NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2024
Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, John Tavares and Kaapo Kakko plus the latest on the Flyers and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST RUMORS FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”
TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen believes he could make an average annual value of $14 million on his next contract if he tests the open market next summer.
Rantanen, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $9.25 million.
Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).
LeBrun believes it’s more likely the winger and the Avalanche sign a contract extension before July 1. However, it remains to be seen if they’ll reach an agreement below the team-leading $12.6 million being earned by Nathan MacKinnon.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun indicated that player agents will focus on how much of a club’s cap percentage their clients can make rather than the AAV.
The salary cap for 2025-26 was initially projected to rise by $4.4 million to $92.5 million. There’s speculation it could go higher, rising to as much as $98 million, though NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman dismissed that conjecture.
If the cap rises higher than projected, players like Rantanen could be in line for higher raises than expected, especially if the focus is on how much of a percentage of the cap they’ll make. A player can earn no more than 20 percent. If the cap rises to $92.4 million, that’s an AAV of $18.48 million. If it’s $98 million, the maximum is $19.6 million.
Rantanen won’t get anywhere close to that but it’s understandable why he reportedly thinks he can get $14 million annually on the open market.
Chris Johnston reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are engaged in contract extension talks with John Tavares. The 34-year-old center is UFA-eligible next summer but he isn’t interested in going to market. He’s earning an AAV of $11 million on his current deal.
Johnston said they’re not close to a deal yet. He suggests deferred salary compensation might be a way to bridge the gap as it could lower the AAV.
Darren Dreger said the Calgary Flames continue to shop for a second-line center, preferably one who will play with the Flames for the next three to five years. LeBrun noted the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators are also in the market for second-line centers.
Dreger also reported that Kaapo Kakko has resurfaced in trade rumors. The 23-year-old New York Rangers winger was the subject of speculation during the offseason. He’s on a one-year contract worth $2.4 million and becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July.
Kakko probably seeks a fresh start where he can garner more ice. Dreger believes the Rangers won’t give him away and the return must be exactly what they want. Nevertheless, he claims there’s interest in the Finnish winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple recently reported the Rangers were happy with the performance of their younger players, including Kakko. Still, they could entertain offers for a return that provides them with an immediate roster boost.
UPDATE ON THE FLYERS
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Kevin Kurz recently listed five centers the Philadelphia Flyers could target in a trade this season. They include Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres, Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators, and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the above link for Kurz’s full breakdown as to why the Flyers could target those players.
Nelson is the oldest on this list and UFA-eligible next summer. He won’t be traded unless the Islanders are out of playoff contention and they decide against re-signing him. He’s 33 years old and would be a better option for a playoff contender than a rebuilding club.
Zegras, Rossi and Cozens are 23 while Pinto is 24. They’re better suited for the Flyers’ long-term plans.
Zegras struggled through an injury-shortened 2023-24 campaign, garnering a reputation as a one-dimensional forward. His overall game is improving this season but he’s been employed more as a winger than a center.
Cozens and Pinto aren’t scoring at the same pace this season as they did in 2023-24. However, their respective clubs might not be keen to give up on them. It will take a solid return to tempt them. The Sabres and Senators are trying to take the next step toward contention. A return of draft picks and prospects probably won’t cut it.
Rossi could be the Flyers’ best bet. Kurz’s colleague Michael Russo doesn’t think the 23-year-old center has a long-term future with the Wild and recently said he expects the youngster will be traded at some point. He’s off to a good start this season with 17 points in 22 games, sitting third among Wild scorers.
Landing any of those players will likely cost the Flyers a young player not named Matvei Michkov in return. Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey speculates it could be Tyson Foerster. The 22-year-old winger is going through a sophomore slump with six points in 22 games after a promising 20-goal, 33-point effort last season.
If he wants to get $14M on the open market it is likely not on a contending team. Given his age I assume he would not want to go to a team in the rebuild process. Best bets would be Utah and Buffalo. Teams reading to take the next step. Marner would be in the same boat if he wants $14M.
