NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

by | Oct 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Rangers’ contract talks with Alexis Lafreniere, the latest on Tyler Johnson, the Blue Jackets’ trade plans, and the Islanders’ limited options to replace Anthony Duclair.

UPDATE ON LAFRENIERE’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE RANGERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there have been contract discussions between the New York Rangers and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Both sides hoped to get a contract extension done before the start of the season. Discussions are ongoing but it remains to be seen if they can get a deal done before the end of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.325 million. He enjoyed a breakout performance in 2023-24 with 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games and has six points in as many games to open this season.

Lafreniere is a key part of the Rangers core and their future with aging stars like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad approaching the end of their current contracts.

It’s rumored the two sides discussed an eight-year deal worth $8 million annually. That offer could still happen depending on the cost of re-signing goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

TYLER JOHNSON WAITING ON THE BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports unrestricted free agent Tyler Johnson is patiently waiting for a contract with the Boston Bruins. The 34-year-old forward had a good training camp with the Bruins but they currently lack salary-cap space to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston suggests the Bruins could make room by placing a player on waivers or making a cost-cutting trade. He also mentioned an injury could free up some space.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

RG.ORG: Jimmy Murphy reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell won’t allow injuries to several of his players to force him into making any knee-jerk reactions in the trade market.

Waddell admits he’s speaking with other teams every day. However, he said giving up an asset to fill a position for the rest of the year won’t make a huge difference for a young team like the Blue Jackets. However, it would be a different story if it’s a young player who’ll be with the club beyond this season.

The Blue Jackets GM indicated he wouldn’t shy away from the trade market in the future as talks between teams increase. Given how many teams are currently underperforming, he thinks there could be an uptick in discussions around the 15-20 game mark.

Murphy noted the Blue Jackets have over $20 million in cap space this season. He thinks they could be a cap broker if the right deal came along.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell is clear about what he’s looking for in the trade market. He’s not interested in another team’s problem contracts or aging talent. He could become a third-party broker in a three-team trade if it’ll fetch a young asset or a decent draft pick.

HOW WILL THE ISLANDERS REPLACE DUCLAIR?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports the New York Islanders have few options to replace Anthony Duclair. The 29-year-old winger is sidelined indefinitely with an injured leg but isn’t expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Simon Holmstrom skated on the Isles’ top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. They could also recall Hudson Fasching.

Staple speculates Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could look at making a move but they only have Duclair’s $3.5 million cap hit to work with if he’s placed on long-term injury reserve. They’d have to clear cap space for Duclair’s eventual return if he’s not out for the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

by | Oct 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames plus an update on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said he’s been in the market for a center since trading Elias Lindholm in January.

“When we lost Lindholm, a right-hand center in your top-six, that’s kind of something you’d want to find,” said Conroy. “Is it an easy thing to find? Probably not.”

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy (NHL.com).

The Flames are using Martin Pospisil at center. While the results have been good so far, Conroy’s plan of finding a center between 23 and 25 with NHL experience hasn’t changed.

Francis cited Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens as an example. He was a costly acquisition for the Canadiens, who gave up a first- and a third-rounder to Chicago.

Conroy said he’d be open to parting with a first-round pick for a right-shot center who would be a long-term acquisition for the Flames.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson acknowledged Conroy is shopping for a center. However, he doesn’t believe the Flames GM is abandoning or accelerating his club’s long-term plan or trading assets for a quick fix.

Sean Austin believes it would take a significant offer by Conroy to acquire a center that would move the needle for the Flames.

FLAMES NATION: Robert Munnich suggested Utah Hockey Club’s Barrett Hayton, Martin Necas or Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes, or Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

He also suggested Dach, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Joe Veleno of the Detroit Red Wings as honorable mentions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Necas and Dach are left-hand shots. The Hurricanes signed Necas to a two-year contract this summer while Dach is in the third year of a four-year contract. They’re unlikely to be available by the March 7 trade deadline.

As for the lefties, Hayton and Rossi aren’t moving. Zegras surfaced in trade rumors and he’s being used as a winger by the Ducks. However, they’re hoping he has a bounce-back performance this season.

Kotkaniemi is signed through 2029-30 with an annual average value of $4.82 million. He’s struggled with consistency throughout his career.

Krebs and Veleno could be available if their respective clubs become sellers. A change of scenery might improve their performances.

SHOULD THE BLUE JACKETS AND PENGUINS SWAP STARTERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline noted the Pittsburgh Penguins have a struggling goaltender, Tristan Jarry, signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million. He also pointed out the Columbus Blue Jackets have a struggling starter, Elvis Merzlikins, pulling in $5.4 million annually through 2026-27.

Portzline wondered if the two clubs should swap starters hoping a change of scenery might improve their performances. They’re both around the same age and carry almost identical cap hits.

Jarry has a 12-team no-trade clause while Merzlikins has a 10-team list. It’s unclear which teams are on those lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline is just musing out loud here, folks. He’s not saying the two sides are discussing his proposed swap.

