Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

by | Jul 7, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

The Hurricanes are said to be interested in Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers plus an update on Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

HURRICANES REPORTEDLY PURSUING NIKOLAJ EHLERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported on Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes were “pushing heavily” on Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. He believes it makes a lot of sense after the Hurricanes were forced to trade pending free agent Jake Guentzel to Tampa Bay last week.

Ehlers, 28, has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He’s rumored to be unwilling to sign an extension with the Jets. It was expected the Jets would try and move him at the 2024 NHL draft but they may have set too high of an asking price.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

Rosner suggested that the Jets could be hoping that clubs that missed out in free agency might start a bidding war for Ehlers. He thinks the Hurricanes could win that war if they offer up Martin Necas, but the Jets would have to include more than Ehlers in the deal as Necas has more value.

The New York Islanders were also rumored to be interested in Ehlers. Rosner speculates they still could be even after signing Anthony Duclair but wasn’t sure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff praised Ehlers following the draft, calling him an important piece of their lineup. We’ll soon find out if that’s the case. He won’t trade the winger simply for the sake of doing so and could prefer a younger player in return.

A one-for-one swap for Ehlers would make sense for the Hurricanes if there’s no contract resolution with Necas. The 25-year-old winger hasn’t generated much buzz lately in the rumor mill, leading some to suggest the Canes could reconsider trading him after losing Guentzel.

Necas filed for contract arbitration on Friday. That could be his way of setting a deadline to hammer out a new deal with the Hurricanes or another indicator that he has a short-term future in Carolina.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are still waiting for word that Patrik Laine has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to resume his playing career. The 26-year-old winger has been in the program since January.

The Jackets’ efforts to accommodate Laine’s trade request may have taken a big hit going this deep into the offseason. They can trade him while he’s in the program but GM Don Waddell said the clubs interested in Laine want to speak with him before making trade offers.

Teams that may have considered Laine probably already made moves to address their roster needs. The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly were among those teams and made an offer during the recent NHL Draft. They have over $11 million in cap space and plenty of room to take on Laine’s $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine could still be traded this summer. However, as Portzline indicated, his cap hit and uncertainty over when he’ll be out of the player assistance program will make it difficult for the Blue Jackets to find a suitable trade partner.

The Hurricanes could be out of the bidding for Laine if they’re attempting to acquire Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets. They carry sufficient cap room for Laine’s contract, but Necas, Seth Jarvis, and Jack Drury are seeking new contracts as restricted free agents. Jarvis alone could get a pay raise of over $5 million annually, which would eat up almost half of that cap room.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2024

by | Jul 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evander Kane and Martin Necas plus some recent Flyers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S THE LATEST ON CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski wondered what’s happening with contract extension talks between the Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby. He noted that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and Crosby have stated those discussions would be kept private, but neither side has yet used the phrase, “optimistic”.

Kingerski speculates the direction of the team might account for why Crosby hasn’t re-signed yet. Perhaps the Penguins captain sees Dubas’ recent signings and wonders if sticking around is worthwhile.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos noted that “eyebrows were raised” when the Penguins didn’t announce a new contract for Crosby on July 1. He wrote that conversations are ongoing but there’s no rush on Crosby’s side. “Read into that however you want.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising Crosby hasn’t signed yet. Sometimes, these things take time. The direction of the team could be a factor. Dollars and terms still have to be sorted out.

They’ve got the entire summer and training camp in September to sort this out. Start worrying if he hasn’t inked an extension by the season opener in October.

COULD THE OILERS ATTEMPT TO TRADE EVANDER KANE?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer weighing in on speculation the Oilers could try to move winger Evander Kane in a cost-cutting trade.

Kane, 32, has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause until Feb. 28, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Oilers must free up $2.5 million to become cap-compliant before their season opener in October.

“You just can’t snap your fingers and move out Evander Kane,” said Stauffer. Staples noted TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reporting on Monday that the Oilers haven’t approached the winger about waiving his NMC.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Kane is willing to waive his clause now it will only be for a limited number of clubs. Those teams could be unwilling to take him on due to his reputation as a troublemaker or his cap hit.

