NHL Rumor Mill – April 16, 2024

by | Apr 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 16, 2024

More speculation about the Penguins goaltending plus the latest on the Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

QUESTIONS PERSIST OVER PENGUINS GOALTENDING

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi believed Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas must fix his goaltending during the offseason, even if it means making a bad trade to shed Tristan Jarry’s contract.

Rossi noted that Jarry isn’t playing to the level expected when Dubas signed him last summer to a five-year contract with an annual cap hit of $5.375 million. The 28-year-old netminder lost the starter’s job down the stretch to Alex Nedeljkovic. Jarry has struggled with consistency throughout his NHL career.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

Promising Joel Blomqvist is ready for his shot in the NHL. Rossi believes he should get it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry did well during the first half of the season making Dubas look smart for re-signing him. However, the decline in his performance over the second half can’t be ignored.

It could take a bad trade to shed Jarry’s contract. Dubas will have to retain up to half of his cap hit, package him with one of the few good young players in the Penguins’ prospect pool, or take back a toxic contract as part of the return. Jarry’s 12-team no-trade clause further complicates things.

I’m not saying it’s impossible but it will be a daunting challenge for Dubas.

LATEST ON THE SHARKS

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reported Sharks head coach David Quinn is excited about the possibility of his club winning this year’s draft lottery and the right to select top prospect Macklin Celebrini.

Quinn also wants his team to be harder to play against next season. He’d like to add more hardness and grit to the lineup.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka believes the Sharks need to gain an identity, something they’ve lacked since 2018-19 when that roster’s high-octane offense nearly led them to the Stanley Cup Final.

Pashelska agreed with Quinn’s remarks. He noted that the Sharks have sufficient salary-cap space to bring in players who can assure this club doesn’t get pushed around next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn’s remarks suggest the direction the Sharks could take with their roster during the offseason. They are rebuilding and adding promising young skill players. However, those youngsters could flourish by surrounding them with experienced depth and grit.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2024

by | Apr 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2024

Where could Steven Stamkos go if he and the Lightning part ways this summer? Could the Canadiens attempt to trade Mike Matheson in the offseason? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR STEVEN STAMKOS AS A FREE AGENT

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Joe Smith recently examined what comes next for Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning following this season. 

In the final season of his eight-year contract, Stamkos has spent his 16-season NHL career in Tampa Bay. The 34-year-old Lightning captain’s production has declined but he remains a point-per-game player. 

Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he expressed disappointment over a lack of contract extension talks last summer. General manager Julien BriseBois insisted he wants to re-sign his captain and have him finish his career with the Lightning. 

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Johnston and Smith believe Stamkos will draw plenty of suitors if he heads to free agency. The Florida Panthers (the Lightning’s in-state rivals) have been known to swing big. Stamkos could fit in well with the Nashville Predators alongside former Lightning teammates Ryan McDonagh and Luke Schenn. 

Anaheim Ducks winger Alex Killorn said his team has plenty of cap space and he’ll start recruiting his former teammate if the Lightning don’t re-sign him. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Stamkos and the Lightning will work something out that keeps him in Tampa Bay for the remainder of his NHL career. Nevertheless, we can’t discount the possibility that he hits the open market on July 1. 

I don’t see Stamkos signing with the Panthers nor do I expect they’ll pursue him. They’re focused on re-signing Sam Reinhart, eating up a big chunk of their projected cap space of $20 million. 

The Predators would have more cap flexibility as they don’t have any big-name players to re-sign this summer. Goaltender Juuse Saros has been the subject of trade rumors and moving him would free up more space. Still, adding a star in his mid-thirties might not be what the Predators have in mind at this stage. I could see it if they were poised to be a Stanley Cup contender.

As for the Ducks, they could easily afford Stamkos but he might not be keen to join a rebuilding club at this point in his career. 

Since we’re just spitballing here, how about Stamkos signing with the Salt Lake City Coyotes? Or whatever name they’ll be called. They’ve got lots of cap room, he would be their most well-known player and an excellent leader for a team brimming with young talent looking to take the next step. 

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked what the return would be for the Canadiens to part with Mike Matheson. He replied he’d be shocked if GM Kent Hughes moved the 30-year-old defenseman, who has two seasons remaining on his contract at a reasonable cap hit of $4.875 million. 

Matheson plays a leadership role with the rebuilding Canadiens. With 51 assists, he’s only the sixth defenseman in franchise history to net 50 assists in a season. Cowan believes they need his veteran presence on their blueline. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. I understand why some Canadiens fans believe their rebuilding club should peddle Matheson while his trade value is high. However, Cowan is correct in his assessment of Matheson’s invaluable leadership and experience that he brings to the young Canadiens defense corps. 

