NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2024

by | Oct 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2024

What’s the latest on Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren? Could he be a trade target for the struggling Oilers? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON LILJEGREN

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren could make his season debut on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.

The 25-year-old blueliner was a healthy scratch in the Leafs’ first three games of this season. He’s in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).

Liljegren’s become the subject of trade speculation. However, he said he’s not paying attention to it and isn’t on social media.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes keeping Liljegren in the press box won’t improve his value in the trade market. He anticipates the rearguard could become part of a salary dump at some point and questions why the Leafs bothered to sign him at all this summer.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that he’d heard Liljegren had permission to speak with other teams but the Leafs denied this, claiming it’s not true. He thinks they’re trying to be patient with Liljegren and he’s saying he wants to play.

Liljegren’s salary is an issue for the cap-strapped Leafs. They currently have three players (Calle Jarnkrok, Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpaa) on long-term injury reserve but they will eventually return to the lineup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau listed the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers as potential trade destinations.

All four teams need depth on the right side of their blueline. The Ducks, Sharks and Blues have the salary cap space to take on Liljegren’s cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Liljegren could become a salary-cap casualty later this season. That would leave the Leafs with little leverage if they attempt to move him. Interested parties could insist they retain salary in the deal or include a sweetener like a draft pick or prospect.

THE ATHLETIC: The Edmonton Oilers’ 0-3-0 start to this season has Allan Mitchell wondering if a significant trade might be in their future.

There are signs the Oilers are trying to add to their blueline. Recent reports have linked them to unrestricted free-agent defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Mark Giordano.

Mitchell wondered if the Oilers might target Liljegren. He noted the Leafs blueliner would cost the most to acquire, including likely draft picks to the Leafs. Shattenkirk or Giordano would only require a contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those options are great for the Oilers. Shattenkirk and Giordano are well past their “best-before” dates and there’s no certainty Liljegren will improve the Oilers’ porous defense.

Mitchell believes Oilers management will remain patient and allow more time for new blueline additions like Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott to settle in. However, he acknowledged the pressure for change could mount if the losses pile up.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2024

by | Oct 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, the possibility of the Jets adding to the roster this season, the Oilers linked to some UFA defensemen, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked by a reader if New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin will go to free agency next summer.

Johnston believes the path to a deal remains open between Shesterkin and the Rangers. The latter isn’t in a place yet to make him their highest-paid player but they are willing to make him the league’s highest-paid goalie. He considers it “incredibly likely” that the two sides will find common ground.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers don’t re-sign Shesterkin they should start rebuilding their roster. There’s no one within their system or the trade and free agent markets to replace him. Team owner James Dolan wants to win the Stanley Cup and that’s only possible if Shesterkin is between the pipes.

The Rangers will make Shesterkin the NHL’s highest-paid goalie. It’s just a matter of when and how much.

Another reader asked Johnston if he sees the Winnipeg Jets adding a center or defenseman by the March 7 trade deadline. He replied that he wouldn’t be surprised if they boosted their depth at center.

Johnston also noted the Jets have to decide what to do about Nikolaj Ehlers. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. So far, the two sides appear comfortable playing this out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ plans for the trade deadline and Ehler’s future depends on their place in the standings by March 7 and how well Ehlers is playing by that point. Right now, it’s too early to tell.

Johnston and colleague Pierre LeBrun also reported the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to a pair of UFA defensemen.

They indicated the Oilers are believed to be among the teams to have spoken with Kevin Shattenkirk. They also included the Oilers among “appealing possibilities” for Mark Giordano.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins noted the talk linking the Oilers to Shattenkirk but criticized his skating and decline in his play. Leavins believes former Oiler Justin Schultz might be a better option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could consider an affordable veteran addition to their blueline if they continue to stumble as they’ve done through their first three games. However, aging veterans like Giordano, Shattenkirk and Schultz won’t improve their need for a fleet-footed, defensively-responsible rearguard.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if Steve Yzerman might put in a call for Joel Quenneville to replace head coach Derek Lalonde if the Detroit Red Wings get off to a sputtering start to this season. He also suggested a projected contender might turn to Quenneville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quenneville was banned from coaching in the NHL following revelations in 2021 that he played a role in mishandling sexual assault allegations from player Kyle Beach against the Chicago Blackhawks’ video coach during the club’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman lifted the ban in July.

Hiring Quenneville would be a controversial decision. Nevertheless, the door was opened this summer when the Edmonton Oilers hired Stan Bowman as general manager. Bowman was Blackhawks GM at the time that Beach made his allegations and played a significant role in how the front office mishandled that situation. Bettman also lifted his ban in July.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 13, 2024

by | Oct 13, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 13, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin and the Leafs’ Timothy Liljegren plus a look at the Kraken’s goaltending future in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST SHESTERKIN SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the start of this season was seen as a soft deadline for the New York Rangers to reach an agreement on a new contract with Igor Shesterkin.

The 28-year-old goaltender can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. He reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer last week from the Rangers.

