NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2024

by | Jul 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evander Kane and Martin Necas plus some recent Flyers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S THE LATEST ON CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski wondered what’s happening with contract extension talks between the Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby. He noted that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and Crosby have stated those discussions would be kept private, but neither side has yet used the phrase, “optimistic”.

Kingerski speculates the direction of the team might account for why Crosby hasn’t re-signed yet. Perhaps the Penguins captain sees Dubas’ recent signings and wonders if sticking around is worthwhile.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos noted that “eyebrows were raised” when the Penguins didn’t announce a new contract for Crosby on July 1. He wrote that conversations are ongoing but there’s no rush on Crosby’s side. “Read into that however you want.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising Crosby hasn’t signed yet. Sometimes, these things take time. The direction of the team could be a factor. Dollars and terms still have to be sorted out.

They’ve got the entire summer and training camp in September to sort this out. Start worrying if he hasn’t inked an extension by the season opener in October.

COULD THE OILERS ATTEMPT TO TRADE EVANDER KANE?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer weighing in on speculation the Oilers could try to move winger Evander Kane in a cost-cutting trade.

Kane, 32, has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause until Feb. 28, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Oilers must free up $2.5 million to become cap-compliant before their season opener in October.

“You just can’t snap your fingers and move out Evander Kane,” said Stauffer. Staples noted TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reporting on Monday that the Oilers haven’t approached the winger about waiving his NMC.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Kane is willing to waive his clause now it will only be for a limited number of clubs. Those teams could be unwilling to take him on due to his reputation as a troublemaker or his cap hit.

The Oilers will have to consider other options to shed salary before October. Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak and Ryan McLeod have been mentioned as trade candidates.

HURRICANES WERE CLOSE TO MOVING MARTIN NECAS TO COLUMBUS

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig recently cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Carolina Hurricanes had a potential deal that would’ve sent Martin Necas to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the recent NHL Draft. However, the 25-year-old winger wouldn’t sign a contract extension with the Jackets. “The deal died right there and I think it involved the number four pick”, said Seravalli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets used that pick to select promising center Cayden Lindstrom. It’s not surprising the Jackets and Hurricanes discussed a Necas deal. Jackets general manager Don Waddell was the Hurricanes GM until stepping down in late May to take on his current job.

FLYERS NOT DONE MAKING MOVES?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers could still make some moves this summer after signing Matvei Michkov to his entry-level contract.

Flyers GM Daniel Briere left open the possibility of a trade or two. He’s had discussions with several teams “on a few different things.” If nothing happens in the next week, Briere suggests the current roster will be what we see in training camp in September.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2024

Highlights from the first round of the 2024 Draft, and the latest on Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Sam Reinhart, Sidney Crosby, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2024 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: The San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini with the first-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday evening. You can see the full list of first-round picks by following the link provided.

Macklin Celebrini (right) poses with Joe Thornton after being chosen first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Celebrini was the consensus top player among prospect evaluators. Sharks general manager Mike Grier has recently mentioned the Boston University center among his top prospects. Celebrini and promising Will Smith should give the Sharks a solid one-two punch at center in the coming years.

The Anaheim Ducks selected Oshawa Generals winger Beckett Sennecke third overall. He projects to be a top-six winger alongside one of the Ducks’ promising young centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This one was a surprise as most evaluators expected Sennecke to be chosen in the middle of this round. However, a strong second half and postseason bolstered his stock. The Ducks are loaded with young centers like Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish. Sennecke could one day line up alongside one of them.

Russian winger Ivan Demidov was chosen fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens fans were angry about their club passing over Matvei Michkov in the first round of last year’s draft but they should be pleased with this choice. Demidov was projected to go second overall by many evaluators. However, the Chicago Blackhawks took defenseman Artyom Levshunov with that pick, the Ducks chose Beckett Sennecke and the Columbus Blue Jackets went with center Cayden Lindstrom.

The 18-year-old Russian winger has been compared to Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov. If he develops as projected, the Canadiens could have a scoring superstar on their hands.

The Utah Hockey Club selected Tij Iginla with the sixth overall pick, the first since the teams relocated from Arizona this spring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Iginla is the son of Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla and is a goalscorer like his father. A versatile forward, Iginla can play center or on the wing. He faces heightened expectations because of his famous dad but has the potential to become an NHL star in his own right.

