NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

by | Jun 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

What’s the latest on Patrik Laine? Could Martin Necas sign an offer sheet? Will the Ducks finally trade John Gibson? Are the Avalanche shopping Ross Colton? Check out the latest in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell hopes to find a “hockey trade” for Patrik Laine. Earlier this month, the Blue Jackets and the Laine camp agreed to look for a trade.

Waddell hopes that retaining salary won’t be necessary to move Laine. “We want to make a hockey trade if we can and certainly exhaust every opportunity and every team that potentially has interest,” he said.

The Jackets GM admitted there’s a chance the 26-year-old winger won’t be moved during the offseason. “If the options are limited or there’s no options that make sense, then we’ll have to deal with that,” said Waddell.

Laine has two seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

SPORTSNET: Sammy Sachdeva listed the Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins among eight possible trade destinations for Laine. The others include the Utah Hockey Club, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These clubs could use additional scoring for one reason or another. Whether they’re interested in Laine or can afford his contract or the Blue Jackets’ asking price remains to be seen.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel believes Laine is one big-name trade target that makes sense for the Penguins.

Vensel proposed the Penguins offer winger Reilly Smith in exchange for Laine. Like the Jackets forward, Smith could use a change of scenario after struggling this past season.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Jackets would get cap relief by swapping Laine’s $8.7 million for Smith’s $5 million cap hit for 2024-25, plus they could ship Smith to another club if they wish. If Laine doesn’t regain his scoring touch in Pittsburgh, taking on his contract wouldn’t adversely affect the Penguins’ long-term flexibility. Also, they wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick or prospect to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the type of hockey trade Waddell is referring to, unloading Laine for a player with a more affordable short-term contract that could be enticing to another club.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked if Laine would be a good fit with the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens. He believes it would depend on what the Blue Jackets want in return, if Laine will accept a trade to Montreal and if the Jackets retain some salary in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engels thinks the Canadiens could consider it if the asking price isn’t too prohibitive. However, they could be considering other trade options that are less costly and carry less baggage.

COULD MARTIN NECAS SIGN AN OFFER SHEET?

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on social media yesterday that a few teams wonder if an offer sheet for Martin Necas is plausible if the Carolina Hurricanes’ asking price remains high.

The Hurricanes are entertaining trade offers for the 25-year-old winger. However, they’re said to want “star power” in return.

LeBrun admits it’s a “long shot play” but feels it’s something worth keeping in mind.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Rival clubs can send him offer sheets but it’s up to him whether he’ll sign.

It’s a little-used tactic that rarely succeeds. Of the 10 offer sheet signings since 2005-06, only two (Dustin Penner in 2007 and Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021) were successful.

WILL THE DUCKS TRADE JOHN GIBSON THIS SUMMER?

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Elliotte Friedman thinks some teams are looking at Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson.

Friedman said the Devils looked into Gibson before they acquired Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. He isn’t sure if the Ottawa Senators would be a fit. The Ducks aren’t keen to retain salary so that could complicate things.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Recent reports suggest the Senators are more interested in Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark. He has a year left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list.

COULD THE AVALANCHE SHOP ROSS COLTON?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Avalanche might peddle Ross Colton to gain some salary-cap flexibility.

The 27-year-old center was traded to Colorado from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer, signing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. He has a no-trade clause for next season beginning on July 1.

Colorado faces a bit of a cap crunch this summer. There is uncertainty over the futures of forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Restricted free agent center Casey Mittelstadt is in line for a significant raise and they’re also trying to re-sign pending UFA Jonathan Drouin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton could draw attention in the trade market. However, the Avalanche must act quickly before his NTC begins on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2024

by | Jun 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2024

A look at the offseason goalie market after Jacob Markstrom and Darcy Kuemper were traded yesterday plus updates on Leon Draisaitl, Jake Guentzel, Jake DeBrusk and Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT DOES THE GOALIE MARKET LOOK LIKE WITHOUT MARKSTROM AND KUEMPER?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio believes all eyes are on Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark with Jacob Markstrom and Darcy Kuemper off the trade market. Markstrom was traded to the New Jersey Devils while Kuemper was shipped to the Los Angeles Kings.

