NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2023

by | Oct 2, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2023

The latest on the Senators’ contract talks with Shane Pinto plus more speculation over potential goalie targets for the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON PINTO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators and Shane Pinto appear to be at a stalemate in contract negotiations. It remains to be seen if either side will bend in time for the 22-year-old center to report to training camp before the Senators’ final preseason game on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Garrioch cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting over the weekend that the gap between Pinto and the Senators had widened after the club offered a one-year, $1-million contract. It’s believed that the offer came with the provision that the two sides would meet in January to discuss an extension.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

There’s talk Pinto seeks a deal worth $2.5 million annually while the Senators prefer something closer to the two-year, $4.2 million contract ($2.1 million average annual value) earned by Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost.

Garrioch believes the two sides aren’t that far apart and could settle on a two-year contract. The Senators have no intention of trading Pinto and he doesn’t want to move. Pinto also has little leverage as he lacks arbitration rights and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival club.

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes pointed out that the Senators only have around $900K (as per Cap Friendly) in salary cap space. He also noted that Pinto cannot sign a bonus-laden one-year contract with a base salary in the $900K range. Mendes thinks the trust between the two sides may have eroded to the point where the Pinto camp won’t agree to a one-year $900K contract with the promise of a more lucrative extension in January.

Mendes suggests this is about how much the Senators actually value Pinto. He thinks they’ve already sent a clear message about his importance to the team by prioritizing everybody else around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators management supposedly wants to get Pinto signed and doesn’t want to trade him yet they re-signed everyone else first plus they invested $5 million in cap space on signing unrestricted free agent Vladimir Tarasenko. If he’s so valuable they should’ve locked him up as soon as possible before signing lesser players or making a splash in the free-agent pool.

I get that Pinto has no leverage here other than to sit out. Senators general manager Pierre Dorion was undoubtedly hoping to use that to his advantage to get him signed to an affordable short-term contract with the promise of a better deal down the road.

If the Pinto camp sought something far more expensive than $2.5 million per season I could understand management’s hardball position. However, what he’s asking for isn’t unreasonable for a forward coming off a 20-goal season that saw him finish fifth among rookie scorers.

Dorion’s signing of Tarasenko before getting Pinto under contract created this situation. He’ll have to shed salary via trade or waivers to get the young center signed before the coming season. That will bring Pinto back into the lineup but moving out another player could also affect their overall depth.

MORE SPECULATION OVER LIGHTNING GOALIE TARGETS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently speculated over which goaltenders the Tampa Bay Lightning could target to fill the gap between the pipes with starter Andrei Vasilevskiy sidelined by back surgery.

Fox thinks Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois will have his eyes glued to the waiver wire in the coming days. He wondered if BriseBois put in a claim for Spencer Martin, who was plucked away on Saturday by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Calgary’s Dan Vladar and his $2.2 million cap hit could be too expensive for the cap-strapped Lightning. More affordable options could include Toronto’s Martin Jones ($875K) and Pittsburgh’s Magnus Hellberg ($785K).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m also thinking BriseBois could go the waiver route. Vladar would be a better option but the Lightning not only lack cap space but also depth in draft picks to use as trade bait.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 2, 2023

by | Oct 2, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 2, 2023

Recaps of Sunday’s preseason action, Brandon Sutter retires, the Bruins release Alex Chiasson, plus the latest notable waiver moves and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PRESEASON RECAP

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson scored a goal and collected three assists to lead his club over the Florida Panthers 4-2 at Kraft Hockeyville in Sydney, NS. Anton Lundell scored both goals for the Panthers.

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson (NHL Images).

Last-minute goals by Troy Terry and Robert Hagg rallied the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. Ryan Strome tallied twice for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Ducks, they claimed defenseman Lassi Thomson off waivers from the Senators yesterday.

The Detroit Red Wings got three-point performances from Michael Rasmussen and J.T. Compher to thump the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks announced that forward Samuel Savoie underwent successful surgery on his right femur yesterday and is expected to make a full recovery. Savoie suffered the injury during Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Wild after crashing awkwardly into the boards.

