NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 4, 2024

by | Mar 4, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 4, 2024

Recaps of Sunday’s games, Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov is sent to their AHL affiliate, the Rangers sign Jonathan Quick to a contract extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid extended his points streak to 11 games in a 6-1 thrashing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Zach Hyman tallied twice and Leon Draisaitl collected three assists for the Oilers (37-20-2) as they sit second in the Pacific Division with 76 points. Evgeni Malkin replied for the 27-24-8 Penguins (62 points). They have lost three straight games and are 10 points out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman has 42 goals this season and is on pace to crack the vaunted 50-goal plateau for the first time in his career. He’s also tied with Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart for second place in the goal-scoring race. Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews leads the league with 53 goals.

Speaking of McDavid, he now has 97 points and sits four back of Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon in the points race. Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is the league leader with 105 points.

As for the Penguins, they have no choice but to become sellers leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. Their hopes of a bounce-back performance after missing the playoff last season are all but dashed now.

The Vancouver Canucks moved within one point of the league-leading Florida Panthers by nipping the Anaheim Ducks 2-1. Conor Garland’s tie-breaker in the second period was the game-winner for the 39-17-7 Canucks, who sit second in the overall standings with 85 points. Alex Killorn scored and Lukas Dostal stopped 29 shots for the 22-36-3 Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks played without defenseman Tyler Myers. He’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Four unanswered third-period goals lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Josh Morrissey, Morgan Barron, Vladislav Namestnikov and Sean Monahan were the goal scorers as the Jets improved to 39-16-5 and took over first place in the Central Division with 83 points. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 30 saves for the 29-29-4 Sabres.

Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault netted a hat trick as his club defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-1. Kevin Fiala had a goal and two assists while Cam Talbot turned aside 30 shots for the Kings (31-19-10) as they hold the first Western Conference wildcard spot with 72 points. Timo Meier scored for the 30-27-4 Devils (64 points), who sit eight points out of the final Eastern wildcard spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Eastern clubs with fading playoff hopes, the Devils will need an immediate boost by Friday’s trade deadline or they can forget about qualifying for the 2024 postseason. Some observers suggest replacing Lindy Ruff as head coach but a new bench boss won’t improve their goaltending and blueline depth.

The Minnesota Wild got a hat trick from Kirill Kaprizov in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks. Matt Boldy collected two assists for the 29-27-6 Wild (64 points), who sit eight points out of the final Western wild-card berth. Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 28 shots for the 15-39-6 Sharks.

Arizona Coyotes forward Dylan Guenther had a goal and two assists as his club downed the Washington Capitals 5-2. Nick Schmaltz had a goal and an assist for the 25-31-5 Coyotes. Anthony Mantha tallied his 20th goal of the season for the 28-23-9 Capitals, who sit seven points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Capitals announced they were sending center Evgeny Kuznetsov to their AHL affiliate in Hershey after he cleared waivers yesterday. Kuznetsov was recently cleared to resume practicing with the Capitals by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. It’s unclear if he’ll report to or play for Hershey.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed goaltender Jonathan Quick to a one-year, $1.275 million contract extension. Quick, 38, has rebounded from an eventful 2022-23 season to become Igor Shesterkin’s backup with a record of 13-5-2 with a 2.45 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn left labrum.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL winger Tim Ecclestone, 76, passed away on March 2. He played 11 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Flames from 1967-68 to 1977-78, scoring 126 goals and 233 assists for 359 points in 692 regular-season games and 17 points in 48 playoff contests. He remained in Atlanta following his playing career and became a restaurateur.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Ecclestone’s family, friends and former teammates.










Vancouver Canucks Sign Elias Pettersson To A Contract Extension

by | Mar 2, 2024

Vancouver Canucks Sign Elias Pettersson To A Contract Extension

The Vancouver Canucks announced they’ve signed Elias Pettersson to an eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension. The average annual value is $11.6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston reports Pettersson will carry the NHL’s fifth-highest cap hit starting next season. Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews leads the pack with $13.25 million, followed by the Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million), the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid ($12.5 million) and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin ($11.642 million).

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

It’s also just slightly more than Toronto’s William Nylander. On January 8, he inked an eight-year, $92 million contract ($11.5 million AAV).

