NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2024

by | Mar 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2024

The Islanders could face some contract extension questions and the Canadiens could shop for roster depth this summer. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ISLANDERS FACE CONTRACT EXTENSION QUESTIONS THIS SUMMER

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reported the next pivot point on the Islanders’ roster construction occurs on July 1 when free agency begins.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

Brock Nelson will be the biggest question. He has a year remaining on his contract and extension talks can begin on July 1. The 32-year-old forward is an important part of their roster core. Keeping him happy without paying a bloated contract will be a challenge for Islanders management.

Winger Kyle Palmieri is in the same boat as Nelson. Defensemen Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov also have a year left on their contracts, but they will be restricted free agents with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Lou Lamoriello has a well-earned reputation as a tough negotiator. The longer those contract talks go with any of those four, the more speculation there will be over their futures with the Isles.

Given Nelson’s UFA eligibility next summer and his value as a core player, he will draw the most attention in the rumor mill. His name will pop up frequently in media chatter if he lacks a new contract leading up to next year’s trade deadline.

CANADIENS COULD BE BUSY IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico reported the Canadiens added more draft picks leading up to the recent NHL trade deadline. Some of those picks could become trade bait to address their more immediate roster needs.

Following the deadline, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acknowledged his team has been buyers at the draft and sellers at the trade deadline. “If I see another opportunity again at the draft, we’ll look to continue that path,” he said.

D’Amico noted that Hughes leveraged his excess of defense or draft picks to acquire Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook during the last two drafts. With two first-rounders in 2024 and 2025 and an overwhelming number of promising young defensemen, the Canadiens will likely go shopping again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico pointed out recent speculation linked the Canadiens to Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras. If the Ducks decide to move him, Hughes could draw on those picks and defense prospects to make a competitive offer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2024

by | Mar 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2024

More speculation on the Devils’ offseason plans to pursue a starting goaltender plus a look ahead for Sharks forwards Mikael Granlund and Alexander Barabanov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS’ OFFSEASON GOALIE PLAN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils intend to pursue a starting goaltender during the offseason. That includes revisiting their interest in the Calgary Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros.

LeBrun mentioned that the Devils would also look at a few other options. He indicated they plan to find a stud goalie to create a 1A-1B setup with Jake Allen, acquired last week from the Montreal Canadiens.

Saros’ situation intrigues LeBrun. The 28-year-old Predators netminder is signed through next season and slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

LeBrun wondered if they’ll sign him to a contract extension and have him share the Predators’ goalie duties with young Yaroslav Askarov or attempt to trade him this summer rather than risk losing him to free agency next year.

THE TENNESSEAN: After the trade deadline passed, Alex Daugherty reported Predators general manager Barry Trotz said all options remain on the table for Saros. Trotz suggested a trade was just as likely as a contract extension. “If something comes along from now until July 1, then maybe that situation gets defined and clear.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald has already indicated he’s going “big-game hunting” this summer for a starting goaltender. His interest in Markstrom and Saros is well-documented. He could also investigate whether the Boston Bruins intend to part with Linus Ullmark this summer.

The Devils were also linked to John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, they’re likely further down on Fitzgerald’s goalie wish list.

As for Saros, Trotz could be signaling to teams that the possibility exists for a trade to be done this summer. However, the Predators GM made it clear before the trade deadline that he wasn’t giving Saros away. The asking price for Saros will be expensive.

No general manager was willing to meet Trotz’s price for Saros before the trade deadline. That might change in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a greater willingness to make major moves.

WHAT NEXT FOR SHARKS FORWARDS GRANLUND AND BARABANOV?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier indicated last Friday that there was some interest in forwards Mikael Granlund, Nico Sturm, and Luke Kunin. They all have a year remaining on their contracts and expressed an interest in being part of the club’s rebuilding plan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund might’ve moved at the deadline if the Sharks retained part of his $5 million cap hit. However, they used their final salary retention spot to trade Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights.

All three of those retention spots are filled for next season. Any team interested in Granlund this summer or next season must take on his full cap hit.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov was disappointed that he wasn’t traded to a playoff club before last Friday’s deadline. “That’s life, you can’t control that,” he said.

