Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

by | Mar 3, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Jacob Markstrom and the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel plus updates on the Hurricanes, Flyers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

HANIFIN FOCUSING ON FLORIDA TEAMS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports it’s believed that the Tampa Bay Lightning are the preferred trade destination for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He felt if it were easy to do, it would have been done by now. “Everyone continues to work at it,” he said, adding that it remains to be seen how Hanifin and the Flames proceed if they can’t get a deal done with the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A significant hurdle will be landing a suitable return from the Lightning.

They have the cap space ($7.3 million) with Mikhail Sergachev on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season. However, they don’t have any first-round picks in 2024 or 2025 to draw on for trade bait plus they lack second and fourth-rounders in this year’s draft.

Meanwhile, their prospect pipeline is ranked 29th by The Athletic with Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier as their top young players. Trading one of them further depletes their prospect pool, which is a concern for an aging roster whose Stanley Cup window has likely closed.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports he’s been told the Florida Panthers are making a push for Hanifin. He wondered how that could affect core defensemen Brandon Montour and Gustav Forsling. Both of them are slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hanifin is willing to join the Panthers (currently in first place in the overall standings) and sign a contract extension it could affect Forsling. Like Hanifin, he’s a left-shot defenseman whereas Montour is a right-shot blueliner.

UPDATE ON MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman talked about Jacob Markstrom’s remarks on Friday where he said he felt the Flames could’ve handled his situation better regarding a rumored trade to the New Jersey Devils.

Friedman believes Markstrom is upset that Flames management approached him about the possibility of a deal with the Devils. He indicated he would be willing to consider going to New Jersey but then the plans changed and the trade didn’t happen. Then at some point, management informed Markstrom that they preferred to keep him because he’s playing great and the team is doing so well.

The Devils have identified Markstrom as their top target. Friedman has heard they’re prepared to revisit their interest in the Flames goalie this summer if they don’t acquire a goalie with term by the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sticking point in that deal was the Devils wanted the Flames to retain a portion of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. It fell apart because the Flames refused.

On Friday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils are now willing to take on Markstrom’s entire cap hit. Whether that prompts a change of heart for Flames GM Craig Conroy remains to be seen, especially with his club continuing to remain in the playoff hunt. If Markstrom is bothered by all of this he’s not letting it affect his performance.

PENGUINS SEEKING PROSPECTS OVER DRAFT PICKS FOR GUENTZEL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have told teams they’re more interested in acquiring two prospects as part of the return for Jake Guentzel over a prospect and a draft pick. If they must take back a contract in the deal, that could change the dynamic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas wants his roster to get younger as soon as possible without going into a full-scale rebuild. Prospects could get into the lineup quicker than draft picks.

Speaking of the Penguins, Friedman believes they’ve told sidelined winger Bryan Rust that they won’t ask him to waive his no-movement clause.

LATEST ON THE HURRICANES, FLYERS AND SABRES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock reports Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell could move one of his four goaltenders once starter Frederik Andersen returns to action. Andersen has been sidelined for most of this season with a blood-clotting issue.

The Hurricanes were once thought to be in the market for a goalie. However, that has quieted with the solid play of rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, Antti Raanta’s recovery from injury and the addition of Spencer Martin off waivers. One could be moved to free up salary cap space for the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raanta or Martin seems likely to hit the trade block or get placed on waivers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella said his team isn’t actively shopping defenseman Nick Seeler. Tortorella praised the 30-year-old Seeler, calling him “one of the true competitors that I’ve ever coached as far as he handles himself.”

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports the Sabres are getting more calls about Erik Johnson as the market for defensemen thins out following Chris Tanev’s trade to Dallas and Toronto’s acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin.

Like those two, Johnston is a right-shot blueliner. He’s also respected for his penalty-killing, shot-blocking and leadership. He’s also two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2024

by | Mar 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2024

The Flames honor Miikka Kiprusoff and rally to beat the Penguins, the Jets overcome a three-goal deficit to down the Hurricanes, the Predators pick up their eighth straight win, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames retired Miikka Kiprusoff’s No. 34 in a pregame ceremony and scored three third-period goals to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman and Yegor Sharangovich were the goal scorers for the Flames after the Penguins made it 3-1 early in the third. Sharangovich finished with two goals for the 30-25-5 Flames (65 points) as they picked up their fifth straight win and sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. The Penguins sank to 27-23-8 (62 points) and are 10 points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kiprusoff earned the accolades and the undying love of Flames fans. He holds the franchise single-season records for wins (45), goals-against average (1.69), save percentage (.933) and shutouts (10), and is the franchise leader among goalies for games played (576), wins (305), GAA (2.46), SP (.913) and shutouts (41).

