NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

by | Feb 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton, Seth Jones, and Erik Karlsson, plus updates on the Oilers, Utah HC, Blue Jackets, Flames and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn would be a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another would be Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

Dreger thinks the Leafs have the assets to acquire Schenn, citing prospects such as Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. The asking price for Laughton is a little less, with the Flyers seeking a first-round pick or an equal prospect, unless they have to retain part of Laughton’s salary in the deal, then it’s a first-rounder and more.

Pierre LeBrun mentioned Yanni Gourde is expected to return to action by March 4 after recovering from sports hernia surgery on Jan. 31. LeBrun suggested the Seattle Kraken center as another fit for the Leafs as they attempt to boost their depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re also great options for other clubs who might have more cap space or tradeable assets to win any bidding war for their services. Schenn has a full no-trade clause and hasn’t been asked yet by Blues management to waive it.

COULD SETH JONES BE A FIT WITH THE STARS?

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested the Stars as a trade destination for Seth Jones. The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman spent part of his childhood in Dallas and would love to play there. The Stars attempted to acquire him in 2021 but weren’t going to give him the contract that he signed with Chicago. It would depend on how much of Jones’ AAV the Blackhawks would be willing to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported earlier this week that the Blackhawks don’t want to retain part of Jones’ salary to facilitate a trade. That would rule out a trade to Dallas unless the Stars can shed some salary in the deal or a separate cost-cutting trade.

THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a Pittsburgh Penguins source told him GM Kyle Dubas would trade Erik Karlsson in a heartbeat if he could. An Eastern Conference executive said the 34-year-old defenseman’s name is out there in the trade market, but the Penguins would have to retain salary.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson’s contract is a significant obstacle. The Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27. His former club, the San Jose Sharks, carries the remaining $1.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Yohe cited an NHL executive suggesting that a Karlsson trade seems more likely in the offseason when the salary cap rises significantly. That could make teams more willing to take on the majority of his bulky contract.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman suggested the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings as possible trade destinations for Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars aren’t willing to take on Seth Jones’ $9.5 million, they won’t be interested in acquiring the full amount of the Penguins’ share of Karlsson’s AAV. The same goes for the Panthers, who have just over $2.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

The Red Wings have the cap room and the depth in tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects to make an enticing offer. Whether general manager Steve Yzerman is willing to make that move is another matter. Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff believes the priority has shifted to adding a center as Andrew Copp is out for the season following pectoral tendon surgery.

THE OILERS ARE NOT LOOKING TO ADD A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers do not consider adding a goaltender to be a priority. They’ve been linked to John Gibson because the Anaheim Ducks netminder listed the Oilers as one of his preferred trade destinations. However, they don’t consider him to be an upgrade over starter Stuart Skinner. Gibson’s contract ($6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27) is also an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also said the Oilers don’t see anyone available who can be considered better than Skinner. Until that changes, they’re not pursuing a netminder.

UPDATES ON THE UTAH HC AND THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Utah Hockey Club is reluctant to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They’re already loaded with draft picks, plus they’re trying to make a splash in their new market by playing meaningful games late in the season.

GM Bill Armstrong could be open to packaging some of his draft picks with a player or two in return for something more dynamic in a real hockey deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, a player who can help Utah now and in the future, not a rental veteran whose best seasons are behind him.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and pending free-agent defenseman Ivan Provorov remain apart in their contract negotiations. The next few games leading up to the deadline will determine whether they trade Provorov or hang onto him as an “own rental” for a playoff push.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have two first-rounders in this year’s draft, a roster filled with rising young talent, and a deep prospect pool. They don’t need to add more futures.

Replacing Provorov with a good young defenseman would be a better option. They could attempt to move him for a blueliner with term remaining on his contract.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND SENATORS

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy isn’t looking for rental players at the trade deadline. He’s not interested in sacrificing draft picks and prospects for a quick fix.

Conroy hasn’t ruled out adding young players with term remaining on their contracts, such as recent acquisitions Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. He’s also reportedly told other teams that he’s not a seller this year.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the clock is ticking on Senators GM Steve Staios as the March 7 deadline approaches. He’s been scouring the trade market for a forward but his limited salary cap space and reluctance to move a first-round pick hampers those efforts.

Staios is believed to be interested in Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. Garrioch cited two sources claiming Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker is available, and they’re seeking a prospect in return. It’s believed the Nashville Predators could have some interest.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

by | Feb 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

The latest on Mikko Rantanen, Jordan Binnington, Brock Boeser, Erik Karlsson, Matias Maccelli and Jake Evans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON MIKKO RANTANEN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun isn’t buying into the recent speculation suggesting the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Mikko Rantanen if he hasn’t re-signed by the March 7 trade deadline.

