NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2024

by | Sep 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor, what a Sidney Crosby trade might look like, whether Penguins center Lars Eller could be a trade candidate, the latest Jeremy Swayman speculation, and an update on the Canucks’ goaltending.

TSN: Travis Yost admits it’s unlikely the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Sidney Crosby. The 37-year-old Penguins captain has a year remaining on his contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Nevertheless, Yost thinks the hockey community underestimates the possibility of Crosby being moved by the March trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Yost raised a scenario where Crosby accepts a trade to a contender at the deadline if the Penguins are out of contention by then, ensuring the type of return that accelerates their rebuild. He could return to the Penguins when free agency begins on July 1.

The Penguins also have the cap flexibility to retain part of Crosby’s $8.7 million cap hit in the deal.

Yost suggested the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche possess the flexibility and pedigree to compete for the Stanley Cup with Crosby in their lineup. He doesn’t rule out the Vegas Golden Knights given their mastery of salary-cap gymnastics and their “win-now” mentality.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt Crosby will be playing with another NHL team by this season’s trade deadline. Still, Yost raises an interesting scenario of what could become one of the biggest trades in NHL history. It would certainly provide additional excitement leading up to deadline day.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel wonders if the additional forward depth brought in by Penguins management this summer could lead to Lars Eller getting traded before the start of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eller put up solid numbers last season as the Penguins’ third-line center. He’ll return in that role unless another player successfully challenges him for that job.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont recently reported the possibility of the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman agreeing to a short-term contract to end their current negotiation stalemate.

Dupont wrote the Bruins were looking at offering Swayman a bridge deal of 3-4 years at between $22 million and $24 million. Once the deal ends, he would become eligible for UFA status at age 29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A three-year, $22 million deal would be worth an average annual value of $7.33 million while a four-year, $24 million contract would be worth $6 million annually.

The Bruins will have to raise those numbers to get Swayman to sign. His camp reportedly seeks around $8.5 million annually on a long-term deal.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford is waiting until training camp opens to get a clearer picture of the health of goaltenders Thatcher Demko and Arturs Silovs.

Demko recently resumed skating after surgery earlier in the offseason believed to be related to the knee injury that knocked him out of the 2024 playoffs. Meanwhile, Silovs was held out of competing for Latvia in their Olympic qualifier due to knee ligament inflammation.

Johnston indicated the Canucks have put out feelers to free agents Kevin Lankinen and Antti Raanta regarding professional tryout offers. However, Lankinen would prefer a full-on contract offer.

Rutherford admitted he’s hoping the Canucks can avoid starting the season with players on long-term injury reserve. The longer they remain under the salary cap when the season begins, the more cap space they accrue to put toward adding players by the March trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2024

by | Sep 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we examine the fallout from Leon Draisaitl’s expensive new contract with the Oilers and its effect on Mitch Marner’s negotiations with the Leafs plus the latest on free-agent winger Max Pacioretty.

FALLOUT FROM THE DRAISAITL CONTRACT

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli predicting it’s now a “100 percent shot that Connor McDavid signs with the Edmonton Oilers” following the club’s re-signing Leon Drasaitl on Tuesday.

Draisaitl, 28, inked an eight-year, $112 million contract extension with a league-leading $14 million average annual value beginning on July 1, 2025.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“There is no way that Leon is signing if there is a chance that Connor is not,” Seravalli said.

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson speculates it could cost the Oilers the league maximum of 20 percent of their overall salary cap to re-sign McDavid. If the cap is $100 million when his new contract begins, his average annual value would be $20 million.

Matheson also thinks emerging blueline star Evan Bouchard’s next contract could be at least $10 million annually.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski examined the winners and losers of Draisaitl’s new contract. The losers include those who generated rumors suggesting the Oilers star could spurn Edmonton in favor of signing with the Boston Bruins or the San Jose Sharks (the latter based on team owner Hasso Plattner being German like Draisaitl.)

Wyshynski also thinks the league loses because two of its biggest stars will play in a smaller, remote market rather than a big-city market like New York, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Toronto or Los Angeles.