Cowan was also asked about “a certain TSN insider” speculating Columbus Blue Jackets presence John Davidson might reach out to Jeff Gorton to see if he’d be interested in becoming president/GM of the Blue Jackets. Gorton is the Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gorton is under contract with the Canadiens until 2026. He’d need the blessing of team owner Geoff Molson to speak with the Blue Jackets. I don’t see Molson doing that. For that matter, I doubt that Gorton is interested in leaving the Canadiens.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 14, 2024

by | Apr 14, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 14, 2024

Check out the latest on the Senators and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

MORE SPECULATION ON THE SENATORS’ OFFSEASON PLANS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch anticipates Senators general manager Steve Staios will ramp up his search for the club’s next head coach following the end of the Sens’ regular season on Tuesday.

The top candidates include Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden, former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan, former St. Louis Blues bench boss Craig Berube, and former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason. Philadelphia Flyers associate coach Brad Shaw could also be a person of interest for the Senators.

Staios could wait until after the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs to see if anyone else becomes available. The club wants a new coach in place before the NHL Draft on June 28-29.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There are several experienced candidates to choose from. Which one do you prefer, Senators fans? Let me know in the comments below.

Garrioch also reported Shane Pinto confirmed his agent is discussing a long-term contract with Staios. The 23-year-old Senators center is completing a one-year, $775K contract after missing half the season serving a suspension for violating the NHL’s sports wagering rules.

The two sides are believed to be working on a five or six-year contract. Pinto hopes to have a deal before he departs next month to play for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Czechia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto proved his value to the Senators this season despite his lengthy absence, netting 27 points in 39 games.

WILL THE SABRES RETAIN DON GRANATO AS HEAD COACH?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the Buffalo Sabres will enter this offseason with lots of questions to answer after missing the playoffs for a league-record 13th straight season.

The first will be the status of head coach Don Granato. He’s been behind the Sabres bench for more than three full seasons. Granato signed a two-year contract extension that starts next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Firing Granato means paying him for the next two years not to coach. That decision will need the blessing of team owner Terry Pegula.

Fairburn doesn’t see the same Sabres roster returning next season. Four players (Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost, Zemgus Girgensons and Eric Robinson) are unrestricted free agents on July 1. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Peyton Krebs and Henri Jokiharju are restricted free agents. The Sabres have a projected salary cap space of more than $20 million for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have the cap space if general manager Kevyn Adams wants to make an addition or two to his roster. They probably won’t bring back their UFAs. Luukkonen’s strong second half ensures he’ll get a new contract. We’ll see what happens with the other two.

Fairburn indicated the Sabres’ salary-cap payroll has been among the league’s bottom five in each of the last four seasons. They don’t have to go hogwild in spending but it may be time to add a little veteran experience that can finally get them over the playoff hump.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2024

by | Apr 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2024

What’s the latest on the Flames? Could a potential move to Utah turn the Coyotes into offseason buyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie replied to several questions from his readers regarding the Flames’ offseason plans.

McKenzie will be surprised if Jacob Markstrom returns next season, partly because of how things played out with trade speculation and partly due to where the Flames are compared to contending teams.

The New Jersey Devils won’t be the only team interested in Markstrom. McKenzie suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a suitor if Ilya Samsonov doesn’t pan out. The Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings could seek upgrades between the pipes.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll also be surprised if Markstrom isn’t traded this summer. The Devils were reportedly close to acquiring him in February before the deal fell through and it’s expected they’ll try again this summer.

McKenzie noted that Markstrom has the final say because of his no-movement clause. His $6 million average annual value could also be a potential sticking point.

The Flames won’t be primary suitors for a first-line center unless one becomes available and their offer rises above the rest. This summer’s free-agent class contains former Flames’ Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan but McKenzie doesn’t expect either player will return to Calgary.

Instead, the Flames could package some of the draft capital to acquire a young player who can help their roster. He suggested looking at players who might benefit from a change of scenery like Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti or Philadelphia’s Morgan Frost.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenzie noted that Flames general manager Craig Conroy wants to add a veteran or two but also wants his team to be competitive next season. Given how well his acquisition of Yegor Sharangovich worked out, I suspect he’ll focus on players in their mid-twenties who can help his club next season and beyond.

COULD THE COYOTES BECOME BUYERS THIS SUMMER?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated that the Arizona Coyotes could become aggressive buyers this summer if they move to Utah.

The NHL is negotiating with Coyotes owner Anthony Meruelo and Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, to relocate the franchise to Salt Lake City.

If the team does move, Smith could be motivated to make Salt Lake City a strong hockey destination. “Ryan Smith is not going to bring a team to Utah that’s going to be underfunded and playing with one hand tied behind its back,” said Friedman.