Finding a market for Ullmark could become difficult with the Devils and Kings no longer interested. The Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators remain, with the Hurricanes listening to offers for winger Martin Necas. The Senators are said to be willing to move their 2024 first-round pick and defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

Ullmark has a 16-team no-trade list that becomes a 15-team list on July 1. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving must get moving to find a suitable starting netminder now that Markstrom is no longer available.

This year’s free-agent market is a weak one for goaltenders. The Leafs can’t take chances on career backups like Anthony Stolarz or Laurent Brossoit.

Ullmark and Jusse Saros of the Nashville Predators are among the goalies drawing interest in the trade market. Both have a year left on their contracts with cap hits of $5 million.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan doesn’t see the Bruins trading Ullmark to a playoff rival like the Leafs. Instead, he believes they could send him to the Senators.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Koshan also doesn’t buy into the scenario of the Leafs trading Mitch Marner to Nashville for Saros. He pointed out that Marner intends to play the final year of his contract with Toronto. New Leafs head coach Craig Berube welcomes the opportunity to work with the 27-year-old winger.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league sources claim the Senators have circled back to Ullmark after failing to land Markstrom. Those sources also said the talks between the two clubs have intensified.

The Senators were interested in Ullmark before the March trade deadline. However, they couldn’t get a deal in place with the Bruins at that time. The Bruins aren’t interested in taking on Joonas Korpisalo in return because they can’t afford the remaining four years of his contract. However, they might be willing to take Anton Forsberg and his $2.75 million cap hit for 2024-25.

A league executive suggested to Garrioch that it could cost the Senators their 2024 first-round pick and defenseman Jakob Chychrun to get Ullmark from the Bruins. That depends on whether the Senators are on his no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are better positioned to bid for Ullmark than the Maple Leafs. Treliving might have to shift his attention to Saros, but Predators GM Barry Trotz is reportedly discussing a contract extension with the 29-year-old netminder.

Speaking of the Senators, The Hockey News’ Steve Warne cited TSN’s Travis Yost reporting the Senators and Philadelphia Flyers have the framework of a trade in place. He thinks it might not be finalized until closer to the draft, scheduled for June 28-29 in Las Vegas.

Yost provided no specifics regarding the deal and how big it might be. Chychrun could be part of that if Ottawa is shopping him. It won’t involve a goaltender as the Flyers have none to spare that would interest the Senators. Maybe the Senators are trying to flog Korpisalo to the Flyers to make room for Ullmark. Stay tuned…

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said he has no intention of trading or buying out Elvis Merzlikins.

Merzlikins raised headlines in January when he said he requested a trade only to have his agent claim his client misspoke. By the end of the season, it was assumed he’d played his final game with the Blue Jackets.

Waddell took over as Blue Jackets GM last month. He wants to give Merlizkins another chance to establish himself as their starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins’ unhappiness stemmed from being relegated to third-stringer for several weeks in December and early January. Waddell’s firing of head coach Pascal Vincent could provide Merzlikins with additional motivation.

UPDATES ON LEON DRAISAITL, JAKE GUENTZEL AND JAKE DEBRUSK

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports hearing no meaningful contract talks have taken place and no numbers have been exchanged between the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl. Those negotiations could begin following the Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any earlier discussions between the two camps were preliminary, likely gauging both sides’ willingness to talk about an extension. That should be expected considering the Oilers are still in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Chicago Blackhawks could attempt to sign Jake Guentzel as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. They want to alleviate the pressure off Connor Bedard and appear the most willing to meet Guentzel’s anticipated asking price of $63 million. They can also offer him an opportunity to play closer to his home in Minnesota.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That anticipated asking price breaks down to $9 million annually on a seven-year deal. Playing alongside the promising Bedard could also be tempting for Guentzel.

