NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2020

by | Mar 12, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2020

Could Islanders center Mathew Barzal receive an offer sheet this summer? Can the Isles afford to pursue a big-ticket UFA like Taylor Hall? Could the Rangers find it costly to re-sign Tony DeAngelo? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST ISLANDERS SPECULATION

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spoke about the possibility of New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal receiving an offer sheet this summer. He pointed to the Montreal Canadiens’ attempt to sign Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho last summer. He also believes there were some considered for Mitch Marner, but he decided to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and that the Arizona Coyotes would’ve attempted to offer-sheet Auston Matthews had he not re-signed with the Leafs by July 1 last year.

Could New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal become an offer-sheet target this summer? (Photo via NHL Images)

Friedman believes we’ll see more offer sheets in the future. Barzal could be a target if he’s unsigned by July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barzal is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacking arbitration rights. The threat of an offer sheet could provide his representatives with significant leverage to secure a lucrative raise on his next deal. The Isles, however, have over $71.3 million invested in 18 players, leaving little wiggle room to ink Barzal to a big raise and address their other roster needs.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple believes the Islanders must find a top-six scoring winger, but it won’t be easy. General manager Lou Lamoriello will be courting a salary-cap disaster if he revisits his attempt to acquire Minnesota Wild winger Zach Parise this summer. If he attempts to sign Arizona Coyotes winger Taylor Hall via the free-agent market, he’ll have to cut payroll to make room for his $8-$9 million annual average value. That could mean attempting to move out defenseman Nick Leddy or winger Leo Komarov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever the league does to address ongoing coronavirus concerns this season will also affect the Isles salary cap (and those of every other NHL club) for 2020-21. The recent projection of a cap between $84 million and $88 million seems optimistic now.

Assuming the cap reaches $84 million, the Isles will only have around $12 million available, with most of that to be taken up re-sign Barzal and defensemen Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews. Pursuing Parise or Hall could become more complicated. Slashing payroll to add a scoring winger could create more holes elsewhere in the lineup.

RE-SIGN DEANGELO COULD GET EXPENSIVE FOR THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks recently mused over the potential cost for the New York Rangers to re-sign Tony DeAngelo if it goes to arbitration this summer. The 24-year-old defenseman has 53 points on the season. “What do you think each point might be worth now in an arbitrator’s straight calculation — $100,000, maybe?”, asked Brooks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: By that calculation, it would cost the Rangers $5.3 million annually to re-sign DeAngelo. He didn’t have arbitration rights last summer and was forced to accept the Rangers one-year, $925K contract. It’ll be a different story this summer.

With over $67 million committed to 15 players, the Rangers have the cap space to re-sign DeAngelo to a substantial raise. Nevertheless, it could make it difficult to re-sign or replace their other RFAs, such as Ryan Strome, Brendan Lemieux, and Alexandar Georgiev, who also have arbitration rights.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2020

by | Mar 11, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2020

Were the Coyotes planning to sign Auston Matthews to an offer sheet last summer? Should the Canadiens target Corey Crawford or Anthony Mantha this summer? Check out the details in today’s NHL rumor mill.

FRIEDMAN BELIEVES COYOTES INTENDED TO SIGN MATTHEWS TO AN OFFER SHEET

ARIZONA SPORTS: Matt Layman cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman telling the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast his belief that the Arizona Coyotes intended to sign Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs to an offer sheet last summer. Friedman claimed Leafs management believed the Coyotes would’ve offer-sheeted Matthews to a maximum seven-year deal if he hadn’t re-signed by July 1. Matthews agreed to a five-year, $58.170-million contract with the Leafs last February.

Were the Arizona Coyotes planning to sign Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews to an offer sheet last summer? (Photo via NHL Images)

“And I’ve looked at it, and people around the league have told me they believe that to be the case,” said Friedman. “Nobody has said to me that’s false. I think the Leafs believed it, I think the Coyotes were going to do it and I think the league knew it. So the attitude is moving.” 

