NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2022

by | Feb 8, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2022

Should the Canadiens, Kings or Ducks attempt to acquire Jakob Chychrun? What’s the latest on the Senators? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST CHYCHRUN SPECULATION

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source claiming the Canadiens made plenty of calls during the recent All-Star break to gauge the trade market ahead of the March 21 deadline. The sources speculated they could be looking at more of a retool than a rebuild with player-for-player and money-for-money deals.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

Murphy wondered if the Canadiens might try to get into the bidding for Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. They’re expected to part with two left-side blueliners in Ben Chiarot and Brett Kulak before the trade deadline and could also move right-shot Jeff Petry.

The issue is the Coyotes seek a first-round pick as part of the return for Chychrun. The Canadiens don’t want to go into this year’s draft (which they’re hosting) without a first-rounder. Murphy’s source suggests it might be possible if the Canadiens acquire an additional first-round pick and include that in a pitch to the Coyotes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an interesting premise though we don’t know if that fits in with whatever plans the Canadiens new management has in store for this club. No way they’ll part with their first-round pick. It was supposed to go to the Coyotes as part of last summer’s Christian Dvorak deal but the Habs are now all but assured of retaining it given the conditions of the trade tied to their lowly position in the standings. If they do pursue Chychrun they could attempt to get the Coyotes to take on a salaried player to reduce some payroll.

Murphy suggested Jonathan Drouin, who has a year remaining at $5.25 million. However, the Coyotes could be on his three-team no-trade list plus they might prefer a player who’s not going to bolt on them via free agency next year.

THE ATHLETIC: Lisa Dillman examined the pros and cons of the Los Angeles Kings potentially acquiring Chychrun. While he could provide experienced depth to their top-four defense, there are concerns about the drop-off in his performance this season after a career-best effort in 2020-21. Still, he could be worth the risk if the asking price is reasonable and doesn’t include top prospect Quinton Byfield.

In a recent mailbag segment, Eric Stephens was asked if acquiring Chychrun would make sense for the Anaheim Ducks if they’re unable to sign pending free agent Hampus Lindholm to a contract extension. He believes the Coyotes blueliner’s affordable contract and puck-moving skills could make him a good replacement for Lindholm. However, the Coyotes aren’t under pressure to move Chychrun and their asking price could be costly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s some conjecture suggesting Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong wouldn’t want to ship Chychrun to a division or conference rival. Subsequent reports, however, dispute this, which only makes sense as Armstrong shouldn’t turn down a terrific offer simply because it comes from the Kings or Ducks.

For now, we don’t know if those two clubs have made a pitch for Chychrun but they’re both in a good position to do so. Nevertheless, they’re also not under any pressure right now to make a big move. They could prefer sticking with what they’ve got, see how this season plays out and look at Chychrun or other options via trades or free agency in the offseason.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

TSN (via THE SCORE): Pierre LeBrun reports the Ottawa Senators were a popular target for trade phone calls in recent days. They’re expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Possible trade chips include pending unrestricted free agents such as Chris Tierney, Zach Sanford, Nick Paul, Tyler Ennis, Josh Brown and Anton Forsberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also said the Senators have an opportunity to be buyers as well because of their salary-cap space to shape their roster for next season. The Athletic’s Ian Mendes took note of general manager Pierre Dorion’s recent comments on TSN 1200 suggesting they’re in a position where they can afford to move some draft picks and prospects for immediate help.

Mendes wondered if Senators GM Pierre Dorion might kick tires on pending restricted free agents with arbitration rights this summer who could prove difficult for their current clubs to re-sign. He brought up Vancouver’s Brock Boeser, Minnesota’s Kevin Fiala and Columbus’ Patrik Laine but it could take a massive contract to convince one of those players to invest in the rebuilding Senators’ long-term future.

As for the Senators’ pending UFAs, I think they’re willing to shop all but Forsberg and Paul. They’d like to re-sign those two though they could also hit the trade block if they intend to test the market this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 8, 2022

by | Feb 8, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 8, 2022

The Leafs down the Hurricanes, the Senators defeat the Devils, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAMES RECAPS

NHL.COM: Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews each scored twice as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Marner tallied the winner in overtime to extend his goals streak to eight games while Matthews moved into third place (31 goals) in the NHL goal-scoring race. The Leafs (63 points) have won six straight and sit three points behind the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Ottawa Senators forwards Connor Brown and Nick Paul each had a goal and an assist while goaltender Matt Murray made 32 saves in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils, handing the latter their seventh straight loss. Brown has missed nine games with a broken jaw.

HEADLINES

Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner and Florida Panthers forward Mason Marchment are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Feb.6, 2022.

