Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 21, 2024

by | Jul 21, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 21, 2024

Check out the latest on the Kings and Sharks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens is asked by a reader if the Los Angeles Kings might break down their roster if they’re floundering by the 2025 trade deadline.

Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov would be the most natural trade candidate as he’s in the final season of a two-year contract. He also carries a full no-movement clause. The 28-year-old defenseman would have value as a minute-munching shutdown blueliner. Recently acquired forward Tanner Jeannot could also become a trade candidate.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (NHL Images).

Stephens believes captain Anze Kopitar intends to finish his career as a King. He wondered if management would gauge whether Drew Doughty and Phillip Danault would prefer finishing their contracts with teams closer to Stanley Cup contention.

The rising salary cap might make Danault easier to trade. Doughty’s $11 million average annual value through 2026-27 would be difficult to move in any trade scenario.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings went sideways last season after two promising years where they seemed poised to break out as a contender. This season could determine the club’s direction under general manager Rob Blake.

Players eligible to become unrestricted free agents next summer (Gavrikov, Jeannot) will be shopped if the Kings are out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline. Moves involving aging players like Doughty or Danault would likely occur in the offseason.

Those moves could signal the Kings intend to rebuild around younger talent like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke. That could also mean they’ll consider moving players in their late twenties like Kevin Fiala (if he’ll waive his no-movement clause) and Adrian Kempe.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng cited multiple sources claiming the San Jose Sharks could seek a right-handed defenseman.

Options in the free-agent market include Tyson Barrie, John Klingberg, Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All four are now past their prime. Klingberg only played 14 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs before undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

Trade possibilities include Cody Ceci of the Edmonton Oilers, Trevor van Riemsdyk of the Washington Capitals, Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad’s been floated in the rumor mill recently but Peng acknowledged it’s unlikely that he’s available. He noted that the Panthers blueliner has a 12-team no-trade list and there’s no reason to believe he’d accept a trade to the rebuilding Sharks.

Peng noted the Golden Knights don’t need to move Whitecloud and his $2.75 million cap hit right now. However, he pointed out that they always seem in need of shedding cap space. I wouldn’t rule out Whitecloud being available later this season if the Golden Knights go on another shopping spree to bolster their roster for the playoffs.

Ceci and van Riemsdyk are more likely to be available this summer as cost-cutting candidates. Peng suggests there’s less urgency now for the Capitals to shed salary following Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract termination, freeing up $3.9 million in cap space.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2024

by | Jul 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup, the Oilers could make another cost-cutting move and three proposed trade destinations for Leafs forward Nick Robertson.

ANOTHER COST-CUTTING MOVE COULD BE COMING FOR THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making cost-cutting during this offseason. They shipped Ryan McLeod last week to the Buffalo Sabres. Still, new contracts for restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg could push them over the $88 million cap by $3 million.

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

The Oilers could put Evander Kane on long-term injury reserve to start the 2024-25 season. The winger was hampered by a sports hernia last season and interim general manager Jeff Jackson mentioned hip issues. They could place Kane on LTIR if he requires surgery or a long recovery from his injury.

If Kane doesn’t go on LTIR, another cost-cutting trade will be necessary before their season opener in October. They could also demote some players but that would leave them starting the season with a 20-man roster.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting Cody Ceci as a cost-cutting trade candidate. Seravalli believes there’s a market for the 30-year-old defenseman and his $3.25 million cap hit. Staples noted that Ceci was among the few Oilers who raised their level of play in the playoffs compared to the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Oilers followers prefer Kane become the trade candidate. His contract and injury status will likely ensure he remains in Edmonton. The winger carries a $5.125 million cap hit through 2025-26 and a full no-movement clause until March 1, 2025, when it becomes a 16-team trade list.

If Kane ends up on LTIR he could return before the end of the 2024-25 season. The Oilers could wait until then and peddle Ceci or another player before the trade deadline. Otherwise, they’ll have to dump another salary in the trade market before their season opener.

THREE PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR NICK ROBERTSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted reports last week indicating Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson requested a trade. If he and the Leafs fail to mend their relations, Proteau suggested the San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vegas Golden Knights as destinations for the 22-year-old left winger.

Robertson would garner more playing time and a chance to get his career back on track with the rebuilding Sharks and Blue Jackets. He could also be an affordable middle-six forward for the Golden Knights as they attempt to regain the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs aren’t in any hurry to move Robertson. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights, giving him little leverage. Still, the Leafs could consider trading him for the right offer.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

The top remaining UFAs plus the latest on the Oilers, Islanders, Predators, and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TOP REMAINING UFAS

DAILY FACEOFF: Forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and James van Riemsdyk lead the list of the top players still available in the unrestricted free-agent market. The other notables are Ryan Suter, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I indicated yesterday, most notable UFA players are past their prime.

Winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

A handful will likely sign cheap, one-year contracts in the coming days. Many will be forced to earn new contracts on professional tryout offers during training camp in September.

Some will face the reality that their NHL careers are over, though they will probably continue their playing days in Europe.

OILERS FACING COST-CUTTING MOVES

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Edmonton Oilers must find a way to shed salary. They’re sitting $2.5 million over the $88 million salary cap with restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to re-sign. Teams can exceed the salary cap during the offseason but must be cap-compliant when the regular season begins.

Nugent-Bowman suggested winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million average annual value), defenseman Cody Ceci ($3.25 million), blueliner Brett Kulak ($2.75 million) and forward Ryan McLeod ($2.1 million) as trade candidates. Kane, however, carries a full no-movement clause until March 1, when it becomes a partial no-trade clause.

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited TSN’s Darren Dreger also indicating that the Oilers must cut costs, suggesting Ceci, McLeod or Kane as trade candidates.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported on July 1 that Kane had not been asked to waive his NMC at any point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s not going anywhere. As Nugent-Bowman pointed out, he holds all the cards with his NMC. That means Ceci, Kulak or McLeod could be traded before the Oilers’ season opener in October.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears noted the Islanders’ recent foray into the free-agent market by signing winger Anthony Declair. With limited salary-cap space, any additional efforts to bolster their offense must come in a trade market with few suitable options.

Sears noted the trade rumors still swirling about Winnipeg Jets wingers Nikolaj Ehlers and Rutger McGroarty, suggesting they would fill the Islanders’ needs. However, the Jets are in no rush to move either player. Ehlers is signed through next season and the Jets still control McGroarty’s rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers carries an average annual value of $6 million for 2024-25. It’ll have to be dollar-in, dollar-out to pull that off. McGroarty must sign an entry-level contract if the Isles acquire him. The Jets will want at least a first-round pick for their top prospect.

PREDATORS ARE NOT DONE MAKING ROSTER CHANGES

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz isn’t done making moves after adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei to his roster via free agency.

Trotz told the media on Monday that he’s looking at moving at least one player. They’re sitting over the $88 million cap by $179K and must be cap-compliant when their season opens in October.

Daugherty suggests Cody Glass as a trade candidate. The 25-year-old forward carries a $2.5 million cap hit and is now the club’s 13th forward. He was a healthy scratch during their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.

Defenseman Dante Fabbro, 26, could be another. He also carries a $2.5 million cap hit and was a healthy scratch in three of their six games against the Canucks.

Moving both players would create sufficient space to operate during the season while leaving room for roster call-ups as required.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has the entire offseason and training camp to make these moves. Glass and Fabbro could be skating with other clubs by October.

COULD THE RED WINGS TRADE A GOALIE?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen wonders if the Red Wings intend to shop a goaltender after signing Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell on Monday. The move leaves them with four netminders as Talbot and Campbel join Alex Lyon and Ville Husso.

Allen wondered if they could attempt to move Husso. He thinks that’s unlikely unless they retain part of his $4.75 million cap hit.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2023

by | Jul 17, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2023

The latest on Erik Karlsson, three teams that should attempt to sign Evan Bouchard to an offer sheet, and three assets the Oilers could use to acquire Brett Pesce in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE SHARKS BUCKLE ON KARLSSON?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes the stalemate in the Penguins’ efforts to acquire Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks is less of an impasse and more of a bluff on the Sharks’ part. If Sharks general manager Mike Grier isn’t bluffing as he attempts to drive up the asking price on the 33-year-old defenseman, Kingerski believes he’ll buckle because the Sharks don’t have a strong position.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Acquiring Karlsson carries risks such as his injury history,  his age, upsetting team chemistry and decreased production. Kingerski believes the Penguins don’t need Karlsson and neither do the Carolina Hurricanes, the other club reportedly a front-runner for the blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Penguins and Hurricanes would like to acquire him but they aren’t going to sell the farm to get him. They can move on for 2023-24 without Karlsson on their respective rosters. The Sharks, on the other hand, have a greater need to move him and his hefty contract so they can start investing the freed-up cap space in rebuilding the roster.

