NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2022

by | Dec 21, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2022

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: some suggested trade destinations for Bo Horvat plus the latest on Tyler Myers and Nick Bonino.

PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR HORVAT

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon and Jason Bukala suggested the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins as four potential trade destinations for Bo Horvat.

They proposed the Canadiens send veteran defenseman David Savard, prospects Jayden Struble and Owen Beck, the 2023 first-rounder they received from the Florida Panthers and a 2024 third-rounder.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link above for Dixon’s and Bakula’s detailed explanations behind their proposals. Having done my own suggested destinations for Horvat earlier this season, I appreciate the efforts and rationale they put into theirs.

Horvat is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s on pace for a career-high of 50 goals this season, meaning he’ll cost well over $8 million per season to re-sign on a long-term deal. The Canadiens, Hurricanes, Red Wings and Bruins will need assurances that Horvat will sign with them before pulling the trigger on this deal. Otherwise, they risk giving away prime assets on a player who could bolt on July 1.

Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont does a good job explaining why the Canadiens won’t get into the bidding for Horvat. It’s not the right time for the rebuilding Habs to pursue a player like Horvat. Management won’t be interested in mortgaging the future for an aging asset on an expiring contract.

Subtracting Savard’s $3.5 million from the Canadiens’ cap payroll, they’d have over $65 million invested in 15 roster players for 2023-24. They’ll likely get $10.5 million in cap relief if necessary if Carey Price is unable to continue his playing career but they won’t know that until the offseason. Meanwhile, winger Cole Caufield is coming off his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant pay raise on his next contract.

Given those factors plus the likelihood of a flattened salary cap for 2023-24, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the Canadiens to acquire and sign Horvat.

Their Hurricanes deal would see Horvat and prospect Aiden McDonough heading to Carolina for forwards Seth Jarvis and Stefan Noesen, prospect defenseman Scott Morrow and a 2023 third-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are chugging along right now but they continue to have a big hole at the second-line center position. They’d have the cap space to comfortably re-sign Horvat next summer.

Acquiring Horvat now would give the Hurricanes his exclusive negotiating rights until July 1. However, they could consider a more affordable second-line center rental option for the playoffs like Montreal’s Sean Monahan and pursue Horvat in the free-agent market without giving up a promising asset like Jarvis.

Dixon and Bukala also suggest the Horvat-McDonough package for the Red Wings in exchange for prospect goaltender Sebastian Cossa, prospect defenseman Shai Buium, plus a 2023 first-rounder and the second-rounder they got from the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Hurricanes, the Red Wings can easily afford an expensive new contract for Horvat. They could certainly be interested if unable to re-sign captain Dylan Larkin. If he stays, Horvat would provide them with a solid one-two punch at center.

This pitch depends on whether Wings GM Steve Yzerman will part with a projected future starting goalie like Cossa, especially given Alex Nedeljkovic’s struggles over the past two years in the Wings’ crease. He could be reluctant to do that.

Horvat and McDonough are also part of their Bruins’ pitch with prospect forwards Fabian Lysell and John Beecher along with their 2023 first-rounder and sixth-rounder going to Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horvat could be a great fit with the Bruins, especially if this season proves to be the last for Patrice Bergeron and/or David Krejci. Acquiring him now provides them with additional depth at center for the remainder of 2022-23 as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins have been very much in “win-now” mode for several years. They’ll have a projected $56.9 million invested in 12 players for next season with winger David Pastrnak due for a big raise. It could cost a combined $20 million to do it, leaving next to nothing for the rest of the roster under a flattened cap for next season.

All in all, the Hurricanes and Red Wings seem the more likely destinations given the depth in promising assets that both clubs possess as well as plentiful cap space to afford his new contract. Whether those teams get into the bidding remains to be seen.

UPDATES ON MYERS AND BONINO

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Tyler Myers is maybe being overlooked as a secondary trade chip for the Vancouver Canucks. He’s got a year remaining on his contract with a $6 million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause.

Myers wants to stay in Vancouver. However, Dreger said there’s a belief there could be interest in the big veteran defenseman, suggesting he improve playing on a more structured team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Myers will be owed $6 million in actual salary next season. However, $5 million of that is a signing bonus on July 1.

I think interested clubs will either want the Canucks to retain up to half of his cap hit now or else they’ll just wait until after his signing bonus is paid in July and then attempt to acquire him.