Barabanov was scratched from last Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders for trade-related reasons. It was believed a deal was in place that would’ve sent him to the New York Rangers. However, it would’ve involved retaining part of his $2.5 million cap hit. The Sharks instead use that retention slot for the Tomas Hertl trade with Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barabanov will likely test this summer’s free-agent market. The Sharks will lose him for nothing but they still got a better return in the Hertl deal than anything they might’ve received from the Rangers for Barabanov.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2024

by | Mar 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2024

Could Erik Karlsson return to Ottawa this summer? What could the future hold for Jakob Chychrun and Nazem Kadri? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE PENGUINS ATTEMPT TO TRADE KARLSSON BACK TO OTTAWA?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Alan Saunders cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting a reunion between the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Erik Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators during the offseason.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman wondered whether it was possible to trade the 33-year-old defenseman back to where his NHL career began. He acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy but thinks the Senators might consider it, pointing out that former Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson is now one of their assistant coaches.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the trade deadline, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas suggested his roster could undergo significant changes this summer. Dubas wants to transition away from some of his veterans to make room for younger players.

The Senators could help the Penguins address that issue. They’re trying to bring in some veterans to help their young core players.

I’ve learned to never say never in this business. However, I don’t see Karlsson returning to the Senators. He could agree to waive his no-movement clause to return to Ottawa, but they’re unlikely to take on his hefty cap hit. The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million annual average value through 2026-27.

Besides, Senators management must decide the future of one of their key defensemen.

JAKOB CHYCHRUN REMAINS UNHAPPY ABOUT RECENT TRADE RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes reports Jakob Chychrun expects he’ll remain the subject of trade speculation during the offseason. The 25-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman was a fixture in the rumor mill leading up to the recent trade deadline.

Chychrun acknowledged his contract is why he’s appeared in trade rumors. He has a year remaining on his current deal and is eligible next summer to become an unrestricted free agent. He said he was trying to focus on what he could control but it wasn’t easy. Senators general manager Steve Staios believes the trade conjecture distracted Chychrun.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun repeatedly indicated he wants to stay with the Senators. Staios has said he wasn’t shopping the blueliner and wanted to his agent about a contract extension.

Nevertheless, Staios seemed to be listening to offers from other clubs. He could do so again this summer if his contract discussions don’t go smoothly with the Chychrun camp.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NAZEM KADRI?

SPORTSNET: Following the trade deadline, Eric Francis reported questions over Nazem Kadri’s future with the Calgary Flames were starting to arise.

Kadri signed a seven-year contract with the Flames two years ago. The club has struggled on the ice since then, leading to coaching and management changes and the recent trades of Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, and Chris Tanev.

With five years remaining on his contract, Kadri intends to meet with Flames general manager Craig Conroy at the end of this season to discuss his role with the club and its direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the trade deadline, Conroy hoped his veterans would want to be part of the roster retooling process. It’ll be up to him to sell players like Kadri on his plan.

The uncertainty over goaltender Jacob Markstrom’s future in the Stampede City will be a factor. If he’s traded, selling the other veterans on Conroy’s plan could be difficult. That will lead to guys like Kadri popping up more often in the rumor mill.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2024

by | Mar 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2024

The fallout from the March 8 trade deadline continues. Check out the latest on Linus Ullmark, Trevor Zegras, Jacob Markstrom and Martin Necas in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR ULLMARK, ZEGRAS, MARKSTROM AND NECAS?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “Rink Fries” column, Jeff Marek wondered about what the offseason could hold for Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark, Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom and Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Those four players were frequently mentioned in the rumor mill leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. However, they remain with their current clubs.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

The Bruins reportedly discussed Ullmark with several teams before the deadline. Marek’s colleague Elliotte Friedman believes those talks could be revisited this summer. The Bruins face a goalie dilemma with promising Brandon Bussi requiring waivers next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins don’t want to end up in the same situation as the Montreal Canadiens. They were forced to carry three goalies for most of this season because Cayden Primeau was no longer exempt from waivers.

Ullmark is signed through next season with a $5 million cap hit. He’ll also have a 15-team no-trade clause starting July 1. If the Bruins can move him they could use the cap savings to add a top-two center or another defenseman. They were linked to Vancouver’s Elias Lindholm and Vegas’ Noah Hanifin for months before those two were traded to their current clubs.

