NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2023

by | Jun 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2023

Check out the latest on Erik Karlsson, John Tavares, Noah Hanifin, Jeff Petry, Tyler Myers and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KARLSON TRADE TALKS QUIET DOWN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the trade talks regarding Erik Karlsson appear to be calming down. He believes teams are taking some time now to ponder their next moves after learning what the San Jose Sharks will seek in return for the 33-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How much of Karlsson’s $11.5 million cap hit the Sharks are willing to retain will also affect how much interest they get in the 2023 Norris Trophy winner.

COULD THE LEAFS ATTEMPT TO MOVE TAVARES?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wonders if Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should approach team captain John Tavares about waiving his no-movement clause. He believes Tavares could draw a bidding war involving a dozen teams if the Leafs were willing to retain part of his $11 million average annual value.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

Kypreos acknowledged Tavares’ comments at the end of the Leafs’ playoff run regarding his intent to finish the final two years of his contract in Toronto. However, he also mentioned Treliving’s recent words describing his Core Four players: “Oh, I don’t think there’s ever any assurances in this business.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible but if Treliving was going to go that route he would’ve done so by now.

NO SUITABLE OFFERS YET FOR HANIFIN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams, including the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins, have contacted the Calgary Flames to express an interest in Noah Hanifin. However, the Flames have not yet received any offers they consider to be fair market value for the 26-year-old defenseman. General manager Craig Conroy told teams that he’s not selling low on Hanifin and is willing to wait for the right offer even if he doesn’t get it this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin becomes an unrestricted free agent next July. If Conroy doesn’t get a suitable offer this offseason, he can try again leading up to next season’s trade deadline.

PENGUINS SHOPPING PETRY

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are heavily shopping Jeff Petry. They’re not averse to retaining the 35-year-old defenseman but don’t think he’s a $6.25 million player. There isn’t much interest in Petry but that might change if the Penguins retained part of his cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Petry’s signed through 2024-25 with a 15-team no-trade list and a no-movement clause that ensures he cannot be demoted to the minors without his approval.

MYERS LINKED TO THE SHARKS

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Vancouver Canucks could attempt to ship defenseman Tyler Myers to the San Jose Sharks. He believes the Canucks have had that deal on the table for weeks but doesn’t know what the holdup is.

Peng speculates that it might not happen until after Sept. 1. That’s when Myers is due a $5 million signing bonus. After Sept. 1, they would only owe him $1 million of his $6 million salary, though that entire AAV would still count against the cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peng also noted that Seravalli linked the Penguins’ Jeff Petry to the Sharks. Perhaps Petry or Myers becomes a short-term replacement for Erik Karlsson if he’s traded this summer.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels looked at which players the Montreal Canadiens could attempt to move in the trade market this summer.

He believes winger Mike Hoffman is a player Canadiens GM Kent Hughes could look at moving before training camp opens in September. He’s entering the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.

Hughes would hope not to retain salary and give up an asset in order to get defenseman Joel Edmundson off his books. He has a year left at $3.5 million. Hughes could hold on to Christian Dvorak if he can’t get an asset in return. He’s under contract for next season at $4.45 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2023

by | Jun 29, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2023

The latest trade speculation involving William Nylander, Connor Hellebuyck, Noah Hanifin, Travis Konecny and more heading into Day 2 of the 2023 Draft in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NYLANDER FOR KARLSSON OR LINDHOLM?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan speculates contract extension talks between Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and winger William Nylander might not go as smoothly as Treliving confidently predicted.

Koshan thinks it behooves Treliving to gauge Nylander’s value in the trade market for a return that improves the Leafs. “Speculation in a potential swap for Nylander has included Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For what it’s worth, the Leafs have reportedly looked into the cost of acquiring Karlsson from the Sharks. Moving Nylander and his $6.9 million cap hit for next season could help offset the cost of taking on Karlsson’s contract, though the Leafs would want the Sharks to retain a healthy portion of his $11.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.

For now, I suspect Treliving will continue with his contract extension discussions with Nylander.

