NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2024

by | Oct 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 12, 2024

Check out the latest on Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Stars goalie Jake Oettinger in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Andrew Knoll wondered if Trevor Zegras remains part of the Anaheim Duck’s nucleus after a disappointing, injury-shortened 2023-24 campaign in which he was the subject of trade rumors.

The Ducks are flush at center with Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish anchoring their top-six forwards. Zegras, 23, has played on both the left and right wings and is being challenged to improve his all-around game.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Zegras is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an annual average value of $5.75 million. Nevertheless, Knoll suggests this season could be critical for his future with the Ducks and his capability of reaching a high level of NHL stardom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek denied he was shopping Zegras or received any trade calls from other clubs. That didn’t stop the young forward from popping up in the rumor mill.

An improved effort by Zegras this season could restore his place among the Ducks’ foundation of budding young stars. It could also increase his value to other teams before the March 7 trade deadline.

Zegras isn’t the only Duck showing up in recent trade speculation. Defenseman Cam Fowler reportedly had discussions with management about his future in Anaheim, including the possibility of a trade. Goaltender John Gibson has also been the topic of media trade chatter.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed what Jake Oettinger’s next contract might look like. The 25-year-old Dallas Stars goaltender can become a restricted free agent in July.

Yaremchuk suggested the next contract for Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers would be the high level while Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins could be the floor for elite goaltenders.

Swayman signed an eight-year deal last Sunday worth an AAV of $8.25 million. If Shesterkin’s next AAV is $12 million, Yaremchuk speculated Oettinger could seek the middle ground, perhaps around $9 million to $9.25 million.

Seravalli said the Stars and Oettinger haven’t started contract extension talks. Given how the market for goalie contracts is changing, he suggests the Stars should open those discussions sooner instead of later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s new contract will be the baseline for Oettinger, who has a larger body of work. He could use Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy ($9.5 million AAV) or Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million) as a comparable if he backstops the Stars to the Stanley Cup next spring.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

by | Oct 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Sam Bennett and Alexis Lafreniere, an update on the Islanders, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger provided updates on the contract negotiations between Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.

Dreger said Shesterkin is just focusing on playing his game now that the season has begun. The recent report claiming he rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer hasn’t fazed him at all. Some believe his range is $11.5 million and $11.7 million, which would make him the highest-paid Ranger.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source who believes Shesterkin wants to set the market for goaltenders so high that no one will top him for a while. He knows that the Rangers need him and have to sign him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

D’Amico’s source said the Rangers don’t have an issue making him the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. “Where the number starts with an 11 or 12, he will be the standard.

Both sides are still negotiating. Shesterkin wants to stay in New York and the Rangers want to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re not even a week into this season and Shesterkin’s contract situation is dominating the rumor mill. This risks becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Rangers this season.

Turning to Mikko Rantanen, Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think anything’s imminent regarding his contract talks with the Colorado Avalanche. He believes Rantanen’s agent will factor in the rise of the salary cap and the percentage of the cap.

LeBrun thinks Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is a bit of an internal cap for the Avalanche. This could get done but not everyone knows for sure if it will.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $12.5 million annually for eight years could do it but the Avs could be trying to keep it in the $11 million range.

The Florida Panthers signing Carter Verhaeghe to a long-term extension earlier this week prompted Dreger to wonder whether they’ll re-sign versatile two-way forward Sam Bennett.

Dreger believes the Panthers want to keep Bennett. However, he could become a big-ticket player in next summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is that guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team. He’s making over $4.4 million annually on his current contract and could seek an average annual value of around $7 million.

THE SCORE: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Rangers have been working on a new contract with Alexis Lafreniere since the summer. Different options are on the table, including an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8 million.

Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.33 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s breakout performance last season signals better things to come for the 2020 first-overall pick. Getting him locked into a new long-term deal as soon as possible could pay significant dividends against the salary cap down the road.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall could be a great trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Engvall, 28, cleared waivers earlier this week and was sent to the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Bailey believes Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall, whose inconsistent play with the Isles led to his demotion. He pointed to the winger’s size, speed and solid puck possession numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest that if the Flyers wanted him they could’ve claimed him off waivers without giving up anything in return. However, trading for him now means he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again if the Flyers decide to demote him to their AHL affiliate.

