NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

by | Jul 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

Are more changes coming for the Hurricanes after Evgeny Kuznetsov’s departure? What’s the latest Patrik Laine speculation? Could Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg become offer-sheet targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE CHANGES COMING FOR THE HURRICANES?

TSN: Terminating Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract earlier this week was the latest significant offseason change to the Carolina Hurricanes roster. They also endured the departures of Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Stefan Noesen.

Kuznetsov’s contract termination also freed up $3.9 million, giving the Hurricanes over $13.8 million in cap space. They have 21 of their 23 active roster players under contract for 2024-25 with restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis still to sign.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas has been the subject of trade speculation following recent reports of his unhappiness with his role as a third-line winger. The 25-year-old forward also filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas and Jarvis will seek significant raises but the Hurricanes have the room to accommodate those new contracts. They could also have sufficient space remaining to make other moves.

Necas’ situation remains uncertain. There’s been no speculation linking him to other clubs for the last couple of weeks but that doesn’t mean the Hurricanes aren’t getting any offers. Interested teams could also be waiting to see what his next contract looks like. However, they could be reluctant to part ways with Necas following the loss of Guentzel, Teravainen and Kuznetsov.

LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN MONTREAL 690: Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline recently discussed the type of return the club could seek as they attempt to trade Patrik Laine.

The 26-year-old winger recently requested a trade but remains in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The Blue Jackets can still move him but neither they nor other teams can speak directly to him while he remains in the program.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell believes teams are interested in Laine but they’re waiting to speak with him first. Portzline speculates they might not seek a roster player because of their recent offseason additions. They could instead prefer a return of picks and prospects. Portzline also thinks they must retain part of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract remains the biggest sticking point once he’s released from the assistance program. He’s signed through 2025-26 and carries a 10-team no-trade list. Interested parties could ask the Jackets to retain up to half of his cap hit to facilitate a deal.

NO OFFER SHEETS LIKELY FOR HOLLWAY AND BROBERG

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins recently weighed in on speculation suggesting Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg could become offer-sheet targets by rival clubs.

Leavins noted that offer sheets are a rarely used tactic by NHL GMs, pointing out that players who sign them usually seek a change. That’s unlikely for Holloway and Broberg after they were in regular rotation with the Oilers during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and Broberg received praise for their performances during this postseason. They have bright futures in Edmonton and should receive bigger roles with the Oilers starting this season. It’s doubtful they’re keen to leave a serious Stanley Cup contender.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2024

by | Jul 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2024

Jake Guentzel explains why he signed with the Lightning, Sean Monahan looks forward to reuniting with Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus, Matt Grzelcyk opens up about his disappointing season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Jake Guentzel said the Tampa Bay Lightning’s winning pedigree factored into his decision to sign a seven-year, $63 million contract with them on July 1.

“They all know how to win,” said Guentzel, adding they still have high-end, elite players. He believes they still have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, adding this is an incredible opportunity for himself and his family.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel has some big skates to fill as he’ll be taking over the left-wing position formerly held by departed franchise player Steven Stamkos. The Lightning are betting that the younger Guentzel gives them a better opportunity to remain among the Cup contenders.

NHLPA.COM: Sean Monahan is delighted to reunite with former Calgary Flames linemate Johnny Gaudreau in Columbus. The 29-year-old center signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1.

Gaudreau and Monahan played together with the Flames for nine seasons before Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets in 2022. “I am really looking forward to being teammates with Johnny again,” said Monahan, calling Gaudreau “an amazing teammate, person, and friend.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan’s 59-point comeback performance last season with the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets earned him the multi-year contract with the Blue Jackets and the reunion with Gaudreau.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Matt Grzelcyk said a nagging injury derailed his final season with the Boston Bruins. The 30-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Grzelcyk indicated he struggled to regain his form last season, amassing a career-low two goals and 11 points in 63 games with the Bruins. He was a healthy scratch in all their playoff games. He’s now preparing for the challenge of earning top-four minutes with the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A bounce-back effort by Grzelcyk could boost Pittsburgh’s blueline depth. It could also improve his stock leading up to the March trade deadline if the Penguins are out of playoff contention by then.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Brian Dumoulin requested a trade from the Seattle Kraken to an East Coast team over a month ago. Instead, they shipped the 32-year-old defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks in a cost-cutting move.

Dumoulin said he’s excited about the opportunity to join an up-and-coming team. He’s promising to work hard for his new club even if the situation he finds himself in isn’t what he wanted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dumoulin is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July and carries a $3.15 million cap hit for this season and a 10-team no-trade list. A solid effort with the Ducks could draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced blueline depth at the March trade deadline.

