What will Sidney Crosby’s next contract with the Penguins look like? Have the Bruins set the table for some big moves in the offseason? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHAT WILL CROSBY’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?
THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi noted that “a lot of people” have opined that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby should finish his career with a team like the Colorado Avalanche. However, he shoots down that notion by pointing out that Crosby had publicly and privately indicated he intends to finish his career with the Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins’ decline into also-ran status has fueled media speculation about Crosby’s future. Some suggested he should orchestrate a trade to join his good friend Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado or sign with the Avalanche next summer as a free agent.
The earliest the Penguins can open contract extension talks with Crosby is July 1. If he’s not signed on that date, Rossi suggests it could be because he’s still on vacation.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer it takes for the Penguins and Crosby to reach an agreement the more questions over his future in Pittsburgh will appear in the media. If he’s not signed when training camp opens, the media buzz over his future will continue to increase.
Crosby’s current annual average value is $8.7 million. Rossi speculates a three-year extension at $10 million annually would be fair. He believes Crosby will want to stick around and help shape the next great Penguins team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Kyle Dubas has to sell his vision of the club’s future to Crosby. If he can do that, his captain could be up for the challenge of guiding the next group of young Penguins stars.
ARE THE BRUINS PRIMED FOR A BIG OFFSEASON?
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL executive suggesting Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has “set the table” for some big moves in the offseason.
“Look at all the cap space he has, and his two biggest trade targets are still set to become free agents.”
The Bruins have a projected salary-cap space of $21.7 million for 2024-25. With potentially eight roster spots opening up, Murphy speculates they could re-sign Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk and perhaps Kevin Shattenkirk on team-friendly contracts. Winger Jake DeBrusk remains a wildcard as he has not heard back from management about a contract extension as of the March 8 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could get more cap space if they trade goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million.
Sweeney has his club in a good position cap-wise heading into this summer. I don’t doubt that he’ll look at bolstering his roster with one or two free-agent signings and perhaps through the trade market. Whether he lands Lindholm and/or Hanifin remains to be seen.
Check out the latest on the Blackhawks and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
FREE-AGENT TARGETS FOR THE BLACKHAWKS
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers believes the Chicago Blackhawks must bring in some forwards this summer who can provide support for franchise star Connor Bedard.
His suggested options include Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights, Teuvo Teravainen of the Carolina Hurricanes, Tyler Bertuzzi of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jake DeBrusk of the Boston Bruins or Tyler Toffoli of the Winnipeg Jets.
Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks attempted to add experienced depth last summer by acquiring Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno and signing Corey Perry. Hall suffered a season-ending knee injury but still has a year left on his contract. Foligno played well enough to earn a two-year extension. Perry’s contract was terminated last November following an off-ice incident.
The Blackhawks have plenty of cap space ($38.2 million) to make one or two additions up front via free agency. Most of those players would come in on short-term contracts as the Hawks continue to promote younger players into their lineup.
Landing any of those players on Powers’ list will depend on the type of contracts they’re seeking and if they want to join a rebuilding team. Playing with a rising star like Bedard could be enticing for some players.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch looked at the Senators’ top-five head coaching candidates for next season.
Toronto Marlies’ head coach John Gruden topped Garrioch’s list. He was also head coach of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs from 2016 to 2018 when they were owned by Michael Andlauer, who bought the Senators last year. Senators general manager Steve Staios was the Bulldogs’ GM at the same time that Gruden was their coach.
Former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason, and former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube are also on Garrioch’s list, followed by Philadelphia Flyers assistant coach Brad Shaw.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andlauer stuck with who he knew best by having Staios take over as general manager last November. It wouldn’t be shocking if they hired Gruden provided the Toronto Maple Leafs would allow him to speak to the Senators about their head-coaching job.
SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan reports Senators assistant coach Daniel Alfredsson said he hasn’t thought about if he’d like to take over the head-coaching role. He’s been busy adjusting to what he called a steep learning curve from the coaching side of things.
The former Senators captain was hired on an interim basis along with head coach Jacques Martin back in December.
Alfredsson admitted he has caught the coaching bug, hinting that this season might not be his last behind the bench. However, he might not be the ideal candidate to take over the reins as the Senators’ head coach.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the new head coach will keep Alfredsson as an assistant coach.
Garrioch also speculated whether the Senators might attempt to improve their goaltending during the offseason. He doesn’t see them buying out the remaining four years of Joonas Korpisalo’s contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are stuck with Korpisalo. Perhaps they’ll try to ditch backup Anton Forsberg and bring in a more reliable backup.
