NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2024

by | May 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2024

Looking at some suggested destinations for Steven Stamkos, the latest coaching rumors, and speculation over the former Coyotes’ offseason plans following their move to Utah in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POSSIBLE OFFSEASON DESTINATIONS FOR STEVEN STAMKOS

SPORTSNET: David Morassutti looked at five potential destinations for Steven Stamkos this summer. The 34-year-old captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 unless he and the Lightning agree to a new contract by then.

Morassutti noted the Lightning’s intention to resign Stamkos and likes their chances of convincing him to stay. However, they have limited salary-cap space and must also ensure sufficient room to re-sign Victor Hedman before his UFA eligibility next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning could be forced to make a cost-cutting move to keep Stamkos, especially if he’s not interested in a hometown discount. Nevertheless, there’s a mutual willingness on both sides to get something done. Unless negotiations fall apart by July 1, he’ll stay in Tampa Bay. 

If the Lightning fail to re-sign Stamkos, Morassutti suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interesting choices. I’ve summarized his main points as to why each of those teams could become landing places for Stamkos. Click the link provided for his detailed explanations.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

The Red Wings are managed by former Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, who convinced Stamkos to re-sign with the Bolts in 2016. The Wings have plenty of salary-cap space but must also re-sign Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Still, Morassutti believes they could be a prime destination if they move some players to gain cap flexibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Does Stamkos want to join a rebuilding team that’s trying to get over the playoff hump, or would he prefer joining a club that’s close to Cup contention? If it’s the latter (and I suspect it would be), the Red Wings won’t fit the bill.

Stamkos’ former teammates Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are now in the Canadiens organization. However, some will wonder if adding a high-priced free agent would be the right move for a team going through a rebuild. At some point, however, the Canadiens will have to make a push to reach the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt Stamkos is interested in joining a rebuilding club regardless of whoever from his past is on the team. The Canadiens are at least two years away from being playoff contenders. They could find younger options than Stamkos that fit better into their timeline.

The Predators could use a premium goalscorer. He would also bring them additional leadership.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators are currently in a transition phase. They already have plenty of veteran leadership in Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly and Stamkos’ former teammate Ryan McDonagh. They possess over $18 million in cap space but could use that flexibility to bring in younger and less expensive talent.

Morassutti considers the Leafs a dark-horse candidate. John Tavares and Mitch Marner are a year away from UFA eligibility. The Leafs’ decisions regarding those two will determine how they navigate this summer’s free-agent market. They attempted to woo Stamkos eight years ago but could they have better luck this time?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, they won’t have better luck this time. The Leafs “Shanaplan” got derailed by signing Tavares in 2018 when their focus should’ve been improving their defense and goaltending. Signing Stamkos would be repeating their past mistake.

LATEST NHL COACHING RUMORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators have begun interviewing candidates for their vacant head-coaching position. It’s believed they’ve spoken with or are interested in former Minnesota Wild head coach Dean Evason, former St. Louis Blues bench boss Craig Berube, former Los Angeles Kings’ head coach Todd McLellan and New Jersey Devils interim coach Travis Green.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Which would you like to see coaching your club, Senators fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

Garrioch also provided us with some interesting rumors regarding other current coaches.

Rumors linked the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Mike Sullivan with the New Jersey Devils. If the Toronto Maple Leafs fire Sheldon Keefe, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could allow Sullivan to go to New Jersey to make room for Keefe.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas released a statement earlier this week claiming the Devils have not asked permission to speak with Sullivan nor was permission granted. Earlier this week, it was reported that a power struggle was brewing between Dubas and Sullivan over the club’s assistant coaches. However, most observers believe Sullivan will be staying put.

League sources claim the Senators have serious interest in Evason and have had at least one face-to-face meeting. The San Jose Sharks reached out to the Wild seeking permission to speak with Evason…It’s believed the Kraken could promote Dan Bylsma, who coaches their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley. They may have also reached out to McLellan…Berube is reportedly “intrigued” by the Senators position but has other options and is staying patient…The Senators would be very interested if the Carolina Hurricanes’ Rod Brind’Amour became available. However, he would cost $7 million per season and the Sens likely won’t shell out that much for a head coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour seems close to signing an extension with the Hurricanes. If he did become available I agree he’d be too expensive for the Senators to sign.

