Flames Trade Jacob Markstrom To The Devils

by | Jun 19, 2024

Flames Trade Jacob Markstrom To The Devils

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Calgary Flames traded goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Kevin Bahl and the Devils’ 2025 first-round pick.

Calgary Flames trade goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of the biggest names in this summer’s trade market is off the board.

It’s no surprise that Markstrom is heading to the Devils. It was rumored in February that he was willing to waive his no-movement clause for New Jersey but the two clubs at the time couldn’t agree on a deal.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said he was going “big-game hunting” this summer with a No. 1 goalie at the top of his list. He’s getting a big upgrade between the pipes with Markstrom. Fitzgerald is also taking on a hefty cap hit of $6 million annually for the next two years.

**UPDATE: The Flames are retaining 31.25 percent of Markstrom’s AAV. The Devils will be carrying $4.125 million annually for the remainder of his contract. 

Markstrom, 34, was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22. He was considered the Flames’ MVP in 2023-24, stealing wins for his struggling club in games they otherwise would’ve lost. He’ll be backed up in New Jersey by former Canadiens netminder (and trade deadline acquisition) Jake Allen.

The Devils should be set between the pipes if Markstrom maintains his form over the next two seasons. His age is a concern but Fitzgerald is betting that his new goalie tandem can help the Devils rebound from their disappointing 2023-24 performance.

Flames GM Craig Conroy was rumored to be seeking a big return for Markstrom. What he got from the Devils likely reflects the real value of goaltenders in this summer’s trade market.

The Flames are getting a first-rounder but their fans would’ve preferred the 10th overall selection in this year’s draft that New Jersey currently owns. That 2025 pick is top-10 protected but could be much further down in the first round of next year’s draft if the Devils return to their 2022-23 form.

Bahl, 23, is a 6’6”, 230-pound defenseman who finished his first full NHL campaign in 2023-24, collecting 11 points in 82 games. He has the potential to become a top-four shutdown defenseman.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

by | Jun 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Jake Guentzel, Jeff Skinner, and Tyler Toffoli plus an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MARKSTROM NEVER ASKED FOR A TRADE, SAYS CONROY

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy told Eric Francis that Jacob Markstrom has not asked to be traded.

“He’s never come out and said he wants out,” said Conroy. “That’s never been mentioned. He’s never said that.”

Markstrom has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Conroy also claimed that he’s bothered by the constant trade speculation about Markstrom. “It’s part of the game, but it does bother me because there’s always something about there.” He went on to say he felt it wasn’t fair to Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes Markstrom would like to end up with the New Jersey Devils. Without options, however, it’s clear the Flames won’t part with their starting goalie for what the Devils are willing to offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom may not have requested a trade but there were plenty of reports in February that he was willing to waive his NMC to join the Devils. A deal that would’ve sent him to New Jersey before the March trade deadline reportedly fell through.

Francis believes the trade speculation about Markstrom will continue leading up to the NHL draft next weekend. He’s also been linked to the Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CANUCKS TO PURSUE JAKE GUENTZEL VIA FREE AGENCY?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli expects the Vancouver Canucks will make a strong play for Jake Guentzel when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

Seravalli cited sources that believe the Canucks could offer Guentzel the best mix of money and opportunity. There’s also a familiarity the 29-year-old winger has with Canucks management and head coach Rick Tocchet. President of hockey ops Jim Rutherford, GM Patrik Allvin and Tocchet were part of the Pittsburgh Penguins during Guentzel’s early years with that franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This story appears to have been published before the Canucks signed Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $7.25 million. Allvin admitted Hronek’s new deal meant the Canucks wouldn’t be able to re-sign all of their remaining free agents.

The Canucks have $17.7 million in cap space and 15 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Signing Guentzel could run between $8.5 million and $9.5 million annually on a long-term deal. They can’t comfortably afford that unless they free up additional cap space.

COULD THE SABRES BUY OUT JEFF SKINNER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Buffalo Sabres could consider buying out the remainder of Jeff Skinner’s contract. The 32-year-old winger carries an AAV of $9 million through 2026-27 and is coming off a down year. It would be at two-thirds the remaining value over twice the remaining term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A buyout would be costly given how Skinner’s contract is structured. The first season would count as $1.444 million against the Sabres cap. However, it jumps to $4.444 million in 2025-26 and $6.444 million in 2026-27 before dropping to $2.444 million per season for the remaining three years.