The defense also needs improvement, especially on the right side where Garrioch believes they need a “rugged top-four blueliner.” He doesn’t see the Senators trading blueliner Thomas Chabot unless they’re willing to retain part of his $8 million average annual value. Rearguard Jakob Chychrun’s future remains murky.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret the Senators are interested in signing Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev if he becomes a free agent on July 1. Chabot’s contract is tough to move. Staios has said he’d like to re-sign Chychrun but I wouldn’t be shocked if he was traded this summer for a player who can provide immediate help to their roster.
Changes also need to be made among the forward lines. Garrioch doesn’t expect Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Shane Pinto, Drake Batherson, Ridly Grieg and Claude Giroux to be moved. However, the checking lines could use more depth.
The trade deadline has passed but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Check out the latest on the Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and Jake DeBrusk plus a look at the Senators’ offseason plans in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
ULLMARK AND DEBRUSK FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH THE BRUINS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported a deal was in place before the trade deadline that would’ve sent Linus Ullmark to a team on his 16-team no-trade list. The Boston Bruins goaltender declined to waive the clause as is his right.
It’s rumored that Ullmark rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. Neither Ullmark nor Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would confirm or deny it.
Friedman also said the Bruins had conversations with teams that weren’t on Ullmark’s no-trade list. He said it was an emotionally difficult week for the 30-year-old goalie, who loves living and playing in Boston and doesn’t want to leave.
Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).
Ullmark has one more season remaining on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Friedman believes Sweeney could revisit efforts to move the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner during the summer.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that Ullmark was relieved and grateful to remain with the Bruins. He also pointed out that this situation hasn’t affected his play. Murphy believes trading the popular Ullmark at the deadline would’ve hurt the roster down the stretch.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy reported Friday that a source told him the rumored trade was not with the Kings. He also cited a source claiming 14 of the 16 clubs on Ullmark’s no-trade list were Western Conference teams.
The Bruins have a projected $22.4 million in cap space for next season. Moving Ullmark’s $5 million cap will provide more room to bolster his roster’s depth.
Sweeney could gauge the market for Ullmark this summer, but the goalie’s no-trade clause will remain an obstacle. It drops by one team to a 15-team NTC for 2024-25.
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes it’s time for Jake DeBrusk to maximize his worth with a strong postseason performance. Sweeney is expected to continue contract talks with the 27-year-old winger’s agent. However, Shinzawa anticipates that DeBrusk will test the free-agent market on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million. A strong performance in this year’s playoffs could land him a lucrative long-term deal. Time will tell if it’ll be with the Bruins or another club.
In the past, I assumed that DeBrusk would be traded. Both times, the Bruins held onto him. This time, however, his pending UFA status makes it feel like this season will be his last in Boston.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios attempted to wheel and deal at the trade deadline. His only significant move was trading winger Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers.
However, Staios believes his discussions with other general managers could lay the groundwork for some offseason transactions to bring him some help for his roster.
There was some interest in Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker but no one was willing to pay Staios’ asking price. Most of the Senators’ core players, including Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, Jakob Chychrun and Claude Giroux, aren’t going anywhere soon. However, Garrioch believes Staios should be willing to listen to offers.
It’s believed Staios had serious discussions with several teams about moves that could’ve addressed the Senators’ needs. He’s seeking a pair of veteran players to help lead the club’s young core.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes are coming to the Senators following another disappointing season. This club has been spinning its wheels for the last three years.
They risk wasting the best years of those core players and untouchables such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Another lackluster season could push those players’ patience to the breaking point.
Staios will be active in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. He’ll try to bring in the veteran leadership he believes this club needs to become a playoff contender. It could come at the cost of a core player not named Tkachuk, Stutzle and Sanderson.
Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars, Bruins, Senators, Predators, Rangers, Islanders, Leafs, Flyers, Kraken and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported the Canucks had made progress in negotiations with the Petersen camp on a possible eight-year deal. $96 million over that period is an average annual value of $12 million. Stay tuned!
Kypreos expects the Dallas Stars could pursue another defenseman after adding Chris Tanev and only taking on 50 percent of his salary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames retained 50 percent of Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit with the Devils picking up $1.125 million and the Stars $1.125 million. Nevertheless, as Kypreos points out, the Stars have the cap space ($2.05 million) to add another defenseman if they wish by the March 8 trade deadline.
The Boston Bruins are pushing hard to acquire Noah Hanifin. The Calgary Flames seek “three significant pieces” from the Bruins for the 27-year-old defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I jokingly suggested Jake DeBrusk for Hanifin yesterday. In reality, it will be daunting for the Bruins to pull this off. They don’t have any picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft to draw on for trade bait, their prospect pool is shallow and there aren’t many roster players they can afford to part with.
