NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 31, 2024

by | Aug 31, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 31, 2024

The hockey world is in mourning over the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Reaction and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

ESPN.COM: Details emerged on Friday regarding the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Both men were struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey on Thursday.

The police report indicates the brothers were struck from behind by a Jeep Grand Cherokee as the driver attempted to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over to make room for the two cyclists.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau (NHL Images).

The driver, Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

The affidavit indicates Higgins failed a field sobriety test. The police investigation is ongoing.

NHL.COM: Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew, released the following statement on Friday:

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.”

“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.

“From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families).”

The Blue Jackets and Gaudreau’s former team, the Calgary Flames, released statements Friday expressing their sorrow over the brothers’ deaths, praising Johnny’s playing career and his involvement in both communities, and expressing support for both men’s families.

SPORTSNET/THE SCORE: Tributes to the Gaudreau brothers and expressions of sympathy for their families poured in on Friday from teams and players around the NHL and the sports world.

They included Johnny’s former Calgary Flames teammates Matthew Tkachuk, Rasmus Andersson, Blake Coleman and Mikael Backlund, Pittsburgh Penguins center Kevin Hayes, former Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, former Blue Jackets teammate Cam Atkinson, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Washington Capitals winger TJ Oshie, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL Players Association executive director Marty Walsh, Boston College (including former coach Jerry York), the NHL Alumni Association, the IIHF, USHL and USA Hockey.

Hockey Hall of Famers Bernie Parent, Lanny McDonald and Henrik Lundqvist, former NHL executive Brian Burke, NBA superstar LeBron James, Major League Baseball (including Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout and the Philadelphia Phillies), the Philadelphia Eagles (including quarterback Jalen Hurts), the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders were also among those who expressed their condolences, as did Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

DAILY FACEOFF/CALGARY SUN: Fans gathered outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Friday to place flowers, sticks, and other items in memory of Johnny Gaudreau. The 31-year-old winger signed with the Blues Jackets as a free agent in July 2022.

Fans in Calgary did the same outside the Saddledome where Gaudreau spent nine seasons with the Flames.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Traikos remembered the 5’9”, 163-pound Gaudreau as a trailblazer for smaller players to achieve stardom in the NHL.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes Gaudreau’s inspiring skill transcended his undersized stature.

TSN/SPORTSNET: Johnny is being remembered as a star who always put his family first. He signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022 to be closer to his parents and relatives.

Eric Francis called Gaudreau “a soft-spoken, gentle soul” who never rejected an autograph seeker, a media request or an opportunity to get involved in the community.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to provide financial support for Matthew Gaudreau’s family. His wife Madeline is expecting their first child in four months. Many NHL players and their spouses, including Johnny’s Blue Jackets teammate and close friend Sean Monahan, have contributed.

There will be no NHL Rumor Mill updates today. The next update will be Sunday, September 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2024

by | Aug 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: The latest speculation about Linus Ullmark’s next contract, rumored PTO destinations for free-agent winger Filip Zadina, and several Flyers face uncertain futures.

MORE SPECULATION OVER ULLMARK’S NEXT CONTRACT

NHL insider and podcaster Shawn Simpson noted the Nashville Predators signed Juuse Saros earlier this summer to an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $7.74 million.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Simpson believes an extension for Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will have a similar AAV but will be six years long.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There has been plenty of buzz recently about Ullmark’s plans with the Senators following a report that he bought a house in the Ottawa area. The 30-year-old goalie was traded to the Senators by the Boston Bruins in June.

So far, there are no recent reports from the Senators or the local media regarding a contract extension for Ullmark. We’ll likely hear more about it once training camp starts in mid-September.

WHERE WILL ZADINA LAND?

TVA SPORTS: Czech journalist Pavel Barta recently reported the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche were interested in signing free-agent winger Filip Zadina to a professional tryout offer (PTO).

Earlier in the week, Barta reported the 24-year-old Zadina had signed a PTO with the Buffalo Sabres. However, the winger’s agent denied this, adding that they were working on signing with another club.

It would be intriguing if the Canadiens bring in Zadina, as the club’s management at the time skipped over him to select Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft.

