Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 3, 2023

by | Dec 3, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 3, 2023

Which clubs might target the Predators’ Tyson Barrie? Could the Oilers look into signing Corey Perry? Are the Leafs trying to land a Flames defenseman? What’s the latest on the Sharks? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHICH CLUBS COULD PURSUE TYSON BARRIE?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Nashville Predators have given permission Tyson Barrie and his agent permission to speak with other clubs about a possible trade. The 32-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch from Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers. He is 10 games away from 800 career contests and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher looked at four clubs who might pursue a trade for Barrie. The blueliner’s former club, the Edmonton Oilers, topped the list as Gallagher believes reacquiring Barrie would improve the defense in front of their struggling goalies.

Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders could use more offense from the blueline. Another of Barrie’s former teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could use a right-hand shot on their injury-ravaged defense corps with John Klingberg on long-term injury reserve.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never but I doubt the Oilers or Leafs are interested in bringing back Barrie. The Oilers need a skilled shutdown defenseman while Barrie struggled to find chemistry with the Leafs during his only season in Toronto.

The Devils could be an option with Dougie Hamilton sidelined but they could continue trying out promising call-up Simon Nemec. While the Isles could use more production from their defense, they might not be enamored with his defensive game.

COULD THE OILERS LOOK INTO SIGNING COREY PERRY?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson assumes Oilers general manager Ken Holland is checking in on Corey Perry, whose contract was terminated last week by the Chicago Blackhawks for unacceptable workplace conduct. He also believes the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers could be doing the same as they need role-player help.

Matheson pointed out that Holland went out on a limb to sign Evander Kane despite his off-ice baggage. That deal turned into a home run for the Oilers.

The Oilers GM will have to wait until Perry’s completed his substance abuse treatment and will fully investigate why the Blackhawks terminated his contract. If it’s not a serious impediment, Matheson thinks Holland could be all-in on signing him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perry doesn’t face any criminal charges nor is there any indication he broke the law in what was described as an “alcohol-fueled” situation during a gathering of Blackhawks team employees and corporate partners. He’s also under no suspension by the league and can sign with any club if he wants to return to action.

Perry has a long and productive career, garnering a well-earned reputation as a leader and shift disturber who always elevates his play in the postseason. It wouldn’t be surprising if he lands with another NHL club before the March 8 trade deadline.

LEAFS ATTEMPTED TO ACQUIRE ZADOROV AND TANEV

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs attempted to acquire Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames before Zadorov was traded last week to the Vancouver Canucks.

According to Friedman, the potential deal fell apart because the two sides couldn’t agree on what it would cost the Flames to retain up to 50 percent of the salaries of both players. “The two sides couldn’t figure out that compensation, in addition to just the compensation for the players.”

The Leafs are still searching for help on the blueline. Friedman indicated their preference is for a right-handed shot. He believes they could still be in on Tanev but he has a larger cap hit ($4.5 million) than Zadorov.

Earlier yesterday, Friedman’s colleague Luke Fox opined for the Leafs to continue their pursuit of a Toronto homecoming for Tanev, who will likely be more in demand than Zadorov. He’s a right-shot who could skate alongside Morgan Rielly or Jake McCabe and help improve the Leafs’ penalty kill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are still awaiting clarification on John Klingberg’s status regarding his hip ailment. He’s currently on long-term injury reserve but there’s no indication yet how long he’ll be sidelined. If he needs season-ending surgery, it’ll ensure they have the cap space for the remainder of this season to acquire someone like Tanev.

LATEST ON THE SHARKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the San Jose Sharks have let it be known that they will consider a lot on the blueline in terms of who might be available and what they’re willing to do. He believes teams will be most interested in Mario Ferraro, who has two more seasons left on his contract with a $3.25 million annual cap hit. Friedman doesn’t think he’s off the table at this time.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Lizz Child recently noted The Athletic has Sharks winger Anthony Duclair, goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and forward Alexander Barabanov among their top-25 trade candidates. She also pointed out that Daily Faceoff has wingers Mike Hoffman and Kevin Labanc among their top 20 trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other than Ferraro, the rest are eligible for UFA status next summer. The Sharks could retain Ferraro and perhaps even Duclair and Kahkonen if those two are willing to stay if their asking price is reasonable. On the other hand, this is a rebuilding club that’s on the lookout for offers of solid returns that will help them build up their long-term future.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2023

