NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

by | Nov 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle wondered if another cost-cutting trade could be coming to help the Toronto Maple Leafs get under the salary cap.

Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar will soon complete their AHL conditioning stints as they return from injury. Meanwhile, the Leafs have an extra forward (Pontus Holmberg) and two extra defensemen (Matt Benning and Philippe Myers).

Mirtle indicates the Leafs are trying to trade Benning. Failing that, he or Myers could be placed on waivers and sent to the minors if unclaimed.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

They’ll also have to free up a spot for Calle Jarnkrok when he returns from injury. Holmberg could be waived and demoted while trade candidates include Nick Robertson and David Kampf. Moving Kampf would clear his $2.4 million annual cap hit (through 2025-26) from their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes it’s time for the Leafs and Nick Robertson to part ways. The 23-year-old winger has had a sub-par start to the season and should be traded.

Robertson asked for a trade this summer but eventually signed a one-year, $875K contract with the Leafs. He had five goals in preseason play but only one in 11 games thus far and has been a healthy scratch from a couple of recent games.

Proteau thinks Robertson might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. He believes the young winger would get a longer look as a top-nine forward with a club like the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what kind of roster juggling Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has in store to address this issue.

It’s been rumored he could shop a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok. Robertson also remains a trade possibility.

Proteau suggested the Avs and Isles because injuries have left them thin on their respective forward lines. He’d be an affordable addition to those cap-strapped clubs but his inconsistent play affects his value in the trade market.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels recently answered some questions from Montreal Canadiens fans.

First, he doesn’t believe Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is on the hot seat and doesn’t expect he’ll be fired anytime soon. Despite the team’s current struggles, management expected this and they believe St. Louis will seize the opportunity to improve and come out a better coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: St. Louis remains part of the Canadiens’ long-term plans but he could use some help from the coaching staff, especially with their defensive game. Any changes behind the bench could involve his assistants.

Engels also repeated recent reports indicating Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is shopping around for a veteran defenseman and a gritty forward. However, Hughes doesn’t want to pay a high price for depth.

Hughes could be interested in re-signing center Jake Evans but shouldn’t rush based on his strong start to this season. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old center could price himself out of Montreal if he seeks over $3 million annually on his next contract.

They could be interested in re-signing 34-year-old defenseman David Savard if he accepts a short-term deal for less money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes isn’t going to make any panicky deals based on his team’s poor start. Management remains in rebuild mode despite hoping to be in the mix for playoff contention this season. They hope to get a boost when sidelined winger Patrik Laine returns from a knee injury in December.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2024

by | Nov 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2024

Is a rebuild coming for the Predators? What’s the latest on the Flames, Oilers and Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty cited Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz hinting at rebuilding the roster if his club doesn’t improve soon.

Trotz added forwards Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei this offseason. However, the Predators lurched to a 4-7-1 start this season.

“I’m trying to do some things right now,” Trotz said in a radio interview with Nashville’s 102.5 The Game. “We will be limited a little because of the contracts that we have…but if we don’t get going, then I’m going to start our rebuild plan.”

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz (NHL Images).

Trotz indicated he could start calling up some of his club’s promising young players if his current roster doesn’t start winning.

The Predators GM subsequently clarified his remarks, saying he doesn’t intend to “burn it down to the studs.” He said his plan when he took over last year was to stockpile draft picks and prospects over the next three years but also to ice a competitive team.

Trotz indicated his signings of free agents this summer was to buy time for his prospects to develop. “But if it doesn’t work, I’ve still got to buy the time for those young players. He also said that veterans like Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly and Juuse Saros aren’t going anywhere.

Trotz said his team is in the process of finding a second-line center, which includes trade options. If they can’t find one, they may have to move Stamkos to center and bring up a couple of young wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz also said he’s fully confident in head coach Andrew Brunette. Daugherty writes that the real issue is players not performing to their full potential, which may result in changes soon.

Trotz acknowledged last month that it wasn’t easy to find a second-line center this early in the season. For now, he’ll have to look to within his roster and his farm system.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson believes the Flames still need a cornerstone center but also thinks they could use a suitable defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll attempt to address this issue with a trade because big-minute blueliners come at a hefty price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The same can be said for second-line centers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve MacFarlane reports there’s no talk of a contract extension for Andrei Kuzmenko. The Flames winger is high on most insiders’ trade-bait lists as the club rebuilds its roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The former 39-goal scorer has been inconsistent this season. He recently saw some fourth-line duty and was benched during the second half of the Flames’ 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Kuzmenko must regain offensive consistency if he hopes to re-sign with the Flames or garner a lucrative deal elsewhere via next summer’s free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins recently speculated why the Oilers haven’t pursued a top-four defenseman in the trade market. He believes GM Stan Bowman figures that at worst this Oilers roster can bumble its way into the playoffs.

Bowman could wait until Christmas to start looking for a blueliner unless he gets an irresistible offer. He should be in a much better position by then with his salary-cap space plus there should be better options available by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman could wait until closer to the March 7 trade deadline depending on where the Oilers are in the standings. He’ll have accrued more cap space and there should be plenty of suitable choices by then.

