Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

by | Nov 10, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 10, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Predators, Canadiens, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed the suggestion that the Rangers might get Igor Shesterkin under contract for an average annual value of $11.5 million. “It’s going to be more, I think at least another half a million a year.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most pundits believe Shesterkin will get at least $12 million annually on his next contract. If the Rangers balk at that price, other clubs will line up to pay him.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Brooks also raised the issue of how the Rangers will afford to re-sign Artemi Panarin when the 33-year-old left winger’s contract expires at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll depend on how much Panarin wants and how much cap space the Rangers have after re-signing Shesterkin, K’Andre Miller, and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren this summer.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz continues to search for a center but it’s not easy. “When you’re struggling, you get thrown anvils, not life-preservers,” writes Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also reported on Trotz’s comments last week about implementing his rebuild plan and subsequent clarification that he might consider calling up some young players if his team doesn’t improve soon. He has no intention of tearing down the roster by staging a fire sale of his veteran stars.

Friedman also reported the Predators placed defenseman Dante Fabbro on waivers. He believes Fabbro won’t be claimed because of his $2.5 million cap hit, which most teams can’t afford now.

The 26-year-old blueliner is available for trade. He could be sent to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he’ll get more playing time and interested teams can get a better look at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fabbro was the Predators’ first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. However, he’s struggled to establish himself as a full-time top-four defenseman in Nashville.

The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie wondered if the Ottawa Senators might put in a claim for Fabbro or attempt to trade for him. The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney raised the same question about the Edmonton Oilers.

McKenzie noted Fabbro’s limited offensive upside and cap hit made him question if the Sens would consider adding him. Those factors could also raise red flags for the Oilers.

CANADIENS SHOULD TRADE FOR A GOALTENDER

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey recently weighed in on reports claiming the Canadiens are shopping around for a defenseman and a physical forward.

Some observers have tied the Canadiens to Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic but Hickey dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading him to a division rival. He also rejected the clamor from some Habs followers to acquire Trevor Zegras, the skilled winger currently struggling with the Anaheim Ducks.

Hickey believes the Canadiens’ biggest need is an upgrade between the pipes. Their goalie tandem of Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau hasn’t been able to steal some games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market is even thinner for quality goalies. There’s no help coming on the horizon for the Habs. They must find a way to dig themselves out of their current mess.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported the Boston Bruins have looked around in the trade market. However, they’re trying to be patient with their club and let their group work out its problems.

Friedman also mentioned Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is still working the phones. Teams are asking about Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens but Adams doesn’t want to subtract from his roster.

The NHL and NHL Players Association didn’t ask for an expedited grievance regarding the Philadelphia Flyers’ efforts to terminate Ryan Johansen’s contract. Friedman explains that means no one is in a hurry to have this adjudicated and it will take time until there’s an outcome.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2024

by | Nov 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 9, 2024

The Sabres are getting calls about defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens plus the latest on Bruins forward Trent Frederic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

SPORTSNET: During the Nov. 8 episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman reported the Buffalo Sabres are looking around the trade market to see what’s available to help their team. That’s prompted rumors that defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens might be available.

Friedman pointed out that Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is trying to help his team. However, the rival GMs he’s spoken with want Byram or Cozens. Adams’ response is he’s trying to add to his club, not subtract.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Some teams hope to buy low on Cozens because he’s been struggling this season. According to Friedman, Adams is telling them he’s not interested.

DONNIE & DHALI: Byram was mentioned to Friedman earlier this week as there was “a lot of talk” in Vancouver about his availability. The Sabres rearguard played his junior hockey there.

Friedman’s reply was similar to what he said on Friday. He didn’t know if Byram was available, believing the Sabres wanted to add rather than subtract. He thinks they would consider it if Byram fetched a return that made them better.

They also discussed what the Canucks could be looking for in the trade market. Friedman believes they’re looking for defensemen and trying to determine what’s out there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect to see Byram or Cozens suiting up with another club anytime soon. Rival clubs hope they can fleece Adams if he gets desperate. Based on Friedman’s account, the Sabres GM wants no part of those deals.