An overtime goal by Oskar Olausson lifted the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche center Peter Holland has agreed to continue his professional tryout offer with their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Brandon Sutter has retired after being released yesterday by the Edmonton Oilers from his professional tryout offer. In 13 seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Vancouver Canucks, the 34-year-old center had 152 goals and 137 assists for 289 points in 770 regular-season games along with 18 points in 50 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sutter cited health reasons for his retirement. He last played in the NHL in 2020-21 with the Canucks before being sidelined for the past two years by the effects of long COVID.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins released Alex Chiasson from his PTO. The 33-year-old winger is an 11-year NHL veteran. He played 22 games last season with the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No indication yet as to Chiasson’s intentions. He could still land with another NHL club as an affordable depth signing before the regular season opens next season.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets will face the Calgary Flames in preseason action tonight without Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabriel Vilardi. Connor and Vilardi are still recovering from illness while Ehlers continues to recuperate from neck spasms.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said winger Ilya Mikhayev will not play in any of the club’s remaining preseason games. However, they are pleased with his ongoing recovery from the knee surgery he underwent in February. Despite Mikheyev’s progress, Tocchet said the team isn’t ready yet to confirm if the winger will be in the lineup on opening night next week.

DAILY FACEOFF: Los Angeles Kings forward Samuel Fagemo, Montreal Canadiens forward Lias Andersson and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Philippe Myers are the notable players among the 45 placed on waivers yesterday as NHL teams continue to trim their rosters with the start of the regular season a week away.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 1, 2023

by | Oct 1, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 1, 2023

Are there Atlantic Division teams that could pursue Patrick Kane? Are the Senators any closer to signing Shane Pinto? Will the Canucks trade Tyler Myers? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ATLANTIC DIVISION TEAMS PURSUING PATRICK KANE?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited hockey insider Pierre McGuire telling Montreal’s TSN 690 last Thursday that three Atlantic Division clubs are keeping tabs on Patrick Kane.

Kane, 34, underwent a hip resurfacing procedure in June with a recovery period of four-to-six months. His agency released a video last week showing him rehabbing and performing skating drills.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

McGuire believes that the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs could be a fit for Kane. He believes the future Hall-of-Famer could make a “massive difference” to the Red Wings, who acquired his former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Alex DeBrincat in a July trade with the Ottawa Senators.

Allen noted that the Red Wings have $5.1 million in salary-cap space while the Sabres have $8.7 million. The Leafs, however, don’t have any cap space remaining. He also pointed out that it was reported that Kane was interested in reuniting with his old linemate DeBrincat.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would have to shed sufficient cap space for Kane. Given the uncertainty over their blueline and goaltending depth, I don’t think they’re going to be serious suitors once he’s ready to return to action.

As I’ve said before, Kane playing for his hometown Sabres makes a great story but they’re loaded with plenty of scoring punch. Goaltending is a big question mark for them so they shouldn’t waste their cap space on something they don’t need.

The Red Wings could be a more suitable destination for Kane but his agent indicated during the summer that his client would evaluate offers from teams that would give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. With all due respect to the Wings, they haven’t even proven yet that they’re a playoff contender. Unless Kane doesn’t get any offers from Cup contenders, Detroit might not be on his list.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy contacted McGuire on Friday to find out if the Bruins might also be among Kane’s potential Atlantic Division suitors.

“Hard to think that he would come to Boston,” replied McGuire. “They are a team that is going into a mini rebuild.” He also noted that Kane needs to be healthy if he’s to help any team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins’ biggest need could be shoring up their top two centers if Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha should struggle in those roles. They also lack the cap space to outbid other clubs for Kane’s services.

SENATORS AND PINTO GROWING APART IN NEGOTIATIONS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the gap between the Ottawa Senators and restricted free agent Shane Pinto has widened. Sources said the 22-year-old center was disappointed with a recent offer in the one-year, $1-million range.