by | Dec 2, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 2, 2023

Could the Maple Leafs be the Flames’ next trade partner? Could the Bruins pursue Noah Hanifin? What next for the Canadiens after re-signing Sam Montembeault? Is Jakub Vrana playing his way out of St. Louis? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE LEAFS PURSUE CHRIS TANEV?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could make Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev a trade target. Tanev, who turns 34 on Dec. 20, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He carries a cap hit of $4.5 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Friedman isn’t sure how hard the Leafs will pursue pure rentals this season. However, Tanev is what Friedman called “a Toronto guy”, noting that Leafs general manager Brad Treliving signed him to his current contract when he was the Flames GM. He also feels they’re “pretty confident” that they could keep him beyond this season.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

The Flames’ resurgent play in recent weeks prompted some to wonder if they might pump the brakes on any trade talk. However, Friedman thinks trading Nikita Zadorov earlier this week to the Vancouver Canucks indicates they’re willing to entertain strong offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With John Klingberg, Mark Giordano and Timothy Liljegren sidelined by injuries, the Leafs’ battered blueline needs shoring up. If Klingberg is out of the season, that will provide Treliving with sufficient wiggle room to acquire a suitable replacement. The question then becomes how much they’re willing to part with to make it happen.

The Flames only got a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick and a 2026 third-rounder from the Canucks for Zadorov, but the latter punched his ticket out of Calgary with a public trade request that reportedly didn’t sit well with some of his Flames teammates. They could seek more for Tanev, who has gone about his business without making any demands (that we know of) for a trade.

COULD THE BRUINS STILL PURSUE HANIFIN?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: James Murphy wondered if a report by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun suggesting the Flames could agree to a sign-and-trade scenario involving Noah Hanifin might tempt Bruins GM Don Sweeney into pursuing him.

Like Tanev, the 26-year-old Hanifin is eligible for UFA status next summer unless the Flames re-sign him. LeBrun indicated the two sides were close to an eight-year contract extension worth $7.5 million annually but the deal was pulled by the Flames after Hanifin indicated he wanted to wait and see how the season unfolded.

An NHL source close to the situation told Murphy that the Flames would be willing to do a sign-and-trade with Hanifin. He also thinks the Bruins could be interested if that came to pass.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been interested in Hanifin for some time. His club will have the cap space to take on Hanifin after this season but they currently lack the space to absorb his $4.95 million AAV for this season unless they shed a comparable salary in the deal or in a separate trade.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS AFTER SIGNING MONTEMBEAULT?

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: That’s the question posed by Marc Dumont specifically aimed at their goaltending situation. They’re currently carrying three netminders in the recently re-signed Sam Montembeault, veteran Jake Allen (who has a year remaining on his contract) and young Cayden Primeau who continues to struggle at the NHL level.

One way to address this is to place Primeau on waivers and send him back to their farm team in Laval. The risk of losing him to another club is the reason the Canadiens are still carrying him on their roster. However, his sporadic starts and .875 save percentage might not be that enticing to other teams.

The Canadiens could trade Allen but he won’t fetch much of a return for him at this career stage. Dumont also suggested the possibility of trading Montembeault now that he’s under an affordable three-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I mentioned in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines, I don’t believe the Canadiens intend to trade Montembeault. They signed him to that extension to bring stability between the pipes for their rebuilding roster over the next three years

I think it’s between Allen and Primeau, neither of whom has much trade value. At this point, I believe the Canadiens will take the risk and put Primeau on waivers.

ARE VRANA’S DAYS NUMBERED IN ST. LOUIS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently pondered Jakub Vrana’s future with the St. Louis Blues. He’s been a healthy scratch in four games (five since Rutherford’s piece was published) and has just six points in 17 games.

