NHL Rumor Mill – November 24, 2021

by | Nov 24, 2021

NHL Rumor Mill – November 24, 2021

​The Sharks are reportedly willing to retain salary to move Evander Kane, Golden Knights forward Mattias Janmark could become a trade candidate plus the latest Coyotes speculation in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman the San Jose Sharks could be willing to retain part of Evander Kane’s salary to facilitate a trade.

San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

Appearing on the Jeff Marek Show on Tuesday, Friedman said the Sharks have let it be known they’re willing to retain some salary if a deal for Kane could be worked out. “I don’t know who’s going to trade for him right now,” he said. “I just don’t know where that is at this particular point in time or even if that’s realistic.”

Peng pointed out Kane has four years and $28 million remaining on his contract. He’s currently serving a 21-game suspension for unspecified COVID-19 protocol violations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane has a well-documented recent history of financial and domestic problems this year as well as clashing with several teammates. The Sharks tried shopping him during the offseason but found no takers.

Kane was the Sharks leading scorer last season. Nevertheless, his personal baggage and reportedly toxic dressing-room presence make him pretty much untradeable even if the Sharks were willing to retain up to half of his $7 million annual average value.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Owen Krepps recently mused over Mattias Janmark’s future with the Vegas Golden Knights. Signed to a one-year, $2-million contract by Vegas, he’s had a slow start to the season in part because of injury.

Krepps speculated Janmark could become a trade candidate later in the season even if his play improves. The Golden Knights are projected to be over the salary cap by $7 million when Jack Eichel returns from neck surgery later this season. They could be willing to part with Janmark to clear some cap room before Eichel joins the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Janmark isn’t in any danger of moving at this point in the season but his status could be worth monitoring following the February Olympic break. That’s when Eichel could be ready to make his Vegas debut.

Janmark could surface in the rumor mill leading up to the March 21 trade deadline. His affordable cap hit, versatility and postseason experience would make him enticing for playoff contenders.

GOPHNX.COM: In a recent mailbag segment, Craig Morgan was asked if the Arizona Coyotes were looking into acquiring Los Angeles Kings center Gabriel Vilardi or New York Rangers winger Vitali Kravtsov. He said he hasn’t heard of any interest in either player on the Coyotes’ part, adding a source in Los Angeles said Vilardi’s trade value is too low right now.

Asked to rank the Coyotes trade deadline assets, Morgan listed Shayne Gostisbehere, Johan Larsson, Phil Kessel and Lawson Crouse as having the most value. Regarding Gostisbehere, Morgan believes he could be attractive to other clubs if he continues producing at his current pace.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes will be sellers at the trade deadline as general manager Bill Armstrong looks to stock up further on draft picks and prospects for his rebuilding club. Kessel, Larsson and Crouse are unrestricted free agents while Gostisbehere has a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $4.5 million.

Kessel’s playoff experience will draw interest from playoff clubs seeking to bolster their scoring punch up front. Gostisbehere, meanwhile, is the Coyotes’ leading scorer with 14 points in 19 games. That extra year on his contract could make him enticing for clubs seeking a puck-moving blueliner they can retain beyond this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2021

by | Nov 24, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 24, 2021

​The Flames expand their lead in the Western Conference, Connor McDavid’s point streak comes to an end, Steven Stamkos reaches a milestone and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames (29 points) opened a three-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers atop the Western Conference by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. Matthew Tkachuk broke a 2-2 tie in the third period while Trevor Lewis and Johnny Gaudreau put the game out of reach. The Flames have won four straight.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Speaking of the Oilers, they were beaten 4-1 by the Dallas Stars, snapping Connor McDavid’s point streak at 17 games. Stars defenseman John Klingberg collected three assists while teammate Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist. Oilers defenseman Duncan Keith left the game midway through the second period with an upper-body injury.

