NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2024

by | Jan 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jakob Chychrun, Patrice Bergeron and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS GM DISMISSES GUENTZEL TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he hasn’t had any conversations with other teams about Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Penguins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dubas downplayed recent comments by Guentzel’s agent Ben Hankinson suggesting the possibility that negotiations could get ugly. He felt that Hankinson was referring to where the team is going in the next few years and that the agent didn’t mean for his comments to develop into the level of noise they received.

The Penguins GM said at some point they’ll determine together what’s best for both sides.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Dubas could consider trading Guentzel by the March 8 trade deadline if the club falls out of playoff contention and an agreement on a contract extension hasn’t been reached by then. We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold in the coming weeks.

WILD GM CONSIDERS FLEURY TRADE TALK PREMATURE

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that it’s premature to start gauging the trade market for Marc-Andre Fleury. The 39-year-old goaltender is eligible for UFA status on July 1.

Guerin understands Fleury will draw interest from other clubs if the Wild fail to rise in the standings soon. Nevertheless, he said his team isn’t giving up on their season.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

Fleury carries a full no-movement clause. LeBrun believes it would take a prominent role with another club for him to consider moving it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sure a prominent role is out there for Fleury at this stage of his career. He remains well-liked but I think interested clubs would prefer him in a backup role.

COULD CHYCHRUN BE ON THE MOVE?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch suggests we keep an eye on Jakob Chychrun as Senators GM Steve Staios weighs his trade options. He cites sources claiming Staios is getting plenty of interest in the 25-year-old defenseman from other teams.

Garrioch claims the Edmonton Oilers are among the teams that could use some help on defense. They were in heavy pursuit of Chychrun last season which is why Garrioch thinks they’d be the best trade fit.

Chychrun is signed through next season with an average annual value of $4.6 million. Garrioch thinks Staios could meet soon with the blueliner’s agent to discuss a contract extension. If the numbers don’t add up, Staios’ discussions with other clubs could heat up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t surprise me if Chychrun wound up on the trade block before deadline day. Staios didn’t acquire the rearguard and isn’t beholden to him. The Senators are a mess and changes must be made.

However, I’m not convinced the Oilers will be the best fit in terms of salary cap space. They’re pressed against the $83.5 million cap and only have $920K of projected trade-deadline cap room. It’ll have to be a dollar-for-dollar swap or a three-team deal with the Senators retaining half of Chychrun’s cap hit with the Oilers moving out a salaried player to make the dollars fit.

Let’s not forget that the Oilers were interested in Chychrun at the time because they were in the market for a left-side defenseman. They addressed that need before the 2023 trade deadline by acquiring Mattias Ekholm. What they need now is a right-side defenseman. I know Chychrun can play that role but he’s better off on the left side.

COULD BERGERON RETURN TO THE BRUINS?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney discussing the possibility of Patrice Bergeron returning to the Bruins during a recent episode of their “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast.

Bergeron has been skating to stay fresh for the Bruins’ alumni games. Bissonette and Whitney mused over whether the former Bruins captain might be preparing for a February comeback.

Murphy casts doubt on that possibility, citing two sources who dismissed that notion. He also pointed out that Bergeron has repeatedly said he’s at peace with his decision to retire and considers him a man of his word.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergeron enjoyed a career that will make him a first-ballot Hall-of-Fame inductee. He’s got a Stanley Cup ring and won more Selke Trophies than anyone in league history. He’s got nothing left to prove and now wants to spend more time with his family. I’ll be shocked if he staged a comeback.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently musing over Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings. Friedman observed that the 22-year-old winger hasn’t been playing much this season. Bailey wondered if this might be an opportunity for the Philadelphia Flyers to try and acquire Kaliyev if the price is right.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have been struggling of late. If they were to put Kaliyev on the trade block they’ll probably want a good roster player in return instead of draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a recent report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Flyers could be interested in signing Nick Seeler to a contract extension.

However, a league source informed Kurz that no dollar figures were exchanged and the club doesn’t seem to be in a rush to do anything with Seeler or Sean Walker before the trade deadline. They could opt to retain both blueliners and try to make the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring injuries or a collapse in the standings between now and March 8, I think the Flyers will stand pat and push for the playoffs. After that, they’ll sit down with Walker and Seeler and see if they can negotiate new deals with them.

