NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2022

by | Dec 17, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2022

Could the Leafs’ William Nylander end up pricing himself out of Toronto? What’s the latest on the Blue Jackets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NYLANDER COULD PROVE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE LEAFS TO RE-SIGN

TORONTO STAR/THE ATHLETIC: Nick Kypreos and Jonas Siegel recently examined the effect that William Nylander’s ongoing improvement will have on the Maple Leafs’ efforts to re-sign him when his contract expires in 2024.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

With 33 points in 31 games, the 26-year-old winger is on pace to exceed last season’s career-best performance of 34 goals and 80 points. His current average annual value is over $6.96 million and he’ll be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2024. The Leafs can open contract extension talks on July 1, 2023.

Kypreos noted comparable wingers like the Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin earn between $8 million and $11.6 million annually on long-term contracts. Siegel included the Vancouver Canucks’ J.T. Miller ($8 million annually), the Calgary Flames Jonathan Huberdeau ($10.5 million) and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau ($9.75 million) on his list of comparables.

Both pundits believe Nylander’s next contract will also be affected by how much Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak gets on his new deal next summer.

Siegel feels Nylander is making his case as an essential part of the Leafs’ roster now and in the future. Kypreos points out that Auston Matthews is due for a new contract at the same time and will likely get between $14.5 million and $15 million annually. He feels Nylander could be in line for north of $10 million annually. If the Leafs believe they can’t afford that, he thinks they could trade him before July 2024.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander isn’t going anywhere this season, of course. He’s invaluable to the Leafs’ hopes of finally staging a run at the Stanley Cup. Nevertheless, he’s going to be an expensive re-signing. Like Matthews, his future in Toronto will become a hot topic in Leafs Nation starting on July 1.

Nylander and Matthews could take up a combined $25 million of cap space starting in 2024-25. Even with the salary cap expected to rise to $88 million by that season, that’s still a big chunk of change, especially when the Leafs also have $31.5 million already invested in that season.

Kypreos and Siegel mentioned the possibility of Nylander coming in at between $8-$9 million annually on his next contract. However, they both acknowledge it could be much higher than that. Considering he settled for $6.9 million annually on his current contract, you can bet his camp won’t settle for anything less than market value, which will likely be at least $10 million annually.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes the struggling Blue Jackets could become popular at the March 3 trade deadline. He speculated there is potential for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to make multiple deals involving established players for draft picks and/or prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline noted that Blue Jackets pending unrestricted free agents like Vladislav Gavrikov, Gustav Nyquist and Joonas Korpisalo could draw interest in the trade market.

Portzline believes re-signing Gavrikov should be the Blue Jackets’ priority. If that’s not possible, he thinks the 27-year-old defenseman could fetch a late first-round draft pick from a playoff contender.

He also believes they should keep Nyquist around if he’s willing to accept a pay cut. Otherwise, they might be able to get a second-rounder for him in the trade market. Korpisalo could bring in a second or third-round pick depending on his performance between now and deadline day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov’s solid all-around game will make him an enticing trade chip if the Blue Jackets decide to move him. They shouldn’t have much difficulty finding a playoff club willing to part with a first-rounder.

The Edmonton Oilers could be among the suitors. Portzline’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman noted that the Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg and the Montreal Canadiens’ Joel Edmundson have been linked to the Oilers in the rumor mill. However, he believes Gavrikov would be a better option for them. Nugent-Bowman also thinks the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun would be a good fit.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 16, 2022

by | Dec 16, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 16, 2022

Check out the latest on Ryan O’Reilly, Bo Horvat, Brock Boeser, Jakob Chychrun, Patrick Kane, and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

NOTE: The NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze begins at 11:59 pm ET on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, and expires at 12:01 am ET on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. 

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): published the first installment of their 2022-23 NHL trade board featuring 25 potential trade candidates. Among the notable tidbits:

St. Louis Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images)

Pierre LeBrun believes the St. Louis Blues could start listening to offers in the new year for center Ryan O’Reilly. LeBrun thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs have talked internally about the Blues pending UFA captain. He also believes the Colorado Avalanche would be a sensible destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues could listen to offers but I think they’d like to re-sign O’Reilly. There will be plenty of interest if he hits the trade block. Whether the Leafs can win a bidding war for his services is another matter. However, Vladimir Tarasenko seems the most likely to be dealt by the Blues, though his full no-trade clause gives him control over where he could go.

