NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 10, 2024

by | Mar 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 10, 2024

The Bruins’ David Pastrnak nets his 40th goal of the season, a hat trick performance by Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault, a franchise-record performance by the Lightning’s Darren Raddysh, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his 40th goal of the season in a 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Linus Ullmark kicked out 38 shots and Pavel Zacha scored twice and collected an assist for the Bruins (38-13-15) as they sit third in the overall standings with 91 points. Kris Letang scored for the Penguins as they dropped to 28-26-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm had two assists in his return to the roster after missing nine games with a lower-body injury.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Jonathan Marchessault scored the go-ahead and insurance goals to complete his hat trick as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3. Jack Eichel collected three assists for the 34-23-7 Golden Knights as they hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot with 75 points. Michael Rasmussen had a goal and an assist for the slumping Red Wings (33-25-6) as they slipped into the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have lost five straight games. With captain Dylan Larkin sidelined by an injury, general manager Steve Yzerman could regret not making a significant move at the trade deadline to bolster his roster down the stretch…The Golden Knights placed forward William Carrier on long-term injury reserve. He’s been sidelined for 30 games with an upper-body injury.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Darren Raddysh set a single-game franchise record for defensemen with five assists in a 7-0 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers. Andrei Vasilevskiy had a 25-save shutout and Victor Hedman scored twice and picked up an assist. The Lightning (34-25-6) moved into the first Eastern wildcard berth with 74 points. The Flyers (33-24-8) remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 74 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers Head coach John Tortorella was ejected midway through the first period for arguing with the on-ice officials…Lightning blueliner Erik Cernak left this game with a lower-body injury. There was no postgame update regarding his status.

Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and picked up an assist in his first game with the Florida Panthers as they downed the Calgary Flames 5-1. Anthony Stolarz stopped 34 shots for the Panthers (44-17-4) as they sit in first place in the overall standings with 92 points. Yegor Sharangovich scored to match his career-high of 46 points as the Flames dropped to 31-27-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Evan Rodrigues left this game with injuries. Ekblad was hurt following a knee-on-knee collision with Tarasenko and Rodrigues injured his left ankle blocking a shot. Both will be evaluated on Sunday.

The Vancouver Canucks blanked the Winnipeg Jets 5-0. Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith combined for a 22-save shutout after Demko left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander each had a goal and an assist as the Canucks (42-17-7) remain in second place in the overall standings with 91 points. Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 32 shots for the 40-18-5 Jets as they sit second in the Central Division with 85 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said he didn’t think Demko’s injury was serious, but admitted he hadn’t spoken with the team’s medical staff. We could learn more about his condition today.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin had a 26-save shutout in a 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox each had two assists for the Rangers (41-18-6), who sit in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 86 points. Jordan Binnington stopped 35 shots for the 32-29-3 Blues, who have lost three straight games.

The Dallas Stars opened a four-point lead over the Jets for first place in the Central (89 points) as they crowned the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski each had a goal and an assist for the 40-17-9 Stars. Kevin Fiala replied for the Kings (32-20-11) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 75 points.

A shootout goal by Alex Tuch lifted the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 30 saves for the 30-30-5 Sabres while Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid’s points streak ended at 13 games. Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod each had a goal and an assist as the Oilers (38-21-3) are in second place in the Pacific Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres appeared to have the game won in the dying seconds of overtime but Owen Power’s goal was ruled offside following a coach’s challenge. Both teams were in their dressing rooms during the review and were called back onto the ice to finish the game.

The Carolina Hurricanes tallied three third-period goals to double up the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists for the 38-19-6 Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metro with 82 points. Nico Hischier had a goal and an assist for the 31-29-4 Devils.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares snapped a 2-2 tie as this club nipped the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Max Domi had a goal and an assist for the Leafs (37-19-8) as they hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 82 points. Mike Matheson and Juraj Slakovsky each had two points for the 24-30-10 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Mitch Marner missed this game (day-to-day) with a lower-body injury.

Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Predators (37-25-3) pushed their points streak to 11 games and hold the first Western wildcard berth with 77 points. Daniil Tarasov kicked out 47 shots for 22-32-10 Blue Jackets.

The Washington Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sonny Milano scored for the fifth consecutive game and Charlie Lindgren stopped 31 shots for the 30-23-9 Capitals (69 points), who sit three points out of the final Eastern wildcard berth. Tyler Johnson replied for the 16-43-5 Blackhawks.

San Jose Sharks forward Thomas Bordeleau scored twice as his club beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1. Tim Stutzle replied for the Senators. The Sharks are 16-40-7 while the Senators are 25-33-4.










Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2024

The Penguins trade Jake Guentzel to Carolina on the eve of the trade deadline, another scoring milestone for Connor McDavid, a hat trick for the Predators’ Filip Forsberg and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PENGUINS TRADE GUENTZEL TO THE HURRICANES

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins traded winger Jake Guentzel and defenseman Ty Smith to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Michael Bunting, prospects Vasili Ponomarev, Cruz Lucius and Ville Koivunen, a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first-rounder if the Hurricanes win the 2024 Stanley Cup, and a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick if the Hurricanes win the Cup. The Penguins also retained $1.5 million of Guentzel’s $6 million cap hit.

Pittsburgh Penguins trade winger Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are bucking their recent tradition of avoiding big-ticket rental players at the trade deadline. This is a clear indication that they’re going for it this season. A lack of scoring depth has been an ongoing issue for the Hurricanes. Adding a proven scorer and playoff performer like Guentzel should boost their pursuit of the Cup this season.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas reportedly wanted prospects and younger players over draft picks for Guentzel. Bunting played for Dubas when the two were with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is an energetic two-way winger. Ponomarev, Koivunen and Lucius were considered mid-range prospects in The Athletic’s recent ranking of the Hurricanes’ top-15 prospects.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg tallied a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Gustav Nyquist collected three assists as the Predators pushed their points streak to 10 games (9-0-1) as they hold the first Western Conference wildcard berth with 75 points (36-25-3). Bowen Byram had a goal and an assist in his debut with the 29-30-5 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres played without center Tage Thompson. He’s listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected an assist to extend his assists and points streak to 13 games in a 4-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also became the third player this season to reach 100 points. Daniil Tarasov kicked out 29 shots while Dmitri Voronkov scored what proved to be the winning goal for the 22-31-10 Blue Jackets. The Oilers (38-21-2) sit second in the Pacific Division with 78 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid became the sixth player in NHL history with at least seven seasons of 100-plus points.

New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier netted a hat trick and collected an assist to lead his club over the St. Louis Blues 4-1. The Devils (31-28-4) are six points out of the final Eastern Conference wildcard spot with 66 points. Brandon Saad scored for the slumping Blues (32-28-3) as they won just three of their last 10 games and sit six points out of the final Western wildcard berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues announced they signed forward Oskar Sundqvist to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Sundqvist was also fined $2,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for embellishment during a Feb. 28 game against the Oilers.

The Vancouver Canucks picked up their third straight win by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1. Thatcher Demko stopped 27 shots while Phillip Di Guiseppe scored the game-winner for the 41-17-7 Canucks as they sit in second place in the overall standings with 89 points. The Golden Knights (33-23-7) now hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot and are 2-8-1 in their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights recently placed defenseman Alec Martinez on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway snapped a 1-1 tie in a 2-1 upset of the Florida Panthers. Samuel Ersson made 29 saves for the Flyers (33-23-8) as they hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 74 points. The 43-17-4 Panthers remain on top of the overall standings with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Panthers announced they signed defenseman Gustav Forsling to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.75 million. Forsling is often overshadowed by fellow blueliners Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour but he’s become an invaluable (and underrated) part of their defense corps.

Speaking of the Panthers, forward Nick Cousins was fined $2,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for embellishment during a Feb. 27 game against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Jeremy Swayman turned aside 28 shots, David Pastrnak netted his 39th goal of the season while Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk each collected two assists for the 37-13-15 Bruins (89 points) as they sit third in the overall standings. Mitch Marner replied for the Leafs (36-19-8) as they hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 80 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies left this game in the first period with a suspected knee injury. There was no update on his condition following the game.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen stopped 24 shots in a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. It was Andersen’s first game since being sidelined by a blood-clotting issue on Nov. 2. Brady Skjei tallied two goals for the Hurricanes (37-19-6), who sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 80 points. Sam Montembeault made 35 saves for the 24-29-10 Canadiens.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin netted his 840th career NHL goal in a 6-0 thumping of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Charlie Lindgren turned in a 39-save shutout for the 29-23-9 Capitals (67 points) as they sit five points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth. The Penguins dropped to 28-25-8 and are eight points behind Tampa Bay.

Speaking of the Lightning, they dropped a 6-3 decision to the Calgary Flames. Yegor Sharangovich got a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) for the 31-26-5 Flames (67 points) as they sit six points behind the Golden Knights for the final Western wildcard spot. Nick Paul had two assists for the 33-25-6 Lightning (72 points) as they’re 1-4-1 in their last six home games.

