NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2024

by | Mar 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2024

The fallout from the March 8 trade deadline continues. Check out the latest on Linus Ullmark, Trevor Zegras, Jacob Markstrom and Martin Necas in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR ULLMARK, ZEGRAS, MARKSTROM AND NECAS?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “Rink Fries” column, Jeff Marek wondered about what the offseason could hold for Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark, Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom and Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Those four players were frequently mentioned in the rumor mill leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. However, they remain with their current clubs.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

The Bruins reportedly discussed Ullmark with several teams before the deadline. Marek’s colleague Elliotte Friedman believes those talks could be revisited this summer. The Bruins face a goalie dilemma with promising Brandon Bussi requiring waivers next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins don’t want to end up in the same situation as the Montreal Canadiens. They were forced to carry three goalies for most of this season because Cayden Primeau was no longer exempt from waivers.

Ullmark is signed through next season with a $5 million cap hit. He’ll also have a 15-team no-trade clause starting July 1. If the Bruins can move him they could use the cap savings to add a top-two center or another defenseman. They were linked to Vancouver’s Elias Lindholm and Vegas’ Noah Hanifin for months before those two were traded to their current clubs.

Marek wonders if Zegras could be traded in the offseason. He noted that moving him before the trade deadline would’ve been difficult.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Questions about Zegras’ future with the Anaheim Ducks started last fall when his contract negotiations kept him out of training camp and preseason play. The rumors increased in January after the Ducks shipped Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia for Cutter Gauthier.

The Ducks reportedly weren’t shopping Zegras but were said to be listening to offers. Although he’s in the first season of a four-year contract, we can’t rule out the possibility that they could trade the 22-year-old forward this summer, possibly during the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

Markstrom’s relationship with Flames management came under scrutiny after he criticized their handling of a potential trade to the New Jersey Devils. Marek wondered if things could be patched up or if a trade this summer seemed inevitable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It depends on Markstrom. His no-movement clause gives him complete control over this situation. If he wants out, he’ll only accept a trade to a certain number of teams. Finding a suitable return will be management’s problem.

Marek noted the report of the Vancouver Canucks discussing a trade of Elias Pettersson to the Carolina Hurricanes before re-signing the 25-year-old center on March 2. He wondered if Necas would’ve been part of the return had that trade occurred.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas would have to be part of that deal. The Canucks would’ve sought a return that would help them immediately as well as over the long term.

Necas surfaced in the rumor mill from time to time this season. His situation could be worth monitoring during the offseason depending on how the Hurricanes fare in the playoffs.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 10, 2024

by | Mar 10, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 10, 2024

The trade deadline has passed but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Check out the latest on the Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and Jake DeBrusk plus a look at the Senators’ offseason plans in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ULLMARK AND DEBRUSK FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH THE BRUINS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported a deal was in place before the trade deadline that would’ve sent Linus Ullmark to a team on his 16-team no-trade list. The Boston Bruins goaltender declined to waive the clause as is his right.

It’s rumored that Ullmark rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Neither Ullmark nor Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would confirm or deny it.

Friedman also said the Bruins had conversations with teams that weren’t on Ullmark’s no-trade list. He said it was an emotionally difficult week for the 30-year-old goalie, who loves living and playing in Boston and doesn’t want to leave.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark has one more season remaining on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Friedman believes Sweeney could revisit efforts to move the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner during the summer.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that Ullmark was relieved and grateful to remain with the Bruins. He also pointed out that this situation hasn’t affected his play. Murphy believes trading the popular Ullmark at the deadline would’ve hurt the roster down the stretch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy reported Friday that a source told him the rumored trade was not with the Kings. He also cited a source claiming 14 of the 16 clubs on Ullmark’s no-trade list were Western Conference teams.

The Bruins have a projected $22.4 million in cap space for next season. Moving Ullmark’s $5 million cap will provide more room to bolster his roster’s depth.

Sweeney could gauge the market for Ullmark this summer, but the goalie’s no-trade clause will remain an obstacle. It drops by one team to a 15-team NTC for 2024-25.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes it’s time for Jake DeBrusk to maximize his worth with a strong postseason performance. Sweeney is expected to continue contract talks with the 27-year-old winger’s agent. However, Shinzawa anticipates that DeBrusk will test the free-agent market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million. A strong performance in this year’s playoffs could land him a lucrative long-term deal. Time will tell if it’ll be with the Bruins or another club.