A five-goal third period lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Sean Monahan netted the game-winning goal, Nino Niederreiter tallied twice and Josh Morrissey collected three assists for the Jets (38-16-5) as they sit in second place in the Central Division with 81 points. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov each had two points for the Hurricanes (36-19-6) as they remain in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 78 points.

Nashville Predators forward Cody Glass (NHL Images)

Nashville Predators forward Cody Glass netted his first career NHL hat trick in a 5-1 upset of the Colorado Avalanche. The Predators (35-25-2) extended their win streak to eight games and moved ahead of the Los Angeles Kings into the first Western wild-card spot with 72 points. Nathan MacKinnon scored and remains second in the scoring race with 101 points while his Avalanche (37-20-5) are third in the Central Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Predators, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports they’re making progress on a contract extension for forward Tommy Novak, who was a player of interest in the trade market as the March 8 deadline approaches. It’s also safe to assume that the Predators won’t be moving goaltender Juuse Saros as they attempt to lock down a playoff berth.

The league-leading Florida Panthers picked up their 10th win in their last 11 games by blanking the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves for the shutout and Brandon Montour had a goal and two assists for the 41-16-4 Panthers as they sit atop the overall standings with 86 points. Patrick Kane’s points streak ended at 10 games as his Red Wings (33-22-6) hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 72 points.

A shootout goal by Max Domi gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Ilya Samsonov stopped 32 shots while William Nylander scored to extend his points streak to 10 games as the Leafs (35-17-8) hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Vincent Trocheck scored two goals and Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists for the 40-17-4 Rangers, who sit second overall with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ilya Lyubushkin’s first game back with the Leafs after being reacquired from the Anaheim Ducks lasted two periods before leaving the game after taking a big hit from Rangers forward Matt Rempe. There was no immediate word postgame regarding his condition. Before the game, the Leafs activated forward Calle Jarnkrok off injured reserve and sent forward Nick Robertson to their AHL affiliate.

The New York Islanders picked up their third straight victory by upsetting the Boston Bruins 5-1, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five games. Kyle Palmieri led the way with a hat trick plus an assist for the 26-20-14 Islanders (66 points) as they sit six points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Marc McLaughlin scored for the 35-13-14 Bruins as they’re perched in third place in the overall standings with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins also lost forward Pavel Zacha as he left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. There was no immediate word following the game regarding his condition.

Speaking of the Lightning, they nipped the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on a shootout goal by Victor Hedman. Nikita Kucherov collected an assist to lead the scoring race with 105 points as the Lightning improved to 33-25-6 (72 points). The Canadiens dropped to 23-28-10 (56 points) and are winless in six of their last seven games (1-5-1).

A shootout goal by Jamie Benn gave the Dallas Stars a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Jason Robertson scored the tying goal for the Stars (37-17-9), who hold first place in the Central Division with 83 points. Magnus Chrona kicked out 36 shots for the 15-38-6 Sharks.

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Leon Draisaitl netted his 30th goal of the season and collected an assist and Connor McDavid had an assist to extend his points streak to 10 games. The Oilers (36-20-2) picked up their third straight win and vaulted over the Vegas Golden Knights into second place in the Pacific Division with 74 points. Eeli Tolvanen replied for the 26-23-11 Kraken (63 points), who are seven points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights were thumped by the Buffalo Sabres 7-2. Jeff Skinner and Owen Power each had a goal and two assists and Dylan Cozens tallied twice for the 29-28-4 Sabres (62 points). Brendan Brisson and William Karlsson scored for the 33-21-7 Golden Knights (73 points) as they’ve won just three of their last 10 games.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Tyson Foerster scored two goals in a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Felix Sandstrom stopped 23 shots for the 32-23-7 Flyers, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 71 points. Vladimir Tarasenko and Thomas Chabot scored for the 25-31-3 Senators.