THE ATHLETIC: Corey Masisak suggests San Jose Sharks forward Nick Bonino could draw interest from playoff contenders seeking an experienced versatile two-way forward. He’s an unrestricted free agent carrying an affordable $2.050 million cap hit this season and a five-team no-trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2022

by | Mar 25, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2022

​What could the future hold for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Dylan Strome? Could the Sharks trade a goaltender in the offseason? Read on for the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently reported agent Pat Brisson, who represents Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Seth Jones, would meet this week with Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. It’s felt Brisson will want to discuss his clients’ futures and where they fit into the Blackhawks offseason plans. LeBrun believes a number of teams would be drooling over the possibility of Kane becoming available this summer.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson recently indicated he’ll keep an open dialogue with Kane and Toews regarding his rebuilding plans. Kane didn’t want to discuss his future with the media by saying that’s a topic for discussion in the summer. Toews, meanwhile, admitted he’s mused about the possibility of playing for another club but insisted he still enjoys living and playing in Chicago. I expect Jones remains a big part of the Blackhawks’ plans as his new eight-year contract kicks in next season.

Kane and Toews are both signed through next season with identical $10.5 million cap hits and full no-movement clauses. That gives them full control over their short-term futures while their respective cap hits would be difficult to move even in the offseason.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO/THE ATHLETIC: Charlie Roumeliotis and Scott Powers wondered what the future holds for Dylan Strome. The 25-year-old Blackhawks forward was a fixture in the rumor mill but wasn’t moved by the trade deadline. His performance improved over the second half of the season but it remains to be seen if that’ll translate into a new contract for the pending restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A solid finish on Strome’s part could improve his value in the offseason trade market or it could convince Davidson to sign him to a one-year deal and see how next season unfolds.

SHARKS COULD TRADE A GOALIE THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Corey Masisak speculates the San Jose Sharks’ addition of goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen from the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline could result in James Reimer getting shopped in the offseason. Reimer and Adin Hill are signed through next season while Kahkonen is a restricted free agent. Management doesn’t intend to carry three netminders next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun indicating the Sharks were getting some calls about Reimer at the trade deadline. His solid performance this season could draw attention this summer from teams that sought goaltending depth this season. The Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals could be among the suitors.

Peng also reported the Sharks were dangling Matt Nieto and Nick Bonino at the trade deadline. Both forwards have one season remaining on their contracts Perhaps management will revisit efforts to move them during the summer.










NHL Trade Roundup: Lots of Big Names Moving After Busy Week of Dealing

by | Oct 9, 2020

NHL Trade Roundup: Lots of Big Names Moving After Busy Week of Dealing

 










Predators Trade Bonino to the Wild for Kunin

by | Oct 7, 2020

Predators Trade Bonino to the Wild for Kunin

The Nashville Predators traded Nick Bonino and the 37th and 70th picks in the 2020 NHL Draft to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Luke Kunin and the 101st pick in this year’s draft.

The Nashville Predators trade Nick Bonino to the Minnesota Wild (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild general manager Bill Guerin acquires another center in Bonino, who plays a two-way game and netted 18 goals and 35 points in 67 games last season. He joins Marcus Johansson and Nick Bjugstad among Guerin’s recent acquisitions though none of them can be considered a first-line center. The Wild GM seems to be going for quantity over quality, though we can’t rule out the possibility he’ll swing a trade for a first-line pivot at some point.

The Predators, meanwhile, shed the 32-year-old Bonino’s $4.1 million salary-cap hit for Kunin, a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old Kunin is younger, can play center or wing whose offensive stats (15 goals, 31 points in 65 games) were comparable to Bonino. He’ll likely be an affordable re-signing for the Preds on a two-year bridge deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2020

by | May 28, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2020

Check out the latest on the Leafs, Oilers, and Devils in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SHOULD THE LEAFS PURSUE BONINO?

SPORTSNET: In a recent mailbag segment, Luke Fox was asked if pursing a third-line center was a priority for Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas. Fox believes acquiring a top-four, right-shot defenseman remains Dubas’ priority, but feels improving the depth at center should be next.

The reader proposed pursuing Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino. Fox believes he’d be a wonderful addition but doubts the Predators will part with him. He instead suggested some short-term UFA options like Joe Thornton, Derick Brassard, Nate Thompson, Brad Richardson, or Greg McKegg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM David Poile still considers his club a contender. I don’t see him moving Bonino.

Cap Friendly indicates the Predators have over $72 million invested in 16 players for 2020-21. They could use some cap relief if they hope to re-sign UFAs like Mikael Granlund and Craig Smith, but Poile could consider other cost-cutting options (hello there, Kyle Turris).

The Leafs, meanwhile, have over $76.9 million tied up in 16 players. That’s not much room to pursue a top-four defenseman and a third-line center. They’ll have to shop one or two salaried players to address those needs.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (Photo via NHL Images).

One reader proposed the Leafs swap Morgan Rielly and William Nylander to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Seth Jones and Josh Anderson. Fox loves the idea of such a blockbuster deal but noted how NHL teams love their talent too much to make such transactions. He also pointed out Jones and Rielly are massively popular in their respective markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If you’re gonna dream, dream big. Thanks to the salary cap, true blockbuster trades are increasingly rare.

