NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2024

by | May 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2024

Check out the latest on the Canadiens and Canucks and find out which Kings forward reportedly requested a trade in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels responded to questions from Montreal Canadiens fans about the club’s offseason plans. Here are some of the notable tidbits:

He believes the Montreal Canadiens will retain their first-round pick (fifth overall) in this year’s draft. It’s rare to trade up from that position and it’s unimaginable that they would trade down.

Engels doesn’t see the Canadiens signing a big-ticket unrestricted free agent like Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl or Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen if they become available in the 2025 UFA market. He thinks that spending top dollar and giving maximum term to such players wouldn’t enable the Canadiens to maximize the value of that player. They’d be burning through the first couple of years of the player’s contract without having a realistic chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. The best time to chase a big-name UFA would be 2027 or 2028 if the Canadiens are in a position where adding such a player would help them become Cup contenders. That’s assuming the current rebuild progresses as expected. However, it could prove difficult because most top UFAs avoid a high-pressure market like Montreal.

Engels also doesn’t think the Canadiens are a realistic free-agent destination for Steven Stamkos if he tests the UFA market on July 1. He acknowledged Stamkos’ ties to Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis but thinks other teams would be better positioned right now to give him a chance of winning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “Stamkos-to-Montreal” rumor came up only because of his ties to St. Louis. It’s not enough to convince the 34-year-old winger to sign with the rebuilding Habs if he becomes a UFA.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafskovsky (NHL Images).

Asked about contract extensions for Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky, Engels believes Guhle could seek something comparable to the six-year, $27.6 million contract Alex Vlasic signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also thinks Slafkovsky would find it difficult to reject an offer similar to the eight-year deals signed by linemates Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube also looked at what Slafkovsky’s next contract might look like.

He listed New Jersey’s Jack Hughes (eight years, $8 million average annual value) and Nico Hischier (seven years. $7.25 million AAV) and Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle (eight years, $8.35 million) if the Canadiens are looking at a long-term deal.

Bridge deal comparables include Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson (three years, $7.35 million AAV), the New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal (three years, $7 million), Columbus’ Patrik Laine (three years, $6.75 million), Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras (three years, $5.75 million) and LA’s Pierre-Luc Dubois (two years, $5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s risk in both scenarios. A long-term deal could become burdensome if Slafkovsky fails to meet expectations throughout the deal. A bridge contract could lead to a far more expensive deal if he reaches his projected potential as a power forward.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Canadiens handle this situation. Based on Caufield’s contract, they could go the long-term route.

TVA SPORTS: Lists the pros and cons of the Canadiens taking a chance and acquiring Patrik Laine. The former 40-goal scorer has been hampered by injuries in recent years and in January placed himself in the NHL-NHL player assistance program due to mental health issues.

The pros include the Canadiens adding a big winger who’s proven he can score when healthy. The emergence of Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovsky means Laine wouldn’t have to carry the offense. The Canadiens can afford his $8.7 million cap hit. The 26-year-old winger is signed for two more years and if he doesn’t work out they can just let him walk.

Laine’s injury history is a major concern. He could struggle under the harsh spotlight in Montreal. The Blue Jackets could seek a first-round pick plus one of the Canadiens’ defense prospects as part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are unlikely to acquire Laine. The Blue Jackets are under new management and might prefer to see how he performs this season. His injury history would hurt his value in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes the Vancouver Canucks should “take a big swing to land a star forward” as part of their offseason “to-do” list. Several intriguing names, such as Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, and Carolina’s Martin Necas are floating around the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Canucks looked into Necas when they were discussing a possible trade with the Hurricanes involving Elias Pettersson. That’s not going to happen now with Petterson signing an eight-year extension but there’s talk the Canucks remain interested in Necas. If they make that big swing, he’s the guy they’ll likely target but they’ll face competition from other teams if the Hurricanes peddle him following the playoffs.

KALIYEV REPORTEDLY ASKS THE KINGS FOR A TRADE

MSN.COM: Brian La Rose cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming Arthur Kaliyev has asked Los Angeles Kings management for a trade.

