NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

by | Apr 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger believes acquiring a second-line center will be among the Vancouver Canucks’ priorities this summer.

The free-agent market is thin for such players. However, the Canucks aren’t afraid to spend some draft capital or prospects in the trade market.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has a year left on his contract. Dreger wondered what a contract extension might look like. He also thinks a trade could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Demko’s among the best goalies in the league. His stellar play last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and played a big role in the Canucks’ 109-point performance.

However, Demko’s absences due to injury create uncertainty about his effectiveness as a starter. The Canucks have also received solid goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year extension in February.

Despite Demko’s injury history, the lack of quality goalies in the trade and free-agent markets could make him an enticing trade chip for the Canucks if the two sides fail to agree to terms for an extension.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Thomas Drance what his top center trade targets would be for the Canucks this summer.

One option could be pursuing an older center on a risky contract like Steven Stamkos. Drance acknowledged the 34-year-old Stamkos’ no-movement clause but noted that he’s had a rough season with the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will probably have to look elsewhere for that type of center. Besides, Stamkos is more effective at left wing at this stage in his career.

Another option would be a promising young center who hasn’t broken out yet like Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals or Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets. Drance admits both would be expensive to acquire, but if the Canucks intend to make a big swing in this summer’s trade market, those would be the two to pursue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMichael has become part of the Capitals’ core this season with a 55-point performance. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $2.1 million. He’s not going anywhere.

Drance observed Perfetti had an acrimonious negotiation with the Jets last summer before agreeing to a two-year deal (at an AAV of $3.25 million). Perfetti would be the most likely to be available, but that doesn’t mean the Jets will move him.

The final option is a reliable veteran in his prime with some term left on his contract. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes fall into that category. Drance pointed out that the Bruins are rebuilding, which could make Zacha available. He also noted the Canucks were linked to Kotkaniemi in the past.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha is the better of the two. He had a career-high 59 points last season and has 45 points this season. However, he might not be available if the Bruins are retooling for a quick turnaround rather than staging a rebuild.

The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is younger than Zacha and has more contract certainty with five years remaining. However, he’s been inconsistent during his tenure with the Hurricanes and usually sees third-line center duty.

MORE CHANGE IN STORE FOR THE SABRES?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn examined why the Buffalo Sabres missed the playoff for the 14th straight season, and what might be in store during the offseason.

Fairburn noted the Sabres trading Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline. He believes more changes could be coming this season, citing their goals-against (fourth highest in the league) and woeful special-teams play (25th-ranked power play, 23rd-ranked penalty kill).

General manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff each have a year left on their contracts. Fairburn wondered if team owner Terry Pegula would make more changes in the front office and behind the bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ woes begin with Pegula. He’s provided the financial stability that ensures this club won’t be moved, but as Fairburn observes, the constant losing is taking a toll on its fanbase.

If Adams remains as general manager he’ll emphasize improving the Sabres goaltending and defensive game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2025

by | Apr 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2025

The Senators clinch their first playoff berth since 2017, the Capitals clinch the Metropolitan Division, the Canucks stage a history-making comeback, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators clinched their first playoff berth since 2016-17 despite a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fabian Zetterlund and Thomas Chabot scored for the Senators, who hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 90 points. Kent Johnson, Justin Danforth and Mathieu Olivier each had two points for the Blues Jackets (79 points), who sit eight points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Senators for ending their long playoff drought. The past several years have seen them go through an ownership change and a painful, at times fitful rebuilding process.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they moved a step closer to clinching the final Easter wild-card spot by defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Sam Montembault made 35 saves (including 22 in the first period) while Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher each had a goal and an assist as the Canadiens (87 points) picked up their sixth straight win to sit eight points above the Red Wings, Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal’s win assured the Senators of a playoff berth. It was the Canadiens’ sixth game in nine days, making their current win streak more impressive. The Wings, Jackets, Rangers and Isles all have a game in hand but the Habs need three points in their remaining four games to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Earlier in the day, the Canadiens signed highly-touted prospect Ivan Demidov to a three-year entry-level contract hours after he was released from his KHL deal. Demidov could be in the Canadiens’ lineup as early as Friday when they face the Senators. The way Demidov’s contract is structured, the first year will be used up regardless of the number of games played. He can also return to his KHL team next season if he fails to secure a roster spot with the Canadiens.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer made 33 saves to shut out the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0, handing the latter their third straight loss. Tage Thompson scored his 44th goal for the Sabres, who were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the 14th straight season. The Hurricanes remain second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points. Their loss to the Sabres ensured the idle Washington Capitals clinched the division crown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes center Jesperi Kotkaniemi missed this game with an undisclosed injury and is expected to be out for at least a week.