Friedman indicates the Rangers believe they can still get Shesterkin under contract during this season if they can reach a number that will make the goaltender happy. He noted that Shesterkin has positioned himself as the Rangers’ best and most important player.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

It’s near-certain that Shesterkin will not only become the highest-paid Ranger but also the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin is said to be seeking an average annual value of $12 million on an eight-year contract. The offer he rejected offer had an AAV of $11 million. Perhaps there’s a number in between that both sides can agree on.

Some fans don’t believe Shesterkin (or any goaltender) is worth that much. As Friedman pointed out, he’s well-positioned to seek that amount.

The Rangers need Shesterskin if they want to keep their Stanley Cup window open beyond this season. No one in their system can wrest the starter’s job away from him nor are there any viable alternatives in this season’s trade market and next summer’s free-agent market.

If the Rangers don’t sign Shesterkin they should start rebuilding their roster, replacing veterans like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad with promising youngsters. That also means finding a future starting goaltender.

UPDATE ON LILJEGREN

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reports Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is working the phones trying to trade Timothy Liljegren and his $3 million AAV. However, he believes if it were easy to trade a third-pairing defenseman with a second-pair salary, it would’ve happened by now.

Fox noted there isn’t any urgency to move Liljegren but there could be soon. The Leafs are maxed out in NHL contracts and salary-cap space. Players on long-term injury reserve like Jani Hakanpaa, Calle Jarnkrok and Connor Dewar will eventually return to the lineup. If another Leaf gets injured, that will delay the pressure to trade Liljegren.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox doesn’t see Liljegren having a long-term future in Toronto. He speculates that a rival club with a banged-up blueline could come calling at some point.

Liljegren must see some playing time and improve his performance to generate interest from rival clubs. Even then, the Leafs might have to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE IN GOAL FOR THE KRAKEN?

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte believes the Kraken’s goaltending future got interesting after they signed Joey Daccord last week to a five-year contract extension. The 28-year-old netminder will earn an AAV of $5 million starting next season.

The Kraken is also paying Philipp Grubauer $5.9 million annually through 2026-27. They’re investing a lot in two goaltenders.

Shefte cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting a possible buyout for Grubauer if Kraken management wished to go that route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken could prefer trading Grubauer at some point. However, that could mean adding a sweetener like a quality draft pick or young player in the deal or retaining part of his average annual value.

A buyout next summer would count as $1.983 million against their cap for 2025-26, rising to $3.083 million for 2026-27 and dropping to $1.683 million annually for the final two years.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2024

by | Oct 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2024

Check out the latest on Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Stars goalie Jake Oettinger in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Andrew Knoll wondered if Trevor Zegras remains part of the Anaheim Duck’s nucleus after a disappointing, injury-shortened 2023-24 campaign in which he was the subject of trade rumors.

The Ducks are flush at center with Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish anchoring their top-six forwards. Zegras, 23, has played on both the left and right wings and is being challenged to improve his all-around game.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Zegras is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an annual average value of $5.75 million. Nevertheless, Knoll suggests this season could be critical for his future with the Ducks and his capability of reaching a high level of NHL stardom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek denied he was shopping Zegras or received any trade calls from other clubs. That didn’t stop the young forward from popping up in the rumor mill.

An improved effort by Zegras this season could restore his place among the Ducks’ foundation of budding young stars. It could also increase his value to other teams before the March 7 trade deadline.

Zegras isn’t the only Duck showing up in recent trade speculation. Defenseman Cam Fowler reportedly had discussions with management about his future in Anaheim, including the possibility of a trade. Goaltender John Gibson has also been the topic of media trade chatter.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed what Jake Oettinger’s next contract might look like. The 25-year-old Dallas Stars goaltender can become a restricted free agent in July.

Yaremchuk suggested the next contract for Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers would be the high level while Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins could be the floor for elite goaltenders.

Swayman signed an eight-year deal last Sunday worth an AAV of $8.25 million. If Shesterkin’s next AAV is $12 million, Yaremchuk speculated Oettinger could seek the middle ground, perhaps around $9 million to $9.25 million.

Seravalli said the Stars and Oettinger haven’t started contract extension talks. Given how the market for goalie contracts is changing, he suggests the Stars should open those discussions sooner instead of later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s new contract will be the baseline for Oettinger, who has a larger body of work. He could use Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy ($9.5 million AAV) or Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million) as a comparable if he backstops the Stars to the Stanley Cup next spring.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

by | Oct 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Sam Bennett and Alexis Lafreniere, an update on the Islanders, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger provided updates on the contract negotiations between Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.

Dreger said Shesterkin is just focusing on playing his game now that the season has begun. The recent report claiming he rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer hasn’t fazed him at all. Some believe his range is $11.5 million and $11.7 million, which would make him the highest-paid Ranger.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source who believes Shesterkin wants to set the market for goaltenders so high that no one will top him for a while. He knows that the Rangers need him and have to sign him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

D’Amico’s source said the Rangers don’t have an issue making him the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. “Where the number starts with an 11 or 12, he will be the standard.

Both sides are still negotiating. Shesterkin wants to stay in New York and the Rangers want to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re not even a week into this season and Shesterkin’s contract situation is dominating the rumor mill. This risks becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Rangers this season.

