NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2024

by | Dec 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2024

A look at some intriguing trade candidates and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos released his first trade board of the 2024-25 NHL season. He’s broken his list down into several categories.

Under “Intriguing Names to Watch,” Kypreos includes Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, and Nashville Predators blueliner Alexandre Carrier.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

Bennett is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Kypreos indicates there’s a risk the Panthers could lose him to the UFA market which isn’t appealing to general manager Bill Zito. From what Kypreos has been told, Zito will listen to offers.

Kypreos believes the Colorado Avalanche would pursue Bennett to fill the void of Gabriel Landeskog’s ongoing absence. He also speculated the Dallas Stars would seek a replacement for sidelined forward Tyler Seguin, wondering if they’d part with Mason Marchment to get Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Bennett before the March 7 deadline would be a bold move by Zito. However, I don’t see him going that route with his club attempting to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. The return would have to be significant. Marchment might do it but the Stars could be reluctant to part with him.

Kypreos thinks the Senators could make a big trade involving Chabot to shake things up if they’re out of playoff contention by the deadline. He has three years left on his contract with a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Chabot trade is more likely to occur in the offseason when teams have the cap space to take on his $8 million annual salary-cap hit. The Senators could retain half of it but having $4 million in dead cap space for each of the next three seasons might not appeal to them.

Ferraro surfaced in trade rumors last season and will be present again in 2024-25. The 26-year-old Sharks blueliner has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could entertain offers for Ferraro if he intends to test the market in 2026.

If the Predators continue to struggled they could be forced to make some changes. Carrier has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier also surfaced in last season’s rumor mill before he signed his current contract with the Predators.

Kypreos also included Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, Senators center Josh Norris, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

Those players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards in recent weeks so there was no point in rehashing their situations.

Kypreos also listed the pending UFAs likely to be trade candidates. They include Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov and forward Mathieu Olivier, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson, the Islanders’ Brock Nelson, Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall, Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde and winger Brandon Tanev, Ducks forward Frank Vatrano, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards because of their pending UFA status.

The Jets could hang onto Ehlers as an own rental as they attempt to stage a run for the Cup this season. The Islanders could also hang onto Nelson if they’re in playoff contention by the deadline. Kypreos noted that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell downplayed the Olivier rumors and is working on re-signing him.

Kypreos suggested the Kraken could attempt to peddle goaltender Philipp Grubauer. They’ll have to retain part of his $5.9 million AAV that runs through 2026-27. The Kraken could buy him out this summer if they find no takers in the trade market.

The Ducks’ John Gibson was included with Grubauer as two goalies of note in the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not impossible to move Grubauer or Gibson during the season but such attempts are more likely in the offseason. It’s possible they’re both bought out this summer if there’s no trade market for their services.

Kypreos also listed energy players like the Flyers’ Scott Laughton, the Sharks’ Barclay Goodrow, and the Penguins’ Drew O’Connor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton and Goodrow have term left on their contracts which could make it tougher to move them during the season. O’Connor is UFA-eligible and more likely to move.

TORONTO STAR: Kypreos also reports it sounds unlikely the Ducks will attempt to flip recently acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba at the trade deadline. He claims they see him as a big part of their rebuild plus it will provide his wife with wonderful opportunities in the medical field. Kypreos claims the Ducks are exploring signing Trouba to a contract extension on July 1.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 10, 2024

by | Dec 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 10, 2024

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, Senators owner Michael Andlauer weighs in on the Brady Tkachuk trade rumors, reaction to the Avalanche trading Alexandar Georgiev to the Sharks for Mackenzie Blackwood, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Detroit Red Wings overcame a 5-3 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 on a shootout goal by Dylan Larkin. Andrew Copp scored two goals, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider had a goal and an assist each, and Sebastian Cossa picked up the win in his first NHL game after Ville Husso got the hook after giving up three goals on seven shots. Buffalo winger Jason Zucker tallied twice and picked up an assist.

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings snapped a five-game winless skid (0-3-2) while the Sabres are 0-4-3 in their last seven contests. Both clubs began this season hoping to be postseason contenders but find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with 26 points in 28 games. The Wings risk extending their playoff drought to nine seasons while the Sabres’ postseason drought could reach 14 years.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall snapped a 1-1 tie in the second period as his club held on to upset the New York Rangers 2-1. Hall finished with two points as he assisted on Tyler Bertuzzi’s game-opening goal. Will Cuylle netted a shorthanded goal for the Rangers. The Blackhawks ended a five-game losing skid while the Rangers have won only twice in their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the first NHL win for Blackhawks interim coach Anders Sorensen. Meanwhile, Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette faces growing criticism for his team’s recent struggles.

