NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2024

by | Jun 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2024

The latest speculation over Leon Draisaitl’s future with the Oilers, possible buyout candidates, updates on Jake Guentzel and Jakob Chychrun, and the latest on the Rangers and Blackhawks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON LEON DRAISAITL’S FUTURE WITH THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports there is no more important business for the Edmonton Oilers than what happens next for Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old superstar forward has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8.5 million and could seek a considerably higher annual average value on his next deal.

Multiple sources tell Johnston the Oilers have no intention of letting Draisaitl play out the final year of his contract and walk away as a free agent next summer, especially when Connor McDavid will be a year away from UFA eligibility by then.

Given the length of their playoff run, the Oilers haven’t yet started serious contract extension talks with Draisaitl’s camp. Re-signing him this summer is a “massive priority”. They do have some wiggle room if they attempt to move him as he has a 10-team no-trade list. Going that route would be a franchise-defining move.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Johnston’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Oilers should not trade Draisaitl if an extension cannot be reached. Trading him would be an almost no-win situation. He felt they should retain him for next season and one more shot at winning the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers possess an aging roster in win-now mode. Re-signing Draisaitl will eat up a lot of cap space going forward even with the cap expected to rise significantly for the foreseeable future. That could hamper their efforts to bolster their roster down the road. Still, it’ll be shocking if Draisaitl isn’t re-signed this summer.

LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR ROUNDUP

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Jeff Skinner is a name to watch when the buyout window opens on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million. Other buyout possibilities include Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt, and New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams considering buyouts can’t afford to waste time this year. The buyout window opens 48 hours following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes on June 30 at 5 pm ET.

Friedman believes there are some “really good teams” looking at whether they can afford to acquire and sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. There’s talk the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks looked into it but they are rebuilding clubs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signing goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic leaves Friedman wondering if they might trade Tristan Jarry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He’s not the only pundit pondering that possibility. Jarry has four more years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.375 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

The Winnipeg Jets could move prospect Rutger McGroarty sooner rather than later. The 20-year-old winger has expressed concern over the Jets’ plans for his future. Friedman dismissed the notion that the Jets have no trade leverage with McGroarty wanting out, suggesting they could make an interesting deal that gets them a first-round pick and perhaps more.

THE LATEST ON JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are trying to determine what the trade market looks like for Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old defenseman has a year left on his contract with a $4.6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list.

It’s believed the Senators seek a first and a second-rounder or a high-end prospect for Chychrun. The Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks are among the clubs that have shown an interest.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there is no indication the Rangers intend to buy out the final two season of captain Jacob Trouba’s contract. He also claims his sources are divided over whether GM Chris Drury will attempt to trade Trouba after he submits his 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Brooks believes the Rangers have little stomach to turn over their captaincy after only two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful Trouba will be traded. His performance declined partly because he played on a broken ankle over the final month of the regular season and during their playoff run. As Brooks pointed out, he’s well-respected by his teammates.

The Rangers are believed to be aggressively shopping Kaapo Kakko despite signing him to a one-year, $2.4 million contract. Sources tell Brooks they could bundle him with the 30th overall pick to move up in the first round of the upcoming draft.

UPDATE ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report league sources suggest the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t sold enough on Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas to send him an offer sheet or acquire and sign him to a long-term contract.

The Blackhawks are intrigued by Necas but the Hurricanes aren’t in the market for draft picks and prospects. They instead prefer NHL-ready talent.

Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen could be open to returning to Chicago as a free agent.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

by | Jun 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

What next for the Panthers and Oilers following the Stanley Cup Final? Do the Bruins and Senators have any more moves in store? What’s the latest on Predators goalie Juuse Saros? Find out in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS AND OILERS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton observed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have most of their core players under contract for next season. However, Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour head a list of 11 pending unrestricted free agents.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent media speculation suggests the Panthers will sign Reinhart to a long-term deal for slightly less than market value, possibly around $9 million annually. However, their re-signing of Gustav Forsling over Montour earlier this year suggests the latter will be going to market on July 1.

Turning to the Oilers, Ryan S. Clark believes the cap-strapped club will again attempt to round out their roster with players on team-friendly contracts. Warren Foegele, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark are among their seven pending UFAs.

Clark also wondered if they might seek a goalie upgrade. Stuart Skinner played well during the Stanley Cup Final but was shaky earlier in the postseason.

