NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

by | Oct 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

More suggested goalie options for the Avalanche and more proposed trade destinations for Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak recently examined the Colorado Avalanche’s goalie woes.

Masisak thinks starter Alexandar Georgiev still has enough of a track record to sort out his inconsistent play. Their internal options aren’t great if Georgiev doesn’t improve. Backup Justus Annunen is a wild card and it would be risky to make him the starter for more than a short period. Kaapo Kahkonen has never proven to be a No. 1 goalie for a significant period.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (NHL Images).

Options in this season’s trade market could include pending unrestricted free agents like Washington’s Logan Thompson or Charlie Lindgren, Detroit’s Alex Lyon, Calgary’s Dan Vladar, San Jose’s Mackenzie Blackwood or Vitek Vanecek, and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka. The latter four would require salary retention to fit them within the Avs’ limited cap space.

Masisak also looked ahead toward this summer’s free-agent market where the pickings are slim assuming the New York Rangers re-sign netminder Igor Shesterkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been suggested the Avs attempt to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks assuming the Ducks retain half of his $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27 and also accept Georgiev in return.

The Avs are in a bind with no immediate solutions given their cap constraints and the lack of suitable options in the trade market this early in the season.

SPORTSNET: David Morassutti proposed several trade destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren following his season debut against the Los Angeles Kings last week.

Liljegren’s future has been a topic of speculation after sliding down the Leafs’ blueline depth chart. His $3 million annual average value through 2025-26 could also create a salary-cap headache for management.

Morassutti suggested the Utah Hockey Club, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential destinations for Lilejegren.

Utah’s blueline got thin with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined by injuries. The Stars’ defense could use more depth on the right side. The Blackhawks and Ducks are rebuilding teams that could benefit from a veteran rearguard in his mid-twenties. The Penguins need to bolster their defense and the struggling Blue Jackets have the cap space to add to their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly aren’t rushing to move Liljegren partly because of the uncertain health of their own defense corps. That could change as the season advances but it’s difficult to find suitable trade partners for a defenseman carrying a $3 million cap hit if he’s spending most of his time in the press box.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 20, 2024

by | Oct 20, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 20, 2024

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup,

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently looked at the choices facing the Toronto Maple Leafs with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old right winger will become an unrestricted free agent next July unless he and the Leafs agree to a new contract.

Kypreos believes they have two clear choices. They can find the money to sign Marner to a long-term extension or use him as though he’s a playoff rental player for the 2025 postseason before letting him depart as a free agent on July 1.

If the Leafs choose the latter option, Kypreos believes they should have a backup plan to replace Marner next summer. Wingers like Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, Florida’s Sam Bennett or Boston’s Brad Marchand could be available.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those wingers probably won’t be available to the Leafs on July 1, leaving them to find lesser-talent, albeit more affordable replacements. Rantanen could cost as much as Marner to sign. The Panthers will likely keep Bennett and Marchand is a Bruin for life just like Patrice Bergeron was.

Speaking of Rantanen, Kypreos reports he and the Avalanche aren’t close to a contract extension. Avs management hopes to get a clearer picture of captain Gabriel Landeskog’s health and future before deciding how much to spend on retaining Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is believed to be the Avalanche’s self-imposed cap on individual salaries. If so, Rantanen must accept less than that if he wants to stay in Colorado.

And speaking of Marchand, Kypreos wonders if Bruins president Cam Neely has 25 or 30 million reasons to keep his captain in Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For those of you who missed it, Neely alluded to Jeremy Swayman having 64 million reasons to be playing for the Bruins during contract negotiations earlier this month. Swayman eventually signed for $66 million.

I don’t know where Kypreos is getting that number for Marchand. Perhaps he’s being facetious.

The Bruins got a bargain with Marchand’s contract ($6.125 million annually since 2017-18). However, he turns 37 in May. His days of signing lucrative long-term contracts are over.

Depending on Marchand’s performance, he could follow Bergeron’s example and sign a one-year, bonus-laden deal that could take him up to $6 million for 2025-26. Otherwise, he could sign a two-year deal worth around $5.5 million annually.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting contract talks between the Panthers and Sam Bennett have started. However, there is nothing imminent.

Bennett, 29, is in the final season of a four-year contract with an annual value of $4.425 million.

Friedman also noted the Panthers re-signed Carter Verhaeghe to an eight-year extension earlier this month. He believed Bennett would draw plenty of interest if he hit the open market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett’s gritty two-way style and ability to play center or either wing has earned him a reputation as a reliable and versatile playoff performer. He’s in line for a significant raise and could seek something similar to Verhaeghe’s $7 million AAV.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

by | Oct 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, some suggested goalie trade targets for the Avalanche plus the latest on Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Dean cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating over possible goaltending trade targets for the struggling Avalanche.

