NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 3, 2024

The 2024-25 schedule is released, reaction to Victor Hedman re-signing with the Lightning and Pavel Buchnevich re-upping with the Blues, the latest UFA signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL RELEASES 2024-25 SCHEDULE

NHL.COM: The 2024-25 season begins in Europe on Oct. 4 when the Buffalo Sabres face off against the New Jersey Devils at O2 Arena in Prague, Czechia.

The season begins in North America on Oct. 8 with a triple-header on ESPN highlighted by the Florida Panthers raising their first Stanley Cup banner ahead of their home opener against the Boston Bruins. The Utah Hockey Club will have their first home game in Salt Lake City against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Other must-see games include Macklin Celebrini’s potential NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 10 against the St. Louis Blues, the New Jersey Devils meeting the Toronto Maple Leafs as Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe faces his former club for the first time, Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos returning to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Oct. 28, and the NHL Winter Classic on Dec. 31 between the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

LIGHTNING RE-SIGN HEDMAN, BLUES RE-UP BUCHNEVICH

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Tuesday was a bittersweet day for Victor Hedman. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Lightning with an average annual value of $8 million while dealing with the departure of friend and long-time teammate Steven Stamkos the day before.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Hedman admitted Stamkos’ signing with the Predators was “a sad, sad day” for himself and the organization. However, he’s also “super excited and proud” to sign a new contract that will likely ensure he finishes his career with the Lightning.

Asked whether he’ll accept the captaincy vacated by Stamkos’ departure, Hedman replied it was “way too early” to discuss that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The bottom line is the Lightning felt their top defenseman was more important to retain than their scoring winger. Hedman got the same contract that Stamkos received from the Predators.

The report indicates the Lightning’s offer to Stamkos was believed to be in the $3 million AAV range. No wonder he felt disrespected and opted to hit the open market.

Speaking of the Lightning, they signed winger Cam Atkinson to a one-year, $900K contract. The 35-year-old Atkinson was bought out of the final year of his contract last week by the Philadelphia Flyers.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues and Pavel Buchnevich agreed to a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $8 million beginning in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buchnevich is among the Blues’ top forwards. Nevertheless, this contract could be a risky investment over the long term. He’ll be 30 when it kicks in, and while the Blues will likely get solid value during the first three years, it could become costly over the final three years if his production begins to fade approaching his mid-thirties.

The Blues also built up their forward depth by acquiring Radek Faksa from the Dallas Stars for future considerations and Mathieu Joseph and a 2025 third-rounder from the Ottawa Senators for future considerations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I like these additions for the Blues. They gave up nothing for two affordable players who should improve their checking-line depth. The Blues weren’t finished making additions on Tuesday, signing former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year contract.

OTHER NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed center Shane Pinto to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I speculated yesterday that Pinto would get a two-year deal for around $3 million annually. The 23-year-old had no leverage and staging a holdout wouldn’t have done him or the club any good. There was speculation his agent was angling for a contract offer from a rival club. If so, he didn’t get any nibbles.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Tomas Tatar returns to the Devils on a one-year deal worth $1.8 million. The 33-year-old winger spent two seasons with the Devils from 2021 to 2023.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Victor Olofsson signed a one-year, $1.075 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 28-year-old winger spent the past six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers signed former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt to a one-year contract worth $800K.

Jack Johnson is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, signing a one-year deal worth $775K. The 37-year-old defenseman spent nearly seven seasons with the Jackets from 2011-12 to 2017-18.

TSN: The Seattle Kraken traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Duck for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche inked Erik Brannstrom to a one-year deal worth $900K. The 24-year-old defenseman spent the past six seasons with the Ottawa Senators.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2024

The free-agent market opens at noon ET. Before the signing frenzy begins, check out the latest recent notable signings, contract buyouts and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

REINHART, GUENTZEL, KANE AMONG EARLY CONTRACT SIGNINGS

SPORTSNET: Sam Reinhart and the Florida Panthers have agreed to an eight-year contract before the midnight ET deadline for eight-year extensions. Financial terms weren’t disclosed but will be officially announced on July 1.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently speculated the average annual value would be $9 million. We’ll find out later today if that’s the case but it wouldn’t be surprising. It would give Reinhart the third-highest AAV among Panthers skaters, behind Aleksander Barkov ($10 million) and Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million).

Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning agreed to a new contract on Sunday just hours after his rights were traded to the Lightning by the Carolina Hurricanes. Terms were unknown but will be officially announced later on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Guentzel signing likely means the end of Steven Stamkos’ 16-season career with the Lightning. Stamkos’ agent indicated that his client is heading to free agency.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings and Patrick Kane agreed to a one-year contract. It comes with a $4 million base salary and $2.5 million in bonuses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 35-year-old Kane enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Red Wings after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure last June. It’s rumored the New York Rangers were interested in bringing Kane back for another season but wouldn’t go as high as the Wings with the base salary.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs reached an agreement with Max Domi on a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. It contains a $3.5 million signing bonus in the first year and a 13-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An affordable signing for Toronto. After a slow start, Domi fit in well with the Leafs last season, netting 47 points in 80 games.

The Leafs also re-signed Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. The 25-year-old defenseman was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Leafs are reportedly close to signing Chris Tanev to a multi-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $5 million. They acquired the signing rights to the 34-year-old defenseman from the Dallas Stars on Saturday.

SPORTSNET: The Utah Hockey Club and Sean Durzi agreed to a four-year contract extension with an annual salary cap hit of $6 million. The 25-year-old defenseman averaged over 23 minutes of ice time while leading his club’s blueliners with 41 points.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators are close to signing defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a new contract. Terms were not disclosed.

MARCHESSAULT, BERTUZZI, KYLINGTON HEADED TO MARKET

LAS VEGAS SUN: Jonathan Marchessault is heading to free agency. The 33-year-old winger was unable to reach a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was among the few original members of the Golden Knights (aka “The Golden Misfits”) on their roster last season. The 33-year-old winger is their franchise scoring leader and won the Conn Smythe Trophy leading them to the Stanley Cup last year. He’ll draw plenty of attention in the free-agent market with Reinhart, Guentzel and Kane off the board.

TORONTO SUN: Tyler Bertuzzi is moving on and won’t be signing with the Maple Leafs. The 29-year-old forward completed a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Domi, Bertuzzi had a slow start with the Leafs last season but finished strong with 21 goals and 43 points. He shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a new club willing to pay him a multi-year deal for around $5.5 million.

TSN’s Salim Nadim Valji reports defenseman Oliver Kylington, 27, is heading to free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kylington was a Masterton Trophy nominee last season after returning to action following two seasons dealing with mental health issues.

NOTABLE CONTRACT BUYOUTS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers placed Jack Campbell on unconditional waivers Sunday before buying out the remaining three years of his contract. The 32-year-old goaltender carried an AAV of $5 million. The buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers’ cap payroll this season, $2.3 million in 2025-26, $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million for each of the remaining three years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell was signed two years ago to fill the Oilers’ starting goaltender role. Inconsistent play in 2022-23 cost him that job to Stuart Skinner. He spent most of last season with the Oilers AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. It remains to be seen if the 32-year-old netminder lands with another NHL club this summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets placed defenseman Nate Schmidt on unconditional waivers on Sunday before buying out the remaining year of his contract. The 32-year-old had a cap hit of $5.95 million for 2024-25. This buyout will count as $2.716 million against the Jets’ cap payroll this season and $1.616 million in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks expressed surprise on social media that the Jets didn’t trade Schmidt, retaining salary in the deal. There may have been no market for him.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens appear to be making room for one of their promising young blueliners for this season. This move also clears over $766K from their cap payroll.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has informed management he has no intention of signing with the club and has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is completing his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old winger is the younger brother of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. He’s struggled to crack the Leafs lineup full-time partly because of injuries.

Robertson lacks arbitration rights so his only leverage is to refuse to sign until traded. We’ll see if the Leafs find a new home for him this summer or engage in a contract standoff.

THE SCORE: Four of the five players involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal were not tendered qualifying offers yesterday. Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod will become unrestricted free agents today.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trial date for their case has not yet been set. Don’t expect those players to receive any contract offers.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

by | Jun 30, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and more in the Sunday NHL Post-Draft Rumor Roundup.

JAKE GUENTZEL TO THE LIGHTNING TO REPLACE STEVEN STAMKOS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston report league sources claim the Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Jake Guentzel.