University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium was chosen 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild. They traded up from 13th overall with the Buffalo Sabres to land him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This year’s draft was notable for a crop of high-quality defense prospects including Buium, Levshunov, Carter Yakemchuk (chosen seventh by the Ottawa Senators), Zayne Parekh (ninth overall, Calgary Flames), Anton Silayev (10th, New Jersey Devils), and Sam Dickinson (taken 11th by the Sharks).

I expected Buium to be chosen among the top 10. He helped Denver win the Frozen Four tournament and was part of Team USA’s gold-medal squad at the 2024 World Juniors. This pick could end up becoming a steal for the Wild.

The New York Islanders selected Cole Eiserman of the USNTDP with the 20th overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Concerns about Eiserman’s defensive play sent the young scoring winger’s stock tumbling. However, this could work out well for the Islanders as they attempt to restock their depleted prospect pool. Eiserman broke Cole Caufield’s record for most goals in a USNTDP career. This kid has the potential to become an NHL scorer.

History was made in this draft as two Norwegians were chosen in the opening round for the first time. The Detroit Red Wings selected winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard with the 15th overall pick while the Ducks chose defenseman Stian Stolberg at No. 23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I love it when players from smaller hockey nations get chosen in the opening round of the NHL Draft. It shows how much the game is growing internationally.

Several notable prospects projected to go in the first round remain available heading into Day 2 of the draft on Saturday beginning at 11:30 am ET. They include KHL forward Igor Chernyshow, Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie, Medicine Hat Tigers winger Andrew Basha, Swedish defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius, and Brandon Wheat Kings defenseman Charlie Elick.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: After 16 seasons, Steven Stamkos could be leaving the Lightning. General manager Julien BriseBois said Friday morning he’s uncertain if a deal can be done to keep the 34-year-old winger from heading to the free-agent market on Monday.

The issue is limited salary-cap space. The Lightning have 18 players under contract for 2024-25 with $5.335 million in cap space. That alone isn’t enough to re-sign Stamkos, let alone fill out the rest of the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports Stamkos’ agent said his client is heading to market on July 1. It will be remembered that he appeared to be going to market in 2016 before signing an eight-year extension at the last minute. That doesn’t seem likely this time unless the Bolts free up sufficient cap space to make it happen.

BriseBois seems more optimistic about signing Victor Hedman to a contract extension. The 33-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7.875 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Stamkos departs, it will be interesting to see how that affects the Lightning’s efforts to re-sign Hedman.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Panthers could have a deal in place to re-sign Sam Reinhart. It’s expected to be worth $9 million annually and would have to be announced on June 30 if it’s to be for a maximum of eight years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Negotiations between the Reinhart camp and Panthers management have been ongoing for months. The 28-year-old winger has repeatedly expressed his wish to remain in Florida. It appears he’ll get his wish, taking one of the biggest names off this summer’s free-agent market.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Sidney Crosby indicated preliminary contract extension discussions with Penguins management have begun. The 36-year-old Penguins captain has one year remaining on his contract. He declined to elaborate but said they’ve had some conversations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s not going anywhere. He’ll likely get a four-year deal for around his current annual cap hit of $8.7 million and finish his career as a Penguin.

NHL.COM: The initial 24 players for the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face Off were announced on Friday.

Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, and Lightning forward Brayden Point make up the first six of Canada’s roster.

Team USA’s first six players include Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

Sweden’s first six include the Lightning’s Victor Hedman, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg, New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling.

Panthers center Aleksander Barkov, Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho, Predators goaltender Juuse Saros, and Dallas Stars defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are Finland’s first six players.

The rest of the rosters will be announced between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. The tournament will be held in Montreal and Boston from Feb. 12-20, 2025.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers will buy out the final year of Cam Atkinson’s contract. 