The Coyotes have considerable cap space for next season and beyond to invest in free agency and the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes currently have a projected cap space of $41.2 million for 2024-25 with 13 active roster players under contract. They’ll have plenty of room to acquire established talent this summer if they wish to go that route. The Coyotes also have a well-stocked prospect pipeline and a deep pool of draft picks to use as trade bait.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2024

by | Apr 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2024

Do the Golden Knights have enough cap room to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault? Could the Bruins pursue Patrick Kane this summer? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CAN THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AFFORD JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster reports the Golden Knights have approximately $7.59 million in salary-cap space for 2024-25 after signing Noah Hanifin to a contract extension yesterday. That’s assuming goaltender Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve.

That doesn’t leave much room for the Golden Knights to bring back some of their free agents, the most notable being winger Jonathan Marchessault. The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner has 41 goals in his contract year.

Their other unrestricted free agents include center Chandler Stephenson, wingers William Carrier, Anthony Mantha and Michael Amadio and defenseman Alec Martinez. Hanifin’s signing suggests Martinez might not be back while their acquisition last month of Tomas Hertl could mean Stephenson is on his way out.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin and Hertl are on expensive long-term contracts and will play key roles as core players for the Golden Knights. Their additions almost certainly mean Martinez and Stephenson won’t be back.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen also wondered what the future holds for Marchessault. The 33-year-old winger can’t expect a long-term deal at this stage but he’s a durable player who’s netted 99 goals (and counting) over the past three seasons.

Marchessault is coming off a contract with an annual cap hit of $5 million. Allen speculates a contender seeking a scorer could pay a bigger number on a short-term deal.

The Golden Knights must shed a salary or two if they intend to re-sign Marchessault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights aren’t a team that allows sentimentality to enter the equation when maintaining their roster. Popular players such as Marc-Andre Fleury and Reilly Smith have been shipped out to make room for other talent. They could let Marchessault walk on July 1 rather than re-sign him.

If they intend to keep him, they’ll have no choice but to make a cost-cutting trade or two. That could mean peddling 31-year-old forward William Karlsson, who has three more years remaining with an AAV of $5.9 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

COULD THE BRUINS PURSUE PATRICK KANE THIS SUMMER?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy wondered if the Bruins might attempt to sign Patrick Kane if the 34-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward hits the open market on July 1.

Murphy claims there were rumors last summer that Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was interested in signing Kane. “If he doesn’t come to terms on a new contract with winger Jake DeBrusk, could Sweeney look to the more experienced three-time Stanley Cup champion?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think Sweeney is more interested in someone younger such as Vancouver Canucks two-way center Elias Lindholm.

Sweeny was also said to be interested in Noah Hanifin but that’s not possible after his re-signing with the Golden Knights. He could shift his focus toward Brady Skjei or Brett Pesce. Both Carolina Hurricanes blueliners are slated to become UFAs on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 11, 2024

by | Apr 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 11, 2024

Will Patrick Kane return with the Red Wings next season? Should the Devils add toughness to their roster in the offseason? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL PATRICK KANE RETURN WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the decision by the Detroit Red Wings general manager to sign Patrick Kane to a one-year, $2.5 million contract last November has been validated.

Kane recently reached the 20-goal plateau for the 16th time in 17 NHL seasons. It’s an impressive achievement for a 35-year-old winger coming off a hip resurfacing procedure last June. He said he was “really happy” with his decision to sign with the Red Wings, adding he has nothing but positive things to say about the organization, the coaches and the team.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

With 44 points in 46 games, Kane is second to Wings captain Dylan Larkin in points per game (.96 to .97). He also indicated he’s no longer feeling pain on the ice as he did before his procedure.

Khan believes the Red Wings would like to re-sign Kane before his eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. He’s focused on the playoff chase and will sort out his future in the offseason.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff noted that Kane offered no inclination that he’d like to return with the Wings.

“I think just with the situation I was in and coming in and being here for maybe three-quarters of the season or whatever it was, it’s just this year and then we’ll see what happens,” said Kane.

Duff believes Kane’s performance this season will draw a lot of suitors if he tests the free-agent market on July 1. Yzerman could find it challenging to keep the future Hall-of-Famer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lot will depend on what kind of offers Kane could receive. They’ll be short-term proposals but he could lean toward a club willing to sign him for three years.

The cap hit will also be a factor. He won’t get anything close to the $10.5 million annual average value of his previous contract and won’t accept another $2.75 million AAV. Something around $6 million annually could tempt him.

Kane could prefer signing with Stanley Cup contenders if he hits the open market.

WILL THE DEVILS ADD TOUGHNESS IN THE OFFSEASON

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek noted the New Jersey Devils intend to search for a starting goaltender and a new head coach this summer. However, he wondered if they’d re-sign enforcer Kurtis MacDermid or find a suitable replacement.

Marek observed that most of the Devils’ rivals in the Metropolitan Division carry a slugger. MacDermid was brought in to deal with Matt Rempe after the Rangers forward ran over Nathan Bastian.