Friedman believes the Avalanche have to be looking at other options after seeing starter Alexandar Georgiev struggle between the pipes. It doesn’t mean they will go this route but Friedman thinks they have to be considering it.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (NHL Images).

Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks could be one option. The other could be John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Friedman thinks Gibson could help the Avs if he can stay healthy.

Blackwood carries a $2.35 million salary cap hit this season and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million, but Friedman believes his contract could be worked out if the Avs believe he’s good enough to help them.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols also cited Friedman suggesting Blackwood as a trade target for the Avalanche. He pointed out Friedman saying Blackwood was on the Avs’ radar before.

Nichols noted that the Sharks are rebuilding so it would make sense for them to trade Blackwood while his value is high. He also pointed out their offseason acquisition of promising Yaroslav Askarov plus they also carry Vitek Vanecek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston recently observed the Avalanche’s salary-cap limitations would hamper any efforts to improve their goaltending through a trade.

Blackwood is the more affordable option if he’s available. Some suggest the Avs attempt to send Georgiev to San Jose in the deal but the Sharks will want a sweetener like a quality draft pick or prospect. He also has an injury history.

Gibson’s hefty contract would make this a more complicated deal. He could have more upside performance-wise but it’s been a while since he backstopped a quality roster. Gibson could become an expensive gamble that fails to pay off if his skills have eroded.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the Pittsburgh Penguins must move on from Tristan Jarry as their starting goaltender. He doesn’t see the 29-year-old Jarry improving anytime soon. Yohe noted that backup Alex Nedeljkovic and promising Joel Blomqvist have outplayed Jarry, suggesting he’s a perfect candidate to get a fresh start elsewhere.

Yohe acknowledged Jarry’s contract is likely unmoveable. However, he believes management should send him to their AHL affiliate in Wilke-Barre/Scranton. They’ll get $1.15 million in cap relief doing so, giving them some flexibility while letting Nedeljkovic and Blomqvist handle the goalie duties. Yohe also suggested buying out Jarry at the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5.35 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

Some suggest the Penguins offer up Jarry to the Avalanche straight up for Georgiev. The Avs likely won’t go for that even if the Pens retained half of his cap hit because of the three years remaining on his contract.

A buyout in June seems the most likely outcome.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2024

by | Oct 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2024

Should the Avalanche look at acquiring John Gibson from the Ducks? Are the Flames in the market for a forward? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens and Jesse Granger discussed if it would be worthwhile for the Colorado Avalanche to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old goaltender carries an average annual value of $6.4 million through 2026-27.

Gibson’s stats have declined in recent years and he’s currently sidelined following an emergency appendectomy. His stock might improve with a strong start following his return, perhaps making him more attractive to a competitive team as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche are struggling early this season partly because of starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s inconsistent performance. Meanwhile, Gibson has frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the past two years.

Granger suggests it might be worth the gamble for the Avalanche. Stephens believes the Ducks would have to retain part of Gibson’s salary to make it happen because of the Avs’ limited cap space. They suggest swapping Gibson for Georgiev, suggesting both goalies might benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m summarizing the main points discussed by Stephens and Granger. If you have a subscription to The Athletic, follow the above link to read the full article.

Stephens and Granger aren’t saying that this is a trade in the works or that they’ve heard speculation about Gibson going to Colorado. They’re merely discussing a hypothetical scenario. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely we’ll see a Gibson-for-Georgiev swap.

The Ducks aren’t considered a playoff contender this season so they can afford to wait until the deadline. However, the Avs see themselves as a Stanley Cup contender. If Georgiev’s struggles persist, it could scuttle their playoff hopes. They need help right now.

It would be easier for the Ducks to do this deal. Stephens and Granger noted they have the cap space to take on Georgiev, who carries a more affordable AAV ($3.4 million) and is due to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Gibson’s contract is difficult to move plus the Ducks could remain reluctant to retain salary through 2027.

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see any immediate help coming for the struggling Avalanche. They have over $36 million in cap space currently on the sidelines. “They’re trying to ride this through until some of the calvary can return from the injured list.

Johnston believes the uncertainty over what some of those players will be like when they return makes this difficult for the Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog missed the last two seasons recovering from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin remains suspended until mid-November as part of his Phase 3 treatment in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin should have a more immediate positive effect when he returns because he’s played the past two seasons. Landeskog probably won’t regain the form that made him such an effective power forward before his knee surgeries.

SPORTSNET: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the Calgary Flames are shopping around for a middle-six center.

Seravalli acknowledged there usually isn’t much trade activity at this time of year. Nevertheless, Flames general manager Craig Conroy is working the phones in search of someone in their roster’s age group who’s a right-handed shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That age group is reportedly 24 to 28.

Earlier this week, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Conroy wasn’t interested in being a major seller again. Rather than engage in a full rebuild, he’s interested in bolstering his current roster.