The Colorado Avalanche could be a fit for Bo Horvat if the Vancouver Canucks decide to trade their captain before the March 3 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger believes the Canucks want to free up salary cap space if they move Horvat or winger Brock Boeser. However, they’d also like to add a young NHL centerman and a young NHL defenseman.

Speaking of Boeser, LeBrun claimed the Minnesota Wild have spoken to the Canucks about the 25-year-old winger. Cap space, however, is an issue and the Canucks don’t want to retain any salary. They could take back a contract in return but clearing maximum cap space in a Boeser trade is important to them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’ll take back a salary that is considerably less than Boeser’s $6.65 million average annual value on a contract that extends past this season. It’s also been previously reported that they might take on an expiring contract depending on what else is included in the return.

LeBrun considers the Ottawa Senators as the destination that makes the most sense to him for defenseman Jakob Chychrun. However, he’s not sure they’ll pay the Arizona Coyotes’ high asking price. He also wondered if the Los Angeles Kings might be a fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun continues playing well since his return from offseason wrist surgery with nine points in 11 games and a plus-minus of plus-five. Someone will step up before the trade deadline and meet the Coyotes’ asking price if he stays healthy and maintains that level of performance. Whether it’s the Senators or Kings remains to be seen.

The New York Rangers will have to improve if they hope to be an enticing destination for Patrick Kane, assuming the Chicago Blackhawks star agrees to be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s also assuming the Rangers can afford the Blackhawks’ asking price. They’ll likely want at least a first-round pick plus a top prospect or a good young NHL player as part of the return.

Michael Russo reported there’s chatter the Edmonton Oilers could be interested in Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Klingberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Appearing on TSN’s “Insider Trading” on Thursday, Pierre LeBrun reported the Oilers have been internally discussing the merits of Klingberg and of Montreal Canadiens blueliner Joel Edmundson. He said the Canadiens aren’t looking to move Edmundson but could be willing to listen to offers.

Russo also believes the Florida Panthers don’t want to trade Anthony Duclair but might not have much choice if they can’t clear sufficient cap space for the winger’s return from a torn Achilles tendon.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 15, 2022

by | Dec 15, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 15, 2022

Check out the latest speculation on Canucks captain Bo Horvat, Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi, Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON BO HORVAT

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman believes it’s unlikely Bo Horvat will still be with the Vancouver Canucks past the March 3 trade deadline. The Canucks have definitely put the 27-year-old center on the trade market and are seeking a premium return for their captain.

Friedman claims there was never a time when a contract extension was close for the pending unrestricted free agent. He said it sounds like Horvat was offered seven and eight-year deals but a wide chasm remains that could be difficult to bridge. The Canucks aren’t keen to sign him for more than J.T. Miller’s $56 million but Horvat’s current play puts him over that amount.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes creativity is needed by the Canucks to re-sign Horvat. A leap from the center’s current $5.5 million average annual value to a market value of $8 million can be achieved if they can clear the necessary cap space.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

By Kuzma’s estimate, the Canucks would need to find $3.74 million in cap space to retain Horvat and address other roster priorities like re-signing Andrei Kuzmenko next summer. An NHL insider suggested Conor Garland or Ilya Mikheyev can be easily moved. They could also attempt to move Brock Boeser, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Myers for draft picks. However, the insider isn’t sure if the Canucks want to retain Horvat.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Stefen Rosner cites a source claiming the New York Islanders have checked in with the Canucks about Horvat. With over $10.8 million in projected trade deadline cap space, the Isles can afford his cap hit.

Rosner speculates the Canucks could seek top Isles prospect Aatu Raty as part of the return. Defense prospects such as Samuel Bolduc or Calle Odelius could also be enticing to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I mentioned before, the Canucks could resume contract discussions with Horvat leading up to the trade deadline if they don’t get suitable offers from other clubs. However, they don’t have the luxury of time as they did with J.T. Miller last summer. Horvat could be a goner for the right price, which will be high given he’s on pace for a career-high 59 goals this season.

UPDATE ON JESSE PULJUJARVI

SPORTSNET: Friedman believes this season will be Jesse Puljujarvi’s last with the Edmonton Oilers as everyone agrees it’s time for a fresh start. He’s heard the Anaheim Ducks. Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings have at least looked at it but doesn’t think they’ve come anywhere close to what the Oilers would consider fair.