However, Wyshynski makes the counterpoint that having Draisaitl and McDavid on the same roster makes Edmonton a glamour franchise and more meaningful to the league than having them lead two different franchises.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be shocking if McDavid doesn’t re-sign with Draisaitl inked to a long-term extension. The earliest the Oilers can sign their captain is next July and he’ll likely regain his place as the NHL’s highest-paid player.

The rumors about Draisaitl going to Boston or San Jose were wishful thinking at best.

Edmonton could indeed become a glamour franchise with Draisaitl and McDavid there for the long haul. However, the bloom could come off that rose if they lack the cap room to maintain a Stanley Cup contender around them.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Maple Leafs are unaffected by Draisaitl’s new deal with the Oilers and continues to play the waiting game with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old right winger will be the top player in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market with Draisaitl no longer available.

The Leafs intend to see how Marner performs under new head coach Craig Berube this season, especially in the playoffs. Meanwhile, he must also decide if he wants to stay in Toronto.

Marner carries a $10.9 million AAV for this season. Simmons suggests his new contract could come in between that and below the $14 million Draisaitl will make on his deal. He could earn more by staying in Toronto as the Leafs are known for overpaying players.

LATEST ON MAX PACIORETTY

TSN: Chris Johnston reported earlier this week that the Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in Max Pacioretty.

The 35-year-old free-agent winger suffered a twice-torn Achilles tendon in 2022-23 that threatened to end his career. However, he returned to action midway through last season with the Washington Capitals, netting 23 points in 47 games.

Johnston thinks Pacioretty is in a position to sign a contract with a team rather than a professional tryout offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty has also been linked to the Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers.










Edmonton Oilers Sign Leon Draisaitl To An Eight-Year Contract Extension

by | Sep 3, 2024

Edmonton Oilers Sign Leon Draisaitl To An Eight-Year Contract Extension

The Edmonton Oilers signed Leon Draisaitl today to an eight-year, $112-million contract extension with an average annual value of $14 million.

Draisaitl, 28, is entering the final season of his current eight-year contract with an AAV of $8.5 million, considered one of the best bargain deals in the league given his accomplishments over that period.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Since Draisaitl’s superstar breakout season in 2018-19, he sits second to teammate Connor McDavid in total points (643), second to Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews in goals (272) and is tied with New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin with 371 total assists.

Drasaitl won the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Ted Lindsay Award in 2019-20. He and McDavid give the Oilers a lethal one-two scoring punch, turning them into Stanley Cup contenders entering 2024-25.

Draisaitl’s new contract will make him the NHL highest-paid player when it goes into effect on July 1, 2025, eclipsing Matthews’ $13.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Everyone knew Draisaitl would seek top dollar on his next deal and everyone knew the Oilers would pay to keep him in Edmonton.

Some observers expected Draisaitl would seek more, perhaps between $15 million and $16 million annually. The $14 million AAV is approximately where most experts believed it would be.

Draisaitl has earned that hefty salary, though his new deal will grow more burdensome for the Oilers over the final four years when he’ll be in his mid-to-late 30s when a player’s skills inevitably deteriorate. The Oilers’ front office believes it’s worth it to re-sign their second-best player, especially when they’re in “win-now” mode and he’s still in his playing prime.

This signing should also be an encouraging sign for McDavid. He’s eligible for UFA status in July 2026. Seeing the Oilers open the vault for Draisaitl sends the message that they’re willing to invest in their top players. It’s also a sign that they’re serious about pursuing the Stanley Cup.

It should dispel any concerns from Oilers fans that McDavid will depart in 2026. Keeping Draisaitl in the fold will encourage their captain to stay in Edmonton.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2024

by | Sep 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 3, 2024

​Could the Oilers attempt to get Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to accept deferred payments on their next contracts? Could that also be an option for the Devils and Dawson Mercer? Would it make sense for the Flyers to pursue Nicholas Robertson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wondered if the Edmonton Oilers will follow the Carolina Hurricanes’ lead and attempt to use deferred payments with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to lower their cap hits.

