NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

by | Sep 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Amid rumors of unrest among some Calgary Flames veterans not wanting to be stuck in a rebuild, Eric Duhatschek was asked by a reader what the trade market would be for Jonathan Huberdeau, Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar, Mikael Backlund, and Nazem Kadri.

Duhatschek doesn’t see Huberdeau moving without the Flames retaining at least 30 percent of his $10.5 million annual cap hit. The 31-year-old winger must also re-establish himself as a point-per-game player.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duhatshek believes we should “never say never” but the Flames will find Huberdeau difficult to move with that hefty cap hit running through 2030-21. He also has a full no-movement clause throughout the deal.

Coleman, 32, could have the most value. He has a championship pedigree and a $4.9 million average annual value through 2026-27. Teams could come calling about the two-way forward near the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. Coleman has a 10-team no-trade list but that gives the Flames considerable leeway if the right offer is made.

The 35-year-old Backlund took a pay cut to stay in Calgary. He could draw attention near the trade deadline but finishing his career with the team he started with is important to him. “I don’t see him moving,” replied Duhatschek.

Weegar carries a $6.25 million AAV through 2030-31 and is an important piece of the Flames’ transition. Duhatschek believes it would take “something special” to pry him away. He thought the Ottawa Senators would’ve been a good destination for Weegar but the Flames asking price would be Shane Pinto and that’s a non-starter for the Senators.

Kadri, 33, has a $7 million cap hit through 2028-29. Duhatschek thinks he’d be a good addition to a club with a three-year Stanley Cup window. However, Kadri recently told reporters to “pump the brakes” on trade speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ performance this season could determine Kadri’s willingness to stick around. His cap hit isn’t as expensive as Huberdeau’s but the Flames might still have to retain some of it to facilitate a deal because of his age.

Duhatshek considers forwards Andrei Kuzmenko ($5.5 million AAV) and Anthony Mantha ($3.5 million) most likely to move if they have decent seasons. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents in July.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons noted the Edmonton Oilers could garner some salary-cap flexibility to add to their roster by placing sidelined winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve.

If they do, Parsons doesn’t see them using it to sign PTO winger Mike Hoffman. Instead, he believes they could use it to bolster their defense corps, depending on whether offseason acquisition Ty Emberson can play top-four minutes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Oilers go that route they’ll have to be prepared to shed salary to make room for Kane if he returns to action in January or February.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 22, 2024

by | Sep 22, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 22, 2024

Check out the latest on the Ducks and Blue Jackets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports Cam Fowler hopes the trade talk surrounding him won’t be a distraction to his Anaheim Ducks teammates during training camp.

The Ducks and the 32-year-old Fowler are looking at a potential trade that might be mutually beneficial, though when that happens is anyone’s guess. The veteran defenseman said he remains focused on being the best player he can be for the Ducks, adding that he has a good relationship with general manager Pat Verbeek.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images)

Meanwhile, the Ducks and goaltender John Gibson are also believed to be open to finding a trade. However, his contract and the decline in his play make it difficult to move him.

Young forward Trevor Zegras “has had to fend off suggestions that he isn’t the type of player Verbeek wants as a long-term leading piece.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler seems the more likely to be traded during this season. He’s an established veteran top-pairing defenseman with two years remaining on his contract who would be enticing to a playoff club. He carries a $6.5 million annual cap hit but the Ducks could be willing to retain part of it to facilitate a deal near the March 7 trade deadline for the right return.

Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill since 2022. He has an average annual value of $6.4 million running through 2026-27 and a 10-team no-trade list. No one will be surprised if he’s still with the Ducks after the March 7 deadline.

Zegras had a difficult 2023-24 campaign. He missed training camp because of his contract negotiations and most of the season due to injuries. His performance this season could determine his future in Anaheim.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are currently projected to be $3.4 million under this season’s $65 million salary cap minimum due to the recent death of Johnny Gaudreau.

