NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2024

by | Jan 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 24, 2024

Jakob Chychrun denies that he wants out of Ottawa plus the latest speculation on the Oilers’ Philip Broberg, the Kings’ Arthur Kaliyev and the Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj in the NHL Rumor Mill.

CHYCHRUN SAYS HE DOESN’T WANT TO BE TRADED

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes reports Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun dismissed the recent trade rumors about him as “ridiculous,” saying he doesn’t believe it’s based on anything.

Chychrun was acquired last season from the Arizona Coyotes and there’s talk the Senators could shop him before the March 8 trade deadline. He understands there’s a possibility he could be moved given the club’s position in the standings and management’s need to shake things up.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, he denied speculation that he wanted out of Ottawa. “I’m loving every moment here,” he said, noting the family ties he has to the city and the region. “I feel at home here. I bought a house and it’s five minutes from my sister and 10 minutes from my grandpa.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli speculates Chychrun could be a trade candidate based on the Senators having two left-side defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson under long-term contracts worth $8 million annually. Chychrun, meanwhile, has one year remaining on his deal.

Seravalli doubts the Senators will invest a total of $24 million on just the left side of their blueline. Management needs to determine which players are part of their core going forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators move Chychrun it’ll be because of the reasons listed by Seravalli. If it’s up to the defenseman he’d like to stay on a long-term contract but that’s not going to happen unless they move out Chabot or Sanderson and that’s not happening.

Bear in mind that the Senators aren’t under pressure to move Chychrun before the March trade deadline. Given his current contract, they can wait until the offseason if they don’t find any suitable offers now.

LATEST ON BROBERG AND KALIYEV

TSN: Darren Dreger is keeping an eye on Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev.

Broberg was assigned to the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield in early December, where he’s been playing well. Dreger said that teams continue to call Edmonton general manager Ken Holland about the 22-year-old blueliner.

Kaliyev, meanwhile, has been a healthy scratch from several games with the Kings. That’s drawn some attention around the league. Dreger said the Kings aren’t ready to move the 22-year-old winger just yet but something has to change.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could listen to offers for Broberg but I think they’d prefer to hang onto him. There’s not as much urgency right now for them to address roster issues given their recent signing of Corey Perry as well as their rise up the standings thanks to their 14-game win streak.

Dreger noted the Kings are waiting for Viktor Arvidsson’s return from injury next month to provide a boost to their offense. Maybe that’s what they’re waiting for regarding Kaliyev’s status. Perhaps they also need to sort out the club’s direction under head coach Todd McLellan before making any roster changes.

MORE SPECULATION ABOUT XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie noted the return of fan-favorite Arber Xhekaj to the Montreal Canadiens lineup after he spent several weeks with their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes recently said he has no plans to trade Xhekaj or employ him as a fourth-line winger. However, Lajoie isn’t convinced that the big blueliner remains part of management’s long-term plans for the club.

Lajoie wouldn’t be surprised if Xhekaj was involved in a trade between now and the NHL Draft in June. He pointed out that Hughes moved another popular defenseman at the 2022 draft by shipping out Alexander Romanov in a three-team deal that fetched center Kirby Dach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Canadiens’ depth in promising young defensemen it’s expected that Hughes could bundle one of them in a trade to bring in some established offensive help. Moving Xhekaj in a package deal would be an unpopular move among the Habs faithful unless the return is a scoring star.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2024

by | Jan 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2024

Could the Sabres trade Casey Mittelstadt? What’s the latest on the Predators? Are the Flyers interested in Arber Xhekaj? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS MITTELSTADT THE ODD MAN OUT IN BUFFALO?

ESPN: Kevin Weekes recently looked at several players who could become available by the March 8 trade deadline. One of them was Casey Mittelstadt, who could become the odd man out among the Buffalo Sabres’ young forwards.

