Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 6, 2024

by | Oct 6, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 6, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: bold predictions for the Stars, Red Wings, and Rangers and the possibility of the Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj starting the season in the AHL.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently made bold predictions for all 32 NHL clubs this season. Among them was some trade speculation regarding the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers.

Dixon believes the Stars are all-in on a Stanley Cup run this season. He predicts they’ll deal from a position of strength (young forwards) to address an area of weakness (right-side defense) by shipping center Mavrik Bourque to the Calgary Flames for defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourque was the Stars first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2020 NHL draft. He has one game of NHL experience but could become a full-time roster player this season.

Andersson surfaced in trade rumors over the summer. The 27-year-old is a solid top-four defenseman with an affordable annual cap hit of $4.55 million through 2025-26. He also has a six-team no-trade list but could be open to joining a Stanley Cup contender.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images).

With the Flames rebuilding, they could be open to solid offers for Andersson before the trade deadline. Bourque could tempt them, especially if he plays well this season.

Dixon predicts the Detroit Red Wings will acquire local boy Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have the depth in prospects and promising young roster players to make a competitive offer to the Ducks. Fowler would bring skilled, experienced depth to the Wings’ defense corps. He has a three-team trade list but reportedly expanded that list to double digits. Maybe the Wings are among those preferred destinations.

Dixon predicts the New York Rangers will include winger Kaapo Kakko in a trade package to the Winnipeg Jets for winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers isn’t going anywhere if the Jets are playoff-bound by the deadline, especially if he’s played a significant role in getting them to that stage.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico suggests the Montreal Canadiens could send Arber Xhekaj to their AHL affiliate in Laval, not because they’re unhappy with his performance, but for salary cap reasons.

D’Amico explains the Canadiens hope to avoid using LTIR until the season begins. Their goal is to maximize their LTIR relief space and performance bonus pool in one move.

They could demote Xhekaj as $1.15 million of his $1.3 million salary would be buried in the minors. That would move them to within $900K of the salary cap before placing sidelined Rafael Harvey-Pinard on LTIR to start the season. That would allow them to hold off putting Carey Price or Patrik Laine on LTIR.

Xhekaj also doesn’t have performance bonuses, so the Canadiens can quickly recall him on Oct. 8 once they place Price or Laine or LTIR.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico goes into greater detail on how the Canadiens could do this. In short, this would be a paper transaction for salary cap accounting purposes, meaning Xhekaj wouldn’t spend time in Laval.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2024

by | Oct 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 6, 2024

The Bruins sign Jeremy Swayman, the Devils sweep the Sabres in the Global Series, recapping the final games of the preseason, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**BREAKING NEWS**

The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Jeremy Swayman to an eight-year, $66 million contract. The average annual value is $8.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides took it almost to Monday’s deadline for clubs to submit their opening-night rosters. As Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli explained on Saturday, the longer this standoff continued once the regular season began, the less money Swayman would make this season. The Bruins also would’ve faced a higher cap hit for Year One because his salary would’ve been prorated.

Swayman is getting a significant raise and long-term security with this deal. If the 25-year-old plays up to expectations, it could even become a reasonable deal for the Bruins as the contract value of goaltenders increases over time.  

It’ll be interesting to see how this affects Swayman’s play in the early going of this season. He missed training camp and preseason play because of this standoff and won’t be in their opening-night lineup later this week. It could take a week or two for him to get fully up to speed.

DEVILS SWEEP SABRES IN GLOBAL SERIES

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia to sweep the two-game 2024 NHL Global Series. Seamus Casey scored his first NHL goal and Jack Hughes collected two assists for the Devils. Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres and Devon Levi stopped 34 shots in his season debut.

New Jersey Devils forward Seamus Casey (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres forward JJ Peterka left this game with a concussion after being hit in the head by Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon. He joined teammates Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Zach Benson (lower-body injuries) on the sidelines.

RECAPS OF SATURDAY’S PRESEASON ACTION

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto had a hat trick and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Linus Ullmark made 23 saves for the win. Christian Dvorak and Arber Xhekaj replied for the Canadiens.

The Toronto Maple Leafs nipped the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. John Tavares snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period, Auston Matthews had a goal and an assist, and Mitch Marner collected two assists. Ville Husso stopped 30 saves for the Red Wings.

Utah Hockey Club winger Dylan Guenther had a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Ivan Ivan replied for the Avalanche

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad collected three assists and Jonah Gadjovich tallied twice to beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 26 shots for the Panthers.