FORMER COYOTES EXPECTED TO ADD TO THEIR ROSTER THIS SUMMER

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Having moved to Utah, the former Arizona Coyotes could make some additions to their roster this summer.

General manager Bill Armstrong’s mandate from his team’s new ownership is to shoot for the playoffs next season. He’s expected to explore this summer’s trade and free-agent markets for players who can immediately help his roster.

Armstrong won’t acquire high-priced contracts to bail out cap-strapped teams, unlike previous years. Any additions this summer will be to upgrade the roster. Sources claim Armstrong seeks a second-line center and a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The financial shackles are finally off Armstrong. Years of rebuilding have given the former Coyotes a solid base of good young talent. They need a couple of skilled veterans in their prime to provide leadership and experience.

Utah could become a playoff contender next season with the right moves. It’ll be interesting to see if Armstrong can pull it off.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2024

by | May 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2024

Are changes in store for the Kings following another first-round playoff exit? Would Leon Draisaitl be interested in joining the Bruins? What’s the latest on the Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE KINGS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looks at what might be in store for the Los Angeles Kings following another first-round elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

Clark pointed out the Kings had this season’s second-best penalty-killing stats but that turned into a weakness against the Oilers’ offense.

There could be a big turnover in goal this summer. Cam Talbot, David Rittich and Pheonix Copley are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Trevor Lewis and defensemen Matt Roy are also UFA-eligible this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Kings attempted to acquire Linus Ullmark before the trade deadline but the Boston Bruins goalie used his no-trade clause to nix the deal. General manager Rob Blake could attempt to add a starter such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Nashville’s Juuse Saros this summer with Rittich retained as their backup.

Arvidsson’s injury history could lead to his departure via free agency. The 37-year-old Lewis probably won’t be back. Roy could be let go if Jordan Spence replaces him on the second-pairing and if Brandt Clarke is ready for full-time NHL duty next season.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens is critical of Blake’s management, pointing to his acquisition and signing of underachieving center Pierre-Luc Dubois. That move was among several questionable deals that left the Kings with insufficient salary-cap space to improve their roster at the March trade deadline.

Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images)

With the Kings facing continued mediocrity, Stephens suggests a shift in course with someone other than Blake as general manager. He pointed to Blake’s inability to address his club’s goaltending after Cal Petersen failed to seize the starter’s job in 2021-22, leaving the Kings scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

Dubois hasn’t come close to unseating Anze Kopitar or Phillip Danault among their top two centers. He has seven more seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

Buying out Dubois would count against the Kings’ salary cap for the next 14 years. A trade would mean retaining half of his AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens cited the positive things Blake had done (drafting and developing young talent like Quinton Byfield and acquiring Kevin Fiala) but the goaltending and the Dubois contract are the major blunders he believes have hamstrung the Kings. It remains to be seen if the Kings ownership shares his belief that a management change is necessary.

COULD DRAISAITL SIGN WITH THE BRUINS NEXT SUMMER?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited Georges Laraque telling a Montreal sports radio show that Leon Draisaitl is interested in joining the Boston Bruins if he doesn’t re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers.

Draisaitl is slated to become a UFA next July. Laraque cited someone “well-placed within the Oilers organization” claiming the high-scoring forward could leave the club next summer if they don’t go deep in the playoffs, adding “he’d prefer to be a first-line center in Boston.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl will become a hot topic in the rumor mill if he doesn’t sign a contract extension before next season. Nevertheless, he could be keen to stick around with Connor McDavid beyond next season. His future in Edmonton could come down to how much of a raise he’s seeking over his current $8.5 million AAV.

Assuming Draisaitl is interested in playing for the Bruins, they’d have to wait until next summer to get him as a free agent. They reportedly lacked sufficient depth in tradeable assets to acquire Elias Lindholm or Noah Hanifin before the trade deadline. They won’t have enough to get one of the NHL’s high-scoring superstars this summer or next season.

The Bruins have nearly $45 million invested in seven players for 2025-26. The salary cap could rise to over $92 million for that season. There would be plenty of room to sign Draisaitl for a long-term deal worth $15 million annually.

Oh, you thought it would be much less than that? Think again. Draisaitl has been underpaid for years. He will seek a new contract befitting one of the NHL’s leading superstars.

