NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin denies requesting a trade plus the latest on the Islanders and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAHLIN DENIES REQUESTING A TRADE

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Rasmus Dahlin angrily denied comments by TNT hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette claiming the Sabres captain indicated he wanted a trade during a meeting last week with general manager Kevyn Adams.

“I want to be moved? I don’t know what he’s talking about,” said Dahlin. He admitted he’s unhappy with the team’s performance but never told Adams he wanted out.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

Bissonnette made the remarks on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, claiming the story was given to him “by the people who really matter and who move the needle as far as the insiders.” He claimed Dahlin told Adams that “he was gonezos” if things didn’t turn around fast.

“That bugs me, actually,” said Dahlin. “I get pissed off by that. I haven’t even mentioned the word ‘leave”. So yeah, that’s just how it is.”

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn acknowledged Dahlin’s comments. However, he believes Adams and Sabres owner Terry Pegula can’t be naive about the potential for other players getting discouraged with losing so often, especially restricted free agents like JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed out that Dahlin didn’t hide his frustration with the club’s lack of progress. That should worry the front office. Dahlin might not want out now but that could change if this moribund franchise doesn’t snap out of its long playoff drought. Other Sabres could also run out of patience if the losing continues.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports the Islanders weren’t believed to be shopping Noah Dobson, nor was the 25-year-old defenseman looking to leave. His name appeared in the rumor mill last month after it was reported that he had changed agents.

Dobson indicated he wasn’t concerned about the speculation. He declined to get into the reasons behind the move but pointed out it happened well before it was reported. The blueliner is a restricted free agent on July 1.

Sears also speculated that Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee could surface in this summer’s rumor mill as Islanders’ management attempts to make the roster younger.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports Pageau’s name was never out in the trade market before the deadline. GM Lou Lamoriello said he didn’t want to completely bail on the current roster, preferring to give them a chance to continue competing for a playoff spot.

Pageau and Lee may be shopped during the offseason. They both have a year remaining in their contracts, which could make it easier to move them.

Staple speculated that Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield could be bought out of their contracts. Both have five years left on their contracts but Engall would count as $1 million against the cap if bought out while Mayfield would be $1.66 million. That would give the Isles a combined $4.33 million in cap savings per season over the next five years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes will be coming this summer for the Islanders. It remains to be seen whether Lamoriello will be the one making them.

COULD THE CANADIENS SHOP FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes didn’t make a move at the trade deadline to add a second-line center, claiming the trade deadline wasn’t necessarily the best time to fill that spot. He indicated he called other GMs to spitball ideas on several things, including players who didn’t appear in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline.

Hughes has put the futures of pending UFA players David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak on the back-burner. He’s not worried about the possibility of losing them to free agency in July, adding he felt it was more important to keep them so the younger players can lean on them down the stretch as the club pushes for a playoff spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee surgery left the Canadiens needing a reliable second-line center. Hughes has plenty of trade capital to draw on with draft picks and prospects to swing a deal for a center this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.

Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.

Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.

PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.

Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.

MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.

BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.

CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.

CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.

Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.

JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.

OILERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.

FLAMES AND SENATORS

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.

BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.

DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Dylan Cozens, Jake Evans and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE HURRICANES TRADE OR RETAIN MIKKO RANTANEN?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli cited sources saying the Carolina Hurricanes remain in active conversation with the representatives for Mikko Rantanen. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Seravalli said the Hurricanes put a “franchise-record” deal on the table for Rantanen. He indicated they had permission from the Colorado Avalanche to speak with the winger before acquiring him and knew what he was seeking in his next contract.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

The Hurricanes haven’t gotten an answer from Rantanen yet. If the answer is a hard no, they will very much consider keeping him for the remainder of the season. To deal him, they’d have to get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Rantanen camp is expected to let Hurricanes management know where they stand within the next several days, possibly by the end of this weekend. The Canes have also spoken with several teams, telling them they don’t intend to trade Rantanen but will circle back if that changes.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that if Rantanen remains on the Hurricanes roster after the trade deadline, they’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract. He doesn’t believe they’ve offered the winger $14 million annually or close to it. He thinks the total amount is slightly over $100 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slightly over $100 million could put the average annual value between $12.5 million and $13 million.

