NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2023

by | Oct 27, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2023

What happens next for the Senators and Shane Pinto following his 41-game suspension? Could the Panthers and Blue Jackets become trade partners? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Pinto won’t sign his contract until January once his suspension is served. This will also give the Senators more time to swing a trade to free up cap space to sign him. LeBrun also stated that the investigation had nothing to do with why Pinto hadn’t been signed yet by the Senators.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

Darren Dreger indicated that the NHL Players Association negotiated the 41-game suspension. They recognized that league commissioner Gary Bettman could hit Pinto with a much harsher punishment.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports that it’s believed the Senators were close on a two-year contract for Shane Pinto prior to his 41-game suspension on Thursday for activities that violated the NHL’s wagering rules. The deal would’ve paid the 22-year-old center an average annual value of $2 million.

When informed of the investigation, the Senators were told to rescind any contract offers to Pinto’s agent. Garrioch expects that Pinto will sign his one-year qualifying offer to get the contract out of the way while he’s serving his suspension.

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes believes the trade winds that were circulating around Senators forwards Mathieu Joseph and Dominik Kubalik will ease in the wake of Pinto’s suspension.

The earliest the young center can return to action is Jan. 21, which buys general manager Pierre Dorion time to determine a proper cost-cutting trade candidate.

This situation could also work to Dorion’s advantage in his negotiations with the Pinto camp. Mendes wondered if the latter would still attempt to get a little bit of security in his contract or accept a one-year deal at a lesser rate and try again next summer. He’s not assuming that Pinto and his agent will accept the one-year qualifying offer of $874, 125.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This situation could also prompt speculation of the Senators attempting to trade Pinto once he’s served his suspension given all that’s transpired. Reports out of Ottawa in recent weeks claimed that they don’t want to move him and the club issued a statement following his suspension that they’ll welcome him back with open arms.

Still, we can’t dismiss the possibility of Doirion peddling Pinto starting in January, though I daresay this suspension could hurt his value in the trade market. 

COULD THE PANTHERS AND BLUE JACKETS SWING A TRADE?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that the Columbus Blue Jackets have been attempting to trade a defenseman for weeks now. It’s believed right-shot blueliners Erik Gudbranson, Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peeke are available.

Murphy indicated that the Florida Panthers are interested in upgrading their blueline though they’ll be squeezed for salary-cap space once defenseman Aaron Ekblad comes off long-term injury reserve. A source told Murphy that the Panthers and Dallas Stars have an interest in Boqvist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have only used just over $1 million of their LTIR cap space. They have room to add Boqvist’s $2.6 million cap hit but they’ll have to shed salary to make room for Ekblad when he returns in January.

They could prefer instead waiting until close to the March 8 trade deadline to boost their defense corps. There could be more affordable options available by that time plus they’ll have accrued some cap space by then.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

by | Oct 26, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest Canadiens speculation plus a look at why the Jets didn’t opt for a rebuild during the offseason.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently noted that the Canadiens’ early-season injury woes provide them with an advantage in salary cap space.

The Canadiens have $15 million in relief space with Carey Price and Christian Dvorak on long-term injury reserve. Dvorak is expected to return to action in November but Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee injury would still ensure they have over $13 million in cap relief once Dach is placed on LTIR. Defenseman Chris Wideman is also out indefinitely and can also be placed on LTIR.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL.com).

D’Amico suggests the Canadiens could use this wiggle room to help teams shed some salary, like the Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators. He noted that the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Blue Jackets’ Adam Boqvist, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha and the Senators’ Mathieu Joseph are all currently on the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was inclined to help those clubs directly or as a third-party broker he’ll want them to include a draft pick or prospect as part of the return.

Hughes could keep his powder dry for now as he accrues cap space over the course of the season. Making an early-season move might bite into that when he could be in a good position to get a better return closer to the March 8 trade deadline.