Some of you will argue that the Canucks overpaid for Pettersson and that he’s not worth that much. However, the stats say otherwise. Since his Calder Trophy debut in 2018-19, he leads the Canucks in total goals (165) and points (398) while sitting third in assists with 165. He’s regularly finished among their top-two scorers each season (including two first-place finishes) except for his injury-shortened 2020-21 campaign.

Pettersson tallied a career-high 102 points last season, becoming the first Canuck to reach 100 points since Daniel Sedin in 2010-11 and only the fifth in franchise history to do so. With 75 points in 62 games this season, he could reach 100 points again.

The Canucks are enjoying their best season in years, jockeying for first place in the overall standings. They believe their Stanley Cup window is opening. To win hockey’s holy grail, they need a strong core.

Pettersson is key to that core and will remain so through his playing prime. If he maintains his recent offensive output throughout that contract it will be money well spent.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2024

by | Mar 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2024

The latest on Elias Pettersson’s contract situation, updates on the Golden Knights, Oilers, and Islanders, a look at the market for defensemen following the Chris Tanev trade, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS AND PETTERSSON RESUME CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOLLOWING TRADE TALKS WITH THE HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliott Friedman reports multiple sources claim trade discussions between the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes regarding Elias Pettersson reached a stage where the Canucks and Pettersson decided to renew their contract talks.

Earlier this season, Pettersson had said he preferred to wait until the end of this season to open negotiations. The 25-year-old center is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Nevertheless, his agent and Canucks management maintained lines of communication during this season.

Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday that significant progress toward an extension had been made. If it’s completed, Friedman believes it will provide the Canucks with a clearer picture of their future salary-cap space heading toward the March 8 traded deadline.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the two sides are looking at contract options from three to eight years. He suspects the average annual value will be slightly above the $11.5 million that William Nylander will receive from the Toronto Maple Leafs starting next season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos reported hearing the Canucks offered up an eight-year, $96 million contract to the Pettersson camp. The AAV on that is $12 million.

It’s interesting that the Canucks and Hurricanes were in trade talks about Pettersson. That would’ve been a blockbuster that would have shaken up the trade market heading toward the March 8 deadline.

In a recent interview with Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell, Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun reported he was interested in acquiring a forward with term remaining on his contract. This would’ve been a different scenario but one that would have given the Hurricanes control over Pettersson’s contract rights.

The Hurricanes have a projected $31.6 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 10 active roster players under contract. They could afford to re-sign Pettersson but I daresay they also would’ve had to give up a valuable roster player as part of the package, perhaps a forward such as Seth Jarvis or maybe right-shot defenseman Brett Pesce in a sign-and-trade deal.

LATEST FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are shopping for forwards in the trade market.

Vegas captain Mark Stone is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is expected to utilize his $9.5 million cap hit to seek a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights haven’t placed Stone on long-term injury reserve yet but could do so in anticipation of a trade. It’ll be the second straight season that their captain has been sidelined down the stretch, enabling them to use the LTIR cap savings to bolster their roster.

I can hear the howls of outrage from critics of the LTIR system or fans baselessly accusing the Golden Knights of cheating. Yeah, like every team in the league wants their best player sidelined for the remainder of the season so they can garner cap relief.

Folks who don’t like the LTIR system don’t seem to mind it when it benefits their club. You scarcely hear a peep from them then.

Dreger also reports the Edmonton Oilers are targeting a top-six forward. He believes they’re looking at players such as the New Jersey Devils’ Tyler Toffoli, the St. Louis Blues’ Pavel Buchnevich, or the Seattle Kraken’s Jordan Eberle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the week, Dreger reported that Toffoli was garnering interest in the trade market but the Devils prefer to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent.

The Oilers were also linked to Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal speculated that Oilers GM Ken Holland could pursue a winger and is also looking at defensemen following a rumored attempt at acquiring Chris Tanev before he was traded to Dallas.

Speaking of Tanev, Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche were in on the former Flames defenseman.

Meanwhile, Chris Johnston believes the return the Flames received for Tanev (prospect defenseman Artem Grushnikov, second-round pick, conditional third-rounder) could set the market for other blueliners like the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker or the Arizona Coyotes’ Matt Dumba heading toward the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Comparable blueliners won’t fetch a first-round pick in this season’s trade market.