Friedman wouldn’t say the Rantanen situation is holding up the trade market, but he thinks some teams would regret missing the opportunity to acquire him because they’d already traded away their best assets. He also wondered if a non-contender, like the Anaheim Ducks, might try to acquire him if they could speak to him beforehand to find out if they could sign him.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos points out that Carolina’s offer falls far short of the deal Leon Draisaitl signed last year with the Edmonton Oilers ($14 million AAV over eight years) that reset the market. He also speculates the offer was heavily back-loaded with deferred payments, something most players and agents aren’t comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky gave up a scoring forward (Martin Necas), a checking-line forward (Jack Drury) and two draft picks for Rantanen, confident that he could re-sign him. Instead, he’s facing the possibility of Rantanen becoming another costly rental player who departs on July 1.

Tulsky could listen to offers before the March 7 trade deadline if Rantanen doesn’t want to re-sign. However, it’s doubtful he’ll get a return that improves the Hurricanes’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup. He’ll probably keep him and hope for the best in the postseason.

If the Hurricanes win the Cup, it’ll be a worthwhile move by Tulsky. If they don’t, it will be poor asset management on his part, which might not sit well with team owner Tom Dundon.

Kypreos believes the Maple Leafs could be among the suitors if Rantanen becomes available in the trade market. He noted that the Hurricanes only carry half of the winger’s $9.25 million AAV ($4.625 million), making it possible for the Hurricanes or another team to do the same again if he hits the trade block before the March 7 deadline.

Rantanen could become the perfect rental player for the Leafs if they can meet the Hurricanes’ asking price. Kypreos suggested a package of a top prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, winger Bobby McMann, and a draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Rantanen won’t address the Leafs’ pressing need for a third-line center. That’s why Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues is reportedly their primary trade target. If Rantanen did become available, Kypreos’ trade proposal wouldn’t be enough to land him.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney isn’t shopping captain Brad Marchand, but he’s keeping his options open. He’s telling interested teams that his first choice is to re-sign the 36-year-old winger, but he’s not ruling anything out.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading Marchand. He’s indicated that his focus is to stay in Boston and believes everything will work itself out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides stated they intend to get a deal done. Even if it’s not completed by March 7, they’ll likely keeping negotiating for something that ensures Marchand finishes his career as a Bruin.

TSN: Chris Johnston noted Bruins forward Trent Frederic is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old is UFA-eligible and garnered interest in the trade market before his injury. Some teams want to know how many weeks Frederic could be out. It’s not believed to be a season-ending injury and the Bruins believe he’s a player they could still move if it comes to that by next Friday.

ISLANDERS STILL HOPE TO RE-SIGN BROCK NELSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s still no indication that the New York Islanders will make Brock Nelson available in the trade market. He believes they’re still hoping to re-sign the 33-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s clear to everyone except Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello that it’s time to rebuild. If Nelson remain uncertain about staying, then it’s time to open the phone lines and entertain serious offers.

UPDATES ON THE SABRES

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there remains interest in Buffalo Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram. However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams hasn’t received any suitable offers for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those offers are likely lowballs hoping to steal one of them away for pennies on the dollar. Adams is interested in a hockey trade, similar to the one he made last year when he sent Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche for Byram. If you’re not offering something comparable to that, he won’t take your calls.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Sabres are trying to re-sign Jordan Greenway.

CANADIENS SEEK MORE THAN DRAFT PICKS FOR THEIR TRADE BAIT

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that a sizeable gap remains in contract talks between Montreal Canadiens management and center Jake Evans. He and linemate Joel Armia are the two Canadiens gaining the most traction in the trade market.

