NHL Rumor Mill – November 28, 2024
Updates on Rangers stars Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek is drawing attention in the trade market, and the latest on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RANGERS GM SPEAKS WITH TROUBA AND KREIDER
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with team captain Jacob Trouba, winger Chris Kreider and other veterans regarding the memo he sent around the league earlier this week indicating his club was to trade offers. The discussions were said to be honest and productive.
New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).
Trouba and Kreider were the two players mentioned as being on the trade block. However, Staple considers it unlikely either guy will be moved based on their contracts and their current roles with the Rangers.
It’s not the first time that Trouba’s been mentioned in trade rumors. In Juen, it was reported that the Rangers hoped to move the defenseman before the start of free agency on July 1 but the blueline refused to play along.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba and Kreider each have 15 team no-trade lists this season. However, most of the teams that might be able to meet what would likely be the Rangers’ expensive asking prices are rebuilding teams that would probably be on their respective no-trade lists. Their cap hits for this season (Trouba at $8 million, Kreider at $6.5 million) would also be sticking points.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to move them this season but, as Staple points out, the odds are slim.
LATEST ON DAVID JIRICEK
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli has Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek sitting atop his updated list of NHL Trade Targets. He reports sources claiming the Blue Jackets have received offers from five or six teams. The Minnesota Wild were said to be the front-runner for the 21-year-old blueliner, with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers in the mix.
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports the Wild are believed to be interested in Jiricek because of his upside as a potential top-pairing defenseman. With Jared Spurgeon aging, they envision a “Faber-Jiricek right-shot tandem” on the top two defense pairings for years if Jiricek reaches his full potential.
Russo doesn’t see the Wild offering up young center Marco Rossi for Jiricek, speculating they might pitch a package consisting of a prospect and a draft pick or NHL throw-in.
Russo’s colleague Rob Rossi believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the mix for Jiricek. He cited sources claiming no Penguins prospect was off limits in the package, including recently acquired forward Rutger McGroarty. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t soured on McGroarty but loves Jiricek, a right-shot defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Seravalli, it’s not a case of “if” Jiricek gets traded but “when”.
It’ll be interesting to see if other clubs also get into the bidding for the promising young defenseman. There was speculation suggesting the Edmonton Oilers might pursue him as a potential replacement for departed young blueliner Philip Broberg. However, they might not have enough tradeable assets within their system to swing the deal plus there is concern over Jiricek’s skating.
LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios seeks help on defense with blueliner Artem Zub sidelined by a broken foot. However, finding a suitable defense option won’t be easy this time of year.
Zub could be out for two months, forcing Staios to shop for a blueliner who can log top four minutes. Garrioch listed Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Seth Jones of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as potentially available options.
Garrioch also indicated the Senators have been trying to gauge interest in center Josh Norris. A league executive said Norris’ durability and contract make him “a target to move.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler has a four-team trade list that he’s reportedly willing to expand but it’s doubtful he’ll want to jump from one rebuilding club to another. The same goes for Jones, who has a full no-movement clause. The Senators would likely balk at his average annual value of $9.5 million.
Pettersson has a more affordable cap hit ($4.025 million) and an eight-team no-trade list. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Senators were on it.
The Boston Bruins could use Chris Kreider. Boston doesn’t have the cap space or asset.
Dollar in, Dollar out: Kreider for Hampus Lindholm
assuming all restrictions are removed.
not sure how the deal helps the Rangers, they need depth at forward, especially with Chytil’s concussion history. Rangers have better depth at D than F
maybe Kreider for Zacha?
Now I like that! Zacha for Kreider! Strike when the iron is hot after Zacha s 2 goals last night!
Would take more than just Zacha
might need to expand the deal, and the Rangers really need a shakeup. Lindholm doesn’t seem to be the proper answer to replace Bergeron
Elias Lindholm
Pavel Zacha
Fabian Lysell
for
Mika Zibenajad
Chris Kreider
pick
MikeP would have yes until I saw last nights game were Lindholm had 3 assists and Zacha 2 goals! Seems like they have a pulse! A lesser deal including Frederic or Geekie might make more sense!
Kreider & Lindgren (50% retained) for Zadorev, Frederic & a 2nd. Bruins run Lindgren through a 3rd team for further cap hit retention if needed
As usual Garrioch looking in the wrong places.
