Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 15, 2024

by | Dec 15, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 15, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest Rangers speculation, the Blues might not be done dealing, the Kings could be shopping before the upcoming holiday roster freeze, and updates on Bruins forward Trent Frederic and Canucks defenseman Vincent Desharnais.

THE LATEST RANGERS RUMORS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Rangers are “open for business.” They’ve already traded Jacob Trouba and let it be known that winger Chris Kreider is available.

Friedman said they have some untouchables like goaltender Igor Shesterkin and some players with no-movement clauses. However, they’re willing to consider all options and to entertain offers.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple wondered who’s next to walk the plank off the Rangers’ sinking ship following their 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, dropping nine of their last 12 games.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Staple believes head coach Peter Laviolette’s tenure could come to a premature end. General manager Chris Drury has already shaken up the roster by trading Trouba but the club’s reaction is indifference.

Defenseman Ryan Lindgren has been available for some time but no one’s buying high on an underperforming pending unrestricted free agent. There isn’t much interest in the 33-year-old Kreider, who has two years remaining on his contract. Teams are calling about young winger Kaapo Kakko but his play hasn’t been the main issue.

Staple also brought up K’Andre Miller as a trade candidate. However, he’s currently sidelined for an indefinite period which doesn’t help his trade value.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks disagrees that Laviolette could pay the price for the Rangers’ stunning decline in recent weeks. “The hierarchy has no stomach to fire Laviolette after firing Gerard Gallant two years ago and David Quinn four years ago. There is no stomach to afix the blame on yet another coach instead of taking care of the coach-averse core.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers believe the Rangers’ problems began with Drury’s heavy-handed efforts to free up cap space in the offseason, waiving popular forward Barclay Goodrow and attempting to trade Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings before free agency began on July 1.

Changing management might be necessary to help the players regain their spark. They’ve been playing like they don’t give a damn ever since word of Drury’s memo to his fellow GMs listing potential trade candidates was leaked to the press.

Whatever it is, the Rangers must do something quickly to address their issues or risk this season going completely off the rails, leaving questions about the current roster’s future to carry over into next summer.

MORE MOVES COULD BE COMING FOR THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the St. Louis Blues might not be done in the trade market after acquiring defenseman Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

The Blues made Brandon Saad a healthy scratch during Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars. The 32-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Friedman said the Blues would like to move Saad, who has a no-trade clause. However, he’s willing to consider other options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the Fowler trade, Blues GM Doug Armstrong indicated he wanted to keep his club competitive while he retools the roster. He could try peddling Saad for a promising young NHL-ready player or attempt to clear the winger’s cap hit from his books by accepting draft picks in return.

Saad had been struggling to score this season. He went 13 games without a goal before being scratched from the lineup on Saturday. Nevertheless, he has Stanley Cup experience which could be of interest to contenders before the March trade deadline.

KINGS MIGHT MAKE A MOVE BEFORE THE HOLIDAY ROSTER FREEZE

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the Los Angeles Kings might be active in the trade market before the upcoming holiday roster freeze from Dec. 20-27. He thinks they’ve been talking to some teams as they attempt to gauge the market.

Seravalli wondered if they might attempt to land a good young player, perhaps from a struggling club like the Buffalo Sabres.

THE BRUINS ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT TRENT FREDERIC

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman indicated that the Boston Bruins are getting a lot of calls about Trent Frederic. The versatile 27-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July. Teams are wondering if the Bruins intend to sign him or peddle him by the March 7 trade deadline.

THE CANUCKS ARE TRYING TO MOVE VINCENT DESHARNAIS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Vancouver Canucks are looking to move Vincent Desharnais. The 28-year-old defenseman signed a two-year contract with the Canucks in the offseason but it hasn’t worked out as hoped. It’s believed they’re willing to consider all options for returns but would prefer draft picks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

by | Dec 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

​Check out the latest on the Sabres, Hurricanes and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are getting calls from other teams about Dylan Cozens. The 23-year-old right-shot center is two years removed from a 30-goal season but he’s struggling in 2024-25. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.1 million, which Friedman believes helps his value in the trade market.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports no sense of panic among the Sabres’ organization despite their difficulties. Teams are calling in for promising young players like Jack Quinn but general manager Kevyn Adams isn’t moving him. He’s open to a trade that helps his team now but doesn’t want to force things.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wonders what move could set the Sabres back after missing the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. They’re closer to last place in the league this season than they are to a playoff berth.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Fairburn cited Adams saying he didn’t spend his $7 million in cap space because Quinn, forward JJ Peterka and goalie Devon Levi are restricted free agents next summer. However, Quinn has one goal this season, Peterka has one goal in his last 13 games, and Levi is back in the AHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There are plenty of reasons why the Sabres have struggled over the years, from meddling ownership to poor management to a revolving door of coaches. The issue now is whether Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff can find a way to turn things around before their postseason drought stretches to 14 years and counting.

HURRICANES SHOPPING FOR A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes had discussions with the San Jose Sharks about Mackenzie Blackwood before the 28-year-old goaltender was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. They’re seeking insurance for starter Pyotr Kochetkov.

