draisaitl deal, the futures of Marner and Tavares in Toronto, and many, many more. And almost certainly the question as to whether or not Ovechkin can break Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals mark, established in the 1998-99 season when he scored 9 in his final season with the NYR and which has held the line for a quarter of a century.

    To do so, Ovechkin would have to score 42. Tall order, perhaps, for the just-turned 39 y/o who had a 31 goal season at age 38. But certainly doable if everything goes right for him and the team. And even if he doesn’t do it this season, he certainly will in 2025-26 … barring some severe injury.

    After that, whatever the new mark will be, we’re probably looking at something close to another 20 to 25 years before speculation can begin again to consider a new record-breaker. Indeed, most among current players with substantial goals are simply too old to even catch Gretzky by age 40, with the number of goals they’d have to score each season up to age 40 bordering on the ludicrous and shown SOLELY to underscore the magnitude of what Gretzky was able to do – and what Ovechkin continues to do:

    Crosby (age 37 – 101 goals per), Stamkos (age 34 – 56 goals per), Malkin (age 38 – 198 goals per), Patrick Kane (36 y/o – 106 goals per), Tavares (34 y/o – 73 goals per), Perry (age 39 – 465 goals in 1 season), Kopitar (37 y/o – 158 goals per), Marchand (36 y/o – 123 goals per), Jamie Benn (35 y/o – 102 goals per), Jeff Skinner (32 y/o – 102 goals per), Seguin (32 y/o – 64 goals per); Giroux (36 y/o – 136 goals per), Duchene (33 y/o – 73 goals per), Pacioretty (36 y/o – 141 goals per), Evander Kane (33 y/o – 81 goals per), Couture (35 y/o – 114 goals per), Tarasenko (33 y/o – 85 goals per).

    Among the under-30 players perhaps the best bet to reach Gretzky’s 894 goals is a pair of 27 y/o snipers – Austin Matthews who would need to average 41 per season to age 40 and Connor McDavid who would need to average 43. Others are David Pastrnak (28 y/o – 45 per), Leon Draisaitl (29 y/o 50 per),), and Nathan MacKinnon (29 y/o – 51 per). To put those great players in proper perspective in terms of even catching Gretzky, the latter had 626 goals by the time he was 27 y/o, and 720 by the time he turned 29. Matthews at 27 has 368 goals and McDavid at 27 has 335! The two 29 y/o players – Draisaitl and MacKinnon have 347 and 335.

    Where it goes beyond bizarre when looking at his accomplishments is in the assists and points categories where he finished with 1,963 and 2,857 respectively! So, while Ovechkin could conceivably set the new goals record this coming season – or next – right now he trails Gretzky in the assists category by 1,266 and points by 1,307!!

    • George, Matthews is scoring at a faster rate than Ovechkin. Thru 8 seasons:
      OV 601 games, 371 goals
      Matthews 562 games, 368 goals

      In years 3 and 4 OV fired 65 and 56 goals respectively. Since then, he has only 6 seasons at 50 or better
      3 at 50, 2 at 51 and 1 at 53.

      Thru their first 4 seasons, OV had outscored Auston by 61 goals. That differential is now down to 3. Games played over next 4 years virtually identical (OV 277 vs Matthews 280).

      IF Austin stays healthy and plays until the age of 40, he should overtake OV

      • That could happen Hammer_of_the_Gods … but the 41 goals per for Matthews from this stage until he reaches age 40 is to catch Gretzky’s 894 … Ovechkin could continue playing for a few more seasons, so we don’t yet know what the new record will be.

        But the lone reason for posting that above was to put Gretzky’s accomplishments into some sort of perspective.

        Matthews could, quite conceivably, continue to pop goals at his already amazing rate to age 40, but to get anywhere near Gretzky’s assists (1,963) and points (2,857_ totals, Matthews would need to register 130 per year to age 40 and 170 pts per year for the next 13 seasons.

        Ovechkin has no chance at either, needing 1,266 assists and 1,307 pts over the next two seasons.

        I could well be wrong, but somehow I just don’t see Matthews hanging around to age 40.

