Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

by | Feb 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and the Canucks, the Rangers’ plans after acquiring J.T. Miller, and the latest on the Flames, Blues and Stars in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the speculation around Elias Pettersson can calm down after the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday. The Canucks are determined to see how things go for the 26-year-old center and hope that he returns to his high-scoring form.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Friedman also noted that the Canucks are eager to sign Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to contract extensions. The pair were acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes Pettersson is now off the trade block. However, he speculates the Canucks could revisit this in the offseason if Pettersson continues to struggle. His no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

Drance also reports the Canucks are confident they can re-sign Pettersson and O’Connor and intend to open contract talks as soon as possible.

Following the Canucks moves on Friday, Drance believes their biggest priority is finding another credible first-line or top-six caliber center. He anticipates they’ll be shopping for an upgrade at center leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. Drance also thinks the club’s performance in the coming weeks will determine what they do by the deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington doubts the Sabres will end their pursuit of Pettersson following the Miller trade. He speculates the Canucks could hang onto him as they push for a playoff berth and look to move him around the draft in June.

Trade rumors linked Sabres center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram to the Canucks as a potential return for Pettersson. Harrington thinks Cozens might jump at the chance to play in Vancouver as it would be closer to his family in Whitehorse, Yukon. Trading BC native Bowen Byram would be more troublesome for the Sabres given his chemistry with defense partner Rasmus Dahlin.

Harrington also believes the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s performance and that of the Canucks over the remainder of this season will determine if he pops up as an offseason trade candidate.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AFTER ACQUIRING MILLER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are projected to have $16.5 million of trade deadline cap space following Friday’s acquisition of J.T. Miller.

Brooks believes Rangers GM Chris Drury isn’t done making roster changes. He believes those moves will be “of the short-term variety” and will be dictated by the club’s performance before the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament and leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

FLAMES NOT SHOPPING ANDERSSON, KADRI AND WEEGAR

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are jockeying for a playoff spot, meaning they aren’t listening to trade offers for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar and center Nazem Kadri.

Kadri and Weegar are on long-term contracts but Andersson has a year left on his deal and will be eligible for UFA status at the end of 2025-26. The Flames are telling teams that they’re confident they can re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 while Weegar has a full no-trade clause until 2027-28. Both maintained that they want to stay in Calgary and help the retooling Flames become a playoff contender.

Andersson has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames, but he has also said he wants to stay in the Stampede City.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at which members of the St. Louis Blues could be on the move after terminating Brandon Saad’s contract last week.

Blueliners Justin Faulk and Ryan Suter appear to be the most likely trade candidates. Rutherford doesn’t see them moving defenseman Cam Fowler and checking-line center Radek Faksa as he believes their current value to the Blues is higher than whatever return they might fetch in the trade market.

STARS COULD ATTEMPT TO RE-SIGN GRANLUND AND CECI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill intends to speak with forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci about contract extensions. The duo were acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and are UFA-eligible in July.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 2, 2025

by | Feb 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 2, 2025

Recaps of Saturday’s games, the three stars and rookie of the month for January are unveiled, the Sharks trade Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci to the Dallas Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SATURDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied a hat trick and collected an assist in a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Brad Marchand, Matthew Poitras and Pavel Zacha each collected two points for the Bruins (58 points), who sit behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. J.T. Miller scored twice in his first game with the Rangers since they reacquired him from the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The loss leaves the Rangers (52 points) six points behind the Lightning. Blueshirts forward Jimmy Vesey was a healthy scratch for the ninth straight game. He recently lamented that his situation left him feeling he had “no role or purpose” with the team but head coach Peter Laviolette insists he remains an important part of the roster.