Matthews was raised in Arizona and developed his love of hockey following the Coyotes. Layman noted getting Matthews wasn’t meant to be for the Coyotes, “at least for now”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews isn’t going anywhere in the short term. However, Friedman’s remarks could plant a seed of doubt over his long-term future in Toronto that becomes a nagging issue over the final two years of his current contract. 

Matthews also lacks no-trade protection until the final season of his deal. Matthews makes his off-season home in Arizona, which could spark speculation that he’d welcome a trade there if things go sour with the Leafs.

COULD THE CANADIENS PURSUE CRAWFORD OR MANTHA?

TVA SPORTS: Felix Seguin suggests Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford could make an excellent backup for the Montreal Canadiens if he hits the open market this summer. While Crawford’s best seasons are behind him, he can still deliver excellent performances. A Montreal native, Crawford has always played well against the hometown Canadiens. He would also be reunited with goalie coach Stephane Waite.

Seguin acknowledged several issues must be addressed, such as whether Crawford wants to stay in Chicago, if he’s willing to accept a backup role, and the term and dollars he’d want on his next contract. Nevertheless, his skills and experience would make him a fine backup for Carey Price, while allowing time for the development of promising Cayden Primeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $63 million invested in 16 players, the Canadiens could have over $21 million available if the cap rises to $84 million in 2020-21. That would allow sufficient space to re-sign Max Domi and Victor Mete while leaving enough to sign a UFA like Crawford. However, I think the Blackhawks will make re-signing him a priority, especially after parting ways with Robin Lehner at the trade deadline. Crawford could also be unwilling to play second fiddle to anyone.

TVA SPORTS: wondered if Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin would consider signing Detroit Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha to an offer sheet this summer. A Longueuil native, Mantha will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Bergevin signed Sebastian Aho last summer to an offer sheet, which was quickly matched by the Carolina Hurricanes. In a recent interview, he didn’t rule out going the offer-sheet route again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’5″, 235-pound Mantha possesses terrific offensive skils and skates well for a big player. Unfortunately, he’s been frequently sidelined by injuries throughout his NHL career. Bergevin could find better offer-sheet targets, such as the New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal or Columbus’ Pierre-Luc Dubois.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 10, 2020

by | Mar 10, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 10, 2020

Can the Canucks afford to re-sign Tyler Toffoli? Who are potential off-season free-agent targets for the Sabres? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

CAN THE CANUCKS AFFORD TOFFOLI?

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reported Tyler Toffoli has fit in well with the Vancouver Canucks, though his presence hasn’t translated into wins for the slumping club. The Canucks acquired Toffoli leading up to the Feb. 24 trade deadline, but he could be difficult to re-sign. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Can the Vancouver Canucks afford to re-sign Tyler Toffoli? (Photo via NHL Images)

Canucks general manager Jim Benning said he’d explore re-signing Toffoli after this season. MacIntyre observed the Canucks must also re-sign pending UFA goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Defenseman Chris Tanev is also a UFA this summer. MacIntyre wondered if terminating winger Loui Eriksson‘s contract this summer might be a way to free up sufficient cap room to retain Toffoli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli has eight points in nine games with the Canucks. The absence of Markstrom as he recovers from a knee injury is largely to blame for the Canucks’ recent slump.

I don’t doubt Benning wants to keep Toffoli, bu it could cost over $6 million annually. Mutual contract termination for Eriksson ($6 million annual average value) would certainly address that problem, provided he agrees to it.

Trading Eriksson to a budget club in need of reaching the salary-cap minimum is another option. He gets a $3 million signing bonus on July 1, after which he gets $5 million in actual salary over the remaining two years of his contract.

POSSIBLE FREE-AGENT TARGETS FOR THE SABRES

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Yerdon recently examined several potential free-agent targets for the Buffalo Sabres to bolster their offense this summer. Should the salary cap reach $84 million, they’ll have around $21.5 million to spend. Right-wingers could include Florida’s Mike Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov and Vancouver’s Tyler Toffoli, Taylor Hall and Carl Soderberg are among the noteworthy left-wingers, while centers include Derek Grant and Erik Haula.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have to be careful. While there’s an obvious need to boost their scoring, they must avoid overspending to address their needs. Their biggest need is at center, but this summer’s free-agent market is thin at that position. That could require going through the trade market. 

