NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2023

by | Dec 12, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2023

The latest on the Canucks, some possible Canadiens trade bait, and an update on Blues winger Jakub Vrana in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford said his club won’t lock itself into a long-term position on Andrei Kuzmenko as trade speculation swirls around the struggling winger.

MacIntyre’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that clubs have inquired about Kuzmenko, whose 39-goal performance last season earned him a two-year, $11 million contract. He’s struggled this season, seeing his playing time reduced and was scratched from two games in late November.

Vancouver Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko (NHL Images).

Rutherford insists his club will keep an open mind about Kuzmenko in the hope that the coaching staff can improve his all-around play. Head coach Rick Tocchet recently indicated he wants the winger to forecheck more and compete for pucks rather than have his teammates get them for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks made that two-year commitment to Kuzmenko because of his scoring last season. However, as Friedman pointed out over the weekend, they’re also looking to free up salary-cap space. If Kuzmenko remains in Tocchet’s doghouse, they could pay more serious attention to those trade inquiries.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Canucks are out of the bidding for Ethan Bear. They’d hoped to bring back the free-agent defenseman but their salary-cap constraints could price them out of the market for his services. The Washington Capitals appear to be the front-runners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could learn by some point this week where Bear will play the remainder of this season.

POSSIBLE CANADIENS TRADE BAIT

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: recently noted that Canadiens goaltenders Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau sat fourth and fifth respectively on TSN’s latest Trade Bait listing. Versatile center Sean Monahan is ninth and defenseman Mike Matheson is 20th.

Regarding Allen and Primeau, Marc Dumont listed the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings as possible suitors for one or the other.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All four clubs are believed to be monitoring the trade market for depth between the pipes. The Hurricanes and Devils may have the more pressing need as they’ve slipped out of playoff positions in the Eastern Conference.

The Oilers were very much shopping around for goaltending help in November. However, their recent seven-game win streak (in part due to improved play from their current goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard) could reduce their level of urgency to address that issue.

The Kings, meanwhile, are rolling along well thus far with veteran Cam Talbot though backup Pheonix Copley has struggled at times this season. They could be content to stick with their current tandem for the time being.

Whether any of those teams make a pitch for Allen or Primeau remains to be seen.

WHAT NEXT FOR VRANA?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues winger Jakub Vrana is in limbo after first being told he would be placed on waivers on Monday and then not having that come to pass.

Rutherford explains the Blues “are looking at every avenue in terms of how to part ways with Vrana, including the possibility of a trade.”

Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings before the March trade deadline, Vrana scored 10 goals in the final 20 games of the season. However, he’s been unable to replicate that performance this season. The 27-year-old winger has two goals and six points in 19 games and was a healthy scratch in eight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears Vrana’s days with the Blues are numbered. While he has a $5.25 million cap hit for this season (the final one of his contract), the Red Wings retained half of it to facilitate his trade to the Blues last season.

At $2.625 million, perhaps a club seeking scoring might take a chance on Vrana. So far, however, there don’t seem to be any takers. As Rutherford observes, Vrana has terrific speed and a great shot but doesn’t use either asset that effectively plus he’s a defensive liability at even strength.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 11, 2023

by | Dec 11, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 11, 2023

Could the Bruins pursue Elias Lindholm or Pat Maroon? Could the Flyers target Mario Ferraro? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss recently noted that Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm sat No. 1 on TSN’s latest Trade Bait list. He noted the Bruins had been linked to Lindholm during the offseason following the retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

After watching the play of Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle and rookies Matthew Poitras and Johnny Beecher, Goss believes it might not be a good idea for the Bruins to part with assets to acquire Lindholm. Based on the performances of those four thus far, depth at center is not a massive weakness right now.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

If the Bruins are interested in Lindholm, Goss suggests waiting until July if he decides not to re-sign with the Flames and test the free-agent market. They currently have a projected $27 million in cap space for 2024-25, providing them with more cap flexibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve said the same thing about the Bruins’ rumored interest in Lindholm’s teammate Noah Hanifin. Acquiring either guy will cost them draft picks, prospects, and even perhaps a promising youngster such as Poitras or Beecher.

