NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2024

by | Dec 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2024

The annual holiday roster freeze is in effect (Dec. 20-27) but the trade and free-agent rumors persist. Check out the latest on the Predators, Canadiens and Sabres plus updates on Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett and Trent Frederic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TROTZ CLAIMS THE PREDATORS AREN’T IN SELL MODE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz claims his club is not rebuilding its roster after trading defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens for Justin Barron.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has been the busiest GM in this season’s trade market thus far. Before the Carrier deal, he traded winger Philip Tomasino to the Pittsburgh Penguins and sent goaltender Scott Wedgewood to the Colorado Avalanche for netminder Justus Annunen. He also waived defenseman Dante Fabbro, who was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Trotz claimed he’d been trying to acquire the 23-year-old Barron since last season, adding he wanted to add a right shot to his blueline who was “age appropriate”. He said the moves he’s made thus far are to reset the roster for the offseason, when he intends to be more aggressive in the trade and free-agent markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz was aggressive in this summer’s UFA market, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Those moves had observers (including yours truly) crowning them as offseason winners but they haven’t yet translated into on-ice success.

Trotz also shot down recent musings over whether he’ll try to peddle Stamkos by the March 7 trade deadline. “There’s no chance,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s also no indication Stamkos regrets his decision to sign with the Predators. If anything, he and Marchessault and Skjei appear determined to help their new team overcome their early-season struggles.

The Predators GM acknowledged he’s made lots of moves already, suggesting he could be quiet the rest of the season unless he gets an offer that knocks his socks off.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source claiming the Carrier-for-Barron trade isn’t the only move the Predators could make. “They’re clearing their cap space for something. It may not be for right now, but it’s coming.”

The Predators have been linked to Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens in the rumor mill. Their cupboard of tradeable assets is getting bare apart from Tommy Novak and Fedor Svechkov. They might have to move one of them to bolster their depth at center if they intend to turn their season around.

They also want a top-four defenseman. D’Amico noted Cozens teammate Bowen Byram has recently surfaced in the rumor mill.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz’s remarks to LeBrun suggest he intends to focus on next summer’s free-agent market to address his club’s needs. It’s doubtful that Novak or Svechkov would be enough to pry Cozens or Byram away from the Sabres.

COULD THE FLAMES TRY TO BRING BACK SAM BENNETT?

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis recently pondered whether a reunion between the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett makes sense.

Bennett, 28, was the Flames’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft. He spent nearly seven seasons in Calgary until he was traded to the Panthers before the 2021 trade deadline. Over the past four seasons, he’s played a big role in that club’s development into a Stanley Cup champion.

The Flames have sought an impact center since trading Elias Lindholm last season. Bennett is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Panthers will try hard to re-sign him but Francis suggests a trade could happen if negotiations fail to produce a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will depend on whether Bennett is open to returning to Calgary. Francis pointed out that the coaches and general manager who presided over his frustrating early years in Calgary are gone, which could make that path more enticing. The Flames have plenty of cap space to sign him to a lucrative deal. He’d also be returning as a leader and a respected playoff performer.

If the Flames want Bennett, they might have to wait until next summer to pursue him. However, it seems unlikely that the Panthers move Bennett at the deadline even if he’s not under contract by then. There is a risk of losing him to free agency in July but the Panthers need him if they intend on defending the Cup next spring. Repeating as champions with Bennett in the lineup would soften the blow of his departure next summer.

LATEST RUMORS FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner remain focused on winning games this season rather than negotiating a new contract. Marner, 27, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

As the calendar flips to January, Dreger believes time will be of the essence, so they’ll have to have some definition and direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides remain tightlipped about this situation. Marner said at the start of the season he wouldn’t answer questions about his contract while GM Brad Treliving said the club would not negotiate with the Marner camp through the media.

The two sides seem to prefer waiting to open serious talks until the end of this season. Marner likely wants to stay and the Leafs want to keep him, but everything depends on his performance and that of the Leafs. Another disappointing playoff outing could lead to his departure on July 1.