I’m not saying the Bruins can’t meet the Flames’ asking price but other clubs with more cap space, draft picks and prospects could outbid them.
The goalie market is shrinking. Marc-Andre Fleury, John Gibson and Juuse Saros are unlikely to be moved by the trade deadline. Meanwhile, teams could be less willing to pitch a mind-blowing offer to the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since this was published, the Wild stated they’re not trading Fleury while the Predators intend to hang onto Saros while they’re in playoff contention. Gibson’s contract remains too expensive for the Ducks to move in the offseason. The Devils were interested in Markstrom but the Flames aren’t willing to retain half of his $6 million average annual value, which runs through 2025-26.
UPDATE ON THE BRUINS
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL hockey operations executive saying it would be a gutsy move by the Boston Bruins to trade goaltender Linus Ullmark before the trade deadline.
The executive gave Shinzawa three reasons why it would make sense to move Ullmark. It would allow them to upgrade other areas of the roster, and free up $5 million in cap space, and Jeremy Swayman is ready to be the full-time starter.
However, Shinzawa believes moving Ullmark would require adding an experienced backup for Swayman as promising Brandon Bussi hasn’t played an NHL game yet. Finding a suitable trade partner for Ullmark, who has a 16-team no-trade clause, could be difficult.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out trading Ullmark by the deadline but that move seems more likely in the offseason. A strong goalie tandem has enabled the Bruins to jockey for first overall in the standings in what was supposed to be a transition season for the club.
Shinzawa also considered it unlikely that the Bruins would move defenseman Matt Grzelcyk at the trade deadline. That would mean risking his departure this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports winger Jake DeBrusk confirms his contract extension talks with Bruins management have stalled. That’s raised questions over whether the 27-year-old winger will be traded to a team like the Edmonton Oilers by the March 8 deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Bruins trading DeBrusk solely because of his pending UFA status. They won’t move him (or Ullmark or Grzelcyk for that matter) for draft picks or prospects. They’ll want a return that helps them contend for the Stanley Cup this season.
They could move one of them for picks and prospects to clear cap space to move another player for immediate roster help. If that’s not possible, they’ll likely keep DeBrusk as an “own rental” for the playoffs and deal with his contract situation after that.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
TSN:Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug there was no truth to social media rumors claiming captain Brady Tkachuk was on the trade block.
“That could not be further from the truth,” said Staios. “There’s obviously no truth to that. We’re building this team around Brady Tkachuk and the type of person, player, and leader that he is.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That hasn’t stopped some pundits from speculating over the possibility of the team they cover acquiring Tkachuk. If you’re gonna dream, dream big.
Staios also addressed recent Jakob Chychrun rumors, once again expressing his disappointment that the defenseman’s name has been mentioned again. However, he acknowledged that conversations come up with other clubs and names get bandied about.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios also expressed disappointment last month over Chychrun’s name surfacing in the rumor mill. At that time, he said he hoped to re-sign the 25-year-old blueliner, who has a year remaining on his contract. By the sound of things, teams are asking Staios about Chychrun. It doesn’t sound like he’s shopping him but he could at least be listening to offers.
The Senators GM also said Vladimir Tarasenko is drawing some interest in the trade market. However, he didn’t commit to moving the 32-year-old winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumored asking price for Tarasenko is a second-round pick and a prospect.
WHAT ARE THE PREDATORS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators’ surge up the standings will affect how general manager Barry Trotz approaches the trade deadline. He’s balancing long and short-term needs but LeBrun believes he’s in a hold or add position.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t be trading away Juuse Saros unless someone is willing to overpay for the privilege. They’ll also likely hang on to defenseman Alexandre Carrier.
THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty noted that Trotz hopes to re-sign forward Tommy Novak, a player he’s mentioned as someone he didn’t want to lose to free agency this summer. He listed the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning as possible destinations if Trotz decides to move Novak by the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Novak is another that Trotz could hang on to even at the risk of losing him to free agency. If he doesn’t move Novak, a contract extension is possible.
DUCKS SCOUTING RANGERS
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek scouting the Rangers’ 4-1 win last night over Columbus. The Rangers have been linked to Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano. It’s unclear who he was scouting unless it’s Kaapo Kakko, which doesn’t make sense to Brooks unless it’s for a blockbuster deal involving Trevor Zegras. Brooks indicated there’s no indication that sort of deal is on the table.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers don’t face the Ducks again this season. Neither do the Blue Jackets.