The Senators are pressed for cap space while Pinto lacks arbitration rights and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. They’ve been attempting to move another contract to free up cap space to sign Pinto, who’s believed seeking a salary in the range of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t blame Pinto for being disappointed with that offer. He’s coming off a 20-goal season that had him finishing fifth among NHL rookies in that category last season. His camp has reportedly cited Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost as a comparable. The 22-year-old Frost inked a two-year, $4.2 million contract ($2.1 million average annual value) on Sept. 6.

Pinto’s not making an unreasonable request. The fault here lies with general manager Pierre Dorion for spending $5 million on a one-year contract for Vladimir Tarasenko before signing Pinto or ensuring he’d have enough cap space for the latter.

LATEST ON TYLER MYERS

SEKERES & PRICE: During an interview last Tuesday, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said he doesn’t see the Vancouver Canucks moving Tyler Myers anytime soon. There was anticipation of a trade after he received his $5 million signing bonus on Sept. 15 but nothing materialized.

Seravalli believes the Canucks want their team to be as competitive as possible this season. Keeping Myers among their top-six defenseman will help them plus he could potentially be a worthwhile bargaining chip at the trade deadline.

Regarding rumors in July of a trade sending Myers to the San Jose Sharks, Seravalli believes it was to be a one-for-one deal involving winger Kevin Labanc.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like the Canucks may have had second thoughts about moving Myers to free up cap space. Since July, they got additional cap room with Tucker Poolman going on LTIR, trading Tanner Pearson to Montreal and having Spencer Martin plucked off waivers by Columbus.

This season is in all likelihood Myers’ last with the Canucks. He’s an unrestricted free agent at season’s end and is a defenseman in decline. Still, they could try to move him near the trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention at that point.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2023

by | Oct 1, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2023

Flames assistant GM Chris Snow dies from ALS complications, Ducks winger Alex Killorn sidelined for four-to-six weeks, a recap of Saturday’s preseason action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HEADLINES

CALGARY SUN: Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow died Saturday following a four-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 42.

Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow (NHL Images).

Given one year to live following his diagnosis in 2019, Snow and his family became inspirations as they chronicled his treatment while he continued working with the Flames and maintaining his family life. Through the #SnowyStrong campaign, they raised thousands of dollars for research efforts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to the Snow family as well as their friends and Snow’s colleagues. Tributes from throughout the hockey world for Snow began last week after he was hospitalized by a cardiac arrest leading to a catastrophic and irreversible brain injury. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Snow family.

TSN: Anaheim Ducks winger Alex Killorn has been sidelined for four to six weeks with a fractured finger suffered during Wednesday’s preseason game against the San Jose Sharks. Killorn, 34, was signed to a four-year contract by the Ducks when free agency began on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Killorn was brought in to add some much-needed experience and leadership to the rebuilding Ducks. His absence will be a setback to their hopes for a good start to this season, especially if restricted free agents Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale remain unsigned when the puck drops on their season-opener next week.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins’ preseason has come to an end after suffering a lower-body injury during Friday’s preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens. “He is going to miss some time, he is going to be out for a bit,” said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Timmins was enjoying a strong training camp and looked good in preseason action prior to his injury. No word yet as to the severity but there’s speculation he could also miss the start of the season.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre reported Jets forwards Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi are dealing with illness. It’s uncertain if they’ll participate in practice on Sunday and play on Monday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Ottawa Senators defenseman Lassi Thomson and Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski are the notable players to hit the waiver wire on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas is a former first-round pick who’s had difficulty cracking the Senators lineup on a full-time basis. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets claimed by another club today.

RECAP OF SATURDAY’S PRESEASON GAMES

NHL.COM: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes scored twice and picked up an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Buffalo Sabres got two goals from Jeff Skinner as they overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Patrik Laine tallied twice for the Blue Jackets.