Pursuing Toffoli would be their best bet, provided he doesn’t re-sign with the Canucks. Hall would be a tempting prize, but they’ve already got Jeff Skinner and Victor Olofsson on the left side, and they’ve invested heavily ($9 million annually) in Skinner. Hall might prefer joining an established playoff contender, though the opportunity to play alongside Jack Eichel could be tempting. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2020

by | Mar 9, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2020

Could a higher salary cap help the Blues re-sign Alex Pietrangelo and the Bruins re-up Torey Krug? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford was asked if the projected rise of the salary cap to between $84 million to $88.2 million could help the St. Louis Blues re-sign captain Alex Pietrangelo. The 30-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He cautions that it could reach the lower projection, pointing out this season’s cap was supposed to reach $83 million but came in at $81.5 million.

Can the St. Louis Blues afford to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo this summer? (Photo via NHL Images)

Should the cap rise to $84 million, Rutherford believes the Blues will attempt to offer Pietrangelo between $8.5 – $9 million annually. He feels there are probably only a few clubs that can afford to pay him $10 million annually. Rutherford doesn’t know if Pietrangelo would accept a little less than that from the Blues. If Pietrangelo walks, Rutherford doubts the Blues will attempt to replace him via the UFA market, preferring instead to promote Colton Parayko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Blues have over $73.7 million invested in 17 players. Assuming the cap climbs to $84 million, they’ll only have around $10 million in cap space. Re-signing Pietrangelo will take up almost all of it. They could be forced to make a cost-cutting move or two to keep Pietrangelo and fill out the rest of the roster.

I’ve seen speculation suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could pursue Pietrangelo if he hits the open market. With almost $77 million committed to 15 players, they have less cap space than the Blues. Unless they dump salary, don’t expect to see Pietrangelo in a Leafs jersey next season.

BOSTON GLOBE: Matt Porter believes the projected increase in the salary cap could aid the Bruins in re-signing Torey Krug. Like Pietrangelo, the 28-year-old Bruins defenseman is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Should the cap reach the low end, Porter indicates it’ll leave the Bruins $22 million to re-sign Krug, Zdeno Chara, Jaroslav Halak, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, Anders Bjork and Karson Kuhlman.

The Bruins love Krug and want to keep him, but it’s unclear if they’ll pay him more than $7 million annually. Porter wonders if another team, like the Detroit Red Wings, offers Krug $8 million per season. The Bruins have the advantage of offering up to eight years, which would lower the annual average value slightly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug suggested last fall he was interested in a hometown discount, but he didn’t indicate how much that would be. There’s a belief the Bruins won’t offer him more than first-line stars Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, who each earn annual average values below $7 million. But as Porter points out, Charlie McAvoy’s actual salary in the final season of his current contract rises to $7.3 million (2021-22). Perhaps the Krug camp points to that as their annual salary number.

If the Bruins fail to re-sign Krug, he won’t lack for suitors. His hometown Red Wings could come calling, as could the Montreal Canadiens.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2020

by | Mar 8, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2020

Updates on the Islanders, Rangers, and Senators in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

COULD THE ISLANDERS PURSUE HALL THIS SUMMER?

NEWSDAY: Arthur Gross wonders what could be in store this summer for the New York Islanders if they miss the 2020 postseason. He feels it would be a wasted opportunity following a strong start to this season, as well as a step back after advancing to the second round last year. He also notes they gave up draft picks (including a conditional first in 2020) for Jean-Gabriel Pageau at the trade deadline.

Could the New York Islanders pursue Taylor Hall this summer? (Photo via NHL Images)

Gross believes the Islanders need more pop in their offense. He points out general manager Lou Lamoriello attempted to sign Artemi Panarin last summer before he joined the Rangers. Gross wonders if Arizona Coyotes winger Taylor Hall might fit the bill if he tests this summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landing a scoring winger for Mathew Barzal’s line should be a priority this summer for the Islanders. With over $71 million invested in 18 players and restricted free agents like Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews due to big raises, the Isles lack the cap space to pursue a big-ticket UFA even if the cap rises to $88 million. Unless Lamoriello slashes payroll to make room for someone like Hall, he’ll have to go the trade route to bolster his scoring.

