NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2022

by | Sep 6, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2022

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: more speculation over possible trade destinations for Patrick Kane plus a suggestion for the Calgary Flames to sign Joe Thornton to a tryout offer.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Matt Porter suggests it “seems probable” Patrick Kane will play games this season for an Atlantic Division team.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Kane’s hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres, has the cap space to bring him home. If the cap-strapped Toronto Maple Leafs can find a way to clear sufficient cap space, he’d give them their most Stanley Cup-worthy roster in years. Shipping him to the Detroit Red Wings could send their rebuild into overdrive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane remains a subject of ongoing media trade chatter despite his whopping $10.5 million salary-cap hit and a full no-movement clause. He’s also been linked to the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, who couldn’t afford him unless they could pull off a complicated trade with a third team to spread his cap hit around.

Meanwhile, Chicago sportswriters such as Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times continue to report that Kane (and longtime teammate Jonathan Toews) haven’t approached the Blackhawks about a trade. Pope cited Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson repeating that Kane and Toews are excited about training camp and look forward to seeing how the season unfolds.

There have also been reports that both players aren’t really keen to leave the only NHL club they’ve ever played for. It’s believed Davidson will give both stars the time and space they need to decide whether their plans involve the Blackhawks after this season.

Nevertheless, the rumor mill keeps churning about Kane. Get used to seeing his name popping up in trade chatter over the course of the coming season. If he does get moved it’ll likely be closer to the trade deadline depending on how the Blackhawks’ season shakes out.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Steve Macfarlane suggests the Flames should consider bringing in Joe Thornton on a professional tryout offer. He thinks the 43-year-old forward could be the perfect addition for a smooth dressing-room transition given the roster changes the club has undergone this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We don’t know what Thornton’s plans are but there is talk he could take up a management position with a team in Switzerland, where he resides with his family during the offseason.

It was painfully apparent last season that the future Hall-of-Famer has reached the end of the line as an effective NHL player. Sure, it’s a risk-free opportunity as Macfarlane suggests, but it would also take away a training camp spot from a younger hopeful who might play a more meaningful long-term role.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2022

by | Sep 6, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 6, 2022

The Golden Knights’ new coach hopes to help Jack Eichel improve while Nick Suzuki talks about the Canadiens’ captaincy and the pressure of playing in Montreal. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy hopes to elevate the play of center Jack Eichel, who has yet to appear in postseason competition after seven NHL seasons. Cassidy has spoken with the 25-year-old center about his goals and said he’s motivated to win the Stanley Cup.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

Eichel spent most of his NHL career with the struggling Buffalo Sabres before he was traded last season to the Golden Knights. He missed over half of last season recovering from neck surgery and played with a fractured right wrist down the stretch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel and Cassidy face tremendous pressure this season as the Golden Knights attempt to bounce back from missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. A strong performance by Eichel will be crucial toward achieving that goal and should make Cassidy’s job easier.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Appearing on the “Raw Knuckles Podcast,” Nick Suzuki spoke about the Canadiens’ captaincy and the pressure of playing in hockey-mad Montreal.

Suzuki, 23, is considered by some observers a favorite to become the Canadiens’ next captain. Asked about that role, he said he would “definitely be ready for it” if it came his way, pointing to examples set by former captain Shea Weber and teammates such as Brendan Gallagher.

Speaking about the pressure from fans and media in Montreal, Suzuki acknowledged their high expectations. However, he doesn’t let it interfere with how he prepares for the game. “As a player, you have to self-motivate, know where your game’s at, know how you’re playing and don’t let anything outside affect you,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see who the Canadiens choose as their next captain. It could be a rising young star such as Suzuki or perhaps a veteran such as Gallagher who’s been with the team for years.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed restricted free agent defenseman Erik Brannstrom to a one-year, $900K contract.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Former Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid has been invited to help as a guest coach with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. Smid, 36, spent nearly eight of his 10 NHL seasons with the Oilers.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks are reportedly considering rebranding their home and away jerseys for 2023-24.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2022

by | Sep 5, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2022

What effect will J.T. Miller’s new contract have on Bo Horvat’s efforts to get a new deal with the Canucks? Could Miller still be shopped despite re-signing with the Canucks? How could it affect Conor Garland? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston pointed out that J.T. Miller’s new seven-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks raised some questions for the club.

Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

Among them was what Miller’s new deal means for Bo Horvat. The 27-year-old Canucks captain is in the final season of his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Horvat can sign an extension now but Johnston wondered if the Canucks can afford to have him, Miller and Elias Pettersson as their top-three centers beyond this season. “If an extension doesn’t come soon, the trade watch will be on for Horvat,” he writes.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY NOW: Prior to Miller’s re-signing, Rob Simpson anticipated Horvat could get between $6.25 million and $6.5 million annually on his next contract, perhaps a little lower if he agrees to an eight-year extension.

Following the news of Miller’s new contract, Simpson felt Horvat could get between $6.5 million and $7.25 million on a long-term extension. He speculated the Canucks captain will likely be signed in September or perhaps the Friday prior to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend given management’s recent habit of re-signing a key player on the Friday before a holiday weekend.

Whatever Horvat gets will affect the other Canucks eligible for UFA or restricted free agent status next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks management has indicated they want to stock up on young, affordable talent. However, the recent signings of Miller and Brock Boeser show they also want to keep their roster core intact.

According to Cap Friendly, the Canucks have over $68 million invested in 14 players for 2023-24 with Horvat, Nils Hoglander and Travis Dermott among their notable free agents. Re-signing their captain will result in the Canucks making some cost-cutting decisions next summer.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that Canucks president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford said that Miller’s new contract “will not impact Bo,” adding they would like to sign Horvat. We’ll find out soon enough if the two sides can work out an extension before the season opens next month. Otherwise, his name could start surfacing in media trade gossip.

Johnston also pointed out that the Canucks are over the $82.5 million salary cap with their current roster for the coming season. They would like to find another defenseman so something has to give.

Conor Garland’s energy and production could make him a valuable trade chip. Johnston suggests the asking price could be a late first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland was the subject of trade rumors midway through last season but those faded away as the Canucks made a push for a playoff spot. The 26-year-old winger would draw interest in the trade market but the Canucks might not have to go that route.

Cap Friendly indicates they’re sitting above the cap by over $2.7 million but could garner cap relief by placing Micheal Ferland and his $3.5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve for the coming season. However, it won’t leave much room to add a right-side blueliner.

Perhaps Garland will be used as trade bait for that defenseman. It would have to be for one with an annual cap hit comparable to Garland’s $4.95 million.

Johnston also didn’t rule out the Canucks trading Miller if this season goes badly. He lacks a no-trade clause in his current contract. Some teams may have been hesitant about acquiring Miller but could be more interested now that he has a long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could happen but I doubt it will. Canucks management sees Miller as a vital part of their core as they hope to push themselves into Stanley Cup contention over the next few years. A poor performance by the club this season probably won’t change that opinion.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2022

by | Sep 5, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 5, 2022

Potential candidates for the Flyers’ captaincy, Logan Couture explains why he’s sticking with the Sharks, five Bruin players with something to prove in 2022-23, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Olivia Reiner recently listed the top contenders (in alphabetical order) to take over the Flyers’ captaincy. Cam Atkinson, Sean Couturier, Kevin Hayes, Scott Laughton and Travis Sanheim are her top five to replace Claude Giroux, who held the role for almost nine years until his trade to the Florida Panthers in March.

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couturier would be my choice. He’s their best and most versatile two-way forward. As Reiner pointed out, they struggled to replace him following season-ending back surgery in February. Couturier leads by example and always brings his best effort to every game.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent interview with Corey Masisak, Logan Couture said he didn’t consider the option of getting traded when asked about it by new San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier.

“No, not at this stage of my life and where I’m at outside hockey,” said Couture. “I love this area. I’m getting married in this area next summer. I love being a Shark. So I didn’t think twice about it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture also said he understood when Brent Burns accepted a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes. He indicated he spent a lot of time talking to him, citing that the 37-year-old defenseman wanted to play for a winner while he still could.

Couture said Grier contacted him to discuss his plans for the club. The Sharks captain informed his new GM that he would do whatever he could to help get them back in the right direction.

Assuming Couture wanted a trade, moving him wouldn’t be easy. Cap Friendly indicates the 33-year-old is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million and a three-team trade list.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark are among Nick Goss’ list of five Bruins with something to prove in 2022-23. Forwards Trent Frederic, Craig Smith, and defenseman Mike Reilly round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman and Ullmark have the most to prove. The Bruins need both goalies to be at their best to reach the playoffs in a very tough Atlantic Division this season.