Nikita Kucherov scored a power-play goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 5-4 win over the Nashville Predators. Waltteri Merela scored twice including what proved to be the game-winner.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got a 33-save performance from Martin Jones to beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1. Following the game, the Canadiens announced they were returning 2023 first-round pick David Reinbacher to HC Kloten in the Swiss-A League.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Returning Reinbacher to his Swiss team for this season was the Canadiens’ stated plan before training camp began. They wanted the 18-year-old defenseman to get a taste of NHL action before sending him back to Switzerland to continue his development.

An overtime goal by Erik Haula gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The New York Islanders jumped to a 4-0 lead and held on to down the New York Rangers 5-3. Cal Clutterbuck and Anders Lee each had a goal and an assist for the Islanders.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin tallied twice in a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat each collected two assists for the Wings.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Connor Dewar. Blackhawks prospect Samuel Savoie was stretchered from the game in the second period after falling awkwardly into the boards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savoie suffered a lower-body injury. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said the young forward was still being evaluated. There could be an update on his condition today.

Jason Robertson scored in overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues. Brayden Schenn netted two of the Blues’ three goals.

The Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on an overtime goal by Samuel Fagemo.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2023

by | Sep 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2023

Could Anthony Duclair re-sign with the Sharks? Will the Sabres trade Victor Olofsson? Could the Lightning land Flames goalie Dan Vladar? Could the Oilers shop Philip Broberg? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DUCLAIR OPEN TO SIGNING WITH SHARKS

BAY AREA NEWS’ Curtis Pashelka recently reported on social media that Anthony Duclair is open to remaining with the San Jose Sharks on a long-term deal. He said he’s concentrating on the upcoming season and there haven’t been any contract talks yet but indicated there would be a time and place for that.

San Jose Sharks winger Anthony Duclair (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair was traded to the Sharks this summer by the Florida Panthers in a cost-cutting move. The 28-year-old winger is now on his seventh team entering his 10th NHL season. It sounds like he’s seeking stability after bouncing around so much in his career.

Whether it gets it from the rebuilding Sharks is another matter. They could see him as a value bargaining chip at the March 8 trade deadline to bring in a good future asset or two.

WILL THE SABRES MOVE OLOFSSON?

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Michael Augello reports Sabres winger Victor Olofsson enters this season with his future in limbo. He was bench late last season and was the subject of offseason trade rumors.

Olofsson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams may have explored the trade market for the 28-year-old winger but an Achilles injury to winger Jack Quinn may have changed Olofsson’s situation temporarily.

Barring a slew of injuries this season, Augello believes the chances are slim that Olofsson will still be with the Sabres by the March 8 trade deadline. They have sufficient cap room to retain up to half of the winger’s $4.75 million cap hit to facilitate a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depending on how long it takes Quinn to recover and if any other promising young forwards make the cut, Olofsson will likely be skating with another club by March 8.

The Sabres are deep in forward depth on their roster and within their prospect pipeline that it’s unlikely they’ll re-sign Olofsson A solid performance on his part this season will serve to enhance his value in the trade market.

CAN THE LIGHTNING AFFORD TO ACQUIRE VLADAR FROM THE FLAMES?

SPORTSNET (stick tap to NHL Watcher): Elliotte Friedman isn’t putting much stock in trade rumors linking Calgary Flames backup goaltender Daniel Vladar to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Friedman doesn’t see how that deal would work, pointing out that the Lightning doesn’t have a plethora of draft picks. He also noted that the Flames aren’t going to give Vladar away as they’ll want “a nice price for him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For those who missed it, the Lightning will be without starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for the next eight to 10 weeks as he recovers from lower-back surgery. Vladar was listed by some observers as a possible trade target for the Lightning.

With promising Dustin Wolf knocking on the door, the Flames could peddle Vladar at some point to make room for the youngster. As Friedman observed, however, they aren’t just going to give him away. They also have the luxury of keeping the waiver-exempt Wolf in the minors until they get a suitable offer for Vladar.

COULD THE OILERS TRADE BROBERG?

