Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

by | Jun 16, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

A look at Daily Faceoff’s list of potential contract buyout candidates in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli has Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois atop his list of potential contract buyout candidates this summer.

Seravalli acknowledged Kings general manager Rob Blake indicating the club doesn’t plan on buying out the 25-year-old Dubois. However, he thinks it makes too much sense to do so if it can be done before the forward turns 26 on June 24. Until that date, they could buy him out at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining tenure of the contract. If he’s bought out at age 26 or older, it’s at two-thirds the remaining value.

Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buyout period begins on June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final, whichever is later. The latest the current series runs is June 24.

Blake was firm when he said that Dubois wouldn’t be bought out. We’ve since seen or heard little indication he or his superiors will change their minds.

Seravalli’s other buyout candidates include Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell, New York Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow, Ottawa Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo, New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug, Philadelphia Flyers netminder Cal Petersen, Flyers winger Cam Atkinson, and Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Petersen and Atkinson are the most likely to be bought out. On June 7, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club was examining its options, including buyouts for those two players.

Campbell was a free-agent bust for the Oilers. They’ve put their faith in Stuart Skinner as their starter this season, banishing Campbell to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. A buyout wouldn’t be out of the question, especially if they want to free up cash to re-sign restricted free agent Evan Bouchard this summer.

Goodrow is another possibility as the cap-strapped Rangers consider their options this summer. However, there could be a trade market for him given his playoff experience. Suter could also become a cost-cutting casualty.

The Islanders could prefer to trade Pageau rather than go the buyout route to free up salary. He popped up in trade rumors earlier this season.

The Senators are rumored to be shopping for an upgrade between the pipes. That could require clearing Korpisalo from their books.

Most reports out of Ottawa thus far suggest they could return with the tandem of Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg and hope they improve next season. Still, if there’s a chance to add someone like Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Boston’s Linus Ullmark, buying out Korpisalo could become a realistic option.

Krug used his no-trade clause last summer to reject a trade with the Flyers. He could become a buyout candidate if the Blues become desperate to create cap space for next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2024

by | Jun 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 16, 2024

The Oilers stave off elimination in the Stanley Cup Final with a lopsided win over the Panthers. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: The Edmonton Oilers avoided elimination from the Stanley Cup Final by trouncing the Florida Panthers 8-1 in Game 4.

Connor McDavid had a goal and three assists, Dylan Holloway scored twice and collected an assist, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each had two assists, and Mattias Janmark had a goal and an assist. Stuart Skinner made 32 saves for the win.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid has 32 assists in this postseason, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 31 in a playoff year.

Vladimir Tarasenko scored Florida’s only goal. Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 16 shots and was replaced by Anthony Stolarz in the second period.

The series returns to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday, June 18 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers dominated this game from start to finish. Their biggest stars – McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman – finally came through. So did their special teams, finally tallying a power-play goal and picking up a shorthanded goal while killing off four penalties. They also continued to get production from their role players. 

The Oilers also caught a break early in the game when defenseman Darnell Nurse was only assessed a minor penalty for a knee-on-knee hit on Florida forward Sam Bennett. The Panthers struck the post twice on the ensuing power play before Janmark’s shorthanded goal opened the scoring. Adam Henrique scored to give the Oilers their first two-goal lead of the series.

Florida momentarily quieted the fans at Rogers Place when Tarasenko cut the lead to 2-1. Holloway restored the two-goal lead minutes later and the Oilers never looked back. They blew it open in the second on goals by McDavid, Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The reaction by Oilers fans on social media was a mixture of joy, relief, and incredulity. Many wondered where that offensive effort was earlier in the series.

Desperation to avoid elimination was likely a factor for the Oilers. So was the determination not to be swept on home ice. This was also a total team effort on their part. They were better defensively and won the puck battles at both ends of the ice. The biggest factor was lighting up Bobrovsky after he stoned them in the first three games.

Meanwhile, the Panthers lacked the energy from their last two games. Bobrovsky had a rough night but so did his teammates. The solid defensive effort they’d used to nullify the Oilers’ offense in Games 2 and 3 was nowhere to be found in this game.

The Panthers return home still holding a commanding 3-1 lead in this series and can wrap this up in Game 5. We can expect a more determined effort from them in front of their fans in that contest. However, the Oilers served notice that they’re not going quietly. If the Panthers aren’t careful, they could find themselves heading back to Edmonton for another game on Friday.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs announced assistant coach Guy Boucher will not return for next season. He was brought in last year to run the Leafs power play. It was assumed his position wasn’t secure after the club struggled with the man advantage in their first-round series against the Boston Bruins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Radim Simek is returning to Czechia as he signed a three-year contract with Liberec of the Czech Extraliga. He spent five seasons with the San Jose Sharks from 2018-19 to 2022-23. He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings this season but spent the entire season in the AHL.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators announced David Bell, the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Belleville, has signed a two-year contract extension.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 15, 2024

by | Jun 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 15, 2024

Will the Oilers sign McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard to expensive new contracts? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

OILERS TO SPEND $40 MILLION ON MCDAVID, DRAISAITL AND BOUCHARD?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli predicting the Oilers will invest $40 million in new contracts for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. Seravalli made those remarks during an appearance with Bob Stauffer on “Oilers Now”.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Seravalli believes Oilers management has already started contract extension talks with Draisaitl. The 28-year-old forward can become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires next July.