Chosen sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings, Zadina vowed to make the Canadiens pay by “filling their net”. However, he struggled to establish himself as a scoring winger with the Red Wings and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadina’s status as a top-10 draft pick who has yet to pan out as hoped makes his potential PTO situation a subject of interest in the rumor mill. The trade market has also quieted following last week’s frenzy of moves including the Canadiens acquiring Patrik Laine.

SEVERAL FLYERS FACING THEIR LAST CHANCE?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey listed a handful of Flyers coming off bad seasons who could be on their last legs with the organization.

Rasmus Ristolainen has become a reliable if overpaid defense-first, bottom-three defenseman for the Flyers. He was getting mentioned as a trade candidate before suffering a triceps injury that prematurely ended his 2023-24 season. With top prospect Oliver Bonk developing rapidly, Ristolainen’s days as a Flyer seem numbered. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.1 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen lacks no-trade protection but the Flyers might have to include a sweetener if they want to move the entirety of his cap hit.

Noah Cates also suffered an unproductive, injury-shortened campaign. The 25-year-old forward managed 18 points in 59 games last season. He’s entering the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.65 million and will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July.

Time is running out for Morgan Frost to show he’s a reliable middle-six center. He struggled last season but had a solid second half to finish with 41 points. The 25-year-old carries an AAV of $2.1 million and is also slated to become an RFA with arbitration rights in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cates and Frost could have value as reclamation projects by other clubs. The Flyers won’t get much of a return for either player if they struggle again this season. If they improve, however, management could decide to keep them around.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2024

by | Aug 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2024

Is Jeremy Swayman seeking $10 million annually? What are the Leafs’ options to bolster their left wing? What’s the latest speculation about Seth Jarvis’ contract talks with the Hurricanes? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOES SWAYMAN WANT $10 MILLION PER SEASON?

SPORTSNET: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli told SN960 The FAN’s Big Show that he doubts Jeremy Swayman is seeking an average annual value of $10 million on his next contract with the Boston Bruins.

Seravalli believes the Swayman camp sought an AAV in the mid-$8 million range while the Bruins countered with something in the low $6 million range. He considers that a sizeable gap but indicates the two sides are still grinding away at it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $10 million annually would tie Swayman with the Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky as the second-highest-paid goalie in the league.

Swayman’s put up good numbers over the past two seasons, took over the starter’s job last season from Linus Ullmark, and the pair won the Jennings Trophy in 2022-23. However, Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner who backstopped the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and a championship last season.

Bobrovsky earned his hefty contract. Swayman has yet to have the type of career that merits that salary. Nevertheless, given his recent performance, he deserves a substantial raise on a long-term deal.

Something at most around $8.5 million annually seems suitable. It wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides agreed to a cap hit somewhere in the middle of their initial proposals, perhaps around $7.5 million.

WHAT ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS OPTIONS ON LEFT WING?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently examined options for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bolster their left-wing depth.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

Internal options include Nick Robertson. However, he requested a trade and the 22-year-old restricted free agent remains unsigned. Others include Alex Steeves, Alex Nylander or Nikita Grebenkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving believes Robertson could help his club this season. He thinks the young winger has a tremendous opportunity to establish himself as a middle-six forward.

Treliving has indicated he’s not interested in moving Robertson. Nevertheless, as I noted yesterday, there could be teams monitoring this situation who are willing to make a pitch if the Leafs GM wants to entertain offers.

Aging unrestricted free agents Max Pacioretty, Mike Hoffman, and former Leaf James van Riemsdyk remain available. Pacioretty reportedly has offers from three teams in hand and is expected to decide soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No indication yet which teams are interested in Pacioretty. Maybe the Leafs are one of them.

Physical options include former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins and former New York Islanders winger (and former Leaf) Matt Martin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising that Treliving hopes Robertson will change his mind after looking at this list of available UFAs.

The scorers were once significant players but their best seasons are behind them now. Cousins and Martin provide grit but no secondary scoring.

ARE THE HURRICANES ANY CLOSER TO SIGNING SETH JARVIS?

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette lists whether the Carolina Hurricanes can sign Seth Jarvis among the five big questions they must answer before the start of the season.

Lavalette believes there’s nothing to worry about regarding Jarvis’ contract talks. The club wants him around for a long time and the winger wants to stay with the team that drafted him.