The St. Louis Blues kept their playoff hopes alive by taming the Minnesota Wild 3-1. Torey Krug had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours tallied his 20th goal of the season and Jordan Binnington turned aside 21 shots for the Blues (31-26-3) as they sit five points behind the Kings with 65 points. Jon Merrill replied for the 28-27-6 Wild (62 points) as they’ve dropped three straight and are eight points behind the Kings.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger scored in his third straight game in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Zach Werenski and Jack Roslovic each had two assists for the 20-30-10 Blue Jackets. Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Donato each had a goal and an assist for the 15-41-5 Blackhawks.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2024

by | Mar 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2024

The latest on Elias Pettersson’s contract situation, updates on the Golden Knights, Oilers, and Islanders, a look at the market for defensemen following the Chris Tanev trade, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS AND PETTERSSON RESUME CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOLLOWING TRADE TALKS WITH THE HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliott Friedman reports multiple sources claim trade discussions between the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes regarding Elias Pettersson reached a stage where the Canucks and Pettersson decided to renew their contract talks.

Earlier this season, Pettersson had said he preferred to wait until the end of this season to open negotiations. The 25-year-old center is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Nevertheless, his agent and Canucks management maintained lines of communication during this season.

Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday that significant progress toward an extension had been made. If it’s completed, Friedman believes it will provide the Canucks with a clearer picture of their future salary-cap space heading toward the March 8 traded deadline.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the two sides are looking at contract options from three to eight years. He suspects the average annual value will be slightly above the $11.5 million that William Nylander will receive from the Toronto Maple Leafs starting next season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos reported hearing the Canucks offered up an eight-year, $96 million contract to the Pettersson camp. The AAV on that is $12 million.

It’s interesting that the Canucks and Hurricanes were in trade talks about Pettersson. That would’ve been a blockbuster that would have shaken up the trade market heading toward the March 8 deadline.

In a recent interview with Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell, Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun reported he was interested in acquiring a forward with term remaining on his contract. This would’ve been a different scenario but one that would have given the Hurricanes control over Pettersson’s contract rights.

The Hurricanes have a projected $31.6 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 10 active roster players under contract. They could afford to re-sign Pettersson but I daresay they also would’ve had to give up a valuable roster player as part of the package, perhaps a forward such as Seth Jarvis or maybe right-shot defenseman Brett Pesce in a sign-and-trade deal.

LATEST FROM TSN’S INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are shopping for forwards in the trade market.

Vegas captain Mark Stone is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon is expected to utilize his $9.5 million cap hit to seek a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights haven’t placed Stone on long-term injury reserve yet but could do so in anticipation of a trade. It’ll be the second straight season that their captain has been sidelined down the stretch, enabling them to use the LTIR cap savings to bolster their roster.

I can hear the howls of outrage from critics of the LTIR system or fans baselessly accusing the Golden Knights of cheating. Yeah, like every team in the league wants their best player sidelined for the remainder of the season so they can garner cap relief.

Folks who don’t like the LTIR system don’t seem to mind it when it benefits their club. You scarcely hear a peep from them then.

Dreger also reports the Edmonton Oilers are targeting a top-six forward. He believes they’re looking at players such as the New Jersey Devils’ Tyler Toffoli, the St. Louis Blues’ Pavel Buchnevich, or the Seattle Kraken’s Jordan Eberle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the week, Dreger reported that Toffoli was garnering interest in the trade market but the Devils prefer to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent.

The Oilers were also linked to Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal speculated that Oilers GM Ken Holland could pursue a winger and is also looking at defensemen following a rumored attempt at acquiring Chris Tanev before he was traded to Dallas.

Speaking of Tanev, Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche were in on the former Flames defenseman.

Meanwhile, Chris Johnston believes the return the Flames received for Tanev (prospect defenseman Artem Grushnikov, second-round pick, conditional third-rounder) could set the market for other blueliners like the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker or the Arizona Coyotes’ Matt Dumba heading toward the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Comparable blueliners won’t fetch a first-round pick in this season’s trade market.

