NHL Rumor Mill – November 13, 2024

by | Nov 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 13, 2024

Are more moves coming for the Penguins? What changes could be coming in the next CBA? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PENGUINS?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t engaging in a fire sale despite recent speculation.

Dreger claims Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas recently reached out to other GMs around the league to let them know he’s open for business and to call him if they have any ideas. However, that’s standard practice for NHL general managers, especially those with struggling teams but there’s no sense of panic.

DK PITTSBURGH SPORTS: Taylor Haase reported a league source told her Dubas had let it be known that “everyone is available, except 87 (Sidney Crosby)”. However, he doesn’t intend to tear down the roster and start a full rebuild. Haase believes that won’t happen until Crosby retires.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images).

Any future moves by Dubas will be to get back players instead of draft picks and prospects. He remains committed to trying to win with at least Crosby.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These reports came out before the Penguins traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals yesterday evening.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman pointed out that selling off pending unrestricted free agents (like Eller) is common practice for teams near the bottom of the standings like the Penguins. Potential rental chips include Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Marcus Pettersson and Matt Grzelcyk.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kelsey Surmacz added Jesse Puljujaarvi to that list of pending UFAs. She also suggested players signed beyond this season like Noel Acciari, Alex Nedeljkovic, and perhaps Kris Letang.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those pending UFAs likely won’t fetch much as far as players go. As for Letang, he has a full no-movement clause until the end of 2025-26, which he’ll have a 10-team no-trade list. He could waive it to go elsewhere but there’s no certainty he will.

Everyone may be available but some could be difficult to move because of their no-movement clauses (Evgeni Malkin) or a combination of expensive contracts and slumping performance (Erik Karlsson).

WHAT CHANGES COULD WE SEE IN THE NEXT NHL CBA?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported on feedback from the NHL general managers to tweak the CBA in the next round of collective bargaining with the players, slated to start next year.

Reducing term limits on player contracts was the one that most interested LeBrun. According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, it wasn’t anything more specific than the GMs saying if they could achieve bargaining shorter contract limits, it should be on the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun reminds us that contract term limits were a contentious issue during the 2012 negotiation. Both sides agreed on eight years for a player re-signing with his team and seven years for those signing elsewhere as unrestricted free agents.

Other issues raised by the general managers include revising the restricted free agent compensation chart for offer sheets, potentially moving to a high/low model for salary arbitration, updating the walkaway thresholds for arbitration awards, and expanding buyout rights.

LeBrun indicated the preliminary sense is neither side wants another difficult CBA battle, preferring to make tweaks rather than major changes. Nevertheless, he cautions that things could change once both sides are in the same room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL has come out of the uncertainty of the COVID seasons with growing revenue due to factors like expansion, the rise of sports gambling and recent national broadcasting deals in the United States.

Neither side wants to do anything that will jeopardize that growth. Talks could go sideways if one side digs in its heels, but I believe they’ll reach an agreement the current CBA expires in September 2026 without too much difficulty.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2024

by | Nov 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Bruins could be planning a shakeup, the latest on Trevor Zegras, the Leafs could use another center, defensemen potentially available at the trade deadline, and a coaching rumor involving the Canadiens is debunked.

ARE THE BRUINS PLANNING A BIG CHANGE.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a belief among some NHL general managers that the Boston Bruins could be on the verge of a big change.

Murphy cited “a well-placed, NHL executive” telling him to “be on the lookout” for a potential shakeup move by the Bruins. It’s uncertain if that’ll be a coaching change or a trade.

The source claimed it’s no secret Bruins general manager Don Sweeney wants to add a top-six winger but he could also snag another top-six center.

It was rumored Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo drew the interest of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, their recent addition of Dante Fabbro likely shelves those discussions for now.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Another source told Murphy the Bruins were talking to the Utah Hockey Club and the Anaheim Ducks. The latter raised the question of the availability of struggling forward Trevor Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A coaching change seems more likely than a major trade at this point in the season. Nevertheless, it’s still early in the season and the Bruins are currently among the top eight in the Eastern Conference.

Sweeney could conduct diligence in the trade market by calling to see who’s available. However, he could remain patient and give his team time to improve.

Speaking of Zegras…

TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE ATHLETIC’S CHRIS JOHNSTON

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked if there were any trade talks about Trevor Zegras. The 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward is struggling to score this season and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Johnston indicated trade discussions about Zegras might pick up at some point this season. However, it doesn’t seem like a priority or a serious thought right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The more Zegras struggles the more his value drops in the trade market. The Ducks would likely prefer offers with a first-round pick involved but interested clubs will try to capitalize on his poor production by offering up considerably less.