Andrei Vasilevskiy had a 34-save shutout and Steven Stamkos scored a goal and set up two others as the Tampa Bay Lightning blanked the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0. Stamkos became the seventh active player to tally at least three points in a game 80 times in their career.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning center Brayden Point will be sidelined for four to six weeks with an upper-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders have seven players in COVID protocol as Zdeno Chara became the latest to receive a positive test. Chara joins Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Ross Johnston, Adam Pelech, Andy Greene and Kieffer Bellows.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the third team to suffer a COVID-19 outbreak since late October. The San Jose Sharks also had seven players and a coach sidelined while the Ottawa Senators had three games postponed last week with 10 players and a coach waylaid by the coronavirus. All the players were fully vaccinated.

The Sharks didn’t have any games postponed and there’s no indication yet if the Isles’ schedule will require any changes. This will also stoke concern over the possibility of the NHL pulling out of participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The league has until Jan. 10, 2022, to make that decision.

The Islanders got additional bad news yesterday when they announced leading scorer Brock Nelson will be out two to four weeks with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon is listed as week-to-week following a lower-body injury suffered during a recent game against the Florida Panthers.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens defenseman Brett Kulak will miss the club’s upcoming three-game road trip with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Injuries will keep Red Wings defenseman Troy Stecher (wrist) and center Mitchell Stephens (lower body) on the shelf until after the February Olympic break.

NORTHJERSEY.COM: The New Jersey Devils officially unveiled their third jersey yesterday. Designed by former Devils great Martin Brodeur, it is a black jersey with the “Jersey” on the front.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The unveiling was spoiled when photos of the third jersey were leaked the day prior. The reaction seemed mixed on social media with some folks liking it, some hating it and some amused by the name on the front, sparking a good-natured reply from the Devils.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME: Mike Gartner takes over as chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee while Cammi Granato joins the 18-member committee. Gartner replaces John Davidson, who is retiring from the position on Dec. 31.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 23, 2021

by | Nov 23, 2021

NHL Rumor Mill – November 23, 2021

​Could the struggling Canucks trade J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser? Are the Wild interested in one of them? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

CANUCKS ARMY: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating tension is really high among the Vancouver Canucks organization. “Everybody’s looking around at everybody else and saying, ‘okay, we’re waiting for something to happen.’ Is it going to be an executive? Is it going to be a coach or is it going to be a player? Who’s it going to be,” he said.

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller (NHL Images).

Friedman also observed there are agents calling the Canucks trying to figure out who’s getting moved if anyone. He also said he’s heard from a couple of teams that saying they can tell the Canucks are trying to be careful to avoid making a move that could hurt them for decades.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Minnesota Wild have contacted the Canucks expressing interest in J.T. Miller. He speculates the Wild would likely dangle winger Kevin Fiala, who’s on an expiring contract and has managed just three goals this season despite 58 shots.

Fiala could regain his scoring touch with a change of scenery but Kuzma believes the Wild must sweeten the deal if they hope to land Miller. He suggested big winger Jordan Greenway but felt he’d be better suited to a fourth-line role rather than skating alongside Elias Pettersson. He’s also on an expiring contract worth $2.1 million this season, which could be difficult for the cap-strapped Canucks to absorb.

Kuzma thinks a logical ask by the Canucks in any trade would be a high draft pick. They shipped their 2022 second-round pick to the Arizona Coyotes in the offseason. Kuzma wondered if Fiala and a second-rounder would be enough for Miller or would it take another pick to close the deal. He also suggested the Wild could be just fishing in hope of landing a player who can help them get out of a tough division and make noise in the playoffs.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY NOW: Rob Simpson reports NHL executives will tell you Brock Boeser has been “out there” since the offseason but the trade talk has heated up in recent days. Simpson wondered if that knowledge might be contributing to the 24-year-old winger’s woeful production of late.

Simpson noted Canucks general manager Jim Benning didn’t rule out the possibility of trades during his media availability last week. It appears there’s interest in Boeser but it won’t be easy finding a trade partner with sufficient cap space and a glut of defensemen. He also cited a source saying Elias Pettersson wouldn’t be happy if Boeser was traded. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are a hot mess and show no sign of significant improvement. Team owner Francesco Aquilini met with Benning last week but apparently, no changes were in the offing as Aquilini intended to remain patient.