LeBrun believes Winnipeg, Toronto, Edmonton, New Jersey and Minnesota are among the clubs calling about Evans and/or Armia. However, the Canadiens are telling teams that they’re prepared to keep both players if they don’t receive serious offers, saying they’ve got plenty of draft picks already.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Canadiens are holding out for at least a second-rounder for Evans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Canadiens GM Kent Hughes would like a good young prospect or an NHL player who fits within their rebuilding plans. There’s speculation that Hughes could bundle Evans and Armia with a draft pick if it would fetch a return that helps them now and in the future.

RUMORS OF NOTE FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman cited FanDuel Sports Network’s Andy Strickland reporting the Hurricanes will work to retain pending UFA winger Taylor Hall.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich’s full no-trade clause, which was negotiated into his extension that begins on July 1, is already in effect. As per the CBA (Section 11.8b), a player eligible for this clause can have it added to a current contract.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov recently changed agents. However, the Kings remain optimistic they can re-sign him and aren’t setting March 7 as the deadline to get a contract done.

The New Jersey Devils’ priority is to acquire a center.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2025

by | Feb 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canadiens and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE CANADIENS BECOME TRADE DEADLINE SELLERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu recently wondered what type of return the Montreal Canadiens would receive if they package checking-line forward Jake Evans and Joel Armia. They are considered the best penalty-killing duo in the league this season.

Basu also cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting Evans and the Canadiens are not close to an agreement on the new contract. LeBrun believes it’s more likely that he will be moved by

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (NHL Images).

the March 7 trade deadline, adding that the Canadiens are getting an increasing number of calls from rival clubs about the 29-year-old center.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico also reported on the increasing interest in Evans and Armia. A source told D’Amico that he doesn’t believe the Canadiens will hang onto Evans if he’s unsigned by the trade deadline. Habs defensemen David Savard and Mike Matheson are also garnering interest. Savard is UFA-eligible on July 1 while Matheson has a year left on his contract.

D’Amico also cited sources saying Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes will be looking for young NHL players over draft picks and prospects. They’ve reportedly had interest in Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s believed they’re also keeping tabs on New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Two weeks ago, when the Canadiens had won 13 of their previous 17 games and moved briefly into a wild-card spot, there was talk they might hang onto their pending UFAs as “own rentals” for a playoff run. Some observers suggested they might be modest buyers in the trade market.

Those ideas vanished after their 1-7-1 slump sent them sliding down the standings heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off. Hughes will be a seller by March 7 with Evans, Armia and Savard the most likely to be moved.

The combination of Evans and Armia could be enticing for a contender seeking penalty-killing depth. They might fetch a promising NHL player but no certainty that will happen. Hughes could end up having to accept draft picks and prospects but he can add those to his stockpile and draw on them for trade capital in the offseason.

WHAT WILL THE ISLANDERS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports the Islanders are still stuck in limbo as the trade deadline nears. They’re four points from a playoff berth, leading Sears to conclude GM Lou Lamoriello won’t be a seller unless the club slides further out of contention.

Lamoriello remains focused on his club’s performance, which explains the defensemen he’s brought in. Sears also believes the Isles GM could attempt to re-sign pending UFA center Brock Nelson, saying any thought of moving him before the trade deadline has gone by the wayside.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also reports Nelson isn’t on the trade block yet, citing sources who say Lamoriello is trying to extend the 33-year-old center.

Staple also cited people around the league saying Nelson doesn’t appear ready to commit to a deal making him an Islander for life. “While it may not truly be the worst-kept secret in hockey that Nelson and the (Minnesota) Wild would have mutual interest, it’s an obvious fit.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple thinks Lamoriello will move Nelson by the trade deadline if the center isn’t interested in a contract extension. If that happens, he’ll be among the most coveted players in the trade market.

Staple also touched on recent rumors regarding Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson. While he doesn’t fully dismiss the possibility, he thinks trading Dobson would set the Isles up for further mediocrity.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out Dobson getting traded but it seems like a long shot. He’s struggled this season but so have most of his teammates. The 26-year-old remains their best puck-moving defenseman. Trading him would leave a big hole on their blueline that will be difficult to fill.

Dobson is currently listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Some see the Isles recently loading up on defensemen is seen by some as an indication he could miss the remainder of the regular season. He’s also a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

by | Jan 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Elias Pettersson is focussing on improving his play over the second half of this season. The 26-year-old Vancouver Canucks centers has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury.

