NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2022

by | Nov 18, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2022

Could the Sharks trade Erik Karlsson this season and could the Senators be a destination? Are the Islanders interested in Canucks captain Bo Horvat? What’s the latest on the Jets, Coyotes and Kings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON

THE SCORE: cited The Athletic’s Corey Masisak reporting Erik Karlsson remains “fully invested” in the San Jose Sharks despite general manager Mike Grier being open to trade offers for the 32-year-old defenseman.

Karlsson indicated he’s putting his focus on helping the Sharks win games. He said he understood Grier’s comments about being open to a trade. The blueliner also indicated the question of a trade would be between himself and Grier. So far, that issue hasn’t come up so he’s not worried about it.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Off to a hot start to this season, Karlsson is garnering plenty of hype in the rumor mill. However, he carries an expensive $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27 while his full no-movement clause gives him complete control over where he plays.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch doubted the Senators will be able to bring back Karlsson this season or anytime soon. While there are reports of the Senators and Sharks discussing the blueliner, his hefty contract would be difficult to absorb.

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes believes Karlsson would waive his NMC to come back to Ottawa, where he still maintains a home and professes to love the city. However, Mendes admits it would be quite complicated to pull off a trade because of his $11.5 million cap hit, putting the chances of such as deal happening at 10 percent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson doesn’t sound like someone who wants to be traded. Perhaps that changes if the Sharks fall out of playoff contention and postseason contenders come calling near the March 3 trade deadline.

Even so, his contract will be tough to trade during the season given the flattened salary cap and the high number of clubs with little or no cap room. If Karlsson is willing to move and the Sharks can drum up sufficient interest, I think that deal takes place in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to make big trades.

That won’t stop the Karlsson trade speculation. TSN’s Mike Johnson suggested the Detroit Red Wings as a destination citing their cap space as one factor in their favor.

COULD THE ISLANDERS PURSUE BO HORVAT?

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Stefen Rosner believes the time is now for the New York Islanders to pursue a trade for Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat to bring stability to their forward lines. The 27-year-old Canucks captain is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and is off to a blazing start with 14 goals in 17 games.

Rosner believes a package deal for Horvat would depend on whether the Isles could get him signed to a contract extension. He proposed offering up Josh Bailey, prospect William Dufour, plus their first and fourth-round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rosner is merely musing over what it might take the Isles to acquire Horvat. Still, we must remember that Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was reportedly interested in Canucks center J.T. Miller during the first round of the 2022 Draft. The Isles could be a club worth monitoring if they’re in the playoff chase by the trade deadline and looking to add a rental player or a more long-term impact option.

LATEST RUMOR TIDBITS FROM TSN INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets will look within their organization for short-term help to replace sidelined forwards Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton and Mason Barron. However, he also expects they’ll consider trade options as well.

Chris Johnston expects trade rumors to pick up once sidelined Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun returns to action next week from offseason wrist surgery. A lot of teams have had discussions with the Coyotes but want to see him play first.

Pierre LeBrun indicates the Los Angeles Kings are a club that teams in need of blueline depth will be monitoring. They currently have four right-shot defensemen and have two promising rearguards in Brian Clark and Jordan Spence within their system.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2022

by | Nov 17, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2022

Could the Senators attempt to bring back Erik Karlsson or are there better trade options for them with the Canadiens or Penguins? Should the Leafs target Karlsson or are there better alternatives to address their defense? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE SENATORS TRY TO REACQUIRE ERIK KARLSSON?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Sharks may have had conversations with the Ottawa Senators regarding Erik Karlsson. In 2018, the Senators traded Karlsson to the Sharks, who signed him to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.5 million.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson has never lost his affection for the city of Ottawa and he and his family still maintain a home there. With the 32-year-old defenseman enjoying the best start of his career, Sharks general manager Mike Grier earlier this week indicated he was willing to entertain offers for the blueliner.