Marek wonders if Zegras could be traded in the offseason. He noted that moving him before the trade deadline would’ve been difficult.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Questions about Zegras’ future with the Anaheim Ducks started last fall when his contract negotiations kept him out of training camp and preseason play. The rumors increased in January after the Ducks shipped Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia for Cutter Gauthier.

The Ducks reportedly weren’t shopping Zegras but were said to be listening to offers. Although he’s in the first season of a four-year contract, we can’t rule out the possibility that they could trade the 22-year-old forward this summer, possibly during the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

Markstrom’s relationship with Flames management came under scrutiny after he criticized their handling of a potential trade to the New Jersey Devils. Marek wondered if things could be patched up or if a trade this summer seemed inevitable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It depends on Markstrom. His no-movement clause gives him complete control over this situation. If he wants out, he’ll only accept a trade to a certain number of teams. Finding a suitable return will be management’s problem.

Marek noted the report of the Vancouver Canucks discussing a trade of Elias Pettersson to the Carolina Hurricanes before re-signing the 25-year-old center on March 2. He wondered if Necas would’ve been part of the return had that trade occurred.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas would have to be part of that deal. The Canucks would’ve sought a return that would help them immediately as well as over the long term.

Necas surfaced in the rumor mill from time to time this season. His situation could be worth monitoring during the offseason depending on how the Hurricanes fare in the playoffs.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 10, 2024

by | Mar 10, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 10, 2024

The trade deadline has passed but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Check out the latest on the Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and Jake DeBrusk plus a look at the Senators’ offseason plans in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ULLMARK AND DEBRUSK FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH THE BRUINS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported a deal was in place before the trade deadline that would’ve sent Linus Ullmark to a team on his 16-team no-trade list. The Boston Bruins goaltender declined to waive the clause as is his right.

It’s rumored that Ullmark rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Neither Ullmark nor Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would confirm or deny it.

Friedman also said the Bruins had conversations with teams that weren’t on Ullmark’s no-trade list. He said it was an emotionally difficult week for the 30-year-old goalie, who loves living and playing in Boston and doesn’t want to leave.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark has one more season remaining on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Friedman believes Sweeney could revisit efforts to move the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner during the summer.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that Ullmark was relieved and grateful to remain with the Bruins. He also pointed out that this situation hasn’t affected his play. Murphy believes trading the popular Ullmark at the deadline would’ve hurt the roster down the stretch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy reported Friday that a source told him the rumored trade was not with the Kings. He also cited a source claiming 14 of the 16 clubs on Ullmark’s no-trade list were Western Conference teams.

The Bruins have a projected $22.4 million in cap space for next season. Moving Ullmark’s $5 million cap will provide more room to bolster his roster’s depth.

Sweeney could gauge the market for Ullmark this summer, but the goalie’s no-trade clause will remain an obstacle. It drops by one team to a 15-team NTC for 2024-25.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes it’s time for Jake DeBrusk to maximize his worth with a strong postseason performance. Sweeney is expected to continue contract talks with the 27-year-old winger’s agent. However, Shinzawa anticipates that DeBrusk will test the free-agent market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million. A strong performance in this year’s playoffs could land him a lucrative long-term deal. Time will tell if it’ll be with the Bruins or another club.

In the past, I assumed that DeBrusk would be traded. Both times, the Bruins held onto him. This time, however, his pending UFA status makes it feel like this season will be his last in Boston.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios attempted to wheel and deal at the trade deadline. His only significant move was trading winger Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers.

However, Staios believes his discussions with other general managers could lay the groundwork for some offseason transactions to bring him some help for his roster.

There was some interest in Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker but no one was willing to pay Staios’ asking price. Most of the Senators’ core players, including Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, Jakob Chychrun and Claude Giroux, aren’t going anywhere soon. However, Garrioch believes Staios should be willing to listen to offers.

It’s believed Staios had serious discussions with several teams about moves that could’ve addressed the Senators’ needs. He’s seeking a pair of veteran players to help lead the club’s young core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes are coming to the Senators following another disappointing season. This club has been spinning its wheels for the last three years.