Don`t forget on the open market they can only sign for 7 years vs the 8 staying. That adds about 2 million per if they`re trying to get the same dollar amount. Marner`s closer to hitting the open market than Rantanen
This is getting totally out of hand now $14 Million
That’s a lot of money and as ridiculous as it seems Washington must feel the $8.5 for Dubois in a bargain after all he has already poured is 2 goals this season.
Dubois has fit in very well in Wash.
The line of Dubois, Wilson and McMichael have played a lot together and from what seen on TV and heard on radio is that they have been drawing tough assignments, and thriving.
Start most of their shifts in the D zone as well.
That’s a big tough line to deal with, and they are producing pts at a decent clip considering the role.
That line is a big reason they playing so well early on this season.
How would you like to line up against those guys for a 7 game series? Wouldn’t be a whole bunch of fun.
Trade has worked out great for the Caps, so far anyway.
I wouldn`t say Dubios is thriving or a bargain at 8.5 million, he`s on pace for 7 goals this year
Not sure why Kakko is back in rumors. Once you get past the early expectations of 2nd overall pick, he’s been one of their best 2 way players. 12 points in 21 games and a team leading +13. Has been put into 3C spot with Chytil out. Unless there’s someone specific NY is targeting and Kakko is the ask, I really don’t think team is just looking to unload him.
Agreed. unless its in a bigger deal Kakko should not be moved.
Rantanen is an all around beast- but if he wants more than Mackinnon- they shouldnt entertain that…unlike Marner in Toronto- he scores a tonne of goals and is proven in the playoffs. Also unlike Marner, if he ever got to UFA (and I dont think he would) I believe contenders would make moves to make room for him.
Tavares for me is a real quandry, has value and is still producing BUT he is trending down and anything over 2 years and 6 per is too much.. or 1 year at 7….
Leafs need to start making players cater to them and not capitulating to players. Supposedly Marner and Tavares want to be here, well lets see just how much…
So much is made of lower taxes stateside but they are from here and live here. They may take home less after taxes but they get paid in us dollars which are currently a 1.40 canadian. Some times you need to call the bluff.
I’m too lazy to look up the stats, you know, I like seeing numbers to back up my opinions…but something tells me that numbers in this case of comparison is moot.
We have two completely different type of players playing the same position with the main (biggest) difference being one player is an all situations player and the other is not. One can carry a team, and one cannot. Like I’ve said many times, fans player evaluations are heavily influenced and usually off.
lol Ron, condescending much?
– not sure what you mean by “all situations” .. I think you just mean that Marner also kills penalties? Come on, there are a tonne of 3rd and 4th liners that kill penalties.
I actually think the main difference is that one is 6’4 – 215 and can cycle the puck in the playoffs and one hasnt shown he is able to do that or even adjust his style for the playoffs.
We all have our preference. Im sure if given the choice among many leaf fans many would be divided.
I dont know what carrying a team is defined by – but Nylander has a few less points and more goals than Marner – and he doesnt get to play Tavares’ wing every night. Marner has 9 goals and 29 points in 22 games this year. Nylander has 24 in 22 with 14 goals? Leafs have an abundance of offensive talent- they would be fine with any of those guys missing. At the end of last season, Matthews didnt miss a beat playing Domi while Marner was hurt.
But right Marner kills penalties like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok did…
Also Marner season goal highs are 30 and 35 on pace for mid 30 again this year? Rantanen has hit 42 and 55 and is on pace for 50 again. Goal scorers make more- this is a fact isnt it?
There are your numbers is it still moot? Bc people who dont agree must be stupid I guess?
Hey Sam there is not intention of being condescending. I thought I was pretty blunt in asking what figures/proof you used to reach your conclusion because I don’t see it. You also seem to have a misunderstanding of the value (importance) having or being a player that you can throw on the ice in any situation not just the PK. That’s why I said numbers are moot here because of the high value of a physical power forward over a defensive playmaker. On my team there will always be room for both.
