NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

by | Aug 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

What are the Oilers’ options regarding the offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway? How could those offer sheets affect other clubs with still-unsigned restricted free agents? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector looked at the options facing the Edmonton Oilers after Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

Broberg’s is a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,580,917 while Holloway’s is two years with an AAV of $2,290,457. The Oilers have seven days from the date those offers were signed to match them.

The Oilers could afford to walk away as neither player constitutes the difference between winning or losing the Stanley Cup. However, both are former first-round picks on a club with an already thin prospect pipeline.

Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway (NHL Images).

They could opt to retain one or the other. Holloway’s is the most affordable but it would sting to let the promising Broberg let go for peanuts.

Of the two, Spector thinks the Oilers will retain Holloway. He believes it risky to sign Broberg when he might not play up to his cap hit, especially when they’ve got Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard to sign before next summer. He suggests using the second-round pick received from the Blues as trade bait to replace Broberg.

Holloway’s deal is cheaper plus the Oilers could use his speed after adding or retaining veterans like Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry and Adam Henrique.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers can’t afford to match both offers without shedding significant salary. It’s unlikely they’ll let both players walk. Holloway’s offer seems more likely to be matched given its affordability to Broberg’s. The latter’s departure will further weaken the Oilers’ blueline, forcing them into the trade or free-agent markets for an affordable short-term replacement.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio doesn’t anticipate the Blues’ attempt to sign away Broberg and Holloway from the Oilers will inspire other clubs to try and sign Jeremy Swayman.

The restricted free-agent goaltender is expected to sign a multiyear deal with the Bruins between $7.75 million and $10 million based on comparable players. It’ll likely be close to $8.6 million, which the Bruins have in cap space.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at what an offer sheet for Devils RFA forward Dawson Mercer would look like. Citing AFP Analytics, a two-year offer sheet would be close to $4 million annually. A six-year offer would have an AAV of around $6.5 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Connor Earegood speculates the Blues’ attempt to sign Broberg and Holloway could speed up the Detroit Red Wings’ signings of defenseman Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Meanwhile, Carter Brooks wondered what effect those offer sheets might have on the Winnipeg Jets’ efforts to sign RFA center Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why fans of those clubs watching this situation play out might be worried that those players could also become offer sheet targets. However, that’s unlikely to happen because the Bruins, Devils, Red Wings, and Jets have more cap flexibility to match any offer sheet.

The Oilers face more difficulty matching those offer sheets. They were vulnerable because they were already over the $88 million salary cap.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng wondered if the Sharks could use the Oilers’ situation to their advantage. If the Oilers attempt to shed salary via trade, Peng suggests the Sharks try to prize away a defenseman like Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak along with a draft pick.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont suggests the Canadiens use their cap space to their advantage by acquiring Ceci or another player and a draft pick or landing a draft pick by becoming a third-party broker for the Oilers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2024

by | Aug 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 14, 2024

Reaction from the Blues signing Oilers’ Broberg and Holloway to offer sheets, Jeff Vinik selling his majority stake of the Lightning, Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen to retire, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The St. Louis Blues signed Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway on Tuesday to offer sheets. Broberg’s is a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,580,917 while Holloway’s is two years with an AAV of $2,290,457.

The Oilers have seven days from those signings to match those offers. If they don’t, they’ll receive the Blues’ 2025 second-round pick as compensation for Broberg and the Blues’ third-rounder for Holloway.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (NHL Images).

They’re above the $88 million salary cap by $341, 667. They’re allowed to be over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason but must be cap-compliant before their season opener.

The Oilers could put Evander Kane (sports hernia issues) on long-term injury reserve if he requires surgery before the start of the season. That would provide them with $5.125 million in cap relief to sign one but not both without making another cost-cutting move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first time a team has attempted to sign two players from a rival club at the same time. The Oilers cannot trade Broberg and Holloway during these seven days. If the Oilers match, the players cannot be traded for one year from the date the offers were matched.

The Edmonton Journal’s Bruce McCurdy pointed out the AAVs were designed in such a way as to maximize the respective cap hits while keeping each just below a specific threshold for compensation. Had each offer been a dollar more, it would’ve increased the compensation paid by the Blues.

