Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 27, 2024

by | Oct 27, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 27, 2024

Are the Bruins close to a contract extension with Brad Marchand? What’s the latest on the Canadiens? Are the Leafs any closer to moving Timothy Liljegren? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON MARCHAND’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE BRUINS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman claims the Boston Bruins are closing in on a contract extension with captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He carries an annual cap hit of $6.125 million on his current contract.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

Friedman said the word is the two sides were getting close to a three-year deal.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Asked about Friedman’s report, Marchand said it was false and wouldn’t make any further comment about his contract situation.

“Elliotte likes talking about me this week,” said the Bruins captain. “I’m not going to talk about contract stuff in the media. That report from Elliotte is false. If I was going to sign a three-year extension, it would be signed. Clearly, Elliotte is just wrong here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emphatic denial from Marchand. Nevertheless, the two sides have held contract talks. Boston Hockey Now’s Andrew Fantucchio referred to comments by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney on Sept. 30 indicating they’ve had “plenty of discussions”.

Marchand has spent his entire 16-season NHL career with the Bruins. He’s been very loyal to the franchise but he’s also been underpaid on his current contract. Because of his age, he’s unlikely to get a significant raise on his next deal. Still, he might not be interested in a big pay cut to stay in Boston.

The two sides might not be close to a deal right now but it wouldn’t be surprising if Marchand ends up staying in Boston on a short-term contract.

CANADIENS SHOPPING FOR A FORWARD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman pointed out the Montreal Canadiens were in the market for a defenseman. He indicates they’re also considering adding a forward who plays with an edge. However, they’re telling teams they won’t do anything that interferes with their long-term plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re not moving their young core players or top prospects. There is speculation suggesting defenseman Arber Xhekaj could be available but there’s no indication he’s being shopped or if the Habs are entertaining offers.

AN UPDATE ON LILJEGREN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he’s been asked on social media what’s going on with Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman was the subject of media trade chatter earlier this month.

Friedman believes it’s something the Leafs continue to work on.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and James Mirtle recently listed several teams they believed to be potential destinations for Liljegren. They include the Utah Hockey Club, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah and LA need some experienced depth for their injury-depleted bluelines while the rebuilding Sharks need all the help they can get. So far, however, they don’t seem interested in Liljegren.

Liljegren’s been a healthy scratch from eight of the Leafs’ nine games this season. That won’t improve his value in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2024

by | Oct 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2024

What’s the latest on Igor Shesterkin? Could the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON SHESTERKIN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer believes New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s value keeps rising every time he takes to the ice. He cites a source suggesting the 28-year-old former Vezina Trophy winner will get whatever he wants on his next contract, perhaps as much as $12.5 million.

Shesterkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July and intends to become the NHL’s highest-paid goalie. He reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88-million offer by the Rangers.

It’s believed Shesterkin seeks 13 to 15 percent of the Rangers’ salary cap, putting him in line with other top NHL stars.

Biringer’s source believes if Shesterkin gets $12 million annually with the cap rising next season to $92 million, it’ll be in the same range as when Henrik Lundqvist signed his contract with the Rangers for $8.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lundqvist signed that contract extension in December 2013 effective July 1, 2014. The salary cap for 2014-15 (the first season of his deal) was $69 million, meaning he earned 12.4 percent of the Rangers’ cap for that season.

The Rangers’ reported offer of $11 million to Shesterkin is roughly 12 percent of the projected $92 million cap for 2025-26. Suppose he’s asking for $12 million, that’s shy of 13 percent. $12.5 million would be just over $13.6 percent.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (NHL Images).

Starting next season, Shesterkin will be the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender at his price. He’ll get it from the Rangers or another team via free agency.

COULD THE CANADIENS TRADE XHEKAJ?

TVA SPORTS: On Oct. 22, Jean-Charles Lajoie speculated Arber Xhekaj might not fit into the Montreal Canadiens’ medium-term plans.

Following a poor start to this season, the popular 23-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch for the Habs’ last two games. Lajoie suggested the rugged rearguard could become the odd man out on their blueline given the promising youngsters within their system.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan observed Xhekaj is on a short leash with head coach Martin St. Louis, who expects more consistency and alertness from the big defenseman.

