NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2025

by | Apr 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 19, 2025

The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on Saturday, a brief look at each of the postseason teams, the league sets a new season attendance record, and updates on Roman Josi and Elias Pettersson in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF HEADLINES

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets hope to soothe the bad memories of recent early postseason exits as they face off against the St. Louis Blues in their first-round series, with Game 1 starting Saturday. Since reaching the Western Conference Final in 2018, the Jets have advanced to the second round only once.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets face higher expectations after winning the Presidents’ Trophy this season for the first time in franchise history.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues center Robert Thomas returned to practice on Friday and is ready to go for Game 1 against the Jets. Thomas left Tuesday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club with a lower-body injury.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars will be without leading scorer Jason Robertson when they open their first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. He’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury (right knee) suffered during Wednesday against the Nashville Predators.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars are also without top defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who had knee surgery in February.

THE DENVER POST: The Avalanche spent most of this season with key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin sidelined. However, they’ll have a healthier lineup going into their series with the Stars. Head coach Jared Bednar wouldn’t say if Landeskog will be in the lineup for that game but everyone else could be available.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk looks forward to leading his club in playoff action for the first time. Their upcoming series with the Toronto Maple Leafs will be Tkachuk’s postseason debut.

SPORTSNET: With salary-cap constraints lifted for the playoffs, the Maple Leafs could work veterans Ryan Reaves, Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa back into their lineup at some point against the Senators. Sidelined players Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Jake McCabe and David Kampf could be good to go for Game 1 on Sunday.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights need Alex Pietrangelo, Brett Howden and Jack Eichel to be at the top of their game if they hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this season. They face the Minnesota Wild in the opening round beginning Sunday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Wild rookie defenseman Zeev Buium could be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Golden Knights. During practice on Thursday, the 19-year-old blueliner took line rushes with Zach Bogosian on the Wild’s third defense pairing and was running their top power-play unit.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New Jersey Devils starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom won’t be taking this postseason run for granted. His last playoff appearance was in 2022 with the Calgary Flames. Markstrom and the Devils face the Carolina Hurricanes with Game 1 beginning Sunday.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they’ll need winger Andrei Svechnikov, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, and goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to step up against the Devils come Game 1.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington hopes to put their rough finish to the regular season in the rearview as they meet the Montreal Canadiens in their first-round series starting Monday. The Capitals finished atop the Eastern Conference standings but dropped eight of their final 12 regular-season games.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens defenseman David Savard announced his intention to retire following the postseason. He’s served as a mentor for one of the youngest teams in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could provide additional motivation for the Canadiens, rallying around Savard as they attempt to stage a bit of a playoff run for their beloved teammate.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Laferriere hopes to make a positive impact in the upcoming postseason series with the Edmonton Oilers. He’s a physical forward who has steadily improved since his NHL debut in 2023-24, finishing this season with 42 points and 124 hits.

TSN: Sidelined Oilers Jake Walman and Trent Frederic were on the ice for practice on Friday. Walman’s been out since April 7 with an undisclosed injury, while Frederic’s been sidelined with an ankle injury since April 5. The Oilers face the Kings with Game 1 starting Monday in Los Angeles.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning must wait until Tuesday to start their opening-round series with arch-rival Florida Panthers.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Matthew Tkachuk could return to the Panthers’ lineup for Game 1 against the Lightning. He’s been sidelined by a groin injury suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The league set a new regular-season attendance record of 23,014,458, surpassing the previous high of 22,873,142 set last year. That figure represents 96.9 percent of capacity.

Those figures included the 2025 Winter Classic at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the Stadium Series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium, and the Global Series games in Czechia and Finland.

The Montreal Canadiens led all teams in total attendance, with sellout crowds of 21,015 at the Bell Centre for all 41 home games.

SPORTSNET: The Vancouver Canucks expect center Elias Pettersson to report to training camp in better shape for next season. He was in disappointing condition reporting to camp last September, which he attributed to a sore knee that affected his summer training.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi confirmed he’d been sidelined by a concussion following a hit from Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett on Feb. 25. Josi said he’s progressed well in his recovery and will be ready to play at the start of next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin denies requesting a trade plus the latest on the Islanders and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAHLIN DENIES REQUESTING A TRADE

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Rasmus Dahlin angrily denied comments by TNT hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette claiming the Sabres captain indicated he wanted a trade during a meeting last week with general manager Kevyn Adams.

