NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2024

by | Aug 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2024

A look at potential trade destinations for Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tony Ferrari listed five NHL trade destinations for Yaroslav Askarov.

The 22-year-old Nashville Predators goalie prospect informed the club he wouldn’t report to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee and requested a trade.

Ferrari noted Askarov may no longer fit in the Predators’ plans after they signed starting goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension.

Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (NHL Images).

He suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and the Utah Hockey Club as possible trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored teams inquired about Askarkov leading up to the NHL Draft in late June. Those clubs could revisit their interest, though his reluctance to return to the AHL could dampen their enthusiasm if they see him as a future piece rather than an immediate member of a goalie tandem.

Askarov has potential as a future NHL starter. He and his agent believe he’s ready to challenge for that role. However, the Predators don’t see him as ready, hence their contract extension to Saros and signing veteran backup Scott Wedgewood this summer to a two-year contract.

The Leafs have cycled through Frederik Andersson, Jack Campbell, Matt Murray, and Ilya Samsonov in recent years before settling on Joseph Woll this season with Anthony Stolarz as his backup. Askarov would likely end up with the Marlies unless Woll should become sidelined again.

The rebuilding Blackhawks and Sharks need all the help they can get at every position. Utah has Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram as their tandem but Askarov could supplant one of them.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont believes the Canadiens are currently set in goal. They have the underrated Sam Montembault as their starter with Cayden Primeau as his backup. Both goalies put up solid numbers last season backstopping a young defense while enduring a three-goalie system. The Habs also have promising Jacob Fowler within their pipeline who could push for the starter’s job within four years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch included the Sharks on his three-team list of possible destinations. He believed Askarov could fit in well with the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils and Kings could use some prospect depth between the pipes. However, the Devils have Jacob Markstrom as their starter through 2025-26 with Jake Allen as his backup this season. Askarov would end up in the minor this season if they acquire him. The same goes for the Kings, where they’ve got Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich.

Julian Gaudio believes the Seattle Kraken should look into acquiring Askarov. He points out that starter Philipp Grubauer hasn’t played to the expectations of his expensive contract. Meanwhile, backup Joey Daccord remains unproven despite his stellar play last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grubauer’s performance and contract will make it difficult to move him. The Kraken could trade or demote Daccord to make room for Askarov.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers should pursue a trade for Askarov because of the uncertainty surrounding Alexei Kolosov’s willingness to play for them.

Bailey noted the Flyers have Samuel Ersson as their starter and Ivan Fedotov as their backup. He believes they would offer up Ersson to the Predators as part of the return for Askarov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers might provide Askarov with the best opportunity to be part of an NHL goalie tandem this season. It remains to be seen if they feel he’s worth the pursuit.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

by | Aug 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

What are the Oilers’ options regarding the offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway? How could those offer sheets affect other clubs with still-unsigned restricted free agents? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector looked at the options facing the Edmonton Oilers after Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

Broberg’s is a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,580,917 while Holloway’s is two years with an AAV of $2,290,457. The Oilers have seven days from the date those offers were signed to match them.

The Oilers could afford to walk away as neither player constitutes the difference between winning or losing the Stanley Cup. However, both are former first-round picks on a club with an already thin prospect pipeline.

Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway (NHL Images).

They could opt to retain one or the other. Holloway’s is the most affordable but it would sting to let the promising Broberg let go for peanuts.

Of the two, Spector thinks the Oilers will retain Holloway. He believes it risky to sign Broberg when he might not play up to his cap hit, especially when they’ve got Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard to sign before next summer. He suggests using the second-round pick received from the Blues as trade bait to replace Broberg.

Holloway’s deal is cheaper plus the Oilers could use his speed after adding or retaining veterans like Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry and Adam Henrique.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers can’t afford to match both offers without shedding significant salary. It’s unlikely they’ll let both players walk. Holloway’s offer seems more likely to be matched given its affordability to Broberg’s. The latter’s departure will further weaken the Oilers’ blueline, forcing them into the trade or free-agent markets for an affordable short-term replacement.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio doesn’t anticipate the Blues’ attempt to sign away Broberg and Holloway from the Oilers will inspire other clubs to try and sign Jeremy Swayman.

