NHL Rumor Mill – July 20, 2024

by | Jul 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 20, 2024

Check out the latest on some of this summer’s notable restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox and Rory Boylen recently looked at where things stand with 12 of this summer’s notable remaining restricted free agents. Here are some of the more notable ones:

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman didn’t file for salary arbitration. Some observers wonder why the Bruins didn’t already have a “hush-hush handshake deal” with the Swayman camp in place before trading Linus Ullmark to Ottawa last month.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have over $8.6 million in cap space for 2024-25 with the 25-year-old Swayman the only active roster playing to be signed. He’s two years away from UFA eligibility.

Swayman will get signed, it’s just a question of for how long and how much. The two sides could agree to a long-term contract or a two-year deal. The average annual value could be between $6.5 million and $7.5 million.

The Carolina Hurricanes hold the hammer in contract talks with Seth Jarvis. The 22-year-old winger is coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

General manager Eric Tulsky could go for a short-term bridge deal or attempt to lock up Jarvis to an eight-year deal. His camp could seek a long-term deal worth over 8.35 million annually.

Tulsky isn’t worried about someone signing Jarvis to an offer sheet, pointing out they have the cap space to match.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Terminating Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract gives the Hurricanes $13.9 million in cap space. That’s more than enough to match an offer sheet for Jarvis.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, Martin Necas has been the subject of trade speculation since their playoff elimination in May. The New Jersey Devils, Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames were believed to be monitoring the 25-year-old winger’s situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox and Boylen considered Necas most likely to be traded when this list was published on July 17. Since then, GM Tulsky said he’s not closing the door on a potential deal but it’s looking more likely Necas will remain with the Hurricanes.

Tulsky pointed out that teams have a lot less flexibility than they did a month ago, making it harder to do deals in the trade market. In other words, the clubs interested in Necas lack sufficient cap space to acquire him.

Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti had an inconsistent 2023-24 performance but still finished fifth among their leading scorers. The departures of Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan could lead to a fresh start for the 22-year-old forward under new head coach Scott Arniel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press observed the Jets tend to sign players like Perfetti to bridge contracts. However, there is precedence for a long-term deal, citing Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers.

In that case, his camp could seek an average annual value between the $5 million AAV that Anton Lundell received from the Florida Panthers and the $6.25 million the Los Angeles Kings are paying Quinton Byfield.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko filed for arbitration on July 5. With Patrik Laine facing a doubtful future in Columbus, the 23-year-old Marchenko could get a nice raise.

The Rangers and Ryan Lindgren remain in contract negotiations despite the latter filing for arbitration. A one-year deal for the 25-year-old defenseman could cost $3.6 million. A longer deal will cost more due to the cost of his UFA years.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

by | Jul 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

Are more changes coming for the Hurricanes after Evgeny Kuznetsov’s departure? What’s the latest Patrik Laine speculation? Could Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg become offer-sheet targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE CHANGES COMING FOR THE HURRICANES?

TSN: Terminating Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract earlier this week was the latest significant offseason change to the Carolina Hurricanes roster. They also endured the departures of Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Stefan Noesen.

Kuznetsov’s contract termination also freed up $3.9 million, giving the Hurricanes over $13.8 million in cap space. They have 21 of their 23 active roster players under contract for 2024-25 with restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis still to sign.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas has been the subject of trade speculation following recent reports of his unhappiness with his role as a third-line winger. The 25-year-old forward also filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas and Jarvis will seek significant raises but the Hurricanes have the room to accommodate those new contracts. They could also have sufficient space remaining to make other moves.

Necas’ situation remains uncertain. There’s been no speculation linking him to other clubs for the last couple of weeks but that doesn’t mean the Hurricanes aren’t getting any offers. Interested teams could also be waiting to see what his next contract looks like. However, they could be reluctant to part ways with Necas following the loss of Guentzel, Teravainen and Kuznetsov.

LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN MONTREAL 690: Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline recently discussed the type of return the club could seek as they attempt to trade Patrik Laine.

The 26-year-old winger recently requested a trade but remains in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The Blue Jackets can still move him but neither they nor other teams can speak directly to him while he remains in the program.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell believes teams are interested in Laine but they’re waiting to speak with him first. Portzline speculates they might not seek a roster player because of their recent offseason additions. They could instead prefer a return of picks and prospects. Portzline also thinks they must retain part of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract remains the biggest sticking point once he’s released from the assistance program. He’s signed through 2025-26 and carries a 10-team no-trade list. Interested parties could ask the Jackets to retain up to half of his cap hit to facilitate a deal.