Meanwhile, the Lightning dropped a 3-2 decision to the New York Islanders. Tony DeAngelo scored in overtime and Adam Boqvist netted his first goal with the Isles since being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers. Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov replied for the Lightning (58 points), who cling to the final Eastern wild-card spot with three games in hand over the Bruins. The Islanders (55 points) have won seven straight and are three points back of the Bolts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders are on a tear despite being walloped by injuries. They announced on Saturday that goaltender Semyon Varlamov remains sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury. He joined goalie Marcus Hogberg and defensemen Ryan Pulock, Noah Dobson and Mike Reilly on injured reserve.

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice collected his 900th NHL win as his club beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists while Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe each picked up two points for the Panthers (65 points), who hold a one-point lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place in the Atlantic Division. Blackhawks forward Logan Slaggert opened the scoring just seven seconds into the game, setting a franchise record for the fastest game-opening goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maurice becomes the fourth coach in league history to reach the 900-win milestone. Meanwhile, Barkov joined Jari Kurri and Teemu Selanne as the third Finnish player to record 200 multi-point games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy returned to action after missing 13 games with a groin injury.

The Winnipeg Jets got an overtime goal from Josh Morrissey to nip the Washington Capitals 5-4, giving the Jets 77 points and a two-point lead over the Capitals for first place in the overall standings. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 877th NHL regular-season goal. Morrisey finished the night with two goals while Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg each had a goal and an assist for the Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 18 goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson had a goal and three assists while goalie Leevi Merilainen made 16 saves in a 6-0 shutout of the Minnesota Wild. Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson each had a goal and two assists for the Senators, who picked up their fourth straight win and sit third in the Atlantic Division with 60 points. The Wild’s three-game win streak ended as they remain third in the Central Division with 66 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Ryan Hartman received a match penalty for intent to injure Stutzle following a face-off draw when he pushed Stutzle’s head into the ice. The Senators center received treatment for cuts above his left eye and finished the game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs scored three first-period goals and Mitch Marner tallied what proved to be the game-winner in the third as they held off the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. Marner and teammate Auston Matthews each had two points while Joseph Woll kicked out 45 shots for the win. Evan Bouchard and Brett Kulak each had two points for the Oilers, who remain in second place in the Pacific Division with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm missed this game due to illness. Leafs blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson left this contest after the second period with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, Leafs rearguard Jani Hakanpaa ended his comeback bid for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off as he continues to deal with a lingering knee injury.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala scored twice in a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Phillip Danault and Quinton Byfield each picked up two points for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 60 points. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Eric Robinson scored for the Hurricanes as their seven-game points streak ended, leaving them second in the Metropolitan Division with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes’ Brent Burns collected an assist to become the 13th defenseman in league history to reach the 900-point milestone. He’s the only active blueliner on that list. Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov missed this game with an upper-body injury.

The Detroit Red Wings picked up their fifth straight win by dousing the Calgary Flames 3-1. Cam Talbot turned aside 33 shots while Dylan Larkin, Simon Edvinsson and Andrew Copp tallied for the Red Wings (57 points), leaving them one point out of the final Eastern wild card. Nazem Kadri scored for the Flames, who’ve lost three of their last four contests and cling to the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 57 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 25 shots for his first shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory over the Nashville Predators. Sidney Crosby extended his goal streak to four games, Philip Tomasino scored against his former club for the first time and Bryan Rust netted his 20th of the season. The Predators have dropped four straight.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak, Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski were the league’s three stars for January 2025. Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf was named Rookie of the Month.

The Dallas Stars acquired center Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a first-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in the 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund and Ceci are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Granlund was reportedly interested in signing an extension with the rebuilding Sharks, but general manager Mike Grier opted to move the pair to stockpile draft picks, giving his club two first-rounders this year.

Dallas made this move to bolster their roster for a potential Stanley Cup run this season. Granlund has 45 points in 52 games, putting him on pace to reach 60 points for the second straight year. Ceci is an experienced right-shot defenseman who’ll provide depth on the right side of the Stars blueline.

