NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2024

by | Nov 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2024

Could Blues goalie Jordan Binnington move on to a Cup contender? Are the Flyers shopping defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD BINNINGTON MOVE ON FROM THE BLUES?

RG.ORG: James Murphy asked a former St. Louis Blues source if Jordan Binnington might eventually ask to be moved. The source said he wouldn’t be surprised if the 29-year-old goaltender requested a trade.

St. Louis Blue goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images)

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong could become a seller if his retooling club finds itself in another losing skid by the upcoming American Thanksgiving weekend.

Murphy suggested the Carolina Hurricanes would be interested in Binnington if he became available. Veteran starter Frederik Andersen is sidelined again and Pyotr Kochetkov is also banged up. Murphy’s source believes the Hurricanes wouldn’t be the only club interested in the Blues goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy noted Binnington has two years remaining on his six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He also carries an 18-team no-trade list. Both factors would make Binnington difficult to move if he requested a trade. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be traded but it seems unlikely at this stage.

It would be big news if the Blues were entertaining offers for their starting goalie. Binnington hasn’t given any indication that he wants out of St. Louis and Armstrong’s dropped no hints that he’s available.

ARE THE FLYERS SHOPPING RISTOLAINEN?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently singling out the improved play this season Rasmus Ristolainen, speculating the pundit might be “planting a seed for a potential Flyers trade down the road.”

Bailey also cited Philadelphia sportswriter Anthony SanFilippo reporting that Ristolainen is gathering trade interest around the league. However, he claims the Flyers haven’t received a suitable offer yet for the 30-year-old defenseman.

SanFilippo believes Ristolainen could be moved between the start of the New Year and June. However, the Flyers would have to retain part of the blueliner’s salary or risk pushing trade talks into the offseason. He carries an AAV of $5.1 million through 2026-27.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz also reports the Flyers are fielding calls about Ristolainen. However, they’re not interested in moving him just to clear cap space and they don’t have a price tag attached to him.

Kurz speculates that Ristolainen’s value could rise the closer it gets to the March 7 trade deadline. However, the return could depend on how much salary the Flyers are willing to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bailey points out the Flyers have already used their three salary retention slots for this season on Tony DeAngelo, Kevin Hayes, and Cam Atkinson. DeAngelo comes off the books after this season but Hayes and Atkinson each have a year remaining. (**CORRECTION** The Flyers have two salary retention slots for this season as Atkinson and DeAngelo were bought out. I misread the PuckPedia entry. My apologies for the error.)










NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2024

by | Nov 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2024

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Predators and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes trade talk among NHL general managers is bound to heat up soon. Teams are reaching the 20-game mark in the schedule, American Thanksgiving is upcoming and the general managers recently concluded a meeting in Toronto.

Dreger is keeping an eye on three GMs who seem more eager to talk trade: Kevyn Adams of the Buffalo Sabres, Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators, and Kyle Dubas of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, Adams is “willing to consider something bigger” but doesn’t want to trade away any of his top young talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger also said he doesn’t think anything’s imminent for the Sabres. However, he pointed out that Adams has a good pool of prospects to draw on for trade bait. Dreger also mentioned that Bowen Byram has come up in the rumor mill but he doesn’t see Adams trading the defenseman unless it’s for a “can’t-miss” return.

Meanwhile, Jason Moser of Buffalo Hockey Now wondered if the St. Louis Blues might be a trade partner for the Sabres. He noted the Blues are struggling of late and GM Doug Armstrong isn’t afraid to make moves to shake things up. Moser suggested wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Brandon Saad as options who could help the Sabres.

Dreger noted the Predators have multiple first-round picks and a couple of second-rounders. Trotz wants to add long-term solutions in Nashville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has three first-rounders in the 2025 NHL Draft. One is from the Vegas Golden Knights, the other from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Three guesses as to which pick rival GMs will be most interested in?

As for Dubas, Dreger said he wants young NHL players and draft picks to build for a better future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said almost the same thing but also included “already-drafted prospects”.