Dreger said he’s been told that Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has been on the phone non-stop for the past week. He indicates Adams is willing to make a big move. Teams are interested in the Sabres’ top players but are only offering decent players in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams are trying to take advantage of Adams, hoping he’ll panic if the losing skid continues and trade away one of his best young players for peanuts. He likely seeks a one-for-one swap of comparable talent similar to his trading Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche last season for Bowen Byram.

Dreger believes the Canadiens’ acquisition of Alexandre Carrier provides the club with backfill in case someone makes an offer for blueliner Mike Matheson or David Savard before the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun also believes the addition of Carrier could lead to Savard getting dealt later in the season. However, he also indicated they’re not in a hurry to move.

Dreger believes the Boston Bruins must soon decide what to do with Trent Frederic. The big, rugged 26-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Teams are wondering if they’ll sign or trade him at the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could depend on the Bruins’ position in the standings by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

by | Nov 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

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

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle wondered if another cost-cutting trade could be coming to help the Toronto Maple Leafs get under the salary cap.

Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar will soon complete their AHL conditioning stints as they return from injury. Meanwhile, the Leafs have an extra forward (Pontus Holmberg) and two extra defensemen (Matt Benning and Philippe Myers).

Mirtle indicates the Leafs are trying to trade Benning. Failing that, he or Myers could be placed on waivers and sent to the minors if unclaimed.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

They’ll also have to free up a spot for Calle Jarnkrok when he returns from injury. Holmberg could be waived and demoted while trade candidates include Nick Robertson and David Kampf. Moving Kampf would clear his $2.4 million annual cap hit (through 2025-26) from their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes it’s time for the Leafs and Nick Robertson to part ways. The 23-year-old winger has had a sub-par start to the season and should be traded.

Robertson asked for a trade this summer but eventually signed a one-year, $875K contract with the Leafs. He had five goals in preseason play but only one in 11 games thus far and has been a healthy scratch from a couple of recent games.

Proteau thinks Robertson might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. He believes the young winger would get a longer look as a top-nine forward with a club like the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what kind of roster juggling Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has in store to address this issue.

It’s been rumored he could shop a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok. Robertson also remains a trade possibility.

Proteau suggested the Avs and Isles because injuries have left them thin on their respective forward lines. He’d be an affordable addition to those cap-strapped clubs but his inconsistent play affects his value in the trade market.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels recently answered some questions from Montreal Canadiens fans.

First, he doesn’t believe Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is on the hot seat and doesn’t expect he’ll be fired anytime soon. Despite the team’s current struggles, management expected this and they believe St. Louis will seize the opportunity to improve and come out a better coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: St. Louis remains part of the Canadiens’ long-term plans but he could use some help from the coaching staff, especially with their defensive game. Any changes behind the bench could involve his assistants.

Engels also repeated recent reports indicating Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is shopping around for a veteran defenseman and a gritty forward. However, Hughes doesn’t want to pay a high price for depth.

Hughes could be interested in re-signing center Jake Evans but shouldn’t rush based on his strong start to this season. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old center could price himself out of Montreal if he seeks over $3 million annually on his next contract.

They could be interested in re-signing 34-year-old defenseman David Savard if he accepts a short-term deal for less money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes isn’t going to make any panicky deals based on his team’s poor start. Management remains in rebuild mode despite hoping to be in the mix for playoff contention this season. They hope to get a boost when sidelined winger Patrik Laine returns from a knee injury in December.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2024

by | Aug 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2024

Check out the latest Canadiens speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TVA SPORTS: Entering the final year of his contract with the Montreal Canadiens, David Savard knows he’ll be the subject of trade rumors this season.

The 33-year-old defenseman carries a $3.5 million cap hit. He’s aware the Canadiens at some point must clear roster space for their younger blueliners. Nevertheless, he believes he can still bring a lot to the team and its young players.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard was the subject of trade speculation in the weeks leading up to last season’s March deadline. Contenders in the market for an experienced defenseman will come calling again this season.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico looks at the Canadiens’ top trade assets heading into training camp.

Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has $5.5 million in cap space, and that’s without putting permanently sidelined goaltender Carey Price ($10.5 million) on long-term injury reserve. He could use it to his advantage by acquiring a player from a club looking to free up cap room before the start of the season.

