NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2025

by | Feb 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2025

Could Mikko Rantanen hit the trade block again? Will the Blues consider moving Pavel Buchenvich, Jordan Kyrou or Brayden Schenn? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Sharks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD RANTANEN HIT THE TRADE BLOCK AGAIN?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos updated his trade board on Friday, featuring many of the names that frequently surfaced in the rumor mill and on other trade boards this season.

However, one interesting name is Mikko Rantanen, traded two weeks ago by the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster move to the Carolina Hurricanes.

According to Kypreos, Rantanen could hit the trade block again before the March 7 deadline if he and the Hurricanes haven’t agreed to a new contract. The 28-year-old winger slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries an annual average value of $9.25 million on his current contract.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Kypreos believes the Hurricanes will make offers to entice Rantanen to stay but claims some observers think they’ll fall short. They gave up a lot to get him (Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks) and they don’t want to risk his departure via free agency on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t help that Rantanen has only two points in six games with the Hurricanes while Necas is tearing it up in Colorado with nine points in eight games. That could be attributed to Rantanen adjusting to the shock of getting traded while Necas thrives in a new environment.

Rantanen getting shopped again seems unlikely. However, we didn’t expect the Avalanche to trade him so we shouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility. It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds in Carolina over the next four weeks.

WILL THE BLUES PEDDLE BUCHNEVICH, KYROU OR SCHENN?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos claims St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong isn’t a happy camper given his club’s lack of improvement this season. He’s looking to change things up which could include Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, or team captain Brayden Schenn.

Kypreos writes that Armstrong wants to shed an $8 million salary and that could include Buchnevich or Kyrou. Buchenvich’s new six-year contract (with an $8 million AAV) begins on July 1, when he’ll be 30 years old. Kyrou, 26, is in the second season of an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8.125 million.

Armstrong isn’t ready yet to shock the Blues fans by trading Schenn but teams are calling about him. He’s 33, carries a $6.25 million AAV through 2027-28 and a full no-trade clause this season.

Kypreos also wonders whether Armstrong will move out one of his defensemen. He mentioned Justin Faulk or Colton Parayko but they and the sidelined Torey Krug all have full no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bunchnevich, Kyrou, and Schenn will draw more interest than Faulk and Parayko in the trade market. However, their expensive contracts could be deal breakers unless the Blues retain some salary or take back a hefty salary. Peddling any of them might have to wait for the offseason when teams have more cap space to work with because of the projected $7.5 million increase for 2025-26.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias dismissed a recent rumor claiming the Islanders are willing to entertain trade offers for defenseman Noah Dobson.

He pointed out that the 25-year-old Dobson is entering his playing prime and his departure would create a major hole on the Isles blueline. He also cited the risk of getting a poor return akin to what happened five years ago in the Devon Toews trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias’ take. It doesn’t mean the Islanders aren’t getting calls about Dobson but it would take a significant offer to tempt GM Lou Lamoriello to part with him. Dobson should be part of whatever the Islanders’ plans will be beyond this season.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders face a tough decision with their impending logjam on defense heading toward the March trade deadline.

They recently added Tony DeAngelo, Scott Perunovich, and Adam Boqvist to offset the absence of sidelined blueliners like Dobson, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield. However, someone will have to move once those three return to action.

Sears believes moving Pulock or Mayfield “would drop a bomb into the dressing room”. Moving Dobson would be admitting they don’t consider him worthy of a long-term commitment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of the new guys seems more likely to leave via trade or demotion to the minors.

FERRARO RETURNS TO THE RUMOR MILL

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is resurfacing in the rumor mill ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed teams are calling the Sharks about the hardworking 26-year-old blueliner. 

Ferraro considers it a sign that he’s playing well but isn’t paying attention to the speculation. Pashelka pointed out that he’s UFA-eligible in July 2026, meaning the Sharks must decide whether to re-sign or trade him over the next 12-13 months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ferraro’s situation will be worth watching. He could be moved by March 7 if the Sharks get a fantastic offer for him. However, they could wait and see what they might get for him in the offseason, or they could try and re-sign him to a long-term deal to maintain blueline stability for their rebuilding plans.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

The 2024-25 schedule is released, reaction to Victor Hedman re-signing with the Lightning and Pavel Buchnevich re-upping with the Blues, the latest UFA signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL RELEASES 2024-25 SCHEDULE

NHL.COM: The 2024-25 season begins in Europe on Oct. 4 when the Buffalo Sabres face off against the New Jersey Devils at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia.