Norris for Trouba straight up should not anger fans too much. Tkachuk and Trouba on the same team. Go ahead and eff around.
Trouba likely would nix that deal but maybe not. Giroux might be able to make a call.
I can’t see Ranger fans asking for more. Trouba’s best years are nearly behind him. Slow production and speed. Sens need the experience. Norris isn’t that big of a risk. If he plays you get an invigorated Zibby 2.0 – if he gets hurt LTIR and you move on. It also gets the Rangers out from under worrying about resigning their captain.
Be kind of funny for rangers centres to be zibanijad and Norris
Norris seems fine this year. It was my thought that he wasn’t completely healed physically and mentally last year(s). I am liking what I see of him this year. Though I do understand the value in trading him and perhaps free up cap space.
He is another player I wouldn’t worry to much about his durability. He had an ongoing. Shoulder issue that looks to be finally resolved. Just my opinion. I do realise GMs around the league will use the injury prone tag to reduce his value. If that does it occur i.d be reluctant to move him
Jeff, Terasenko had similar shoulder woes early in his career with St. Louis and seems to have put that behind him … although offensively he appears to have fallen off a cliff in Detroit – 3 goals in 21gp is not what you want for close to $5 mil per. At least Ottawa is getting a bigger bang for their buck with Norris who has 9 goals for his close to $8 mil tag.
And who-da thunk a reclamation project like Adam Gaudette would be tied for the team goal lead with Tkachuk – although that 1 assist is a bit misleading overall. I guess he has a shoot-first mentality once he gets the puck.
I’m not sure of Seravalli’s “insider” reports. Yesterday, he stated that the Jackets had six solid offers. The teams he cited were Minnesota, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Nashville and San Jose. Today it’s “five or six” non-solid offers with San Jose no longer listed.
With all due respect, Seravilli is overlooking a few facts. Pittsburgh and Columbus are intense rivals who can barely tolerate each other. Plus Pittsburgh’s prospect cupboard is bare. They have nothing the Jackets need. San Jose is rebuilding and has the prospects and draft picks to entice Waddell. Columbus and Nashville have a history of mutually beneficial trades and Nashville may have a young defenseman to interest the Jackets. Minnesota and Philadelphia are in the “If Zone”. If they’re willing to give up something the Jackets need, something can be worked out.
I would include Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal in a list of possible destinations since there is mutual need.
Sorry Paul I don`t see a fit or a mutual need between Columbus and Toronto. Toronto`s top need is a right handed 2nd or 3rd line centre, not a RHD like Jiricek, whose clearly not NHL ready. Maybe in 2 or 3 years. Now a healthy Jenner would be a different story. Jiricek needs to play without a lot of pressure on him. I would`ve thought Columbus would be a perfect spot for him, strange
Pretty much the same with Ottawa, Yogi. With Zub out long-term they’re scouring the market for a top 4 RD – i.e., a proverbial needle in a haystack – who is physical and can keep the front of the net clear. I can’t say that’s impossible – but if it happens it’s going to cost them.
In their system at that position they have Sobrango – just called up from Belleville along with Guenette and, of course, Yakemchuk who’ll likely be here full-time next season (he’ll certainly be front and center in Ottawa over Christmas as part of Team Canada in the World Juniors).
Can’t see the Leafs being able to afford both Mitch and John if I’m Boston I keep a close eyes on what happens. Bruin’s obviously need some offensive talent but Tavares at a reasonable contract 3x 5 or 6 would fill a need.
Hey Paul,
Sounds like the CBJ want a 1st pick first of all,
and a fill in d/man, and Or a possible prospect of some type….?
CBJ have 1st pick and Zero 2nd round pick’s !
in the next 2 drafts, 2025 & 2026
They do have $20+M in cap space so im sure they will take on salarys in a number of 3 Way trades to fill up 1,st & 2nd & 3rd round picks closer to trade deadline time in mid Feb to Early March time…
So Don Wadell said there first priority is a 1st pick & maybe a 3rd pick and young prospect would get it done,….❓
i would say the Sharks, Ottawa and Oil & Philly could be front runners
I can see the Oilers being in the final mix for him as they need a 2nd pair RD/man… Preferably a younger one, and trading a forward for a RD to get them through this years playoffs…
moving out one of these 2 Centre forwards at $3.M
Adam Henrique Or Jeff Skinner could be big savings along with a d at $750,000 to $850,000
the Oil will have savings from Evander Kane injury
maybe $4+M… and $1.2M in cap space…$5.2M🤔
Im sure they will look at Hab’s d/man Mike Matheson who can play LD&RD…..