The Bruins are currently jockeying with the New York Rangers for first place in the Eastern Conference. Barring an epic and historic collapse, they’re in no danger of missing the playoffs in what is considered a transition season for this club. Better to make do with what they currently have or make affordable roster tweaks and wait until next summer to pursue the big fish.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy suggests the Bruins consider looking into acquiring forward Pat Maroon from the Minnesota Wild. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery recently pleaded with his players to be more physical and tougher. They could use someone to replace Milan Lucic, who’s been away from the club since being arrested and charged last month in a domestic violence incident.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy wrote that there’s no indication Bruins management is targeting Maroon or a comparable player. For now, Maroon probably isn’t going anywhere as the Wild struggle to get back into the Western Conference playoff chase. That could change, however, if they remain out of contention near the March trade deadline.

A source told Murphy that Maroon would probably cost a seventh-round draft pick. That was the price the Wild paid the Lightning to acquire him earlier this season.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Philadelphia Flyers are sitting in a better position in the standings than expected when the season began. Nevertheless, Caleb Kearney points out that they’re still a rebuilding team that could shop some older veterans to acquire more draft picks and prospects to accelerate the process.

Kearney suggested peddling defenseman Marc Staal, center Garnet Hathaway, blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen and rearguard Sean Walker.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker appears the most valuable given how often he’s surfaced in recent trade speculation. Hathaway could also be an attractive trade target if he becomes available. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an affordable average annual value of $2.375 million.

Ristolainen has also popped up lately in the rumor mill. However, his $5.1 million cap hit through 2026-27 won’t be easy to move unless the Flyers retain half of it. Staal, meanwhile, hasn’t seen much playing time this season. At 36, his best years are well behind him and he’s not likely to fetch much of a return.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey recently noted that San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro has come up in the rumor mill of late. He believes the 25-year-old blueliner would fit in well with their rebuilding plans.

If the Flyers continue playing well this season and their 2024 first-round pick won’t be that high, Bailey suggested it would be worthwhile to part with it to land a good young defenseman like Ferraro.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not a bad idea. Whether Flyers management feels the same way remains to be seen.

Despite all the rumors swirling about this club of late, general manager Daniel Briere could be content to wait and see how this season unfolds before getting busy in the trade market.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 10, 2023

by | Dec 10, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 10, 2023

Questions about the futures of the Ducks’ Trevor Zegras and the Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine, trade speculation regarding several Flyers defensemen and the Canucks’ Andrei Kuzmenko and growing interest in free-agent blueliner Ethan Bear. Details and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR ZEGRAS AND LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek took note of the Anaheim Ducks’ collapse in the standings following their strong start to the season. Among the few bright spots is the solid performance of rookie center Leo Carlsson in limited action.

Should the Ducks end up winning the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery and select prospect center Macklin Celebrini, Duhatschek wondered if they would consider moving Trevor Zegras. The 22-year-old center has been on injured reserve since Nov. 10 with a lower-body injury.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Ducks already have Carlsson and Mason McTavish who are projected to become first-line centers. If they land Celebrini, where would that leave Zegras?

Turning to the floundering Columbus Blue Jackets, Duhatschek singled out Patrik Laine’s sometimes disinterested play this season. He acknowledged the 25-year-old forward was sidelined for several games by a concussion earlier in this campaign but noted he wasn’t playing well before he got hurt.

Laine appears to be lacking confidence in his game. Duhatschek wondered if landing in Washington as the potential successor to Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin might be the change of venue he needs to regain his scoring touch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duhatschek isn’t saying that Zegras or Laine will be traded but he does raise interesting questions about the two forwards.

Zegras was considered the Ducks’ Golden Boy, a highly-skilled scorer whose dazzling feats made him a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2021-22 while earning him a trip to that season’s All-Star Game. He has two straight 60-plus point seasons under his belt before 2023-24 but his sophomore campaign was still considered a disappointment.