“I want to be moved? I don’t know what he’s talking about,” said Dahlin. He admitted he’s unhappy with the team’s performance but never told Adams he wanted out.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

Bissonnette made the remarks on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, claiming the story was given to him “by the people who really matter and who move the needle as far as the insiders.” He claimed Dahlin told Adams that “he was gonezos” if things didn’t turn around fast.

“That bugs me, actually,” said Dahlin. “I get pissed off by that. I haven’t even mentioned the word ‘leave”. So yeah, that’s just how it is.”

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn acknowledged Dahlin’s comments. However, he believes Adams and Sabres owner Terry Pegula can’t be naive about the potential for other players getting discouraged with losing so often, especially restricted free agents like JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed out that Dahlin didn’t hide his frustration with the club’s lack of progress. That should worry the front office. Dahlin might not want out now but that could change if this moribund franchise doesn’t snap out of its long playoff drought. Other Sabres could also run out of patience if the losing continues.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports the Islanders weren’t believed to be shopping Noah Dobson, nor was the 25-year-old defenseman looking to leave. His name appeared in the rumor mill last month after it was reported that he had changed agents.

Dobson indicated he wasn’t concerned about the speculation. He declined to get into the reasons behind the move but pointed out it happened well before it was reported. The blueliner is a restricted free agent on July 1.

Sears also speculated that Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee could surface in this summer’s rumor mill as Islanders’ management attempts to make the roster younger.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports Pageau’s name was never out in the trade market before the deadline. GM Lou Lamoriello said he didn’t want to completely bail on the current roster, preferring to give them a chance to continue competing for a playoff spot.

Pageau and Lee may be shopped during the offseason. They both have a year remaining in their contracts, which could make it easier to move them.

Staple speculated that Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield could be bought out of their contracts. Both have five years left on their contracts but Engall would count as $1 million against the cap if bought out while Mayfield would be $1.66 million. That would give the Isles a combined $4.33 million in cap savings per season over the next five years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes will be coming this summer for the Islanders. It remains to be seen whether Lamoriello will be the one making them.

COULD THE CANADIENS SHOP FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes didn’t make a move at the trade deadline to add a second-line center, claiming the trade deadline wasn’t necessarily the best time to fill that spot. He indicated he called other GMs to spitball ideas on several things, including players who didn’t appear in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline.

Hughes has put the futures of pending UFA players David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak on the back-burner. He’s not worried about the possibility of losing them to free agency in July, adding he felt it was more important to keep them so the younger players can lean on them down the stretch as the club pushes for a playoff spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee surgery left the Canadiens needing a reliable second-line center. Hughes has plenty of trade capital to draw on with draft picks and prospects to swing a deal for a center this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2025

by | Jan 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2025

Check out the latest trade speculation about Canucks center Elias Pettersson plus the latest on the Bruins, Oilers and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE PETTERSSON SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon looked at four clubs that might be best-positioned to acquire Elias Pettersson if the Vancouver Canucks decide to trade the 26-year-old center.

Dixon noted the Carolina Hurricanes were in talks with the Canucks about Pettersson last season before he signed his current contract. He noted the Canucks prefer a center-for-center swap but the Hurricanes aren’t parting with Sebastian Aho. Dixon wondered if the conversation could shift to Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis or promising defense prospect Alexander Nikishin.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That trade won’t happen this season because the Hurricanes lack the cap space to take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million annual cap hit. And no, the Canucks won’t retain half of it. They don’t want $5.8 million in dead cap space on their books for the next seven years. Such a deal would have to wait until this summer when the Hurricanes will have over $27 million in cap space under a projected $92.4 million cap for 2025-26.

Dixon believes the Buffalo Sabres should be a no-brainer. They’re an Eastern Conference club, which works if the Canucks prefer moving Pettersson outside of the Western Conference. The Sabres also have plenty of young pieces at center and on defense to entice the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dylan Cozens to Vancouver, anyone? Elliotte Friedman spitballed a package offer of Cozens and Bowen Byram last month. The Sabres also have the cap space this season to take on Pettersson’s full cap hit. Pettersson might not be keen about going to Buffalo but his lack of no-trade protection this season gives the Canucks the leeway to send him wherever they want.

The Anaheim Ducks might be able to offer up the best deal. Maybe they can put together a blockbuster offer that includes Trevor Zegras. The Ducks can also easily afford Pettersson’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will likely want someone other than Zegras as his stock has declined over the last two years. They could ask for Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish in a package deal for Pettersson.

