NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2024

by | Feb 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Jake Guentzel, Adam Henrique and Kevin Labanc plus an update on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON MARKSTROM AND HANIFIN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Calgary Flames management did not ask goaltender Jacob Markstrom to waive his no-movement clause to accept a trade to the New Jersey Devils. He said the two clubs engaged in trade discussions but it never reached the stage where Markstrom’s approval would be required to facilitate the deal.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated the sticking point was salary retention. It’s uncertain if those trade talks between the two clubs are over or not but it’s clear that the Devils still need to upgrade their goaltending.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary retention is the one thing all insiders seem to agree on regarding what derailed the Markstrom trade talks between the two clubs. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6 million.

As I mentioned yesterday, the Flames don’t seem keen to carry dead cap space for the next two seasons. Even with the salary cap projected to significantly increase over that period, they’ll need as much room as possible to re-sign key players and add others to their roster.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the Devils were also kicking tires on Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins.

Speaking of the Flames, they’re still awaiting a decision from Noah Hanifin on whether he’ll re-sign with them. Darren Dreger indicates there’s plenty of interest in the 27-year-old defenseman if he becomes available. The Flames want to re-sign Hanifin but are willing to move him before the March 8 deadline if he’s not interested in a new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The trade deadline is three weeks away so Hanifin still has plenty of time to decide his future. However, the Flames will want a decision soon to set the wheels in motion for a trade if he’s not willing to stick around.

Sportsnet’s Eric Francis reports Flames general manager Craig Conroy isn’t going to gut his roster so that they tank this season. Conroy pointed out how well young players such as Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, and others have fit in among the veterans this season, helping to keep the Flames within wild-card contention. Adding Andrei Kuzmenko from Vancouver in the Elias Lindholm deal indicates he’s trying to retool the roster on the fly.

Francis also noted that Conroy is in no hurry to trade Markstrom. However, he’s willing to listen to offers and could pull the trigger for the right return provided the goalie accepts the move.

NO ASKING PRICE SET FOR GUENTZEL

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are receiving calls about Jake Guentzel. However, GM Kyle Dubas has not yet set an asking price for the 29-year-old winger. LeBrun claims they’re not at that point yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently speculated Dubas would want a return comparable to what the Philadelphia Flyers received from the Florida Panthers in the Claude Giroux trade two years ago. The Flyers received a first-round pick, a third-rounder and young winger Owen Tippett.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Friedman telling Brenden Escott of Oilers Now that he believes the Oilers will attempt to go big at the upcoming trade deadline. He believes Guentzel is the player they rank the highest on their wish list though he added that he’s not saying that’s going to happen.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Horwat cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting Guentzel would be a perfect fit with the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers and Avalanche would need the Penguins to retain half of Guentzel’s $6 million cap hit to make the dollars fit. That would require a significant return to the Penguins.

Speaking of Guentzel, he left last night’s game against the Florida Panthers with an upper-body injury. The severity of that injury could determine whether he gets traded by March 8. Stay tuned.

UPDATE ON ADAM HENRIQUE

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Anaheim Ducks won’t have any problem retaining half of Adam Henrique’s $5.825 million cap hit for the remainder of this season to facilitate a trade. He also believes Ducks GM Pat Verbeek will want a first-round pick as part of the return.

Verbeek could also look at upgrading his current roster with a proven player on the same timeline as their young core.

As for potential trade partners, Stephens listed the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. All three could use additional depth at center.

LABANC REQUEST A TRADE FROM THE SHARKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports agent Mike Curren confirms he’s working with Sharks management to find a new opportunity for client Kevin Labanc. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract with the Sharks and has recently been a frequent healthy scratch.

Miller indicates there’s no animosity between the two sides. Curren claimed there were clubs interested in Labanc earlier this season but nothing materialized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Labanc’s production as well as his $4.725 million cap hit for this season makes him difficult to move. The Sharks could retain half of that cap hit for the remainder of the season but they’ve already used up two of their salary-retention slots.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston took note of the Vancouver Canucks inviting Phil Kessel to skate with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford but he might not be the only player they consider adding to their roster for the playoffs.