Conroy might not find what he’s looking for at this stage of the season but the market could improve in the coming weeks, especially when struggling clubs emerge looking to shake things up.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2024

by | Oct 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2024

What’s the latest on the Penguins goaltending? Could the Utah Hockey Club have any significant moves planned for this season? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: On Monday, Josh Yohe reported there was open competition for playing time among the Pittsburgh Penguins’ goaltenders.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

He noted Tristan Jarry was the Penguins starter in a 6-0 season-opening loss to the New York Rangers. Rookie Joel Blomqvist played the next two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s column appeared before Jarry returned to the crease on Monday for a 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Yohe pointed out that Jarry was given a five-year contract in 2023, which usually comes with extra opportunities for a player to assert himself even if he struggles. However, that hasn’t been the case for Jarry, who lost his job for the final 13 games of last season to Alex Nedeljkovic, who is currently injured but will soon return to the lineup.

According to Yohe, the Penguins’ starting goalie job moving forward is anyone’s guess. Jarry might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere but Yohe doesn’t believe any club would want his contract. A team source told him the Penguins were willing to move the 30-year-old netminder during the summer but other teams weren’t interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe blasted Jarry’s “unprofessional” performance against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday after the netminder gave up three goals on five shots before being replaced by Blomqvist.

Jarry is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.375 million and a 12-team no-trade list. The Penguins probably won’t find any takers unless they absorb half of his cap hit or take back a toxic contract.

A buyout next June would result in a $1.747 million cap hit for 2025-26, rising to $5.047 million in 2026-27, falling to $4.547 million in 2027-18, before dropping to just over $797K annually for the remaining three seasons.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports Utah Hockey Club general manager Bill Armstrong intends to remain aggressive in his efforts to build up his club following a busy offseason. During the summer, Armstrong acquired defensemen Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils.

Armstrong hopes to build up his club’s defense like the teams that won the Stanley Cup, most recently the Florida Panthers. He’s seeking players between the ages of 24 and 28, pointing out that Sergachev and Sean Durzi are both 26. Armstrong acquired Durzi from the Los Angeles Kings in June 2023 for a second-round draft pick in 2024.

The Utah GM said he might have to make tough decisions about moving out players and making draft picks. “We’ll have to make some trades down the stretch, but that’s why we acquired all the draft picks and prospects.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong has a roster filled with young talent and a well-stocked prospect pipeline. He also has two third-round picks in the 2025 draft, three second-rounders, and two third-rounders in 2026, and two fourth-rounds and two fifth-rounders in 2027 to draw on as trade chips.

He could become a seller at this year’s deadline as he’s done in recent years, shipping out veterans on expiring contracts for draft picks and prospects. However, he could become a buyer if his young team is in playoff contention by the March 7 trade deadline.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2024

by | Oct 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs, Oilers, Flames and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Liljegren, 25, was a healthy scratch from the Leafs’ first three games.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).

Dreger speculates it could fuel recent trade speculation about Liljegren or maybe some of it will fade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman listed the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Kings as logical destinations for Liljegren. All five could use depth in right-side, right-shot defensemen.

Turning to the Oilers, Dreger believes the frustration surrounding the team over its poor start to this season is coming externally rather than from within the organization. He claims there’s no sense of panic among management at this stage. They’re not pointing fingers at any one area but believe the team as a whole must improve.

Nevertheless, Dreger suggests they could use an upgrade on defense. He pointed out that Kevin Shattenkirk remains available in the unrestricted free-agent market. The 35-year-old defenseman is a right-hand shot who wants to chase the Stanley Cup and wouldn’t be an expensive addition. Dreger is surprised that Oilers general manager Stan Bowman hasn’t embraced that opportunity.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported the Oilers reached out to Shattenkirk earlier this month. Maybe he’s asking for more money than they can afford or perhaps Bowman had second thoughts.

Pierre LeBrun believes Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy doesn’t understand why people expect him to be a seller this season. He claims Conroy has done all the fire sales that he’s going to do over the past 12-15 months.

LeBrun points out that the core Flames people believe could get moved (Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Blake Coleman) are under contract beyond this season. Conroy believes those players want to be part of the club’s transition and he wants them to be a part of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri and Weegar are also on expensive long-term contracts with no-movement or no-trade protection. Coleman is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.9 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

LeBrun also noted that Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake is in the final season of his contract. However, he’s comfortable with this situation as he has a great relationship with Kings president Luc Robitaille.

Blake did the same thing with his previous contract and was re-signed. There could be more pressure on him this time as the Kings failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons. Nevertheless, he’s comfortable seeing how this season unfolds before having contract discussions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blake’s critics cited his recent string of questionable moves during the offseason. Another early playoff exit or missing the postseason could prompt a management shakeup.