Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: a trade that would’ve sent Canucks center J.T. Miller to the Rangers stalls, updates on Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, and the latest on Mikko Rantanen and Andrei Kuzmenko.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks were believed to be close to a trade that would’ve sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. However, it appears that the deal is off for now.

At one point, it appeared the 31-year-old center would’ve been held out of the lineup from Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Friedman claimed things had progressed where it looked like he wouldn’t play.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman said the Canucks sent a note around the league last week warning teams against talking to any of their players without the club’s permission. However, he believes several teams have permission to speak with Miller but he’s unsure who they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman wasn’t sure why the deal didn’t go through. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Miller hadn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause.

This situation could change quickly so it’ll be worth monitoring. Hopefully, we’ll get more details as to why the deal with the Rangers stalled and whether it can be salvaged. We might also learn which clubs could be speaking to Miller and his representatives.

Turning to Miller’s teammate Elias Pettersson, Friedman said the 26-year-old center lacks no-trade protection this season. He wants to stay in Vancouver and Friedman thinks the Canucks’ preference is to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is five years younger than Miller and is in his playing prime now. Miller remains in his prime but most of his best years are behind him.

Meanwhile, Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reports Canucks winger Brock Boeser acknowledged he could be moved if the club hasn’t turned things around by the March 7 trade deadline.

The 27-year-old Boeser can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He knows he hasn’t played well this season, admitting that management could view him as a trade candidate leading up to March 7.

Boeser netted a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in 2023-24. He has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games this season. MacIntyre noted that management has been lukewarm in comments about re-signing the winger, partly because of the ongoing drama involving Miller and Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a cap hit of $6.65 million this season and a 10-team no-trade list. He’ll draw plenty of interest if the Canucks peddle him before March 7 and should fetch a good return.

AVALANCHE WON’T SHOP RANTANEN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source saying Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland had found contract negotiations with Mikko Rantanen tougher than he thought they would be.

The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl will make with the Edmonton Oilers starting next season. The Avalanche would prefer he signs for something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million.

It’s been rumored that the Avalanche could shop Rantanen if he’s unsigned by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Biringer’s source said the Avs have no appetite to do that because of how valuable Rantanen is to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Worse comes to worse, Rantanen becomes the Avalanche’s “own rental” as they attempt to stage another run for the Stanley Cup.

FLAMES UNLIKELY TO MOVE KUZMENKO

CALGARY SUN: A reader recently asked Wes Gilbertson if Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko could become a trade chip before March 7.

Gilbertson is doubtful given Kuzmenko’s scoring woes this season. The 28-year-old winger has only two goals and 11 points in 33 games. He’s two years removed from his 39-goal, 75-point debut with the Vancouver Canucks and had 46 points in 72 games last season split between the Canucks and the Flames.

Kuzmenko is UFA-eligible in July. He has a $5.5 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could peddle Kuzmenko if they fall out of playoff contention by the trade deadline. They’ll likely have to retain part of his salary and won’t get much in return.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 19, 2025

A major comeback win for the Leafs, the Senators rally for a big win over the Bruins, milestone performances by the Avalanche’s Cale Makar and the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, the Capitals reveal their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 7-3, snapping the latter’s six-game points streak. Oliver Ekman-Larsson tallied the winning goal and collected two assists, Mitch Marner had two helpers, and Joseph Woll stopped 32 shots as the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division with 60 points. Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine and Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens (48 points), who sit two points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens dominated the first half of this game but took their foot off the gas in the second half and the Leafs made them pay. Woll made several big saves to prevent the Canadiens from running away with the game, enabling his teammates to stage their comeback.

A shootout goal by Tim Stutzle completed a three-goal comeback for the Ottawa Senators in a 6-5 victory over the Boston Bruins. Nick Jensen and Josh Norris scored late in the third period to set the stage for Stutzle’s winning goal, with Norris finishing the game with two goals. David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists for the Bruins, who slipped behind the Senators out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators and Bruins each have 50 points but the Sens have two games in hand and one more victory (23 to 22). Bruins coach Joe Sacco made the puzzling decision to bench captain Brad Marchand for overtime and the shootout.

Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen scored two goals and set up two others in a 6-3 win against the Dallas Stars. Cale Makar scored twice while Jonathan Drouin and Casey Mittelstadt each had a goal and two assists for the Avs, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 57 points. Jason Robertson tallied twice and picked up an assist and Wyatt Johnston had three assists for the Stars, who sit third in the Central Division with 57 points.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar reached the 100-goal plateau, becoming the sixth-fastest blueliner in NHL history to reach that milestone. George Boucher was the fastest (223 games played), followed by Bobby Orr (299), Paul Coffey (300), Raymond Bourque (329) and Denis Potvin (348).

The Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Detroit Red Wings 5-1. Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel each had a goal and two assists and Andrei Vasilevskiy kicked out 39 shots for the Lightning, who’ve won three of their last four games and hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 53 points. Lucas Raymond replied for the Red Wings (46 points), who sit four points behind the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov became the second player in Lightning history to reach 600 NHL regular-season assists. Victor Hedman was the first to do so, reaching that milestone on Jan. 16 against the Anaheim Ducks. Following this game, the Red Wings sent goaltender Ville Husso back to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

Utah Hockey Club forward Clayton Keller had a goal and three assists as he led his team to a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Logan Cooley had a goal and two assists as Utah snapped a three-game losing skid. Tyler Tucker and Jake Neighbours replied for the Blues (48 points), who sit three points behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Speaking of the Flames, they got a 38-save performance by Dustin Wolf to upset the Winnipeg Jets 3-1. Blake Coleman had a goal and two assists and Andrei Kuzmenko scored his first goal since Oct. 15. Adam Lowry tallied Winnipeg’s only goal as their three-game win streak ended. With 65 points, the Jets sit second in the overall standings.

The Washington Capitals took over sole possession of first place in the overall standings (67 points) by dropping the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1, extending their points streak to 10 games (7-0-3). Aliaksei Protas and Pierre-Luc Dubois each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals. Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Saturday.

Forwards Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, defensemen John Carlson and Mike Green, and goaltender Braden Holtby comprised the First Team.

The Second Team featured forwards Peter Bondra, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson, blueliners Sergei Gonchar and Dmitry Orlov, and goaltender Olaf Kolzig.

The Capitals also removed goalie Charlie Lindgren from injured reserve after missing the last three games with an upper-body injury.

New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0. Vincent Trocheck scored the only goal in the shootout. Daniil Tarasov stopped 26 shots for his first career shutout, becoming the first netminder in league history to record a shutout and suffer a loss in the same game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Friday, the Blue Jackets announced defenseman Jake Christiansen signed a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $975K.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes tallied twice and J.T. Miller picked up two assists as their club held on for a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. It was the Canucks’ second win in their last eight games, leaving them one point behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals for the Oilers as their four-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers could face supplemental discipline from the league. McDavid cross-checked Canucks forward Conor Garland in the head after the latter pinned him to the ice. In the ensuing scrum, Myers cross-checked Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the face. Both players received match penalties.

Miller was the subject of trade buzz yesterday with some reports suggesting this game may be his last with the Canucks. I’ll have more details in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

The Chicago Blackhawks upset the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3, leaving the latter with five losses in their last six games. Tyler Bertuzzi scored two power-play goals and Nick Foligno collected an assist in his 1,200th NHL regular-season game as the Blackhawks snapped a four-game winless skid (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas and Edmonton are tied with 61 points but the Golden Knights hold first place in the Pacific Division with 26 regulation wins.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Brink snapped a 1-1 tie and Travis Konecny potted the insurance goal into an empty net in a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Flyers are 4-0-1 in their last five (48 points) and sit two points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Dougie Hamilton scored for the Devils, who are winless in their last three games (0-1-2) and hold second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight turned aside 34 shots to blank the Anaheim Ducks 3-0. Jesper Boqvist, Anton Lundell and Gustav Forsling were the goalscorers for the Panthers, who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 57 points. John Gibson made 42 stops for the Ducks, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Sam Reinhart received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for kneeing Ducks forward Isac Lundestrom late in the first period. Lundestrom left the game in obvious pain favoring his right leg.

