NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2022

by | Mar 2, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2022

​Check out the latest Blackhawks speculation plus updates on Jake DeBrusk, Claude Giroux, John Klingberg and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS UNDER NEW GM DAVIDSON?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers suggested Kyle Davidson, the Chicago Blackhawks’ new full-time general manager, should attempt to craft a trade package that will help the club gain a first-round pick in this year’s draft. The Hawks traded their first-rounder to the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer in the Seth Jones trade.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images)

Trade candidates could include free agents such as Marc-Andre Fleury, Dominik Kubalik, Calvin de Haan, Ryan Carpenter and Dylan Strome. Of these, only Fleury could fetch a first-rounder but goalies are difficult to trade. In Fleury’s case, the Blackhawks intend to honor the promise made by former GM Stan Bowman giving the netminder total control over whether and where he goes.

Davidson’s intent to rebuild also raises questions over the futures of long-time Blackhawks stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Both have a year remaining on their contracts. Will one or both be re-signed and if so, will they be on long- or short-term deals?

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin also weighed in on those factors. He thinks Davidson should try to convince Kane, who’s still a star, to stick with the rebuilding club as they try to build around Jones, Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston reports it sounds like Fleury might not be inclined to move by the trade deadline and seems to be leaning toward finishing the season in Chicago. The 37-year-old goalie could change his mind if a Stanley Cup contender comes calling. If he prefers to stay, however, it will rob the Blackhawks of a valuable bargaining chip leading up to the March 21 trade deadline.

There’s been some speculation suggesting the Blackhawks could listen to offers for Alex DeBrincat. However, I’m in agreement with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who said he’d be surprised if the Hawks traded the 24-year-old scoring winger. They need a player like him to build around.

DEBRUSK STILL WANTS TO BE TRADED

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports agent Rick Valette, who represents Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk, said his client’s trade demand made back in November still stands. Valette also said he’s spoken with other clubs (with the Bruins’ permission) to let them know they’re willing to negotiate a contract extension if it will facilitate a trade.

DeBrusk, 25, is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. LeBrun said interested clubs are concerned about the $4.4 million qualifying offer it would take to retain his rights after this season. He speculates perhaps an agreement on an extension at a cheaper price might send everyone home happy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk’s performance has improved in recent games after being moved up to the club’s top line in what was considered an attempt by management to showcase him for a trade. That may have improved his trade value but could also make him valuable to the Bruins as they push to secure a playoff berth. They could decide to retain him if they don’t get any suitable offers now and then try to trade him in the offseason.

LATEST FLYERS SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux has yet to tell management he’s ready to waive his no-movement clause. LeBrun believes things could pick up next week. He indicated the Flyers have told teams Giroux could arguably be the most impactful player at this year’s trade deadline. That means it could be expensive to acquire him, perhaps a first-round, a young player, and a prospect or two assets of higher quality.

Darren Dreger reports Rasmus Ristolainen’s fate could be decided as early as this week. There will be contract talks between his agent and Flyers management but he could be shopped if the contract doesn’t make sense for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers can set that high price for Giroux and they might get it. However, the closer we get to the deadline the more they risk driving interested parties toward other cheaper options. Whatever return the Flyers get isn’t going to make their fans happy. It’ll be a big win if they can get a first-rounder, a quality prospect and a promising young player.

TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the San Jose Sharks are “taking its run at keeping Tomas Hertl.

Friedman sees Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg landing with the Seattle Kraken either at the trade deadline or as a free agent this summer.

Florida Panthers center Noel Acciari could be an under-the-radar name to watch as the trade deadline approaches.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2022

by | Feb 28, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2022

​Should the Leafs make a pitch for Marc-Andre Fleury? Which depth players could be the missing piece for Stanley Cup contenders? Could the Rangers add a Sabres defenseman by the trade deadline? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

COULD FLEURY RESOLVE LEAFS GOALIE WOES?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Maple Leafs could be among several clubs (Edmonton, Boston, Washington, Colorado) lining up looking to acquire Marc-Andre Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks. The 37-year-old goaltender wouldn’t mind getting traded to a contending team.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images)

Simmons expressed concern over Leafs starter Jack Campbell’s recent struggles between the pipes. He’s also dismissive of Petr Mrazek being ready to go if Campbell cannot regain his dominant first-half form, calling him a “bottom-half NHL goalie” who the Carolina Hurricanes let walk for nothing last summer.