Pierre LeBrun reports nothing new on the trade front for Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning really like the 27-year-old Hanifin but they lack first-round picks in this year’s draft. He also carries a modified no-trade clause plus his agent could also seek a contract extension for his client.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun speculated those factors could force Flames GM Craig Conroy to remain patient. He could take this up to the deadline before pulling the trigger on a Hanifin deal.

In his column for The Athletic: LeBrun wrote that the Montreal Canadiens aren’t committed to trading rearguard David Savard but that doesn’t mean they won’t do so. However, they’ve set a certain bar that interested clubs must reach with their trade offers.

Savard, 33, is signed through next season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The Canadiens could wait until the offseason to move him or next year’s deadline. LeBrun thinks it could take a first-round pick, a young player with a value equivalent to a first-rounder, or multiple picks with a combined value equivalent to a first to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A very high bar indeed. It appears that they set that price to discourage clubs from pursuing him.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN TARASENKO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if the New York Islanders would be interested in Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old Ottawa Senators winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Rosner noted the Islanders were among a handful of teams interested in Tarasenko when he requested a trade from the St. Louis Blues in 2021.

The Islanders have limited salary-cap space. Rosner speculates it would mean sending a hefty contract the other way.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 29, 2024

by | Feb 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 29, 2024

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars, Bruins, Senators, Predators, Rangers, Islanders, Leafs, Flyers, Kraken and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST FROM “KYPER’S KORNER”

THE TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reported hearing the latest offer to Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks is an eight-year, $96 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported the Canucks had made progress in negotiations with the Petersen camp on a possible eight-year deal. $96 million over that period is an average annual value of $12 million. Stay tuned!

Kypreos expects the Dallas Stars could pursue another defenseman after adding Chris Tanev and only taking on 50 percent of his salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames retained 50 percent of Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit with the Devils picking up $1.125 million and the Stars $1.125 million. Nevertheless, as Kypreos points out, the Stars have the cap space ($2.05 million) to add another defenseman if they wish by the March 8 trade deadline.

The Boston Bruins are pushing hard to acquire Noah Hanifin. The Calgary Flames seek “three significant pieces” from the Bruins for the 27-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I jokingly suggested Jake DeBrusk for Hanifin yesterday. In reality, it will be daunting for the Bruins to pull this off. They don’t have any picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft to draw on for trade bait, their prospect pool is shallow and there aren’t many roster players they can afford to part with.

I’m not saying the Bruins can’t meet the Flames’ asking price but other clubs with more cap space, draft picks and prospects could outbid them.

The goalie market is shrinking. Marc-Andre Fleury, John Gibson and Juuse Saros are unlikely to be moved by the trade deadline. Meanwhile, teams could be less willing to pitch a mind-blowing offer to the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since this was published, the Wild stated they’re not trading Fleury while the Predators intend to hang onto Saros while they’re in playoff contention. Gibson’s contract remains too expensive for the Ducks to move in the offseason. The Devils were interested in Markstrom but the Flames aren’t willing to retain half of his $6 million average annual value, which runs through 2025-26.

UPDATE ON THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL hockey operations executive saying it would be a gutsy move by the Boston Bruins to trade goaltender Linus Ullmark before the trade deadline.

The executive gave Shinzawa three reasons why it would make sense to move Ullmark. It would allow them to upgrade other areas of the roster, and free up $5 million in cap space, and Jeremy Swayman is ready to be the full-time starter.

However, Shinzawa believes moving Ullmark would require adding an experienced backup for Swayman as promising Brandon Bussi hasn’t played an NHL game yet. Finding a suitable trade partner for Ullmark, who has a 16-team no-trade clause, could be difficult.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out trading Ullmark by the deadline but that move seems more likely in the offseason. A strong goalie tandem has enabled the Bruins to jockey for first overall in the standings in what was supposed to be a transition season for the club.

Shinzawa also considered it unlikely that the Bruins would move defenseman Matt Grzelcyk at the trade deadline. That would mean risking his departure this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports winger Jake DeBrusk confirms his contract extension talks with Bruins management have stalled. That’s raised questions over whether the 27-year-old winger will be traded to a team like the Edmonton Oilers by the March 8 deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Bruins trading DeBrusk solely because of his pending UFA status. They won’t move him (or Ullmark or Grzelcyk for that matter) for draft picks or prospects. They’ll want a return that helps them contend for the Stanley Cup this season.