He acknowledged that the Hurricanes still hope to re-sign Rantanen and didn’t rule out the possibility of him getting shopped if he doesn’t sign. However, he believes they could keep him as a rental player to take their shot this season in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

LeBrun doesn’t believe the Hurricanes are telling teams that Rantanen could become available by the deadline. He thinks some teams are calling to inquire what they might do if he doesn’t sign.

YARDBARKER: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Hurricanes made an offer north of $13 million annually to the Rantanen camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is reportedly taking time to think things over following a hectic several weeks settling in and adjusting to his new teammates and surroundings. Money isn’t the issue. Instead, he’s trying to determine if a long-term commitment with the Hurricanes is the best thing for his future.

WILL THE BLUES SHOP JORDAN BINNINGTON?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jeremy Rutherford examined whether the St. Louis Blues should try to capitalize on goaltender Jordan Binnington’s success at the 4 Nations Face-Off by trading him.

The Blues are retooling their roster and could consider shopping Binnington if his trade value improved because of his 4 Nations performance. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and an 18-team no-trade list.

St. Louis Blue goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images)

Binnington’s inconsistent play with the Blues and his contract could make it difficult to move him. Goldman and Rutherford suggest that long-shot playoff teams like the Utah Hockey Club and Philadelphia Flyers could consider a change in net.

They also mentioned contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers. There are concerns over the durability of Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen and backup Pyotr Kochetkov’s playoff experience and the reliability of the Oilers’ tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited TSN’s Darren Dreger musing over whether Binnington might be a fit with the Oilers. However, he also cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming they’re not planning to change their goaltending amid uncertainty over whether Evander Kane will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly open to exploring the trade value of some of his core players. Binnington’s 4 Nations play may have improved his trade value but he’s unlikely to draw as much interest as two-way center Brayden Schenn and scoring forwards Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich.

TRADE RUMORS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” PODCAST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said contract term remains a big issue between the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser. However, he pointed out how their contracts for J.T. Miller and Kevin Lankinen came out of nowhere, so he doesn’t rule out a new deal for Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman’s colleague Courtney Jacobsen listed the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings and the Utah Hockey Club as potential trade destinations for Boeser. With the trade deadline fast approaching, we won’t have to wait long to find out the Canucks’ intentions.

Friedman cited Erik Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He thinks the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman would be a great fit with the Dallas Stars but stressed that was just a theory, adding he wasn’t sure if it could happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson turns 35 on May 31 and is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV. He also still has a full no-movement clause.

Karlsson might be receptive to a trade to the Stars if they were interested. However, a lot will depend on whether top blueliner Miro Heiskanen goes on long-term injury reserve for the rest of the regular season.

Taking on Karlsson’s cap hit would bite deeply into their cap space over the next two years. It could complicate their efforts to re-sign Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston this summer and Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven in 2026.

Friedman also noted that Utah HC forward Matias Maccelli has been a frequent healthy scratch lately. He suggested the 24-year-old winger could be worth watching.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli enjoyed a career-high performance last season, tallying 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points for third in team scoring. He’s struggling this season, with 18 points in 52 games. Maccelli is in the second year of a three-year contract with an affordable AAV of $3.425 million. He could be a cost-effective gamble for clubs seeking a playmaking forward.

UPDATE ON JAKE EVANS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports that Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans continues to draw interest in the trade market. One source claims multiple teams are calling about the 28-year-old center.

D’Amico listed the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries an affordable $1.7 million cap hit this season. Evans would be an attractive rental option to cap-strapped playoff contenders and a potential long-term addition to rebuilding clubs with the cap space to re-sign him.

TVA SPORTS: cited a report in The Athletic suggesting the Canadiens could consider bundling Evans with linemate Joel Armia to garner a more attractive return. Meanwhile, Renaud Lavoie speculates the Evans camp wants a deal between three and five years from the Canadiens. Lavoie still believes there’s a pathway to a deal between the two sides.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

by | Feb 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

Should the Rangers trade Alexis Lafreniere for Trevor Zegras? Could Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off improve his trade value? Are a couple of Western clubs looking at Islanders forward Jean Gabriel Pageau? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury should look into trading winger Alexis Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Trevor Zegras. He thinks the two 23-year-olds haven’t met expectations and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Brooks called Lafreniere’s unwillingness to backcheck in each of the Rangers’ last two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break “a bad look”. He believes the young winger hasn’t built off the promising 2023-24 performance that earned him a seven-year, $52.15 contract extension.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Zegras has been hampered by injuries and playing for a bad team in Anaheim for the past two seasons. He’s considered a one-dimensional player whose skills haven’t translated well into the NHL but Brooks doesn’t buy that assessment, suggesting Zegras might thrive playing close to family and friends in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks sees Lafreniere and Zegras as centerpieces of a larger deal with the Rangers perhaps including defenseman Zac Jones and the Ducks including a promising blueliner like Drew Helleson or Tyson Hinds.