The Oilers won’t move Puljujarvi now as they don’t want to be shorthanded while currently riddled with injuries and battling for a playoff spot. However, that could change once they get healthier. If this carries over into the summer, the Oilers could decline to re-sign Puljujarvi, allowing him to test the free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the Anaheim Ducks appear to be taking a hard look at Puljujarvi. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek was in Nashville on Tuesday watching the Predators and Oilers.

Matheson speculates the Ducks could be thinking of a “test drive” with Puljujarvi for the remainder of the season. If they like what they see, they could re-sign the winger for less than his current cap hit of $3 million.

The Oilers want to clear some cap space to pursue a defensive blueliner before the trade deadline. The Ducks have five picks in the first two rounds of the 2023 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers aren’t dealing from a position of strength. Puljujarvi’s stock has tumbled since the offseason because of his low production and public self-doubt over his abilities as an NHL scorer. If they need to clear cap space before the trade deadline they’ll probably have little choice but to accept whatever they can get for him, even if it’s below what they would consider fair.

IN OTHER RUMORS…

MLIVE.COM: In a recent mailbag segment, Ansar Khan was asked how Tyler Bertuzzi’s latest injury will affect his contract talks with the Detroit Red Wings. He doesn’t think it will but suggests the bigger question is whether the two sides can reach an agreement on a new contract before the trade deadline.

If they can’t, Khan believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will trade Bertuzzi rather than risk losing him for nothing to next summer’s UFA market. He suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs were long rumored to be interested in Bertuzzi and remain the logical destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries to Leafs defensemen Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin have observers (including me) believing they could prefer shoring up their blueline before the trade deadline. However, with youngsters Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins holding the fort, perhaps they might shift their focus to adding another forward.

SPORTSNET: Friedman wondered if the Arizona Coyotes might be willing to entertain offers for Karel Vejmelka. The 26-year-old goaltender is playing well and carries an affordable $2.75 million cap hit through 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vejmelka’s goals-against average is 3.07 but his .913 save percentage is impressive considering the team he plays for. He could draw plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking an upgrade between the pipes.

The Coyotes are rebuilding under GM Bill Armstrong but I don’t think it’s his intent to perpetually trade away veterans for draft picks. Good starting goalies are difficult to find and Vejmelka is still young enough to be an important piece of their future.

The Canucks aren’t interested in moving first-rounders and would like to replace the second-round pick they shipped to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2022

by | Dec 14, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2022

What clubs could potentially become trade destinations for Canucks center Bo Horvat and Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR BO HORVAT

THE PROVINCE: With Bo Horvat’s contract talks at an impasse, Patrick Johnston listed the Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential trade destinations for the Vancouver Canucks captain.

Horvat is in the final season of his six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million and lacks no-trade protection. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Recent reports claim he rejected an eight-year contract offer worth well below the $8 million baseline considered for top-line centers.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

The Flyers desperately need a first-line center. Winger Travis Konecny and defenseman Ivan Provorov are believed to be on the trade block. However, it’s unknown if Horvat would want to sign with the struggling Flyers.

Horvat has been the focus of the Avalanche’s attention for some time. They’d have to part with defenseman Bowen Byram to make the deal work.

A scout told Johnston that the Panthers love Horvat’s two-way game. Johnston wondered if there was a way the Canucks could get defenseman Aaron Ekblad in return.

Horvat would look good centering Blue Jackets wingers Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau. The retooling club might be willing to part with a blue-chip prospect as part of the return.

SPORTSNET: (stick tap to NHL Watcher): Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman also discussed possible destinations for Horvat. They agree the Avalanche makes the most sense and appears the obvious choice.

Horvat would make a lot of sense for the Blue Jackets but Friedman thinks they’d risk losing him to free agency next summer. Marek also suggested the Flyers as an option and the Boston Bruins if Patrice Bergeron opts for retirement at season’s end.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY INSIDER: Rob Simpson prefers the Canucks trade J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser. He argues it would free up $14.6 million in cap space to put toward re-signing Horvat and Andrei Kuzmenko plus they could start working on a contract extension for Elias Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect any comment from Horvat on his contract talks or a possible trade. He issued a statement yesterday acknowledging the situation but indicated he’s focused on helping the Canucks win this season and won’t have anything further to say about his future for the remainder of the season.