Jarvis might want a bridge contract that costs less now but will put him in line for a bigger payday down the road. The Hurricanes want to lock him into a long-term deal but prefer the average annual value to be lower than Andrei Svechnikov’s $7.75 million AAV.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock believes the Hurricanes will likely get Jarvis signed to a long-term deal rather than a bridge contract. He also considers Svechnikov’s AAV the ceiling for Jarvis’ new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This might spill over into the start of training camp but Jarvis could be signed before then. The AAV could be around $7.5 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2024

by | Aug 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Nick Robertson still wants the Leafs to trade him, free-agent winger Filip Zadina is close to signing with a new club, and the latest on the Flames. 

ROBERTSON STILL WANTS OUT OF TORONTO

TSN: Chris Johnston reports no resolution in the standoff between the Toronto Maple Leafs and unhappy winger Nick Robertson. The 22-year-old restricted free agent requested a trade earlier this summer. 

Johnston noted Robertson has little leverage here. If he doesn’t want to sign and the Leafs won’t move him, all he can do is sit out and hope to put pressure on the team. However, it’ll be costly to Robertson in terms of contract and preparation for the coming season. 

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

Earlier this summer, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said he wasn’t planning to move Robertson despite his trade request. He believes the young winger has a great opportunity this season with the Leafs to become a better player. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson has grown frustrated over his playing time thus far with the Leafs. Holding out for a trade likely won’t help his cause unless the Leafs get an offer too good to pass up. 

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: A reader asked Dan Kingerski what it might take for the Penguins to acquire Robertson. 

Kingerski observed Robertson is “an unproven commodity with loads of talent but a delayed progression.” He estimates his salary range at around $2 million. Kingerski reports Penguins general manager (and former Leafs GM) Kyle Dubas “really likes Robertson.” 

The Penguins could attempt to offer sheet Robertson but Kingerski believes the Leafs would match. It would have to be a trade with the Leafs getting a player with value in return. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt that Dubas likes Robertson and might like to include the winger among his efforts to add more affordable young talent to the Penguins. Whether a trade is possible remains to be seen, especially if Treliving remains unwilling to trade him. 

ZADINA CLOSE TO SIGNING WITH A NEW CLUB

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports the agent for Filip Zadina denied a report out of Czechia claiming the 24-year-old winger was close to signing a contract with the Sabres. 

Darren Ferris told Lysowski he’s in the process of securing a professional tryout offer for his client with another team. 

Zadina was chosen sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft. He’s struggled to establish himself as a scoring winger, lasting four seasons with the Wings. Zadina spent last season with the San Jose Sharks, scoring 13 goals and 23 points in 72 games. 

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports sources tell him three teams are in discussion with Zadina. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a crucial period in Zadina’s sputtering NHL career. He’ll need a strong training camp and preseason to earn a contract for this season, and must significantly improve his performance to ensure he can stick in the NHL after that. 

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson and Daniel Austin were asked by a reader what Flames GM Craig Conroy might have up his sleeve in the lead-up to training camp. 

Gilbertson indicated Conroy has informed cap-strapped clubs that he’s willing to use his cap space to help them, for a price. That would be not just the player received in the deal but also a sweetener like a draft pick or prospect. 

The Flames have nearly $20 million in cap space, making them a perfect partner for a club looking to shed salary. 

Asked about possible PTO targets for the Flames, Gilbertson suggested center Steven Lorentz or winger Kailer Yamamoto. Austin suggested Filip Zadina.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2024

by | Aug 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2024

Is Jeremy Swayman seeking more than the Bruins can accord? Could the Oilers trade for a defenseman? Will the Jets shop Nikolaj Ehlers this season? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SWAYMAN SEEKING $10 MILLION ANNUALLY?

INSIDE THE RINK: Matt Barry cites WEEI Sports Radio’s Rich Keefe claiming goaltender Jeremy Swayman is seeking an average annual value of $10 million in contract negotiations with the Boston Bruins.

Swayman, 25, is a restricted free agent who opted to forego arbitration this summer to negotiate with Bruins management. He’s completing a one-year, $3.75 million contract received via arbitrations last summer.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

If the Bruins agree to pay Swayman that much, it’ll make him the second-highest-paid goalie in the league. He’s been among the top five in save percentage over the last two seasons and won the Jennings Trophy last season with former teammate Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins president Cam Neely and head coach Jim Montgomery expressed confidence that Swayman will be signed when training camp opens in mid-September. Nevertheless, Keefe’s report could explain why Swayman hasn’t been signed yet.