The Hurricanes recently signed forward Seth Jarvis to an eight-year, $63.2 million contract in which Jarvis will defer part of his annual salary to the end of the contract. Instead of an annual cap hit of $7.9 million, it’ll be $7.42 million.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Draisaitl is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July and could receive an eight-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $14 million from the Oilers. McDavid is eligible for UFA status in July 2026. 

Parsons believes the Oilers could free up considerable cap space if both players agree to defer part of their salaries. He cited a hypothetical scenario by Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli in which Draisaitl agreed to defer $33.6 million of his contract to be paid out over 40 years following the completion of the deal.

Draisaitl would receive $80 million over the eight years of his contract in that scenario, lowering the AAV to $10 million. If McDavid’s deal was similarly structured, it could mean almost a combined $10 million annually not counting against the Oilers cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The deferred payment option has been part of the NHL CBA since 2005 but it’s rarely used because players prefer getting paid as much salary upfront as possible. Nevertheless, the Jarvis contract could result in more teams attempting to sign expensive talent to similar deals.

Deferred payments could help the Oilers lower the AAV on new contracts for Draisaitl and McDavid. That would make it possible for the club to put the cap savings toward maintaining a Stanley Cup contender by improving the roster depth.

Selling it that way to both players could be a convincing strategy. However, Seravalli also indicated that it’s uncertain how much of a salary-cap discount the league will allow before this blurs the line of salary-cap circumvention. A 40-year deferral could test those boundaries.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols also wondered if the Devils might attempt to go the same route in their negotiations with restricted free-agent winger Dawson Mercer.

The Devils have just over $4.9 million in cap space for 2024-25. That’s enough to sign the 22-year-old Mercer to a short-term deal worth less than 4 million annually but not enough to lock him up to a long-term contract unless he agrees to defer salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract talks between Mercer and the Devils probably advanced too far to toss deferred payments into the equation. Nichols suggests it might be a better option for Luke Hughes. The 21-year-old Devils defenseman becomes an RFA next July.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes acquiring winger Nicholas Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs would make sense for the Flyers.

Robertson, 22, has requested a trade from the Maple Leafs. Bailey thinks Robertson’s youth and skills could make him a good fit for the rebuilding Flyers. He was also a former teammate with Flyers Cam York and Bobby Brink on Team USA’s U20 squad.

Bailey acknowledged the Leafs’ asking price could be an obstacle along with finding a suitable role with the Flyers. However, Robertson is younger and cheaper than most of the current Flyers’ wingers and could become a top-six forward with more playing time in Philadelphia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs general manager Brad Treliving insists he’s not trading Robertson and believes the young winger has a great opportunity to elevate his game this season in Toronto. There’s no indication that the Flyers are kicking tires on Robertson. Still, we can’t dismiss that possibility though it’s likely a remote one.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2024

by | Sep 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2024

The latest on the remaining notable unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed several noteworthy players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Fox noted Tyler Johnson signed a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Boston Bruins. He believes the versatile 32-year-old forward has a legitimate shot of adding to the Bruins’ depth at center this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much depends on the outcome of Boston’s contract negotiations with restricted free-agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Bruins have just over $8.6 million in cap space but most of that will go to Swayman.

Former Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

Three teams are believed to be interested in former San Jose Sharks winger Filip Zadina. The Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be among them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadina could make his decision by this week. It’s believed his agent is trying to get him a PTO.

A lack of available young defensemen could make Calen Addison, 24, enticing to teams seeking a right-shot blueliner. Fox noted the Edmonton Oilers could have an opening.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent speculation suggests the Oilers are considering more experienced options. Read on…

Fox speculates John Klingberg could land a PTO or short-term offer once he’s fully healthy. The 32-year-old underwent season-ending hip surgery last December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been nothing new in the rumor mill about Klingberg. That doesn’t mean he isn’t talking to teams. We’ll find out soon enough if a team will take a chance on him.

