NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

by | Feb 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

The latest on Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, David Savard and Erik Johnson plus the latest on the Red Wings, Rangers, Flyers and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON NOAH HANIFIN AND CHRIS TANEV

TSN: Chris Johnston reports a resolution in the Calgary Flames’ contract negotiations with Noah Hanifin could be coming soon. The agents for the 27-year-old defenseman are expected to meet soon with Flames management to present their final position. Johnston speculated that Hanifin could be moved before the March 8 trade deadline if the two sides fail to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun said Hanifin’s teammate Chris Tanev is considered the top defenseman in the trade market because he is available. Where the 34-year-old Flames blueliner ends up could dictate the direction of the market for defensemen.

The asking price for most teams is expected to be a second-round pick plus another asset. However, for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs who lack a second-rounder, the price is a first-round pick. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving might be unwilling to do that.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of Tanev, the Leafs are Julian McKenzie and Shayna Goldman’s list of potential trade destinations for the Flames’ rearguard. Others include the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev may be the top defenseman currently available but that will change if Hanifin ends up on the trade block. However, the Flames will set a higher asking price for Hanifin because he plays a more complete game. I daresay that teams who express an interest in him will also want to know if he’ll be willing to sign a contract extension.

LATEST ON DAVID SAVARD AND ERIK JOHNSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged David Savard doesn’t want to be traded. The Montreal Canadiens could move the 33-year-old defenseman if they receive a suitable offer but they’re not committed to trading him and haven’t brought him up in trade talks with other clubs.

Speaking of veteran defensemen, LeBrun said there’s a chance that the Buffalo Sabres move Erik Johnson. However, they haven’t committed to that yet and want to speak with the 35-year-old rearguard and his agent before reaching a decision.

RECENT RED WINGS SPECULATION

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t shopping promising winger Jonatan Berggren, who surfaced at No. 39 on TSN’s latest trade-bait board. However, he doesn’t rule out Yzerman moving him for the right offer.

Allen also mused about whether the Red Wings might attempt to pry another player away from the Ottawa Senators such as defenseman Jakob Chychrun…If the Red Wings fall out of playoff contention before the March 8 trade deadline they could approach Patrick Kane about waiving his no-movement clause…David Perron, Shayne Gostisbehere, Daniel Sprong and James Reimer could also become trade candidates if the Wings become sellers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Yzerman could be a buyer rather than a seller this year.

RANGERS NOT WILLING TO MOVE THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUNDER

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the New York Rangers could be unwilling to part with their 2024 first-round pick in their efforts to acquire a forward. Team owner James Dolan is the owner of Sphere in Las Vegas where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. He wants his club to be part of the spotlight in that draft. Dreger believes they could be willing to part with their 2025 first-rounder.

FLYERS AND DEVILS GET CAP RELIEF

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW/NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils will receive salary cap relief due to leave of absence by the Flyers’ Carter Hart and the Devils’ Michael McLeod and Cal Foote as they deal with charges of sexual assault in the 2018 World Junior Hockey Canada criminal proceedings.

That would provide both clubs the opportunity to free up cap space to put to use acquiring players leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Those three players are currently listed as non-roster players. Hart earns a cap hit of $3.979 million while McLeod and Foote earn a combined $2.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor but it could become a factor during any future trade speculation involving the Flyers or Devils leading up to the March 8 deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

by | Jan 28, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

Sean Monahan is linked to the Rangers, Chris Tanev could become a Senators trade target, and the Sabres’ Erik Johnson could become a trade candidate. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE RANGERS PURSUE MONAHAN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported speculation over whether the New York Rangers might pitch for Sean Monahan.

The Montreal Canadiens center has garnered lots of respect around the league after overcoming injuries that threatened to derail his career two years ago. Monahan, 29, has 35 points in 49 games this season.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Canadiens’ asking price could be a first-rounder for Monahan. He noted that the Rangers were in the market for a center and could use a second one after Filip Chytil suffered a setback last week in his recovery from a concussion.

It could prove not very easy for the two clubs to swing a deal. Friedman believes there is little love lost between their front offices. Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is the Rangers’ former general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think Gorton would have an issue if the Rangers offered up a first-round pick or a top prospect for Monahan. A bigger concern could be whether the Blueshirts could win a bidding war for the Canadiens center. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks could have an interest in him.

SENATORS EYEING CHRIS TANEV

SPORTSNET: Friedman reported that Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev could be on the Ottawa Senators’ radar as they look to add complete players and “pros” to their lineup.

Friedman thinks Tanev would make a lot of sense for the Senators. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations given their place in the standings. The 34-year-old blueliner could prefer going to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This only makes sense for the Senators if Tanev is willing to sign a contract extension with them. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which is why he’s come up so often in trade rumors this season. If he’s not interested, they’ll be wasting assets on someone who could bolt this summer to greener pastures. It might be best to wait and see if he will test the free-agent market this summer and inquire about him then.