Kypreos claims there’s word the Maple Leafs could be interested in Jake DeBrusk.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he’s been told by a few people that the Seattle Kraken could have Patrik Laine on their radar.

Laine’s camp recently met with Blue Jackets management where they mutually agreed to look into a trade. Friedman cited the Kraken’s need to add more scoring and believes they can afford to take on the winger’s contract.

Laine has two years left on his deal with an annual average value of $8.7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken have a projected cap space of $22.5 million. They’ve got 16 active roster players under contract with restricted free agents Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen to re-sign. There’s room to add Laine depending on the cost of Beniers and Tolvanen.

They could garner more cap space if they bought out goaltender Philipp Grubauer. However, Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times indicated Kraken GM Ron Francis isn’t planning any buyouts at this point.










Kings Trade Pierre-Luc Dubois To Capitals for Darcy Kuemper

by | Jun 19, 2024

Kings Trade Pierre-Luc Dubois To Capitals for Darcy Kuemper

The Los Angeles Kings traded center Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a stunning move by both clubs involving two players thought to be untradeable because of their contracts and performance in 2023-24. Cap Friendly and PuckPedia indicate that no salary was retained in this deal.

Los Angeles Kings trade  Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitas (NHL Images)

The Kings acquired Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets last June and signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million. His contract contains a no-movement clause that begins on July 1. It’ll be interesting to find out if Dubois knew of this deal beforehand or was asked if he didn’t mind getting traded to Washington.

Dubois was expected to fill the second-line center role for the Kings. However, he struggled this season, managing 16 goals and 40 points in 82 games. He was held to one goal in five games during their first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Kuemper signed a five-year, $26.5 million contract with the Capitals in July 2022 after backstopping the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup. Like Dubois, he struggled with his new team, finishing last season with a 3.31 goals-against average and a save percentage of .890, losing the starter’s job to Charlie Lindgren. He had a 10-team no-trade list and it appears the Kings weren’t on it.

Both teams hope this change of scenery helps these players rediscover their game. However, the Capitals are taking the biggest gamble. Dubois has seven seasons left on his contract with a more expensive cap hit while Kuemper only has three years left.










Flames Trade Jacob Markstrom To The Devils

by | Jun 19, 2024

Flames Trade Jacob Markstrom To The Devils

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Calgary Flames traded goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Kevin Bahl and the Devils’ 2025 first-round pick.

Calgary Flames trade goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of the biggest names in this summer’s trade market is off the board.

It’s no surprise that Markstrom is heading to the Devils. It was rumored in February that he was willing to waive his no-movement clause for New Jersey but the two clubs at the time couldn’t agree on a deal.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he was going “big-game hunting” this summer with a No. 1 goalie at the top of his list. He’s getting a big upgrade between the pipes with Markstrom. Fitzgerald is also taking on a hefty cap hit of $6 million annually for the next two years.

**UPDATE: The Flames are retaining 31.25 percent of Markstrom’s AAV. The Devils will be carrying $4.125 million annually for the remainder of his contract. 

Markstrom, 34, was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22. He was considered the Flames’ MVP in 2023-24, stealing wins for his struggling club in games they otherwise would’ve lost. He’ll be backed up in New Jersey by former Canadiens netminder (and trade deadline acquisition) Jake Allen.

The Devils should be set between the pipes if Markstrom maintains his form over the next two seasons. His age is a concern but Fitzgerald is betting that his new goalie tandem can help the Devils rebound from their disappointing 2023-24 performance.

Flames GM Craig Conroy was rumored to be seeking a big return for Markstrom. What he got from the Devils likely reflects the real value of goaltenders in this summer’s trade market.

The Flames are getting a first-rounder but their fans would’ve preferred the 10th overall selection in this year’s draft that New Jersey currently owns. That 2025 pick is top-10 protected but could be much further down in the first round of next year’s draft if the Devils return to their 2022-23 form.