TSN: Maxime Comtois signed a one-year contract with KHL club Dynamo Moscow. The 25-year-old forward spent most of last season in the AHL. He spent the first five seasons of his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, scoring 38 goals and 49 assists in 210 career games with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Comtois was considered a promising left winger after scoring 16 goals and 33 points in 55 games during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. However, injuries left him struggling to regain his form.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy said he supports Stan Bowman’s bid to return to the NHL.

The former Chicago Blackhawks general manager was suspended for three years by the NHL for his role in burying sexual assault allegations against video coach Bradley Aldrich by player Kyle Beach in 2009-10.

Kennedy, a victim of sexual assault by his former Junior coach, is the co-founder of Respect Group Inc., which helps to empower people to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

In a statement, Kennedy said he established a relationship with Bowman after he reached out to learn more “about the issues of sexual abuse and the critical role of bystanders to confront and address maltreatment effectively.”

TSN’s Rick Westhead reports Kennedy believes Bowman has done the work to learn and improve since the scandal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kennedy’s endorsement could help Bowman in his efforts to resume his career as an NHL executive. If he doesn’t land another GM job he could end up in a front-office role as an assistant GM, scout or advisor.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

A look at some notable trade and free-agent rumors facing several Western Conference clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently examined lingering offseason questions facing the NHL’s Western Conference teams. Among them were some notable trade and free-agent speculation.

Dixon wondered if the Anaheim Ducks would trade Trevor Zegras. Trade speculation started last fall during their contentious contract negotiations. The 23-year-old was limited to 31 games by injuries last season. He’s an imperfect player but his offensive skills continue to draw interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has consistently denied the trade rumors, claiming he hasn’t shopped Zegras nor received any trade offers. He’s under no pressure to move the young winger, who has two seasons remaining on his contract. Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season.

The Calgary Flames are now rebuilding their roster. Dixon wondered if they might take on a bloated contract or two from a cap-strapped club in return for a draft pick or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $20 million in cap space and 22 active roster players under contract, the Flames are well-positioned to make that type of deal. Whether they want to is another matter. The earliest we could see such a move is in September or early October as teams with limited cap space or over the $88 million cap look to shed salary before the start of the season.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Dixon wonders if the two sides will hammer out a contract extension this summer.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been quiet on the Rantanen front. The Avalanche faces some short and long-term salary cap uncertainty given Gabriel Landeskog’s attempt at a comeback from knee injuries and Valeri Nichushkin’s returning to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Both are on long-term contracts. The Avs could be waiting for cap clarification before opening extension talks with Rantanen.

Dixon wondered if the Dallas Stars might scour the trade market for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on this situation. The depth among the Stars’ right-shot defensemen drops sharply behind Miro Heiskanen with free-agent additions Ilya Lyubushkin and Matt Dumba signed to fill those gaps.

Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings could be coming to an end. He’s been on the outs with the club and is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is coming off an entry-level contract and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation. Don’t be surprised if he ends up traded before the start of the season.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be a trade candidate after the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and promising Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson surfaced in the rumor mill during the spring but trade speculation about him dried up weeks ago. The Wild could retain him for another season and send Wallstedt back to the minors. 

Dixon pondered the possibility of the Nashville Predators trading goalie Yaroslav Askarov after they signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed free-agent backup Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz will set a high asking price for Askarov, who has potential as an NHL starter. Trotz can afford to be patient as he waits for a club seeking goaltending depth to come calling, which could lead to Askarov starting this season with their AHL affiliate.

The Utah Hockey Club made some significant additions to their blueline by acquiring Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. Flush with cap space, draft picks and prospects, they might not be done making additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong prioritized improving his defense corps this summer. Having addressed that issue, he could shift his focus to other roster areas. Still, he could also keep his powder dry and see what unfolds during this season.

Dixon also wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will work out an extension with winger Brock Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser made it clear he wants to play for the Canucks despite being the subject of trade rumors leading up to last season. He’s the only core player due for a new contract by next summer.

The Canucks have over $12 million in projected cap space based on a cap of $88 million, but it’s projected it could rise to $92 million for 2025-26. That will give them plenty of room to re-sign Boeser. However, his injury history could have management adopt a wait-and-see approach to this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights have limited cap space for 2024-25. Nevertheless, Dixon wonders if they might have a crafty move up their sleeve to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas’ depth chart took a beating this summer with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha. They brought in Victor Olofsson, Alexander Holtz, Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid.

