NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

by | Aug 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

A look at some of the Metropolitan Division teams plus some PTO options for the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

QUESTIONS FOR SOME METROPOLITAN DIVISION TEAMS

SPORTSNET: Earlier this week, Ryan Dixon looked at the biggest questions facing each team in the Metropolitan Division. Some of them involve possible trade scenarios.

The Carolina Hurricanes, for example, must decide if they’re willing to go through this season without a contract extension for Brett Pesce. They could flip him for a scoring forward but Dixon thinks they could ride it out with the 28-year-old defenseman given their status as a Stanley Cup contender.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was speculation earlier this summer that the Hurricanes were willing to consider trading Pesce if they couldn’t get him under contract before the start of this season. Their offseason additions of Dmitry Orlov and Tony DeAngelo served to fuel those rumors. If they don’t find a suitable trade offer, however, they could stick with Pesce for the coming season.

Dixon also wondered whether the New Jersey Devils will take a run at landing a reliable starting goaltender such as the Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck. He also mentioned the possibility of the Boston Bruins moving one of their goalies in pursuit of a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils were linked to Hellebuyck in the rumor mill through late June and early July. It’s said that they weren’t willing to meet the 30-year-old goalie’s $9 million average annual value on a new contract beyond this season. As for the Bruins, they’re sticking with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. They see having a solid goalie tandem as their best bet to reach the playoffs this season.

If center Sean Couturier is fully healthy, Dixon mused over what his future might be and if it would be with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old former Selke Trophy winner was sidelined by a back injury since Dec. 2021 but is expected to be in training camp next month. Perhaps the Flyers put Couturier on the trade block if he regains his form though his hefty contract could make that an impossibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couturier’s contract is a major obstacle in the path toward a trade. He carries an AAV of $7.75 million through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause.

Finally, Dixon pondered the fates of Washington Capitals forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha. He wondered if a trade of one or both forwards was possible given their miserable performances last season. He suggested the prospect of moving Kuznetsov if the Capitals were willing to retain part of his $7.8 million AAV through 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there were any chance of moving either guy it would’ve happened by now. The Nashville Predators were reportedly interested in Kuznetsov before free agency started on July 1 but that seems to have waned following their signing of center Ryan O’Reilly.

SOME SUGGESTED PTO TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently suggested several players the Penguins should consider as possible targets for professional tryout offers.

One name of note is former Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes winger Jesse Puljujarvi, suggesting the opportunity to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might be a selling point. Other targets include defensemen Mark Pysyk and Slater Koekkoek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puljujarvi is recovering from offseason hip surgery and is expected to be unavailable until later this fall. Kingerski noted that Koekkoek stepped away from the game last season to deal with unbearable anxiety. He hasn’t announced if he’s ready to resume his career.

Pysyk might be the best bet on his list. He missed last season recovering from a torn Achilles but could be ready to return to action for 2023-24.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2023

by | Aug 23, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2023

Should the Devils pursue Connor Hellebuyck? Are the Capitals any closer to moving Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha? What are the Canadiens’ trade options for Casey DeSmith? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD HELLEBUYCK END UP WITH THE DEVILS?

NHL NETWORK: Mike Rupp believes the New Jersey Devils should attempt to acquire Connor Hellebuyck. The 30-year-old Winnipeg Jets goaltender appears reluctant to sign a contract extension and could seek $9 million annually on his next deal given his strong play over the past five years.

Rupp doesn’t know if the Devils would be interested in signing Hellebuyck to an expensive long-term extension. However, he has this season left on his contract and Rupp thinks the Devils would be a good fit if Hellebuyck wants to win the Stanley Cup.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Rumors have linked Hellebuyck to the Devils. Rupp believes they have the players and pieces to make an offer to the Jets, noting that goaltending is an X factor for New Jersey. Perhaps spending the season with the Devils would make Hellebuyck more receptive to staying on a slightly more affordable contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck seems like a perfect fit for the Devils and there was talk earlier this summer claiming they had inquired into his availability. The cost of signing him to an extension was said to be the deal breaker.

The Jets thus far haven’t found a suitable offer for Hellebuyck. It appears they’ll start the season with him in the lineup and see how things go. If they’re out of playoff contention by the trade deadline perhaps a deal with the Devils or another playoff contender can be had.

Meanwhile, the Devils appear willing to enter this season with the tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid between the pipes. Whether they’ll stick with them for the playoffs remains to be seen.

THE LATEST ON KUZNETSOV AND MANTHA

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports recent trade speculation regarding Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha suggests both players will remain with the Washington Capitals for the time being.