  2. Rumor is Shesterkin passed on 88 mil per nhl networks Kevin Weekes.

    • Trade the bum! 😁

      • Sign Linus Ullmark in the off season at half the price of Shesterkin!

      • Re;NYR

        New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin
        turns down $88.M @ $11.M per year‼️

        -Never won a Stanley Cup……🤔
        -Who is going to pay him More at $11.M….🤔

        He is going to be 29 years old in December, how good is he going to be later on at + 35, 36, 37,❓

        PS
        SR, Ullmark re-signs in Ottawa….👍

      • Williew ,

        Since when did winning a cup influence contracts?

        Mcdavid, Draisaitl, Mathews, Marner, Tavares, Panarin, Mcavoy, Nurse, Pastrnak, Fox, Hamilton, Jones, Karlsson, Meier, Huberdeau ?

        How fortunate for owners and Gms in all sports if this were the case. It’s not. Nor will it ever be the case.

    • if that was over 8 years … so $11 mil per … what the Hell is he looking for?

      • Swayman set the bar. He’s probably going to hold out for that extra 250k per year.

      • Well, the IRS will be happy! 🙂

      • 96. I’ll bet it’s 92 when all said and done.

      • If he actually turned down 11 per, that should be the end of contract talks.

        I’m interested to see how he responds to not having Allaire in the day to day mix.

        Ny may have just dodged a bullet!

  3. Re: “Herman speculates the Pittsburgh Penguins could attempt to shop Erik Karlsson if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline ….”

    Cue the “back to Ottawa” chatter … lol

  4. Ovechkin watch will be fun however it goes.

    At 39 years old, i dont think bagging 42 even over two full seasons is anywhere near a slam dunk for Ovie. I am not expecting him to pot more than 25, if that, this season. Part of that is his age and decline, it is happening. And the other part of that is the roster and capitals as a team.

    Dubois, their big acquisition has struggled to help any one or any team he is on improve of late. The team was near bottom of the league in offense last season and i suspect it will similar again, meaning while its not easy to score in the NHL it is a bit harder to score as a capital of late. Add that to the getting older, and slower at 39, Ovie breaking the record even next season is not a given.

    Personally i hope he breaks it this season, and adds another 30 to it next before he retires. I would prefer than that than simply having 3 or 4 goals more than Gretz when he retires.

    • 1Oilerfan, there can be absolutely no doubt that even the best of the best over the years start to slow down in goal production as they reach their late 30s – the records show it – so no one should assume that Matthews and McDavid will still be potting them at the same rate they do today when they are closing in on 37-38.

      The amazing Crosby, however, seems determined to make a liar out of me. after scoring 44 in 2016-17 he had seasons of 29, 35, 16, 24 (the last two Covid-shortened years), 31 and 33 … then, at age 36, he pops 42, plays all 82 games and adds 52 assists for good measure.

      • George O…the exception to prove the rule

  5. “New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is another option. He’s on a one-year deal, wasn’t productive last season, and has an injury history”

    lol. He’s coming off a 17 point season which is his 2nd best total in his career. 1 point shy of his career best 18 point season

    You won’t be seeing his name in the Norris candidate list any time soon.

  6. Shesterkin is a great goalie of that there is no doubt, however a new contract raises some questions.
    1/ When his new contract starts he will be 29,5 years and he has had some injuries the last few seasons, 4 times missed games last 3 years
    2/ What other teams, that he would want to go to, has the money to pay him the 12m that he wants, in my opinion, not many if any
    3/ Would the Rangers be better off signing a guy like Ullmark to a 8×4/7×5 contract instead and put that other money into other players

    • That’s assuming Ullmark (or a guy like him) wants to sign with New York, for that term, and for that salary. All big assumptions.

      • I think his family like the quite life in Ottawa
        the sen’s have a Great young up and coming team…

        The big area’s of need was
        #1 RD, they got big Carter Yakemchuk with the 7th pick, he will make the team next year✅

        #2 A Real starting goaltender…LU. Mr Ullmark✅

        #3 was to inprove the 3rd & 4th lines….✅

        i think Staios has done a very good job in his first year