NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2024
A look at some intriguing trade candidates and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos released his first trade board of the 2024-25 NHL season. He’s broken his list down into several categories.
Under “Intriguing Names to Watch,” Kypreos includes Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, and Nashville Predators blueliner Alexandre Carrier.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).
Bennett is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Kypreos indicates there’s a risk the Panthers could lose him to the UFA market which isn’t appealing to general manager Bill Zito. From what Kypreos has been told, Zito will listen to offers.
Kypreos believes the Colorado Avalanche would pursue Bennett to fill the void of Gabriel Landeskog’s ongoing absence. He also speculated the Dallas Stars would seek a replacement for sidelined forward Tyler Seguin, wondering if they’d part with Mason Marchment to get Bennett.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Bennett before the March 7 deadline would be a bold move by Zito. However, I don’t see him going that route with his club attempting to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. The return would have to be significant. Marchment might do it but the Stars could be reluctant to part with him.
Kypreos thinks the Senators could make a big trade involving Chabot to shake things up if they’re out of playoff contention by the deadline. He has three years left on his contract with a 10-team no-trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Chabot trade is more likely to occur in the offseason when teams have the cap space to take on his $8 million annual salary-cap hit. The Senators could retain half of it but having $4 million in dead cap space for each of the next three seasons might not appeal to them.
Ferraro surfaced in trade rumors last season and will be present again in 2024-25. The 26-year-old Sharks blueliner has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could entertain offers for Ferraro if he intends to test the market in 2026.
If the Predators continue to struggled they could be forced to make some changes. Carrier has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier also surfaced in last season’s rumor mill before he signed his current contract with the Predators.
Kypreos also included Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, Senators center Josh Norris, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Those players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards in recent weeks so there was no point in rehashing their situations.
Kypreos also listed the pending UFAs likely to be trade candidates. They include Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov and forward Mathieu Olivier, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson, the Islanders’ Brock Nelson, Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall, Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde and winger Brandon Tanev, Ducks forward Frank Vatrano, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards because of their pending UFA status.
The Jets could hang onto Ehlers as an own rental as they attempt to stage a run for the Cup this season. The Islanders could also hang onto Nelson if they’re in playoff contention by the deadline. Kypreos noted that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell downplayed the Olivier rumors and is working on re-signing him.
Kypreos suggested the Kraken could attempt to peddle goaltender Philipp Grubauer. They’ll have to retain part of his $5.9 million AAV that runs through 2026-27. The Kraken could buy him out this summer if they find no takers in the trade market.
The Ducks’ John Gibson was included with Grubauer as two goalies of note in the market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not impossible to move Grubauer or Gibson during the season but such attempts are more likely in the offseason. It’s possible they’re both bought out this summer if there’s no trade market for their services.
Kypreos also listed energy players like the Flyers’ Scott Laughton, the Sharks’ Barclay Goodrow, and the Penguins’ Drew O’Connor.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton and Goodrow have term left on their contracts which could make it tougher to move them during the season. O’Connor is UFA-eligible and more likely to move.
TORONTO STAR: Kypreos also reports it sounds unlikely the Ducks will attempt to flip recently acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba at the trade deadline. He claims they see him as a big part of their rebuild plus it will provide his wife with wonderful opportunities in the medical field. Kypreos claims the Ducks are exploring signing Trouba to a contract extension on July 1.
I was surprised to see no Bruins on Kypreos’s list.
Why in the world would the Sénateurs retain half of Chabots’ salary in a trade…blows my mind…I know this is a rumour site and teams (or bites from want to be reporters) want good to elite player for nothing. Chabot is a very good players step up and pay for his rights
there is zero chance sens trade chabot. He’s been their best defender this year. He is not the problem. Sanderson’s regression this year show’s how hard it is to play top pairing minutes in the NHL. To Sanderson’s credit, he has had sub par partners this year. If Chabby gets traded, it will definitely not be at a discount. His numbers speak for themselves this year.
Agree Owen. As I post elsewhere, Sanderson’s been paired mostly with Hamonic who’s minus 10 and slow-to-respond tendencies, have done much to drag Sanderson (minus 14) down +to his level. The return of Zub – whenever the Hell that is – might help in that regard, but their best bet is a trade to bring in a more reliable partner (i.e. to offset Zub’s frequent trips to the IR).
