Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 29, 2024

by | Sep 29, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 29, 2024

Some predictions for the coming season in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski made bold predictions for every NHL team for 2024-25. Among them were some trade and free-agent forecasts.

Wyshynski expects this season will be Jim Montgomery’s last as head coach of the Bruins. He cited the lack of contract extension talks between the two sides and the club’s inability to get past the Florida Panthers in the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another early postseason exit could spell the end for Montgomery in Boston.

Linus Ullmark’s tenure with the Ottawa Senators will only last this season. Wyshynski noted the 31-year-old goaltender is in the final season of his contract and the Sens are giving him time to acclimate before trying to re-sign him.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark could enjoy his time in Ottawa and want to stick around, especially if he backstops them to their first postseason appearance in eight years. Where it could get sticky is how much salary he’ll want and for how long.

Wyshynski expects Mitch Marner will re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He pointed out how stories that he’ll get traded this summer gave way to stories that he’s open to negotiating a contract extension during this season, remaining unwavering in his intent to stick with the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll cost a fortune to keep Marner in the fold, perhaps over $12.5 million annually. However, John Tavares’ big contract comes off their books next summer and if Tavares wants to stay he’ll have to do so for less money. They’ll have enough to re-sign Marner, even if it means carrying a top-heavy roster that struggles in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.

Igor Shesterkin will get his hefty new contract with the New York Rangers, probably before the start of the season to avoid an average performance on his part bringing down his average annual value. Whyshynki predicts they’ll reach common ground at around $11 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are believed to be willing to go as high as $11 million while the Shesterkin camp reportedly seeks an average annual value of $12 million. They’re not that far apart if those reports are true.

Wyshynski predicts the rising salary cap could make it possible for the Chicago Blackhawks to find a trade partner willing to take defenseman Seth Jones and his $9.5 million AAV off their hands.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe, but that also depends on Jones’ willingness to waive his full no-movement clause. Until that happens, the 29-year-old defenseman isn’t going anywhere.

Expect the Anaheim Ducks to move Cam Fowler by the March 7 trade deadline. The 32-year-old defenseman has had discussions with management about his future. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler will be enticing to contenders seeking a top-pairing defenseman who will be more than a rental player for one postseason.

Speaking of the Ducks, Wyshynski predicts they’ll move forward Trevor Zegras in the offseason when he’ll have a year remaining on his contract. The 23-year-old center can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras emerged as a trade candidate in January. His name continues to float to the surface of the rumor mill. A strong performance on his part this season could silence that chatter or bolster his value in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 28, 2024

by | Sep 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 28, 2024

How will the Kings replace the sidelined Drew Doughty on their blueline? What’s the latest on Flyers goalie Alexei Kolosov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman wondered how the Los Angeles Kings will replace sidelined Drew Doughty. The 34-year-old defenseman requires surgery to repair a broken ankle and is listed as month-to-month.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (NHL Images).

Friedman pondered which right-handed defensemen remain available in the free-agent market, mentioning Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk. He also suggested a rearguard could become available via waivers.

The Kings could also promote Kyle Burroughs, Brandt Clarke or Jordan Spence as Doughty’s replacement. Friedman doubts they’ll move Clarke because they added Joel Edmundson to pair with him.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens also examined the Kings’ options to replace Doughty.

Stephens thinks it’ll have to be a collective effort by the Kings blueline to offset Doughty’s absence. He noted they already planned to lean more on Clarke and Spence this season. He Stephens also suggested Tyson Barrie, Shattenkirk, or Schultz as external free-agent options if Doughty is out long-term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $1.7 million in cap space to put toward adding a defenseman via waivers, trade, or free agency. They could also exceed the cap by placing Doughty and his $11 million annual cap hit on long-term injury reserve to address that issue.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Kings address this situation. They could look to within but it wouldn’t be surprising if they also opt for an affordable veteran addition.

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov cites a source claiming Alexei Kolosov returned to North America to personally meet with Philadelphia Flyers management to terminate his NHL contract.

The source said the 22-year-old netminder’s goal is to negotiate the termination of his contract and return to KHL club Dinamo Minsk, where his salary has been reserved for this season. He doesn’t want to play in North America, but the KHL won’t allow him to play for Dinamo while under an NHL contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov participated in the Flyers’ practice on Friday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes he might get into one of their four remaining preseason games and could start this season with their AHL affiliate. The goalie also has a European assignment clause and could return to the KHL if he hasn’t played in the NHL by a certain date.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2024

by | Sep 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, Islanders center Brock Nelson, and Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the effect a new contract for Igor Shesterkin will have on the New York Rangers’ cap payroll.

