NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2025

by | Jan 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2025

The latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner and Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen plus an update on the Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could get a king’s ransom if they peddle Mitch Marner before the March 7 trade deadline.

Proteau pointed to the return the Colorado Avalanche received from the Carolina Hurricanes in Friday’s Mikko Rantanen trade, suggesting Marner could fetch the Leafs many assets. Like Rantanen, the 27-year-old Marner can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

If the Leafs are unable to re-sign Marner and put him on the trade block, Proteau suggested offering him to the Vancouver Canucks for center Elias Pettersson. He also proposed offering Marner to the Utah Hockey Club for winger Clayton Keller.

However, Proteau also pointed out that Marner has a full no-movement clause. He wants to stay in Toronto and the Leafs hope to re-sign him. Proteau doubts Marner will hit the open market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner would undoubtedly fetch a significant return in the trade market. We can’t rule out the possibility (however remote) that things could change. After all, we didn’t think the Avs would trade Rantanen. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely to be moved by March 7.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of Marner and Rantanen, Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus believe Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson will be interested in both if they become free agents on July 1.

They point out that the Blackhawks need to accelerate their rebuild. Attendance is slipping, the TV situation with CHSN has been a debacle, and the novelty of Connor Bedard is wearing off. This doesn’t mean Davidson has to derail the rebuild, but they need to add a player in a higher tier who can improve Bedard, take pressure off other young players, and excite the fans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks will have over $32 million in cap space if the ceiling rises to $92.4 million as projected. That’s enough to sign a free-agent superstar in their late twenties or acquire one via trade using their trade capital of draft picks and prospects.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes something is very wrong if Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson remain with the New York Islanders after March 7. He claims Palmieri is coveted by his former team, the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello recently said his club’s performance will determine his course of action by the trade deadline. They’ve improved in recent weeks but are six points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. He could become a seller if they’re still in that position when the calendar flips to March.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 26, 2025

by | Jan 26, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 26, 2025

The ongoing fallout from Friday’s blockbuster trade involving Mikko Rantanen, plus the latest on Mitch Marner, Elias Pettersson and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

FALLOUT FROM THE RANTANEN TRADE CONTINUES

THE DENVER POST: Sam Keeler wonders if the Colorado Avalanche have other moves in store after trading away Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday for Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks. Otherwise, the move was a salary dump that waves the white flag on this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking to reporters following the Rantanen trade, Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland didn’t sound like he’s planning a major acquisition before the March 7 trade deadline.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

MacFarland acknowledged trading Rantanen was a tough decision but felt it was important to get “two cost-controlled assets” like Necas and Drury, who are signed beyond this season. He also spoke of trying to replace Rantanen’s offense “in the aggregate,” pointing out that 50-goal scorers “don’t grow on trees, you have to usually draft and develop them”.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky is hopeful of signing Rantanen to a contract extension before his UFA eligibility on July 1. “As things stand right now, we have about $35 million or $40 million of space next year, depending on where the cap goes,” he said.

LeBrun noted that the Hurricanes are the only team that can offer Rantanen an eight-year contract, as he’ll only get a seven-year deal on the open market. Tulsky indicated he’d love to work out a long-term deal with the 28-year-old winger. A potential ace in the hole is Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho, who is good friends with Rantanen and could convince him to stay in Carolina.

Tulsky also didn’t rule out adding to his roster before the March 7 trade deadline. “There’s always room to keep improving,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen’s current cap hit is $9.25 million. His camp reportedly sought a contract extension comparable to Leon Draisaitl’s, with the Edmonton Oilers paying him $14 million annually starting in July. The Hurricanes will have the cap space to meet that asking price if that’s what Rantanen wants.

The Hurricanes are currently pressed against this season’s $88 million cap. Similar to the Rantanen deal, Tulsky will need to be more creative to make another significant addition by March 7.

