NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2024

by | Jan 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 12, 2024

The latest on Trevor Zegras, Sam Reinhart, Sean Monahan and Corey Perry in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek noted how Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale were once expected to be the cornerstones of the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks. With Drysdale traded earlier this week to Philadelphia, Duhatschek wondered about Zegras’ future in Anaheim.

The Ducks now have promising depth at center in Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. Zegras, meanwhile, has had a difficult season. He missed training camp due to his contract talks, was sidelined by an injury for 20 games and is now on the shelf for weeks with a broken ankle.

Despite Zegras’ offensive skills and charisma, he’s prone to penalties and undisciplined defensive play, which doesn’t fit into the style of game general manager Pat Verbeek wants his team to play.

Duhatschek suggested that Zegras could have value in a slumping market like San Jose that needs an attraction. “So, it’s easy to imagine a scenario in which the Ducks move on from Zegras, if the right deal came along.”

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie believes the Montreal Canadiens should get into the Zegras derby if the Ducks decide to peddle him. He cited the 22-year-old’s two 60-plus point campaigns before this season.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Lajoie doesn’t think Zegras would fit the profile that Canadiens management is looking for with their rebuilding process. Nevertheless, he thinks they should look into it citing in part the young center’s affordable contract.

The Habs are loaded with promising young defensemen. Lajoie wondered if Verbeek might be interested in an offer with Arber Xhekaj as part of the deal. He suspects the Canadiens’ 2024 first-round pick would have to come under consideration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this week, TSN’s Darren Dreger said the Ducks weren’t shopping Zegras and were working with him to improve his overall game. That was before Zegras’ latest injury.

Dreger also mentioned that this situation could be worth monitoring as it could come to a head during the summer. Given how things have gone for Zegras, it wouldn’t be surprising if Verbeek will be willing to entertain offers for an offseason deal.

Canadiens fans desperate for their rebuilding club to bolster its offense will want them to pursue Zegras. As Lajoie pointed out, however, the Habs could prefer adding someone who isn’t a one-dimensional scorer, which is what Zegras is right now in his career. He has plenty of time to develop his overall game but I don’t think he’s the type of player that fits into their program.

REINHART COULD BE NEXT MAJOR UFA RE-SIGNING

TSN: Pierre LeBrun speculates Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart could be the next notable pending UFA to sign a contract extension.

The 28-year-old Reinhart might be worth between $10-$11 million elsewhere. However, LeBrun anticipates he’ll get a deal worth under teammate Matthew Tkachuk’s $9.5 million average annual value because the Panthers play in a market with no state tax.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the start of this season, Reinhart and Panthers general manager Bill Zito expressed their mutual willingness to reach an agreement on an extension. At the time, it sounded as though they would wait until the end of this season to engage in serious talks.

Reinhart’s career has taken off since joining the Panthers and he wants to stay in Florida. His current average annual value is $6.5 million. On pace for a 60-goal season, he could get well over $10 million annually on the open market. However, he could be happy with something between $9 million and $9.4 million annually from the Panthers.

MONAHAN COULD BE IN DEMAND

TSN: Darren Dreger said he wouldn’t be surprised if Sean Monahan is among the first forwards to be moved before the March 8 trade deadline. The 29-year-old Montreal Canadiens center is healthy and having a decent season.

Dreger noted the Canadiens have an agreement with Monahan that they would trade him to a contending team when the time is right or to a club of his choice. Teams that could require a top-two or top-three centerman include the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was plenty of interest in Monahan in 2022-23 before he suffered a season-ending injury. I daresay he’ll be among the players who’ll draw plenty of attention as the deadline draws near.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has a reputation for being patient in the trade market. He could wait until deadline day itself to find the right return for Monahan.