The Stars put center Tyler Seguin and defenseman Nils Lundkvist on long-term injury reserve to free up cap space to acquire Granlund and Ceci. Seguin underwent hip surgery in December and could return to action during the playoffs, when salary-cap constraints no longer apply. Lundkvist is done for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks GM Patrick Allvin met with the media on Saturday to explain why his club traded J.T. Miller to the Rangers on Friday. He felt he had no choice but to move the 31-year-old center for his own well-being and the sake of the club’s culture, which had been upset by a rift between Miller and Elias Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller got off to a great start in his first game back with the Rangers by scoring two goals. All eyes in Vancouver will be on whether Pettersson regains his scoring touch after struggling through the first half of this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Canucks, they placed winger Philip Di Giuseppe on waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2025

by | Feb 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 1, 2025

What’s next for the Canucks after trading J.T. Miller and acquiring Marcus Pettersson? What does a higher salary cap mean for the Leafs’ efforts to re-sign Mitch Marner? What’s the latest on the Bruins and Sharks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANUCKS?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the projected hike in the salary cap to $95.5 million means Brock Boeser should hold firm on asking for a significant raise.

The 27-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Contract extension talks between Boeser and management have been reportedly lukewarm.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

If the Canucks part ways with Boeser via trade or free agency, Johnston believes his replacement will be promising winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently observed rumors suggesting Boeser could become available at the March 7 trade deadline barring a significant turnaround in the Canucks’ fortunes.

If Boeser finishes the season in Vancouver, he could become available in this summer’s free-agent market. Nichols believes the Devils should look into acquiring Boeser because they need a shooter on their first power-play unit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday shifts the focus on Boeser’s future with the club. He carries a $6.65 million cap hit coming off a three-year contract. His production is down this season but he’s not the only Canuck facing that predicament.

Boeser tallied a career-high 40 goals last season and will use that to seek a significant raise on a long-term contract. The skyrocketing increases in the cap starting next season mean the Canucks can afford to re-sign him. Whether they will remains to be seen.

HOW WILL A HIGHER CAP AFFECT THE LEAFS’ EFFORTS TO RE-SIGN MARNER?

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle examined the pros and cons of how a rising cap over the next three seasons will affect the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially their efforts to re-sign pending UFAs like Mitch Marner and John Tavares.

On the plus side, it’ll open up more cap space to re-sign those players and to address other roster weaknesses. The downside is the possibility of pending UFAs and their agents negotiating their cap percentage based on substantial cap increases beyond next season.

Mirtle believes the Leafs should be able to re-sign Tavares and restricted free agent Matthew Knies without much difficulty. However, Marner is harder to forecast because of his status among the league’s top forwards. He could get more than $13 million annually on the open market but it remains to be seen how much more.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran speculates Marner could seek a higher average annual value than Auston Matthews’ current team-leading $13.25 million. He also thinks Tavares’ AAV will drop from its current $11 million but not by much, perhaps to $8 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will have over $29.6 million in projected cap space for next season with 17 active roster players under contract. They can afford Marner, Tavares and Knies but the trio will take up a significant chunk of that cap room.

Assuming Marner agrees to stay below Matthews’ number and accepts $13 million, Tavares gets $8 million and Knies $5 million, that’ll eat up over $26 million.

WHAT’S BRUIN IN BOSTON?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss reports Bruins captain Brad Marchand could draw plenty of interest if his struggling club becomes sellers by the March 7 trade deadline. The 36-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer.

Marchand said he’s focussing on the day-to-day and isn’t concerned about what management has in store. “They’re going to do what they feel is necessary for the team. And all we can do is worry about our play and what we can control,” he said. The Bruins captain also said he’s not paying attention to media rumors and has no control over that.

If the Bruins intend on retooling for a bounce-back performance next season, Goss believes it would make sense if Marchand stayed put.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand is a heart-and-soul Bruin who wants to stay in Boston. Bruins management would prefer retaining him. However, it will depend on what type of contract he wants and what kind of trade offers the Bruins get for him.