LATEST TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM SATURDAY’S “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman dismissed speculation suggesting the Avalanche have room now to acquire Sidney Crosby from the Pittsburgh Penguins and unite him with fellow Cole Harbour, NS native Nathan MacKinnon. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I know everybody would love that, but I don’t think that’s in the cards.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins fans probably wouldn’t love that. Pundits seem to want to see that more than anyone else. Sure, it’s a dream pairing of “The Cole Harbour Boys”, but we’ll see it in next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off when they skate for Team Canada.

Asked if the Rantanen trade might affect Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Friedman said their situations aren’t comparable. He pointed out that Marner has a full no-movement clause whereas Rantanen’s was a partial no-trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner is finishing this season with the Leafs. Whether he’s still with them on July 1 is another matter.

Friedman noted the Chicago Blackhawks have a ton of cap room for next season and he expects they’ll be aggressive. As for why they accepted a low return of a third-round pick in the Rantanen trade, they got a higher pick for Taylor Hall than they would’ve received had it been straight up (“about 25 to 30 picks higher”). Meanwhile, they saved around a half-million dollars when one looks at what they would’ve had to pay Hall for the remainder of the season compared to what they’re paying to take on half of Rantanen’s remaining cap hit.

Turning elsewhere, Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are interested in Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Other teams are also involved but Friedman said the Sabres are “definitely in there”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman didn’t resurrect his pitch of Pettersson to Buffalo for Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram from earlier this season. Meanwhile, recent reports suggest the Canucks intend to retain Pettersson and trade J.T. Miller.

Friedman believes the salary cap will reach $100 million in two years. Some teams aren’t comfortable with that. He indicated some observers believe there will be clubs with no problem spending to the cap ceiling but others could stick with a lower internal cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the same thing we’ve seen around the league since the imposition of the cap 20 years ago. However, fewer teams could be willing to spend to the cap over time while more clubs crouch closer to the cap floor. It could create a two-tier league where the big-market clubs spend much more than their smaller-market peers like they did in the pre-cap era.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 25, 2025

by | Jan 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 25, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, a look at potential Blackhawks trade candidates, and updates on the Islanders and Canadiens.

LATEST ON PETTERSSON AND MILLER

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes were close to a deal. In the end, the Hurricanes opted for Mikko Rantanen, acquiring him on Friday night in a blockbuster three-team trade with the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Based on what the Hurricanes gave up for Rantanen (forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury, two draft picks), Johnston believes the rumored deal with the Canucks had to involve Elias Pettersson. He pointed out the Hurricanes inquired into Pettersson’s availability last season before he signed his eight-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, Johnston reports the offers for Canucks center J.T. Miller are currently weak, despite his 103-point performance last season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal indicating the Canucks called the Hurricanes about Martin Necas.

According to Dhaliwal, the trade would’ve involved J.T. Miller. However, the Hurricanes declined and sent Necas to the Avalanche in the Rantanen deal.

Meanwhile, Remy Mastey reports Miller hasn’t made a formal trade request, but there’s a sense that the 31-year-old center’s time with the Canucks is coming to an end.

Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Canucks and Miller have reached the point where it’s time to move on from each other.

The New York Rangers have been in discussions with the Canucks about Miller. However, the holdup is the Canucks want to get maximum value in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller and Pettersson have dominated the rumor mill for a month after reports of a rumored rift between the two made the rounds. It’s believed the Canucks prefer to move Miller and retain Pettersson, who is five years younger and has more productive years ahead of him.

It’ll be interesting to see what effect the Rantanen trade will have on the Canucks’ efforts to move Miller. The Rangers, Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Dallas Stars have been linked to the Canucks veteran but the Rangers are believed the only team to make an offer. The Hurricanes are out while the Devils, Isles and Stars are rumored to be mildly interested.

POTENTIAL BLACKHAWKS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Before the Chicago Blackhawks traded Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes in the Rantanen deal, Scott Powers examined their potential trade candidates.

Powers indicated the Blackhawks received calls about defenseman Seth Jones but nothing out of the ordinary. They’re unlikely to move anyone who isn’t on an expiring contract.

