NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

by | Nov 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, a look at the latest speculation involving several notable pending restricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding this season’s top-12 restricted free agents. Here’s a look at several of the notables.

Fox believes the Edmonton Oilers could end up paying defenseman Evan Bouchard an average annual value of “somewhere in the $10.5 million range” on his next contract.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard’s production this season (seven points in 15 games) is below last season’s pace (82 points in 81 games). He’s on pace to barely reach 40 points, something he did in 2022-23 (42) and 2023-24 (40).

Bouchard’s earning an AAV of $3.9 million on his current deal. He’ll still get a substantial raise if he finishes with 40 points but not the $10.5 million that he’d be in line for if he reached 80 points.

New York Islanders blueliner Noah Dobson could get something nearing $8 million annually on an eight-year contract if general manager Lou Lamoriello wants to go long-term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson carries an AAV of $4 million on his current contract. He’s the Isles’ best puck-moving rearguard, netting 51 points in 2021-22, 49 points in 2022-23, and a career-high 70 last season. He’s been a bargain for them thus far but could seek between $7 million and $8 million on his next deal.

Fox suggests Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston could get something comparable to the seven-year, $7.14 million AAV signed by Matty Beniers with the Seattle Kraken. He also speculated a mid-term bridge deal as a possibility given teammates Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven are in line for raises after 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston will be coming off his entry-level contract and will lack arbitration rights next summer. Stars management will hold all the leverage here.

A long-term comparable for New Jersey Devils blueliner Luke Hughes would be Brock Faber’s eight-year, $8.5 million AAV with the Minnesota Wild. That would elevate his annual salary over brother Jack’s $8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Johnston, Luke will be completing his ELC and will have little leverage in negotiations. Management could be reluctant to pay him more than Jack at this stage of his career. A bridge deal could be an option here.

Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka could seek something north of $7 million on a long-term deal if GM Kevyn Adams wants to use up some of his UFA years. A bridge contract could be the easier route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka is also on his ELC. He reached a career-high 50 points last season but is now on a point-per-game pace. He’ll be in line for over $7 million annually if he maintains that production throughout this season.

Re-signing forward Fabian Zetterlund could be a priority for San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier. He’s off to a good start and is tight with teammate William Eklund. The rebuilding Sharks have plenty of cap space so a long-term deal is possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zetterlund was among the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2023-24 campaign for the Sharks, finishing with 20 goals and 44 points. The 25-year-old winger carries an AAV of $1.45 million and has 10 points in 16 games this season, putting him on track for over 50 points. That could put him in line for around $5 million annually.

A comparable contract for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is the five-year, $6.25 million extension signed by Quinton Byfield with the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish is in the final season of his ELC. He had 43 points in 80 games during his rookie season (2022-23) and 42 points in 64 games last season. He’s on pace to exceed 50 points this season. Byfield got his deal after hitting 55 points last season.

Limited cap space could affect the New York Rangers’ efforts to re-sign K’Andre Miller. It’ll cost them $4.65 million to qualify his rights. Fox speculates a long-term deal could cost between $6 million and $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap is projected to rise to $92 million for 2025-26, giving the Rangers over $25 million in cap space.

$12 million of that could go toward re-signing Igor Shesterkin. It’s believed they’ll try to trade Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit next summer. That could give them enough to re-sign Miller and perhaps Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren. However, the long-term cap hit could make it difficult to retain Artemi Panarin before his UFA eligibility in 2026.

The Minnesota Wild’s tight budget and the rise of promising center prospects (Danila Yurov, Riely Heidt) could make it tricky to sign Marco Rossi to a long-term deal. GM Bill Guerin must keep an eye down the road when superstar Kirill Kaprizov is due for a new contract. Fox speculates a two-year bridge deal at $6.25 million annually could be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi had 21 goals and 40 points as a rookie last season. He has 13 points in 14 games, putting him on track for around 80 points. However, Guerin will hold the leveral with Rossi coming off his ELC.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2024

by | Apr 20, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2024

The opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begins today, the latest on the Coyotes’ move to Utah, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