Leon Draisaitl is a year away from UFA eligibility. Clark believes the Oilers will do everything possible to turn its promise into a Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that Oilers management has held preliminary contract extension discussions with the Draisaitl camp. The serious negotiations will soon begin.

The Oilers can afford to retain Foegele, Henrique, or Janmark but not all three. As for Skinner, they’ll stick with him. They could attempt to shed Jack Campbell’s contract via trade or buyout once that window opens Wednesday evening.

ARE THE BRUINS AND SENATORS DONE DEALING FOLLOWING THE ULLMARK TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss analyzed the pros and cons of the Bruins shipping Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators with Joonas Korpisalo heading to Boston as part of the return.

Goss noted Korpisalo was one of the NHL’s worst goalies this season. The Senators retained 25 percent of his annual cap hit but it still works out to $3 million per season with four years remaining on his contract.

The Bruins are likely to carry Korpisalo on their roster for next season. However, Goss speculated they could attempt to flip him this summer to another club by attaching a draft pick or offering to retain part of his cap hit. They could also buy out the remainder of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could attempt to peddle Korpisalo this summer. However, he’s more likely to serve as Jeremy Swayman’s backup next season.

OTTAWA SUN: Tim Baines wondered if Senators general manager Steve Staios will attempt to trade left-shot defenseman Jakob Chychrun and what type of return he might fetch.

Chychrun, 26, had a good season with the Senators in 2023-24. He played all 82 games and netted 41 points. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.6 million and will be expensive to re-sign.

With left-shot blueliners Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson under long-term contracts, the Senators can’t afford to sign Chychrun to an extension. They could carry him on the roster for next season and attempt to move him at the trade deadline but Baines considers that unlikely. They’re also unlikely to trade Chabot and re-sign Chychrun.

Baines noted there’s been rumblings of a pending deal between the Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers. He wonders if Chychrun might be part of it.

Staios could attempt to recoup some of the draft capital used to acquire Chychrun last season. However, Baines believes it best to acquire young players who can bring more immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the musings about this rumored swap between the Flyers and Senators suggest Chychrun will be part of it. The deal could occur before the upcoming NHL Draft, starting on Friday.

UPDATE ON JUUSE SAROS

102.5 THE GAME NASHVILLE: Predators GM Barry Trotz provided an update on contract extension talks with Juuse Saros. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Trotz claimed he’s had good dealings thus far with Saros’ agent, adding they’re hoping to find common ground on a win-win deal. He also confirmed the netminder has reached the stage of his career where he’s earned a no-move clause, something that’s not in his current deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has been open with the media regarding his negotiations with the Saros camp. The netminder has frequently surfaced in trade rumors, with the most recent having the Predators shipping him to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Mitch Marner.

Trotz has swatted aside these rumors. It appears Saros will be staying in Nashville beyond next season.










Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

by | Jun 24, 2024

Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

​The Boston Bruins traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, center Mark Kastelic, and a 2024 first-round pick.

The Senators will also retain 25 percent of Korpisalo’s $4 million annual salary cap hit through 2027-28. The Bruins are receiving the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was speculated that Senators general manager Steve Staios had conversations with teams before the trade deadline that could lay the groundwork for offseason moves. It seems one of those lines of discussion paid off.

It was reported that the Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline by offering up Korpisalo. The Bruins declined because they couldn’t afford Korpisalo’s full cap hit.

The offseason and the rising salary cap changed the equation. The Senators still had to retain part of Korpisalo’s cap hit. However, it’s now easier for the Bruins to take him knowing the salary cap will rise significantly this summer and in the foreseeable future.

Staios wanted to improve the Senators goaltending. He’s picked up a big upgrade by landing the winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy.

Ullmark won’t have the same caliber of defense in front of him in Ottawa as he did in Boston, If he can adjust (and if Staios can upgrade the blueline this summer) the Senators should be in good shape next season.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ullmark agrees to a contract extension with the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Korpisalo struggled in his first season with the Senators. He’ll get a chance for a fresh start with the Bruins. He better be prepared for a backup role as Jeremy Swayman is now the undisputed starter in Boston.

The Bruins also get back the first-round pick they originally traded to the Detroit Red Wings last year in the Tyler Bertuzzi deal. The Wings subsequently shipped that pick to Ottawa last summer in the Alex DeBrincat trade.