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector recently suggested that Philip Broberg must step up his game and impress the Edmonton Oilers or risk becoming trade bait later this season. The 22-year-old defenseman has yet to play up to expectations.

Spector expects Broberg will be paired up with veteran Mattias Ekholm once he returns from an injured hip flexor. It’s hoped that Ekholm can help Broberg the same way he helped Evan Bouchard last season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2023

by | Sep 30, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2023

The Wild re-sign Mats Zuccarello and Marcus Foligno, updates on Cale Makar and Jake Guentzel, recaps of preseason play and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HEADLINES

STARTRIBUNE.COM: The Minnesota Wild signed forwards Mats Zuccarello and Marcus Foligno to contract extensions on Friday. Zucarrello, 36, agreed to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.125 million while the 32-year-old Foligno inked a four-year deal with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players were slated to become unrestricted free agents next July. Zuccarello accepted a pay cut from his current AAV of $6 million while Foligno got a raise from his current $3.1 million AAV.

Minnesota Wild winger Mats Zuccarello (NHL Images).

The Wild didn’t overpay to keep these two in the fold. Zuccarello remains productive with 67 points last season but there is a risk that his performance will decline given his age. It can also be argued that Foligno’s play will deteriorate given his physical game. Nevertheless, Wild management evidently believes they need their leadership and experience beyond this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Wild general manager Bill Guerin indicated forward Ryan Hartman will be next to have his contract extended. The two sides are in talks and Guerin claimed things are “heading that way.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hartman, 29, is eligible for UFA status next July. His current AAV is $1.7 million.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar practiced for the first time since training camp opened last week. He’s been dealing with a lower-body issue but remains confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season next month. Makar is hoping to play in one of the Avs’ three remaining preseason games.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Penguins winger Jake Guentzel has returned to practice in a non-contact capacity. He is rehabbing from his Aug. 2 ankle surgery. He’s not expected to return to action until Oct. 24.

THE PROVINCE: The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed goaltender Spencer Martin off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

NEW YORK POST: Friday’s preseason game between the Rangers and Islanders at UBS Arena was postponed due to heavy rains causing flooding with a state of emergency declared in New York. The game will take place on Saturday at 7 pm.

RECAP OF FRIDAY’S PRESEASON ACTION

NHL.COM: Vladimir Tarasenko scored his first goal with the Ottawa Senators in a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Senators, they named Steve Staios as their new president of hockey operations on Friday. Staios has a long history with Senators owner Michael Andlauer as he served under Andlauer as president and general manager of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs from 2016 to 2022.

The Philadelphia Flyers got shootout goals by Bobby Brink and Morgan Frost to nip the Boston Bruins 4-3. Brink had a goal and an assist in regulation while David Pastrnak scored twice for the Bruins.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson left in the second period with an upper-body injury and didn’t return as his club dropped a 4-3 decision to the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word if Gibson was held out for precautionary reasons or if the injury was serious. The Ducks could release an update today.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got goals from Matthew Knies and Mikko Kokkonen as they held off the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. Josh Anderson replied for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs played without John Klingberg as the defenseman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Three unanswered goals by Nicolas Hague, Brendan Bisson and William Karlsson rallied the Vegas Golden Knights to a 3-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy ruled out defenseman Zach Whitecloud with an undisclosed injury. No decision has been made as to whether he’ll be in their season opener next month.

An overtime goal by Brad Malone gave the Edmonton Oilers a 2-1 win against the Calgary Flames. Jack Campbell got the win with a 34-save performance.

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson kicked out 42 shots in a 4-0 shutout of the split-squad Carolina Hurricanes. Anthony Cirelli tallied twice for the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems like Johansson is trying to send a message to management that he can fill the void while starter Andrei Vasilevskiy spends the next eight to ten weeks recovering from back surgery.

The Lightning also played without center Logan Brown and defenseman Roman Schmidt as both are sidelined indefinitely by injuries.

The other Hurricanes squad didn’t fare any better as they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Florida Panthers.