The Vancouver Canucks staged a history-making comeback against the Dallas Stars with three goals within the final minute of the third period before winning the game 6-5 on an overtime goal by Kiefer Sherwood. Pius Suter scored two of those last-minute goals and Conor Garland collected three assists for the Canucks (85 points), who staved off elimination from the Western Conference wild-card race. Mikael Granlund had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who sit second in the Central Division with 106 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the first team in NHL history to erase a three-goal deficit in the final minute of regulation. They are six points behind the Minnesota Wild in the Western wild-card race.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images).

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists in a 7-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Pastrnak reached the 100-point plateau for the third straight season with 16 points in his last seven games. The Devils hold third place in the Metro Division with 89 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a history-making performance for Pastrnak, joining Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito as the only Bruins to record three straight 100-point seasons. He’s also the first Czech-born NHL player to do so. Jaromir Jagr had five 100-plus point campaigns but never did it in three consecutive seasons.

Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has been sidelined since March 4 with a lower-body injury. He’s skating on his own and could return to the lineup for the first round of the playoffs.

Third-period goals by Eetu Luostarinen and Carter Verhaeghe lifted the Florida Panthers over the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1. John Tavares scored his 37th goal of the season for the Leafs, who remain first in the Atlantic Division with 98 points. The Panthers sit four points behind the Leafs in third place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for the silly conspiracy theory that the Panthers were sandbagging the rest of their schedule to finish lower in the standings to ensure they face the Leafs in the first round. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Gustav Forsling returned to the injury-ravaged Panthers lineup for this game.

The Colorado Avalanche overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Third-period goals by Valeri Nichushkin and Jimmy Vesey set the stage for Charlie Coyle’s game-winner in the shootout. With 100 points, the Avalanche sit third in the Central Division. William Karlsson and Brayden McNabb scored for the Golden Knights, who sit first in the Pacific Division with 103 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nathan MacKinnon picked up an assist for his 116th point, moving one ahead of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov into first place in the scoring race. He also has 1,015 points in 870 regular-season games, tying him with Joe Sakic for the Denver-based Avalanche scoring record. Sakick also reached that milestone in 870 games.

Golden Knights center Jack Eichel missed this game with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson scored his 200th goal as his club blanked the Chicago Blackhawks 5-0. Tristan Jarry turned in a 26-save shutout and Kevin Hayes collected two goals for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pittsburgh rookie Rutger McGroarty left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot by Blackhawks center Connor Bedard. Penguins forward Blake Lizotte missed this contest with an undisclosed injury.

The Nashville Predators nipped the New York Islanders 7-6 on an overtime goal by Fedor Svechkov. Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting scored late in the third period to set the stage for Svechkov’s game-winner. Simon Holmstrom scored twice and set up two others for the Islanders, who sit eight points behind the Canadiens in the Eastern wild-card chase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders starting goalie Ilya Sorokin missed the third period for precautionary reasons with an upper-body injury. Head coach Patrick Roy said Sorokin should be ok but they didn’t want to take any chances.

The Utah Hockey Club defeated the Seattle Kraken 7-1, setting a franchise record for the most goals in one game since moving to Utah. Dylan Guenther and Mikhail Sergachev each had three points as Utah (84 points) sit seven points behind the Wild in the Western wild-card race.

