NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

by | Aug 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON CROSBY AND MALKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reports multiple sources said Sidney Crosby’s birthday (Aug. 7) was never a target date for the new contract that and the Pittsburgh Penguins are working on. Both sides remain confident of agreeing to a new deal.

Crosby has told close friends that he intends to re-sign with the Penguins and that his camp and general manager Kyle Dubas remain largely aligned about the details of his new contract. His focus right now is training for the upcoming season. A league source also said there are no issues between Crosby and the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Both sides agree that a delay in finalizing the deal will generate speculation. There’s also some concern on the Penguins’ business side that it could affect sponsorship deals and season ticket sales.

A team source said the actual money isn’t an issue. Because Crosby’s next contract is a 35-plus deal, there are strict limitations on signing bonuses (none beyond the first year of a multiyear deal) plus the year-to-year salary cannot decrease. The player’s full cap hit will continue to apply should he retire before the end of his contract.

Rossi cites a source close to Crosby claiming he’s unsure how long he wants to keep playing and wants to avoid putting the Penguins in a difficult spot if he retires early.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Term seems to be the issue. It’s been speculated the 37-year-old Penguins captain could sign a three-year deal.

I guessed that Crosby might sign on his birthday because of his superstitious attachment to No. 87. However, I’m not surprised yesterday passed without a deal.

Plenty of time exists for Crosby to sign his extension with the Penguins. It’s important to him and the team that they get this right. It’s garnered so much attention because of who he is and the lack of real hockey news during the dog days of the offseason.

It will get done, either before the start of training camp or soon afterward. I don’t see this dragging on into this season becoming an unnecessary distraction for Crosby and the team.

Rossi also reports Evgeni Malkin intends to honor the remaining two years of his contract. It was rumored he would retire at the end of this season. “Not true,” said Malkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin made it clear he intended to play out the full term of his contract when he signed it. So did Kris Letang when he signed his deal. Malkin might return to Russia at the end of his deal and finish his playing career there, but he and Letang want to finish their NHL careers together with Crosby in Pittsburgh.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

WINNIPEG SUN: In a recent mailbag segment, Scott Billeck was asked whether the Jets might bring back Patrik Laine. The Jets traded him to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Pierre-Luc Dubois in January 2021.

Billeck doesn’t see a fit for Laine with the Jets. He pointed out they lack the cap space to make it work even if the Blue Jackets retained half of his $8.7 million cap hit without shipping out someone. The Jets’ top-six forward lines are more or less set, with head coach Scott Arniel planning to give more playing time to Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Billeck suggested moving Nikolai Ehlers and his $6 million cap hit but pointing out Arniel likes the Danish winger. Laine returning to Winnipeg seems unlikely to me.

TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Eric Engels dismissing the notion of the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Laine. Appearing on “The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro”, he said it made him laugh to see posts on X.com claiming the Canadiens were the front-runners.

“I would say the interest is pretty minimal,” said Engels. He pointed out that Laine’s game isn’t up to par in every aspect that excludes goal scoring. It’s unlikely that Laine will want to go to the lion’s den that is the Montreal market after exiting the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine went into the program seeking help for his mental health. Facing the unrelenting pressure of Montreal’s hockey hothouse is probably not high on his “to-do” list.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco thinks Laine could be a good fit with the Carolina Hurricanes as a replacement for the departed Teuvo Teravainen. He would improve their depth on the wings, helping them further solidify their chances of contending for first place in the Metropolitan Division.

Turning to the Washington Capitals, Sammi Silber believes a trade for Laine doesn’t make sense for them right now. Laine’s contract and the Capitals’ limited cap space makes it difficult to pull off that deal. Finding a suitable spot on their roster is another factor.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

by | Aug 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 7, 2024

The preseason schedule is announced, Evgeny Kuznetsov talks of his struggles with the Capitals and Hurricanes, the Blue Jackets shake up their coaching staff, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The league released its 15-day, 106-game preseason schedule across 40 NHL and neutral-site venues in North America and Europe from Sept. 21 to Oct. 5.

The highlights include the Utah Hockey Club’s debut, the Buffalo Sabres playing in Munich, Germany and the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrating Kraft Hockeyville in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

The opening day of preseason features the Penguins facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, the St. Louis Blues going up against the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild meeting the Winnipeg Jets.

Former Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So what are your thoughts on the preseason? Are you looking forward to it? Is it too long? Let me know in the comments below.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evgeny Kuznetsov told Russia’s MatchTV that he wasn’t happy with his performance during the final two seasons of his NHL career. It bothered him so much that he didn’t want his children to watch him play.