The restricted free-agent goaltender is expected to sign a multiyear deal with the Bruins between $7.75 million and $10 million based on comparable players. It’ll likely be close to $8.6 million, which the Bruins have in cap space.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at what an offer sheet for Devils RFA forward Dawson Mercer would look like. Citing AFP Analytics, a two-year offer sheet would be close to $4 million annually. A six-year offer would have an AAV of around $6.5 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Connor Earegood speculates the Blues’ attempt to sign Broberg and Holloway could speed up the Detroit Red Wings’ signings of defenseman Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Meanwhile, Carter Brooks wondered what effect those offer sheets might have on the Winnipeg Jets’ efforts to sign RFA center Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why fans of those clubs watching this situation play out might be worried that those players could also become offer sheet targets. However, that’s unlikely to happen because the Bruins, Devils, Red Wings, and Jets have more cap flexibility to match any offer sheet.

The Oilers face more difficulty matching those offer sheets. They were vulnerable because they were already over the $88 million salary cap.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng wondered if the Sharks could use the Oilers’ situation to their advantage. If the Oilers attempt to shed salary via trade, Peng suggests the Sharks try to prize away a defenseman like Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak along with a draft pick.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont suggests the Canadiens use their cap space to their advantage by acquiring Ceci or another player and a draft pick or landing a draft pick by becoming a third-party broker for the Oilers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

The Leafs to name Auston Matthews as captain, Oilers winger Evander Kane could start this season on LTIR, plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs are expected to call a press conference on Wednesday to name center Auston Matthews as their new captain.

Matthews, 26, will take over from John Tavares, who has held the captaincy since Oct. 2, 2019. The 33-year-old center reportedly was heavily involved in the process and approves of the move.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move is seen as shaking up the leadership and providing a fresh perspective. It’s also worth noting that Tavares is in the final season of his contract and could depart next July as an unrestricted free agent.

Cynical observers, such as the Star’s Dave Feschuk, believe the Leafs are making this move because the no-trade protection enjoyed by Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander makes it impossible to shake up their failing core by trading one of them.

What do you think, folks? Let me know in the comments below.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reporting that there is a “very good chance” that Oilers winger Evander Kane starts this season on long-term injury reserve. Stauffer indicated the 33-year-old winger “may require surgery”.

Kane claimed he was hampered last season by a sports hernia. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson recently said he was dealing with a hip issue.

Staples noted Stauffer’s report contradicted recent rumors claiming Kane would be good to go for the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples points out Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider so this report should be considered credible unless we hear otherwise. Kane carries a $5.125 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

This could explain why the Oilers haven’t signed restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet. They are over the $88 million cap but could sign Holloway and Broberg for the start of the season with Kane on LTIR without having to trade or demote players to free up cap room.

They’ll have to shed salary to be cap-compliant once Kane’s ready to return to action this season. In the short term, this would give them the relief they need and buy them time to find a way to prepare for Kane’s return.

TSN: Patrik Laine and his fiance, Jordan Leigh, have launched a mental health initiative called “From Us To You”.

Laine, 26, missed most of last season in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program receiving treatment for his mental health. The couple said they decided to start this initiative after people reached out to Laine to share their stories and the importance of speaking out while dealing with mental health issues.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers will be suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov lashed out at Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark in response to comments by the former Boston Bruins goalie earlier this year when Samsonov played for the Maple Leafs.

After Boston eliminated Toronto from the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, Ullmark said he was surprised the Leafs stuck with Samsonov as long as they did. He claimed the Bruins found Leafs netminder Joseph Woll more challenging.

Samsonov’s Golden Knights are scheduled to face Ullmark’s Senators on Nov. 21. The Vegas netminder took to Instagram to note the date, telling Ullmark to “keep your a** shut or will you be injured again?” Samsonov soon deleted the comment but not before fans took screenshots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Circle your calendars, Golden Knights and Senators fans. Things could get spicy if Samsonov and Ullmark are the starting goalies for that game.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie shed some light on why Oliver Kylington didn’t re-sign with the Calgary Flames in a recent mailbag segment.

