NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 13, 2024

Updates on Oilers forwards Leon Draisaitl and Evander Kane plus the latest on Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited the “2 Mutts Podcast” claiming they’d heard Leon Draisaitl’s contract talks with the Oilers were “going great.” The 28-year-old center is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

They said there was talk Draisaitl’s camp would seek an average annual value of $14.5 million but he’s willing to accept less than that to remain in Edmonton. They speculate he’ll receive an eight-year contract with an AAV between $13 million and $13.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl’s contract extension negotiations are among this summer’s hot topics given the dearth of hockey news at this time of year. He’s been underpaid over the past five seasons with an AAV of $8.5 million and many observers believe he’ll get between $13.5 million and $14.5 million.

Recent reports by other insiders indicate the push is on by the Oilers starting with team owner Daryl Katz to get Draisaitl signed. Money isn’t considered an issue but the length of the deal could be a sticking point. Some think Draisaitl will want the full eight-year contract while others suggest he might push for a four-year deal to cash in again as a UFA while still in his prime.

The podcast also claimed Evander Kane would be ready for training camp in September. The 33-year-old winger was nursing a sports hernia throughout last season. Their sources claim going on LTIR isn’t part of the plan. They also claimed the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings were interested in Kane but he’s not waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report came out before the latest news (see today’s Morning Coffee Headlines) indicating Kane could start the season on LTIR after all.

As for the rumors linking him to the Ducks and Kings, I don’t believe he would fit with either club if he was available via trade.

The Ducks are a rebuilding team that doesn’t need Kane’s baggage becoming a distraction for their young players. The Kings, meanwhile, already have Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore as left wings on their top-two scoring lines. They also lack cap room to acquire Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck recently reported that Jets head coach Scott Arniel approved of winger Nikolaj Ehlers suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

Arniel noted that the 28-year-old winger “had a tough go” in training camp over the past two seasons. However, he got off to a good start to the season when he participated in Olympic qualifying in 2021.

The Jets head coach is hoping this will be a good jumpstart to this season for Ehlers, pointing out they need his goal-scoring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers was the subject of trade speculation in the lead-up to the 2024 NHL Draft in June. However, those rumors faded as the offseason progressed. Arniel’s remarks suggest that the Danish winger will be part of the Jets lineup when their season opens in October.










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 Rumor Mill – July 22, 2024

by | Jul 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2024

A look ahead at the UFA class of 2025 in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon looked ahead at next summer’s class of unrestricted free agents.

He excluded Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, and New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, assuming they’ll sign contract extensions with their current clubs.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner tops Dixon’s list. He notes the 27-year-old winger holds all the cards with his full no-movement clause this season. Marner could play out this season with the Leafs and see what free agency holds next summer. The Leafs could try to re-sign him but Dixon doesn’t expect they’ll come up with a sufficiently high number that’s entice Marner to forego free agency.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner could re-sign with the Leafs if the average annual value is between William Nylander’s $11.5 million and Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million, preferably closer to the latter. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he tests the market.

Dixon also pondered the possibility of the Leafs bringing back captain John Tavares for half his current $11 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs Nation could prefer Tavares accept much less than that. He could get half of his current AAV on the open market. That’ll depend on his performance this season. The decline in his production in 2023-24 was noticeable. A further drop means he won’t get anything close to $5.5 million annually on his next contract from the Leafs or on the open market.

The Ottawa Senators will be keen to sign Linus Ullmark to an extension if his goaltending sparks a turnaround in their fortunes. However, the 30-year-old netminder could wait and see how things unfold this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark will likely stay patient and wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

Dixon noted the Vegas Golden Knights are always up against the salary cap, which could affect efforts to re-sign Shea Theodore. He noted they signed Noah Hanifin to an eight-year contract with an AAV of $7.4 million and wondered if a similar deal could get it done for Theodore.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Theodore seems destined to follow Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson out of Vegas via free agency. They have Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo carrying AAVs of over $7 million. They can’t afford a third blueliner with that cap hit.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser enjoyed a career-best 40-goal performance last season. A strong start in 2024-25 could see him and the club hammer out an in-season agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser will be an expensive re-signing. His current AAV is $6.65 million and he could seek over $9 million on his next deal.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny’s robust play will draw lots of interest if he goes to market next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Konecny loves being a Flyer and management thinks highly of him. Nevertheless, his future in Philadelphia will depend on the club’s performance this season. If they falter, they could move him at the trade deadline for pieces that will help them rebuild.

It’s believed the Winnipeg Jets could trade Nikolaj Ehlers this summer. However, the Jets surprised us before by re-signing Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Scheifele are the Jets’ franchise players. Ehlers is a complementary winger. If they don’t trade him this summer, he could be moved at the March trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then. Otherwise, they’ll hang onto Ehlers if they’re in the thick of the playoff race and watch him walk next summer.