The New York Islanders defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1, handing the latter their fifth loss in their last six contests. Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders as they ended a two-game losing skid. Barclay Goodrow replied for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brent Sutter was inducted into the Islanders’ Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony. Sutter spent 12 of his 18-season NHL playing career with the Islanders, helping them win two of the franchise’s four Stanley Cups. He had 610 points in 694 games with the Islanders, including a career-high 102 in 1984-85.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg scored twice and collected two assists in a 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Juuse Saros made 27 saves for the Predators, who picked up their third straight win. David Jiricek and Matt Boldy scored for the Wild as they are 1-4-0 in their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators placed winger Luke Evangelista (lower body) on injured reserve before this game. He’s not expected to return until early February. Defenseman Adam Wilsby was taken off IR. Meanwhile, the Wild placed blueliner Jonas Brodin (lower body) on IR. They also recalled goalie Dylan Ferguson on an emergency basis as Filip Gustavsson was out of the lineup with an illness.

A hat trick by Jaden Schwartz led the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 upset of the Los Angeles Kings. Kaapo Kakko collected three assists and Joey Daccord made 28 saves for the Kraken. Adrian Kempe and Jordan Spence replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 55 points.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

Are the Devils interested in Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could they peddle promising defenseman Simon Nemec? What’s the latest on the Bruins? Will the Sabres trade Jason Zucker? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DEVILS

THE SCORE: In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he’s looking for a center “that can give up that extra oomph and maybe properly slot people to make us a strong four-line team come playoff time.”

League sources told LeBrun that the Devils are already checking on their list of trade targets.

Sean O’Leary mentioned some of the top potential playoff rental players including Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Players with term left on their contracts who’ve come up in the rumor mill include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks.

Could the New Jersey Devils pursue Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Predators are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause. LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz recently cited a Flyers source claiming the club has little interest in moving Laughton.

Miller’s situation has dominated the rumor mill since late December amid reports he and teammate Elias Pettersson weren’t getting along. Speaking of those two…

SPORTSNET: The New Jersey Devils are worth watching in the trade market. PuckPedia indicates they have over $7.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the assets the Vancouver Canucks might be interested in if they’re trying to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cited CHEK-TV’S Rick Dhaliwal said many teams have checked in about J.T. Miller, including the Devils and Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks would want a center in return for Pettersson or Miller. The Devils don’t have anywhere to spare in that department. They also lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft but have three second-rounders to use as trade bait.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited a report from Slovak media outlet Dennik Sport indicating defenseman Simon Nemec isn’t happy with his extended stay with the Devils’ AHL affiliate in Utica.

Nemec played 60 games as a rookie with the Devils in 2023-24 but only nine games with them this season. He believes he’s proven “multiple times” that he belongs in the NHL but stopped short of requesting a trade. “If this situation continues, it’ll have to be addressed, but for now, it is what it is”, said Nemec.

RG.ORG: James Murphy recently confirmed Fitzgerald hopes to begin contract extension talks with defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic. He’s become an indispensable part of the roster since his acquisition from the Montreal Canadiens last summer.

Murphy wondered what this could mean for Nemec’s future with the Devils. He cited a source suggesting the young blueliner could become available in the trade market, especially after his comments to Dennik Sport.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reached out to a Devils source about Nemec. The source acknowledged the young rearguard’s disappointment about not playing in the NHL but stated they weren’t aware of any frustration on the youngster’s part.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he doesn’t expect the Devils to make any rash decisions about Nemec. “Put it this way, if it ever gets to a point where there’s an availability (in the Devils’ lineup), I guarantee you the Devils will be patient,” he said, adding the Devils selected Nemec at second overall in the 2022 draft for a reason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec’s initial comments caused a bit of a stir but it appears he’s not going anywhere unless he starts demanding a trade.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently looked at the options facing the Boston Bruins if they become buyers or sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. He believes their performance over the next month will determine management’s direction in the trade market.

