NHL Rumor Mill – December 23, 2023

by | Dec 23, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 23, 2023

The holiday roster freeze is in effect through Dec. 27 but that hasn’t stopped the media trade speculation. Check out the latest on Elias Lindholm, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jake Allen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POSSIBLE SUITORS FOR ELIAS LINDHOLM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports there haven’t been any contract extension talks between Calgary Flames management and Elias Lindholm. However, management hasn’t told the 27-year-old center that they’re moving him and he hasn’t completely shut the door on staying with them.

Nevertheless, LeBrun believes all signs point toward a trade. He listed the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes as potential suitors.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

LeBrun suggests it could cost the Bruins their 2025 first-round pick (they traded away their 2024 pick) or they could try to entice the Flame with a young player as part of the deal. If Lindholm were willing to sign an extension with them it would justify the cost.

The Avalanche have their 2024 first-rounder to use as trade bait but it’s too early to know what asking price the Flames will set for Lindholm. If they’re leaning toward a retool rather than a rebuild, they could want young players or prospects closer to helping them. The Avalanche, however, doesn’t want to spend too high a price.

LeBrun thinks the Hurricanes (Lindholm’s former club) have internally discussed the possibility of bringing him back. However, it’ll probably only work if Lindholm signs an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary cap space will be a factor but we’ve seen in the recent past that clubs can get creative (use of long-term injury reserve, three-team deals) to get around that hurdle. Still, the club with the most cap flexibility near the trade deadline will have an advantage.

Of the three clubs mentioned by LeBrun, the Hurricanes are the only ones not using LTIR to be cap-compliant. They also have the most projected trade deadline cap space at $9.2 million.

Depth in prospects will be another factor. In August, The Athletic ranked the Hurricanes prospect pipeline 14th among the 32 clubs with the Avalanche 25th and the Bruins 32nd.

The Hurricanes appear to hold the advantage in cap space and prospect depth. Nevertheless, it will come down to which club makes the best offer. Despite their handicaps, the Bruins or Avs could be more willing to meet whatever asking price the Flames set for Lindholm.

MORE SPECULATION OVER EVGENY KUZNETSOV

LeBrun believes Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov looks like he could use a fresh start. However, he doesn’t see much of a market for him before the March 8 trade deadline because he’s signed through next season with a $7.8 million cap hit. The Capitals could have better luck moving him during the draft when teams have more cap space to work with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Kuznetsov’s performance since last season will make it difficult to move him. Even with the cap going up for next season, clubs will be leery about taking on a struggling center who turns 32 next May and carries that kind of cap hit even for one season.

INTEREST GROWING IN JAKE ALLEN

LeBrun reports some teams have interest in Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen. They’ve informed the Habs that they’ll circle back next month to restart trade talks.

LeBrun believes the Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers have chatted with the Canadiens since the start of the season. He isn’t sure if the Hurricanes have decided for sure if they want a goaltender as they wait for sidelined Frederik Andersen to return. Allen, meanwhile, is signed through next season with a $3.85 million cap hit and a seven-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens signed Sam Montembeault to a three-year extension last month while young Cayden Primeau’s performance has been improving of late. That appears to make Allen the odd man out.

Still, Habs GM Kent Hughes seems willing to remain patient while waiting for the right offer. This could carry on through to the March 8 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2023

by | Dec 22, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 22, 2023

​The holiday roster freeze is in effect through Dec. 27 but that hasn’t stopped the media conjecture. Find out how the Blue Jackets, Blackhawks and Senators could affect the trade market plus some recent Rangers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BLUE JACKETS, BLACKHAWKS AND SENATORS COULD AFFECT THE TRADE MARKET

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently suggested the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators are beyond the point of no return when it comes to saving their seasons. He believes their struggles will beef up the trade market in the New Year, especially by the March 8 trade deadline.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

In Columbus, the Blue Jackets have two pending unrestricted free agents in goaltender Spencer Martin and forward Jack Roslovic who could end up getting shopped by the trade deadline. Proteau also suggested Patrik Laine could also become a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be surprised if Martin and Roslovic aren’t peddled by the trade deadline but I don’t see a market for Laine because of his contract. The oft-injured underachieving winger is signed through 2025-26 with an $8.7 million annual average value and a 10-team no-trade clause.

The Jackets can afford to wait until the offseason when clubs have more salary cap space to test the market on Laine.

Proteau noted that the Blackhawks have four pending UFA forwards in Nick Foligno, Tyler Johnson, Anthony Beauvillier and Jason Dickinson who could draw interest from playoff contenders near the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks remain very much in the middle of a roster rebuild. All four of those UFAs will likely be moved by March 8 for draft picks and prospects.