The Montreal Canadiens downed the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on shootout goals by Patrik Laine and Cole Caufield. Laine and Kirby Dach scored in regulation and Samuel Montembeault stopped 27 shots for the Canadiens. Troy Terry netted both goals for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s off to a hot start with the Canadiens, collecting four points in as many games. Meanwhile, Jacob Trouba debuted with the Ducks following his trade by the Rangers on Friday, playing with a greater sense of urgency than in his final games in New York.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point, and Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Dec. 8, 2024.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is fed up with rejecting trade rumors about team captain Brady Tkachuk.

The latest was a recent report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post claiming the Rangers made Tkachuk their primary trade target. Andlauer said that report could be considered “soft tampering” if Brooks’ reporting came from a source within an NHL team.

Andlauer said this was the third separate occasion in his year as Senators owner “where there’s been fires to put out”, referring to the Tkachuk trade rumors. “I can tell you 100 percent there’s never actually been an ounce of discussion about Brady Tkachuk being anything other than an Ottawa Senator.”

The Rangers issued a statement to LeBrun in response to Andlauer’s comments rejecting any notion of tampering. “This is an irresponsible accusation and we defer to the commissioner’s office.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about this in today’s NHL Rumors update.

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is holding its Board of Governors’ meetings on Monday and Tuesday.

Upcoming negotiations with the NHL Players’ Association on a new collective bargaining agreement is expected to be among the topics of discussion. The current CBA expires in September 2026 but both sides appear keen to reach an agreement well before then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps Andlauer’s concerns about soft tampering will be on the agenda.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak weighed in on the Colorado Avalanche making a multi-player trade on Monday that saw goaltender Alexandar Georgiev shipped to the San Jose Sharks for netminder Mackenzie Blackwood. Masisak considered it a “bold, risky move” by Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland to improve his club’s shaky goaltending.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng reports Sharks GM Mike Grier believes the offer from the Avalanche was too good to pass up. He believes the return, including promising forward Nikolai Kovalenko, will help his club continue rebuilding. Grier said the addition of Georgiev will also buy a little more time for promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov to develop his game with their AHL affiliate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for my take on the trade.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils will induct Jacques Lemaire into its Ring of Honor in January. He is the winningest coach in franchise history, with 276 career regular-season victories, and 35 playoff wins. Lemaire coached the Devils to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1995.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: St. Louis Blues defenseman Nick Leddy has returned to St. Louis for further testing regarding his lower-body injury. He’s been sidelined for the past 24 games.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered during Saturday’s game against the Senators.

TSN: The Minnesota Wild assigned defenseman David Jiricek to their AHL affiliate in Iowa. He was acquired on Nov. 30 in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

THE SCORE: Beckett Sennecke has been added to Team Canada’s selection camp for the upcoming 2025 World Junior Championship. Chosen third overall by the Ducks in this year’s draft, he was passed over during the initial selection.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

The free-agent market opens at noon ET. Before the signing frenzy begins, check out the latest recent notable signings, contract buyouts and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

REINHART, GUENTZEL, KANE AMONG EARLY CONTRACT SIGNINGS

SPORTSNET: Sam Reinhart and the Florida Panthers have agreed to an eight-year contract before the midnight ET deadline for eight-year extensions. Financial terms weren’t disclosed but will be officially announced on July 1.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently speculated the average annual value would be $9 million. We’ll find out later today if that’s the case but it wouldn’t be surprising. It would give Reinhart the third-highest AAV among Panthers skaters, behind Aleksander Barkov ($10 million) and Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million).

Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning agreed to a new contract on Sunday just hours after his rights were traded to the Lightning by the Carolina Hurricanes. Terms were unknown but will be officially announced later on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guentzel signing likely means the end of Steven Stamkos’ 16-season career with the Lightning. Stamkos’ agent indicated that his client is heading to free agency.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings and Patrick Kane agreed to a one-year contract. It comes with a $4 million base salary and $2.5 million in bonuses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 35-year-old Kane enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Red Wings after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure last June. It’s rumored the New York Rangers were interested in bringing Kane back for another season but wouldn’t go as high as the Wings with the base salary.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs reached an agreement with Max Domi on a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. It contains a $3.5 million signing bonus in the first year and a 13-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An affordable signing for Toronto. After a slow start, Domi fit in well with the Leafs last season, netting 47 points in 80 games.