Rutherford doesn’t see this ending well for Vrana, who is now on his third NHL club. He’s not a Craig Berube-type player and could eventually be moved if anyone’s interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana has shown the ability to score but not the consistency. In recent years he was plagued by injuries and spent some time last season in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Traded to St. Louis last season by the Detroit Red Wings, he had a strong finish with the Blues, netting 10 goals and 14 points in 20 games. However, he hasn’t followed that up this season as hoped.

Vrana, 27, is eligible for UFA status next July. The Blues could shop him if they become sellers by the March 8 trade deadline but there might not be much interest in him.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 1, 2023

by | Dec 1, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 1, 2023

Does the Zadorov trade mean the Flames have more deals in store? Could the Sharks’ Tomas Hertl or the Canadiens’ Sam Montembeault hit the trade block? What’s the latest on the Sabres? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE FLAMES FOLLOWING THE ZADOROV TRADE?

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson wonders what will happen to Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev following the Flames trading Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. Like Zadorov, the trio are slated to become unrestricted free agents next July.

Unless they sign contract extensions, Gilbertson believes all three will be moved before the March 8 trade deadline. He expects they’ll fetch more than the 2024 fifth-round pick and the 2026 third-rounder that the Flames received in the Zadorov deal. General manager Craig Conroy could allow interested clubs to open contract extension talks with those players or sweeten the pot by retaining some salary.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Gilbertson noted that Zadorov ensured the Flames would move him after publicly requesting a trade on Nov. 10 through his agent. It’s believed some of his teammates didn’t approve of him going that route to force a deal.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the Flames were close to reaching an agreement with Hanifin on an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $7.5 million. However, the 26-year-old defenseman wanted to see the club’s direction as the team stumbled out of the gate, resulting in the Flames withdrawing the offer.

Despite the Flames’ improvement through November, LeBrun said that hasn’t changed management’s mindset that a roster reset is in order. That will likely lead to trades involving Hanifin and their other pending UFAs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have improved partly because of the addition of promising players such as Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil. That might explain why management is still willing to consider moving their other pending UFAs despite the club’s recent improvement to make way for returns that can help them build for the future.

It’ll be interesting to see how Conroy handles this. Does he trade Lindholm, Hanifin and Tanev? Does he retain one or two and trade the other? What happens if the Flames rise even higher in the standings than a wild-card position? Does that change the “roster reset” mindset?

Whatever happens, I daresay we’ll continue to hear a lot of trade speculation about Lindholm, Hanifin and Tanev, especially when the calendar flips to 2024 and the March trade deadline appears on the horizon.

COULD THE SAN JOSE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE HERTL?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens recently examined Tomas Hertl’s future with the rebuilding San Jose Sharks and how he might best help them.

He suggested that the 30-year-old center could be their best trade asset. However, Hertl also carries a full no-movement clause through 2024-25, after which it becomes a three-team trade list through 2027-28, followed by a 15-team trade list until the contract expires in 2030. He’s also carrying an average annual value of $8.137 million.

That means Hertl won’t be going anywhere unless he requests to be moved to a club where he can win now to a team that can absorb all or a large part of his cap hit. Stephens indicated that Sharks GM Mike Grier recently said that he hasn’t received any calls from other clubs about Hertl, who has embraced a leadership role with the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The piece also noted that Hertl may not be happy with the Sharks’ current rough patch but considers San Jose home for himself and his family. He’s motivated to work harder to help the Sharks regain their winning ways.

Hertl surfaced briefly in the rumor mill earlier this season but that talk has died away. Unless he asks to be moved, I doubt the Sharks will move him.

SHOULD THE CANADIENS TRADE MONTEMBEAULT?

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Nicholas Blanchet makes the case for the Montreal Canadiens to trade Sam Montembeault.

While the 27-year-old goaltender is showing signs of becoming a reliable starter, Blanchet believes he’s only got about two more years remaining in his playing prime before he slows down. By the time the Canadiens promising young core is ready to win, Montembeault won’t be the solution they need in goal.

Blanchet felt that Montembeault’s value won’t be higher than it is now. He suggested shopping him for a second-round pick or a younger player who could fit into the Canadiens’ long-term plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On the other hand, the Canadiens could decide that Montembeault might be a worthwhile starter for them over the next three or four years to hold the fort while they develop a promising goalie such as Jacob Fowler or acquire a more reliable starter via trade or free agency.