The 28-year-old goaltender reportedly seeks an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $12 million, making him the Rangers’ highest-paid player and the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Seven Rangers, including Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller, are slated to become restricted free agents next summer, with those two carrying arbitration rights. Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren and Jonathan Quick are eligible to become unrestricted free agents.

Baugh believes the Rangers can’t afford to sign them all even if Shesterkin doesn’t double his current AAV of $5.66 million. They could be forced to make cost-cutting moves.

Jacob Trouba is the most likely trade candidate. He’ll have a year remaining on his contract ($8 million AAV) with a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba might not be the only Ranger on the move next summer to make room for Shesterkin.

Artemi Panarin will also be in the final year of his contract, though his $11.6 million AAV and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles in the path of a trade. They could also attempt to move Filip Chytil, who lacks no-trade protection and carries an affordable $4.43 million AAV through 2026-27. However, his injury history could dampen his value in the trade market.

It’s easy to suggest the Rangers not re-sign Shesterkin but that leaves a big hole between the pipes that would be difficult to fill.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson is open to negotiating a contract extension during this season with the Islanders.

Nelson turns 33 during the first week of this season. Sears believes how the club handles the veteran center’s pending free agency will determine their future direction. They’ll need to determine how much to invest in him and for how long when he’s outperforming the traditional age curve for NHL forwards.

The Islanders could shop Nelson by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Sears only sees that happening if the club underperforms this season.

Nelson has been with the Islanders since 2010 and he doesn’t seem keen to leave. He carries a 16-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be worthwhile to monitor Nelson’s status and that of the Isles this season. He’ll draw lots of interest from playoff contenders in the trade market if the Isles peddle him before the deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli predicts it’ll be “very, very expensive” for the Colorado Avalanche to sign Mikko Rantanen to a contract extension. He believes his next AAV “starts with a $12,” as in $12 million. Jason Gregor believes it’ll be $12.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is one of the elite forwards in the league and a key player for the Avalanche. His current AAV is $9.25 million and he’s coming off two straight 100-plus point seasons. He is going to get a hefty raise on his next contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2024

by | Sep 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2024

​Does Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov want to join the Blackhawks? What’s the latest on Leafs winger Nick Robertson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

B/R OPEN ICE: cited The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus saying it was rumored during the 2024 NHL Draft that Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov wanted to join the Chicago Blackhawks when his contract expired in 2026.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Lazerus made the remark on his podcast, “The Athletic Hockey Show.” He subsequently took to “X” to clarify his comment, saying the Blackhawks saw Kaprizov “as a potential big add” in two years when he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.

Lazurus claimed he misspoke during the podcast, tweeting that Kaprizov is “intrigued” by the possibility but doesn’t “want” it now.

“Kaprizov has two years left on his contract,” wrote Lazerus. “This decision is forever away. Nothing is imminent, nothing is set in stone, Kaprizov is not asking out, nothing like that. Stand down. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.

Lazerus finished by tweeting that the Blackhawks “have their eye” on Kaprizov, not the other way around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could stir things up a bit among the fans and media in Minnesota. Kaprizov and Wild general manager Bill Guerin will likely be asked about the winger’s future much earlier than expected.

Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging that Kaprizov will draw plenty of interest if he tests the open market in 2026. The Blackhawks won’t be the only club with their eye on the skillful Wild winger.

Kaprizov will seek a substantial raise when his current contract expires. He’s currently earning an average annual value of $9 million and has reached or exceeded 40 goals in each of the last three seasons. He could earn over $12 million annually on his next deal with two more 40-plus goal campaigns.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted that Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson was held off the score sheet during their game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

Robertson, 23, is in a competitive battle for a full-time roster spot this season. Koshan noted the winger logged the second-most ice time of Leafs forwards in that contest, adding that the Senators were limited to just two shots on goal when he was on the ice in five-on-five situations.

Koshan pointed out that Robertson would have to clear waivers if the Leafs attempt to send him to their AHL affiliate this season. GM Brad Treliving couldn’t find a trade partner for the winger during the offseason but Koshan believes a rival team would pluck him off the waiver wire.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2024

by | Sep 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin and Jeremy Swayman in today’s NHL Rumor mill.

LATEST ON SHESTERKIN’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Igor Shesterkin will become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, eclipsing Carey Price’s $10.5 million average annual value with the Montreal Canadiens.

Brooks writes that the Shesterkin camp seeks an AAV of $12 million. He would be shocked if Rangers general manager Chris Drury hasn’t already pitched an offer between $10.5 million and $11 million.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

However, Brooks believes Shesterkin wants to be the highest-paid player on the Rangers. That would mean exceeding Artemi Panarin’s team-leading cap hit of $11.642 million. A $12 million AAV would represent 13.04 percent of next season’s projected $92 million cap.

