NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2020

by | Jan 6, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2020

The latest on the Leafs and Blackhawks, plus an update on Chris Kreider in today’s NHL rumor mill.

tHE LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: In a recent mailbag segment, Kevin McGran was asked if he sees a scenario whereby the Toronto Maple Leafs make a move before the trade deadline for a backup goaltender or a stay-at-home defenseman. Given the Leafs’ limited salary-cap space, McGran believes any trade will have to be dollar-for-dollar.

TORONTO SUN: Michael Traikos speculates the Leafs’ recent call-up of Mason Marchment might suggest they’ll look for toughness before the trade deadline. However, there’s an argument to be made for the Leafs to build on their strength by adding another skilled player. Traikos acknowledges the Leafs aren’t built for grinding opponents down physically, but it can do so with offense.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the emergence of winger Pierre Engvall provides an option for Leafs management to move another forward for help on the blueline. Perhaps Andreas Johnsson, Kaspari Kapanen or someone else gets moved before the trade deadline or in the off-season. Engvall’s a restricted free agent after this season. Siegel suggests the Leafs re-sign him to a two- to a four-year deal that trades a lower salary-cap hit for extra security.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs shop a forward like Kasperi Kapanen for defensive help? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conventional wisdom suggests the Leafs won’t get far in playoff hockey where the game tends to be more physical than during the regular season. That certainly proved the case in their last two postseason appearances.

While there can be a debate over skill versus toughness, I believe the Leafs’ biggest need remains a reliable backup for starter Frederik Andersen. If he struggles or becomes sidelined over the remainder of the season or in the playoffs, the Leafs are screwed. Given their limited salary-cap space, addressing that need or others means dollar-in, dollar-out, and that could mean giving up a good, affordable forward like Johnsson or Kapanen.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Mark Lazerus was asked if the Chicago Blackhawks might weaponize their newfound available cap space to acquire an asset. He thinks it would be poetic for the Blackhawks, who spent years shedding players due to limited cap space, to take advantage of a desperate club’s salary-cap constraints and take on some bad money for a sweetener or two.

It remains to be seen if Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman stands pat at this year’s deadline or attempt to bolster his roster for a run at the playoffs. Much will depend upon what unfolds over the next several weeks. They’ll also face decisions over pending UFAs like Corey Crawford and Erik Gustafsson. Crawford’s modified no-trade clause would limit efforts to move him.

Lazerus doesn’t see the Blackhawks trading defenseman Connor Murphy. Andrew Shaw’s recent concussion injury takes him off the trade table. Lazerus acknowledged recent reports indicating interest from rival clubs in winger Brandon Saad, but he believes it would take a significant offer to move him.

Scott Powers reports a league source claims the Blackhawks have attempted to shore up their defensive depth since the start of the season. Those efforts have been unsuccessful because rival clubs want prospects the Hawks aren’t willing to give up. Their newfound salary-cap space makes it possible to add a blueliner, but it’s complicated because they’ll only want to take on a rental player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With defensemen Brent Seabrook and Calvin de Haan out for the season, the Blackhawks have an additional $10 million to work with if they want to add a player. The problem, however, is they have limited tradeable assets and don’t want to move their few promising prospects.

The Hawks would have better luck as sellers if they decide to move Crawford or Gustafsson. If they fail to gain ground in the standings over the next month, they could attempt to use their available cap space to take on another club’s toxic salary for this season if they can also get a quality draft pick or prospect as part of the return.

NO CANADIAN CLUBS FOR KREIDER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Chris Kreider’s limited no-trade clause likely means he won’t be accepting a trade to a Canadian team. Brooks believes that’s why the Montreal Canadiens decided to sign winger Ilya Kovalchuk.










Top NHL Western Conference Trade Rumors – December 2019

by | Jan 5, 2020

Top NHL Western Conference Trade Rumors – December 2019

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2020

by | Jan 5, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2020

Updates on Tyler Toffoli, Matt Murray, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, plus updates on the Flames and Predators in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

AVS INTERESTED IN TOFFOLI?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli could be moved by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Word among league executives is the pending UFA could be available.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche are being linked to Toffoli. He observes the Kings had a scout at the recent game between the Avalanche and New Jersey Devils. He also cites a source claiming the Avs and Kings could be trade partners before the Feb. 24 deadline. Dater believes that doesn’t mean the Avs are no longer interested in New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, but it’s uncertain if the Rangers have him on the trade block.

Could the Colorado Avalanche pursue LA Kings winger Tyler Toffoli? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Toffoli will be moved by deadline day, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Avs are among the suitors. As for the Kings scouting the Avs-Devils games, it could be because they’ll face both clubs next month.

LATEST ON KREIDER, MURRAY AND PAGEAU

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports there’s talk the Boston Bruins are among the clubs interested in New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider. The Rangers, however, haven’t decided if they’ll shop him.

With Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry playing well, Garrioch wonders about Matt Murray’s future in Pittsburgh. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Garrioch doubts the two-time Stanley Cup champion will be moved this season, but his situation could be worth monitoring in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Jarry should carry the Penguins on a deep playoff run this spring, perhaps Murray hits the trade block leading up to the 2020 NHL Draft weekend in June.