Hughes also has nine picks in the first four rounds of the 2025 draft (including two first-rounders and two second-rounders) plus a deep prospect pool to draw on for trade bait if he’s looking to add an NHL player to his roster, preferably a forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are rumored to have had trade discussions with several teams this summer for a forward. Business could pick up heading into training camp starting in mid-September.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch believes the Canadiens have the pieces necessary to acquire goaltender Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators if they wish.

Askarov, 21, has been the subject of trade rumors since Nashville signed starting goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension on July 1. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported the Predators seek an NHL player that makes sense for Askarov or another high-end prospect forward or defenseman.

Couch speculates defenseman Logan Mailloux could be an option for the Predators. They could also be interested in a forward like Owen Beck, Joshua Roy, or Michael Hage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are in the market for a scoring forward, not a goaltender. They’re set with the underrated Sam Montembeault as their starter. Cayden Primeau will be his backup after a solid performance last season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 24, 2024

by | Mar 24, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 24, 2024

Check out the most recent Canadiens speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reported Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes hopes to accelerate his club’s rebuilding timeline during the offseason. He knows that his roster still needs work, especially their need for scoring depth.

Engels noted that Hughes has plenty of assets to draw on for trade bait this summer. He has plenty of promising young defensemen, four first-round picks and three second-rounders in the next two drafts and plenty of salary-cap space.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL.com).

At this stage, Engels doesn’t see them pursuing expensive aging veterans in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reported Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations, indicated that his club is always looking to add and to improve the roster. He said the Canadiens are “always looking for a trade” that would help move their rebuild along.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu also took note of the Canadiens’ depth in young defensemen. He believes this summer gives them a prime opportunity to flip some of those blueliners for help at forward.

Basu noted the Canadiens had done this before. During the first round of the 2022 draft, they shipped promising Alexander Romanov to the New York Islanders for a first-round pick that they sent to the Chicago Blackhawks for Kirby Dach. They did so because Guhle was in their system and would crack the roster the following season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu pointed out that David Savard was not moved at this year’s trade deadline but could be traded during the offseason.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman listed what he believes are the five priorities facing the Canadiens in the offseason.

Wegman feels they should weaponize their $19 million in cap space to continue stockpiling draft picks and prospects by targeting cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary. Such teams are usually willing to add sweeteners to move out players. As long as it’s a short-term contract, it could help them add a prospect or draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have experience in that department, most notably their acquisition of Sean Monahan two years ago from the Calgary Flames. They could continue to go that route. However, recent remarks by Hughes and Gorton suggest they’re focusing on adding a player who can help them accelerate their rebuild.

The Canadiens should also sign Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle to long-term extensions this summer before it becomes more expensive to re-sign them. The duo have a year each remaining on their entry-level contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. There’s a risk that they might not play up to the expectations that come with such contracts. Usually, however, such deals turn into long-term bargains if they continue to develop as projected.

Wegman believes the Canadiens should make a modest splash in this summer’s UFA market to bolster their forward depth. Options could include Boston’s Jake DeBrusk, Edmonton’s Warren Foegele or Detroit’s Daniel Sprong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could be worthwhile provided they don’t overpay for the privilege. However, they could be more interested in finding a forward in his mid-twenties who would have a bigger impact and fit better within their long-term plans.

Wegman also thinks they should shop a veteran defenseman like Savard or Johnathan Kovacevic. Both are a year away from UFA eligibility. He also advises against buying out Brendan Gallagher or Josh Anderson as it would hurt the Canadiens’ long-term salary-cap flexibility when they project to be contenders again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher and Anderson each have three years left on their contract. It’s better to hang onto them for another couple of years and go the buyout route in the final season when the cost will only be spread out over two years.










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 – March 1, 2024

by | Mar 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2024

The latest on Elias Pettersson’s contract situation, updates on the Golden Knights, Oilers, and Islanders, a look at the market for defensemen following the Chris Tanev trade, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS AND PETTERSSON RESUME CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOLLOWING TRADE TALKS WITH THE HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliott Friedman reports multiple sources claim trade discussions between the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes regarding Elias Pettersson reached a stage where the Canucks and Pettersson decided to renew their contract talks.