WILL THE SABRES SHOP ERIK JOHNSON?

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast episode in which Friedman said he’s starting to hear Erik Johnson’s name a little bit in the rumor mill. The 35-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres last summer.

Friedman said he was told that Johnson could be a name to watch as there’s going to be interest in him. He thinks the veteran blueliner would prefer going to a contender if the Sabres attempt to move him. Moser speculated they might get a third-round pick for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnson lacks a no-trade clause but the Sabres could try to do right by him by prioritizing contenders. He’s on injured reserve but is expected to return to action following the upcoming All-Star break.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2024

by | Jan 20, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 20, 2024

Recaps of Friday’s games, the Canucks sign hockey ops president Jim Rutherford to a contract extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Minnesota Wild tallied five power-play goals to upset the Florida Panthers 6-4. Kirill Kaprizov (two goals and an assist) and Brock Faber (one goal, two assists) each had three points while Ryan Hartman tallied twice for the 19-21-5 Wild. Aaron Ekblad had a goal and three assists for the Panthers (27-14-4) as they remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 58 points.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly win for the Wild as goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury suffered an upper-body injury and center Connor Dewar a lower-body injury. Both will be reevaluated today. Meanwhile, the Panthers sat out captain Aleksander Barkov for the second straight game as he continues to deal with a lower-body injury.

Carolina Hurricanes forwards Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov each had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Martin Necas and Michael Bunting each had two points for the 25-14-3 Hurricanes (55 points), who sit one point behind the second-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Metropolitan Division. Alex Lyon made 26 saves for the Red Wings (23-17-5) as they slipped into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 51 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Hurricanes placed goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (concussion) on injured reserve and claimed netminder Spencer Martin off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

A four-goal second period powered the New Jersey Devils to a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nico Hischier and Alexander Holtz each tallied their 12th goal of the season while Vitek Vanecek stopped 29 shots for the 23-17-3 Devils (49 points) as they sit two points behind the Red Wings. Cole Sillinger replied for the 14-22-9 Blues Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Devils placed defenseman Brendan Smith on injured reserve with a sprained knee.

The Chicago Blackhawks upset the New York Islanders 4-3 on an overtime goal by Seth Jones. Joey Anderson, Jason Dickinson and Boris Katchouk each had a goal and an assist for the 14-30-2 Blackhawks. Kyle Palmieri and Noah Dobson each had two points for the Islanders (19-15-11) as they sit behind the Devils with 49 points with the latter holding two games in hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles are winless in their last four games (0-3-1) and have just two wins in their last 10 games.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: The Vancouver Canucks signed Jim Rutherford to a three-year contract extension as their president of hockey operations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford was hired in December 2021 by a club in turmoil as it had struggled through a period of front office in-fighting, questionable decisions by management, and inconsistent performances by their players.

Over two years later, Rutherford has stabilized management and the coaching staff, leading to considerable on-ice improvement. They’re currently sitting in first place in the overall standings with stars such as Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Thatcher Demko, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser on pace for career-best seasons.

The next challenge for Rutherford and his general manager Patrik Allvin is re-signing Pettersson, who intends to wait until the end of this season to open contract negotiations. Sitting among the NHL’s top-10 scorers, he’ll command a significant raise on his next deal that could make him one of the league’s highest-paid players.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Washington Capitals signed forward Aliaksei Protas to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.375 million. In his third season with the Capitals, the 23-year-old Protas has 10 goals and 42 points in 133 games.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed center Shane Pinto to a one-year, $775K contract on the eve of his return from a 41-game suspension for violating the league’s sports wagering rules.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken forward Yanni Gourde received a two-game suspension by the league’s department of player safety for charging Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm.

NHL.COM: Arizona Coyotes forward Liam O’Brien was fined $2,018.23 for roughing Canucks forward Sam Lafferty.

CBS SPORTS: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Erik Johnson is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

by | Jan 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

Will the Predators trade goalie Juuse Saros? Could Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun be on the move again? Which clubs should look into acquiring Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE PREDATORS TRADE SAROS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a possibility the Nashville Predators could trade Juuse Saros. While it remains their priority to re-sign the 28-year-old goaltender, they’re getting lots of interest from clubs desperate to improve their depth between the pipes.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Predators feel they have to at least listen to offers for Saros. However, it would take a “serious, serious offer” to pry him away. A couple of first-round draft picks won’t do it. If a club like the Los Angeles Kings were to offer up someone like Quinton Byfield as part of a package, that would get the attention of Preds general manager Barry Trotz.

THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina poured cold water on the notion of the Predators trading Saros. He pointed out that the Finnish netminder surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to last year’s trade deadline and during last summer.

Skrbina believes those times would’ve been more ideal to move Saros as that’s when his trade value was higher, the remaining term in his contract at that time (two years at $5 million per) “was much sexier” and his struggles this season hadn’t happened yet.

“If the Predators couldn’t get the king’s ransom they reportedly sought for Saros in the past, they almost certainly won’t get it now,” writes Skrbina, who also noted the Preds are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. He thinks the only thing Saros will be moving toward is a pen to sign a contract extension with the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for Trotz to at least listen to offers for Saros but I share Skrbina’s doubts that the Preds GM will receive a pitch too good to pass up. Never say never, of course, but it would have to be one hell of an offer to tempt Trotz.

COULD CHYCHRUN BE ON THE MOVE AGAIN

TSN: Darren Dreger said Jakob Chychrun could be on the move again a year after being acquired by the Ottawa Senators. It would be a positional decision by the Senators as they already have left-shot defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson signed to long-term contracts.

Chychrun is signed through next season. Senators management like him but there’s some work left to be done regarding a contract extension which would start in the offseason.

Dreger said teams are calling about Chychrun. However, it would take a substantial offer that is unlikely to come before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Senators will continue listening in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun can play on the right side but the left side is his natural position. Perhaps the Senators would consider moving him for a right-side top-pairing blueliner.

SUGGESTED DESTINATION FOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman suggested six trade destinations for Trevor Zegras if the Anaheim Ducks trade him. She believes the 22-year-old center’s exceptional offensive skill and creativity would be enticing to clubs seeking a young scoring forward.

Goldman listed the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins as clubs that should give the Ducks a call about Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits in Montreal and Philadelphia have suggested their respective clubs consider acquiring Zegras. Whether those teams follow that advice remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks need help everywhere and the Capitals could use an infusion of young talent.

I think the Red Wings need to do more to reduce their goals-against while the Bruins might prefer a center with better two-way abilities.

LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo report Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin could explore the trade market with defenseman Jared Spurgeon on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of this season.

The Wild will be able to exceed the $83.5 million salary cap by Spurgeon’s $7.575 million salary cap hit. Guerin will likely explore acquiring a defenseman on an expiring contract, one that could be flipped by the March 8 trade deadline if the Wild become sellers.

Guerin won’t want to burn up all that cap space on one player. They’ll need some of it for call-ups and minor-leaguers currently on the roster. He’s not interested in parting with first or second-round picks for a rental player. Options could include Marco Scandella of the St. Louis Blues, Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators, and Erik Johnson of the Buffalo Sabres.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2023

by | Dec 14, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 14, 2023

More scoring milestones were reached by Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, a big night for Jets winger Gabriel Vilardi, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored two goals and set up another to rally his club to a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Jansen Harkins netted the winning goal in the 12th round of the shootout as the Penguins improved to 13-12-3 (29 points) to sit two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Sean Monahan tallied his ninth goal of the season for the 12-13-4 Canadiens, who sit a point back of the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is now tied with Hall-of-Famer (and former teammate) Mark Recchi for 13th on the all-time points list with 1,533. He’s just six points behind Joe Thornton, who sits 12th with 1,539.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon extended his points streak to 13 games as his club downed the Buffalo Sabres 5-1. MacKinnon collected two assists, Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists while Valeri Nichushkin tallied twice for the 18-9-2 Avalanche, who hold a two-point lead over the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division with 38 points. Zach Benson scored for the 12-15-3 Sabres, who’ve dropped seven of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon also reached the 800-point milestone, becoming the fifth-fastest active player to do so. Sabres forward Jeff Skinner left this game with an upper-body injury.

Colorado fans gave former Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson a standing ovation in his first game at Ball Arena since signing with the Sabres this summer. He spent nearly 13 seasons with the Avs and helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Speaking of the Jets, they rolled to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Gabriel Vilardi had a career-high four points (one goal, three assists) against his former club while Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice and collected two assists and Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist for the 17-9-2 Jets. Anze Kopitar and Alex Laferriere scored for the Kings (16-6-4) as they blew a 2-0 lead and sit third in the Pacific Division with 36 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported before this game that Jets winger Kyle Connor is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a lower-body (knee) injury.

An overtime goal by Jack Hughes lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Boston Bruins 2-1. Dawson Mercer tied the game in the third period for the Devils (15-11-1), who sit behind the Washington Capitals for the final Eastern wild-card spot with 31 points. Jeremy Swayman stopped 33 shots while Morgan Geekie had the only goal for the Bruins (18-5-4) as they sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with 40 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils forward Erik Haula picked up an assist on Mercer’s goal as he was activated off injured reserve for this game. Meanwhile, the Bruins placed defenseman Jakub Zboril on waivers.