NO OFFER SHEETS LIKELY FOR HOLLWAY AND BROBERG

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins recently weighed in on speculation suggesting Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg could become offer-sheet targets by rival clubs.

Leavins noted that offer sheets are a rarely used tactic by NHL GMs, pointing out that players who sign them usually seek a change. That’s unlikely for Holloway and Broberg after they were in regular rotation with the Oilers during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and Broberg received praise for their performances during this postseason. They have bright futures in Edmonton and should receive bigger roles with the Oilers starting this season. It’s doubtful they’re keen to leave a serious Stanley Cup contender.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

A look at some notable trade and free-agent rumors facing several Western Conference clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently examined lingering offseason questions facing the NHL’s Western Conference teams. Among them were some notable trade and free-agent speculation.

Dixon wondered if the Anaheim Ducks would trade Trevor Zegras. Trade speculation started last fall during their contentious contract negotiations. The 23-year-old was limited to 31 games by injuries last season. He’s an imperfect player but his offensive skills continue to draw interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has consistently denied the trade rumors, claiming he hasn’t shopped Zegras nor received any trade offers. He’s under no pressure to move the young winger, who has two seasons remaining on his contract. Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season.

The Calgary Flames are now rebuilding their roster. Dixon wondered if they might take on a bloated contract or two from a cap-strapped club in return for a draft pick or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $20 million in cap space and 22 active roster players under contract, the Flames are well-positioned to make that type of deal. Whether they want to is another matter. The earliest we could see such a move is in September or early October as teams with limited cap space or over the $88 million cap look to shed salary before the start of the season.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Dixon wonders if the two sides will hammer out a contract extension this summer.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been quiet on the Rantanen front. The Avalanche faces some short and long-term salary cap uncertainty given Gabriel Landeskog’s attempt at a comeback from knee injuries and Valeri Nichushkin’s returning to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Both are on long-term contracts. The Avs could be waiting for cap clarification before opening extension talks with Rantanen.

Dixon wondered if the Dallas Stars might scour the trade market for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on this situation. The depth among the Stars’ right-shot defensemen drops sharply behind Miro Heiskanen with free-agent additions Ilya Lyubushkin and Matt Dumba signed to fill those gaps.

Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings could be coming to an end. He’s been on the outs with the club and is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is coming off an entry-level contract and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation. Don’t be surprised if he ends up traded before the start of the season.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be a trade candidate after the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and promising Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson surfaced in the rumor mill during the spring but trade speculation about him dried up weeks ago. The Wild could retain him for another season and send Wallstedt back to the minors. 

Dixon pondered the possibility of the Nashville Predators trading goalie Yaroslav Askarov after they signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed free-agent backup Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz will set a high asking price for Askarov, who has potential as an NHL starter. Trotz can afford to be patient as he waits for a club seeking goaltending depth to come calling, which could lead to Askarov starting this season with their AHL affiliate.

The Utah Hockey Club made some significant additions to their blueline by acquiring Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. Flush with cap space, draft picks and prospects, they might not be done making additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong prioritized improving his defense corps this summer. Having addressed that issue, he could shift his focus to other roster areas. Still, he could also keep his powder dry and see what unfolds during this season.

Dixon also wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will work out an extension with winger Brock Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser made it clear he wants to play for the Canucks despite being the subject of trade rumors leading up to last season. He’s the only core player due for a new contract by next summer.

The Canucks have over $12 million in projected cap space based on a cap of $88 million, but it’s projected it could rise to $92 million for 2025-26. That will give them plenty of room to re-sign Boeser. However, his injury history could have management adopt a wait-and-see approach to this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights have limited cap space for 2024-25. Nevertheless, Dixon wonders if they might have a crafty move up their sleeve to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas’ depth chart took a beating this summer with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha. They brought in Victor Olofsson, Alexander Holtz, Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid.

The Golden Knights are over the cap by $3.6 million but they’ll get cap relief with Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. They lack room to make a significant addition unless they ship out a salaried player in return.

Recent trade history indicates sleeping on the Golden Knights isn’t wise. However, they will struggle to pull off a major deal this summer.

