NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – February 24, 2020

by | Feb 24, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – February 24, 2020

The NHL 2020 Trade Deadline is today at 3 pm ET. Here’s the latest on Chris Kreider, Joe Thornton, Tyson Barrie, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and more in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be evaluating today’s notable deals in the Soapbox following the deadline. While we’re waiting for today’s activities, check out TSN’s updated Trade Bait list.

UPDATE ON KREIDER

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports it appears the New York Rangers will move Chris Kreider before today’s deadline as contract talks reached an impasse. The Rangers offered a six-year extension worth just under $7 million annually, but the Kreider camp seeks a seven-year term.

The Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights could have an interest in Kreider. The New York Islanders may have also checked in, but Brooks feels they have no chance of landing Kreider.

The New York Rangers are expected to move winger Chris Kreider before today’s 3 pm ET trade deadline (Photo via NHL Images).

The Blueshirts could also entertain offers for Marc Staal and Brady Skjei. Brett Cyrgalis believes Jesper Fast could garner the Rangers a second- or third-round pick.

TSN (via Forever Blueshirts): Darren Dreger last night reported the Rangers have an offer of a first-round pick on the table. The expectation is they could get a first-round pick and a prospect or a first and an NHL player.

**UPDATE** The Rangers announce they’ve re-signed Kreider to a seven-year extension worth an annual average value of $6.5 million. 

INTEREST REMAINS IN THORNTON

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports there’s still no confirmation San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton will waive his no-movement clause. Four clubs (Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning) are thought to be on his shortlist of trade destinations. It’s believed Sharks general manager Doug Wilson has been granted permission to at least explore what he could get from those clubs.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Erik Gustafsson will almost certainly be traded today after the Blackhawks left the defenseman in Chicago as they departed on their current road trip. Other Blackhawks trade candidates could include goaltender Robin Lehner or winger Brandon Saad. Trade partners could include the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report the Hurricanes aren’t willing to part with one of their two first-round picks in this year’s draft for Lehner. Two team sources claim three or four clubs could be interested in Gustafsson. The Golden Knights were thought to be among them, but that no longer seems to be the case. If Lehner isn’t moved today, contract talks with Hawks management could resume.

SENATORS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN PAGEAU

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are still believed trying to re-sign Jean-Gabriel Pageau to a contract extension before today’s trade deadline. While they’ve listened to trade offers, other clubs realize the Sens wish to keep him. Meanwhile, forward Vladislav Namestnikov and Tyler Ennis were recent healthy scratches as there’s interest in both players from other teams.

What happens with the Rangers’ Chris Kreider could determine the fates of Pageau, Namestnikov, and Ennis. The Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames are all seeking forward depth.

BARRIE STILL LINKED TO THE CANUCKS

TSN’s Rick Dhaliwal reported yesterday talks were ongoing between the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs regarding Leafs blueliner Tyson Barrie.

WILL THE WINGS MOVE ATHANASIOU?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings held Andreas Athanasiou and Mike Green out of yesterday’s game against the Calgary Flames. With Green subsequently traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Athanasiou could be next.

The Oilers are rumored as a potential destination for Athanasiou. The Wings are trying to stock up on draft picks, prospects, and young players.

DUCKS SHOPPING GRANT?

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Elliott Teaford reports the Anaheim Ducks held Derek Grant out of the lineup in last night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks as a precautionary measure. It’s a clear sign Ducks GM Bob Murray has at least one offer for the 29-year-old center.










Kovalchuk To The Capitals, Bogosian Signs With Lightning

by | Feb 23, 2020

Kovalchuk To The Capitals, Bogosian Signs With Lightning

The Montreal Canadiens traded left wing Ilya Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2020 third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Less than two months after signing a one-year, $700K contract with the Canadiens following his contract termination with the LA Kings, Kovalchuk is on the move again. Owing to the Capitals’ limited salary-cap space, the Canadiens retained half of the 36-year-old winger’s cap hit.

The Montreal Canadiens trade Ilya Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals (Photo via NHL Images).