PLAYOFF NOTES

NHL.COM: The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today with the New York Islanders facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes (5 pm ET) in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series. At 8 pm ET, the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the Boston Bruins to start their series.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson returns to action after missing the final three games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. However, forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Bobby McMann were absent from Friday’s practice. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said Nylander (undisclosed) and McMann (lower-body injury) are “possibilities” for Game 1 against the Bruins.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe also said Leafs general manager Brad Treliving told him there will be no daily injury updates during the playoffs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will return to action in Game 1 of his club’s first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He missed the last six games of the Panthers’ regular-season schedule. The two clubs face off on Sunday at 12:30 PM ET.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche backup goaltender Pavel Francouz officially announced his retirement on Friday. The 33-year-old missed the entire season following surgery on his adductors last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francouz was with the Avalanche for six seasons but injuries limited him to just four seasons on the ice. He played 73 regular-season games with 64 games saved, finishing with a record of 44-21-6, a 2.49 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and four shutouts. He saw action in 13 playoff games with a record of 8-4 with a 3.01 GAA, .899 SP and two shutouts. Francouz helped the Avalanche win the 2022 Stanley Cup.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Utah franchise owner Ryan Smith announced about 22,700 deposits have been made for season tickets during Friday’s press conference at Delta Center in Salt Lake City announcing the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was thrilled with the demand for season tickets for the Utah franchise.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Bettman also had to sit through what Remy Mastey described as a bizarre press conference with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, who attempted to explain his plans to bring an NHL expansion team back to Arizona within the next five years.

Meruelo appeared nervous and unprepared for the press conference. At one point, he said he didn’t like the media as an explanation for why he hasn’t spoken publicly about the Coyotes over the past year. Bettman sometimes clarified Meruelo’s remarks, jumping in occasionally to answer questions directed at the Coyotes owner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Meruelo has five years to construct a state-of-the-art NHL arena to receive an expansion franchise. He must win an auction on June 27 (which he mistakenly said was June 29 during the press conference) for a parcel of land near Scottsdale where he intends to build this arena.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas revealed defenseman Kris Letang was dealing with multiple injuries, one of which could be serious enough to require surgery. Forward Matt Nieto and defenseman John Ludvig also suffered injuries that could require surgery in the offseason.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale could also go under the knife after saying he played injured through most of this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Flyers, Ryan Johansen’s playing career could be over. The 31-year-old center played 63 games this season with the Colorado Avalanche until traded to the Flyers on March 6. He’s been sidelined with an undisclosed ailment. Flyers GM Daniel Briere doesn’t expect him to be back, saying Johansen doesn’t think he can play hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johansen’s situation has been shrouded in mystery. That’s prompted speculation that he doesn’t want to play under Flyers head coach John Tortorella due to their contentious relationship during their days with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Johansen hasn’t spoken publicly about the situation. It was obvious that his play had declined this season. Neither he nor the Avalanche mentioned an injury before the trade. It appears the Avs weren’t aware of his condition.

Johansen has one year left on his contract. If medically unfit to play, the Flyers could place him on long-term injury reserve at the start of next season.

STARTRIBUNE: Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber said he played the final two months of the regular season with fractured ribs. The 21-year-old blueliner is considered a candidate to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Faber finished the season sitting sixth among all NHL skaters in ice time per game (24:58), blocked the second-most shots among the Wild (150), quarterbacked their power play and finished tied for second among rookie scorers with 47 points.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said he’d like to sign Shayne Gostisbehere to a new contract. The 31-year-old puckmoving defenseman had 56 points with the Wings this season. Yzerman called him “a valuable player for how we’re set up on the back end.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are Gostisbehere’s fourth NHL team since 2020-21. It appears “The Ghost Bear” might be settling down for a spell in Motown.