If the Bruins gain traction in the standings, that might help GM Don Sweeney to hammer out a contract extension for captain Brad Marchand. If they bottom out, Sweeney could consider trading the 36-year-old winger to accelerate the rebuild, though neither party prefers that route.

Pending UFA winger Trent Frederic would also be a trade candidate. Sweeney could also look at moving players with term left on their contracts like Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha and Brandon Carlo, who all have partial no-trade clauses.

If the Bruins become buyers, Shinzawa believes Sweeney would prefer adding players with term on their contracts. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s difficult to believe Sweeney would trade his heart-and-soul captain. However, anything can happen at the trade deadline when teams become sellers, especially if Marchand and Sweeney fail to agree to a new contract. Marchand has an eight-team no-trade clause plus his $6.125 million cap hit could be a sticking point, though the Bruins will have paid out most of that by March 7. 

WILL THE SABRES TRADE OR SIGN ZUCKER?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently reported Jason Zucker’s solid performance this season could make him a valuable trade chip for the Buffalo Sabres if they become sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. However, the 33-year-old winger is keen to sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker’s enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance this season with 33 points in 45 games. His future in Buffalo will depend on how much he wants and for how long. His age will make the Sabres leery about giving him anything longer than a two-year deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

A historic game for Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, the Hurricanes unveil their Quarter-Century Team, the league reportedly intends to cancel escrow payments for the remainder of the season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic became the first netminder in league history to score a goal and collect an assist in a single game in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Nedeljkovic picked up the secondary assist on Cody Glass’ game-winning goal and sealed the victory with an unassisted empty-netter. He also made 40 saves.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (NHL Images).

Glass, Bryan Rust and Matt Grzelcyk each collected two points for the Penguins (46 points), who moved within three points of the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Owen Power and Zach Benson replied for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nedeljkovic also became the first goaltender to score a goal in the NHL, AHL and ECHL.

The Carolina Hurricanes got two goals from Seth Jarvis to hold off the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five contests. Pyotr Kochetkov made 29 saves as the Hurricanes sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. Tomas Hertl and Shea Theodore scored for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas is tied with the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division with 61 points but maintains their hold on first place due to their 26 regulation wins compared to the Oilers’ 22.

The Hurricanes activated goaltender Frederik Andersen from injured reserve and sent Dustin Tokarski to their AHL affiliate in Chicago. Andersen had been out since Oct. 26 with a knee injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Hurricanes revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

Forwards Rod Brind’Amour, Eric Staal and Sebastian Aho, defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Glen Wesley, and goaltender Cam Ward comprised the First Team.

The Second Team comprised forwards Ron Francis, Jordan Staal and Justin Williams, defensemen Justin Faulk and Bret Hedican, and goaltender Arturs Irbe.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a well-informed NHL source claiming the league will drop the escrow withholding rate from players’ salaries from six percent to zero effective Jan. 30 for the remainder of the regular season.

The source also told D’Amico that, because profits are expected to be higher than previously projected, the players will receive between two and six percent in extra earnings.

This sets the stage for a substantial increase in the salary cap for 2025-26. It was projected to reach between $92 million and $93 million but could now rise higher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s good news for the players, especially those slated to become free agents on July 1. A higher-than-projected salary cap will also provide welcome help for teams with limited cap room for next season.

SPORTSNET: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently dismissed the theory that teams in low-tax states have an advantage over states and provinces with higher taxes. He pointed out that teams in California (with a tax rate comparable to Canadian teams) have won as many Stanley Cups as those in Florida.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with all Stanley Cup champions, the recent success of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning comes down to shrewd management and coaching.