A reader asked Johnston if the Toronto Maple Leafs might try to add a third-line center. He believes they’ll likely attempt to do so by the March 7 trade deadline. Johnston pointed out they’ll have cap room if they wish to add a player signed beyond this season with a couple of big cap hits due to expire next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He’s referring to Mitch Marner and John Tavares as they could depart via free agency in July. Tavares could stay but he’ll have to accept much less than his current $11 million average annual value. However, that could be taken up by a hefty raise for Marner.

Johnston was asked which defensemen might become available by the March 7 trade deadline. Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets tops his list, followed by Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov and Ceci are slated to become UFAs next summer and are the most likely of this group to get moved. Fowler is signed through 2025-26 and could entice teams looking for more than a blueline playoff rental but the Ducks might have to retain part of his $6.5 million AAV. Ristolainen has an AAV of $5.1 million but the two years left on his deal could be a sticking point.

CANADIENS DENY SPEAKING WITH GALLANT

TVA SPORTS: cited a recent rumor from BPM Sports’ Georges Laraque claiming Montreal Canadiens management met with former NHL coach Gerard Gallant over the weekend.

Laraque claimed Canadiens GM Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis met with Gallant in Toronto to discuss a coaching position with the club. However, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports no member of the Canadiens met with Gallant in Toronto or anywhere else.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

by | Nov 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, a look at the latest speculation involving several notable pending restricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding this season’s top-12 restricted free agents. Here’s a look at several of the notables.

Fox believes the Edmonton Oilers could end up paying defenseman Evan Bouchard an average annual value of “somewhere in the $10.5 million range” on his next contract.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard’s production this season (seven points in 15 games) is below last season’s pace (82 points in 81 games). He’s on pace to barely reach 40 points, something he did in 2022-23 (42) and 2023-24 (40).

Bouchard’s earning an AAV of $3.9 million on his current deal. He’ll still get a substantial raise if he finishes with 40 points but not the $10.5 million that he’d be in line for if he reached 80 points.

New York Islanders blueliner Noah Dobson could get something nearing $8 million annually on an eight-year contract if general manager Lou Lamoriello wants to go long-term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson carries an AAV of $4 million on his current contract. He’s the Isles’ best puck-moving rearguard, netting 51 points in 2021-22, 49 points in 2022-23, and a career-high 70 last season. He’s been a bargain for them thus far but could seek between $7 million and $8 million on his next deal.

Fox suggests Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston could get something comparable to the seven-year, $7.14 million AAV signed by Matty Beniers with the Seattle Kraken. He also speculated a mid-term bridge deal as a possibility given teammates Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven are in line for raises after 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston will be coming off his entry-level contract and will lack arbitration rights next summer. Stars management will hold all the leverage here.

A long-term comparable for New Jersey Devils blueliner Luke Hughes would be Brock Faber’s eight-year, $8.5 million AAV with the Minnesota Wild. That would elevate his annual salary over brother Jack’s $8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Johnston, Luke will be completing his ELC and will have little leverage in negotiations. Management could be reluctant to pay him more than Jack at this stage of his career. A bridge deal could be an option here.

Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka could seek something north of $7 million on a long-term deal if GM Kevyn Adams wants to use up some of his UFA years. A bridge contract could be the easier route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka is also on his ELC. He reached a career-high 50 points last season but is now on a point-per-game pace. He’ll be in line for over $7 million annually if he maintains that production throughout this season.

Re-signing forward Fabian Zetterlund could be a priority for San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier. He’s off to a good start and is tight with teammate William Eklund. The rebuilding Sharks have plenty of cap space so a long-term deal is possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zetterlund was among the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2023-24 campaign for the Sharks, finishing with 20 goals and 44 points. The 25-year-old winger carries an AAV of $1.45 million and has 10 points in 16 games this season, putting him on track for over 50 points. That could put him in line for around $5 million annually.

A comparable contract for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is the five-year, $6.25 million extension signed by Quinton Byfield with the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is in the final season of his ELC. He had 43 points in 80 games during his rookie season (2022-23) and 42 points in 64 games last season. He’s on pace to exceed 50 points this season. Byfield got his deal after hitting 55 points last season.

Limited cap space could affect the New York Rangers’ efforts to re-sign K’Andre Miller. It’ll cost them $4.65 million to qualify his rights. Fox speculates a long-term deal could cost between $6 million and $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap is projected to rise to $92 million for 2025-26, giving the Rangers over $25 million in cap space.