I understand Blanchet’s point. Nevertheless, they need somebody reliable between the pipes to give this club some chance of improvement while they wait for those promising kids to fully develop. They can’t keep ending up at the bottom of the standings year after year. That sucks the life out of a team and can hurt the development of those talented kids.

Montembeault is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1 million. Unless he’s trying to force a trade by seeking a ridiculously high number, they should attempt to retain him. Re-signing him to a three or four-year contract with an AAV of around $3.5 million won’t break the bank.

**UPDATE** The Canadiens announced they’ve signed Montembeault to a three-year, $9.45 million contract extension. The AAV is $3.15 million. 

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SABRES FOLLOWING THE KANE SWEEPSTAKES

TSN: Darren Dreger wondered if the Buffalo Sabres remain in the market for a forward after losing out to the Detroit Red Wings in the Patrick Kane sweepstakes. He believes they don’t have to rush to do so as they’ve got Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn returning soon from injuries. Dreger believes they’re open for business to add a forward but it’s not an intense search.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Sabres need an experienced, reliable starting goaltender and improved depth among their bottom-six defense. But hey, if they want to chase another forward, fill your boots.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2023

by | Nov 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2023

The Leafs and Canucks could be in the market for defensemen while the Oilers could be scouting the Blue Jackets goalies. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE LEAFS SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman noted the Toronto Maple Leafs are down three defensemen with Mark Giordano, John Klingberg and Timothy Liljegren sidelined by injuries. He wondered if this was the year for the Leafs to spend key assets on rental replacements.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston believes it’s not difficult to draw a line from Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to his former club in Calgary, where the Flames have a blueline that features several attractive trade targets.

Johnston rules out Noah Hanifin given the expense of his next contract and the fact the Leafs are believed to be on his eight-team no-trade list. However, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov could hold some appeal.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

Other options include former Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin of the Anaheim Ducks and Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers. As for what the Leafs could use for trade capital, Johnston noted that they have nine picks in the 2024 draft, including a first-rounder.

DAILY FACEOFF: Chris Tanev tops Mark Larkin’s list of seven possible trade targets for the Leafs. Others include Zadorov, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Andrew Peeke, the Nashville Predators’ Alexandre Carrier, the Seattle Kraken’s Will Borgen, the San Jose Sharks’ Mario Ferraro and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Sanheim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadorov’s recent trade request makes him the most likely among this group to be moved. Given the Flames’ recent rise in the standings, however, they’re probably not in any hurry to move Zadorov, Tanev or anyone else.

Peeke could be the next most likely to be available. He was among three defensemen (Adam Boqvist and Jake Bean being the others) that the Jackets were reportedly shopping back in October. Lyubushkin and Borgen could also become available if their respective clubs fail to gain ground in the standings.

Ferraro is signed through 2025-26 and the Sharks might not be keen to move him unless it’s for a substantial offer. The Preds might not be sellers if they continue climbing in the standings.

The Flyers are reportedly willing to listen if they get offers that could build up their foundation but they’re not listening on every player. They might move Walker later in the season but I doubt they’ll part with Sanheim. He has 16 points in 22 games and carries a $6.25 million annual cap hit through 2030-31 along with a full no-trade clause.

CANUCKS LOOKING FOR A BLUELINER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted the Vancouver Canucks cleared cap space by trading Anthony Beauvillier to Chicago earlier this week. He claims they’re scouring the market for a blueliner.

One option could be bringing back free agent Ethan Bear, though he’s not expected to be ready to return from offseason shoulder surgery until late December. He also noted the Conor Garland sweepstakes have slowed down because he’s playing well and the Canucks no longer have a cap crunch. They’re also not interested in moving their first-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reported Canucks GM Patrik Allvin acknowledged his club’s need for more blueline depth. “I think we can get help on the back end, yes,” he said.

They could be waiting for Bear to be ready to return or they could consider other options like those suggested for the Maple Leafs. Given how well they’re currently playing, the Canucks don’t have to rush into making a move. Nevertheless, they could be worth watching before the holiday trade freeze (Dec. 20-27) kicks in.

