NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2024

by | Jul 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest speculation over Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl’s next contract, an update on Hurricanes forward Martin Necas, and trade conjecture continues to swirl around Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

WHAT COULD LEON DRAISAITL’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson believes Leon Draisaitl’s next contract with the Oilers could be at least $13.5 million per season. He thinks they should consider themselves lucky if they can get the 28-year-old forward signed to that amount.

Draisaitl is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His current average annual value is $8.5 million.

Matheson points out the salary cap for the first season of Draisaitl’s next contract (2025-26) could reach $93 million. He pointed out how much stars such as Toronto’s Auston Matthews ($13.25 million AAV), Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million), Oilers captain Connor McDavid ($12.5 million), the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin ($11.64 million) and Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson ($11.6 million) are earning.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer claiming Draisaitl could seek a seven or eight-year term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson believes Draisaitl’s deal will get done because Oilers owner Daryl Katz wants it done. He also noted new general manager Stan Bowman said his priority is to make the talented forward an Oiler for life.

A steadily rising salary cap will help the Oilers re-sign Draisaitl and defenseman Evan Bouchard by next summer. It should also help them ensure they can afford to retain McDavid on another monstrous contract before his UFA eligibility in July 2026.

WHAT NEXT FOR MARTIN NECAS AFTER RE-SIGNING WITH THE HURRICANES?

DFO RUNDOWN: Frank Seravalli named Martin Necas the player he’s most surprised hasn’t been traded. He believes there were a couple of deals under consideration that ultimately weren’t enough for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Seravalli believed the Buffalo Sabres had a deal in place during draft week with the Hurricanes for Necas but the forward wouldn’t agree to sign a new contract with that new deal. There was another he believed was from the Winnipeg Jets with an offer of Rutger McGroarty, Cole Perfetti, and a draft pick but didn’t get it done or it wasn’t a place Necas didn’t want to go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas lacked no-trade protection but his status as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights gave him leverage regarding possible trade destinations.

Seravalli didn’t indicate what the Sabres offered up for Necas. That package from the Jets looks like an overpayment given Perfetti’s potential.

Necas agreed to a two-year deal with the Hurricanes on Monday with an AAV of $6.5 million. He still lacks no-trade protection but it seems less likely he’ll be moved now.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky recently said he’d continue to talk to other clubs but those interested parties no longer have the salary cap flexibility they had in June. The departures of forwards Jake Guentzel and Teuvo Teravainen also ensure Necas will have a larger role this season.

THE LATEST AARON EKBLAD SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau has Aaron Ekblad on the hot seat as the Florida Panthers defend the Stanley Cup this season.

The Panthers defenseman is entering the final season of his contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. However, if GM Bill Zito is being proactive, he could attempt to move Ekblad before the next trade deadline.

Ekblad’sbeen hampered by injuries since 2018-19. However, he could still have considerable trade value as a 28-year-old right-shot blueliner. Zito’s been known for making bold moves so trading Ekblad isn’t out of the question.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since early June. His full no-movement clause became a 12-team no-trade list on July 1, giving Zito room to maneuver in trade talks.

The departures of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson depleted the Panthers’ blueline for the coming season and could make Zito reluctant to move Ekblad. Nevertheless, this situation could be worth monitoring as this season unfolds.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2024

by | Jul 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2024

Which clubs could become trade destinations for Patrik Laine? What’s the latest on the Jets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes it’s difficult to determine which NHL clubs could become trade destinations for Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger was cleared Friday from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Laine can begin trade discussions with the Columbus Blue Jackets and interested teams can also speak with him.

Portzline points out that only six teams (Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Utah Hockey Club) have sufficient cap space to take on his $8.7 million annual cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the Hurricanes’ cap space will be taken up by re-signing restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis. The same goes for the Red Wings with Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

The list more than doubles if the Blue Jackets retain up to half of Laine’s cap hit or take back a salaried player in return. Jackets general manager Don Waddell prefers the latter option.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Portzline suggested Anaheim and Carolina as possible destinations, with the Montreal Canadiens having an outside shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have the cap space to take on Laine’s full cap hit and he could provide a welcome boost to their offense. Nevertheless, they seem set on their wings for this season with Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano, Alex Killorn, Ryan Strome, Robby Fabbri and the promising Cutter Gauthier.

