NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2020

by | Feb 21, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2020

Are the Bruins targeting Brandon Saad? Could the Leafs trade Tyson Barrie? Could the Senators re-sign Jean-Gabriel Pageau? Are the Canadiens eyeing Ryan Graves? All this and much more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

BRUINS EYEING BLACKHAWKS’ SAAD?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty reports New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider and New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri are the two biggest names available for the Boston Bruins if they wish to add a top-six winger. However, the high asking prices for either guy could force them to consider other targets. He cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting Chicago Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad as an option.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe McDonald and Scott Powers cite sources claiming the Bruins are considering making a pitch for Saad. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would have to get creative to pull it off. Powers believes the Blackhawks would want at least a first-round pick as part of the return.

Could the Boston Bruins make a pitch for Chicago Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly seek a first-round pick, a prospect, and something else for Kreider. Landing Palmieri or Saad, who are signed beyond this season, could cost as much or more. Acquiring a quality top-six winger won’t be cheap. If Sweeney is willing to pay the price, it should be for a player with term on his contract, rather than a rental player.

LATEST ON THE LEAFS

TSN: Bob McKenzie reports several teams reached out to the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding Tyson Barrie after several trades involving defensemen went down earlier this week. The Leafs would consider moving Barrie under the right circumstances. Either a club offers a blueliner in a player-for-player swap, or picks and prospects that the Leafs can flip to another club for a right-shot rearguard.

The Vancouver Canucks are among the interested parties. McKenzie said there’s lots of talk out of Vancouver suggesting Troy Stecher could be available, but it remains to be seen if he’d be part of any deal involving the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie hasn’t worked out with the Leafs, but some rival GMs could gamble on him regaining his form away from the harsh Toronto spotlight. The Canucks have over $7 million in projected trade-deadline cap space, giving them room to pick up Barrie’s $2.75-million cap hit.

UPDATES ON THE CANADIENS

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie wondered if Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic might be interested in Canadiens forward Jonathan Drouin, reuniting him with former Halifax Mooseheads linemate Nathan MacKinnon. He suggested Avs young center Tyson Jost could be available.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens are having talks with Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent while weighing trade offers for the 36-year-old winger. A contract extension would be a bonus-laden, one-year deal. It’s also possible he could sign that contract as a UFA with the Canadiens.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW’s Adrian Dater said he’s heard the Canadiens are pursuing Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry. However, a source told LeBrun there’s 95 percent chance the Habs won’t move Petry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sakic needs an affordable, short-term replacement for sidelined winger Mikko Rantanen, not a struggling winger with an expensive long-term deal. Drouin carries a $5.5-million AAV through 2022-23. It’s not surprising the Habs would have interest in Graves, but I think the Avs would be reluctant to part with him.

As for Petry, I think Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin will have to be blown away by an incredible offer. If, say, the Avs offered up Graves in a package offer, that might get it done.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND OILERS

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports it’s no secret Flames GM Brad Treliving wants to add a scoring forward. Those on his radar could include New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri, Florida’s Mike Hoffman, and Vincent Trocheck, Columbus’ Josh Anderson or Montreal’s Max Domi. He could also seek an affordable depth addition on defense, though Gilbertson wonders if he’ll try to pry Matt Dumba away from the Minnesota Wild.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson believes the Oilers limited salary-cap room will hamper their efforts to bolster their roster at the trade deadline. GM Ken Holland said he’s not shopping RFA winger Jesse Puljujarvi and no one’s asking about him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving made a failed attempt to acquire Jason Zucker from the Minnesota Wild at last year’s deadline. With just over $2.33 million in projected deadline cap room, he could be stuck in the bargain bin unless he parts with a quality player in a dollar-for-dollar swap.

Holland’s Oilers are up against the cap, leaving him no wiggle room. If he makes a move, it’ll be dollar-in, dollar-out.