TSN: Interim Ottawa Senators head coach Jacques Martin is moving to an advisor role with the club.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Senators, general manager Steve Staios said he doesn’t expect to buy out any of his players this summer.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr became the oldest professional hockey player on Thursday when he skated for his club Kladno at age 52 years and 63 days. Gordie Howe was the previous record holder when he finished his NHL career in 1980 with the Hartford Whalers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 15, 2024

by | Apr 15, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 15, 2024

Recapping Sunday’s games, the latest on the Coyotes’ potential relocation to Salt Lake City, and updates on Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Tomas Hertl completed a four-goal comeback as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. William Karlsson scored twice (including his 30th of the season) for the playoff-bound Golden Knights (44-28-8). With 96 points, they’re one point behind the third-place Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division. Cale Makar had a goal and an assist for the 49-25-7 Avalanche, who sit eighth overall with 105 points.

Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche are stumbling toward the end of the season with a record of 3-5-2.

The Carolina Hurricanes doubled up the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2. Seth Jarvis tallied twice in the third period for the 55-22-7 Hurricanes (111 points) as they sit one point behind the league-leading New York Rangers in second place in the overall standings. Blackhawks rookie Frank Nazar scored his first NHL goal on his first shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nazar signed his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Friday following the completion of his sophomore year with the NCAA’s Michigan Wolverines. He’s one of their top prospects and could become invaluable to the Blackhawks’ rebuilding program.

A three-goal third period lifted the St. Louis Blues to a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Jordan Kyrou broke a 1-1 tie with his 31st goal of the season and Nathan Walker had a goal and an assist. Jared McCann netted his 29th goal for the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues forward Jake Neighbours missed this game and is expected to be sidelined for his club’s final game of the season on Wednesday. He’s missed the last four games with an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old sophomore winger is tied for second with Pavel Buchenich among Blues scorers with 27 goals.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri scored twice in the third period to lift his club over the Arizona Coyotes 6-5. Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist for the Flames. Dylan Guenther tallied two goals for the Coyotes.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Coyotes, Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that the NHL hopes to officially announce the sale of the club to Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith on Thursday or Friday.

Current Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo will have five years to prove he can build a new arena, and then he’ll be granted an expansion franchise. Friedman said Meruelo is determined to do that. He will bid for a parcel of land in a June 27 auction he intends to use for an arena and entertainment complex.

The Coyotes are expected to be sold to Smith for $1.2 billion with the league facilitating the sale.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Meruelo will receive $1 billion from the league for the sale of the Coyotes to Smith. The remaining $200 million will be retained by the league as a relocation fee and distributed equally among the 31 other NHL owners.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman convinced Meruelo to sell because of the indefinite timeline for a new arena. Meruelo agreed after the league gave him that five-year window to be granted an expansion franchise provided a new arena is built within that timeframe.

Meruelo will also retain ownership of the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. He will negotiate to be an affiliate of the new team in Salt Lake City and will explore moving the Roadrunners to Tempe so it can play its games at Mullett Arena.

AZCENTRAL.COM: The Phoenix mayor’s office sent a letter to the Coyotes seeking a meeting with Meruelo regarding his proposed plan for a new arena and entertainment complex in northeast Phoenix.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Meruelo will remain part of the NHL Board of Governors in an observer role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the last season for the Coyotes in Arizona barring any unforeseen issues. Whether there will be a Coyotes 2.0 depends on Meruelo winning the land auction in June and getting an arena built by 2029.

If the NHL does return to Arizona, and if the league also expands to Houston and Atlanta as rumored before the end of this decade, it will create an imbalance with the Western Conference having one more franchise than the Eastern Conference.

Could that finally bring about the return of the NHL to Quebec City? Does it mean a second franchise in Toronto? An expansion team in Cleveland? Let me know what you think in the comments section.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar is dealing with a nagging injury that forced him to miss Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. It remains to be seen if he’ll remain sidelined for the club’s final two regular-season games.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson missed Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders and Sunday’s practice with an upper-body injury suffered on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. It’s uncertain if he’ll rejoin his teammates for their final two regular-season games.

NHL.COM: Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was fined over $2,700.00 for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed winger Cutter Gauthier to a three-year entry-level contract. He’s expected to play in his club’s final regular-season game on Thursday. Gauthier completed his second season with the NCAA’s Boston College and led all American Division 1 collegians this season with 38 goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Philadelphia Flyers selected Gauthier with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Ducks acquired him in January after he refused to sign with the Flyers.