Friedman’s remarks about what the Canucks might do in the trade market came before they shipped Daniel Sprong to the Seattle Kraken on Friday. He mentioned they might look at bringing up Jonathan Lekkerimaki at some point. The Sprong trade could set the stage for Lekkerimaki’s call-up.

BRUINS NOT SHOPPING FREDERIC

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an “NHL executive source” claiming he hasn’t heard Trent Frederic’s name in the trade circuit. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported some teams were interested in the pending free-agent forward.

Murphy’s source wouldn’t be surprised if teams called Boston about Frederic, but that doesn’t mean they want to move him. As far as he knows, the Bruins aren’t shopping him.

If Frederic does become available, Murphy’s source believes the Blues would be interested in the St. Louis native.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues wouldn’t be the only club. New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes the Devils should monitor Frederic’s status.

The Bruins stumbled from the gate this season but GM Don Sweeney isn’t about to start trading away his pending UFA players. He needs them to help right the ship. The earliest Frederic might become available is leading up to the March 7 trade deadline, and only if the Bruins are out of playoff contention.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2024

by | Nov 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2024

The improved trade value of Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and the latest on the Predators and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RISTOLAINEN COULD BE A VALUABLE TRADE CHIP FOR THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco believes much-maligned defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has morphed into a valuable trade chip for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Ristolainen has filled in for the sidelined Cam York as Travis Sanheim’s defense partner. He’s looked good thus far, averaging over 19 minutes per game.

It’s still a long way from the March 7 trade deadline and a lot can happen before then. Nevertheless, Ristolainen’s improved play this season could make him a name of interest in the trade market.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).

Di Marco asked around about this on Monday. He claims the Flyers asking price will be a first-round pick or value-equivalent. He noted comparable defensemen like Ben Chiarot and David Savard fetched similar returns.

Ristolainen carries an average annual value of $5.1 million through 2026-27. However, the rising salary cap might make his contract more palatable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most of you, I rolled my eyes when I read that bit about the Flyers’ asking price of a first-rounder for Ristolainen. Nevertheless, Di Marco makes a good point about the previous value of Chiarot and Savard.

Ristolainen’s play could suffer throughout this season with the rebuilding Flyers adversely affecting his trade value. Interested clubs could still insist on salary retention before agreeing to acquire him. Still, how his situation plays out between now and deadline day will be worth watching.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

TSN: Darren Dreger weighed in on the recent remarks by Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz claiming that he’ll have to start his rebuilding plan if his struggling team doesn’t improve soon.

Dreger claims Trotz’s remarks were taken out of context, and that he intends to do a roster renovation instead of a traditional teardown. He noted the offseason additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei were meant to allow their young players to develop and grow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said the same thing when he clarified his remarks earlier this week. However, some folks heard his original comments to a Nashville radio station about starting the rebuild process and assumed he was about to blow up his roster. That is not his intention.

Dreger believes Trotz wants to further insulate his roster and could do that depending on how things go over the next 10 games. He’s got multiple first-round draft picks, two second-rounders and a bevy of prospects to draw on for trade bait.

Chris Johnston noted that Trotz remains on the lookout to add another centerman to the Predators’ roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said two weeks ago that he’d like to add a second-line center but acknowledged the difficulty in finding one at this point in the season.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cited a source saying Trotz’s talk of his rebuild process was designed to get his players’ attention as a wake-up call to improve their performances.

Biringer’s source claimed Dante Fabbro has popped up frequently of late in the rumor mill. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July and carries a $2.5 million cap hit. He could blossom with a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t the first time Fabbro has surfaced in the rumor mill over the last couple of seasons. Given his UFA status next July, he’ll likely hit the trade block if the Predators are out of contention by the March 7 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is still making calls around the league seeking help for his struggling club. However, he has no appetite to mortgage the future for a quick fix.

