NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

by | Jan 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Canucks centers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson plus the Penguins could become major sellers by the March 7 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance, Rick Dhaliwal, Arthur Staple, and Peter Baugh examined the nixed trade that would’ve sent Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.

The deal was close enough that the Canucks intended to scratch Miller from the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, it ultimately fell through and Miller collected two assists in a 3-2 victory over the Oilers.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Center Filip Chytil, defenseman Ryan Lindgren, and several futures-related assets, including a first-round pick, could have been involved. The Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched three players from their lineup on Saturday but it’s unclear if they were to be part of the trade.

A league source claims the proposed deal never got close enough for the Canucks to ask Miller to waive his no-movement clause. Canucks management has been considering its options with Miller and fellow center Elias Pettersson for six weeks but they seem more open to moving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Chytil and Lindgren were the centerpieces of that deal it would’ve been a steal for the Rangers had it gone through.

Chytil is an effective two-way center but his concussion history is a legitimate concern. Lindgren is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and his performance has declined in his contract year.

Meanwhile, Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating Miller’s preferred trade destinations are Eastern US clubs. The Canucks are still working to move him. Friedman believes the Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes are still in the bidding. He’s less convinced about the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils but wonders about the New York Islanders.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports sources claim the Islanders still have “tremendous interest” in Pettersson. He cited Dhaliwal saying the Isles have “poked around” on Miller but that seems more like they’re doing their due diligence. Rosner said the Canucks are very interested in Isles defenseman Noah Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson is the type of player you’d expect the Canucks would set as part of the asking price for Pettersson or Miller. It seems unlikely the Islanders would part with their best puck-moving defenseman but we can’t assume it wouldn’t happen.

The Canucks’ recent struggles amid rumors of a rift between Miller and Pettersson has many observers believing something’s got to give to get this club back on track. A trade of either player seems likely in the coming days. Miller’s no-movement clause gives him full control over this situation.

PENGUINS POISED TO SELL?

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source close to the Pittsburgh Penguins suggesting their recent demotion of goaltender Tristan Jarry was just the beginning of a potential re-tooling of the roster.

Every player except team captain Sidney Crosby, fellow forwards Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Philip Tomasino and defenseman Owen Pickering are considered to be available

The source is unsure about the status of long-time Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and a full no-movement clause.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson has two more years left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his AAV. However, it’s believed they’re willing to retain some of his salary to facilitate a trade. He also has a full NMC.

D’Amico’s source also indicates the Penguins are willing to move players with term remaining on their contracts provided they get the right ones back. General manager Kyle Dubas still wants to win for Crosby and Malkin but also build for the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap’s projected rise to $92.4 million (and possibly higher) for next season explains why the Penguins would be willing to retain part of Karlsson’s cap hit in a trade. It could also make rival clubs interested in acquiring players signed beyond this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on the Rangers’ attempt to land Canucks center J.T. Miller and the latest on Stars captain Jamie Benn and Sharks center Nico Sturm.

UPDATE ON THE “MILLER TO THE RANGERS” RUMORS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there have been on-and-off trade discussions between the Rangers and Vancouver Canucks regarding J.T. Miller since November. The 31-year-old Canucks center is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched Bo Groulx, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar from Saturday’s game against Charlotte, raising speculation they were to be part of a multiplayer deal for Miller. Brooks stated there was no indication that a trade had advanced that far.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad “will not be part of the bounty going to Vancouver in a potential deal for Miller.” It’s believed Alexis Lafreniere was part of the discussions. The 23-year-old Blueshirts winger carries a $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32.

Brooks believes Rangers management is willing to take a step back this season to be in a position to win the Stanley Cup within the next year or two. He acknowledged a potential swap of the older Miller for the younger Lafreniere might come back to haunt the Rangers down the road. “But this is a team that should focus on a window that, with smart use of cap space, should remain open for the next three years.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey believes Brooks’ report doesn’t necessarily mean the Rangers are willing to trade Lafreniere. He cited USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano suggesting moving the talented young winger would be “a bridge too far.”

Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman report on Saturday that the deal was off. It’s unclear if Lafreniere was involved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman broke the story on Saturday that the Canucks and Rangers had discussed a trade involving Miller that seemed close but fell apart. He didn’t name any Blueshirts that might’ve been part of the deal.