IN OTHER NEWS:

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a group of inherited disorders that affects the skin, joints and blood vessel walls.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lucius’ dream of becoming an NHL player reached a sad, sudden end. Here’s hoping he finds success elsewhere in the game or in whatever non-hockey endeavor he chooses.

CALGARY SUN: Flames top prospect Zayne Parekh signed his entry-level contract on Tuesday. With the Flames chasing a playoff berth, the young defenseman might not get a chance to see any playing time during the club’s final five regular-season games.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL player Brendan Lemieux was suspended four games in Switzerland’s National League playoffs after punching a linesman in a scrum during a postseason game against ZSC Lions.

TSN: Alex Faulkner, the first Newfoundland-born player to compete in the NHL, passed away in Bishop Falls at age 88. Faulkner made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1961-62 season. He went on to play 100 games with the Detroit Red Wings from 1962-63 to 1963-64.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Faulkner’s family, friends and former teammates. He blazed the trail for 30 other Newfoundland-born players to reach the NHL, including Michael Ryder, Daniel Cleary, Ryane Clowe, Teddy Purcell, Alex Newhook and Dawson Mercer.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 7, 2025

by | Apr 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 7, 2025

Could this season be the latest for Brock Boeser with the Canucks and Nikolaj Ehlers with the Jets? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the next 10 days could be the last for winger Brock Boeser with the Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser, 28, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. The Canucks are poised to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

It’s been an up-and-down season for Boeser amid a season of turmoil for the Canucks. He said he’s trying not to think about the possibility of moving on after this season. Boeser admitted the trade rumors swirling around him before last month’s trade deadline affected his play.

Boeser doesn’t know what the future holds, but he knows his improved performance down the stretch will stand him in good stead.

SPORTSNET: Jacob Stoller noted that the Winnipeg Jets’ 4-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday could be a preview of life without winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who is day-to-day with an injury.

Ehlers, 29, plays a key role on the Jets’ second line, tallying 60-plus points four times. He’s UFA-eligible on July 1 and was the subject of trade speculation last summer. At the time, he was reportedly open to a change of scenery.

If Ehlers departs, it could be difficult to find a replacement. Stoller observed the Jets are not a prime destination for free agents. He suggested general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could parlay a first-round pick for a play-driving top-six winger. However, it’s difficult to determine who could be available in this summer’s trade market and if the Jets first-rounder would be enough.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has Boeser sitting second and Ehlers at seventh on his list of this summer’s top unrestricted free agents.

Both players will be in high demand when the UFA market opens on July 1, especially if other notable forwards ahead of them on this list (Toronto’s Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Dallas’ Matt Duchene and Florida’s Sam Bennett) end up re-signing with their current clubs.

Boeser and Ehlers could also decide to stay with their current teams. However, the pull of lucrative long-term contracts could prove irresistible.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2025

by | Apr 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2025

The Kings, Lightning and Panthers clinch playoff berths, the Blues set a franchise record for consecutive wins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff berth by blanking the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Darcy Kuemper turned in a 27-save shutout while Kevin Fiala tallied his 30th goal of the season as the Kings sit second in the Pacific Division with 97 points, reaching the postseason for the fourth straight year. The Oilers remain in third place behind the Kings with 93 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, defenseman Mattias Ekholm and goaltender Stuart Skinner missed this game with injuries. McDavid is expected to return later this week.

Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson scored his 40th goal as the Buffalo Sabres upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on shootout goals by Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch. Brayden Point and Gage Goncalves tallied for Tampa Bay, who clinched a playoff berth in second place in the Atlantic Division with 94 points. It’s the eighth straight season the Lightning have qualified for the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have surged recently, winning seven of their last 10 games. Sitting 11 points out of a wild-card berth with seven games remaining, this hot streak comes too late to save their season.