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Dave Pagnotta recently noted the Canadiens recalled Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He pointed out that they attempted to trade the 30-year-old forward during the offseason and re-engaged in trade talks last week. Armia has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armia also lacks no-trade protection so the Canadiens can send him anywhere if they find a trade partner. His cap hit is difficult to move this early in the season with so many teams pressed against the $83.5 million ceiling.

Nevertheless, they could try to sweeten the deal by retaining part of his cap hit. They’re already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry for this season but have one retention spot left.

There’s a rumor flying around suggesting that the Canadiens could use Armia as a trade chip to broker a deal that would involve sending Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland to another NHL club. The Habs were a third-party broker in the August trade that sent Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

WHY DIDN’T THE JETS REBUILD THIS SUMMER?

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Winnipeg Jets co-owner Mark Chipman explained why his club opted to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele rather than start rebuilding the roster this summer.

Chipman talked about how long it would take to stage a rebuild as well as the cost. Dreger indicated that it was decided that the market couldn’t sustain a historic rebuild and instead is investing in the here and now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That doesn’t bode well for the Jets’ long-term future unless they can draft and develop young players who transition well into their lineup. Enticing veteran talent via free agency or acquiring it via trade could prove difficult.

They’ll eventually need replacements for Hellebuyck and Scheifele when their skills inevitably decline in the coming years. Having both players under expensive long-term contracts will still take a big bite out of their cap space even with the cap rising significantly in the coming years.

The Jets seem to be hoping that their fans will return if the team plays better. If they don’t improve, however, their supporters could have less incentive to show up. In addition, the high cost of attending NHL games in the league’s smallest market is bumping up against the rising cost of living. If that cost remains high while the on-ice product stagnates, the Jets could be in a world of hurt in a few years.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2023

by | Oct 25, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2023

Is it time for the Islanders to part ways with Anders Lee? Will the Senators sign or trade Shane Pinto? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TRADE OR BUY OUT ANDERS LEE?

THE ATHLETIC: In his recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked if it was time for the New York Islanders to start shopping team captain Anders Lee. Another asked if the 33-year-old winger might become a contract buyout candidate next summer.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee (NHL Images).

Staple shot down the notion of trading Lee. He pointed out that his $7 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26 means there won’t be any takers. Lee is also adjusting to a new spot in the lineup and isn’t seeing much power-play time.

As for a contract buyout next summer, it wouldn’t be the worst move cap-wise. The Isles would get a savings of $4.125 million for 2024-25 and $2.775 million for 2025-26, with dead cap space of $1.725 million for each of the final two years of the buyout. Nevertheless, Staple preached patience given Lee’s new role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I realize this isn’t a rumor but those questions could turn into genuine speculation regarding Lee depending on his performance over the course of this season. He has just one goal and two points in the Isles’ first five games of this season but he’s also coming off back-to-back 28-goal performances.

Lee’s been a consistent producer for the Isles since 2014-15, tallying 20-plus goals in seven of the past nine seasons. It’s far too early to start calling on management to trade him or buy him out.

If the Isles were to shop Lee this season they’ll have to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit to facilitate a deal. That’s assuming he’s willing to waive his full no-trade clause for this season. They might have better luck next summer when the salary cap is expected to jump by $4 million plus Lee’s full no-trade becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

LATEST ON SHANE PINTO

TSN 1200 OTTAWA: On Monday, Dave Poulin dismissed the possibility of the Senators trading Shane Pinto rather than moving out someone else to clear cap space to sign the restricted free agent.

