NHL Rumor Mill – December 9, 2024

by | Dec 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 9, 2024

Jacob Trouba’s recent trade to the Ducks hasn’t stopped speculation he could be on the move again. Check out the latest plus recent conjecture on the Canucks and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS AND BLUE JACKETS WERE INTERESTED IN TROUBA

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports Maple Leafs management likes Jacob Trouba. The 31-year-old defenseman was traded on Friday by the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Simmons believes the Leafs might be interested in Trouba if the Ducks or another team retains a large chunk of the blueliner’s $8 million cap hit. However, he thinks the Leafs, with their limited cap room, will attempt to add “a forward of prominence” by the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported that Canadian teams like the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens looked into acquiring Trouba before he was shipped to Anaheim. Those reports claimed Trouba wasn’t interested in returning north of the border, which suggests all seven Canadian clubs are on his 15-team no-trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets were among the teams that pressed hard to acquire Trouba. However, he declined to remove them from his no-trade list.

The rearguard also declined a trade to the Detroit Red Wings and another Eastern Conference club.

It’s unclear what role general manager Don Waddell had in mind for Trouba. Portzline speculates he might’ve wound up on the top pairing alongside Zach Werenski. He also believes Waddell remains active and is willing to be aggressive in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline pointed out how much Waddell has changed the Blue Jackets’ defense corps since taking over as GM this spring. He brought in Dante Fabbro, Jack Johnson, Jordan Harris and Daemon Hunt and bid farewell to Jake Bean, Nick Blakenburg, Adam Boqvist and David Jiricek.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Pat Steinberg was asked if the Calgary Flames will sign or trade Rasmus Andersson. The 27-year-old defenseman is eligible for UFA status in 2026 and eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July 1.

Steinberg believes the Flames will try to keep Andersson but felt he could be peddled by the 2026 trade deadline if he’s interested in testing the 2026 free-agent market.

A reader asked Steinberg if the Flames would trade Dan Vladar. The club currently has Vladar and Dustin Wolf as their goaltending tandem with promising Devin Cooley with their AHL affiliate. Steinberg didn’t rule out a Vladar trade but felt there was no urgency to do so in early December. He believes the Flames’ asking price is a second-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy could be unwilling to break up his goalie tandem if they’re in playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Filip Hronek’s recent surgery won’t put additional pressure on the Vancouver Canucks to go shopping for blueline help. Hronek underwent shoulder surgery and is out until at least late January.

Jim Rutherford, president of hockey operations, said trading for a defenseman has long been on the table. However, he’s looking for their current blueliners to step up and play a few more minutes. Johnston points out the Canucks have a longstanding need for a right-shot defenseman on the second pairing.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 8, 2024

by | Dec 8, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 8, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Brady Tkachuk and J.T. Miller, what’s next for the Rangers and former captain Jacob Trouba, and speculation about changes to no-movement protection in the next CBA.

LATEST FROM HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA’S “SATURDAY HEADLINES”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman touched on the recent rumor out of New York linking Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to the Rangers. He pointed out the 25-year-old left winger has three more seasons left on his contract and the Senators are confident he’ll play that out with them.

Given the Senators’ struggles, Friedman believes they and their fans must “get used to some noise” about speculation regarding their key players. He noted there will always be questions about the future of those players when a team is having difficulty reaching the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators pushed back forcefully on the rumor claiming the Rangers were pursuing Tkachuk, calling them “bullshit” and “garbage”. He’s always said that he wants to stay in Ottawa and turn the Senators into a winner.

Nevertheless, the questions and rumors won’t go away if the Senators keep spinning their wheels. The only way to silence the conjecture is to win. It’s easier said than done, but it’s still the only effective antidote.

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

Friedman also reports the Vancouver Canucks are saying publicly and privately that J.T. Miller’s ongoing leave of absence from the team is not about trading him. When he returns, it’ll be with the Canucks. Friedman doesn’t believe Miller has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks beat writer Patrick Johnston of The Province reported on Nov. 19 that Miller’s efforts to play through an upper-body injury took an emotional toll on the 31-year-center. He indicated the team gave Miller the team he needed to return to where he needed to be mentally.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AND JACOB TROUBA?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at what might be next for the New York Rangers after trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and signing Igor Shesterkin to a contract extension. The Rangers have around $22 million in trade deadline salary-cap space if they wish to add to their roster by the March 7 deadline.

Baugh suggested defensemen Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as blueline trade targets. Rental forward options could include reacquiring Frank Vatrano from the Ducks or Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde.

The Minnesota Wild could be open to moving Marco Rossi. The 21-year-old center will become a restricted free agent next summer. However, that move could be a player-for-player swap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury could go after a promising young player like Rossi but the asking price could prove too expensive. I doubt that offering Kaapo Kakko for Rossi straight up will do it. He could instead look at rental options by the deadline provided the asking prices won’t gut the prospect pipeline.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox wondered if Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek might retain part of Jacob Trouba’s $8 million salary-cap hit and flip him to another team, perhaps one in the Eastern Conference.