The takeaway from that suggests Benning and head coach Travis Green are safe for now. That could mean a shakeup trade could be coming if the Canucks’ fortunes don’t improve soon.

Fiala is a scoring winger but consistency has long been an issue with his production. The 25-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. His $5.1 million cap hit this season is comparable to Miller’s $5.25 million and would be a little more affordable than Boeser’s $5.875 million. Greenway is also an RFA with arbitration rights next summer.

If Miller or Boeser are available I would expect Benning will be getting some interest from clubs other than the Wild. Given his uneven trade record, however, Canucks fans will be understandably nervous about his ability to land a solid return for either guy.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2021

by | Nov 23, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 23, 2021

​Cale Makar sets an Avalanche record, Troy Terry’s point streak comes to an end, the three stars of the week and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Cale Makar scored twice to become the first defenseman in Colorado Avalanche history to record multiple goals in consecutive games in a 7-5 win over the Ottawa Senators. Nazem Kadri had a goal and three assists and Andre Burakovsky collected three assists for the Avs. Zach Sanford netted a hat trick for the Senators in their first game since having three games postponed last week due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Senators defenseman Josh Brown left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After stumbling from the gate the Avalanche (19 points) have won five straight games to sit just two points out of a wild-card position in the Western Conference

The Nashville Predators nipped the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on a third-period goal by Yakov Trenin. Ryan Johansen had a goal and an assist for the Predators. Ducks winger Troy Terry was held off the score sheet, bringing his season-opening points streak to an end at 16 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Jack Roslovic tallied his first two goals of the season and collected an assist in a 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Jackets forward Max Domi scored and chipped in two assists and Vladislav Gavrikov also potted two goals. Tage Thompson scored twice for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltending has once again become a weakness for the Sabres. Their 3.39 goals-against per game is the fifth-worst in the league.

The St. Louis Blues scored five unanswered goals to down the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Vladimir Tarasenko and David Perron each had two assists and defenseman Justin Faulk scored his 100th career goal.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry’s shutout streak ended at 161:31 but he still made 30 saves for a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Danton Heinen and Jake Guentzel scored the only goals in the third period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There were questions about Jarry’s ability to carry the load as the Penguins’ starting goalie after a shaky 2020-21 performance. He’s silencing his critics thus far this season, sporting an 8-4-3 record with a 2.09 goals-against average, a .930 save percentage and two shutouts.

An overtime goal by Alexander Barabanov lifted the San Jose Sharks over the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1, snapping the latter’s four-game winning streak. Hurricanes defenseman Ethan Bear missed the game after being placed in COVID protocol following a positive test yesterday. Meanwhile, Hurricanes rookie Seth Jarvis played his 10th game of the season, activating the first year of his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise Jarvis is staying put. The 19-year-old forward is playing well with four goals and six points in 10 games.

HEADLINES

Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Nov. 21.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Flyers center Kevin Hayes is listed as week-to-week after suffering a re-injury against Calgary on Nov. 16. He only recently returned from offseason abdominal surgery.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman was fined $4,250.00 by the NHL department of player safety for slew-footing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ross Colton.

The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Riley Stillman (left knee) on injured reserve.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 22, 2021

by | Nov 22, 2021

NHL Rumor Mill – November 22, 2021

​What will the Sharks do with Evander Kane? What are some possible trade destinations for Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot? Should the Rangers shop Alexandar Georgiev? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz wondered what the San Jose Sharks will do with Evander Kane when the 30-year-old winger’s 21-game suspension ends in about a week. General manager Doug Wilson has kept his plans for Kane under wraps. It would take some time for the winger to return to game shape as it appears he didn’t spend much time on the ice during his suspension.

San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

Kane was the Sharks leading scorer last season. However, his troublesome personality upset several of his teammates. Bringing him back into the lineup could disrupt team chemistry.

It’s unknown if Kane wants to return to the Sharks. Given his off-ice issues, trying to trade him if he wants out could prove almost impossible. The Sharks could buy him out but that would leave considerable dead cap space on their books for the next six seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how Wilson handles this situation. He attempted to trade Kane in the offseason but couldn’t find any takers. Factor in his contract with its $7 million annual average value over the next three years and it’s doubtful Wilson will have better luck moving him during the season.