The Blackhawks are unlikely to re-sign UFA-eligible forward Ryan Donato. They don’t expect defenseman Alec Martinez to request a trade as he remains focused on helping them for now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forwards Pat Maroon and Craig Smith are the Blackhawks’ other pending UFAs.

CAPITALS INTERESTED IN BROCK NELSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner cites industry sources claiming the Washington Capitals have checked in on Brock Nelson. The 33-year-old New York Islanders center is eligible for UFA status on July 1.

Any potential team acquiring Nelson could prefer signing him to a contract extension. However, Rosner indicates the Capitals are believed to have no issue with him as purely a playoff rental.

Rosner pointed out the Capitals lack the cap space to take on Nelson’s $6 million cap hit. He speculates the Isles might be willing to retain part of his salary if an interested team is willing to pay more in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello insists he’s not focused on the trade deadline, centering instead on his club’s pursuit of a playoff berth. However, Nelson could become available if the Isles fail to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Nelson is a three-time 30-plus goal scorer with postseason experience. The Capitals won’t be the only team pursuing him if Lamoriello makes him available before the March 7 deadline.

SHOULD THE CANADIENS PURSUE SIDNEY CROSBY?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jack Todd believes the rebuilding Canadiens should take the advice of Global’s Brian Wilde and look into acquiring Sidney Crosby from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I defer to TSN’s Chris Johnston: “Unless something changes – and at this point I have ZERO reason to believe it will – Sidney Crosby isn’t being traded out of Pittsburgh. He’s an untouchable as far as the Pens are concerned, plus he’s got a no-movement clause and no desire to be dealt.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 25, 2025

by | Jan 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 25, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s games, how the three-team trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes went down, the Islanders unveiled their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: A hat trick by Cole Perfetti powered the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club, snapping the latter’s three-game win streak. Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and two assists as the Jets (69 points) moved within three points of the league-leading Washington Capitals. Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton scored for Utah with team captain Clayton Keller picking up two assists.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a milestone game for Ehlers, becoming the first Dane in NHL history to reach the 500-point plateau.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov scored in overtime and collected two assists in regulation play to down the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. Nick Paul and Jake Guentzel scored two unanswered goals as the Lightning overcame a 3-1 deficit. Frank Nazar and Louis Crevier each had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Kucherov’s 100th career multi-point game. The win moved the Lightning into third place in the Atlantic Division with 55 points.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson tallied twice in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene and Evgenii Dadonov each collected two assists for the Stars, who moved ahead of the Minnesota Wild into second place in the Central Division with 61 points. Jack Eichel scored two goals for the Golden Knights, who’ve lost five of their last six games and cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points.

The New York Islanders picked up their third straight win by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist while Ilya Sorokin made 29 saves for the Islanders (47 points), who sit six points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Tyson Foerster replied for the Flyers (50 points), who remain three points behind the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders announced yesterday the signing of Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of this season. This move suggests Isles blueliner Noah Dobson will be sidelined for the rest of the season. DeAngelo must first clear waivers before he can join the Islanders.

HEADLINES

The NHL world is still buzzing over Friday night’s blockbuster trade that saw the Colorado Avalanche ship Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for trade details and my reaction. The Hurricanes also acquired prospect forward Nils Juntrop from the Blackhawks in the deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the Hurricanes may have been the only suitor for Rantanen given the Avalanche’s asking price. He revealed Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky was involved in trade talks with the Vancouver Canucks involving Elias Pettersson earlier this month and J.T. Miller earlier this week before shifting to Rantanen.

According to Johnston, the origins of this trade go back to last June when the Hurricanes were at an impasse in contract talks with Martin Necas. The Avalanche raised the issue at the time but a deal didn’t take place. The discussions resumed two months ago and eventually grew more serious.

League sources told Johnston that there were no advanced discussions with the Rantanen camp about a contract extension before the deal went down. The 28-year-old forward is UFA-eligible on July 1. Johnston claims Rantanen was blindsided by this move by the Avalanche.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Blackhawks brokered this deal between the Avalanche and Hurricanes. If Rantanen hits the open market on July 1, Friedman wouldn’t be surprised if the Blackhawks pursued him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the Avalanche replaced Rantanen in the short term with a very good player in Necas. However, he noted that the 26-year-old lacks Rantanen’s track record of success, especially in the postseason.

