NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

by | Jan 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, proposed trade targets for the Leafs, updates on the Rangers, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON PETTERSSON AND MILLER

TSN: Chris Johnston reports sources claim the Vancouver Canucks remain active in trade discussions with rival clubs regarding center Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Management is gauging the trade market on both players before determining a course of action.

Johnston believes the Canucks are giving serious consideration toward moving Pettersson. Multiple teams have shown interest in the 26-year-old center. The Canucks and Hurricanes had discussions about Pettersson last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those talks between the Canucks and Hurricanes took place before Pettersson signed his eight-year contract extension.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also reports the Canucks are gauging the market value of Pettersson and Miller, stressing there is no certain outcome.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Friedman cited The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reporting the Canucks turned down an offer of Zibanejad from the Rangers for Miller, but doesn’t know if Zibanejad was approached about waiving his no-movement clause. Friedman also believes the Canucks were interested in defenseman Braden Schneider but the Rangers don’t want to part with him.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports an NHL executive claims the Boston Bruins are talking to the Canucks about Pettersson and Miller. The source indicated the Bruins want to get younger, which suggested they’re more interested in Pettersson, but it’s not about who they want but which center the Canucks intend to move.

Another source told D’Amico that the Canucks would want a top-six center or a top-four defenseman and a top prospect or a first-round pick in return.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma weighed in on the recent trade speculation about Pettersson and Miller. General manager Patrik Allvin could trade one or the other or both, but either scenario would be a difficult sell to Canucks ownership. Miller would also have to waive his NMC.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talking to other teams is one thing. Finding a suitable return is another. Pettersson’s expensive contract ($11.6 million annually for seven more seasons) and Miller’s no-movement protection could complicate things.

The Leafs and Bruins would love to have Pettersson or Miller. However, they lack the cap space and tradeable assets to pry either guy away from the Canucks. The Hurricanes have players that would entice the Canucks (hello there, Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis) but they’re also hampered by limited cap room this season.

The Zibanejad-for-Miller proposal works cap-wise because the former carries an average annual value of $8.5 million and the latter $8 million. However, their respective no-movement clauses are obstacles that could be too difficult to overcome.

PROPOSED CENTER TRADE TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are involved in the Pettersson trade talks. He considers Pettersson, Miller, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers and Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres in the “high-rent district”. He also noted a lot of teams are interested in New York Islanders center Brock Nelson.

The Leafs are believed to have identified a more diverse group of centers to target in the trade market. Dreger suggested Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club.

Dreger also wondered about bringing back Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. He noted Scott Laughton is also out there but the Philadelphia Flyers seek a first-round pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Diverse is another way of saying “affordable”. The Leafs must go bargain-hunting to add a center unless they’re looking at a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario. That’s assuming they don’t put Auston Matthews on LTIR before the March 7 trade deadline if he becomes sidelined again by his nagging upper-body injury.

O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the 33-year-old has two more years left on his contract, with an AAV of $4.5 million. He turns 34 in February, and his best seasons are behind him.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Leafs want a center with term remaining on his contract. “Might not be what ends up happening, but it’s what they prefer,” he writes.

“32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the following in his latest “32 Thoughts” column:

He believes the Detroit Red Wings were (are?) looking at Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Line forms to the left, Red Wings. Lots of teams have looked (or are looking) at Cozens. However, the Sabres are trying to add to their roster instead of subtracting. That doesn’t mean he won’t be traded but they’ll probably want a good player in return instead of draft picks and prospects. That offer has yet to emerge.

The New York Rangers gave unhappy defenseman Zac Jones permission to speak with other teams. There’s interest but teams with a smallish blueline are unlikely destinations.

Vincent Trocheck is the most coveted Ranger in the trade market but they’re not interested in moving him. Friedman believes he could become their next captain.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have indicated they have forwards, defensemen and goaltenders available. They’re willing to use their cap space to retain salary provided they get young players, prospects and draft picks in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t feel any extreme desire to trade Rickard Rakell. They love how he and Bryan Rust are playing as they give the Penguins a couple of wingers worthy of playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Yohe claims the Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are interested in Marcus Pettersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1. Given his expiring contract, Yohe will be surprised if Pettersson isn’t moved by the March 7 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

by | Jan 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 7, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Elias Pettersson is focussing on improving his play over the second half of this season. The 26-year-old Vancouver Canucks centers has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury.