JETS IN THE MARKET

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Tuesday that the Winnipeg Jets are looking for an affordable fit at center and on their blueline as the trade deadline approaches.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also reported hearing the Jets would like to bolster their depth at center before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal’s Sean Monahan could be a fit here but the Jets could face competition from other clubs to acquire him. Cost-effective blueline depth could include the Flyers’ Walker and Seeler and Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin.

CANADIENS NOT PLANNING TO TRADE XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said his club isn’t planning to trade Arber Xhekaj. The popular defenseman has been skating with their AHL affiliate in Laval since Dec. 4, prompting rumors that he might not fit into the club’s plans.

Hughes noted the Canadiens sent Xhekaj to Laval to work on improving aspects of his game. The improvement of Jayden Struble allowed them to do so. They want Xhekaj to improve his defensive play so he can help the Canadiens over the long term.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2024

by | Jan 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2024

A look at the goalie market plus the latest on Jake Guentzel and Steven Stamkos in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT DOES THE NHL GOALIE MARKET LOOK LIKE?

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman looked at how the goaltender market is shaping up ahead of the March 8 trade deadline.

Friedman noted that it’s now common knowledge that the relationship between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Elvis Merzlikins has gone sideways. He thinks most clubs weren’t surprised by this and probably already knew he was available.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (NHL Images).

Merzlikin’s contract ($5.4 million average annual value through 2026-27) would be a complicated trade. There’s a price for the goalie as well as a price to convince the Blue Jackets to retain part of his salary.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there are no takers for Merzlikins right now. That’s in part because of his contract but he also has to improve his play to reignite his market value before the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline acknowledged those factors raised by Friedman and LeBrun. Nevertheless, he listed the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks as four potential trade destinations.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols examined the pros and cons of whether Merzlikins would be a good fit with the Devils. However, he cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli expressing his doubts that the Blue Jackets will be able to move the goaltender for the same reasons as noted by Friedman and LeBrun.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch pointed out that not many teams can afford Merzlikin’s contract and it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets will retain any part of it. “We’re told the market is thin because teams with goaltending issues aren’t sure Merzlikins is the answer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To be blunt, Merzlikins is not the answer. He’s done nothing over the past two seasons that would make any club want to pony up assets to add him to their roster and salary-cap payroll.

That could change if Merzlikins gets more starts in the coming weeks and performs well. That could prompt a desperate general manager to take a chance. For now, I don’t see a market for his services.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun spoke with Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin about whether they’d consider moving Marc-Andre Fleury if some teams were to call about him. Guerin said his club hasn’t given up on making the playoffs but he acknowledged that he expects teams to call if his club falls out of the race. He’d have to go to Fleury and his agent because he’s got a no-movement clause.

LeBrun noted there are some obvious destinations for Fleury. He cited teams with goalie issues like the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes. He also suggested the Edmonton Oilers as a mentor for Stuart Skinner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like that could be a conversation for when the All-Star break ends on Feb. 6.

NHL NETWORK: Friedman repeated what he said on Saturday about Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom. They haven’t gone to him with any trade proposals yet plus they’ve set a high bar with their asking price. Markstrom also has a full no-movement clause.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes indicated that he might retain Jake Allen for the remainder of this season. Friedman believes Hughes has set a price on the 33-year-old goaltender and won’t move him until someone meets it.

Friedman also believes that’s the same situation going on with the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson. There’s a price for Gibson and a price if an interested club wants the Ducks to retain part of his $6.4 million annual salary.

The Los Angeles Kings could be one of the teams in the market for help between the pipes. They lost backup Pheonix Copley for the season to a knee injury and brought in Aaron Dell on a PTO contract. Friedman also believes the New Jersey Devils have been looking around in the trade market for a netminder. He wonders just how big they want to go.

WHAT NEXT FOR STAMKOS AND THE LIGHTNING

NHL NETWORK: Friedman noted that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said yesterday that Steven Stamkos won’t be traded this season. He said that it’s not a secret that Stamkos wants to play out his career in Tampa Bay. Friedman doesn’t think it’s been easy for the Lightning captain to see some of his teammates getting taken care of a year before their contracts expired.

Teams are interested in Stamkos but everyone is operating from the position that he wants to remain with the Lightning.