The Oilers will have to consider other options to shed salary before October. Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak and Ryan McLeod have been mentioned as trade candidates.

HURRICANES WERE CLOSE TO MOVING MARTIN NECAS TO COLUMBUS

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig recently cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Carolina Hurricanes had a potential deal that would’ve sent Martin Necas to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the recent NHL Draft. However, the 25-year-old winger wouldn’t sign a contract extension with the Jackets. “The deal died right there and I think it involved the number four pick”, said Seravalli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets used that pick to select promising center Cayden Lindstrom. It’s not surprising the Jackets and Hurricanes discussed a Necas deal. Jackets general manager Don Waddell was the Hurricanes GM until stepping down in late May to take on his current job.

FLYERS NOT DONE MAKING MOVES?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers could still make some moves this summer after signing Matvei Michkov to his entry-level contract.

Flyers GM Daniel Briere left open the possibility of a trade or two. He’s had discussions with several teams “on a few different things.” If nothing happens in the next week, Briere suggests the current roster will be what we see in training camp in September.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

by | Jun 30, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and more in the Sunday NHL Post-Draft Rumor Roundup.

JAKE GUENTZEL TO THE LIGHTNING TO REPLACE STEVEN STAMKOS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston report league sources claim the Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Jake Guentzel.

The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is heading to free agency on Monday but the Hurricanes have yet to give up trying to re-sign him. Meanwhile, it appears Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will test the free-agent market.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also cited sources indicating the Lightning could pursue Guentzel should he become available when the free-agent market opens on Monday at noon ET. He also speculated the Hurricanes could trade Guentzel’s signing rights before Monday.

**UPDATE** The Carolina Hurricanes trade Jake Guentzel’s signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2025 third-round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

Speaking of Stamkos, Friedman believes the Nashville Predators have the best chance of landing him. He also indicated the Lightning pitched a long-term, low-average annual value contract and a shorter one that would’ve made him eligible to sign a one-year, bonus-laden 35-plus contract.

Friedman also said the fact Stamkos had to wait so close to free agency while other teammates were taken care of in advance ruptured the relationship with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning appears to be looking at Guentzel as a replacement for Stamkos. If they couldn’t afford to re-sign their captain, they could struggle to win a bidding war for Guentzel. He could get offers worth over $9 million on the open market.

THE LATEST RANGERS RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report the New York Rangers could find it difficult to move Jacob Trouba.

Momentum appeared to build toward a trade to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Nothing materialized, and the 31-year-old defenseman may not be inclined to speed the deal along.

Trouba has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. If he waits until Monday to submit his list to Rangers management, he could spike the deal by including the Wings on that list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings remains on hold. He wondered if that move would prompt winger Patrick Kane to re-sign with the Red Wings rather than test the UFA market.

The Rangers remain interested in the 35-year-old Kane. However, his camp continues their contract discussions with the Red Wings.

Brooks believes the Rangers would be interested in signing Steven Stamkos but he’s heard the Nashville Predators could be all-in on the Lightning winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes they could also look at Jake Guentzel but the Lightning may have moved to the front of the line.

Ranger goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s representatives are seeking a contract extension that would be worth 14 percent of the Rangers’ cap hit. That would be $12.9 million annually under an expected cap of $92 million for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shestekin holds the leverage here. Brooks observed the Rangers can’t let him simply walk out the door next summer. Losing their starting goaltender would be a big blow to their Stanley Cup hopes.

UPDATE ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets haven’t been told yet if Patrik Laine has been cleared from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The Jackets can trade the 26-year-old winger while he’s still in the program. However, clubs interested in trading for him have told Jackets management that they want to speak with Laine first.

Laine carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26. The longer this situation goes on through the summer, the harder it’ll be to facilitate a trade as cap space evaporates around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline also cited TSN’s Craig Button stumping for the Minnesota Wild to acquire Laine, suggesting he would provide them with an offensive boost.