The Panthers and Lightning have enjoyed low tax rates throughout their existence but that didn’t prevent them from spending years (in the Panthers’ case, decades) among the NHL’s worst teams. Improved management and coaching built them into champions.

Bettman also dispelled concern over the recent decline in the value of the Canadian dollar, pointing out that they do revenue-sharing in US dollars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the biggest difference between now and the 1990s when a low Canadian dollar contributed to the relocation of clubs from Quebec City and Winnipeg and threatened the existence of several other Canadian franchises. Revenue-sharing was built into the CBA in 2005 to assist struggling teams.

The commissioner also said he doesn’t want to expand the playoff format as it diminishes the value of the postseason and regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed! The four-round postseason involving 16 teams is long enough. A play-in round is unnecessary.

Bettman hopes to sign a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players Association this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We all want to see that.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Evgeni Malkin’s three Stanley Cup rings were found inside his house following an investigation into the recent burglary of his home. The rings were initially reported missing. The investigation remains active.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild placed forward Marcus Johansson (upper body) on injured reserve and moved winger Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) on long-term injury reserve retroactive to Dec. 23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov is skating with his teammates and is expected to return to action soon. He was put on LTIR to allow the Wild to recall two forwards following Johansson’s injury.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed John Klingberg to a one-year, $1-million prorated contract. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after recovering from a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an affordable gamble by the Oilers to add experienced depth to their roster.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: An instant on-ice chemistry between Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko has generated cautious optimism that the young Kraken forwards can elevate each other. Both were chosen second overall in their respective drafts (Beniers in 2021, Kakko in 2019) but struggled to meet expectations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Beniers won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 but has encountered difficulty regaining that promising form. Kakko struggled for several seasons with the Rangers but has been on a tear (10 points in 13 games) since being traded to the Kraken last month.

NHL.COM: New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov received a three-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling on Thursday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New Jersey Devils placed forward Erik Haula (ankle sprain) on injured reserve and called up defenseman Colton White.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

Should the Blackhawks trade for Elias Pettersson or move out Seth Jones? What the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Ryan O’Reilly and John Klingberg? What’s going on with the Devils, Jets and Blues? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes the Chicago Blackhawks should do everything they can to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.

Lazerus noted the Blackhawks need to bring in help for young franchise star Connor Bedard. He believes the 26-year-old playmaking center could fit in well with the rebuilding ‘Hawks, suggesting they have the pieces to make a competitive trade offer to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks also have the cap space to absorb Pettersson’s contract with its $11.6 million annual average value through 2031-32. He’s the right age to play a long-term active role with their young players.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. Whether the Blackhawks will take up Lazerus’ advice before then remains to be seen.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports teams are calling the Blackhawks about Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and has a full no-movement clause.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Dreger said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson isn’t shopping Jones. Nevertheless, teams are inquiring about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those teams likely want Davidson to retain half of that cap hit or to take back an expensive contract. Another option would be to involve a third team to spread the cap hit around. This could become an offseason move assuming Jones agrees to be traded.

CONTRACT TALKS STALLED BETWEEN THE AVALANCHE AND RANTANEN.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting contract extension talks between the Colorado Avalanche and winger Mikko Rantanen have reached an impasse.

Seravalli claims the Rantanen camp seeks a contract in the range of the $14 million annual cap hit the Edmonton Oilers will be paying Leon Draisaitl starting next season. Avalanche management prefers the 28-year-old winger sign something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million AAV.

The Avalanche have no interest in trading Rantanen if he’s not signed by the March 7 trade deadline. Contract talks are expected to resume following the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in early February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Avalanche might put Rantanen on the trade block before the deadline. This report should bring those rumors to an end. If the Avalanche hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring they need Rantanen in the lineup.