COULD THE ISLANDERS SHOP PAGEAU?
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears wondered if the Islanders might move Jean-Gabriel Pageau to free up some cap space. It doesn’t seem likely given his $5 million AAV through 2025-26 and his 16-team no-trade clause. However, he could help a playoff team that needs a middle-six forward with defensive acumen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can see the Isles moving Pageau if they agree to retain half his cap hit. Otherwise, no.
THE LEAFS STILL NEED A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted the Maple Leafs pressing need is a right-shot defenseman. The heat is increasing on GM Brad Treliving to address this issue, especially after the Stars acquired Chris Tanev from the Flames. Koshan listed Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker, Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin, and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier as trade options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker and Carrier could be unavailable with their current clubs holding playoff positions.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd remains “very much” on the Edmonton Oilers’ radar. Capitals winger Anthony Mantha could also draw some interest from the Oilers.
THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte reports struggling Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto could become a trade candidate if the club becomes a seller by the March 8 deadline.
Which teams are linked to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev? What forwards could the Oilers pursue? What’s the latest on the Sharks and Avalanche? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST ON HANIFIN AND TANEV
SPORTSNET: Eric Francis observed that the Calgary Flames have a stranglehold on the trade market as they carry three of the most desirable trade targets in defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
The likelihood of Markstrom getting traded remains low. He has two years left on his contract and has full control of the situation thanks to his no-movement clause, while his $6 million cap hit and the Flames’ high asking price make him too expensive for most teams to afford this late in the season.
Hanifin and Tanev are more likely to be moved as they’re pending unrestricted free agents who won’t be re-signing with the Flames. Patience by the club’s management could result in better returns for both players as the March 8 trade deadline approaches and more potential buyers accrue cap space.
Francis believes Hanifin could fetch a first-round pick, a top prospect and a roster player. The return for Tanev could be two pieces, including a second-rounder. However, the goal is to net a first-round pick.
Sean Gentile believes it’s possible for the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire Hanifin. It could include giving up a prospect such as Isaac Howard or Ethan Gauthier and their 2026 first-round pick as part of the return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: One reason there’s been no activity in the trade market since Feb. 2 is because teams are waiting to see where Hanifin and Tanev are traded. The longer the Flames wait, the more likely the possibility of buyers stepping up to meet their price for both blueliners.
The Stars could be better positioned to land Tanev. They’re trying to win the Stanley Cup this season and might be willing to part with a first-rounder.
As for the Lightning and Hanifin, that might make sense if they intend on signing him to a contract extension. Still, they’ve depleted a lot of their prospect pool over the years trying to maintain a Cup contender. They also have 16 active roster players under contract for next season with $10 million in projected cap space and captain Steven Stamkos to re-sign or replace.
Hanifin would be too expensive for the Leafs and wouldn’t address their need for a right-shot defenseman as Tanev would.
COULD DEBRUSK OR MANTHA LAND WITH THE OILERS?
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source wondering if the Bruins will retain Jake DeBrusk for the playoffs or trade the pending UFA winger to a club like the Edmonton Oilers seeking a postseason rental forward.
There’s been no indication that DeBrusk’s representatives and Bruins management are any closer to a contract extension as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Murphy cited a belief around the league that the winger’s hometown Oilers or the Calgary Flames would try to bring him home to Alberta.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Noah Hanifin straight up for DeBrusk with both players agreeing to contract extensions with their new clubs. I’m kidding of course…or am I?(Insert wink emoji here).
Meanwhile, the Oilers could have some interest in DeBrusk but I don’t think they’d have what the Bruins would want in a trade package. The Bruins will probably stick with him for the rest of this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency on July 1.
SPORTSNET: During their latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old winger is putting up good numbers this season with 18 goals and 29 points in 52 games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Mantha only works for the Oilers if the Capitals retain half of his $5.7 million cap hit. The same goes for the Ducks and Henrique with his $5.825 million. Carrick and Kunin are much more affordable for the Oilers in terms of cap hit and return.
LATEST SHARKS SPECULATION
THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Anthony Duclair said he hasn’t had any contract extension talks with San Jose Sharks management. That’s another indication that Sharks GM Mike Grier intends to move the 28-year-old winger by the March 8 trade deadline.
Duclair said he’s seeking a long-term contract and was open to re-signing with the rebuilding Sharks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards believes the Panthers should bring back Duclair, pointing out how well he played for them over the previous two seasons. The Panthers traded him to San Jose last summer as a cost-cutting measure.