DEVILS LOOKING AT HELLEBUYCK

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils remain interested in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, he doesn’t think they want to pay a big price to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils could also want the Jets to retain part of Hellebuyck’s $6.16 million AAV for 2023-24. Some observers suggest the possibility of the Jets starting next season with Hellebuyck and then perhaps attempting to move him before the trade deadline to a club like the Devils.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN HANIFIN

LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers are interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. Panthers winger Anthony Duclair is part of that discussion but LeBrun isn’t convinced they have the best chance of landing Hanifin.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

According to LeBrun, the Philadelphia Flyers continue to listen on Travis Konecny and received a few trade offers but nothing to tempt them into parting with the winger. Unless something changes, however, they’re likely to hang onto Konecny.

LeBrun’s TSN colleague Darren Dreger indicated before the opening round of the draft that Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim continues to draw interest.

WHEELER TO THE PENGUINS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman thought the Pittsburgh Penguins had some interest in Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler. However, he’s not convinced it’s going to happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman published this before the Penguins acquired Reilly Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights yesterday. I’m just mentioning this in passing.

COULD THE LEAFS SIGN REAVES?

Friedman thinks it’s possible the Toronto Maple Leafs could sign rugged winger Ryan Reaves if he fails to land a new contract with the Minnesota Wild. The Leafs are looking to beef up their bottom-six forwards. Ottawa’s Austin Watson is another possibility.

KEEP AN EYE ON DVORAK

Friedman speculates there might not be a role for Christian Dvorak now that they’ve got so many centers. He could be someone worth keeping an eye on.

PREDATORS TRIED TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH IN THE OPENING ROUND

THE TENNESSEAN: Gentry Estes cited a report from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli indicating the Nashville Predators tried to make a big splash during the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. There was speculation they attempted to move up in the draft order by offering up promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov as part of a package deal for one of the picks among the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One rumor had them offering Askarkov and the 15th overall pick as part of a package deal to the Montreal Canadiens for the fifth-overall selection. It never came to pass.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2023

by | Jun 28, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2023

Check out the latest on Erik Karlsson, Alex DeBrincat, Connor Hellebuyck and more heading into the first round of the 2023 Draft in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS INTERESTED IN KARLSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have spoken to the San Jose Sharks about defenseman Erik Karlsson. However, general manager Brad Treliving cannot attempt to get serious about acquiring the 33-year-old Norris Trophy winner until he’s got clarity about players that he’s trying to sign to contract extensions such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Referencing the recent Kevin Hayes and Taylor Hall trades, LeBrun said Sharks general manager Mike Grier is not giving away a future Hall-of-Famer like Karlsson away for free. Grier is willing to retain part of Karlsson’s $11.5 million average annual value through 2026-27 but not half of it. The Seattle Kraken and Carolina Hurricanes are among a number of others who’ve expressed interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun noted how the Philadelphia Flyers traded away Hayes to the St. Louis Blues for nothing. Ditto the Boston Bruins shipping Hall to the Chicago Blackhawks. Karlsson, however, is a different level of player. He remains an elite talent who should fetch a quality return for the rebuilding Sharks.

How much of Karlsson’s cap hit Grier is willing to retain will determine what type of return he could get. As LeBrun pointed out in his recent column in The Athletic, interested teams will be more receptive to getting Karlsson at $7.5 million to $8 million annually than at $9 million to $9.5 million.

DEBRINCAT TO DETROIT?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Pierre Dorion is prepared to move winger Alex DeBrincat if they can get the right deal in place. The 25-year-old winger is a restricted free agent who is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

DeBrincat’s camp has informed the Senators that he’s not interested in a long-term contract extension. The club has filed for arbitration to ensure he doesn’t receive an offer sheet while they try to trade him.

While DeBrincat lacks no-trade protection, his agent has presented the Senators with a list of preferred trade destinations. It’s believed the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Red Wings are on that list. Garrioch suggested the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues could be looking for scoring.

There’s speculation the Red Wings might send its No. 17 selection in this year’s draft to the Senators as part of a package offer for DeBrincat.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan noted that Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s priority is landing a scoring forward who is fairly young and will be with the club for several years.

Khan suggested DeBrincat as one option along with Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny. When it comes to the Senators winger, he believes Yzerman is unlikely to pull the trigger unless he can get an extension with the player first.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun noted that the Red Wings seem like a logical landing spot for DeBrincat. However, he got the sense that they aren’t close to a deal to land the Michigan native.