However, the Wild have limited cap space for 2024-25. GM Bill Guerin has suggested his club might not make any major additions via trades or free agency this summer.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN TWO PENDING UFA DEFENSEMEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported on “X” that the New Jersey Devils are expected to take a run at signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is coming off a six-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dillon completed a four-year deal, spending the last three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources claiming Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was willing to trade goaltender Tristan Jarry and winger Reilly Smith. However, he couldn’t find any takers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players coming off a down season with modified no-trade clauses and $5 million cap hits tend to be difficult to trade.

SENATORS STYMIED IN TRADE EFFORTS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios tried to wheel and deal at the draft but couldn’t find any suitable offers for Jakob Chychrun, Mathieu Joseph, Erik Brannstrom, and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the trade market.

A restricted free agent, Brannstrom could become a UFA if the Senators don’t qualify his rights by 5 pm ET on Sunday. That could happen if he’s unwilling to accept a pay cut. It’ll cost the Senators $2 million to qualify his rights.

Limited salary-cap space could mean the Senators won’t qualify forward Parker Kelly’s rights.

Garrioch expects the Senators could target a defenseman like Brandon Montour or Matt Roy if they hit the open market on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch indicated the Senators only have $11.5 million available. They won’t win a bidding war for Montour. They could have better luck with Roy but that depends on what the market looks like for defensemen after Montour, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce are snapped up.

UPDATE ON YAROSLAV ASKAROV

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report the Nashville Predators will continue to listen to offers for Yaroslav Askarov. However, they’re comfortable keeping him as an understudy for Juuse Saros, whose new eight-year contract should be finalized on Monday.

The Predators also hope to add some scoring and bolster their blueline. They could pursue potential free agents like Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Chandler Stephenson.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

With the first round of the 2024 Draft fast approaching, the Flyers attempt an aggressive trade to move up on the draft order. Check out the details, updates on Mitch Marner, Jacob Trouba, Aaron Ekblad, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nazem Kadri, the latest UFA speculation, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS ATTEMPT TO MOVE UP IN THE FIRST-ROUND ORDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers attempted to acquire the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft. It was an aggressive pitch, offering their 2024 first-rounder (14th overall), a roster player, and perhaps their 2025 first-round pick.

The Blue Jackets rejected the offers but LeBrun thinks the Flyers could try again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some social media chatter suggested GM Daniel Briere wants to draft Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to center Matvei Michkov. It would make sense that Briere would try to land a good young center to pair with his promising winger.

UPDATES ON MARNER, TROUBA, EKBLAD, EHLERS AND KADRI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the most likely scenario for Mitch Marner will be finishing the final season of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He thinks the Leafs could consider offering the 27-year-old winger a new contract and see where it goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner holds all the cards here because of the full no-movement clause in his contract. For all the media speculation about his future in recent weeks, there’s no indication he’ll be traded. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time a trade involving a star like Marner catches everyone by surprise. Still, there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it if Marner doesn’t want to move.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman also reported New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba’s full no-movement clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The Rangers have asked the 30-year-old defenseman for his list, which is normal procedure. However, Friedman doesn’t rule out the possibility of Trouba getting traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. While he struggled through an injury this season, he remains well-respected by his teammates and a physical presence on their blueline. Nevertheless, there’s been recent media conjecture about his future in New York. We likely haven’t heard the last of it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports hearing the Florida Panthers are shopping defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He’s entering the final season of his contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. The 28-year-old defenseman’s no-movement clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a bold move by the Panthers coming so soon after winning their first Stanley Cup. The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reported earlier this month that the Panthers would move Ekblad to free up cap space to re-sign Brandon Montour. This will be worth watching in the coming days.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff continues to receive calls about winger Nikolaj Ehlers and top prospect Rutger McGroarty. There’s no rush to move them, though the Jets are interested in moving McGroarty for a first-round pick, maybe a prospect or young player.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wondered if Nazem Kadri might consider waiving his no-movement clause. It’s apparent the Calgary Flames are rebuilding after trading Jacob Markstrom last week to New Jersey. The question is where the 33-year-old center sees himself fitting in the short and long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri could ask to be traded but his age and contract will make him difficult to move. He carries a $7 million AAV through 2028-29.