INTEREST IN PERRY

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports several teams are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent Corey Perry. The 38-year-old winger is allowed to speak with other clubs following a recent meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested clubs will want to sign Perry before the March 8 trade deadline for him to be eligible to play in the postseason. If he signs after that date, he can only skate in regular-season games.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2024

by | Jan 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs’ Mitch Marner as well as the Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and Elias Lindholm plus some blueline trade options for the Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW MUCH COULD MARNER EARN ON HIS NEXT CONTRACT?

SPORTSNET: In the wake of the Toronto Maple Leafs signing William Nylander, Josh Beneteau looked at how much the Leafs might have to pay to re-sign Mitch Marner. The 26-year-old winger becomes eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1, 2025.

Marner’s current average annual value is $10.9 million. Based on his performance, he’s expected to get a raise. If he gets the same cap percentage as Boston’s David Pastrnak (13.47), his new AAV will be $12.392 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner will probably get that much with the Leafs or another club if he hits the open market. The question is whether the Leafs are willing to pay him that much. It’s bound to generate plenty of speculation over his future once July 1 rolls around as that’s the earliest the Leafs can open contract extension talks.

TIME TO TRADE MARKSTROM?

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson suggests the time may be right for the Flames to trade Jacob Markstrom. After struggling last season, the 2022 Vezina Trophy finalist is enjoying a bounce-back performance in 2023-24.

With playoff contenders such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes undermined by bottom-of-the-league goaltending, Wilson felt this could be a good opportunity for the Flames to peddle Markstrom. Doing so would enable them to bring up his heir apparent Dustin Wolf on a full-time basis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the limited cap room for most of those clubs, moving Markstrom’s $6 million AAV through 2025-26 won’t happen before the trade deadline unless the Flames agree to retain half of it. His full no-movement clause could also complicate things.

Trading Markstrom would be difficult but not impossible during the offseason. The salary cap is expected to jump by $4.2 million, creating room for teams seeking an experienced starter.

WHAT COULD IT COST TO ACQUIRE ELIAS LINDHOLM?

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Julian McKenzie was asked what a realistic trade return would be for Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm.

McKenzie speculated the Flames could get a first-round pick and a lesser prospect or a higher-quality prospect and a lower pick. He also thinks that the asking price could change if Lindholm is willing to sign a contract extension with his new club.

As for potential trade partners, McKenzie suggested the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have been often linked to Lindholm but cap space could be an issue. The same applies to the Bruins. I think the Predators and Red Wings would be the most keen to have Lindholm sign an extension rather than be a playoff rental.

DEVILS BLUELINE TRADE OPTIONS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently examined some possible options for the Devils to patch up or upgrade their injury-depleted defense corps.

Calgary Flames blueliners Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, Anaheim Ducks rearguard Ilya Lyubushkin and Philadelphia Flyers d-man Nick Seeler were his suggested trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin’s the best of the bunch but he’ll also cost the most to acquire. Tanev won’t be as expensive but the asking price could be a second-rounder and a prospect. Lyubushkin and Seeler would be much more affordable options in terms of cap hit and return.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2024

by | Jan 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2024

Could the Ducks trade Trevor Zegras? Will the Senators shop Jakob Chychrun? Could Penguins winger Jake Guentzel hit the trade block? What’s the latest on Sharks forwards Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli updated his NHL Trade Targets list on Tuesday, adding several notable new names.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see the entire list by following the link. I’m not including everyone as most of the names, such as Calgary’s Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin, have already frequently appeared in the rumor mill this season and will likely continue to do so leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Today, I’m more interested in the new players on Seravalli’s list.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

In the wake of the Anaheim Ducks shipping Jamie Drysdale to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday for Cutter Gauthier, Seravalli wondered if Trevor Zegras could be next. He noted that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has put together a solid prospect base with Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov and Lukas Dostal.