Johnston believes they could also look at adding a right-shot defenseman. While they’d love to bring back Chris Tanev from Calgary, they’ll likely have to consider more affordable options that can fit within their system. Possibilities include Seattle’s Justin Schultz, Pittsburgh’s Chad Ruhwedel, Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin or Buffalo’s Erik Johnson.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2024

by | Feb 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2024

More info on the Devils’ attempt to acquire Jacob Markstrom, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams denies shopping Casey Mittelstadt, Boone Jenner wants to remain with the Blue Jackets, plus the latest on the Flyers and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REPORT CLAIMS DEVILS AND FLAMES WERE CLOSE TO A DEAL ON MARKSTROM

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cites Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting Calgary Flames management recently approached goaltender Jacob Markstrom about waiving his no-movement clause to accept a trade to the New Jersey Devils.

Seravalli doesn’t think there were any issues on Markstrom’s part about joining the Devils. Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that the two sides were in agreement on a deal that would’ve worked for both sides, with Devils forward Alexander Holtz believed to be part of the return to the Flames.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated the deal fell apart over the issue of the Flames retaining part of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. Seravalli doubts the deal can be revived as the Devils are looking elsewhere for goaltending help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Markstrom were an unrestricted free agent this summer or next perhaps the Flames might’ve been more agreeable to retaining part of his salary cap hit. Having part of his cap hit on their books for the remainder of this season plus the next two wasn’t something they seemed keen to do.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams denied recent speculation claiming he was shopping Casey Mittelstadt.

Appearing Tuesday on “Schopp and the Bulldog”, Adams praised the versatile 25-year-old forward, who leads the Sabres with 43 points this season. He also indicated that he hopes to work toward a contract for Mittelstadt and get him signed.

Mittelstadt is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt’s contract status plus the fact several of his teammates have already signed long-term contracts sparked speculation he could be shopped because the Sabres didn’t want to sign him.

Adams could be tempted if a rival GM made an enticing pitch for Mittelstadt. However, I’m taking him at face value when he says he wants to re-sign him. Bear in mind that Mittelstadt’s RFA status means his rights still belong to the Sabres so Adams is under no pressure to move him by the March 8 trade deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Speaking of the Sabres, Lance Lysowski reports Victor Olofsson is remaining patient while awaiting a trade. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has been the subject of trade speculation this season.

Moving Olofsson could be tricky. His production is down this season, he’s been a frequent healthy scratch and he carries a $4.75 million cap hit.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa cited The Fourth Period claiming the Colorado Avalanche have been linked to Olofsson. They need depth at center but DeRosa thinks they could also use more scoring among their bottom six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres might have to retain half of Olofsson’s cap hit to move him by the March 8 trade deadline. Even that might not fetch much of a return.

JENNER WANTS TO STAY WITH THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has become a wanted man in this season’s trade market. However, the 30-year-old forward made it clear that he doesn’t want to be traded.

Jenner said he wants to be part of the rebuilding roster’s development. He acknowledged there’s a lot of work to be done but believes they can get it done.

A versatile, hardworking forward, Jenner carries an affordable $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26. That contract along with his style of game makes him attractive to playoff contenders. However, Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said it would take an over-the-top offer before he would consider trading his captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner also seems keen to spend his entire NHL career with the Blue Jackets. That might change in a couple of years when he becomes eligible for UFA status if the Jackets haven’t improved by then.

If Kekalainen gets replaced at the end of this season a new GM could have designs on trading Jenner, who carries an eight-team no-trade clause. For now, however, it seems unlikely that he’ll be moved by the March 8 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON SEAN WALKER

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella recently said that his club isn’t shopping defenseman Sean Walker. However, Tortorella thinks they’d be dopes if they didn’t listen to offers, adding they’d move him if it made sense for the organization.

