NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2020

by | Feb 4, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2020

The effect of a potential mutual contract termination between the Jets and Dustin Byfuglien, some possible goalie trade targets for the Leafs, and the latest on Josh Anderson in today’s NHL rumor mill.

MUTUAL CONTRACT TERMINATION FOR BYFUGLIEN AND THE JET?

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck cited a report by TSN’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Winnipeg Jets and Dustin Byfuglien’s representatives are working toward a mutual contract termination. It would also address the grievance filed by the Byfuglien camp in November over his suspension without pay. The 34-year-old defenseman didn’t report to training camp and subsequently underwent ankle surgery.

The Winnipeg Jets and Dustin Byfuglien are reportedly working toward a mutual contract termination (Photo via NHL Images).

The agreement would make Byfuglien an unrestricted free agent after clearing unconditional waivers. He would also forfeit the $8 million in salary he’s owed for this season and $6 million he’s owed for 2020-21, the final season of his contract. It would clear his $7.6-million annual average value from the Jets’ salary-cap payroll this season and next.

Regarding questions over why the Jets didn’t trade Byfuglien, Billeck points out the big blueliner’s ankle surgery make his trade value nil for this season. Uncertainty over his status would also make him difficult to move him in the offseason.

The Jets are reportedly in the market for a top-four defenseman. Freeing up Byfuglien’s cap hit would provide them additional flexibility to make that move before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet reports Byfuglien could be placed on waivers as early as today. If Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is shopping around for a top-four defenseman, the sooner this happens, the better.

Based on comments made by coach Paul Maurice, I don’t think they’re in the market for a rental player. They’ll likely pursue one with term remaining on his contract.

GOALTENDING TRADE TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should pursue goaltending depth before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Last night’s injury to starter Frederik Andersen and backup Michael Hutchinson’s inconsistency should serve to hasten GM Kyle Dubas’ efforts.

Fox suggests Los Angeles’ Jack Campbell, Pittsburgh’s Casey DeSmith, the Rangers’ Alexandar Georgiev, San Jose’s Aaron Dell, Chicago’s Corey Crawford or Robin Lehner, Ottawa’s Craig Anderson, and Anaheim’s Ryan Miller as trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell’s availability could depend upon whether Kings’ management believes Cal Petersen is ready to become Jonathan Quick’s full-time understudy. Landing DeSmith or Georgiev could cost the Leafs a good, young winger. Dell’s had his issues with consistency over the last couple of seasons.

With the Blackhawks in playoff contention, Crawford and Lehner aren’t going anywhere. Anderson could be a viable option, provide the Leafs aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list. Remember, the Leafs and Senators have a recent trade history. While Miller’s career is winding down, I doubt he’s keen to leave his family behind in Anaheim for a final shot at pursuing the Stanley Cup.

BRUINS, CANADIENS INTERESTED IN ANDERSON?

TVA SPORTS: cites BostonHockeyNow’s Jimmy Murphy reporting sources claiming the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens are among a long list of teams interested in Columbus’ Josh Anderson. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is said to be willing to entertain offers for the 6’3″, 222-pound Anderson.

The 25-year-old winger is in the final season of a three-year deal worth an annual average value of $1.85 million. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer who’s a year away from unrestricted free agent eligibility.

Anderson’s trade value has been affected this season by his low production and injuries. Murphy said it’s believed the Jackets’ asking price could be a prospect and a second-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Jackets jockeying for a playoff spot, Kekalainen could be reluctant to ship Anderson to a potential postseason opponent like the Bruins. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are all but out of the playoff chase. They possess an additional second-round pick in this year’s draft, which could give them an edge if they are bidding to land Anderson.

Bear in mind Kekalainen isn’t under pressure to move Anderson now. He could hang onto him for the playoffs and consider moving him in the days leading up to the draft in June.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2020

by | Feb 3, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2020

The latest on Chris Kreider and Tyler Toffoli plus an update on the Blue Jackets in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WHAT’S THE PRICE TAG FOR KREIDER?

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford was asked if he saw the St. Louis Blues pursuing New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. He thinks Kreider could help the Blues but feels the asking price could be a first-round pick and a top prospect because he could be the top player available.

Acquiring NY Rangers winger Chris Kreider could prove expensive (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Taylor Hall now off the market, Kreider is reportedly drawing interest from several playoff contenders, including the Blues. Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton could hang onto Kreider until deadline day in hope of driving up his value.

