NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

by | Oct 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Sam Bennett and Alexis Lafreniere, an update on the Islanders, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger provided updates on the contract negotiations between Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.

Dreger said Shesterkin is just focusing on playing his game now that the season has begun. The recent report claiming he rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer hasn’t fazed him at all. Some believe his range is $11.5 million and $11.7 million, which would make him the highest-paid Ranger.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source who believes Shesterkin wants to set the market for goaltenders so high that no one will top him for a while. He knows that the Rangers need him and have to sign him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

D’Amico’s source said the Rangers don’t have an issue making him the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. “Where the number starts with an 11 or 12, he will be the standard.

Both sides are still negotiating. Shesterkin wants to stay in New York and the Rangers want to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re not even a week into this season and Shesterkin’s contract situation is dominating the rumor mill. This risks becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Rangers this season.

Turning to Mikko Rantanen, Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think anything’s imminent regarding his contract talks with the Colorado Avalanche. He believes Rantanen’s agent will factor in the rise of the salary cap and the percentage of the cap.

LeBrun thinks Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is a bit of an internal cap for the Avalanche. This could get done but not everyone knows for sure if it will.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $12.5 million annually for eight years could do it but the Avs could be trying to keep it in the $11 million range.

The Florida Panthers signing Carter Verhaeghe to a long-term extension earlier this week prompted Dreger to wonder whether they’ll re-sign versatile two-way forward Sam Bennett.

Dreger believes the Panthers want to keep Bennett. However, he could become a big-ticket player in next summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is that guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team. He’s making over $4.4 million annually on his current contract and could seek an average annual value of around $7 million.

THE SCORE: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Rangers have been working on a new contract with Alexis Lafreniere since the summer. Different options are on the table, including an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8 million.

Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.33 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s breakout performance last season signals better things to come for the 2020 first-overall pick. Getting him locked into a new long-term deal as soon as possible could pay significant dividends against the salary cap down the road.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall could be a great trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Engvall, 28, cleared waivers earlier this week and was sent to the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Bailey believes Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall, whose inconsistent play with the Isles led to his demotion. He pointed to the winger’s size, speed and solid puck possession numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest that if the Flyers wanted him they could’ve claimed him off waivers without giving up anything in return. However, trading for him now means he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again if the Flyers decide to demote him to their AHL affiliate.

Nevertheless, I doubt the Flyers will be interested. Engvall may be an analytics darling but his overall game needs improvement. He failed to produce more offense as a middle-six forward. The length of his contract is also a concern.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The four defensemen are unrestricted free agents still hoping to land NHL jobs. Johnston indicated Schultz turned down some NHL offers and could play in Europe if he doesn’t find the right fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could still land jobs if injuries strike early in the season or if cap-strapped clubs find themselves seeking affordable blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

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

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examines the Islanders’ stunning decision to place Pierre Engvall on waivers Sunday. The 28-year-old forward is entering the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall (NHL Images).

Sears expects Engvall will clear waivers today and likely start the season with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The Isles will only get $1.15 million in cap relief.

The Isles would like to find a trade partner for Engvall. However, his 16-team no-trade list combined with the years remaining on his contract makes that unlikely. A club willing to trade for him could demand a draft pick be included in the deal, which the Isles would find unpalatable.

Sears suggests Engvall’s contract could go down as one of the worst in Islanders history, one they could be dealing with for a while. Buying him out next June would cost $1 million annually against their cap through 2035. If not, they’ll be dealing with his $3 million cap hit through 2030.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engvall’s contract makes it unlikely another club will claim him off waivers.

The Isles could attempt to swap him for a player with an equally toxic contract in the trade market in the hope the change of scenery would improve the performance of the incoming player. However, that also seems unlikely.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Christopher Hurley observes the Bruins have just over $386K in cap space after signing Jeremy Swayman yesterday to an eight-year, $66 million contract.

Hurley believes the Bruins have more roster juggling in store with PTO invitee Tyler Johnson still unsigned and several other players on the bubble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean demotions to the minors or a cost-cutting trade. They could send John Beecher, Matthew Poitras or Mason Lohrei to their AHL affiliate. They’re on entry-level contracts and waiver-exempt.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes the Columbus Blue Jackets will be worth watching near the March 7 trade deadline depending on the club’s performance this season.

The Jackets have several players heading into the final season of their contracts. They include forwards Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Mathieu Olivier and James van Riemsdyk, plus defensemen Ivan Provorov and Jack Johnson.