Walker’s been the Flyers most consistent defenseman this season. Moving him would hurt their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ acquisition of Jamie Drysdale has heightened anticipation that Walker could be traded. However, Kurz cited Tortorella saying the 21-year-old Drysdale remains a work in progress.

Kurz noted the Flyers have been carrying eight defensemen. One way to address this would be to trade Rasmus Ristolainen while attempting to re-sign Walker and defense partner Nick Seeler. While Ristolainen is on The Athletic’s trade board, any deal would involve the Flyers retaining part of his $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. Walker, however, is simply more valuable in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decision would be easier for Flyers management if the club was out of playoff contention. However, they’re holding on to third place in the Metropolitan Division. GM Daniel Briere said that wouldn’t affect his decision to make trades for the future but he could be feeling pressure from ownership to keep this group intact for the rest of the season.

I’ll be very surprised if Briere can find a taker for Ristolainen. While his play has improved under Tortorella’s coaching, his cap hit is a significant obstacle in the path to a trade.

UPDATE ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s recent appearance on “Oilers Now” telling Bob Stauffer that Oilers top prospect Philip Broberg could factor into the club’s plans for the trade deadline.

Seravalli wasn’t talking about the Oilers shopping Broberg, who’s spent most of this season with their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Instead, he believes that Brober is now NHL-ready. That could give them the flexibility to move out other players.

Staples speculates blueliner Brett Kulak could be that player. While the Oilers like Kulak, Daily Faceoff pointed out that replacing him with Broberg represents an immediate $2 million in cap savings.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

by | Feb 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Juuse Saros, Chris Tanev, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jake Allen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS REPORTEDLY SET A HIGH PRICE FOR GUENTZEL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Horwat cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Pittsburgh Penguins will set a high price for Jake Guentzel if they put the 29-year-old winger on the trade block.

Friedman pointed to what the Philadelphia Flyers received from the Florida Panthers two years ago in the Claude Giroux trade. That deal fetched the Flyers a first-round pick in 2024, a third-rounder in 2023 and winger Owen Tippett, who’s blossomed into a scorer in Philadelphia.

Horwat’s colleague Adam Proteau believes the Penguins should move Guentzel if a team is willing to meet their high asking price. Trading him away would hurt in the short term but could prove beneficial over the long run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Guentzel’s offensive numbers, team captain Sidney Crosby’s stellar play and Tristan Jarry’s solid goaltending, the Penguins are struggling to remain in the chase for a wild card spot.

The Penguins tried to make one more Stanley Cup run by re-signing aging stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang two years ago. Under new management last summer, they brought in Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith.

It’s time to accept reality. The Penguins are not a Stanley Cup contender and haven’t been for several years. They’re not even holding a playoff spot right now. Even if they somehow rally and clinch a berth in the 2024 postseason they’ll probably be eliminated in the first round.

The Penguins don’t have to tear this roster down completely but they must restock with promising young talent for now as well as the future. If someone is willing to overpay for Guentzel, Dubas must pull the trigger.

SAROS RESURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman brought up Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros as an intriguing trade target for teams seeking a starting goaltender. He noted the Predators are looking for a top offensive player and Saros could be the kind of guy to fetch that type of return.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils are searching for help between the pipes and recently spoke with the Calgary Flames about Jacob Markstrom, who carries a $6 million cap hit. However, the Devils have limited salary-cap space and the Flames could be reluctant to retain salary for a player signed through 2025-26.

Regarding Saros, Friedman noted the name of Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield has been tossed around. However, he doubts Saros would fetch Byfield. The Carolina Hurricanes are another club in need of goaltending. Friedman mentioned Martin Necas could be attractive to the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros, 28, is slated to become a UFA next summer. The Predators aren’t under pressure to move him now.