Kovalchuk was considered washed-up following his unsuccessful tenure with the Kings but resurrected his career in Montreal. After netting nine points in 17 games in Los Angeles, he tallied 13 points in 22 games with the Habs.

His production had tailed off recently, but perhaps joining a deeper club like the Capitals will bring it back to life. The move also provides Kovalchuk with an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup.

 This move gives the Canadiens two picks in the third round of this year’s draft. They have 11 picks through the first five rounds.

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free-agent Zach Bogosian to a one-year, $1.3-million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bogosian became a free agent when the Buffalo Sabres yesterday terminated his contract. The 29-year-old defenseman struggled through injuries during his tenure with the Sabres. Earlier this season, he requested a trade and was a frequent healthy scratch.

The reason the Lightning made this move is likely tied to blueliner Erik Cernak suffering an injury in last night’s loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Bogosian could be an affordable fill-in for Cernak if he’s out for a long period.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part Two) – February 23, 2020

by | Feb 23, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part Two) – February 23, 2020

Twas the evening before the NHL trade deadline…Check out the latest on the Hurricanes, Rangers, Red Wings, and Oilers in the rumor mill.

HURRICANES PURSUING A DEFENSEMAN

TSN: Frank Seravalli reports the Carolina Hurricanes were shopping around for a defenseman to replace the sidelined Dougie Hamilton. With Brett Pesce getting injured against Toronto last night and potentially out long-term, their priority is adding to their blueline. They’ve been linked to New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen and Toronto’s Tyson Barrie, among others. The Canes have an additional first-round pick in this year’s draft, though team owner Tom Dundon isn’t keen on shopping futures for rental players. Given their needs, it’s difficult to imagine them hanging onto both first-rounders.

Could the Carolina Hurricanes make a pitch for Toronto’s Tyson Barrie? (Photo via NHL Images)

Seravalli adds the Hurricanes are also willing to shop pending UFA forward Erik Haula. Pierre LeBrun reports they’re hoping UFA defenseman Zach Bogosian chooses to sign with them. Darren Dreger yesterday reported Pittsburgh and Arizona were also among those interested in Bogosian. Toronto, Calgary, San Jose, and Boston are also among the tire-kickers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps the Hurricanes will part with one of their first-round picks if they can get a defenseman with term remaining on his contract. Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin or Matt Dumba frequently surfaced in trade chatter earlier this month, though that speculation cooled as the Wild try to remain in the playoff chase. Philadelphia’s Shayne Gostisbehere was another topic of trade rumors, but he’s not worth a first-rounder. Montreal’s Jeff Petry has also been linked to the Canes, but it’s believed the Canadiens set a high asking price. Could a first-round pick tempt them?

The Hurricanes were also in the market for some goaltending depth before Saturday’s game. While James Reimer could be sidelined for a lengthy period, there’s no word as to how long Petr Mrazek could be out. GM Don Waddell is prepared to call up AHL goaltenders Alex Nedeljkovic and Anton Forsberg for the time being.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canes were linked to Chicago’s Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. Given the latter’s full no-movement clause, Lehner seems the most likely trade candidate. Whether he heads to Carolina before tomorrow’s deadline or somewhere else remains to be seen.

UPDATE ON KREIDER

TSN: Darren Dreger tweets hope is fading for a new contract between the New York Rangers and winger Chris Kreider. If there isn’t a shift in negotiations soon, he’ll remain the top player on TSN’s trade bait board for tomorrow’s deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider’s been linked to the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. The most likely contenders could be the Avs and Stars. 

The Bruins’ acquisition of Ondrej Kase on Friday probably takes them out of the bidding. I’ll be very surprised if the Rangers ship Kreider to the Isles, while I’m not sure the Penguins have the assets to swing it. The Blues, meanwhile, could wait for winger Vladimir Tarasenko’s return from shoulder surgery in March. 

WINGS SEEKING DRAFT PICKS

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains in the market for draft picks as the trade deadline approaches. He hoped to move pending UFAs such as Mike Green, Jimmy Howard, Trevor Daley, and Jonathan Ericsson, but their struggles in this disastrous season hurt their trade value. Their best trade chip could be Andreas Athanasiou, but the decline in his performance this season means the Wings will be selling low.