Seravalli had Zegras sitting at No. 4 on his list. He cited sources claiming Verbeek mentioned Zegras in trade discussions this season though it’s unclear how far those talks went. He thinks the 22-year-old center doesn’t mesh with the style of play Verbeek envisions for the Ducks, citing their tough contract talks that saw Zegras miss training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger last night indicated Zegras isn’t being shopped but there had been some level of interest in the young forward. He believes the Ducks will continue to work on improving Zegras’ overall game but suggested this situation could come to a head in the offseason.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun sits at No. 10. Less than a year after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes, Seravalli reports teams have expressed an interest in the 25-year-old defenseman and the Senators haven’t told them that he’s not available. They have a log jam in left-shot defensemen with Chychrun, Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun was acquired by former Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. New GM Steve Staios isn’t beholden to any players acquired by his predecessor. He may not be shopping Chychrun but, understandably, he’s willing to at least listen to offers. Despite the Senators’ struggles this season, however, there’s no indication that he wants out of Ottawa.

St. Louis Blues center Kevin Hayes checks in at No. 15. Seravalli believes his improved play could make him enticing in the trade market if the Blues would retain half of the $3.57 million of his $7.14 million cap hit that they’re carrying. He could fetch a decent return from a playoff contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues are still in the chase for a Western Conference wild-card berth. I daresay they’ll hang onto Hayes if they’re in a playoff spot by March 8. He’s still carrying a 12-team no-trade clause which could complicate things.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov is at No. 20. If Joseph Woll regains his early-season form on his return from an ankle injury, the Leafs could move Samsonov to another club that thinks he can reboot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, I suppose, but the fact Samsonov recently cleared waivers says all we need to know about his potential trade value. No NHL club will touch him unless his performance improves or the Leafs add a lot of sweeteners in the deal.

Sitting at No. 25 is Jake Guentzel of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Seravalli said the 29-year-old pending free-agent left winger isn’t in play yet with the Penguins having clawed their way back into the wild-card race in the Eastern Conference. If they fall out of the chase, however, Guentzel might become available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel’s situation could be worth monitoring if the Penguins stumble. As Seravalli pointed out, he could become the most prized rental player in the trade market by March 8.

LATEST ON HERTL AND COUTURE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he’s not sure a whole lot will happen with San Jose Sharks forwards Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture by the March 8 trade deadline.

He spoke with Hertl yesterday following the Sharks’ morning skate and he’s focused on helping his team and being a good leader rather than on the trade deadline. Couture, meanwhile, is centered more on returning from an injury than the trade deadline.

LeBrun noted that Hertl has a full no-movement clause. Couture has three more years left on his contract but LeBrun believes he’s the type of leadership player that could have a few teams calling about.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also addressed Hertl and Couture in his column with The Athletic, suggesting any conversation about their futures is more likely to occur in the summer. They’re both carrying term on expensive contracts with no-trade protection. Moving those types of players rarely takes place leading up to the trade deadline.

UPDATES ON THE FLYERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Philadelphia Flyers are hoping to get more interest in defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler. They’re still willing to retain 50 percent of their average annual values.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes more moves are coming for the Flyers following their acquisition of Jamie Drysdale from the Anaheim Ducks. They now have eight defensemen on their roster.

Bailey noted that Walker has been the subject of trade speculation for some time. He pointed out that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated Rasmus Ristolainen is a target of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also cited a recent report by Friedman indicating that at least one team attempted to acquire Walker and Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers GM Daniel Briere remains focused on his rebuilding plans despite his club being in the thick of the playoff chase. Adding Drysdale could make it easier for him to part with Walker or Seeler. Both carry affordable cap hits and if the Flyers are willing to retain half it could make them easier to peddle.

As for Ristolainen, the only way I see him moving is if the Flyers retain half of his $5.1 million AAV through 2027 or they get a player with an equivalent cap hit in return. Otherwise, that’s a move they try to make in the offseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2024

by | Jan 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2024

The fallout from the Leafs re-signing William Nylander, an update on Oilers goalie Jack Campbell, and the latest on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FALLOUT FROM THE NYLANDER SIGNING

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the work has just begun for Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving after signing William Nylander yesterday to an eight-year, $92 million contract extension.