Predators GM Barry Trotz earlier this season said he intended to speak with Saros’ agent about opening contract extension talks on July 1. Even if that plan has changed, Trotz isn’t likely to trade his starting goalie while his team is battling for a wild-card berth.

Everything I’ve read and heard coming out of Nashville is skeptical of the Predators moving Saros. They point to the trade talk that swirled about him leading up to last year’s deadline but nothing came of it. They don’t expect anything to happen now.

Nashville Hockey Now’s Clay Brewer made a good point when he noted that it’s rare these days for a starting goalie to fetch a big return. He thinks the Predators should consider moving Saros if the return is two top prospects or young NHL players plus two high draft picks. He’s not holding his breath expecting anyone to pitch that type of offer.

FLAMES SEEKING A FIRST-ROUNDER FOR TANEV

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal spoke yesterday with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman about Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. Friedman believes the Flames seek a first-round pick for the 34-year-old Tanev but teams are offering up second-round picks.

Asked if the Vancouver Canucks could do that, Friedman didn’t think so. Nevertheless, he believes the Canucks have a lot of time for Tanev, who began his NHL career in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev spent 10 of his 14 NHL seasons with the Canucks before signing with the Flames in 2020. Speaking of the Flames’ asking price, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun suggested it was a second-rounder plus another asset or a first-rounder if teams lacked a second-round pick.

UPDATE ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t paying any attention to the trade rumors swirling about him as he considers his options with the March 8 trade deadline approaching. The 32-year-old Senators winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a no-trade clause. He has 34 points in 46 games this season.

Tarasenko hasn’t ruled out re-signing with the Senators. He wouldn’t say if he’s spoken with general manager Steve Staios about the situation.

Garrioch noted that Tarasenko recently changed agents again but doubted that it had to do with signing a contract extension with the Senators. He cited an insider claiming the winger made this move to get a contract extension in place with a new club before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Senators mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, I’ll be surprised if Tarasenko isn’t moved by the March 8 trade deadline. Whether he can get a contract extension as part of the condition of a trade remains to be seen. Interested clubs could be leery about investing long-term before seeing how well he performs for them first.

UPDATE ON JAKE ALLEN

TVA SPORTS: Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie believe Jake Allen’s recent poor performance will adversely affect the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender’s value in the trade market.

They believe Allen doesn’t want to leave the Canadiens. They speculate he was likely offered a role with the franchise following his playing career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s enduring the worst season of his career with the Canadiens carrying three goalies. He seems like the odd man out with Sam Montembeault becoming their starter while promising Cayden Primeau looking more and more like Montembeault’s backup.

Some general managers could blame Allen’s struggles this season on the Habs three-goalie system. One of them could take the chance on him regaining his form with a change of scenery with a traditional two-goalie system..

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said he’s comfortable carrying all three goalies for the rest of the season. However, it’s believed he’s still willing to trade Allen.

Some observers think Hughes has set his asking price for Allen and won’t budge from it. He’s signed through next season so Hughes doesn’t have to move him at the trade deadline. He could wait until the offseason for a club to meet his price.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2024

by | Feb 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Flames, Stars and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE PENGUINS FINALLY MAKE CHANGES?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes the Penguins’ constant self-destruction in recent games leaves them unable to control their destiny. He believes it’s time to shake up the roster and that includes trades.

Kingerski believes general manager Kyle Dubas must do something or else the Penguins can kiss this season goodbye. If he cannot get Jake Guentzel re-signed and if the club isn’t going to compete for the playoffs, trading him could fetch a first-round pick lost in last summer’s Erik Karlsson trade as well as a solid prospect.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden believes the Penguins can’t swap any futures in a vain attempt to win now. He feels the club is going nowhere and Guentzel should be shopped before the trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is defying Father Time with another terrific season while defenseman Kris Letang is playing well. Goaltender Tristan Jarry leads the league with six shutouts and is among the league leaders in save percentage (.916) and goals-against average (2.44). Guentzel is also enjoying a fine performance with 51 points in 49 games.