The Leafs also re-signed Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. The 25-year-old defenseman was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Leafs are reportedly close to signing Chris Tanev to a multi-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $5 million. They acquired the signing rights to the 34-year-old defenseman from the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

SPORTSNET: The Utah Hockey Club and Sean Durzi agreed to a four-year contract extension with an annual salary cap hit of $6 million. The 25-year-old defenseman averaged over 23 minutes of ice time while leading his club’s blueliners with 41 points.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators are close to signing defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a new contract. Terms were not disclosed.

MARCHESSAULT, BERTUZZI, KYLINGTON HEADED TO MARKET

LAS VEGAS SUN: Jonathan Marchessault is heading to free agency. The 33-year-old winger was unable to reach a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was among the few original members of the Golden Knights (aka “The Golden Misfits”) on their roster last season. The 33-year-old winger is their franchise scoring leader and won the Conn Smythe Trophy leading them to the Stanley Cup last year. He’ll draw plenty of attention in the free-agent market with Reinhart, Guentzel and Kane off the board.

TORONTO SUN: Tyler Bertuzzi is moving on and won’t be signing with the Maple Leafs. The 29-year-old forward completed a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Domi, Bertuzzi had a slow start with the Leafs last season but finished strong with 21 goals and 43 points. He shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a new club willing to pay him a multi-year deal for around $5.5 million.

TSN’s Salim Nadim Valji reports defenseman Oliver Kylington, 27, is heading to free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kylington was a Masterton Trophy nominee last season after returning to action following two seasons dealing with mental health issues.

NOTABLE CONTRACT BUYOUTS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers placed Jack Campbell on unconditional waivers Sunday before buying out the remaining three years of his contract. The 32-year-old goaltender carried an AAV of $5 million. The buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers’ cap payroll this season, $2.3 million in 2025-26, $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million for each of the remaining three years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell was signed two years ago to fill the Oilers’ starting goaltender role. Inconsistent play in 2022-23 cost him that job to Stuart Skinner. He spent most of last season with the Oilers AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. It remains to be seen if the 32-year-old netminder lands with another NHL club this summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets placed defenseman Nate Schmidt on unconditional waivers on Sunday before buying out the remaining year of his contract. The 32-year-old had a cap hit of $5.95 million for 2024-25. This buyout will count as $2.716 million against the Jets’ cap payroll this season and $1.616 million in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks expressed surprise on social media that the Jets didn’t trade Schmidt, retaining salary in the deal. There may have been no market for him.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens appear to be making room for one of their promising young blueliners for this season. This move also clears over $766K from their cap payroll.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has informed management he has no intention of signing with the club and has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is completing his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old winger is the younger brother of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. He’s struggled to crack the Leafs lineup full-time partly because of injuries.

Robertson lacks arbitration rights so his only leverage is to refuse to sign until traded. We’ll see if the Leafs find a new home for him this summer or engage in a contract standoff.

THE SCORE: Four of the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal were not tendered qualifying offers yesterday. Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod will become unrestricted free agents today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trial date for their case has not yet been set. Don’t expect those players to receive any contract offers.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2024

by | Mar 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2024

The trade deadline is Friday at 3 pm ET. Check out the latest on the Bruins, Stars, Sabres, Predators, Leafs, Lightning, Avalanche and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRADE RUMORS FROM JEFF MAREK’S LATEST “RINK FRIES”.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek shared some interesting trade speculation in his latest “Rink Fries” column.

Marek pointed out that Boston Bruins goaltending prospect Brandon Bussi will require waivers next season. He speculates they could draw on their depth between the pipes to address other roster needs. That doesn’t mean they’ll trade Linus Ullmark at the trade deadline as they can wait until the summer or next season to move him. Getting Jeremy Swayman signed is also a consideration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cited a source claiming a market exists for Ullmark, citing Western clubs such as the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings that need help between the pipes.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark and Swayman are among the reasons the Bruins exceeded expectations by jockeying for first place in the overall standings in what’s supposed to be a transition season.