The Bruins currently have just over $8.6 million in cap space, most of which is expected to go toward signing Swayman. It was projected he could receive between $7 and $8 million annually. If he’s insisting on $10 million, they’ll have to shed over $1.4 million to fit him in.

Swayman holds the hammer here. He went through arbitration last summer, didn’t enjoy the experience, and is determined to get a lucrative deal this time. He’s considered among the NHL’s top goalies and is a crucial part of the Bruins’ Stanley Cup hopes this season.

OILERS CONSIDERING A “SIGNIFICANT TRADE”?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Oilers are considering a significant trade that could “shake things up a little bit more” than going the professional tryout offer route.

Seravalli made those comments during an interview with Oilers Now on Monday. He believes a trade could be made before training camp opens next month.

“The thing is things are so fluid right now,” said Seravalli. “I believe there are seven different scenarios that (Oilers general manager) Stan Bowman and his staff are probably looking at. They’re looking at lots of different options around the league.”

Seravalli also believes the Oilers should consider free-agent defenseman Tony DeAngelo. He acknowledged some of the 28-year-old’s previous personal baggage but felt he’s a better blueliner than fellow UFAs Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli didn’t mention which defensemen he thinks the Oilers could be looking at. It wouldn’t be surprising if they were considering all their options as he suggests. Nevertheless, finding a better addition than a PTO signing isn’t easy at this stage in the offseason even if the Oilers could free up the cap space to do it.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NIKOLAJ EHLERS?

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre responded to a reader’s question about whether winger Nikolaj Ehlers could end up signing a contract extension with the Jets.

Ehlers, 28, was considered a trade candidate entering the offseason. However, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and new head coach Scott Arniel frequently sang the winger’s praises, stressing his importance to their lineup for the coming season.

McIntyre doesn’t rule out a resolution similar to Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele last year. After months of speculation, the Jets signed both players to contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McIntyre also points out that a lot depends on Ehler’s performance, where he sees his future, and the Jets’ position in the standings this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2024

by | Aug 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2024

The latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas, Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom,  Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, and an update on the Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports Martin Necas was “50-50” about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old forward said he didn’t have the best season and was unhappy.

However, Necas said he and the club “turned the page”, figuring out a way for him to stay for two more seasons. “I feel like Carolina is my home”, he said, adding that he’s happy to stay and looks forward to a better performance this season.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Before signing his new deal, it was reported that multiple teams expressed interest in him after his father criticized the Hurricanes’ handling of his son’s role with the club. Necas said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets were among the suitors but his Hurricanes teammates convinced him to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk of the Blue Jackets offering up Patrik Laine for Necas and the Jets dangling promising center Cole Perfetti.

Necas will likely play more of a top-six forward role with the Hurricanes this season. The trade rumors have died since he signed his new contract last month. His role and performance this season will be worth watching.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted the recent activity in the NHL trade market and wondered if the Islanders might get into the fray by attempting to move Oliver Wahlstrom.

The Isles made Wahlstrom available at the end of last season but he couldn’t have had much value in the trade market. Nevertheless, they’re in a salary-cap bind and must free up space for offseason addition Maxim Tsyplakov.

Macias suggested the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias is right about Wahlstrom’s trade value. They could send him to the minors to make room for Tsyplakov. He’s on a one-year deal with a $1 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Shayna Goldman report Filip Gustavsson could be sticking around with the Minnesota Wild.

Gustavsson was considered a trade candidate after the Wild re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and with Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings. The 26-year-old goaltender surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason. He could be part of a three-goalie rotation with the Wild this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson’s struggles last season combined with his $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26 explains why he’ll likely be back with the Wild this season.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider adding a left winger before training camp opens in mid-September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Free-agent options at left wing include Max Pacioretty, who reportedly has firm offers from a couple of clubs. Former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins could be another if GM Brad Treliving maintains last summer’s obsession with adding “snot” to his lineup. Former Leaf James van Riemsdyk is also available.