The salary cap is expected to significantly rise. That could provide some relief for the two seasons where the cost of the buyout spikes.

The buyout window opens 48 hours after the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30.

COULD THE RANGERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently reported his belief that the New York Rangers looked at Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils traded the 32-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets.

Baugh expects Toffoli is looking for one last chance to win the Stanley Cup, suggesting he could fetch a four-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. “The Rangers could find a way to make that work, but they’d probably need to clear some cap space via trades.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could explain why the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout or a potential claim by the San Jose Sharks Stay tuned…

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are exploring a two-year contract for Shane Pinto. The Sens would prefer signing him to a five- or six-year deal. Pinto’s agent reportedly seeks a long-term contract with an AAV of $5 million. The two sides could instead consider a lower cap hit on a shorter deal.

Garrioch also reports a league executive claims the Senators have had talks with the Seattle Kraken regarding Brandon Tanev. The 32-year-old Kraken forward could play a third or fourth-line role with the Senators. However, they’d have to move out Mathieu Joseph’s $2.95 million cap hit to make room for Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Brandon could entice his brother Chris to sign with the Senators. Before the Flames traded him to the Dallas Stars, they were reportedly interested in acquiring him.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2024

by | Jun 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2024

Check out the latest on Leon Draisaitl, Mitch Marner, Jacob Markstrom, and Logan Couture in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD LEON DRAISAITL SIGN A SHORT-TERM EXTENSION?

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the recent report of the Edmonton Oilers discussing a contract extension with Leon Draisaitl is good news for the club’s future. It’ll come as a relief for the club’s fans as they’ve put up with years of speculation suggesting Draisaitl and teammate Connor McDavid would bail on the Oilers as unrestricted free agents.

Should Draisaitl re-sign it could also be a harbinger of McDavid’s signing given the close friendship between the two teammates.

Spector predicts Draisaitl could sign a four-year contract, leaving enough room for another deal at age 32 when the salary cap will be even higher. He expects the Edmonton star will become the NHL’s highest-paid player for one season when McDavid signs his next contract with the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl would be taking a page from the contract playbook of Toronto’s Auston Matthews. The Maple Leafs center signed a four-year extension that begins in 2024-25 rather than an eight-year deal. If Draisaitl follows suit it could start a trend among NHL stars of inking short-term deals to allow themselves to cash in again with a higher salary cap down the road.

ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS LOOKING AT EXTENDING MITCH MARNER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cited TSN’s Darren Dreger suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could prefer re-signing Mitch Marner instead of trading him. Dreger said he thinks Leafs general manager Brad Treliving would rather extend the 27-year-old winger’s contract.

Marner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He carries a $10.9 million cap hit for 2024-25 and a full no-movement clause.

Dreger said it’s possible Treliving could get a suitable trade offer that might convince Marner to waive his NMC. However, he thinks the winger’s preference is to play out next season in Toronto and see how things go from there. There’s a risk Marner could depart via free agency next summer but it’s not a certainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving’s decision might be easier if Marner didn’t have that NMC. But he does, and he has complete control over this situation. Even if Marner agrees to a trade, the Leafs won’t get full market value in return. They might have to accept a package of affordable young players and draft picks and use the cap savings to address their short-term roster needs.

Marner reportedly prefers re-signing with the Leafs. It won’t sit well with the club’s critics, especially those questioning his playoff performance. It would cost between $12.5 and $13 million annually to keep him in the fold.

UPDATE ON JACOB MARKSTROM

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently cited TSN’s Chris Johnston claiming trade talks involving Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom are at “a bit of a standstill.”

Johnston believes the Devils remain interested in Markstrom. The 34-year-old netminder could be willing to waive his NMC to go to New Jersey. However, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald might be unwilling to include his first-round pick (10th overall) in this year’s draft as part of the return for Markstrom.

Nichols believes Fitzgerald has a price he’s willing to pay for Markstrom and won’t cross it. However, the Devils GM risks losing the Flames netminder to another club. The Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings are also believed in the market for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This situation favors the Flames for now. GM Craig Conroy can ask around and see if he can stoke a bidding war for Markstrom. However, he’ll only have that advantage until the first round of the upcoming draft.

Conroy could lose his leverage if Fitzgerald and other general managers aren’t willing to move their first-rounders in this year’s draft. After that, he could end up getting lesser offers.