It’s speculated Kane could undergo surgery with a recovery time of 8-12 weeks but that hasn’t been confirmed. Placing him on LTIR would be a short-term fix because they’ll have to clear sufficient cap space when he’s ready to return to action during the season.

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks reports Blues general manager Doug Armstrong also reacquired his club’s 2025 second-round pick yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins, which had been dealt to the Penguins in the Kevin Hayes trade last month. They wouldn’t have been allowed to sign Broberg to that offer sheet without that pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the CBA, teams must use their own draft picks as offer-sheet compensation. They’re allowed to reacquire those picks to make this work.

Observers agree this move by the Blues puts the cap-strapped Oilers in a difficult spot. If they don’t match, they’ll lose two former first-round picks who showed promise last season, especially during their run to the Stanley Cup Final.

I’ll have more about the options facing the Oilers and the potential effect this move could have on other clubs with unsigned RFA players in today’s Rumors section.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Jeff Vinik is working on selling his majority stake of the Lightning.

The team will remain under Vinik’s control for the next several seasons and he’ll remain part of the new ownership group.

Doug Ostrover, the co-founder and CEO of Blue Owl Capital, is believed to be the purchase. The Lightning are valued at close to USD $2 billion.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That sale will make Vinik much wealthier and increase the estimated value of other NHL teams.

NEW YORK POST: Long-time Rangers play-by-play man Sam Rosen will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season. It will be the 40th season behind the mike for the 77-year-old Rosen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rosen called plenty of Rangers’ history during that period, including the club’s Stanley Cup championship run in 1994. He’s earned his place among the NHL’s greatest broadcasters.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW/NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins acquired center Cody Glass, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-rounder from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for minor league forward Jordan Frasca.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Glass, 25, was a former first-round pick (sixth overall, 2017) by the Vegas Golden Knights. He struggled to crack Nashville’s lineup last season.

This was a cost-cutting deal by the Predators, freeing up $2.5 million from their cap payroll for 2024-25.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas continues to stockpile draft picks. He’s also adding a young NHL depth player to his roster while giving up little in return.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed free-agent goaltender Magnus Hellberg to a one-year, two-way contract. The 33-year-old Hellberg appeared in 26 NHL games over the past six seasons with the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2024

Updates on Oilers forwards Leon Draisaitl and Evander Kane plus the latest on Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited the “2 Mutts Podcast” claiming they’d heard Leon Draisaitl’s contract talks with the Oilers were “going great.” The 28-year-old center is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

They said there was talk Draisaitl’s camp would seek an average annual value of $14.5 million but he’s willing to accept less than that to remain in Edmonton. They speculate he’ll receive an eight-year contract with an AAV between $13 million and $13.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl’s contract extension negotiations are among this summer’s hot topics given the dearth of hockey news at this time of year. He’s been underpaid over the past five seasons with an AAV of $8.5 million and many observers believe he’ll get between $13.5 million and $14.5 million.

Recent reports by other insiders indicate the push is on by the Oilers starting with team owner Daryl Katz to get Draisaitl signed. Money isn’t considered an issue but the length of the deal could be a sticking point. Some think Draisaitl will want the full eight-year contract while others suggest he might push for a four-year deal to cash in again as a UFA while still in his prime.

The podcast also claimed Evander Kane would be ready for training camp in September. The 33-year-old winger was nursing a sports hernia throughout last season. Their sources claim going on LTIR isn’t part of the plan. They also claimed the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings were interested in Kane but he’s not waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report came out before the latest news (see today’s Morning Coffee Headlines) indicating Kane could start the season on LTIR after all.

As for the rumors linking him to the Ducks and Kings, I don’t believe he would fit with either club if he was available via trade.

The Ducks are a rebuilding team that doesn’t need Kane’s baggage becoming a distraction for their young players. The Kings, meanwhile, already have Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore as left wings on their top-two scoring lines. They also lack cap room to acquire Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck recently reported that Jets head coach Scott Arniel approved of winger Nikolaj Ehlers suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

Arniel noted that the 28-year-old winger “had a tough go” in training camp over the past two seasons. However, he got off to a good start to the season when he participated in Olympic qualifying in 2021.