Chabbot….sigh……he was burned out by DJ Smith. He’s tired now. Every once and while you get these flashes of what he used to be (a smooth skating offensive D man) but now Jensen covers his gaffs night in and night out. I was at the Islander game the other night and just rolled my eyes at his play. There were two francaphone fans behind me just ripping him. I know enough french to know it wasn’t good.
I’d be find moving Chabbot and his 8 million. I’m tentatively fine keeping Norris. The way Pinto, Greig and the rest of the energy people Staois brought in are performing—I’m happy to move all of them. Sens are top 6 mediocre. Then it gets pretty thin. They’ll be exposed tonight in Carolina.
I’d start Ullmark tonight and pray he keeps them close. 3-1 Carolina (empty netter)
Chabbot 8
Pinto 3.75
Tyler Boucher
For:
Nugent-Hopkins 5
Kulak 2.75
Mathieu Savoie
and some other crap money to make it work for the Oilers.
Dark G, one game doesn’t define his season…I watch every Sens game and he has been great this season…
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/travis-yost-thomas-chabot-cementing-himself-as-a-top-nhl-defenceman-1.2209528
There should be at least 5-6 and some big names also,not just spare parts!
Previous years it made sense to talk about Chabot being traded… this year? Not so much. He is finally playing how they always wanted him to play.
I mean anything can happen as we all know… but come on.
Kypreos always submits the most obvious possible trades, etc. He has zero credibility among NHL insiders. The man is a waste of air time.
Is “Kypreos” in Greek, translated to “ Liar liar pants on fire” or perhaps “Bullsh%#t and the Brass Band” in English?
with new partner Jensen he has gone from a minus fixture to plus 8 so far this season while Jensen is a plus 12.
Hamonic (minus 10) meanwhile, is dragging Sanderson (minus 14) down to his level.
Thomas Chabot is very skilled and talented why would Ottawa even think of moving him !!
Also is Josh Norris available or not…..he seems to pop in and out of the trade speculations and insiders lists?
Good player, still young, does have some injury history $7.95 million will be a steal as the cap goes up..yes?
Just like Methot and Karlsson. Smith and Orr, etc.
Off the beat/topic but:
To older posters (especially any Flyers fans) on here.
I was reading an article yesterday regarding NHL events in history that happened on December 11th (yesterday)
Big blurb on a Tom Bladon (a defenseman for Flyers) who 47 years ago yesterday, had an 8 point (4G4A) night; and was a +10 (NHL record that still stands) on the night
Now, I was only 3 so not a surprise that I have never heard of him.
To the older posters/participants on here, was he a star in the league ? or was this a miracle of all miracles ?
Also, apparently the Flyers beat the Cleveland Barons????
Cleveland Barons???????
I had to look it up. Cleveland had an NHL team that was originally a failed Oakland/San Francisco team, then Cleveland , then merged with Minnesota Northstars, and they eventually moved to Dallas.
Wow.
I realize that older posters on here probably already knew that; but it came as a surprise to me.
George and other “seasoned” posters on here; any other modern day franchises that travelled three times (or more) in relocations/mergers?
Kansas City Scouts 1974-76, moved and became the Colorado Rockies until 1982, when they moved and became the New Jersey Devils.
Wow
Thanks PTG
I had thought Devils were s direct expansion team.
I was only 8 in ‘82 and just had started watching hockey about then
8787, the Kansas City Scouts entered the NHL in 1974 with the Washington Capitals. In 1976 they relocated to Denver where they became the Colorado Rockies. Six years later, in 1982, the Rockies also relocated, this time to New Jersey where they became the Devils.
Thanks George
Looks like you and PullingTheGoalie were posting at the same time.
Cheers
It puzzles me why Kanas City isn’t the next expansion team?
I know they had a team way back when but now they have the newer Sprint Arena and Kanas City supports the Chiefs and the Royals???
No one with the necessary deep pockets has come forward as a projected owner. Same as Houston.
Add Utah to this thread. Winnipeg-Arizona-Utah.
Tom Bladon was high profile offensive D-man for the Flyers when they were mostly Neanderthals’
Smooth skater with a good shot.
Thanks Habsfan30
When you say Neanderthals is that why sometimes old announcers refer to the Flyers as the “Broad Street Bullies”??
Still, 8 points (by a D-man at that) in a game and with a +10; this guy had to be pretty good
Uhm,
Rick Macleish, Bill Barber, the Watson brothers, Bill Barber and Reggie Leach were hardly neanderthals.
Highly skilled, highly productive players.