Cowan cited former Canadien Georges Laraque saying he wouldn’t be surprised if the Habs traded Xhekaj. “There are teams interested in his services and if they get him he won’t be coming out of the lineup like he does in Montreal,” said Laraque.

According to Cowan, the Ottawa Senators would be among the clubs interested in Xhekaj if he becomes available in the trade market. Senators owner Michael Andlauer loved the rugged blueliner after he helped lead the Hamilton Bulldogs to the 2022 OHL championship. Andlauer still owns the Bulldogs, who moved to Brantford last season.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont believes trading Xhekaj would make the Canadiens worse, citing his solid underlying number, the emotion he brings to the game and his willingness to defend his teammates.

Nevertheless, Dumont believes Xhekaj would fetch a solid asset for the Canadiens. Like Laraque, he thinks many clubs around the league would be interested in him and give him a permanent roster spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ disappointing 2-4-1 record is largely behind the Xhekaj speculation. It took off after TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Thursday that his sources claim Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is calling around in search of a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

LeBrun never mentioned Xhekaj in his report. He also indicated that nothing’s imminent and Hughes is conducting due diligence. He also pointed out that there’s not much happening in the trade market this early in the season.

The Canadiens love those qualities Dumont alluded to about Xhekaj. However, they want him to play a more disciplined game instead of taking costly penalties. As St. Louis said, he’s not a rookie anymore. He’s in his third season and they want to see improvement in his play.

Hughes could be laying the groundwork for a trade later in the season. Xhekaj could be a trade candidate if he fails to improve.

It’s worth remembering that Hughes doesn’t make quick, panicky deals. If he moves Xhekaj, he’ll wait until he gets what he wants. For now, it’s talk that could fade away if Xhekaj improves. It’s also Montreal, where nervous fans have long memories of little-used players getting traded for peanuts and going on to become stars with other teams.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2024

by | Oct 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Canadiens and the Utah Hockey Club are exploring the trade market plus updates on Panthers forward Sam Bennett and Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson.

CANADIENS, UTAH SHOPPING AROUND FOR DEFENSEMEN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he’s been talking with teams around the league who say that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has started making calls to conduct due diligence and determine which players might be available in the trade market.

He believes Hughes is open to making a move that could shake up his roster a bit and help his rebuilding club win some games this season. So far, there’s no activity in the trade market and nothing imminent for the Canadiens.

LeBrun points out the Canadiens aren’t going to mortgage their future as their long-term plan remains in place. They also have limited cap space this season so any deal would have to be dollar-in, dollar-out.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet the Canadiens are checking prices for a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens aren’t the only team looking for that kind of blueliner…

LeBrun also said the Utah Hockey Club is looking to plug some holes in their defense with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined for months recovering from surgeries.

They’ve reportedly contacted the Columbus Blue Jackets about Ivan Provorov. The 27-year-old rearguard is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July and could be in demand as a playoff rental player by the March 7 trade deadline. However, the Blue Jackets aren’t ready to part with him yet as they don’t want to take away from their roster this early in the season.

LeBrun mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs might be open to moving Timothy Liljegren. However, the 25-year-old might not appeal to Utah because he has term remaining on his deal. Liljegren is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $3 million.

Darren Dreger pointed out that Dante Fabbro of the Nashville Predators might be available. The 26-year-old has been available before in the trade market. He also carries an affordable $2.5 million cap hit. Dreger noted the Predators are in the market for a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also mentioned Utah could shop around for a right-shot defenseman. He also mentioned the emergence of Michael Kesselring has partially alleviated that problem. LeBrun believes they’ll look to within and see if they can ride this out. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring if losses mount because of their depleted defense.

Friedman also pointed out that Predators GM Barry Trotz wants to add a center. Maybe there’s a deal there to be had with the Canadiens or Utah.