The Jets head coach is hoping this will be a good jumpstart to this season for Ehlers, pointing out they need his goal-scoring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers was the subject of trade speculation in the lead-up to the 2024 NHL Draft in June. However, those rumors faded as the offseason progressed. Arniel’s remarks suggest that the Danish winger will be part of the Jets lineup when their season opens in October.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

The Leafs to name Auston Matthews as captain, Oilers winger Evander Kane could start this season on LTIR, plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs are expected to call a press conference on Wednesday to name center Auston Matthews as their new captain.

Matthews, 26, will take over from John Tavares, who has held the captaincy since Oct. 2, 2019. The 33-year-old center reportedly was heavily involved in the process and approves of the move.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move is seen as shaking up the leadership and providing a fresh perspective. It’s also worth noting that Tavares is in the final season of his contract and could depart next July as an unrestricted free agent.

Cynical observers, such as the Star’s Dave Feschuk, believe the Leafs are making this move because the no-trade protection enjoyed by Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander makes it impossible to shake up their failing core by trading one of them.

What do you think, folks? Let me know in the comments below.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reporting that there is a “very good chance” that Oilers winger Evander Kane starts this season on long-term injury reserve. Stauffer indicated the 33-year-old winger “may require surgery”.

Kane claimed he was hampered last season by a sports hernia. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson recently said he was dealing with a hip issue.

Staples noted Stauffer’s report contradicted recent rumors claiming Kane would be good to go for the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples points out Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider so this report should be considered credible unless we hear otherwise. Kane carries a $5.125 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

This could explain why the Oilers haven’t signed restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet. They are over the $88 million cap but could sign Holloway and Broberg for the start of the season with Kane on LTIR without having to trade or demote players to free up cap room.

They’ll have to shed salary to be cap-compliant once Kane’s ready to return to action this season. In the short term, this would give them the relief they need and buy them time to find a way to prepare for Kane’s return.

TSN: Patrik Laine and his fiance, Jordan Leigh, have launched a mental health initiative called “From Us To You”.

Laine, 26, missed most of last season in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program receiving treatment for his mental health. The couple said they decided to start this initiative after people reached out to Laine to share their stories and the importance of speaking out while dealing with mental health issues.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers will be suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov lashed out at Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark in response to comments by the former Boston Bruins goalie earlier this year when Samsonov played for the Maple Leafs.

After Boston eliminated Toronto from the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, Ullmark said he was surprised the Leafs stuck with Samsonov as long as they did. He claimed the Bruins found Leafs netminder Joseph Woll more challenging.

Samsonov’s Golden Knights are scheduled to face Ullmark’s Senators on Nov. 21. The Vegas netminder took to Instagram to note the date, telling Ullmark to “keep your a** shut or will you be injured again?” Samsonov soon deleted the comment but not before fans took screenshots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Circle your calendars, Golden Knights and Senators fans. Things could get spicy if Samsonov and Ullmark are the starting goalies for that game.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie shed some light on why Oliver Kylington didn’t re-sign with the Calgary Flames in a recent mailbag segment.

McKenzie indicated the Flames approached Kylington with a one-year contract offer but the 27-year-old defenseman wanted a two-year deal. Ultimately, the Flames wouldn’t give him more than a year and let him depart as a UFA.

Kylington’s agent claimed his client was willing to sign a one-year contract with the Flames once he hit the open market but the club had moved on by then. The blueliner recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $825K at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward missed all but four games last season with a lower back injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2024

by | Aug 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2024

The latest Penguins speculation plus a look at Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden acknowledged the expectation that Sidney Crosby will sign a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, he played the “what if” game in case Crosby hasn’t signed when training camp opens or the regular season begins. He also raised the “nuclear option” of the Penguins trading Crosby if he wasn’t signed by the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any of those options could happen but seem unlikely. Barring an unexpected change by one side or the other, Crosby will sign his extension with the Penguins before training camp opens next month.

