NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2024

Goaltenders could be in high demand during this offseason. Check it out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger recently examined what could be a busy trade market for goaltenders during the offseason.

The Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark, Calgary Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros were mentioned as potential trade candidates leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Those three could be pursued by clubs looking to improve their goaltending this summer.

New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald mentioned he’d like to “land one of these big fish” to share the goalie duties next summer with Jake Allen, who was acquired before the deadline from the Montreal Canadiens.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

The Devils attempted to acquire Markstrom in February and could revisit those discussions with the Flames.

In Nashville, the Predators must decide if they’ll sign Saros to a contract extension, trade him or ship out promising netminder Yaroslav Askirov.

The Bruins, meanwhile, could maintain their goalie tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. However, the return they could receive for a Vezina Trophy winner like Ullmark could be too tempting to pass up.

Granger also mentioned John Gibson has come up in trade rumors over the past two years with the Anaheim Ducks in rebuild mode. He has three more years left on his contract but perhaps retaining part of his $6.4 million cap hit might grease the skids for a trade this summer.

Other suitors for those goalies could include the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher noted a recent report by Granger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun suggesting the Devils might revisit their interest in Saros.

Predators GM Barry Trotz is keeping his offseason options open regarding his goaltending situation. Nevertheless, Gallagher pointed out that it would take “one doozy of a package” to pry Saros away from the Predators.

Trotz indicated he wouldn’t move Saros for “inadequate stuff from other teams, unproven stuff from other teams.” Gallagher believes the Devils offer would have to include a high-end player such as Dawson Mercer, a prospect such as Seamus Casey and a first-round pick to tempt the Predators GM.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom, Ullmark and Saros will be in high demand. Potential suitors should expect it will be expensive to acquire them.

Markstrom is the oldest (34) and carries a more expensive contract (two more years at $6 million annually) with a full no-movement clause. Ullmark (30) and Saros (28) each have a year remaining on their contracts with the same average annual value ($5 million) but the Bruins goalie has a 16-team no-trade clause that drops to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

Saros could be the easiest of the three to acquire because he lacks no-trade protection.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 18, 2024

The race for the Presidents’ Trophy intensifies as the battle for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth continues. Check out the details in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers picked up their fifth win in their last six games by downing the New York Islanders 5-2. Igor Shesterkin made 25 saves and Jonny Brodzinski scored the game-winning goal for the 45-19-4 Rangers (94 points), who moved into second place in the overall standings and are one point behind the Boston Bruins. Bo Horvat scored twice for the 29-23-15 Islanders (73 points) as they sit one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren left this game in the second period with an injured left leg. An update on his status could come on Monday. Meanwhile, the Islanders are winless in their last four games (0-3-1).

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Speaking of the Red Wings, they missed an opportunity to put distance between themselves and the Islanders and Washington Capitals (73 points) by dropping a 6-3 decision to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sidney Crosby snapped a 12-game goalless drought as he was among four Penguins forwards with a goal and an assist. Lucas Raymond scored twice for the Red Wings (34-28-6) as they lost for the eighth time in nine games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Detroit still clings to that final Eastern wild-card berth only because the Islanders have just one point in their last four games. If the Red Wings don’t get their act together soon, they’ll be overtaken by the Isles or Capitals. Meanwhile, the Penguins (30-28-6) kept their playoff hopes alive as they’re five points back of the Wings.

A four-goal second period lifted the Winnipeg Jets over the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-1. Tyler Toffoli scored twice and collected an assist and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 30 shots as the Jets (43-19-5) moved into first place in the Central Division with 91 points. Brendan Gaunce scored for the 23-34-11 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are tied in points with the Colorado Avalanche but hold first place in the Central with a game in hand. They’ve also moved into fifth place in the overall standings, just four points behind the league-leading Bruins.