Pierre LeBrun reports nothing new on the trade front for Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning really like the 27-year-old Hanifin but they lack first-round picks in this year’s draft. He also carries a modified no-trade clause plus his agent could also seek a contract extension for his client.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun speculated those factors could force Flames GM Craig Conroy to remain patient. He could take this up to the deadline before pulling the trigger on a Hanifin deal.

In his column for The Athletic: LeBrun wrote that the Montreal Canadiens aren’t committed to trading rearguard David Savard but that doesn’t mean they won’t do so. However, they’ve set a certain bar that interested clubs must reach with their trade offers.

Savard, 33, is signed through next season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The Canadiens could wait until the offseason to move him or next year’s deadline. LeBrun thinks it could take a first-round pick, a young player with a value equivalent to a first-rounder, or multiple picks with a combined value equivalent to a first to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A very high bar indeed. It appears that they set that price to discourage clubs from pursuing him.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN TARASENKO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if the New York Islanders would be interested in Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old Ottawa Senators winger is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Rosner noted the Islanders were among a handful of teams interested in Tarasenko when he requested a trade from the St. Louis Blues in 2021.

The Islanders have limited salary-cap space. Rosner speculates it would mean sending a hefty contract the other way.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2024

by | Feb 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the Flames trade Chris Tanev to the Stars, the Canucks are reportedly making progress in contract talks with Elias Pettersson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers become the first team to reach 40 wins this season by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. Artemi Panarin scored twice and collected an assist, Chris Kreider tallied his 30th goal of the season and Igor Shesterkin made 30 saves for the 40-17-3 Rangers as they took over first place in the overall standings with 83 points. Cole Sillinger replied for the 19-29-10 Blue Jackets.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Vancouver Canucks also have 83 points but the Rangers have two more wins plus a game in hand.

An overtime goal by Connor McDavid lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Zach Hyman scored twice (including his 40th of the season) as the Oilers overcame a 2-0 deficit. With a record of 35-20-2, the Oilers hold third place in the Pacific Division with 72 points. Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich scored for the 30-26-3 Blues (63 points) as they sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman has a six-game goal streak and is within range of the vaunted 50-goal plateau. McDavid has points in nine straight games but his goal was his first in 11 games. Nevertheless, he’s third in the scoring race with 94 points, four behind Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (98 points) and nine back of Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov (103).

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames traded defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday evening in a three-team trade involving the New Jersey Devils.

In return, the Flames received defense prospect Artem Grushnikov, the Stars’ 2024 second-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2026. If the Stars don’t advance to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Flames won’t receive that third-round pick. The Devils, meanwhile, receive Dallas’ fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

Tanev carries a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million. The Flames retained 50 percent ($2.25 million) while the Devils received 50 percent of what remained ($1.125 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pundits and bloggers believe the Stars are the big winners of this deal as they received the best defensive blueliner in the trade market. Adding Tanev shores up their depth on the right side of their blueline as they hope to stage a run for the Stanley Cup this season.

Reaction was mixed over what Calgary received in this deal. It was rumored Flames general manager Craig Conroy was pushing for a first-round pick. He said he was happy to get the 20-year-old Grushnikov, who plays a similar game as Tanev and could develop into a reliable top-four shutdown rearguard.

The acquisition of Tanev should help the Stars this season. Time will tell if it works out over the long term for the Flames.

DAILY FACEOFF: Sources told Frank Seravalli that the Vancouver Canucks have made “significant progress” in efforts to sign Elias Pettersson to a long-term contract extension. It’s believed to be an eight-year deal that could be finalized in the coming days. It’s expected to exceed an average annual value of $10 million.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports his sources have kept mum on this issue and no other media outlets are verifying that a deal is close for Pettersson. He also noted this runs counter to the 25-year-old center’s previous stance that he preferred to leave the negotiations until the end of the season, something he told Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre before Seravalli’s report.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about Pettersson’s contract situation in today’s Rumors update. Interestingly, this story breaks following recent media speculation suggesting the Canucks were receiving calls from other clubs inquiring about Pettersson’s status. Maybe the source is someone from the Pettersson camp, the Canucks’ front office, or one of the teams that called about Pettersson.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild won’t ask Marc-Andre Fleury to waive his no-movement clause before the March 8 trade deadline. Elliotte Friedman reports the Wild won’t be moving the 39-year-old goaltender and are happy to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury recently told reporters he didn’t want to be traded as he hoped to help the Wild reach the playoffs. This decision indicates the Wild are going for it. They’re six points out of a wild-card berth but have won seven of their last 10 games.