SPORTSNET: Jack Eichel skated in practice with the Vegas Golden Knights without a non-contact jersey yesterday for the first time since they acquired him last November from the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s debut with the Golden Knights reportedly remains several weeks away. He could suit up by late February at the earliest but there’s talk his first game could take place in March.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins have shut down goaltender Tuukka Rask for the remainder of this week with a lower-body injury.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Netminder Mike Smith has come off injured reserve but his age and injury history suggest the Oilers cannot rely on him to carry the starter’s duties for the remainder of this season. He’s only appeared in six games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could turn to inexperienced Stuart Skinner if Smith gets hurt again and/or if Mikko Koskinen continues to struggle. General manager Ken Holland could also try to add a goalie before the March 21 trade deadline.

CBS SPORTS: The Ottawa Senators will be without center Josh Norris for two more weeks as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers signed top prospect goalie Mack Guzda to a three-year entry-level contract. Guzda, 21, is an undrafted netminder with the Barrie Colts who was the OHL’s top goalie in December and January. He’ll continue to play for the Colts but could join the Panthers or their AHL affiliate in Charlotte at the end of the OHL season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guzda signing prompted some observers to wonder if this move means the Panthers could shop young goalie Spencer Knight, perhaps to the Arizona Coyotes as part of a package for Jakob Chychrun before the March 21 trade deadline. However, I think that conjecture is premature. Trading away Knight this season would leave the Panthers without a reliable backup for Sergei Bobrovsky. They won’t toss an inexperienced kid into that role.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2022

by | Feb 7, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2022

Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and Hurricanes GM Don Waddell outline their plans for the trade deadline plus some suggested trade destinations for Claude Giroux in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST ON THE LEAFS AND HURRICANES

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas wants to see what a healthy and complete roster can do in the coming weeks before reaching any decisions regarding potential moves before the March 21 trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas (NHL.com)

Dubas hopes to see how young defensemen Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren fare over the next several weeks. The Leafs GM would prefer adding players with term remaining on their contracts. However, he pointed out salary cap limitations will have an effect upon whatever decisions he makes before the deadline. Dubas would prefer retaining his draft picks but they could be in play if necessary.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes Dubas will be aggressive at the trade deadline to address an apparent need on the blueline or to shore up other roster weaknesses that could crop up before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are in “win-now” mode this season, perhaps more so than in previous years given their inability to get past the first round. Another early postseason exit could spell the end of Dubas’ tenure as general manager. He’s proven adept at salary-cap gymnastics in the past and I don’t doubt he’ll find some cap flexibility to make a deal that helps his club.

We can expect to hear the Leafs being linked to a number of notable trade candidates in the coming weeks. They’ve already been tied to Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson despite being on his “no-trade” list.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell isn’t feeling any urgency to make a deal right now simply for the sake of doing so. The Hurricanes are on pace for a franchise record of 124 points this season. He’s also not feeling any pressure to react to whatever his division or conference rivals do.

LeBrun points out the Hurricanes are deep in young prospects to draw upon for trade bait to address any need that could arise. He speculates their priority could be adding a left-side defenseman though it remains to be seen if it’s a 4/5 blueliner or a 6/7 rearguard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be surprising if Waddell swings a deal or two before the trade deadline. Still, he can afford to take his time with his club playing as well as it is. If his roster remains healthy he could stand pat or make an affordable minor depth addition.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR GIROUX

THE SCORE: John Matisz listed the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche as his suggested trade destinations for Claude Giroux. The versatile 34-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Speculation over Giroux’s future in Philadelphia has been growing with the Flyers near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. General manager Chuck Fletcher has left it up to Giroux to decide if he’ll waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames need secondary scoring, the Wild and Bruins need reliable second-line centers while the Avalanche could use Giroux’s two-way skills on their second line. Whether any of those clubs are on his no-trade list and if they can afford the Flyers’ asking price (which could be a first-round pick and a top prospect) remains to be seen.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2022

by | Feb 7, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2022

Devils center Jack Hughes enters COVID protocol, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour considers the Panthers a juggernaut, the Wild look like Stanley Cup contenders, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

ESPN.COM: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes was placed on the NHL’s COVID protocol list after participating in the 2022 All-Star Game over the weekend.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how many other All-Star participants join Hughes on the protocol list.

SPORTSNET (via THE SCORE): Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour praised the Florida Panthers when asked about them during an interview on Friday. “That’s the juggernaut for me,” he said, commending the club’s management for the “great job” it did to construct the roster. “There’s no weaknesses,” said Brind’Amour.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers could get even better if they land a top-four, left-side defenseman before the March 21 trade deadline. Their only real weakness is the lack of playoff success. Perhaps that will change this year.