Turning to Mikko Rantanen, Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think anything’s imminent regarding his contract talks with the Colorado Avalanche. He believes Rantanen’s agent will factor in the rise of the salary cap and the percentage of the cap.

LeBrun thinks Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is a bit of an internal cap for the Avalanche. This could get done but not everyone knows for sure if it will.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $12.5 million annually for eight years could do it but the Avs could be trying to keep it in the $11 million range.

The Florida Panthers signing Carter Verhaeghe to a long-term extension earlier this week prompted Dreger to wonder whether they’ll re-sign versatile two-way forward Sam Bennett.

Dreger believes the Panthers want to keep Bennett. However, he could become a big-ticket player in next summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is that guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team. He’s making over $4.4 million annually on his current contract and could seek an average annual value of around $7 million.

THE SCORE: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Rangers have been working on a new contract with Alexis Lafreniere since the summer. Different options are on the table, including an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8 million.

Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.33 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s breakout performance last season signals better things to come for the 2020 first-overall pick. Getting him locked into a new long-term deal as soon as possible could pay significant dividends against the salary cap down the road.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall could be a great trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Engvall, 28, cleared waivers earlier this week and was sent to the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Bailey believes Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall, whose inconsistent play with the Isles led to his demotion. He pointed to the winger’s size, speed and solid puck possession numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest that if the Flyers wanted him they could’ve claimed him off waivers without giving up anything in return. However, trading for him now means he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again if the Flyers decide to demote him to their AHL affiliate.

Nevertheless, I doubt the Flyers will be interested. Engvall may be an analytics darling but his overall game needs improvement. He failed to produce more offense as a middle-six forward. The length of his contract is also a concern.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The four defensemen are unrestricted free agents still hoping to land NHL jobs. Johnston indicated Schultz turned down some NHL offers and could play in Europe if he doesn’t find the right fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could still land jobs if injuries strike early in the season or if cap-strapped clubs find themselves seeking affordable blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett and Filip Gustavsson plus updates on the Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports he’s had no firm confirmation that the New York Rangers offered Igor Shesterkin an eight-year, $88-million contract. However, if that was the offer that was made, it’s no surprise the 28-year-old goaltender rejected it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported this story. He has a solid track record for breaking news like this. Friedman isn’t saying Weekes was given the wrong info, only that his own sources can’t confirm the numbers.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Rangers aren’t comfortable with Shesterkin’s asking price, which would also make him their highest-paid player. He also cites teams and agents saying the percentage of the salary cap is a critical factor, especially with the cap expected to rise. “No agent or player wishes to sign something that looks relatively small if things go where predicted,” wrote Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported in June that the Rangers netminder would seek an average annual value of $12 million on a long-term deal.

There are fewer A-list goaltenders these days which is why their wages overall have been suppressed. Nevertheless, the Rangers have a top goalie in Shesterkin, prompting Friedman to suggest that they will eventually meet his asking price because of his value to the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying that for weeks and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. You can debate whether Shesterkin deserves $12 million annually but he’s perfectly positioned to make that request.

Friedman admits there were times last summer when he thought the Minnesota Wild would trade goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are starting this season with Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jesper Wallstedt in goal. Gustavsson could be moved at some point but it could be difficult to find him sufficient playing time to generate interest among other clubs. They might have to wait until the trade deadline.

Friedman wondered if an eve-of-season contract extension was possible between the Winnipeg Jets and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

Ehlers is slated to become a UFA next July. He appeared in trade rumors during the draft in June but that talks fizzled out as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel sang his praises while offering their expectations of his role with the club this season.

After signing Carter Verhaeghe to a contract extension, the Florida Panthers are expected to focus on retaining Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers will have a projected $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the salary cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That would give them enough to re-sign Bennett but he will want a substantial raise over his current $4.425 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will draw interest in the trade market. Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues took a long look at him. However, it’ll take time for interested teams that currently lack salary cap space to pursue him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman said things are quiet on the Trevor Zegras front. He noted there was speculation last season linking the 23-year-old forward to the Montreal Canadiens but that’s cooled off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens made their big move for a forward by acquiring Patrik Laine in August. Laine is currently sidelined until December with a sprained knee but they’re reportedly going to ride things out with their current roster until he returns.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox included Mitch Marner on his recent list of 25 people who will define the 2024-25 NHL season. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Fox will be surprised if Marner accepts a contract extension with an average annual value less than teammate William Nylander’s $11.5 million.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could attempt to trade Marner before the March 7 trade deadline, which is unlikely given the winger’s full no-movement clause. He could re-sign him to a lucrative new offer during this season or wait and see how this season unfolds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also wonders what the end game will be for Marner. He doesn’t think the Leafs want to let Marner walk next summer but he also doesn’t see them trying to move him at the trade deadline if they’re a 100-point team by then, especially with Marner’s NMC giving him complete control over his situation.

I think Treliving waits until the regular season is over to make his decision. He’ll likely let Marner walk if the Leafs make another early postseason exit.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman has tumbled down their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly looked into peddling Liljegren before signing him in June to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. He’s an expensive seventh defenseman for the Leafs but could be a suitable addition for clubs looking for reasonably-price blueline depth.