TSN: San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture dismissed recent rumors regarding his future with the club. Sidelined by a lower-body injury that has limited him to six games this season, Couture insisted he doesn’t want to play for another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million and a three-team trade list. Even if he were healthy and productive, moving that contract during the season would be challenging.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Speaking of the Sharks, they placed goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) on injured reserve.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers placed goaltender Cal Petersen on waives and recalled Felix Sandstrom. The move comes after Petersen gave up seven goals in a 7-6 loss on Sunday to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

THE GLOBE & MAIL: The five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team who have been charged with sexual assault will face trial by jury in a London, Ontario court. It will be several months before a trial date is set.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2024

by | Feb 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2024

The Golden Knights set an NHL record, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar sets a franchise record, league commissioner Gary Bettman assures Jets fans their team won’t be moved, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights became the fastest franchise in league history to reach 300 wins (514 games) by beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Jonathan Marchessault had two goals and an assist for the 33-19-7 Golden Knights as they ended a three-game losing skid and hold second place in the Pacific Division with 73 points. With 74 points, the Leafs (33-17-8) sit in third place in the Atlantic Division.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar collected an assist to become the highest-scoring blueliner in franchise history (308 points) in a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and an assist to extend his season-opening home points streak to 29 games for the Avalanche (36-19-5) as they sit third in the Central Division with 77 points. Rookie Logan Stankoven scored his NHL goal for the 35-17-9 Stars as they slipped to second place in the Central with 79 points.

The Florida Panthers held off the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 3-2. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist for the 39-16-4 Panthers (82 points) as they sit first in the Eastern Conference and second in the overall standings. The Sabres slipped to 27-28-4.

An overtime goal by Erik Karlsson lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Sidney Crosby had two assists and reached his 1,000th career even-strength point for the 27-21-8 Penguins as they’ve won three straight games. J.T. Miller netted his 30th goal of the season for the Canucks (38-16-7) as they remain first overall with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Penguins announced that winger Bryan Rust is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

A five-goal third period carried the Philadelphia Flyers over the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. Travis Sanheim and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (31-22-7) as they sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 69 points. The 32-24-5 Lightning hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 69 points, four ahead of the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Flyers announced defensemen Jamie Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainen are week-to-week with upper-body injuries. Winger Travis Konecny (upper body) is listed as day-to-day.

Speaking of the Devils, they cruised to a 7-2 drubbing of the San Jose Sharks. Nico Hischier had a goal and three assists while Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists for the 30-25-4 Devils while San Jose sank to 15-37-5. They also lost goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood as he left the game with an injury in the first period.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane collected two assists to extend his points streak to nine games as his club trounced the Washington Capitals 8-3. Shayne Gostisbehere tallied twice for the surging Red Wings (33-20-6) as they picked up their sixth straight win and hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 72 points.

The Calgary Flames kept their playoff hopes alive by doubling up the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 to pick up their fourth straight win. Yegor Sharangovich snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period for the 29-25-5 Flames (63 points) as they sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings (29-19-10) as they cling to the first Western wild-card spot with 68 points

Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators maintained their hold on that final Western wild-card berth by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Roman Josi and Gustav Nyquist each had three points for the 33-25-2 Predators (68 points) as they picked up their sixth straight win. The Senators dropped to 25-29-3 while center Josh Norris left the game with an apparent shoulder injury in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to NHL.com, the Senators were outshot 19-0 in the third period.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal had a goal and an assist to lead his club to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Hurricanes improved to 35-18-6 and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. The Wild slipped to 28-15-6 and are six points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

The Montreal Canadiens handed the Arizona Coyotes their 13th straight defeat (0-11-2) by a score of 4-2. Sam Montembeault stopped 36 shots while Joel Armia and Jordan Harris had a goal and an assist for the 23-28-8 Canadiens as they ended a five-game losing skid. The Coyotes dropped to 23-30-5.

Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers each collected two assists as the Jets (37-15-5) moved into first place in the Central Division with 79 points. With a record of 30-26-2, the Blues (62 points) are six points behind the Predators for that final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Jets, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in Winnipeg on Tuesday. He dismissed the notion that the club could relocate after team owner Mark Chipman last week expressed concern over their declining season-ticket sales.

The Jets have the second-lowest average attendance this season (13,306), drawing 87.4 percent of Canada Life Centre’s 15, 225 capacity.

At the time, Chipman said the Jets had to get back to a season-ticket base of 13,000 each year after sales dropped to 9,500 for 2023-24. “This place we find ourselves in right now, it’s not going to work over the long haul. It just isn’t,” he said.

Bettman suggested Chipman was referring to the club’s ability to compete and win the Stanley Cup rather than the viability of remaining in Winnipeg. He believes Winnipeg is a strong hockey market and cited the financial commitments that ownership has made to the team, its arena and the downtown area.

“If the team is going to have the resources and the ability to compete at the highest level, and to spend at the cap, as they have, it’s important for the building to be full,” said Bettman. He felt their current difficulties are simply part of the growing pains clubs occasionally endure and is confident that they will adjust.

WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen noted that Chipman walked back his comments from last week that generated so much emotion and concern over the Jets’ future. The Jets owner acknowledged the club screwed up with its rigid policies, admitting it must win back the fans’ trust.

Friesen also included a sampling of the fans’ complaints, most of which centered on the perception that ownership was out of touch with the fans and took them for granted. High prices for parking and concessions, indifferent customer service from the arena staff and sales department, and last spring’s season-ticket ad campaign referencing the original Jets that came across as a veiled threat were among the issues raised.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Before Bettman’s journey to Winnipeg, Mike McIntyre did a detailed examination of how things reached this point for the Jets. He felt there was no reason to panic about the team relocating but pointed out that economics was behind this situation.

McIntyre noted the decline in the Jets season-ticket sales, including a waitlist of reportedly 8,000 that has dried up. He cites many of the same factors as Friesen, as well as the rising cost of living, economic downturn, and the club’s erratic performance in recent years.

He also pointed out the Jets lack corporate support, with just 15 percent accounting for their season-ticket sales. That’s well below the other six Canadian markets, where businesses make up between 45 and 85 percent of the base.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates examined ways the Jets can win back their fans. He believes they must generate more substantial corporate support and prioritize individuals, families and friends of groups that buy tickets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve noted all this because Chipman’s remarks last week raised concerns about the Jets’ future, not just in Winnipeg but around the league. It also drew plenty of comments last Saturday when I reposted my 2011 Soapbox article expressing concerns for the franchise following its relocation.

While the club isn’t in danger of moving to a new city, there’s no question that the attendance issue garnered attention at NHL headquarters. Hence the commissioner’s attempt to reassure the fans while also meeting with the club’s corporate sponsors to drum up more support.

Bettman’s comments about the requirement for a full arena are no different from those he made in 2011 when the Jets relocated to Winnipeg from Atlanta. For a decade, that wasn’t an issue. It’s become a problem now, one that the team’s owner took public and the league commissioner had to address.

Playing in the NHL’s smallest market and the second-smallest arena, the Jets continue to face more challenges than other Canadian franchises. Over time, it could prove difficult for individual fans or families to keep up with the increasing fan cost index especially if the cost of living continues to rise. Improved corporate support will be crucial going forward.

Jets fans are passionate about their team. If the issues they raised are suitably addressed by the club’s ownership, the season-ticket sales should improve and the Jets should regularly sell out their arena once again.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

by | Feb 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

Which teams are linked to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev? What forwards could the Oilers pursue? What’s the latest on the Sharks and Avalanche? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON HANIFIN AND TANEV

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis observed that the Calgary Flames have a stranglehold on the trade market as they carry three of the most desirable trade targets in defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

The likelihood of Markstrom getting traded remains low. He has two years left on his contract and has full control of the situation thanks to his no-movement clause, while his $6 million cap hit and the Flames’ high asking price make him too expensive for most teams to afford this late in the season.

Hanifin and Tanev are more likely to be moved as they’re pending unrestricted free agents who won’t be re-signing with the Flames. Patience by the club’s management could result in better returns for both players as the March 8 trade deadline approaches and more potential buyers accrue cap space.