The Canadiens knew they wouldn’t be a playoff club this season but hoped to be more competitive and be somewhat in the mix. However, this is a process as they remain fixed on their future. The expectation now is for their best players to be better.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a surprising trade, the only real help coming through the door is Patrik Laine in December once he’s recovered from a knee injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

by | Nov 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle wondered if another cost-cutting trade could be coming to help the Toronto Maple Leafs get under the salary cap.

Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar will soon complete their AHL conditioning stints as they return from injury. Meanwhile, the Leafs have an extra forward (Pontus Holmberg) and two extra defensemen (Matt Benning and Philippe Myers).

Mirtle indicates the Leafs are trying to trade Benning. Failing that, he or Myers could be placed on waivers and sent to the minors if unclaimed.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

They’ll also have to free up a spot for Calle Jarnkrok when he returns from injury. Holmberg could be waived and demoted while trade candidates include Nick Robertson and David Kampf. Moving Kampf would clear his $2.4 million annual cap hit (through 2025-26) from their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes it’s time for the Leafs and Nick Robertson to part ways. The 23-year-old winger has had a sub-par start to the season and should be traded.

Robertson asked for a trade this summer but eventually signed a one-year, $875K contract with the Leafs. He had five goals in preseason play but only one in 11 games thus far and has been a healthy scratch from a couple of recent games.

Proteau thinks Robertson might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. He believes the young winger would get a longer look as a top-nine forward with a club like the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what kind of roster juggling Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has in store to address this issue.

It’s been rumored he could shop a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok. Robertson also remains a trade possibility.

Proteau suggested the Avs and Isles because injuries have left them thin on their respective forward lines. He’d be an affordable addition to those cap-strapped clubs but his inconsistent play affects his value in the trade market.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels recently answered some questions from Montreal Canadiens fans.

First, he doesn’t believe Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is on the hot seat and doesn’t expect he’ll be fired anytime soon. Despite the team’s current struggles, management expected this and they believe St. Louis will seize the opportunity to improve and come out a better coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: St. Louis remains part of the Canadiens’ long-term plans but he could use some help from the coaching staff, especially with their defensive game. Any changes behind the bench could involve his assistants.

Engels also repeated recent reports indicating Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is shopping around for a veteran defenseman and a gritty forward. However, Hughes doesn’t want to pay a high price for depth.

Hughes could be interested in re-signing center Jake Evans but shouldn’t rush based on his strong start to this season. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old center could price himself out of Montreal if he seeks over $3 million annually on his next contract.

They could be interested in re-signing 34-year-old defenseman David Savard if he accepts a short-term deal for less money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes isn’t going to make any panicky deals based on his team’s poor start. Management remains in rebuild mode despite hoping to be in the mix for playoff contention this season. They hope to get a boost when sidelined winger Patrik Laine returns from a knee injury in December.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2024

by | Nov 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2024

Is a rebuild coming for the Predators? What’s the latest on the Flames, Oilers and Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty cited Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz hinting at rebuilding the roster if his club doesn’t improve soon.

Trotz added forwards Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei this offseason. However, the Predators lurched to a 4-7-1 start this season.

“I’m trying to do some things right now,” Trotz said in a radio interview with Nashville’s 102.5 The Game. “We will be limited a little because of the contracts that we have…but if we don’t get going, then I’m going to start our rebuild plan.”

Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz (NHL Images).

Trotz indicated he could start calling up some of his club’s promising young players if his current roster doesn’t start winning.

The Predators GM subsequently clarified his remarks, saying he doesn’t intend to “burn it down to the studs.” He said his plan when he took over last year was to stockpile draft picks and prospects over the next three years but also to ice a competitive team.

Trotz indicated his signings of free agents this summer was to buy time for his prospects to develop. “But if it doesn’t work, I’ve still got to buy the time for those young players. He also said that veterans like Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly and Juuse Saros aren’t going anywhere.