They could move one of them for picks and prospects to clear cap space to move another player for immediate roster help. If that’s not possible, they’ll likely keep DeBrusk as an “own rental” for the playoffs and deal with his contract situation after that.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

TSN: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug there was no truth to social media rumors claiming captain Brady Tkachuk was on the trade block.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

“That could not be further from the truth,” said Staios. “There’s obviously no truth to that. We’re building this team around Brady Tkachuk and the type of person, player, and leader that he is.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That hasn’t stopped some pundits from speculating over the possibility of the team they cover acquiring Tkachuk. If you’re gonna dream, dream big.

Staios also addressed recent Jakob Chychrun rumors, once again expressing his disappointment that the defenseman’s name has been mentioned again. However, he acknowledged that conversations come up with other clubs and names get bandied about.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios also expressed disappointment last month over Chychrun’s name surfacing in the rumor mill. At that time, he said he hoped to re-sign the 25-year-old blueliner, who has a year remaining on his contract. By the sound of things, teams are asking Staios about Chychrun. It doesn’t sound like he’s shopping him but he could at least be listening to offers.

The Senators GM also said Vladimir Tarasenko is drawing some interest in the trade market. However, he didn’t commit to moving the 32-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumored asking price for Tarasenko is a second-round pick and a prospect.

WHAT ARE THE PREDATORS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators’ surge up the standings will affect how general manager Barry Trotz approaches the trade deadline. He’s balancing long and short-term needs but LeBrun believes he’s in a hold or add position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t be trading away Juuse Saros unless someone is willing to overpay for the privilege. They’ll also likely hang on to defenseman Alexandre Carrier.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty noted that Trotz hopes to re-sign forward Tommy Novak, a player he’s mentioned as someone he didn’t want to lose to free agency this summer. He listed the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning as possible destinations if Trotz decides to move Novak by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Novak is another that Trotz could hang on to even at the risk of losing him to free agency. If he doesn’t move Novak, a contract extension is possible.

DUCKS SCOUTING RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek scouting the Rangers’ 4-1 win last night over Columbus. The Rangers have been linked to Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano. It’s unclear who he was scouting unless it’s Kaapo Kakko, which doesn’t make sense to Brooks unless it’s for a blockbuster deal involving Trevor Zegras. Brooks indicated there’s no indication that sort of deal is on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers don’t face the Ducks again this season. Neither do the Blue Jackets.

COULD THE ISLANDERS SHOP PAGEAU?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears wondered if the Islanders might move Jean-Gabriel Pageau to free up some cap space. It doesn’t seem likely given his $5 million AAV through 2025-26 and his 16-team no-trade clause. However, he could help a playoff team that needs a middle-six forward with defensive acumen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can see the Isles moving Pageau if they agree to retain half his cap hit. Otherwise, no. 

THE LEAFS STILL NEED A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted the Maple Leafs pressing need is a right-shot defenseman. The heat is increasing on GM Brad Treliving to address this issue, especially after the Stars acquired Chris Tanev from the Flames. Koshan listed Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker, Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin, and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier as trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker and Carrier could be unavailable with their current clubs holding playoff positions.

UPDATES ON THE FLYERS, CAPITALS AND KRAKEN

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers could get a first-round pick for Sean Walker.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd remains “very much” on the Edmonton Oilers’ radar. Capitals winger Anthony Mantha could also draw some interest from the Oilers.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte reports struggling Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto could become a trade candidate if the club becomes a seller by the March 8 deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2024

by | Feb 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2024

Check out the latest on Elias Pettersson, Jake Guentzel, Juuse Saros, Tyler Toffoli and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DON’T BUY INTO THE ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE RUMORS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ken Campbell noted recent reports about teams calling the Vancouver Canucks regarding Elias Pettersson. The gifted 25-year-old center becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. While the Canucks are said to be interested in signing Pettersson, he’s not indicated what his long-term intentions will be.