The Blue Jackets are awaiting word from the league and the NHL Players’ Association as to whether they’ll get a one-time concession given the circumstances. They don’t have to be cap-compliant until rosters are settled two days before their Oct. 10 season opener.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox wonders how Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell will wield his $24.8 million in cap space this season.

“Does he try to trade for an impact forward? Pound the waiver wire like crazy when spendy teams get forced into cap compliance in a couple of weeks?

Does he weaponize that budget by taking on a problem contract and further stocking the Jackets’ pool of picks and prospects? Or by acting as a third-party broker, eating money in deadline deals?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox pointed out that Waddell has options and could make news this season with some significant moves. The Jackets will be a team worth monitoring in the rumor mill.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2024

by | Sep 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2024

Are the Bruins considering trading Jeremy Swayman? What will the Kings do with Arthur Kaliyev? Is former Oilers GM Ken Holland joining Utah HC? What’s the latest on Flyers goalie Alexei Kolosov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During the Sept. 20 edition of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he’d had some people ask if the Boston Bruins might consider trading Jeremy Swayman.

Negotiations between the Bruins and the Swayman camp have stalled, keeping the 25-year-old goaltender out of training camp.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Friedman said he hasn’t spoken with Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. He said Sweeney is trying to keep a low profile, but he isn’t always happy with some of the reporting on this situation. Nevertheless, Friedman doesn’t believe the Bruins want to trade Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins see themselves as Stanley Cup contenders. They need Swayman between the pipes to achieve that goal. Trading him over this standoff would derail those plans. They also know they won’t get equal value back in return.

I doubt this situation would’ve reached this stage had Swayman not gone through arbitration last summer. He admitted it was a bruising experience having to hear what he said were things that no player should ever hear from management.

Swayman is digging in, using his leverage to his advantage, especially with Linus Ullmark traded to Ottawa in June. The Bruins’ front office might not think he’s worth between $8.5 million and $10 million annually (depending on who you listen to) at this stage in his career, but they could have little choice but to pony up and get Swayman back into the lineup as soon as possible.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens wondered what the Los Angeles Kings have in store for Arthur Kaliyev after signing him to a one-year, $825K contract earlier this week.

Stephens doubts the new contract means Kaliyev’s place with the Kings is resolved. He pointed out the 23-year-old forward rejected the club’s qualifying offer. Frustrated by fourth-line duty and healthy scratches, he reportedly requested for a trade earlier this year.

Kaliyev saw his ice time further decline despite a midseason coaching change, sending his trade value plummeting.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens believes the Kings should play Kaliyev to showcase him to other teams. That’ll mean giving him more ice time than last season. They’ll also have to work with him to address the deficiencies in his game.

SI.COM: Nick Horwat cited a report by former NHL player turned podcaster Jordan Schmaltz claiming former Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland could be joining Utah HC in some capacity.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Holland was invited to Utah’s training camp as a guest by people he knew within the organization. There’s nothing formal in terms of a position for him at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of Holland joining Utah or another club at some point. He’s well-respected around the NHL.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey listed some possible trade destinations for Alexei Kolosov if the Flyers should decide to trade him. The 22-year-old goaltender remains home in Belarus after refusing to report to Flyers training camp. That’s prompted some NHL clubs to come calling.

Bailey suggested the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild as destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Kolosov reportedly wants a guaranteed spot with an NHL club. Those other teams likely won’t give him that opportunity without him spending at least one season with their AHL affiliate.

Some NHL teams might be interested in Kolozov but I doubt they’re banging down the door of Flyers GM Daniel Briere to get him.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2024

by | Sep 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2024

The latest on Jacob Trouba, Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri plus the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers offseason plans to shake up its roster were thwarted by defenseman Jacob Trouba’s unwillingness due to family reasons to report to a team if traded.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The plan was to move Trouba and his $8 million cap hit once his full no-movement clause became a 15-team no-trade list on July 1, even if it meant retaining 25 percent of that cap hit to facilitate a deal. Multiple teams were interested in the 30-year-old Rangers captain, with Detroit considered the most likely destination.