Pettersson’s become the recent subject of trade rumors amid rumors he’s feuding with teammate J.T. Miller. He acknowledged hearing that Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said anything was possible when it came to trades. However, he said there’s nothing he can do about it and he was not paying attention to the speculation.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Asked if he wanted to stay with the Canucks, Pettersson replied, “Yeah, of course. That’s why I signed here. Of course.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s no-movement clause doesn’t begin until July 1, giving the Canucks plenty of time to ship him wherever they want without his consent. However, they reportedly prefer to retain him and remain hopeful that he and Miller will resolve their differences.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat took notice of recent rumors linking the Canucks’ J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks would want a center as part of the return for Miller or Pettersson if they decide to move one or the other.

Kierszenblat looked at which Rangers centers the Canucks should be interested in if they move Miller. Mika Zibanejad has regressed in recent seasons and has a full no-movement clause. Vincent Trocheck ranks near the top of the Rangers’ analytics, including faceoff win percentage. The oft-injured Filip Chytil would be ideal when healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad might not waive his NMC for a Canadian team. The same goes for Trocheck, whose NMC becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. Chytil could be a good fit with the Canucks but his history of concussions is a big concern.

Stefen Rosner cites industry sources claiming the Canucks are interested in Brock Nelson but not as a postseason rental. The 33-year-old New York Islanders center has a 16-team no-trade list and Rosner suspects every Canadian team is on it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t hold your breath waiting for Nelson to land in Vancouver by the March 7 trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports Jake Evans’ stock is rising thanks to his improved play this season. The 28-year-old Montreal Canadiens center is UFA-eligible this summer and has been the subject of trade speculation.

D’Amico cited an Eastern Conference source who claimed Evans could price himself out of Montreal, suggesting a three or four-year deal at $3 million annually wasn’t attainable.

A Western Conference source was skeptical of the Canadiens’ chances to re-sign Evans. “You can’t pay a fourth-line center upwards of $3.5 million on the long-term and hope to be competitive when it counts.”

D’Amico noted the Canadiens have promising young centers like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen in their system as potential replacements for Evans. An NHL pro scout believes he could fetch a first-round pick in the trade market.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie believes Evans and the Canadiens could agree to a long-term contract. He cited a source close to the situation saying Evans wants to stay in Montreal and the Habs want to keep him.

Lavoie’s source noted the salary cap is rising and could reach $100 million within two years. “Over three years, if you give Evans $1.5 million more, nobody is going to cry.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evan’s annual average value is $1.7 million. He’s bound to get between $3 million and $4 million on the open market this summer. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Habs re-signed him for between $3 million and $3.5 million. His situation will be worth monitoring leading up to the trade deadline.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if the improving Canadiens become buyers and sellers at the trade deadline. General manager Kent Hughes could listen to trade offers for pending UFAs like Evans, David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak.

Instead of seeking draft picks and prospects for those players, Hughes could ask for players who can provide immediate help to the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on the Canadiens’ place in the standings by March 7. However, Hughes could still attempt to swap some or all of his pending UFAs for players who can help his club beyond this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

by | Jan 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

Are the Canucks planning to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could the Rangers, Islanders or Blackhawks get involved? What’s the latest on former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PETTERSSON AND MILLER TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Elliotte Friedman mused over the trade rumors swirling around Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

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

Friedman pointed out Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson during a year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. He wondered if the Canucks are serious about moving the 26-year-old center. He thinks they’ve spoken with other teams about Pettersson and Miller but believes they prefer to keep both players.

Noting the Miller speculation, Friedman believes he’s a player the Chicago Blackhawks should pursue. He also thinks the New York Rangers are interested in bringing back Miller but doesn’t think that will be easy to pull off.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal said the Canucks have spoken with the New York Rangers during his Friday appearance on Sportsnet’s 650’s Halford and Brough Show. He claimed the two sides spoke about “a lot of things, not just Miller.” Dhaliwal said the Canucks have been interested in Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller has a full no-movement clause. The 31-year-old center might not waive it to join a rebuilding team. He also doesn’t make sense for Chicago given his age. Miller will be past his prime by the time the Blackhawks are contenders.