Fleury carries an expensive $7 million cap hit this season. The Leafs placed defenseman Jake Muzzin on long-term injury reserve but they’d have to do some maneuvering to bring in the Blackhawks goalie. Nevertheless, Simmons doesn’t see any better alternatives.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury would bring stability and plenty of playoff experience to the Leafs; crease. However, he has a 10-team no-trade clause and it’s possible the Leafs are on it.

If they’re not, it’ll take considerable salary-cap gymnastics by Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas to land Fleury. Dubas reportedly won’t hold Muzzin out of the lineup if he’s healthy enough to return to the Leafs’ lineup before the end of the season.

WHO COULD BE THE MISSING PIECE FOR STANLEY CUP CONTENDERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently listed five depth players who could help a club win the Stanley Cup as Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow did for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Montreal Canadiens’ Artturi Lehkonen topped the list, followed by Chicago’s Brandon Hagel, Columbus’ Alexandre Texier, Arizona’s Lawson Crouse and San Jose’s Noah Gregor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens don’t have to move Lehkonen by the March 21 trade deadline as he’s a restricted free agent this summer. However, he has arbitration rights and is a year away from becoming eligible for unrestricted free agent status. If he’s only seeking a one-year extension, the Canadiens could ship him out for the right offer by the deadline.

Hagel’s drawn lots of interest because of his age (23), two-way play and affordable $1.5 million annual cap hit over the next two seasons. It’s those factors, however, that could keep him with the Blackhawks, especially if they intend to rebuild after this season. I don’t doubt they’re getting offers for Hagel but it could take a significant one to tempt them into moving him.

Texier’s trade value could be hampered by a recent report indicating he’s still several weeks away from returning from an injured finger. Meanwhile, GOPHNX.com’s Craig Morgan has Crouse on his “no-trade list”, citing his size, two-way play, strong skating and he’s on career highs in almost every statistical category.

Gregor could be available though he hasn’t surfaced in many trade rumors regarding the Sharks. The 23-year-old winger is on a one-year, $750K contract and becomes a restricted free agent this summer.

COULD COLIN MILLER BECOME A RANGER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks suggested Colin Miller as a possible blueline depth acquisition for the Rangers. The 29-year-old played two seasons under Rangers coach Gerard Gallant with the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those were also Miller’s best NHL seasons. He lacks no-trade protection and carries a $3.875 million cap hit for this season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 27, 2022

by | Feb 27, 2022

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 27, 2022

​Check out the latest on the Bruins, Hurricanes and Leafs in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

BRUINS

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont believes the Bruins still look vulnerable on defense, especially on the left side. Jakob Chychrun could address that problem but the cost of acquiring the 23-year-old Arizona Coyotes defenseman will be expensive.

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

Dupont wondered if Bruins general manager Don Sweeney could convince Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong to take a flier on winger Jake DeBrusk but it will take much more to pry Chychrun away from the Coyotes. They could ask for top defense prospect Mason Lohrei or Brandon Carlo with his attractive contract with a $4.1 million annual average value.

John Klingberg is a proven offensive blueliner but the 29-year-old Dallas Stars rearguard is older than Chychrun and a right-hand shot. He’s also slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss suggests DeBrusk’s recent improvement could boost his trade value. It’s unlikely he’ll fetch a quality defenseman or middle-six forward on his own but he could be bundled with other assets to make a move for an upgrade.

Goss also wondered if the Bruins should consider bringing back Phil Kessel. The 34-year-old winger began his NHL career in Boston. He’s now a pending UFA and is expected to be shopped by the Coyotes before the March 21 trade deadline. Goss cites an anonymous NHL executive recently telling The Athletic the Coyotes are seeking a third-rounder and are willing to retain half of Kessel’s $6.8 million cap hit. If that’s the case, Goss suggests the Bruins seriously consider that move.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa considers rental players such as Kessel, Philadelphia’s Claude Giroux and Seattle’s Mark Giordano to be “unlikely pickups” for the Bruins. He points out many of Sweeney’s previous trade deadline acquisitions, such as Taylor Hall and Charlie Coyle, were either players with terms remaining on their contracts or those willing to sign contract extensions with the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have just over $5 million in trade deadline cap space so I anticipate Sweeney will be in the market for that top-four left-side defenseman or middle-six forward. Pursuing someone like Chychrun would fit into his habit of adding players with term remaining on their contracts but, as Dupont observed, the asking price will be steep. It’s believed the Coyotes seek a first-round, a top prospect and a good young NHL player.