Penguins veteran center Evgeni Malkin recently told reporters he has no interest in getting traded amid rumors of a roster teardown. “It’s my second home here,” he said. “I’m glad to be here. It doesn’t matter if we win or we lost,” adding that he wants to be “always together” with long-time teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. The trio carry full no-movement clauses so don’t hold your breath expecting one of them to accept a trade.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols suggests the Devils keep an eye on Penguins wingers Drew O’Connor and Anthony Beauvillier in the trade market if Dubas becomes a seller.

The Athletic’s Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal recently wondered if Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson would be a fit with the Vancouver Canucks.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2024

by | Nov 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Penguins plus the latest on the Ducks’ John Gibson, the Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov, and the Sharks’ Mackenzie Blackwood.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Lars Eller won’t be the last player move they make this season. He claims they’ve let teams know they’re “open for business.”

The Penguins seek young NHL players, followed by already-drafted prospects, followed by draft picks. He believes pending UFAs Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor will be among those to follow.

Friedman doesn’t see Sidney Crosby wanting out given he signed a two-year extension in September. He doesn’t think the Penguins want to trade Evgeni Malkin nor does Malkin want to be moved.

Kris Letang has three years remaining with a no-movement clause. Friedman believes his history of injuries and ailments makes the 37-year-old defenseman a gamble for other clubs. even if he wanted to be traded.

Erik Karlsson also has no-move protection and still carries a hefty salary-cap hit. However, Friedman noted that his actual salary will decline over the remaining two years of his contract, prompting him to suggest there would be interest in the talented defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Friedman also wondered about the future of Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. If they fire Sullivan, he believes it’ll be because they feel they need a new voice in the dressing room, not because he’s a bad coach. Sullivan would draw interest from other teams if he becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those Penguins stars could agree to be traded. However, their respective cap hit would make it difficult to find a suitable deal. Age will also be a factor as they’re in the mid-to-late thirties.

Some folks took to social media following the Penguins’ humiliating loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday calling for Crosby to be traded to a better team, believing he deserves better than this. That’s his call, folks, not yours.

Maybe Crosby will one day accept a trade to a contender. However, that day doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon.

MORE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports a lot of teams expect the Los Angeles Kings will re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov. Doing so would shrink next summer’s pool of UFA defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov was the subject of considerable trade speculation before the Kings acquired him from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2023 trade deadline. He’ll draw lots of interest if he tests next summer’s UFA market. Gavrikov could also become a valuable trade chip for the Kings if they become sellers before this season’s trade deadline.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has two years remaining on his contract. He’s made it clear he’s willing to consider more trade options than his trade protection states. However, the oft-sidelined Gibson must stay in the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Friedman claimed the Colorado Avalanche revisited their interest in San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. They’ve had an eye on Blackwood since last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood is eligible for UFA status next summer and probably won’t re-sign with the rebuilding Sharks. They could peddle him by the March 7 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 13, 2024

by | Nov 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 13, 2024

Are more moves coming for the Penguins? What changes could be coming in the next CBA? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PENGUINS?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t engaging in a fire sale despite recent speculation.

Dreger claims Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas recently reached out to other GMs around the league to let them know he’s open for business and to call him if they have any ideas. However, that’s standard practice for NHL general managers, especially those with struggling teams but there’s no sense of panic.

DK PITTSBURGH SPORTS: Taylor Haase reported a league source told her Dubas had let it be known that “everyone is available, except 87 (Sidney Crosby)”. However, he doesn’t intend to tear down the roster and start a full rebuild. Haase believes that won’t happen until Crosby retires.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images).

Any future moves by Dubas will be to get back players instead of draft picks and prospects. He remains committed to trying to win with at least Crosby.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These reports came out before the Penguins traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals yesterday evening.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman pointed out that selling off pending unrestricted free agents (like Eller) is common practice for teams near the bottom of the standings like the Penguins. Potential rental chips include Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Marcus Pettersson and Matt Grzelcyk.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kelsey Surmacz added Jesse Puljujaarvi to that list of pending UFAs. She also suggested players signed beyond this season like Noel Acciari, Alex Nedeljkovic, and perhaps Kris Letang.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those pending UFAs likely won’t fetch much as far as players go. As for Letang, he has a full no-movement clause until the end of 2025-26, which he’ll have a 10-team no-trade list. He could waive it to go elsewhere but there’s no certainty he will.