 

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2020

by | Feb 23, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2020

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on Monday, Feb. 24. Check out the latest on Joe Thornton, Tyson Barrie, Chris Kreider, Robin Lehner, and many more in the Sunday rumor roundup.

UPDATE ON JOE THORNTON

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Joe Thornton admits it would be tempting to accept a trade to a Stanley Cup contender. The long-time Sharks center has a full no-movement clause. Thornton said he doesn’t feel that this is his final NHL season. He also acknowledged the possibility of getting traded to another club and returning to the Sharks in the summer.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW (stick tap to Shawn Lamba for the link): Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins are apparently on Thornton’s shortlist of destinations.

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton admits it’s tempting to accept a trade to a Cup contender (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Jumbo Joe will accept an opportunity to join a Stanley Cup contender. Just because the Avs, Bruins, Bolts, Stars, and Pens are supposedly on his shortlist doesn’t mean any of them will make a pitch.

It could also come down to what’s being offered for Thornton. He’s one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history and remains well-respected around the league, but the 40-year-old is also well past his prime.

BARRIE LINKED TO THE FLAMES, CANUCKS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights are among the clubs looking to potentially acquire Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie. If Barrie is traded, Elliotte Friedman said they won’t do it unless somebody can tide them over until Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci return sometime in March. They’d also want some futures, either for themselves or to use elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After that embarrassing loss to the Hurricanes last night, I’m not sure if the Leafs can get a suitable return to make a Barrie trade worthwhile. They’ll either want an established defenseman or future assets that can be flipped to another club to bring in that type of blueliner. It’s not as though Barrie’s performance this season warrants that type of return. We’ll see.

HURRICANES MONITORING LEHNER OR CRAWFORD

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the Carolina Hurricanes were already in the market for goaltenders before James Reimer and Petr Mrazek getting sidelined in last night’s game against Toronto. They were eyeing Chicago Blackhawks netminders Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. Depending on the extent of the injuries to Riemer and Mrazek, they could increase their efforts to land a goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Mrazek and Reimer are seriously hurt, the Hurricanes could be forced to overpay for a replacement goalie. You can bet the Blackhawks will try to take advantage of the situation if the Canes come calling.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry has garnered plenty of recent attention leading up to Monday’s trade deadline. However, Friedman expects Petry will remain with the Habs because they’ve set a big asking price.

TVA SPORTS: Louis Jean reports the Colorado Avalanche could have interest in Ilya Kovalchuk. The winger’s agent said contract talks with the Canadiens would continue Sunday. If his client isn’t traded, perhaps an agreement on a one-year contract extension could be quickly reached.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin could surprise us by tomorrow. Maybe he finds a suitable offer for Petry. Maybe he opts to keep Kovalchuk if there’s insufficient interest in the veteran winger. Maybe he’ll trade Max Domi for another young forward. Maybe he only moves depth players like pending UFA Nate Thompson. Or maybe he’ll do nothing at all.

ISLANDERS ARE BUYERS, BLACKHAWKS AND DEVILS SELLERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Islanders had an interest in Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu, but he announced yesterday he’s staying put. The Isles are also believed interested in Rangers winger Chris Kreider. While the Rangers have moved back into the playoff chase, Friedman doesn’t think that means they’ll hang onto Kreider. If they can’t re-sign him, they’ll likely move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One way or another, we’ll have an end to the Kreider trade chatter by 3 pm ET tomorrow.

There’s lots of interest in New Jersey Devils wingers Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Palmieri, though it’ll take a significant offer to acquire the latter. Pending UFA defenseman Sami Vatanen remains sidelined with a bruised leg, but Friedman feels a team that needs offense from the blueline could come calling.