TOFFOLI A FALLBACK OPTION FOR THE BRUINS?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty believes Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli would be a good fallback option for the Boston Bruins if they don’t land Chris Kreider by the trade deadline. While he feels Kreider is the Bruins’ top preference, Toffoli won’t cost them a first-round pick and a top prospect. Haggerty thinks the Kings winger is a more suitable top-six forward option than anyone the Bruins come up with internally to address that need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli lacks Kreider’s size, speed, and level of production, but he’s a versatile two-way forward who can play on the wing or at center. He’s also got Stanley Cup experience, which could prove invaluable to the Bruins. I agree with Haggerty that he won’t cost as much as Kreider. It remains to be seen, however, if Bruins GM Don Sweeney wants the best available player or the most cost-effective option.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline recently examined possible trade targets for the Columbus Blue Jackets and what they could offer up for trade bait. He feels GM Jarmo Kekalainen won’t be in “go-for-it” mode as he was last season, but he will try to help his roster as they jockey for playoff positioning.

Portzline said the Jackets could use a top-six forward. Chris Kreider and Tyler Toffoli could be on Kekalainen’s radar. Other options could include Toronto’s Kasperi Kapanen, New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri, Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Montreal’s Tomas Tatar. Forwards Josh Anderson and Sonny Milano and defenseman Ryan Murray could be trade candidates. Portzline also thinks Kekalainen could part with late-round picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given his club’s surge up the standings, I expect Kekalainen will monitor the trade market. Anderson could be the best trade chip to land that top-six forward.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2020

by | Feb 2, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2020

Is Dustin Byfuglien done for the season? Should the Bruins trade David Krejci? What’s the latest on Kaspari Kapanen, Mikael Granlund, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Andreas Athanasiou? Find out in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

BYFUGLIEN DONE FOR THE SEASON?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Dustin Byfuglien could be out for the remainder of the season. The Winnipeg Jets defenseman has missed the entire campaign to date, first after being suspended for failing to report to training camp and then following ankle surgery. Friedman said he’s yet to resume skating.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien could be done for the season (Photo via NHL Images).

If the 34-year-old Byfuglien doesn’t return, it could provide the Jets with much-needed salary-cap flexibility. They’ve had to hold his $7.6-million annual average salary until his situation was sorted out. Friedman also said Byfuglien’s future could be revisited during the summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck weighed in on Friedman’s report, pointing out the Jets were said to be in the market for a top-four defenseman. If Byfuglien’s out of the season, that will free up cap room before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Friedman and Billeck indicate, the Jets have been handcuffed cap-wise by uncertainty over Byfuglien’s status. If he’s done for the season, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can either keep him suspended without pay or place him on LTIR. That would give Cheveldayoff considerably more room to work with before the trade deadline.

SHOULD THE BRUINS TRADE KREJCI?

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont suggests the Bruins should consider trading center David Krejci. He points out Krejci’s line has been inconsistent this season. The veteran center is 33 and has a year left on his contract with an annual average salary of $7.25 million. Nevertheless, Dupont thinks Krejci could be one of the Bruins’ most tradeable assets. He has a 15-team trade list, which could put him in play if GM Don Sweeney wants him there.

Moving Krejci would also free up salary-cap space to re-sign defenseman Torey Krug. Dupont believes Charlie Coyle could take over the second-line center role, with either Par Lindholm or Jack Studnicka taking over the third-line center position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Krejci before the deadline would be a bold move by Sweeney, but I doubt he’ll do it. Krejci’s playoff experience will be invaluable to their pursuit of the Stanley Cup this spring. Perhaps that move happens in the off-season.

UPDATE ON KAPANEN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said winger Kaspari Kapanen was a healthy scratch from Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators for “internal accountability.” Keefe said it was a one-time issue and the winger would address it on Monday. Kapanen has surfaced in recent trade rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to find out what this “internal accountability” stems from. Perhaps Keefe is unhappy over Kapanen’s overall performance. The 23-year-old winger is on pace for a 45-point performance but was held pointless in his last five contests.

There’s speculation Kapanen could be used as trade bait to add a top-four defenseman. This incident could dampen his trade value a little.

LATEST ON GRANLUND, KOVALCHUK, AND ATHANASIOU

THE ATHLETIC: Adam Vingan reported winger Mikael Granlund’s offense has improved since John Hynes took over last month as head coach of the Nashville Predators. Granlund will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Vingan wondered if the Predators will retain him to push for a playoff spot, or shop him before the trade deadline if they know they can’t re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the deadline just over three weeks away, Predators GM David Poile could take the next couple of weeks to evaluate Granlund’s performance and that of his club before reaching a decision. If he keeps playing well and the Predators get back into the playoff chase, he could keep the winger as an own rental. Otherwise, Granlund could be playing for another club by Feb. 24.

 










Five NHL Rumor Hotspots To Keep Your Eyes On

by | Feb 1, 2020

Five NHL Rumor Hotspots To Keep Your Eyes On

 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2020

by | Feb 1, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2020

The latest on the Stars, Hurricanes, and Panthers, plus updates on Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Andreas Athanasiou and Pavel Buchnevich in today’s NHL rumor mill.

POSSIBLE STARS TRADE TARGETS

NHL.COM: In a recent mailbag segment, Mike Heika was asked which players the Dallas Stars could target to bolster their offense before the Feb, 24 trade deadline.