In the past, I assumed that DeBrusk would be traded. Both times, the Bruins held onto him. This time, however, his pending UFA status makes it feel like this season will be his last in Boston.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios attempted to wheel and deal at the trade deadline. His only significant move was trading winger Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers.

However, Staios believes his discussions with other general managers could lay the groundwork for some offseason transactions to bring him some help for his roster.

There was some interest in Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker but no one was willing to pay Staios’ asking price. Most of the Senators’ core players, including Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, Jakob Chychrun and Claude Giroux, aren’t going anywhere soon. However, Garrioch believes Staios should be willing to listen to offers.

It’s believed Staios had serious discussions with several teams about moves that could’ve addressed the Senators’ needs. He’s seeking a pair of veteran players to help lead the club’s young core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes are coming to the Senators following another disappointing season. This club has been spinning its wheels for the last three years.

They risk wasting the best years of those core players and untouchables such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Another lackluster season could push those players’ patience to the breaking point.

Staios will be active in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. He’ll try to bring in the veteran leadership he believes this club needs to become a playoff contender. It could come at the cost of a core player not named Tkachuk, Stutzle and Sanderson.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

by | Mar 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

The 2024 trade deadline has passed but questions remain about the trade candidates who didn’t move. Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Pavel Buchnevich and Jakob Chychrun, plus an update on the Devils in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR MARKSTROM AND THE FLAMES?

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson wonders what happens next for the Flames and Jacob Markstrom. After weeks of trade speculation, the 34-year-old goaltender remains with the Flames, but there are questions about his future in Calgary.

Gilbertson wondered if the two sides could patch up their relationship if they hadn’t already. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. However, does he want to stick around through a retooling process?

Markstrom was linked to the New Jersey Devils with a rumored deal in mid-February having fallen through. The Devils opted instead to acquire Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens and shipped Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for Kaapo Kahkonen.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy yesterday claimed there weren’t any issues in his relationship with Markstrom. Nevertheless, the former Vezina Trophy finalist’s future in Calgary will remain the subject of speculation in the offseason, even if a deal with the Devils is no longer possible.

BIG OFFSEASON MOVES COULD BE COMING FOR THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC: Despite the Devils’ acquisitions of Allen and Kahkonen, Peter Baugh reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is expecting to go “big-game hunting” for a goaltender in the offseason.

The acquisition of Kahkonen was more about removing Vanecek’s $3.4 million AAV through next season from the Devils’ books. With Allen signed through next season and the Canadiens retaining half of his $3.85 million cap hit, Fitzgerald had the cap flexibility to bring in a bigger-name starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald elaborated on why he couldn’t land someone like Markstrom before the deadline, claiming that the asking prices were too high. That market might change during the offseason. Whether he’ll revisit efforts to land Markstrom remains to be seen.

Allen will return with the Devils next season as their backup. Kahkonen won’t be re-signed, but a solid performance in New Jersey should help him land with another NHL club this summer as a free agent.

Fitzgerald also said he remains interested in signing Tyler Toffoli when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He traded the 31-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets after efforts to re-sign him before the trade deadline failed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt Fitzgerald’s sincerity. Toffoli played very well during his short tenure with the Devils. However, he’ll likely be among this summer’s top free agents and could prove too expensive to bring back to New Jersey.

DID ULLMARK REJECT A TRADE TO A WESTERN TEAM?

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas cited reports from Boston that the Bruins didn’t aggressively shop goaltender Linus Ullmark leading up to the trade deadline. GM Don Sweeney said he was happy he stood pat with his goaltenders, adding he was pleased with the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman.

Douglas noted that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Bruins had a trade in place to move Ullmark to an unnamed team, but Ullmark invoked his no-trade clause “based on geography”. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Servalli claimed the deal was with the Los Angeles Kings.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited a source indicating that the deal was not with the Kings. He cited another NHL source claiming 14 of the teams on Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list are all in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, moving Ullmark in the offseason could get complicated if that’s the Bruins’ intent following this season.

BLUES RETAIN PAVEL BUCHNEVICH

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong declined to say if there was any interest in Pavel Buchnevich leading up to the trade deadline. However, he said he was very pleased with the 28-year-old winger’s performance and hoped to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Buchnevich is signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $5.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know how many teams called about Buchnevich. The media rumor mill had him high on the list of top trade candidates leading up to the deadline. Armstrong probably got a lot of calls about him, but it’s believed his high asking price discouraged potential suitors.