Pettersson’s become the recent subject of trade rumors amid rumors he’s feuding with teammate J.T. Miller. He acknowledged hearing that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said anything was possible when it came to trades. However, he said there’s nothing he can do about it and he was not paying attention to the speculation.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Asked if he wanted to stay with the Canucks, Pettersson replied, “Yeah, of course. That’s why I signed here. Of course.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s no-movement clause doesn’t begin until July 1, giving the Canucks plenty of time to ship him wherever they want without his consent. However, they reportedly prefer to retain him and remain hopeful that he and Miller will resolve their differences.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat took notice of recent rumors linking the Canucks’ J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks would want a center as part of the return for Miller or Pettersson if they decide to move one or the other.

Kierszenblat looked at which Rangers centers the Canucks should be interested in if they move Miller. Mika Zibanejad has regressed in recent seasons and has a full no-movement clause. Vincent Trocheck ranks near the top of the Rangers’ analytics, including faceoff win percentage. The oft-injured Filip Chytil would be ideal when healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad might not waive his NMC for a Canadian team. The same goes for Trocheck, whose NMC becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. Chytil could be a good fit with the Canucks but his history of concussions is a big concern.

Stefen Rosner cites industry sources claiming the Canucks are interested in Brock Nelson but not as a postseason rental. The 33-year-old New York Islanders center has a 16-team no-trade list and Rosner suspects every Canadian team is on it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t hold your breath waiting for Nelson to land in Vancouver by the March 7 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports Jake Evans’ stock is rising thanks to his improved play this season. The 28-year-old Montreal Canadiens center is UFA-eligible this summer and has been the subject of trade speculation.

D’Amico cited an Eastern Conference source who claimed Evans could price himself out of Montreal, suggesting a three or four-year deal at $3 million annually wasn’t attainable.

A Western Conference source was skeptical of the Canadiens’ chances to re-sign Evans. “You can’t pay a fourth-line center upwards of $3.5 million on the long-term and hope to be competitive when it counts.”

D’Amico noted the Canadiens have promising young centers like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen in their system as potential replacements for Evans. An NHL pro scout believes he could fetch a first-round pick in the trade market.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes Evans and the Canadiens could agree to a long-term contract. He cited a source close to the situation saying Evans wants to stay in Montreal and the Habs want to keep him.

Lavoie’s source noted the salary cap is rising and could reach $100 million within two years. “Over three years, if you give Evans $1.5 million more, nobody is going to cry.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evan’s annual average value is $1.7 million. He’s bound to get between $3 million and $4 million on the open market this summer. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Habs re-signed him for between $3 million and $3.5 million. His situation will be worth monitoring leading up to the trade deadline.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if the improving Canadiens become buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. General manager Kent Hughes could listen to trade offers for pending UFAs like Evans, David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak.

Instead of seeking draft picks and prospects for those players, Hughes could ask for players who can provide immediate help to the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on the Canadiens’ place in the standings by March 7. However, Hughes could still attempt to swap some or all of his pending UFAs for players who can help his club beyond this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2023

by | Nov 13, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2023

The Rangers’ Artemi Panarin extends his season-opening points streak, a four-point performance by the Panthers’ Sam Reinhart plus the fallout from the Oilers’ coaching change and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SCORES AND RECAPS

NHL.COM: Artemi Panarin collected two assists to extend his season-opening points streak to 14 games as the New York Rangers nipped the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. Alexis Lafreniere scored the winner in a shootout and tallied twice in regulation as the Rangers (11-2-1) sit first in the Metropolitan Division with 23 points. Elvis Merzlikins made 37 saves and rookie Adam Fantilli netted his fourth goal of the season for the 4-7-4 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren left this game in the third period with an upper-body injury. No update was provided on his status.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart scored twice and collected two assists to lead his club to a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Carter Verhaeghe had the tie-breaker in the third period for the Panthers (9-4-1), who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 19 points. Rookie Connor Bedard had two goals to reach nine on the season as his Blackhawks slipped to 5-8-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard leads all rookies this season with nine goals and 13 points in as many games. Fantilli is fourth in goals (four) and in points (nine )in 15 games.