The Hurricanes are a possibility if they trade Martin Necas, perhaps swapping him for Laine or peddling him to another team. Otherwise, they’ll have difficulty finding sufficient cap room to do this.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens have around $7.9 million in cap space but can get an additional $10 million if necessary by placing permanently sidelined goaltender Carey Price on long-term injury reserve. They would probably prefer the Jackets retain a healthy chunk of Laine’s cap hit, assuming they’ll take the gamble on adding Laine to their rebuilding roster at this stage of his career.

Laine also has a 10-team no-trade list. Some of those clubs might be on it.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards pointed out that Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is one of Laine’s best friends. The Jackets winger knows Florida’s other Finnish players like Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola.

Richards also noted that Laine’s best seasons were with the Winnipeg Jets under Paul Maurice, who now coaches the Panthers.

Nevertheless, Richards doesn’t see Laine joining the Panthers anytime soon, suggesting that might be possible in two years when he’s a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers only have $766K of cap space for 2024-25. They’d have to ship out some salary to make room for Laine.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe puts the odds of Laine returning to the Jets at 10 and 15 percent. His contract is the significant sticking point as they couldn’t afford to take it on even if the Blue Jackets retained part of his cap hit. The Jackets’ asking price would also be an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have $5.8 million in cap space with Cole Perfetti due for a significant raise coming off his entry-level contract.

UPDATE ON THE JETS

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe provided an update on the standoff between the Jets and prospect Rutger McGroarty. The 20-year-old winger refused to sign an entry-level deal with the Jets and is returning to the University of Michigan in the fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been a much-reported disconnect between McGroarty and the Jets over the club’s development plan for him. He sees himself as NHL-ready while they’d prefer he starts with their AHL affiliate. The Jets hold his NHL rights until Aug. 15, 2026.

McIntyre doesn’t expect the Jets to give up on McGroarty and trade him for pennies on the dollar. However, his mindset makes it difficult to find much of a trade market.

Wiebe noted plenty of discussions with other teams during last month’s NHL Draft and several close calls involving a trade. The Jets haven’t closed the door on smoothing over their relationship with McGroarty. Nevertheless, Wiebe thinks he could be part of an NHL trade deadline deal for a return that includes a defenseman with several years remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty will be among the most-watched prospects in NCAA hockey this season. As Wiebe points out, the better he plays the more his value increases, to the Jets and on the trade market if he remains insistent on moving on to another NHL club.

Wiebe also noted some chatter around the draft indicating the Jets and Washington Capitals were considering a deal that would’ve included Capitals center Connor McMichael. He was bumped down the depth chart when Washington acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals could need salary-cap relief if T.J. Oshie doesn’t end up on LTIR to start this season. However, it’s doubtful they’ll part with the 23-year-old McMichael, who can be moved to left wing. He also carries an affordable $2.1 million AAV through 2025-26. Moving him now would also leave the Capitals scrambling to find a replacement in the depleted trade and free-agent markets.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2024

by | Jul 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 28, 2024

Check out the latest on the Ducks and more musings over Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman’s contract negotiations in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently addressed questions from his readers regarding the Anaheim Ducks.

Stephens believes this season will be a big one for Trevor Zegras. He could bust out in a big way that establishes himself as an impact player. He could have a healthy and productive campaign but not one that convinces management he’s the piece they need to win big with, or he settles in as a complementary, 60-point winger.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever version of Zegras emerges could determine his future with the Ducks. A breakout performance means he’ll play a major role going forward, ensuring a more lucrative contract down the road. The other two scenarios could see him getting traded for a return that could be less than expected. 

Asked why John Gibson remains with the Ducks, Stephens believes management’s unwillingness to retain part of the goaltender’s $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27 is a major stumbling block. He believes Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has tried trading Gibson on multiple occasions. A trade would be good for both sides to move on, but there’s a thought among the Ducks that they might as well retain him if they can’t get a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years. His name came up again back in June but nothing came of it. His contract is a major sticking point and the Ducks’ unwillingness to retain some salary ensures he’ll remain in Anaheim for the coming season.

One reader asked if Mitch Marner might end up on the Ducks roster a year from now. Stephens is skeptical, suggesting Anaheim likely isn’t a desired destination if the winger sought a trade or becomes a free agent.