Weekes praised Mittelstadt’s performance in filling in for sidelined winger Jeff Skinner. However, they’ve yet to sign him to a long-term extension as they’ve done with their other young players. He said Mittelstadt is drawing a lot of attention.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports Mittelstadt was surprised to hear his name mentioned on NHL Network as a trade candidate. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has not approached the 25-year-old forward or his agent yet about a contract extension.

Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt (NHL Images).

Mittelstadt has consistently been the Sabres’ most consistent player. He’s a versatile two-way player who can skate at center or on the wing among their top-six forwards.

Lysowski believes it could cost the Sabres $5.87 million annually (or 6.7 percent of their salary cap) on a five-year deal to sign Mittelstadt. They lack a proven internal replacement if they choose not to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contenders seeking a player with Mittelstadt’s skills could be inquiring about his availability. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who’s also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility in 2025.

I doubt that Adams is shopping Mittelstadt and likely intends on signing him this summer. He could be tempted by a significant trade offer but I don’t think he’ll get one leading up to the trade deadline. That sort of thing seems more likely in the offseason depending on how contract discussions go following this season.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently provided updates on several Predators who have reportedly become trade targets.

He noted that some observers still believe there’s an outside chance the Predators could move Juuse Saros despite general manager Barry Trotz’s stated intent to re-sign him. The Predators’ asking price could be outrageous but Gallagher believes that’s the point. He thinks Trotz has set the bar ridiculously high that no reasonable GM would agree to pay it.

One Predators goalie who could be available is backup Kevin Lankinen. Gallagher believes several teams could be interested in him. If they do move Lankinen, it could be closer to the March 8 trade deadline to allow promising Yaroslav Askarov more playing time with their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee before calling him up as Lankinen’s replacement.

Defenseman Tyson Barrie has been sidelined for nearly a month with an upper-body injury. That’s affected his trade value, which wasn’t that high to begin with. Most teams with an interest in Barrie lack the cap space to acquire him right now. He’s still expected to be moved by the March 8 trade deadline but this could drag on for a few weeks.

Earlier this season it was believed the Predators could move one or both of Alexandre Carrier and Dante Fabbro. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported they could now be inclined to retain both players. Fabbro’s been playing recently on their top defense pairing with Roman Josi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators could be unwilling to shake things up too much while they’re jockeying for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. I don’t see Saros, Carrier or Fabbro getting shopped. Barrie will likely be a trade deadline move.

CANADIENS GETTING CALLS ABOUT XHEKAJ

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Canadiens may have received some calls about defenseman Arber Xhekaj. However, the Habs aren’t moving the 22-year-old blueliner, who was recently recalled from their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Friedman said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Philadelphia Flyers were among the teams expressing interest in Xhekaj.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes recently said that Xhekaj was spending time in Laval to work on his defensive game. He also stated that he wanted the big blueliner to be part of their long-range plans.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2024

by | Jan 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2024

Should the Leafs approach John Tavares about waiving his no-movement clause? What’s the latest on the Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov and the Canadiens’ Sean Monahan? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

SHOULD THE LEAFS ASK TAVARES TO ACCEPT A TRADE?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons observed the decline in John Tavares’ production this season. If the Maple Leafs can expect this from their 33-year-old captain over the remainder of his contract, perhaps the two sides should consider parting ways.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

Simmons wondered if Tavares, who has one year remaining on his contract with a full no-movement clause, would be willing to “make a most unselfish gesture and waive his no-trade arrangement?” He speculated that question might come before this season ends or in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares made it very clear that he intends to play out his contract with the Leafs. I’ll be astonished if Leafs management asks him to waive his movement clause and even more shocked if he agrees to accept a trade.

Assuming that unlikely scenario took place, there is no market for a declining center that turns 34 in September carrying an average annual value of $11 million through 2024-25.

Tavares is earning $7.95 million in actual salary per season on the final two years of his contract Nevertheless, I don’t believe any club will take on that contract unless the Leafs are retaining half of his annual cap hit.

Even then, it would still be too expensive for most clubs to carry. Those who could are rebuilding teams whose playoff hopes for next season will be slim at best.