The Washington Capitals got a 17-save shutout performance by Charlie Lindgren in a 2-0 victory over the Boston Bruins. Aliaksei Protas and Trevor van Riemsdyk scored for the Capitals.

The Carolina Hurricanes downed the Nashville Predators 5-3 with Eric Robinson scoring the go-ahead goal with 2:29 remaining in the third period. Tommy Novak had a goal and two assists for the Predators.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard picked up three assists in a 6-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Mathieu Joseph had two assists for the Blues.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5 on Ethan Cardwell’s game-winner with 12 seconds remaining in the third period. Luke Kunin tallied two goals for the Sharks while Pavel Dorofeyev scored a hat trick for the Golden Knights.

HEADLINES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras hopes to rebound from a difficult 2023-24 season in which he was sidelined for 51 games by injuries. He acknowledged he wasn’t at 100 percent physically and mentally to start last season after missing training camp due to contract negotiations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras’ struggles in ’23-’24 made him a frequent subject of trade speculation. The 23-year-old forward is entering a crucial season that could determine his future with the Ducks. He’s entering the second season of a three-year contract. A sub-par campaign could turn the trade chatter into reality.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Erik Karlsson is on track to be in the lineup for the Penguins’ season opener on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The 34-year-old defenseman was sidelined by an upper-body injury at the start of training camp. He couldn’t play in any preseason games but doesn’t expect it’ll take long for him to get up to speed.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed free-agent winger Kevin Labanc to a one-year, $775K contract. He played with the New Jersey Devils on a professional tryout offer, scoring six goals in four preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets made this move because forwards Boone Jenner and Dmitri Voronkov were recently sidelined by upper-body injuries. Labanc received a contract offer from the Devils but has a better opportunity to see top-six minutes with the Blue Jackets.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo cited a Minnesota Wild source who said rookie forward Liam Ohgren and rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt have made their opening-night roster.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche claimed defenseman John Ludvig off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes signed center Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He is the son of Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. General manager Eric Tulsky said his organization was impressed with the 25-year-old center’s defensive play last season in the AHL and his strong showing during this preseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 5, 2024

by | Oct 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 5, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs and Stars in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel wondered if Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren could end up on the trade block.

He reports the Maple Leafs were open to trading Liljegren this summer as the threat of arbitration loomed before signing the 25-year-old blueliner to a two-year contract. However, he’s fallen down the depth chart in training camp and perhaps out of the opening-night lineup.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).

Liljegren carries a $3 million average annual value through 2025-26, making him a potentially expensive seventh defenseman. Siegel wondered if he had any trade value with that cap hit and if it would be wise to move him given they have an older defense corps with injury questions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For the time being, no, and given the injury histories of Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpaa, it would be best to hang onto Liljegren and allow him to play his way back among the top-four blueliners.

Siegel also pondered whether the Leafs will make a move to address their crowded forward lines.

He wondered if they might move fourth-line forward David Kampf and his $2.4 million AAV and replace him with the more affordable Steven Lorentz, who’s in camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Siegel also mused over whether Calle Jarnkrok fits within head coach Craig Berube’s system and if Max Pacioretty will get a contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kampf and Jarnkrok have frequently come up as trade candidates this week. One of them might be moved before the Leafs’ season opener next week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered what moves the Dallas Stars might make at the March 7 trade deadline to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

Proteau believes GM Jim Nill will likely focus on bolstering his blueline but points out the Stars only have around $693K in salary-cap space. He thinks Nill will have to get creative if he hopes to add a veteran defenseman by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The right side of the Stars defense is a concern. They added two physical right-shot rearguards with Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin but could use another one with better all-around skill.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 5, 2024

by | Oct 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 5, 2024

The Devils down the Sabres in the opening game of the 2024-25 season, a recap of preseason action, Utah Hockey Club names a captain, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DEVILS WIN FIRST GAME OF THE 2024-25 NHL SEASON

NHL.COM: The New Jersey Devils defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 in the opening game of the 2024-25 season before 16, 913 fans at O2 Arena in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Prague, Czechia.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

It was a game of firsts for several Devils’ offseason additions. Jacob Markstrom made 30 saves for the win in his first game with the Devils, Johnathan Kovacevic and Paul Cotter picked up their first points (one goal, one assist each) with the club, and Sheldon Keefe got his first win as their head coach.