Jake Guentzel scored his first goal with the Carolina Hurricanes in a 7-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Dmitry Orlov scored twice and had two assists and Sebastian Aho picked up three assists for the 42-20-6 Hurricanes (90 points), who remain four points behind the first-place Rangers in the Metropolitan Division. Thomas Chabot had a goal and an assist for the 28-34-4 Senators.

Third-period goals by William Carrier, Jack Eichel and William Karlsson powered the Vegas Golden Knights over the New Jersey Devils 3-1. Noah Hanifin picked up two assists for the 36-24-7 Golden Knights, who hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot with 79 points. Nico Hischier replied for the 32-32-4 Devils.

The St. Louis Blues picked up their fourth straight win by doubling up the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Robert Thomas netted two power-play goals for the Blues (36-29-3) as they remain four points behind the Golden Knights. Troy Terry scored both goals for the 23-42-3 Ducks.

Three goals by Ryan Donato, Kevin Korchinski and Joey Anderson within 1:23 in the third period gave the Chicago Blackhawks a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev had a goal and an assist for the 19-44-5 Blackhawks. Devin Cooley made 26 saves for the 16-44-7 Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted he and his club were surprised to learn Ryan Johansen was injured when they acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche before the recent trade deadline.

The Flyers intended to send Johansen to their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley. However, that was overturned because an injured player cannot be demoted to the minors. He remains with the Flyers as he continues rehab on his injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johansen played in all 63 Avalanche games before the trade. Maybe he suffered the injury in his final game before the trade. Perhaps he was nursing an injury for several weeks that worsened after the trade.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday with the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Conor Sheary on Saturday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais suffered a broken finger during his fight with Colorado Avalanche blueliner Josh Manson on Saturday.










Sidney Crosby Will Stay In Pittsburgh

Sidney Crosby Will Stay In Pittsburgh

Speculation arose about Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins after general manager Kyle Dubas shipped Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes before the March 8 trade deadline.

Guentzel spent most of his career in Pittsburgh as Crosby’s left winger. The duo enjoyed several productive seasons together, including a Stanley Cup in 2017.

Crosby was understandably terse in his response to reporters when asked what message Dubas was sending by trading Guentzel. “I don’t know. It’s probably a better question for them,” he said.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Last month, Crosby told The Athletic’s Rob Rossi that trading Guentzel wouldn’t affect his decision to remain with the Penguins. He also said that he wouldn’t offer any unsolicited opinions to Dubas regarding his long-time winger.

Crosby is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. It’s assumed he’ll sign a new contract to finish his career with the Penguins, possibly as early as this summer.

Some observers wondered if the Guentzel trade might change Crosby’s mind. For the first time in his 19-season NHL career, the Penguins are poised to miss the playoffs for the second straight season. Trading Guentzel signals Dubas’ intent to retool the roster at the very least.

TSN’s Martin Biron suggested the odds of Crosby re-signing with the Penguins dropped from 100 percent to 50 percent, citing the club’s change in direction.

Before the Guentzel trade, TNT’s Paul Bissonnette imagined what it would be like if the future Hall of Famer joined his buddy and fellow Cole Harbour, NS native Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado with the Avalanche, though he prefaced his post by saying, “I know it won’t happen but…”

Meanwhile, some fans took to social media dreaming up possible trade or free-agent destinations for Crosby. The Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens (his boyhood team), Boston Bruins (to play alongside long-time friend Brad Marchand), and Toronto Maple Leafs (to replace John Tavares when his contract expires next year) were among the proposed destinations.

I hate to burst your bubble, folks, but Crosby’s not leaving Pittsburgh.

Don’t take my word for it. Rossi hit back against the speculation, tweeting that Crosby will sign a contract extension on July 1. Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski tweeted he confirmed with people who spoke with Crosby that he’s not leaving. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also believes Crosby will sign an extension, speculating it’ll be a two or three-year deal worth $10.5 million annually.

I get why some folks would question why Crosby would stick around with the Penguins now that they’re heading toward a rebuild of some kind, especially when he’s still playing so well. They envision him chasing another Stanley Cup with MacKinnon or Marchand or going out on a high note by helping the Maple Leafs end their long Cup drought.

