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.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2023

by | Oct 28, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2023

Could the Flames’ sputtering start affect efforts to re-sign Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm? Which players could be early-season trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In his recent “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman wrote that the Calgary Flames will continue to close in on a contract extension for Noah Hanifin despite the club’s rocky start to this season. Hanifin turns 27 in January and is in his playing prime plus he’s more open to an extension than he was at the end of last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the Flames’ negotiations with Hanifin may have hit a bit of a snag because of their shaky start to this season. He suggests that it leaves a lot of questions about where they go next as they attempt to sign pending unrestricted free agents such as Hanifin and Elias Lindholm.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli goes on to say the Flames don’t want to become “the New York Islanders of the West” where they have a team locked into long-term contracts with a group of players that can’t get over the hump.

So far, it seems like Flames management wants to retain core players like Hanifin and Lindholm. How much willingness there will be from both sides to continue those negotiations could depend on whether this club can snap out of its early-season swoon.

EARLY SEASON TRADE CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Also in this week’s “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman listed five players whose teams would like to move them or they might welcome a trade. They are Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia, Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland, San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc, Washington Capitals winger Anthony Mantha and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman acknowledged cap space is tight and rosters are short around the league. It could take some time for those players to get traded during this season.

Garland has garnered the most attention after the Canucks allowed his agent permission to speak with other clubs about a trade. However, his $4.95 million cap hit through 2025-26 seems to be difficult to move right now.

Armia started the season with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. He was recently recalled but hasn’t seen any NHL action yet this season. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an annual average value of $3.4 million.

Labanc’s in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4.725 million but his production’s been in decline since his career-best 56-point effort in 2018-19. Mantha is also in the last year of his contract and has struggled offensively since his career-high 48 points in 2018-19 with the Detroit Red Wings. His $5.7 million cap hit for this season is the most expensive of this bunch.

Peeke is in the first season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million. The Blue Jackets are reportedly looking to move a defenseman now that promising David Jiricek has earned a regular roster spot. Peeke’s been a healthy scratch for every game except the Jackets’ season opener. Adam Boqvist is another Jackets blueliner who has surfaced as a trade candidate.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

by | Oct 26, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest Canadiens speculation plus a look at why the Jets didn’t opt for a rebuild during the offseason.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently noted that the Canadiens’ early-season injury woes provide them with an advantage in salary cap space.

The Canadiens have $15 million in relief space with Carey Price and Christian Dvorak on long-term injury reserve. Dvorak is expected to return to action in November but Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee injury would still ensure they have over $13 million in cap relief once Dach is placed on LTIR. Defenseman Chris Wideman is also out indefinitely and can also be placed on LTIR.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL.com).

D’Amico suggests the Canadiens could use this wiggle room to help teams shed some salary, like the Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators. He noted that the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Blue Jackets’ Adam Boqvist, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha and the Senators’ Mathieu Joseph are all currently on the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was inclined to help those clubs directly or as a third-party broker he’ll want them to include a draft pick or prospect as part of the return.

Hughes could keep his powder dry for now as he accrues cap space over the course of the season. Making an early-season move might bite into that when he could be in a good position to get a better return closer to the March 8 trade deadline.

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Dave Pagnotta recently noted the Canadiens recalled Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He pointed out that they attempted to trade the 30-year-old forward during the offseason and re-engaged in trade talks last week. Armia has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armia also lacks no-trade protection so the Canadiens can send him anywhere if they find a trade partner. His cap hit is difficult to move this early in the season with so many teams pressed against the $83.5 million ceiling.

Nevertheless, they could try to sweeten the deal by retaining part of his cap hit. They’re already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry for this season but have one retention spot left.

There’s a rumor flying around suggesting that the Canadiens could use Armia as a trade chip to broker a deal that would involve sending Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland to another NHL club. The Habs were a third-party broker in the August trade that sent Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

WHY DIDN’T THE JETS REBUILD THIS SUMMER?

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Winnipeg Jets co-owner Mark Chipman explained why his club opted to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele rather than start rebuilding the roster this summer.

Chipman talked about how long it would take to stage a rebuild as well as the cost. Dreger indicated that it was decided that the market couldn’t sustain a historic rebuild and instead is investing in the here and now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That doesn’t bode well for the Jets’ long-term future unless they can draft and develop young players who transition well into their lineup. Enticing veteran talent via free agency or acquiring it via trade could prove difficult.

They’ll eventually need replacements for Hellebuyck and Scheifele when their skills inevitably decline in the coming years. Having both players under expensive long-term contracts will still take a big bite out of their cap space even with the cap rising significantly in the coming years.

The Jets seem to be hoping that their fans will return if the team plays better. If they don’t improve, however, their supporters could have less incentive to show up. In addition, the high cost of attending NHL games in the league’s smallest market is bumping up against the rising cost of living. If that cost remains high while the on-ice product stagnates, the Jets could be in a world of hurt in a few years.