Trotz said his team is in the process of finding a second-line center, which includes trade options. If they can’t find one, they may have to move Stamkos to center and bring up a couple of young wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz also said he’s fully confident in head coach Andrew Brunette. Daugherty writes that the real issue is players not performing to their full potential, which may result in changes soon.

Trotz acknowledged last month that it wasn’t easy to find a second-line center this early in the season. For now, he’ll have to look to within his roster and his farm system.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson believes the Flames still need a cornerstone center but also thinks they could use a suitable defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll attempt to address this issue with a trade because big-minute blueliners come at a hefty price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The same can be said for second-line centers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve MacFarlane reports there’s no talk of a contract extension for Andrei Kuzmenko. The Flames winger is high on most insiders’ trade-bait lists as the club rebuilds its roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The former 39-goal scorer has been inconsistent this season. He recently saw some fourth-line duty and was benched during the second half of the Flames’ 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Kuzmenko must regain offensive consistency if he hopes to re-sign with the Flames or garner a lucrative deal elsewhere via next summer’s free-agent market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins recently speculated why the Oilers haven’t pursued a top-four defenseman in the trade market. He believes GM Stan Bowman figures that at worst this Oilers roster can bumble its way into the playoffs.

Bowman could wait until Christmas to start looking for a blueliner unless he gets an irresistible offer. He should be in a much better position by then with his salary-cap space plus there should be better options available by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowman could wait until closer to the March 7 trade deadline depending on where the Oilers are in the standings. He’ll have accrued more cap space and there should be plenty of suitable choices by then.

ESPN.COM’s Kevin Weekes reports Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic is garnering some interest around the league. The 26-year-old Frederic is slated to become a UFA next summer.

Weekes claims several teams are interested in Frederic’s size, speed, toughness, character and skills.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those traits also make Frederic invaluable to the struggling Bruins. The earliest he could be available in the trade market is during the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, assuming the Bruins are out of playoff contention by then. Otherwise, they’ll hang onto him for the postseason and address the contract situation afterward.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2024

by | Nov 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s speculation over Kirill Kaprizov’s next contract, the Blue Jackets could be worth monitoring in the trade market, and there’s interest in two Kraken forwards.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he felt that Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov’s next contract could place him among the league’s highest-paid players.

Friedman speculated that Kaprizov could be paid “in the Matthews/Draisaitl range”. He added that he felt the Wild star “is going to be one of the top-paid players in the league.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov, 27, is in the fourth year of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.

The Wild can attempt to sign Kaprizov to a contract extension next July. On Oct. 2, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated his club intends to re-sign him. “I will tell you nobody will offer more money than us, or longer (years), so all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.”

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews earns an AAV of $13.25 million. Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl will start making $14 million annually next July when his new eight-year contract extension goes into effect.

The Wild can afford to pay Kaprizov that much on an eight-year contract. He’s their franchise player and the foundation of their efforts to build a Stanley Cup contender.

As Leipold pointed out their intent to win could be the deciding factor. If the Wild show no sign of becoming a contender by 2026, Kaprizov could take his talent elsewhere even if the Wild could pay him more for longer.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the Columbus Blue Jackets are a club worth watching in this season’s trade market.

Seravalli claims Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has informed teams that he’s willing to take on contracts that might be viewed as undesirable in exchange for assets. They have plenty of cap space to do so this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli also said Waddell has received offers of players with three to five years remaining on their contracts. However, the Blue Jackets GM isn’t interested in taking on those type of deals. He’s probably more keen on those with one or two years remaining.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Seravalli reporting the Seattle Kraken has received calls about forward Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde.

Seravalli said the Kraken has too many forwards and must move someone if everyone stays healthy. Tanev and Gourde are checking-line forwards but don’t contribute much offense, something the Kraken needs as their offensive stats are slipping.

Gourde’s ability to play center or wing makes the Kraken reluctant to move him while Tanev could be a different story.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gourde’s versatility and Stanley Cup experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning would make him more enticing for clubs seeking checking-line depth. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Kraken are willing to move either forward at this point.