Trouba’s NMC was set to expire at the same time when his wife’s medical residency was to end on June 30 but her residency was deferred by a year. The couple also welcomed a son in January, leaving the blueliner unwilling to leave his family behind.

TSN: Trouba acknowledged this season is likely the “last crack” the current Rangers core will have to win the Stanley Cup. “I don’t think it’s a secret by any means.”

Trouba said he communicated well with the Rangers regarding the offseason trade rumors, insisting there were no hard feelings. Meanwhile, head coach Peter Laviolette said he wasn’t involved in any of those conversations and is glad to have his captain back for another season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba and Rangers general manager Chris Drury are determined not to let this situation become a divisive issue for the coming season. Nevertheless, it’s expected they’ll attempt to move him once his wife’s residency is completed next June as they try to clear cap space next summer to add younger talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is somewhat surprised that New York Islanders center Brock Nelson is entering his “walk year” without a new contract. He doesn’t rule out the 32-year-old Nelson signing an extension but noted some “what if” scenarios could creep in.

Staple wonders what happens with Nelson if the Islanders are out of the playoff race by the March 7 trade deadline, or if he decides he wants a change of scenery. He also suggested the cost of re-signing Nelson could rise if he remains the Isles’ leading scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson is among the notable pending UFAs worth monitoring this season. He turns 33 in October so it’s unlikely he’ll get a deal over four years. Nevertheless, he could seek a raise over his current $6 million AAV and could get it on the open market if the Isles aren’t willing to pay.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin recently wondered if Nazem Kadri would be happy as the best player in a rebuilding Flames club. The 33-year-old center led them with 46 assists and 75 points last season.

Kadri hasn’t said anything publicly to suggest he wants out but Austin thinks the Flames would have to consider moving him if the right offer was made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri doesn’t seem keen to move on from the Flames, telling reporters on Thursday to “pump the brakes” about whether he’d be open to a move. He’s indicated he wants to stay and help the Flames become a better club.

Kadri has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. Unless he changes his mind, he’s not going anywhere.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source claiming the Montreal Canadiens are working the phones in pursuit of upgrades to their roster.

The Canadiens were linked to Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras, Carolina’s Martin Necas and Rutger McGroarty before his trade from Winnipeg to Pittsburgh. Ultimately, those deals fell through because they landed promising forwards Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage in this year’s draft.

They’re now looking for an experienced right-side top-four defenseman. They still believe in their young blueliners. However, if they take longer to develop, the Habs will need an upgrade at that position.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2024

by | Sep 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2024

Check out the latest on Jeremy Swayman and Mitch Marner plus the latest on the Canucks and the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

LATEST ON SWAYMAN’S NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BRUINS

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Christopher Hurley reports Bruins general manager Don Sweeney responded to a report by “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcaster Paul Bissonnette regarding his contract negotiations with goaltender Jeremy Swayman. 

Bissonnette claimed the Bruins GM ignored calls from Swayman. “I think it’s bullshit that somebody says I wouldn’t return a call for three weeks,” said Sweeney. 

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Sweeney declined to go into detail regarding the negotiations with the Swayman camp. “I have respect for the position that Jeremy and his camp have taken,” he said. “And we continue to try and find common ground.”

The Bruins GM said he’s disappointed but remains optimistic that a deal can be reached before Dec. 1. He also scoffed at reports claiming he refused to offer Swayman an eight-year contract or was unwilling to compromise with the netminder. 

“That’s far from the truth,” said Sweeney, adding that there’s been constant dialogue and communication between the two sides. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dec. 1 is the deadline for Swayman to be under contract or he’ll be forbidden to play for the rest of this season. That’s not a scenario either side wants. It would cost Swayman a year of his playing prime while robbing the Bruins of their promising starter. 

The last notable standoff involving a restricted free agent was in 2018 when last-second negotiations led to an agreement between William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs before the 5 pm ET deadline on Dec. 1. 

It’ll be interesting to see how long this saga goes. It could drag on for weeks or a breakthrough could happen within days. 