THE LATEST ON KUZNETSOV

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber noted that Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov was moved to the fourth line during Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Head coach Spencer Carberry said Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin were “getting crushed” when playing together this season.

The move was made in part to spark Kuznetsov, who hasn’t shown any consistency or momentum this season. Silber doesn’t see the 31-year-old center getting moved by the March 8 trade deadline because of his $7.8 million AAV and declining trade value. However, she speculated he could become a good draft trade asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov is signed through 2024-25. His performance has significantly eroded this season with just 14 points in 40 games. For that matter, so has that of the 38-year-old Ovechkin with just eight goals and 28 points in 41 contests. However, the Capitals captain is in no danger of becoming a trade candidate.

The combination of Kuznetsov’s contract and performance makes it unlikely that he’ll be moved by deadline day. I also think it will hurt his value in the offseason trade market unless the Capitals retain half of his AAV for the final season of his contract.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MONAHAN

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently looked at six possible trade destinations for Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan. He’s on a one-year deal with an AAV of $1.985 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Canadiens management reportedly has an agreement with the 29-year-old center that they would try to trade him to a contender if they’re out of playoff contention leading up to the March trade deadline.

Larkin listed (in alphabetical order) the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets as potential landing spots for Monahan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan would make an affordable and worthwhile “Plan B” for teams that fail to land Calgary’s Elias Lindholm if he becomes available leading up to the deadline.

The Oilers might not make any further additions following their reported signing of Corey Perry. As for the Leafs, defense and goaltending are more urgent priorities.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

by | Jan 21, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

Should the Avalanche attempt to reacquire Nazem Kadri? Who could the Canucks pursue at the trade deadline? Which players should the Jets target in the trade market? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SHOULD THE AVALANCHE BRING BACK KADRI?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler makes the case for the Colorado Avalanche to reacquire Nazem Kadri, who signed a long-term contract in 2022 as a free agent with the Calgary Flames.

Keeler believes the Avs can no longer count on winger Valeri Nichushkin, who’s taken his second extended leave of absence from the club, this time to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He doesn’t want to see the club waste another season of Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen while they’re still in their playing prime.

The Avalanche have been linked to Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm but he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Instead, Keeler believes bringing back Kadri would be a better option given his style of play and his previous tenure in Colorado.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Keeler acknowledged Kadri is on the wrong side of 30 (33) and has five more years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7 million. However, he’s also expressed his reluctance to play for a rebuilding club if the Flames decide to go down that path.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keeler admits this is wishful thinking on his part (“let’s get wacky”) though ESPN’s Kevin Weekes shares his opinion about bringing back Kadri, especially with the salary cap going up next season.

Nevertheless, there are too many hurdles to clear for the Avs. The biggest is their lack of cap space for this season unless they send the Flames a good young player like Samuel Girard or Bowen Byram as part of the return. I don’t see the Flames retaining a significant chunk of Kadri’s cap hit given how many years remain on his contract.

As for next season, the Avalanche currently have $84.8 million invested in 12 active roster players for 2024-25. They’ll get $7 million in cap relief if Gabriel Landeskog remains on long-term injury reserve as he has since last season. If he returns to action, however, they can’t afford to take on Kadri even with the cap going up without shedding considerable cap space in the process.

CANUCKS TO EXTEND ALLVIN’S CONTRACT, SEEK A TOP-SIX FORWARD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks intend to extend general manager Patrik Allvin’s contract by this week. They signed president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford to a three-year extension last week.

Friedman also indicated they’re “looking hard” for a top-six forward. The word is they’re looking at about four or five different players.

One of their targets could be Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. Another could be Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That need for a top-six forward is due in part to the ongoing struggles of Andrei Kuzmenko. Following a 39-goal, 71-point performance in 2022-23, the 27-year-old winger has just eight goals and 19 points in 40 games. He’s been a healthy scratch five times and seen limited playing time as head coach Rick Tocchet attempts to improve his overall performance.