Friedman also reported earlier this month that the Canucks wanted a center as part of the return for Miller. Their rumored ask for Lafreniere suggests they’re now willing to accept a talented young forward regardless of position.

Brooks also mentioned Braden Schneider, saying he wouldn’t include the 23-year-old Rangers defenseman in the deal. He didn’t say the Canucks asked for Schneider but his comment gives that impression.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Miller has not been asked to waive his no-movement clause. However, “the vibe around the player and the room in a season gone south would suggest that something has to give.” Kuzma also acknowledged the rumors earlier this season that had the Canucks swapping Miller for Zibanejad. However, he indicated the latter won’t waive his no-movement clause to go to Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Patrick Johnston wondered where Miller would go if he accepted a trade. “Will it be New York? Dallas? New Jersey? Boston?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun last week that he wanted to acquire a center who could bring some “extra oomph” to his roster. Miller would fit the bill provided he’s willing to go to New Jersey.

The Stars could afford Miller’s cap hit for this season once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million AAV on long-term injury reserve. It’s unlikely the cap-strapped, prospect-thin Bruins could meet the Canucks’ asking price.

STARS LOOKING TO BRING BACK JAMIE BENN NEXT SEASON

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill wants to re-sign captain Jamie Benn. He cited a “well-placed source” who says neither side is worried about completing the deal. Biringer adds that Benn is expected to finish his playing career with the Stars.

The 35-year-old Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $9.5 million. Preliminary talks took place last summer but no numbers have been discussed.

Biringer’s source indicated the two sides agreed to get through this season before getting into serious talks. However, they believe Benn will still be with the Dallas Stars after July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn won’t get another lucrative long-term deal at this career stage. Nevertheless, he remains an effective part of the lineup. They could do a two or three-year deal at a lower salary than his current contract.

SHARKS’ NICO STURM ANTICIPATES A TRADE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks forward Nico Sturm believes he’ll be moved by the March 7 trade deadline if he doesn’t receive a contract extension.

The 29-year-old Sturm is in the final season of a three-year, $6 million contract. He’s centered the Sharks’ fourth line this season. Pashelka thinks he could be “an attractive, low-risk addition to any playoff team.” He won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: a trade that would’ve sent Canucks center J.T. Miller to the Rangers stalls, updates on Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, and the latest on Mikko Rantanen and Andrei Kuzmenko.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks were believed to be close to a trade that would’ve sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. However, it appears that the deal is off for now.

At one point, it appeared the 31-year-old center would’ve been held out of the lineup from Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Friedman claimed things had progressed where it looked like he wouldn’t play.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman said the Canucks sent a note around the league last week warning teams against talking to any of their players without the club’s permission. However, he believes several teams have permission to speak with Miller but he’s unsure who they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman wasn’t sure why the deal didn’t go through. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Miller hadn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause.

This situation could change quickly so it’ll be worth monitoring. Hopefully, we’ll get more details as to why the deal with the Rangers stalled and whether it can be salvaged. We might also learn which clubs could be speaking to Miller and his representatives.

Turning to Miller’s teammate Elias Pettersson, Friedman said the 26-year-old center lacks no-trade protection this season. He wants to stay in Vancouver and Friedman thinks the Canucks’ preference is to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is five years younger than Miller and is in his playing prime now. Miller remains in his prime but most of his best years are behind him.

Meanwhile, Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reports Canucks winger Brock Boeser acknowledged he could be moved if the club hasn’t turned things around by the March 7 trade deadline.

The 27-year-old Boeser can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He knows he hasn’t played well this season, admitting that management could view him as a trade candidate leading up to March 7.

Boeser netted a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in 2023-24. He has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games this season. MacIntyre noted that management has been lukewarm in comments about re-signing the winger, partly because of the ongoing drama involving Miller and Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a cap hit of $6.65 million this season and a 10-team no-trade list. He’ll draw plenty of interest if the Canucks peddle him before March 7 and should fetch a good return.

AVALANCHE WON’T SHOP RANTANEN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source saying Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland had found contract negotiations with Mikko Rantanen tougher than he thought they would be.

The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl will make with the Edmonton Oilers starting next season. The Avalanche would prefer he signs for something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million.