His contract negotiations dragged on through training camp and preseason before reaching an agreement on a three-year bridge deal on Oct. 2. That cost him valuable prep time for this season and likely contributed to his current injury.

If the Ducks land Celebrini in next year’s draft perhaps they would consider moving Zegras but they could simply shift him to the wing or do the same with McTavish or Carlsson. That doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t listen to offers for Zegras, especially with the salary cap projected to jump by $4.2 million next season, making his $5.75 million cap hit through 2025-26 easier to move. Still, I think they’ll stay patient and see how things turn out regardless of what might happen in next year’s draft lottery.

Laine, meanwhile, was expected to provide the Blue Jackets with badly-needed scoring punch following his acquisition from the Winnipeg Jets in 2021. Despite injuries, he had 56 points in as many games in 2021-22 and 52 points last season in 55 contests. This season, however, Laine seems to have lost his competitive fire.

With an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade clause, Laine won’t be easy to move during this season. Given the anticipated increase in the cap for next season, that could be a move to consider for next summer when teams will have more cap space to work with and perhaps a willingness to take a chance on Laine.

RUMORS FROM SATURDAY’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: During Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that at least one team contacted the Philadelphia Flyers asking about the defense pair of Sean Walker and Nick Seeler to see if they’d be interested in dealing them together when the time comes. He indicated the Flyers are playing well right now and aren’t in any rush to make moves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Maple Leafs recently looked into acquiring Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames but that fell apart over how much of their salaries the Flames were willing to retain Zadorov was subsequently traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Perhaps Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has shifted his focus toward the City of Brotherly Love.

Walker and Seeler have surfaced in the rumor mill in recent weeks. They’re not the only Flyers defensemen to be mentioned as trade candidates. Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey pointed out that TSN had Walker and Seeler at Nos. 6 and 7 on their latest Top-20 Trade Bait list along with Rasmus Ristolainen at No. 15.

Bailey pointed out that Ristolainen is the only one on TSN’s list with three or more years remaining on his contract beyond this season. I don’t doubt that the Flyers would like to move his contract but that could be a deal made in the offseason depending on his performance this season. Walker and Seeler, on the other hand, will be much easier to move before the March 8 trade deadline given their affordable salaries and free-agent status next July.

Friedman also reported there’s an “emerging situation” with Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko. He’s been playing under 15 minutes per game in five of his last six games and has been sat twice. Other teams have called the Canucks to inquire about the 27-year-old’s status.

The Canucks are always looking to clear salary-cap room. Kuzmenko carries a $5.5 million average annual value through 2024-25 with a 12-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko was a big hit with the Canucks in his first NHL season, scoring 39 goals and 74 points in 2022-23. He currently has just four goals and 15 points in 25 games as he seems to be in head coach Rick Tocchet’s doghouse.

There was talk of the Canucks peddling Brock Boeser or Conor Garland in cost-cutting deals going back to 2022-23 but those rumors have died away this season. Perhaps they’d consider moving Kuzmenko for a more affordable forward or defenseman who would be a better fit within Tocchet’s system.

Friedman reported Ethan Bear could be getting close to picking a team to play for this season. It’s believed the Washington Capitals have made a strong bid for the 25-year-old free-agent defenseman’s services. Friedman had felt the Vancouver Canucks might bring him back but other clubs have a salary cap advantage over them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A couple of days ago, The Province’s Patrick Johnston reported Bear’s agent claimed at least four clubs were interested in his client. The Canucks were among them but Johnston also noted their salary-cap constraints.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 9, 2023

by | Dec 9, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 9, 2023

Would Ducks goalie John Gibson help the Devils? Will the Avalanche trade for a center? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE DUCKS JOHN GIBSON HELP THE DEVILS?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens noted the improved stats this season of Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson despite his club’s porous defense. He looked at whether the 30-year-old could help the New Jersey Devils improve their goaltending.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

The Devils lack a clear No. 1 goalie as Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid have struggled to fill that role. Their goals-against per game is among the league’s worst and a big reason why the Devils are struggling this season. Gibson would be a clear upgrade.