McKenzie indicated the Flames approached Kylington with a one-year contract offer but the 27-year-old defenseman wanted a two-year deal. Ultimately, the Flames wouldn’t give him more than a year and let him depart as a UFA.

Kylington’s agent claimed his client was willing to sign a one-year contract with the Flames once he hit the open market but the club had moved on by then. The blueliner recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $825K at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward missed all but four games last season with a lower back injury.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

by | Aug 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 12, 2024

The Leafs’ secondary scoring, three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche, what must go right for the Devils this season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes a trio of secondary scorers will decide the Toronto Maple Leafs’ fate this season.

Proteau examines how the play of Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Matthew Knies could come under increasing scrutiny this season. If they flourish, the Leafs could become one of the league’s most dangerous teams this season. If not, management won’t waste time bringing in players who can fill those roles.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “Core Four” of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares have carried the bulk of the Leafs offense since 2018, powering them to three of the franchise’s five best regular-season records.

However, the lack of reliable secondary scoring contributed to their pathetic postseason record over that period. It’ll be the same story this season if Robertson, McMann, and Knies fail to step up or if suitable replacements cannot be found.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal looked at three encouraging stats from last season for the Avalanche.

One of them was Miles Wood’s solid penalty-killing skills. Casey Mittelstadt’s five-on-five production was another. The third was Jonathan Drouin’s numbers when not playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m interested in Mittelstadt’s performance throughout a full season with the Avs. He was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on March 7 and fitted in well over the remainder of last season. A strong effort throughout this season will be crucial to the Avs’ hopes for a Stanley Cup run.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently listed three things that must go right for the Devils in 2024-25.

Good health will be a must after injuries to core players such as Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier derailed their 2023-24 campaign. They’ll also need better goaltending and an improved performance from Meier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injury bug shouldn’t bite the Devils as deeply as it did last season, though there could be some concern over Hughes’ growing injury history. Offseason addition Jacob Markstrom and trade-deadline pickup Jake Allen should improve their goaltending. A healthy 2024-25 should result in a bounce-back effort from Meier.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars have the furthest travel distance in the upcoming season. It’s expected they’ll travel an estimated 56,700 miles.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are second with 51,100 miles, followed by the Anaheim Ducks (51,000), Edmonton Oilers (50,000) and the Utah Hockey Club (48,700).

The teams that will travel the fewest miles are the Pittsburgh Penguins (31,700), Ottawa Senators (32,800), Columbus Blue Jackets (33,400), New York Rangers (35,300) and Philadelphia Flyers (35,500).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some older players prefer playing in the Eastern Conference because of that lighter travel schedule.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2024

by | Aug 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 8, 2024

The potential effect of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault on the Predators’ power play, Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond could take on leadership roles with the Red Wings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE TENNESSEAN: Last month’s signings of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are expected to bolster the Nashville Predators power play. The Preds struggled with the man advantage during their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.

Stamkos and Marchessault will likely be part of the Predators’ top power-play unit alongside Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi and Ryan O’Reilly. Stamkos will mostly stay on the left side, Marchessault and O’Reilly will play around the net and in the slot, while Forsberg and Josi keep pucks in play and shots from the points.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators improved on the power play in 2023-24, finishing 16th overall with a PP percentage of 21.6. Adding Stamkos and Marchessault could push them into the top 10 this season.

THE SCORE: Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde intends to have Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond take on greater roles with the club this season.

In an interview with Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Lalonde said he’d spoken with the pair over the summer about an increased leadership role with the team.

Seider and Raymond are restricted free agents but Lalonde isn’t concerned that both remain unsigned.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seider and Raymond are expected to be under contract when training camp opens next month. They’ve already taken on larger roles as their play improves and their experience grows. They’ll play important roles with the Red Wings in the coming years.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald explained his recent acquisition of Paul Cotter from the Vegas Golden Knights. He anticipates the 24-year-old forward will replace the physicality the Devils lost when Miles Wood departed last summer as a free agent.