SENATORS TALK CONTRACT WITH PAGEAU, COULD SHOP NAMESTNIKOV.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports contract talks have started in recent days between the Ottawa Senators and pending UFA center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The two sides have exchanged numbers, but LeBrun doesn’t know how close they are. The Philadelphia Flyers could be interested if the Sens fail to re-sign Pageau before the Feb. 24 trade deadline, though they won’t part with a first-round pick. The Senators could also hang onto Pageau if they don’t receive any offers to their liking and try again to re-sign him before July 1.

Darren Dreger reports the Senators scratched center Vladislav Namestnikov from last night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. That suggests Namestnikov is close to being traded. GM Pierre Dorion has received offers from the Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Pierre LeBrun, meanwhile, suggests Tyler Ennis could interest a club like the Edmonton Oilers looking for affordable depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Looks like Namestnikov is on his way out, perhaps as soon as today. It’ll be interesting to see if he heads to one of those four clubs or if someone else outbids them.

CANUCKS HAMPERED BY SALARY CAP

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks interest in New Jersey Devils winger Wayne Simmonds has been hampered by their limited salary-cap room. The potential return of winger Brock Boeser by the end of this season complicates efforts to acquire Simmonds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ll have to consider more affordable options to replace sidelined power forward Micheal Ferland. They’re also reportedly in the market for Tyson Barrie, who’d been much more affordable than Simmonds and his $5 million cap hit.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski lists Conor Sheary, Jimmy Vesey, and Zemgus Girgensons as the most likely Sabres to be dealt at the trade deadline. Among the least likely is defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Lysowski feels the acquisition cost could be astronomical, advocating he shouldn’t be moved unless it’s for a top-six forward.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2020

by | Feb 20, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2020

The Jets are reportedly trying to trade Dustin Byfuglien, plus the latest on the Avalanche, Blackhawks, and Flyers in today’s NHL rumor mill.

JETS TRYING TO TRADE BYFUGLIEN

TSN: Frank Seravalli cites sources claiming trade talks involving Dustin Byfuglien have increased in recent days. The big defenseman has been suspended without pay by the Winnipeg Jets since the start of the season. He has yet to resume skating after undergoing ankle surgery in late-October. There’s no guarantee he’ll be traded as his return to action this season remains a long shot.

Winnipeg Jets trying to trade Dustin Byfuglien before the upcoming trade deadline (Photo via NHL Images).

Those close to Byfuglien wonders if he might be rejuvenated by reuniting with his old Chicago coach Joel Quenneville and general manager Dale Tallon with the Florida Panthers. Or perhaps the Minnesota native might consider the Wild an attractive destination. Byfuglien must be on a team’s reserved list by the Feb. 24 trade deadline to be eligible for the post-season.

Byfuglien is signed through 2020-21 with an annual average value of $7.6 million. He had filed a grievance against the Jets with the NHLPA, but Seravalli said that became moot once the blueliner declined to continue the on-ice portion of his rehab in January. The Jets can still terminate Byfuglien’s contract after the trade deadline if unable to move him before then.

THE SCORE: Josh Gold-Smith lists the Panthers, Wild, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible trade destinations for Byfuglien.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is setting a high asking price for Byfuglien. He’ll want to get that cap hit off his books as soon as possible and use the savings to bolster his roster.

As Seravalli points out, if Cheveldayoff can’t find a trade partner, he can still use the cap savings from Byfuglien’s suspension before the trade deadline and terminate his contract afterward without incurring a penalty. Byfuglien was suspended for refusing to report to camp and underwent ankle surgery without consulting team doctors. That’s sufficient grounds for the Jets to terminate his contract.

The Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck suggests Minnesota’s Matt Dumba, Anaheim’s Josh Manson, Ottawa’s Vaclav Namestnikov, and Buffalo’s Conor Sheary as trade options for the Jets, but we don’t know if Cheveldayoff is targeting those players. Namestnikov and Sheary would be more affordable in terms of salary and return than Dumba and Manson. Billeck also suggested New Jersey’s P.K. Subban, but I don’t see that move happening.

