Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 11, 2024

by | Aug 11, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 11, 2024

A look at the best players still available in the unrestricted free-agent market in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hunter Crowther recently looked at the top five wingers and defensemen still available among this summer’s crops of unrestricted free agents (UFAs).

The top five wingers include James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Johnson, Kevin Labanc, Mike Hoffman and Max Pacioretty.

Former Boston Bruins winger James van Riemsdyk (NHL.com).

Crowther believes the 35-year-old van Riemsdyk could still have value in a limited third or fourth-line role. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the 34-year-old Johnson but he also played for a bad Chicago Blackhawks club.

Labanc, 28, and the 34-year-old Hoffman saw their production affected by playing for the rebuilding San Jose Sharks.

When healthy, the 35-year-old Pacioretty can play a decent two-way game and contribute to the second power-play unit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Age and/or injuries have affected these forwards. Labanc should be in his playing prime but his production tumbled from his career-best 56-points performance in 2018-19 skating with a more talented Sharks team. He was a frequent healthy scratch last season, seeing action in just 46 games.

Crowther listed Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz, Marco Scandella, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Calen Addison as his top five remaining UFA defensemen.

Barrie, 33, was a frequent healthy scratch with the Nashville Predators last season. However, he could get a one-year contract from a club looking for a right-shot, puck-moving defenseman who can help their power play.

The 34-year-old Schultz has Stanley Cup experience but his performance has declined, logging the worst plus-minus on the Seattle Kraken last season despite seeing third-pairing minutes. Scandella, also 34, also had difficulties in a third-pairing role with the St. Louis Blues last season.

Shattenkirk’s game is also in decline. He’s no longer the dynamic offensive blueliner he was earlier in his career. Addison, 24, was a once-promising defenseman who bounced from the Minnesota Wild to the San Jose Sharks, who opted not to qualify his rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie could still have some value playing sheltered minutes if he’s paired with a good stay-at-home defender. Addison might have value as a reclamation project.

Schultz, Scandella and Shattenkirk are all now past their prime. They might have to consider professional tryout offers to secure an NHL contract this season or look overseas to continue their playing careers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2024

by | Aug 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2024

Potential candidates for the 2024-25 Calder Trophy, why the Linus Ullmark trade could be worthwhile for the Senators even if he moves on next season, the Canadiens hope their young stars take the next step, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

ESPN.COM: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini goes into this season as the favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year. However, he could be challenged by a dynamic field of promising young players making their NHL debuts this season.

Among the notables (in alphabetical order) are Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, Utah Hockey Club winger Josh Doan, Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, Minnesota Wild center Marat Khusnutdinov, Colorado Avalanche winger Nikolai Kovalenko, Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov, Sharks forward Will Smith, Stars winger Logan Stankoven, New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov, and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf.

San Jose Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini (NHL.com).

Others worth watching include Edmonton Oilers forward Matthew Savoie, Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright and Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini is the favorite based on his status as the first-overall pick in this year’s draft. Gauthier, Hutson and Michkov enter this season with their fair share of hype.

Some players, like Doan, Stankoven, and Wolf, will have an advantage as they saw some NHL action last season but not enough to be considered a rookie for 2023-24.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne believes the Ottawa Senators’ acquisition of Linus Ullmark still makes sense even if the 30-year-old goaltender departs as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Having a proven starter between the pipes will boost the confidence of their young players. Ullmark could also be a positive influence for goalies Anton Forsberg and Mads Sogaard. If Ullmark plays poorly, it could be a core problem involving the defense rather than a goalie issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie in 2022-23 as a member of the Boston Bruins. Some point out that he won partly because of the strong Bruins defense in front of him.

Warne suggests that if Ullmark plays well for the Senators, it’ll be considered proof that shaky goaltending was the real issue holding them back in recent years. If he struggles, management can focus on bolstering the blueline.

THE SCORE: Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes hopes his promising core takes a big step forward in their development this season.

The focus will be on Juraj Slafkovsky, who made significant strides last season with 20 goals and 50 points after being moved to the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, with 37 of those points coming in 46 games after Jan. 1.

“We don’t need him to score 40 or 50 goals or it’s a failure,” said Hughes. “It’s about continuing to progress as a hockey player and to be the best version of himself, because we’re confident the best version of Juraj is going to give us a good chance to compete and win.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuilding Canadiens aren’t expected to be a playoff contender this season. However, a strong season-long performance by Slafkovsky combined with the ongoing improvement of Suzuki and Caufield, the development of other younger players, and an overall healthier season could make the Habs a much more competitive club.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello isn’t fully closing the door on the return of unrestricted free agent forwards Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin. However, he believes the club will be moving on from those two.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello told The Athletic’s Arthur Staple the same thing a week ago. Never say never, but we’ll probably move on from those two. That seems about as close as the Isles GM will come to admitting that Clutterbuck and Martin won’t be back.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 10, 2024

An early look at next summer’s top potential unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl topped Carol Schram’s recent list of next summer’s top potential NHL unrestricted free agents. She considered it inevitable that they would re-sign with their respective clubs

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since Schram’s list was published on Aug. 1, Crosby and the Penguins are reportedly close to an agreement on a contract extension. Meanwhile, talks between Draisaitl and the Oilers are in the preliminary stage but look positive thus far. 