The season begins in North America on Oct. 8 with a triple-header on ESPN highlighted by the Florida Panthers raising their first Stanley Cup banner ahead of their home opener against the Boston Bruins. The Utah Hockey Club will have their first home game in Salt Lake City against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Other must-see games include Macklin Celebrini’s potential NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 10 against the St. Louis Blues, the New Jersey Devils meeting the Toronto Maple Leafs as Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe faces his former club for the first time, Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos returning to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Oct. 28, and the NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 31 between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

LIGHTNING RE-SIGN HEDMAN, BLUES RE-UP BUCHNEVICH

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Tuesday was a bittersweet day for Victor Hedman. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Lightning with an average annual value of $8 million while dealing with the departure of friend and long-time teammate Steven Stamkos the day before.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Hedman admitted Stamkos’ signing with the Predators was “a sad, sad day” for himself and the organization. However, he’s also “super excited and proud” to sign a new contract that will likely ensure he finishes his career with the Lightning.

Asked whether he’ll accept the captaincy vacated by Stamkos’ departure, Hedman replied it was “way too early” to discuss that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The bottom line is the Lightning felt their top defenseman was more important to retain than their scoring winger. Hedman got the same contract that Stamkos received from the Predators.

The report indicates the Lightning’s offer to Stamkos was believed to be in the $3 million AAV range. No wonder he felt disrespected and opted to hit the open market.

Speaking of the Lightning, they signed winger Cam Atkinson to a one-year, $900K contract. The 35-year-old Atkinson was bought out of the final year of his contract last week by the Philadelphia Flyers.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues and Pavel Buchnevich agreed to a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $8 million beginning in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buchnevich is among the Blues’ top forwards. Nevertheless, this contract could be a risky investment over the long term. He’ll be 30 when it kicks in, and while the Blues will likely get solid value during the first three years, it could become costly over the final three years if his production begins to fade approaching his mid-thirties.

The Blues also built up their forward depth by acquiring Radek Faksa from the Dallas Stars for future considerations and Mathieu Joseph and a 2025 third-rounder from the Ottawa Senators for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I like these additions for the Blues. They gave up nothing for two affordable players who should improve their checking-line depth. The Blues weren’t finished making additions on Tuesday, signing former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract.

OTHER NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed center Shane Pinto to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I speculated yesterday that Pinto would get a two-year deal for around $3 million annually. The 23-year-old had no leverage and staging a holdout wouldn’t have done him or the club any good. There was speculation his agent was angling for a contract offer from a rival club. If so, he didn’t get any nibbles.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Tomas Tatar returns to the Devils on a one-year deal worth $1.8 million. The 33-year-old winger spent two seasons with the Devils from 2021 to 2023.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Victor Olofsson signed a one-year, $1.075 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 28-year-old winger spent the past six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers signed former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt to a one-year contract worth $800K.

Jack Johnson is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a one-year deal worth $775K. The 37-year-old defenseman spent nearly seven seasons with the Jackets from 2011-12 to 2017-18.

TSN: The Seattle Kraken traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Duck for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche inked Erik Brannstrom to a one-year deal worth $900K. The 24-year-old defenseman spent the past six seasons with the Ottawa Senators.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2024

by | Jun 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2024

More suggested contract buyout candidates plus the latest on Pavel Buchnevich in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE POTENTIAL BUYOUT CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal listed 12 players to monitor when the NHL’s contract buyout window opens following the Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most players on this list also appeared on Daily Faceoff’s recent buyout candidate list. You can read my take on those here.

The list includes Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary, Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba, Detroit Red Wings blueliner Justin Holl, and Winnipeg Jets rearguard Nate Schmidt.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning are squeezed for cap space for 2024-25, hampering efforts to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos. Buyout out Sheary will only free up $1.4 million in cap space for next season, but every bit helps now.

Buying out Grubauer would save the Kraken over $4.9 million for 2024-25. However, they might not be ready to hand the starter’s job to Joey D’Accord just yet. If D’Accord can carry that burden next season, they can explore trading or buying out Grubauer next year.