ARE THE OILERS SCOUTING THE BLUE JACKETS GOALIES?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted three Edmonton Oilers executives/scouts were in Columbus for the second time this week. They were there on Monday when the Blue Jackets defeated the Boston Bruins with Spencer Martin getting the win in goal. They were also there on Wednesday when Elvis Merzlikins faced the Montreal Canadiens.

With Danill Tarasov due to return from injury soon, the Blue Jackets could have one goalie too many unless they intend on carrying three. Friedman also noted that it’s possible the Oilers could recall Jack Campbell if he plays well.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers were also linked to Montreal Canadiens goalies Sam Montembeault and Jake Allen but that speculation has recently subsided. Montembeault played well in a 4-2 win over the Jackets so perhaps the Oilers might revisit their interest in him.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2023

by | Nov 29, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2023

The latest on the Oilers, Flames, Hurricanes, Sharks, Flyers, Devils and Panthers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST FROM GARRIOCH’S “INSIDER TRADING”.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch has a collection of trade rumors this week from around the NHL. So let’s dive in…

The Edmonton Oilers continue to look for a goaltender after sending Jack Campbell to the minors. However, it’s believed the front office wants to give new head coach Kris Knoblauch an opportunity to right the ship before trading away assets.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images).

Garrioch thinks the Oilers kicked tires on St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington. It’s believed they’re willing to move a number of assets with the exception of their 2024 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington has a full no-trade clause so he’s probably not going anywhere. He also has a $6 million average annual value that the cap-strapped Oilers can’t afford to take on unless they can shed salary in the deal or in a separate move.

The Calgary Flames are trying to move center Elias Lindholm and defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov. They’re all slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer.

Zadorov recently made a very public trade request which apparently hasn’t sat well with his teammates. He’s been linked to Toronto, where former Flames general manager Brad Treliving is the Maple Leafs GM. They’re looking for a defenseman with John Klingberg on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cites a league source recently speculating that the Bruins could be interested in Zadorov. The source also noted that the Bruins had been listening for offers for Matt Grzelcyk and wondered if a one-for-one swap was possible.

The Flames could be keeping their options open but I don’t see them moving anyone right now. They’ve risen into wild-card contention in the Western Conference and will likely want to see how things progress before deciding if they’ll be sellers by the March 8 trade deadline.

Teams in the market for a defenseman should contact the Carolina Hurricanes. They’re willing to move pending UFA blueliners Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce was the subject of offseason speculation but the Hurricanes apparently intend to hang onto him and sort out his contract situation once the season is over. DeAngelo, on the other hand, could be available if clubs are seeking an experienced puck-moving rearguard.

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier is willing to move Mackenzie Blackwood. Several teams have expressed interested in the 26-year-old goaltenders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood is playing fairly well this season with the rebuilding Sharks. He also carries an affordable $2.35 million AAV through 2024-25 and lacks no-trade protection. However, the earliest I see him moving could be leading up to the March trade deadline. Blackwood’s future with the Sharks could also depend on whether Grier intends to sign pending UFA goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to a contract extension.

The Flyers are willing to give forward Morgan Frost a fresh start elsewhere because he’s been scratched by head coach John Tortorella. There’s talk they were interested in shipping him to Ottawa for Shane Pinto. However, that was before Pinto was suspended for breaking the league’s gambling rules. Garrioch said the Senators have shown no interest in moving Pinto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frost could have an opportunity to draw back into the Flyers’ lineup with Noah Cates sidelined for six to eight weeks.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating that Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald could be looking around for help between the pipes. Friedman noted that Fitzgerald was also interested in boosting his goaltending at the start of the season but has ramped up those efforts as the tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid continues to struggle.

Nichols noted that Fitzgerald was in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck prior to his re-signing with the Winnipeg Jets. Other options could include the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson, Jake Allen or Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens, the Philadelphia Flyers’ Carter Hart or Ville Husso, James Reimer or Alex Lyon of the Detroit Red Wings.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun noted the Devils had spoken with the Calgary Flames regarding defenseman Nikita Zadorov. However, they want to see if their club can regain its “A” game following their sluggish start before going the trade route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries have also piled up for the Devils this season with key players such as Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Timo Meier sidelined for long periods of time. Perhaps a healthier roster might help them right the ship.