Kaliyev is coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. He showed potential as a secondary scorer during his first two seasons with the Kings but his performance declined this season. The 22-year-old winger became a frequent healthy scratch under interim coach Jim Hiller, now their full-time bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev frequently surfaced in the rumor mill during the second half of this season. He could become a promising reclamation project regarding trade return and contract for teams seeking an affordable young forward with some offensive promise.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2024

by | May 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2024

The status of contract talks between the Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault, questions about Kaapo Kakko’s future with the Rangers, and the latest on the Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NO TALKS YET WITH GOLDEN KNIGHTS, SAYS MARCHESSAULT

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: David Schoen reports Jonathan Marchessault said he hasn’t heard from Golden Knights management regarding a contract extension. The 33-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s completing a six-year, $30 million contract.

Marchessault said management told him they were “definitely interested” in re-signing him. He noted that they have until June 30, “so we’ll wait how it goes.” The veteran winger believes they’re exploring all their offseason options. He also said that he was keen to sign last summer but the team wanted to wait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed his willingness to sign Marchessault during his end-of-season press conference, touting his value to the club.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Limited salary-cap space is why the Golden Knights didn’t re-sign Marchessault last summer and the reason why he hasn’t heard from them yet. They have a projected cap room of $1.797 million with 18 active roster players under contract.

The Golden Knights will get another $5 million of cap flexibility if Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve next season. That could leave enough room to re-sign Marchessault but not enough to suitably fill the remaining roster spots.

It’s believed McCrimmon could make a cost-cutting trade to free up additional cap room.

Defenseman Shea Theodore could be a candidate. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $5.2 million cap hit and a five-team no-trade list.

Another option is goaltender Adin Hill, who’ll be a UFA next summer and has a cap hit of $4.9 million. He has an eight-team no-trade list for this season which becomes a five-team list on July 1.

MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT KAKKO’S FUTURE WITH THE RANGERS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox noted that New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko wasn’t happy with being a healthy scratch from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

The 23-year-old Finn has struggled this season with just two points in 13 playoff games. An injury during the regular season limited him to 19 points in 61 games.

Kakko is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Fox speculates that contract negotiations could be tense, suggesting rival general managers should inquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alexis Lafreniere was the subject of trade speculation heading into this season but that’s died away with his breakout performance this season. Kakko could have the same opportunity next season if the Rangers don’t retain Jack Roslovic, who is currently skating as their second-line right wing behind Lafreniere. However, his struggles this season could result in a one or two-year contract at a lower rate than he’d prefer.

The Rangers could listen to trade offers for Kakko but the decline in his stats this season will hurt his value.

SHOULD THE KINGS SHOP TREVOR MOORE FOR A GOALIE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Connor Doyle believes the Los Angeles Kings lack sufficient cap space to make a major move in this summer’s trade market. They’re also further hamstrung by the high number of players carrying no-movement or no-trade clauses.

Doyle suggests Trevor Moore as their only viable asset who might fetch a decent return. He pointed out that the 29-year-old winger lacks a no-move clause, carries a reasonable $4.2 million annual average value through 2027-28, and is coming off his first 30-goal season. Doyle believes it’s worth the cost to peddle Moore for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $19 million of projected cap space with 13 active roster players under contract for next season. They must re-sign or replace starter Cam Talbot and must also sign restricted free agents Quinton Byfield and Jordan Spence. That’ll eat up most of that cap space.

Moore has a 10-team no-trade list until July 1. After that, he lacks no-trade protection for the remainder of his deal.

The Kings might prefer waiting until July 1 to shop Moore for a goalie if that’s their intent. They would have to move quickly as teams with available cap space will quickly use it up in trades and free-agent signings.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2024

by | May 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2024

Are the Senators shopping Brady Tkachuk? Could the Canucks pursue Martin Necas? Will Tanner Jeannot become the latest Lightning salary-cap casualty? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GM DENIES BRADY TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk’s name recently surfaced on social media as a trade candidate. However, Senators general manager Steve Staios quickly denied the speculation.

“Complete B.S.”, said Staios. “There is absolutely no validity to it.”

LeBrun pointed out that this is the second time Staios has denied trade rumors about the Senators winger. In February, Ryan Whitney of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast claimed, “Rumor Boys hearing that Ottawa would maybe move Brady Tkachuk.” The Senators GM replied they’re building their team around their captain.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to LeBrun, Staios and the Senators have no intention of discussing Tkachuk with other clubs.

The originators of this rumor will likely defend it by saying, “What do you expect Staios to say? Of course, he’s going to deny it.”