It’s been rumored that the Avalanche could shop Rantanen if he’s unsigned by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Biringer’s source said the Avs have no appetite to do that because of how valuable Rantanen is to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Worse comes to worse, Rantanen becomes the Avalanche’s “own rental” as they attempt to stage another run for the Stanley Cup.

FLAMES UNLIKELY TO MOVE KUZMENKO

CALGARY SUN: A reader recently asked Wes Gilbertson if Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko could become a trade chip before March 7.

Gilbertson is doubtful given Kuzmenko’s scoring woes this season. The 28-year-old winger has only two goals and 11 points in 33 games. He’s two years removed from his 39-goal, 75-point debut with the Vancouver Canucks and had 46 points in 72 games last season split between the Canucks and the Flames.

Kuzmenko is UFA-eligible in July. He has a $5.5 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could peddle Kuzmenko if they fall out of playoff contention by the trade deadline. They’ll likely have to retain part of his salary and won’t get much in return.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 18, 2025

Are the Devils interested in Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could they peddle promising defenseman Simon Nemec? What’s the latest on the Bruins? Will the Sabres trade Jason Zucker? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DEVILS

THE SCORE: In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he’s looking for a center “that can give up that extra oomph and maybe properly slot people to make us a strong four-line team come playoff time.”

League sources told LeBrun that the Devils are already checking on their list of trade targets.

Sean O’Leary mentioned some of the top potential playoff rental players including Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Players with term left on their contracts who’ve come up in the rumor mill include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks.

Could the New Jersey Devils pursue Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Predators are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause. LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz recently cited a Flyers source claiming the club has little interest in moving Laughton.

Miller’s situation has dominated the rumor mill since late December amid reports he and teammate Elias Pettersson weren’t getting along. Speaking of those two…

SPORTSNET: The New Jersey Devils are worth watching in the trade market. PuckPedia indicates they have over $7.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space. They also have the assets the Vancouver Canucks might be interested in if they’re trying to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cited CHEK-TV’S Rick Dhaliwal said many teams have checked in about J.T. Miller, including the Devils and Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks would want a center in return for Pettersson or Miller. The Devils don’t have anywhere to spare in that department. They also lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft but have three second-rounders to use as trade bait.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited a report from Slovak media outlet Dennik Sport indicating defenseman Simon Nemec isn’t happy with his extended stay with the Devils’ AHL affiliate in Utica.

Nemec played 60 games as a rookie with the Devils in 2023-24 but only nine games with them this season. He believes he’s proven “multiple times” that he belongs in the NHL but stopped short of requesting a trade. “If this situation continues, it’ll have to be addressed, but for now, it is what it is”, said Nemec.

RG.ORG: James Murphy recently confirmed Fitzgerald hopes to begin contract extension talks with defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic. He’s become an indispensable part of the roster since his acquisition from the Montreal Canadiens last summer.

Murphy wondered what this could mean for Nemec’s future with the Devils. He cited a source suggesting the young blueliner could become available in the trade market, especially after his comments to Dennik Sport.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reached out to a Devils source about Nemec. The source acknowledged the young rearguard’s disappointment about not playing in the NHL but stated they weren’t aware of any frustration on the youngster’s part.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he doesn’t expect the Devils to make any rash decisions about Nemec. “Put it this way, if it ever gets to a point where there’s an availability (in the Devils’ lineup), I guarantee you the Devils will be patient,” he said, adding the Devils selected Nemec at second overall in the 2022 draft for a reason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec’s initial comments caused a bit of a stir but it appears he’s not going anywhere unless he starts demanding a trade.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently looked at the options facing the Boston Bruins if they become buyers or sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. He believes their performance over the next month will determine management’s direction in the trade market.

If the Bruins gain traction in the standings, that might help GM Don Sweeney to hammer out a contract extension for captain Brad Marchand. If they bottom out, Sweeney could consider trading the 36-year-old winger to accelerate the rebuild, though neither party prefers that route.

Pending UFA winger Trent Frederic would also be a trade candidate. Sweeney could also look at moving players with term left on their contracts like Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha and Brandon Carlo, who all have partial no-trade clauses.