Stephen also noted that Gibson’s $6.4 million cap hit could be too rich for the Devils to take on. Asking the Ducks to retain part of his salary will mean an increase in what they’d want in return. With top defenseman Dougie Hamilton sidelined, their focus could be on improving their blueline corps.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils need an upgrade between the pipes. Given their constraints this season, however, they’ll likely seek a more affordable, short-term option.

Stephens listed the Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Allen, San Jose Sharks’ Kaapo Kahkonen and the Detroit Red Wings’ James Reimer among such targets. The Devils could perhaps look at someone such as Gibson during the offseason when they’ll have more cap room to work with.

WILL THE AVALANCHE MAKE A TRADE FOR A CENTER?

THE DENVER POST: Mark Kiszla believes the Colorado Avalanche won’t have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup this season unless they land a second-line center. He acknowledged the club’s salary-cap limitations but called on general manager Chris MacFarland to get creative to fix the problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kiszla makes a good point about the Avs’ need for a reliable second-line center. His dream trade targets are the Minnesota Wild’s Joel Eriksson Ek and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner.

Salary cap constraints aside, the Avalanche depleted their prospect pipeline making other acquisitions in recent years. They lack sufficient depth in tradeable assets to land players like Eriksson Ek or Jenner.

They’ll have to pursue more affordable options. The Athletic’s Peter Baugh recently listed Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan (if the Habs retain part of his salary) and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Morgan Frost (assuming the 24-year-old can handle the role) as two cost-effective possibilities.

SUGGESTED FORWARD TRADE TARGETS FOR THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple acknowledged the New York Rangers’ strong start to this season but feels they’re not yet a complete team. He believes they need to add another forward (or two or three) to “make this group faster and deeper.”

Rental options could include the Seattle Kraken’s Jordan Eberle, San Jose Sharks’ Anthony Duclair, Ottawa Senators’ Vladimir Tarasenko, Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jack Roslovic, Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique, Chicago Blackhawks’ Anthony Beauvillier and Nashville Predators’ Kiefer Sherwood. Staple also suggested the Ducks’ Frank Vatranov and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Konecny, who are each signed through next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple also noted the Rangers lack third-round picks in 2024 and 2025 as well as no second-rounders in 2025 and 2026 to use as trade chips.

Bear in mind that Staple isn’t saying the Rangers are interested in those players or pursuing them. It’s merely his list of suggested targets that he thinks could improve the Blueshirts’ forward lines. Whether general manager Chris Drury goes after any of them or can win a possible bidding war before the March 8 trade deadline remains to be seen.

LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney continues to search for options to strengthen his blueline. It’s believed he remains interested in the Calgary Flames’ Noah Hanifin.

Murphy also noted that there are more affordable options available in the trade market. They include Hanifin’s teammate Chris Tanev, the Nashville Predators’ Tyson Barrie, the Carolina Hurricanes’ Tony DeAngelo and the Winnipeg Jets’ Logan Stanley. There’s also unrestricted free agent Ethan Bear, who will be ready soon to return from offseason shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt that Sweeney wants to upgrade his defense corps or that he’s interested in Hanifin. However, his limited cap space and lack of trade capital hurts any chance of winning a bidding war for his services. They’ll have a better chance of landing him next summer if he decides to test the free-agent market.

With cap hits of over $4 million, Tanev and Barrie will still be tough to acquire, especially if their current clubs aren’t interested in retaining any salary. DeAngelo, Stanley and Bear are more cost-effective but there’s no guarantee they’ll significantly improve the Bruins’ defense.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 8, 2023

by | Dec 8, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 8, 2023

A roundup of trade and free-agent rumors involving defensemen and goaltenders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST DEFENSEMEN RUMORS FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving wants to add a right-shot defenseman. However, the asking prices around the league are too high and the Leafs are limited in what they could offer up in terms of draft picks.