SHARKS NOT TRADING LOGAN COUTURE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier stressed that he’s not interested in trading team captain Logan Couture.

Following the introductory press conference for new Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, Grier addressed trade rumors that have been swirling about Couture. “That is absolutely false,” he said. “If you look at us bringing in young players and having a young team, he is exactly the type of person you want to have around the young players.”

Grier praised Couture’s leadership and his worth to the Sharks, noting that he came off a difficult, injury-hampered season. “He’s still a heck of a hockey player, so you guys can put any of those thoughts about me looking to trade our captain, you can put it to bed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pashelka pointed out that Couture’s contract makes him almost impossible to trade even if Grier wanted to. The 35-year-old center has three years left on his deal with an annual cap hit of $8 million. The Sharks have no salary retention spots for 2024-25.

Couture is also coming off a season where a painful inflammation of the joint between his left and right pubic bones limited him to just six games.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

by | Jun 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Juuse Saros and Jonathan Marchessault in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS, LEAFS, SENATORS LINKED TO JACOB MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are quietly trying to find a deal for Jacob Markstrom. The 34-year-old goaltender has two years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million. 

Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are interested in Markstrom. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to move his first-round pick (10th overall) and seeks help between the pipes. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is the former GM of the Flames and signed Markstrom to his current contract. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

The Senators are believed to be in every trade conversation regarding a goaltender. Friedman doesn’t know what Markstrom feels about that. He holds a full no-movement clause. 

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios has been working the phones in search of a goaltending upgrade. He’s reportedly among the more aggressive suitors for Markstrom. Staios also held talks with the Boston Bruins about Linus Ullmark. It’s also believed the Senators GM may have “kicked tires” on Nashville’s Juuse Saros. 

The Senators would have to get one of its current goalies off their books to accommodate Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit if he agreed to come to Ottawa. Joonas Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million while Anton Forsberg has a year remaining at $2.75 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s NMC gives him the final say over where he goes. It’s believed he was willing to accept a trade to the Devils in February, That deal fell through partly because they didn’t want to take on his full cap hit. 

Nevertheless, the Devils remain the most likely destination of the three. He could also accept the Leafs because they’re a playoff contender and his link to Treliving. Given the Senators’ struggles, it’s unlikely he’ll agree to go to Ottawa.

MORE MITCH MARNER SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports the Maple Leafs have no plans to ask Mitch Marner to waive his no-movement clause. However, they remain interested in moving him during this offseason. 

Simmons claims the Leafs are in trade mode and are willing to entertain offers for everyone except Auston Matthews and William Nylander. As for Marner, if they get a suitable trade offer, then they’ll approach the 27-year-old winger about waiving his clause. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs need to clear cap room to bolster their goaltending and defensive depth. However, they won’t just give Marner away. They’ll want a suitable return that helps them now and in the future. 

As for potential trade destinations, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin recently published his list. It includes the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and the Utah franchise. Feel free to check it out and then give your thoughts in the comments section below. 

UPDATES ON JUUSE SAROS AND JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT

SPORTSNET: Friedman said there is motivation between the Nashville Predators and Juuse Saros to work out a contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Saros camp could wait and see what Igor Shesterkin gets for an extension with the New York Rangers and then seek 75-80 percent. 

Speaking of contract talks, Friedman said discussions have started between the Vegas Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault. The 33-year-old winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after completing a six-year, $30-million deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 7, 2024

by | Jun 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 7, 2024

The Flames and Devils revisit their Jacob Markstrom trade talks, the latest on Jake Guentzel and Juuse Saros, plus a recent update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES AND DEVILS RENEW MARKSTROM TRADE TALKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils renewed their trade discussions regarding Jacob Markstrom. The two teams were reportedly close to a trade in February that would’ve shipped the 34-year-old goaltender to the Devils but the deal fell through.

LeBrun claims Markstrom is willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to New Jersey. He also indicated the Flames are getting calls from other clubs about the veteran netminder. LeBrun said there remains a difference of opinion on the return and what it would cost the Devils to land Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

One holdup during their previous discussions was the Flames’ unwillingness to retain part of Markstrom’s $6 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26. LeBrun also suggested the Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson could also be options for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is keen to land a reliable starting goaltender this summer. He’s got a few options but his preference is for Markstrom.