Turning to the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett could face uncertain futures. Verhaeghe and Bennett could price themselves out of Florida. Schram wouldn’t be surprised if the 29-year-old Ekblad is traded this season. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers speculate Ekblad might re-sign with the Panthers if his value in the UFA market is lower than expected. Others think he could be moved while Verhaeghe and Bennett are re-signed. 

Turning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the cone of silence has dropped on Mitch Marner. “Extend? Get traded? Leave in free agency? All three options still seem like very real possibilities,” writes Schram. She also considers it “highly possible” that Leafs captain John Tavares moves on next summer. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s no-movement clause ensures he’ll finish this season with the Leafs unless he changes his mind about a trade. Signing an extension or departing next July as a UFA seems the more likely. As for Tavares, some observers suggested that they might keep him if he’s willing to accept a big pay cut on a short-term deal. 

Schram believes the Colorado Avalanche intends to re-sign winger Mikko Rantanen but must determine what the future holds for sidelined captain Gabriel Landeskog and suspended winger Valeri Nichushkin. 

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser finally realized his potential last season with a 40-goal campaign. However, he could be headed to a change of scenery if he seeks more than the Canucks are willing to pay. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche will find a way to sign Rantanen and keep their Stanley Cup window open. It will become easier if Landeskog and his $7 million annual cap hit remain on long-term injury reserve. Meanwhile, Boeser’s situation will be interesting to monitor. Another 40-goal campaign could price him out of Vancouver’s market. Then again, it seemed almost certain he was going to be traded two years ago and the Canucks held onto him. 

Jamie Benn’s days of averaging $9.5 million annually are ending. However, the Dallas Stars could hang onto their 35-year-old captain with a series of one-year, bonus-laden contracts. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn likely wants to stay in Dallas and lead the Stars to the Stanley Cup. They’ll want to keep him around. 

Schram also noted there’s a decent crop of UFA defensemen. They included Ryan Lindgren of the New York Rangers, Jake McCabe of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jakob Chychrun of the Washington Capitals, Neal Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets, Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights, Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad is the most notable name among next summer’s top UFAs but it’s clear that next summer’s UFA market is much deeper in big-name forwards. Schram expects some will be re-signed before July 1 and some retained by their teams as “own-rentals” for the 2025 playoffs. 

The most likely to be moved could be Chychrun, Gavrikov, and Provorov if their respective teams are out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline. 

Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers tops Schram’s list of the notable UFA goaltenders. He’s likely to be re-signed but could be seeking a record-breaking salary for a netminder. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Shesterkin could get around $12.5 million annually. If the Rangers won’t pay it, another club will happily do so via free agency. I’ll be shocked if he ends up signing elsewhere on July 1. 

Linus Ullmark could set himself up for a big payday if he replicates his 2023 Vezina Trophy form with the Ottawa Senators. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What Ullmark does in that scenario will be interesting to observe. Will he stay with the Senators if they meet his asking price? Does he spurn them regardless and hit the open market? Most will assume the latter but you never know.

Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken rose to prominence after all but stealing the starter’s job from Philipp Grubauer. Schram wondered if the Kraken could tempt him to stay. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daccord carries a $1.2 million cap hit. A decent raise on a four or five-year contract and the opportunity to be the Kraken’s starting goalie could be all the enticement he’d need.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

Predicting which players will fill six captain vacancies, the club Ryan McDonagh considers a team to beat this season, Oliver Kylington explains why he signed with the Avalanche, a make-or-break season for Ilya Samsonov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman recently predicted which players he believes will fill the vacant captaincies for the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Utah Hockey Club.

Wegman thinks Mason McTavish will become the Ducks’ next captain in 2025-26, filling a role last filled by Ryan Getzlaf from 2010 to 2022. He predicts Rasmus Dahlin will fill the vacant Sabres captaincy after Kyle Okoposo was traded to Florida in March.

Connor Bedard could be the next Blackhawks captain in 2025-26, filling the role previously held by Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023. Wegman believes Yanni Gourde should be tapped for the captaincy of the Seattle Kraken, a position last held by Mark Giordano during their inaugural season (2021-22).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Victor Hedman is Webman’s choice as Lightning captain, replacing the departed Steven Stamkos (2014-2024). Clayton Keller is his pick to captain Utah, whose previous one was Oliver Ekman-Larsson from 2018 to 2021 during the franchise’s incarnation in Arizona.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedman is the obvious choice for Tampa Bay. Time will tell if the others get the job with their respective clubs. Bedard could be named Blackhawks captain if he establishes himself as a leader on and off the ice. Dahlin would be a solid option for the Sabres.

TSN: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh believes the Nashville Predators could be a force to be reckoned with this season. The 35-year-old defenseman spent the past two seasons with the Predators before being traded back to Tampa Bay in May.