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports the agent for Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said the club isn’t actively shopping his client. Peng observed that doesn’t mean Ferraro won’t be traded if a club made a tempting offer. Nevertheless, he believes they’ll hang onto the 25-year-old defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier might listen if someone offered up a first-round pick for Ferraro. However, Peng cited league sources saying clubs would trade a second or third-round pick for him.
HOW WILL NICHUSHKIN’S RETURN AFFECT THE AVALANCHE’S TRADE PLANS?
Masisak believes they need a center who can play second or third-line minutes but admitted that could be difficult to achieve given their salary-cap limitations. Keeler would like to see them add a playoff-worthy 1B goaltender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have just $1.2 million in projected trade deadline cap space with Gabriel Landeskog and Pavel Francouz on long-term injury reserve. They’ll have to move out some salary if they hope to address either need.
Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel plus updates on the Bruins and Wild in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
LATEST GUENTZEL SPECULATION
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos making an off-hand comment during his Friday show that he’d heard the Penguins offered Jake Guentzel a six-year, $50 million contract, but it had not yet been signed.
Kingerski would be surprised if Guentzel rejected such an offer from the Penguins. He might get a little more than that on the open market, but his stats are a little inflated from skating on Sidney Crosby’s wing for most of his career.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That rumored offer cited by Kypreos breaks down to an average annual value of $8.33 million. I agree with Kingerski that it’s unlikely Guentzel would reject that deal unless it comes without some no-trade protection. That could be a sticking point as a lot of high-end pending unrestricted free agents prefer to have no-trade or no-movement clauses to give them a measure of control over the life of their contracts.
The Montreal Canadiens trading Sean Monahan on Friday to the Winnipeg Jets has prompted some to ponder how much the Penguins might get for Guentzel in the trade market. Kingerski looks at what the Canadiens got for Monahan and the Calgary Flames for sending Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks and doubts the Penguins would get significantly more for Guentzel.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski noted that any first-round pick the Penguins might get as part of the return for Guentzel would likely be somewhere between 20th and 32nd overall. Recent draft analysis indicates a 35 percent probability that a player selected in that range will even play 200 career NHL games.
It’ll be interesting to see what Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas does with Guentzel leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. He could put the winger on the trade block if the club remains out of playoff contention or if there’s no progress in contract talks.
What he could fetch in the trade market should be better than what the Flames got for Lindholm and the Canadiens got for Monahan. Kingerski pointed out that there are more buyers than sellers in this year’s trade market but little money to spend. As a result, he believes the return for Guentzel might not be the manna from heaven that some Penguins fans believe it could be.
CAN THE BRUINS AFFORD CHRIS TANEV OR NOAH HANIFIN?
NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss pointed out the Bruins still need to add another veteran defenseman to their blueline before the trade deadline. He suggested the Calgary Flames’ Chris Tanev as he would fit the role of physical d-man who can log big minutes, kill penalties, block shots and clear the front of the net.
Goss cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun indicating the general price tag for Tanev is believed to be a second-round pick plus another asset. A team could probably get him now if they offered up a first-round pick. The Bruins, however, don’t have a second-rounder until 2026 and don’t own a first-rounder in this year’s draft. Giving up their 2025 first-round pick would be too much for a 34-year-old defenseman.
Tanev’s teammate Noah Hanifin would be a better long-term fit. He’s 27 and possesses a very good two-way skill set. However, it would cost the Bruins a lot to acquire him, assuming he’s willing to sign a contract extension.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored Bruins GM Don Sweeney would love to land Hanifin. That seems something more likely to occur in the offseason when he becomes a UFA and the Bruins have the cap space to pursue him.
Given the Bruins’ lack of tradeable assets and limited salary cap space, I don’t see them landing Tanev or Hanifin by the trade deadline. They’ll have to pursue more affordable options on the blueline.
Boston could make it work if they were to shop Jake DeBrusk. Like Tanev and Hanfin, the 27-year-old winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1.
The Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy suggested the Bruins should attempt to move him in a blockbuster deal if they’re unable to sign him to a contract extension before March 8. However, the Flames might not be interested unless he’s willing to sign a new contract with them. He might not even suit their needs if they’re attempting to rebuild.
POTENTIAL WILD TRADE BAIT.
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently looked at the Minnesota Wild’s potential trade candidate if they become a seller by the March 8 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury has come up recently in the rumor mill but it seems unlikely he’ll agree to a trade unless he gets a significant role with a new club. At age 39 and with his career winding down, he’ll be at best a backup with a contender and that might not hold much interest for him.
Maroon and Bogosian have Stanley Cup experience which could make them enticing for contenders seeking affordable playoff depth.
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