The surging New York Islanders picked up their fifth straight win by crushing the San Jose Sharks 7-2. Bo Horvat had a goal and two assists for the 28-20-14 Islanders (70 points) as they’re just two points behind the Lightning. Mike Hoffman netted his 10th goal of the season for the 15-40-7 Sharks.

An overtime goal by Kevin Fiala gave the Los Angeles Kings a 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Anze Kopitar collected two assists for the Kings (32-19-11) as they sit in third place in the Pacific Division with 75 points. Drake Batherson had a goal and an assist for the 25-32-4 Senators.

The Minnesota Wild scored four unanswered third-period goals to drop the Arizona Coyotes 5-2. Mats Zuccarello collected three assists while Kirill Kaprizov tallied his 30th goal for the 30-27-6 Wild. Clayton Keller scored his 23rd goal of the season for the 25-33-5 Coyotes.










Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

by | Mar 7, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly close to sending winger Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Michael Bunting is believed to be part of the trade package going to Pittsburgh as he’s a healthy scratch tonight for “trade-related reasons.”  The Penguins and Hurricanes are still sorting out the details. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sitting up all night waiting for this deal to be consummated. If it happens later tonight, check out the details at the NHL Trade Tracker. 

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

San Jose Sharks trade winger Anthony Duclair to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Jack Thompson and a 2024 third-round pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

Chicago Blackhawks traded winger Anthony Beauvillier to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 fifth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second time Beauvillier has been traded during this season. He was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Vancouver Canucks in November.

Colorado Avalanche acquired winger Brandon Duhaime from the Minnesota Wild for a 2026 third-round pick.

Arizona Coyotes trade defenseman Troy Stecher and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-rounder.

Nashville Predators acquired defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 third-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Yakov Trenin and defenseman Graham Sward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2024

by | Mar 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 7, 2024

The Avalanche’s Cale Makar nets a hat trick, the Leafs’ Auston Matthews gets closer to 60 goals, the latest notable contract signings and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar tallied his first career NHL hat trick as his club crushed the Detroit Red Wings 7-2. Nathan MacKinnon extended his season-opening home points streak to 31 games with a goal and three assists while Mikko Rantanen collected four assists for the 39-20-5 Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 83 points. Robby Fabbri and David Perron replied for the Red Wings (33-23-6) as they continue to hold the first Eastern Conference wildcard berth with 72 points.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar became the fourth defenseman in Avalanche history to score a hat trick and the first to do so since Sandis Ozolinsh in 1999-2000.

MacKinnon has 109 points on the season, putting him into first place in the NHL scoring race with a four-point lead over Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov. The Avalanche center is just two points away from equally last season’s career-best 111-point performance.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews netted his league-leading 54th goal of the season as he scored in overtime in a 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. William Nylander tallied his 34th goal of the season for the Leafs (36-18-8) as they sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 80 points. Victor Olofsson replied for the 29-29-5 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews’ goal-scoring pace has slowed a bit with two goals in his last seven games. Nevertheless, he continues to close in on his second 60-goal season. Nylander, meanwhile, continues to lead the Leafs in points with 84.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Ottawa Senators 2-1. Goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 29 shots while Ryan Strome and Alex Killorn scored for the 23-36-3 Ducks. Mark Kastelic replied for the 25-32-3 Senators.

HEADLINES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can see yesterday’s list of notable trades by following this link.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers signed Nick Seeler to a four-year, $10.8 million contract extension. The 30-year-old defenseman was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The average annual value of his new contract is $2.7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seeler is in the final season of a two-year, $1.55 million contract. His play this season recently garnered praise from Flyers head coach John Tortorella.

TSN: The Flyers placed forward Ryan Johansen on waivers after acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the return in yesterday’s Sean Walker trade. If he clears he’s expected to be sent to the Flyers’ AHL affiliate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johansen’s play has declined since reaching 63 points in 2021-22. He has 23 points in 63 games this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals signed Rasmus Sandin to a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $4.6 million. He has 20 points in 52 games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The aging Capitals are in the process of retooling their roster with younger players. They acquired the 24-year-old Sandin from the Maple Leafs last season and expect him to be a key part of their blueline in the coming years.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Flames forward Martin Pospisil received a three-game suspension from the league’s department of player safety for boarding Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn on Monday.

TSN: Speaking of the Flames, they signed Daniil Miromanov to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.25 million. They acquired the 26-year-old defenseman last night from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the return in the Noah Hanifin trade.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2024

by | Mar 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2024

The latest on Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Vladimir Tarasenko and Reilly Smith plus the latest on the Flyers and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS STILL KEEN ON MARKSTROM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils remain interested in acquiring Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. They attempted to acquire the 34-year-old goaltender last month but the sticking point was the Flames’ unwillingness to retain salary.