Miller began his NHL career with the Rangers. He’d provide a short-term boost to the Blueshirts, especially if they were in Stanley Cup contention. However, their stunning collapse this season indicates they need more than quick fixes.

Over the long haul, Miller’s value to the Rangers would decline. They already carry aging, expensive assets like 33-year-old forwards Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and 31-year-old Mika Zibanejad. Adding another makes no sense for them right now.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if there was a way for the Islanders to acquire Pettersson and reunite him with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat. He cited industry sources claiming Isles defenseman Noah Dobson is high on the Canucks list. They would also be interested in Islanders center Brock Nelson if the pending free agent would sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Islanders have done business before, swinging a multi-player trade two years ago that sent Horvat to Long Island.

Rosner believes the deal’s framework would be Dobson, prospect Danny Nelson, and a first-round pick. The Islanders must also take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. A trade to the Isles would have to happen before then to ensure he doesn’t block it. That’s assuming the Canucks are ready to give up on him, which doesn’t seem likely. Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson but he still believes he can become a dominant center for the Canucks.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston replied to several readers’ questions about the recent rumors regarding Pettersson and Miller. He considers it unlikely that they’ll move either player.

Johnson believes Miller would interest the Rangers but doubts they’ll part with young players like Lafreniere and Schneider to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems the most sensible take thus far. Anything can happen and we can’t dismiss the possibility of a trade. However, the Canucks would need to get significant value for Miller (provided he’s willing to waive his NMC) or Pettersson.

The biggest issue facing the Canucks isn’t Miller and Pettersson supposedly clashing, it’s their lack of blueline depth which became even shallower with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries.

UPDATE ON JONATHAN TOEWS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Servalli claims there is no shortage of interest in Jonathan Toews after the former Chicago Blackhawks captain indicated he could stage a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23, when his career was derailed by health issues.

Seravalli believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche are three teams to watch if Toews makes a comeback bid.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran cites a source saying it’s “too premature” to speculate on Toews, adding that his camp is “far from exploring deals” with teams.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

by | Jan 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

Could the Canucks trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? What’s the latest Leafs speculation? Could the Penguins attempt to trade Jesse Puljujarvi? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS FACE A CHOICE BETWEEN PETTERSSON AND MILLER?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston observed Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin’s recent comments about Elias Pettersson during his year-end interview with Sportsnet.

Allvin said he believes Pettersson has the tools to become a No. 1 center but needs more maturity and accountability. He also didn’t dismiss the possibility of a trade.

Johnston suggests Allvin could be trying to encourage improvement from Pettersson, or perhaps signal to his team that everyone must be held accountable. Another option could be trying to re-set the trade market for Pettersson, whose hefty contract and recent struggles could be difficult to move.

“Will they trade (Pettersson)? Almost certainly not,” writes Johnston. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t”.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes Canucks management is leaning closer toward making a major roster change, citing the feud between Pettersson and J.T. Miller. “Don’t be surprised if we start hearing the Canucks are willing to take calls on Miller,” writes Kypreos.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In the middle of this speculation came recent remarks by former Canucks forward Brad Richardson regarding Miller’s interactions with Pettersson.

Richardson said he loves Miller but felt the veteran center was being too hard on Pettersson. “Listen, J.T., he’s the man. But there is a lot of tension. And something’s gonna give. I’m not saying you’re going to love every guy on your team – it helps – but something’s gonna give here. We’ll see.”

Johnston believes Richardson’s remarks jibe with what others have said about the relationship between Miller and Pettersson. He considers both players demanding and exacting but Miller’s brash, outspoken personality hasn’t sat well at times with the introverted Pettersson.

Both players recently denied a rumored rift. However, Allvin’s and Richardson’s remarks add fuel to the fire. It could come down to Allvin and president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford having to choose between them.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos took note of Auston Matthews’ nagging upper-body injury and its potential effect on the remainder of the season for the Maple Leafs captain.

If the setbacks continue, Kypreos speculates the Leafs could place him on long-term injury reserve before the March 7 trade deadline to help him get healthy for the playoffs. They could use the salary-cap savings ($13.25 million) to trade for another top center and give them a healthy boost when Matthews returned for the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Putting Matthews on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season would enable Leafs management to add more than a center. They could also buttress their blueline, especially on the right side. Whether they go that route remains to be seen and requires sufficient medical evidence to pass muster with league HQ.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Leafs should attempt to acquire Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. He thinks they need a second or third-line center to provide additional depth at that position for the playoffs.