LATEST UFA SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes are still pushing hard to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel. They’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract which is giving the 29-year-old winger something to think about

LeBrun said the list of teams lining up to bid on Guentzel on July 1 is growing. Some would have to move some pieces around but are willing to do so if he becomes a UFA on Monday.

Darren Dreger believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors. They’re also considering what to do with Elias Lindholm. The 29-year-old center is heading to market and could be a good fit with the Boston Bruins.

Dreger also mentioned teams will be interested in Chris Tanev if the 34-year-old defenseman doesn’t re-sign with the Dallas Stars by Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple leafs could be among the suitors.

Chris Johnston believes pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi want to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Negotiations are continuing as the Leafs are also looking at shoring up their blueline. Both players are waiting to see if the Leafs can afford them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2024

The Oilers defeat the Panthers to force Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final, injury updates on Dylan Larkin, Roope Hintz and Chris Tanev, Andrew Cogliano retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: There will be a seventh and deciding game in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1, tying the series at three games apiece.

Zach Hyman scored his 16th goal in this postseason, Warren Foegele had a goal and an assist, Adam Henrique tallied what proved to be the winning goal, and Stuart Skinner made 20 saves for the win. Hyman leads all active NHL players for the most goals in one playoff year. The record is 19 held by Reggie Leach and Jari Kurri.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov scored in the second period to cut Edmonton’s lead to 2-1. However, the goal was overturned as offside following a coach’s challenge by Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, much to the fury of Panthers bench boss Paul Maurice.

“I have no idea (if they got it right),” said Maurice in his postgame press conference. “It may well have been offside. The lines person informed me that it was the last clip that they got where they made the decision that shows it’s offside. I don’t have those.” He went on to explain he was upset based on the video he saw at the bench.

The call was a game-changer. Hyman made it 3-0 later in the period for Edmonton. Barkov got the Panthers on the board early in the third but the Oilers managed to hang on, putting the game away on empty-net goals by Ryan McLeod and Darnell Nurse, with Skinner getting an assist on the final goal.

Game 7 is in Florida on Monday, June 24 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers made history by becoming the first team since the 1945 Toronto Maple Leafs to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final to tie the series. That occurred just three years after the 1942 Leafs did the same thing and went on to win the Cup.

History didn’t repeat for the ’45 Leafs as they lost Game 7 to the Detroit Red Wings. The Oilers, however, have a golden opportunity to become just the second team since the ’42 Leafs to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the Cup.

Robert Tychowski of the Edmonton Journal points out the Oilers have gone 11-2 throughout Games 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this postseason. “When the money is on the table, they find an extra gear that nobody has been able to match.”

The Panthers look nothing like the dominant force that rolled through the first three rounds and had the Oilers on the ropes after Game 3 of this series. Edmonton’s defense has neutralized Florida’s offense, especially on the power play. After outscoring Edmonton 11-4 in the first three games, they’ve been outscored 18-5 over the past three contests.

Florida did manage to shut down Connor McDavid for the first time since Game 1. However, the Oilers didn’t need their captain to carry them as he had in the last two games. That’s a bad sign for the Panthers heading into Game 7. Keeping McDavid contained no longer assures victory in this series.

HEADLINES

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin recently underwent surgery to repair an upper-body injury. The procedure should not interfere with his readiness for 2024-25.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill confirmed Roope Hintz, Chris Tanev, Tyler Seguin and Jani Hakanpaa battled injuries during their run to the Western Conference Final. Fortunately, none of them will require offseason surgery.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Yegor Chinakhov to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. The 23-year-old was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1. He scored 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Forward Andrew Cogliano announced his retirement on Friday and is joining the Avalanche’s front office in a player development role. Cogliano, 37, spent 17 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and the Avalanche, helping the latter win the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. He has 494 points in 1,294 regular-season games and 40 points in 131 postseason contests.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano hopes to continue his playing career for a few more seasons. The 40-year-old blueliner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The former Norris Trophy winner has 577 points in 1,148 career regular-season games. He’s completing a two-year, $1.8 million contract with the Leafs.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Arizona Coyotes released a statement on Friday indicating they will explore all their legal options after the state canceled a land auction they expected to win for a new arena.