Bahl, 23, is a 6’6”, 230-pound defenseman who finished his first full NHL campaign in 2023-24, collecting 11 points in 82 games. He has the potential to become a top-four shutdown defenseman.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

by | Jun 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Jake Guentzel, Jeff Skinner, and Tyler Toffoli plus an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MARKSTROM NEVER ASKED FOR A TRADE, SAYS CONROY

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy told Eric Francis that Jacob Markstrom has not asked to be traded.

“He’s never come out and said he wants out,” said Conroy. “That’s never been mentioned. He’s never said that.”

Markstrom has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Conroy also claimed that he’s bothered by the constant trade speculation about Markstrom. “It’s part of the game, but it does bother me because there’s always something about there.” He went on to say he felt it wasn’t fair to Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes Markstrom would like to end up with the New Jersey Devils. Without options, however, it’s clear the Flames won’t part with their starting goalie for what the Devils are willing to offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom may not have requested a trade but there were plenty of reports in February that he was willing to waive his NMC to join the Devils. A deal that would’ve sent him to New Jersey before the March trade deadline reportedly fell through.

Francis believes the trade speculation about Markstrom will continue leading up to the NHL draft next weekend. He’s also been linked to the Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CANUCKS TO PURSUE JAKE GUENTZEL VIA FREE AGENCY?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli expects the Vancouver Canucks will make a strong play for Jake Guentzel when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

Seravalli cited sources that believe the Canucks could offer Guentzel the best mix of money and opportunity. There’s also a familiarity the 29-year-old winger has with Canucks management and head coach Rick Tocchet. President of hockey ops Jim Rutherford, GM Patrik Allvin and Tocchet were part of the Pittsburgh Penguins during Guentzel’s early years with that franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This story appears to have been published before the Canucks signed Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $7.25 million. Allvin admitted Hronek’s new deal meant the Canucks wouldn’t be able to re-sign all of their remaining free agents.

The Canucks have $17.7 million in cap space and 15 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Signing Guentzel could run between $8.5 million and $9.5 million annually on a long-term deal. They can’t comfortably afford that unless they free up additional cap space.

COULD THE SABRES BUY OUT JEFF SKINNER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Buffalo Sabres could consider buying out the remainder of Jeff Skinner’s contract. The 32-year-old winger carries an AAV of $9 million through 2026-27 and is coming off a down year. It would be at two-thirds the remaining value over twice the remaining term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A buyout would be costly given how Skinner’s contract is structured. The first season would count as $1.444 million against the Sabres cap. However, it jumps to $4.444 million in 2025-26 and $6.444 million in 2026-27 before dropping to $2.444 million per season for the remaining three years.

The salary cap is expected to significantly rise. That could provide some relief for the two seasons where the cost of the buyout spikes.

The buyout window opens 48 hours after the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30.

COULD THE RANGERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently reported his belief that the New York Rangers looked at Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils traded the 32-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets.

Baugh expects Toffoli is looking for one last chance to win the Stanley Cup, suggesting he could fetch a four-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. “The Rangers could find a way to make that work, but they’d probably need to clear some cap space via trades.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could explain why the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout or a potential claim by the San Jose Sharks Stay tuned…

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are exploring a two-year contract for Shane Pinto. The Sens would prefer signing him to a five- or six-year deal. Pinto’s agent reportedly seeks a long-term contract with an AAV of $5 million. The two sides could instead consider a lower cap hit on a shorter deal.

Garrioch also reports a league executive claims the Senators have had talks with the Seattle Kraken regarding Brandon Tanev. The 32-year-old Kraken forward could play a third or fourth-line role with the Senators. However, they’d have to move out Mathieu Joseph’s $2.95 million cap hit to make room for Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Brandon could entice his brother Chris to sign with the Senators. Before the Flames traded him to the Dallas Stars, they were reportedly interested in acquiring him.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2024

by | Jun 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2024

Check out the latest on Leon Draisaitl, Mitch Marner, Jacob Markstrom, and Logan Couture in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD LEON DRAISAITL SIGN A SHORT-TERM EXTENSION?