Portzline isn’t suggesting all of them will be traded but some of them could, especially if younger players push those veterans for playing time.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

The Canucks re-sign Nils Hoglander and acquire Erik Brannstrom, several notable players land on waivers as teams make their final roster cuts for the regular season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed winger Nils Hoglander to a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3 million.

Vancouver Canucks winger Nils Hoglander (NHL Images).

Hoglander, 23, is in the final season of a two-year contract with a $1.1 million AAV. He scored a career-high 24 goals last season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche traded defenseman Erik Brannstrom to the Canucks in exchange for blueliner Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche signed Brannstrom this summer but adding John Ludvig off waivers over the weekend made him expendable. The Canucks have put him on waivers to send him to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Poolman, 31, is in the final year of his contract. He’s suffered migraines since 2022 and is permanently sidelined. The Canucks retained 20 percent of his $2.5 million cap hit but it still provides them with much-needed cap room. It’s expected the Avs will place him on LTIR.

DAILY FACEOFF: Several notable players were placed on waivers Sunday. They include New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray, Buffalo Sabres netminder James Reimer, and Calgary Flames forward Jakob Pelletier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles placing Engvall on waivers raises some eyebrows. The 28-year-old forward’s contract makes him unlikely to be claimed by another club. He’s entering the second season of a seven-year contract with a $3 million annual cap hit. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s Rumor Mill.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen believes Holl’s $3.4 million AAV through 2025-26 makes him unlikely to be claimed by a rival club.

The move leaves the Wings with seven defensemen, opening the door to add a 13th forward. It’s expected they’ll sign Austin Watson, who’s been in training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson examined why Pelletier is on waivers The 23-year-old winger was the Flames’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2019 draft. However, he’s struggled to nail down a full-time roster spot, bouncing between the Flames and their AHL affiliate over the past two seasons. Pelletier carries an affordable $800K cap hit and could become a tempting option for a rival club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club signed Kailer Yamamoto to a one-year, two-way contract after the 26-year-old forward played well during his professional tryout offer.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes released Sam Gagner from his professional tryout offer.

SPORTSNET: Monday’s preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning was canceled due to Hurricane Milton’s approach. This game was originally scheduled for Sept. 27 but was postponed because of the effects of Hurricane Helene.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The approach of Hurricane Milton forced the Panthers to cancel their public Stanley Cup ring presentation ceremony at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2023

by | Apr 10, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2023

The latest on Jonathan Toews and an update on the Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS JONATHAN TOEWS FACING FINAL GAMES WITH BLACKHAWKS?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is treating the club’s final two home games as his last with the franchise after 15 seasons. The 34-year-old center is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s not treating it as the end of his career as he thinks he could be playing elsewhere next season but he believes he’s coming to the end of his time with the Blackhawks.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks are rebuilding with younger talent, shipping Toews’ long-time teammate Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers before the March 3 trade deadline. He might’ve been traded to a playoff club too if he hadn’t taken himself out of the lineup for two months dealing with health issues.

If Toews decides to continue his playing career it’s unlikely that he’ll be returning to the Blackhawks. He still wants to win and would like one more shot at adding a fourth Stanley Cup ring to his collection.

Toews turns 35 on Apr. 29, which will make him eligible to receive a 35-plus contract, meaning a team can sign him to a one-year contract with a low base salary and plenty of performance bonuses.

Despite his health issues, there could be contenders willing to sign him to that type of contract.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently pondered whether the New York Islanders can afford to re-sign pending UFAs Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching. Both are in their late-20s and seem like the type of players that general manager Lou Lamoriello would like to keep around on his aging roster.

Re-signing both could require some salary-cap gymnastics by the cap-strapped Islanders. Kurz suggested a four-year, $16 million deal for Engvall and a three-year, $3.6 million contract for Fasching, meaning it would cost the Isles a total of $5.2 million to keep them.

The Islanders have over $76 million invested in their 2023-24 roster. Kurz speculates that pending UFAs Semyon Varlamov and Scott Mayfield will likely get better contracts elsewhere. He also suggested a contract buyout for Josh Bailey and burying Ross Johnston’s $1.1 million in the minors.

However, the Isles have restricted free agents like Oliver Wahlstrom and Samuel Bolduc that they’ll want to keep around. Kurz thinks they’ll have to make another cost-cutting move or two to re-sign Engvall and Fasching.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean shopping the 32-year-old Casey Cizikas and his $2.5 million average annual value through 2026-27. Perhaps they try peddling 35-year-old Cal Clutterbuck ($1.75 million) or the 33-year-old Matt Martin ($1.5 million), who are both a year away from UFA status.