A contract buyout would have to wait until the offseason. Cap Friendly indicates that will cause some salary-cap headaches over the next six years but it would clear a big chunk of his current cap hit from their books while ridding themselves of a divisive player from their dressing room. However, that doesn’t address the immediate issue of what to do with him once his suspension is over.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Mitch Gallo listed the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche as potential trade destinations for Ben Chiarot. The 30-year-old Montreal Canadiens defenseman has become a recent subject of trade speculation by several pundits. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes Chiarot could fetch a first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a comeback for the ages, the Canadiens will be sellers leading up to the March 21 trade deadline. Pending unrestricted free agents like Chiarot could be dangled in the trade market but I don’t see that happening this early in the season despite the Habs’ current woes. They’ll likely wait until after the February Olympic break to move him in order to maximize the potential return.

The Islanders could use Chiarot right now but I’ll be surprised if general manager Lou Lamoriello parts with a first-rounder to get him. The Avalanche got off to a stumbling start but seem to have righted their ship and don’t appear in any hurry to swing a deal. The Oilers and Leafs are playing well so they’ll likely wait until the second half of the season to consider any significant moves.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers have a backup goaltending problem after watching Alexandar Georgiev give up four goals on 18 shots in yesterday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres before being relieved by starter Igor Shesterkin. The Rangers would win the game 5-4.

Brooks observed something seems wrong with Georgiev’s performance this season. He indicated the 25-year-old netminder has been unhappy as a backup and has wanted out for a while even if he hasn’t formally requested a trade. He claimed the Rangers made Georgiev available this summer but couldn’t get a nibble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Brooks pointed out, Georgiev’s poor play this season will further diminish his trade value. The Rangers need a more reliable backup for Shesterkin to avoid overworking their starter. If Georgiev wants out he’ll have to perform better in order to entice a rival club into acquiring him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2021

by | Nov 22, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2021

​The Flames collect their league-leading seventh shutout of the season, Marc-Andre Fleury blanks the Canucks with a 40-save effort, Leafs rookie Joseph Woll gets his first shutout, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames picked up their league-leading seventh shutout of the season by blanking the Boston Bruins 4-0. Dan Vladar made 27 saves for his second shutout, Johnny Gaudreau tallied the game-winner and Andrew Mangiapane scored his 15th goal of the season. With 27 points, the Flames (11-3-5) move a point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers into first place in the Western Conference.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made 40 stops to backstop his club to a 1-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Brandon Hagel scored the only goal as the Blackhawks (6-10-2) have won five of their last six games. The free-falling Canucks (6-11-2) have won just three of their last 10 contests.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll kicked out 20 shots for his first career NHL shutout to beat the New York Islanders 3-0. Mitch Marner scored twice for the Leafs. The COVID-ravaged Islanders got Anthony Beauvillier back following a false positive on Saturday but Kieffer Bellows sat out following a positive test. Center Brock Nelson left the game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

Steven Stamkos’ shootout goal gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Lightning blew a 4-2 lead as the Wild rallied back late in the third period on goals by Kevin Fiala and Joel Eriksson Ek. Anthony Cirelli netted two goals for the Lightning. Earlier in the day, the Lightning revealed center Brayden Point will be sidelined indefinitely by an upper-body injury.

The New York Rangers nipped the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 on Ryan Lindgren’s goal with 0.7 seconds remaining in regulation. Artemi Panarin collected three assists for the Rangers (11-4-3), who’ve won five of their last six contests.

Seattle Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer turned aside 37 shots as his club snapped a six-game losing skid by downing the Washington Capitals 5-2. Jaden Schwartz scored a goal and collected three assists for the Kraken while Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin potted his 745th career goal.

The Arizona Coyotes picked up their fourth win of the season and their second in a row by beating the Los Angeles Kings 2-1. Kyle Capobianco scored in overtime while Karel Vejmelka made 37 saves for his first NHL victory. The Kings have lost four straight.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens have sent goaltender Cayden Primeau back to their AHL affiliate in Laval.