SPORTSNET: The Montreal Canadiens are expected to sign prospect Luke Tuch to an entry-level contract. The younger brother of Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, Luke completed his fourth year with Boston University.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2024

by | Mar 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2024

The Islanders could face some contract extension questions and the Canadiens could shop for roster depth this summer. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ISLANDERS FACE CONTRACT EXTENSION QUESTIONS THIS SUMMER

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reported the next pivot point on the Islanders’ roster construction occurs on July 1 when free agency begins.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

Brock Nelson will be the biggest question. He has a year remaining on his contract and extension talks can begin on July 1. The 32-year-old forward is an important part of their roster core. Keeping him happy without paying a bloated contract will be a challenge for Islanders management.

Winger Kyle Palmieri is in the same boat as Nelson. Defensemen Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov also have a year left on their contracts, but they will be restricted free agents with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Lou Lamoriello has a well-earned reputation as a tough negotiator. The longer those contract talks go with any of those four, the more speculation there will be over their futures with the Isles.

Given Nelson’s UFA eligibility next summer and his value as a core player, he will draw the most attention in the rumor mill. His name will pop up frequently in media chatter if he lacks a new contract leading up to next year’s trade deadline.

CANADIENS COULD BE BUSY IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico reported the Canadiens added more draft picks leading up to the recent NHL trade deadline. Some of those picks could become trade bait to address their more immediate roster needs.

Following the deadline, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes acknowledged his team has been buyers at the draft and sellers at the trade deadline. “If I see another opportunity again at the draft, we’ll look to continue that path,” he said.

D’Amico noted that Hughes leveraged his excess of defense or draft picks to acquire Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook during the last two drafts. With two first-rounders in 2024 and 2025 and an overwhelming number of promising young defensemen, the Canadiens will likely go shopping again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico pointed out recent speculation linked the Canadiens to Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras. If the Ducks decide to move him, Hughes could draw on those picks and defense prospects to make a competitive offer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 28, 2022

by | Aug 28, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 28, 2022

Nazem Kadri’s history-making day with the Stanley Cup, a look at the Islanders’ future top blueline tandem, Hampus Lindholm’s offseason home was destroyed by fire, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Nazem Kadri’s day with the Stanley Cup was a history-making one as he became the first Muslim to bring hockey’s holy grail to a mosque. The event took place on Saturday in Kadri’s hometown of London, Ontario.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Kadri, 31, is the first Muslim player to win the Stanley Cup, doing so with the Colorado Avalanche in June. He recently signed a seven-year contract with the Calgary Flames. Kadri thanked his family and supporters. “I’m very appreciative, very privileged, and honored to be the first-ever Muslim to bring the Stanley Cup to the mosque,” he said. “It’s a big deal.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri played a key role in the Avalanche’s march to the Stanley Cup. He continues to be an inspiration to Muslims who wish to take up the sport of hockey.

NEW YORK POST: The duo of Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov could one day become the New York Islanders’ top defense pairing. They’ve never met as Romanov was acquired in a trade last month from the Montreal Canadiens. Both recently signed new contracts with the Isles.

“The little I know watching him play, he’s obviously a talented player,” said Dobson of Romanov. He skates really well and he’s got a physical presence out there and a high compete level.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson enjoyed a 51-point breakout performance last season as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Isles. Romanov is more of a physical defensive rearguard but can contribute offensively. The Isles will have a solid defense for the next several years if Dobson and Romanov gel as a blueline tandem behind the top pairing of Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech.