Dixon believes the Minnesota Wild have long needed a first-line center to drive their offense. Marco Rossi’s name has come up in the rumor mill. Dixon suggests Rossi could become a trade candidate if he and general manager Bill Guerin fail to agree to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin recently said he’s not shopping Rossi, a restricted free agent without arbitration rights this summer. However, the Wild lack sufficient cap space to acquire Pettersson this season. They’ll have over $18 million under a projected $92.5 million cap but Pettersson’s contract would eat up a big chunk of it. Guerin could also be reluctant to add an expensive player like Pettersson when franchise player Kirill Kaprizov is due for a hefty raise in 2026.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports industry sources claim the New York Islanders are among the teams calling the Canucks expressing interest in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way that works is if the Islanders free up considerable cap space before the trade deadline. That would mean moving a high-salaried player like Mathew Barzal, which isn’t happening, especially if the Canucks are on his 22-team no-trade list. Bo Horvat is a former Canuck but he may have put those years behind him and could be unwilling to waive his no-trade clause.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ken Campbell believes the worst thing the Canucks could do is trade Pettersson or J.T. Miller. He doubts they’d get equal value in return and whatever they do get won’t help them in the short or long term. Campbell believes the best solution is for Pettersson and Miller to work out their differences.

LATEST FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is open for business. They have some free-agent players (like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau) who could be in play.

Dreger said they plan to map out a strategy that takes them up to the March 7 trade deadline, unless they receive an offer that makes sense to them beforehand.

Pierre LeBrun reports Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman is making preliminary calls around the league. He intends to add a defenseman before the trade deadline, hoping to ensure the Oilers have sufficient depth should injuries strike their blueline.

It’s assumed they could pursue a right-shot shutdown defenseman like David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens. However, they’re also comfortable dealing for a left-shot blueliner.

Speaking of the Canadiens, LeBrun said GM Kent Hughes isn’t going to get carried away by his club’s recent improvement. He let pending free-agent center Jake Evans know that the club wants to re-sign him. However, Evans’ career year could be the 28-year-old center’s best chance to hit a home run in the free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie said earlier this week that he believes the two sides will get a deal done. However, LeBrun indicated the New Jersey Devils are among the clubs interested in Evans if the Canadiens shop him before the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

by | Jan 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Elias Pettersson is focussing on improving his play over the second half of this season. The 26-year-old Vancouver Canucks centers has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury.

Pettersson’s become the recent subject of trade rumors amid rumors he’s feuding with teammate J.T. Miller. He acknowledged hearing that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said anything was possible when it came to trades. However, he said there’s nothing he can do about it and he was not paying attention to the speculation.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Asked if he wanted to stay with the Canucks, Pettersson replied, “Yeah, of course. That’s why I signed here. Of course.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s no-movement clause doesn’t begin until July 1, giving the Canucks plenty of time to ship him wherever they want without his consent. However, they reportedly prefer to retain him and remain hopeful that he and Miller will resolve their differences.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat took notice of recent rumors linking the Canucks’ J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks would want a center as part of the return for Miller or Pettersson if they decide to move one or the other.

Kierszenblat looked at which Rangers centers the Canucks should be interested in if they move Miller. Mika Zibanejad has regressed in recent seasons and has a full no-movement clause. Vincent Trocheck ranks near the top of the Rangers’ analytics, including faceoff win percentage. The oft-injured Filip Chytil would be ideal when healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad might not waive his NMC for a Canadian team. The same goes for Trocheck, whose NMC becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. Chytil could be a good fit with the Canucks but his history of concussions is a big concern.

Stefen Rosner cites industry sources claiming the Canucks are interested in Brock Nelson but not as a postseason rental. The 33-year-old New York Islanders center has a 16-team no-trade list and Rosner suspects every Canadian team is on it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t hold your breath waiting for Nelson to land in Vancouver by the March 7 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports Jake Evans’ stock is rising thanks to his improved play this season. The 28-year-old Montreal Canadiens center is UFA-eligible this summer and has been the subject of trade speculation.

D’Amico cited an Eastern Conference source who claimed Evans could price himself out of Montreal, suggesting a three or four-year deal at $3 million annually wasn’t attainable.

A Western Conference source was skeptical of the Canadiens’ chances to re-sign Evans. “You can’t pay a fourth-line center upwards of $3.5 million on the long-term and hope to be competitive when it counts.”