Peng points out that trading Karlsson will be difficult given how few teams can afford his contract, which also contains a full no-movement clause. He also noted that Friedman doubted the Senators could afford to do so even if the Sharks agreed to retain 50 percent of Karlsson’s cap hit. That’s because they still want to re-sign winger Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Artem Zub.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier’s comments combined with Senators GM Pierre Dorion telling reporters he’s still actively shopping for a defenseman prompted some folks to suggest a reunion with Karlsson. If the Sens had more long-term cap space perhaps there would be a possibility, assuming that Karlsson would waive his NMC to return to Ottawa.

The Senators have $21.7 million of cap space for 2023-24 if the cap only rises by $1 million as originally projected with just 10 players under contract. DeBrincat, Zub and Shane Pinto will eat up a big chunk of that cap room as well as pending UFA goaltender Cam Talbot if they attempt to re-sign him. If not, replacing Talbot could also prove to be expensive.

There is also the question of the Sharks’ asking price. They’re not going to just give Karlsson away, especially if they have to retain a portion of his cap hit to facilitate a trade. They’ll want a decent return, perhaps in the form of a package containing a first-round pick, a high-end prospect and a promising young player like Pinto or Jake Sanderson. And if it becomes a three-team trade to spread the cap hit around, that third team will also want a sweetener.

ARE THERE OTHER BLUELINE TRADE OPTIONS FOR THE SENATORS?

TVA SPORTS: Louis Jean wondered why the Senators didn’t attempt to sign David Savard in 2021 when he became an unrestricted free agent. He felt the 32-year-old rearguard would’ve been a perfect complement for Thomas Chabot.

Savard is currently signed with the Montreal Canadiens through 2024-25 with an AAV of $3.5 million. Jean wondered if Dorion might put in a call to Habs GM Kent Hughes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, I suppose, but I don’t see that call taking place. If Dorion wasn’t interested in Savard in 2021, he’s probably not interested now.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently wondered if the Penguins and Senators could become trade partners. In addition to needing defensemen, the Senators could use some help at center with Josh Norris sidelined until at least January with a shoulder injury.

Kingerski suggested Brian Dumoulin and Jeff Carter as short-term options for the Senators since both are slated to become UFAs next summer. Other options could include center Teddy Blueger and defensemen such as Mark Friedman or Ty Smith.

In return, Kingerski suggested the Senators part with Alex Formenton. The Sens have until Dec. 1 to sign the RFA winger or he’ll become ineligible to play in the NHL this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators could be on Dumoulin’s 10-team no-trade list and I don’t see Carter agreeing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Ottawa. If Dorion were interested in the Penguins’ defensemen I believe he’d prefer Marcus Pettersson or Pierre-Olivier Joseph than Friedman or Smith.

LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos proposed a way for the Maple Leafs to acquire Erik Karlsson. “Could the Leafs get the Sharks to take (Jake) Muzzin’s contract back, retain salary, and build a deal around top prospect Matthews Knies?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Why would the Sharks want Muzzin’s contract? He’s earning a $5.6 million AAV through 2024-25 with a full no-trade clause this season. They could agree to that if the Leafs are taking Karlsson’s full cap hit through 2026-27 off their books, assuming Muzzin agrees to be shipped to the Sharks.

I’m assuming the “retain salary” bit refers to the Sharks’ absorbing part of Karlsson’s $11.5 million AAV. However, if they’re taking on Muzzin’s contract, why would they retain any part of Karlsson’s cap hit? Sorry, I don’t see that happening.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli lists six trade options for the Leafs to replace Muzzin by using his placement on long-term injured reserve to acquire a defenseman.

The Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg tops Seravalli’s list, followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Vladislav Gavrikov and the Los Angeles Kings’ Matt Roy. The Seattle Kraken’s Carson Soucy and the Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen or Dmitry Orlov round out the list. He also suggested keeping an eye on the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those defensemen likely won’t be available until close to the March 3 trade deadline.