DeBrusk could be packaged into a deal for Chychrun but I don’t see the Bruins being able to outbid other clubs with more tradeable assets. Bear in mind the Coyotes aren’t under any pressure to trade Chychurn, who’s signed through 2024-25. They can wait until the offseason if they don’t get any suitable offers by March 21.

HURRICANES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock suggests the time has come for the Carolina Hurricanes to decide if they’ll bolster their lineup for the playoffs or stand pat at the trade deadline.

DeCock believes the Hurricanes need a top-four defenseman who can skate alongside Jaccob Slavin. While Tony DeAngelo has filled that role and played well this season, that pairing cannot be protected in playoff games on the road against the likes of Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov or Florida’s Aleksander Barkov.

Hurricanes GM Don Waddell acknowledged adding another defenseman would be nice but he also pointed out his club has limited salary-cap space. They’re already above the salary cap by over $1 million but that doesn’t prorate like regular cap space. There’s also the question of return. They don’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft and Waddell said the Hurricanes will almost certainly not part with their 2023 first-rounder. He could also be hesitant to part with his top prospects.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t rule out the possibility of Waddell making a move to bolster his blueline. Based on DeCock’s report, however, it’s not going to be easy. He could end up making a depth addition if he’s unwilling to move his 2023 first-rounder, top prospects or anyone from his roster to land an impact player.

LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t in any position to rush sidelined defenseman Jake Muzzin back into the lineup. They’re telling teams if he’s healthy enough to return before the end of the season, they’re not going to hold him out of the lineup before the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs placed Muzzin (concussion) on long-term injury reserve. That would enable them to exceed the salary cap by the equivalent of his $5.625 million cap hit to bring in a replacement. However, the Leafs would have to become cap compliant if Muzzin returns before the end of the regular season.

By the sound of things, the Leafs don’t intend to approach the trade deadline with the assumption Muzzin won’t return before the playoffs. They’ll have to find another way to create sufficient salary cap space if they intend to make a significant addition by the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2022

by | Feb 26, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2022

​Check out the latest on the Rangers, Coyotes, Blackhawks and Leafs in today’s NHL rumor mill.

RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reported a league source said the New York Rangers contacted the Nashville Predators about Filip Forsberg. Sources say the Predators still hope to sign the 27-year-old winger to a contract extension before the March 21 trade deadline. Staple considers Forsberg a high-cost rental who would also be expensive to re-sign.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

Staple also recently examined several potential trade targets for the Rangers. Anaheim Ducks winger Rickard Rakell and Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Copp appear the more realistic. He also considered defenseman Andy Greene an intriguing option if New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello waves the white flag on the season.

Staple cites sources saying the Rangers might not be as enamored of Vancouver Canucks forwards Brock Boeser and Conor Garland as they are of former Blueshirt J.T. Miller. Arizona Coyotes winger Phil Kessel has been available for weeks but could be a last resort before the deadline if the Rangers still seek a top-six right winger by that point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Curious the Rangers would look into Forsberg when they’re already deep on the left side. It doesn’t hurt to conduct due diligence. Landing someone like Rakell or Copp seems more realistic if their respective teams fall further out of playoff contention over the next couple of weeks.

The Canucks don’t seem keen on moving Miller but that could change if someone made a substantial pitch. He’d be a good fit with the Rangers because he can play right wing or center, the latter being important for the Blueshirts if they fail to sign pending free-agent center Ryan Strome.

COYOTES

GOPHNX.COM: Craig Morgan recently listed which Arizona Coyotes players he considers potential trade chips. Topping the list is Jakob Chychrun, who’s been the subject of trade chatter for two months.

Morgan said the Coyotes have yet to receive an offer for the 23-year-old defenseman that would improve their roster. He reminds us the Coyotes aren’t looking to move Chychrun and don’t have to move him considering he’s under contract through 2024-25 with an affordable $4.6 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong confirmed other clubs have expressed interest in Chychrun. He said he had to do his job and listen to offers. “But at this point in time, he’s a Coyote and we love him being a Coyote, and I guess that’s all I can say on that,” he said.

In other words, he’s willing to entertain offers but it’ll take a big offer to tempt him into parting with the young blueliner.

Morgan also said the Coyotes’ asking price for Phil Kessel is a second-round pick but that offer hasn’t materialized. They might have to settle for a third-rounder for the pending UFA winger.

Others on Morgan’s list include forwards Johan Larsson (who could return from injury by the trade deadline), Jay Beagle and Christian Fischer and defenseman Anton Stralman.

BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus consider goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and forwards Dominik Kubalik and Ryan Carpenter among their proposed trade chips for the Chicago Blackhawks. Defensemen Calvin de Haan and Erik Gustafsson were also in that group.

Winger Brandon Hagel has come up in trade rumors thanks to his solid play and affordable contract. However, they consider him among their long shots to be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hagel isn’t untouchable and I’m sure Blackhawks interim GM Kyle Davidson is keeping his options open. Nevertheless, all reports out of Chicago indicate he’s either not going anywhere or it could take a lucrative trade offer to tempt the Blackhawks into moving him.

I believe the Blackhawks will retain Hagel. He’s 23, carries a $1.5 million annual cap hit through 2023-24 and could be a core part of their rebuild/retool going forward.

MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan weighed in on the Maple Leafs placing defenseman Jake Muzzin on long-term injury reserve and how that could help them bolster their roster leading up to the trade deadline. While the move would allow the Leafs to exceed the salary cap by the equivalent of Muzzin’s $5.625 million cap hit, they must be certain he won’t be back for the remainder of the regular season.

If the Leafs use the LTIR savings to add a player or two and Muzzin returns before the end of the regular season, they’ll have to shed salary to ensure they’re cap compliant.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I know I’ve touched on this earlier this week but I feel it’s worth repeating. With Muzzin sidelined by another suspected concussion, there’s no timeline for determining when he’ll be able to return to the lineup. It could be three days, three weeks or three months.

Trying to shed salary after the trade deadline isn’t impossible but it’s very difficult to do. They must ensure they’re not handcuffing themselves cap-wise between March 21 and the end of the regular season on April 29.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2022

by | Feb 25, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2022

Updates on the Filip Forsberg trade speculation plus the latest on the Canadiens, Kraken, Devils, Leafs and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

UPDATES ON FORSBERG

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the position of the Nashville Predators is to sign leading goal scorer Filip Forsberg to a long-term contract extension. The 27-year-old left winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

Talks between the Predators and the Forsberg camp remain in the preliminary stage, sparking speculation with the March 21 trade deadline less than a month away. Considering teammates Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene are each earning $8 million annually, Dreger believes Forsberg’s cap hit on a new deal would be north of $8 million.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes if Forsberg wants to stay in Nashville he’ll have to accept an annual average value below captain Roman Josi’s $9.059 million. He feels there’s enough time and will on both sides to get a deal done but doesn’t discount general manager David Poile trade Forsberg if a deal isn’t reached by March 21.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Rexrode reports Poile told him he’s not looking to trade Forsberg and doesn’t personally know Bally Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland, who tweeted out that the Predators were “actively shopping” the winger. Poile said the goal is to re-sign Forsberg and negotiations will continue.

Strickland said he stands by his sources but admits the wording of his text might not have been the best choice, suggesting “due diligence” would be a better phrase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Rexrode pointed out, Strickland has a good record of credible reporting. I don’t doubt Poile is keeping his options open by gauging the market for Forsberg if a deal cannot be reached on a contract extension by March 21. I also believe both sides sincerely want to get this sorted out in the coming weeks.

We must remember that Poile reportedly tested last season’s trade market on defenseman Mattias Ekholm, prompting considerable speculation the long-time Predators blueliner would be moved by the trade deadline. Instead, Ekholm was retained and eventually signed to a new deal.

The difference between Ekholm and Forsberg is the former still had a year remaining on his contract. There’s more urgency to sort out the latter’s contract situation given his UFA status this summer.

I don’t expect Forsberg to be traded today, this weekend or within the next couple of weeks. However, we can’t dismiss the possibility of a trade in the days leading up to March 21.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS, KRAKEN AND DEVILS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman can see the Philadelphia Flyers getting in on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry. “It makes a lot of sense for them.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I disagree. While Petry would provide experienced right-side depth, he’s 34 and carries a $6.25 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. They’re already paying sidelined right-side blueliner Ryan Ellis, 31, the same amount through 2026-27.

The Flyers also have over $67 million invested in 10 players for 2022-23. Unless they’re clearing an equivalent salary, Petry is a luxury they cannot afford.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens’ new management intends to be “pretty aggressive” in this summer’s free-agent market, which opens on July 13. They still intend to get younger in some parts of their roster but hope to lure a star or two to Montreal as part of their roster transformation. The Canadiens have had difficulty signing UFA stars, but LeBrun suggests that could change if Martin St. Louis stays on as head coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Salary-cap space will be an issue for the Canadiens. Cap Friendly shows them with over $79 million invested in 10 players for 2022-23.