Moving one of them could help them add a center or a defenseman but it’s rare nowadays for a goalie (even a former Vezina Trophy winner) to fetch a significant return in the trade market. Bussi’s inexperience at the NHL level could weaken them down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit through next season won’t be easy to move. Too many teams have limited cap space. His 16-team no-trade clause also complicates things.

The Dallas Stars could look to add to their blueline despite acquiring Chris Tanev last week from the Calgary Flames. He speculates they could target Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers head coach John Tortorella recently said his club isn’t shopping Seeler. Nevertheless, they could listen to offers if someone is willing to overpay by offering up a first-round pick. If not, they’ll be content to stick with Seeler as they attempt to secure a playoff spot.

Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo could be on the move by the deadline. Marek cited his colleague Elliotte Friedman suggesting the New York Rangers as a trade destination. He also indicated that defenseman Erik Johnson’s name is in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers seek a reliable right winger to skate alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider on their second line. Okposo, 35, might be unable to address that need at this point in his career. The Blueshirts are linked to Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano.

Marek suggests keeping an eye on Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier. He’s on an expiring contract “and most likely to be moved” to make room for promising Spencer Stastney.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have surged up the standings over the last three weeks. They might not be as keen to move Carrier as they might’ve been a month ago. Still, Predators GM Barry Trotz could listen to offers if someone is willing to overpay for him.

THE LATEST ON THE LEAFS, LIGHTNING, AVALANCHE & CANADIENS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports rumors link the Maple Leafs to right-shot defensemen such as Matt Dumba of the Arizona Coyotes, Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier.

Koshan noted that Leafs GM Brad Treliving has two fewer assets to work with after trading a third-round pick and a sixth-rounder to acquire Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks last week. Lyubushkin was injured in Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers and the Leafs are hoping he won’t be out of the lineup for long.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes beat writer Craig Morgan believes Dumba’s value might be a third-round pick. However, that could rise to a second-rounder if the Coyotes are willing to retain half of his $3.9 million cap hit.

Like Seeler, the Flyers aren’t shopping Walker but could listen to offers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for the 29-year-old blueliner. They’re content to stick with him for the rest of the season if no one meets their asking price.

As I mentioned, Carrier surfaced in the rumor mill several weeks ago when the Predators faced falling out of the Western Conference playoff race. Their recent surge into the first wild-card position could make them less interested in moving him.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina believes Lightning GM Julien BriseBois will be in the market for players with term remaining on their contracts or those they believe they can keep beyond this season.

He noted that rumors have linked the Lightning to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. They need a replacement for blueliner Mikhail Sergachev as the latter is out for the season recovering from leg surgery. Placing him on long-term injury reserve frees up nearly $7.4 million in salary-cap flexibility.

Encina noted that the Lightning doesn’t have much draft capital to draw on for trade bait. They might have to use prospects such as Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning hold the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. BriseBois could swing a deal to shore up his defense corps and perhaps add a gritty checking forward. Given his recent trade history and the reports of Tampa Bay being Hanifin’s preferred destination, we can’t rule out the Lightning making another big splash.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak noted the Colorado Avalanche garnered more salary-cap flexibility by trading Kurtis MacDermid to the New Jersey Devils. That’s prompted speculation they’re preparing to be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.

Trying to outbid other teams will be challenging for the Avalanche. They lack a second and a third-round pick in this year’s draft and could end up dangling prospects such as Calum Ritchie, Mikhail Gulyayev and Sean Behrens as trade bait. Future salary-cap complications could result in a defenseman like Bowen Byram or Samuel Girard becoming a trade candidate if the Avs hope to land an impact player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peddling Byram or Girard should only be for a player they can retain beyond this season. It would be a waste of a quality asset to ship out one of them for a rental player.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted there’s no certainty the Montreal Canadiens will trade defenseman David Savard by the deadline. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The Canadiens aren’t eager to move him because he mentors their young blueliners. What is clear is the asking price starts with a first-round pick if a team wants the Canadiens to retain half of that cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu noted that Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Ryan Hardy has attended a few Canadiens games lately. He could be scouting Savard or conducting due diligence as the two clubs face each other on March 9 following the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2024

by | Feb 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2024

The Devils are still shopping for a goalie such as Jacob Markstrom, Juuse Saros and Jake Allen, the Leafs remain in the market for a defenseman, plus the latest on Jake Guentzel and Marc-Andre Fleury in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS STILL SHOPPING FOR A STARTING GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils remain keen on trying to make a trade work with the Calgary Flames for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Their previous talks broke down in part because the Devils want the Flames to retain part of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy reportedly wants a significant return for Markstrom. His asking price goes up if the Devils insist that his club retain part of Markstrom’s salary. That’s understandable as it would leave the Flames with over two years of up to $3 million annually in dead cap space.