Ottawa Senators netminder Anton Forsberg kicked out 40 shots to shut out the Florida Panthers 3-0. Jake Sanderson had a goal and an assist for the Senators as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 88 points, four back of the third-place Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Despite the loss, the Panthers clinched a playoff berth for the sixth straight season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida has gone 3-6-1 in their last 10 games while Ottawa is 5-4-1. Both teams have six games left. The Senators could overtake the Panthers in the standings if the latter doesn’t snap out of its funk.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

The St. Louis Blues set a franchise record with their 12th straight win by holding off the Colorado Avalanche 5-4. Robert Thomas scored the game-winner and collected three assists, Cam Fowler had three helpers and Zack Bolduc tallied twice as the Blues hold a four-point lead over the Minnesota Wild for the first Western Conference wild-card spot. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 115 points, MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in the scoring race.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz turned aside 27 shots in a 5-0 shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nick Robertson and William Nylander each scored two goals for the Leafs, who hold a four-point lead over the Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews scored his 30th goal, becoming the first American-born NHL player to reach that milestone in nine consecutive seasons. The loss puts the Blue Jackets (77 points) six points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern wild card.

Speaking of the Canadiens, they got third-period goals by Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki for a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, eliminating the latter from the playoff race. The Canadiens have won four straight games and opened a four-point lead over the New York Rangers for the final Eastern wild card with 83 points. Ryan Poehling and Tyson Foerster replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suzuki is two points away from becoming the first Canadien to reach 85 points in a season since Pierre Turgeon and Vincent Damphousse in 1995-96. Habs winger Josh Anderson missed this game as his wife is due to give birth soon.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 26 saves to blank the Rangers 4-0. Timo Meier scored two goals for the Devils, who sit third in the Metro Division with 89 points. With 79 points, the Rangers are four back of the Canadiens in the Eastern wild-card chase.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blueshirts are sputtering with a record of 3-6-1. They and the Canadiens have six games remaining with the latter riding a four-game win streak.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had a hat trick and two assists in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Morgan Geekie had a goal and four assists for the Bruins, who were officially eliminated from the postseason race. Hurricanes rookie Justin Robidas scored his first NHL goal. His club sits second in the Metropolitan Division with 96 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pastrnak’s been among the few bright spots in a miserable season for the Bruins. He reached the 40-goal plateau for the fifth time, tying him for second with Rick Middleton among the Bruins all-time scoring leaders. Phil Esposito holds the franchise record with seven 40-goal campaigns.

If Robidas’ last name sounds familiar, he’s the son of former NHL defenseman Stephane Robidas.

An overtime goal by Reilly Smith lifted the Vegas Golden Knights past the Calgary Flames 3-2. Smith finished the game with two goals and Shea Theodore collected three assists as the Golden Knights remain atop the Pacific Division with 100 points, three up on the Kings. Joel Hanley and Matt Coronato scored for the Flames (85 points), who collected a point to sit four behind the Wild for the final Western wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a hat trick and collected an assist in a 5-3 upset of the Dallas Stars, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Evgenii Dadonov had a hat trick for the Stars, who remain four points behind the first-place Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby reached the 30-goal mark for the 13th time in his career.

Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka stopped 32 shots to beat the Jets 4-1. Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton and Kevin Stenlund each had a goal and an assist for Utah. Mark Scheifele tallied his 38th goal of the season for the league-leading Jets (108 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers missed this game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

A five-goal first period lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Thatcher Demko made 30 saves while Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes each had two points. Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win keeps the Canucks’ fading playoff hopes alive. With 83 points, they’re six behind the Wild in the Western wild-card race.

The Seattle Kraken defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-1. Jared McCann had two goals and an assist for the Kraken. Rookie Will Smith tallied his 14th goal for the Sharks.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 5, 2025

by | Apr 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 5, 2025

The latest on the Canucks and Bruins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Earlier this week, Patrick Johnston mused on what he called “the most disappointing Vancouver Canuck season in recent memory” as the club’s playoff hopes were all but dashed following their 5-0 loss to the Seattle Kraken.