Dreger speculates that Treliving would be willing to part with a second-round pick for Calgary Flames blueliner Chris Tanev. However, the Leafs currently don’t have a second-rounder. Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Sean Walker could cost a first-rounder if they were willing to part with him. The Anaheim Ducks’ Ilya Lyubushkin has also been the subject of trade rumors but they don’t want to part with the former Leaf just yet.

Pierre LeBrun said the Flames have received calls on Tanev. However, they’re in no rush to move him and are willing to let his value on the market grow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is a risk in hanging onto Tanev as he could get injured. Still, it’s best to let some time go by and see if they can get a better return for him near the March trade deadline.

It’s going to cost the Leafs to find a suitable right-shot defenseman. They don’t have enough trade capital right now to make it work right now. Perhaps they’ll have better luck later in the season when more blueliners become available as the trade deadline approaches.

Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ Tony DeAngelo and the Nashville Predators’ Tyson Barrie are on the market. They’re both puck-moving, power-play defensemen but there’s nothing imminent on either player right now. LeBrun doesn’t think the Predators want to retain any part of Barrie’s $4.5 million salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie recently expressed his frustration over being a healthy scratch. He said he wants to play but whether it’s in Nashville or elsewhere is up to the Predators’ front office. The reality may be that his salary is simply too expensive to move in a season when so many teams are pressed for salary-cap space. If the Preds won’t retain salary, Barrie could be cooling his heels for a while waiting for a trade.

Chris Johnston reports unrestricted free agent defenseman Ethan Bear is close to returning to action after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. The Vancouver Canucks are interested in bringing him back but the Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins are believed among the interested clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear will be a very affordable addition to any club’s blueline right now. That’s why there’s so much interest among teams looking for a cost-effective right-shot defenseman.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka poured cold water on a recent rumor by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he had “no doubt” the San Jose Sharks wanted to trade Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Pashelka noted that the 36-year-old Vlasic’s age, declining performance and expensive contract (with a three-team trade clause) make him very difficult to move. Even if the Sharks included a sweetener in the deal, they’d still have to retain half of Vlasic’s $7 million average annual value, and they’re not in a good position to do that.

If the Sharks want to part ways with Vlasic, one option is buying out the remainder of his contract next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks only have one salary-retention spot left. They could be saving that for another player with more years remaining on his contract than Vlasic.

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman recently listed six possible trade destinations for Flyers defenseman Sean Walker. The Maple Leafs topped her list, followed by the Devils, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche and the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker’s value is growing in the trade market as a lot of clubs like his style of play and affordable ($2.65 million) cap hit. If the Flyers were out of playoff contention (as they were projected to be when this season began), they’d have no problem with peddling him for the right offer.

However, the Flyers are outperforming expectations this season. Walker’s fit in well since coming over from the Los Angeles Kings in an offseason trade. Unless GM Daniel Briere receives a mindblowing offer, he could hang on to Walker if the Flyers remain a playoff club by the trade deadline.

TSN: The Oilers yesterday loaned Philip Broberg to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Trade rumors have swirled about the 22-year-old defenseman after a report emerged that he’d been permitted to seek a trade. Oilers GM Ken Holland denied the report but Broberg’s agent claimed he’s “actively collaborating” with Holland to address this matter.

LATEST ON THE RED WINGS AND CANADIENS GOALTENDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Detroit Red Wings are comfortable carrying the trio of goaltenders Ville Husso, James Reimer and Alex Lyon for the full season. He adds the caveat that they could listen if someone steps up with a good enough offer.

The Montreal Canadiens, however, are still willing to move one of their three netminders. They’re listening to offers on Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau and would be willing to trade either goalie. He indicated there hasn’t been an offer yet but it’s still early. LeBrun noted the Devils, Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are teams to monitor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And bang goes the illusion that the Canadiens inked Sam Montembeault to a three-year deal to bolster his trade value. He’s their guy and once they move Allen or Primeau we’ll see him garner a lot more starts.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2023

by | Dec 7, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2023

The latest on the Leafs’ search for a defenseman, an update on the Oilers’ Philip Broberg, plus speculation on Chris Tanev, Tyson Barrie, Jake Allen and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman expressed his belief that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is looking to see what’s on the trade market with defensemen John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Mark Giordano sidelined by injuries.