This speculation probably arose from Tkachuk’s frustration over another disappointing performance for the Senators, especially after their much-anticipated breakthrough failed to materialize. He’s not the only member of the club who feels that way.

However, there is no indication that Tkachuk wants to be traded. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract and remains determined to lead the Senators into playoff contention. Staios doesn’t have to shop Tkachuk unless he asks to be moved or a rival GM offers a much better player in return. There’s no evidence of either scenario unfolding.

COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE MARTIN NECAS?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma noted the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes had considered a trade earlier this year that would’ve shipped Elias Pettersson to Carolina for Martin Necas. Now, they could become linemates as the Canucks seek a top-six winger this summer.

Kuzma suggested the Canucks offer up defenseman Filip Hronek for the 25-year-old Necas to balance the book. Hronek is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights whose performance could warrant a big raise from his current $4.4 million cap hit.

Necas is also an RFA with arbitration and will seek a significant pay bump over his current annual average value of $3 million. However, the opportunity to play top-six minutes alongside Pettersson could be enticing to him. Acquiring him would also send a message of support to Pettersson, who signed an eight-year contract extension earlier this year.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Necas would welcome a move from Carolina. He cited the winger’s father complaining about how the Hurricanes have employed his son and essentially saying he wants a trade.

LeBrun also noted the trade discussions between the Canucks and Hurricanes earlier this year. However, he cited sources that said the Hurricanes are getting a number of calls about Necas.

Carolina is in “win-now mode.” LeBrun doesn’t believe they’ll be interested in a return of futures for Necas. If they don’t get a star-caliber return, they could hang onto the winger even if he wants out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Hurricanes intend to promote Necas into a top-line forward, he’s likely to be traded at some point this summer.

Necas for Hronek could be enticing for the Hurricanes but Kuzma believes it’s too rich for the Canucks’ blood. If they resign Hronek, they probably won’t have enough cap room to add a lucrative new contract for Necas. The Canucks must also they’ve got sufficient cap space to re-sign Brock Boeser next summer.

Some observers look at Necas’ stats and usage by the Hurricanes as a middle-six forward and wonder what all the fuss is about. It’s about his potential if allowed to play a greater role. His performance for Czechia at the recently concluded 2024 IIHF World Championships provided an enticing glimpse of his offensive capabilities.

TANNER JEANNOT COULD BECOME A SALARY-CAP CASUALTY

SPORTSNET: During the last “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman suggested Tanner Jeannot could be a name to watch as the Tampa Bay Lightning attempt to free up salary-cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos.

Friedman said there were teams interested in Jeannot. They believe his 24-goal, 41-point performance in 2021-22 is a better indicator of his capabilities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning acquired Jeannot from the Nashville Predators before last season’s trade deadline in exchange for five draft picks and prospect Cal Foote. He’s struggled among their bottom-six forwards with 14 points in 55 games this season.

A trade to a club where Jeannot could play a larger role might help him regain his 20-goal form. He’s signed through next season with an affordable $2.665 million cap hit. He also carries a 16-team no-trade list.

Jeannot seems a prime cost-cutting trade candidate for the Lightning. Moving him would leave them over $7.6 million of cap space and 17 active roster players under contract next season.

That would be enough to re-sign Stamkos provided he’s willing to accept a significant pay cut from his current AAV of $8.5 million. However, it won’t leave much to flesh out the rest of the active roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2024

by | May 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2024

What are some possible goaltending options for the Leafs? What could Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky’s next contract look like? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT ARE SOME OFFSEASON GOALTENDING TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan recently speculated the Maple Leafs could go with Joseph Woll as their starting goaltender next season if they succeed in changing his offseason training regimen. However, the 26-year-old’s injury history means they must cover themselves in case he’s sidelined again.

If the Leafs trade Mitch Marner and his $10.9 million cap hit, Koshan believes the focus has to be “a top-flight goalie or defenseman.” Options could include Nashville’s Juuse Saros or Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, who has two years remaining on his contract with a no-movement clause. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving authored that contract during his tenure with the Flames.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Koshan believes Boston’s Linus Ullmark would be a reach considering the intense rivalry between the Bruins and the Leafs.

Pickings are slim for goaltenders in this summer’s free-agent market. Ilya Samsonov could be the best of the bunch, but there’s no indication the Leafs will bring him back. Others include Cam Talbot, Alex Nedeljkovic, Kevin Lankinen and Casey DeSmith.

THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke doubts the Leafs will re-sign Samsonov. He thinks Martin Jones could return as their third-string netminder.

Kloke shares Koshan’s belief that Woll could be their starter, his concern over Woll’s health, and the Leafs’ need to bring in someone to share the goaltending duties.

Markstrom and Saros make some sense as trade targets. Their current teams aren’t in a position to contend right now and they have young goalies waiting in the wings. Acquiring notable pieces from a division rival is difficult but shouldn’t prevent Treliving from inquiring about Ullmark.

The cost of acquiring one of those big-ticket goalies could prove expensive. Affordable options include Winnipeg’s Laurent Brossoit, Florida’s Anthony Stolarz or Pittsburgh’s Alex Nedeljkovic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs goaltending has been a major issue for some time now. Woll has potential but his history of injuries is a concern. If they can free up the cap space, they must look into acquiring Markstrom, Ullmark, or Saros. Otherwise, they’ll have to consider short-term cost-effective options like Brossoit or Stolarz.

WHAT WILL JURAJ SLAFKOVSKY’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie and Tony Marinaro recently discussed the type of contract extension Juraj Slafkovsky could receive from the Montreal Canadiens.

The 20-year-old winger has a year remaining on his entry-level contract coming off a promising 20-goal, 50-point sophomore season. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes can sign Slafkovsky to an extension when this year’s free-agent market opens on July 1.

Marinaro believes Slafkovsky will get an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $8 million. That would make him the Canadiens’ highest-paid active roster player, surpassing team captain Nick Suzuki’s $7.875 million.

Lajoie disagreed, suggesting Slafkovksy will a three-year, $15 million bridge contract “and then he’s going to break the bank.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky will become a restricted free agent next July. He’ll lack arbitration rights, leaving him little leverage in negotiations.

Hughes signed Cole Caufield to an eight-year contract with an AAV just below Suzuki’s ($7.85 million). He could prefer locking up Slafkovsky to a long-term deal rather than a bridge contract by signing him for slightly less than Caufield’s annual cap hit.

Both sides could agree to let the coming season play out and base negotiations on that. It would work in Hughes’ favor if Slafkovksy’s production dips. On the other hand, it would ensure the winger gets a more expensive deal if he exceeds this season’s stats.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 26, 2024

by | May 26, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 26, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and the other top unrestricted free agents in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the latest speculation on some of this summer’s top NHL unrestricted free agents.

Jake Guentzel and the Carolina Hurricanes have a mutual interest in negotiating a new contract. LeBrun wonders if an eight-year contract at $8 million per season might keep him in Carolina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel could seek a higher annual cap hit but the eight-year term offers greater long-term security.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Contract extension talks between the cap-strapped Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos continue even after reacquiring Ryan McDonagh (and his $6.75 million cap hit) from Nashville last week. LeBrun speculates this could go right up to when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have just over $4.1 million of cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. They’ll have to shed salary to re-sign Stamkos unless he’s taking the biggest pay cut in franchise history.

The Vancouver Canucks could make a strong push to re-sign Elias Lindholm. However, LeBrun believes he could be too expensive to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm is coming off a six-year deal earning an average annual value of $4.85 million. This is his best opportunity to land a big money deal. He’ll find it somewhere else on July 1 if he can’t get it from the Canucks.

The Vegas Golden Knights have made re-signing Jonathan Marchessault their priority. Both sides are expected to begin discussions soon and could get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have $1.79 million of cap space with 18 roster players under contract for next season. They’ll get $5 million in cap relief if Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve.

Marchessault is completing a six-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. Assuming he accepts a similar salary, there won’t be enough to fill out the rest of the roster. That’s prompted speculation suggesting Shea Theodore ($5.2 million cap hit for next season) could become a cost-cutting trade chip.

LeBrun believes Winnipeg Jets winger Tyler Toffoli will be heading to the free-agent market. He wondered if the Nashville Predators might be interested as they could use more offense.

LeBrun was surprised that the Hurricanes haven’t yet gotten Brady Skjei under contract. He reported contract talks have been ongoing since last summer and feels Skjei is their priority on defense to get re-signed. The 30-year-old blueliner could get a six or seven-year deal with an AAV of $6 million but LeBrun thinks he’d accept a little less to stay in Carolina.