D’Amico noted the Canadiens have promising young centers like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen in their system as potential replacements for Evans. An NHL pro scout believes he could fetch a first-round pick in the trade market.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes Evans and the Canadiens could agree to a long-term contract. He cited a source close to the situation saying Evans wants to stay in Montreal and the Habs want to keep him.

Lavoie’s source noted the salary cap is rising and could reach $100 million within two years. “Over three years, if you give Evans $1.5 million more, nobody is going to cry.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evan’s annual average value is $1.7 million. He’s bound to get between $3 million and $4 million on the open market this summer. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Habs re-signed him for between $3 million and $3.5 million. His situation will be worth monitoring leading up to the trade deadline.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if the improving Canadiens become buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. General manager Kent Hughes could listen to trade offers for pending UFAs like Evans, David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak.

Instead of seeking draft picks and prospects for those players, Hughes could ask for players who can provide immediate help to the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on the Canadiens’ place in the standings by March 7. However, Hughes could still attempt to swap some or all of his pending UFAs for players who can help his club beyond this season.










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 – December 28, 2024

by | Dec 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 28, 2024

The holiday roster freeze ended at 12:01 AM ET on Saturday. Check out the latest on Rangers winger Chris Kreider, Islanders center Brock Nelson and Wild forward Marco Rossi plus updates on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE RANGERS TRY TO MOVE CHRIS KREIDER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Rangers made Chris Kreider a healthy scratch for their Dec. 23 game against the New Jersey Devils. However, he was told the move was made by coach Peter Laviolette to hold his veteran accountable.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Brooks cited “a knowledgeable industry source” saying there was no trade on the table for Kreider and it wasn’t an exercise in “roster management.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He referred to the Rangers scratching Jacob Trouba earlier, threatening to put him on waivers unless he accepted a trade to the Anaheim Ducks.

Kreider, 33, has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Brooks believes those extra two years add to the winger’s value rather than detract. He thinks the Rangers could get a meaningful asset or two for Kreider if he hits the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Issues like the decline in Kreider’s production and his age make the remaining two years of his contract (and his AAV) a concern. His 15-team no-trade list is another factor, though Rangers general manager Chris Drury could play hardball with Kreider as he did with Trouba.

The Athletic’s Arthur Staple pointed out Kreider’s been nursing a back injury. That’s another factor that could hurt his trade value.

WILL THE ISLANDERS TRADE BROCK NELSON?

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias believes the Islanders’ next 20 games leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off will determine the club’s direction at the March 7 trade deadline and beyond.

Macias cited The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun (he mistakenly attributed it to Chris Johnston) speculating Brock Nelson could test next summer’s free-agent market. If so, trading the 34-year-old center is almost inevitable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson should fetch the Islanders a decent return to build up their future and bolster their prospect pipeline.

Macias also believes pending free agents Kyle Palmieri and Matt Martin could be shopped by the deadline. So could center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million.

If the Isles miss the playoffs, Macias believes general manager Lou Lamoriello will no longer be part of the club’s future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been speculated the Islanders could fire Lamoriello or have him turn over the management reins and remain their President of Hockey Operations. He could be a goner even if the Isles squeak into the playoffs, especially if they’re eliminated from the first round again.

THE WILD AREN’T TRYING TO MOVE MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi has been the subject of trade rumors since last season as the club tries to project his ceiling. However, general manager Bill Guerin said he’s not looking to trade the promising 23-year-old after watching his performance on the Wild’s top line for most of this season.

Guerin claims he’s “very happy” with Rossi’s performance, considering him one of the Wild’s best players. Despite his small frame, the 5’9”, 185-pounder is a solid net-front presence with all of his goals coming from 10 feet or less from the net. “He’s doing all the right stuff,” said Guerin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo adds that Guerin intends to re-sign Rossi, who will become a restricted free agent next summer. That should dampen the rumors swirling around this promising young center.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan dismissed the notion of the Canadiens trading defenseman Mike Matheson. He indicated the 30-year-old plays an important role in logging big minutes on the young Habs blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson had a year left on his contract, which could also make him an enticing trade target. Nevertheless, moving him would hurt the growth of the Canadiens blueline.

I get why some fans believe Matheson could fetch a great return. However, the Habs need a veteran or two like Matheson to help take some of the burden off those younger rearguards until they reach the point where they’ve sufficiently improved into reliable top-four defenders.

Cowan anticipates the Canadiens’ recent addition of Alexandre Carrier means David Savard could be moved at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported last week that there hadn’t been any contract extension talks between Savard and Canadiens management. He also believes Carrier’s addition gives the Habs leeway to peddle Savard.