They risk wasting the best years of those core players and untouchables such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Another lackluster season could push those players’ patience to the breaking point.

Staios will be active in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. He’ll try to bring in the veteran leadership he believes this club needs to become a playoff contender. It could come at the cost of a core player not named Tkachuk, Stutzle and Sanderson.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

by | Mar 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

The 2024 trade deadline has passed but questions remain about the trade candidates who didn’t move. Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Pavel Buchnevich and Jakob Chychrun, plus an update on the Devils in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR MARKSTROM AND THE FLAMES?

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson wonders what happens next for the Flames and Jacob Markstrom. After weeks of trade speculation, the 34-year-old goaltender remains with the Flames, but there are questions about his future in Calgary.

Gilbertson wondered if the two sides could patch up their relationship if they hadn’t already. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. However, does he want to stick around through a retooling process?

Markstrom was linked to the New Jersey Devils with a rumored deal in mid-February having fallen through. The Devils opted instead to acquire Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens and shipped Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for Kaapo Kahkonen.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy yesterday claimed there weren’t any issues in his relationship with Markstrom. Nevertheless, the former Vezina Trophy finalist’s future in Calgary will remain the subject of speculation in the offseason, even if a deal with the Devils is no longer possible.

BIG OFFSEASON MOVES COULD BE COMING FOR THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC: Despite the Devils’ acquisitions of Allen and Kahkonen, Peter Baugh reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is expecting to go “big-game hunting” for a goaltender in the offseason.

The acquisition of Kahkonen was more about removing Vanecek’s $3.4 million AAV through next season from the Devils’ books. With Allen signed through next season and the Canadiens retaining half of his $3.85 million cap hit, Fitzgerald had the cap flexibility to bring in a bigger-name starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald elaborated on why he couldn’t land someone like Markstrom before the deadline, claiming that the asking prices were too high. That market might change during the offseason. Whether he’ll revisit efforts to land Markstrom remains to be seen.

Allen will return with the Devils next season as their backup. Kahkonen won’t be re-signed, but a solid performance in New Jersey should help him land with another NHL club this summer as a free agent.

Fitzgerald also said he remains interested in signing Tyler Toffoli when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He traded the 31-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets after efforts to re-sign him before the trade deadline failed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt Fitzgerald’s sincerity. Toffoli played very well during his short tenure with the Devils. However, he’ll likely be among this summer’s top free agents and could prove too expensive to bring back to New Jersey.

DID ULLMARK REJECT A TRADE TO A WESTERN TEAM?

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas cited reports from Boston that the Bruins didn’t aggressively shop goaltender Linus Ullmark leading up to the trade deadline. GM Don Sweeney said he was happy he stood pat with his goaltenders, adding he was pleased with the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman.

Douglas noted that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Bruins had a trade in place to move Ullmark to an unnamed team, but Ullmark invoked his no-trade clause “based on geography”. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Servalli claimed the deal was with the Los Angeles Kings.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited a source indicating that the deal was not with the Kings. He cited another NHL source claiming 14 of the teams on Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list are all in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, moving Ullmark in the offseason could get complicated if that’s the Bruins’ intent following this season.

BLUES RETAIN PAVEL BUCHNEVICH

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong declined to say if there was any interest in Pavel Buchnevich leading up to the trade deadline. However, he said he was very pleased with the 28-year-old winger’s performance and hoped to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Buchnevich is signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $5.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know how many teams called about Buchnevich. The media rumor mill had him high on the list of top trade candidates leading up to the deadline. Armstrong probably got a lot of calls about him, but it’s believed his high asking price discouraged potential suitors.

SENATORS HANG ONTO JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios insisted for the last two months that his club wasn’t trying to trade Jakob Chychrun. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old defenseman was the subject of rumors leading up to Friday’s trade deadline.

The assumption was the market for Chychrun would pick up once the Vegas Golden Knights acquired blueliner Noah Hanifin earlier this week. The Tampa Bay Lightning were said to be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun has a year remaining on his contract. Staios has said he’d like to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Perhaps he’ll gauge Chychrun’s value in the trade market if the two sides fail to agree to a new deal.