Dixon concludes by wondering when the Winnipeg Jets intend to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers and prospect forward Rutger McGroarty. They still have some roster holes to fill and either player could fetch a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers has a year left on his contract while the Jets still hold McGroarty’s rights. They won’t be in any rush to move either player this summer but one or both could be moved as we get closer to the start of the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2024

by | Jul 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: An update on Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba and winger Kaapo Kakko and suggested trade destinations for Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty and Predators goalie Yaroslav Askarov.

UPDATE ON JACOB TROUBA AND KAAPO KAKKO

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports it doesn’t appear the New York Rangers will trade or buy out Jacob Trouba this summer.

The 30-year-old defenseman was the subject of trade speculation linking him to the Detroit Red Wings last month. However, league sources claim there was never anything close to a deal with the Wings.

Trading or buying out Trouba now would leave the Rangers in the market for a right-shot defenseman behind Adam Fox and Braden Schneider who kills penalties and can handle an occasional increase in playing time.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Staple indicated there was at least one conversation between Trouba and Rangers general manager Chris Drury. There may have been some fence-mending by the Rangers regarding those trade rumors but Trouba is a pro who won’t put his emotions over the good of the team.

However, Staple believes it’s nearly certain that Trouba will be traded next summer. He has a 15-team no-trade list, will have a year left on his contract, and his wife’s medical residency will be completed by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The silence we’ve heard in the rumor mill about Trouba since July 1 led most of us to conclude he won’t be traded or bought out this summer. Drury’s attempt to trade him before July 1 was to free up cap space to make one or two signings in the free-agent market. With that market picked clean, there’s no reason to move Trouba now.

Staple felt if the Rangers make a move this summer it would involve Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old winger signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract last month but was still considered a trade candidate.

However, there have been no offers that interested Drury or other teams. Staple believes Kakko could also be back if the Rangers don’t want to sell low and find another top-nine forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury could bring Kakko back and hope he has a breakout performance like Alexis Lafreniere last season. If he doesn’t, the Rangers GM could bundle the young winger with a draft pick for an established forward by the March trade deadline. Maybe he tries to bring back Frank Vatrano.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MCGROARTY AND ASKAROV

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon proposed some trade destinations for Winnipeg Jets prospect winger Rutger McGroarty and promising Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.

McGroarty, 20, recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports he and the Jets disagree about the course of his development. Meanwhile, trade speculation about the 22-year-old Askarov has increased after the Predators signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed veteran backup Scott Wedgewood.

Dixon suggested the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Calgary Flames as potential trade partners for McGroarty.

The Canadiens are flush with defensemen they could use to add McGroarty to their rebuilding roster. The Flames are also rebuilding and could use a promising young winger. The Wild could use a winger with his enticing profile, while the Bruins are a contending team that could use an affordable injection of youth into their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon observed the Canadiens and Wild were linked to McGroarty during the NHL draft.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes could use a promising young goaltender like Askarov. Dixon also suggested the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks could benefit from landing both players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon suggested the Jackets offer up Kent Johnson for Askarov, a pitch that could tempt the Predators. Askarov and Pyotr Kochetkov could give the Hurricanes a reliable goalie tandem for years.

Between the Devils and Sharks, the latter could be better positioned to pursue both players. They’re carrying two first-round picks in next year’s draft, a deeper prospect pool and a lot more salary-cap space.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2024

by | Jul 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2024

Which teams remain due for a big move this summer? Will Evgeny Kuznetsov bolt for the KHL? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE THERE MORE MOVES TO COME FOR THE JETS, AVALANCHE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND PANTHERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parson believes the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers still have some work to do in his offseason.

Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty isn’t interested in signing with the club and wants a trade. Meanwhile, there is talk winger Nikolaj Ehlers could be on his way out.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty and Ehlers have recently surfaced in the rumor mill. However, Winnipeg doesn’t have to move either player this summer. McGroarty’s NHL rights still belong to the Jets while Ehlers has one year remaining on his contract. They could trade one or both this summer or at some point in the lead-up to the March trade deadline.

The Avalanche have 19 of their 23 active roster spots filled for 2024-25 but don’t have much cap room. Uncertainty hangs over sidelined captain Gabriel Landeskog and suspended winger Valeri Nichushkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landeskog hopes to return to action after missing the last two seasons recovering from knee surgeries. He carries an annual salary-cap hit of $7 million. They were able to garner cap relief the last two years by placing Landeskog on long-term injury reserve.