Nevertheless, I doubt the Flyers will be interested. Engvall may be an analytics darling but his overall game needs improvement. He failed to produce more offense as a middle-six forward. The length of his contract is also a concern.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The four defensemen are unrestricted free agents still hoping to land NHL jobs. Johnston indicated Schultz turned down some NHL offers and could play in Europe if he doesn’t find the right fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could still land jobs if injuries strike early in the season or if cap-strapped clubs find themselves seeking affordable blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett and Filip Gustavsson plus updates on the Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports he’s had no firm confirmation that the New York Rangers offered Igor Shesterkin an eight-year, $88-million contract. However, if that was the offer that was made, it’s no surprise the 28-year-old goaltender rejected it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported this story. He has a solid track record for breaking news like this. Friedman isn’t saying Weekes was given the wrong info, only that his own sources can’t confirm the numbers.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Rangers aren’t comfortable with Shesterkin’s asking price, which would also make him their highest-paid player. He also cites teams and agents saying the percentage of the salary cap is a critical factor, especially with the cap expected to rise. “No agent or player wishes to sign something that looks relatively small if things go where predicted,” wrote Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported in June that the Rangers netminder would seek an average annual value of $12 million on a long-term deal.

There are fewer A-list goaltenders these days which is why their wages overall have been suppressed. Nevertheless, the Rangers have a top goalie in Shesterkin, prompting Friedman to suggest that they will eventually meet his asking price because of his value to the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying that for weeks and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. You can debate whether Shesterkin deserves $12 million annually but he’s perfectly positioned to make that request.

Friedman admits there were times last summer when he thought the Minnesota Wild would trade goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are starting this season with Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jesper Wallstedt in goal. Gustavsson could be moved at some point but it could be difficult to find him sufficient playing time to generate interest among other clubs. They might have to wait until the trade deadline.

Friedman wondered if an eve-of-season contract extension was possible between the Winnipeg Jets and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

Ehlers is slated to become a UFA next July. He appeared in trade rumors during the draft in June but that talks fizzled out as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel sang his praises while offering their expectations of his role with the club this season.

After signing Carter Verhaeghe to a contract extension, the Florida Panthers are expected to focus on retaining Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers will have a projected $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the salary cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That would give them enough to re-sign Bennett but he will want a substantial raise over his current $4.425 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will draw interest in the trade market. Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues took a long look at him. However, it’ll take time for interested teams that currently lack salary cap space to pursue him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman said things are quiet on the Trevor Zegras front. He noted there was speculation last season linking the 23-year-old forward to the Montreal Canadiens but that’s cooled off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens made their big move for a forward by acquiring Patrik Laine in August. Laine is currently sidelined until December with a sprained knee but they’re reportedly going to ride things out with their current roster until he returns.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox included Mitch Marner on his recent list of 25 people who will define the 2024-25 NHL season. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Fox will be surprised if Marner accepts a contract extension with an average annual value less than teammate William Nylander’s $11.5 million.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could attempt to trade Marner before the March 7 trade deadline, which is unlikely given the winger’s full no-movement clause. He could re-sign him to a lucrative new offer during this season or wait and see how this season unfolds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also wonders what the end game will be for Marner. He doesn’t think the Leafs want to let Marner walk next summer but he also doesn’t see them trying to move him at the trade deadline if they’re a 100-point team by then, especially with Marner’s NMC giving him complete control over his situation.

I think Treliving waits until the regular season is over to make his decision. He’ll likely let Marner walk if the Leafs make another early postseason exit.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman has tumbled down their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly looked into peddling Liljegren before signing him in June to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. He’s an expensive seventh defenseman for the Leafs but could be a suitable addition for clubs looking for reasonably-price blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2024

by | Oct 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: reaction to Igor Shesterkin rejecting the Rangers’ contract offer, plus the latest on Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, the Leafs and Blue Jackets.

WHAT NEXT AFTER SHESTERKIN REJECTS RANGERS OFFER?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reacted to yesterday’s report of Igor Shesterkin rejecting the New York Rangers’ contract extension offer of eight years at $11 million annually.