Unless something dramatically changes in Crosby’s relationship with the Penguins front office, he’ll remain loyal to the only NHL club he’s ever played for. The one he saved from potential relocation, giving them nearly two decades of great hockey and three Stanley Cups.

My bet is Crosby will follow in the footsteps of Mario Lemieux and stick around to pass the torch on to the next generation of potential Penguins stars.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 17, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 17, 2024

A look at some of the notable players in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

REINHART, GUENTZEL, STAMKOS AMONG THIS SUMMER’S NOTABLE UFA CLASS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports regarding the top players in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart tops this list. He is due for a significant raise over his average annual value of $6.5 million. With the 28-year-old Reinhart poised to score 50 goals this season, the Panthers intend to take a serious run at extending his contract.

The lack of a state tax gives the Panthers a chance at re-signing Reinhart if he accepts a little less than teammates Aleksander Barkov ($10 million) and Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million). He’ll draw lots of interest if he goes to market but he “absolutely” wants to stay put.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the two sides will get it done. Discussions have reportedly been ongoing between the Panthers and the Reinhart camp. I can see him getting $8.5 million annually on a long-term deal.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel will be in high demand if he tests the market on July 1. Fox suggested Patrik Laine’s contract ($8.7 million AAV) would be a suitable comparable for the 29-year-old Guentzel with the Hurricanes or another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could re-sign Guentzel if he becomes a good fit and wants to stay. With a projected $30.7 million in cap space for next season and 13 roster players under contract, there’s room to keep him. That could mean letting Teuvo Teravainen depart via free agency or trading restricted free-agent winger Martin Necas.

Elias Lindholm’s low production since joining the Vancouver Canucks and their recent re-signing of Elias Pettersson suggests Lindholm is a pure rental player this season. Fox noted that the 28-year-old two-way center’s stock is in decline but a strong performance in the postseason should bolster his value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was linked to the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers before the Canucks acquired him from the Calgary Flames. He’s seeing third-line center duty in Vancouver right now but there could be teams willing to bet that his performance will rebound in a top-six role.

The Vegas Golden Knights have several high-profile UFAs and can’t afford to keep them all. However, there’s mutual interest between Vegas management and defenseman Noah Hanifin regarding an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean bidding farewell to 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault. There haven’t been any contract talks between management and the 33-year-old winger.

Speaking of Marchessault, he said that the value of his next contract is motivating his performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault is making an AAV of $5 million as he finishes a six-year contract. Given his age, he likely won’t get any offers over four years but he could seek around $7 million annually on a three or four-year deal. He seems destined to hit the open market.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he voiced his disappointment over the lack of contract extension talks last summer. He might have to accept a pay cut if he hopes to finish his career with the only team he’s played for in his 16-year NHL career. The Lightning have over $75 million invested in next season’s payroll.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 34-year-old Bolts captain is earning an AAV of $8.5 million, considered below market value when he signed his current deal in 2016. He could accept another pay cut but could draw the line at anything under $6 million annually.

Matt Duchene has improved his stock this season with the Dallas Stars. The 33-year-old center could have more suitors this time around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene was bought out by the Nashville Predators last summer as a cost-cutting measure after his production dropped from 86 points in 2022-23 to 56 points last season. Signed to a one-year, $3 million contract by the Stars, he has 58 points in 67 games. He’ll be receiving buyout payments for the next five seasons so perhaps he’d be willing to sign a three-year deal with the Stars for around $4 million annually.