Brooks also doesn’t understand why some observers are fixated on the percentage of the cap going to goaltenders. He pointed out there was no fuss when Panarin signed his contract with the Rangers or Leon Draisaitl’s new deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s probably tied to Shesterkin’s somewhat limited body of work compared to Panarin and Draisaitl plus the nature of his position. The performances of today’s NHL goaltenders tend to fluctuate more than their predecessors.

Shesterkin holds all the leverage and seeks the best deal he can get. If the Rangers won’t pay up, another club will via free agency.

Losing Shesterkin would signal a transitional phase for the Blueshirts. They need him between the pipes to keep their Stanley Cup window open because they have no one in their system to replace him and no comparable options to pursue in the trade and free-agent markets.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports dialogue continues between Rangers management and Shesterkin. He noted that the goalie’s camp has informed the club that they’d rather not negotiate once the puck drops on the Blueshirts’ season opener on Oct. 9.

The Rangers are willing to pay Shesterkin north of Price’s $10.5 million but it remains to be seen how high they’re willing to go.

SPECTOR’ S NOTE: Brooks was dismissive of that Oct. 9 deadline, suggesting the two sides could get a deal done in-season if the Rangers meet Shesterkin’s asking price. Nevertheless, Drury and his staff would likely prefer to sign a deal that emerges from their current negotiations.

UPDATE ON JEREMY SWAYMAN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports of ongoing dialogue between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins. However, things remain status quo as they’re still not there in terms of a deal.

He thinks the real deadline for a contract is the Bruins’ season opener (Oct. 8) rather than the recent start date of training camp. Swayman is fixed on getting an eight-year contract. The Bruins also hope to sign him to a long-term deal.

LeBrun also believes the Swayman camp is trying to push through what other goalies have recently signed. He noted Juuse Saros signing an eight-year extension worth $7.74 million this summer with the Nashville Predators and Connor Hellebuyck agreeing to an eight-year extension worth $8.5 million last summer with the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To recap, Swayman is a restricted free agent coming off a one-year, arbitration-awarded contract worth $3.475 million.

Conflicting reports suggest Swayman seeks an AAV between $8.5 million and $10 million on an eight-year contract. Those reports agree the Bruins offered up between $6.2 million and $6.4 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

by | Sep 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the Rangers and speculation over whether we’ll see an increase in offer sheets.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report sources claiming Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the New York Rangers will be shelved if there’s no deal in place once the 2024-25 regular season begins next month. The Rangers kick off the campaign in Pittsburgh on Oct. 9.

Shesterkin, 28, is in the final season of his four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.666 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Those sources also said the two sides were “not remotely close” in negotiations. There’s a risk that things could spill over into next offseason.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Shesterkin declined to comment about the status of his contract talks, preferring to keep his focus on the upcoming season. Nevertheless, she cited sources confirming those negotiations could be put on hold if a deal isn’t in place by Oct. 9.

Walker also confirmed via industry sources that the Shesterkin camp is aiming for an average annual value of $12 million on his next contract. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in the league.

The longer Shesterkin remains unsigned, the more precarious the situation becomes for the Rangers. They’ll face competition from other clubs who can afford to pay the former Vezina Trophy winner what he wants.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers need Shesterkin to keep their Stanley Cup window open. There aren’t many suitable replacements via next summer’s trade or free-agent market.

Shesterkin’s departure would mean a shift into a transition phase for the Blueshirts. That could lead to veterans like Jacob Trouba, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider getting peddled in the trade market.

Trouba is the most likely to be traded now that he has a 15-team no-trade list this season and a 12-team list for next season. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list. Panarin would have to waive his no-movement clause and he carries a hefty $11.6 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wondered if the St. Louis Blues successful signings of former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway could lead to an increase in offer sheets.

LeBrun spoke with several NHL general managers and player agents who offered up mixed views on the subject. He believes that a well-respected general manager like the Blues’ Doug Armstrong signing Broberg and Holloway could open the door a crack to future offer sheets. LeBrun also noted the lack of rancor from the Oilers in response to those signings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Offer sheets have been part of the CBA for decades. They remain a rarely used tactic because teams often matched, making it a futile exercise.

The Broberg and Holloway signings were unique as it was the first time a team successfully signed away two players from the same team simultaneously. The Oilers’ frenzy of signings earlier in the offseason left them lacking sufficient cap space to match those offers.

There could be what LeBrun suggested as an “uptick” in offer sheet signings going forward. However, it’s still up to the player to decide if they want to sign them. History shows most usually don’t, which is another reason why they rarely occur.