However, the rest of the Penguins are a mess as Kingerski and Madden pointed out. They’re currently seven points out of a wild-card spot. At their current pace, they won’t make the playoffs. If Dubas can’t get Guentzel re-signed before the trade deadline, he has no choice but to move him and start building for the future.

On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Penguins are content to see how the rest of this month pans out before deciding on Guentzel. Nevertheless, I don’t doubt that Dubas has been getting inquiries into the availability of the 29-year-old winger.

WHAT COULD THE FLAMES GET FOR TANEV, HANIFIN AND MARKSTROM?

SPORTSNET: In a recent mailbag segment, Pat Steinberg was asked what kind of return the Calgary Flames could get for goaltender Jacob Markstrom and defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin.

It’s been reported the Flames won’t move Markstrom unless they can get a massive return. However, Steinberg points out how perilous trading for starting goalies has been in previous trade deadlines.

Steinberg believes the Flames would seek a first-round pick, a top prospect and a roster player who can step in right away. Meanwhile, it’s believed the Flames are holding out for a first-round pick for Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Steinberg’s assessments. As far as trading Markstrom goes, a playoff wannabe like the New Jersey Devils could overpay to get him before the deadline. Steinberg’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reported the Devils had discussions with the Flames last week. However, he said those talks stalled over the Flames’ asking price and retaining a portion of Markstrom’s $6 million annual salary cap hit.

POSSIBLE TRADE BAIT FOR THE STARS AND SHARKS

THE ATHLETIC: Saad Yousef recently noted the Dallas Stars’ need to improve their blueline depth for the playoffs. He speculated that defenseman Nils Lundkvist and forwards Radek Faksa, Evgenii Dadonov and Ty Dellandrea could be used as potential trade bait. They could also offer up draft picks if they’re unwilling to part with prospects such as Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven and Lian Bichsel.

Assessing the San Jose Sharks’ trade candidates, Eric Stephens believes they’ll attempt to move pending UFAs like goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, defenseman Calen Addison and forwards Alexander Barabonov and Anthony Duclair. Stephens also doesn’t rule out Mario Ferraro, Luke Kunin, Jan Rutta and Jacob MacDonald becoming trade candidates but believes they’re probably not moving.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 11, 2024

by | Feb 11, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 11, 2024

The Flames and Devils discussed Jacob Markstrom plus updates on the Bruins, Oilers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the respective general managers of the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils discussed Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom before the two clubs played each other last week. Neither team is commenting on this.

Friedman doesn’t know if this was ever taken to Markstrom, who is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. However, he believes the two sides held a serious discussion on the subject.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Two issues were the Flames’ asking price and salary retention. Friedman heard that those were difficult to overcome and stopped the discussions, adding it seemed unlikely that those talks would resume.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests plenty of time for things to change with the March 8 trade deadline over three weeks away. He indicated that Markstrom is already willing to waive his no-movement clause and it’s been reported he’d be interested in doing so for the Devils. However, it will only be talk unless the Flames and Devils can reach an agreement that both sides are comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames aren’t going to give Markstrom away nor are they under any pressure to trade him. In an interview last week with Friedman’s colleague Eric Francis, the netminder said he hadn’t been asked to waive his clause nor is he going to request a trade. With Markstom signed for two more years, the Flames can wait until the offseason if they don’t get any suitable offers before March 8.

With Dougie Hamilton on LTIR for the rest of the regular season, the Devils have the cap room to take on Markstrom’s AAV. The problem, however, is what it’ll cost them next season.

Adding Markstrom’s full $6 million cap hit would push the Devils’ payroll to over $73 million invested in 15 players. That could make it difficult to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agent Tyler Toffoli, re-sign restricted free agent Dawson Mercer, fill out the remainder of the roster, and leave sufficient cap room to address any issues that arise next season.