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov will head to free agency on July 1.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed backup goaltender Calvin Pickard to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1 million.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues acquired Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The Blue signed the 24-year-old forward to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.1 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

With the first round of the 2024 Draft fast approaching, the Flyers attempt an aggressive trade to move up on the draft order. Check out the details, updates on Mitch Marner, Jacob Trouba, Aaron Ekblad, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nazem Kadri, the latest UFA speculation, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS ATTEMPT TO MOVE UP IN THE FIRST-ROUND ORDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers attempted to acquire the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft. It was an aggressive pitch, offering their 2024 first-rounder (14th overall), a roster player, and perhaps their 2025 first-round pick.

The Blue Jackets rejected the offers but LeBrun thinks the Flyers could try again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some social media chatter suggested GM Daniel Briere wants to draft Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to center Matvei Michkov. It would make sense that Briere would try to land a good young center to pair with his promising winger.

UPDATES ON MARNER, TROUBA, EKBLAD, EHLERS AND KADRI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the most likely scenario for Mitch Marner will be finishing the final season of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He thinks the Leafs could consider offering the 27-year-old winger a new contract and see where it goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner holds all the cards here because of the full no-movement clause in his contract. For all the media speculation about his future in recent weeks, there’s no indication he’ll be traded. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time a trade involving a star like Marner catches everyone by surprise. Still, there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it if Marner doesn’t want to move.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman also reported New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba’s full no-movement clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The Rangers have asked the 30-year-old defenseman for his list, which is normal procedure. However, Friedman doesn’t rule out the possibility of Trouba getting traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. While he struggled through an injury this season, he remains well-respected by his teammates and a physical presence on their blueline. Nevertheless, there’s been recent media conjecture about his future in New York. We likely haven’t heard the last of it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports hearing the Florida Panthers are shopping defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He’s entering the final season of his contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. The 28-year-old defenseman’s no-movement clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a bold move by the Panthers coming so soon after winning their first Stanley Cup. The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reported earlier this month that the Panthers would move Ekblad to free up cap space to re-sign Brandon Montour. This will be worth watching in the coming days.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff continues to receive calls about winger Nikolaj Ehlers and top prospect Rutger McGroarty. There’s no rush to move them, though the Jets are interested in moving McGroarty for a first-round pick, maybe a prospect or young player.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wondered if Nazem Kadri might consider waiving his no-movement clause. It’s apparent the Calgary Flames are rebuilding after trading Jacob Markstrom last week to New Jersey. The question is where the 33-year-old center sees himself fitting in the short and long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri could ask to be traded but his age and contract will make him difficult to move. He carries a $7 million AAV through 2028-29.

LATEST UFA SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes are still pushing hard to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel. They’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract which is giving the 29-year-old winger something to think about

LeBrun said the list of teams lining up to bid on Guentzel on July 1 is growing. Some would have to move some pieces around but are willing to do so if he becomes a UFA on Monday.

Darren Dreger believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors. They’re also considering what to do with Elias Lindholm. The 29-year-old center is heading to market and could be a good fit with the Boston Bruins.

Dreger also mentioned teams will be interested in Chris Tanev if the 34-year-old defenseman doesn’t re-sign with the Dallas Stars by Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple leafs could be among the suitors.

Chris Johnston believes pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi want to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Negotiations are continuing as the Leafs are also looking at shoring up their blueline. Both players are waiting to see if the Leafs can afford them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2024

by | Jun 26, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2024

Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber, and Jeremy Roenick are among seven new Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, the Avalanche sign Casey Mittelstadt, the Jets re-up Dylan DeMelo, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber and Jeremy Roenick were the former NHL stars elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Pavel Datsyuk and Shea Weber have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (NHL.com)

Former United States women’s national team forwards Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl were also inducted in the player category.

Former Nashville Predators general manager David Poile and current NHL senior executive vice-president Colin Campbell were elected into the builder category.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the inductees for this well-deserved honor.

Meanwhile, Alexander Mogilny’s ongoing snub by the Hall of Fame is getting ridiculous.

Many of Mogilny’s former Vancouver Canucks teammates have called for his inclusion. He was a five-time All-Star, earning an appearance on all four NHL teams he played for in his career (Buffalo, Vancouver, New Jersey, Toronto). He’s among a handful of players to score over 70 goals in a season.