Kastelic spent the past three seasons as a checking-line forward for the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of over $821K.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2024

by | Jun 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2024

Check out the latest on the Senators, Jets, Ducks and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS COULD BE BUSY DURING DRAFT WEEK

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios is “open for business” heading toward the upcoming NHL Draft on June 28-29 in Las Vegas.

The Senators remain aggressive in their pursuit of Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark. According to Garrioch, the Detroit Red Wings and Vegas Golden Knights are also interested in Ullmark. It’s believed the Senators prefer Ullmark sign a contract extension plus they’re said to be balking at the Bruins’ high asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also believed the Senators are on Ullmark’s no-trade list. There are conflicting reports on whether he’d accept a trade to Ottawa.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said he won’t acquire an older goaltender carrying a short-term contract. Some believe he’d prefer Ullmark sign a contract extension before agreeing to a trade. The other interested clubs likely feel the same.

It’s rumored the Golden Knights are getting trade calls about Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Hill would be the more likely to move as he carries a $4.9 million cap hit for next season. If they were to move him it would be to create salary cap space to re-sign winger Jonathan Marchessault. They won’t have enough to acquire Ullmark unless they fail to get Marchessault under contract.

They’ve also been in talks with the Nashville Predators regarding Juuse Saros and with the Calgary Flames before they shipped Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils last week. They’ve also been linked to Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz is reportedly in contract extension talks with Saros’ agent. Gibson has a 10-team no-trade clause and carries a $6.4 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.

Jakob Chychrun has also been at the forefront of Senators’ trade talks. However, he’s not the only defenseman they’re looking to move. They’re scouring the market to see if there’s any interest in Erik Brannstrom and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Veteran blueliner Travis Hamonic has a full no-movement clause but it’s believed he’ll be bought out of the final year of his contract.

The Senators are also trying to peddle winger Mathieu Joseph. They want to clear cap space “to try to help propel a deal to acquire Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev.” They could also move center Mark Kastelic if there are any takers.

UPDATE ON THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Winnipeg Jets’ development system will come under fire if they trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty. Over the weekend, reports emerged that the Jets could trade the 20-year-old prospect winger because he no longer sees them as his path to an NHL career.

McGroarty is a 20-year-old blue-chip prospect winger held in high regard around the NHL. However, Ates thinks the Jets have been passed in terms of the resources and care they provide for prospects as they develop.

The Jets lack a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. McGroarty could appeal to teams with spare first-rounders, like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers. He could also fetch an established player who can help the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarity’s situation and the slow development of youngsters Cole Perfetti and Ville Heinola will put the Jets’ prospect system under the microscope. Meanwhile, the youngster should bring them a first-round pick in this year’s draft or a good NHL player to bolster their roster.

Meanwhile, Ates reports Nikolaj Ehlers’ name remains in the trade market. He suggested Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas or Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun would be natural fits in return for Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming the Hurricanes or Senators are interested in Ehlers. He’s also been linked to the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders.

LATEST ON JOHN GIBSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams have looked into acquiring Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson. However, the Ducks aren’t keen to retain any of his salary, which could complicate things.

Gibson has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

CAPITALS ARE NOT DONE DEALING

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Friedman saying the Washington Capitals could be very busy this offseason. They might not be done making moves after shipping goalie Darcy Kuemper to the Los Angeles Kings for center Pierre-Luc Dubois.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

Updates on Linus Ullmark, Tyler Toffoli, Igor Shesterkin, and Tristan Jarry in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S HOLDING UP TRADING LINUS ULLMARK?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins are in a good position to move Linus Ullmark now that Jacob Markstrom is off the trade market. However, the 30-year-old Bruins goaltender’s modified no-trade clause remains a hurdle.

Friedman noted the Ottawa Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. However, they’re believed to be on his no-trade list. He also thinks that interested clubs might prefer signing the netminder to a contract extension if they’re to pay the Bruins’ expensive asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Other factors include whether the Bruins might feel pressure to lower their price and if they’d be comfortable trading within their division.

Friedman took note of Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman saying he’s not interested in acquiring an older goaltender who might be a short-term fix. If Yzerman were interested in Ullmark, Friedman thinks he’d want him signed to an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is speculation suggesting Ullmark might accept a trade to Ottawa if the Senators and Bruins can finalize a deal. We could find out later this week if that’s the case. The Bruins would likely prefer moving Ullmark before the draft opens on Friday.

COULD TYLER TOFFOLI RETURN TO THE CANUCKS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks could have Tyler Toffoli in their sights as a backup option if they fail to sign Jake Guentzel when free agency begins on July 1.