Campbell believes it’s far too early for any trade talk about Pettersson. The Canucks own his rights for the next 17 months and it would make no sense for them to move him now, especially when they’re hoping to stage a deep playoff run this spring. He also doubts they’d get equal value in return by moving him at the trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt that some general managers are calling the Canucks to find out what’s going on with Pettersson. However, they’re not trading him because there’s no reason to do so now.

Pettersson made it clear at the start of this season that he wanted to put his focus on his play rather than contract talks. It’s rumored Canucks management has gently tried to broach the issue with an eight-year offer worth over $12 million annually. If so, it hasn’t had the desired effect.

We’ll learn Pettersson’s true intentions once this season ends. If the Canucks keep playing well and look like a Cup contender (or even win it all this season), he could sign a lucrative long-term extension making him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players. If not, it’ll be worthwhile to ponder where he’ll play next.

PENGUINS SET HIGH ASKING PRICE FOR GUENTZEL (FOR REAL THIS TIME!)

TSN: cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins have set a sky-high asking price for Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. While currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, he’s expected to return to action by mid-March.

Kaplan said she’s heard Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas seeks multiple first-round draft picks or a first-rounder and equivalent in top prospects or roster players. She cited one rival executive calling the price tag for Guentzel “ridiculous.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this month we had a rumor circulating that Dubas had set a high price for Guentzel. It was dismissed because he claimed he hadn’t spoken to other clubs about the winger yet. That’s likely changed by now with the Penguins struggling to stay in the race for a wild-card spot as the trade deadline draws near.

There’s no question Guentzel is drawing attention in the trade market. Whether someone steps up to meet Dubas’ price remains to be seen. That rumored high price tag could be reduced if he doesn’t get sufficient interest leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying that some observers think the Red Wings could be a fit for Guentzel. Allen has his doubts given the winger’s nearly 30 and seeks a seven or eight-year contract. He noted that Friedman pointed out that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman never hands out such contracts to 30-year-old players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Yzerman will be a buyer at this year’s trade deadline. He could pursue one of the notable trade candidates but I think he’ll pass on a big-ticket player like Guentzel because of the high cost of acquiring them.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators were linked to Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. He believes they’ve likely “kicked tires” there. Predators general manager Barry Trotz has publicly dismissed the possibility of trading Saros but that hasn’t stopped teams from making inquiries. The asking price, however, would be sky-high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators want Saros they might have to wait until the offseason with other rumored suitors like the New Jersey Devils. Nashville Hockey Now’s Michael Gallagher cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s reporting the Predators have told teams they’re not moving Saros while they’re in a position to make the playoffs.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports it’s unlikely the Senators will move defenseman Jakob Chychrun at the trade deadline. He’s signed through next season so there’s no rush to move him. It’s something that could be revisited in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will depend on whether he signs a contract extension. They could peddle him during the draft in late June if they fail to agree to a new contract.

DEVILS HOPE TO RE-SIGN TOFFOLI

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the New Jersey Devils prefer to re-sign winger Tyler Toffoli rather than shop him at the trade deadline. He’s slated to become a UFA but his agent and Devils management have had some discussions about a contract extension. Dreger thinks they could explore some of the interest they’re getting in Toffoli if they decide they’re not playoff-worthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cost of re-signing Toffoli could be the determining factor. It wasn’t something they were going to worry about if they were holding a playoff berth but they’re currently five points out of a wild-card spot. If they can gain some ground over the next week they’ll likely hang onto Toffoli and try to stage a run for that final Eastern playoff berth.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jamie Drysdale’s upper-body injury won’t affect the Philadelphia Flyers plans for the upcoming trade deadline. Defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker continue to garner trade market interest. They could move someone like Walker if a rival club steps up to meet their asking price

RANGERS LINKED TO WENNBERG

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Thomas Drance noted the recent rumors linking the New York Rangers to Seattle Kraken center Alex Wennberg. They speculated the Rangers could offer up a second-round pick and a lower-level prospect.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 25, 2024

by | Feb 25, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 25, 2024

Teams are calling about Canucks center Elias Pettersson, the latest on the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel and speculation that the Hurricanes could be listening on Martin Necas. Details on these and other trade conjecture on the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

GROWING INTEREST IN PETTERSSON

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported a lot of noise has developed over the past couple of weeks regarding Elias Pettersson. Teams are calling the Vancouver Canucks to ask what’s going on regarding the 25-year-old center’s contract situation and if he’s available.