SPORTBLADET: Hampus Lindholm’s off-season home in Sweden was recently destroyed by fire. The Boston Bruins defenseman was not at the house when the blaze erupted and no one was hurt. Police are investigating arson but it’s believed the fire started in a side building in a battery charger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm also said he was appreciative of the Bruins for reaching out and offering their help.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: After being bought out by the San Jose Sharks, Rudolfs Balcers is looking forward to joining the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Panthers. He netted a career-high 11 goals last season and believes he could’ve reached 20 with the opportunities he was given with the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Balcers could have a chance to tally 20 goals this season if he’s given the right role with the high-scoring Panthers.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Sharks, former director of scouting Doug Wilson Jr has joined the Seattle Kraken as an amateur scout.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2022

by | Aug 23, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2022

Ryan Ellis could miss the start of the Flyers’ season, the Islanders re-sign Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov and Kieffer Bellows, an update on David Pastrnak and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis could miss the start of the coming season. A “multilayered issue” involving the “complex of the whole pelvic region” limited him to just four games last season.

“If you’re asking me right now, I doubt it,” said Flyers head coach John Tortorella when asked if Ellis will be ready to play. They start their season on Oct. 13 against the New Jersey Devils but Tortorella didn’t think the 31-year-old defenseman will be ready when they open training camp on Sept. 21.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Ellis (NHL Images).

Tortorella indicated he’s had several conversations with Ellis. He said it’s been an “up and down process” for the blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ellis was acquired from the Nashville Predators last summer and was expected to skate on the right side of the Flyers’ first defense pairing alongside Ivan Provorov. His absence last season was a key factor in the club missing the 2022 playoffs.

Cap Friendly shows Ellis is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.25 million. They’re above the $82.5 million cap by $2.53 million but will get cap relief by placing Ellis on long-term injury reserve to start the season.

This also explains why the Flyers signed Tony DeAngelo to a two-year contract last month. We’ll have to wait and see if general manager Chuck Fletcher has any other moves planned before the coming season. That could depend on how long Ellis is sidelined.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The New York Islanders announced new contracts for restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov and Kieffer Bellows.

Dobson, 22, got a three-year deal with an AAV of $4 million. The 22-year-old Romanov also got a three-year deal. His annual cap hit is $2.5 million. Bellows, 24, got a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

The trio will be restricted free agents at the end of their respective contracts. These deals leave the Islanders with $3.485 million in cap space for the upcoming season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wasn’t surprised by what Romanov and Bellows got. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently suggested that Dobson’s new contract would be a high dollar amount but it’s actually quite reasonable for a young defenseman coming off a 51-point performance.

Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello explained that he wanted to see a bit more from Dobson before committing to a long-term deal. In other words, a more lucrative contract awaits the young rearguard at the end of his current deal if he builds on last season’s breakout effort.

SPORTSNET: Lamoriello also defended what was considered to be a quiet offseason on his part. Earlier this summer, he had promised to be as active as possible to bolster the Islanders’ offense. They were linked to free agents Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri but both forwards were signed elsewhere. Lamoriello was rumored to be interested in acquiring J.T. Miller but the Vancouver Canucks aren’t in a rush to move the 29-year-old center.

Regarding trades, Lamoriello explained he wouldn’t have received in return what he would’ve had to give up to make his club a better team. He’ll continue to explore the late-summer trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful Lamoriello will find a return that will significantly improve his club’s offense heading into this season. He’s going to bet on new head coach Lane Lambert finding a way to improve the Isles’ production with the current core players. I expect young wingers Anthony Beauvillier and Oliver Wahlstrom will be placed in roles where they’ll get more opportunities to score.

The Islanders have a projected $16 million in trade deadline cap space for the coming season. Barring any other moves, Lamoriello could have sufficient cap room to add a rental scorer by late February if his club is in playoff contention.

NEWSDAY’s Andrew Gross reported Lamoriello said he’s had no contract talks with UFA defensemen Zdeno Chara and Andy Greene. They are not currently under consideration for defense roles with the Isles.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: David Pastrnak’s contract extension talks with the Bruins are currently on hold but the 26-year-old winger isn’t concerned.

In an interview with Czechia media outlet Blesk, Pastrnak acknowledged Bruins GM Don Sweeney had a lot on his plate this summer negotiating new one-year contracts for Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Pastrnak has a year remaining on his contract and is focused now on physically preparing for the upcoming season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney will probably sit down with Pastrnak and/or his agent at some point during training camp to continue their negotiations.