ESPN.COM’s Kevin Weekes reports Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is garnering some interest around the league. The 26-year-old Frederic is slated to become a UFA next summer.

Weekes claims several teams are interested in Frederic’s size, speed, toughness, character and skills.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those traits also make Frederic invaluable to the struggling Bruins. The earliest he could be available in the trade market is during the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, assuming the Bruins are out of playoff contention by then. Otherwise, they’ll hang onto him for the postseason and address the contract situation afterward.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2024

by | Nov 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s speculation over Kirill Kaprizov’s next contract, the Blue Jackets could be worth monitoring in the trade market, and there’s interest in two Kraken forwards.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he felt that Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov’s next contract could place him among the league’s highest-paid players.

Friedman speculated that Kaprizov could be paid “in the Matthews/Draisaitl range”. He added that he felt the Wild star “is going to be one of the top-paid players in the league.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov, 27, is in the fourth year of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.

The Wild can attempt to sign Kaprizov to a contract extension next July. On Oct. 2, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated his club intends to re-sign him. “I will tell you nobody will offer more money than us, or longer (years), so all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.”

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews earns an AAV of $13.25 million. Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl will start making $14 million annually next July when his new eight-year contract extension goes into effect.

The Wild can afford to pay Kaprizov that much on an eight-year contract. He’s their franchise player and the foundation of their efforts to build a Stanley Cup contender.

As Leipold pointed out their intent to win could be the deciding factor. If the Wild show no sign of becoming a contender by 2026, Kaprizov could take his talent elsewhere even if the Wild could pay him more for longer.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the Columbus Blue Jackets are a club worth watching in this season’s trade market.

Seravalli claims Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has informed teams that he’s willing to take on contracts that might be viewed as undesirable in exchange for assets. They have plenty of cap space to do so this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli also said Waddell has received offers of players with three to five years remaining on their contracts. However, the Blue Jackets GM isn’t interested in taking on those type of deals. He’s probably more keen on those with one or two years remaining.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Seravalli reporting the Seattle Kraken has received calls about forward Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde.

Seravalli said the Kraken has too many forwards and must move someone if everyone stays healthy. Tanev and Gourde are checking-line forwards but don’t contribute much offense, something the Kraken needs as their offensive stats are slipping.

Gourde’s ability to play center or wing makes the Kraken reluctant to move him while Tanev could be a different story.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gourde’s versatility and Stanley Cup experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning would make him more enticing for clubs seeking checking-line depth. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Kraken are willing to move either forward at this point.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2024

by | Nov 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2024

What are some possible trade targets for the Islanders, Avalanche and Sabres? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner noted the New York Islanders need a left-shot defenseman with Adam Pelech and Mike Reilly injured. Pelech is out for four to six weeks while Reilly is listed as day-to-day.

With wingers Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair on long-term injury reserve, the Islanders have $9.15 million in cap space.

Rosner suggested Detroit Red Wings defenseman Erik Gustafsson as a trade option. He was a healthy scratch in four of the Wings’ 11 games and carries a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2 million.

Another could be Erik Brannstrom of the Vancouver Canucks, who’s on a one-year, $900K contract. Rosner also suggested Brendan Smith of the Dallas Stars (one year, $1 million), who has only appeared in five of his club’s 11 games this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also weighed in on possible blueline trade targets for the Islanders.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images).

He points out that Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello has limited options. He can’t afford to make a shake-up trade unless he moves out some salary. That’s because Duclair comes off LTIR in two-to-three weeks and Barzal will return before the end of 2024.

Staple suggested Jon Merrill or Declan Chisholm of the Minnesota Wild and Scott Perunovich of the St. Louis Blues as trade options. He also included Gustafsson in his list. Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks could be available but the Isles would have to dump one of their top-four defensemen to afford his $6.5 million cap hit through next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler also has a four-team trade list. He’s reportedly willing to expand it but the Isles might not be among his preferred destinations.

Most of these suggested options are inexpensive short-term fixes that won’t significantly improve the Isles blueline. They would be the more likely options for Lamoriello given his salary-cap limitations.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau listed three potential trade targets for the slumping Colorado Avalanche to boost their injury-battered roster.

Proteau wondered if they could make a play for Islanders center Brock Nelson. Given his UFA eligibility next summer, the 33-year-old center has a cap hit of $6 million but he’d be a pure rental player. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson might become available by the March 7 trade deadline depending on where the Isles are in the standings. That could be too long a wait for Avs management.

More affordable options include Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson (one year, $875K) and Utah Hockey Club forward Michael Carcone ($775K).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche could be willing to wait until some of their sidelined players return to action. Artturi Lehkonen came off injured reserve yesterday and Valeri Nichushkin is expected to return from his six-month suspension later this month.

However, if they must make a trade, Robertson and Carcone are more likely to be available now than a core player like Nelson. They’ve been in and out of the lineup this season, carry low-cost contracts, and shouldn’t cost more than a third-round pick to acquire. The Avs have two fourth-rounders in the 2025 draft and two fifth-rounders in 2026 to use as trade chips.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting last Wednesday that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has been active in the trade market.