With Karlsson under contract for four more years, the Sharks could attempt to wait a year or two in the hope of getting a better deal. However, Kingerski pointed out the Arizona Coyotes took the same position with Jakob Chychrun and wound up shipping him to Ottawa for less than the oft-quoted asking price of two first-round picks and a prospect or NHL player.

The Sharks are attempting to sell high with Karlsson, whose value will never be higher than it is right now. It will drop if he gets hurt or his production sags.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These are good points by Kingerski. The bottom line is the Sharks are never going to get “equal value” for Karlsson despite his 101-point performance this season that earned him his third Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Grier is trying to generate a bidding war among the interested parties in the hope that they can get a return that is close to their best-case scenario.

Karlsson’s value remains high until his skates touch the ice for the Sharks’ opening game in 2023-24. That’s assuming he doesn’t suffer an injury in training camp or preseason play. The Sharks also don’t need questions about Karlsson’s future becoming an unwanted distraction during the coming season.

Grier knows this. He can stretch this situation throughout the summer but at some point, perhaps before training camp opens in September, I expect he’ll pull the trigger and accept the best offer.

THREE TEAMS THAT SHOULD SIGN EVAN BOUCHARD TO AN OFFER SHEET.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman considers Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard a prime target for an offer sheet. He’s due for a raise coming out of his entry-level contract but the Oilers have just $5.62 million in cap space for 2023-24 and center Ryan McLeod still to be re-signed.

Wegman believes the Oilers would be in a bind if a rival club offered Bouchard a five-year contract with an annual cap hit of $8.58 million. He suggested the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken make the attempt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Sabres, Hurricanes and Kraken going this route. Wegman acknowledged that this tactic is rarely used. He pointed out that general managers could be reluctant to part with the compensatory draft picks or overpaying on a short-term contract or wishing to avoid a retaliatory offer from another club down the road.

For an offer sheet to happen, the player must be open to signing with another club. There’s no indication that Bouchard is willing to consider that option. If he is, no one seems to be knocking down his door to do so. One has to think it would’ve happened by now.

The Sabres now have nine defensemen under NHL contract with their recent additions of Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. They’re also negotiating lucrative long-term extensions for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. I doubt they’re interested in adding another blueliner, especially one on an expensive deal via an offer sheet that could complicate efforts to re-sign Sandin and Power.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are reportedly quite interested in acquiring Erik Karlsson from San Jose. Should that fall through, they could go the offer-sheet route with Bouchard. However, I don’t think that’s something they want to entertain, especially after their tit-for-tat offer-sheet signing of Jesperi Kotkaniemi two years ago.

Kraken general manager Ron Francis has the cap space to make it happen but, as Wegman points out, a big chunk of it will be taken up re-sign blueliner Vince Dunn. Yes, they could free up room to pursue Bouchard if they wanted to, but why bother with that headache when less troublesome options could appear at some point?

WHAT WOULD IT COST THE OILERS TO ACQUIRE PESCE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa recently noted the rumor mill has linked the Edmonton Oilers to Brett Pesce. The Carolina Hurricanes are said to be open to moving the 28-year-old defenseman because of his expiring contract.

DeRosa looked at what it would cost the Oilers to acquire Pesce. He believes they would have to offer up their 2024 first-round pick, defenseman Cody Ceci and prospect Carter Savoie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes don’t seem in any hurry to move Pesce, though that could change if they need to clear cap space to acquire Erik Karlsson. Otherwise, they could likely find better offers for Pesce from other clubs.

Pesce also has a 15-team trade list. If the Oilers aren’t part of that group it won’t matter what they offer up.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2023

by | Jul 12, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2023

Why haven’t Jets goalie Connor Hellebucyk and center Mark Scheifele been traded yet? Could the Oilers trade Cody Ceci? Are the Leafs adding a veteran backup? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRADE CANDIDATES HELLEBUYCK AND SCHEIFELE STILL WITH THE JETS

WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen wonders why Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele remain with the Jets after weeks of trade speculation. Anticipation over the departures of those two was stoked after Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff traded Pierre-Luc Dubois and bought out Blake Wheeler last month.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck was among the most-watched players in the rumor mill following reports the 2019 Vezina Trophy finalist was eager to move on once his current contract expires next July. A finalist for the Vezina last season, the 30-year-old netminder is due for a hefty raise but he’s stuck in the gears of a flattened salary-cap machine.