Cotter had 25 points in 76 games last season with the Golden Knights along with 233 hits and forcing 35 turnovers.

LAS VEGAS SUN: The Vegas Golden Knights are taking steps to expand their fan base by touring in Jackson, Wyoming; Boise, Idaho; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Billings, Montana; and Reno.

In addition to participating in on-ice clinics, fans will get the opportunity to meet players, broadcasters and other members of the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smart move by the Golden Knights to grow their fanbase by extending their reach outside the Las Vegas region, especially in areas with no NHL franchises.

TSN: Dillon Dube and Michael McLeod are listed on KHL rosters as they await trial in London, Ontario after being charged with sexual assault in February. Dube is listed on Dinamo Minsk’s roster and McLeod with Astana Barys.

Both players became unrestricted free agents when their NHL clubs declined to qualify their rights.

A trial date is expected to be set on Aug. 13.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 2, 2024

by | Aug 2, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 2, 2024

Jacob Trouba talks about the recent trade rumors swirling about him, the Devils make three notable front-office hires, the Kings re-sign Jordan Spence, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba downplayed the trade rumors that swirled about him a month ago. His no-movement clause became a 15-team no-trade clause on July 1. Rangers management asked for his list several days early but his camp didn’t submit it until July 1, which may have interfered with general manager Chris Drury’s free-agent plans.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

“It was fine,” said Drury. “It’s part of the business. I knew that part of my contract turned this year (to a no-trade list), and I submitted a list. That’s what I did. All the other noise was pretty much noise.”

Trouba also said he was fine with how Rangers management communicated with him during that situation. He claimed they had a great relationship with Drury going back years, expressing gratitude for the trust Drury placed in him. Trouba said he’s happy to be with the Rangers and looks forward to the upcoming season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports out of New York last month claimed the Rangers were working on a trade to send Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. Nothing came of it amid speculation he knew about the pending deal and put the Wings on his no-trade list. Family reasons came into play as his wife, Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba, has a year of residency remaining in New York.

It’ll be interesting to see how this season plays out for Trouba and the Rangers. His performance declined last season partly because of an injured foot that plagued him down the stretch and into the playoffs. There’s talk he’ll be permanently relegated to their third defense pairing, which will raise eyebrows because he carries an $8 million average annual value through 2025-26.

It’s expected the Rangers will make Igor Shesterkin the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history by next summer. Meanwhile, Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller will be restricted free agents and due for significant raises.

The Rangers could have $33 million in cap space if the cap rises to $92 million for 2025-26. However, new contracts for those three will take a significant bite out of that cap room, which could resurrect the Trouba trade rumors by next June.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils announced three significant front-office hirings on Thursday.

Former Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher becomes a senior advisor to team president and GM Tom Fitzgerald. Former Devils captain Andy Greene was named a hockey operations advisor and former NHL goaltender Manny Legace is their new head amateur goaltending scout and development coach.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings re-signed defenseman Jordan Spence to a two-year contract. Spence, 23, will earn an average annual value of $1.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spence played his first full NHL season in 2023-24, finishing with 24 points in 71 games. He’ll be battling promising youngster Brandt Clarke for the second-pairing role on the right side of the Kings’ blueline.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Former Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov signed a two-year contract with KHL club AK-Bars Kazan.

Barabonov, 30, enjoyed top-six minutes with the Sharks from 2021 to 2023, including a career-best 47-point performance in 2022-23. However, he was given a reduced role as the club prioritized younger forwards throughout last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Denis Gurianov signed a two-year deal with KHL club CSKA Moscow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gurianov, 27, spent seven seasons with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers. His best season was with the Stars in 2019-20, scoring 20 goals in 64 regular-season games and nine goals and 17 points in 27 playoff games. However, he struggled to maintain that production and spent the past two seasons bouncing among those four clubs.