Everyone may be available but some could be difficult to move because of their no-movement clauses (Evgeni Malkin) or a combination of expensive contracts and slumping performance (Erik Karlsson).

WHAT CHANGES COULD WE SEE IN THE NEXT NHL CBA?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported on feedback from the NHL general managers to tweak the CBA in the next round of collective bargaining with the players, slated to start next year.

Reducing term limits on player contracts was the one that most interested LeBrun. According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, it wasn’t anything more specific than the GMs saying if they could achieve bargaining shorter contract limits, it should be on the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun reminds us that contract term limits were a contentious issue during the 2012 negotiation. Both sides agreed on eight years for a player re-signing with his team and seven years for those signing elsewhere as unrestricted free agents.

Other issues raised by the general managers include revising the restricted free agent compensation chart for offer sheets, potentially moving to a high/low model for salary arbitration, updating the walkaway thresholds for arbitration awards, and expanding buyout rights.

LeBrun indicated the preliminary sense is neither side wants another difficult CBA battle, preferring to make tweaks rather than major changes. Nevertheless, he cautions that things could change once both sides are in the same room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL has come out of the uncertainty of the COVID seasons with growing revenue due to factors like expansion, the rise of sports gambling and recent national broadcasting deals in the United States.

Neither side wants to do anything that will jeopardize that growth. Talks could go sideways if one side digs in its heels, but I believe they’ll reach an agreement the current CBA expires in September 2026 without too much difficulty.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2024

by | Nov 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 12, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Bruins could be planning a shakeup, the latest on Trevor Zegras, the Leafs could use another center, defensemen potentially available at the trade deadline, and a coaching rumor involving the Canadiens is debunked.

ARE THE BRUINS PLANNING A BIG CHANGE.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a belief among some NHL general managers that the Boston Bruins could be on the verge of a big change.

Murphy cited “a well-placed, NHL executive” telling him to “be on the lookout” for a potential shakeup move by the Bruins. It’s uncertain if that’ll be a coaching change or a trade.

The source claimed it’s no secret Bruins general manager Don Sweeney wants to add a top-six winger but he could also snag another top-six center.

It was rumored Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo drew the interest of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, their recent addition of Dante Fabbro likely shelves those discussions for now.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Another source told Murphy the Bruins were talking to the Utah Hockey Club and the Anaheim Ducks. The latter raised the question of the availability of struggling forward Trevor Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A coaching change seems more likely than a major trade at this point in the season. Nevertheless, it’s still early in the season and the Bruins are currently among the top eight in the Eastern Conference.

Sweeney could conduct diligence in the trade market by calling to see who’s available. However, he could remain patient and give his team time to improve.

Speaking of Zegras…

TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE ATHLETIC’S CHRIS JOHNSTON

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked if there were any trade talks about Trevor Zegras. The 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward is struggling to score this season and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Johnston indicated trade discussions about Zegras might pick up at some point this season. However, it doesn’t seem like a priority or a serious thought right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The more Zegras struggles the more his value drops in the trade market. The Ducks would likely prefer offers with a first-round pick involved but interested clubs will try to capitalize on his poor production by offering up considerably less.

A reader asked Johnston if the Toronto Maple Leafs might try to add a third-line center. He believes they’ll likely attempt to do so by the March 7 trade deadline. Johnston pointed out they’ll have cap room if they wish to add a player signed beyond this season with a couple of big cap hits due to expire next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He’s referring to Mitch Marner and John Tavares as they could depart via free agency in July. Tavares could stay but he’ll have to accept much less than his current $11 million average annual value. However, that could be taken up by a hefty raise for Marner.

Johnston was asked which defensemen might become available by the March 7 trade deadline. Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets tops his list, followed by Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov and Ceci are slated to become UFAs next summer and are the most likely of this group to get moved. Fowler is signed through 2025-26 and could entice teams looking for more than a blueline playoff rental but the Ducks might have to retain part of his $6.5 million AAV. Ristolainen has an AAV of $5.1 million but the two years left on his deal could be a sticking point.

CANADIENS DENY SPEAKING WITH GALLANT

TVA SPORTS: cited a recent rumor from BPM Sports’ Georges Laraque claiming Montreal Canadiens management met with former NHL coach Gerard Gallant over the weekend.