Portzline’s suggested deal isn’t a bad idea. Stranger things have happened in the NHL trade market. Nevertheless, it probably won’t happen because it’s unlikely either goalie would improve with their new clubs.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

by | Oct 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

More suggested goalie options for the Avalanche and more proposed trade destinations for Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak recently examined the Colorado Avalanche’s goalie woes.

Masisak thinks starter Alexandar Georgiev still has enough of a track record to sort out his inconsistent play. Their internal options aren’t great if Georgiev doesn’t improve. Backup Justus Annunen is a wild card and it would be risky to make him the starter for more than a short period. Kaapo Kahkonen has never proven to be a No. 1 goalie for a significant period.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (NHL Images).

Options in this season’s trade market could include pending unrestricted free agents like Washington’s Logan Thompson or Charlie Lindgren, Detroit’s Alex Lyon, Calgary’s Dan Vladar, San Jose’s Mackenzie Blackwood or Vitek Vanecek, and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka. The latter four would require salary retention to fit them within the Avs’ limited cap space.

Masisak also looked ahead toward this summer’s free-agent market where the pickings are slim assuming the New York Rangers re-sign netminder Igor Shesterkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been suggested the Avs attempt to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks assuming the Ducks retain half of his $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27 and also accept Georgiev in return.

The Avs are in a bind with no immediate solutions given their cap constraints and the lack of suitable options in the trade market this early in the season.

SPORTSNET: David Morassutti proposed several trade destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren following his season debut against the Los Angeles Kings last week.

Liljegren’s future has been a topic of speculation after sliding down the Leafs’ blueline depth chart. His $3 million annual average value through 2025-26 could also create a salary-cap headache for management.

Morassutti suggested the Utah Hockey Club, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential destinations for Lilejegren.

Utah’s blueline got thin with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined by injuries. The Stars’ defense could use more depth on the right side. The Blackhawks and Ducks are rebuilding teams that could benefit from a veteran rearguard in his mid-twenties. The Penguins need to bolster their defense and the struggling Blue Jackets have the cap space to add to their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly aren’t rushing to move Liljegren partly because of the uncertain health of their own defense corps. That could change as the season advances but it’s difficult to find suitable trade partners for a defenseman carrying a $3 million cap hit if he’s spending most of his time in the press box.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 20, 2024

by | Oct 20, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 20, 2024

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup,

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently looked at the choices facing the Toronto Maple Leafs with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old right winger will become an unrestricted free agent next July unless he and the Leafs agree to a new contract.

Kypreos believes they have two clear choices. They can find the money to sign Marner to a long-term extension or use him as though he’s a playoff rental player for the 2025 postseason before letting him depart as a free agent on July 1.

If the Leafs choose the latter option, Kypreos believes they should have a backup plan to replace Marner next summer. Wingers like Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, Florida’s Sam Bennett or Boston’s Brad Marchand could be available.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those wingers probably won’t be available to the Leafs on July 1, leaving them to find lesser-talent, albeit more affordable replacements. Rantanen could cost as much as Marner to sign. The Panthers will likely keep Bennett and Marchand is a Bruin for life just like Patrice Bergeron was.

Speaking of Rantanen, Kypreos reports he and the Avalanche aren’t close to a contract extension. Avs management hopes to get a clearer picture of captain Gabriel Landeskog’s health and future before deciding how much to spend on retaining Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is believed to be the Avalanche’s self-imposed cap on individual salaries. If so, Rantanen must accept less than that if he wants to stay in Colorado.

And speaking of Marchand, Kypreos wonders if Bruins president Cam Neely has 25 or 30 million reasons to keep his captain in Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For those of you who missed it, Neely alluded to Jeremy Swayman having 64 million reasons to be playing for the Bruins during contract negotiations earlier this month. Swayman eventually signed for $66 million.

I don’t know where Kypreos is getting that number for Marchand. Perhaps he’s being facetious.

The Bruins got a bargain with Marchand’s contract ($6.125 million annually since 2017-18). However, he turns 37 in May. His days of signing lucrative long-term contracts are over.

Depending on Marchand’s performance, he could follow Bergeron’s example and sign a one-year, bonus-laden deal that could take him up to $6 million for 2025-26. Otherwise, he could sign a two-year deal worth around $5.5 million annually.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting contract talks between the Panthers and Sam Bennett have started. However, there is nothing imminent.

Bennett, 29, is in the final season of a four-year contract with an annual value of $4.425 million.

Friedman also noted the Panthers re-signed Carter Verhaeghe to an eight-year extension earlier this month. He believed Bennett would draw plenty of interest if he hit the open market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett’s gritty two-way style and ability to play center or either wing has earned him a reputation as a reliable and versatile playoff performer. He’s in line for a significant raise and could seek something similar to Verhaeghe’s $7 million AAV.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

by | Oct 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 19, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, some suggested goalie trade targets for the Avalanche plus the latest on Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Dean cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating over possible goaltending trade targets for the struggling Avalanche.