In the meantime, I expect Fitzgerald will keep an eye on the goalie market. Even if the club improves over the course of the season, he could seek an upgrade by the trade deadline if they’re in playoff contention by then.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS AFTER LOSING THE KANE SWEEPSTAKES?

ESPN: Kevin Weekes believes the Florida Panthers will shift their focus to re-signing pending free agents such as Sam Reinhart, Gustav Forsling and Brandon Montour now that the Patrick Kane sweepstakes has ended.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers GM Bill Zito remains hopeful of getting Reinhart under contract. The rise in the salary cap for next season could make it possible for Zito to re-sign everyone provided they take the decision to accept less money to stay. That’s what Aleksander Barkov did while Matthew Tkachuk took less than market value to join the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reinhart will be the most expensive to re-sign. He’s earning an AAV of $6.5 million but is on pace for a career-high season as he leads the Panthers with 15 goals and 27 points in 22 games.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 28, 2023

by | Nov 28, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 28, 2023

Check out the latest on the Leafs plus more speculation linking the Coyotes to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is still in contract extension talks with winger William Nylander. He’s also awaiting clarity on defenseman John Klingberg’s hip injury.

Treliving provided no details regarding the contract discussions with the Nylander camp. He remains hopeful of getting the 27-year-old winger signed before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an encouraging sign that the lines of communication between the Leafs and Nylander’s representatives remain open. There’s still no guarantee that a deal could be hammered out before season’s end but the odds are better if there is ongoing dialogue.

Nylander’s outstanding play this season almost certainly ensures he’ll receive a significant raise over his current $6.9 million average annual value. Estimates range from $8.5 million (too low in my opinion) to $12.25 million (too high). I think it’ll land somewhere between $10 million and $11 million annually.

As for Klingberg, Treliving revealed his hip ailment began during the fourth game of this season. He underwent double hip surgery in 2014. The 31-year-old blueliner is being examined by doctors in New York and it’s believed a decision regarding surgery or physical therapy will be made by the end of this week.

The Leafs need to know how long Klingberg will be sidelined. That will determine if they need to find another defenseman and how much cap space they’ll have to do so.

It’s rumored the Leafs are interested in Calgary Flames blueliners Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev. Zadorov recently requested a trade and his agent indicated he has an interest in coming to Toronto, where he would be reunited with Treliving.

TSN: Darren Dreger also recently noted the Leafs’ rumored interest in Tanev given their need for a right-shot defenseman. He also listed former Leaf and current Anaheim Ducks rearguard Ilya Lyubushkin, the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker, and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Andrew Peeke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames management isn’t in any rush to move Zadorov or Tanev now that the club has moved up in the standings into a wild-card spot. I doubt the Flyers are that keen to move Walker right now given their ongoing solid play.

The Ducks probably won’t shop Lyubushkin until closer to the March 8 trade deadline. Peeke, however, could be available. Reports earlier this season claimed the Jackets were gauging the trade market on Peeke and Adam Boqvist.

ARE THE COYOTES INTERESTED IN HANIFIN?

GOPHNX.COM: Craig Morgan noted the recent rumors that have linked the Arizona Coyotes to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He said the rumor “has some legs” but indicated their level of pursuit in the 26-year-old pending unrestricted free agent is “a bit exaggerated”.

Morgan acknowledged the Coyotes’ need for someone like Hanifin on their blueline. He thinks they really need another top-four option because offseason acquisition Matt Dumba hasn’t played like one.

If the Coyotes acquire Hanifin, Morgan believes they’d have to do so without giving up any of their top prospects. They’d also have to sign him to a contract extension that would fit within their long-term budget.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those are the two factors that make a Hanifin trade to Arizona unlikely. The Flames will probably want one of the Coyotes’ top prospects as part of the return. Hanifin could also prefer testing the UFA market in July.

I don’t blame the Coyotes for looking into Hanifin’s availability. They’re a club on the rise with a promising future. However, he could prefer joining an already established playoff/Stanley Cup contender.