TSN: Travis Yost still expects Hellebuyck to be traded this summer. He thinks some teams might be interested in the goalie as a one-year rental but most won’t act on a trade without some certainty of a contract extension. There’s also the question of how many teams are willing to invest big money in a 30-year-old netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The current contracts of Hellebuyck and Scheifele have played a part in the difficulty the Jets appear to have encountered in their attempts to move them. Hellebuyck carries an average annual value of $6.166 million but is being paid $7.5 million in actual salary. Scheifele, meanwhile, carries an AAV of $6.125 million with a 10-team no-trade list.

With so many teams now carrying less than $6 million in cap space, finding a suitable trade partner is difficult. Factor in the return the Jets will seek for either guy and it’s become more difficult to pull off a trade.

That doesn’t mean one or both won’t be playing elsewhere when training camps open in September. It just means Cheveldayoff will have to work harder to swing a deal.

COULD THE OILERS TRADE CECI?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa speculates the Edmonton Oilers could part ways with Cody Ceci before the start of the 2023-24 regular season. The Oilers have been looking for a top-four right-shot defenseman this summer, which could make Ceci expendable.

The Oilers would need to move out Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit. DeRosa lists the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes as possible trade destinations. All three are rebuilding clubs that could use some experienced depth on defense.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could depend on how much it costs the Oilers to re-sign restricted free-agent blueliner Evan Bouchard. They have $5.6 million in cap space with 20 active roster players under contract.

Ceci is signed through 2024-25. That could give him some value for clubs seeking a right-shot defenseman signed beyond this season.

ELLIOTT TO THE LEAFS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks recently speculated Brian Elliott could be heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer. The 38-year-old goalie spent the past two seasons as a backup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs currently have goalies Matt Murray and Joseph Woll under contract for 2023-24. Restricted free agent Ilya Samsonov is expected to be re-signed before his scheduled arbitration hearing on July 21. I anticipate the Leafs will go into next season with a Samsonov-Woll tandem.

Murray is reportedly being shopped but could be bought out once Samsonov is under contract. If they sign Elliott it’ll likely be to a cheap one-year contract that could see him playing in the minors.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 2, 2023

by | Apr 2, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 2, 2023

Updates on the Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha plus the latest Oilers speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE CAPITALS COULD FACE AN OFFSEASON OF CHANGE

THE HOCKEY NEWS: In her latest mailbag segment, Sammi Silber provided a recent update on what changes might be in store for the Washington Capitals should they miss the playoffs this season.

General manager Brian MacLellan recently said that acquiring a top-six forward is something the club would like to look into. He added there will be more flexibility for tweaks and offseason changes.

Evgeny Kuznetsov was the subject of recent trade rumors but the 30-year-old center dismissed it, noting that it was based on a misinterpreted report. He said he still sees his future with the Capitals.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

Anthony Mantha’s future in Washington is less certain following a disappointing season in which he was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. It’s unclear if he’s in the mix with the Capitals for next season, let alone what his trade value would be.

As for head coach Peter Laviolette, contract extension talks have reportedly grown cold. Missing the playoffs could mean a shakeup behind the bench, though Laviolette had to deal with numerous injuries to his roster over the past three seasons.

Silber noted this summer’s free-agent class isn’t that impressive so she’s not sure who the Capitals might target. They could have better luck in the trade market and have some trade chips, including perhaps Kuznetsov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Capitals have $7.3 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 17 players under contract. They’ll have to shed some salary if they intend to add a scoring forward.

The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir recently reported that Capitals management wasn’t impressed with Kuznetsov’s performance this season, citing his poor defensive play and inability to step up when injuries struck the lineup. However, his $7.8 million annual average value and 10-team no-trade list make the soon-to-be 31-year-old difficult to move. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s still with the Capitals next season.

Mantha, meanwhile, has been a big disappointment for them this season. The 28-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $5.7 million AAV for next season. He lacks no-trade protection but his struggles this season hurts his trade value.

As for Laviolette, this could go either way but it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide to hire a replacement.

LATEST ON THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at the Edmonton Oilers’ options to free up some salary-cap space for 2023-24.

He speculated they could shuffle out wingers like Kailer Yamamoto or Warren Foegele. However, the latter’s performance since Feb. 1 suggests he’ll be back next season.

Regarding their blueline, Mitchell suggested Cody Ceci could become a trade candidate if management needs a cost-cutting deal. Philip Broberg would have to pass through waivers next season which could make Brett Kulak expendable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have $8.5 million in projected cap space with 15 roster players under contract next season. They’ll have to clear some cap space with Evan Bouchard, Klim Kostin and Ryan McLeod slated to become restricted free agents in July.