That’s led to speculation suggesting Kuzmenko could become a trade candidate. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million average annual value and a 12-team no-trade clause. Perhaps he’ll become part of a trade package if the Canucks pursue a rental player such as Guentzel or Lindholm, provided either one is available by the March 8 trade deadline.

FIVE PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently listed five players that he believes the Winnipeg Jets should target leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

The Jets could use depth at center and among their right-shot defensemen. Ates proposed Calgary’s Elias Lindholm, the Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan and the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique to address the centerman role. Calgary’s Chris Tanev and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker are his suggested blueline options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm would be the best option in terms of skills but the asking price could be too expensive for the Jets. Other clubs will also be interested as the Flames will try to get a bidding war going to ensure a better return.

Henrique carries a $5.825 million AAV and at 33 has slowed but he still has good hockey sense and two-way skills. He’d be more affordable than Lindholm in terms of asking price but his cap hit is a concern. The Ducks could retain half of that hit but that will cost extra to convince them. That’s assuming, of course, that the Jets aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list.

Monahan could be the best option here. He lacks no-trade protection and has an affordable $1.985 million cap hit. The 29-year-old won’t cost as much as Lindholm and Henrique to acquire, perhaps a second-round pick.

Tanev could also prove difficult to land as there will be several clubs that could get into the bidding. He also carries a 10-team no-trade clause. Walker lacks no-trade protection, carries an affordable $2.65 million AAV and shouldn’t cost as much to acquire as Tanev. However, he might not be available with the Flyers holding second place in the Metropolitan Division.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2024

by | Jan 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2024

Could the Canucks pursue Jake Guentzel? Will the Kings attempt to land Jake Allen? Which players could become Blues trade candidates? Find out in the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE GUENTZEL?

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that the Vancouver Canucks would be interested in acquiring Jake Guentzel if the Pittsburgh Penguins winger becomes available before the March 8 trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Friedman noted that Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford knows Guentzel from his days as Penguins general manager. However, he also said a lot of other clubs would be interested in the 29-year-old winger, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas earlier this week dismissed recent trade speculation about Guentzel, saying he hasn’t had discussions about him with other clubs. Dubas also said at some point they’ll evaluate what’s best for Guentzel and the Penguins going forward.

With the Penguins jockeying for a wild-card berth Dubas could hang onto Guentzel as an own rental for the remainder of this season. Perhaps he’s already decided that he’s keeping the winger in the fold and has no plans to move him regardless of where his club sits in the standings.

Rutherford has said he’d like to add a top-six forward before the trade deadline. He’ll probably look into the cost of acquiring Guentzel if he’s available. Whether he’d be willing to pay what could be a steep asking price or can outbid other clubs is another matter.

JAKE ALLEN TO THE KINGS?

TVA SPORTS: cited Friedman also talking about where Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen might end up. He believes the Canadiens’ asking price is a draft pick but that could go higher if an interested club wants the Habs to retain part of his $3.85 million average annual value through 2024-25.

Friedman said at one point earlier in this season he thought the 33-year-old Allen would be headed to the Edmonton Oilers but he’s not convinced of that now. Instead, he suggested the Canadiens goalie could be a trade target for the Los Angeles Kings.

“I think they’re going to acquire a goalie,” said Friedman. “Whether it’s Allen or whoever, I think they will add a goalie.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings were getting good goaltending from aging starter Cam Talbot but he’s had his difficulties in recent games. With Pheonix Copley sidelined for the season by a knee injury, call-up David Rittich has performed well in limited action.

It remains to be seen if Kings management is willing to stick with Rittich as a backup for the rest of the season. They could look for someone with a more reliable record.

WHICH BLUES COULD BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently looked at which players the St. Louis Blues could attempt to move if they become sellers before the March 8 trade deadline.

Sammy Blais, Oskar Sundqvist, Kasperi Kapanen, Jakub Vrana and Marco Scandella are their notable pending unrestricted free agents. Of these, Rutherford expects Sundqvist might the the only one with a chance of re-signing with the Blues.