TSN: Chris Johnston also noted that the Lightning already have over $41 million invested in nine forwards for 2024-25. Even with a rising salary cap, the math will be difficult here. He believes there is a mutual desire to get things done but it’s one of the issues lingering beneath the surface.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The combination of what next season’s salary cap will look like combined with Stamkos’ level of performance at this stage in his career are what I believe are the reasons why he didn’t get a contract extension last year.

It will come down to how much of a pay cut Stamkos is willing to accept to finish his career in Tampa Bay and for how long.

LATEST ON GUENTZEL

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman believes the determining factor in Jake Guentzel’s contract talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins could be where management thinks the club is going. He thinks GM Kyle Dubas is trying to rebuild a club that doesn’t have a lot of young assets while at the same time trying to satisfy veterans like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

Friedman thinks the Penguins are reluctant to trade any of their young assets for short-term fixes.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t rule out the possibility of Guentzel getting a contract extension before March 8. However, he wondered if that would be the wise move given the club’s aging core. He thinks trading the winger would be a tougher call but the right one.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Penguins slide out of contention perhaps that decision becomes easier for Dubas. As Friedman and LeBrun pointed out, even if they make the playoffs they lack the depth to contend for the Stanley Cup.

Guentzel will have to weigh carefully that the Penguins’ future could involve a rebuild and if he’s willing to be part of that. Dubas will also have to consider if there is a place for Guentzel in his plans.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2024

by | Jan 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom as well as updates on the Canadiens and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis isn’t putting much stock into recent trade speculation regarding Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Francis noted the 33-year-old Markstrom’s no-movement clause gives the netminder complete control over this situation. He also felt that teams in the market for an upgrade between the pipes could be leery about pursuing established, highly-paid goalies, pointing out that the Vegas Golden Knights carried four unproven ones on their Stanley Cup roster last season.

Cap-strapped clubs could prefer employing cheaper options, such as the New Jersey Devils with Nico Daws and the Toronto Maple Leafs with Martin Jones.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes the Flames aren’t about to tear down their roster after moving back into playoff contention. He also thinks it would take an overwhelming offer for management to approach Markstrom about waiving his NMC. Such an offer, if it comes at all, might not occur until the offseason.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Trevor Neufeld pointed out that Markstrom hasn’t requested a trade while his outstanding play of late is a crucial factor in the Flames’ surge in the standings.

Nevertheless, Neufeld believes Markstrom faces a “Catch-22” backlash from a contingent of Flames fans upset that the netminder wants to stay in Calgary. If he’s playing poorly, it generates talk that they need to find a new starter. If he plays well, fans and media start examining how much he might fetch in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy has indicated he’s willing to listen to offers on pretty much everyone on his roster. However, he’s not about to start trading away assets while his team is battling for a playoff spot.

That could change if the Flames fall out of contention in the coming weeks. If so, Conroy will look at the market for pending free agents such as Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. Someone like Markstrom (assuming he’ll waive his NMC) usually isn’t traded until the offseason when interested clubs have more cap space to work with.

WHAT WILL THE CANADIENS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels expects the Montreal Canadiens to be sellers at the March 8 trade deadline. As many as five players could be shipped out in the coming weeks.

Sean Monahan is expected to be the most likely to move should Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes receive the right offer. Defenseman David Savard could be another trade candidate as well as winger Tanner Pearson. It’s also possible Hughes could shop one or two of his young defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect first-pairing defenseman Kaiden Guhle to be moved. It’s also unlikely that Jayden Struble will be peddled given that he’s been a pleasant surprise for the Habs this season. Justin Barron, Jordan Harris and fan favorite Arber Xhekaj have occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill.

Engels also reported on the Canadiens’ need for a scoring star. However, he noted that Hughes, head coach Martin St. Louis and team captain Nick Suzuki bristle at the notion that the club is devoid of elite forward talent. “It’s there, but in development,” wrote Engels.

Nevertheless, Hughes admitted that he’d like to add forwards who can help the Canadiens. They possess a stockpile of 22 picks in the next two drafts, a loaded prospect pool and plenty of promising young defensemen. As a result, Engels noted the Habs GM seemed confident that trade was one of three ways he could address that need in the next year or two.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie believes Hughes is working on adding a scoring forward to support Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. However, Lavoie is uncertain if it’ll come through the draft or via trade for someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas cited Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont indicating Hughes isn’t guaranteeing he’ll move one of his three goaltenders by the March trade deadline.