LeBrun also noted the Stars’ interest in DeBrincat but they lack the cap space unless they ship out some salary. He also indicated that Dorion is fine with getting a 2024 first-rounder in return so this week isn’t a deadline for moving the winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators could wait until the date of their arbitration hearing with DeBrincat (sometime between late July and early August) to trade him. While Dorion will be patient with his handling of this situation, I doubt that he wants it to drag on for too long. He’s got a valuable trade chip that is drawing interest from clubs in need of scoring.

LATEST ON HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET’s Elliotte Friedman yesterday reported hearing that a trade involving Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck isn’t on the front burner right now. He said there are a lot of goalies available right now and teams are trying to determine who’s available at what price via trade or free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The free-agent market is thin on quality starters this year. Hellebuyck, Boston’s Linus Ullmark and Anaheim’s John Gibson are believed to be trade candidates. Of that group, Hellebuyck has the better resume.

Ullmark won the Vezina this season and it was well-deserved but he doesn’t have the same body of work as Hellebuyck, a former Vezina winner who was a finalist for the award this year. The Bruins netminder also has a full no-movement clause until July 1 when it becomes a 16-team no-trade. Hellebuyck has a slightly more expensive cap hit but lacks no-trade protection.

WILL THE ISLANDERS MOVE JOSH BAILEY?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders will attempt to move winger Josh Bailey in a cost-cutting trade. Failing that, they could buy him out before the 5 pm deadline on June 30.

SABRES STILL TRYING TO MOVE OLOFSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reports the Buffalo Sabres are exploring a trade of winger Victor Olofsson. He wonders if there’s a market for a one-dimensional winger carrying a cap hit of $4.75 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2023

What next for the Bruins following the Taylor Hall trade? What’s the latest on Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, Erik Karlsson, Alex DeBrincat and Tom Wilson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss explained the motivation behind the Bruins trading Taylor Hall to the Chicago Blackhawks was to free up salary-cap space. The move clears Hall’s $6 million average annual value from the Bruins’ books for the next two seasons. They now have over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24.

Goss believes the Bruins’ priority now is re-signing Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old winger could command between $5.5 million and $7.5 million annually on his next contract.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source claiming the Bruins aren’t done shedding salary. The source believes general manager Don Sweeney is going to move a defenseman. He also claims the trade rumors surrounding goaltender Linus Ullmark are true. Murphy speculates Matt Grzelcyk could be the defenseman on the move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy, Ullmark earns an AAV of $5 million through 2024-25. He has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it drops to a 16-team no-trade list.

Unless Ullmark agrees to waive his clause before then, the Bruins will have to wait until Saturday to trade him, assuming he’s the goalie they intend to move. They could decide to peddle restricted free agent netminder Jeremy Swayman.

LATEST ON PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS’ TRADE TALKS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens appeared to be out of the bidding in trade talks for Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Jets don’t want to go into rebuild mode while the Canadiens don’t want to give up good playing assets off their existing roster.

Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images).

The Canadiens have re-engaged discussions with the Jets. However, Dreger believes the Los Angeles Kings remain the front-runners for Dubois.

Dreger also indicated things were “simmering” regarding trade talks on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported that rumors claiming the Kings had permission to discuss a contract extension with Dubois weren’t true. Nevertheless, Friedman wondered if Dubois would sign an eight-year extension or a one-year deal to bring him up to UFA eligibility next summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reported the Kings were willing to offer up forwards Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo for Dubois. He believes the Canadiens won’t have much else to sway Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff if they’re not willing to part with young center Kirby Dach.

Speaking of Scheifele, Billeck wondered if he might be on the Bruins’ radar following their cost-cutting move of Taylor Hall to Chicago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Kings drop out I think they’re the most likely destination for Dubois. The rebuilding Canadiens are understandably intrigued about Dubois. However, the cost of giving up a good young player such as Dach as well as paying over $9 million annually to sign Dubois to a long-term deal is probably something they’re not comfortable doing right now.

As for Scheifele going to Boston, most of that freed-up cap space could go to re-signing Tyler Bertuzzi. Unless the Bruins shed more salary, I don’t see the Jets center landing in Beantown this summer.

LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch acknowledged San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson’s recent comments about his willingness to accept a trade back to the Senators. However, such a move would mean clearing Thomas Chabot’s $8 million AAV through 2027-28 to create sufficient cap space for Karlsson’s contract even if the Sharks retained part of his $11.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a nice story, Karlsson returning to a rising young Senators club five years after he was traded away. As Garrioch pointed out, however, this is a different team than the one he left, built around a good young core of talent. While anything’s possible, I don’t see Karlsson returning to the Senators as a player.

Turning to Alex DeBrincat, Garrioch cited league executives expressing their belief that the Detroit Red Wings are high on the 25-year-old RFA winger’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, dealing with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t easy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also cited Yzerman’s reputation as a tough negotiator as well as his reluctance to sign players to long-term contracts with Dylan Larkin as the sole exception.

Garrioch also noted that DeBrincat has been linked to the Nashville Predators. That’s prompted speculation whether Nashville goalie Juuse Saros would head the other way but there’s mixed feelings over whether the Predators want to part with Saros.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stranger things have happened but I’m still not convinced that Predators GM Barry Trotz will part with Saros. He’s been talking as though he’s retooling rather than rebuilding his roster. In that case, it makes sense to hang onto Saros.

The Senators could also have some interest in Calgary Flames winger Tyler Toffoli, who would make sense on a short-term contract. Toffoli has indicated he would be open to a trade. He has a year remaining on his current deal.

There was a rumor claiming the Washington Capitals would like to make a deal to send Tom Wilson to the Senators. Capitals GM Brian MacLellan told TSN there was no truth to the rumor and he’s not trading the power forward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

Connor McDavid tops the list of winners at the 2023 NHL Awards, the First and Second All-Star Teams and All-Rookie Teams are announced, the Bruins trade Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

2023 NHL AWARDS, ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid was the big winner at the 2023 NHL Awards. The Edmonton Oilers captain took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid had already won the Art Ross Trophy as this season’s leading scorer and the Maurice Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is just the third player to win the Lindsay Award four times, joining Wayne Gretzky (five times) and Mario Lemieux (four times). He also joins Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (2007-08) as the only two players to win the Hart, Lindsay, Ross and Richard trophies in the same season.

The Boston Bruins had three trophy winners. Captain Patrice Bergeron won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward for the second straight season and a record sixth time. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender and Jim Montgomery was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.

Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top defenseman. It’s the third time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson joins Paul Coffey as the only two blueliners to go eight-plus years between Norris Trophy wins. Frequently mentioned in trade rumors, this could further boost his stock in the trade market. He led the Sharks and all defensemen with 101 points, becoming the first blueliner since Brian Leetch in 1991-92 to reach the 100-point plateau.

Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers took home the Calder Memorial Trophy as the rookie of the year. He’s the first player in the club’s two-year history to win an NHL award. He led all rookies this season with 57 points in 80 games.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league’s most gentlemanly player. It’s the second time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks denigrate this award but I think it’s worthwhile to honor players such as Kopitar who play with a high level of skill while taking few penalties. They should be singled out for their disciplined play in a physical sport like hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honoring his perseverance and dedication to the game. He endure a stroke (the second of his career) and the death of his father yet finished the season with 41 points in 64 games.

Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charity work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backlund’s future with the Flames remains uncertain after he was noncommital in April about signing a contract extension. He told reporters that he’s since spoken with new Flames general manager Craig Conroy as well as his agent but said the situation is out of his hands. “We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos took home the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

McDavid, Karlsson and Ullmark also joined Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson, Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox as this season’s First All-Star Team.

McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin, Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar and New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin are this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Beniers joins Stars forward Wyatt Johnston and Arizona Coyotes winger Mattias Macelli, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power and Ottawa Senators blueliner Jake Sanderson and Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner as the NHL’s 2022-23 All-Rookie Team.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Prior to the NHL Awards, the Bruins traded left wing Taylor Hall and the rights to forward Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the cap-strapped Bruins, shipping out Hall’s $6 million average annual value through 2024-25 to the rebuilding Blackhawks. Reports indicate the Hawks were not on Hall’s 16-team no-trade list.