NO SIGN OF PROGRESS YET IN JEREMY SWAYMAN’S CONTRACT TALKS

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports Jeremy Swayman remains without a contract. The 25-year-old goaltender and the Bruins opted not to take this before arbitration. With training camp set to open on Sept. 18, there’s plenty of time to get a deal done.

Swayman hasn’t publicly commented yet on this situation. He won’t be able to report to training camp without a contract. Restricted free agents have until Dec. 1 to come to terms, or forfeit the rest of the season.

The last high-profile RFA to push it to the wire was William Nylander, who agreed to a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the final hour leading up to the Dec. 1, 2018 deadline.

Puckpedia indicates the Bruins have $8.6 million in cap space this season. Swayman’s next contract will take up most, if not all of that surplus, perhaps forcing management to make a cost-cutting trade or placing someone on long-term injury reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s speculated that Swayman could get an AAV of around $9 million, depending on the length of the contract.

Plenty of time remains for both sides to get this done but the longer Swayman’s unsigned the more speculation will grow over the status of his talks and his future with the Bruins.

This could be done by early September with the Bruins signing him to a seven-year deal worth around $8 million annually.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 27, 2024

by | Jul 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 27, 2024

Trade talks are expected to heat up for Patrik Laine. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets can now proceed with trade talks for Patrik Laine after the 26-year-old winger was released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said several NHL teams expressed an interest in Laine, but requested to speak with him first. More clubs could also get involved now that Laine has been cleared. Those teams will also be interested in his ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury suffered last season.

Waddell has said he’d prefer to make a hockey trade, acquiring a roster regular as part of the return without retaining a significant portion of Laine’s contract. However, Portzline believes such a deal could be difficult to find this deep in the offseason, with both clubs having already settled their rosters.

Portzline notes Laine’s contract is a significant impediment. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber also cited Portzline’s recent interview with TSN 690 Montreal speculating the Blue Jackets could accept a return of draft picks and prospects rather than roster players.

Silber noted the Capitals have a considerable amount of promising talent within their system and two second-round picks and two fifth-rounders in next year’s draft. It would be a bold move for new GM Chris Patrick but the gamble could be worth it if the price is right.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski observed that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman previously linked Laine to the Capitals. Kingerski also believes Laine would be a good fit with the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only six teams – Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks and Utah Hockey Club – can afford to take on Laine’s full cap hit if the Blue Jackets prefer a return of picks and prospects.

Of those teams, the Red Wings and Hurricanes have key free agents to re-sign that will eat up most of their cap space. As for the others, they could be on Laine’s no-trade list.

For other clubs interested in Laine, it’ll have to be a salaried player heading to Columbus to make the dollars fit. Otherwise, the Blue Jackets must retain up to half his cap hit.

We’ll start hearing more about which teams are interested in Laine in the coming days.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2024

by | Jul 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2024

The latest on the Blue Jackets, Panthers, and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said his club will continue to explore potential trades for Patrik Laine but a move isn’t guaranteed.

Laine has been in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program since January. Waddell indicated he’s heard the 26-year-old winger is making positive progress but the team isn’t getting much information from the program’s doctors. Most of the info he’s received has come from Laine’s agent.

The Jackets GM said Laine made it clear last month that he’d like a fresh start someplace else. He stated he’d look at all the options, including the possibility of Laine returning with the Jackets if a deal that makes sense fails to materialize.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell has said teams remain interested in Laine but wanted to speak with him before making trade offers. However, they’re not allowed until he’s been released from the program. Until that happens, his trade status remains in limbo.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jason Newland reports Waddell gave an update on contract negotiations with Kirill Marchenko. The 24-year-old winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5 and his hearing is scheduled for July 31.

Waddell said he’s had daily discussions with the Marchenko camp with both sides aiming for an agreement before July 31. He believes a two-year deal makes the most sense for both sides.

THE PANTHERS WILL FACE CAP CRUNCH NEXT YEAR

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards noted that salary-cap constraints could make it difficult for the Panthers to retain Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett next summer. Both players are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July.

Puckpedia indicates the Panthers will have $22.5 million in projected cap space under the current $88 million cap.