MARNER DECLINES TO DISCUSS CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. 

SPORTSNET: Mitch Marner met with the media on Wednesday but indicated he wouldn’t discuss his contract situation. The 27-year-old winger is in the final season of his deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and can become an unrestricted free agent next July. 

Leafs GM Brad Treliving has also declined to publicly discuss Marner’s contract status until there’s news to announce. 

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes Marner and the Leafs are holding contract talks despite their public unwillingness to discuss it with the media. He cited Marner’s agent Darren Ferris releasing a statement earlier this week indicating he preferred to keep “ongoing negotiations” confidential. 

TORONTO STAR: Rosie DiManno believes Marner’s contract situation could fester if it remains unresolved during the coming season. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner and Treliving won’t discuss this with the media, but the latter abhors a vacuum, leaving this situation ripe for speculation the longer this goes. 

CANUCKS UNCERTAIN IF THEY’LL NEED TO ADD A GOALIE

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin doesn’t know when sidelined starting goaltender Thatcher Demko will return to action. It could be a talking point that dogs the club for weeks or months. 

Allvin was asked if he would need to add another goaltender before the start of the season. “I don’t know,” he replied, adding he’ll see how Demko comes along rehabbing his injury and how well their young netminders perform over the next two weeks in training camp. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding a goaltender won’t be easy. There are few available in the trade market while the free agent market has been mostly picked clean. 

The Canucks reached out to former Predators backup Kevin Lankinen. It’s rumored they offered him a one-year deal for less than $1 million but he’s seeking more than that.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

RDS.CA: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang laughed off a rumor from earlier this summer claiming he requested a trade to the Montreal Canadiens. 

“People were talking about that? They weren’t talking to me!”, replied Letang. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming Letang wanted a trade to Montreal, I doubt the rebuilding Canadiens would be interested in a 37-year-old defenseman who’s past his prime carrying an annual cap hit of $6.1 million through 2027-28. 

TVA SPORTS: Eric Fichaud doesn’t expect Cayden Primeau to finish the season with the Canadiens. The 25-year-old netminder will serve as Samuel Montembeault’s backup this season. 

Fichard believes the Canadiens need a more experienced veteran backing up Montembeault. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens had that with Jake Allen and they shipped him to the New Jersey Devils at the March trade deadline. They wouldn’t have made that move if they didn’t have faith in Primeau. They spent most of last season carrying three goalies because they didn’t want to risk losing Primeau to another club via waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2024

by | Sep 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on the notable remaining restricted free agents and the Blue Jackets are looking to make a trade.

UPDATES ON SWAYMAN, SEIDER AND PERFETTI

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the status quo remains in contract negotiations between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins. He wondered if they might go the short-term route if they can’t bridge the gap on a long-term contract.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Swayman camp seeks around $8.5 million annually while the Bruins countered with $6.2 million. One report had the 25-year-old goalie seeking $10 million annually.

The Detroit Red Wings and Moritz Seider are working on an eight-year deal but it sounds like it could be something a little shorter, perhaps six or seven years. That’s because the Wings are reluctant to exceed captain Dylan Larkin’s team-leading $8.75 million annual cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings recently signed winger Lucas Raymond to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.075 million. Seider’s AAV could be around $8.5 million.

Darren Dreger reports contract talks remain delicate between the Winnipeg Jets and forward Cole Perfetti. There’s a significant gap in negotiations, prompting Dreger to suggest Perfetti could miss some time in training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently said the Jets were reluctant to offer Perfetti a deal similar to that of Shane Pinto’s with the Ottawa Senators. Pinto is on a two-year deal with a $3.75 million AAV.

The Jets have $5.77 million in cap space for this season but they probably want to keep as much of that available as possible for other roster moves, especially near the March 7 trade deadline.

BLUE JACKETS SEEK A TRADE

Chris Johnston reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to add a forward through the trade market.

They recently signed free-agent winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract. However, general manager Don Waddell wants to add more forward. They’ll also look at professional tryout offers and the waiver wire.