LATEST ON THE AVALANCHE

THE ATHLETIC: Ryan S. Clark took note of the presence of Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin at two recent Colorado Avalanche games and the speculation linking the injury-plagued Avs to Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar. Looking at what the Tampa Bay Lightning paid for Blake Coleman and the Vancouver Canucks for Tyler Toffoli, the asking price for Tatar could be costly. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said the recent rash of injuries won’t change the club’s trade-deadline plans, adding he might look for a depth goaltender.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater reports Sakic also indicated there are certain players his club has been eyeing that would be impact players in the dressing room. He also said top prospects Bo Byram, Connor Timmins, Martin Kaut, and Alex Newhook aren’t going anywhere.

Dater believes Sakic seeks a player-for-player deal. He also suggested New York Rangers backup Alexandar Georgiev, Chicago’s Robin Lehner, Anaheim’s Ryan Miller, or Ottawa’s Craig Anderson as goalie trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergevin’s presence in Denver has certainly stoked speculation he and Sakic could be cooking up a deal. If Tatar is available, I’d assume Bergevin would want a good young player as part of the return.

Nikita Zadorov and Ryan Graves have been floated on the internet as trade candidates, but I don’t see Sakic weakening his defense by moving either guy. Tyson Jost also surfaced in the rumor mill, but the 21-year-old forward is seeing fourth-line duty as he struggles to play up to expectations as a former first-round (10th overall) draft pick. Sakic should have an easier time finding a decent backup goalie.

UPDATE ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report the Chicago Blackhawks have set high asking prices (first-round picks, prospects) for potential rentals like goaltender Robin Lehner and defenseman Erik Gustafsson. So far, no one’s biting. Any club interested in Dominik Kubalik, Alex Nylander, Ian Mitchell could find the asking price too overwhelming.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Jesse Granger suggested Gustafsson as a good fit for the Vegas Golden Knights. He believes the Blackhawks blueliner could be had for a reasonable price. That’s assuming the Hawks end up lowering their prices if their rental players haven’t moved when deadline day dawns.

NO PAGEAU FOR THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall doubts the Philadelphia Flyers will be able to acquire center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He doubts the Senators will retain any of Pageau’s salary, and their asking price (first- or second-round pick, plus a prospect) would be too expensive for a rental player.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2020

by | Feb 19, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2020

Alec Martinez is reportedly on the verge of becoming a Golden Knight, more talk of Jeff Carter returning to the Flyers, the latest on Chris Kreider, and much more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

KINGS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS WORKING ON MARTINEZ TRADE

LOS ANGELES TIMES/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: cited TSN’s Bob McKenzie yesterday reporting the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights are close to finalizing a deal sending defenseman Alec Martinez to the Golden Knights for two second-round draft picks. The move is expected to be completed today. Martinez was held out of last night’s game against Winnipeg for precautionary reasons.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jesse Granger suspects the delay could be salary-cap related on the Golden Knights side.

**UPDATE** The trade has been completed, with Martinez heading to the Golden Knights for a second-round pick in 2020 and a second-rounder in 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have been in the market for a top-four, right-side defenseman for some time. There was talk they were eyeing New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen, but that no longer appears the case.

Martinez, 32, would bring a welcome presence on the Vegas blueline. He’s got plenty of postseason experience, winning two Stanley Cups with the Kings. He’s also signed through 2020-21 with an affordable $4-million annual average value. The Golden Knights could shift Shea Theodore to the left side and pair him with Martinez.

MORE “CARTER-TO-FLYERS” CHATTER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers could consider bringing back Jeff Carter, depending on the health of young center Nolan Patrick.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall points out how difficult it would be for the Flyers to pull that off. They have just over $2 million in salary-cap space, meaning there’s not enough to acquire Carter even if the Kings absorbed half of his $5.2-million AAV. They would have to do some cap juggling for the remaining two years of his contract. There’s also the question of what the Kings would want in return, and what assets the Flyers can spare.

More talk of the Philadelphia Flyers bringing back Jeff Carter (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stranger things have happened, and it would make a nice story for Carter to return to the city where his NHL career began. Given the cap difficulties, however, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher could be forced to seek more affordable alternatives.