PREDATORS LISTENING ON O’REILLY BUT AREN’T SHOPPING HIM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators aren’t actively shopping Ryan O’Reilly. The 33-year-old two-way center has two seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Given their placement in the standings, the Predators have no choice but to listen to trade proposals provided teams are wasting their time with low-ball offers. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Preds are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause, leaving the final decision up to him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “So, you’re saying there’s a chance…” Seriously, it’s unlikely anyone will come up with a suitable offer that will make O’Reilly agree to be traded, and the Predators seem fine about that. Still, stranger things have happened.

SEVERAL TEAMS INTERESTED IN KLINGBERG

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars are among several teams interested in John Klingberg. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cites TSN’s Bob McKenzie reporting a decision about Klingberg could come within the next two days. He said the Oilers, Stars and Leafs are very much in the mix.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes it’s a long shot the Leafs will gamble again on Klingberg. It would cost them a roster spot and Kypreos doesn’t see them moving Klingberg ahead of Philippe Myers or Conor Timmins. He thinks the Oilers have a more pressing need for him.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the Oilers are kicking tires on Klingberg. He speculates the cost of signing the blueliner would be a one-year, prorated deal worth $800K. Matheson believes the Stars need a puck-moving rearguard like Klingberg more than the Oilers, who need another physical Mattias Ekholm-type defender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg began his NHL career with the Stars and spent his best seasons with them. They have limited cap space right now which would make him an affordable fit. However, they’re expected to spend big in the trade market when they place Tyler Seguin and his $9.85 million AAV on long-term injury reserve.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would like to add a center to his roster before the March 7 trade deadline. He wouldn’t reveal which players he’s targeting but he will be assessing his options. LeBrun noted that Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton (who’s played mostly on the wing this season) are among the notable names in the rumor mill.

UPDATES ON THE JETS AND BLUES

Darren Dreger speculates the Winnipeg Jets might not need to go shopping for a center before the March 7 trade deadline. They like what they’ve seen of captain Adam Lowry filling in for sidelined Vladislav Namestnikov as a second-line center. They could have the flexibility to pursue the best forward available if they stay healthy.

Dreger reports that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has told his players that he expects a better effort from them this month. He’s not making threats but has let them know he could shake things up if things don’t improve soon. The Blues are currently battling for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 17, 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 17, 2025

Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner and Victor Hedman reach notable offensive milestones. Read on for the details and much more from a busy Thursday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal in a 1-0 overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 25 saves for his second straight shutout victory as the Capitals picked up their third straight win to take over first place in the overall standings with 65 points. Leevi Merilainen stopped 26 shots for the Senators (48 points) as their three-game win streak ended, leaving them one point behind the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has 874 NHL regular-season goals, leaving him 21 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. Merilainen became the 179th NHL goalie that Ovechkin has scored against, breaking Jaromir Jagr’s record of 178. Meanwhile, Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot missed this game as he’s day-to-day after taking a puck to the face during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the New York Islanders.

The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 3-0 deficit with four unanswered goals to nip the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Oilers captain Connor McDavid tied the game with his 20th goal of the season and Evan Bouchard tallied the game-winner as the Oilers moved into a tie with the first-place Vegas Golden Knights (61 points) in the Pacific Division. Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid became the sixth player in Oilers history to reach the 20-goal plateau nine times, joining Glenn Anderson, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier (10 times), Leon Draisaitl and Wayne Gretzky (nine times). The Oilers sit second in the Pacific because the Golden Knights hold a game in hand.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard returned to the lineup after missing three games with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by William Nylander lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Auston Matthews tallied twice and Mitch Marner had two assists for the Leafs, who sit first in the Atlantic Division with 58 points. Nico Hischier scored two goals and Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist for the Devils to extend their points streak to four games (1-0-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner became the fastest player to reach 700 points in Leafs history, reaching that milestone in 622 games, breaking Darryl Sittler’s record of 666. Leafs center John Tavares missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Jake McCabe had two assists in his return from a four-game absence with an upper-body injury.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a shootout goal from Jake Guentzel to down the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Guentzel also scored in regulation while netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 34 shots for the Lightning. Troy Terry scored the tying goal in the third period and Lukas Dostal made 32 saves as the Ducks have one win in their last six contests (1-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman collected an assist to become the first player in franchise history to reach the 600-assist milestone. Lighting blueliner Erik Cernak left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury.