The Rangers won’t buy out Trouba. Granted, he’s overpaid at $8 million per season through 2025-26. However, his postseason struggles were likely tied to playing on an injured ankle since March. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations that needs more toughness, getting rid of their most physical player doesn’t make sense. If they wish to part ways with Trouba, they’d be better off shedding his salary through the trade market.

Buying out Holl now makes sense if the Red Wings can’t find any takers for Holl in the trade market. The authors observed he was a health scratch for 38 games this season. They also pointed out that the Wings have a glut of bottom-three defensemen with Ben Chiarot, Olli Maatta and Jeff Petry signed for next season. The Wings have nearly $30 million in cap space for next season but buying out Holl adds another $2.2 million annually to the kitty for the next two seasons.

The same goes for Schmidt. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $5.95 million, which is a lot for a third-pairing defenseman. The Jets have $13 million in cap space. Buying out Schmidt frees up $3.2 million for 2024-25.

LATEST ON PAVEL BUCHNEVICH

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli included Pavel Buchnevich in his recent Trade Targets list. He wondered if the St. Louis Blues are prepared to pay the 29-year-old winger a big raise on a long-term contract.

Buchnevich has produced 206 points in 216 games with the Blues. The winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.8 million. Seravalli expects that he’ll be in line for a raise in the $8 million-plus range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli noted that Buchnevich was a hot commodity before the March trade deadline but the Blues’ asking price was three first-round equivalents. That price could drop as the winger would now be a one-year rental unless inquiring teams intend to re-sign him.

There was talk earlier this year that the Blues were interested in re-signing Buchnevich and he wanted to stay. We’ll find out soon enough whether those discussions get serious.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2024

by | Apr 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2024

The latest on Pavel Buchnevich, Trevor Zegras and Brock Faber plus updates on the Blue Jackets, Canadiens and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reported the St. Louis Blues are expected to “try and extend” Pavel Buchnevich. The 29-year-old winger will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buchnevich was the subject of trade speculation leading up to the March deadline. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong wasn’t actively shopping the winger but set a high asking price for clubs that came calling about him.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich (NHL Images)

Buchnevich carries an average annual value of $5.8 million with a 12-team no-trade list. He’s been a reliable scorer for the retooling Blues, netting over 25 goals and 60 points per season since his acquisition from the New York Rangers in 2021.

It could cost the Blues an AAV of $8 million on a long-term deal to keep Buchnevich in the fold. He’ll be 30 when that new contract begins.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reported the solid goaltending of Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer kept the Blues in the playoff race until the final week of the regular season.

They formed one of this season’s best goalie tandems. It’s the one area of the Blues roster that is the least of their worries going forward. The duo also have a good relationship and push each other in the right areas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m mentioning this because Binnington was the subject of some season-ending trade chatter because of his improved play and calmer demeanor. Based on Korac’s report, it’s unlikely the Blues intend to break up this tandem.

DUCKS FACING A DECISION ON ZEGRAS?

Friedman noted that Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras had eight points in his last 10 games. Sorting out his future could be “the most fascinating summer decision in the NHL”.

The Ducks challenged Zegras to show them something when he returned from injury and he did. However, Friedman believes there’s “a nagging sense not everyone’s comfortable with each other here”, referring to the relationship between the Zegras camp and general manager Pat Verbeek.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reported Zegras has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens in speculation stretching back to midseason. The young forward said he’s seen it and it’s taken some of the fun out of social media for him. He also hasn’t spoken to Verbeek about it.

Stephens also noted that Zegras sees the composition of the Ducks and wonders where he fits into the picture and the club’s plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumors about Zegras will likely persist, especially after Verbeek said he’ll be shopping for a top-six right-shot forward and a top-four right-shot defenseman in the offseason. He could use the young winger as a trade chip to address one of those needs in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE WILD

Friedman believes the Minnesota Wild will throw Jake Sanderson money at Brock Faber following the rookie defenseman’s stellar performance this season. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be an eight-year, $64 million contract with an AAV of $8.05 million. Don’t be surprised if it ends up being close to $9 million annually.

Filip Gustavsson wonders if he’s going to be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild re-signing Marc-Andre Fleury to a one-year deal could set the stage for a Gustavsson trade if they believe Jesper Wallstedt is NHL-ready.