As to where he could go, I agree with Marek and Friedman that the Avalanche seems to be the obvious choice. They’ve been lacking a reliable second-line center since Nazem Kadri’s departure last summer via free agency. They currently have $5.6 million in projected cap space though that could shrink once Gabriel Landeskog comes off LTIR. They’ll probably have to part with a good young defenseman like Byram or perhaps Samuel Girard to get him.

I don’t see struggling clubs like the Flyers or Blue Jackets pursuing Horvat unless they’re certain of re-signing him before July. The Panthers need to bolster their blueline, not add another center. And no, they won’t part with Ekblad.

Simpson’s suggestion of trading Miller and re-sign Horvat makes sense but I don’t think that’s the direction the Canucks will take. They could move Miller before his new contract with his no-trade protection kicks in but they seem committed to keeping him.

WHERE WILL JESSE PULJUJARVI END UP?

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman suggested the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets as possible destinations for Jesse Puljujarvi. It’s been reported that the Oilers and Puljujarvi’s camp are working toward a trade. He has just one goal this season and carries a one-year contract with a cap hit of $3 million.

The Ducks are a rebuilding club with plenty of cap space to absorb Puljujarvi’s contract plus they’re loaded with draft picks.

Puljujarvi and Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho are friends and former linemates. The Oilers would have to take something back in the deal as the Hurricanes are pressed for cap space.

As for the Jets, they can afford Puljujarvi’s cap hit and are in need of a right wing with Nikolaj Ehlers and Mason Appleton currently sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks seem a great fit but general manager Pat Verbeek wants players who will fit into his rebuilding plans. He might not be inclined to waste a draft pick on a reclamation project with an expiring contract like Puljujarvi. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could feel the same way. As for the Hurricanes, I don’t see a fit there, especially with Max Pacioretty due to come off LTIR in February.

Nugent-Bowman also suggested rebuilding clubs like the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators as possible fits for Puljujarvi. He believes it would be a low-risk move with a chance of a decent reward for those clubs. Whether any of them share that view remains to be seen.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico reports the Canadiens kicked tires on Puljujarvi during the offseason before settling on acquiring Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames. D’Amico suggested the Oilers winger could be an attractive bottom-six option for the Habs to evaluate through the end of this season and into 2023-25. The Oilers would probably have to include another asset in the deal given the winger’s recent comments questioning his place in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens could revisit their previous interest in Puljujarvi. Then again, they passed on him last summer and his performance this season seems to justify that decision.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2022

by | Dec 13, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2022

Bo Horvat could be available before the March 3 trade deadline, an update on Brock Boeser and more Canucks speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS COULD MOVE HORVAT BY THE TRADE DEADLINE

TSN: Citing a report by CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, Pierre LeBrun reports Bo Horvat rejected a contract offer from the Vancouver Canucks. The offer was made to the 27-year-old Canucks captain two weeks ago.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated the Canucks are “focused on the trade market between now and March 3”. Horvat is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Dhaliwal and Thomas Drance report neither the Canucks nor the Horvat camp would comment regarding the specific numbers in the contract offer. However, it’s believed the club’s proposal was a maximum eight-year deal that was “well shy of $8 million”, which is the going baseline rate for top centers.

Things could change between now and March 3. J.T. Miller spent months on the trade block before the Canucks re-sign him to a long-term extension in September. Nevertheless, the club is said to be actively listening to trade offers for Horvat.

Dhaliwal and Drance report the Canucks could seek a package including multiple young players, including a centerman and a right-shot defenseman. Management is also believed to be reluctant to retain salary to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could move Horvat before the trade deadline for the right offer. However, they could revisit negotiations with their captain if they don’t get any pitches to their liking or if he has a change of heart about rejecting their contract proposal.

A Horvat trade isn’t a foregone conclusion. However, the Canucks have less time to hammer out a new contract for him compared to when they were negotiating with Miller.

If Horvat won’t budge and the Canucks are unwilling to meet his price, then they’ll peddle him before deadline day rather than risk losing him to free agency for nothing in July. You can bet there will be considerable interest from playoff contenders in the market for a scoring center.

MORE CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Dhaliwal and Drance report there’s nothing new to report on the Canucks efforts to trade Brock Boeser. The Canucks are receiving calls about the 26-year-old winger but his $6.6 million annual cap hit through 2024-25 is proving difficult to move. His flatlined production of late hasn’t helped.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser reportedly hasn’t asked to be traded. However, it’s believed there’s a mutual feeling that a deal might be best for all concerned. As previous reports suggest, it could take time to find a suitable trade partner. I’ve mentioned before that it wouldn’t be surprising if this carries over into the offseason when teams have more cap space to work with.