Silber cited a report earlier this month from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli indicating Kuznetsov and Mantha remain trade chips for the Capitals. However, it seems unlikely either player will be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Nashville Predators looked into acquiring Kuznetsov before the free-agent market opened on July 1. However, that interest appears to have cooled in part because of their addition of Ryan O’Reilly. There’s been no indication that Mantha has drawn any serious attention in this summer’s trade market.

Kuznetsov and Mantha are coming off down seasons and both carry expensive cap hits in a summer when most teams have limited cap space. The only way their trade value improves is if the Capitals agree to retain half of their respective cap hits. Otherwise, it’ll take improvement in their performance during the coming regular season to make them more enticing in the trade market.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR DESMITH

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont recently looked at possible trade destinations for Casey DeSmith. Acquired earlier this month from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Canadiens could attempt to flip the 32-year-old backup and his $1.8 million cap hit to another club before the start of the season.

Dumont suggested the Boston Bruins if they end up trading Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman for a center. The Anaheim Ducks could be another option if they trade John Gibson. The St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning are possibilities if their current backups struggle. Others could be the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins will be sticking with their current goalie tandem for the coming season. There doesn’t appear to be a market for Gibson given his $6.4 million cap hit. Barring injuries, those other clubs are likely to start the season with their current goalies and see how things shake out.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2023

by | Aug 22, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2023

Could the Leafs’ William Nylander be a fit with the Ducks? What’s the latest on the Predators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD NYLANDER BE A FIT WITH THE DUCKS?

NHL NETWORK: Mike Rupp believes Maple Leafs winger William Nylander could price himself out of Toronto. He suggests the Anaheim Ducks might be a good fit.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

Nylander, 27, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Rupp thinks his tenure with the Leafs is coming to an end, perhaps before the end of the coming season.

The Leafs must also re-sign Auston Matthews. Rupp believes they’ll get that deal done but there won’t be enough long-term cap space to retain Nylander, who tallied 40 goals last season.

Rupp would be interested to see Nylander get an opportunity where he could be “the man” somewhere. He noted the Leafs haven’t picked high in the draft in quite some time. Rupp noted the Ducks already have a boatload of young talent and suggested they use some of their picks as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that Rupp is merely suggesting that Nylander would be a great fit with the Ducks. He’s not saying those two clubs are discussing a trade. Nevertheless, it’s something interesting to muse about as the offseason dog days drag on.

Rupp envisioned Nylander at left wing on the Ducks’ top line alongside Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry. Nylander has spent more time in Toronto at right wing but he can also skate on the left side. If he meshed well with Zegras and Terry, the Ducks would have a potent first line that could accelerate the club’s rebuilding process.

With $16.6 million in cap space, the Ducks could afford to take on Nylander’s $6.9 million cap hit for this season. With over $39 million in projected cap space for 2024-25, they can afford to pony up the $10 million annually that Nylander reportedly prefers on his next contract.

As for a return, core Ducks like Zegras and Terry as well as up-and-comers Mason McTavish and Jamie Drysdale are off-limits. So are top prospects like Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov and Lukas Dostal but they might part with Owen Zellweger, Sasha Pastujov or Nathan Gaucher.

The Ducks have all their picks for the next three drafts along with an extra second-rounder and two extra third-rounders in the 2024 draft. They would likely package some of those extra 2024 picks in a deal for Nylander but they’ll also have to include a first.

So what say you, Leafs and Ducks fans? Does Nylander to Anaheim make sense? And what do you think the trade would look like? Let me know in the comments below.

LATEST PREDATORS SPECULATION

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: In a recent mailbag segment, Michael Gallagher was asked which trade might make sense for the Predators given their $7.9 million cap space for the coming season.

Gallagher noted the Predators have been linked to Leafs winger William Nylander, Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce.

Of the three, he considers Kuznetsov the most likely given the Predators pushed hard to acquire him before the start of free agency on July 1 and remain high on him. The only problem with taking him on is it would push Cody Glass down to the third line unless head coach Andrew Brunette wants to move him to the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators might still have an interest in Kuznetsov but I think that has waned over the summer. If they really wanted him they likely would’ve acquired him by now. Maybe they wanted the Capitals to retain part of his $7.8 million cap hit through 2024-25 or perhaps the Predators are on his 10-team no-trade list. Whatever the reason, the deal didn’t happen and doesn’t seem likely to be resurrected.

Gallagher believes the current Predators roster is what we’ll see when training camp opens next month. If they make an addition it could be an affordable free agent such as Max Comtois or Jay O’Brien.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 21, 2023

by | Aug 21, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 21, 2023

A look at some of this season’s notable trade targets in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck are the biggest names atop Shayna Goldman’s recent list of this season’s biggest NHL trade targets.