Pettersson is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. He’s completing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $7.35 million.

Friedman said the Canucks don’t want to comment on this. He added that they’re telling teams they are trying to re-sign Pettersson.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Canucks position in the standings (first overall) I’ll be amazed if they were to trade Pettersson by the March 8 trade deadline. It’s rumored they’ve tabled a long-term contract with an AAV of $12 million but he prefers to wait until the offseason to discuss a new deal.

Given Pettersson’s RFA status, the Canucks are under no pressure to trade him by March 8. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement on a long-term extension and it appears he’ll head to market by his UFA eligibility in July 2025 they’ll shop him in June, probably leading up to the opening round of the 2024 draft.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are among the clubs interested in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having interest is one thing. Having the cap space to absorb the remainder of Guentzel’s $6 million cap hit as well as the tradeable assets to entice the Penguins is another. It could take some creativity on the part of one of these teams to pull it off, perhaps involving another club acting as a third-party broker.

Friedman also reports teams are inquiring about the Penguins goaltenders. They’ve got Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic at the NHL level and a promising prospect in Joel Blomqvist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless Jarry wants out, the more likely to move is Nedeljkovic. Jarry is the better of the two, leading the league with six shutouts and among the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He’s been among the few bright spots for the Penguins this season.

Jarry would fetch a nice return but if general manager Kyle Dubas is looking at retooling the roster rather than rebuilding he’ll want to hang onto his starting goalie. I don’t see him moving Blomqvist as he’s part of that youth movement that Dubas wants for the future.

Friedman also took time to calm the waters about his musing over the possibility of Erik Karlsson returning to Ottawa. “That’s just me spitballing,” he chuckled. “Let’s not get too crazy about that one at this point in time.”

HURRICANES LISTENING ON NECAS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports being told that the Carolina Hurricanes could be willing to entertain offers on winger Martin Necas. He also wondered if the Hurricanes would be calling the Calgary Flames about goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of spitballing, could the Hurricanes package Necas in a deal for Markstrom? Discuss it in the comments section below.

UPDATE ON THE DUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers are seeking some forward depth. He thinks they’re looking at Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. He’s not sure if they’re after both players or just one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been mentioned that the Oilers would like to add a third-line center and a gritty checking-line forward. Henrique would handle that center role plus he can also play on left wing while Carrick would bring a more physical presence to their checking lines. Of the two, Carrick would be the more affordable to acquire in terms of return and cap hit.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Ducks winger Frank Vatrano remains on the Rangers’ radar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also took notice of speculation suggesting the Rangers reacquire Pavel Buchnevich from the St. Louis Blues. However, he believes Vatrano is the better former Ranger to bring back into the fold, citing the strong chemistry he had with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider down the stretch in 2022.

TEAMS CALLING THE FLYERS ABOUT SEELER AND WALKER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes two teams have contacted the Philadelphia Flyers about defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker as a pair. They’ve been a solid defense duo this season and the Flyers have been weighing whether to sign or trade them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk earlier this season that the Toronto Maple Leafs had looked into Seeler and Walker after a failed attempt to acquire Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames before Zadorov was traded to Vancouver.

LATEST ON THE LEAFS, STARS, ISLANDERS AND COYOTES

SPORTSNET: Friedman said the Leafs continue to look for a right-shot defenseman. That’s been their focus for most of this season.

The Dallas Stars have been quietly among the more aggressive teams in the trade market. They’re seeking defense and depth.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello would like to add a more reliable No. 3 goaltender. Of the three they have with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, only one has a save percentage over .900.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong is once again in sell mode leading up to the trade deadline. The obvious trade candidates are rental players such as defenseman Matt Dumba and Jason Zucker.

Armstrong could get calls on players with a year left on their contracts like goaltender Karel Vejmelka and Nick Bjugstad. LeBrun said the Coyotes GM doesn’t sound motivated about Vejmelka and deflected when asked about Bjugstad.

The Coyotes are already well-stocked with draft picks but Armstrong is willing to accept more via trades. He pointed out that some of those picks will be used as trade currency to add established NHL players.