McDonagh cited how the Predators rallied in midseason after being counted out by observers to reach the playoffs. “There’s no question that they’re going to be a team to beat this season,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The additions of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos should also bolster the Predators this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington explained why he chose to sign with the Colorado Avalanche this summer. He indicated the Flames were in the picture for a long time but the Avalanche made him feel like they really wanted him.

“It was a very compelling factor that they wanted me so much that I felt that all the pieces beyond that felt natural to choose. It felt good considering how hungry they are. I am involved in a new start with a new organization,” he said.

Kylington also remains grateful for the support he received from the Flames and their fans when he took time away to deal with his mental health.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco wonders which version of Ilya Samsonov the Vegas Golden Knights will be getting as their new backup goaltender this season. The 27-year-old Samsonov is on his third team in five years and this season could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Consistency has been an issue for Samsonov in his five-season NHL career. He’s on a one-year contract with the Golden Knights and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Another shaky performance could make this season his last in the NHL.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on X.com that the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting closer to a new contract with forward Cole Sillinger. It’s believed to be a two-year deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill is still confident he’ll get restricted free agent defenseman Thomas Harley under contract soon. He said that talks continue between the two sides. “We’re going to get him signed,” said Nill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Training camps don’t open for another month – plenty of time for Sillinger, Harley, and other RFAs to be signed to new deals. The time to start worrying is when training camp opens if they aren’t under contract. Until then, enjoy what’s left of the summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

by | Aug 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 9, 2024

How much could Canucks winger Brock Boeser get on his next contract? Could the Sabres pursue Flyers forward Joel Farabee? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston looked at what Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could get on his next contract.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser, 27, is coming off the best season of his NHL career, with 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. He’s in the final season of his three-year contract with a cap hit of $6.65 million, putting him in a strong negotiating position if he repeats last season’s performance.

Johnston argues that Boeser isn’t in the range of the top wingers despite his solid two-way play.

He noted the four players ahead of Boeser on the salary table (Anaheim’s Troy Terry, Minnesota’s Matt Boldy, the New York Islanders’ Anders Lee, and Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog) each carry an average annual value of $7 million.

The next three above them are Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor ($7.142 million), Utah’s Clayton Keller ($7.15 million), and Dallas’ Jason Robertson ($7.75 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Boeser will get a raise on his next contract but it could be difficult to determine how much it’ll be.

It could come in between $7 million and $8 million annually on a seven or eight-year deal. However, another 40-goal season ensures it’ll be pushed into the $9 million range for the Canucks and even higher if he tests the open market.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: During a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked if there was a chance the Sabres remain interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.

Lysowksi noted the Sabres have $8.4 million in cap space, of which some will go to re-signing forward Peyton Krebs. However, he believes there’s enough left to add an impact player. He suggested packaging defenseman Connor Clifton in a trade for Farabee or Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

Farabee also underwent the same artificial disk replacement surgery as former Sabre Jack Eichel, which could concern Sabres owner Terry Pegula.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres could add another forward but their signing of Jason Zucker last month could be all they do for now. They’ll likely assess their roster during training camp and preseason but any further additions could come from within.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2024

by | Aug 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 9, 2024

The latest on Brett Pesce, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff looks for promising youngsters to step up this season, the Blue Jackets make more coaching changes, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kristy Flannery reports Brett Pesce is looking forward to joining the New Jersey Devils after nine seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 29-year-old defenseman signed a six-year, $33-million contract with the Devils on July 1.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

Appearing on Morning Cuppa Hockey, Pesce said he enjoyed his time with the Hurricanes. However, he wanted to be close to his Tarrytown, NY home and is excited about joining the Devils. He praised their young stars and noted their June addition of goaltender Jacob Markstrom could make them even better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is among several notable offseason additions (including Markstrom) by the Devils as they hope to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. He’ll play a key role in shoring up their blueline depth.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff hopes his organization’s promising young players make big strides in their development this season.

Cheveldayoff believes center Cole Perfetti is just scratching the surface of his potential, acknowledging that injuries held him back last season. He’s also looking for forwards Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov to step up this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have an established core of talented veterans including Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers. Nevertheless, Cheveldayoff hopes those promising kids will become the club’s next stars ensuring he Jets remain a competitive playoff contender.

DAILY FACEOFF: The changes to the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff continued on Thursday with the hiring of new assistant coaches Mike Haviland and Scott Ford.

Haviland spent the last two years as an associate coach with the Blue Jackets AHL affiliate in Cleveland. Ford is coming off eight years as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom formally announced his retirement as a player. The 31-year-old’s last NHL game was during the COVID bubble playoffs on Aug. 7, 2020. He underwent surgery for a nagging shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remaining three years of his contract.

Klefbom had 34 goals and 122 assists for 156 points in 378 NHL games with the Oilers from 2013-14 to 2019-20.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klefbom was a promising puck-moving defenseman for the Oilers until injuries derailed his playing career.