Masisak also observed the move gave the Avalanche some salary-cap wiggle room for the rest of the regular season and possibly much more in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rantanen deal was the biggest in-season NHL trade in the salary-cap era since the Boston Bruins shipped Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks 20 years ago. It could open the floodgates to more creative moves involving big-name talent before the March 7 trade deadline. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill update.

NHL.COM: The New York Islanders revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

The First Team comprises forwards Brock Nelson, John Tavares and Josh Bailey, defensemen Nick Leddy and Adam Pelech, and goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

The Second Team features forwards Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal and Frans Nielsen, defensemen Kenny Jonsson and Ryan Pulock, and goalie Semyon Varlamov.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Derek O’Brien cites reports from several Swedish media sources indicating Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson was defrauded by a Swedish real estate broker who is now in prison.

Pettersson lost the deposit on a luxury villa north of Stockholm that was revealed to have many flaws that required repairs. He successfully sued the broker to have the mortgage contract cancelled but it’s unlikely he’ll ever get the deposit back.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes winger William Carrier underwent surgery to repair a lower-body injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Carrier is out for the season the Hurricanes could place him on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to add another player before the trade deadline. He’s in the first season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Avalanche. He missed the Bruins’ 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday with a minor upper-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist was fined $2,000.00 for embellishment by the department of player safety.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs recalled goaltender Matt Murray and returned Dennis Hildeby to their AHL affiliate.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames assigned little-used defenseman Tyson Barrie to their AHL affiliate for conditioning. He’s appeared in nine games this season, the last being on Nov. 12.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres center Ryan McLeod is expected back in the lineup when his club faces the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. He missed the last three games with a nagging injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: The San Jose Sharks signed center Colin White for the remainder of the season on a two-way contract. He began this season on a minor-league deal with their AHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

by | Jan 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Canucks centers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson plus the Penguins could become major sellers by the March 7 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance, Rick Dhaliwal, Arthur Staple, and Peter Baugh examined the nixed trade that would’ve sent Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.

The deal was close enough that the Canucks intended to scratch Miller from the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, it ultimately fell through and Miller collected two assists in a 3-2 victory over the Oilers.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Center Filip Chytil, defenseman Ryan Lindgren, and several futures-related assets, including a first-round pick, could have been involved. The Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched three players from their lineup on Saturday but it’s unclear if they were to be part of the trade.

A league source claims the proposed deal never got close enough for the Canucks to ask Miller to waive his no-movement clause. Canucks management has been considering its options with Miller and fellow center Elias Pettersson for six weeks but they seem more open to moving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Chytil and Lindgren were the centerpieces of that deal it would’ve been a steal for the Rangers had it gone through.

Chytil is an effective two-way center but his concussion history is a legitimate concern. Lindgren is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and his performance has declined in his contract year.

Meanwhile, Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating Miller’s preferred trade destinations are Eastern US clubs. The Canucks are still working to move him. Friedman believes the Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes are still in the bidding. He’s less convinced about the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils but wonders about the New York Islanders.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports sources claim the Islanders still have “tremendous interest” in Pettersson. He cited Dhaliwal saying the Isles have “poked around” on Miller but that seems more like they’re doing their due diligence. Rosner said the Canucks are very interested in Isles defenseman Noah Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson is the type of player you’d expect the Canucks would set as part of the asking price for Pettersson or Miller. It seems unlikely the Islanders would part with their best puck-moving defenseman but we can’t assume it wouldn’t happen.

The Canucks’ recent struggles amid rumors of a rift between Miller and Pettersson has many observers believing something’s got to give to get this club back on track. A trade of either player seems likely in the coming days. Miller’s no-movement clause gives him full control over this situation.

PENGUINS POISED TO SELL?