A QUIET OFF-SEASON FOR THE RANGERS?

LOHUD.COM/USA TODAY: In a recent mailbag segment, Vincent Mercogliano said he didn’t expect the New York Rangers to be major players in this summer’s UFA market. He reminded his readers the Rangers signed Artermi Panarin, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider to expensive contracts since last summer.

If the salary cap rises as projected to between $84 million and $88 million, the Rangers will have between $17-$22 million in cap space. However, Mercoglian anticipates re-signing free agents like Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Strome, Brendan Lemieux, Alexandar Georgiev, and Jesper Fast will quickly use up most of it. They could move some of them to create more cap room, but this summer’s UFA market doesn’t have talent that would suit the club’s needs. It’s deep on wingers, but the Blueshirts need more depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers made their big splashes last summer with Panarin and Trouba. The focus this year will likely be on re-signing those free agents. Management could shop those whose contract talks could become contentious, but I think the intent is to keep them. Mercogliano speculates they could shop Georgiev, but I think they’ll either attempt to trade or buy out Henrik Lundqvist.

HAINSEY COULD RETURN WITH SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently reported the Senators are open to the idea of bringing back Ron Hainsey for another season. The 38-year-old defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s been Thomas Chabot’s regular defense partner. Head coach D.J. Smith is pleased with Hainsey’s efforts this season, saying he’ll speak with GM Pierre Dorion about bringing him back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not really a free-agent rumor, but something that could be worth watching this summer. Smith noted Hainsey’s been like an on-ice coach for younger blueliners like Chabot. He would be a steadying influence for another season. If Hainsey retires or signs elsewhere, the Sens could turn to this summer’s trade or UFA market for a suitable replacement.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2020

by | Mar 7, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – March 7, 2020

Does Cory Schneider still have a future with the Devils? Could Anthony Mantha’s contract talk with the Red Wings become complicated? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

DOES SCHNEIDER FIT INTO THE DEVILS’ PLANS?

NORTHJERSEY.COM: Abbey Mastracco wonders what the future holds for Cory Schneider. The 33-year-old veteran goaltender spent part of this season in the minors, but he seems to have regained his form since being recalled on Feb. 20. Mastracco believes whoever takes over as the Devils’ full-time general manager during the off-season could face a big decision regarding Schneider. He has two years remaining on his contract worth $6 million annually, which could prove difficult to move.

Could the New Jersey Devils part ways with Cory Schneider? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries have adversely affected Schneider’s play in recent years, resulting in the type of inconsistency that sent him to the minors this season to sort out. He’s played well since his latest recall, but Mastracco points out he also finished well last season only to struggle again in the fall. With Mackenzie Blackwood looking more comfortable in the starter’s job, interim GM Tom Fitzgerald or his replacement could try to trade Schneider or buy out the final two years of his contract.

Schneider has a full no-trade clause so he’ll have to sign off on any attempt to move him. While his $6 million annual salary is difficult to move, the Devils could offer to pick up part of it. A budget-conscious club looking to reach next season’s salary-cap minimum ($65 million?) could have some interest if the Devils include a draft pick or prospect.

With the Devils investing over $55 million in 13 players for 2020-21, Schneider’s cap hit shouldn’t hamper their efforts to re-sign key players and add others during the off-season. The next GM, be it Tom Fitzgerald or someone else, could decide it best to hang onto Schneider and see how things play out.

MANTHA’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE WINGS COULD GET COMPLICATED

THE DETROIT NEWS: Ted Kulfan reports Anthony Mantha expected his contract negotiations with the Red Wings this summer could get complicated. The 25-year-old winger will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. While Mantha’s scoring abilities are obvious, he’s been hampered by frequent injuries, missing 28 games this season to a knee injury and a punctured lung.

Mantha is in line for a significant raise over his current $3.3-million annual average value. However, his injury history could affect what type of deal he gets. Mantha, meanwhile, insists he wants to be in Detroit for the long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha’s situation could be worth watching over the summer. If things get complicated, it could spark some trade speculation.