Fox noted that the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Senators expressed interest in the 31-year-old defenseman before the Rangers traded him to Anaheim on Friday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau shared Fox’s opinion, suggesting Trouba could be shipped out by the March 7 trade deadline or during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  I also wondered if Trouba could become a trade chip for the Ducks if they’re out of playoff contention by March 7. He could still draw interest from contenders if he performs well in Anaheim. He’s only got one year left on his contract and Verbeek could be willing to retain salary for a decent return.

PLAYERS MIGHT SEEK CHANGE IN NO-MOVEMENT PROTECTION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports NHL players are wondering if there should be a streamlining of the no-movement process after the fallout of the Jacob Trouba trade.

Trouba had no-trade protection for some teams but didn’t have no-movement protection, meaning the New York Rangers could’ve put him on waivers if he didn’t accept a trade to the Anaheim Ducks. Had he gone on waivers, he’d have no control over which club selected him.

The Rangers did nothing wrong as they followed the rules of the CBA. However, what bothered the players was that they could end up sent to a team on their no-trade list if placed on waivers. Only players with no-movement clauses can avoid the waiver process.

Friedman believes the players will ask the NHL Players Association to talk to the league in the next round of collective bargaining about one form of no-move protection, or if they have a partial no-trade clause and get placed on waivers, they cannot go to a team on their no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league could push back against closing that loophole. However, situations like Trouba’s are rare so it’s unlikely to be a major obstacle in future CBA talks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2024

by | Dec 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2024

Are more moves coming for the Rangers after trading Jacob Trouba to the Ducks? Will the Leafs try to bring back Nazem Kadri? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE MORE TRADES IN STORE FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports more moves are coming for the Rangers after they traded Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

Brooks claims Rangers general manager Chris Drury spent the week in trade talks with multiple clubs. He indicated that Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk is Drury’s primary trade target.

Acquiring “the Senators’ 25-year-old hardscrabble captain” would immediately change the Rangers’ identity. However, the package going to Ottawa would have to be significant and likely include winger Alexis Lafreniere.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators may have “kicked tires” on Jacob Trouba before he was shipped to the Ducks. However, they weren’t anywhere close to a deal because the veteran defenseman did not want to be traded to a Canadian team.

Garrioch also reports the Senators have no intention of trading Tkachuk. One well-placed source called the Post story “total bullshit” while another called the report “garbage.” The Senators would rather win with Tkachuk rather than trade him away. Garrioch indicated that Sens GM Steve Staios intended to speak with his captain to assure him there was nothing to the story.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those well-placed sources Garrioch referred to are probably members of the Senators’ front office, perhaps even Staios himself.

Staios could consider shaking up the Senators if they fail to end their playoff drought this season. Moving Tkachuk would be an extreme decision unless he wants out and there’s no indication he does. Something worth keeping in mind is Tkachuk’s no-movement clause begins on July 1, 2025. 

NEW YORK POST: Returning to the Rangers, Brooks believes Drury has put the club in a better place by trading Trouba and his $8 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26. That move leaves the Rangers with a projected $21.9 million of trade deadline cap space. “No other contender comes close,” claims Brooks, believing the Rangers “will have their pickings the rest of the way.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also walked back his claim that the Rangers were pursuing Tkachuk, but noted the Senators winger is the type of player the Blueshirts are seeking. They have the cap space to add that player at the trade deadline.

In an earlier report, Brooks suggested Drury should contact the Nashville Predators and find out if Steven Stamkos would waive his no-movement clause. He also proposed speaking with the Buffalo Sabres and Utah Hockey Club as those teams must make changes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos isn’t a young power forward like Tkachuk. The 34-year-old winger is under contract for three more seasons with an AAV of $8 million. His decline this season could be due to age and the wear-and-tear of 17 NHL seasons catching up with him. Stamkos is an expensive risk the Rangers can’t afford to take.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Rangers and Ducks might not be done dealing with each other. Sources close to the situation claimed the Rangers sought winger Frank Vatrano in the Trouba deal.

They opted to move on from Trouba’s $8 million cap hit but could revisit their interest in Vatrano. Biringer’s sources say Drury spoke with Ducks GM Pat Verbeek at last year’s trade deadline about Vatrano but the Rangers GM didn’t want to part with winger Kaapo Kaako. However, Drury might be willing to move on from Kaako now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Brooks noted, the Rangers have plenty of cap space to make significant moves by the March 7 trade deadline. They can afford Vatrano’s $3.65 million cap hit. He played briefly for them in the 2021-22 season and had a solid performance during their run to the 2022 Eastern Conference Final. Vatrano departed for the Ducks via free agency that summer as the Rangers couldn’t afford to retain him.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was very interested in landing Trouba but couldn’t reach suitable trade terms with the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly tried to trade Trouba to the Red Wings in June but he used his no-movement clause to spike the deal for family reasons. Maybe Yzerman will try again next summer if Trouba doesn’t work out for the Ducks.