The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is heading to free agency on Monday but the Hurricanes have yet to give up trying to re-sign him. Meanwhile, it appears Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will test the free-agent market.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also cited sources indicating the Lightning could pursue Guentzel should he become available when the free-agent market opens on Monday at noon ET. He also speculated the Hurricanes could trade Guentzel’s signing rights before Monday.

**UPDATE** The Carolina Hurricanes trade Jake Guentzel’s signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2025 third-round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

Speaking of Stamkos, Friedman believes the Nashville Predators have the best chance of landing him. He also indicated the Lightning pitched a long-term, low-average annual value contract and a shorter one that would’ve made him eligible to sign a one-year, bonus-laden 35-plus contract.

Friedman also said the fact Stamkos had to wait so close to free agency while other teammates were taken care of in advance ruptured the relationship with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning appears to be looking at Guentzel as a replacement for Stamkos. If they couldn’t afford to re-sign their captain, they could struggle to win a bidding war for Guentzel. He could get offers worth over $9 million on the open market.

THE LATEST RANGERS RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report the New York Rangers could find it difficult to move Jacob Trouba.

Momentum appeared to build toward a trade to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Nothing materialized, and the 31-year-old defenseman may not be inclined to speed the deal along.

Trouba has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. If he waits until Monday to submit his list to Rangers management, he could spike the deal by including the Wings on that list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings remains on hold. He wondered if that move would prompt winger Patrick Kane to re-sign with the Red Wings rather than test the UFA market.

The Rangers remain interested in the 35-year-old Kane. However, his camp continues their contract discussions with the Red Wings.

Brooks believes the Rangers would be interested in signing Steven Stamkos but he’s heard the Nashville Predators could be all-in on the Lightning winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes they could also look at Jake Guentzel but the Lightning may have moved to the front of the line.

Ranger goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s representatives are seeking a contract extension that would be worth 14 percent of the Rangers’ cap hit. That would be $12.9 million annually under an expected cap of $92 million for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shestekin holds the leverage here. Brooks observed the Rangers can’t let him simply walk out the door next summer. Losing their starting goaltender would be a big blow to their Stanley Cup hopes.

UPDATE ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets haven’t been told yet if Patrik Laine has been cleared from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The Jackets can trade the 26-year-old winger while he’s still in the program. However, clubs interested in trading for him have told Jackets management that they want to speak with Laine first.

Laine carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26. The longer this situation goes on through the summer, the harder it’ll be to facilitate a trade as cap space evaporates around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline also cited TSN’s Craig Button stumping for the Minnesota Wild to acquire Laine, suggesting he would provide them with an offensive boost.

However, the Wild have limited cap space for 2024-25. GM Bill Guerin has suggested his club might not make any major additions via trades or free agency this summer.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN TWO PENDING UFA DEFENSEMEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported on “X” that the New Jersey Devils are expected to take a run at signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is coming off a six-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dillon completed a four-year deal, spending the last three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources claiming Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was willing to trade goaltender Tristan Jarry and winger Reilly Smith. However, he couldn’t find any takers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players coming off a down season with modified no-trade clauses and $5 million cap hits tend to be difficult to trade.

SENATORS STYMIED IN TRADE EFFORTS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios tried to wheel and deal at the draft but couldn’t find any suitable offers for Jakob Chychrun, Mathieu Joseph, Erik Brannstrom, and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the trade market.

A restricted free agent, Brannstrom could become a UFA if the Senators don’t qualify his rights by 5 pm ET on Sunday. That could happen if he’s unwilling to accept a pay cut. It’ll cost the Senators $2 million to qualify his rights.

Limited salary-cap space could mean the Senators won’t qualify forward Parker Kelly’s rights.

Garrioch expects the Senators could target a defenseman like Brandon Montour or Matt Roy if they hit the open market on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch indicated the Senators only have $11.5 million available. They won’t win a bidding war for Montour. They could have better luck with Roy but that depends on what the market looks like for defensemen after Montour, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce are snapped up.

UPDATE ON YAROSLAV ASKAROV

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report the Nashville Predators will continue to listen to offers for Yaroslav Askarov. However, they’re comfortable keeping him as an understudy for Juuse Saros, whose new eight-year contract should be finalized on Monday.