Recent speculation suggests the Oilers could consider bringing back Tyson Barrie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve also been linked to puck-moving blueliner Tony DeAngelo and former Oiler Justin Schultz.

Veteran left winger Max Pacioretty has been tied to the Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Detroit Red Wings have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Pacioretty.

Wingers James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Labanc also remain available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word yet on whether either forward is close to signing a PTO or a contract with an NHL club.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 1, 2024

by | Sep 1, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 1, 2024

The Hurricanes signed Seth Jarvis on Saturday but other notable restricted free agents remain unsigned. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at where things stood with the top restricted free agents still looking for new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published a day before the Carolina Hurricanes signed Seth Jarvis to an eight-year contract.

Boston Bruins president Cam Neely expressed confidence that his club will get a deal done with Jeremy Swayman during an Aug. 22 interview. The 25-year-old goalie said the same thing during an interview earlier in the month.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Bruins training camp opens on Sep. 18. They have $8.6 million in cap space to put toward signing Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports last week claimed the two sides were still far apart. One report claimed Swayman sought $10 million annually. However, most pundits believe the Swayman camp seeks an average annual value of around $8.5 million while the Bruins are believed to be offering something “in the $6 millions”.

Fox speculated it could cost the Detroit Red Wings around $8.6 million annually to get defenseman Moritz Seider under contract. That would put the 23-year-old defenseman just under captain Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

As for Seider’s teammate Lucas Raymond, Fox wondered if Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman might opt for a shorter-term contract comparable to the four-year deal averaging $7.875 million annually signed last summer by Raymond’s teammate Alex DeBrincat.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have over $17.6 million in cap space so there’s plenty of room to re-sign those two. Figuring out how much and for how long remains the key issue.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen wondered how much of an effect Seth Jarvis’ new contract with the Carolina Hurricanes will have on Raymond’s negotiations. Both players had similar production last season, with Jarvis netting 33 goals and 67 points with the Hurricanes while Raymond had 31 goals and 71 points.

What could be interesting is whether the Wings attempt to get a lower AAV by getting Raymond and Seider to accept deferred salary as Jarvis did on his new deal. It’s probably too late in those negotiations to shift gears now.

There’s not much to report regarding the Dallas Stars contract talks with Thomas Harley. Fox wondered if Stars GM Jim Nill would attempt to get the 23-year-old defenseman to sign a bridge deal as he did with winger Jason Robertson. On Aug. 9, Nill expressed confidence in getting Harley signed soon.

Turning to center Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said talks were still ongoing as of Aug. 22, expressing optimism that a deal would be done sooner rather than later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hockey News’ Rob Couch examined whether it would be in the Chicago Blackhawks’ best interest to send the 22-year-old Perfetti an offer sheet.

The St. Louis Blues exploited the Edmonton Oilers’ limited salary cap space, successfully signing away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway last month. However, the Jets have over $5.7 million in cap space this season, giving them far more flexibility than the Oilers to match an offer sheet. Perfetti could also be reluctant to sign with another club.

Fox cited The Hockey News’ Kristy Flannery reporting on Aug. 19 that Pat Brisson, the agent for winger Dawson Mercer, indicated negotiations were ongoing with the New Jersey Devils.

A short-term, “prove-it” contract could be the most likely outcome for Peyton Krebs. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres center has struggled to establish himself as a potential top-six forward. Fox didn’t rule out a trade.

Speaking of a trade, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson still prefers a change of scenery. However, GM Brad Treliving holds the hammer and still believes the 22-year-old Robertson has a great opportunity to become a good player with the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could refuse to sign and report to training camp to force the Leafs into honoring his trade request. That’s unlikely to work in his favor as it’s his only leverage. It will hurt his preparation for this season and also hurt him financially.

Nashville Predators forward Philip Tomasino remains unsigned after coming off a difficult performance for him last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predlines’ Chad Minton pondered what could be behind the lack of progress in contract talks between the Predators and Tomasino and fellow RFA Jusso Parssinen. With just over $3 million in cap space, Minton speculated Predators GM Barry Trotz could be forced to choose between one of them.