LATEST ON BENNETT AND GIBSON

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports the Florida Panthers could find it trickier getting Sam Bennett under contract compared to their signings of Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe. He claims both sides are miles apart with little chance of a resolution anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson will soon return to the lineup following an emergency appendectomy earlier this month. Kypreos claimed the Carolina Hurricanes were close to acquiring the 31-year-old netminder in the offseason but the deal fell through. Interest in Gibson could heat up with Colorado, Detroit and Pittsburgh having problems between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson carries an AAV of $6.4 million through 2026-27. Kypreos claims Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is willing to retain part of it if he gets a top asset in return. We’ll see if one of those teams will bite.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2024

by | Oct 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, three teams seek a center, contract speculation about Alexis Lafreniere and Wyatt Johnston, and the latest on Utah HC and the Leafs.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz said that not much is happening in the NHL trade market right now.

“No one is trading anyone right now. I would like to get a center, but no one is giving their centermen away,” said Trotz during a recent interview with The Game in Nashville.

The Calgary Flames are in the market for a right-shot center. GM Craig Conroy said he’s not parting with a first-round pick for a player who would only be with his team for a year. “But if it was a first-round pick for a guy who would be here long term, we would be open to that,” said Conroy.

Friedman indicated the Florida Panthers are also looking for a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since the implementation of the salary cap in 2005, October tends to be a dead month in the trade market once the regular season begins. The few deals that occur usually involve low-cost depth players. The Predators, Flames, and Panthers could be waiting until the calendar flips to 2025 to find those centers. 

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers prefer to sign Alexis Lafreniere to a maximum-term eight-year contract. However, Friedman isn’t convinced the 23-year-old winger wants that as it would take him up to age 31 before he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Rangers and Lafreniere discussed eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. The length of that deal could be the sticking point in their negotiations.

Friedman speculates the Dallas Stars could offer forward Wyatt Johnston over $8 million annually on his next contract. They signed goaltender Joel Oettinger to an $8.25 million AAV while defenseman Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz each received $8.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston is in the final season of his three-year entry-level contract. He lacks arbitration rights, which gives Stars management leverage in their negotiations.

The Utah Hockey Club is determined not to overpay finding replacements for sidelined right-shot defensemen Sean Durzi (four to six months) and John Marino (three to four months). “No panic, short-term moves,” writes Friedman, noting the emergence of Michael Kesselring has helped.

Friedman also noted that Utah is deep with forwards and 21-goal scorer Michael Carcone is off to a slow start this season. He believes someone will give Carcone a spot if he can’t find one in Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carcone was a healthy scratch in four of Utah’s seven games leading into Thursday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. He could become a trade chip for a defenseman.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted Utah HC’s blueline dilemma, suggesting that club could be a good trade destination for Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren.

Liljegren, 25, has been the subject of frequent trade speculation this month. With an AAV of $3 million, he’s been an expensive healthy scratch for the Leafs. He could benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah currently has over $8.2 million in cap space so they can easily afford Liljegren’s cap hit. He’s the right age and under contract through 2025-26. The question is, do they see him as a suitable addition to their blueline? Stay tuned…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered if the Leafs will eventually attempt to move forwards Ryan Reaves and David Kampf. He believes roster changes are coming once their sidelined players return from injury.

Reaves hasn’t done much in his four games thus far, averaging a team-low 8:15 of ice time. Meanwhile, Kampf has played five games and his ice time has decreased since last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It won’t be easy moving either guy. Reaves carries an affordable $1.35 million cap hit through next season but at 37 he’s past his prime as an agitating forward. Kampf, 29, carries an AAV of $2.4 million through 2026-27 and a 10-team no-trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

by | Oct 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Rangers’ contract talks with Alexis Lafreniere, the latest on Tyler Johnson, the Blue Jackets’ trade plans, and the Islanders’ limited options to replace Anthony Duclair.

UPDATE ON LAFRENIERE’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE RANGERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there have been contract discussions between the New York Rangers and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Both sides hoped to get a contract extension done before the start of the season. Discussions are ongoing but it remains to be seen if they can get a deal done before the end of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.325 million. He enjoyed a breakout performance in 2023-24 with 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games and has six points in as many games to open this season.

Lafreniere is a key part of the Rangers core and their future with aging stars like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad approaching the end of their current contracts.

It’s rumored the two sides discussed an eight-year deal worth $8 million annually. That offer could still happen depending on the cost of re-signing goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

TYLER JOHNSON WAITING ON THE BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports unrestricted free agent Tyler Johnson is patiently waiting for a contract with the Boston Bruins. The 34-year-old forward had a good training camp with the Bruins but they currently lack salary-cap space to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston suggests the Bruins could make room by placing a player on waivers or making a cost-cutting trade. He also mentioned an injury could free up some space.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

RG.ORG: Jimmy Murphy reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell won’t allow injuries to several of his players to force him into making any knee-jerk reactions in the trade market.