On July 1, captain John Tavares and winger Mitch Marner will be eligible to sign contract extensions as they’ll both be in the final season of their current deals. Marner’s next contract will probably cost between $11.5 million annually and $13.25 million.

Treliving could also consider tweaking his roster by the March 8 trade deadline. Bolstering the defense remains a priority. He could also look at adding a depth forward.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran also noted that T.J. Brodie, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Meanwhile, goaltender Ilya Samsonov continues to work on improving his game with the AHL Marlies.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski speculates Nylander’s new contract could come up in contract negotiations between the Vancouver Canucks and Elias Pettersson. The difference, however, is Nylander was slated to become a UFA on July 1 whereas Pettersson is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart and Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel could also benefit from Nylander’s new deal. They’re a little older but could make the case for seeking over $10 million annually on their new contracts.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will likely cost the Leafs more than Nylander’s $11.5 million and less than Auston Matthew’s $13.25 million AAV to get Marner under contract. He could come in between $12 million and $12.5 million on a long-term deal.

Tavares is playing well but the 33-year-old Leafs captain will have to accept a pay cut from his current $11 million AAV to stay in Toronto. How much of a cut will determine whether he has a future with the Leafs beyond July 1, 2025. It’ll have to go at least below $10 million for sure.

The Leafs can afford to re-sign Brodie, Bertuzzi and Domi but they won’t overpay to do so. It won’t be surprising if at least one of them ends up hitting the open market on July 1.

Pettersson is two years younger than Nylander and keeping pace with the Leafs winger in points. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ended up with a similar contract given his value to the surging Canucks.

Reinhart and Guentzel could get over $10 million annually on their next contracts with the salary cap rising by $4.2 million for 2024-25. Whether they get them from their current clubs remains to be seen.

WILL THE OILERS TRY TO MOVE CAMPBELL?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland intends to see if Jack Campbell can bounce back though there’s no real sign of it yet.

“I’ll watch Jack Campbell, I’ll work the phones, I’ll watch our team and ultimately between now and the trade deadline, make some decisions with our staff as to what we think we need to do,” said Holland.

LeBrun speculates the Oilers GM could attempt to add a veteran goalie to be a 1B with Stuart Skinner or a more traditional backup. He thinks a goalie trade is possible but doesn’t see a likely scenario where they can move Campbell’s contract before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun thinks it could cost the Oilers two first-round picks to convince a club to take on the remaining three years of Campbell’s contract. Unless the Oilers are willing to retain up to half of his $5 million average annual value, I don’t see him going anywhere by deadline day.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan believes roster changes are inevitable for the struggling Ottawa Senators. With their playoff hopes fading away, management must decide who stays and who goes.

Scanlan wonders what effect the years of losing could have on defenseman Thomas Chabot and team captain Brady Tkachuk. He wondered if the new front office is as devout to sticking with the mantra of building with youth as their predecessors.

General manager Steve Staios has publicly said he wants to add a veteran or two. However, there is a theory that he could also attempt to shake things up by moving one or two of the young core players.

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes believes all eyes will be on Senators forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Mendes also noted that Thomas Chabot’s no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. While it seems doubtful the Senators would trade their best defenseman, the new regime in charge isn’t beholden to anyone on this roster as they didn’t acquire any of them.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Staios is trying to juggle salary-cap space to make room for center Shane Pinto once he’s finished serving his 41-game suspension later this month. He’ll have to demote someone or make a cost-cutting trade.

Garrioch also reports Staios will find it difficult to add one or two veteran players at this time. Teams that have good character players prefer to keep them and those that are available come with a high asking price. A league executive also said those players prefer going to a playoff contender rather than Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch indicated Staios and his front office team aren’t ready to move core players like Chabot, Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson. We won’t see any of those guys being peddled by the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, Scanlan makes a good point about the effect that years of losing could have on some of those players, especially guys like Chabot and Tkachuk who’ve been there the longest. Perhaps one or two of them grow weary of this situation and request a trade in the offseason.