The Predators also hope to add some scoring and bolster their blueline. They could pursue potential free agents like Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Chandler Stephenson.










Notable Trades – Day 2 Of The 2024 NHL Draft

by | Jun 29, 2024

Notable Trades – Day 2 Of The 2024 NHL Draft

The Tampa Bay Lightning traded Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for JJ Moser, Conor Geekie, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft that originally belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a seventh-rounder in this year’s draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning trade Mikhail Sergachev to Utah Hockey Club (NHL Images).

The Vegas Golden Knights traded goaltender Logan Thompson to the Washington Capitals for pick No. 83 in this year’s draft and a 2025 third-rounder. 

The New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Akira Schmid and forward Alexander Holtz to the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Paul Cotter and a 2025 third-round pick. 

Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars in exchange for minor-league forward Max Ellis and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 Draft. 

The Utah Hockey Club trades the 49th overall pick and a 2025 second-rounder (originally belonging to the Edmonton Oilers) to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman John Marino and a fifth-rounder that originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche.

Los Angeles Kings acquire winger Tanner Jeannot from the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for a pick in this year’s draft (#118) and a second-round pick in 2025. 

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Kevin Hayes and a 2025 second-rounder to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations. 

Buffalo Sabres acquired forward Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second-round pick (43rd overall) in this year’s draft. 

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

Entering Day 2 of the 2024 Draft, check out the latest on Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jacob Trouba, Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Jakob Chychrun, Nazem Kadri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS AND JAKE GUENTZEL

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Tampa Bay Lightning’s limited salary-cap space could lead to the departure of long-time star Steven Stamkos. His agent said his client will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but LeBrun cautions things could change between now and then.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If he goes to market, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are potential options for Stamkos. LeBrun wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights might come calling if they fail to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ latest offer to Jake Guentzel is eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. Meanwhile, it’s rumored the Vancouver Canucks could be willing to offer the 29-year-old winger a seven-year deal ($9 million annually) if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, LeBrun believes there’s a chance they re-sign defenseman Brady Skjei. However, blueliner Brett Pesce is heading to market.

JACOB TROUBA TO THE RED WINGS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports growing speculation the Rangers could trade captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. The 31-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Michigan would presumably accept that deal.

Trouba carries an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, the Rangers would reportedly retain $2.5 million per season. Trading him would leave them searching for a new captain and someone to replace Trouba’s physical presence on the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a shakeup for the Rangers. The move would free up $5.5. million in cap room that management can put toward making some roster additions.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE AND TYLER TOFFOLI

NEW YORK POST: Brooks reports the Rangers remain interested in a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old winger had a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23. The Red Wings remain interested in bringing back Kane. There’s also talk both clubs could be interested in Steven Stamkos if he becomes available on Monday.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan also reports the Red Wings and Rangers are in the mix for Kane. She doesn’t rule the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible replacement for Jonathan Marchessault.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing Tyler Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar. The 32-year-old pending UFA winger began his career with the Kings, spending nearly eight seasons with them. The Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be interested in Toffoli.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Florida Panthers are among the teams interested in Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman has a year remaining on his contract. It’s unknown if that deal will get done during Day 2 of the draft.

The Senators seek a draft pick for winger Mathieu Joseph.

TEAMS ARE CALLING THE FLAMES ABOUT NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports teams contacted the Calgary Flames about Nazem Kadri. However, they’re not engaged in a full roster teardown but are trying to reset their roster. The 32-year-old center is a big part of that. He also has a full no-movement clause and likes Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some speculation earlier this week wondering if Kadri would prefer to move on after seeing so many veteran teammates getting traded this year. It sounds like that isn’t an issue to him.

AVALANCHE NOT INTERESTED IN TRADING JOSH MANSON

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams are calling the Avalanche to express interest in defenseman Josh Manson. However, the Avs aren’t keen to move their most physical blueliner.

PREDATORS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YAROSLAV ASKAROV

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are getting plenty of calls about promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. This comes following the news they’re poised to sign starting goalie Juuse Saros to a contract extension. The Predators have set a high price for Askarov.

DEVILS SHOPPING JOHN MARINO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils are shopping John Marino. The 27-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list starting on July 1.

Seravalli speculates the Vancouver Canucks could be a suitor for Marino if Nikita Zadorov heads to free agency on July 1.

LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets worked hard to trade Rutger McGroarty during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old prospect has indicated he’s returning to Michigan for his junior year amid reports of a disagreement between him and the Jets over their development plan for him.

The Minnesota Wild offered up the 13th overall pick but withdrew that offer once Zeev Buium became available. Trade talks took place with multiple clubs. The Jets aren’t in any rush to move McGroarty but his stock remains high despite his desire to play elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NYI Hockey Now’s Russ Macias reported before the first round that the Islanders were among the clubs interested in McGroarty. They’ve also been linked to Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

by | Jun 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Steven Stamkos and Martin Necas, the latest on the Red Wings, Jets, Sabres and Rangers, and two notable potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PREDATORS INTERESTED IN STEVEN STAMKOS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are lining up hoping to talk to Steven Stamkos if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger heads to free agency on July 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Nashville Predators could be among the clubs with serious interest in Stamkos. General manager Barry Trotz is seeking some offensive pop for his roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ first choice remains staying in Tampa Bay. Discussions with the Lightning are ongoing.

COULD MARTIN NECAS BE TRADED SOON?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported one team has jumped to the front of the line in the Martin Necas trade sweepstakes. That club is offering up a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and could be the team that completes a deal for Necas very soon.

LeBrun believes the Buffalo Sabres are very interested in Necas. It’s getting close to crunch time if a team is going to offer up a 2024 first-rounder. He also indicated the Hurricanes are content to hand onto the 25-year-old restricted free agent if they don’t find a suitable offer.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils could dangle the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Hurricanes for Necas. Seravalli also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and the Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Necas rumors have heated up with the draft fast approaching. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks also hold top-10 picks but they might not be as keen to part with them for Necas.

ARE THE RED WINGS GEARING UP FOR A BIG MOVE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings trading Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in a cost-cutting move freed up $3.4 million annually for the next two seasons. The move also fueled speculation general manager Steve Yzerman is planning a big move.

The move could be to free up a logjam on defense. The Wings have seven blueliners projected to make the roster next season. It could also be to free up additional room to re-sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Yzerman could also be considering a significant addition via the trade and free-agent markets to bolster his goaltending and scoring depth.

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested watching the Red Wings in the Steven Stamkos free-agent sweepstakes. It’s believed they’re among the clubs lining up for the Lightning captain.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Yzerman is looking at adding a goaltender. He thinks the Wings GM has spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. Friedman also wondered if Yzerman might be interested in Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Red Wings remain in contract discussions with pending UFA winger Patrick Kane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman will do something to address his goaltending and scoring issues. He could make a big move but recent history shows he prefers doing smaller trades and signings, not wanting to tie up too much cap room for too long. We’ll soon see if he has something bigger planned this time.

LATEST ON THE JETS, SENATORS AND RANGERS

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reports the Jets remain likely to trade prospect Rutger McGroarty at any moment and will continue efforts to peddle winger Nikolaj Ehlers. It’s also possible they buy out the final season of defenseman Nate Schmidt’s contract.

There’s plenty of interest in the 20-year-old McGroarty. He could be used as a trade chip for a first-rounder in this year’s draft or a defenseman to bolster their blueline. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens could come calling.

Ehlers could also be used as a trade chip for a blueliner. Billeck suggested offering him to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun or the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators or Kraken could seek assurances that Ehlers will sign a contract extension, assuming they’re interested in him. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $6 million.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios shot down a rumor suggesting defenseman Thomas Chabot is on the trade block. “Not sure where that comes from,” he said. “It hasn’t been talked about once.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That speculation arose because the oft-injured Chabot’s modified no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. Some observers would rather the Senators trade him and use the savings to re-sign Jakob Chychrun.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH PATRICK KANE

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are looking at a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old winger spent a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23.

JEFF SKINNER AND JACK CAMPBELL COULD BE BOUGHT OUT

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Chad DeDominicus of Expected Buffalo claiming sources told him the Sabres will buy out the final three years of winger Jeff Skinner’s contract. The buyout will save the Sabres over $7.5 million in 2024-25.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer saying the club will likely buy out the remainder of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. A buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers cap for 2024-25, $2.3 million in 2025-26, and $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million annually for the final three seasons.