SENATORS HANG ONTO JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios insisted for the last two months that his club wasn’t trying to trade Jakob Chychrun. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old defenseman was the subject of rumors leading up to Friday’s trade deadline.

The assumption was the market for Chychrun would pick up once the Vegas Golden Knights acquired blueliner Noah Hanifin earlier this week. The Tampa Bay Lightning were said to be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun has a year remaining on his contract. Staios has said he’d like to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Perhaps he’ll gauge Chychrun’s value in the trade market if the two sides fail to agree to a new deal.










Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

The trade deadline is at 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest on Tyler Toffoli, Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, Frank Vatrano, Jason Zucker, Jakob Chychrun, Bryan Rust, Ryan Johansen and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils scratched winger Tyler Toffoli from last night’s game against the St. Louis Blues for trade-related reasons. No indication as to which teams are calling about him or potential destinations.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun said it’s not 100 percent that Toffoli gets traded as they still believe they can get back into the playoff race. However, the teams that were in on Jake Guentzel before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes also kept tabs on the Devils winger.

New Jersey Devils winger Tyler Toffoli (NHL Images).

Chris Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm isn’t going anywhere. It was rumored he would be on his way to the Boston Bruins had the Canucks acquire Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s not happening now.

Johnston thinks the Canucks could try to add one more piece before the deadline. They were believed to have an interest in Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker. Speaking of Zucker, Johnston tweeted the Coyotes held the veteran winger and defenseman Matt Dumba out of last night’s game against the Minnesota Wild for trade-related reasons.

Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom remains in the rumor mill. He believes the New Jersey Devils want to make one more attempt to acquire the 32-year-old Markstrom, who has a full no-movement clause. A rumored trade that would’ve sent him to the Devils last month reportedly fell through over salary retention amid speculation that Flames ownership nixed the deal.

Johnston believes the Winnipeg Jets could try to add a depth forward or defenseman…The Ottawa Senators have received some interest in Jakob Chychrun as well as Erik Brannstrom…The Montreal Canadiens remain open for business. The players they want to move (Jake Allen and David Savard) have a year remaining on their contracts.

THE ATHLETIC: The Philadelphia Flyers hope to find a trade partner for Ryan Johansen. They acquired the 31-year-old center on Wednesday from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Sean Walker trade.

Johansen cleared waivers on Thursday and was reassigned to the Flyers AHL affiliate. However, general manager Daniel Briere said he informed the center to stand pat for a day or two as they attempt to see if another team could use him.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Rangers are eyeing a reunion with Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano, who is signed through next season with $3.65 million cap hit. They’ve also been linked to St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich but the Blues would have to retain part of his $5.8 million cap hit.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports rumors of the Red Wings acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust are running hot. However, he believes it’s unlikely to happen as the Penguins haven’t asked Rust to waive his no-movement clause.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker reports the Kraken’s improving odds of qualifying for the playoffs could complicate a possible trade of winger Jordan Eberle. Contract discussions were underway but reportedly stalled on Wednesday. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believes Eberle will be traded by today’s deadline.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger considers Jack Roslovic to be the Blue Jackets’ most likely trade candidate. The 27-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont reports The Toronto Maple Leafs were among the clubs that inquired about Canadiens defenseman David Savard. However, those teams have balked at the Canadiens’ high asking price.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser lists Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons and Victor Olofsson among the Sabres’ most likely trade candidates as today’s deadline approaches.










Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

by | Mar 7, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly close to sending winger Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Michael Bunting is believed to be part of the trade package going to Pittsburgh as he’s a healthy scratch tonight for “trade-related reasons.”  The Penguins and Hurricanes are still sorting out the details. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sitting up all night waiting for this deal to be consummated. If it happens later tonight, check out the details at the NHL Trade Tracker. 

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

San Jose Sharks trade winger Anthony Duclair to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Jack Thompson and a 2024 third-round pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

Chicago Blackhawks traded winger Anthony Beauvillier to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 fifth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second time Beauvillier has been traded during this season. He was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Vancouver Canucks in November.

Colorado Avalanche acquired winger Brandon Duhaime from the Minnesota Wild for a 2026 third-round pick.

Arizona Coyotes trade defenseman Troy Stecher and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-rounder.

Nashville Predators acquired defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 third-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Yakov Trenin and defenseman Graham Sward.