Owen Power scored for the Sabres. Game 2 of their Global Series is Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres also made some offseason changes and have a new head coach (Lindy Ruff) but produced the same old result. The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski pointed out that they once again gave up an early multi-goal deficit, failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and couldn’t overcome their mistakes.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal had a goal and four assists to defeat the New York Rangers 5-2. Bo Horvat tallied twice and Anthony Duclair scored and collected two assists. Adam Fox had a goal and an assist and K’Andre Miller picked up two assists for the Rangers.

The Ottawa Senators nipped the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on an overtime goal by Noah Gregor. Ridly Greig and Carter Yakemchuk each had two assists and Anton Forsberg made 30 saves for the Senators. Marco Kasper scored two goals for the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Lars Eller scored two goals and set up two others as his club thumped the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-3. Noel Acciari tallied twice and Rutger McGroarty and Jesse Puljujarvi each had a goal and two assists for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets placed winger Dmitry Voronkov (upper body) on injured reserve earlier in the day. Captain Boone Jenner missed this game after suffering an upper-body injury during practice.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere’s overtime goal lifted his club to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Martin Necas picked up two assists for the Hurricanes. Anthony Cirelli replied for the Lightning

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1. Mats Zuccarello had a goal and two assists while teammates Brock Faber, Marco Rossi and Jonas Brodin each scored a goal and picked up an assist. Seth Jones scored for the Blackhawks.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves to backstop his club to a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Kyle Connor snapped a 2-2 tie late in the third period for the Jets. Jonathan Huberdeau and Mikael Backlund scored for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames winger Yegor Sharangovich left the game in the third period after an awkward fall. He was still being evaluated following the game.

The Vancouver Canucks downed the Edmonton Oilers 4-1. Arshdeep Bains and Jake DeBrusk each had a goal and an assist and Elias Pettersson picked up two assists for the Canucks. Evan Bouchard scored for the Oilers.

A shootout goal by Cutter Gauthier lifted the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Gauthier also scored in regulation. Vitek Vanecek made 40 saves for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks sent goaltender Yaroslav Askarov to their AHL affiliate earlier in the day. Askarov made headlines in August with his refusal to join the Nashville Predators’ farm team, resulting in his trade to the Sharks.

Askarov was expected to challenge Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood for one of the two goaltending jobs on the Sharks. However, an injury combined with solid camps by Vanecek and Blackwood sends Askarov to the AHL to start the season.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club named Clayton Keller as their team captain. The 26-year-old was their leading scorer last season with 33 goals and 76 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keller is the club’s first captain since Oliver Ekman-Larsson was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair his fractured ankle. He remains month-to-month.

SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Nick Robertson, Jake McCabe, and Calle Jarnkrok are listed as day-to-day with injuries.

LAS VEGAS SUN: The Golden Knights signed winger Tanner Pearson to a one-year, $775K contract after joining the club last month on a professional tryout offer.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell’s performance deteriorated noticeably over the past two seasons. Here’s hoping he gets the help he needs to get his life and career back on track.

DAILY FACEOFF: Ethan Bear is among the players placed on waivers Friday. The Washington Capitals defenseman is in the second season of his two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.062 million.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Artem Anisimov, 36, officially announced his retirement on Friday. From 2008-09 to 2020-21, he tallied 180 goals and 196 assists for 376 points in 771 regular-season games with the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators. He also had 17 points in 43 playoff contests.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2024

by | Oct 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2024

Check out the latest on the Stars, Sabres and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reported earlier this week that Stars captain Jamie Benn won’t be signing a contract extension this season.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (NHL Images).

Stars general manager Jim Nill said the 35-year-old Benn wants to focus on winning this season and decide from there. “He’s all in with the team,” said Nill, saying his captain wants to wait and see what the club’s needs are after this season and how he can help.

“My plan, as long as I’m the GM here, he’s going to be a Dallas Star,” said Nill. “He’s earned that right. I think the first thing is are they still performing at the level they should be? And Jamie’s done that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn is past his playing prime but remains a productive part of the Stars’ roster core. It’ll be surprising if he ends up going to market next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wondered if the Buffalo Sabres would swing a big in-season trade. He indicated they have over $7 million in salary-cap space and plenty of prospects to draw on for trade bait.

The Sabres were poking around the trade market this summer for a top-six forward. He believes GM Kevyn Adams could make a move near the March 7 trade deadline if the Sabres are in playoff contention.