Laraque claimed Canadiens GM Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis met with Gallant in Toronto to discuss a coaching position with the club. However, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports no member of the Canadiens met with Gallant in Toronto or anywhere else.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

by | Nov 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, a look at the latest speculation involving several notable pending restricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding this season’s top-12 restricted free agents. Here’s a look at several of the notables.

Fox believes the Edmonton Oilers could end up paying defenseman Evan Bouchard an average annual value of “somewhere in the $10.5 million range” on his next contract.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard’s production this season (seven points in 15 games) is below last season’s pace (82 points in 81 games). He’s on pace to barely reach 40 points, something he did in 2022-23 (42) and 2023-24 (40).

Bouchard’s earning an AAV of $3.9 million on his current deal. He’ll still get a substantial raise if he finishes with 40 points but not the $10.5 million that he’d be in line for if he reached 80 points.

New York Islanders blueliner Noah Dobson could get something nearing $8 million annually on an eight-year contract if general manager Lou Lamoriello wants to go long-term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson carries an AAV of $4 million on his current contract. He’s the Isles’ best puck-moving rearguard, netting 51 points in 2021-22, 49 points in 2022-23, and a career-high 70 last season. He’s been a bargain for them thus far but could seek between $7 million and $8 million on his next deal.

Fox suggests Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston could get something comparable to the seven-year, $7.14 million AAV signed by Matty Beniers with the Seattle Kraken. He also speculated a mid-term bridge deal as a possibility given teammates Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven are in line for raises after 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston will be coming off his entry-level contract and will lack arbitration rights next summer. Stars management will hold all the leverage here.

A long-term comparable for New Jersey Devils blueliner Luke Hughes would be Brock Faber’s eight-year, $8.5 million AAV with the Minnesota Wild. That would elevate his annual salary over brother Jack’s $8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Johnston, Luke will be completing his ELC and will have little leverage in negotiations. Management could be reluctant to pay him more than Jack at this stage of his career. A bridge deal could be an option here.

Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka could seek something north of $7 million on a long-term deal if GM Kevyn Adams wants to use up some of his UFA years. A bridge contract could be the easier route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka is also on his ELC. He reached a career-high 50 points last season but is now on a point-per-game pace. He’ll be in line for over $7 million annually if he maintains that production throughout this season.

Re-signing forward Fabian Zetterlund could be a priority for San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier. He’s off to a good start and is tight with teammate William Eklund. The rebuilding Sharks have plenty of cap space so a long-term deal is possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zetterlund was among the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2023-24 campaign for the Sharks, finishing with 20 goals and 44 points. The 25-year-old winger carries an AAV of $1.45 million and has 10 points in 16 games this season, putting him on track for over 50 points. That could put him in line for around $5 million annually.

A comparable contract for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is the five-year, $6.25 million extension signed by Quinton Byfield with the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is in the final season of his ELC. He had 43 points in 80 games during his rookie season (2022-23) and 42 points in 64 games last season. He’s on pace to exceed 50 points this season. Byfield got his deal after hitting 55 points last season.

Limited cap space could affect the New York Rangers’ efforts to re-sign K’Andre Miller. It’ll cost them $4.65 million to qualify his rights. Fox speculates a long-term deal could cost between $6 million and $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap is projected to rise to $92 million for 2025-26, giving the Rangers over $25 million in cap space.

$12 million of that could go toward re-signing Igor Shesterkin. It’s believed they’ll try to trade Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit next summer. That could give them enough to re-sign Miller and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren. However, the long-term cap hit could make it difficult to retain Artemi Panarin before his UFA eligibility in 2026.

The Minnesota Wild’s tight budget and the rise of promising center prospects (Danila Yurov, Riely Heidt) could make it tricky to sign Marco Rossi to a long-term deal. GM Bill Guerin must keep an eye down the road when superstar Kirill Kaprizov is due for a new contract. Fox speculates a two-year bridge deal at $6.25 million annually could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi had 21 goals and 40 points as a rookie last season. He has 13 points in 14 games, putting him on track for around 80 points. However, Guerin will hold the leveral with Rossi coming off his ELC.