OILERS COULD KEEP 2020 THIRD-ROUND PICK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports the NHL deciding the regular season is over could mean the Oilers won’t have to part with their conditional 2020 third-round pick to the Calgary Flames. It was part of the deal that saw the Oilers ship winger Milan Lucic to Edmonton in exchange for winger James Neal.

Under the conditions of the trade, the Oilers’ pick would’ve belonged to the Flames if Neal scored 21 goals this season. He had 19 when the schedule was paused. Oilers GM Ken Holland said he hasn’t been officially told that’s the case.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Jonathan Willis said the league still hasn’t addressed how it will sort out this season’s conditional trades. He suggested three possible approaches. One, the season is interpreted as having ended at 71 games, meaning the Oilers keep their pick. Two, the league prorate results over 82 games, meaning Neal could be credited with 22 goals and the Flames get the pick. The third is a compromise in which the Flames get some lesser draft compensation from the Oilers.

SUGGESTED BLUELINE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): In a recent mailbag segment, Corey Masisak was asked about realistic blueline trade targets for the New Jersey Devils.

Masisak ruled out pursuing young defensemen on potentially cap-strapped teams like Tampa Bay’s Mikhail Sergachev and St. Louis’ Vince Dunn as he expects they’ll be re-signed by their respective clubs. Older, short-term options could be available, such as Chicago’s Olli Maatta or Arizona’s Niklas Hjalmarsson.

He also noted the Buffalo Sabres have too many blueliners, suggesting Colin Miller as a target. He also wondered if the Minnesota Wild might part with Jonas Brodin. Even some potential free agent bargains like Cody Ceci or Joel Edmundson might be worthwhile for the right term and price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Masisak believes the Devils’ priority could be adding a defenseman or two after trading away Sami Vatanen and Andy Greene in February. Who they target, however, depends upon who’s sitting in the GM’s chair following this season. Will interim GM Tom Fitzgerald remains on the job, or will they hire someone else?










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 16, 2020

by | Mar 16, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 16, 2020

The NHL could be shut down until May, the latest on the potential effect upon the salary cap, and much more in today’s morning coffee headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending the cancellation or postponement of all events consisting of at least 50 people for eight weeks throughout the United States. That would mean the NHL is unlikely to return to action until mid-May at the earliest.

NHL arenas could remain dark until mid-May.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the league still intends on finishing the regular season and staging a full playoff schedule, the Stanley Cup wouldn’t be awarded until probably late July or early August.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Summer Olympics (July 24 – Aug. 9) could be the “drop-dead” period when resuming the NHL season no longer makes sense. He doubts the league wants the Stanley Cup Final going up against the Olympics. He also feels the NHL won’t drag out a decision if it gets a strong sense it cannot continue the season.

Citing multiple sources, LeBrun feels the league and the NHL Players Association won’t let teams fall into salary-cap hell by allowing the cap to drop by millions of dollars for 2020-21. In this exceptional circumstance, both sides can agree to an artificial cap that makes sense for all sides.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I and others (including LeBrun) have pointed out, the league and the PA agreed to an artificial cap for 2013-14 after coming out of the 2012-13 lockout, keeping it at the ’11-’12 level ($64.3 million). I expect they’ll at least maintain it at this season’s level ($81.5 million) if necessary.

TSN: LeBrun also reports it’s business as usual for college free agents hoping to sign NHL contracts. Colleague Mark Masters, meanwhile, interviewed two experts in the field of athletic performance over how the players can remain in shape during their period of self-quarantine.

Speaking of business as usual, the Anaheim Ducks yesterday placed forward Kiefer Sherwood on waivers.

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the league wants its players to remain in the cities where they play for their protection and to make it easier to assess the overall health of the NHL community.

All five of Toronto’s professional sports teams combined to create a special assistance fund for event staff affected by the suspension of all major sports in the city.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens announced a support plan to assist game-day employees dealing with income loss during the pause to the NHL season.

WINNIPEG SUN: Following considerable public backlash, Jets chairman Mark Chipman announced the club would compensate part-time arena employees full pay for missed events.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames also reversed course under public pressure and will compensate their part-time and hourly employees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps the Flames ownership was shamed into action after it was reported their players were donating to a fundraising page to assist those employees. The Ottawa Senators are reportedly the only Canadian team yet to announce any support plan for their employees.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino took to social media to urge the city’s citizens to stay away from large gatherings to prevent spreading the coronavirus. “There is no excuse,” he wrote. “We have a chance to lock down our cities now, close restaurants and bars, or, if safe, only offer takeout/delivery, anything to slow the spread.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Swedish Ice Hockey Association canceled the remainder of its season.

THE SCORE: The KHL is defending its decision to continue its playoffs despite one of its best teams (Jokerit) dropping out over coronavirus concerns. “The (COVID-19) pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, and in this regard, KHL is in consultation with clubs and all relevant authorities to diligently manage the impact of this matter.”

DEADSPIN: Now that quarantines are going into effect, Jesse Spector is revisiting old video games like NES Hockey.