The Senators, meanwhile, have two pending UFA wingers in Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik who are bound to draw lots of attention in the trade market. Tarasenko would be among the top forwards available and could waive his no-movement clause to join a club that’ll give him a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko remains a streaky scorer but when he’s hot he’d be a terrific short-term addition to a playoff contender. He also has Stanley Cup experience which should still make him an attractive trade option.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent Rangers mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about the possibility of former Blueshirts like Tarasenko, Patrick Kane or the Minnesota Wild’s Mats Zuccarello returning to New York.

Staple would be interested in what the “buy now” cost for Tarasenko would be. He thinks he’d be worth a second-round pick right now but the Senators could hold out for more.

If the Detroit Red Wings fall out of playoff contention, Staple doesn’t think the Rangers will try to bring Kane back.

Zuccarello, meanwhile, has a two-year contract extension that kicks in next season with a reasonable $4.125 million AAV. However, the current Rangers management doesn’t have any special ties to Zuccarello, who is an important piece for the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t rule out Rangers GM Chris Drury making a move or two near the trade deadline to address any nagging roster needs. However, I doubt we’ll see Tarasenko, Kane or Zuccarello rocking the Rangers colors again.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2023

by | Dec 21, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2023

The holiday roster freeze is in effect from Dec. 20 – 27 but that hasn’t stopped the trade and free-agent speculation. Here’s the latest on the Senators plus updates on Corey Perry and Andrei Kuzmenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wonders if it could be long before the Ottawa Senators decide to become sellers leading up to the March 8 trade tradeline. If they go that route, Kypreos wouldn’t be surprised if Jakob Chychrun resurfaces in trade talks.

Kypreos noted that there are several teams (Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars) in “dire need of shoring up their blueline for a playoff run.”

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun was the subject of two years of trade speculation before he was acquired by the Senators before last season’s March trade deadline.

I would have my doubts about the Senators moving Chychrun if Pierre Dorion was still the general manager. With Dorion gone, perhaps it’s not that far-fetched if they go into sell mode in the New Year. Interim GM Steve Staios wouldn’t have the same attachment to the current players on this roster.

Chychrun still carries an affordable $4.6 million average annual value through 2024-25. He’s also slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025, which could also factor into where he fits in their plans.

Unlike last season, however, there are a couple of sticking points if the Senators decide to move Chychrun. He carries a 10-team no-trade clause plus there are a high number of clubs this season with limited cap space.

Speaking of the Senators, Kypreos claims there are some within the organization pushing for them to hire former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube as their new full-time bench boss. He wonders if the new ownership group is ready to make that kind of commitment right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latest word out of Ottawa regarding the Sens’ coaching situation is they’re going to take their time and cast a wide net before making a decision. You also have to wonder if Berube would want to coach the Senators. The Blues are still paying him through next season so he can afford to take his time and find the right fit.

UPDATES ON COREY PERRY AND ANDREI KUZMENKO

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reported last week the NHL Players Association remained undecided over whether they’d file a grievance on Corey Perry’s behalf regarding the termination of his contract last month. He indicates that hasn’t stopped some teams from considering adding him to their roster before the trade deadline once he receives clearance from the NHLPA player assistance program and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those clubs could be the Edmonton Oilers. Last month, the Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson speculated Oilers GM Ken Holland might look into it.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet is running out of patience with winger Andrei Kuzmenko. While his offensive skills are undeniable, he’s not an adept skater or forechecker and those flaws are becoming apparent as his production declines.

Tocchet made Kuzmenko a healthy scratch on Tuesday against Nashville, marking the fourth time in recent weeks that he’s benched the 27-year-old winger. Johnston suggests Kuzmenko could start running out of opportunities to improve his game.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cites an interview with Kuzmenko’s agent Dan Milstein claiming his client is very happy in Vancouver and there is constant communication with management. “We have a plan and everything is going to be okay,” said Milstein. He added that his client should regain his form “with a few minor adjustments.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation over Kuzemenko’s future in Vancouver surfaced earlier this month after he’d been scratched three times and had his playing time reduced. The front office has also maintained that they want to help the winger improve his overall performance. However, he’ll likely remain the subject of trade conjecture if he fails to pick up his play.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2023

by | Dec 20, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2023

The annual holiday roster freeze runs from Dec. 20 – 27 but that hasn’t stopped the trade speculation. Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau plus updates on the Predators, Devils, Hurricanes and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD GAUDREAU BE AVAILABLE IN THE TRADE MARKET?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited a recent report by the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch in which a league executive told him the Columbus Blue Jackets “are willing to discuss just about anybody.” That prompted Bailey to speculate whether Johnny Gaudreau could be “up for grabs.”

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau (NHL Images).