Hughes acknowledged the plan at the start of the season was to carry the trio of Sam Montembeault, Cayden Primeau and Jake Allen and evaluate potential trades. It’s still not the plan to carry all three for the rest of the year but he admits there’s no certainty he’ll move one of them by deadline day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault isn’t going anywhere as he’s emerged as their clear-cut starter, earning a three-year contract extension as a result. It’s down to Primeau and Allen and I think the latter is the most likely candidate as the former has improved throughout this season.

UPDATES ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: In a recent mailbag segment, Sammi Silber was asked which members of the Washington Capitals could be moved by the March trade deadline.

Silber believed it’ll depend on where the club sits in the standings leading up to deadline day. She suspected winger Anthony Mantha and defenseman Joel Edmundson could become trade chips given their eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. However, Silber doesn’t see him getting moved at the deadline given his $7.8 million cap hit through next season and his declining performance. She considers him more of an offseason trade candidate.

Nic Dowd, Sonny Milano and Nick Jensen could also become trade candidates if the Capitals become sellers.

Silber was also asked if the Capitals would trade goaltender Darcy Kuemper and take a flyer on Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins. She doesn’t see either scenario taking place, especially for Merzlikins after he was involved last month in an on-ice altercation with Capitals winger Tom Wilson.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2024

by | Jan 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2024

Check out the latest on Leon Draisaitl, Jeremy Swayman, and Jacob Markstrom in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ of re-signing William Nylander, Mark Spector believed Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will be the next big Canadian contract to watch.

Draisaitl, 28, will be entering the final season of his eight-year, $68 million contract on July 1, which is the earliest that the Oilers can open contract extension talks with him. His current deal became the most team-friendly among the Oilers given his rise as an NHL superstar.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Entering that final season, Draisaitl will have to choose between another eight seasons with the Oilers or perhaps moving on to a bigger market such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston or New York as an unrestricted free agent once his current deal is done.

Draisaitl could sign a short-term deal with the Oilers but Spector considered that to be unlikely.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor but it is worth noting Draisaitl’s contract situation.

Speculation about Maple Leafs forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares has already started but there’s been very little regarding Draisaitl, who is a much bigger star. Where he plays following this contract and how much he’ll earn on his next deal will become hot topics for media conjecture later this year.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy wondered if Jeremy Swayman was sending a shot across the bow of Bruins management regarding his comments about being selected for the 2024 All-Star Game by NHL fans.

Swayman first praised his teammates for putting him in this position. However, he also revealed that his arbitration process last summer was not a pleasant experience, talking about having to deal with what he went through and “hearing things that a player should never hear.”

Murphy noted that Swayman got a one-year, $3.47 million contract award via arbitration. He also pointed out that the process is an uncomfortable one for players and teams. The 25-year-old netminder and his agent have declined to talk with the media this season about his contract negotiations with the Bruins.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently speculated that Swayman could re-sign with the Bruins in January. Murphy wonders if the goalie’s comments suggest things haven’t gone as Friedman expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Arbitration is bruising to a player’s ego and can sometimes cause irreparable damage to his relationship with management, greasing the skids for his departure to another club via trade or free agency.

Swayman is slated to once again become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. It’ll be worthwhile to monitor his situation if he hasn’t re-signed by then.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom is an unlikely trade target for the Devils. He reached that decision after hearing Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report on Saturday indicating it will take a lot for the Flames to consider parting with their starting netminder.

Friedman noted Markstrom carries a full no-movement clause and the Flames have no intention of asking him to waive it unless it’s to a destination he wants to go to. Nichols thinks there could be more desirable locations than New Jersey for Markstrom.

The Flames’ asking price is also a sticking point. Nichols speculates they could ask for promising defenseman Simon Nemec or forward Dawson Mercer as part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils can free up $9 million in cap space by placing sidelined defenseman Dougie Hamilton on long-term injury reserve. They could afford Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value but not what would be a significant asking price from the Flames. If they go goalie shopping they could consider more affordable short-term options.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 14, 2024

by | Jan 14, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 14, 2024

The latest on Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom and Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, an update on Corey Perry plus some Blackhawks and Senators speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON MARKSTROM AND GUENTZEL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames aren’t commenting about recent trade rumors regarding Jacob Markstrom. He doesn’t believe they’ve approached the 33-year-old goaltender about a trade.