Brett Pesce is likely heading to market. The 29-year-old Hurricanes defenseman could get a six-year contract at between $6 million and $6.5 million annually.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have held contract discussions with forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. No numbers have been discussed yet.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sean Walker is one of several right-shot defensemen who could draw plenty of interest in this summer’s free-agent market. LeBrun wondered if he might get a five-year deal at $5 million annually.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2024

by | May 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2024

Will the Senators offer up Jakob Chychrun to the Bruins for Linus Ullmark? Which forwards could the Bruins pursue this summer? What’s the latest on Martin Necas? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ULLMARK FOR CHYCHRUN?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios made a failed bid to acquire Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins before the March trade deadline. It’s expected Staios will make another pitch for the 30-year-old goaltender before the NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas.

The Senators, Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among several clubs attempting to acquire Ullmark before the deadline. It’s believed he declined to change his 15-team no-trade list, potentially scuttling a trade to the Devils. (Note: Cap Friendly indicates it’s a 16-team NTC until July 1, when it drops to a 15-team NTC).

It’s believed the Senators offered up Joonas Korpisalo as part of their original pitch for Ullmark but the Bruins declined it. Garrioch cited a league executive suggesting the Senators would have to offer up defenseman Jakob Chychrun and a first-round pick plus another selection to land Ullmark, provided he’s willing to go to Ottawa. The Bruins might be willing to take back Senators goalie Anton Forsberg and his $2.75 million cap hit as a short-term backup option for Swayman.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Garrioch expects the Devils could revisit their interest in Ullmark

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy offered his take on the Chychrun proposal. Bruins GM Don Sweeney might be reluctant to trade Ullmark to a division rival but it wouldn’t matter if he got that offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney would do everything he could to convince Ullmark to accept a trade to Ottawa if Staios offered up Chychrun, a first-rounder and another draft pick. The Senators need a reliable starting goaltender but this would be a big overpayment by Staios.

Ullmark is a Vezina Trophy winner but goaltenders in the salary cap era rarely fetch a big return.

Swapping him for Chychrun or a first-rounder is more realistic. Staios will also want assurances that Ullmark will agree to a contract extension before pulling the trigger on that deal.

WHICH FORWARDS WILL THE BRUINS TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa doesn’t see the Bruins pursuing Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel or Steven Stamkos in this summer’s free-agent market. GM Don Sweeney indicated he’s seeking secondary scoring.

Possible candidates include former Bruin Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Duclair, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Marchessault and Vladimir Tarasenko.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss wondered if the Bruins will pursue Elias Lindholm to upgrade their depth at center. He cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman anticipating they’ll be in on the 29-year-old Vancouver Canucks center if he hits the open market on July 1. Friedman also thinks they could pursue Chandler Stephenson of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Bruins were reportedly interested in Lindholm leading up to the March trade deadline. He’s a more talented and complete player than Stephenson.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited NYI Hockey Now’s Russell Macias discussing the pros and cons of the Islanders trading Brock Nelson or Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Murphy believes the Bruins should pursue Nelson if he becomes available. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have a projected cap space of $23.5 million for 2024-25 with 14 active roster players under contract. They could free up another $5 million if they trade Ullmark this summer. Sweeney is expected to use those dollars to bolster his roster through trades and free-agent signings in the coming weeks.

Given their previous interest in Lindholm, it wouldn’t be surprising if they signed him on July 1. Bertuzzi could be back for the right price based on his solid performance during his short tenure with the Bruins last season.

Nelson would be a good addition but turns 33 this fall and could be an expensive short-term pickup.

CANUCKS INTERESTED IN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Elliotte Friedman said the Vancouver Canucks could be among the teams interested in acquiring Martin Necas if the Carolina Hurricanes put him on the trade block. The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights.

Friedman said the Canucks like Necas. He cited what Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin was talking about in his end-of-season press conference regarding his need to find a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Province’s Patrick Johnston pointed out the Canucks attempted to acquire Jake Guentzel and Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline.

It’s believed Necas wants a top-line role, which ticks a box for the Canucks. However, it’s said that he wants to be a center, not a winger. With Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller as their top two centers, they won’t move one of them to the wing to accommodate Necas. He’d have to be comfortable staying as a winger for this to work for the Canucks.