Bouchard, 24, is a restricted free-agent defenseman this summer with arbitration rights. McDavid’s contract expires in 2026. The earliest the Oilers can re-sign him is next July.

Stauffer asked Servalli if he saw McDavid getting an average annual value of $16 million, Draisaitl $14 million and Bouchard $10 million. “Yup. That’s my projection,” replied Servalli, pointing out that the NHL salary cap will be at $100 million in two years’ time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will take big-money contracts to re-sign McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard. Not because of the location but because the amounts Seravalli cited are what those three will likely get on the open market.

The $100 million cap projection for 2026-27 may seem a little bold but there’s no question the NHL’s hockey-related revenue has significantly grown, raising the salary cap with it. It’ll be in the neighborhood if it doesn’t reach $100 million by then. The higher it goes, the easier it is for teams to re-sign their stars, provided they’re willing to spend to the cap ceiling and have the space to do so.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes the Rangers must answer some pressing questions during the offseason.

Questions linger about whether the Rangers can win with their current core. “The track record says no, but the team says yes,” writes Walker.

She doesn’t see them blowing things up but she wondered if a big move or two is necessary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been suggested the Rangers consider trading team captain Jacob Trouba or a star forward like Chris Kreider or Mika Zibanejad. Their respective contracts come with financial and no-trade restrictions, complicating attempts to move them.

The return each could fetch is the bigger issue. If you’re not getting something back for one of them that will make them better now and in the long run, they’re better off sticking with those players and trying instead to improve the supporting cast.

Another question is determining how much Igor Shesterkin’s contract extension will cost. “The floor for negotiations appears to be $10.5 million, while the starting point is looking like $12 million.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin will become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender starting in July 2025. He’ll likely get between $12 million and $13 million annually on an eight-year deal.

The Rangers recently re-signed winger Kaapo Kakko to a one-year, $2.4 million contract. However, Walker wonders if they’ll be patient with the 23-year-old former first-round pick or peddle him for a regular, impactful skater to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having Kakko under an affordable contract for next season should improve his trade value. Still, the Rangers might not receive suitable offers that can help them right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if Kakko’s in their lineup next season. 

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont recently suggested the Canadiens look into moving Carey Price’s contract to free up cap space going forward without relying on long-term injury reserve.

Price is on permanent LTIR due to a knee injury and hasn’t played since 2022. He has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $10.5 million.

Teams that use LTIR often cannot accrue cap space during the season leading up to the trade deadline. That affects efforts to add players to their lineup through waivers, trades, or free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Price has a no-movement clause but he’s unlikely to block a trade given that his playing career is over. He’ll still be getting paid regardless of which team owns his contract. Despite the salary cap rising by $4.5 million for next season, finding a club willing to take on his hefty cap hit will be challenging.

TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette listed seven young forwards who could become prime trade targets for the Canadiens.

They include Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson, Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell, Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev, New Jersey Devils winger Alexander Holtz, Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti, Detroit Red Wings right wing Jonatan Berggren, and Nashville Predators winger Phil Tomasino.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade rumors have swirling around most of those young forwards at one time or another this season. Whether the Habs can land one of them in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

The Panthers are unlikely to part with “Baby Barkov” Lundell. Perfetti was mentioned a lot in Jets rumors but I think they’ll remain patient with him. The Golden Knights probably won’t part with Dorofeyev unless it’s in a package deal for a big-name player.

Johnson, Berggren, and Tomasino split time this season with their parent clubs and their AHL affiliates. Holtz seemed to struggle under former Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. He’s been mentioned as a possible trade chip if the Devils pursue goalie Jacob Markstrom.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 15, 2024

by | Jun 15, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 15, 2024

The latest on the Panthers and Oilers on the eve of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

ESPN.COM: The Florida Panthers hold a 3-0 series lead in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final and can win hockey’s holy grail with a win in Game 4 on Saturday.

Teams that previously sat in this position in the Cup Final have won 27 out of 28 times. The sole exception was in 1942 when the Toronto Maple Leafs overcame that deficit to upset the Detroit Red Wings in seven games.