Toffoli, 32, split last season with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, finishing with 34 goals and 55 points. He was acquired by the Canucks before the 2020 trade deadline, collecting 10 points in as many regular-season games and four points in seven postseason contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli will be a more affordable free-agent target for the Canucks. Guentzel is hitting the UFA market for the first time and could seek around $9 million annually on a long-term deal.

LATEST SPECULATION ON IGOR SHESTERKIN’S NEXT CONTRACT

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup last year with Adin Hill as their starting goalie while the Edmonton Oilers could do the same with Stuart Skinner. He wondered if the Rangers must invest $12 million annually in Igor Shesterkin’s next contract when other clubs are winning the Cup without Vezina Trophy winners in their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks pointed out that the 2011 Boston Bruins are the only team in the salary-cap era to win the Cup with a goaltender who won the Vezina, that being Tim Thomas. However, I doubt the Rangers play hardball with Shesterkin for a lesser deal or shop him in place of more affordable options.

ARE THE PENGUINS PREPARING TO TRADE TRISTAN JARRY?

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Mark Madden makes the case for the Penguins to put Tristan Jarry on this summer’s trade block. He believes their recent re-signing of Alex Nedeljkovic with promising Joel Blomqvist waiting in the wings makes no sense unless they intend to move Jarry.

Moving Jarry won’t be easy. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is preparing to move Jarry. However, it’s more likely he feels Blomqvist needs another year in the minors and intends to return with a tandem of Jarry and Nedeljkovic.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

The Senators continue shopping for a goalie, Jake DeBrusk remains linked to the Leafs, the Golden Knights are getting inquiries about their goalies, and the latest on the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GOALIE SEARCH CONTINUES

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators revisited discussions with the Boston Bruins to find a way to bring goaltender Linus Ullmark to Ottawa.

The Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline. They offered netminder Joonas Korpisalo but the Bruins refused as they couldn’t afford to take on his $4 million average annual value over the next four seasons.

Garrioch reports the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among the clubs also trying to acquire Ullmark at that time. He refused to waive his 16-team no-trade list, meaning a possible deal was scuttled, but that wasn’t with the Senators.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

The Bruins have set a high price for Ullmark. They’re believed to be scouring the trade market for a center. They could be interested in Shane Pinto but the Senators have told clubs they’re not parting with him.

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. He also pointed out a report claiming they have the framework of a possible deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Scanlan suggests Jakob Chychrun could be an asset the Senators would give up to make a move that would alter their roster. The 26-year-old defenseman is approaching his prime and entering the final year of his contract. He’d be easier to move than Thomas Chabot, who plays a similar game and carries an $8 million average annual value through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun could be part of the Senators’ efforts to land Ullmark if he’s willing to come to Ottawa. He could also be part of this mysterious deal they have with the Flyers that could take place by the NHL Draft next weekend.

JAKE DEBRUSK HAS “MUTUAL INTEREST” IN JOINING THE MAPLE LEAFS

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio cited Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in Jake DeBrusk. The 27-year-old Boston Bruins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Nick Alberga, host of Leafs Morning Take, reported DeBrusk has some “mutual interest” in joining the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are reportedly attempting to re-sign pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. They have over $19 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. The Leafs could turn to DeBrusk if Bertuzzi or Domi move on.

TEAMS INQUIRING ABOUT GOLDEN KNIGHTS GOALIES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting multiple teams are inquiring about Vegas Golden Knights goaltenders Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Both are on contracts that expire at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are facing a cap crunch with just $1.19 million in cap space and 20 active players under contract. They’ll get an additional $5 million in relief with Robin Lehner on long-term injury reserve for next season. However, they must free up space to re-sign pending UFA winger Jonathan Marchessault.

Hill would be the logical one to move if the Golden Knights are trying to shed salary. He carries an AAV of $4.9 million while Thompson’s is over $766K.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina expects the Lightning to make a cost-cutting trade in the coming days. They have just $5.335 million in cap space, which won’t be enough to re-sign pending UFA captain Steven Stamkos. The Bolts have 18 active roster players under contract for 2024-25.

Encina believes they must move an existing contract to make room for Stamkos. It’s a matter of whether it’s one like Tanner Jeannot ($2.665 million) or Erik Cernak ($5.2 million) that provides enough space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cernak would clear the most cap room but Jeannot has been mentioned more frequently as a trade candidate.