NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2022

by | Sep 8, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2022

The Penguins may have received an offer from the Flyers for Jason Zucker earlier this summer, the Canadiens might not be done making moves, and an update on Jake Virtanen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WAS ZUCKER NEARLY TRADED TO THE FLYERS?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dave Molinari reports a league source claims the Penguins got a trade offer for Jason Zucker this summer. The move would’ve allowed them to shed the 30-year-old’s $5.5 million average annual value from their salary-cap payroll for the coming season.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jason Zucker (NHL Images).

The trade proposal reportedly came from a Metropolitan Division rival. It would’ve involved packaging Zucker with a first-round draft pick for “well, basically nothing” in return.

Penguins general manager Ron Hextall is believed to have rejected the offer because he didn’t want to part with a first-rounder. The Penguins also aren’t prepared to give up on the oft-injured Zucker as a significant contributor.

Molinari indicates Hextall declined to respond to a request to confirm or dispute the information.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Sam Carchidi speculates the Flyers could be the team that had the interest in Zucker. He points out that general manager Chuck Fletcher is very familiar with the winger going back to their days with the Minnesota Wild. The first-rounder they would’ve gotten in the deal is much-needed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wonder when that pitch might’ve been made. Perhaps it would’ve been leading up to the opening round of the 2022 NHL Draft in July when the Penguins would’ve been looking to shed salary after re-signing Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin.

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports Canadiens GM Kent Hughes could turn to the trade market to help his club gain more salary-cap flexibility for the coming season. He acknowledged there hasn’t been much trade activity of late but could turn to waivers or “different things that we have forthcoming.”

It’s rumored the Canadiens were looking to make a cost-cutting trade before officially announcing Kirby Dach’s new contract. “We’ll revisit and we’re comfortable we can conclude a deal,” said Hughes. He indicated if they could’ve done another transaction they might not have had to go into offseason long-term injury reserve (LTIR), giving them more flexibility during the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes also observed that he’s continuing to work the phones and remains confident that something could get done. Murphy noted that the Habs GM was looking to move some salary for a defenseman or a package of draft picks and prospects.

While the Canadiens placed Carey Price and his $10.5 million cap hit on LTIR, Murphy indicates their limited cap wiggle room could hamper efforts to make in-season moves. Hughes could attempt to shed salary with a trade leading up to the start of the season next month.

The Canadiens GM could deal from his depth at forward. Recent rumors claim Mike Hoffman, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia have been mentioned as trade candidates.

TVA SPORTS: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes yesterday saying the Canadiens are talking contract with Jake Allen. The 32-year-old goaltender is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The goal of those discussions is to reach an agreement for more than one year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could add more fuel to the fire over Price’s long-term future. If his career is over, the Habs will want some veteran stability between the pipes.

UPDATE ON VIRTANEN

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cites Vancouver Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Edmonton Oilers are among several teams believed to have an interest in Jake Virtanen, who spent last season in the KHL.

Virtanen, 26, played six seasons with the Canucks until 2021 but was placed on leave by the club in May 2021 after the right winger become the subject of a sexual assault investigation. His contract was bought out later that year. He was charged in January with one count of sexual assault but was found not guilty by a jury in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers might no longer be among those interested clubs. They recently signed Justin Bailey to a professional tryout offer.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 7, 2022

by | Sep 7, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 7, 2022

The latest on Bo Horvat’s contract status with the Canucks plus an update on the Canadiens’ efforts to re-sign Kirby Dach in today’s NHL rumor mill.

CANUCKS TURN FOCUS TO RE-SIGNING HORVAT

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports the Vancouver Canucks are shifting their focus toward re-signing captain Bo Horvat after signing J.T. Miller last week to a seven-year contract extension. Horvat, 27, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

MacIntyre points out that the constraints under the salary cap could make it difficult for the Canucks to invest heavily in their top-three centers such as Miller, Horvat and Elias Pettersson. It could limit their efforts to address their need to improve their defense corps.

General manager Patrik Allvin acknowledged this but also noted that Pettersson can play on the wing. He also felt a good team needs that depth at center. “But moving forward, we need to be aware of the cap situation and potentially some roster decisions coming into next summer,” said Allvin.