Friedman also noted that Markstrom has a full no-movement clause and the Flames have set a high bar in terms of what it would take to prompt them to approach the former Vezina Trophy finalist. It would have to be a massive return for the Flames or somewhere that Markstrom would want to go before they’d consider going to him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers feel the Flames should strike while Markstrom’s trade value is high to move out an aging, expensive asset to make room for promising netminder Dustin Wolf. Perhaps if the Flames were near the bottom of the standings they would consider it now. However, I don’t see them making that move now after climbing back into playoff contention.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Even if trading Markstrom were possible during the season, his cap hit ($6 million through 2025-26) would be difficult to move with so many teams carrying so little cap space. The Flames would have to do a dollar-for-dollar swap or retain up to half of his cap hit to make the deal work. It’s not impossible but it’s still not easy to pull off, especially as the Flames would want a significant return.

If the Flames want to move Markstrom or if he wants out, the best opportunity would be this summer when the salary cap is projected to rise by $4.2 million. His trade value would remain high if he continues playing well over the remainder of this season and they’d have an easier time moving his contract.

Friedman also reported there have been no determinations made yet regarding Jake Guentzel’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he thinks the biggest factor could be where the Penguins see themselves going in a few years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel, 29, is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 unless he and the Penguins agree to a contract extension before then. His agent raised some eyebrows in a recent interview where he suggested contract talks could get difficult though he remains hopeful of working something out.

I don’t see the Penguins moving Guentzel while they’re jockeying for a playoff berth. That could change if they tumble down the standings but I think general manager Kyle Dubas will allow his current roster to prove itself as a playoff contender.

THE LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus recently looked at what could be in store for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks in 2024.

They wondered if the Blackhawks would re-sign or trade forwards Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson and goaltender Petr Mrazek (SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was written before Foligno signed his two-year contract extension).

Powers followed up two days later by reporting general manager Kyle Davidson is considering re-signing or trading Dickinson and Mrazek. He’d like to keep them as he’ll have to go shopping for a two-way center and a starting goaltender if they should decide to leave. Powers has heard the Blackhawks would sign them to more than fair contracts provided they’re not seeking long-term deals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There could be interest in Dickinson and Mrazek in the trade market if those two don’t intend to re-sign. Mrazek, however, sounds like he’d prefer to stick around, crediting the move to Chicago with saving his career.

Davidson hinted he might not be as busy as a seller at this year’s trade deadline compared to last year’s. Part of the reason is they don’t have as much desirable trade bait this time around but also whether they have too many draft picks and need to start spacing out when their prospects turn pro.

Despite a recent rumor linking Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson to the Blackhawks, don’t expect them to sign the 25-year-old restricted free agent to an offer sheet. For that matter, don’t hold your breath waiting for them to pursue Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Toronto’s Tyler Bertuzzi or Carolina’s Teuvo Teravainen in this summer’s free-agent market.

Davidson is playing the long game with the rebuild with the blessing of team ownership. Maybe in 2025, he’ll be ready to spend to the salary cap. With so many of their high-end prospects due for new contracts in the coming years, most of their cap space will be spent internally.

UPDATE ON COREY PERRY

Elliotte Friedman also spoke about Corey Perry receiving permission from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to speak with other clubs. It’s believed interested teams are conducting due diligence while Perry is also doing the same with those clubs.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR VETERANS

Elliotte Friedman reports the Ottawa Senators continue to shop for “pros” who can help them with the overall play and direction of the club. The club has also made it clear that some “real untouchables” are on their roster. While the new front-office staff are trying to gauge the market value of their players, Friedman doesn’t think anything’s imminent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those untouchables likely include captain Brady Tkachuk, center Tim Stutzle and defenseman Jake Sanderson. 










NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2024

by | Jan 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2024

Can the Blue Jackets find a trade partner for Elvis Merzlikins? Did the Flyers try to acquire Bowen Byran from the Avalanche? What’s the latest on the Bruins and Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CAN THE BLUE JACKETS FIND A TRADE FOR MERZLIKINS?