Klingberg isn’t a shutdown blueliner like Muzzin so I don’t see him as a good fit for the Leafs. Gavrikov could be a better option but I think the Jackets intend to re-sign him.

Seravalli points out the Kings have a surplus of defensemen and Roy has another year on his contract. However, they could be reluctant to part with him given his adaptability and ability to play big minutes. Seravalli also admitted Soucy might not be available yet given the Kraken have exceeded expectations thus far this season. I agree that he could be an intriguing option if the Kraken are out of playoff contention by March and looking to sell.

The Capitals could go into sell mode if they’re out of a playoff berth before the March trade deadline. However, I see them improving as their injury-ravaged roster gets healthier, which could put Jensen or Orlov out of reach. As for Dumba, his status could depend on where the Wild are in the standings as March approaches.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2022

by | Nov 16, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2022

The Sharks are willing to entertain offers for Erik Karlsson plus the latest on the Senators’ efforts to find a defenseman in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHARKS WILLING TO LISTEN TO KARLSSON TRADE OFFERS

NHL.COM: Nicholas J. Cotsonika reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he’s willing to listen to trade offers for Erik Karlsson. However, he indicated he would discuss any potential deal with the 32-year-old defenseman, who holds a full no-movement clause.

“He’s got the trade protection and (has control over) what he wants to do, “ Grier told Cotsonika. “I know right now he’s happy. His family’s happy here. And we’re thrilled with how he’s playing.”

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson is off to a strong start to this season. He leads all NHL defensemen with 10 goals and 24 points in 18 games. Grier praised him as one of the three best offensive blueliners in the league, singling out his preparation, practice and play. Nevertheless, the Sharks GM didn’t rule out a trade if something came up down the road.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng pointed out Karlsson’s contract will make him difficult to move. In addition to his full no-movement clause, he’s carrying an average annual value of $11.5 million through 2026-27. Peng wondered whether the Sharks would be willing to retain a portion of that cap hit and how much, as well as what circumstances would make Karlsson waive his NMC.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun shared Peng’s viewpoint and also wondered how much of Karlsson’s cap hit the Sharks would be willing to absorb.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Grier’s comments sounded like nobody is pressing for a trade here. Nevertheless, if a team approached the Sharks GM about Karlsson he would at least be open to that conversation. Johnston suggested that might be worth watching closely near the March 3 trade deadline.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman pointed out Grier already shipped out one expensive defenseman in Brent Burns by shipping him in July to the Carolina Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier’s comments were bound to cause a stir in the rumor mill. Karlsson’s impressive performance this season already prompted some media musings about whether he’d get shopped this season.

We can’t rule anything out but it’s not going to be easy to make that move. Karlsson has to agree to waive his NMC and so far there’s no indication he wants out of San Jose. That could change if the club is on pace to miss the playoffs and Grier tells him they’re going to rebuild.

If Karlsson agrees to get traded, it will also depend on whether the Sharks retain part of his cap hit and how much of it they’re willing to absorb. They did retain 33 percent ($2.72 million) of Burns’ $8 million cap hit. However, they’re only carrying that dead cap space through 2024-25.

Any amount they retain up to 50 percent ($5.75 million) of Karlsson’s cap hit will be two years beyond ’24-’25. I daresay interested clubs will want the Sharks to retain half.

It could prove difficult to move Karlsson during the season. Such a deal might have to wait until the offseason when teams have more cap space and tradeable assets to work with.

THE SENATORS ACTIVELY SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

NHL.COM: Shawn P. Roarke reports Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said he’s “very active” looking to see what’s available in the trade market to help his club. They’ve short two defensemen with Thomas Chabot and Artem Zub currently sidelined by injuries.

“I think we’re just going to keep looking,” said Dorion. “If we can add externally, we’ll look at that.” He also joked that he was among the most popular people at the recent general managers’ meeting.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is set to make his season debut on Nov. 21 after being sidelined by offseason wrist surgery.