Teams that were down 3-0 in the Final have avoided the sweep only eight times. The most recent examples were the Montreal Canadiens winning Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021 and the New York Rangers doing the same against the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk indicated he and his teammates aren’t thinking about that as they approach Game 4. “We’ve done such a good job of having that one game, simple mindset. Win your first few shifts. It’s all you’ve got to do tomorrow,” he said on Friday. “It’s really calm, kind of chill and relaxed group today. We’ll use that to our advantage.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers may be outwardly calm approaching Game 4. Carrying a commanding series lead, however, they must be feeling some excitement and anticipation about being a win away from winning hockey’s greatest prize. How they handle those emotions will factor into their performance in Saturday’s crucial contest.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Shayna Goldman suggested Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, and defenseman Gustav Forsling as Conn Smythe Trophy candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems premature to start debating which Panthers will be named playoff MVP. Still, you can’t blame the pundits given everything we’ve seen in this series thus far.

Barkov, Bobrovsky, and Forsling certainly appear the most likely candidates. I think it’s down to Barkov or Bobrovsky. If I had a vote, I’d cast it for the Panthers’ goalie.

WINNIPEG SUN: Two-and-a-half years after resigning as coach of the Jets, Panthers bench boss Paul Maurice is on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup.

After nine seasons, Maurice stepped down from the Jets believing that the team needed somebody else behind the bench to help them get to the next level. They’re now on their third coach since his departure. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maurice guided the Jets to three of their best seasons, including the franchise-best 114-point performance in 2017-18 and marching to the 2018 Western Conference Final.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards wonders where the Panthers will hold their Stanley Cup parade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers haven’t won Lord Stanley’s Mug yet but you can’t blame Richards or any of the club’s followers if they’re a little giddy with excitement right now. If there was ever an apt opportunity for the phrase “plan the parade” without sarcasm, it’s now.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski reports the Oilers are clinging to hope but things are looking bleak for them approaching Game 4.

Zach Hyman was the latest Oiler to remind everyone that his club had been counted out earlier this season when they were near the bottom of the standings. However, Edmonton’s offense has been stymied thus far by the Panthers.

Hyman, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins don’t have a single point between them. The Oilers’ vaunted power play is 0-for-10 in this series.

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson reports the Oilers are trying to reignite their offense and find ways to score against Bobrovsky. Hyman acknowledged they must find a way to get to the dirty areas and cash in on rebounds and other opportunities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers believe they’re getting their chances but must bear down more and create more opportunities. The problem is they haven’t yet solved the riddle of Bobrovsky. If they can’t crack the code tonight, they’ll be watching the Panthers celebrate their first Stanley Cup championship.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2024

by | Jun 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2024

Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Martin Necas and Tanner Jeannot plus updates on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS AND PATRIK LAINE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets had been working on trading Patrik Laine since early last season. He believes there’s interest in the 26-year-old winger as a player but his contract complicates things.

Laine has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also carries a 10-team no-trade list.

Friedman believes it comes down to what the Blue Jackets seek in return and if they’re willing to retain part of Laine’s cap hit. He also believes the winger’s injury history makes him riskier.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Jeff Marek observed that the Utah Hockey Club wants to add veteran players on short-term contracts. He thinks their young player might benefit from having a proven goal scorer in their midst.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets will want to move the entirety of Laine’s contract from their books. They won’t get much in return to do that. The Jackets might have to take back an expensive struggling veteran in the deal.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER

Friedman believes Mitch Marner’s contract will make it difficult for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade him. He noted that the type of contract Marner would seek once his current deal expires next summer is one factor while another is his no-movement clause. Friedman also pointed out that Marner’s agent prefers to go to free agency.

This saga could carry over into next season unless the Leafs can sell Marner on a trade. “I think people are underestimating just how complicated this whole thing is,” said Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, Elliotte, Marner’s critics in Leafs Nation are willfully ignoring those complications. They want the scapegoat for their club’s playoff woes traded immediately for a big return and won’t accept no for an answer.

RED WINGS FOLLOWING MARTIN NECAS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Stockton cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Detroit Red Wings is among seven clubs closely following Martin Necas’ trade status.

Stockton pointed out that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is determined to add a top-fix forward this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly seek “star power” in return. If they’re unable to get it, perhaps they’d be interested in what the Red Wings could offer in terms of draft picks and prospects.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE HRONEK AND MIKHAYEV?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Filip Hronek fits the Vancouver Canucks perfectly but that doesn’t mean he’s staying around long-term. They’ve been trying to re-sign the 26-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman but haven’t gained much traction.

Johnston suggests there might be more value in trading Hronek rather than signing him to a deal that is above what Canucks management wants to pay him. He noted that the blueliner played well alongside Quinn Hughes but not in limited minutes away from the Canucks captain.