This could be the final blow for Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo’s efforts to bring back an NHL franchise to Arizona. The club was relocated to Utah following its sale to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith in April.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

by | Jun 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

What’s the latest on Patrik Laine? Could Martin Necas sign an offer sheet? Will the Ducks finally trade John Gibson? Are the Avalanche shopping Ross Colton? Check out the latest in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell hopes to find a “hockey trade” for Patrik Laine. Earlier this month, the Blue Jackets and the Laine camp agreed to look for a trade.

Waddell hopes that retaining salary won’t be necessary to move Laine. “We want to make a hockey trade if we can and certainly exhaust every opportunity and every team that potentially has interest,” he said.

The Jackets GM admitted there’s a chance the 26-year-old winger won’t be moved during the offseason. “If the options are limited or there’s no options that make sense, then we’ll have to deal with that,” said Waddell.

Laine has two seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

SPORTSNET: Sammy Sachdeva listed the Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins among eight possible trade destinations for Laine. The others include the Utah Hockey Club, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These clubs could use additional scoring for one reason or another. Whether they’re interested in Laine or can afford his contract or the Blue Jackets’ asking price remains to be seen.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel believes Laine is one big-name trade target that makes sense for the Penguins.

Vensel proposed the Penguins offer winger Reilly Smith in exchange for Laine. Like the Jackets forward, Smith could use a change of scenario after struggling this past season.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Jackets would get cap relief by swapping Laine’s $8.7 million for Smith’s $5 million cap hit for 2024-25, plus they could ship Smith to another club if they wish. If Laine doesn’t regain his scoring touch in Pittsburgh, taking on his contract wouldn’t adversely affect the Penguins’ long-term flexibility. Also, they wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick or prospect to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the type of hockey trade Waddell is referring to, unloading Laine for a player with a more affordable short-term contract that could be enticing to another club.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked if Laine would be a good fit with the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens. He believes it would depend on what the Blue Jackets want in return, if Laine will accept a trade to Montreal and if the Jackets retain some salary in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engels thinks the Canadiens could consider it if the asking price isn’t too prohibitive. However, they could be considering other trade options that are less costly and carry less baggage.

COULD MARTIN NECAS SIGN AN OFFER SHEET?

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on social media yesterday that a few teams wonder if an offer sheet for Martin Necas is plausible if the Carolina Hurricanes’ asking price remains high.

The Hurricanes are entertaining trade offers for the 25-year-old winger. However, they’re said to want “star power” in return.

LeBrun admits it’s a “long shot play” but feels it’s something worth keeping in mind.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Rival clubs can send him offer sheets but it’s up to him whether he’ll sign.

It’s a little-used tactic that rarely succeeds. Of the 10 offer sheet signings since 2005-06, only two (Dustin Penner in 2007 and Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021) were successful.

WILL THE DUCKS TRADE JOHN GIBSON THIS SUMMER?

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Elliotte Friedman thinks some teams are looking at Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson.

Friedman said the Devils looked into Gibson before they acquired Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. He isn’t sure if the Ottawa Senators would be a fit. The Ducks aren’t keen to retain salary so that could complicate things.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Recent reports suggest the Senators are more interested in Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark. He has a year left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list.

COULD THE AVALANCHE SHOP ROSS COLTON?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Avalanche might peddle Ross Colton to gain some salary-cap flexibility.

The 27-year-old center was traded to Colorado from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer, signing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. He has a no-trade clause for next season beginning on July 1.

Colorado faces a bit of a cap crunch this summer. There is uncertainty over the futures of forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Restricted free agent center Casey Mittelstadt is in line for a significant raise and they’re also trying to re-sign pending UFA Jonathan Drouin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton could draw attention in the trade market. However, the Avalanche must act quickly before his NTC begins on July 1.