Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2020

by | Jan 5, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2020

Updates on Tyler Toffoli, Matt Murray, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, plus updates on the Flames and Predators in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

AVS INTERESTED IN TOFFOLI?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli could be moved by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Word among league executives is the pending UFA could be available.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche are being linked to Toffoli. He observes the Kings had a scout at the recent game between the Avalanche and New Jersey Devils. He also cites a source claiming the Avs and Kings could be trade partners before the Feb. 24 deadline. Dater believes that doesn’t mean the Avs are no longer interested in New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, but it’s uncertain if the Rangers have him on the trade block.

Could the Colorado Avalanche pursue LA Kings winger Tyler Toffoli? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Toffoli will be moved by deadline day, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Avs are among the suitors. As for the Kings scouting the Avs-Devils games, it could be because they’ll face both clubs next month.

LATEST ON KREIDER, MURRAY AND PAGEAU

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports there’s talk the Boston Bruins are among the clubs interested in New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider. The Rangers, however, haven’t decided if they’ll shop him.

With Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry playing well, Garrioch wonders about Matt Murray’s future in Pittsburgh. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Garrioch doubts the two-time Stanley Cup champion will be moved this season, but his situation could be worth monitoring in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Jarry should carry the Penguins on a deep playoff run this spring, perhaps Murray hits the trade block leading up to the 2020 NHL Draft weekend in June.

Garrioch cites a couple of league executives suggesting every team in the hunt for a playoff spot will be interested in Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Penguins, Flames, Bruins, Oilers, Jets, and Avs could be among the suitors, but the Senators are expected to hold contract talks with the pending UFA before reaching a decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unlike previous notable Senators UFAs, there’s been little new regarding Pageau’s contract status and whether he’ll be available by the deadline. He could be shopped, but no certainty’s going to happen. The Senators are a promising club and Pageau is an Ottawa native, so perhaps he’ll stay put if he gets a suitable contract offer.

FLAMES DON’T WANT TO WASTE CAP SPACE ON RENTAL PLAYERS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Calgary Flames freed up salary-cap space by trading winger Michael Frolik ($4.3 million) to the Buffalo Sabres last week. General manager Brad Treliving would like to add some scoring help.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Flames aren’t that interested in signing rental players, preferring to add a player with term remaining on his contract. They have over $4.8 million in cap space, and Treliving has indicated he intends to use it before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Elias Lindholm’s role in the roster will also be a factor. If he’s a center, Friedman believes they’ll look for right wingers. If he moves back to the right wing, they’ll consider other options.

IS LAVIOLETTE ON THE HOT SEAT?

OTTAWA SUN: With the Nashville Predators struggling, Bruce Garrioch reports there’s no shortage of talk suggesting head coach Peter Laviolette is on the hot seat. In a radio interview last week. Predators GM David Poile didn’t exactly give Laviolette a ringing endorsement, saying he’s not contemplating a coaching change “at this time”. Garrioch suggests former New Jersey Devils bench boss John Hynes as a possible replacement for Laviolette.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted Poile said he’s not replacing Laviolette, but he’s burning up the phone lines to see what’s out there in the trade market. If the Predators don’t improve soon, Friedman speculates some kind of roster change could be coming.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Predators fail to gain ground in the standings, Poile could become a seller rather than a buyer. That could mean shipping out pending UFA forwards Mikael Granlund and Craig Smith, and perhaps continuing his efforts to shop Kyle Turris. If a coaching change is necessary, it could come in the offseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 5, 2020

by | Jan 5, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 5, 2020

Game recaps, injury updates and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: Mikko Rantanen tallied his second career NHL hat trick as the Colorado Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2. Linemate Nathan MacKinnon picked up two assists.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen picked up his second career NHL hat trick in a 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils (Photo via NHL Images).

The Buffalo Sabres took a 3-0 lead over the Florida Panthers and held on for a 3-2 victory. Sam Reinhart and Marcus Johansson each picked up two points for the Sabres. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled after giving up three goals on seven shots, further highlighting what’s been a miserable performance this season by the former two-time Vezina Trophy winner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s stats are truly horrid, sporting the second-worst goals-against average (3.33) and seventh-worst save percentage (.895) among NHL goalies with at least 15 games-played this season. To say this is not what the Panthers expected from Bob when they signed him last summer to a seven-year, $70-million contract is an understatement.