UPDATE ON KREIDER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues could be interested in New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider. The Washington Capitals could be a stealth candidate, but their recent acquisition of defenseman Brenden Dillon probably takes them out of the bidding.

TSN: Frank Seravalli reports the Avalanche and Bruins are the front-runners for Kreider. He also lists the Blues, Capitals, and Florida Panthers among others who could come calling.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford reports the Blues’ acquisition of defenseman Marco Scandella could be the only move they make at the deadline. Sidelined winger Vladimir Tarasenko is recovering well from early-season shoulder surgery and could return before the end of the season. Colorado Hockey Now’s Adrian Dater believes the Avs could target Montreal Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar if they fail to land Kreider.

THE LATEST ON TROCHECK

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck is garnering attention. The 26-year-old has two year left on his contract with an annual average value of $4.75 million. Friedman feels most teams can afford that, though he won’t be inexpensive.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t believe the Panthers are shopping Trocheck but acknowledged teams are calling about him. The Panthers desperately need a top-four defenseman, so they have little choice but to listen to offers. He wonders if they might have an interest in Minnesota Wild blueliner Jonas Brodin, but gets the sense Wild GM Bill Guerin wants to retain Brodin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Dale Tallon will want a defenseman for Trocheck. Failing that, he might have to get creative. LeBrun suggested dealing the center for picks and prospects that could be flogged to another club for a top-four blueliner.

IS LEHNER AVAILABLE?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman wonders if a lack of progress in contract talks is affecting Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Robin Lehner, who was unusually quiet during a recent game. The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly interested in Lehner and have an extra first-round pick to dangle as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Blackhawks’ playoff hopes fading, GM Stan Bowman could listen to offers for Lehner if he remains unsigned by the deadline. We’ll see what happens.

COULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE SIMMONDS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils winger Wayne Simmonds remains a player of interest for the Vancouver Canucks. Their recent acquisition of Tyler Toffoli was related to filling the gap left by the sidelined Brock Boeser. They still haven’t found a suitable replacement for Micheal Ferland, who’s out for the season due to concussion symptoms. Simmonds has an eight-team no-trade list, but the Canucks aren’t believed to be on it.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also thinks the Canucks could consider adding Simmonds, but that could be difficult to do without a first- or second-round pick in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun believes the Canucks will still add toughness if they can’t land Simmonds. They could be faced with considering more affordable options. Vancouver GM Jim Benning surprised us with his acquisition of Toffoli, so he could have another trick up his sleeve before the deadline.

ATHANASIOU’S VALUE COULD RISE

THE DETROIT NEWS: Ted Kulfan reports injuries to contending teams could bolster the trade value of Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou. The Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks could be in play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager (and former Red Wings GM) Ken Holland might be interested in Athanasiou. However, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports the Oilers’ injuries and winger Zack Kassian’s seven-game suspension is creating problems for how Holland will approach the deadline. While he’d love a third-line center like Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau for a right-winger for Connor McDavid’s line, he’s not prepared to part with a first-round pick and a top prospect for a rental player. Many of those injured Oilers aren’t on long-term injury reserve, giving Holland limited cap space.

The Canucks’ acquisition of Tyler Toffoli likely rules them out for Athanasiou. He could be a fall-back choice if the Avs lose out in the bidding for Kreider.

WILL KOVALCHUK STAY OR GO?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun speculates the Montreal Canadiens could likely trade winger Ilya Kovalchuk if an agreement on a contract extension can’t be reached before the trade deadline. He suggests the Avalanche and Bruins as possible destinations.










Dillon to the Capitals, DeMelo to the Jets, Scandella to the Blues

by | Feb 18, 2020

Dillon to the Capitals, DeMelo to the Jets, Scandella to the Blues

The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2020 draft (originally belonging to Colorado) and a conditional third-rounder in 2021. The Sharks retain half of Dillon’s $3.27 million annual average salary. If the Capitals win the 2020 Stanley Cup, the 2021 third-rounder becomes the 2020 third-rounder that originally belonged to Arizona.