Moser believes Adams could be in the market for a top-six forward. He indicated the Sabres can afford to work out a deal for a bigger salary, carrying over $7 million in cap space.

Moser listed several pending UFA forwards on struggling teams this season. They include Frank Vatrano and Robby Fabbri of the Anaheim Ducks, Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings, Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri of the New York Islanders, Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators, and Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depending on their clubs’ performances in the coming weeks, some of these forwards could appear in the trade market once the calendar flips to 2025 and the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

At this stage of the season, it’s unlikely any of them are available. Adams might have to overpay to land one now.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 3, 2024

by | Nov 3, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Islanders and Maple Leafs in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at what New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury could do to free up salary-cap space for next season.

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin still needs a new contract. So does defenseman K’Andre Miller, Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle. He’ll also have to decide about pending unrestricted free agents Ryan Lindgren, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Quick.

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Staple believes all arrows point to Jacob Trouba getting moved in an offseason trade. He’ll have a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. Drury could move the 30-year-old defenseman without having to retain salary or include major assets to get a deal done.

Drury doesn’t have many cost-cutting trade options outside of Trouba. Center Mika Zibanejad’s hefty contract is almost untradeable and they’d only get $700K in savings next season if he were bought out. Chris Kreider would draw interest but moving him and Trouba could be too much for the Rangers.

Staple also suggested a wild-card move like trading the 24-year-old Miller. He’d fetch a significant return and his absence could be offset by the maturing Braden Schneider and the promising Vincent Mancini.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury’s ill-fated attempt to trade Trouba in late June signaled this season will be the blueliner’s last with the Rangers. He’s now got a 15-team no-trade list which gives Drury some flexibility and potential trade partners.

Trading away Miller would be a risky move despite the promising return. Drury must ensure that Schneider and Mancini have matured enough to replace Trouba and Miller.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Islanders are believed to be seeking help for their injury-battered defense corps. Bluelines Adam Pelech, Mike Reilly and Alexander Romanov are sidelined with Pelech (upper body) out for four-to-six weeks. All three are left-hand shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reilly and Romanov are day-to-day and are expected to return to action soon. Nevertheless, Pelech’s lengthy absence could be difficult to address from within. They’ve called up Grant Hutton and Samuel Bolduc from their AHL affiliate.

They could also be in the market for a scoring forward. Their offense was among the league’s lowest before Mathew Barzal was sidelined for four to six weeks by an upper-body injury. They’ve placed him on long-term injury reserve to give themselves some cap relief to accommodate adding Hutton and Bolduc.

Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have two players (Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar) on conditioning stints with their AHL affiliate. They have about a week to address their impending roster crunch when everyone is healthy to return.

The Leafs acquired defenseman Matt Benning when they shipped Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks last week. They’ve let teams know they want to do right by Benning and made him available in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cost of moving Liljegren and his $3 million average annual value through next season was taking on Benning’s $1.25 million AAV. He’s an affordable veteran right-shot blueliner and should draw some interest around the league.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 2, 2024

by | Nov 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 2, 2024

Which Blues player is more likely to be moved by the March trade deadline? Should the Predators bring back Mikael Granlund? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford was recently asked if Brandon Saad, Jordan Binnington and Nick Leddy are the three St. Louis Blues players most likely to be moved by the March 7 trade deadline, assuming the club is out of playoff contention by then.

St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad (NHL Images).

Rutherford believes Saad would draw the most interest. The 32-year-old left winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. With the salary cap projected to rise next season, he could have value for a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Saad will waive his full no-trade clause. The extra year on his contract would make him more valuable because a contender would have him for two playoff runs. He’s been a reliable 20-plus goal scorer through most of his previous 12 NHL seasons and won two Stanley Cups with Chicago in 2013 and 2015.

Rutherford doesn’t see Binnington being moved because goalies often don’t fetch good returns, especially at the trade deadline. He believes Leddy would be difficult to move because he’s got a year left on his deal unless the Blues retain part of his $4 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington’s contract likely keeps him in St. Louis. He carries an AAV of $6 million and an 18-team no-trade list. Leddy has a full no-trade clause for this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch believes San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund is the top trade target teams will be interested in, pointing to the 32-year-old’s point-per-game pace this season. Couch also noted his 60-point effort with the rebuilding Sharks last season.

Granlund is in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $5 million. The Sharks can’t retain part of his salary because they’ve used up all three salary-retention spots for this season.

Couch makes the case for the Nashville Predators to reacquire Granlund, who played for them from 2018-19 to 2022-23. He could help the Preds address their need for a reliable second-line center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund’s playoff numbers aren’t great (32 points in 59 games) but he could become a player of interest for contending clubs seeking depth at center.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier will likely hang onto him until the trade deadline to maximize the potential return. Whether the Predators are among the suitors remains to be seen. That’ll depend on where they are in the standings by then.