Goldman noted the Leafs probably don’t want to trade Nylander but that could change if they’re unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension. That would create the risk of losing the 27-year-old winger to free agency next summer.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was an assumption in the Toronto media earlier this summer that the Leafs could trade Nylander rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer. However, the consensus now seems to be they’ll keep him this season as they pursue that elusive Stanley Cup and deal with the contract situation after that.

Hellebuyck, meanwhile, doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild if that’s the direction the Jets are going. Like Nylander and most on this list, the 30-year-old netminder is slated to become a UFA next summer. He will likely seek a significant raise. Hellebuyck could be moved before the start of the season but most likely it will happen closer to the trade deadline if a deal materializes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Word out of Winnipeg is the summer goalie market has dried up which explains why Hellebuyck hasn’t been moved. The Jets could hang onto him for the season if they’re in the thick of the playoff standings but could likely peddle him if not for the right offer.

The Jets also face a similar situation with Mark Scheifele. A handful of clubs in need of depth at center, like the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild, could be suitors if the 30-year-old center ends up on the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have more projected trade deadline cap space ($7.6 million) than the Bruins ($1.99 million) as well as more promising young players in their system. They would be better positioned to pursue Scheifele if they choose.

Goldman believes whatever happens with Hellebucyk could affect Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson. He comes with cost certainty as he’s signed through 2026-27 with an annual cap hit of $6.4 million. Gibson’s stats have suffered in recent years but that could be due to backstopping the rebuilding Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been nothing new about Gibson’s status since his agent denied an early July report claiming the 30-year-old goalie demanded a trade.

The Carolina Hurricanes could trade Brett Pesce or Brady Skjei if contract extensions aren’t in place for either player by the start of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes still need more scoring depth, preferably at center. Perhaps Pesce or Skjei become trade bait to address that need.

Teams that couldn’t afford Erik Karlsson could turn to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He’s only 26 and carries a $4.95 million cap hit for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If those teams are turning to Hanifin they apparently aren’t making any suitable offers yet to the Flames. It’s believed they’ve set their price for the blueliner and will stick with it even if it means starting the season with him in the lineup.

Speaking of the Flames, Elias Lindholm would probably become their best trade chip if he decides not to sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm and the Flames have reportedly discussed a contract extension. No word on whether they’re close to a deal. Perhaps we’ll learn more once the calendar flips to September and training camp approaches.

Goldman also anticipates the budget-conscious Arizona Coyotes could move Nick Schmaltz and his backloaded contract. He’s got three years left on his deal so there’s no rush in moving him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent word out of Arizona suggests the Coyotes have changed their focus from shedding expensive contracts to improving year by year. They’re also reluctant to move Schmaltz because of his chemistry with leading scorer Clayton Keller.

Other possible trade targets include Coyotes winger Jason Zucker, Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie, San Jose Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov, Philadelphia Flyers forwards Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton, Florida Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart, and a St. Louis Blues defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker, Barrie and Reinhart are pending UFAs. If their clubs are out of playoff contention they could hit the trade block.

Goldman noted the difficulty in moving one of the Blues’ top-four defensemen given they’ve all got full no-trade clauses. Torey Krug reportedly declined to waive his clause earlier this summer to go to the Flyers.

Konecny and Laughton seem like a wait-and-see scenario. Flyers management could prefer observing how this season pans out to determine if those two have a place in the club’s future plans. Those players could also need time to see if they want to be part of a rebuild and how long it might take.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 20, 2023

by | Aug 20, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 20, 2023

Check out the latest on the Flames, Canucks and Capitals in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

UPDATES ON HANIFIN, LINDHOLM AND BACKLUND

SPORTSNET: Pat Steinberg recently fielded questions from readers regarding Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin and forwards Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund.

Asked why the Flames haven’t moved Hanifin yet, Steinberg believes it’s because they haven’t received any suitable offers yet for the 26-year-old blueliner. He believes Hanifin remains their top trade chip and should fetch “multiple strong assets” in a trade. The Flames have set their price and will stick with it even if it means starting the season with Hanifin on the roster.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It can be risky starting the season with a player eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. An injury or a decline in performance could hurt their value when trying to move him before the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, if the offers aren’t there during this summer, the best course of action is to start the season with Hanifin and hope the market improves if he remains healthy and productive.