Ekblad carries a $7.5 million cap hit for this season but Richards believes it can be argued that number is now too high as his play has leveled off. He speculates Ekblad might accept a pay cut to stay in Florida.

Rumors claim Panthers GM Bill Zito is shopping Ekblad but Richards doubts he’ll be moved given the departures of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Verhaeghe ($4.166 million) and Bennett ($4.425 million) have been underpaid on their current contracts. Richards believes they’ll earn more in free agency than the Panthers can afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers can’t afford to keep those three even with the cap expected to rise to $92 million for 2025-26. At least one of them is playing their final season with the Panthers unless Zito can free up sufficient cap room.

COULD THE ISLANDERS TRADE WAHLSTROM DESPITE HIS NEW CONTRACT?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears suggests Oliver Wahlstrom’s future with the Islanders remains doubtful despite signing a one-year, $1-million contract on Thursday.

The signing put the Isles over the $88 million salary cap. GM Lou Lamoriello acknowledged the team was seeking trade partners during the NHL Draft last month.

Lamoriello pointed out Wahlstrom’s hard work recovering from an ACL injury in 2022-23 that hampered his performance last season. He’s hoping to give the young forward an opportunity to remain on the roster but indicated he wouldn’t just give him away.

Sears suggests this signing allows Wahlstrom to earn a roster spot during training camp. They could also use that time to showcase him for a trade. He could also end up on waivers and be demoted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I noted in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines a report suggesting the Isles could demote Maxim Tsyplakov as he’s waiver-exempt.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

by | Jul 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

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

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel looks at four ways the Penguins can use their leftover $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

One way could be adding another winger but they’d be hard-pressed to find better options than they currently have. There are no impact forwards left in the free-agent market and it’s difficult to see them trading for someone like Columbus’ Patrik Laine now.

Another option would be taking on a player from a cap-strapped team packaged with a draft pick. The Penguins’ recent acquisition of Kevin Hayes also netted them a second-round pick.

They could also consider pursuing an affordable young player like Arthur Kaliyev from the Los Angeles Kings or Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vensel considers both to represent a bet on untapped potential.

The Penguins could also sit tight with that cap space and work it to their advantage during the regular season. They could use those dollars to add to their roster or to become a third-party broker near the trade deadline to add more future assets.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latter two options seem the most sensible. Kaliyev or Robertson could be affordable pickups who would benefit from a change of scenery. On the other hand, hanging onto that cap space could help them during the season if they want to add a player who helps them clinch a playoff berth or bring in assets to help them rebuild.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski shoots down a recent rumor suggesting Tristan Jarry could be traded based on speculative pieces about the 29-year-old Penguins goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. However, his inconsistent play and the four years remaining on his contract with its $5.375 million annual cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause ensure he’ll be starting this season in Pittsburgh.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston wonders what the future holds for forward Vasily Podkolzin following the Vancouver Canucks recent signing of winger Daniel Sprong. This move ensures the 23-year-old winger isn’t a lock to make their lineup this season.

Podkolzin, 23, is a former first-round pick who should be fighting for a spot on the Canucks’ top line, not battling to hang onto a fourth-line role. He could end up playing on another team if he doesn’t find a way to improve his game.

SEKERES & PRICE: Discuss whether acquiring Sprong could set up moving someone like Nils Hoglander for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Podkolzin had a promising debut in 2021-22 with 14 goals and 26 points in 76 games. However, he’s struggled to stick with the Canucks, spending time over the past two years with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Hoglander was a second-round pick by the Canucks in the 2019 draft. He had a career-high 24 goals last season but only two points in 11 playoff games. Still, he could be a more tempting trade chip than Podkolzin for the Canucks.

COULD THE SHARKS REUNITE WITH MARTIN JONES?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier indicated earlier this month that he would address his club’s need for a No. 3 goaltender at some point during the offseason.

Pashelka suggested bringing back Martin Jones. The 34-year-old free agent was the Sharks’ starter from 2015-16 to 2020-21. He performed well last season as a No. 3 netminder with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks bought out Jones’ contract in 2021, making him an unrestricted free agent. That buyout ($1.666 million annually) remains on their books until 2027. However, they can bring him back if they want to take up Pashelka’s suggestion.