$12 million of that could go toward re-signing Igor Shesterkin. It’s believed they’ll try to trade Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit next summer. That could give them enough to re-sign Miller and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren. However, the long-term cap hit could make it difficult to retain Artemi Panarin before his UFA eligibility in 2026.

The Minnesota Wild’s tight budget and the rise of promising center prospects (Danila Yurov, Riely Heidt) could make it tricky to sign Marco Rossi to a long-term deal. GM Bill Guerin must keep an eye down the road when superstar Kirill Kaprizov is due for a new contract. Fox speculates a two-year bridge deal at $6.25 million annually could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi had 21 goals and 40 points as a rookie last season. He has 13 points in 14 games, putting him on track for around 80 points. However, Guerin will hold the leveral with Rossi coming off his ELC.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

by | Nov 10, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Predators, Canadiens, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed the suggestion that the Rangers might get Igor Shesterkin under contract for an average annual value of $11.5 million. “It’s going to be more, I think at least another half a million a year.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most pundits believe Shesterkin will get at least $12 million annually on his next contract. If the Rangers balk at that price, other clubs will line up to pay him.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Brooks also raised the issue of how the Rangers will afford to re-sign Artemi Panarin when the 33-year-old left winger’s contract expires at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll depend on how much Panarin wants and how much cap space the Rangers have after re-signing Shesterkin, K’Andre Miller, and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren this summer.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz continues to search for a center but it’s not easy. “When you’re struggling, you get thrown anvils, not life-preservers,” writes Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also reported on Trotz’s comments last week about implementing his rebuild plan and subsequent clarification that he might consider calling up some young players if his team doesn’t improve soon. He has no intention of tearing down the roster by staging a fire sale of his veteran stars.

Friedman also reported the Predators placed defenseman Dante Fabbro on waivers. He believes Fabbro won’t be claimed because of his $2.5 million cap hit, which most teams can’t afford now.

The 26-year-old blueliner is available for trade. He could be sent to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he’ll get more playing time and interested teams can get a better look at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fabbro was the Predators’ first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. However, he’s struggled to establish himself as a full-time top-four defenseman in Nashville.

The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie wondered if the Ottawa Senators might put in a claim for Fabbro or attempt to trade for him. The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney raised the same question about the Edmonton Oilers.

McKenzie noted Fabbro’s limited offensive upside and cap hit made him question if the Sens would consider adding him. Those factors could also raise red flags for the Oilers.

CANADIENS SHOULD TRADE FOR A GOALTENDER

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey recently weighed in on reports claiming the Canadiens are shopping around for a defenseman and a physical forward.

Some observers have tied the Canadiens to Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic but Hickey dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading him to a division rival. He also rejected the clamor from some Habs followers to acquire Trevor Zegras, the skilled winger currently struggling with the Anaheim Ducks.

Hickey believes the Canadiens’ biggest need is an upgrade between the pipes. Their goalie tandem of Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau hasn’t been able to steal some games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market is even thinner for quality goalies. There’s no help coming on the horizon for the Habs. They must find a way to dig themselves out of their current mess.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported the Boston Bruins have looked around in the trade market. However, they’re trying to be patient with their club and let their group work out its problems.

Friedman also mentioned Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is still working the phones. Teams are asking about Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens but Adams doesn’t want to subtract from his roster.

The NHL and NHL Players Association didn’t ask for an expedited grievance regarding the Philadelphia Flyers’ efforts to terminate Ryan Johansen’s contract. Friedman explains that means no one is in a hurry to have this adjudicated and it will take time until there’s an outcome.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2024

by | Nov 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2024

The Sabres are getting calls about defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens plus the latest on Bruins forward Trent Frederic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

SPORTSNET: During the Nov. 8 episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Buffalo Sabres are looking around the trade market to see what’s available to help their team. That’s prompted rumors that defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens might be available.

Friedman pointed out that Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is trying to help his team. However, the rival GMs he’s spoken with want Byram or Cozens. Adams’ response is he’s trying to add to his club, not subtract.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Some teams hope to buy low on Cozens because he’s been struggling this season. According to Friedman, Adams is telling them he’s not interested.

DONNIE & DHALI: Byram was mentioned to Friedman earlier this week as there was “a lot of talk” in Vancouver about his availability. The Sabres rearguard played his junior hockey there.

Friedman’s reply was similar to what he said on Friday. He didn’t know if Byram was available, believing the Sabres wanted to add rather than subtract. He thinks they would consider it if Byram fetched a return that made them better.