Goss also believes bringing back Trent Frederic would make sense at the right price. His production is down from last season’s 40-point pace but the 26-year-old forward is in his prime and his physical style suits the Bruins. Goss felt a fair contract would be one comparable to Dakota Joshua’s four-year deal with the Canucks worth $3.25 million annually.

If a new contract isn’t possible, Goss believes the Bruins should trade Frederic for a draft pick or a prospect. He considers him too valuable to lose for nothing.

SEVERAL SHARKS COULD SOON BECOME TRADE CANDIDATES

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka recently reported several San Jose Sharks players are in limbo with the March 7 trade deadline on the horizon.

The Sharks’ list of pending UFAs includes forward Mikael Granlund, Luke Kunin and Nico Sturm, defensemen Cody Ceci and Jan Rutta, and goaltenders Vitek Vanecek and Alexandar Georgiev.

Sharks GM Mike Grier intends to examine his options as the deadline approaches. It’ll depend on what type of return those players could fetch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund has 45 points in 52 games this season and should exceed last season’s 60-point performance. That production should make him enticing for contenders seeking scoring depth.

Ceci is a right-shot defenseman and they are currently a hot commodity in the trade market. He also has playoff experience, including his run with the Edmonton Oilers to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Kunin is a versatile two-way forward who could tempt teams seeking a third-line center.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, three Red Wings trade candidates, and proposed blueline trade targets for the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE A POSSIBILITY?

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told Iain MacIntyre that he believes Elias Pettersson has the talent to be the club’s top center. However, he said the 26-year-old must mature, expect things won’t get any easier, and be accountable when things don’t go well.

When MacIntyre asked Allvin about trading Pettersson the Canucks GM didn’t dismiss the notion. “I guess I would say anything is possible.”

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin’s comments could be considered a shot across the bow for Pettersson. He’ll remain the subject of media trade conjecture leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if he fails to improve or the Canucks keep struggling.

Pettersson has had difficulty meeting expectations after inking an eight-year, $92 million contract earlier this year. Recent reports claim he’s clashed with teammate J.T. Miller. Both players denied the rumors but some observers suggest one of them could be moved if they don’t resolve their differences and improve their respective performances.

This isn’t the first time Pettersson has come up in the rumor mill this year. On Feb. 29, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks held trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Pettersson. The Canucks decided to take one last shot at signing the center, with the two sides agreeing to a contract extension on March 2.

Pettersson’s expensive contract won’t be easy to move during this season. However, his no-movement clause doesn’t go into effect until July 1. That could make him easier to peddle than Miller, who has a more affordable cap hit ($8 million) but also carries a full NMC.

THREE PROPOSED RED WINGS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the Detroit Red Wings remain flawed despite replacing Derek Lalonde as head coach with Todd McLellan.

The Red Wings remain well out of playoff position with seven teams ahead of them in the standings. Proteau believes general manager Steve Yzerman should consider shopping veterans Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and Cam Talbot at the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane can become an unrestricted free agent in July. The 36-year-old winger has faded this season but a contender could be tempted by his Hall-of-Fame resume and considerable playoff experience.

Talbot is signed through next season with an affordable annual cap hit of $2.5 million. The 37-year-old goaltender has put up decent numbers this season, making him enticing for playoff-bound clubs seeking experienced depth between the pipes.

Tarasenko has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The 33-year-old winger has a full no-trade clause but might be open to waiving it for a contender. He’s won two Stanley Cups but has only 13 points in 35 games this season. Teams could be interested but Yzerman might have to retain some salary in the deal

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD BECOME LEAFS TRADE TARGETS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs shop for a defenseman who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.

Siegel proposed the Leafs consider calling the Nashville Predators about Luke Schenn, pointing out how well Schenn and Rielly played together during the 2023 playoffs. The 35-year-old is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Predators carrying an AAV of $2.75 million.

Other options include David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens or Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving could be active in the trade market for a blueliner leading up to March 7. He could pursue one of those mentioned by Siegel or he might have another right-side rearguard on his radar.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2024

by | Oct 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2024

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Avalanche, Canadiens, Utah HC, Jets and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports trade talks have increased as teams that have preached patience are starting to run out of it.