Nelson, 33, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With the Islanders struggling, he could be shopped by the trade deadline if he hasn’t signed a contract extension.

Simmons acknowledged the cost of acquiring Nelson won’t be cheap. A source suggested acquiring a player like him could cost a first-round pick plus other pieces. More affordable trade targets could include Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, or Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks.

Nelson’s cap hit is $6 million but he also has a 16-team no-trade list that could affect where he ends up if the Isles attempt to move him before the deadline.

SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN: Elliotte Friedman recently said the Maple Leafs are trying to improve their roster. It’s been reported they’re trying to add a center, preferably one with term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, Wennberg and Strome would fit the bill. Laughton and Wennberg each have a year remaining on their contracts while Strome has two years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Leafs will have to clear some cap space to make additions before the March 7 trade deadline. He recommends forwards Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf, Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson and defenseman Conor Timmins as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a fixture in last summer’s rumor mill when he requested a trade rather than re-sign with the Leafs. His lack of leverage forced him to ink a one-year deal before training camp opened in September. The 23-year-old could have the most value of that bunch but that’s not saying much.

WHAT NEXT FOR JESSE PULJUJARVI?

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Jesse Puljujarvi may have asked Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to be moved to a place where he can play. He was placed on waivers Tuesday but went unclaimed.

Puljujarvi is in the final season of a two-year contract. He’s been a healthy scratch since Dec. 7, during which the Penguins went 5-4-1. Having cleared waivers, he can be sent to their AHL affiliate but the Penguins are keeping him on their roster as injury insurance as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team could attempt to acquire Puljujarvi via trade since he cleared waivers and wouldn’t have to go on them again to be sent to the minors. That seems unlikely given his struggles throughout his NHL career.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 31, 2024

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson, three Red Wings trade candidates, and proposed blueline trade targets for the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE A POSSIBILITY?

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin told Iain MacIntyre that he believes Elias Pettersson has the talent to be the club’s top center. However, he said the 26-year-old must mature, expect things won’t get any easier, and be accountable when things don’t go well.

When MacIntyre asked Allvin about trading Pettersson the Canucks GM didn’t dismiss the notion. “I guess I would say anything is possible.”

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin’s comments could be considered a shot across the bow for Pettersson. He’ll remain the subject of media trade conjecture leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if he fails to improve or the Canucks keep struggling.

Pettersson has had difficulty meeting expectations after inking an eight-year, $92 million contract earlier this year. Recent reports claim he’s clashed with teammate J.T. Miller. Both players denied the rumors but some observers suggest one of them could be moved if they don’t resolve their differences and improve their respective performances.

This isn’t the first time Pettersson has come up in the rumor mill this year. On Feb. 29, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks held trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding Pettersson. The Canucks decided to take one last shot at signing the center, with the two sides agreeing to a contract extension on March 2.

Pettersson’s expensive contract won’t be easy to move during this season. However, his no-movement clause doesn’t go into effect until July 1. That could make him easier to peddle than Miller, who has a more affordable cap hit ($8 million) but also carries a full NMC.

THREE PROPOSED RED WINGS TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the Detroit Red Wings remain flawed despite replacing Derek Lalonde as head coach with Todd McLellan.

The Red Wings remain well out of playoff position with seven teams ahead of them in the standings. Proteau believes general manager Steve Yzerman should consider shopping veterans Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and Cam Talbot at the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane can become an unrestricted free agent in July. The 36-year-old winger has faded this season but a contender could be tempted by his Hall-of-Fame resume and considerable playoff experience.

Talbot is signed through next season with an affordable annual cap hit of $2.5 million. The 37-year-old goaltender has put up decent numbers this season, making him enticing for playoff-bound clubs seeking experienced depth between the pipes.

Tarasenko has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The 33-year-old winger has a full no-trade clause but might be open to waiving it for a contender. He’s won two Stanley Cups but has only 13 points in 35 games this season. Teams could be interested but Yzerman might have to retain some salary in the deal

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD BECOME LEAFS TRADE TARGETS?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs shop for a defenseman who could play alongside Morgan Rielly.