That would explain why cap retention became one of the sticking points mentioned by Friedman. The Flames probably aren’t receptive to that unless the Devils make it worth their while with a significant return.

Speaking of the Flames, Friedman cited defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin being among four players currently holding up the trade market along with Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks forward Adam Henrique.

Hanifin has had contract extension talks with the Flames. Until he signs, however, teams still consider him as being available.

Teams that could be waiting on Tanev and Hanifin include teams seeking blueline depth like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars. Friedman also said he’s heard the Edmonton Oilers are among the clubs with eyes on Guentzel. He thinks the Penguins are willing to see how the month plays out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, the teams holding those players can afford to be patient. Friedman also noted that some clubs can’t or won’t pay the asking prices for those players and could look at more affordable options.

WHO COULD THE BRUINS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what the Boston Bruins might do leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

Given the high cost of acquiring a second-line center for now and the future, they could instead consider adding an impact winger. They probably couldn’t afford someone like Jake Guentzel but could instead look at more affordable options like Ottawa’s Vladimir Tarasenko, San Jose’s Anthony Duclair and Detroit’s David Perron.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss also had Duclair on his list. He also suggested they look at adding a forward who can play center or wing such as Anaheim’s Adam Henrique, Minnesota’s Brandon Duhaime, Arizona’s Liam O’Brien, and Washington’s Nic Dowd.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goss admits acquiring Henrique could be difficult for the cap-strapped Bruins given the forward’s $5.8 million cap hit. Even if Anaheim retains half, the Bruins still might have to send some salary to the Ducks. The Bruins would likely face the same issue with Tarasenko ($5 million) and Perron ($4.75 million).

If the Bruins make an addition or two at the trade deadline it’ll likely be more affordable options than Henrique, perhaps one of those on Goss’ list.

COULD THE OILERS PURSUE PERRON?

EDMONTON JOURNAL’s Jim Matheson tweeted that Oilers GM Ken Holland has long liked Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron. He’s slated to become a UFA this summer but the Wings would have to retain half of his $4.75 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Perron is available. The Red Wings are jockeying for one of the two wild-card berths in the Eastern Conference. I don’t see Detroit GM Steve Yzerman trading away Perron if his club is in the chase for its first playoff appearance in eight years unless it’s for a better player. If anything, Yzerman could become a buyer by the deadline.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are seeking help that improve their team now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was a rumor flying around that the Sabres were actively shopping center Casey Mittelstadt and wanted a goaltender in return. The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski downplayed that speculation but his tweet is no longer available. However, in a reply to one of his followers regarding the Mittelstadt rumor, Lysowski tweeted they listen when teams make calls but they’re not shopping the 25-year-old center.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2024

by | Feb 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2024

The Sabres are rumored to be shopping Casey Mittelstadt, speculation over Max Pacioretty’s future, two Canadian clubs could have an interest in Alexandre Carrier, plus the latest on the Flyers and Sharks in the NHL Rumor Mill.

REPORT: SABRES ACTIVELY SHOPPING MITTELSTADT

AFTER THE WHISTLE: Andrew Peters said Friday that he’d heard “from a very reliable source” that Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is “shopping Casey Mittelstadt hard” because he doesn’t want to pay the 25-year-old forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’s in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million. The versatile forward enjoyed a 59-point breakout performance last season and currently leads the Sabres in scoring with 42 points in 50 games.

Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt (NHL Images).

Peters’ source didn’t know what Adams’ asking price would be for Mittelstadt but indicated that he’s looking for a goaltender. “They don’t trust the three that they have,” said Peters.

SPORTSNET: On Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mittelstadt’s contract situation. He believes Mittelstadt would not be happy not to get a lucrative new contract when several other teammates did. “If you’re not going to pay him, you almost have to move him.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Peters’ claiming the Sabres are shopping Mittelstadt. He believes the Flyers should pursue him and suggested offering up right-shot defenseman Sean Walker as part of the return.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal also noted Peters’ report about Mittelstadt. He believes the Sabres forward would be a good candidate for the Avalanche’s second-line center position. However, a young forward under team control for a few more years would be expensive to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes last month suggested Mittelstadt could be available if Adams didn’t want to sign him to a long-term extension. He shrugged off the speculation while Adams has not spoken about it.