Asked which teams have the cap space and need for what the Flames are selling, Steinberg listed the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres. Both are hoping to emerge from years of rebuilding into playoff contenders and each has around $6 million in cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm would address the Red Wings’ need for experienced skill at center but he might have to play on the second line behind Dylan Larkin. The Sabres’ bigger concern is their goaltending but they could consider adding someone like Hanifin if they feel they need more depth among their top-four defensemen as the season progresses.

Steinberg indicated that trade offers for the 34-year-old Backlund have been soft. However, they could improve if he puts up numbers similar to last season (56 points in 82 games). He doesn’t believe the Flames should trade him just for the sake of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. As with Hanifin, they can’t rush into trading Backlund if the offers aren’t suitable. His value could improve over the course of the season, especially if he has another season comparable to 2022-23.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE A WINGER THIS SEASON?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston noted the Vancouver Canucks will have a logjam of wingers this season, especially if Tanner Pearson returns from last year’s season-ending hand injury. Even if he doesn’t, there isn’t enough room for all of Vasily Podkolzin, Conor Garland, Brock Boeser and Nils Hoglander.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could end up moving one of those wingers before the start of the season. Boeser and Garland are the most notable and frequently surfaced in trade rumors last season but any talk about moving one of them dried up over the course of this summer. Their respective contracts are difficult to move under a flattened salary cap but both have also indicated their wish to remain in Vancouver.

Podkolzin or Hoglander could become the odd man out. They carry more affordable contracts which should make them easier to trade if it comes to that.

SHOULD THE CAPITALS CONSIDER SIGNING PULJUJARVI?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber noted that Jesse Puljujarvi remains available as an unrestricted free agent. The 25-year-old winger is recovering from hip surgery but should be ready to return at some point during the coming season.

Noting that Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan is still working the phones looking to add to his roster, Silber wondered if there might be a spot for Puljujarvi on a low-risk contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible though I daresay MacLellan is in the market for a player who can have a more immediate effect on the roster. Puljujarvi would be a low-cost option for most NHL clubs willing to gamble on him. Whether any of them will take that chance is another story.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2023

by | Aug 19, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2023

Should the Jets pursue Jonathan Toews? Are there potential trade targets at center for the Oilers? What’s the latest on Shane Pinto’s contract talks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE JETS PURSUE JONATHAN TOEWS?

WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen pointed out the Jets are a question mark at center after trading Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings in June. He mused over whether they should consider attempting to sign Jonathan Toews.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (NHL Images).

An unrestricted free agent who spent his entire 15-season NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks, the 35-year-old Toews is taking some time away from hockey for health reasons. If he regains his health and can play again, Friesen wondered if the Jets could convince the Winnipeg native to return home to finish his career.

Friesen acknowledged the odds are long and that Toews’ best years are behind him. Nevertheless, he thinks the future Hall-of-Famer could still fill a role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets need more immediate help at center. They could look into it if Toews decides to stage a comeback but they could have their issues at center addressed by then.

POTENTIAL TRADE DEADLINE TARGETS FOR THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at possible targets at the trade deadline for the Edmonton Oilers to bolster their depth at center as they continue playing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together.

Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique is close to an ideal candidate. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and carries a cap hit of $5.825 million. That cap hit could be problematic but not insurmountable. He has strong puck possession numbers against all opponents.

Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks could be another ideal topic. He played 35 percent of his five-on-five time last season against elite opponents and performed well overall.

Mitchell believes the Calgary Flames’ Elias Lindholm would be the perfect fit. However, the intense rivalry between the Oilers and Flames makes that move impossible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We don’t know how things will pan out at center for the Oilers this season. If the issue remains a problem by the trade deadline they could go shopping for help.

The Oilers could have competition for Henrique in the trade market as he’s still a well-known commodity. They could have better luck with someone such as Dickinson.

LATEST ON PINTO’S CONTRACT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Earlier this week, Steve Warne examined the complicated contract situation of Shane Pinto. The 22-year-old Ottawa Senators center is a restricted free agent having completed his entry-level contract.

Warne noted the Senators have limited cap space following the additions of Vladimir Tarasenko, Joonas Korpisalo and Zack MacEwen and the re-signing of Travis Hamonic. Management must get creative and shed salary to free up cap space to re-sign Pinto.

How much salary to shed depends on a number of factors, including Pinto’s worth to the Senators now and over the next three years, as well as how much he wants and for how long.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators have around $772K in cap space to work with. Pinto’s base salary on his previous contract was $925K. Last season was his true NHL rookie campaign, scoring 20 goals and 35 points in 82 games.

Pinto’s in line for a substantial raise. If the Senators were to ink him to a short-term deal worth around $2.5 million, they would have to shed that much in order to sign him and be cap compliant when the regular season starts in October.