In February, there was talk that the Flames sought a first-round pick, a top prospect like Seamus Casey, and a young NHL player like Alexander Holtz or Dawson Mercer. Fitzgerald is willing to move his 2024 first-rounder (10th overall) and could part with Holtz but not Mercer. He could also be reluctant to part with Casey.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO SIGN JAKE GUENTZEL?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted that Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek recently made an admittedly wild prediction suggesting the Sharks could sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Peng noted the Sharks have plenty of cap space and need to surround promising players like Macklin Celebrini (whom they’re expected to select first overall in this year’s draft) with veteran players. However, he believes they’ll find more affordable options than Guentzel, who probably isn’t interested in signing with a rebuilding club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be this summer’s biggest free-agent surprise if Guentzel joined the Sharks. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

THE LATEST ON JUUSE SAROS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Clay Brewer cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Juuse Saros camp could wait and see what kind of contract goaltender Igor Shesterkin receives from the New York Rangers as a baseline for their contract talks this summer.

Saros and Shesterkin both have a year remaining on their respective contracts. They’re allowed to sign extensions starting on July 1.

Friedman believes Shesterkin is set to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. He believes Saros’ agent could seek 75 to 80 percent of what the Rangers netminder gets. Saros is currently earning an average annual value of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The highest-paid goaltender is the Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price with an AAV of $10.5 million. Shesterkin’s next deal could be between $11 million and $12 million annually.

Assuming Shesterkin receives $11.5 million annually on his next deal, the Saros camp could seek between $8.6 million and $9.2 million for their client.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi recently reported contract extension talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are expected to intensify soon, perhaps during this week’s NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.

Both sides are believed to be proceeding as though Crosby’s contract will be finalized this summer. Whether that happens on July 1 or soon afterward depends on how many roster changes management has in store for the coming weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will sign an extension this summer and finish his playing career with the Penguins.

Rossi also reported that league sources said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is trying to move winger Reilly Smith. He’d prefer a hockey trade and doesn’t want to retain salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a possibility but the return might not make the Penguins better. This could become a case where two teams swap players who didn’t pan out last season, hoping that the change of scenery helps them regain their form.

Dubas isn’t shopping Tristan Jarry but there’s a sense around the league that the 29-year-old goaltender is available. The Penguins are prepared to carry Jarry if they don’t find a deal that directly or indirectly (by clearing cap space) brings in a top-four winger or a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Jarry will be back with the Penguins next season.

The Penguins GM doesn’t see much of a trade market for defenseman Ryan Graves without retaining a significant chunk of his cap hit. It’s hoped that he bounces back next season with fewer expectations as a bottom-pairing option.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2024

by | Jun 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2024

The Devils could shop their first-rounder and remain in the market for a goaltender, the latest Martin Necas speculation, plus updates on the Rangers and Ducks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS WILLING TO PART WITH FIRST-ROUND PICK, STILL SEEK A GOALIE

NHL.COM: Mike G. Morreale reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to part with his first-round pick (10th overall) in this year’s draft for the right price. He said he would listen if the offer helped the Devils now and in the foreseeable future.

Fitzgerald also indicated he’s still in the market for a goaltender. However, he also wants to build up his forward lines and defense corps.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports adding a No. 1 goalie tops Fitzgerald’s offseason wish list. The Devils GM admitted there were “a few guys that I’m in on”, but declined to say who they were.

League sources indicate Fitzgerald remains interested in Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames, whom he tried to acquire before the March 8 trade deadline. He’s also looking at Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins.

LeBrun believes Markstrom would waive his no-movement clause for New Jersey but several other teams are also interested in the Flames netminder.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio believes the pieces are in place for a deal between the Bruins and Devils that would send Ullmark to New Jersey. He believes such a trade would make sense for both clubs. The Bruins have no picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. That could use that 10th overall selection to restock their shallow prospect pool.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald would have an easier time landing an experienced starter like Markstrom or Ullmark if he included his first-rounder in his offer. However, he seems to be hoping to use it as a trade chip to address other roster needs.

The Score’s Josh Gold-Smith pointed out Fitzgerald was reportedly interested in Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. However, LeBrun reported Predators GM Barry Trotz plans to meet with Saros’ agent this week to lay the groundwork for a contract extension.

THE LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Carolina Hurricanes traded Martin Necas by Saturday. He anticipated a flurry of activity this week leading up to the Stanley Cup Final as teams are keen to get their hands on the 25-year-old forward.