TWINCITIES.COM: Dane Mizutani points out the Minnesota Wild’s current record of 28 wins, 10 losses and three overtime losses is a franchise-best after 41 games. He cites several factors, including the one-two scoring punch of Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, that makes them legitimate Stanley Cup contenders this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild’s lack of experienced depth at center could hold them back, but there’s no question they’ve become a rising force since last season in the Western Conference.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW (via THE SCORE): Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke praised general manager Ron Hextall’s support of Tristan Jarry after the latter’s struggles during last year’s playoffs. Jarry is enjoying a bounce-back performance this season. He’s among this season’s top netminders and played in the 2022 All-Star Game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hextall ignored calls to find a replacement for Jarry via trade or free agency last summer. Some observers still believe the Penguins should go shopping for a goalie but those calls are now for a reliable backup for Jarry.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks fired long-time Rockford Icehogs head athletic trainer D.J. Jones in November for sexual harassment that allegedly took place in 2014 but didn’t come to light until recently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can’t find the words to describe my reaction to this story given everything about the Blackhawks organization that’s preceded this report. Disgust doesn’t seem sufficient to cover it.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators are among the Canadian clubs that approached the NHL about playing some home games within the stringent rules in Ontario regarding large gatherings that are in place until March.

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 6, 2022

by | Feb 6, 2022

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 6, 2022

Could Claude Giroux draw interest from the Flames? What’s the latest on Mark Giordano? Could the Rangers use a promising player as a trade chip? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE FLAMES PURSUE GIROUX?

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Steve Mcfarland points to Claude Giroux’s MVP performance at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game as justification for why the 34-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward could help the Calgary Flames. They’re seeking secondary scoring depth and Giroux could address that need. Mcfarland envisions him as their second-line center with Mikael Backlund shifting to the third line.

Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux (NHL Images).

Giroux can also skate on the wing, which would provide options for the Flames’ top nine. Mcfarland believes he’d adjust well to head coach Darryl Sutter’s system. He feels the Flames can send some salary to the Flyers and the potential for the latter to retain some salary could make the deal work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It comes down to whether Giroux waives his no-movement clause. If he does, would he consider the Flames as a Stanley Cup contender or would he see another Western team having a better opportunity? One has to think he’d be interested if the Colorado Avalanche came calling. He could also prefer sticking with an Eastern club.

LATEST ON GIORDANO

NHL.COM: Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis intends to meet with Mark Giordano to discuss the 37-year-old defenseman’s future as the March 21 trade deadline approaches. The Kraken captain is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giordano seems likely to be shopped before the trade deadline if he and Francis cannot reach an agreement on a contract extension. Recent trade conjecture linked him to the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers. We can’t dismiss the possibility of Giordano being traded to a playoff contender and then returning to the Kraken this summer as a free agent.

COULD THE RANGERS SHOP LUNDKVIST?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks suggests the rise of young Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider could make Nils Lundkvist “the blue chip most likely to be played approaching this year’s March 21 trade deadline” by the Blueshirts. He recommends they add a puck-mover who can beat a hard forecheck if they’re looking to bulk up the left side of their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers could part with a promising young player for a return that provides significant help to their roster now. Lundkvist could be that trade option if they’re happy with Schneider.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2022

by | Feb 6, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2022

Claude Giroux leads Metropolitan Division to victory in the 2022 All-Star Game. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux was named the most valuable player of the 2022 NHL All-Star Game as he led the Metropolitan Division to two victories in the 3-on-3 tournament format. Giroux finished with three goals and an assist, including two goals in the clinching 5-3 victory over the Central Division, taking home a 2022 Honda Passport.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux was named MVP of the 2022 NHL All-Star Game (NHL.com)

Giroux became the third Flyer in All-Star Game history to win MVP honors, joining Reggie Leach (1980) and Wayne Simmonds (2017).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Giroux, whose performance in the All-Star Game has put more focus on his uncertain future in Philadelphia. He’s eligible for unrestricted free agent status this summer, making him the subject of increasing trade speculation. I’ll have more on that in the Rumors section.

St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou led all scorers in the tournament with two goals and three assists for five points across two games, followed by Giroux, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (three goals and one assist) and Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski with two goals and two assists.

RDS.CA: Speaking of the Flyers, Daniel Briere will reportedly be named as assistant general manager to GM Chuck Fletcher. The former Flyers winger is the current vice-president of hockey operations for the ECHL’s Maine Mariners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere hasn’t been officially announced as assistant GM yet but that could come in the next day or so. He was also a candidate for the Montreal Canadiens general manager position, which eventually went to former player agent Kent Hughes.

TSN.CA: The Chicago Blackhawks have interviewed Scott Mellanby for their general manager position. A former NHL forward, Mellanby was assistant GM with the Montreal Canadiens from 2014 until his resignation last November.