Friedman believes the Avalanche have to be looking at other options after seeing starter Alexandar Georgiev struggle between the pipes. It doesn’t mean they will go this route but Friedman thinks they have to be considering it.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (NHL Images).

Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks could be one option. The other could be John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Friedman thinks Gibson could help the Avs if he can stay healthy.

Blackwood carries a $2.35 million salary cap hit this season and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million, but Friedman believes his contract could be worked out if the Avs believe he’s good enough to help them.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols also cited Friedman suggesting Blackwood as a trade target for the Avalanche. He pointed out Friedman saying Blackwood was on the Avs’ radar before.

Nichols noted that the Sharks are rebuilding so it would make sense for them to trade Blackwood while his value is high. He also pointed out their offseason acquisition of promising Yaroslav Askarov plus they also carry Vitek Vanecek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston recently observed the Avalanche’s salary-cap limitations would hamper any efforts to improve their goaltending through a trade.

Blackwood is the more affordable option if he’s available. Some suggest the Avs attempt to send Georgiev to San Jose in the deal but the Sharks will want a sweetener like a quality draft pick or prospect. He also has an injury history.

Gibson’s hefty contract would make this a more complicated deal. He could have more upside performance-wise but it’s been a while since he backstopped a quality roster. Gibson could become an expensive gamble that fails to pay off if his skills have eroded.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the Pittsburgh Penguins must move on from Tristan Jarry as their starting goaltender. He doesn’t see the 29-year-old Jarry improving anytime soon. Yohe noted that backup Alex Nedeljkovic and promising Joel Blomqvist have outplayed Jarry, suggesting he’s a perfect candidate to get a fresh start elsewhere.

Yohe acknowledged Jarry’s contract is likely unmoveable. However, he believes management should send him to their AHL affiliate in Wilke-Barre/Scranton. They’ll get $1.15 million in cap relief doing so, giving them some flexibility while letting Nedeljkovic and Blomqvist handle the goalie duties. Yohe also suggested buying out Jarry at the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5.35 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

Some suggest the Penguins offer up Jarry to the Avalanche straight up for Georgiev. The Avs likely won’t go for that even if the Pens retained half of his cap hit because of the three years remaining on his contract.

A buyout in June seems the most likely outcome.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2024

by | Oct 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2024

Should the Avalanche look at acquiring John Gibson from the Ducks? Are the Flames in the market for a forward? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens and Jesse Granger discussed if it would be worthwhile for the Colorado Avalanche to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old goaltender carries an average annual value of $6.4 million through 2026-27.

Gibson’s stats have declined in recent years and he’s currently sidelined following an emergency appendectomy. His stock might improve with a strong start following his return, perhaps making him more attractive to a competitive team as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche are struggling early this season partly because of starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s inconsistent performance. Meanwhile, Gibson has frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the past two years.

Granger suggests it might be worth the gamble for the Avalanche. Stephens believes the Ducks would have to retain part of Gibson’s salary to make it happen because of the Avs’ limited cap space. They suggest swapping Gibson for Georgiev, suggesting both goalies might benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m summarizing the main points discussed by Stephens and Granger. If you have a subscription to The Athletic, follow the above link to read the full article.

Stephens and Granger aren’t saying that this is a trade in the works or that they’ve heard speculation about Gibson going to Colorado. They’re merely discussing a hypothetical scenario. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely we’ll see a Gibson-for-Georgiev swap.

The Ducks aren’t considered a playoff contender this season so they can afford to wait until the deadline. However, the Avs see themselves as a Stanley Cup contender. If Georgiev’s struggles persist, it could scuttle their playoff hopes. They need help right now.

It would be easier for the Ducks to do this deal. Stephens and Granger noted they have the cap space to take on Georgiev, who carries a more affordable AAV ($3.4 million) and is due to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Gibson’s contract is difficult to move plus the Ducks could remain reluctant to retain salary through 2027.

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see any immediate help coming for the struggling Avalanche. They have over $36 million in cap space currently on the sidelines. “They’re trying to ride this through until some of the calvary can return from the injured list.

Johnston believes the uncertainty over what some of those players will be like when they return makes this difficult for the Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog missed the last two seasons recovering from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin remains suspended until mid-November as part of his Phase 3 treatment in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin should have a more immediate positive effect when he returns because he’s played the past two seasons. Landeskog probably won’t regain the form that made him such an effective power forward before his knee surgeries.

SPORTSNET: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the Calgary Flames are shopping around for a middle-six center.

Seravalli acknowledged there usually isn’t much trade activity at this time of year. Nevertheless, Flames general manager Craig Conroy is working the phones in search of someone in their roster’s age group who’s a right-handed shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That age group is reportedly 24 to 28.

Earlier this week, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Conroy wasn’t interested in being a major seller again. Rather than engage in a full rebuild, he’s interested in bolstering his current roster.

Conroy might not find what he’s looking for at this stage of the season but the market could improve in the coming weeks, especially when struggling clubs emerge looking to shake things up.