Chris Johnston believes the Chicago Blackhawks will be among the big sellers. They could attempt to move Robin Lehner or Corey Crawford. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson was left back in Chicago as the Hawks left on a road trip today. Gustafsson has been linked to the Vegas Golden Knights, but Johnston believes he’ll be heading somewhere else. He also believes winger Brandon Saad could be had for the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That “right price” for Saad? Maybe a good young forward with an affordable cap hit. Perhaps a first-round pick, or a second and a top prospect. Some of you might scoff at those proposals, but given what we’ve seen in recent deals, my suggestions aren’t far-fetched.

NO BIG DEADLINE MOVES FOR THE JACKETS?

THE ATHLETIC: A year after the Columbus Blue Jackets were major buyers at the trade deadline, Aaron Portzline expects they’ll be quiet this time around. The club is ravaged by injuries, leaving little depth to draw upon for trade bait. Winger Josh Anderson has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill, but there’s uncertainty over when he’ll return from shoulder surgery. GM Jarmo Kekalainen won’t trade his first-round pick this year. They also lack second- and third-round picks this year.

COULD THE AVALANCHE MOST TYSON JOST?

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston believes the Colorado Avalanche are looking to acquire a goaltender or some help up front. He feels young Avs center Tyson Jost could be moved on Monday.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2020

by | Feb 22, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 22, 2020

The NHL trade deadline is 3 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 24. Check out the latest on the Leafs, Bruins, Devils, and Penguins in today’s rumor mill.

WHAT WILL THE LEAFS DO TO BOOST THEIR BLUELINE?

TSN: Frank Seravalli believes the Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about defenseman Tyson Barrie.

Four teams reportedly have interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie (Photo via NHL Images).

The Flames may have proposed a straight-up swap of pending UFAs, with Barrie going to Calgary for T.J. Brodie. The Golden Knights have extra salary cap space after trading Cody Eakin’s $3.8 million to Winnipeg yesterday, which could be put toward re-signing Barrie if they acquire him. The Hurricanes view Barrie as a rental player. They hold the Leafs’ first-round pick in 2020 from last summer’s Patrick Marleau buyout trade.

The Leafs could try to do a one-for-one trade by dealing Barrie for another defenseman or swap him for assets that can be flipped to another club to land an established blueliner.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran weighs in on the Maple Leafs need to add a defenseman before the upcoming trade deadline. Possible targets include the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin, the New York Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo, the Montreal Canadiens’ Jeff Petry, the Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen, and the Chicago Blackhawks’ Erik Gustafsson.

McGran also examined the Leafs’ potential trade bait. He suggested sidelined winger Andreas Johnsson could be enticing to non-contenders. Other options include Tyson Barrie and rookie blueliner Timothy Liljegren.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Leafs clinging to one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, general manager Kyle Dubas is under tremendous pressure to find some blueline depth before deadline day. They have over $9.8 million in projected salary-cap space with Johnsson, Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci on long-term injury reserve. The latter two could return before season’s end, meaning Dubas must ensure he’s got sufficient cap space when they do.

Just because some teams have interest in Barrie doesn’t mean he’s going to one of them. The Athletic’s Harman Dayal believes Barrie would be an awkward fit on the Canucks’ blueline, pointing out they already have a skilled puck-moving rearguard in Quinn Hughes. The Golden Knights acquired Alec Martinez earlier this week, and might not have the assets the Leafs need to flip to another club for a defenseman. The same could be said for the Flames if a Barrie-for-Brodie swap falls through. The Hurricanes supposedly don’t want to part with picks or prospects for rental players.

As for those suggested trade targets for the Leafs, Gustafsson could be the easiest to acquire. It’ll take a first-line center or a second-line center and more to acquire Dumba. Brodin might be more affordable, but there’s no certainty the Wild wants to move him right now.

The Habs are reportedly keen to retain Petry. With the Rangers surging toward playoff contention, they could hang onto DeAngelo. The Sabres’ asking price for Ristolainen is a top-six forward, preferably a second-line center, which the Leafs can’t spare right now. 