Meanwhile, Johnston cited sources confirming the Canucks are trying to trade Ilya Mikheyev. The 29-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

Mikheyev has struggled with injuries and consistency in his NHL career. They’d like to move him out to free up cap space for other needs. It could cost them a draft pick to move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hronek would have more value in the trade market than Mikheyev. However, the blueliner is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal worth $8 million annually, which is more than Hughes is making as the Canucks’ top defenseman. His salary demands and unimpressive numbers away from Hughes could dampen his value in the trade market.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Dakota Joshua is drawing plenty of interest. The 29-year-old Canucks forward is a UFA coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $825K. Dhaliwal believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the clubs interested in Joshua.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua enjoyed a breakout performance this season with 18 goals and 32 points, bringing a gritty presence to the Canucks’ checking lines. He won’t be lacking for suitors willing to pay him over $3 million annually on a multi-year deal if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS INTERESTED IN TANNER JEANNOT?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes a young team like the San Jose Sharks or Chicago Blackhawks would be interested in Tanner Jeannot. The 27-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning forward has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $2.6 million.

Kypreos thinks Jeannot would make more sense for a young team than a contender with only a fourth-line position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Jeannot plays well with a young club they can try to re-sign him. They can also flip him to a contender at the trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 14, 2024

by | Jun 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 14, 2024

The Panthers are poised to sweep the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, management changes in store for the Blues, the Sharks name their new head coach, the Rangers re-sign Kaapo Kakko, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers are on the verge of sweeping the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final after holding on for a 4-3 victory in Game 3. Sergei Bobrovsky made 32 saves and Aleksander Barkov tallied the game-winning goal as the Panthers scored three times within a six-minute span in the second period.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

The Oilers made things interesting with third-period goals by Philip Broberg and Ryan McLeod. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent them from falling into a 3-0 series deficit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton faces the daunting challenge of doing something that hasn’t been done in the Stanley Cup Final since 1942: overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win hockey’s holy grail.

Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner believes his club can do it. So far, however, they’ve shown nothing to indicate they can pull it off.

Skinner’s mishandling of a dump-in by the Panthers led to Vladimir Tarasenko snapping a 1-1 tie in the second period. That opened the floodgates as Sam Bennett and Barkov capitalized on defensive miscues by the Oilers.

The Panthers have done a masterful job of shutting down the Oilers’ big guns in this series. Connor McDavid has three assists and Evan Bouchard has one. Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have yet to dent the score sheet.

Bobrovsky has been solid throughout this series. He’s had help from his teammates as they’ve clogged up the shooting lanes while reducing the amount of traffic around their net.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong signed a five-year contract extension with the St. Louis Blues as president of hockey operations. Alexander Steen was named special assistant to the general manager through 2025-26, after which he’ll take over as GM from Armstrong.

The Blues also promoted Tim Taylor from his previous role as director of player development to assistant general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team chairman Tom Stillman approved Armstrong’s proposed transition. He’ll remain general manager for two more years to prepare Steen for the GM role.

Steen spent 12 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues. He retired as a player in 2020 and joined the Blues’ management team last year as a European development consultant. Armstrong was so impressed by Steen’s effort that he felt he would be a worthwhile successor.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks promoted assistant coach Ryan Warsofsky as their new head coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NBC Sports Bay Area’s Sheng Peng reported Warsofsky’s ability to build relationships with his players, his record for developing young players, and his communication skills factored into the Sharks management tapping him as their new bench boss.

The Sharks are rebuilding their roster with promising young talent. Warsofsky’s coaching will play a crucial role in their development.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed winger Kaapo Kakko to a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kakko accepted what would’ve been the Rangers’ qualifying offer, foregoing his arbitration rights this summer. That’s not surprising given his struggles this season.

On the one hand, this is an affordable short-term deal that enables the Rangers to remain patient with the 23-year-old winger’s development. On the other hand, it’s an easily tradeable contract if they decide to trade him.

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes signed Jalen Chatfield to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million. The 28-year-old defenseman was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chatfield made himself invaluable to the Hurricanes’ blueline depth. He’s getting a significant raise, earning $765K per season on his previous two-year contract.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers captain Sean Couturier said he’s rehabbing from a recent sports hernia injury. “Feeling great now. About to head back home here this week and start the full training,” said Couturier.

NHL.COM: The Utah Hockey Club officially joined the NHL on Thursday. The team revealed its home and away jerseys for 2025-26. They could have a new name by then as fan voting is open until June 20. Details on the name will be revealed in the coming months.

TSN: Executive Laurence Gilman and the Toronto Maple Leafs mutually agreed to part ways. He worked as assistant GM from 2018-19. His contract was due to expire at the end of this month.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens extended their affiliate agreement with the ECHL’s Trois-Rivieres Lions for three more seasons.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS: The Florida Panthers have ended their affiliation with the ECHL’s Florida Everglades.