Bailey pondered the possibility of the Flyers acquiring Gaudreau. He acknowledged the Blue Jackets won’t give the 30-year-old winger away plus he carries a no-movement clause through 2026-27 and a $9.75 million average annual value. The asking price would likely be a first-round pick and either two really good roster players or two top prospects.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bailey believes Gaudreau would approve a trade to Philadelphia as he cheered for the Flyers while growing up in South Jersey. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that deal to happen.

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere recently stated he’s sticking to his rebuilding plan and wasn’t going to sacrifice assets for a return that could improve his team’s chances of clinching a playoff berth this season. I daresay that also extends to struggling 30-something players carrying expensive contracts through 2028-29.

ARE THE PREDATORS SHOPPING MORE THAN TYSON BARRIE?

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently noted that Predators general manager Barry Trotz is still actively shopping Tyson Barrie after granting the 32-year-old defenseman permission to speak with other clubs about a trade.

Gallagher also wondered if Trotz might be peddling more than one blueliner. He cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently pondering the futures of Dante Fabbro and Alexandre Carrier in Nashville. Friedman noted that they’ve both been healthy scratches several times during this season.

Fabbro seems the more likely of those two to be moved. Citing a team source, Gallagher stated they’d prefer to retain Carrier as he’s better suited to head coach Andrew Brunette’s system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also worth noting that Carrier is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July while Fabbro becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

I think Trotz’s priority for now is finding a trade for Barrie. As long as the Predators remain a playoff team, he could hang onto Fabbro and Carrier for the playoffs. However, if the Preds fall out of contention by the March 8 trade deadline, both blueliners could become available.

LATEST SPECULATION FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils don’t have a firm deadline for when defenseman Dougie Hamilton will return from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. LeBrun’s understanding is he’s probably out until the playoffs. That means they’ll have his $9 million cap hit to play with leading up to the March 8 trade deadline, which they could put toward adding a defenseman and a goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils haven’t placed Hamilton on long-term injury reserve yet because they’re sitting just under the $83.5 million salary cap. However, they could do so at any time if they need to add players to their roster. Keep an eye on them in the coming weeks.

Chris Johnston believes the Carolina Hurricanes will be looking for help in the goalie market. He pointed out they raised a lot of eyebrows recently by demoting Antti Raanta to the minors while his replacement (Yaniv Perets) came from the ECHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes got some good news recently as starter Frederik Andersen has resumed skating after a blood-clot issue sidelined him for six weeks. They also signed Aaron Dell to a professional tryout offer. Perhaps they’re hoping to buy some time here with Perets and/or Dell backing up Pyotr Kochetkov until Andersen is ready to return to action.

Darren Dreger believes a trade remains likely for Philip Broberg. The 23-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenseman was recently demoted to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield but still wants to play in the NHL. Dreger suggested the possibility that he becomes a sweetener if they want to try and move Jack Campbell’s contract and free up some salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will likely take more than Broberg in the deal to tempt any club from taking on Campbell’s contract right now. Even then, the Oilers will probably have to retain some salary in the deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2023

by | Dec 19, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 19, 2023

The annual holiday roster freeze goes into effect from Dec. 20 to 27. Check out the latest on the Flames Elias Lindholm, the recent goalie trade speculation and updates on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE AVALANCHE PURSUE ELIAS LINDHOLM?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying during his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast that some people believe the Colorado Avalanche could target Elias Lindholm in the trade market.

Lindholm is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July unless he and the Calgary Flames agree to a contract extension. The 29-year-old center carries a $4.85 million cap hit for this season and lacks a no-trade clause.

Friedman said some people are waiting for the other shoe to drop after the Avalanche shipped Tomas Tatar to the Seattle Kraken last Friday. He thinks they’re looking at Lindholm but is sure they could be also looking at others in the trade market.

The Avalanche have some roster and salary cap issues to sort out. Friedman believes they might have to wait but they’re “lurking out there.”

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs have a glaring hole at the second-line center position. Lindholm would be a good fit there but acquiring him won’t be easy.

They possess $4.825 million in cap space with Gabriel Landeskog, Pavel Francouz and Artturi Lehkonen on long-term injury reserve. However, they can’t accrue any cap space plus Lehkonen is expected to return to action at some point this season.

The Avs might have to send some salary to the Flames or convince them to retain part of Lindholm’s cap hit to make the deal work. They’ll also have to offer up a suitable package to tempt the Flames. Lindholm’s value as a two-way center could prompt a bidding war involving several clubs near the trade deadline.