Siegel proposed the Leafs consider calling the Nashville Predators about Luke Schenn, pointing out how well Schenn and Rielly played together during the 2023 playoffs. The 35-year-old is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Predators carrying an AAV of $2.75 million.

Other options include David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens or Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving could be active in the trade market for a blueliner leading up to March 7. He could pursue one of those mentioned by Siegel or he might have another right-side rearguard on his radar.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2024

by | Dec 31, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 31, 2024

Recaps of Monday’s games, last week’s three stars are revealed, the 2025 Draft will be held in Los Angeles, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets regained first place in the overall standings (55 points) by blanking the Nashville Predators 3-0. Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for his league-leading fifth shutout while Gabriel Vilardi tallied two goals to reach 17 on the season as the Jets picked up their fourth straight victory and their sixth in their last seven games. Predators goaltender Juuse Saros stopped 25 shots.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has been the league’s top goaltender during the first half of this season. He’s also the leader among starters with 24 wins, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. The Jets goalie is on pace to win his second straight Vezina Trophy and his third since 2019-20, making him the dominant netminder of the decade thus far.

Jets center Mason Appleton missed this game with a lower-body injury. He has been placed on injured reserve.

Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist scored twice in a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers. Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves as the Panthers snapped a two-game losing skid to take over first place in the Atlantic Division with 48 points. Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren and Chris Kreider replied for the free-falling Rangers as they’ve dropped four in a row and seven of their last eight, sliding to 14th in the Eastern Conference with 33 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ mounting losses ensure they’ll remain the focus of media trade speculation entering the New Year. They’re moving closer to becoming sellers by the March 7 trade deadline.

The Seattle Kraken defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-2. Jaden Schwartz led the way with a goal and two assists, Kaapo Kakko collected two assists, and Philipp Grubauer turned aside 28 shots. Logan Cooley and Alex Kerfoot scored for Utah, who’ve gone 0-3-1 in their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah remains within striking distance of a Western Conference wild-card berth but their recent inconsistent play could send general manager Bill Armstrong into the trade market for help.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Jets center Mark Scheifele, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, and Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski are the league’s three stars for the week ending Dec. 29.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports the 2025 NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles from June 27-28, 2025 at the Peacock Theater.

It will also be the NHL’s first decentralized draft. The top prospects and league officials will be in attendance, but teams will make their selections from their home facilities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is following the same format as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. It makes sense for the teams as they don’t have to travel to a different location each year. However, it might not be as enjoyable for the fans. It could also affect how general managers wheel and deal during the draft as they’ll no longer be able to discuss potential trades face-to-face.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The NHL fined the Stars $100,000 for violating the CBA’s rule against staging a practice during the NHL’s holiday break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was expected after reports emerged on Saturday that the league was investigating the Stars for holding an optional skate on Dec. 26.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is sidelined week-to-week with an injured hand while center Elias Pettersson will be out this week with an undisclosed injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players missed Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Losing two of their biggest stars is a major blow for the Canucks.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews participated in practice yesterday but he won’t be in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders. It’ll be the fifth straight game he’s missed with a nagging upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if the Leafs might shut Matthews down for the regular season, put him on long-term injury reserve, use the $13.25 million in cap savings to acquire depth for the playoffs, and activate Matthews once the postseason begins when the salary cap is no longer in effect.

That scenario works if Matthews undergoes a procedure that sidelines him until the end of the regular season or receives a certified medical evaluation recommending complete rest and rehab until late April. They’re not even close to that plan yet as he continues to work his way back into the lineup.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler will play his 1,000th NHL regular-season game during Tuesday’s Winter Classic matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov was fined $2, 473.96 by the department of player safety for high-sticking Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield during Sunday’s game between the two clubs.

Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon was fined $3,385.42 for elbowing Stars forward Mavrik Bourque on Sunday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is expected to be sidelined longer than day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He left Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils during the third period and didn’t return.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin is expected to rejoin his teammates for Tuesday’s game against the Jets. Injuries have limited Drouin to five games this season.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed winger Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers.

THE SCORE: Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is contemplating a comeback. The 36-year-old center’s last NHL game was on Apr. 13, 2023. He’s been sidelined by chronic immune response syndrome and symptoms of long COVID.