The former Capitals and Hurricanes center admitted last week that he’d been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain in the joints. He was taking medication and injections to address the condition. He was also dealing with severe insomnia. Kuznetsov sought help through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Kuznetsov said he’s been off the medication for three months and is feeling better as he begins the next stage of his career. He terminated the final year of his NHL contract and signed a four-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov said he wants his family, including his children, to see what he can really do now that he’s back in the KHL.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets shook up their coaching staff under new bench boss Dean Evason.

Assistant coach Mark Recchi was fired after only one season. He joined the club under unusual circumstances last September after Pascal Vincent was promoted to replace head coach Mike Babcock when he was fired just before training camp.

Mike Haviland was promoted from associate coach with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland to join the Blue Jackets staff. Assistant coaches Steve McCarthy and Jared Boll will be retained. Meanwhile, Derek Dorsett resigned from his position as a player development coach.

TSN: New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said he isn’t closing the door to bringing back Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The two forwards remain unrestricted free agents.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has previously waited until the last minute to sign some UFAs due to salary cap constraints. He could do the same with Clutterbuck or Martin but the Islanders are right at the $88 million cap with 22 active roster players under contract.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Konsta Helenius is foregoing the final season of his contract in Finland and is heading to North America to play for the Sabres or their AHL affiliate in Rochester this season. The 18-year-old forward was chosen 14th overall by the Sabres in this year’s NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: Carter Yakemchuk signed his entry-level contract with the Senators. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen seventh overall in this year’s draft.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks signed winger Marek Vanacker to an entry-level deal. The 18-year-old was the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

by | Aug 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2024

Could the Wild acquire Patrik Laine? When will Sidney Crosby re-sign with the Penguins? Are the Rangers interested in Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILD INTERESTED IN PATRIK LAINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo believe Patrik Laine is the type of player Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would take a chance on if he could afford him.

NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes the Wild could “kick the tires” on the 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger, who requested a trade this spring. He felt they needed the “star power” that Laine could bring. “They need somebody else that can help carry the workload as far as putting up big numbers,” said Rupp.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

However, Rupp also expressed concern over how well Laine would fit into the Wild’s system. He noted their style is that of a hardworking, lunchpail group all pulling in the same direction while the Blue Jackets winger is more of a freelancer.

Smith and Russo suggest it might make sense if they can get Laine at half his $8.7 million annual cap hit. However, the cap-strapped Wild have just $1.531 million available, which drops by $1 million if they carry goaltender Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wild could include goaltender Filip Gustavsson in the deal as his cap hit ($3.75 million) almost lines up with Laine’s half-salary. However, former Wild coach Dean Evason is now the Blue Jackets bench boss and couldn’t get good goaltending from Gustavsson before he was fired as the Wild’s coach last fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a bold move by Guerin but would involve plenty of moving parts, such as a third team getting involved to spread Laine’s cap hit around. It could prove too complicated to pull off for the Wild.

MORE MUSINGS OVER THE STATUS OF SIDNEY CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz cited Mark Madden expressing his belief that Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). “If he doesn’t, I think we can start wondering,” said Madden, suggesting the Penguins should consider trading their captain to avoid the situation becoming a distraction if it drags through the season. However, he stressed he doesn’t see it coming to that.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey also thinks the superstitious Crosby could sign on his birthdate (8/7), pointing out the long-time Penguins star wears that number on his jersey and his current AAV is $8.7 million. Nevertheless, he admits it could become a concern if he doesn’t sign that extension soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi last week cited sources claiming the two sides were comfortable enough in the direction of those negotiations that they felt comfortable enough to engage in their summer plans and enjoy some downtime.

They may have reached an agreement that could be announced on Aug. 7 or at the latest before the start of training camp. However, if training camp starts without an extension in place, then it’s time to start worrying about the situation.

RANGERS NOT INTERESTED IN TREVOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Arthur Staple was asked about trade rumors linking New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko to someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

Staple replied he doesn’t think the Rangers have ever been interested in Zegras, “much as the local kid would love to be a Ranger. If they were, it would take more than Kakko to pry him away from the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple was also asked about Kakko being linked to the Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Tuch. He doesn’t believe the Sabres have ever seriously considered moving Tuch but Kakko wouldn’t be enough to entice them.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2024

by | Aug 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2024

Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Sidney Crosby, Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reported earlier this week that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said it’s been a slow trade market thus far for Patrik Laine.

According to Waddell, only one team had reached out to express an interest in the 26-year-old winger. He’s not surprised given this stage of the offseason, suggesting this could play out for a while.