Winnipeg Jets blueliner Dylan DeMelo scored with 27 seconds remaining in the third period to beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Mark Scheifele tied the game with his 27th goal of the season as the Jets are tied with the league-leading Capitals with 65 points. Matty Beniers scored for the Kraken, who’ve won twice in their last eight games (2-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeMelo was playing in his 600th NHL regular-season game. The Capitals hold first over the Jets with a game in hand.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski collected an assist to extend his home points streak to 18 games in a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. James van Riemsdyk scored twice as the Blue Jackets (50 points) have won six straight and vaulted over the Boston Bruins in the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Tyler Toffoli replied for the Sharks, who’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering everything the Blue Jackets have endured since last year (management and coaching changes, trading Patrik Laine, the sudden death of Johnny Gaudreau, and injuries to Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson and Sean Monahan), their surge into a playoff berth has been impressive. Even general manager Don Waddell is surprised by their performance in recent weeks.

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1 to extend their points streak to six games (5-0-1). Jakub Dobes made 32 stops to pick up their fourth straight win in as many starts while Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook and Joel Armia scored for the Canadiens (48 points) as they also sit one point out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Jason Robertson scored for Dallas, who sit third in the Central Division with 57 points. The Stars played without Roope Hintz, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars also unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Thursday.

The First Team comprises forwards Mike Modano, Jamie Benn and Jere Lehtinen, defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Sergei Zubov, and goaltender Marty Turco. The Second Team comprised forwards Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin and Brenden Morrow, defensemen John Klingberg and Esa Lindell, and goaltender Ed Belfour.

Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot kicked out 41 shots (including 23 in the third period) in a 5-2 upset of the Florida Panthers. Dylan Larkin tallied twice and collected an assist while Lucas Raymond had two helpers as the Red Wings sit three points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth with 46 points. Anton Lundell and Evan Rodrigues scored for the Panthers, who pulled goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in the second period after he gave up four goals on 15 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov received a notable honor from his home country of Finland. It was announced that the Finnish Association of Sports Journalists named Barkov its Sportsman of the Year for 2024, making him the first hockey player to receive that award.

The Los Angeles Kings thumped the Vancouver Canucks 5-1. Alex Turcotte scored twice and set up another as the Kings took over third place in the Pacific Division with 55 points, ending a two-game losing skid. Filip Hronek scored for the Canucks, who have two wins in their last 10 games (2-5-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet wasn’t pleased with the performance of center J.T. Miller. “He’s struggling. He’s caught in between,” he said in his postgame interview. “You know, it seems like every time he’s on the ice, something bad happens.” Miller’s been the subject of trade rumors amid reports of a rift with center Elias Pettersson.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Reilly Smith, Chris Kreider and Artemin Panarin gave the New York Rangers a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Panarin finished with two goals as the Rangers extended their points streak to six games (4-0-2) to sit four points behind the Bruins for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Matias Maccelli tallied twice for Utah, extending their losing skid to three games.

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn scored twice and Dylan Holloway picked up two assists to douse the Calgary Flames 4-1. The Blues swept the two-game series and are 7-3-0 in their last 10. Yegor Sherangovich replied for the Flames, who hold a one-point lead over the Blues and Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

The Philadelphia Flyers held off the New York Islanders 5-3. Sean Couturier had a goal and an assist while Travis Konecny had three assists for the Flyers, extending their points streak to four games (3-0-1) and sitting within three points of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Islanders captain Anders Lee scored his 20th of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers center Ryan Poehling left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a hard hit from Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg scored his 300th NHL regular-season goal in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Forsberg also extended his goal streak to four games while teammate Steven Stamkos scored the winner in the shootout. Connor Bedard scored and Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists for the Blackhawks.