The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks (Photo via NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dillon, 29, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s a big, physical rearguard logging over 19 minutes of ice time per game. He’ll bring some welcome grit to the Capitals’ blueline down the stretch and into the postseason.

The Sharks appear to be getting started on selling off their UFAs to restock their prospect pipeline. With Dillon gone, perhaps forward Melker Karlsson and goaltender Aaron Dell could be next. This move could also stoke speculation over the fates of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.

The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Dylan DeMelo from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a third-round pick in 2020.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were in the market for some experienced blueline help. DeMelo is a reliable depth rearguard carrying an affordable $900K AAV. He’s also due to become a UFA this summer. TSN’s Darren Dreger speculates Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff might not be done adding to his defense corps before deadline day.

DeMelo could be the start of another UFA selloff by the Senators. Expect the conjecture about center Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s trade status to ramp up in the coming days.

The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Marco Scandella from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second-round pick in 2020 and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of teams selling off UFAs, this could be just the start for the Canadiens. Ilya Kovalchuk and Nate Thompson could be next out of Montreal before the deadline. This deal means the Habs have three second-rounders and 12 picks overall in this year’s draft.

Scandella appears to be a replacement for Jay Bouwmeester, who’s on long-term injured reserve recovering from a cardiac incident last week.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2020

by | Feb 18, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2020

Bruins linked to Kyle Palmieri and Josh Anderson, the Canadiens were scouting the Avalanche and Lightning, plus the latest on the Rangers, Devils, Islanders and Red Wings in today’s NHL rumor mill.

BRUINS CHASING PALMIERI OR ANDERSON?

NJ.COM: Mike Rosenstein cited a report from Boston’s WEEI Radio claiming the Boston Bruins could be interested in New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri. He’s signed through next season, and it would make more sense to give up assets to land a player who can help them through two playoff runs. Palmieri leads the Devils with 22 goals and 41 points.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty reports sources are claiming the Bruins are very much interested in Josh Anderson. The 25-year-old winger has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since December, but he recently resumed practicing. Haggerty believes Anderson will have to return to the lineup before the Bruins move on him. If healthy, the big, physical forward could be the next player on their priority list behind New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider.

Could the Boston Bruins pursue New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins were linked to Tyler Toffoli and Blake Coleman before they were recently traded to the Canucks and Lightning respectively. There’s growing pressure on Bruins general manager Don Sweeney to address his club’s need for secondary scoring depth. As more players come off the market, the higher the asking prices for those available.

ARE THE CANADIENS EYEING THE AVALANCHE OR LIGHTNING?

TVA SPORTS: The presence of Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and assistant Scott Mellanby in Colorado last night watching the Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning sparked speculation over what moves he could make with either club. The Avs are said to be dissatisfied with young center Tyson Jost, while the Lightning has limited salary-cap space for next season. The Habs are expected to move Ilya Kovalchuk and Nate Thompson, while goalie Charlie Lindgren could be in play.

Jean-Charles Lajoie sees Canadiens center Max Domi as a replacement for sidelined Avs center Nazem Kadri. Yvon Pedneault believes the Lightning could be forced to part ways with forward Yanni Gourde.

THE DENVER POST: Mark Kiszla wonders what Avalanche GM Joe Sakic will do to boost his injury-ravaged roster, especially with top-line winger Mikko Rantanen now sidelined by a shoulder injury. Sakic could be forced to mortgage part of his club’s future if he were to pursue someone like Montreal’s Tomas Tatar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens play the Lightning on March 5, so that probably explains Bergevin was watching the Bolts in Colorado. They also face the Avs on March 21. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t fully dismiss the possibility of Bergevin scouting either club for a possible deal before the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers face an impossible situation with veteran goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who’s dropped behind Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev among their three netminders. He’s only received two starts since Jan.11 and Brooks considers a trade unlikely. A buyout in June of the final year of his contract seems possible.