If the Senators were to trade Pinto they’re not going to want futures in return. They’ll want an established player and that means taking on salary. Poulin believes they’ll instead make a cost-cutting trade to free up sufficient cap space to sign the 22-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors persist that Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is trying to trade winger Mathieu Joseph or defenseman Erik Brannstrom. That move would shed sufficient cap dollars to sign Pinto to a one or two-year contract with an AAV between $2 million and $2.5 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

by | Oct 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

Noah Hanifin and the Flames could be closer to a contract extension, the Capitals could be interested in Canucks winger Conor Garland, and an update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HANIFIN AND FLAMES REPORTEDLY CLOSING IN ON A CONTRACT EXTENSION

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson and Daniel Austin report Noah Hanifin had nothing new to report about his contract situation with the Flames. However, he confirmed his agent has been in discussions with Flames management regarding an extension since the start of the season. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news on Saturday that the two sides were getting closer to a deal. Gilbertson and Austin suggest there’s plenty of reason for optimism that Hanifin will be with the Flames for the foreseeable future.

TSN: Salim Valji also reported on Hanifin’s discussions with the Flames. He wrote that the blueliner was “coy” about the details but indicated that he’s had nothing but good things to say about his experience with the club. Valji noted that Hanifin is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.95 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie speculated over what Hanifin’s next contract with the Flames might look like. “Per Evolving-Hockey’s contract model, Hanifin’s next deal has a 69 percent chance of being an eight-year deal with a $7.446 million AAV.” If the blueliner opts for a seven-year deal, it projects to $6.693 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things have certainly changed since June when reports emerged that Hanifin wasn’t interested in discussing an extension following the Flames’ disappointing performance last season.

General manager Craig Conroy reportedly gauged Hanifin’s trade value during the summer. However, his preference was to re-sign his most valuable defenseman.

Hanifin had a change of heart over the course of the summer. My guess is the departure of Darryl Sutter as head coach may have had something to do with it.

As Friedman indicated in his report on Saturday, nothing’s done until it’s done. Barring a late development that derails negotiations, it appears that Hanifin won’t be testing next summer’s free-agent market.

ARE THE CAPITALS INTERESTED IN GARLAND?

CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman talking about Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland. He said it’s a difficult time to make trades as there are a lot of teams with too little cap space.

Nevertheless, Friedman is keeping an eye on the Washington Capitals. He noted that they’re trying to move winger Anthony Mantha. However, a Mantha-for-Garland swap doesn’t work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain up to 30 percent of Garland’s $4.95 million cap hit that runs through 2025-26 to facilitate a deal. While Mantha is slated to become a UFA next summer, his $5.7 million cap hit is too much for the Canucks.

The Capitals have been reportedly trying to move Mantha since last season. His declining production isn’t helping his trade value. I doubt the Canucks would be interested in him even if his cap hit were more affordable.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “living on the waiver wire these days, looking for fresh bottom-six and bottom-pairing blood at every turn”. Dubas apparently isn’t pleased with the lower end of his roster. Yohe noted that he didn’t waste time sending Jansen Harkins to the minors and recalling Radim Zohorna.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After a summer of change that included the additions of Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith, the Penguins are 2-3-0 in their first five games of the season. Unhappiness reportedly exists in the ranks as key players such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren’t pleased with the club’s performance thus far. Pressed against the $83.5 million cap, Dubas has little choice but to see what affordable options become available on the waiver wire.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2023

by | Oct 23, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2023

Could Patrick Kane return to the Rangers? Are the Blues Jackets still shopping a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KANE MIGHT NOT BE A FIT WITH THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks doesn’t believe the Rangers will bring back Patrick Kane when the 34-year-old free-agent winger is ready to return to action. Kane is currently rehabbing from an offseason hip resurfacing procedure and is expected to start fielding offers from interested clubs in early November.

The Rangers acquired Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks before last season’s trade deadline even though he wasn’t at 100 percent because of his hip ailment. Brooks claims the experience left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth despite the best intentions.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Kane’s health would be the main concern. Brooks pointed out that Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom was a shell of himself when he returned last season from a similar procedure while former NHL center Ryan Kesler was unable to continue his playing career.

The Rangers would have the cap space to sign Kane to a one-year, $3 million contract without having to go through the salary-cap gymnastics to acquire him at last season’s deadline. However, his addition would mean a younger winger such as Alexis Lafreniere or Kaapo Kakko would see less playing time.