For now, Tarasenko and Kubalik appear to be the only notable Senators certain to be on the move by the deadline. We’ll see if that changes in the coming weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2024

by | Jan 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel and Andrei Kuzmenko as well as some recent Canadiens speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON GUENTZEL’S CONTRACT SITUATION

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reported Sunday that Jake Guentzel’s agent seemed to suggest that his client might not be with the Pittsburgh Penguins for much longer. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Agent Ben Hankinson said his client loves living and playing in Pittsburgh. He also indicated that he has a good relationship with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas.

However, Hankinson didn’t rule out the possibility that negotiations could get ugly. He thinks Dubas must determine his club’s plans before the March 8 trade deadline and his client’s place within them. Hankinson said he’ll “lean on conversations” he’s already had with Dubas and with his client. “What’s going to happen, I don’t know.”

Rossi believes a lot can be read into Hankinson’s comments. One open question is whether he and Dubas discussed a new contract for Guentzel since the start of this season. Another is whether the two sides agreed to wait until the end of this season for serious negotiations.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Guentzel declined to comment about his agent’s comments. “I’m not going to go too much into detail about it,” he said. “I’m just trying to play, and we’ll see what happens as we go.”

Rossi speculates this could go three ways. Guentzel could test the free-agent market on July 1, he could be traded by the March 8 deadline, or he and the Penguins agree to a contract extension. So far, there’s no indication which way it will go.

Guentzel is currently earning an average annual value of $6 million. Rossi thinks he could get a $2 million pay bump over that on his next deal. He could get a maximum of eight years with the Penguins and seven years on the open market. Given his production, Guentzel would be one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s free-agent pool.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested the Seattle Kraken, Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders could use Guentzel if the Penguins shop him before the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another factor to take into account is what Sidney Crosby would think about Guentzel moving on at the trade deadline or via free agency. He’s had Guentzel on his wing for several productive seasons now and could exercise his influence to keep him there.

However, Rossi noted that the Penguins already have several over-30 players on expensive contracts. While the resilient Guentzel is currently the club’s leading scorer, Rossi pointed out that he also has an injury history.

If the Penguins decide to move Guentzel before March 8 there won’t be any shortage of suitors. He could become the most coveted player in this season’s trade market given his scoring ability and Stanley Cup experience.

WHAT NEXT FOR KUZMENKO AND THE CANUCKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal noted the Vancouver Canucks are continuing to work with struggling winger Andrei Kuzmenko to help him improve his performance.

Kuzmenko and his agent Dan Milstein want to make this work with the Canucks. Milstein has a good relationship with management and the two sides have regularly kept in touch. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old winger has yet to show signs of real improvement in his overall game and was a healthy scratch from some recent games.

Drance and Dhaliwal believe some teams have expressed some interest in Kuzmenko. However, his usage by the Canucks has distressed his value in the trade market. The Canucks would also be reluctant to retain part of his $5.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drance and Dhaliwal believe something’s got to give if this situation doesn’t improve soon. It’ll be interesting to see how much longer this goes on.

The Canucks are currently jockeying for first place in the overall standings. They could be in a position to become buyers at the March 8 trade deadline. Perhaps Kuzmenko becomes part of a hockey trade that fetches a winger or defenseman who can help them stage a deep playoff run. Bear in mind, however, that his cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause could hamper those efforts.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu wondered if Christian Dvorak’s season-ending injury could make Sean Monahan too important for the Montreal Canadiens to trade.