Still, that looks like plenty of cap space to accommodate Draisaitl, right? Wrong.

Team captain Brad Marchand will need a contract extension. They must sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman to a new contract (probably between $6 million and $7 million annually given his arbitration status), re-sign or replace Jake DeBrusk, and fill out the rest of the roster. Rumor has it they could pursue a center who can play on their top-two lines plus a top-four defenseman via free agency in July. They won’t come cheap.

Even if the Bruins could do all that with some cap room to spare, they won’t have enough for Draisaitl without shedding sufficient space to ensure they can win a bidding war for his services.

I’m not saying the Bruins can’t sign Draisaitl if he wants to come to Boston. However, it’ll take a hell of a lot of work to free up the cap space to make it happen without significantly weakening their roster depth in the process.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey suggested how Penguins GM Kyle Dubas can improve his club for next season and beyond.

One option is exploring the possibility of trading Erik Karlsson to the Ottawa Senators if they’re interested in reacquiring their former captain. Karlsson denied rumors of returning to Ottawa in March but Mackey didn’t believe him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Karlsson would agree to return to the Senators but I don’t believe their new ownership and management want to bring him back. Even if Dubas agreed to retain half of the $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV that the Penguins currently carry, the Senators are likely looking at younger, more affordable right-shot options for their blueline.

Mackey also suggested Dubas attempt to find a trade partner to take goaltender Tristan Jarry and his $5.375 million cap hit for the next four years off his hands. Another option is shopping a winger such as Reilly Smith or Rickard Rakell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas seems intent on sticking with Jarry and call up promising Joel Blomqvist as his understudy next season. Trading Smith or Rakell seems a more likely option.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes Ryan Graves’ contract would be a major sticking point in any attempt to trade the 28-year-old defenseman this summer. He’s signed for five more years with an annual cap hit of $4.5 million.

Graves’ struggles in his first season with the Penguins damaged his trade value. Their best bet is to hope he regains his former next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2024

by | May 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2024

More speculation about Steven Stamkos, what’s next for the Jets and Islanders, and the Capitals could try to move Darcy Kuemper. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL STEVEN STAMKOS STAY WITH THE LIGHTNING?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes what the Tampa Bay Lightning do with captain Steven Stamkos will determine the direction of their offseason. The 34-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Shilton also believes the Lightning should look at ways to strengthen their defense and overall roster.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: John Romano also pondered what the Lightning will do with Stamkos and how it could affect their roster next season. He also pointed out they’ll have to face the same issue with defenseman Victor Hedman next July.

Romano mused whether finishing his career with the Lightning or chasing another Stanley Cup is more important to Stamkos. He acknowledged that the Bolts captain has frequently said in the past that he wants to stay in Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, Romano wondered if his priorities had changed.

Eduardo A. Encina pointed out that the Lightning have just over $10 million in salary cap space for next season with 18 players under contract. He anticipated veteran UFAs like Tyler Motte could get better offers elsewhere while trade deadline pick-ups Matt Dumba and Anthony Duclair will depart via free agency. Encina also noted that they have to keep Hedman’s contract situation in mind.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he publicly expressed disappointment over the lack of contract extension talks during the summer with Lightning management. That sparked speculation over his future in Tampa Bay, though general manager Julien BriseBois quelled any talk of Stamkos being moved before the March trade deadline.

Both sides agreed to wait until the end of this season to open contract extension talks. Those could start later this month.

I believe that Stamkos still wants to finish his career with the Lightning and they want to keep him. It’ll come down to how much he wants on his next contract and for how long.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE JETS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark believes Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff must maneuver around his salary cap constraints to improve his roster for next season.

Forwards Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli are UFAs on July 1 as are defensemen Brenden Dillon, Dylan DeMelo, and Colin Miller and goaltender Laurent Brossoit. Restricted free agent forward Cole Perfetti will need a new contract.

WINNIPEG SUN: Ted Wyman wondered if Rick Bowness intends to remain as the Jets’ head coach. He’s done a good job with the club during the regular season but can’t seem to get them past the first round in the playoffs. His wife faced a serious health issue during this season and at age 69 he might give some thought to retirement.