The move gives the Bruins over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24. That’s prompted speculation they’ll use some of it to re-sign winger Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Adding Hall should provide the Blackhawks with an experienced linemate and mentor for Connor Bedard, who is expected to be their selection with the first-overall pick during the opening round of this year’s draft on Wednesday. Hall was chosen first overall by the Oilers in the 2010 draft. His cap hit also helps them reach the salary-cap minimum ($61.7 million) for 2023-24.

Foligno is slated to become a UFA on July 1. This move gives the Blackhawks a few days before that date to negotiate a potential contract with him.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: The Flyers attempt to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has been held up because of a rule in the collective bargaining agreement regarding trades and salary retention.

The rule states that a team cannot reacquire a player whom they have retained salary from for a minimum of one year after the date of the transaction. The Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Flyers on July 8, 2022, meaning they’ll have to wait until July 8 of this year before the trade will be finalized.

The league is to meet with both clubs about this issue during the upcoming draft before reaching a decision.

TSN: Former St. Louis Blues forward Alex Steen has rejoined the club in their hockey operations department working with the club’s prospects. He spent 12 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators announced they’ve hired former goaltender Pekka Rinne as their European development coach and scout.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks goalie coach Sudarshan “Sudsie” Maharaj has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has been undergoing treatment and is scheduled for surgery. He anticipates returning to his role with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Maharaj for a quick and full recovery.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2023

by | Jun 26, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2023

Erik Karlsson is open-minded about trade destinations, Patrick Kane already rehabbing from hip surgery, the Hurricanes-Flyers trade involving Tony DeAngelo hits a snag, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Erik Karlsson loves living and playing in San Jose. With the Sharks rebuilding, however, the 33-year-old defenseman is open to a trade.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson noted he’s at the stage of his career where he’s running out of time to garner an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup. He said he played with too many players who had great careers but never won the Cup.

“I don’t want to be that guy, I want to win,” said Karlsson. “That’s not to say I’m going to win, right? I want an opportunity to win.”

Karlsson acknowledged the difficulties of a trade given his hefty contract. He’s signed for three more seasons with an average annual value of $11.5 million with a full no-movement clause. “I think there’s a lot of teams that want to do it, not necessarily a lot of teams that can do it.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy, Karlsson is a finalist for the award this season. He indicated that he’s open-minded about potential trade destinations. He told Swedish reporters that he’s open to returning to the Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson also praised Sharks general manager Mike Grier and believes he’s doing the right thing with the roster. However, he pointed out that he’s not at the right stage in his career to be part of a rebuilding club.

Coming off a career-high 101-point performance, Karlsson undoubtedly is drawing attention from contenders who would benefit from his puck-moving skills and experience. Finding a way to move his hefty contract, however, is the main obstacle.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Three weeks after undergoing hip surgery, Patrick Kane appears to be ahead of schedule with his recovery. He is already shooting pucks and skating with assistance.

Kane, 34, becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His agent, Pat Brisson, said his client intends to continue playing “for a long time.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The release of the videos of Kane’s rehab process was likely timed to ease the concerns of potential suitors regarding his health.

THE SCORE: cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting on Twitter that a potential trade sending Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has hit a snag. The Flyers were reportedly set to retain half of DeAngelo’s $5 million cap hit and would’ve received a draft pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anthony SanFilippo of the sports blog Crossing Broad reported hearing that the snag has been ironed out. If so, the trade could be finalized later today.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights are reportedly close to signing goaltender Adin Hill to a two-year contract extension worth $9.8 million. The average annual value is $4.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights also have Logan Thompson and Robin Lehner under contract. Lehner, however, missed this season on long-term injury reserve recovering from hip surgeries. He’ll likely remain sidelined for next season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Jakub Vrana believes someone in the Red Wings’ hockey operations department didn’t want him back following his return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. “I don’t know if that came from the coach (Derek Lalonde) or the general manager (Steve Yzerman),” said Vrana. “But I felt that something was wrong.”

Vrana spent time this season with the Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids. Traded to the St. Louis Blues, he regained his scoring touch, finishing with 10 goals in 20 games. He called the trade “a new beginning”, saying he got the chance to play again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vrana is signed for next season with a cap hit of $5.25 million. A strong performance in 2023-24 will ensure a new contract with the Blues or make him a valuable trade chip.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and his girlfriend Lauren Kyle recently announced their engagement. The couple have been together for nearly eight years.