WHL.COM: Former NHL defenseman Brent Seabrook will be joining the Vancouver Giants as a player development coach. Seabrook, 37, spent his entire 15-season NHL tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2005-06 to 2019-20, winning three Stanley Cups before injuries ended his playing career.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights reverse retro jersey for the coming season appears to have been leaked.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 4, 2022

by | Sep 4, 2022

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 4, 2022

Could the Canadiens attempt to acquire Rangers defenseman Nils Lundkvist? Could the Oilers bring in Evan Rodrigues? What’s next for the Wild after trading Dmitry Kulikov? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently wondered if the Canadiens would attempt to acquire Nils Lundkvist. The New York Rangers are reportedly shopping the 22-year-old defenseman. He’s seeking more NHL playing time and could get it on the rebuilding Canadiens.

New York Rangers defenseman Nils Lundkvist (NHL Images)

D’Amico reports the Canadiens had an interest in several Rangers prospects in the recent past. General manager Kent Hughes has indicated he’d like to bolster their depth on the right side of their defense corps.

The Rangers have limited salary-cap space and could use depth in prospect centers. Meanwhile, the Canadiens added centers Kirby Dach and Sean Monahan via recent trades and selected center Owen Beck in this year’s draft.

D’Amico speculates the Canadiens could be inclined to part with a prospect center such as Riley Kidney or Jan Mysak, along with a mid-round draft pick, to address their blueline needs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens executive vice-president, should know Lundkvist well. He was the Rangers general manager when the young defenseman was chosen in the first round (28th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Lundkvist could provide an additional measure of puck-moving skills to the right side of the Canadiens blueline. They might not be the only club interested in him. Rebuilding or retooling teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings or Vancouver Canucks could also come calling.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes the Oilers will bring another NHL forward into training camp. He anticipates it’ll be a right wing as they need to boost their depth at that position.

Leavins points out that Oilers GM Ken Holland has a history of only offering professional tryout offers to players who could make the team. He suggests Evan Rodrigues could be that guy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rodrigues is coming off a career-best 43-point performance on a one-year, $1 million contract. He’s likely seeking a more lucrative deal but has probably found limited options.

He could go the PTO route but I wouldn’t be surprised if he lands a one-year deal worth between $1.5 million and $2 million before training camps open later this month.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo recently speculated that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin could target cap-strapped teams desperate to shed salary. He recently freed up cap space by trading Dmitry Kulikov to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo indicated the Wild has $5.738 million in cap space now, freeing up space for internal additions such as Marco Rossi or Cale Addison. Guerin could wait and see how those two perform in training camp and preseason before going the trade route to further boost his roster.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2022

by | Sep 4, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2022

Catching up on the latest regarding Jonathan Drouin, Joel Farabee, Marian Hossa and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jonathan Drouin hopes to be healthy and productive in his upcoming contract year. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s been sidelined by wrist injuries and a mental health break over the past three seasons.

Montreal Canadiens winger Jonathan Drouin (NHL Images).

Drouin has embraced playing in Montreal and would like to stay beyond this season. However, he also knows that his status as a pending UFA next summer could lead to him changing teams by the trade deadline if the rebuilding Canadiens are out of playoff contention.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drouin’s put up good numbers when healthy, including two 53-point performances earlier in his NHL career. A strong, injury-free performance should bolster his stock if the Canadiens peddle him at the trade deadline. It would also improve his value in next summer’s free-agent market.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers forward Joel Farabee continues to make strides in his recovery from neck surgery in June. Teammate Scott Laughton said the 22-year-old looked good in a recent informal intrasquad scrimmage on Tuesday.

Farabee is expected to miss the start of the Flyers season. General manager Chuck Fletcher said it’s too early to tell if his recent progression means he’ll be in the lineup for their season-opening on Oct. 13.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers won’t rush Farabee into the lineup. Still, his recent progress bodes well for a return to action sooner than expected.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Former Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa is releasing his memoir “Marian Hossa: My Journey from Trencin to the Hall of Fame” on Nov. 8. The book was co-written with The Athletic’s Scott Powers.

Hossa will look back on his early years in Slovakia, his journey into hockey and his rise to NHL stardom. He played 19 seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before winning three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

SPORTSNET: Forward Evgeny Svechnikov has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks, according to his agent.

Svechnikov, 25, will earn $750K at the NHL level. He had 19 points in 79 games last season with the Winnipeg Jets. He is the older brother of Carolina Hurricanes star Andrei Svechnikov.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators will compete with athletes from Vanderbilt University in a charity home-run derby and friendly softball game on Sept. 19 at Hawkins Field. The proceeds will benefit the Vandy United Fund, the Predators Foundation and several other local charities.