SHOULD THE LEAFS PURSUE NAZEM KADRI?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler recently cited former Sportsnet analyst Doug MacLean telling Sportsnet 590 The Fan that he believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should bring back Nazem Kadri. The 34-year-old center began his career with the Leafs and now plays with the Calgary Flames.

MacLean claimed the Leafs were kicking tires for a second-line center. He believes Kadri’s physical two-way style is what they need to compete against the defending champion Florida Panthers as well as the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

DAILY FACEOFF’s Jeff Marek shared MacLean’s opinion, believing it would be a good fit for both clubs. The Flames are rebuilding and won’t make the playoffs right now. He acknowledged Kadri’s leadership is helpful to the young Flames but he’d be a better fit with the Leafs if they’re to compete against a tough team like the Panthers.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames beat writer Eric Francis was asked where he thought the Flames would trade Kadri. He believes the veteran center would generate plenty of interest and didn’t rule out the possibility if the right offer came along. However, he doesn’t see that happening and doesn’t believe the Flames are shopping Kadri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans have cited these reports as substantiation that the Leafs are trying to acquire Kadri or that he would welcome a trade to a contender. However, MacLean and Marek were suggesting the Leafs pursue Kadri, not stating it as a fact. Francis said we should “never say never” but made it clear the Flames aren’t peddling him.

None of them said Kadri wants out of Calgary. During training camp, Kadri told reporters to pump the brakes on the trade speculation that dogged him during the offseason, claiming he loved the team and the city. He might welcome a trade at some point but not right now.

Kadri is a more mature player than when his loose cannon act proved costly to the Leafs in the 2018 and 2019 playoffs. He elevated his stock with a superb effort helping the Colorado Avalanche win the 2022 Stanley Cup and has fit well into the elder statesman role with the Flames.

He would be a better fit with the Leafs now. Nevertheless, everything linking him to Toronto right now is based on the musings of a couple of pundits.










Rangers Trade Jacob Trouba To The Ducks

by | Dec 6, 2024

Rangers Trade Jacob Trouba To The Ducks

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New York Rangers are trading defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also reports the Rangers won’t be retaining salary in the deal, meaning the Ducks are taking on his full $8 million average annual value for this season and next.

New York Rangers trade Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL Images).

It’s not much of a return for Trouba. Vaakanainen was a former first-round pick of the Boston Bruins and was shipped to the Ducks at the March 2022 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins. The 25-year-old was used as a depth defenseman by the Ducks. He’s battled injuries in his career and is currently on IR with an upper-body injury.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury reached the point where moving Trouba and his cap hit was more important than the return.

The defenseman used his full no-movement clause to block Drury’s attempt to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings in June. Given Trouba’s sub-par performance this season it was obvious he was bothered by Drury’s efforts to move him this summer.

Trouba carries a 15-team no-trade list this season, meaning he could be shipped out to another club before the March 7 trade deadline. He could be a solid addition to the rebuilding Ducks if he returns to the physical style that earned him the Rangers’ captaincy. 

Whether he regains his form in Anaheim remains to be seen. If he doesn’t, they could have a difficult time drumming up interest in the trade market.

Trading Trouba might not be the only move Drury has up his sleeve. It was reported last week he’d made several veterans available in the trade market, with Trouba and power forward Chris Kreider mentioned in the rumor mill. It’ll be interesting to see if Kreider follows Trouba out of New York in the coming weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2024

by | Dec 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 6, 2024

Speculation has started over how the Dallas Stars will replace sidelined center Tyler Seguin, plus the latest on Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE STARS REPLACE TYLER SEGUIN?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars will look within their organization to replace sidelined forward Tyler Seguin. The 32-year-old underwent hip surgery this week and will be sidelined for the next four to six months.

Nevertheless, LeBrun also believes the Stars could place Seguin on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to acquire an experienced forward.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

LeBrun suggests Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a target target, adding the Minnesota Wild could also be interested in the 33-year-old center. However, he’s doubtful Nelson could be available as Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello won’t move him if they’re in the playoff chase and doesn’t always move his pending unrestricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman claims the Stars’ Western Conference opponents believe they’ll take advantage of the LTIR space at the trade deadline and aim for Seguin to return for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seguin’s average annual value is $9.875 million. The Stars haven’t placed him on LTIR yet. They currently have over $2 million in cap space and $6.5 million in projected trade-deadline space.