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source close to the Pittsburgh Penguins suggesting their recent demotion of goaltender Tristan Jarry was just the beginning of a potential re-tooling of the roster.

Every player except team captain Sidney Crosby, fellow forwards Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Philip Tomasino and defenseman Owen Pickering are considered to be available

The source is unsure about the status of long-time Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and a full no-movement clause.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson has two more years left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his AAV. However, it’s believed they’re willing to retain some of his salary to facilitate a trade. He also has a full NMC.

D’Amico’s source also indicates the Penguins are willing to move players with term remaining on their contracts provided they get the right ones back. General manager Kyle Dubas still wants to win for Crosby and Malkin but also build for the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap’s projected rise to $92.4 million (and possibly higher) for next season explains why the Penguins would be willing to retain part of Karlsson’s cap hit in a trade. It could also make rival clubs interested in acquiring players signed beyond this season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

by | Jan 19, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: a trade that would’ve sent Canucks center J.T. Miller to the Rangers stalls, updates on Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, and the latest on Mikko Rantanen and Andrei Kuzmenko.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks were believed to be close to a trade that would’ve sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. However, it appears that the deal is off for now.

At one point, it appeared the 31-year-old center would’ve been held out of the lineup from Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Friedman claimed things had progressed where it looked like he wouldn’t play.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman said the Canucks sent a note around the league last week warning teams against talking to any of their players without the club’s permission. However, he believes several teams have permission to speak with Miller but he’s unsure who they are.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman wasn’t sure why the deal didn’t go through. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Miller hadn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause.

This situation could change quickly so it’ll be worth monitoring. Hopefully, we’ll get more details as to why the deal with the Rangers stalled and whether it can be salvaged. We might also learn which clubs could be speaking to Miller and his representatives.

Turning to Miller’s teammate Elias Pettersson, Friedman said the 26-year-old center lacks no-trade protection this season. He wants to stay in Vancouver and Friedman thinks the Canucks’ preference is to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is five years younger than Miller and is in his playing prime now. Miller remains in his prime but most of his best years are behind him.

Meanwhile, Friedman’s colleague Iain MacIntyre reports Canucks winger Brock Boeser acknowledged he could be moved if the club hasn’t turned things around by the March 7 trade deadline.

The 27-year-old Boeser can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He knows he hasn’t played well this season, admitting that management could view him as a trade candidate leading up to March 7.

Boeser netted a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in 2023-24. He has 15 goals and 27 points in 37 games this season. MacIntyre noted that management has been lukewarm in comments about re-signing the winger, partly because of the ongoing drama involving Miller and Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a cap hit of $6.65 million this season and a 10-team no-trade list. He’ll draw plenty of interest if the Canucks peddle him before March 7 and should fetch a good return.

AVALANCHE WON’T SHOP RANTANEN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source saying Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland had found contract negotiations with Mikko Rantanen tougher than he thought they would be.

The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the $14 million AAV that Leon Draisaitl will make with the Edmonton Oilers starting next season. The Avalanche would prefer he signs for something close to teammate Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million.

It’s been rumored that the Avalanche could shop Rantanen if he’s unsigned by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Biringer’s source said the Avs have no appetite to do that because of how valuable Rantanen is to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Worse comes to worse, Rantanen becomes the Avalanche’s “own rental” as they attempt to stage another run for the Stanley Cup.

FLAMES UNLIKELY TO MOVE KUZMENKO

CALGARY SUN: A reader recently asked Wes Gilbertson if Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko could become a trade chip before March 7.

Gilbertson is doubtful given Kuzmenko’s scoring woes this season. The 28-year-old winger has only two goals and 11 points in 33 games. He’s two years removed from his 39-goal, 75-point debut with the Vancouver Canucks and had 46 points in 72 games last season split between the Canucks and the Flames.

Kuzmenko is UFA-eligible in July. He has a $5.5 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could peddle Kuzmenko if they fall out of playoff contention by the trade deadline. They’ll likely have to retain part of his salary and won’t get much in return.