POSTGAZETTE.COM: During a recent live chat, Matt Vensel was asked if there’s any chance the Penguins would trade goaltender Tristan Jarry before the start of training camp.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

Vensel believes the odds of that happening are pretty slim. He indicated the Penguins were open to moving Jarry during the 2024 NHL Draft but he doesn’t have much trade value at the moment.

The Penguins will keep Jarry around and try to get him back on track. If that happens, it’ll improve his trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s contract will remain a difficult hurdle. He carries an average annual value of $5.375 million throughout 2027-28 with a 12-team no-trade list.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski included Lars Eller among his three perplexing Penguins storylines for this season. The 35-year-old center seems expendable with Noel Acciari and offseason acquisition Blake Lizotte capable of centering the Penguins’ fourth line.

Eller is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $2.45 million. Trading him, or even Kevin Hayes, would free up space for younger players while adding more draft picks to the Penguins’ stockpile.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski was surprised by the lack of trade chatter about Eller. It’s probably due to his age and the fact most teams don’t need to add a veteran checking-line center right now. Those who did earlier in the offseason did so for less than Eller’s AAV.

Hayes was recently acquired and isn’t going anywhere. Eller’s value could improve throughout the season, especially near the trade deadline.

DOES ANDREI KUZMENKO FIT WITHIN THE FLAMES’ LONG-TERM PLANS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons pondered winger Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the rebuilding Calgary Flames.

Kuzmenko, 28, made an impressive NHL debut in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, tallying 39 goals and 74 points. He struggled through 43 games with the Canucks last season with eight goals and 21 points. Traded to the Flames in January, he regained his scoring touch with 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games.

Parson noted that Kuzmenko remains a one-dimensional player. While the Flames will remain patient with him, he must round out his game to have a long-term future in Calgary.

Kuzmenko is in the final season of his two-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. If he sustains his scoring ability he could get a long-term extension. He could also become an appealing option for other clubs if he hits the open market next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko will be interesting to follow this season. A strong performance could ensure his long-term future in Calgary if he wants to stay or make him an invaluable trade chip.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

by | Aug 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

The Leafs’ secondary scoring, three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche, what must go right for the Devils this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes a trio of secondary scorers will decide the Toronto Maple Leafs’ fate this season.

Proteau examines how the play of Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies could come under increasing scrutiny this season. If they flourish, the Leafs could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams this season. If not, management won’t waste time bringing in players who can fill those roles.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “Core Four” of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares have carried the bulk of the Leafs offense since 2018, powering them to three of the franchise’s five best regular-season records.

However, the lack of reliable secondary scoring contributed to their pathetic postseason record over that period. It’ll be the same story this season if Robertson, McMann, and Knies fail to step up or if suitable replacements cannot be found.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal looked at three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche.

One of them was Miles Wood’s solid penalty-killing skills. Casey Mittelstadt’s five-on-five production was another. The third was Jonathan Drouin’s numbers when not playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m interested in Mittelstadt’s performance throughout a full season with the Avs. He was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on March 7 and fitted in well over the remainder of last season. A strong effort throughout this season will be crucial to the Avs’ hopes for a Stanley Cup run.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently listed three things that must go right for the Devils in 2024-25.

Good health will be a must after injuries to core players such as Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier derailed their 2023-24 campaign. They’ll also need better goaltending and an improved performance from Meier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injury bug shouldn’t bite the Devils as deeply as it did last season, though there could be some concern over Hughes’ growing injury history. Offseason addition Jacob Markstrom and trade-deadline pickup Jake Allen should improve their goaltending. A healthy 2024-25 should result in a bounce-back effort from Meier.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars have the furthest travel distance in the upcoming season. It’s expected they’ll travel an estimated 56,700 miles.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are second with 51,100 miles, followed by the Anaheim Ducks (51,000), Edmonton Oilers (50,000) and the Utah Hockey Club (48,700).

The teams that will travel the fewest miles are the Pittsburgh Penguins (31,700), Ottawa Senators (32,800), Columbus Blue Jackets (33,400), New York Rangers (35,300) and Philadelphia Flyers (35,500).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some older players prefer playing in the Eastern Conference because of that lighter travel schedule.