The Florida Panthers have Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe and Aaron Ekblad eligible for UFA status next summer. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to retain all three of them. They could part ways with Ekblad, but that could further weaken their defense corps.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito has shown he can make bold moves to improve his club. For example, he could be proactive before free agency begins on July 1 by acquiring a replacement for Ekblad.

Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill could be the top goalie in next summer’s UFA market if he has a strong performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think that honor will belong to Ullmark. Hill plays well when healthy but he’s battled lower-body injuries for several seasons.

Dixon believes Jamie Benn could accept a contract with a lower cap figure to remain with the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the 35-year-old Benn leaving a Cup contender to chase another lucrative deal. He’s made his big money with his current deal paying him an AAV of $9.5 million. He could accept half that on a short-term deal to stay put.

A strong start to this season might prompt Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings to discuss an extension.

Claude Giroux could stay in Ottawa if the Senators improve this season.

Jakob Chychrun could be anxious to get a long-term deal and plant roots with one team after bouncing among three clubs since 2022. Whether it’s with the Washington Capitals or another club remains to be seen.

The other notables include the Stars’ Esa Lindell, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators, Adam Larsson of the Seattle Kraken, Neal Pionk of the Jets, Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks, Dmitry Orlov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Taylor Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

A look at some notable trade and free-agent rumors facing several Western Conference clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently examined lingering offseason questions facing the NHL’s Western Conference teams. Among them were some notable trade and free-agent speculation.

Dixon wondered if the Anaheim Ducks would trade Trevor Zegras. Trade speculation started last fall during their contentious contract negotiations. The 23-year-old was limited to 31 games by injuries last season. He’s an imperfect player but his offensive skills continue to draw interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has consistently denied the trade rumors, claiming he hasn’t shopped Zegras nor received any trade offers. He’s under no pressure to move the young winger, who has two seasons remaining on his contract. Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season.

The Calgary Flames are now rebuilding their roster. Dixon wondered if they might take on a bloated contract or two from a cap-strapped club in return for a draft pick or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $20 million in cap space and 22 active roster players under contract, the Flames are well-positioned to make that type of deal. Whether they want to is another matter. The earliest we could see such a move is in September or early October as teams with limited cap space or over the $88 million cap look to shed salary before the start of the season.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Dixon wonders if the two sides will hammer out a contract extension this summer.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been quiet on the Rantanen front. The Avalanche faces some short and long-term salary cap uncertainty given Gabriel Landeskog’s attempt at a comeback from knee injuries and Valeri Nichushkin’s returning to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Both are on long-term contracts. The Avs could be waiting for cap clarification before opening extension talks with Rantanen.

Dixon wondered if the Dallas Stars might scour the trade market for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on this situation. The depth among the Stars’ right-shot defensemen drops sharply behind Miro Heiskanen with free-agent additions Ilya Lyubushkin and Matt Dumba signed to fill those gaps.

Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings could be coming to an end. He’s been on the outs with the club and is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is coming off an entry-level contract and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation. Don’t be surprised if he ends up traded before the start of the season.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be a trade candidate after the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and promising Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson surfaced in the rumor mill during the spring but trade speculation about him dried up weeks ago. The Wild could retain him for another season and send Wallstedt back to the minors. 

Dixon pondered the possibility of the Nashville Predators trading goalie Yaroslav Askarov after they signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed free-agent backup Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz will set a high asking price for Askarov, who has potential as an NHL starter. Trotz can afford to be patient as he waits for a club seeking goaltending depth to come calling, which could lead to Askarov starting this season with their AHL affiliate.

The Utah Hockey Club made some significant additions to their blueline by acquiring Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. Flush with cap space, draft picks and prospects, they might not be done making additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong prioritized improving his defense corps this summer. Having addressed that issue, he could shift his focus to other roster areas. Still, he could also keep his powder dry and see what unfolds during this season.

Dixon also wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will work out an extension with winger Brock Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser made it clear he wants to play for the Canucks despite being the subject of trade rumors leading up to last season. He’s the only core player due for a new contract by next summer.

The Canucks have over $12 million in projected cap space based on a cap of $88 million, but it’s projected it could rise to $92 million for 2025-26. That will give them plenty of room to re-sign Boeser. However, his injury history could have management adopt a wait-and-see approach to this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights have limited cap space for 2024-25. Nevertheless, Dixon wonders if they might have a crafty move up their sleeve to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas’ depth chart took a beating this summer with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha. They brought in Victor Olofsson, Alexander Holtz, Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid.

The Golden Knights are over the cap by $3.6 million but they’ll get cap relief with Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. They lack room to make a significant addition unless they ship out a salaried player in return.

Recent trade history indicates sleeping on the Golden Knights isn’t wise. However, they will struggle to pull off a major deal this summer.