He listed New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, and Chicago Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad as the three easiest targets, though they’re also going to cost the most in terms of draft picks and prospects. He also suggested Montreal’s Ilya Kovalchuk or Pittsburgh’s Alex Galchenyuk as bargain options.

THE ATHLETIC: Sean Shapiro suggests it could cost the Stars a first-round pick or a young NHL-ready forward for Kreider. The New Jersey Devils could seek a return for Kyle Palmieri comparable to what they got for Taylor Hall. In other words, a first-round pick or a conditional pick that could become a first, a good prospect or young player, and perhaps a second-round selection.

The asking price for Toffoli could be a second-round pick and a B-level prospect. Galchenyuk could cost a conditional fourth-rounder. It could take a first-round pick to get winger Josh Anderson from the Columbus Blue Jackets or center Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill doesn’t sound keen to part with first-round picks. He also lacks second- and third-round picks in this year’s draft. I don’t doubt he’s monitoring the trade market, but he could be looking for bargains.

What type of return could the Ottawa Senators receive for Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the trade market? (Photo via NHL Images)

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR PAGEAU

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently examined the potential trade market for Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He’s skeptical the Sens could get a first-round pick in return because many GMs are reluctant to part with such picks this year.

Some clubs that could be a good fit for Pageau, such as the Edmonton Oilers, aren’t guaranteed to reach this year’s playoffs, making them unwilling to part with a first-rounder for a rental player. LeBrun speculates they could try to make it work with a conditional second based on how far the Oilers advance in the 2020 playoffs.

LeBrun also listed the New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Calgary Flames as possible landing spots for Pageau. Conditions could also apply with those clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pageau is enjoying a career season in his contract year, but the ongoing assessment among observers is he’s best suited for second- or third-line duty. A legitimate playoff contender won’t give up a first-round selection for a depth player, or at least, they shouldn’t give up that much. If the Senators shop him, perhaps they’ll attempt to land a promising young player and a decent prospect.

COULD THE RANGERS SHOP BUCHNEVICH?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wonders if Pavel Buchnevich could be part of the Rangers’ trade-deadline plans. He speculates they could opt to trade the 24-year-old winger’s skill game for one “with a more north-south, hard-hat mentality.” Brooks also acknowledged Buchnevich’s talent and affordable $3.25-million annual average value could make him worth retaining.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After tallying career-high 21 goals last season, Buchenvich is on pace for 15 in 2019-20. He’s also on track for 45 points, which would be eight more than what he had in 2018-19. He’s in the first year of a two-year contract and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.

Rangers management isn’t under any pressure to move him. One can’t dismiss the possibility of Buchnevich getting traded, but that move might be better suited for the off-season when he might fetch a better return.

COULD THE OILERS PURSUE ATHANASIOU?

KUKLA’S KORNER: cites tweets by Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson linking the Oilers to Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou. He thinks Oilers GM Ken Holland wants to add more speed to his forward lines. Athanasiou is having a lousy year in Detroit, but Matheson considers him a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As former Red Wings GM, Holland also knows Athanasiou’s strengths and weaknesses. The versatile 25-year-old tallied a career-high 30 goals last season. He’s currently sidelined by a lower-body injury but could be a good addition to the Oilers once he returns to action. He’s also a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer, which could complicate his future in Detroit, Edmonton, or wherever he finishes this season.

WHAT WILL THE PANTHERS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: George Richards took note of recent speculation suggesting the Florida Panthers could move either Mike Hoffman or Evgenii Dadonov at the trade deadline. Both are unrestricted free agents in July and the Panthers might not be able to re-sign them both.

With the Panthers jockeying for playoff positioning, Richards doesn’t see either winger getting shopped unless it’s for a return (such as a defenseman) that will be important for the club going forward. He also points out the Panthers’ limited salary-cap space will affect any attempts to make a move or two at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers only have over $892K in deadline cap room. If they swing a deal for a defenseman, it’ll have to be dollar-in, dollar-out. It’ll take a considerable offer to convince GM Dale Tallon to part with Hoffman or Dadonov.

LATEST ON THE HURRICANES

NBC SPORTS: Adam Gretz examined how losing defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a fractured fibula could affect Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell’s trade plans. Waddell admitted he was in the market for a defenseman before Hamilton’s injury, but his absence could change the type of player he could target in the trade market.

Gretz observes there are limited options in the trade market to address even a fraction of the offense Hamilton brought to the Hurricanes’ blueline. The best rental option could be New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen. Waddell is reluctant to place Hamilton on long-term injury reserve as he could return before the end of the season.

Turning to the forward lines, the return of Justin Williams provides a boost, as could a bounce-back second half from winger Nino Niederreiter.










Restricted Free Agents Who Could Be Moved before the NHL Trade Deadline

by | Jan 31, 2020

Restricted Free Agents Who Could Be Moved before the NHL Trade Deadline