Notable NHL Trades – February 28, 2023

by | Feb 28, 2023

Notable NHL Trades – February 28, 2023

Several NHL teams decided to avoid the rush of the trade deadline on March 3 and made a series of notable moves today.

The biggest, of course, was Patrick Kane being shipped by the Chicago Blackhawks to the New York Rangers in a three-team deal involving the Arizona Coyotes. You can read my take on that deal by following this link.

Here’s my brief analysis of the other noteworthy deals that went down on Feb. 28, 2023:

Nashville Predators trade defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Tyson Barrie, prospect winger Reid Schaefer, a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Predators are also retaining $250K of Ekholm’s $6.25 million cap hit through 2025-26.

Edmonton Oilers trade winger Jesse Puljujarvi to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for prospect Patrik Puistola.

Nashville Predators trade Mattias Ekholm to the Edmonton Oilers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers GM Ken Holland was under pressure to make a move to shore up the left side of his blueline. Ekholm should address that need as the 32-year-old is a veteran shutdown blueliner who helped the Predators reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. His physical style and leadership should make him a welcome addition to the Oilers’ defense corps.

Oilers’ fans might balk at parting with a first-round pick but at least it’s not wasted on a rental player. Holland addressed his left-side blueline issue. If the move helps them at least return to the Western Conference Final it’ll be worthwhile. The future is now for the Oilers while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are in their prime.

The Predators, meanwhile, get a skilled mobile defenseman in Barrie, who’s signed through next season at a cap hit of $4.5 million. Schaefer, 19, is a promising left winger who was ranked fourth among the Oilers’ top prospects by The Athletic. It’s a solid package that addresses their short-term needs while stocking up the prospect pipeline.

Puljujarvi, 24, was a fixture in the NHL rumor mill stretching back to last season. The fourth-overall pick in the 2016 draft never played up to expectations in Edmonton. His trade value was so low that the Hurricanes did the Oilers a favor by taking his $3 million cap hit off their hands. A restricted free agent in July, Puljujarvi could become a reclamation project for the Hurricanes.

Toronto Maple Leafs trade defenseman Rasmus Sandin to the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenseman Erik Gustafsson and the 2023 first-round pick that the Capitals acquired from the Boston Bruins.

New York Islanders acquire forward Pierre Engvall from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2024 third-round pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire defenseman Luke Schenn from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said he would remain active leading up to the trade deadline after acquiring Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty on Monday from the Chicago Blackhawks. In response to recent moves by other Eastern Conference teams, he’s loading up with experienced blueline depth for the postseason.

Gustafsson is a playmaking defenseman while Schenn returns to the team where his long NHL career began. He’ll provide some grit along with a championship resume from his two Stanley Cup runs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both are rental players as they’re slated to become unrestricted free agents in July.

Dubas has also regained a first-round pick in this year’s draft. However, he could use it as a trade chip to further boost his lineup before Friday’s deadline.

The Capitals were looking for a quick turnaround after acquiring that first-rounder from Boston as part of the deal that sent Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Bruins. They wasted little time using it to bring in Sandin.

The 22-year-old Sandin is a puck-moving defenseman who is in his second full NHL season. He’s shown promise this season with 20 points in 52 games. If Sandin continues his development he could turn into a reliable top-four rearguard for the Capitals.

Trading Engvall and his $2.25 million cap hit to the Islanders for a draft pick was a cost-cutting move by the Leafs. A pending UFA this summer, the 26-year-old winger became expendable following the Leafs’ acquisition of Lafferty. He will provide some much-needed checking-line depth to the injury-depleted Isles forward lines.

The Canucks were originally said to be seeking a second-round draft pick for Schenn. Given the glut of defensemen in the trade market they evidently decided to move now while they could still get something for the 33-year-old blueliner.

Minnesota Wild acquire forward Marcus Johansson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johanson is returning to the Wild for the second time having played for them during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. A versatile if oft-injured forward, he’ll bring some experienced depth as a middle-six forward to the Wild.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 10, 2022

by | Dec 10, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 10, 2022

Alex Ovechkin reaches another goal-scoring milestone, the Coyotes beat the Bruins for the first time since 2010, Kevin Bieksa disputes Zdeno Chara’s story about the Canucks in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored the 500th even-strength goal of his NHL career in a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Ovechkin is now just four goals away from 800 and six away from surpassing Gordie Howe for second place on the all-time list. The Capitals have won three straight games and improved to 13-12-4 while the Kraken slip to 15-8-3.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak was ejected in the second period for an illegal hit to the head of Capitals blueliner Alexander Alexeyev, who left the game with an upper-body injury.