ARE THE BRUINS DONE DEALING?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty wonders if Bruins GM Don Sweeney could have another move planned after acquiring Ondrej Kase yesterday from the Anaheim Ducks. Having shed 75 percent of winger David Backes’ annual average value in the deal frees up nearly $2 million, which could be put toward another move before the trade deadline. Sending their first-round pick to the Ducks could take them out of the bidding for the New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider or the New Jersey Devils’ Kyle Palmieri.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Following the Kase acquisition, Matt Porter reported Sweeney said he’ll continue looking for improvements to his roster.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites a well-connected source claiming the Bruins could be considering San Jose Sharks center (and former Bruin) Joe Thornton. The Bruins, however, aren’t the only club with interest in the 40-year-old Thornton. He’s been linked to the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Murphy also tweeted the Bruins might not be done pursuing a winger, with Danton Heinen and John Moore as possible trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kase could be the only significant move Sweeney makes before the deadline, but we can’t rule out the possibility of him swinging another deal. I doubt it’ll be for Thornton. While that would make a great story, the Bruins are already deep at center with Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Charlie Coyle, though they could shift the latter to the wing and plug Thornton into the third-line role. I also think they’re out of the Kreider and Palmieri sweepstakes.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS AND PENGUINS

NORTHJERSEY.COM: Abbey Mastracco reports New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri remains unconcerned about the trade rumors swirling around him. He’s been linked to the Bruins, but their acquisition yesterday of Ondrej Kase could take them off the board. The Calgary Flames have also come up as a destination. It’s unclear if Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is actively shopping Palmieri or merely listening to offers.

NJ.COM: Chris Ryan lists the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Calgary Flames as the most logical trade destinations for Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vatanen’s been largely overlooked given all the trade buzz about Palmieri and the Devils’ trade activity earlier this week. We can’t rule out the possibility that he’ll land with one of those clubs listed by Ryan.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Seth Rorabaugh reports Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford would like to add another depth forward and is also taking a wait-and-see approach regarding his defense corps. The status of sidelined rearguards Brian Dumoulin and John Marino will determine if he pursues another blueliner. He’s open to adding a winger or a center.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports the Penguins are rumored to be looking at a fourth-line center to improve their faceoff win percentage. They’re also said to have some interest in New Jersey Devils winger Wayne Simmonds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford is perhaps the NHL’s ablest GM when it comes to swinging in-season trades. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tinkers a little more before the deadline.

While adding grit for the playoffs is never a bad idea, the Penguins remain built for speed. I’m not sure Simmonds would be a good fit. He’s slowed considerably over the last couple of seasons.










Bruins Ship Backes to Ducks for Kase

by | Feb 21, 2020

Bruins Ship Backes to Ducks for Kase

The Boston Bruins traded winger David Backes, prospect defenseman Axel Andersson, and a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft to the Anaheim Ducks for winger Ondrej Kase.

The Boston Bruins acquire winger Ondrej Kase from the Anaheim Ducks (Photo via NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With this move, the Bruins shed the contract of a fading veteran winger for a younger, more affordable option, albeit one with an injury history of his own. Backes is signed through 2020-21. The Bruins also retained 25 percent of his $6-million annual average value. 

At first glance, this seems to be an overpayment on the Bruins’ part. Kase, 24, is a talented right winger, having scored 20 goals in 2017-18. However, he’s been hampered by frequent injuries during his four-year NHL career, at times sidelining him for lengthy periods.

However, it was necessary to shed the bulk of Backes’ salary. The 35-year-old winger’s performance has steadily eroded over the past four years as age and the wear-and-tear of his physical style caught up with him. His contract had become burdensome for the Bruins. 

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was in the market for a top-six winger for David Krejci’s line. He was reportedly interested in New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider or New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri. Those clubs, however, probably weren’t keen to take on Backes as part of the deal. Kase could fill that second-line winger role, though some think Sweeney might not be done dealing.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray was willing to use his salary-cap space to take an expensive veteran off the hands of a contender, provided they also included one or two other assets in return. While it remains to be seen if Backes has a role with the Ducks over the remainder of his contract, acquiring a first-round pick and a quality defensive prospect provides invaluable pieces to put toward rebuilding their roster.