Treliving said he wants to improve his defense but there aren’t a lot of high-end defensemen available at a low cost. It’s believed the Leafs GM wants to bring in a right-shot blueliner with an edge to their game.

Friedman believes the Leafs took a long look at Philadelphia Flyers rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen, who has three seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million. However, he doesn’t think the Flyers are in a rush to move him when they’re currently playing well. He also wondered about the San Jose Sharks’ Matt Benning, who’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $1.25 million.

Another possibility is unrestricted free agent Ethan Bear. However, the Vancouver Canucks would like to bring him back and there are other clubs also interested.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch also weighed in on the Leafs’ pursuit of a defenseman, citing a source claiming Treliving remains interested in the Flames’ Chris Tanev. He’s in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Garrioch claims there’s a belief around the league that Flames owner Murray Edwards is in no hurry to help his former general manager.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving denied this during an interview with Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne and Nick Kypreos, claiming he has “a great relationship with the people of Calgary.”

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran also cited Tanev as a possible trade target. The Flyers’ Sean Walker and the Columbus Blue Jackets Andrew Peeke could also be available.

McGran noted that help is on the way for the Leafs as Liljegren is close to returning to action. He also pointed out that their defensive numbers have improved since Klingberg was sidelined thanks in part to call-ups Simon Benoit and William Lagesson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving will continue to search for a deal that makes sense in terms of return and cap hit for the Leafs. As long as his club is in the thick of the playoff race he can take his time and wait for the trade market to improve.

Ristolainen didn’t make sense in terms of cap hit unless the Flyers are willing to retain half of his salary. Benning would be affordable but that doesn’t mean he’s available. Treliving could kick tires on Bear but I don’t think he’ll be coming to Toronto.

BROBERG ON THE BLOCK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that Philip Broberg may not have received official permission from the Edmonton Oilers to seek a trade but “the word is out and teams are interested.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the difficulty Broberg’s faced cracking Edmonton’s defense corps, I doubt the Oilers will get much of a return for him. Interested clubs will look at him as a cheap reclamation project.

THE LATEST FROM GARRIOCH’S WEEKLY “INSIDER TRADING”

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Calgary Flames might not be done attempting to re-sign Noah Hanifin. Talks broke off earlier this season with the 26-year-old defenseman, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. There’s been no shortage of interest in him in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides were reportedly close to a seven-year, $60 million extension back in October. However, it’s believed Hanifin wanted to wait and see how the season unfolded and the Flames withdrew the offer.

Garrioch believes the New Jersey Devils could be a good fit for Tyson Barrie. The Nashville Predators have allowed the 32-year-old defenseman to speak with other clubs about a trade. The Devils will be without puck-moving blueliner Dougie Hamilton for a while as he’s recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes saying the Devils have been impressed by the play of call-up Simon Nemec following Hamilton’s injury. Rather than pursuing another offensive-minded defenseman, Weekes suggested they might have more interest in a stabilizing blueliner such as Calgary’s Chris Tanev. Nichols also mentioned the Anaheim Ducks’ Ilya Lyubushkin or the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker.

Seattle Kraken GM Ron Francis is in the market for a goaltender. It’s believed he reached out to the Montreal Canadiens, who could be willing to move Jake Allen or possibly Cayden Primeau. The Buffalo Sabres have also sniffed around Allen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen is earning an AAV of $3.85 million through 2024-25 with a seven-team no-trade clause for this season. The Habs might have to retain part of his cap hit to make a deal work if they’re willing to move him.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are willing to discuss “just about anybody” when it comes to the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets already made a move by shipping depth forward Eric Robinson to Buffalo yesterday. Rookies Adam Fantilli and David Jiricek are out of bounds. They’d probably love to ship out disinterested winger Patrik Laine but his $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2025-26 is a showstopper.

Teams are kicking tires on the Winnipeg Jets’ Logan Stanley. The Jets are shopping the 25-year-old defenseman but teams are looking into seeing what it would take to land him.