Garrioch cites a couple of league executives suggesting every team in the hunt for a playoff spot will be interested in Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Penguins, Flames, Bruins, Oilers, Jets, and Avs could be among the suitors, but the Senators are expected to hold contract talks with the pending UFA before reaching a decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unlike previous notable Senators UFAs, there’s been little new regarding Pageau’s contract status and whether he’ll be available by the deadline. He could be shopped, but no certainty’s going to happen. The Senators are a promising club and Pageau is an Ottawa native, so perhaps he’ll stay put if he gets a suitable contract offer.

FLAMES DON’T WANT TO WASTE CAP SPACE ON RENTAL PLAYERS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Calgary Flames freed up salary-cap space by trading winger Michael Frolik ($4.3 million) to the Buffalo Sabres last week. General manager Brad Treliving would like to add some scoring help.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Flames aren’t that interested in signing rental players, preferring to add a player with term remaining on his contract. They have over $4.8 million in cap space, and Treliving has indicated he intends to use it before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Elias Lindholm’s role in the roster will also be a factor. If he’s a center, Friedman believes they’ll look for right wingers. If he moves back to the right wing, they’ll consider other options.

IS LAVIOLETTE ON THE HOT SEAT?

OTTAWA SUN: With the Nashville Predators struggling, Bruce Garrioch reports there’s no shortage of talk suggesting head coach Peter Laviolette is on the hot seat. In a radio interview last week. Predators GM David Poile didn’t exactly give Laviolette a ringing endorsement, saying he’s not contemplating a coaching change “at this time”. Garrioch suggests former New Jersey Devils bench boss John Hynes as a possible replacement for Laviolette.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted Poile said he’s not replacing Laviolette, but he’s burning up the phone lines to see what’s out there in the trade market. If the Predators don’t improve soon, Friedman speculates some kind of roster change could be coming.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Predators fail to gain ground in the standings, Poile could become a seller rather than a buyer. That could mean shipping out pending UFA forwards Mikael Granlund and Craig Smith, and perhaps continuing his efforts to shop Kyle Turris. If a coaching change is necessary, it could come in the offseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2020

by | Jan 4, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2020

Potential trade destinations for Chris Kreider, potential trade targets for the Flames, plus the latest on the Predators and Jets in today’s NHL rumor mill.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR KREIDER

SPORTSNET: suggests the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations for Chris Kreider if the New York Rangers decide to move him before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Which clubs will get into the bidding for New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider? (Photo via NHL Images)

The Blues could use a short-term replacement for sidelined winger Vladimir Tarasenko. With Tarasenko on long-term injury reserve, they have the cap space to take on Kreider’s $4.65-million annual average salary. The Blues are currently riding high in the Western Conference standings, so there’s no pressure on general manager Doug Armstrong to make a major move.

Kreider would provide a welcome boost to the Bruins’ secondary scoring, but they’d have to clear salary-cap space to make room for him. Ditto the injury-riddled Penguins. The Avalanche, meanwhile, have plenty of cap space for Kreider and to add another impact player if they wish. He would give them additional secondary scoring depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs appear in the best position to take a run at Kreider. Having passed on Taylor Hall, he could be a more affordable option.

The Blues could pursue Kreider if Tarasenko isn’t expected back until the playoffs. Even then, Armstrong could be reluctant to tinker too much with his club’s winning chemistry.

The Bruins and Penguins definitely could use Kreider, but it could cost them a good young roster player. It means shedding salary even if the Rangers are willing to pick up part of Kreider’s.

POSSIBLE TRADE OPTIONS FOR THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis suggested Kreider, Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, Florida Panthers winger Mike Hoffman, Edmonton Oilers winger Zack Kassian, and Florida Panthers winger Evgenii Dadonov as trade targets for the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames need another top-six forward, preferably a winger. Toffoli seems the best fit, depending on what the Kings seek in return.

Kreider has a modified no-trade clause. The Flames might not be among his preferred destinations.

As long as the Panthers remain in the playoff chase, they’re not parting with pending UFAs Hoffman and Dadonov. Ditto Kassian to the Flames. Indeed, I think the Oilers intend to re-sign him.

PREDATORS GM NOT CONSIDERING A COACHING CHANGE

YAHOO! SPORTS: Thomas Williams cites Nashville Predators GM David Poile telling a local radio station he isn’t considering replacing head coach Peter Laviolette. With the Predators struggling and the Feb. 24 trade deadline on the horizon, Williams speculates they could be buyers or sellers depending on where they are in the standings in the coming weeks.

“I think the standings are so close right now that when things get closer to the trade deadline, you could possibly see more action,” Poile said. “I guess the point I’m saying today is, sitting here outside of the playoffs, we have for the last several years been buyers at the trading deadline. If we don’t improve here shortly, we might be a seller for the first time in a number of years.

“I’m hoping that’s not the case, but as I said, I am open for business and I’m certainly going to be willing to listen to different teams’ thought processes on any of our players at this point.”










NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2020

by | Jan 3, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 3, 2020

Having made the first NHL trades of 2020, the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, and Montreal Canadiens might not be done dealing. Check out the latest in today’s rumor mill.

MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR FLAMES, CANADIENS, AND SABRES?

SPORTNET’s Eric Francis, the Calgary’s Sun’s Wes Gilbertson, and The Athletic’s Scott Cruickshank report the Calgary Flames freed up salary-cap space by shipping winger Michael Frolik to the Buffalo Sabres for a fourth-round draft pick in 2020. The move clears $4.3 million from the Flames’ cap payroll.

Does Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving have more moves in store? (Photo via NHL.com).

Gilbertson and Cruickshank report Flames general manager Brad Treliving doesn’t intend to sit on his new-found cap space. Gilbertson believes this allows Treliving the flexibility to go shopping for another roster piece. Cruickshank speculates the Flames GM could be in the market for a big, top-six winger, preferably on the right side.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider would fit the bill, though he skates on the left side. So would Chicago Blackhawks left-winger Brandon Saad, but his $6-million annual average salary through 2020-21 could be tricky to accommodate unless a salaried player heads to Chicago or the Blackhawks pick up part of his cap hit. The LA Kings’ Tyler Toffoli would be a natural right-side fit. It’ll be interesting to see if Treliving pursues one of those guys before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes the Montreal Canadiens’ acquisition of defenseman Marco Scandella from the Buffalo Sabres indicates they’re not giving up on their playoff hopes this season. Scandella will provide some welcome left-side blueline depth and will likely line up alongside young Cale Fleury on their third defense pairing. If this move pays dividends for the Habs, Engels speculates GM Marc Bergevin could make more to keep his club’s postseason dreams alive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Scandella proved a cost-effective depth move for the Canadiens, giving up just a fourth-round pick in 2020 to acquire him. The Habs still have three picks (including their own) in the fourth round. With over $5.5 million in cap space, Bergevin has room to make another addition or two before the deadline.

That’ll depend, of course, on where they are in the standings. Sidelined forwards Jonathan Drouin, Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia and Paul Byron should be back in the lineup by month’s end. If they’re still in the hunt by then, perhaps Bergevin will go shopping for a top-four defenseman.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported via Twitter the Buffalo Sabres could have more moves coming. “Sounds like Buffalo is still on the hunt and willing to move other pieces,” he wrote.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Michael Frolik from the Flames will provide experienced right-wing depth to their forward lines, but they could use a scorer to take some of the offensive burdens off their top line and perhaps offset the absence of sidelined winger Jeff Skinner. With the Sabres’ struggling to stay in the playoff race, perhaps their next move will come in the following days.

 They still have depth on their defense to draw upon as trade bait. Blueliner Zach Bogosian has requested a trade, as has forward Evan Rodrigues, but it could take some creativity on management’s part to find a suitable return.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2020

by | Jan 2, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2020

Could the Penguins make a trade to offset the loss of Jake Guentzel? Could the Blackhawks use their newly-gained salary-cap space to bolster their roster for the rest of the season? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

PENGUINS OPTIONS TO OFFSET GUENTZEL’S ABSENCE

THE ATHLETIC: With high-scoring Jake Guentzel sidelined four-to-six months by a shoulder injury, Rob Rossi examined some creative ways the Pittsburgh Penguins could offset the winger’s absence. By placing Guentzel on long-term injury reserve, they have an additional $6 million to bolster their roster. General manager Jim Rutherford has said he’ll probably wait until the Feb. 24 trade deadline to make any moves.

Should the Pittsburgh Penguins shop goaltender Matt Murray for a scoring winger? (Photo via NHL Images).

Rossi speculates Rutherford could shop his first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, suggesting New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider could be his top trade target. With Tristan Jarry playing well and Casey DeSmith in the minors, Rossi also suggested shopping goaltender Matt Murray, who’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. That could be a risky move if Jarry’s current hot performance should cool over the second half of the schedule.

Free-agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk is another option, but Rossi claims Rutherford isn’t interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As long as the Penguins continue playing well, Rutherford could take his time and evaluate the trade market leading up to the deadline. They’ll get a big boost when sidelined captain Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup soon. Rutherford has a well-earned reputation as a wheeler-dealer, so we shouldn’t rule out the possibility he’ll look into making a move or two in the coming weeks.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS USE THEIR CAP SPACE TO BOLSTER THEIR ROSTER?

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Jimmy Greenfield notes the Blackhawks have an additional $10 million at their disposal with defensemen Brent Seabrook and Calvin de Haan sidelined for the remainder of the season. As their salaries go back to counting against the Blackhawks cap payroll next season, the Blackhawks would have to pursue players on expiring contracts.

Greenfield suggested Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, or New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen as possibilities. He also pointed out the Blackhawks aren’t trading promising youngsters Kirby Dach or Adam Boqvist, and they probably won’t move their first-rounder. They also lack a second-round pick in the 2020 draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That lack of tradeable assets could make it difficult for the Blackhawks to get into the bidding for a decent playoff rental player. That’s assuming they’re still in the postseason chase by next month’s trade deadline. If they fail to gain ground in the standings by the end of this month, I doubt GM Stan Bowman will become a major buyer.