LeBrun indicated the Rangers’ season opener (Oct. 9) was considered an unofficial deadline as Shesterkin might not negotiate during the regular season. That puts some pressure on the Rangers to try and get a deal done before then. However, he stressed that this deadline isn’t 100 percent, pointing out that an agreement could still be reached during the season.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

According to LeBrun, dialogue continues between Rangers management and the Shesterkin camp. What’s certain is he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goalie, whether it’s with the Rangers or somebody else, suggesting the average annual value will come in between $11 million and $12 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin reportedly seeks $12 million annually. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

LeBrun’s colleague Chris Johnston indicated Shesterkin might not insist on an eight-year contract. He wondered if the 28-year-old goalie would accept something a little shorter if the Rangers agreed to pay him $12 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports Shesterkin’s representatives believe they can get around $12 million annually or more on the open market. However, he wondered if the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner would want to leave a good team in New York that has a chance to win.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports sources claim Shesterkin’s camp isn’t pleased that the offer to their client was leaked to the media.

Larry Brooks wonders if the Rangers were responsible for the leak, suggesting it would be “extremely disappointing” to create unnecessary controversy on the eve of their season opener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Regardless of who leaked this offer, it’s clear the Rangers remain intent on signing Shesterkin and are willing to make him the league’s highest-paid goalie. The question now is whether the two sides can agree on the dollars.

A $1 million difference seems to exist between the two sides. It shouldn’t be too difficult to bridge that gap. Shesterkin could get more on the open market but that doesn’t mean he’ll join any club willing to pay it.

COULD OETTINGER BE SEEKING SWAYMAN MONEY?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jake Oettinger was probably paying close attention to Jeremy Swayman’s new contract with the Boston Bruins.

The 25-year-old Dallas Stars goalie is a restricted free agent on July 1. That would put him in the same position as Swayman before he signed an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins on Monday.

LeBrun reports there’s been no meaningful contract talks yet between Oettinger and Stars management. He believes the goalie will prefer to wait until the end of this season but wouldn’t be surprised if Stars general manager Jim Nill tried to get this going during the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oettinger will get as much, if not more, than Swayman, especially if he backstops the Stars to the Stanley Cup. He’s helped them reach the Western Conference Final twice and played a key role in the Stars being among the top teams in the league.

UPDATES ON THE LEAFS AND BLUE JACKETS

TSN: LeBrun reports there have been contract discussions between the Toronto Maple Leafs and center John Tavares. He doesn’t think anything’s imminent but talks could pick up again later in the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares, 34, is slated to become a UFA next summer. He’s earning an AAV of $11 million on his current deal but won’t get anything close to that on his next deal. However, he seems keen to finish his career as a Leaf, something management could be willing to do for the right price.

LeBrun also recently tweeted that the Columbus Blue Jackets had been in trade talks with teams during training camp looking for help at forward. However, their recent signings of Kevin Labanc and Zach Aston-Reese should be it for them for now.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

by | Oct 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin plus some under-the-radar options at the 2025 trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing confidence that the New York Rangers will re-sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

“I believe it’s going to work out,” said Friedman. “I think the Rangers have made the choice they’re going to pay him and, to me, it just comes down to what the numbers are going to be. Until I’m told otherwise, I expect them to work out. Work it out. I believe the Rangers have made their choice here.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Shesterkin, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. It was reported that his camp would shelve contract talks until the end of the season if a deal wasn’t reached by the Rangers’ season opener on Oct. 9. However, Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported management isn’t fazed by this supposed deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will re-sign Shesterkin to a long-term extension and he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. The only question is how much? It’s reported his camp seeks an average annual value of $12 million while the Rangers are willing to pay around $11 million. That doesn’t seem like a bridge too far.

As for that rumored deadline, it’s doubtful Shesterkin’s camp would refuse to discuss the matter after Oct. 9 if the Rangers offer up close to what they want.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Herman looked at six players who could be under-the-radar trade options at the March 7, 2025, NHL trade deadline.

Topping the list is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. Herman cites the Flames’ current rebuilding phase and the 34-year-old Kadri’s $7 million AAV through 2029 as reasons he could be moved by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri surfaced several times in this summer’s rumor mill. At the start of training camp, he told reporters to “pump the brakes” on the trade speculation. He has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. The remaining value and length of his contract would also make him a difficult sell at the trade deadline even if he agreed to be moved.

Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch was next on Herman’s list. While the Sabres might be reluctant to move the 28-year-old winger, they might have to consider it if they’re out of contention by the deadline. Tuch’s contract expires in 2026, and it’s fair to wonder if he’d be willing to stick around and face more uncertainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a fair point. Tuch could have more value leading up to the 2025 deadline because he wouldn’t be a rental player. Having him around for two playoff runs could entice Stanley Cup contenders. He also has Cup Final experience, having played in the 2018 Final with the Vegas Golden Knights.

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is another option. He’s on a one-year deal, wasn’t productive last season, and has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never, but it’s doubtful the Rangers will move Lindgren this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency next summer. Herman noted they expect to be a contender plus he usually pairs with top blueliner Adam Fox. It’s unlikely they’ll want to split them up.

Herman speculates the Pittsburgh Penguins could attempt to shop Erik Karlsson if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline. They need to get younger and peddling the 34-year-old defenseman could fetch picks and prospects they need to rebuild in earnest. It’ll also free up salary cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Herman believes Karlsson’s contract wasn’t as problematic as it once was. The Penguins are carrying $9,999,998 of his $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27. That’s still a big chunk to swallow unless the Pens agree to retain some of it. He’s also reaching the stage in his career when his performance steadily declines. Karlsson also still has his full no-movement clause over the remainder of his contract.

Anaheim Ducks forward Cam Fowler is also on Herman’s list. The 32-year-old defenseman could welcome a move to a contender after spending the last several years with the rebuilding Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last month that Fowler has had discussions with Ducks management about his future, including the possibility of a trade that would mutually benefit them. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a four-team trade list, though it’s believed he’s expanded that list to double digits. He could interest a contender seeking a puck-moving blueliner who would be more than a rental player.

Herman wonders about Boone Jenner’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The rebuilding Jackets have two promising young centers in Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom. Jenner, 31, is signed through 2025-26 and would interest contenders seeking depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner would be a tempting trade target. He’s a big, versatile forward with leadership skills who can play in all situations. He also carries an affordable $3.75 million annual cap hit. Jenner also has an eight-team no-trade list but that’s unlikely to be much of an obstacle. It depends on where first-year general manager Don Waddell sees Jenner in his plans for the Jackets and if his captain wants to be part of them.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Islanders, Bruins and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examines the Islanders’ stunning decision to place Pierre Engvall on waivers Sunday. The 28-year-old forward is entering the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall (NHL Images).

Sears expects Engvall will clear waivers today and likely start the season with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The Isles will only get $1.15 million in cap relief.

The Isles would like to find a trade partner for Engvall. However, his 16-team no-trade list combined with the years remaining on his contract makes that unlikely. A club willing to trade for him could demand a draft pick be included in the deal, which the Isles would find unpalatable.

Sears suggests Engvall’s contract could go down as one of the worst in Islanders history, one they could be dealing with for a while. Buying him out next June would cost $1 million annually against their cap through 2035. If not, they’ll be dealing with his $3 million cap hit through 2030.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engvall’s contract makes it unlikely another club will claim him off waivers.

The Isles could attempt to swap him for a player with an equally toxic contract in the trade market in the hope the change of scenery would improve the performance of the incoming player. However, that also seems unlikely.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Christopher Hurley observes the Bruins have just over $386K in cap space after signing Jeremy Swayman yesterday to an eight-year, $66 million contract.

Hurley believes the Bruins have more roster juggling in store with PTO invitee Tyler Johnson still unsigned and several other players on the bubble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean demotions to the minors or a cost-cutting trade. They could send John Beecher, Matthew Poitras or Mason Lohrei to their AHL affiliate. They’re on entry-level contracts and waiver-exempt.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes the Columbus Blue Jackets will be worth watching near the March 7 trade deadline depending on the club’s performance this season.

The Jackets have several players heading into the final season of their contracts. They include forwards Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Mathieu Olivier and James van Riemsdyk, plus defensemen Ivan Provorov and Jack Johnson.

Portzline isn’t suggesting all of them will be traded but some of them could, especially if younger players push those veterans for playing time.