The Wild’s priority could be to find more scoring help for superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. He’s two years away from UFA eligibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild currently have just $5.9 million in projected cap space with 19 active roster players under contract next season. Trading Gustavsson and his $3.75 million cap hit for next season could help provide some additional wiggle room to add another scoring forward.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS, CANADIENS AND KRAKEN

Friedman noted the Columbus Blue Jackets took a hard look at veteran centers earlier this season. He wondered if that might still be a priority.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It should be, the Jackets have lacked skilled depth at center for a long time.

Turning to the Canadiens, Friedman anticipates they’ll attempt to sign winger Juraj Slafkovsky and defenseman Kaiden Guhle to contract extensions.

Friedman noted the recent speculation about Dave Hakstol’s future as the Seattle Kraken’s head coach. He’ll be shocked if Hakstol is fired. “That’s not (GM) Ron Francis’ way, and the coach was rewarded after last season’s playoff win with an extension.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis left open the possibility of some changes behind the bench in his recent remarks to the media about his offseason plans. He’s said he’s still examining what happened with his team this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2024

by | Apr 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2024

A look at what could be in store for the Blues during the offseason plus speculation of a possible coaching change for the Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BLUES DURING THE OFFSEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: With the St. Louis Blues poised to miss the playoffs again, Jeremy Rutherford believes St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will shake up his roster during the offseason.

The Blues will still be retooling their roster. Rutherford doesn’t see Armstrong making significant, expensive upgrades. Any big moves could involve money going out rather than coming in. He also doesn’t see the Blues GM spending to the salary cap next season.

Rutherford doesn’t expect pending unrestricted free agents Sammy Blais and Kasperi Kapanen will be back. Marco Scandella could also be allowed to walk depending on what plans Armstrong has for his top-four defense and for Scott Perunovich.

He also doesn’t believe the Blues will buy out a high-salaried defenseman’s contract. Armstrong hasn’t gone the buyout route since becoming the general manager in 2010. He could instead attempt to package one of them with a draft pick or prospect in a trade.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich (NHL Images)

Rutherford doesn’t see the Blues shying away from signing winger Pavel Buchnevich to a long-term extension. He thinks it could come down to where they see Buchnevich’s arc, how much he wants and if they think they’re going to compete in the next few years.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently examined the Blues’ options if they attempt to move a high-salaried defenseman like Colton Parayko, Torey Krug, Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy. All are signed for at least two more seasons after 2023-24 and have no-trade clauses.

Parayko would have the most value but he’s also the defenseman the Blues probably don’t want to move. They tried to trade Krug last summer and a lot of teams view the undersized defenseman differently in the playoffs. There are also some diminishing returns on Faulk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the goal is to shed salary the Blues have to move one of those four defensemen. They had a deal in place last June to send Krug to the Philadelphia Flyers but he used his no-trade clause to reject the trade as is his right.

Armstrong could approach one of those blueliners and ask them for a list of preferred destinations if he hasn’t already done so. Parayko is probably the only one he could move without having to include sweeteners in the deal. The rest could cost some combination of draft picks, prospects and a good young NHL player to make it happen.

Buchnevich surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to last month’s trade deadline. Some teams reportedly contacted Armstrong asking if he was available. The Blues GM wasn’t shopping the 28-year-old winger but was willing to set a high asking price to see if anyone would meet it.

Armstrong could follow the same plan this summer if teams come calling about Buchnevich. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Blues signed him to a contract extension.

COULD THE RED WINGS HIRE BERUBE AS THEIR NEW HEAD COACH?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reported a source told him that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is mulling the possibility of a coaching change in the offseason.

The source claimed Yzerman could replace Derek Lalonde as head coach if the Wings fail to reach the playoffs this season. Lalonde is currently in the second year of a three-year contract.

Former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube is said to be at the top of Yzerman’s wish list.

Another source told Duff that Yzerman read the riot act to his coaching staff and players on Friday regarding their recent lackluster performance. They’re 0-2-2 on their current five-game road trip that ends on Monday in Tampa Bay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings were in freefall throughout March, winning just three of 14 games. They tumbled out of a wildcard berth and sit two points out of a playoff spot with eight games to play.