The Golden Knights are over the cap by $3.6 million but they’ll get cap relief with Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. They lack room to make a significant addition unless they ship out a salaried player in return.

Recent trade history indicates sleeping on the Golden Knights isn’t wise. However, they will struggle to pull off a major deal this summer.

Dixon concludes by wondering when the Winnipeg Jets intend to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers and prospect forward Rutger McGroarty. They still have some roster holes to fill and either player could fetch a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers has a year left on his contract while the Jets still hold McGroarty’s rights. They won’t be in any rush to move either player this summer but one or both could be moved as we get closer to the start of the season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2024

The Hurricanes terminate Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract and re-sign Jack Drury, the Stanley Cup champion Panthers’ roster will look different this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they placed center Evgeny Kuznetsov on unconditional waivers before terminating his contract.

Kuznetsov, 32, had a year remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $7.8 million divided between the Hurricanes and his former club, the Washington Capitals. This will free up $3.9 million from the salary cap payrolls of both clubs for 2024-25.

Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said both sides agreed this was the best course of action for the player and the team. Kuznetsov will reportedly return to Russia to sign a contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

The Hurricanes acquire Kuznetsov at the March trade deadline for a third-round pick. He had seven points in 20 regular-season games and six points in 10 playoff contests with his new club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov’s performance has been erratic since his career-best 83-point effort in 2017-18 when he helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup. A bounce-back 78-point production in 2021-22 was followed by 55 points in 2022-23 and 24 points in 63 games last season split between the Capitals and Hurricanes.

In 743 regular-season games, Kuznetsov had 173 goals and 575 points along with 33 goals and 73 points in 97 postseason contests.

PuckPedia indicates Kuznetsov gets to keep the $2 million signing bonus he received on July 1. However, he’s walking away from the $6 million in salary he was slated to earn this season.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes avoided salary arbitration with forward Jack Drury to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.725 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have $13.8 million in cap space for 2024-25. They still have to sign restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis but have more wiggle room to do so with Kuznetsov off their books.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The 2023-24 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will have a different-looking roster for next season.

Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kevin Stenlund, Anthony Stolarz, and Ryan Lomberg departed via free agency. Kyle Okposo is expected to retire and Nick Cousins, Josh Mahura and Steven Lorentz weren’t offered new contracts.

They were replaced by more affordable depth players like Jaycob Megna, Nate Schmidt, A.J. Greer, MacKenzie Entwistle, Jesper and Adam Boqvist, Tomas Nosek, Tomas Nosek, Rasmus Asplund, and Chris Driedger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ roster underwent considerable change this summer. It’ll be interesting to see how well they adjust this season.

THE SCORE: Shane Pinto revealed the details behind his 41-game suspension last season for violating the NHL’s gambling rules.

The 23-year-old center explained proxy betting was behind the suspension, having his friends place bets for him in the United States while he was in Canada. There is no evidence Pinto bet on NHL games.

SPORTSNET: The Calgary Flames, the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta will officially begin construction on Monday of a new $926 million Event Centre. It will include a new 18,000-seat arena for the Flames.

Construction is expected to be completed before the 2027-28 NHL season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Dan Hinote was named associate head coach of the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. Hinote, 47, spent six of his nine NHL seasons with the Avalanche. He spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with the Nashville Predators. Hinote was also a former assistant coach and scout with the Columbus Blue Jackets.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2024

by | Jul 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: An update on Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba and winger Kaapo Kakko and suggested trade destinations for Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty and Predators goalie Yaroslav Askarov.

UPDATE ON JACOB TROUBA AND KAAPO KAKKO

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports it doesn’t appear the New York Rangers will trade or buy out Jacob Trouba this summer.

The 30-year-old defenseman was the subject of trade speculation linking him to the Detroit Red Wings last month. However, league sources claim there was never anything close to a deal with the Wings.

Trading or buying out Trouba now would leave the Rangers in the market for a right-shot defenseman behind Adam Fox and Braden Schneider who kills penalties and can handle an occasional increase in playing time.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Staple indicated there was at least one conversation between Trouba and Rangers general manager Chris Drury. There may have been some fence-mending by the Rangers regarding those trade rumors but Trouba is a pro who won’t put his emotions over the good of the team.

However, Staple believes it’s nearly certain that Trouba will be traded next summer. He has a 15-team no-trade list, will have a year left on his contract, and his wife’s medical residency will be completed by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The silence we’ve heard in the rumor mill about Trouba since July 1 led most of us to conclude he won’t be traded or bought out this summer. Drury’s attempt to trade him before July 1 was to free up cap space to make one or two signings in the free-agent market. With that market picked clean, there’s no reason to move Trouba now.