Hammer, Big Bird the Hound and the Moose were another story.
Just for fun considering all the hype given to Matthews 4 goal first NHL game the record for points in an NHL fiest game is 5. Held by Flyers Al Hill.
Yes 8787,
The Broad St Bullies, and they were Neanderthals with D-men like Joe Watson, Andre Dupont Ed V,an Impe and Jack McIlhargey.
Bladon didn’t fit their mold at all.
There were other skilled players on the team but the identity as one of intimidation that got snuffed out by the Habs then Islanders, then Oilers all emphasizing skill with some muscle.
Especially when Larry Robinson destroyed the myth of Dave Schultz.
Larry was one though hombre.
Give it up, Pengy.
Re; The Ottawa Senators Trades
I Can see them Making 2 Big trade’s if they Dont
make the playoffs this Season.
At or just before Or at the NHL Draft…🤔
To shake the team up as its to much of the same old results over the past years
1/ 1st to Go Thomas Chabot the 27 yr old LD/man
–Where to a Re-building Team, Bottom 10 who need help on d
–For What….❓
A Top 10 Draft 1st round pick in this years Draft
and young Good young player 19-23
2/ 2nd to Go Maybe , 25 yr old Centre Joshua Norris
–Where to? A Re-building Team in the bottom 6
–For What….❓
A Top 6 Draft 1st round pick in this years Draft
and a very good young player prospect, 20 to 23
Or
A LD/man between 25 to 29 that can move into 2nd pairing LD 4
With the 2 picks they get, pick up a Centre and A LD in the top 6…..
with there Sen’s pick, looks like a top 10…A RW….
Then Sign a 4th line Tough Guy….Then
A good ufa 3rd line centre 28-29? to help with leadership…..❓
I remember Tom Bladon as a decent defenseman on the Great Philly teams of the mid-70’s. But I especially remember him because the guy that had him in our fantasy pool didn’t play him on that 4G 4A night!
Well there’s another thing I didn’t know.
I thought hockey fantasy pools didn’t start until the 80’s.
No internet in 70’s and who had a PC back then?
Your pool master/controller must have spent hours each night erasing old tallies and scribbling in new totals
Was he/she a CPA by any chance?
Good on him/her for doing that.
8787, you’re right, it was a nightmare. We started in 1974. I was the commissioner/statistician because I had the Hockey News subscription. We relied on local newspapers for boxscores and the weekly Hockey News for any discrepancies.
The internet sure would have made it easier.
The Senators biggest addition post Christmas half would be a healthy Artem Zub. When AZ is healthy he is a solid player , problem is that he seems to be injury prone.
Hammonic is trying hard but he is past his prime, he is just too slow at this point in his career. Smart hockey player but a step behind. Adding a bottom pair RD to play with Kleven would be good as well.
Perhaps Vegas would consider shipping Whitecloud to Ottawa ? Ammadio and JBD for Whitecloud + bottom 6 fwd or prospect.
Chabot is playing well , much credit to Jensen as others have mentioned. I have not spoken well of Chabot the past couple of years but he is back in my good books these days.
Perron coming back in the 2nd half would also be a plus. I have always liked his game , middle 6 player with a gritty side. The Senators latched on to him a couple of years too late IMO . Hopefully his health and family situation are improving.
Fergy22, since entering the league in 2020-21 when they played just 56 games due to Covid, his first 2 seasons were more than reasonable in terms of games missed due to injury/ill health
2020-21 – played 47 of 56 – or missed 16% of the season
2021-22 – played 81 of 82 – or missed 1% of the season
so far so good
but in 2022-23 he played in just 53 of 82 – or missed 35% of the season
in 2023-24 he played in 69 of 82 – or missed 16% of the season
so far in 2024 he has played in 11 of 29 – missing 38% to date
Overall, in his career, he has missed 21%. Not good for a supposed key among the D corps. As I have compared before, he reminds me very much of the shot-blocking machine Anton Volchenkov who was also consistently going on IR.
Both gutsy, physical D … which only made their frequent absence that much more critical to the overall success of the team.
Time to move on – if they can.
Senators should have traded Chabot instead of Chychryn last summer
Most goals in a cup run is 19 by Reggie Leach- the “ Riverton Riffle ‘
Hockey stats were published only on Tuesdays in the local newspaper reports
tied by Jarri Kurri of the Oilers…
Leach 75/76 :
61 regular season goals
19 playoff goals
80 total.