He indicates the Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are among the clubs believed to have had talks with the Coyotes. The asking price is high, said to start with two first-round picks and a high-end prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there was a reasonable deal for a decent defenseman to be had, I think Dorion would’ve made it by now. As for Chychrun, I doubt the Coyotes will start getting any serious offers until he’s had several games under his belt without any lingering effects from his wrist surgery. Whether the Senators will be among the bidders remains to be seen.

And no, the Senators aren’t going to make a bid for Karlsson. His age, cap hit and asking price rule that out plus I don’t think he’ll have a hankering to return to Ottawa. If he waives his NMC, it’ll likely be to join a legitimate playoff contender.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2022

by | Nov 15, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2022

Four unexpected early-season trade candidates plus speculation over how the Leafs will replace the sidelined Jake Muzzin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FOUR UNEXPECTED EARLY-SEASON TRADE CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen lists the Vancouver Canucks Bo Horvat and Thatcher Demko, St. Louis Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly and San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson as four trade candidates we didn’t expect to see.

Horvat, 27, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. With the Canucks struggling, his future in Vancouver has come under question. There’s speculation it could cost them $8 million annually for eight seasons to re-sign their captain.

As for Demko, Boylen indicates he’s not the sole reason behind the Canucks’ difficulties this season. However, the 26-year-old goaltender’s inconsistent play has been a contributing factor that could take him out of the franchise’s core of untouchable players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the losses piling up in Vancouver there’s a sense that something’s gotta give. There’s talk that head coach Bruce Boudreau could be replaced which seems the more likely option given how difficult it is at this stage of the schedule to swing a season-saving trade.

Of the two, Horvat is the more likely trade candidate given his contract status. Demko’s struggles are tied in part to the porous defense in front of him. Besides, trading Demko would only create the additional headache of finding a suitable replacement carrying an annual cap hit comparable to his reasonable $5 million per season.

If Canucks management shakes up the roster I suspect it’ll be in the New Year when we get closer to the March 3 trade deadline. Horvat would draw considerable interest from playoff contenders and should fetch a quality return.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Like Horvat, O’Reilly is due to become a UFA next summer. He turns 32 in February and will be in line for a hefty new deal. However, the Blues are transitioning toward younger talent while O’Reilly is struggling to score this season. They could peddle their captain if it looks like they’ll miss the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly has stated he wants to remain with the Blues beyond this season. I doubt he’ll be going anywhere if the Blues rebound and are a playoff contender by the trade deadline. Whether he and Blues management can agree to a contract extension is another matter.

If they’re out of contention by then it wouldn’t be surprising if GM Doug Armstrong trades him. He has parted ways with previous captains, letting Alex Pietrangelo and David Backes depart via free agency. Armstrong could look at getting something for O’Reilly rather than lose him for nothing.

Karlsson’s terrific start to this season for the lowly Sharks has sparked some musings about his trade status. Boylen observed first-year GM Mike Grier traded away Brent Burns to Carolina in July. Karlsson carries a hefty $11.5 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. However, a trade might be possible if he’s willing to waive the clause to join a playoff contender and if the Sharks are willing to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Burns was easier to move because his contract was shorter and more affordable than Karlsson’s. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $8 million, which made retaining $2.7 million of that AAV easier to do. Karlsson is signed through 2026-27, which is a far longer period to be carrying dead cap space.

I’m not saying Karlsson can’t or won’t be traded, only that his contract won’t be easy to move. I think Grier will want to retain as little of that big cap hit as possible.

WILL THE LEAFS SEEK A REPLACEMENT FOR MUZZIN?

TORONTO SUN: With Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin sidelined until at least February by a cervical spine injury, Terry Koshan believes GM Kyle Dubas should determine what’s available in the trade market regarding veteran blueliners.

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW (stick tap to “NHL Watcher”): Marek suggested Anaheim Ducks rearguards John Klingberg and Kevin Shattenkirk as trade options to replace Muzzin. Elliotte Friedman disagreed as he doesn’t believe they’re the type of defenders the Leafs need.