Dixon concludes by wondering when the Winnipeg Jets intend to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers and prospect forward Rutger McGroarty. They still have some roster holes to fill and either player could fetch a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers has a year left on his contract while the Jets still hold McGroarty’s rights. They won’t be in any rush to move either player this summer but one or both could be moved as we get closer to the start of the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2024

by | Jul 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Canadiens and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano suggests the New York Rangers might not make any major moves this summer after all. All the top unrestricted free agents are now off the board and it’s difficult to find an impact trade as there don’t seem to be many players available.

A lot of eyes are on the Winnipeg Jets. They’re believed to be deep in talks to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mercogliano also noted the Rangers had previous trade discussions with the Anaheim Ducks about winger Frank Vatrano. It’s believed the Ducks wanted to do more during this offseason. They could hang onto Vatrano and hope for higher bids at the trade deadline.

The Rangers will have access to a second contract buyout once Ryan Lindgren’s arbitration situation is resolved. However, they’re not expected to make use of it.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

They can also afford to keep Jacob Trouba on the roster despite the awkward fallout from general manager Chris Drury’s failed attempt to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings. It might be easier next summer to find a trade partner among those not on his no-trade list.

A source told Mercogliano that the Rangers aren’t thrilled with the trade offers they’ve received for winger Kaapo Kakko. They’d need an NHL-caliber player in return to fill the resulting hole in their lineup by trading Kakko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury could surprise us by finding a team willing to take Trouba or Kakko off the Rangers’ hands for the right price. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if both players are still on their roster when their season begins in October.

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will find slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market if he intends to go that route to add a scoring forward.

The site suggested the three best remaining options are Daniel Sprong, Tyler Johnson and Alex Nylander.

Sprong had 18 goals and 43 points last season with the Detroit Red Wings despite averaging only 12 minutes of ice time per game. Johnson had 17 goals in 67 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks and would’ve netted over 20 had he played a full 82 games. Nylander had 11 goals and 15 points in 28 games after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s not a heck of a lot left to choose from here. The best you can say is they’ll be affordable signings. Maybe one of them might thrive in a third-line role with the Canadiens on a one-year deal.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reporting Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason are among the finalists for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head-coaching position.

Former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan was reportedly the first choice of Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. However, he’s no longer in the running after contract negotiations fell through. McLellan still has another year remaining on his contract with the Kings, meaning the two teams would have to determine how much the Blue Jackets would pay. A source told Portzline the Jackets could circle back to McLellan.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

by | Jul 7, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

The Hurricanes are said to be interested in Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers plus an update on Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

HURRICANES REPORTEDLY PURSUING NIKOLAJ EHLERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported on Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes were “pushing heavily” on Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. He believes it makes a lot of sense after the Hurricanes were forced to trade pending free agent Jake Guentzel to Tampa Bay last week.

Ehlers, 28, has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He’s rumored to be unwilling to sign an extension with the Jets. It was expected the Jets would try and move him at the 2024 NHL draft but they may have set too high of an asking price.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

Rosner suggested that the Jets could be hoping that clubs that missed out in free agency might start a bidding war for Ehlers. He thinks the Hurricanes could win that war if they offer up Martin Necas, but the Jets would have to include more than Ehlers in the deal as Necas has more value.

The New York Islanders were also rumored to be interested in Ehlers. Rosner speculates they still could be even after signing Anthony Duclair but wasn’t sure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff praised Ehlers following the draft, calling him an important piece of their lineup. We’ll soon find out if that’s the case. He won’t trade the winger simply for the sake of doing so and could prefer a younger player in return.

A one-for-one swap for Ehlers would make sense for the Hurricanes if there’s no contract resolution with Necas. The 25-year-old winger hasn’t generated much buzz lately in the rumor mill, leading some to suggest the Canes could reconsider trading him after losing Guentzel.

Necas filed for contract arbitration on Friday. That could be his way of setting a deadline to hammer out a new deal with the Hurricanes or another indicator that he has a short-term future in Carolina.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are still waiting for word that Patrik Laine has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to resume his playing career. The 26-year-old winger has been in the program since January.

The Jackets’ efforts to accommodate Laine’s trade request may have taken a big hit going this deep into the offseason. They can trade him while he’s in the program but GM Don Waddell said the clubs interested in Laine want to speak with him before making trade offers.

Teams that may have considered Laine probably already made moves to address their roster needs. The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly were among those teams and made an offer during the recent NHL Draft. They have over $11 million in cap space and plenty of room to take on Laine’s $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine could still be traded this summer. However, as Portzline indicated, his cap hit and uncertainty over when he’ll be out of the player assistance program will make it difficult for the Blue Jackets to find a suitable trade partner.

The Hurricanes could be out of the bidding for Laine if they’re attempting to acquire Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets. They carry sufficient cap room for Laine’s contract, but Necas, Seth Jarvis, and Jack Drury are seeking new contracts as restricted free agents. Jarvis alone could get a pay raise of over $5 million annually, which would eat up almost half of that cap room.