The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Boston Bruins for the first time since 2010 as Lawson Crouse’s goal with 14 seconds remaining in the third period lifted them to a 4-3 win. Crouse finished the night with two goals while Karel Vejmelka made 44 saves for the Coyotes (8-13-4). David Pastrnak scored his 19th of the season for the Bruins (21-4-1), who maintain their hold on first place in the overall standings with 43 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crouse’s goal was the result of a linesman negating what the Bruins believed should’ve been an icing call. It caught them by surprise, leading to a turnover that resulted in Crouse’s game-winner.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson scored two goals in a 6-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. Mathew Barzal and Alexander Romanov each collected two assists as the Islanders move to 17-11-0 on the season. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Dougie Hamilton each had two points for the Devils (21-5-1), who missed an opportunity to vault over the Bruins into first place in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes finished the game with a shift of 6:02, setting a league record for the longest recorded shift. Islanders winger Anthony Beauvillier left the game in the first period with what’s believed to be a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Jonathan Marchessault gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. William Carrier also scored for the Golden Knights (20-8-1), who remain on top of the Western Conference with 41 points. Scott Laughton replied for the 9-13-6 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo was a healthy scratch from this contest.

The Winnipeg Jets picked up their fourth straight win by downing the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1. Cole Perfetti, Blake Wheeler and Adam Lowry scored for the Jets (18-7-1) as they sit atop the Central Division with 37 points. Taylor Raddysh replied for the Blackhawks as they sink to 7-15-4.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Jeff Carter scored in overtime to beat the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 4-3. Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell each had two points as the Penguins (15-8-4) have won four straight games. Casey Mittelstadt collected three assists for the 12-13-2 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres winger Jeff Skinner faces a hearing on Saturday with the NHL department of player safety for cross-checking Penguins forward Jake Guentzel in the face during the dying seconds of the third period.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored to extend his goal streak to seven games in a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had three points while Stuart Skinner made 42 saves as the Oilers improved to 16-12-0. Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov collected an assist to extend his points streak to 14 games while his club dropped to 13-11-2 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid leads the league with 25 goals and 54 points.

A 41-save performance by Igor Shesterkin carried the New York Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche on shootout goals by Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. Braden Schneider scored in regulation for the Rangers as they raise their record to 14-10-5. Mikko Rantanen tallied for the injury-depleted Avalanche (13-10-2) as they’ve gone winless in four straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin collected an assist on Schneider’s goal to extend his assist streak to five games.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended a three-game skid by dropping the Calgary Flames 3-1. Patrik Laine, Eric Robinson and Sean Kuraly tallied for the Jackets (9-15-2) but they lost goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to a lower-body injury during the first period. Michael Stone replied for the Flames, who fall to 13-11-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Johnny Gaudreau’s first game again the Flames since signing with the Blue Jackets in July. He was held scoreless in this contest.

San Jose Sharks rookie goaltender Eetu Makiniemi made 23 saves for his first NHL win in a 6-1 thrashing of the Anaheim Ducks. Erik Karlsson, Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl each collected two points for the Sharks as they improved to 9-16-5. Trevor Zegras replied for the 7-18-3 Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks captain Logan Couture left this contest in the third period after blocking a shot. The club had no update on his condition following the game.

IN OTHER NEWS…

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa claims former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara is lying over a story he told this week about the 2011 Stanley Cup Final between the two teams.

In a recent interview with the “Games With Names” podcast, Chara claimed the Canucks were practicing how to handle the Stanley Cup after winning the first two games of the series in Vancouver. He also said the Canucks were apparently calling the league to find out how many family members they were allowed to have on the ice to help them celebrate after winning the Cup. Chara said he and his teammates used those stories as motivation as they rallied and defeated the Canucks in seven games.

Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek subsequently tweeted that Bieksa denied the story. “Never happened…100 percent didn’t happen”, he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like the bad blood between the players on those teams hasn’t fully faded despite the passage of time. It’ll be interesting to hear if Chara and Bieksa have any further comments about this.

OTTAWA SUN: League sources say NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly are telling prospective bidders for the Senators that they want actor Ryan Reynolds to be a minority partner. The league believes Reynolds production company can tell the story of the Senators’ sale plus their marketing department likes the publicity the actor would generate for the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reynolds has previously expressed interest in buying the Senators if he could get a partner to help him with the purchase.

TSN: Speaking of the Senators, forward Mathieu Joseph is out for two weeks with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Leafs forward Pierre Engvall received a one-game suspension from the department of player safety for high-sticking Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean Durzi on Thursday.