Seravalli believes the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets are at least three of the club interested in Necas.

CHEK TV’s DONNIE & DHALI: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was asked about Necas. He doesn’t believe the preferred choice for the winger and the Hurricanes is to trade him.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Friedman noted the discussions between the Hurricanes and Canucks in January regarding a deal that would’ve sent Elias Pettersson to Carolina with Necas as part of the return going to Vancouver. With Pettersson out of the deal after signing an extension, it would be harder for the Canucks to acquire Necas.

According to Friedman, the Hurricanes’ asking price is big, and would involve the Canucks parting with some of their top prospects. He doesn’t believe offering up restricted free-agent defenseman Filip Hronek would get it done.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson believes the Flames would be interested in Necas. However, there would be concerns about the Hurricanes’ asking price and the cost of re-signing the restricted free agent to a new contract.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers are among half of the teams in the league believed to have contacted the Hurricanes about Necas.

LeBrun isn’t sure Necas is a fit with the Flyers considering the type of “apple-for-apple type trade” the Hurricanes would want.

Earlier this week, LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz examined whether there was a trade fit between the two teams involving Necas. He believes the cost could be too expensive for the Flyers. Kurz thinks a one-for-one swap involving Flyers winger Travis Konecny would fit within the Hurricanes long-term salary cap structure when they’re trying to re-sign Jake Guentzel. He also pointed out the Hurricanes’ biggest need is a proven No. 1 goalie, which the Flyers also need.

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie noted the recent conjecture linking the Canadiens to Necas. He believes the Habs would have to offer up defenseman Arber Xhekaj plus either the 26th overall pick received from Winnipeg or their own second-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have a prized trade asset in Necas that many teams are interested in. The question is, which one is willing to overpay to get him? They’ll be paying for potential, banking on Necas blossoming into a reliable scorer when given a full-time top-six role.

Potential trade partners will want assurances that Necas will sign a contract extension to avoid the arbitration process.

The pundits can’t agree on the Hurricanes’ asking price. Friedman said they’ll want at least one top prospect as part of a big return. LeBrun suggests they could prefer a one-for-one swap. Others believe at least a first or a high second-round pick will have to be packaged with a promising young player.

It’s unlikely the Flyers will part with Konecny. Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey cited a source claiming the 27-year-old winger will sign a contract extension this summer.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Earlier this week, Larry Brooks suggested the Rangers have gone as far as they can with their current core, calling for tough decisions regarding Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.

Brooks lauded Trouba’s physicality but noted his lack of discipline in this postseason was striking. He pointed out that the Rangers captain’s no-movement clause reverts to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The 30-year-old defenseman could become their third-pairing right-side defenseman behind Adam Fox and Braden Schneider.

Kreider’s NMC also reverts to a 15-team NTC on July 1. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. If the Rangers believe they need a dramatic makeover, Kreider will fetch the biggest return.

Zibanejad’s NMC remains in full effect on a contract with six years remaining at $8.5 million annually. Brooks admits approaching him about a trade wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation and doesn’t know how it would affect the team’s dynamics if Zibanejad rejected a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks is merely making suggestions. This doesn’t appear based on anything that he’s heard.

Trouba has a history of undisciplined play but he brings the most physicality to a team that was lacking in that category. His struggles during this postseason were due mostly to a broken ankle. He’s not going anywhere. Neither are Kreider or Zibanejad.

Brooks believes Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko could use a fresh start with another club after struggling through a disappointing performance this season. However, he doesn’t think they’ll part with him for a second or third-round pick. Kakko could be part of a larger deal if one manifests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Kakko trade seems more likely to happen than any deal involving Trouba, Kreider or Zibanejad. Including the 23-year-old winger in a trade package seems the best route if the Rangers look to upgrade. On his own, Kakko won’t fetch much of a return at this stage of his career.

THE LATEST DUCKS RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Anaheim Ducks are listening to offers for forward Trevor Zegras and goaltender John Gibson.

LeBrun indicated that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek would comment on the trade chatter about Zegras. However, other sources believe Verbeek could move him for the right deal. LeBrun believes the Canadiens have revisited their interest in the 22-year-old forward but he isn’t convinced this is a path the Habs will aggressively pursue.

As for Gibson, Verbeek acknowledged a market for goalies this summer. LeBrun believes the Ducks GM will continue to monitor calls for the 31-year-old netminder but would be fine keeping him.