Waddell admits he’s speaking with other teams every day. However, he said giving up an asset to fill a position for the rest of the year won’t make a huge difference for a young team like the Blue Jackets. However, it would be a different story if it’s a young player who’ll be with the club beyond this season.

The Blue Jackets GM indicated he wouldn’t shy away from the trade market in the future as talks between teams increase. Given how many teams are currently underperforming, he thinks there could be an uptick in discussions around the 15-20 game mark.

Murphy noted the Blue Jackets have over $20 million in cap space this season. He thinks they could be a cap broker if the right deal came along.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell is clear about what he’s looking for in the trade market. He’s not interested in another team’s problem contracts or aging talent. He could become a third-party broker in a three-team trade if it’ll fetch a young asset or a decent draft pick.

HOW WILL THE ISLANDERS REPLACE DUCLAIR?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports the New York Islanders have few options to replace Anthony Duclair. The 29-year-old winger is sidelined indefinitely with an injured leg but isn’t expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Simon Holmstrom skated on the Isles’ top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. They could also recall Hudson Fasching.

Staple speculates Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could look at making a move but they only have Duclair’s $3.5 million cap hit to work with if he’s placed on long-term injury reserve. They’d have to clear cap space for Duclair’s eventual return if he’s not out for the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

by | Oct 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames plus an update on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said he’s been in the market for a center since trading Elias Lindholm in January.

“When we lost Lindholm, a right-hand center in your top-six, that’s kind of something you’d want to find,” said Conroy. “Is it an easy thing to find? Probably not.”

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy (NHL.com).

The Flames are using Martin Pospisil at center. While the results have been good so far, Conroy’s plan of finding a center between 23 and 25 with NHL experience hasn’t changed.

Francis cited Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens as an example. He was a costly acquisition for the Canadiens, who gave up a first- and a third-rounder to Chicago.

Conroy said he’d be open to parting with a first-round pick for a right-shot center who would be a long-term acquisition for the Flames.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson acknowledged Conroy is shopping for a center. However, he doesn’t believe the Flames GM is abandoning or accelerating his club’s long-term plan or trading assets for a quick fix.

Sean Austin believes it would take a significant offer by Conroy to acquire a center that would move the needle for the Flames.

FLAMES NATION: Robert Munnich suggested Utah Hockey Club’s Barrett Hayton, Martin Necas or Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes, or Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

He also suggested Dach, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Joe Veleno of the Detroit Red Wings as honorable mentions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Necas and Dach are left-hand shots. The Hurricanes signed Necas to a two-year contract this summer while Dach is in the third year of a four-year contract. They’re unlikely to be available by the March 7 trade deadline.

As for the lefties, Hayton and Rossi aren’t moving. Zegras surfaced in trade rumors and he’s being used as a winger by the Ducks. However, they’re hoping he has a bounce-back performance this season.

Kotkaniemi is signed through 2029-30 with an annual average value of $4.82 million. He’s struggled with consistency throughout his career.

Krebs and Veleno could be available if their respective clubs become sellers. A change of scenery might improve their performances.

SHOULD THE BLUE JACKETS AND PENGUINS SWAP STARTERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline noted the Pittsburgh Penguins have a struggling goaltender, Tristan Jarry, signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million. He also pointed out the Columbus Blue Jackets have a struggling starter, Elvis Merzlikins, pulling in $5.4 million annually through 2026-27.

Portzline wondered if the two clubs should swap starters hoping a change of scenery might improve their performances. They’re both around the same age and carry almost identical cap hits.

Jarry has a 12-team no-trade clause while Merzlikins has a 10-team list. It’s unclear which teams are on those lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline is just musing out loud here, folks. He’s not saying the two sides are discussing his proposed swap.

Portzline’s suggested deal isn’t a bad idea. Stranger things have happened in the NHL trade market. Nevertheless, it probably won’t happen because it’s unlikely either goalie would improve with their new clubs.