A three-goal third period carried the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Victor Hedman picked up two assists for the Lightning, who’ve won six straight and moved into third place in the Atlantic Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was only a matter of time until the talent-laden Lightning overcame their slow start to the season and surged back among the playoff contenders.

An overtime goal by Eric Staal gave the Minnesota Wild a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Staal’s teammate Zach Parise made contact with Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck in the crease but it was ruled he was shoved into Hellebuyck. Jets coach Paul Maurice disagreed with the call but withheld further criticism of the officiating. “It’s goalie interference all day long for me and there’s not a lot of gray area on that one, but I’m not giving them any money. Not one dime,” he said in his postgame press conference, referring to recent fines levied at Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella for his tirade last week against officials.

Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller scored two goals in a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a costly victory for the Coyotes as goaltender Antti Raanta left the game with a lower-body injury following the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes starter Darcy Kuemper is still sidelined with a lower-body injury. They’ll be hoping Raanta won’t be sidelined for long.

The Vancouver Canucks extended their winning streak to seven games by nipping the New York Rangers 2-1. Jacob Markstrom made 38 saves for the win as Tyler Myers tallied the game-winner late in the third period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks have recovered nicely from what appeared to be another season-threatening swoon a month ago. They’re now third in the Pacific Division with 50 points.

Mike Smith’s 35-save performance carried the Edmonton Oilers over the slumping Boston Bruins 4-1. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl scored for the Oilers while Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his league-leading 31st goal. The Bruins have won just four of their last 15 games (4-5-6).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Once again, the Bruins lack of secondary scoring is coming back to haunt them. Expect general manager Don Sweeney to try and address that issue in the coming weeks.

The Vegas Golden Knights overcame a 3-0 deficit to edge the St. Louis Blues 5-4 on an overtime goal by Chandler Stephenson. Vegas has won four straight. Blues winger David Perron had a three-point performance.

Toronto Maple Leafs backup Michael Hutchinson turned in a 33-save shutout in a 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner each had two points.

Brandon Tanev’s overtime goal lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. The Penguins have won eight of their last 10 while the Canadiens are winless in their last five (0-4-1). Artturi Lehkonen tallied twice for the fading Habs.

The San Jose Sharks held off the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, ending the latter’s 12-game points streak. Kevin Labanc potted the game-winner while Zach Werenski scored both Blue Jackets goals.

The Nashville Predators snapped a three-game losing skid by downing the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Predators captain Roman Josi extended his points streak to nine games by collecting two assists. Kings defenseman Alec Martinez returned to action for the first time since having his wrist slashed by a skate blade on Nov. 25.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks goaltender Robin Lehner is day-to-day with lower-body injury suffered during Thursday’s loss to the Canucks.

CBS SPORTS: Anaheim Ducks winger Ondrej Kase missed practice yesterday tending to a bone bruise.










NHL Weekend Bets – Canucks, Predators Among Favorites on Saturday NHL Odds

by | Jan 4, 2020

NHL Weekend Bets – Canucks, Predators Among Favorites on Saturday NHL Odds

 










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2020

by | Jan 4, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2020

Potential trade destinations for Chris Kreider, potential trade targets for the Flames, plus the latest on the Predators and Jets in today’s NHL rumor mill.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR KREIDER

SPORTSNET: suggests the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations for Chris Kreider if the New York Rangers decide to move him before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Which clubs will get into the bidding for New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider? (Photo via NHL Images)

The Blues could use a short-term replacement for sidelined winger Vladimir Tarasenko. With Tarasenko on long-term injury reserve, they have the cap space to take on Kreider’s $4.65-million annual average salary. The Blues are currently riding high in the Western Conference standings, so there’s no pressure on general manager Doug Armstrong to make a major move.

Kreider would provide a welcome boost to the Bruins’ secondary scoring, but they’d have to clear salary-cap space to make room for him. Ditto the injury-riddled Penguins. The Avalanche, meanwhile, have plenty of cap space for Kreider and to add another impact player if they wish. He would give them additional secondary scoring depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs appear in the best position to take a run at Kreider. Having passed on Taylor Hall, he could be a more affordable option.

The Blues could pursue Kreider if Tarasenko isn’t expected back until the playoffs. Even then, Armstrong could be reluctant to tinker too much with his club’s winning chemistry.

The Bruins and Penguins definitely could use Kreider, but it could cost them a good young roster player. It means shedding salary even if the Rangers are willing to pick up part of Kreider’s.