Basu believes the Canadiens will maintain its rebuilding program and that will include shopping Monahan even if he’s helping the club remain competitive this season. He suggested that perhaps a market for Monahan won’t develop that would fetch a sufficient return. However, the added responsibility he’ll have by replacing Dvorak could raise his trade profile.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens would trade Monahan simply for the sake of doing so by the deadline. I also doubt that they’d do so for a middling return. They’ll want substantial for him.

TVA SPORTS: With Los Angeles Kings backup goaltender Pheonix Copley sidelined for the season by knee surgery, perhaps general manager Rob Blake will call Canadiens GM Kent Hughes about Jake Allen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For now, the Kings will stick with their tandem of starter Cam Talbot and call-up David Rittich. Nevertheless, I think Blake will keep an eye on the trade market to add a little more depth between the pipes. Whether Allen will be on his radar remains to be seen.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 7, 2024

by | Jan 7, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 7, 2024

The latest on William Nylander’s contract negotiations, the Flames and Noah Hanifin could be renewing talks, plus updates on the Senators and Ducks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

NYLANDER DEAL COMING THIS WEEK?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman the Toronto Maple Leafs and William Nylander are closing in on an eight-year contract extension with an expected average annual value of $11.5 million. The deal could be officially announced as early as Monday.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have been reports from Friedman and his colleague Nick Kypreos since last week that the two sides were working on a lucrative long-term extension. It was believed the aim was to get the deal done before the All-Star weekend from Feb. 1 to 3 in Toronto.

So what do you think, folks? Are the Leafs overpaying for Nylander or is this the right amount? Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

FLAMES AND HANIFIN STILL TALKING CONTRACT

Friedman believes the Calgary Flames and defenseman Noah Hanifin have renewed contract negotiations after they were ended earlier in the season. He didn’t think there was any chance of the two sides picking up those discussions. However, Friedman doesn’t think it’s out of the question that the two sides could reach a deal but wouldn’t put any odds on it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Two days ago, Friedman’s colleague Eric Francis suggested Hanifin as the one player of their pending UFAs (the others being Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Dan Vladar) worth retaining.

Francis pointed out that Hanifin still wants to stay in Calgary, he’s only 26 and it would make sense to re-sign a reliable No. 3 defenseman. He also noted the two sides were close to agreeing to an eight-year extension worth $7.5 million annually until the club’s slow start brought those talks to a halt.

Hanifin will draw plenty of interest if he becomes available leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. He could fetch the Flames a solid return of futures if they opt to rebuild. Whether it comes down to that could depend on their performance over the next two months.

SENATORS CALLING AROUND FOR HELP

Friedman reports Ottawa Senators management has been calling around letting other clubs know they’re willing to try some things. They’re unwilling to move their young core players but they’re in the market for what Friedman called professional players, those who know how to play properly and take good care of themselves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch has reported since last week that Senators general manager Steve Staios is seeking a veteran for their third line who can help alternate captain Claude Giroux work with their young players.

Garrioch cited a league executive saying it’s difficult to find those types of players right now because most are on expiring contracts and the trade deadline is still two months away. Like Friedman, Garrioch also reports that Staios hasn’t yet reached the stage where he’d consider moving one or two of his young core players.

There are rumors the Senators are shopping pending UFA Dominik Kubalik. However, there isn’t much of a market for the struggling winger.

CAN THE DUCKS LAND A SCORING STAR THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently suggested the Anaheim Ducks could use a player such as William Nylander to take the eventual step out of their rebuilding process.

Stephens noted that the Ducks have the salary cap space to spend this summer and they need to add a pure sniper such as Nylander. With the Leafs winger likely to be off the market soon, there aren’t many decent free-agent alternatives.

Florida’s Sam Reinhart isn’t in the same class as Nylander. Jake Guentzel could re-sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos is 34 and appears to be on a slow fade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens acknowledged that any chance of the Ducks landing Nylander was “pure fantasy”. He’s not wrong about what they’ll need to take the next step in their development but it doesn’t look like they’ll find it via this summer’s free-agent market.