Brooks thinks the Buffalo Sabres (Kane’s hometown club) might make sense. If Kane wants to pursue a Stanley Cup, the Detroit Red Wings do not. The Florida Panthers have been linked to the future Hall-of-Famer. Kane is also said to be intrigued by the cap-strapped Toronto Maple Leafs but Brooks doesn’t think he’s what the Leafs need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks makes a number of good points here, especially about the Rangers.

I disagree about Kane being a fit with the Sabres. They’re a team loaded with scorers that still have some defensive concerns that he can’t address.

Many of these clubs also possess limited salary-cap space which could make it difficult to sign him.

Still, we can never say never. One of those teams mentioned by Brooks could decide that Kane is worth the gamble if they can squeeze him within their salary-cap payroll.

THE BLUE JACKETS ARE STILL SHOPPING A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is still working the phones trying to trade a defenseman. They’re currently carrying eight on the roster.

Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peeke have been healthy scratches of late. They’ve been supplanted by David Jiricek but he’s the only one who can be sent to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland without having to clear waivers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested teams might prefer seeing Boqvist and/or Peeke play a couple of games before committing to making a trade. Moving either guy could also be difficult because so many teams have limited cap space. Boqvist’s average annual value is $2.6 million through 2024-25 while Peeke’s is $2.75 million annually through 2025-26.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 22, 2023

by | Oct 22, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 22, 2023

An update on Noah Hanifin’s contract talks with the Flames plus the latest on the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha, the Canadiens’ Joel Armia and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATE ON HANIFIN’S TALKS WITH THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames have made progress with Noah Hanifin in their discussions regarding a contract extension. The 26-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Friedman cautions that nothing is done until it’s done. Nevertheless, he indicates that there is optimism the two sides can reach an agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin was the subject of considerable trade speculation throughout the offseason following reports claiming he informed management about his reluctance to sign an extension. However, the blueliner indicated during training camp that he merely wanted time to digest what had happened during a disappointing 2022-23 season. He subsequently said that he wouldn’t rule out re-signing with the Flames.

The Flames already had one key potential free agent under contract when they signed captain Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension last month. If Hanifin agrees to stay it could help management in their efforts to re-sign first-line center Elias Lindholm.

TRADE TARGETS WORTH WATCHING

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman notes there isn’t much going on in the NHL trade market right now. However, there are a few situations worth watching.

The Montreal Canadiens recalled winger Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate where he started the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored the Canadiens are exploring possible trade options for Armia. The 30-year-old two-way forward lacks no-trade protection and carries a $3.4 million average annual value through 2024-25.

The Habs are already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry but have one retention slot remaining for this season. Perhaps they’ll consider using it if they can find a decent return for Armia.

Everyone knows Conor Garland’s situation as the Vancouver Canucks have given him permission to speak with other clubs about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland’s been linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets. The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain 30 percent of the 27-year-old winger’s $4.95 million AAV which runs through 2025-26.

The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner reported the New York Islanders inquired about Garland after he recently changed agents. Given the Isles’ limited cap space, Rosner believes a third team would have to get involved to broker the deal by taking on part of Garland’s AAV.

San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc played his first game of the season on Oct. 19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc, 27, was a healthy scratch through their first three games. The club swiftly denied a recent report claiming that the Sharks intended to place him on waivers.

The Washington Capitals have been “looking around” on winger Anthony Mantha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals have been peddling the 29-year-old Mantha since last season without success. Given his declining production, his $5.7 million cap hit for this season and $6.5 million in actual salary, it’s unlikely they’ll find many takers with so many clubs carrying limited cap room at this stage in the schedule.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke has played only one game this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peeke was mentioned as a trade candidate following a recent report claiming the Blue Jackets were looking into trading one of their defensemen. He’s been a healthy scratch since their season opener. They’ll have to get him into more games to showcase him for a trade.