Mittelstadt will draw plenty of interest in the trade market if Adams is indeed peddling him. Finding a reliable, established starting goaltender, however, won’t be easy as the pickings are slim right now.

Maybe Adams could offer up Mittelstadt to the Calgary Flames for Jacob Markstrom provided the latter would waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. Perhaps a deal could be made with the Nashville Predators for Juuse Saros provided he’s willing to sign a contract extension on July 1. Anaheim Ducks starter John Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill stretching back to last season but the Sabres could be on his 10-team no-trade list.

COULD THE CAPITALS ATTEMPT TO MOVE PACIORETTY?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun speculated the Washington Capitals could become sellers if they don’t gain ground soon in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their pending unrestricted free agents include Anthony Mantha, Joel Edmundson and Max Pacioretty.

Pacioretty carries a full no-movement clause giving him and his agent complete control over his situation. However, LeBrun believes he could waive it for the right fit and a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

LeBrun thinks Mantha could be difficult to move even with retaining some salary. Edmundson’s playoff pedigree, meanwhile, could make him enticing to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty is on a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million plus another $2 million in performance bonuses. The six-time 30-goal scorer has seven points in 14 games thus far in his comeback with the Capitals.

LATEST FLYERS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek talked about possible trade-deadline moves for the Philadelphia Flyers.

They believe they are contemplating retaining Sean Walker and moving Rasmus Ristolainen. The latter would be easier to trade in the offseason for financial as well as hockey reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen, 29, lacks no-trade protection but carries a $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. He would be easier to move this summer when teams have more money to absorb that type of cap hit. However, he could still be a difficult sell unless the Flyers are willing to retain some salary.

They also believe Scott Laughton’s time with the Flyers could be drawing to a close. It could happen at the trade deadline or in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, 29, is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing. He carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26 and lacks a no-trade clause. He could attract a fair bit of interest in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE SHARKS

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting Mikael Granlund might fetch the best return for the San Jose Sharks in the trade market.

Peng noted that the 29-year-old two-way center has bounced back this season with 29 points in 38 games. He carries a $5 million AAV through next season and lacks no-trade protection.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited The Fourth Period recently claiming the Vegas Golden Knights are interested in Anthony Duclair.

The 28-year-old Sharks winger has just 17 points in 46 games this season with San Jose but was a productive middle-six forward for the Florida Panthers during their run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. He’s in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $3 million.

Gaudio’s colleague Max Miller cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there are teams with an interest in Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen. The pending UFA has put up good underlying numbers this season but doesn’t have a resume in high-pressure games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the three, Duclair seems the more likely to move given his cap hit and his performance in last year’s playoffs.

Granlund’s cap hit remains difficult to move unless the Sharks retain part of it. Having used up two of their three salary-retention slots on Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, I doubt they’ll keep any part of Granlund’s cap hit to facilitate a trade.

Kahkonen’s inexperience in playoff action will be an issue for contenders shopping for goaltending depth.

OILERS & CANUCKS COULD BE INTERESTED IN ALEXANDRE CARRIER

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if the Edmonton Oilers might be looking at Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier as a trade option. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Thomas Drance recently mentioned Carrier as a trade target for the Vancouver Canucks.

Gallagher noted that Predators GM Barry Trotz isn’t necessarily shopping Carrier but is willing to listen to trade offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier could be an attractive option for contenders with limited cap space looking for an affordable defenseman. He carries a $2.5 million cap hit, lacks a no-trade clause and is slated to become a UFA this summer.

Gallagher also noted the Predators are trying to move blueliner Tyson Barrie following his trade request back in December.