Scott Billeck pondered if the Jets might shake up their core. He doesn’t see goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, center Mark Scheifele or defenseman Josh Morrissey going anywhere. “Does the team look to move a guy such as Kyle Connor, a supremely talented goal-scorer, or Nikolaj Ehlers, an analytical darling with speed in droves?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Scheifele signed long-term contract extensions last year and Morrissey is their top defenseman. They’re staying put.

Moving Connor or Ehlers would be a major move. Ehlers might be the more likely trade candidate as he’s a year away from UFA eligibility. Whether Cheveldayoff will do that remains to be seen.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes changes are coming to the Islanders roster. Despite the late-season surge that put them into the playoffs, they were eliminated from the first round in five games by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Returning with the same roster will be a difficult sell for Islanders fans. Eight regulars, including Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin, are on expiring contracts but none of them are top-six forwards or top-four defensemen.

The Islanders have too many players on long-term contracts to tear down their roster. However, this summer presents an opportunity to make the most significant changes this club has seen in some time.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes the Islanders must address their scoring deficiency. She felt they should have enough cap space to attract a free-agent scorer or two this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders have around $7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract for next season. They must free up more cap room or make a hockey trade that sees comparable dollars getting moved in the deal to add a scorer who can make a difference.

CAPITALS COULD TRY TO MOVE DARCY KUEMPER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Washington Capitals could attempt to move Darcy Kuemper during the offseason.

Kuemper turns 34 on May 5. He joined the Capitals two years ago as a free agent. However, he lost the starting goaltender role this season to Charlie Lindgren, who’s younger and carries a more affordable contract ($1.1 million) for next season. Kuemper has three years remaining at an average annual value of $5.25 million.

“Is Kuemper back? Do they try to find a new home for him?”, asked Friedman. “I think that’s possible. It’s not easy but I think they’re going to try.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman is merely speculating and isn’t saying for certain that the Capitals intend to trade Kuemper. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked into it. Friedman’s right that Kuemper’s contract makes it difficult to move him. The Caps might have to retain half of his cap hit to draw sufficient interest or package him with a high-quality prospect.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2024

by | Apr 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE PENGUINS TRADE RICKARD RAKELL OR REILLY SMITH?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that one reason behind the Penguins’ struggles this season was a lack of production from winger Rickard Rakell and Reilly Smith.

Some suggest the Penguins should attempt to trade Rakell this summer. However, Kingerski pointed out that the 28-year-old winger played most of the season wearing a shoulder brace. He also noted Rakell when healthy tallied 28 goals and 60 points in 2022-23. Trading him would create a need for a higher-priced option plus he’s shown he plays well skating alongside Evgeni Malkin.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (NHL Images).

Kingerski instead puts Smith at the top of his Penguins trade list. He noted the 33-year-old winger denied rumors he was unhappy playing in Pittsburgh. However, his production declined and he was relegated to third-line duty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sometimes acquiring a player who seems like a good fit doesn’t work out as hoped. If there’s a market for Smith it would be worth exploring it.

It’s rumored Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas explored moving Smith at the trade deadline but didn’t find any takers because he wasn’t on an expiring contract. With one season left on his deal and a cap hit of $5 million, he could draw more interest in the offseason trade market.

WHO COULD THE DEVILS TARGET TO ADD MORE GRIT?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils need more grit on their forward lines for next season.

Nichols suggested Utah’s Lawson Crouse, Seattle’s Eeli Tolvanen and Florida’s Sam Bennett as possible trade targets.

Crouse signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract two years ago with the Arizona Coyotes. Nichols wondered if the 26-year-old winger would be happy with the move to Utah.

Kraken GM Ron Francis cited a potential roster overhaul this summer. That could mean the 25-year-old Tolvanen could be available. He’s a restricted free agent completing a three-year deal with a $1.45 million cap hit.

Bennett could become a cost-cutting casualty for the Panthers. High-scoring forward Sam Reinhart is slated to become an unrestricted free agent unless he and the Panthers agree to a new contract before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t hurt to look into the availability of these players during the offseason. However, there’s no certainty these three will be available.

Crouse has become a reliable 20-goal scorer for the Coyotes. He could be keen to stick with the club and help them become a playoff contender in Utah.