Johnston wondered what head coach Rick Tocchet’s path forward would be following this trying season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet is in the final season of his contract with the Canucks, but they hold a one-year option on that deal. He’s open to discussing an extension following this season but the club’s difficulties raised speculation that he might move on.

Tocchet’s been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers, who replaced John Tortorella as head coach last week with Brad Shaw on an interim basis. Tocchet spent 11 of his 18-season NHL playing career with the Flyers and remains well-respected and popular among their fan base.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Johnston also wondered how management would address their depth at center. “If they do keep Elias Pettersson, who are they going to find to be the other top-line center?” “Is Pius Suter really the second-line center behind Pettersson?”

If the Canucks trade Pettersson this summer, they’ll likely have to retain part of his $11.6 million average annual value. Finding a suitable replacement will be difficult.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading J.T. Miller in January did little to improve Pettersson’s production. With 45 points in 64 games, he’s having the worst performance of his seven-season NHL career. Since the Miller trade, he has 17 points in 30 games.

Nevertheless, Pettersson had 89 points in 82 games last season and 102 points in 2022-23. The Canucks know what he’s capable of and that there is no one available to replace his production when he’s on top of his game. Unless they intend to tear down the roster and rebuild, trading Pettersson makes no sense.

Even if they trade Pettersson, they won’t get fair value in return. His expensive contract and poor performance this season hurt his value in the trade market. Their best option is retaining Pettersson and hope he has a bounce-back performance.

BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Washington Capitals offer a template for the Boston Bruins to quickly retool their roster.

He suggests the Bruins bring in a younger, less experienced coach who can grow with the team, suggesting former Providence Bruins coach Jay Leach, who is now part of the Seattle Kraken’s coaching staff.

Shinzawa also recommends building around David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy through the trade and free-agent markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston won’t tear things down to the studs with Pastrnak, Swayman and McAvoy in their prime and under long-term contracts. They must build up around those three as quickly as possible while they remain at their peak.

Bruins management has $28.8 million available next season with 11 active roster players under contract. They have the cap space to make additions this summer. The aim could be landing younger, affordable NHL-ready players from cap-strapped clubs or those looking to shake up their rosters.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

by | Mar 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

Should the Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette and re-sign K’Andre Miller? What should the next contract for Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko look like? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at the case for and against replacing Peter Laviolette as head coach of the New York Rangers.

If the Rangers decide to replace Laviolette, Staple doubts they’ll hire a coach from the amateur ranks like David Carle of the University of Colorado or Cam Abbott of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette (NHL.com).

Staple observed that Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan was on the Rangers’ shortlist two years ago. However, Sullivan said he isn’t ready to leave the Penguins and there’s no certainty he’d want to join the Rangers if he became available.

The league has cleared Joel Quenneville to return to the NHL coaching ranks. However, he comes with considerable baggage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laviolette’s status will come under scrutiny after this season, especially if the Rangers miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year.

LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the Rangers are reaching a crossroads with K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1

Miller struggled through injury and inconsistency during the first half of this season. His performance improved after being paired with Will Borgen but his name still surfaced in trade rumors. Despite his inconsistencies, he remains the best left-shot defenseman in the organization.

Finding a suitable replacement for Miller if they trade him won’t be easy. There are limited options in the unrestricted free-agent market. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets are older and would cost more to sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano suggests the Rangers sign Miller to a two-year deal to take him up to his UFA eligibility. A better option could be available by then or Miller’s performance might improve enough to earn him a lucrative long-term deal with the Rangers.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Should your club trade Miller or sign him? Should they replace Laviolette or give him another season? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT COULD THATCHER DEMKO’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently observed that Thatcher Demko has a year remaining on his contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Demko’s average annual value of $5 million is below what comparable goalies are making. Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators will earn $8.25 million annually on his new four-year contract starting next season.

The 29-year-old Demko’s strong performance last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. However, he also has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzma believes Demko should seek a deal similar to Ullmark’s. The Canucks could lock him up this summer on a four or five-year contract extension. However, his injury concerns could have them wait and see how he performs next season.