Defenseman Brett Pesce could price himself away from the Carolina Hurricanes, who have several other players on expiring contracts. Fox believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the suitors if the 29-year-old Pesce goes to market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce’s current AAV is $4.025 million. It could cost the Leafs (or anyone else) over $6 million annually to sign him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 17, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 17, 2024

A five-point game for the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin, the Bruins regain first place in the overall standings and milestone performances for the Canucks’ Quinn Hughes, the Capitals T.J. Oshie and the Oilers’ Corey Perry in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Detroit Red Wings snapped their seven-game losing skid by defeating the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. Patrick Kane snapped a 1-1 tie while James Reimer made 25 saves for the 34-27-6 Red Wings, who hold sole possession of the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth with 74 points. Tage Thompson scored his 20th goal of the season for the 32-31-5 Sabres as they sit five points back of the Wings.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk’s hat trick powered his club to a 4-3 overtime victory over the New York Islanders. Tkachuk’s game-winner was also his 30th goal of the season for the 28-33-4 Senators and the third straight season he’s reached that plateau. Bo Horvat sent the game into overtime for the Islanders (29-22-15) as they sit one one behind the Wings.

The Washington Capitals remain in the Eastern Conference playoff chase by nipping the Vancouver Canucks 2-1. Alex Ovechkin broke a 1-1 tie with his 841st career goal for the Capitals (32-25-9) as they move ahead of the Islanders and one point back of the Wings with 73 points. Brock Boeser tallied his 36th goal of the season for the Western Conference-leading Canucks (42-18-8) as they slipped into fourth in the overall standings with 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn Hughes collected an assist to set a new single-season points record for Canucks defensemen with 77, breaking his old record of 76 set last season. Meanwhile, Capitals winger T.J. Oshie played in his 1,000th career NHL game.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin scored two goals and collected three assists in a 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller each had a goal and two assists for the Metropolitan Division-leading Rangers (44-19-4) as they moved ahead of the Canucks into third in the overall standings with 92 points. Bryan Rust and Lars Eller each had a goal and an assist for the 29-28-9 Penguins.

The Boston Bruins held off the Philadelphia Flyers 6-5 to take over sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 95 points. Charlie Coyle scored twice and Jake DeBrusk had a goal and an assist for the 40-14-15 Bruins. Joel Farabee tallied two goals and Owen Tippett collected three assists for the Flyers (34-26-8) as they cling to third place in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers now hold a three-point lead over the ninth-place Capitals.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos scored two goals and picked up two assists as his club beat the Florida Panthers 5-3. Andrei Vasilevskiy kicked out 47 shots and Nikita Kucherov netted his 40th goal of the season for the Lightning (35-25-6) as they hold the first Eastern wildcard berth with 78 points. Sam Reinhart tallied twice to reach 48 goals on the season for the 45-19-4 Panthers, who dropped one point behind the league-leading Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Evan Rodrigues returned to the lineup. Rodrigues missed two games with an ankle injury while Bennett was sidelined for one contest with an undisclosed injury.

Colorado Avalanche center Artturi Lehkonen scored with one second left in overtime in a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Sean Walker tallied two goals for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (43-20-5) as they hold fifth place in the overall standings with 91 points. Stuart Skinner stopped 40 shots for the 40-21-4 Oilers, who hold second place in the Pacific Division with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers winger Corey Perry collected an assist for his 900th career point.

The Dallas Stars kept pace with the Avalanche by downing the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Wyatt Johnston scored for the fourth straight game as Scott Wedgewood turned aside 27 shots for the 41-19-9 Stars as they sit second in the Central with 91 points. Kevin Fiala replied for the 34-22-11 Kings, who hold third place in the Pacific Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars honored franchise Hall-of-Famer Mike Modano by unveiling a statue of him. He played all but one of his 21 NHL seasons with the Stars and is their franchise leader in goals, assists and points. They retired his No. 9 in 2014.

Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi scored two third-period goals in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken, extending their points streak to 14 games. Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist for the Predators (39-25-4) as they hold the first Western Conference wildcard berth with 82 points. Andre Burakovsky scored for the 28-26-12 Kraken.