GM Jim Nill might not have to put Seguin on LTIR to acquire a forward by the deadline. However, he’ll have that option if he wants to make a couple of big splashes in the trade market before the deadline.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM ELLIOTTE FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is trying to figure out what he can do throughout his roster to improve it. Contracts with full or limited trade protection are a hurdle. He believes Drury has spoken with the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators must shore up their defense, especially the right side among their top-four blueliners. The Rangers aren’t parting with Adam Fox or Braden Schneider but are trying to move Jacob Trouba. However, the Senators are likely on his 15-team no-trade list.

Speaking of Trouba, Friedman wonders how interested someone will be in acquiring him if he’s unhappy with a trade before next season. He also indicated the reaction to the Rangers making Chris Kreider available was one of puzzlement. “Why would they want to trade this guy?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider is the longest-serving player on the Rangers and a heart-and-soul leader. Perhaps Drury believes the 33-year-old winger’s best years are behind him and hopes to make the most of his trade value before it declines.

**UPDATE: The New York Post and The Athletic report Trouba has been held out of the lineup for Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins for the purpose of “roster management.” The decision could be a prelude to a trade or placing him on waivers.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Rangers have multiple offers on the table for Trouba but they need him to waive his no-trade clause. Stay tuned***

Friedman doesn’t believe J.T. Miller has requested a trade from the Vancouver Canucks. The 31-year-old center is on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: His inclusion on Team USA’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February suggests Miller could be close to returning to the Canucks.

Speaking of the Canucks, Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in winger Nils Hoglander. He also indicated the Penguins “have shoppers for Drew O’Connor.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoglander for O’Connor, who says no? Discuss in the comments section below.

Teams interested in gritty two-way forward Trent Frederic wonder how serious the Boston Bruins are about signing him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic, 26, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. He recently became the subject of trade speculation. The Bruins won’t trade him as long as they remain in playoff contention but could consider it if they slide out of the postseason picture by the March 7 trade deadline.

Nashville Predators rugged defenseman Jeremy Lauzon is drawing interest despite being sidelined by an injury. Meanwhile, Friedman believes little-used Predators center Juuso Parssinen could reach the point where he’ll want a change of scenery.

The Florida Panthers will look to add a right-shot defenseman at some point.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

by | Dec 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 5, 2024

Check out the latest on Canucks center J.T. Miller, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Rangers center Mika Zibanejad in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS PRESIDENT WANTS RUMORS ABOUT J.T. MILLER TO STOP

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford wants the baseless rumors swirling around J.T. Miller to stop.

Miller’s been on an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks since Nov. 19. Johnston indicates he’s “looking to get himself right”, focussing on getting himself mentally back to where he was.

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

However, the lack of details over Miller’s absence has prompted speculation suggesting he clashed with head coach Rick Tocchet or doesn’t see eye-to-eye with teammate Elias Pettersson. Some wonder if Miller could be traded to the Boston Bruins or New York Rangers.

Rutherford, however, shot down that speculation. “Don’t start making stuff up on someone in this situation. That’s disrespectful,” he said. He also said that he’s not trading Miller. “We stand by him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s natural to speculate when a player is absent for no specified reason. Nevertheless, those who did could’ve saved themselves the trouble if they had done a bit of research. On Nov. 19, Johnston reported that Miller was trying to play through an injury but the emotional weight of doing so overwhelmed him.

The good news is Miller could return to action soon. He has a roster spot on Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

NO TRUTH TO RUMOR LINKING MALKIN TO THE STARS

THE ATHLETIC’s Rob Rossi took to social media on Wednesday to address a rumor linking Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin to the Dallas Stars. In short, “It’s never happening.”

Rossi writes it felt like he spent “25 percent” of his time shooting down Sidney Crosby trade rumors. “Anyway, take what I said about Crosby – it’s never happening – and apply it to Evgeni Malkin.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shades of “Malkin to the Kings” 16 years ago. The originator of the current Malkin rumor acknowledged the 38-year-old center would have to waive his no-movement clause. As Rossi pointed out, he would have no interest in doing that.

RANGERS GAUGING ZIBANEJAD’S TRADE VALUE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited an NHL source claiming the New York Rangers are willing to entertain offers for Mika Zibanejad.

Reports emerged last week indicating the Rangers could also entertain offers for veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider. D’Amico’s source said Zibanejad is “out there for sure”, claiming the Rangers had discussions with a Western Conference team. “They discussed him but I’m not sure there’s a match there. I think it was more the Rangers continuing to gauge his value on the market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It stands to reason that Zibanejad would’ve been on the Rangers list of veterans who could become trade candidates. His offensive difficulties this season have factored into the club’s recent struggles.

Zibanejad seems the least likely of that trio to be traded based on his contract alone. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause and an $8.5 million annual average value. Trouba has a year left on his contract ($8 million AAV) and Kreider two years ($6.5 million AAV), with both players carrying 15-team no-trade clauses.