LeBrun mentioned Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames, Anton Forsberg of the Ottawa Senators and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club as options. However, none of those teams are ready to be sellers.

The Hurricanes have spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. However, the asking price will have to go down before

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also noted the Hurricanes’ interest in Gibson. He said there’s been an on-again, off-again courtship between the Hurricanes and Ducks over Gibson for years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list but these reports suggest the Hurricanes are on that list. The Hurricanes could prefer the Ducks retain part of his $6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27, but the Ducks could seek something substantial to make salary retention worthwhile.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello isn’t tipping his hand about potential moves this season. His peers find it hard to believe that Lamoriello would move pending UFA center Brock Nelson if the Isles remain in playoff contention.

The Dallas Stars are expected to utilize its extra salary-cap space while Tyler Seguin recovers from hip surgery. Friedman indicates they’re doing due diligence on what centers and right-shot defensemen are available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars are expected to put Seguin on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to bolster their roster for the playoffs. Seguin is out for four to six months.

The Vancouver Canucks are trying to find a better fit for Vincent Desharnais. It hasn’t worked out as hoped for the 28-year-old defenseman, who signed a two-year contract in the offseason with the Canucks.

Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen is being scouted as a potential depth addition.

Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is doing all he can to avoid making head coach Andrew Brunette the fall guy for the club’s struggles this season. Friedman speculated that little-used forward Juuso Parssinen could follow Dante Fabbro and Philip Tomasino out of Nashville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz might not have much choice if the losses keep mounting.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 18, 2024

by | Mar 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 18, 2024

The race for the Presidents’ Trophy intensifies as the battle for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth continues. Check out the details in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers picked up their fifth win in their last six games by downing the New York Islanders 5-2. Igor Shesterkin made 25 saves and Jonny Brodzinski scored the game-winning goal for the 45-19-4 Rangers (94 points), who moved into second place in the overall standings and are one point behind the Boston Bruins. Bo Horvat scored twice for the 29-23-15 Islanders (73 points) as they sit one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren left this game in the second period with an injured left leg. An update on his status could come on Monday. Meanwhile, the Islanders are winless in their last four games (0-3-1).

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Speaking of the Red Wings, they missed an opportunity to put distance between themselves and the Islanders and Washington Capitals (73 points) by dropping a 6-3 decision to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sidney Crosby snapped a 12-game goalless drought as he was among four Penguins forwards with a goal and an assist. Lucas Raymond scored twice for the Red Wings (34-28-6) as they lost for the eighth time in nine games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Detroit still clings to that final Eastern wild-card berth only because the Islanders have just one point in their last four games. If the Red Wings don’t get their act together soon, they’ll be overtaken by the Isles or Capitals. Meanwhile, the Penguins (30-28-6) kept their playoff hopes alive as they’re five points back of the Wings.

A four-goal second period lifted the Winnipeg Jets over the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-1. Tyler Toffoli scored twice and collected an assist and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 30 shots as the Jets (43-19-5) moved into first place in the Central Division with 91 points. Brendan Gaunce scored for the 23-34-11 Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are tied in points with the Colorado Avalanche but hold first place in the Central with a game in hand. They’ve also moved into fifth place in the overall standings, just four points behind the league-leading Bruins.

Jake Guentzel scored his first goal with the Carolina Hurricanes in a 7-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Dmitry Orlov scored twice and had two assists and Sebastian Aho picked up three assists for the 42-20-6 Hurricanes (90 points), who remain four points behind the first-place Rangers in the Metropolitan Division. Thomas Chabot had a goal and an assist for the 28-34-4 Senators.

Third-period goals by William Carrier, Jack Eichel and William Karlsson powered the Vegas Golden Knights over the New Jersey Devils 3-1. Noah Hanifin picked up two assists for the 36-24-7 Golden Knights, who hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot with 79 points. Nico Hischier replied for the 32-32-4 Devils.

The St. Louis Blues picked up their fourth straight win by doubling up the Anaheim Ducks 4-2. Robert Thomas netted two power-play goals for the Blues (36-29-3) as they remain four points behind the Golden Knights. Troy Terry scored both goals for the 23-42-3 Ducks.

Three goals by Ryan Donato, Kevin Korchinski and Joey Anderson within 1:23 in the third period gave the Chicago Blackhawks a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev had a goal and an assist for the 19-44-5 Blackhawks. Devin Cooley made 26 saves for the 16-44-7 Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted he and his club were surprised to learn Ryan Johansen was injured when they acquired him from the Colorado Avalanche before the recent trade deadline.

The Flyers intended to send Johansen to their AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley. However, that was overturned because an injured player cannot be demoted to the minors. He remains with the Flyers as he continues rehab on his injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johansen played in all 63 Avalanche games before the trade. Maybe he suffered the injury in his final game before the trade. Perhaps he was nursing an injury for several weeks that worsened after the trade.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday with the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Conor Sheary on Saturday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais suffered a broken finger during his fight with Colorado Avalanche blueliner Josh Manson on Saturday.