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the recent report of the Edmonton Oilers discussing a contract extension with Leon Draisaitl is good news for the club’s future. It’ll come as a relief for the club’s fans as they’ve put up with years of speculation suggesting Draisaitl and teammate Connor McDavid would bail on the Oilers as unrestricted free agents.

Should Draisaitl re-sign it could also be a harbinger of McDavid’s signing given the close friendship between the two teammates.

Spector predicts Draisaitl could sign a four-year contract, leaving enough room for another deal at age 32 when the salary cap will be even higher. He expects the Edmonton star will become the NHL’s highest-paid player for one season when McDavid signs his next contract with the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl would be taking a page from the contract playbook of Toronto’s Auston Matthews. The Maple Leafs center signed a four-year extension that begins in 2024-25 rather than an eight-year deal. If Draisaitl follows suit it could start a trend among NHL stars of inking short-term deals to allow themselves to cash in again with a higher salary cap down the road.

ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS LOOKING AT EXTENDING MITCH MARNER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cited TSN’s Darren Dreger suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could prefer re-signing Mitch Marner instead of trading him. Dreger said he thinks Leafs general manager Brad Treliving would rather extend the 27-year-old winger’s contract.

Marner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He carries a $10.9 million cap hit for 2024-25 and a full no-movement clause.

Dreger said it’s possible Treliving could get a suitable trade offer that might convince Marner to waive his NMC. However, he thinks the winger’s preference is to play out next season in Toronto and see how things go from there. There’s a risk Marner could depart via free agency next summer but it’s not a certainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving’s decision might be easier if Marner didn’t have that NMC. But he does, and he has complete control over this situation. Even if Marner agrees to a trade, the Leafs won’t get full market value in return. They might have to accept a package of affordable young players and draft picks and use the cap savings to address their short-term roster needs.

Marner reportedly prefers re-signing with the Leafs. It won’t sit well with the club’s critics, especially those questioning his playoff performance. It would cost between $12.5 and $13 million annually to keep him in the fold.

UPDATE ON JACOB MARKSTROM

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently cited TSN’s Chris Johnston claiming trade talks involving Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom are at “a bit of a standstill.”

Johnston believes the Devils remain interested in Markstrom. The 34-year-old netminder could be willing to waive his NMC to go to New Jersey. However, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald might be unwilling to include his first-round pick (10th overall) in this year’s draft as part of the return for Markstrom.

Nichols believes Fitzgerald has a price he’s willing to pay for Markstrom and won’t cross it. However, the Devils GM risks losing the Flames netminder to another club. The Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings are also believed in the market for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This situation favors the Flames for now. GM Craig Conroy can ask around and see if he can stoke a bidding war for Markstrom. However, he’ll only have that advantage until the first round of the upcoming draft.

Conroy could lose his leverage if Fitzgerald and other general managers aren’t willing to move their first-rounders in this year’s draft. After that, he could end up getting lesser offers.

SHARKS NOT TRADING LOGAN COUTURE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier stressed that he’s not interested in trading team captain Logan Couture.

Following the introductory press conference for new Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, Grier addressed trade rumors that have been swirling about Couture. “That is absolutely false,” he said. “If you look at us bringing in young players and having a young team, he is exactly the type of person you want to have around the young players.”

Grier praised Couture’s leadership and his worth to the Sharks, noting that he came off a difficult, injury-hampered season. “He’s still a heck of a hockey player, so you guys can put any of those thoughts about me looking to trade our captain, you can put it to bed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pashelka pointed out that Couture’s contract makes him almost impossible to trade even if Grier wanted to. The 35-year-old center has three years left on his deal with an annual cap hit of $8 million. The Sharks have no salary retention spots for 2024-25.

Couture is also coming off a season where a painful inflammation of the joint between his left and right pubic bones limited him to just six games.