Staple felt if the Rangers make a move this summer it would involve Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old winger signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract last month but was still considered a trade candidate.

However, there have been no offers that interested Drury or other teams. Staple believes Kakko could also be back if the Rangers don’t want to sell low and find another top-nine forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury could bring Kakko back and hope he has a breakout performance like Alexis Lafreniere last season. If he doesn’t, the Rangers GM could bundle the young winger with a draft pick for an established forward by the March trade deadline. Maybe he tries to bring back Frank Vatrano.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MCGROARTY AND ASKAROV

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon proposed some trade destinations for Winnipeg Jets prospect winger Rutger McGroarty and promising Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.

McGroarty, 20, recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports he and the Jets disagree about the course of his development. Meanwhile, trade speculation about the 22-year-old Askarov has increased after the Predators signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed veteran backup Scott Wedgewood.

Dixon suggested the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Calgary Flames as potential trade partners for McGroarty.

The Canadiens are flush with defensemen they could use to add McGroarty to their rebuilding roster. The Flames are also rebuilding and could use a promising young winger. The Wild could use a winger with his enticing profile, while the Bruins are a contending team that could use an affordable injection of youth into their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon observed the Canadiens and Wild were linked to McGroarty during the NHL draft.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes could use a promising young goaltender like Askarov. Dixon also suggested the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks could benefit from landing both players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon suggested the Jackets offer up Kent Johnson for Askarov, a pitch that could tempt the Predators. Askarov and Pyotr Kochetkov could give the Hurricanes a reliable goalie tandem for years.

Between the Devils and Sharks, the latter could be better positioned to pursue both players. They’re carrying two first-round picks in next year’s draft, a deeper prospect pool and a lot more salary-cap space.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2024

by | Jul 17, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 17, 2024

Stars winger Joe Pavelski retires, Blues defenseman Torey Krug faces a potentially season-ending injury, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Joe Pavelski officially announced his retirement after 18 NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars.

Dallas Stars winger Joe Pavelski (NHL Images).

The 40-year-old winger netted 476 goals and 592 assists for 1,068 points in 1,332 regular-season games, sitting sixth all-time among American-born players. He also tallied 74 goals and 69 assists for 143 points in 201 playoff contests.

Pavelski appeared in seven Conference Finals and two Stanley Cup Finals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of Pavelski’s stats were accumulated during his 13 seasons with the Sharks. He’s second among their all-time leaders with 355 goals, third in points with 761, and fourth in games played with 963. Pavelski played a significant role in the Sharks’ rise as a Western Conference powerhouse from 2007-08 to 2010-11 and their run to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final.

The Sharks reportedly looked into bringing Pavelski back next season but he’d made up his mind that it was time to retire. He was a model of consistency throughout his career, exceeding the 60-point plateau 11 times, including a 67-point performance last season.

Pavelski will be remembered among the best American-born players in NHL history. One day soon, he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues defenseman Torey Krug was diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks. The injury is a cumulative result of a bone fracture earlier in Krug’s playing career.

If Krug requires surgery, he will be sidelined for the 2024-25 season. That would enable left-shot defenseman Scott Perunovich to receive more playing time.

Krug carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. He would be eligible to be placed on long-term injury reserve if he’s sidelined for the season. However, the Blues currently have more than $7 million in salary-cap space, meaning they would only place him on LTIR to free up more cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford indicated Krug was being mentioned in trade rumors after the Blues signed Ryan Suter last week to a one-year contract. That created a logjam of nine defensemen on one-way contracts. Rutherford points out there won’t be a trade market for Krug even if he agrees to waive his no-trade clause.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars will induct Brenden Morrow and Jim Lites into their Hall of Fame in October.

Morrow spent 13 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Stars, seven as team captain. Lites was president and CEO of the Sharks from 2011 until 2020 when he was named team chairman.

The Stars also signed 2024 first-round pick Emil Hemming to a three-year entry-level contract. Hemming was selected 29th overall by the Stars.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders signed forward Simon Holmstrom to a one-year, $850K contract.

THE GAZETTE: The Montreal Canadiens hired former Columbus Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent as the new bench boss of their AHL affiliate in Laval.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Arturs Silovs to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $850K. Silovs, 23, stepped in during the first round of the Canucks series against the Nashville Predators after Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith were sidelined, backstopping them to a six-game series victory.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers goaltending prospect Alexei Kolosov didn’t appear in the club’s recent prospect development camp and is reportedly attempting to get out of his NHL contract.