If the Bruins become buyers, Shinzawa believes Sweeney would prefer adding players with term on their contracts. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s difficult to believe Sweeney would trade his heart-and-soul captain. However, anything can happen at the trade deadline when teams become sellers, especially if Marchand and Sweeney fail to agree to a new contract. Marchand has an eight-team no-trade clause plus his $6.125 million cap hit could be a sticking point, though the Bruins will have paid out most of that by March 7. 

WILL THE SABRES TRADE OR SIGN ZUCKER?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently reported Jason Zucker’s solid performance this season could make him a valuable trade chip for the Buffalo Sabres if they become sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. However, the 33-year-old winger is keen to sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zucker’s enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance this season with 33 points in 45 games. His future in Buffalo will depend on how much he wants and for how long. His age will make the Sabres leery about giving him anything longer than a two-year deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 17, 2025

Should the Blackhawks trade for Elias Pettersson or move out Seth Jones? What the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Ryan O’Reilly and John Klingberg? What’s going on with the Devils, Jets and Blues? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes the Chicago Blackhawks should do everything they can to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.

Lazerus noted the Blackhawks need to bring in help for young franchise star Connor Bedard. He believes the 26-year-old playmaking center could fit in well with the rebuilding ‘Hawks, suggesting they have the pieces to make a competitive trade offer to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks also have the cap space to absorb Pettersson’s contract with its $11.6 million annual average value through 2031-32. He’s the right age to play a long-term active role with their young players.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. Whether the Blackhawks will take up Lazerus’ advice before then remains to be seen.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports teams are calling the Blackhawks about Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and has a full no-movement clause.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Dreger said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson isn’t shopping Jones. Nevertheless, teams are inquiring about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those teams likely want Davidson to retain half of that cap hit or to take back an expensive contract. Another option would be to involve a third team to spread the cap hit around. This could become an offseason move assuming Jones agrees to be traded.

CONTRACT TALKS STALLED BETWEEN THE AVALANCHE AND RANTANEN.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting contract extension talks between the Colorado Avalanche and winger Mikko Rantanen have reached an impasse.

Seravalli claims the Rantanen camp seeks a contract in the range of the $14 million annual cap hit the Edmonton Oilers will be paying Leon Draisaitl starting next season. Avalanche management prefers the 28-year-old winger sign something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million AAV.

The Avalanche have no interest in trading Rantanen if he’s not signed by the March 7 trade deadline. Contract talks are expected to resume following the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in early February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Avalanche might put Rantanen on the trade block before the deadline. This report should bring those rumors to an end. If the Avalanche hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring they need Rantanen in the lineup.

PREDATORS LISTENING ON O’REILLY BUT AREN’T SHOPPING HIM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators aren’t actively shopping Ryan O’Reilly. The 33-year-old two-way center has two seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Given their placement in the standings, the Predators have no choice but to listen to trade proposals provided teams are wasting their time with low-ball offers. O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection but the Preds are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause, leaving the final decision up to him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “So, you’re saying there’s a chance…” Seriously, it’s unlikely anyone will come up with a suitable offer that will make O’Reilly agree to be traded, and the Predators seem fine about that. Still, stranger things have happened.

SEVERAL TEAMS INTERESTED IN KLINGBERG

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars are among several teams interested in John Klingberg. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cites TSN’s Bob McKenzie reporting a decision about Klingberg could come within the next two days. He said the Oilers, Stars and Leafs are very much in the mix.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes it’s a long shot the Leafs will gamble again on Klingberg. It would cost them a roster spot and Kypreos doesn’t see them moving Klingberg ahead of Philippe Myers or Conor Timmins. He thinks the Oilers have a more pressing need for him.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the Oilers are kicking tires on Klingberg. He speculates the cost of signing the blueliner would be a one-year, prorated deal worth $800K. Matheson believes the Stars need a puck-moving rearguard like Klingberg more than the Oilers, who need another physical Mattias Ekholm-type defender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg began his NHL career with the Stars and spent his best seasons with them. They have limited cap space right now which would make him an affordable fit. However, they’re expected to spend big in the trade market when they place Tyler Seguin and his $9.85 million AAV on long-term injury reserve.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN A CENTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would like to add a center to his roster before the March 7 trade deadline. He wouldn’t reveal which players he’s targeting but he will be assessing his options. LeBrun noted that Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton (who’s played mostly on the wing this season) are among the notable names in the rumor mill.