POSSIBLE TRADE OPTIONS FOR THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis suggested Kreider, Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, Florida Panthers winger Mike Hoffman, Edmonton Oilers winger Zack Kassian, and Florida Panthers winger Evgenii Dadonov as trade targets for the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames need another top-six forward, preferably a winger. Toffoli seems the best fit, depending on what the Kings seek in return.

Kreider has a modified no-trade clause. The Flames might not be among his preferred destinations.

As long as the Panthers remain in the playoff chase, they’re not parting with pending UFAs Hoffman and Dadonov. Ditto Kassian to the Flames. Indeed, I think the Oilers intend to re-sign him.

PREDATORS GM NOT CONSIDERING A COACHING CHANGE

YAHOO! SPORTS: Thomas Williams cites Nashville Predators GM David Poile telling a local radio station he isn’t considering replacing head coach Peter Laviolette. With the Predators struggling and the Feb. 24 trade deadline on the horizon, Williams speculates they could be buyers or sellers depending on where they are in the standings in the coming weeks.

“I think the standings are so close right now that when things get closer to the trade deadline, you could possibly see more action,” Poile said. “I guess the point I’m saying today is, sitting here outside of the playoffs, we have for the last several years been buyers at the trading deadline. If we don’t improve here shortly, we might be a seller for the first time in a number of years.

“I’m hoping that’s not the case, but as I said, I am open for business and I’m certainly going to be willing to listen to different teams’ thought processes on any of our players at this point.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2020

by | Jan 4, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 4, 2020

Corey Perry receives a five-game suspension, the Canadiens sign Ilya Kovalchuk, injury updates and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist while Esa Lindell collected three assists to give the Dallas Stars a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Stars have won four straight games. Before the game, the Stars honored Pavelski for playing his 1,000th career NHL game.

Ilya Samsonov made 38 saves as the Washington Capitals held off the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Capitals forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Lars Eller each had a goal and an assist. The Hurricanes (50 points) hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

HEADLINES

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars winger Corey Perry received a five-game suspension for elbowing Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis during the 2020 NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day. Ellis suffered a possible concussion and was placed on injured reserve.

Dallas Stars winger Corey Perry suspended five games for elbowing Nashville’s Ryan Ellis (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perry’s two previous suspensions on his NHL resume and the severity of Ellis’ injury were contributing factors in the league’s decision.

Speaking of the Stars, former head coach Jim Montgomery is checking into a rehab program for alcohol abuse. Montgomery released a statement indicating his recent firing was the appropriate call by the club. He took responsibility for his actions, saying the loss of his job served as a wake-up call to get treatment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Montgomery. Here’s hoping he lands another NHL coaching job soon. He did a good job with the Stars and should get another shot elsewhere.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens yesterday signed free-agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700K at the NHL level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A spate of injuries and a recent slide in the standings prompted Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin to make this move. Kovalchuk is no longer a dominant scorer and probably won’t improve the Habs’ performance, but it’s a low-cost, low-risk move. If it doesn’t work out, Bergevin has sufficient salary-cap space to make a more impactful move.

WGR550: Buffalo Sabres winger Victor Olofsson will miss the next five-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres needed forward depth before their recent acquisition of winger Michael Frolik from the Calgary Flames. Olofsson’s injury could push them back into the trade market.

TSN: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will pass on playing in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. He will be replaced by Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Washington’s Alex Ovechkin, Fleury felt it better to use the All-Star break to rest and prepare for the remainder of the season and playoffs. He’ll be suspended by the league for one regular-season game. A small price to pay for the Golden Knights to rest their top netminder.

Speaking of the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, Washington’s Todd Reirden, Boston’s Bruce Cassidy, St. Louis’ Craig Berube, and Vegas’ Gerard Gallant will serve as coaches for the event.

SPORTSNET: New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech is out for the remainder of the season with an injury to his Achilles tendon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a big loss to the Isles’ blueline. Pelech is considered their most dependable rearguard and won’t be easily replaced.

CBS SPORTS: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dean Kukan is sidelined indefinitely with a medial meniscus tear and articular cartilage injury.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid received a two-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov.










Canadiens Toss Life Preserver, But Fate Is Still in Kovalchuk’s Hands

by | Jan 4, 2020

Canadiens Toss Life Preserver, But Fate Is Still in Kovalchuk’s Hands