LATEST GOALTENDER TRADE RUMORS.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman said the uncertainty over Frederik Andersen’s status has forced the Carolina Hurricanes to “cast their lines” into the NHL pond in search of a goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following Friedman’s comments it was reported that the Hurricanes signed free-agent Aaron Dell to a professional tryout offer. Over the weekend, they assigned Antti Raanta to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

Friedman also reported he’d heard from a couple of sources suggesting the possibility of the Columbus Blue Jackets and netminder Elvis Merzlikins deciding it’s time for him to try somewhere else.

Merzlikins is signed through through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. Moving him could be difficult given the high number of clubs with limited cap space this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that Friedman sources aren’t stating for certain that the Blue Jackets are shopping Merzlikins. It’s just speculation right now.

Nevertheless, there could be changes coming for the Jackets before the end of this season. Peddling their starting goalie before the March 8 trade deadline could be among those changes.

The Los Angeles Kings are looking for goalie depth with backup Pheonix Copley lost to injury. However, Friedman doesn’t expect them to make a big move for a netminder until closer to the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings called up David Rittich over the weekend to back up Cam Talbot. Unless one of them gets hurt before Copley returns, they’ll likely wait as Friedman believes until the deadline to bolster their depth between the pipes.

Teams to watch include the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been well-documented that those teams are each carrying three goaltenders, prompting speculation they could move one. The Red Wings have taken a hit with Alex Lyon sidelined and Ville Husso suffering a leg injury last night.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes that John Gibson is available in the trade market. He noted that Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has “re-engaged” with the Anaheim Ducks regarding the 30-year-old goaltender, who carries an AAV of $6.4 million.

Nichols noted the Hurricanes, Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are in the hunt for help between the pipes. He also pointed out that the Canadiens, Sabres, Red Wings and Blue Jackets are carrying three goalies this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Gibson’s hefty salary through 2026-27 plus his 10-team no-trade clause, he’s more likely to be moved during the summer when clubs have more cap room than in a season where teams are pressed for cap space.

UPDATES ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will make a wide search for a new full-time head coach after replacing D.J. Smith as their bench boss with Jacques Martin on an interim basis.

Sources suggest the front-runner is John Gruden, the head coach of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Gruden is a former Senators defenseman who also has ties with Sens owner Michael Andlauer and president of hockey operations Steve Staios.










Senators Fire Head Coach D.J. Smith, Bring Back Jacques Martin As Interim Coach

by | Dec 18, 2023

Senators Fire Head Coach D.J. Smith, Bring Back Jacques Martin As Interim Coach

The Ottawa Senators announced they’ve relieved head coach D.J. Smith and assistant coach Davis Payne of their duties.

Jacques Martin takes over as head coach on an interim basis. Former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson joins the staff as an assistant coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This has been building for several weeks. Coming off four straight losses, the Senators have floundered with just three wins in their last 10 games. Despite holding several games in hand over their Eastern Conference rivals, they’re mired at the bottom of the Conference standings.

Ottawa Senators interim head coach Jacques Martin. (NHL.com)

Smith was hired by former Senators general manager Pierre Dorion, who was fired on Nov. 1. The club failed to reach the playoffs in his four previous seasons behind their bench.

It was excusable for most of those seasons as the club was rebuilding with young talent. This season, however, there was an expectation that the Senators would finally break through as a playoff contender.

They had a .500 record on Dec. 5 but they’ve managed just one win in their last six games since then. That slump threatens to derail their playoff hopes as they failed to gain ground in the standings.

Martin was hired earlier this month as a special advisor to the coaching staff. Many observers, however, suggested that he was brought in as Smith’s potential replacement. He has 17 years of NHL head coaching experience, including nine seasons behind the Senators bench from 1995-96 to 2003-04.

During that period, the Senators had four 100-plus points season, with Martin winning the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 1998-99. He was also an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins during their Stanley Cup seasons 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Alfredsson, meanwhile, is stepping behind an NHL bench in a coaching role for the first time. Revered by Senators fans and respected by his former teammates, he spent 17 of his 18 NHL seasons with the Senators, 13 of those as team captain and nine seasons playing for Martin. Their all-time leader in goals (426), assists (682) and points (1,108), he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.

Martin and Alfredsson face a difficult task in reversing the Senators’ slide.

Stocked with stars such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Claude Giroux and Jakob Chuchrun, the Senators have no problem scoring goals, sitting 10th overall as of Dec. 17 with a goals-per-game of 3.35.

Keeping the puck out of their net, however, is another matter. They possess the seventh-highest goals against per game (3.42) and the second-worst penalty-killing percentage (72.4). In short, they lack reliable goaltending and a sound defensive system.

Defensive hockey was Martin’s bread-and-butter in his previous head-coaching tours with the Senators, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens. It will be interesting to see if he can get this version of the Sens to buy into his system.