Fairburn also pointed out that the Sabres have several roster players in the final seasons of their contracts (notably Jordan Greenway), who could be attractive trade chips if Adams decides to shake up the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of that speculation had the Sabres interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee. That could be something to keep an eye on depending on the fortunes of both clubs as the season progresses.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited sources claiming the Montreal Canadiens don’t appear to be in the trade market for a quick fix to address their recent injury issues. They would instead prefer long-term upgrades to their roster.

D’Amico cited a well-placed Canadiens source claiming the club will look to within, saying management is considering keeping promising forward Oliver Kapanen on their roster rather than returning him to his Swedish club. Forward Joshua Roy could also get an opportunity for more playing time.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2024

by | Oct 4, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 4, 2024

Recaps of Thursday’s preseason action, injury updates, the Golden Knights get cap relief from Robin Lehner’s contract, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THURSDAY’S NHL PRESEASON RECAP

NHL.COM: Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield tallied a hat trick to lead his club to a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins at Centre Videotron in Quebec City. Kevin Fiala collected two assists for the Kings.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

The Toronto Maple Leafs blanked the Detroit Red Wings 2-0. Nick Robertson scored both goals and Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves for the shutout. Cam Talbot turned aside 23 shots for the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry stopped 33 shots, including 14 in the third period, in a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov played one shift in the first period before leaving the game with a lower-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets also placed forward Gavin Brindley (broken finger) on injured reserve earlier in the day.

The Philadelphia Flyers nipped the New Jersey Devils 5-4. Anthony Richard and Emil Andrae each had a goal and two assists. Kevin Labanc picked up a hat trick for the Devils, who were playing a split-squad game as the rest of the team was in Czechia for the upcoming NHL Global Series with the Buffalo Sabres.

An overtime goal by Jordan Kyrou lifted the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Philip Broberg and Kaspari Kapanen each scored and collected an assist. Logan Stankoven tallied twice for the Stars.

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1. Justus Annunen stopped 21 shots while Logan O’Connor had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche. Jack Eichel replied for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche released Pierre-Edouard Bellemare from his professional tryout agreement earlier in the day

HEADLINES

THE GAZETTE: Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine decided not to undergo surgery on his sprained knee after getting “some good opinions” from “a couple of doctors.” He’ll be sidelined for two-to-three months undergoing rehab.

Laine was injured on Saturday during a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare. He refused to criticize Pare, saying he put himself in that situation while calling it “an unfortunate play.” Laine also thanked Pare for reaching out to him after the game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Pare received some death threats and abusive comments on his social media accounts following that hit on Laine, forcing the Maple Leafs’ security group to intervene and disable his accounts.

SPORTSNET: New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin missed practice on Thursday and is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin practiced with his teammates for the first time since undergoing offseason back surgery. It remains to be seen if he’ll be in the lineup for their season opener on Oct. 10.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights will get salary-cap relief from Robin Lehner’s contract this season following an agreement between the team, the league, and the NHL Players’ Association.

The 33-year-old goaltender hasn’t played after undergoing hip and shoulder surgeries following the 2021-22 season. He has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million and an actual salary of $4.5 million.

Lehner was in violation of his contract by missing his mandatory medical before training camp. He claimed the team knew in advance that he wouldn’t be there due to personal reasons.

The Golden Knights felt they had a strong case to terminate his contract but they didn’t want to go that route, seeking only the salary-cap relief. The PA, meanwhile, wanted to ensure Lehner would still receive his salary for this season, resulting in the settlement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans complained on social media that the NHL showed favoritism to the Golden Knights. That’s not the case.

The Golden Knights could’ve pursued contract termination against Lehner, meaning he would’ve lost his salary for this season while removing his cap hit from their books, but they would’ve had a fight on their hands with the NHLPA. Instead, they chose an easier option in which Lehner still gets paid by the club but it doesn’t count against their cap.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed defenseman Tyson Barrie to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. Barrie, 33, earned his new deal after attending Flames training camp on a professional tryout offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie will be an affordable veteran depth option for the Flames this season. They could also shop him at the March 7 trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning forward Conor Geekie received a one-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for leaving the bench on a legal line change to start a fight with Florida Panthers winger Josh Davies during Wednesday’s preseason game.

YARDBARKER: Former NHL player Gabriel Bourque announced his retirement. From 2011-12 to 2019-20, he played 413 regular-season games with the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets. The 34-year-old winger finished with 40 goals and 63 assists for 103 points. He also had eight points in 36 playoff games.