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reports learning that the Blue Jackets are seeking potential trade partners willing to acquire Elvis Merzlikins and the remainder of his contract.

The 29-year-old goaltender yesterday confirmed his agent spoke with Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen about a trade. He’s unhappy over what he considers his demotion since December from being the Jackets’ starting goalie to their third-stringer.

Merzlikins is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Hedger believes the Jackets might have to absorb part of that cap hit as well as package Merzlikins with a prospect or draft pick “in exchange for, essentially, nothing but completing an addition-by-subtraction move.”

Hedger thinks that not playing Merzlikins prevents him from damaging his trade value with a poor performance. However, it also prevents him from improving it.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (NHL Images).

Trading Merzlikins seems the most likely conclusion. They could attempt to buy out the remainder of his contract this summer but that’s at two-thirds of the remaining value of the contract over twice the remaining term. They could also put him on waivers and if he clears send him to their AHL affiliate, freeing up just $1.15 million of his $5.4 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Merzlikins hasn’t requested a trade but he and the club have reached a mutual decision to pursue a “new scenario” for him. Kekalainen, meanwhile, declined to comment that he’s seeking a trade for the netminder, adding that Merzlikins must play his way back into the starter’s job or they’ll find someone else.

This decision might’ve made sense at the end of last season when Merzlikins was statistically among the NHL’s worst goaltenders with a 4.23 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage. He’s been much better this season, sitting 14th in save percentage (.907) and 26th in goals-against average (3.25).

Nevertheless, Merlikins’ play this season and his contract will make it difficult to move him even though several NHL clubs could use help between the pipes. Kekalainen said he has not discussed Merzlikins’ “no-go” list with the goalie.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested a deal in which the Oilers send Jack Campbell to the Blue Jackets for Merzlikins. He cited their near-identical AAVs as well as the fact that both goalies could use a change of scenery. From the Oilers’ point of view, he thinks it’s better to roll the dice on Merzlikins.

Staples also observed several clubs possess the cap space to acquire Merzlikins or a pressing need to upgrade in goal. However, they might not want his contract or currently have goaltenders who are better than the Jackets netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving any player with a significant cap hit and several years remaining on their contract is difficult to do during the regular season under a salary cap. Doing so in a season like this one with so many teams carrying so little cap space is a daunting challenge.

As Hedger pointed out, the Jackets’ best option could be retaining part of Merzlikins’ cap hit and packaging him with a draft pick or prospect.

A swap of Merzlikins for Campbell could work for the Oilers but I doubt the Blue Jackets would be warm to that idea The Oilers would get the better goalie while the Blue Jackets would be saddled with one whose confidence is so rattled that he hasn’t played his way back into the NHL.

FLYERS ATTEMPTED TO ACQUIRE BYRAM FROM THE AVS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he believes the Flyers attempted to trade Cutter Gauthier to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. However, Friedman doesn’t think the Avs were willing to go there, that it had to be more than just Gauthier for Byram.

The Flyers instead shipped Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I suspected the Ducks weren’t the only club the Flyers talked to regarding Gauthier. So what do you think, Avs fans? Did your team make the right decision? How about you, Flyers fans? Would you have preferred this deal instead of the one with the Ducks? Let us know in the comments section below.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS AND CANUCKS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reporting that Bruins GM Don Sweeney is in the market for some depth at forward. She’s heard the Bruins are scouting “middle-six forwards, especially someone who could add a scoring punch.”

Goss conceded the Bruins could use more offense this season. However, he noted that many other contending clubs have better trade assets. Their prospect pool has improved but isn’t among the top 15. They also lack a first-round pick in 2024 and they don’t have second-rounders in 2024 or 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That won’t deter Sweeney from shopping around as any GM in his position would. Nevertheless, he could find it more difficult to bolster his roster this year compared to recent years when he has more cap space and depth in tradeable assets.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reporting Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford would like to add another top-six forward to his roster.

Rutherford said he and his management team will still keep an eye on their defense but felt they’ve done a good job this season. He thinks adding a top-six forward would give his club a better chance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks have been the busiest team in this season’s trade market, swinging four deals involving players thus far. Their most significant move was their Nov. 30 acquisition of defenseman Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames. I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a move to land a top-six forward before the March 8 trade deadline.