Earlier this season, Pettersson had said he preferred to wait until the end of this season to open negotiations. The 25-year-old center is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Nevertheless, his agent and Canucks management maintained lines of communication during this season.

Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday that significant progress toward an extension had been made. If it’s completed, Friedman believes it will provide the Canucks with a clearer picture of their future salary-cap space heading toward the March 8 traded deadline.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the two sides are looking at contract options from three to eight years. He suspects the average annual value will be slightly above the $11.5 million that William Nylander will receive from the Toronto Maple Leafs starting next season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos reported hearing the Canucks offered up an eight-year, $96 million contract to the Pettersson camp. The AAV on that is $12 million.

It’s interesting that the Canucks and Hurricanes were in trade talks about Pettersson. That would’ve been a blockbuster that would have shaken up the trade market heading toward the March 8 deadline.

In a recent interview with Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell, Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun reported he was interested in acquiring a forward with term remaining on his contract. This would’ve been a different scenario but one that would have given the Hurricanes control over Pettersson’s contract rights.

The Hurricanes have a projected $31.6 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 10 active roster players under contract. They could afford to re-sign Pettersson but I daresay they also would’ve had to give up a valuable roster player as part of the package, perhaps a forward such as Seth Jarvis or maybe right-shot defenseman Brett Pesce in a sign-and-trade deal.

LATEST FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are shopping for forwards in the trade market.

Vegas captain Mark Stone is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is expected to utilize his $9.5 million cap hit to seek a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights haven’t placed Stone on long-term injury reserve yet but could do so in anticipation of a trade. It’ll be the second straight season that their captain has been sidelined down the stretch, enabling them to use the LTIR cap savings to bolster their roster.

I can hear the howls of outrage from critics of the LTIR system or fans baselessly accusing the Golden Knights of cheating. Yeah, like every team in the league wants their best player sidelined for the remainder of the season so they can garner cap relief.

Folks who don’t like the LTIR system don’t seem to mind it when it benefits their club. You scarcely hear a peep from them then.

Dreger also reports the Edmonton Oilers are targeting a top-six forward. He believes they’re looking at players such as the New Jersey Devils’ Tyler Toffoli, the St. Louis Blues’ Pavel Buchnevich, or the Seattle Kraken’s Jordan Eberle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the week, Dreger reported that Toffoli was garnering interest in the trade market but the Devils prefer to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent.

The Oilers were also linked to Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal speculated that Oilers GM Ken Holland could pursue a winger and is also looking at defensemen following a rumored attempt at acquiring Chris Tanev before he was traded to Dallas.

Speaking of Tanev, Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche were in on the former Flames defenseman.

Meanwhile, Chris Johnston believes the return the Flames received for Tanev (prospect defenseman Artem Grushnikov, second-round pick, conditional third-rounder) could set the market for other blueliners like the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker or the Arizona Coyotes’ Matt Dumba heading toward the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Comparable blueliners won’t fetch a first-round pick in this season’s trade market.

Pierre LeBrun reports nothing new on the trade front for Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning really like the 27-year-old Hanifin but they lack first-round picks in this year’s draft. He also carries a modified no-trade clause plus his agent could also seek a contract extension for his client.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun speculated those factors could force Flames GM Craig Conroy to remain patient. He could take this up to the deadline before pulling the trigger on a Hanifin deal.

In his column for The Athletic: LeBrun wrote that the Montreal Canadiens aren’t committed to trading rearguard David Savard but that doesn’t mean they won’t do so. However, they’ve set a certain bar that interested clubs must reach with their trade offers.

Savard, 33, is signed through next season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The Canadiens could wait until the offseason to move him or next year’s deadline. LeBrun thinks it could take a first-round pick, a young player with a value equivalent to a first-rounder, or multiple picks with a combined value equivalent to a first to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A very high bar indeed. It appears that they set that price to discourage clubs from pursuing him.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN TARASENKO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if the New York Islanders would be interested in Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old Ottawa Senators winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Rosner noted the Islanders were among a handful of teams interested in Tarasenko when he requested a trade from the St. Louis Blues in 2021.

The Islanders have limited salary-cap space. Rosner speculates it would mean sending a hefty contract the other way.