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is trying to add to his roster.

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored since the summer that Adams wants to add a top-six forward. Offseason acquisition Jason Zucker is among their leading scorers with seven points but forwards Dylan Cozens (three assists), Jack Quinn (two points) and Jiri Kulich (one goal) haven’t produced as expected. 

The Colorado Avalanche are looking for forwards. Friedman observes they must “get through a miserable stretch” with five of their top-nine forwards sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That includes Ross Colton (broken foot, six to eight weeks) and Miles Wood (upper-body injury, seven to 10 days). However, help is coming in November.

Artturi Lehkonen is expected to make his season debut next Tuesday after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin will return in mid-to-late November following his mandatory six-month suspension as part of entering Phase 3 of the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program in May.

Friedman also repeated his Saturday report claiming the Montreal Canadiens seek a forward who plays with an edge but not at the expense of their future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed they’re interested in adding a player on an expiring contract.

Utah Hockey Club forward Michael Carcone hasn’t played since Oct. 16. Friedman believes that situation is “growing some urgency to it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong could be fielding calls for Carcone, who scored 21 goals last season but has dropped down their forward depth chart this season. He’s been a healthy scratch in all but three games.

The Winnipeg Jets are off to a blazing start but Friedman suggests they could use more size on their blueline.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston recently listed 10 early NHL trade candidates.

Among them were Canadiens center Christian Dvorak, San Jose Sharks defenseman Cody Ceci, and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s list, such as Anaheim’s John Gibson and Cam Fowler, frequently appeared in the rumor mill recently. Follow the link to see the full listing if you have a subscription to The Athletic.

It’s not surprising that Dvorak and Ceci are on this list. They play on rebuilding teams and are eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July.

Ristolainen, however, is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.1 million. Johnston considers him a third-pairing defenseman at this stage of his career. Good luck moving that contract without retaining salary or adding sweeteners.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2024

by | Aug 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2024

Some suggested destinations for Predators goalie Yaroslav Askarov, plus the latest on Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin suggested some possible trade destinations for Yaroslav Askarov. 

Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (NHL Images).

The 22-year-old Nashville Predators goaltender reportedly told the club that he won’t report to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee this season and requested a trade. 

Rebuilding clubs like the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Hockey Club topped Larkin’s list, followed by the Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I offered my take on the Sharks, Utah, Kraken, Flyers, Kings and Avalanche as potential trade partners earlier this week. 

Askarov wanted to be traded because he sees no path to the Predators this season. He wants an opportunity for at least a backup role with an NHL club. Going to another team only to be sent to the minors changes addresses but not his situation. 

If they’re interested, the Flyers and Sharks seem the best option for Askarov. The other clubs may have questions about their goaltending depth but they also have veterans under contract ahead of him in their pecking order regardless of his potential. 

Larkin mentioned the Canucks because of the questions surrounding the health of starter Thatcher Demko to begin this season. However, in last spring’s playoffs, they proved they could adjust with backups Casey DeSmith and Arturs Silovs. DeSmith has moved on to Dallas but Silovs is still there. If they acquire Askarov, he will end up back in the minors once Demko returns. 

TSN’s Dustin Nielson reports the Edmonton Oilers are keeping their options option regarding professional tryout offers. They’ve already had conversations with former Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie. 

Nielson noted that Barrie is popular among his former teammates. However, he questions if he’s a fit given how their blueline is currently constructed. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie’s a right-shot, puck-moving defenseman who generates offense from the blueline but his defensive skills can leave something to be desired. That’s why they shipped him to the Predators before the 2023 trade deadline for Mattias Ekholm. 

EDMONTON JOURNAL’s Jim Matheson suspects the Sharks will trade Cody Ceci to a contender before the March 2025 trade deadline. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks acquired Ceci last weekend from the Oilers. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.