They also discussed what the Canucks could be looking for in the trade market. Friedman believes they’re looking for defensemen and trying to determine what’s out there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect to see Byram or Cozens suiting up with another club anytime soon. Rival clubs hope they can fleece Adams if he gets desperate. Based on Friedman’s account, the Sabres GM wants no part of those deals.

Friedman’s remarks about what the Canucks might do in the trade market came before they shipped Daniel Sprong to the Seattle Kraken on Friday. He mentioned they might look at bringing up Jonathan Lekkerimaki at some point. The Sprong trade could set the stage for Lekkerimaki’s call-up.

BRUINS NOT SHOPPING FREDERIC

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an “NHL executive source” claiming he hasn’t heard Trent Frederic’s name in the trade circuit. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported some teams were interested in the pending free-agent forward.

Murphy’s source wouldn’t be surprised if teams called Boston about Frederic, but that doesn’t mean they want to move him. As far as he knows, the Bruins aren’t shopping him.

If Frederic does become available, Murphy’s source believes the Blues would be interested in the St. Louis native.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues wouldn’t be the only club. New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes the Devils should monitor Frederic’s status.

The Bruins stumbled from the gate this season but GM Don Sweeney isn’t about to start trading away his pending UFA players. He needs them to help right the ship. The earliest Frederic might become available is leading up to the March 7 trade deadline, and only if the Bruins are out of playoff contention.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2024

by | Nov 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2024

The improved trade value of Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and the latest on the Predators and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RISTOLAINEN COULD BE A VALUABLE TRADE CHIP FOR THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco believes much-maligned defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has morphed into a valuable trade chip for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Ristolainen has filled in for the sidelined Cam York as Travis Sanheim’s defense partner. He’s looked good thus far, averaging over 19 minutes per game.

It’s still a long way from the March 7 trade deadline and a lot can happen before then. Nevertheless, Ristolainen’s improved play this season could make him a name of interest in the trade market.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).

Di Marco asked around about this on Monday. He claims the Flyers asking price will be a first-round pick or value-equivalent. He noted comparable defensemen like Ben Chiarot and David Savard fetched similar returns.

Ristolainen carries an average annual value of $5.1 million through 2026-27. However, the rising salary cap might make his contract more palatable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most of you, I rolled my eyes when I read that bit about the Flyers’ asking price of a first-rounder for Ristolainen. Nevertheless, Di Marco makes a good point about the previous value of Chiarot and Savard.

Ristolainen’s play could suffer throughout this season with the rebuilding Flyers adversely affecting his trade value. Interested clubs could still insist on salary retention before agreeing to acquire him. Still, how his situation plays out between now and deadline day will be worth watching.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

TSN: Darren Dreger weighed in on the recent remarks by Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz claiming that he’ll have to start his rebuilding plan if his struggling team doesn’t improve soon.

Dreger claims Trotz’s remarks were taken out of context, and that he intends to do a roster renovation instead of a traditional teardown. He noted the offseason additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei were meant to allow their young players to develop and grow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said the same thing when he clarified his remarks earlier this week. However, some folks heard his original comments to a Nashville radio station about starting the rebuild process and assumed he was about to blow up his roster. That is not his intention.

Dreger believes Trotz wants to further insulate his roster and could do that depending on how things go over the next 10 games. He’s got multiple first-round draft picks, two second-rounders and a bevy of prospects to draw on for trade bait.

Chris Johnston noted that Trotz remains on the lookout to add another centerman to the Predators’ roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said two weeks ago that he’d like to add a second-line center but acknowledged the difficulty in finding one at this point in the season.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cited a source saying Trotz’s talk of his rebuild process was designed to get his players’ attention as a wake-up call to improve their performances.

Biringer’s source claimed Dante Fabbro has popped up frequently of late in the rumor mill. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July and carries a $2.5 million cap hit. He could blossom with a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t the first time Fabbro has surfaced in the rumor mill over the last couple of seasons. Given his UFA status next July, he’ll likely hit the trade block if the Predators are out of contention by the March 7 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is still making calls around the league seeking help for his struggling club. However, he has no appetite to mortgage the future for a quick fix.

The Canadiens knew they wouldn’t be a playoff club this season but hoped to be more competitive and be somewhat in the mix. However, this is a process as they remain fixed on their future. The expectation now is for their best players to be better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a surprising trade, the only real help coming through the door is Patrik Laine in December once he’s recovered from a knee injury.