Duff noted that the Wings’ slow start to games, their puck management and defensive structure have been issues this season. Part of that is how the team is constructed, which is Yzerman’s department. However, the coaching staff also deserves its share of the blame.

It wouldn’t be shocking if Yzerman shook up his coaching staff by hiring a more experienced bench boss with Stanley Cup experience.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

by | Mar 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2024

The 2024 trade deadline has passed but questions remain about the trade candidates who didn’t move. Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Pavel Buchnevich and Jakob Chychrun, plus an update on the Devils in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR MARKSTROM AND THE FLAMES?

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson wonders what happens next for the Flames and Jacob Markstrom. After weeks of trade speculation, the 34-year-old goaltender remains with the Flames, but there are questions about his future in Calgary.

Gilbertson wondered if the two sides could patch up their relationship if they hadn’t already. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. However, does he want to stick around through a retooling process?

Markstrom was linked to the New Jersey Devils with a rumored deal in mid-February having fallen through. The Devils opted instead to acquire Jake Allen from the Montreal Canadiens and shipped Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for Kaapo Kahkonen.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy yesterday claimed there weren’t any issues in his relationship with Markstrom. Nevertheless, the former Vezina Trophy finalist’s future in Calgary will remain the subject of speculation in the offseason, even if a deal with the Devils is no longer possible.

BIG OFFSEASON MOVES COULD BE COMING FOR THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC: Despite the Devils’ acquisitions of Allen and Kahkonen, Peter Baugh reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is expecting to go “big-game hunting” for a goaltender in the offseason.

The acquisition of Kahkonen was more about removing Vanecek’s $3.4 million AAV through next season from the Devils’ books. With Allen signed through next season and the Canadiens retaining half of his $3.85 million cap hit, Fitzgerald had the cap flexibility to bring in a bigger-name starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald elaborated on why he couldn’t land someone like Markstrom before the deadline, claiming that the asking prices were too high. That market might change during the offseason. Whether he’ll revisit efforts to land Markstrom remains to be seen.

Allen will return with the Devils next season as their backup. Kahkonen won’t be re-signed, but a solid performance in New Jersey should help him land with another NHL club this summer as a free agent.

Fitzgerald also said he remains interested in signing Tyler Toffoli when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He traded the 31-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets after efforts to re-sign him before the trade deadline failed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt Fitzgerald’s sincerity. Toffoli played very well during his short tenure with the Devils. However, he’ll likely be among this summer’s top free agents and could prove too expensive to bring back to New Jersey.

DID ULLMARK REJECT A TRADE TO A WESTERN TEAM?

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas cited reports from Boston that the Bruins didn’t aggressively shop goaltender Linus Ullmark leading up to the trade deadline. GM Don Sweeney said he was happy he stood pat with his goaltenders, adding he was pleased with the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman.

Douglas noted that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported the Bruins had a trade in place to move Ullmark to an unnamed team, but Ullmark invoked his no-trade clause “based on geography”. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Servalli claimed the deal was with the Los Angeles Kings.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited a source indicating that the deal was not with the Kings. He cited another NHL source claiming 14 of the teams on Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade list are all in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, moving Ullmark in the offseason could get complicated if that’s the Bruins’ intent following this season.

BLUES RETAIN PAVEL BUCHNEVICH

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong declined to say if there was any interest in Pavel Buchnevich leading up to the trade deadline. However, he said he was very pleased with the 28-year-old winger’s performance and hoped to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Buchnevich is signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $5.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know how many teams called about Buchnevich. The media rumor mill had him high on the list of top trade candidates leading up to the deadline. Armstrong probably got a lot of calls about him, but it’s believed his high asking price discouraged potential suitors.

SENATORS HANG ONTO JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios insisted for the last two months that his club wasn’t trying to trade Jakob Chychrun. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old defenseman was the subject of rumors leading up to Friday’s trade deadline.

The assumption was the market for Chychrun would pick up once the Vegas Golden Knights acquired blueliner Noah Hanifin earlier this week. The Tampa Bay Lightning were said to be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun has a year remaining on his contract. Staios has said he’d like to sign him to a contract extension this summer. Perhaps he’ll gauge Chychrun’s value in the trade market if the two sides fail to agree to a new deal.