UPDATES ON THE JETS AND BLUES

Darren Dreger speculates the Winnipeg Jets might not need to go shopping for a center before the March 7 trade deadline. They like what they’ve seen of captain Adam Lowry filling in for sidelined Vladislav Namestnikov as a second-line center. They could have the flexibility to pursue the best forward available if they stay healthy.

Dreger reports that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has told his players that he expects a better effort from them this month. He’s not making threats but has let them know he could shake things up if things don’t improve soon. The Blues are currently battling for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2025

by | Jan 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2025

Check out the latest on Brock Nelson, Dylan Cozens and Taylor Hall plus updates on the Penguins and Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON BROCK NELSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Dallas Stars have an interest in Brock Nelson. However, it’s unclear if the New York Islanders will move the 33-year-old center.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin included the Stars on his list of five trade destinations to watch for Nelson. The others included the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said last week that he wasn’t thinking about the March 7 trade deadline, focussing on his club’s performance instead. He’s indicated his club’s performance over the next couple of months will determine what he does by the deadline.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently included Nelson among the players he considers “high-rent districts” for the Leafs. He believes they’ll look at inexpensive rental options at center. The Leafs can’t afford a center like Nelson unless one of their expensive forwards goes on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of the regular season.

FLAMES INTERESTED IN DYLAN COZENS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun indicated the Calgary Flames are among “a very long list” of teams who have contacted the Buffalo Sabres about Dylan Cozens. He said the Flames have been scouring the trade market in search of a right-shot center who is 25 or younger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Calgary Sun’s Kent Wilson recently examined the pros and cons of acquiring Cozens. He thinks that move could be a bad bet for the Flames, citing his mediocre production, $7.1 million average annual value, and the Sabres’ asking price.

TAYLOR HALL IS PREPARED TO BE TRADED

NHL.COM: Tracey Myers reports Taylor Hall knows he could be playing with another team by the March 7 trade deadline. The 33-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer. He’d like to remain with the Blackhawks but doesn’t know if that’s the case anymore.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks could move Hall if they get a suitable offer that benefits them now or over the long term. They’re stuck at the bottom of the standings again and must bring in players this summer who can immediately boost their roster.

TRADES ARE COMING FOR THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported the Pittsburgh Penguins’ improved performance since late November hasn’t changed GM Kyle Dubas’ plans to be a seller at the trade deadline.

Yohe cited league sources expecting Dubas to make multiple deals. Pending free-agent defenseman Marcus Pettersson is as good as gone. One source told Yohe that the only safe players are those with no-trade clauses like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Rickard Rakell could be an exception as they don’t feel any rush to move him, though Yohe believes everyone has a price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This piece was published before the Penguins placed goaltender Tristan Jarry on waivers. Given his struggles between the pipes and his $5.375 million AAV through 2027-28, it’ll be surprising if another club claims him. I also don’t see him getting traded. A contract buyout in June appears more likely

The most likely trade candidates are UFA-eligible players like Pettersson, Matt Nieto, Anthony Beauvillier and Matt Grzelcyk. Players with a year or two left on their contracts, like Noel Acciari, Blake Lizotte and Michael Bunting, could also be shopped by the deadline.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks speculated earlier this week that the Rangers’ recent improvement likely won’t turn them from sellers into renters at the trade deadline.

Brooks believes GM Chris Drury won’t sacrifice future assets for quick fixes to gain the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. He wonders if recently acquired Will Borgen will have more value as a trade chip or on the Rangers blueline. The 28-year-old defenseman is coming up on free agency this summer. Brooks also isn’t sure how long the Rangers can keep going forward with oft-injured center Filip Chytil.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating whether Ryan Lindgren would be a good fit with the Detroit Red Wings. The gritty 26-year-old defenseman is on a one-year, $4.5 million contract and is eligible for UFA status on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury has been busy in this season’s trade market, shipping Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. He’s also believed to have permitted blueliner Zac Jones to speak to other clubs about a trade.

Barring a substantial rally in the standings, expect the Rangers to be sellers by March 7.