Friedman also noted the Leafs have been tied to Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. However, he expressed concern over Chychrun’s injury history and the Coyotes’ high asking price.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel suggested pending UFAs such as the Washington Capitals Dmitry Orlov, the Ottawa Senators’ Artem Zub and the New York Islanders Scott Mayfield. He also mentioned the Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Murphy, who has three more seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $4.4 million. However, he wondered if it could cost them a defenseman like Timothy Liljegren or Rasmus Sandin or perhaps forward Nick Robertson in order to get a serious return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan and The Toronto Star’s Dave Feschuk reported Dubas intends to see if Liljegren and Sandin can elevate their play before going the trade route. They’ve managed to make do with Muzzin missing most of this season thus far. T.J. Brodie is also sidelined but he’s expected to be out for just a couple of weeks.

Dubas won’t go shopping for help as long as the Leafs can keep their heads above water while Muzzin is sidelined. If the blueliner is ruled out for the remainder of the regular season during his February re-evaluation, the Leafs GM will keep him on long-term injury reserve and probably use the cap relief to bring in a rental defenseman. The trade market will likely contain better options by that point.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2022

by | Nov 14, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2022

Should the Canadiens trade Josh Anderson? Would the Flames be interested in him? Could Sean Monahan be an option for the Avalanche? Check out the latest in an all-Habs edition of the NHL Rumor Mill.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont recently suggested the Canadiens would be wise to trade Josh Anderson soon. He expressed concern over whether the 28-year-old power forward can fit into the Habs’ new identity focused on puck control rather than chances off the rush.

Montreal Canadiens winger Josh Anderson (NHL Images).

Dumont also noted that Anderson is starting to slow down, pointing out that forwards tend to see a big drop in production as they approach their 30s’. Nevertheless, Anderson still has a solid reputation around the league for his style of play. With the winger still carrying five years on his contract at $5.5 million annually, it might be a good time for general manager Kent Hughes to gauge his value in the trade market.

Marco D’Amico cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Calgary Flames are still in the market for a scoring forward. He cited TSN’s Salim Valji reporting on Friday that Anderson was a player of interest for the Flames for some time but couldn’t find the right deal to get a trade done.

D’Amico suggested Anderson’s cap hit would be an issue and wondered if Hughes would consider parting with him. The Habs would have to take back a significant salary to make the dollars fit. The Canadiens GM might seek a return of a prospect such as Jakob Pelletier or Matthew Coronato plus the Flames’ 2023 first-round pick “as a starter”. However, Flames GM Brad Treliving is unlikely to be that desperate yet.

Mike Hoffman could be a more suitable alternative for the Flames. The 32-year-old winger’s production has improved following a slow start to this season. His contract ($4.5 million annually through 2023-24) is less of a long-term risk though it would still require some effort to fit him within the cap-strapped Flames’ payroll.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the Canadiens’ better-than-expected start they’re still in rebuild mode. I don’t see Hughes just giving away Anderson but he could entertain serious offers if it’ll bring in assets that fit into the Habs’ short- and long-term plans.

Friedman suggested keeping an eye on the Blues regarding the Flames’ search for a scoring winger. Vladimir Tarasenko and/or Ryan O’Reilly are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer. I think they might consider moving one or both if they’re out of playoff contention leading up to the March 3 trade deadline. However, that won’t provide any immediate relief for the Flames.

Maybe the Flames will kick tires on Anderson or Hoffman if they can’t find better options elsewhere. While the Flames are in “win-now” mode and they have a recent trade history with the Canadiens, I don’t see Treliving giving up one of his top prospects and a first-round pick for Anderson.