Laine requested a trade this spring. He emerged a week ago from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. That allowed Waddell to speak directly with the winger about his preferred trade destinations. Laine and his agent were also permitted to contact other teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract is a major stumbling block. He carries an average annual value of $8 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list. Many teams invested much of their cap space in the trade and free-agent markets once he emerged from the player assistance program.

Laine’s health is likely another concern. It was reported he was rehabbing a shoulder injury he suffered last season.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

The lack of interest thus far won’t stop the speculation about potential destinations. The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently suggesting the New York Rangers as a possibility.

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi provided an update on the status of Sidney Crosby’s contract extension talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rossi reported a month ago that multiple sources indicated the two sides were closing in on a deal with both sides confident it would be completed soon. It was speculated the deal would be three years with an AAV of $10 million.

So far, that extension has yet to materialize. Rossi followed up with his sources, indicating both sides were comfortable with where the negotiations stood and that everyone felt comfortable going about their summer plans and taking some downtime.

Rossi noted that Crosby was born on Aug. 7, 1987. The superstitious Penguins captain honors that date by wearing No. 87 and earning an AAV of $8.7 million on his current contract. “Read into that last sentence what you will.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be surprising if Crosby’s new contract is announced next Wednesday. Stay tuned…

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh was asked if New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin would accept a “hometown discount” to help the club when Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller are restricted free agents next summer.

Baugh cited colleague Arthur Staple speculated recently that Shesterkin’s starting point in negotiations could be 14 percent of the salary cap, which would be $12.94 million annually. While he might not necessarily get that much, it’s hard to see him accepting a hometown discount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is Shesterkin’s opportunity to cash in big as an unrestricted free agent. He’s established himself among the league’s elite netminders and is crucial to the Rangers’ hopes for a Stanley Cup. They have to pay him top dollar. If the Blueshirts balk, he’ll get it from another club on the open market.

Another reader asked Baugh about the possibility of trading Artemi Panarin, pointing out that his offensive game doesn’t translate in the playoffs.

Baugh noted that Panarin has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control. Even if he agreed to a trade, the Rangers won’t get equal “win-now” value in return. His production would be almost impossible to replace.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2024

by | Jul 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2024

A look at the remaining notable restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox and Rory Boylen updated their list of the notable remaining restricted free agents following the signings of Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas on Monday and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren on Tuesday.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman still tops the list. He’s coming off a one-year, $3.45 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nothing new to report on his contract negotiations. Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting the 25-year-old goaltender is in line for a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.433 million. However, some recent media speculation suggests he could get around $9 million annually depending on the length of the deal.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and winger Lucas Raymond sit second and third on their list. They speculate Seider could get an AAV of $8.6 million on a long-term deal but Raymond could get a mid-term commitment akin to teammate Alex DeBrincat’s four-year contract.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been over a month since Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said he’d get Seider and Raymond signed “in due time.” There’s been nothing new since then but plenty of time remains to get both players under contract before the start of training camp in mid-September. AFP Analytics projects Seider getting a seven-year deal with an AAV of $8.125 million and Raymond seven years at $7.758 million annually.

Seth Jarvis is the focus for Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky now that Martin Necas is under contract. The versatile 22-year-old forward can play center or wing and has risen among the Hurricanes’ core players. He’s coming off an entry-level contract and there’s speculation he could get an eight-year deal worth around $8 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: AFP Analytics projects a seven-year deal worth $7.75 million annually for Jarvis. Unless Tulsky makes a cost-cutting move, the Jarvis camp will have to accept much less than that because the Hurricanes only have $6.44 million in cap space.

Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill could attempt to sign defenseman Thomas Harley to a bridge contract. That’s what he did with Jason Robertson when the winger came off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Harley is projected to get a seven-year deal with an AAV of $6.922 million. However, the Stars have $6.243 million in cap space. The 22-year-old blueliner could end up with a short-term contract worth under $5 million annually.

Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers’ sophomore slump compromises his bargaining position coming off his entry-level contract. The betting is the 21-year-old center gets a bridge deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: AFP Analytics projects a seven-year deal worth $6.66 million annually. The Kraken have the hammer here so it could be much shorter and for around $5 million annually.

Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti seems a classic case for a bridge deal after a healthy but inconsistent 2023-24 performance under former head coach Rick Bowness. However, the Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck recently reported positive communication between the Perfetti camp and new Jets bench boss Scott Arniel. That could sway Perfetti into signing a long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The projection has Perfetti in line for a seven-year deal with an AAV of $5.584 million. That could become a real bargain for the Jets if he blossoms into the scorer he was projected to become when the Jets drafted him in 2020.