at $4.85.M for 1.5 more years maybe a 1st in 2026 &
one of these 2 Adam Henrique Or Jeff Skinner❓
Willie,
I simply don’t see the Jackets dealing with the Oil. Other teams can offer a 1st round pick that will come up far sooner than the Oil’s. And there’s not much on Edmonton’s roster to spark the Jackets interest. Don’t forget that Boone Jenner and Erik Gudbranson will be coming back around the trade deadline. Plus Mateychuk is tearing it up in Cleveland on the blueline. And there are a few other good defenseman prospects there as well as a few middle six forwards who are looking good. What the Jackets need are good goalie and bottom six prospects.
The problem with the Oil need a 2nd pair RD theory is that they need that player for this year. Jiricek is not an NHL D-man today, and definitely isn’t one for a team that has their eyes on a cup, this season.
If the Oil trade for him it will be for the future, meaning they move Savoie for Jiricek. Folks will likely say the Oil need to add. But ask yourself – why is CLB trying to move him then? It ain’t because they are thrilled with him.
@Obe Marner and Tavares`s combined cap hit next year should be about 3 million less than this year. Plus with the cap going up at least 4 million next year, they`ll have room. Besides the odds of Tavares hitting UFA is far less than Marner`s chances. Odds are both will resign
Re leaf
JT is going to be 35 yrs old befor the next season starts….. last year of his $88.M deal and
he wants to stay in Toronto, i think the leafs give him $5.5M to$6.M Tops
As for MM, @ $10.9M… he has been inconsistant, But playing well with out Mathews,
I Would Not not give him more that $12.M….
if they cant do a deal they better trade him if not he will walk⁉️
They cant keep throwing money at these 4 forwards, they need to Fix the d…. that’s if they ever want to Win a Cup….❓
Just as an aside, is anyone else experiencing a notice, as soon as you hit “Submit Comment” the first time that says “Duplicate Comment – looks like you already submitted that comment” ???
I get it almost every time even though I hit “submit” just the once. Is this a glitch at my end or at Lyle’s site?
It’ll probably happen with this one too – lol.
Yep … it did
George i think Lyle has AI setup and when its says “looks like you already submitted that comment” It’s not just referring to today. It could’ve been yesterday or last week. lol
FYI I don’t have AI set up.
@George O..hey is josh norris really available?
What would it take for pittsburgh to get him.
Karlsson plus maybe young forward drew O’Connor big body 26 a third team involved and a pick?
Forget Karlsson ever coming back to Ottawa – not to play hockey for Senators anyway. Not at any cost. Their need is for a RD who is physical and can keep the front of the net clear. That ain’t Karlsson.
If Norris is ever dealt – and it could happen – it will be a hockey trade – i.e., someone who could come in an fill an immediate need while Norris goes to a team needing a C. Ottawa does not need – nor want – prospects or projects.
George, when I have computer issues, I find the problem is usually between the keyboard and the back of the chair.
LOL. Same problem here … but, no, I very carefully finish what I’m writing before I go anywhere near the “Submit Comment” – sometimes it registers immediately, sometimes it goes off into the ether without comment and appears a bit later, but lately it seems 3 out of 4 gives me that duplicate notice. It still pops in shortly after so I just ignore the notice … but I just wondered where the glitch was – my end or Lyle’s.
George o..wow u don’t like karlsson..lol
Who is.mist likely to go in ottawa
Tzchauck
Norris
Girioux
Or none.
Here`s a couple of rumours from the Hockey Feed. Quenneville to take over in Detroit and Sid to Vancouver (Rutherford connection). Either rumour is doubtful, but one can see some merit to both
Wow. If Vancouver ever does deal for Karlsson it would have to be either a hockey trade that makes the cap work – combined probably with something being withheld by Pittsburgh – or a 3rd team gets involved, since all the Canucks have in cap space is $787,823.
Something to watch for sure, Yogi.
Quenneville, you have to figure, would start to resurface at some point in the future following those events in Chicago … but even then it won’t take the media long to start rehashing the whole sorry episode. The distraction might not be worth the gamble.
Norris for Pettersson,Poulin and a pick?
Fair…