D’Amico also noted The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun included Sean Monahan on his recent list of notable centers who could be moved before this season’s trade deadline. LeBrun speculated a healthy and productive Monahan could be of interest to the Colorado Avalanche. D’Amico suggested the 28-year-old center could become a trade chip that lands the Canadiens a third first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Monahan fetches a first for the Canadiens I doubt it’ll come from the Avalanche. They have their first-round pick for 2023 but traded away their second, third and fourth-rounders. If they are willing to part with their first, I daresay it would be for a more notable center such as Ryan O’Reilly or Jonathan Toews if they become available by the trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 13, 2022

by | Nov 13, 2022

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 13, 2022

Are the Senators about to hasten their search for a defenseman? What’s the latest on Bo Horvat’s contract talks? Could the Flames target the Blues for a forward? Who could become playoff rental defensemen? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In the latest “32 Thoughts” Saturday intermission segment, Elliotte Friedman speculated a potentially serious injury to Thomas Chabot could force the Ottawa Senators to accelerate their search for a defenseman. Chabot was hit from behind by Travis Konecny during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers and didn’t return.

Freidman said it’s well known that Senators general manager Pierre Dorion has been searching for a defenseman since the offseason. Dorion doesn’t want to rush into anything and make a desperate trade that hurts the club over the long term. Friedman also indicated that there are a number of players who have partial no-trade clauses into Canada, making it tougher for teams like the Senators to make additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This search has been ongoing for some time. If there was a deal to be had, Dorion would’ve made it by now.

In addition to the points raised by Friedman, there probably isn’t much consequential talent available in the trade market right now. It’s still very early in the season and not much separation between the playoff contenders and pretenders. Most general managers are still evaluating their rosters so I daresay few of them are in “sell mode” at this time.

The Senators have been linked to the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun for a while but we all know the Coyotes’ huge asking price and his injury history are the main reasons why he hasn’t been moved. With Chychrun still sidelined by off-season wrist surgery, I don’t see Dorion going after him.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

One defenseman who could be available is the Boston Bruins’ Mike Reilly. He’s the odd man out on their blueline with Charlie McAvoy’s recent return to the lineup and is now in the minors. There’s talk he’s waiting for a trade. Reilly could be a decent depth acquisition until better options emerge in the market.

Friedman reported there is nothing new on Bo Horvat’s contract talks with the Vancouver Canucks. He also wondered if there will be any clarity over the future of head coach Bruce Boudreau as the team continues to struggle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The more the Canucks struggle the more speculation grows over Horvat’s future in Vancouver. The Canucks captain is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July and will seek a big raise over his current $5.5 million cap hit.

As for Boudreau, the front office reportedly told several key players recently that any changes would come to the roster before they come behind the bench. However, team president Jim Rutherford has twice taken swipes at his coaching staff in recent weeks.

Something’s gotta give if the Canucks fail to soon reverse their fortunes.

Friedman indicates the Calgary Flames remain in the market for a scoring forward. He doesn’t think there’s anything pressing right now but suggested keeping an eye on the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have two notable scoring forwards in Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko slated for UFA status next summer who could become trade bait if they’re out of playoff contention before the March 3 deadline. However, I doubt either guy is available right now. Tarasenko has a full no-trade but O’Reilly lacks such protection.

Calgary Hockey Now’s Steve Macfarlane believes the biggest problem for the Flames in the trade market is they can no longer draw upon their blueline depth for trade bait to add a forward. Chris Tanev and Michael Stone are sidelined by injuries while Oliver Kylington is away indefinitely for personal reasons.

AN EARLY LOOK AT POTENTIAL PLAYOFF RENTAL DEFENSEMEN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently took an early look at the trade market for playoff rental defensemen. He listed the Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg and Kevin Shattenkirk and the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba as three options.

Klingberg has a full no-trade clause until January 1, when it reverts to a 10-team no-trade list. The rebuilding Ducks could attempt to flip him for futures at the deadline unless they intend to extend his contract. Shattenkirk, meanwhile, submitted a 12-team no-trade list this summer.

Matt Dumba could also become available if the Wild fall out of postseason contention by the trade deadline. He has a 10-team no-trade list. LeBrun speculated he could be part of trade discussions even if the Wild stay in the playoff chase as part of a hockey trade to help the roster.