If someone was to ask who outta the two I would want if I only had to choose one it would be Marner simply because I can use him more and in any situation.
Sam you use numbers to support your case for Rantanen and then throw them out the window when you talk about Tavares. Tavares is not trending downward like you say, his stats are up (on pace for about 35 goals and 80 pts) across the board over the past couple of years. Plus he`s #1 in faceoffs and #1 in winning puck battles. Centres are worth more than wingers, especially guys like Mackinnon. Rantanen and Marner are great players, but their worth isn`t as much as the top centres and they shouldn`t be paid as much
Ottawa would be ridiculous to trade Pinto because of a slow start in one season. Keep him as his contract is not too expensive and is short. If his play is lackluster again next season, maybe a good TDL deal.
Unless the offer is too good to pass up.
So honestly, if Rantanen wants 14, isnt the Avs better off getting a top end goalie at 7 and a 2nd C for the same amount?
Tavares should take a discount as he hasnt produced at 11m for a few years…..
Why even include Nelson for the Flyers? And Calgary is going down from here.
Kent – I agree…you can have all the offensive production in the world but if you have gaps in others area your team isnt going anywhere….
Tavares will try to get the max; hire a competent accountant and pay his taxes
Wild fans,Am I missing something on Rossi? Team s3rd leading scorer on a team that is offensively challenged even with Kaprizov!Other than Ek whom I really like,who are their other centers?
SR,
Yes Rossi is on his 3rd full season last year
17 goal & 21 as for for 41.pts, on track for 50-60 pts this year
i don’t see the the Wild moving him for d/man Dave Jiricek
keep an eye on the Sharks GM Mike Grier….
MG, he need a good young RD,
He has two good young centres in his re-build
–Macklin Celebrini & Will Smith
–LD-man Sam dickson who will be a top pair LD,
But the dont have a Good young RD…. 🤔❓
MG picked up one the best young goaltenders outside the NHL…in Yaroslav Askarov who will be the Back up for the Sharks next season
They also have some good young winger coming along…… its year 3-4 of a 7 year re-build
I’m sure they pick up a 1st & 2nd pick at the trade deadline with Retained Salarys they also have over $8.M in Cap space today…..
Other interesting stats –
From stat muse…
5 on 5 leading point scorers this year
#1 Barbashev 22 (crazy)
2Kaprizov 21
3Eichel 19
4Necas 18
5 Strome 18
#94 Marner 10 points with 30% of ice time….
Cant make it up
Last year Max Domi had 44 even strength points and Marner 45!. Marner did play 13 less games less…but I guess the point is you make the most with what the time you get.
How about those playoffs where “everyone played bad”
During the playoffs Marner had 1 goal and 2 assists at even strength in 7 games – (actually all in the first 4 games)
Nylander has 3 goals in 5 , Matthews had a 1goal and 2 assists in 4….
if this guy wasnt handed out a 10.9 million dollar deal by Dubas – we would be talking about him gettting 11 right now… but instead they are discussing why he is worth more to the team than a generational scorer and could make 13 plus …lol.. unreal
He scores less than other star by a big margin- truth is he has to insist on killing penalties to try to even the playing field so he can justify the salary.
All that being said- he is a highly skilled player but he shouldnt get a dime more than Nylander and more importantly…we just cant afford to double down on all that offense when we need a deeper team.
There is an old saying that
“stats are for losers.
A more common saying is “figures lie and liars figure .
There should be an emphasis on winners past or present .
Rantanen is not worth more than MacKinnon. Regardless of cap amount or percentages
So, let me get this straight Nashville is looking to sign a second line center while Nashville should trade Ryan O’Reilly to Toronto where he didn’t want to resign, prompting him to sign in nashville. Some people get paid to make this stuff up !