Brooks doesn’t expect the Rangers to move Georgiev unless they get a “sure-shot top-six or a top-end first-rounder.” Unless blown away by offers, they’re not in a rush to move defenseman Tony DeAngelo. If they don’t re-sign Chris Kreider, it’ll give them the salary-cap space to re-sign DeAngelo. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports of little progress in Kreider’s contract talks and he remains very much in play in the trade market. If Kreider gets traded by the deadline, the Rangers will have sufficient cap room for DeAngelo and Georgiev.

As for Lundqvist, some consider it disrespectful that he’s now their third stringer, but the Blueshirts must give playing time to their young netminders. His expensive $8.5 million annual average value through 2020-21 and no-movement clause makes him almost impossible to move. 

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

NORTHJERSEY.COM: Abbey Mastracco reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said Travis Zajac won’t be going anywhere by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. The 34-year-old center insists he wants to stay and help his club on and off the ice. Zajac has refused to waive his full no-movement clause.

Mastracco also reported the Devils have not had a conversation with the agent for Sami Vatanen, but Fitzgerald said that could change. The 28-year-old defenseman is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for all the recent musings about Zajac reuniting with former Devils GM Lou Lamoriello with the New York Islanders. And speaking of the Isles…

WHAT NEXT FOR THE ISLANDERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple examined what other moves could be in store for the New York Islanders after acquiring defenseman Andy Greene on Sunday. With Casey Cizikas three weeks away from returning to action and no firm deadline for Cal Clutterbuck’s return, Staple suggests adding a third-line center.

Anaheim’s Derek Grant, San Jose’s Melker Karlsson, Los Angeles’ Trevor Lewis, Buffalo’s Conor Sheary, or Ottawa’s Tyler Ennis could fit that role. If they want to go big, Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau could be in play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello always plays his cards close to the vest. Nevertheless, he’s got over $18 million in deadline cap room to make another move if he wishes.

POTENTIAL RED WINGS TRADE BAIT

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan lists center Andreas Athanasiou and goaltender Jonathan Bernier as possible trade options for the rebuilding Detroit Red Wings. Young defenseman Dennis Cholowski has struggled to stick with the Wings. If he’s moved, Khan believes it would be as part of a larger deal in which the Wings get a young blueliner in return. Oft-injured rearguard Trevor Daley could be difficult to move.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James also listed Luke Glendening, Mike Green, and Darren Helm among the Wings’ trade candidates. Poor seasons by veterans Frans Nielsen, Justin Abdelkader, and Valtteri Filppula will adversely affect their trade value.










Toffoli to the Canucks

by | Feb 17, 2020

Toffoli to the Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Tim Schaller, a second-round pick and forward prospect Tyler Madden. If Toffoli re-signs with the Canucks, the Kings will receive a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2022.

The Vancouver Canucks acquire Tyler Toffoli from the LA Kings (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quite the coup by Vancouver general manager Jim Benning. Toffoli was among the notable names believed available heading toward the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Recent rumors linked the 27-year-old winger to the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Kings didn’t retain salary in this deal because having Schaller in the deal balanced out the salaries.

A versatile two-way forward, Toffoli can skate at center or on the wing. With 18 goals and 34 points, he’s on pace to reach 20 goals and 40 points for the fourth time in his eight-year NHL career. He also has good speed and is an effective penalty killer.

Toffoli helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2014. His skills and playoff experience should provide a welcome boost to the Canucks’ forward lines down the stretch as they jockey for playoff position.

There was some talk of the Canucks bringing in New Jersey Devils winger Wayne Simmonds to replace sidelined power forward Micheal Ferland. Having acquired Toffoli, it remains to be seen if they’ll bring in additional grit to their forward lines. This move leaves the Canucks without a pick in the first and second rounds of this year’s draft.

Kings GM Rob Blake remains busy with his rebuild, having shipped goalie Jack Campbell and winger Kyle Clifford earlier this month to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Schaller, a checking-line winger, is a UFA this summer. It remains to be seen if he’ll have a future with the Kings after this season.

Madden, 20, is the son of former NHL forward John Madden. He’s in his second season at Northeastern University and is projected as a hard-working sniper. It could be a couple of years yet before he joins the Kings. This deal gives the Kings two second-round picks in this year’s draft.