They’ll be able to exceed the cap by the equivalent of all-but-retired Shea Weber’s $7.857 million by placing him on long-term injury reserve again next season. Nevertheless, they’ll have to shed a lot more to free up room to add a free agent star or two this summer. Forgive my skepticism, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

LeBrun also reports Seattle Kraken captain Mark Giordano looks like he’ll definitely be changing addresses by the trade deadline. The 38-year-old defenseman has already spoken with Kraken GM Ron Francis and both agreed the club should test the trade market for their captain.

Elliotte Friedman, meanwhile, wonders what the future holds for forward Jared McCann. The Kraken forward is the club’s leading scorer and a year away from UFA eligibility. He also suggested the Kraken’s versatile forward Calle Jarnkrok could be a good fit with the Washington Capitals

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis’ priority will be on finding a suitable destination and return for Giordano. Still, I can see him keeping his ears open for any decent offers on McCann and Jarnkrok.

LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils are aggressively shopping for a goaltender for the remainder of the season. It’s uncertain when Devils starter Mackenzie Blackwood will return from a heel injury that’s sidelined him since late January. LeBrun suggests that might interest the Edmonton Oilers, who are exploring goalie options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reason why the Oilers would be interested is they could try to peddle Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith to the Devils to free up room to pursue a more reliable goalie in the trade market. The best options could be Chicago’s Marc-Andre Fleury or the New York Islanders’ Semyon Varlamov, but both carried limited no-trade clauses that could include the Oilers on their no-go lists.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have talked to the Vancouver Canucks about J.T. Miller. However, he thinks they’re not done tinkering with their blueline and could be considering goalie options. They had conversations with the Dallas Stars about defenseman John Klingberg and could revisit those talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs can exceed the salary cap by the equivalent of sidelined blueliner Jake Muzzin’s $5.625 million cap hit after placing him on long-term injury reserve. However, they must become cap compliant if he returns to action before the end of the regular season. Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has a history of salary-cap acrobatics to bolster his roster so it’ll be interesting to see what he does here.

Friedman doesn’t get the sense that anything’s imminent regarding a trade of Flyers captain Claude Giroux. He does expect Giroux’s teammate, Rasmus Ristolainen, could be moved.

The Los Angeles Kings contacted the Canucks in search of scoring. GM Rob Blake would prefer paying less than the second and third-rounder he parted with for Viktor Arvidsson.

Friedman believes the New York Rangers looked at Buffalo’s Victor Olofsson. However, he’s a restricted free agent and Friedman doubts they can afford to re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2022

by | Feb 24, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2022

​Check out the latest on Filip Forsberg, Johnny Gaudreau and Joe Pavelski plus updates on the Canadiens and Penguins in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST ON FORSBERG, GAUDREAU AND PAVELSKI

BALLY SPORTS MIDWEST’s Andy Strickland tweeted yesterday the Nashville Predators “are actively shopping superstar Filip Forsberg.”

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m sure we’ll see other pundits and insiders later today weighing in on this. As of this morning, there’s no indication as to which teams the Predators are talking to regarding the 27-year-old winger, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Forsberg’s popped up at times this season in the rumor mill. With the Predators in a playoff spot, the assumption was they’d stick with him as an “own rental”. He leads them with 26 goals in 38 games and sits third in points with 44.

This seems to be an unusual move for a club in postseason contention. It would signal contract extension talks have completely broken down. Forsberg would draw considerable interest from postseason contenders seeking additional scoring punch and could fetch a significant return for the Predators.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Steve Macfarlane cites Flames assistant general manager Craig Conroy yesterday telling Sportsnet 960 saying a contract extension for Johnny Gaudreau is “a done deal”. The 28-year-old left winger is a UFA this summer and leads the Flames with 64 points in 49 games.

“That’s a done deal. We’re going to get that done. We’ll get that done,” said Conroy. He added he doesn’t know when that will happen, adding he has to talk with Gaudreau’s agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Macfarlane observed, Conroy’s remark was off-the-cuff and doesn’t appear to be confirmation that a deal has indeed been negotiated for Gaudreau. The winger and Flames GM Brad Treliving both said they wouldn’t discuss the contract talks with the media.

Prior to this season, Gaudreau frequently indicated his willingness to remain with the Flames. Doing so, however, will be expensive. His current annual average value is $6.75 million. On pace to exceed 100 points this season, he could command between $9 million and $10 million on a seven- or eight-year extension.