The Devils are now willing to acquire Markstrom without the Flames retaining any portion of his $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. It’s a difficult trade to contemplate for Flames general manager Craig Conroy. His club is still in playoff contention and trading their MVP would gut the dressing room.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Markstrom voiced his unhappiness over how Flames management handled this situation. It was seen as a message to Conroy following the very public speculation over that potential trade with the Devils last month.

One report claimed Markstrom was frustrated that the deal with the Devils fell through after being asked to waive his no-movement clause. Some suggest he was never officially asked to waive his NMC but was merely asked if he’d be willing to do so to go to New Jersey. Some think he never gave his blessing at all.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis pondered whether the relationship between Markstrom and Conroy is fractured beyond repair. If so, he wondered if a deal could be put together by the March 8 trade deadline or will it have to wait until the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis believes Markstrom’s comments have “muddied the waters” over his future in Calgary. The Devils’ supposed willingness to take on his full cap hit could be enticing for Conroy. Markstrom’s comments could also make it easier to move him out.

Whether a suitable deal can be had at this stage remains to be seen. It sets the stage for an intriguing week in Calgary.

ARE THE CAPITALS INTERESTED IN NOAH HANIFIN?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing his belief that the Washington Capitals have “kicked tires” on Noah Hanifin.

The Capitals are hard-pressed to make the playoffs but perhaps they could land the 27-year-old Flames defenseman if he agrees to a long-term contract extension. The Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning are also among the clubs linked to Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals must shed salary if they hope to sign Hanifin to a long-term extension. They’ve got just $6.7 million in projected cap space for 2024-25 with 16 active roster players under contract.

COULD THE PANTHERS PURSUE VLADIMIR TARASENKO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork cites a rumor claiming Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko will waive his no-trade clause to join a Stanley Cup contender. The 32-year-old winger is said to be interested in the Florida Panthers. However, the concern would be how well he’d fit within their system, which relies on strong defensive play, elite awareness and communication.

Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit could be a sticking point unless the Senators agree to retain a portion. It’s believed they seek a second-round pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun recently reported it’s a second-round pick and a prospect for Tarasenko. Anyway, his style of play might not be best suited for the Panthers. Still, he won a Stanley Cup with the Blues so perhaps he could adjust to their system.

TEAMS GETTING INTERESTED IN REILLY SMITH

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting Penguins winger Reilly Smith is drawing more interest in the trade market than teammate Jake Guentzel.

Dan Kingerski reports Smith was asked about the trade rumors and speculation that he’s unhappy in Pittsburgh. “Just baseless opinions of people,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith has struggled this season which is the basis for the speculation. With the Penguins expected to be sellers by the deadline, the 32-year-old wing is bound to draw some interest. Kingerski noted that interested clubs could ask the Penguins to retain part of his $5 million cap hit. He’s signed through 2024-25 and has a 10-team no-trade clause.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere will keep an open mind as the trade deadline approaches.

The Calgary Flames trading defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars for second and third-round picks hasn’t changed Briere’s asking price of a first-rounder for blueliner Sean Walker. He is willing to stick with Walker, Nick Seeler or anyone else if no one meets his price for those players. It’s possible Walker and Seeler could be re-signed.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers need a reliable backup goaltender if they hope to remain in playoff contention. He suggested Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens as a suitable option. The 33-year-old netminder wouldn’t be a rental as he’s signed through next season with an AAV of $3.85 million.

Other possibilities include the San Jose Sharks’ Kaapo Kahkonen and the Nashville Predators’ Kevin Lankinen. Both are slated to become UFAs this summer.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan reports Briere is adamant that he’s not shopping center Scott Laughton. He’s willing to listen to trade offers but it doesn’t seem like any team will meet his steep price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere might be a buyer rather than a seller by the deadline. They do need some help between the pipes now. Plenty of inexpensive backups could be found in the trade market. 

THE LEAFS COULD PEDDLE THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICK

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving isn’t averse to trading his 2024 first-round pick for the right return. He stressed that one has to be careful in peddling that pick for short-term help. However, if it makes sense, “if you think it’s going to have an impact, you have to look at every option.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving was ragged in some corners of social media for not parting with that pick for Chris Tanev. He could be looking at better options than Tanev, perhaps a younger right-shot defenseman with term on his contract.

The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel suggested Adam Larsson as one example if the Seattle Kraken were open to moving him. There’s no indication they would be but that’s the kind of defenseman I could see Treliving pursuing in the trade market.