MacIntyre believes it’ll be surprising if the Canucks open their season next month with Horvat still unsigned after reaching an agreement with Miller. Still, he wonders if they’ll be able to afford Pettersson when he’s due for a new contract in 2024 and how they’ll upgrade their blueline.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston also wondered if the Canucks can really afford Miller, Horvat and Pettersson.

Allvin admitted multi-year contracts have proven difficult to trade. Johnston believes he’s referring to Tanner Pearson (two years at $3.25 million annually), Tyler Myers (two years, $6 million per season) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (five years at $6.75 million per).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin understands the importance of getting Horvat signed before the start of the season. “Hopefully we can figure something out here,” he said.

Miller’s new contract and an extension for Horvat won’t affect the Canucks’ salary-cap payroll for this season. However, with over $68 million invested in 14 players for 2022-23, a new deal for Horvat could push that to over $75 million, leaving little room to fill out the rest of the roster next summer.

At some point, the Canucks must free up cap space to accommodate new contracts for Horvat and Pettersson as well as address their roster weaknesses. Perhaps that means contract buyouts for Pearson and Myers next summer. Maybe it means retaining part of their salaries to facilitate a trade.

For this season, the Canucks are above the cap by $2.75 million. They should get cap relief by placing sidelined winger Micheal Ferland (concussion) and his $3.5 million AAV on long-term injury reserve. They could also attempt to a valuable player on a long-term contract such as winger Conor Garland.

ARE THE CANADIENS CLOSE TO SIGNING DACH?

TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Montreal Canadiens could be close to signing Kirby Dach. He believes it will be a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.5 million.

Friedman even suggested the Canadiens may have already reached an agreement with Dach. He felt the Habs might be trying to conclude a few things before formally announcing the new contract.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico also took note of Friedman’s remarks. He pointed out it’s no secret the Canadiens have been trying to move a forward. General manager Kent Hughes recently indicated he’d like to add another defenseman.

**UPDATE** The Canadiens announced they’ve signed Dach to a four-year, $13.5 million contract. The average annual value is $3.35 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico noted that Mike Hoffman, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak have been frequently mentioned as trade candidates. He believes their excess of wingers could see them try to move Hoffman or Armia.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2022

by | Sep 6, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2022

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: more speculation over possible trade destinations for Patrick Kane plus a suggestion for the Calgary Flames to sign Joe Thornton to a tryout offer.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Matt Porter suggests it “seems probable” Patrick Kane will play games this season for an Atlantic Division team.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

Kane’s hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres, has the cap space to bring him home. If the cap-strapped Toronto Maple Leafs can find a way to clear sufficient cap space, he’d give them their most Stanley Cup-worthy roster in years. Shipping him to the Detroit Red Wings could send their rebuild into overdrive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane remains a subject of ongoing media trade chatter despite his whopping $10.5 million salary-cap hit and a full no-movement clause. He’s also been linked to the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, who couldn’t afford him unless they could pull off a complicated trade with a third team to spread his cap hit around.

Meanwhile, Chicago sportswriters such as Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times continue to report that Kane (and longtime teammate Jonathan Toews) haven’t approached the Blackhawks about a trade. Pope cited Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson repeating that Kane and Toews are excited about training camp and look forward to seeing how the season unfolds.

There have also been reports that both players aren’t really keen to leave the only NHL club they’ve ever played for. It’s believed Davidson will give both stars the time and space they need to decide whether their plans involve the Blackhawks after this season.

Nevertheless, the rumor mill keeps churning about Kane. Get used to seeing his name popping up in trade chatter over the course of the coming season. If he does get moved it’ll likely be closer to the trade deadline depending on how the Blackhawks’ season shakes out.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Steve Macfarlane suggests the Flames should consider bringing in Joe Thornton on a professional tryout offer. He thinks the 43-year-old forward could be the perfect addition for a smooth dressing-room transition given the roster changes the club has undergone this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We don’t know what Thornton’s plans are but there is talk he could take up a management position with a team in Switzerland, where he resides with his family during the offseason.