Nichshukin, meanwhile, has a $6.125 million cap hit. He’s in stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and is suspended until mid-November. The Avs can place him on long-term injury reserve to start the season but they must be cap-compliant when his suspension ends.

The Avalanche faces a cost-cutting move if Landeskog returns to action and Nichushkin comes back in November. They don’t have to do it now but are over the $88 million cap ceiling by $1.33 million with four active roster spots to fill. They can remain over the cap by 10 percent until their season opener in October.

The Golden Knights appear to be reeling from the departures of Logan Thompson, Jonathan Marchessault, Alec Martinez, Chandler Stephenson and Anthony Mantha. They’ve been quiet thus far but Parsons reminds us that this is a cutthroat and ruthless organization that will do anything to improve their situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Avalanche, a lack of cap space is hampering the Golden Knights’ efforts to bolster their roster. It’s what led to the departures of those players. They’re above the cap by over $3.6 million but have relief for the coming season with goalie Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on LTIR. They have room to add three more contracts to reach the maximum of 50 but they already have a full active roster of 23.

The Golden Knights could make a splash in the trade pool. However, they could be content to start the season with their current roster and see how things unfold.

Parson also noted the Panthers aren’t the same team that won’t the Stanley Cup last month, losing Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Anthony Stolarz and Ryan Lomberg to free agency. There’s ongoing speculation they could trade long-time defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ Bill Zito is among the more aggressive NHL general managers. However, he only has a little over $766K in cap space for 2024-25 with 22 of his 23 active roster spots filled.

Zito could trade Ekblad and his $7.5 million cap hit but doing so would blow a big hole in their blueline that will be difficult to fill. He could be stuck with affordable depth moves for now.

COULD KUZNETSOV RETURN TO THE KHL?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited a report out of Russia claiming Evgeny Kuznetsov planned to leave the Carolina Hurricanes and sign a four-year contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

Kuznetsov has one year remaining with Carolina. The report claimed he’d head to SKA St. Petersburg after he works with the Hurricanes to terminate his NHL contract.

Shumi Babayev, a player agent and Kuznetsov’s friend downplayed the report. He said there was interest in the 32-year-old center from several KHL clubs. However, he added it is too early to definitively say he’s heading back to Russia.

Silber noted that terminating Kuznetsov’s contract would remove his NHL cap hit from the books of the Hurricanes and his former club, the Washington Capitals. The Hurricanes carry half of his $7.8 million cap hit and the Capitals the other half.

A buyout is also possible once the Hurricanes’ contract arbitration hearings are settled. That would count as two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining term for both teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes and Capitals would likely prefer a contract termination over a buyout. Kuznetsov’s performance has steadily declined over the last two seasons.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2024

by | Jul 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2024

Check out the latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas and Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette reports all signs pointed to Martin Necas getting traded this summer. The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is a restricted free agent who filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

The Hurricanes shopped Necas before and after the 2024 NHL Draft, getting into deep discussions with the Columbus Blue Jackets before talks fell apart.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Lavalette believes it’s more likely Necas will return with the Hurricanes for 2024-25. Most NHL clubs have done their heavy offseason lifting. There’s a path for the two sides to a one-year deal between $5.5 million and $6.5 million via negotiation or arbitration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of a trade once Necas has a contract for this season. Interested clubs could be waiting to see how that shakes out.

Recent rumors had the Hurricanes talking with the Winnipeg Jets about a possible swap of Necas for winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million. Nothing’s materialized yet and there’s been no further speculation.

The best opportunity to move Necas may have passed. PuckPedia indicates that 18 clubs have less than $7 million in projected cap space. If any teams interested in Necas are among that group, they won’t have much room to take on his new contract and have enough to finish filling out their rosters unless it’s a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell remains hopeful of finding a trade partner for Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old winger requested a trade last month following a difficult season with the Jackets.

Laine is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The Jackets can trade him while he’s still in the program. However, neither they nor another team can speak directly to him. Waddell indicated interested clubs want to talk to Laine before making trade offers.

Portzline thinks the prime time to move Laine has passed but Waddell remains optimistic. He noted the lack of depth in the free-agent market could have clubs with cap room seeking scoring forwards to look into the trade market. The Jackets GM said he knows some teams remain interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking with Laine once he exits the player assistance program is the easy part. Moving him could be challenging. He carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list. Laine’s injury history hampered his production, affecting his trade values. Interested clubs could also want the Jackets to retain part of his AAV.