The New Jersey Devils could go the bridge route with Dawson Mercer. Comparables include Ottawa’s Shane Pinto (two-year, $3.75 million AAV) and Columbus’ Kirill Marchenko (three years, $3.85 million AAV).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: AFP Analytics projected a six-year deal at $6.52 million annually. However, the Devils only have $4.9 million in cap space. Mercer will likely get a bridge deal unless the Devils shed some salary.

Cole Sillinger enjoyed a bounce-back performance from his 2022-23 sophomore slump with 13 goals and 32 points in 77 games. Like teammate Kirill Marchenko, he could get a three-year deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2024

by | Jul 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2024

Which clubs could become trade destinations for Patrik Laine? What’s the latest on the Jets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes it’s difficult to determine which NHL clubs could become trade destinations for Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger was cleared Friday from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Laine can begin trade discussions with the Columbus Blue Jackets and interested teams can also speak with him.

Portzline points out that only six teams (Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and Utah Hockey Club) have sufficient cap space to take on his $8.7 million annual cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the Hurricanes’ cap space will be taken up by re-signing restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis. The same goes for the Red Wings with Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

The list more than doubles if the Blue Jackets retain up to half of Laine’s cap hit or take back a salaried player in return. Jackets general manager Don Waddell prefers the latter option.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Portzline suggested Anaheim and Carolina as possible destinations, with the Montreal Canadiens having an outside shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have the cap space to take on Laine’s full cap hit and he could provide a welcome boost to their offense. Nevertheless, they seem set on their wings for this season with Troy Terry, Frank Vatrano, Alex Killorn, Ryan Strome, Robby Fabbri and the promising Cutter Gauthier.

The Hurricanes are a possibility if they trade Martin Necas, perhaps swapping him for Laine or peddling him to another team. Otherwise, they’ll have difficulty finding sufficient cap room to do this.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens have around $7.9 million in cap space but can get an additional $10 million if necessary by placing permanently sidelined goaltender Carey Price on long-term injury reserve. They would probably prefer the Jackets retain a healthy chunk of Laine’s cap hit, assuming they’ll take the gamble on adding Laine to their rebuilding roster at this stage of his career.

Laine also has a 10-team no-trade list. Some of those clubs might be on it.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards pointed out that Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is one of Laine’s best friends. The Jackets winger knows Florida’s other Finnish players like Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola.

Richards also noted that Laine’s best seasons were with the Winnipeg Jets under Paul Maurice, who now coaches the Panthers.

Nevertheless, Richards doesn’t see Laine joining the Panthers anytime soon, suggesting that might be possible in two years when he’s a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers only have $766K of cap space for 2024-25. They’d have to ship out some salary to make room for Laine.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe puts the odds of Laine returning to the Jets at 10 and 15 percent. His contract is the significant sticking point as they couldn’t afford to take it on even if the Blue Jackets retained part of his cap hit. The Jackets’ asking price would also be an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have $5.8 million in cap space with Cole Perfetti due for a significant raise coming off his entry-level contract.

UPDATE ON THE JETS

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe provided an update on the standoff between the Jets and prospect Rutger McGroarty. The 20-year-old winger refused to sign an entry-level deal with the Jets and is returning to the University of Michigan in the fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been a much-reported disconnect between McGroarty and the Jets over the club’s development plan for him. He sees himself as NHL-ready while they’d prefer he starts with their AHL affiliate. The Jets hold his NHL rights until Aug. 15, 2026.

McIntyre doesn’t expect the Jets to give up on McGroarty and trade him for pennies on the dollar. However, his mindset makes it difficult to find much of a trade market.

Wiebe noted plenty of discussions with other teams during last month’s NHL Draft and several close calls involving a trade. The Jets haven’t closed the door on smoothing over their relationship with McGroarty. Nevertheless, Wiebe thinks he could be part of an NHL trade deadline deal for a return that includes a defenseman with several years remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty will be among the most-watched prospects in NCAA hockey this season. As Wiebe points out, the better he plays the more his value increases, to the Jets and on the trade market if he remains insistent on moving on to another NHL club.

Wiebe also noted some chatter around the draft indicating the Jets and Washington Capitals were considering a deal that would’ve included Capitals center Connor McMichael. He was bumped down the depth chart when Washington acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals could need salary-cap relief if T.J. Oshie doesn’t end up on LTIR to start this season. However, it’s doubtful they’ll part with the 23-year-old McMichael, who can be moved to left wing. He also carries an affordable $2.1 million AAV through 2025-26. Moving him now would also leave the Capitals scrambling to find a replacement in the depleted trade and free-agent markets.