It was painfully apparent last season that the future Hall-of-Famer has reached the end of the line as an effective NHL player. Sure, it’s a risk-free opportunity as Macfarlane suggests, but it would also take away a training camp spot from a younger hopeful who might play a more meaningful long-term role.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2022

by | Sep 5, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2022

What effect will J.T. Miller’s new contract have on Bo Horvat’s efforts to get a new deal with the Canucks? Could Miller still be shopped despite re-signing with the Canucks? How could it affect Conor Garland? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston pointed out that J.T. Miller’s new seven-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks raised some questions for the club.

Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

Among them was what Miller’s new deal means for Bo Horvat. The 27-year-old Canucks captain is in the final season of his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Horvat can sign an extension now but Johnston wondered if the Canucks can afford to have him, Miller and Elias Pettersson as their top-three centers beyond this season. “If an extension doesn’t come soon, the trade watch will be on for Horvat,” he writes.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY NOW: Prior to Miller’s re-signing, Rob Simpson anticipated Horvat could get between $6.25 million and $6.5 million annually on his next contract, perhaps a little lower if he agrees to an eight-year extension.

Following the news of Miller’s new contract, Simpson felt Horvat could get between $6.5 million and $7.25 million on a long-term extension. He speculated the Canucks captain will likely be signed in September or perhaps the Friday prior to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend given management’s recent habit of re-signing a key player on the Friday before a holiday weekend.

Whatever Horvat gets will affect the other Canucks eligible for UFA or restricted free agent status next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks management has indicated they want to stock up on young, affordable talent. However, the recent signings of Miller and Brock Boeser show they also want to keep their roster core intact.

According to Cap Friendly, the Canucks have over $68 million invested in 14 players for 2023-24 with Horvat, Nils Hoglander and Travis Dermott among their notable free agents. Re-signing their captain will result in the Canucks making some cost-cutting decisions next summer.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported that Canucks president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford said that Miller’s new contract “will not impact Bo,” adding they would like to sign Horvat. We’ll find out soon enough if the two sides can work out an extension before the season opens next month. Otherwise, his name could start surfacing in media trade gossip.

Johnston also pointed out that the Canucks are over the $82.5 million salary cap with their current roster for the coming season. They would like to find another defenseman so something has to give.

Conor Garland’s energy and production could make him a valuable trade chip. Johnston suggests the asking price could be a late first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland was the subject of trade rumors midway through last season but those faded away as the Canucks made a push for a playoff spot. The 26-year-old winger would draw interest in the trade market but the Canucks might not have to go that route.

Cap Friendly indicates they’re sitting above the cap by over $2.7 million but could garner cap relief by placing Micheal Ferland and his $3.5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve for the coming season. However, it won’t leave much room to add a right-side blueliner.

Perhaps Garland will be used as trade bait for that defenseman. It would have to be for one with an annual cap hit comparable to Garland’s $4.95 million.

Johnston also didn’t rule out the Canucks trading Miller if this season goes badly. He lacks a no-trade clause in his current contract. Some teams may have been hesitant about acquiring Miller but could be more interested now that he has a long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could happen but I doubt it will. Canucks management sees Miller as a vital part of their core as they hope to push themselves into Stanley Cup contention over the next few years. A poor performance by the club this season probably won’t change that opinion.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 4, 2022

by | Sep 4, 2022

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 4, 2022

Could the Canadiens attempt to acquire Rangers defenseman Nils Lundkvist? Could the Oilers bring in Evan Rodrigues? What’s next for the Wild after trading Dmitry Kulikov? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently wondered if the Canadiens would attempt to acquire Nils Lundkvist. The New York Rangers are reportedly shopping the 22-year-old defenseman. He’s seeking more NHL playing time and could get it on the rebuilding Canadiens.

New York Rangers defenseman Nils Lundkvist (NHL Images)

D’Amico reports the Canadiens had an interest in several Rangers prospects in the recent past. General manager Kent Hughes has indicated he’d like to bolster their depth on the right side of their defense corps.