Even with the cap projected to rise significantly over the next two seasons, that would still leave a big hole in the Flames’ payroll. The Devils will have to make it worth their while or look elsewhere. Speaking of which…

LeBrun reports the Devils are also kicking tires on the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson, the Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Allen, and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen was the subject of a recent rumor claiming he was going to be traded to the Colorado Avalanche. LeBrun’s colleague Darren Dreger shot that down but The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan expects Allen could be moved by the March 8 trade deadline, possibly in a package deal with other players. Whether it’s to the Avalanche or another club remains to be seen.

As for Saros…

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

PREDATORS LISTENING ON SAROS’ OFFERS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher believes the possibility of the Predators trading goaltender Juuse Saros is greater than we think.

Gallagher cited Predators GM Barry Trotz telling Nashville’s 102.5 The Game on Tuesday that he would consider moving the 28-year-old Saros if he received an offer of an asset that he otherwise wouldn’t envision himself getting, adding he said the same thing to Saros.

Trotz could be thinking about the potentially high cost of re-signing Saros, who has a year left on his contract and is eligible in 2025 to become an unrestricted free agent. Gallagher cites speculation suggesting the Saros camp could seek something similar to the seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) signed by Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebucyk last October.

The Hurricanes, Devils and Los Angeles Kings are among the clubs recently linked to Saros in the rumor mill. Gallagher claims Trotz will set an expensive asking price.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has contacted Trotz about Saros, which the Predators general manager confirmed during his appearance on 102.5 FM The Game. Trotz continues to insist that it would take a massive offer to tempt him into moving his starting goalie. Novozinsky speculated that the package might have to include Dawson Mercer or Alexander Holtz, prospect Seamus Casey and a first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun considers Saros the No. 1 goalie on the market. While the Predators may be listening to offers, LeBrun claims they’re not committed to trading him. That’s why they’re setting a high asking price with a good young NHL player as the centerpiece of the return. He indicated that no one has made that offer yet, which is fine for the Preds because they’re happy to keep Saros.

In other words, you can ask Trotz about Saros but you won’t get him unless you make an offer too good to refuse. And right now, the Preds GM has been refusing whatever’s been proposed.

GUENTZEL’S INJURY COULD AFFECT HIS TRADE VALUE

TRIBLIVE.COM: Seth Rorabaugh reports the Pittsburgh Penguins face a major challenge attempting to remain in the playoff race with winger Jake Guentzel sidelined for three to four weeks with an upper-body injury.

The Penguins placed Guentzel on long-term injury reserve, meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least 10 games and 24 days on the calendar, stretching past the March 8 trade deadline. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and there’s been frequent speculation over whether the Penguins will re-sign or trade him by the deadline.

Guentzel would fetch a significant return as a trade candidate if healthy. Putting him on LTIR could affect his value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams will undoubtedly call the Penguins about Guentzel if they make him available in the trade market. However, they will want assurances that he’ll be at 100 percent once he’s ready to return to action by mid-March.

UPDATE ON FLEURY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recently met with his agent to discuss the March 8 trade deadline. The 39-year-old Fleury doesn’t want to go anywhere right now as he doesn’t want to bail on the Wild while they’re trying to chase down a playoff berth.

Fleury could consider going to two or three teams if the Wild are out of contention by the deadline. Among them could be the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury has a full no-movement clause so the final decision rests with him. Wild GM Bill Guerin is a former teammate of Fleury’s as well as a friend and will attempt to accommodate the veteran netminder if he decides to chase a Stanley Cup somewhere else.

LEAFS STILL SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is still shopping around for a defenseman. Calgary Flames blueliner Chris Tanev likely remains at the top of his list but he’s also been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker and the Nashville Predators’ Alexandre Carrier.

Johnston indicates the Leafs don’t want to part with their first-round pick and lack a second-rounder over the next three drafts. They’ve been offering up multiple lower-round picks but aren’t getting any interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will either have to give up their first for a rental defenseman or be prepared to accept lesser-talented blueliners than those noted above.