Swapping Lafreniere for Zegras would be a bold move by Drury. He’s already made his share of them since December, shipping Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, sending Kaapo Kakko to Seattle for Will Borgen, and acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-asset deal.

However, Brooks isn’t saying that he’s hearing rumors of a Lafreniere-for-Zegras swap. He’s merely spitballing here.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh answered trade questions from several Rangers fans in a recent mailbag segment.

He doesn’t see Mika Zibanejad getting traded this summer partly because of his hefty contract, and his no-movement clause. The same factors apply to Artemi Panarin, including the difficulty in replacing his production.

Winger Chris Kreider faces an uncertain future with the Rangers. However, it’s doubtful that anyone will take on his contract in midseason. He’s also complained about back spasms, which have affected his performance and trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Drury goes into sell mode by March 7 it’ll be pending free-agents like Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren who get moved.

COULD ERIK KARLSSON’S 4-NATIONS PERFORMANCE IMPROVE HIS VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked by a reader if Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off would make rival general managers look at the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman more closely.

Yohe believes it does, pointing out that Karlsson was Sweden’s best player in their 4-3 overtime loss to Canada on Wednesday. “Karlsson playing well in this series only helps Dubas, I assure you.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s age and contract remain two sticking points. He turns 35 in May and has two seasons left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value. He still has his full no-movement clause.

OILERS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS INTERESTED IN PAGEAU?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner recently reported hearing several Western Conference teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The versatile Pageau, 32, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. He’s enjoying a bounce-back season with 27 points in 52 games, winning nearly 60 percent of his faceoffs, which would be a new career high. Pageau is also the Isles’ top penalty killer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could become a seller if his club hasn’t gained ground in the standings by March 7. He’ll more likely peddle pending UFAs like Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri but could entertain offers for aging veterans like Pageau who were signed past this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2025

by | Jan 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2025

​In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on J.T. Miller, Ivan Provorov and Rasmus Ristolainen plus updates on the Penguins, Blackhawks and Oilers.

LATEST ON J.T. MILLER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s a sense that J.T. Miller’s situation with the Vancouver Canucks will end with a trade, though no one can predict right now when it will occur. He said the 31-year-old center hasn’t given the Canucks a list of trade destinations but there are general parameters of the kind of team that would make sense.

The New York Rangers have spoken with the Canucks about Miller. So have the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. Some observers believe the Dallas Stars could be a suitor as they intend to place sidelined center Tyler Seguin on long-term injury reserve.

LeBrun indicates the Canucks originally weren’t interested in a return of futures for Miller but they’ve relented a bit on that. They’re willing to accept futures from contenders like Carolina or New Jersey because those clubs won’t part with any of their core players. Still, the Canucks aren’t going to give Miller away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumored trade with the Rangers (Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, a first-round pick and maybe a couple of minor-leaguers) suggested they were about to give him away. That deal reportedly fell through over a disagreement regarding the protection level of the first-rounder.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette indicated Hurricanes forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jack Roslovic interested the Canucks in the past. Moving both would clear cap space and declutter the center position filled with third-liners but no one to slot in behind first-line center Sebastian Aho. He believes the Canucks would need to add a sweetener in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A package offer of Kotkaniemi and Roslovic would be a little better than that rumored deal from the Rangers. However, the 24-year-old Kotkaniemi still hasn’t played to expectations while Roslovic is a streaky scorer on his fourth team since 2020-21.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there aren’t many untouchables on the Pittsburgh Penguins other than legacy players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. They’d like to trade some of their older players for younger ones rather than for draft picks and prospects.

Johnston also indicated they’re not interested in retaining salary on players like Erik Karlsson to facilitate a trade. They have one salary retention spot left and intend to be careful how they use it.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports defenseman Marcus Pettersson remains the name most frequently heard in trade rumors involving the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images).