Haman Dayal recently noted the trade speculation surrounding Luke Schenn. The 33-year-old Canucks defenseman surfaced in the rumor mill after his agent tweeted that his client would be a “perfect deadline acquisition”, citing his solid defensive game and his two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Schenn, however, doesn’t sound like someone hoping to get traded. He told Dayal that his priority remains to try and stay long-term in Vancouver and help the Canucks build into a winner. He added that he and his family have put down roots in Vancouver. He’s also earned top-four minutes with the Canucks after being a sixth-seventh defenseman with the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks management has to be pleased with Schenn’s performance. Nevertheless, he carries an affordable cap hit on an expiring contract that lacks no-trade protection. If the front office commits to a rebuild, Schenn could prove to be an attractive trade chip leading up to March 3.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY INSIDER: Rob Simpson recently wondered about the fate of Jack Rathbone. The 23-year-old defenseman saw limited action this season with the Canucks and is now playing for their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Simpson observed Rathbone seemed quite unhappy during the Canucks road trip against the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. He didn’t play in that game on Nov. 26 and two days later was demoted to Abbotsford. Simpson wondered if he might request a trade should he become tired of playing the waiting game with the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dhaliwal and Drance report Rathbone has not asked for a trade. He remains focused on playing his way back into the Canucks lineup. Still, his situation could be worth monitoring in the coming weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2022

by | Dec 12, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2022

Examining potential trade destinations for Brock Boeser, Jakob Chychrun and Timo Meier in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SCORE: John Matisz recently looked at some possible trade destinations for Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun and San Jose Sharks winger Timo Meier.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Matisz suggested the Minnesota Wild for Boeser, with the Wild flipping Matt Dumba or a draft pick for the Minnesota native. Dumba’s on an expiring contract with a $6 million cap hit that is comparable to Boeser’s $6.65 million. He believes the Canucks would choose the draft pick over Dumba because they need the cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How about the draft pick and Dumba? The Canucks are said to be willing to take on a player with a contract that expires at the end of this season. They need the cap space beyond this season.

Reports out of Minnesota suggest the Wild could move Dumba before the March 3 trade deadline. However, that comes with the risk of lacking a suitable replacement for him on their blueline down the stretch.

The New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings are two other clubs that have the cap space and assets plus a need for a shoot-first winger. If they’re okay with Boeser’s cap hit, Matisz speculated they could get him for a second or third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders could be the more interested of the two. General manager Lou Lamoriello attempted to acquire Boeser’s teammate J.T. Miller during the opening round of this year’s draft. He’s also believed to have made failed bids to sign Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri in the free-agent market.

Turning to Chychrun, Matisz cites reports listing the Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers as potential suitors for the Coyotes defenseman.

Matisz considers the Sabres and Kings as two clubs with depth in promising assets to outbid the others. He also noted Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t afraid to chase the big fish and his club needs blueline depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Matisz’s take on the front-runners for Chychrun. I’d also include the Senators as they’ve spoken with the Coyotes but reports out of Ottawa claim they couldn’t reach an agreement on a deal. Maybe that changes if the Senators become more desperate as the season rolls along.

GOPHNX.com’s Craig Morgan recently reported GM Bill Armstong isn’t budging off his high asking price. Morgan believes it could include two first-round draft picks and either a second-rounder or a top prospect. Given Chychrun’s strong start since returning from offseason wrist surgery, somebody is likely to pay what Armstrong wants.

Matisz noted that Meier’s agent Claude Lemieux claims his client is willing to re-sign with the Sharks. However, it’ll cost the Sharks $10 million just to qualify his rights plus he has arbitration right next summer.

Meier could be the Sharks’ best trade chip at the deadline. They desperately need to restock their prospect cupboard and add some early-round draft picks. Matisz suggested the Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken and the Blue Jackets as clubs that could meet those needs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sure how keen Sharks GM Mike Grier would be to trade Meier to another California-based club. The Kraken are building rapidly and having someone like Meier alongside young centers like Matty Beniers or Shane Wright could give them a significant offensive boost.

The Jackets, however, already have two star wingers in Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. If they were to pursue a forward, I think they’d be more interested in a center.