The Rangers have limited salary-cap space and could use depth in prospect centers. Meanwhile, the Canadiens added centers Kirby Dach and Sean Monahan via recent trades and selected center Owen Beck in this year’s draft.

D’Amico speculates the Canadiens could be inclined to part with a prospect center such as Riley Kidney or Jan Mysak, along with a mid-round draft pick, to address their blueline needs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens executive vice-president, should know Lundkvist well. He was the Rangers general manager when the young defenseman was chosen in the first round (28th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Lundkvist could provide an additional measure of puck-moving skills to the right side of the Canadiens blueline. They might not be the only club interested in him. Rebuilding or retooling teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings or Vancouver Canucks could also come calling.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes the Oilers will bring another NHL forward into training camp. He anticipates it’ll be a right wing as they need to boost their depth at that position.

Leavins points out that Oilers GM Ken Holland has a history of only offering professional tryout offers to players who could make the team. He suggests Evan Rodrigues could be that guy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rodrigues is coming off a career-best 43-point performance on a one-year, $1 million contract. He’s likely seeking a more lucrative deal but has probably found limited options.

He could go the PTO route but I wouldn’t be surprised if he lands a one-year deal worth between $1.5 million and $2 million before training camps open later this month.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo recently speculated that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin could target cap-strapped teams desperate to shed salary. He recently freed up cap space by trading Dmitry Kulikov to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo indicated the Wild has $5.738 million in cap space now, freeing up space for internal additions such as Marco Rossi or Cale Addison. Guerin could wait and see how those two perform in training camp and preseason before going the trade route to further boost his roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2022

by | Sep 3, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2022

An update on Jakob Chychrun plus the latest Stars speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

GO PHNX.COM: In his latest mailbag segment, Craig Morgan was asked if there was any truth to the rumor that Jakob Chychrun’s camp nixed a trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this summer.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

Morgan replied that he reported on that story right after the draft. “I had multiple sources tell me that was the case, but a Columbus source denied it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Columbus Dispatch’s Brian Hedger on July 5 that the Coyotes and Jackets were discussing a Chychrun deal.

Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft on July 7 and 8, the Jackets held the sixth and 12th overall selections. Hedger indicated general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was willing to shop the latter pick for a young NHL player with term remaining on their contract.

Kekalainen ultimately retained that selection and chose defenseman Denton Mateychuk. Perhaps it was because Chychrun didn’t want to go to Columbus. Maybe it was because the two sides simply couldn’t reach an agreement on a deal. Whatever the reason, Chychrun remains with the Coyotes.

Chychrun lacks no-trade protection for the coming season. The Coyotes could’ve traded him to the Jackets without his consent. Perhaps they wanted to do right by him by sending him to a club of his choosing.

Recent speculation had the Ottawa Senators interested in Chychrun. However, they reportedly balked at the Coyotes’ asking price, believed to be two first-round picks and a top prospect.

THE ATHLETIC: In his recent mailbag segment, Saad Yousuf was asked if the Dallas Stars were making any efforts to acquire a right-side defenseman to allow Miro Heiskanen to play on his strong side. The departure of John Klingberg via free agency leaves a void on the right side of their blueline.

Yousef indicated the Stars are aware they need immediate help at that position. However, they have limited cap space with Jason Robertson to re-sign. Their efforts to address it should pick up whenever it becomes feasible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yousef also wrote this before the Stars re-signed goaltender Jake Oettinger. With around $6.3 million in cap space and Robertson still to sign, they cannot afford to pursue a right-shot defenseman right now.

That doesn’t mean they can’t try a dollar-in, dollar-out trade. However, it could provide difficult, especially when we don’t know what Robertson’s salary will be.

Yousuf was also asked why the Stars haven’t traded Radek Faksa yet. He explained that the 28-year-old forward wouldn’t be easy to move given his declining play and $3.5 million average annual value through 2024-25.

Such a move could also involve salary retention or adding a draft pick as a sweetener. Yousuf said the Stars have decided they are better off with Faksa in the lineup and are hoping he’ll improve under the new coaching staff.