Francis believes Hanifin could fetch a first-round pick, a top prospect and a roster player. The return for Tanev could be two pieces, including a second-rounder. However, the goal is to net a first-round pick.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources as saying the Dallas Stars have shown strong interest in Tanev. Other right-shot defense options include Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker and Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin.

Sean Gentile believes it’s possible for the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire Hanifin. It could include giving up a prospect such as Isaac Howard or Ethan Gauthier and their 2026 first-round pick as part of the return.

Jonas Siegel considered Hanifin and Tanev among the logical fits for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One reason there’s been no activity in the trade market since Feb. 2 is because teams are waiting to see where Hanifin and Tanev are traded. The longer the Flames wait, the more likely the possibility of buyers stepping up to meet their price for both blueliners.

The Stars could be better positioned to land Tanev. They’re trying to win the Stanley Cup this season and might be willing to part with a first-rounder.

As for the Lightning and Hanifin, that might make sense if they intend on signing him to a contract extension. Still, they’ve depleted a lot of their prospect pool over the years trying to maintain a Cup contender. They also have 16 active roster players under contract for next season with $10 million in projected cap space and captain Steven Stamkos to re-sign or replace.

Hanifin would be too expensive for the Leafs and wouldn’t address their need for a right-shot defenseman as Tanev would.

COULD DEBRUSK OR MANTHA LAND WITH THE OILERS?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source wondering if the Bruins will retain Jake DeBrusk for the playoffs or trade the pending UFA winger to a club like the Edmonton Oilers seeking a postseason rental forward.

There’s been no indication that DeBrusk’s representatives and Bruins management are any closer to a contract extension as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Murphy cited a belief around the league that the winger’s hometown Oilers or the Calgary Flames would try to bring him home to Alberta.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Noah Hanifin straight up for DeBrusk with both players agreeing to contract extensions with their new clubs. I’m kidding of course…or am I?(Insert wink emoji here).

Meanwhile, the Oilers could have some interest in DeBrusk but I don’t think they’d have what the Bruins would want in a trade package. The Bruins will probably stick with him for the rest of this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency on July 1.

SPORTSNET: During their latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old winger is putting up good numbers this season with 18 goals and 29 points in 52 games.

Friedman noted that Oilers general manager Ken Holland drafted Mantha during Holland’s tenure as GM of the Detroit Red Wings. He also mentioned the Oilers have been linked to Anaheim Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick and San Jose Sharks forward Luke Kunin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Mantha only works for the Oilers if the Capitals retain half of his $5.7 million cap hit. The same goes for the Ducks and Henrique with his $5.825 million. Carrick and Kunin are much more affordable for the Oilers in terms of cap hit and return.

LATEST SHARKS SPECULATION

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Anthony Duclair said he hasn’t had any contract extension talks with San Jose Sharks management. That’s another indication that Sharks GM Mike Grier intends to move the 28-year-old winger by the March 8 trade deadline.

Duclair said he’s seeking a long-term contract and was open to re-signing with the rebuilding Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards believes the Panthers should bring back Duclair, pointing out how well he played for them over the previous two seasons. The Panthers traded him to San Jose last summer as a cost-cutting measure.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports the agent for Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said the club isn’t actively shopping his client. Peng observed that doesn’t mean Ferraro won’t be traded if a club made a tempting offer. Nevertheless, he believes they’ll hang onto the 25-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier might listen if someone offered up a first-round pick for Ferraro. However, Peng cited league sources saying clubs would trade a second or third-round pick for him.

HOW WILL NICHUSHKIN’S RETURN AFFECT THE AVALANCHE’S TRADE PLANS?

THE DENVER POST: That was the topic discussed by Sean Keeler and Corey Masisak following word that winger Valeri Nichushkin had returned to practice with the Colorado Avalanche.

Masisak believes they need a center who can play second or third-line minutes but admitted that could be difficult to achieve given their salary-cap limitations. Keeler would like to see them add a playoff-worthy 1B goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have just $1.2 million in projected trade deadline cap space with Gabriel Landeskog and Pavel Francouz on long-term injury reserve. They’ll have to move out some salary if they hope to address either need.