Cap Friendly indicates the Flames have $54.45 million invested in 12 players for next season. They must also re-sign Matthew Tkachuk, Andrew Mangiapane and Oliver Kylington. Tkachuk could also be in line for over $9 million annually. They’ll have to shed some salary in the offseason to accommodate those signings.

SPORTSNET: Appearing on The Jeff Marek Show (stick tap to NHL Watcher), Elliotte Friedman believes the Dallas Stars will attempt to sign Joe Pavelski to a contract extension. The 37-year-old forward is a UFA this summer.

Friedman said Pavelski is receptive to staying in Dallas. He plays alongside young forwards Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, who are a key part of the Stars’ future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depending on Pavelski’s asking price and what the Stars do with John Klingberg, I can see him spending another two seasons in Dallas. He’s still an effective and productive player whose leadership is valued by the Stars.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS, PENGUINS AND COYOTES

WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Sammi Silber wondered if the Capitals could have Montreal Canadiens forward Artturi Lehkonen on their radar. She cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently reporting the Capitals seek a “jack of all trades” forward to take pressure off young forwards such as Connor McMichael, suggesting the Canadiens forward as an option.

Silber also noted an RDS report last week claiming the Canadiens had an interest in Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Moving him, however, would leave the Caps seeking an experienced netminder who can play with consistency.

TSN: Chris Johnston (stick tap to NHL Watcher) reports Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot is someone the Toronto Maple Leafs have made at least some calls to Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chiarot is expected to be the next player traded by the Canadiens because of his UFA status. With the Leafs allowed to exceed the salary cap by roughly the equivalent of Jake Muzzin’s $5.625 million cap hit when the blueliner was placed on LTIR, that gives them the wiggle room to acquire someone like the Habs blueliner.

Lehkonen is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who’s also a year away from UFA eligibility. The Canadiens could ship him out before the March 21 trade deadline if the two sides fail to agree on a long-term extension.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Mike DeFabo examined the Penguins’ roster needs and the possible trade targets and assets they could move.

The Penguins could use a reliable backup goaltender. Possible rental goalies could include Vancouver’s Jaroslav Halak, Dallas’ Braden Holtby, Detroit’s Thomas Greiss and Columbus’ Joonas Korpisalo.

DeFabo also feels they could use a bigger, stronger body on defense, suggesting Philadelphia’s Justin Braun or Detroit’s Marc Staal as trade options. Given the Penguins’ limited trade assets and cap space, he doesn’t see them pursuing big-ticket blueliners like Dallas’ John Klingberg, Anaheim’s Hampus Lindholm or Seattle’s Mark Giordano. He also suggested the Ducks’ Rickard Rakell as a trade target to add a big-bodied scoring forward.

Trade assets could include wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Jason Zucker. Their production with the Penguins has been mixed. DeFabo suggested trying to move expensive left-handed defensemen Mike Matheson and Marcus Pettersson. They could also attempt to move Pierre-Oliver Joseph.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes the Penguins could use some help among their middle-six forwards. His suggested trade targets include Columbus’ Max Domi, Philadelphia’s James van Riemsdyk, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser, Montreal’s Artturi Lehkonen and Seattle’s Jared McCann.

Of these, Kingerski believes former Penguin McCann to be the most likely candidate. If not for the Seattle expansion draft last summer, he’d still be in Pittsburgh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker’s on LTIR and even if he returns before the trade deadline I doubt he’ll draw much interest if he’s put on the trade block. His declining production makes him a tough sell.

Kapanen could be enticing but his inconsistency hurts his trade value. Joseph could be a worthwhile trade chip but they’ll probably have to package him with a decent draft pick to get a quality return.

The contracts of Matheson and Pettersson could be difficult to move this season. Those moves would probably have to be made in the offseason. Even then, they won’t be easy to move because of the length of those deals. Both earn over $4 million annually but Matheson has four years left on his deal while Pettersson has three.

Forget about seeing van Riemsdyk or Boeser suiting up for the Penguins. However, I think McCann, Lehkonen or Domi are doable, though the Blue Jackets would have to retain a healthy chunk of the remainder of Domi’s $5.3 million cap hit.

I also wouldn’t rule out the Penguins pursuing an affordable and experienced backup goalie. Landing former Capital Holtby would certainly be intriguing but I don’t think the Stars will part with him. Greiss or Korpisalo could be more likely options.