The Kraken fired head coach Dave Hakstol on Monday. That suggests Francis could be less inclined to overhaul his roster. If he does shake things up he could prefer sticking with Tolvanen, who blossomed into a good two-way forward in Seattle.

Bennett has one year remaining on his contract at an affordable $4.425 million. Still, he could become available if the Panthers need to free up cap room for Reinhart. He’d be the one worth pursuing.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

by | Apr 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

What next for the Capitals following their first-round elimination? What’s the latest on the Sabres and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what the offseason might hold for the Washington Capitals following their first-round playoff elimination.

Shilton wonders if Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will embrace a full-scale roster rebuild. She pointed out they must prioritize building up their scoring depth and adding to their defense corps.

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman also weighed in on the Capitals’ potential offseason plans. She also wonders if they’ll maintain their retool or consider a rebuild.

Management could feel there’s a chance for one last run with the club’s aging core, especially with up-and-coming players like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas getting some meaningful games under their belts.

The Capitals don’t have much salary cap space or roster room to make additions via free agency. They could consider a trade similar to the one that landed them Rasmus Sandin last year.

Going the rebuild route would mean shedding some veterans but that won’t be easy given their contracts. T.J. Oshie ($5.75 million) is signed through next season. Tom Wilson would draw interest but not at $6.5 million per season for the next seven years. John Carlsson’s $8 million AAV over the next two seasons is a hard sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ovechkin era is winding down and it would be tempting to either add veterans to the lineup in the hope of making a final playoff run. They could also embrace a full-fledged rebuild. Neither option, however, seems likely.

No one believes the Capitals have a realistic shot at the Stanley Cup. Tearing everything down for a rebuild would risk setbacks in the development of those young players.

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season by qualifying for the postseason. That could provide MacLellan with the justification to continue the retooling process. That means continuing the transition away from the aging veterans while giving the kids more playing time. He could bring in affordable young assets with potential via trades like he did with Sandin. He will likely keep promoting promising youngsters from his farm team.

Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner (NHL Images)

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Fairburn recently looked at some decisions that will define Lindy Ruff’s first offseason with the Buffalo Sabres.

They must figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner. The 31-year-old winger’s production declined this season. If they keep him, they’ll have to surround him with better linemates or convince him to accept a lesser role.

Skinner has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He carries a full no-movement clause. If he agrees to waive it, no one will want to take on his salary. Buying him out is an option but it would cost $1.4 million against their cap for next season, followed by annual cap hits of $4.4 million and $6.4 million. After that, it drops to $2.4 million annually for the final three years of the buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re stuck with Skinner for the remainder of his contract unless they can swing a trade where they retain half of that cap hit.

Fairburn believes general manager Kevyn Adams must add a veteran third-line center to kill penalties and win faceoffs, a top-six forward who is tough to play against and at least one fast, tenacious bottom-fix forward.

Adams could find it difficult to address those needs via free agency. Instead, he’ll likely have to go the trade route. Forward Peyton Krebs could be used as a trade chip. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent who needs to turn the corner in his development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed to Adams’ shipping Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram as an example of the type of trades he could make this summer.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE CANADIENS

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube and Benoit Rioux wondered if Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will attempt to add another promising young forward at this year’s draft. In the 2022 draft, he acquired Kirby Dach from Chicago and brought in Alex Newhook last year from Colorado.

Dube and Rioux suggested five forwards who might fit that profile. They include Buffalo forwards Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs, New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz, Los Angeles’ Arthur Kaliyev and the New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are moving Quinn but could part with Krebs as noted above. Holtz, Kaliyev and Kakko surfaced in this season’s rumor mill. Kakko seems the least likely of that trio to be available as the Rangers don’t want to risk giving up on him too quickly.

The Devils could use Holtz as part of the return this summer for a starting goalie. Kaliyev seems the most likely to be available as his playing time declined with the Kings this season. A trade to a new club might help him get back on track.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 28, 2024

by | Apr 28, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 28, 2024

Will another early playoff exit bring changes to the Leafs? What should the Flames and Red Wings do to improve during the offseason? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

AN OFFSEASON OF CHANGE COULD BE COMING FOR THE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes the Toronto Maple Leafs need to make changes if they end up eliminated by the Boston Bruins from their first-round series.