The Dallas Stars scored five power-play goals and two shorthanded to thump the Minnesota Wild 8-3. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston each had two goals and an assist while Miro Heiskanen collected three assists for the Stars (10-3-1), who hold first place in the Central Division with 21 points. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 29 shots for the 5-8-2 Wild, who’ve dropped seven of their last nine contests.

A three-goal second period powered the Vancouver Canucks to a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Brock Boeser, Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua each had a goal and an assist while Casey DeSmith stopped 30 shots for the Canucks (11-3-1), who sit second in the Pacific Division with 23 points. Jake Allen made 32 saves as the Canadiens slipped to 7-6-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Canadiens recalled defenseman Gustav Lindstrom and loaned forward Joel Armia to their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano scored two goals and John Gibson turned aside 25 shots to down the San Jose Sharks 4-1. Vatrano finished with three points while Ryan Strome collected two assists as the Ducks improved to 8-6-0. Mackenzie Blackwood kicked out 40 shots for the 2-12-1 Sharks, who sit at the bottom of the overall standings with five points.

HEADLINES

The fallout continues over the Oilers replacing Jay Woodcroft as head coach with Kris Knoblauch.

SPORTSNET: Marc Spector believes Woodcroft deserved his share of blame for the Oilers’ poor start to this season but there’s plenty to go around throughout the organization.

Spector believes this coaching change was decided by CEO of hockey operations (and former McDavid agent) Jeff Jackson Jackson. He also noted that Holland was unable to find a goalie upgrade in the trade market that could’ve perhaps kept Woodcroft in his job.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychowski noted the high number of coaching changes by the Oilers (11 head coaches in the last 16 years), including five head coaches in eight years with the current player leadership group. He suggested that this core of players, which includes McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, is getting a reputation as coach killers.

David Staples observed the confusion that arose regarding whether Connor McDavid had any input in the decision to hire Knoblauch, who coached the Oilers captain during his Junior career with the OHL’s Erie Otters.

General manager Ken Holland said he spoke with some of his veteran players about a coaching change. He was contradicted by Jackson, who said the players weren’t consulted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples acknowledged the Oilers need better goaltending and to start scoring again, but felt the coaching change won’t matter if the players continue to refuse to play sound fundamental defense. That’s been an ongoing issue for this club for several years and explains the high coaching turnover over the period. Knoblauch won’t last long if McDavid and company don’t buy into his system.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz has probably played his final game with the club. Having undergone adductor surgery during the offseason, the club announced Sunday that the 33-year-old Francouz is done for the season. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francouz’s playing career could be over. He has been hampered by injuries since 2020-21 that forced him to miss considerable time.

The Avalanche also announced they signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CapFriendly indicates it’s a one-way contract worth $775K. He’d been playing with the Avs’ farm team on an AHL contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL goaltender Roman Cechmanek passed away suddenly in Czechia at age 52. The circumstances of his death are not yet known.

Cechmanek played four NHL seasons from 2000-01 to 2003-24 with the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. He spent most of his playing career (1991-92 to 2008-09) in Czechia and was part of their 1998 Winter Olympics gold medal-winning men’s hockey team.

In 212 career regular-season games, Cechmanek had a record of 110 wins, 64 losses and 28 overtime losses with a 2.08 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and 28 shutouts, including 10 in 2000-01 with the Flyers.

During his three seasons with the Flyers, Cechmanek was named to the Second All-Star Team in 2000-01 and was also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. In 2022-23, he shared the Jennings Trophy with teammate Robert Esche and New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cechmanek was an acrobatic goaltender who played well during his three seasons with the Flyers but tended to struggle in the playoffs. He returned to his native Czechia during the canceled 2004-05 NHL season and decided to continue his career in Europe until his retirement in 2009.

My condolences to Cechmanek’s family, friends and former teammates.