The St. Louis Blues remain in the Western wildcard hunt after taming the Minnesota Wild 3-2 on a shootout goal by Jordan Kyrou, who also had a goal and an assist in regulation. Robert Thomas collected an assist for his 300th career point as the 35-29-3 Blues (73 points) sit four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the final wildcard spot. Kirill Kaprizov had a goal and an assist for the Wild (33-27-8) as they sit one point up on the Blues and three back of Vegas.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel’s shootout goal completed a three-goal rally in a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sebastian Aho scored two unanswered third-period goals to tie the game, setting the stage for Guentzel’s winner as the Hurricanes (41-20-6) sit second in the Metro Division with 88 points. John Tavares had a goal and an assist for the 38-19-6 Leafs, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 85 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes winger Teuvo Teravainen missed this game with an upper-body injury. Before this game, the Hurricanes announced they’d signed goaltender Spencer Martin to a one-year, $775K contract extension.

The Calgary Flames kept their fading playoff hopes alive with a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Mikael Backlund tallied twice for the 33-29-5 Flames (71 points) as they sit six points out of the final Western wildcard spot. Cole Caufield scored his 20th goal of the season for the 25-31-11 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Canadiens announced that head coach Martin St. Louis was taking an indefinite leave of absence for family reasons. Meanwhile, Flames Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald received a standing ovation in his return to the Saddledome since suffering a cardiac event last month. The 71-year-old McDonald waved and gave a thumbs-up to the fans.

A three-goal first period powered the Arizona Coyotes to a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Clayton Keller had a goal and an assist and Karel Vejmelka turned aside 37 shots for the 28-35-5 Coyotes. Nick DeSimone scored for the 32-31-4 Devils (68 points) as they sit six points out of the final Eastern wildcard spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: During this game, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported relocation could be on the table for the Arizona Coyotes if they lose a land auction scheduled for June. The Coyotes intend to build a new arena on that parcel of land and are keen to win the auction. If they don’t, however, Friedman indicated that “the status quo cannot continue”. The club is said to be preparing for both scenarios.

The Columbus Blue Jackets doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2. Alex Nylander scored twice and picked up an assist for the 23-33-11 Blue Jackets. Fabian Zetterlund scored his 18th goal of the season for the 16-43-7 Sharks.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2024

What next for the Ducks? Could the playoffs factor into a new contract with the Rangers for Kaapo Kakko? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DUCKS NEED TO BECOME BUYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Anaheim Ducks must stop being sellers and become buyers in the trade market if they hope to progress in rebuilding their roster.

Stephens isn’t suggesting they blow their cap space on expensive free agents or that they shouldn’t trade a roster player or two for future assets. However, it’s time for general manager Pat Verbeek to use his projected $34 million in cap space and draft capital to add players who can help promising youngsters like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras and Pavel Mintyukov.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Verbeek brushed aside the trade rumors about Zegras. He said he wasn’t shopping the 22-year-old forward nor did he receive any calls about him leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

We want “Z” to play with us,” said Verbeek following the trade deadline. “Hopefully, he can get through this injury pretty quick and get back on the ice.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks could be worth monitoring during the offseason.

They are well-stocked with young talent on their roster and within their prospect pipeline. With seven picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft (including two first-rounders), they can afford to use some of it to acquire an established player or two. Verbeek could target clubs that are trying to shed salary this summer.

Zegras has been sidelined since Jan. 11 with a broken ankle. His recovery timeline was six to eight weeks. I don’t doubt that Verbeek wants to hang onto Zegras but I wouldn’t be surprised if the trade rumors flare up again in the weeks leading up to the NHL Draft in late June.

PLAYOFFS COULD DETERMINE KAAPO KAKKO’S NEXT CONTRACT

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes the 2024 playoffs could determine Kaapo Kakko’s next contract with the Rangers. The 23-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

Kakko missed 21 games earlier this season with a lower-body injury. His production has been limited to eight goals and 12 points in 45 games as he’s bounced between the first and third lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kakko was the subject of some trade speculation before the March deadline. His performance over the rest of this season (including the playoffs) will factor into what type of contract he gets from the Rangers. It won’t be surprising if his name comes up in offseason trade speculation.