The New York Islanders nipped the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 on a shorthanded goal by Simon Holmstrom with 1:33 remaining in the third period. Noah Dobson collected two assists for the Islanders (14-7-7) as they sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 35 points. John Gibson made 30 saves for the Ducks (10-18-0) as they’ve lost four in a row and nine of their last 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders activated defenseman Sebastian Aho off injured reserve for this game.

HEADLINES

TSN: The St. Louis Blues hired former all-star center Brad Richards as a consultant to work with the club’s power play under interim coach Drew Bannister. Meanwhile, winger Jakub Vrana cleared waivers and was sent to the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Springfield.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild and assistant general manager Chris O’Hearn have agreed to “mutually part ways”. No reason was given for this move. The Athletic’s Michael Russo pointed out that O’Hearn was general manager Bill Guerin’s right-hand man as well as the club’s chief contract negotiator.

CBS SPORTS: Speaking of the Wild, they placed defenseman Jonas Brodin (upper body) on long-term injury reserve.

THE ATHLETIC: Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis yesterday announced plans to move his club (and the NBA’s Washington Wizards) from downtown Washington to a new arena in Northern Virginia by 2028, pending legislative approval.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted yesterday, the new arena would be 20 minutes away from their current location in the Capital One Arena, which has been home to the Capitals and Wizards since 1997-98.

TSN: The NHL recently announced the skills competition for the 2024 All-Star Game will be modified to showcase 12 players competing for points across eight different events, with the winner receiving a $1 million prize.










Notable NHL Moves For July 1, 2023

by | Jul 1, 2023

Notable NHL Moves For July 1, 2023

Check in regularly for today’s notable player moves during the opening day of the NHL’s annual free-agent market.

New York Islander sign goaltender Semyon Varlamov to a four-year, $11 million contract. 

Detroit Red Wings sign center J.T. Compher to a five-year, $25.5 million contract.

New York Islanders sign Scott Mayfield to a seven-year, $24.5 million contract. 

Seattle Kraken signed Brian Dumoulin to a two-year, $6.3 million contract.

Colorado Avalanche signs Jonathan Drouin to a one-year, $825K contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins sign Lars Eller to a two-year, $4.9 million contract.

New York Islanders sign Pierre Engvall to a seven-year, $21 million contract. 

Colorado Avalanche sign winger Miles Wood to a six-year, $15 million contract. 

Pittsburgh Penguins sign defenseman Ryan Graves to a six-year, $27 million contract. 

Pittsburgh Penguins bring back goaltender Tristan Jarry on a five-year, $28.875 million contract.

Anaheim Ducks sign Alex Killorn to a four-year, $25 million contract. 

Arizona Coyotes sign Jason Zucker to a one-year, $5.3 million contract. 

Detroit Red Wings sign Daniel Sprong to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Dallas Stars sign Matt Duchene to a one-year, $3 million contract

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Conor Sheary to a three-year $6 million contract. 

Boston Bruins sign defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a one-year, $1 million contract. 

Nashville Predators sign forward Gustav Nyquist to a two-year, $6.37 million contract. 

Detroit Red Wings sign defenseman Justin Holl to a three-year, $10.20 million contract. 

Washington Capitals sign Max Pacioretty to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Vancouver Canucks sign Carson Soucy to a three-year, $9.75 million contract. 

Nashville Predators sign Ryan O’Reilly to a four-year, $18 million contract. 

Carolina Hurricanes sign defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year. $7.75 million contract. 

Carolina Hurricanes bring back goaltender Frederik Andersen on a two-year, $6.8 million contract. 

Ottawa Senators sign goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to a five-year, $20 million contract.

Buffalo Sabres sign defenseman Erik Johnson to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. 

Edmonton Oilers sign winger Connor Brown to a one-year, $4 million contract. 

Anaheim Ducks sign defenseman Radko Gudas to a three-year, $12 million contract. 

San Jose Sharks sign goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a two-year $4.7 million contract. 

New York Rangers sign right wing Blake Wheeler to a one-year, $800K salary plus $300K max bonuses.

Boston Bruins sign left wing James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $1 million contract. 

Boston Bruins sign winger Milan Lucic to a one-year, $1 million contract. 

Los Angeles Kings sign Cam Talbot to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Montreal Canadiens traded defenseman Joel Edmundson to the Washington Capitals for a third-round pick and a seventh-rounder in the 2024 NHL draft.  The Canadiens are retaining 50 percent of his cap hit.

Nashville Predator sign Luke Schenn to a three-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million

Florida Panthers sign defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a one-year, $2.25 million contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign forward Ryan Reaves to a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.