Yohe also wondered if Kris Letang might get moved for the right offer. He said he’s never sensed it’s a given that the 37-year-old blueliner would retire as a Penguin. He hasn’t asked for a trade and Yohe isn’t saying he would, but believes teams would be interested in Letang’s services.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letang turns 38 in April and has a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 when he’ll have a 10-team trade list. The long-time Penguins blueliner has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million.

If the Penguins aren’t willing to retain part of his salary I don’t see any club wanting to acquire an expensive aging asset whose best seasons are behind him. 

Yohe believes Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would listen to offers for Karlsson but he doubts another club will take on his considerable contract. He also doesn’t see Dubas parting with winger Bryan Rust. The Penguins could move winger Rickard Rakell if they get an offer that floors them but they prefer to retain him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Penguins won’t retain part of Karlsson’s salary it’s unlikely any team will pursue a trade for him. The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27.

JACKETS COULD RE-SIGN PROVOROV

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s mutual interest in a contract extension between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ivan Provorov. The 28-year-old defenseman is eligible for UFA status on July 1 and is earning an AAV of $6.75 million.

Provorov could seek the maximum eight-year contract but the Blue Jackets might not be comfortable with that given the blueline prospects within their system. If a deal isn’t in place by the March 7 trade deadline, LeBrun believes they could peddle him for a first-round pick.

FLYERS NOT SHOPPING RISTOLAINEN BUT ARE LISTENING TO OFFERS

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said he’s not shopping Rasmus Ristolainen. The 30-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.1 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Briere said teams have called about Ristolainen but he’s not in a rush to move him, citing his improved performance and his value to the Flyers blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall believes interested clubs should be prepared to make a significant offer if they hope to pry Ristolainen away from the Flyers, especially with them battling for a wild-card berth.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS AND OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus suggests Ryan Donato could become an interesting trade chip for the Chicago Blackhawks. The 28-year-old forward is UFA-eligible this summer with an affordable $2 million cap hit. Donato’s relentless attacking style has him among the Blackhawks leading scorers with 14 goals and 27 points in 45 games, putting him on pace for a career-best performance.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done adding defensemen following their recent signing of John Klingberg. They could seek a shutdown blueliner before the March 7 trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

by | Jan 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

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

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PENGUINS POISED TO SELL?

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2024

by | Nov 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Penguins plus the latest on the Ducks’ John Gibson, the Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov, and the Sharks’ Mackenzie Blackwood.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Lars Eller won’t be the last player move they make this season. He claims they’ve let teams know they’re “open for business.”

The Penguins seek young NHL players, followed by already-drafted prospects, followed by draft picks. He believes pending UFAs Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor will be among those to follow.

Friedman doesn’t see Sidney Crosby wanting out given he signed a two-year extension in September. He doesn’t think the Penguins want to trade Evgeni Malkin nor does Malkin want to be moved.

Kris Letang has three years remaining with a no-movement clause. Friedman believes his history of injuries and ailments makes the 37-year-old defenseman a gamble for other clubs. even if he wanted to be traded.

Erik Karlsson also has no-move protection and still carries a hefty salary-cap hit. However, Friedman noted that his actual salary will decline over the remaining two years of his contract, prompting him to suggest there would be interest in the talented defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Friedman also wondered about the future of Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. If they fire Sullivan, he believes it’ll be because they feel they need a new voice in the dressing room, not because he’s a bad coach. Sullivan would draw interest from other teams if he becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those Penguins stars could agree to be traded. However, their respective cap hit would make it difficult to find a suitable deal. Age will also be a factor as they’re in the mid-to-late thirties.

Some folks took to social media following the Penguins’ humiliating loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday calling for Crosby to be traded to a better team, believing he deserves better than this. That’s his call, folks, not yours.

Maybe Crosby will one day accept a trade to a contender. However, that day doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon.

MORE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports a lot of teams expect the Los Angeles Kings will re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov. Doing so would shrink next summer’s pool of UFA defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov was the subject of considerable trade speculation before the Kings acquired him from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2023 trade deadline. He’ll draw lots of interest if he tests next summer’s UFA market. Gavrikov could also become a valuable trade chip for the Kings if they become sellers before this season’s trade deadline.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has two years remaining on his contract. He’s made it clear he’s willing to consider more trade options than his trade protection states. However, the oft-sidelined Gibson must stay in the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Friedman claimed the Colorado Avalanche revisited their interest in San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. They’ve had an eye on Blackwood since last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood is eligible for UFA status next summer and probably won’t re-sign with the rebuilding Sharks. They could peddle him by the March 7 trade deadline.