Fox credited the Bruins’ stellar goaltending, their staunch commitment to defense and a strict plan put in place by head coach Jim Montgomery for putting the Leafs on the brink of elimination.

However, he also blamed the Leafs organization “that has let it reach this point of familiar ineptitude.” He singled out “the Shanaplan” (referring to team president Brendan Shanahan) for putting the team on the verge of squandering yet another season for stars such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander.

Fox believes Shanahan can’t allow Sheldon Keefe to return as head coach. He also thinks there should be changes in the players’ leadership core.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation over the Leafs’ future will begin minutes after Game 5 if they’re eliminated by the Bruins on Tuesday night, perhaps even before the final whistle.

This could be Keefe’s final season behind the Leafs bench. He coached them to three of its five best regular-season records in franchise history but only has one playoff series win.

Shanahan could also face the heat after a decade as team president for the Leafs’ pitiful playoff record during his tenure.

General manager Brad Treliving was hired last summer and is still digging out from the mess left by his predecessor. He’s not going anywhere.

As for that leadership core of players, Matthews and Nylander aren’t moving after signing lucrative new contracts. Morgan Rielly is their best defenseman so he won’t be asked to waive his no-movement clause.

Team captain Tavares is a fading star who is a year away from unrestricted free agent eligibility with a full no-movement clause and an $11 million cap hit. He’s made it very clear he intends to finish that contract with the Leafs.

That leaves Marner, whose underwhelming postseason performances make him the favorite scapegoat for the disgruntled denizens of Leafs Nation. Like Tavares, he’s a year away from UFA eligibility and has a full no-movement clause. However, he’s also in the prime of his career and was a finalist last season for the Selke Trophy. He will seek a substantial raise over his current average annual value of $10.9 million.

The Leafs would get a limited group of trade destinations from Marner if he agreed to waive his NMC. His contract status means they won’t get equal value in a trade. Even with the salary cap rising, interested clubs could ask the Leafs to retain a chunk of his AAV for next season.

It could be an interesting summer in Toronto.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Flames beat writers Wes Gilbertson and Daniel Austin recently discussed what could be in store for the club this summer.

Both believe general manager Craig Conroy should explore Jacob Markstrom’s value in the trade market if the goalie agrees to waive his no-movement clause. However, Gilbertson believes Conroy should retain the 34-year-old goaltender if no suitable trade offers are received. He also pointed out Markstrom has two seasons left on his contract so Conroy can afford to take his time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom was reportedly close to being moved to the New Jersey Devils in February before the deal fell apart. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald intends to pursue a starting goalie in this summer’s trade market and could revisit his interest in Markstrom. It was rumored Conroy’s asking price was a first-round pick, top prospect Seamus Casey and either Dawson Mercer or Alexander Holtz. Fitzgerald won’t give up that much to get him. 

Austin believes Conroy needs to avoid the uncertainty over the status of next year’s unrestricted free agents. He advocates finding out what it’ll take to re-sign Andrew Mangiapane, Yegor Sharangovich and Andrei Kuzmenko and either offer them contracts or move them. Gilbertson, meanwhile, doesn’t see Conroy chasing any quick fixes via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Questions about whether the Flames would re-sign Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev were unnecessary distractions this season. All three were traded during the season, creating unwanted upheaval and killing any shot they had of staying in the playoff race. Conroy can’t let that happen with Mangiapane, Sharangovich and Kuzmenko. Re-sign them or move them before the start of training camp in September.

WHAT ARE THE RED WINGS OFFSEASON ROSTER PRIORITIES?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at the roster issues the Detroit Red Wings might need to address this summer.

They have about eight roster spots to fill with $28.9 million in cap space, though that will shrink once young stars Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are signed to new contracts. They could create more cap flexibility by moving on from Justin Holl’s $3.4 million cap hit. The Wings could also attempt to move Ville Husso, Robby Fabbri and Olli Maatta as they enter the final year of their contracts.

Bultman believes the Wings need to bring in more help among their forwards, boost the right side of their blueliner and bring in an upgrade in goal.

Bultman’s colleague Eric Duhatschek suggests the Red Wings should look into acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. He proposed offering up Husso packaged with a first-round lottery pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That might work if Markstrom is willing to waive his NMC to join the Wings.