Other trade candidates could include Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Binnington, Justin Faulk, Brandon Saad, Nick Leddy and Torey Krug. They all have term remaining on their respective contracts, making them more likely to be off-season trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug used his no-trade clause to nix a move to Philadelphia last summer. Unless he has a change of mind or a preferable trade destination, I don’t see him going anywhere. The same goes for Binnington, Saad, Faulk and Leddy as they also possess full no-trade protection.

Buchnevich, meanwhile, has a 12-team no-trade clause while Scandella’s is a seven-team NTC. That makes them easier to move than the others but still limits the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

by | Jan 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

Will the Predators trade goalie Juuse Saros? Could Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun be on the move again? Which clubs should look into acquiring Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE PREDATORS TRADE SAROS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a possibility the Nashville Predators could trade Juuse Saros. While it remains their priority to re-sign the 28-year-old goaltender, they’re getting lots of interest from clubs desperate to improve their depth between the pipes.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Predators feel they have to at least listen to offers for Saros. However, it would take a “serious, serious offer” to pry him away. A couple of first-round draft picks won’t do it. If a club like the Los Angeles Kings were to offer up someone like Quinton Byfield as part of a package, that would get the attention of Preds general manager Barry Trotz.

THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina poured cold water on the notion of the Predators trading Saros. He pointed out that the Finnish netminder surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to last year’s trade deadline and during last summer.

Skrbina believes those times would’ve been more ideal to move Saros as that’s when his trade value was higher, the remaining term in his contract at that time (two years at $5 million per) “was much sexier” and his struggles this season hadn’t happened yet.

“If the Predators couldn’t get the king’s ransom they reportedly sought for Saros in the past, they almost certainly won’t get it now,” writes Skrbina, who also noted the Preds are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. He thinks the only thing Saros will be moving toward is a pen to sign a contract extension with the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for Trotz to at least listen to offers for Saros but I share Skrbina’s doubts that the Preds GM will receive a pitch too good to pass up. Never say never, of course, but it would have to be one hell of an offer to tempt Trotz.

COULD CHYCHRUN BE ON THE MOVE AGAIN

TSN: Darren Dreger said Jakob Chychrun could be on the move again a year after being acquired by the Ottawa Senators. It would be a positional decision by the Senators as they already have left-shot defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson signed to long-term contracts.

Chychrun is signed through next season. Senators management like him but there’s some work left to be done regarding a contract extension which would start in the offseason.

Dreger said teams are calling about Chychrun. However, it would take a substantial offer that is unlikely to come before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Senators will continue listening in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun can play on the right side but the left side is his natural position. Perhaps the Senators would consider moving him for a right-side top-pairing blueliner.

SUGGESTED DESTINATION FOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman suggested six trade destinations for Trevor Zegras if the Anaheim Ducks trade him. She believes the 22-year-old center’s exceptional offensive skill and creativity would be enticing to clubs seeking a young scoring forward.

Goldman listed the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins as clubs that should give the Ducks a call about Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits in Montreal and Philadelphia have suggested their respective clubs consider acquiring Zegras. Whether those teams follow that advice remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks need help everywhere and the Capitals could use an infusion of young talent.

I think the Red Wings need to do more to reduce their goals-against while the Bruins might prefer a center with better two-way abilities.

LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo report Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin could explore the trade market with defenseman Jared Spurgeon on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of this season.

The Wild will be able to exceed the $83.5 million salary cap by Spurgeon’s $7.575 million salary cap hit. Guerin will likely explore acquiring a defenseman on an expiring contract, one that could be flipped by the March 8 trade deadline if the Wild become sellers.

Guerin won’t want to burn up all that cap space on one player. They’ll need some of it for call-ups and minor-leaguers currently on the roster. He’s not interested in parting with first or second-round picks for a rental player. Options could include Marco Scandella of the St. Louis Blues, Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators, and Erik Johnson of the Buffalo Sabres.