For whatever reason, Mogilny continues to be passed over. Maybe he’ll get his due next year.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed center Casey Mittlestadt to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.75 million. Mittestadt, 25, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres before the March trade deadline. He was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittestadt was coming off back-to-back 50-plus point seasons. He quickly fit well within the Avs’ lineup. The young center was coming off a three-year deal with an AAV of $2.5 million.

This is a win for both sides here. Mittelstadt gets a significant raise and an opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent at age 28 when he’ll still be in his playing prime. The Avalanche, meanwhile, look up their second-line center at a reasonable rate. They also buy some time to grow more cap room to attempt to re-sign him down the road.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed Dylan DeMelo to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $4.9 million. The 31-year-old defenseman was completing a four-year, $12 million contract and was due to become a UFA on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeMelo was a key part of the Jets blueline corps pairing with the puck-moving Josh Morrissey.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: On Tuesday, the Flyers officially announced that top prospect Matvei Michkov had officially terminated his contract with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg. The 19-year-old winger will join the Flyers for the 2024-25 season.

TSN: The Detroit Red Wings traded defenseman Jake Walman and a 2024 second-round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. Walman, 28, has two seasons remaining on his contract with an AAV of $3.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Can you say, “salary dump”, kids? I knew you could!

SPORTSNET: Hockey Canada officially named Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper as head coach of Canada’s team at the NHL’s 4Nations Face-Off next February and of its Men’s Olympic team in 2026.

SPORTICO: Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo has told his remaining executives he is dissolving what’s left of the franchise. He will no longer pursue the construction of a new NHL-worthy arena in the Phoenix area. The franchise should be disbanded within a month.

The hockey operations and players were sold to Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith in April and moved to Utah, where they will play the 2024-25 season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And with that, the Coyotes saga comes to a close. Some observers still believe the NHL will one day return to Arizona. That won’t occur until a suitable arena is constructed and that’s not happening in the foreseeable future.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2024

by | Jun 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2024

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers on the eve of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, prospect Matvei Michkov could leave the KHL to join the Flyers, the Leafs hire Marc Savard as an assistant coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP NOTEBOOK

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins felt “under the weather” and missed practice on Sunday. However, he’s expected to be in the lineup for the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday at 8 pm EDT in Florida.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nugent-Hopkins is the longest-serving member of the Oilers roster. The first-overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, he’s spent his entire 13-season career in Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (NHL Images).

Nugent-Hopkins has been through a lot during that time, including part of the “decade of darkness” that befell the franchise from 2006-07 to 2015-16. He’s not missing the most important game of his career.

Oilers winger Corey Perry isn’t giving any thought to retirement. The 39-year-old dismissed the suggestion that Game 7 could be his last as an NHL player. “I’ve got lots more in me: five more years,” he replied.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was evident this season that Perry’s performance is in decline. Still, I wouldn’t bet against someone signing him to a low-cost one-year contract. He’s been in four of the last five Stanley Cup Finals with the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Oilers. That experience could still make him useful to a contender.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed practice on Sunday but are expected to be in the lineup for Game 7. Panthers coach Paul Maurice explained that Bobrovsky’s not skating was part of his normal routine during the regular season and playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky was outstanding during the first three games of this series but struggled over the last three. The extra day of rest could help him reset and regain his form. The Panthers need him at his best in Game 7.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Maurice believes his players must put the last three games behind them and embrace the challenge of Game 7. “I’m not concerned about it at all,” he said, saying his players must feel positive and embrace the challenge of this critical game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The pressure of this series has shifted to the Panthers after blowing a 3-0 lead. Nevertheless, it’ll be a significant achievement if they can rise to the occasion and hold off the Oilers in Game 7.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Flyers top prospect Matvei Michkov is leaving KHL club SKA St. Petersburg to join the Flyers. Reports indicate the two clubs are close to an agreement to release the 19-year-old winger from his KHL contract which runs through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov is a highly-touted scoring winger who could boost the Flyers offense if he makes their roster next season. It’s believed the KHL will release him from his contract for compassionate reasons related to the death of his father last year. He will then sign a three-year entry-level contract with Philadelphia.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs hired Marc Savard as an assistant coach in charge of the power play. He held a similar role with the Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed depth defenseman Ian Mitchell to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775K.

DAILY FACEOFF: Derick Brassard announced his retirement on Sunday.

The 36-year-old forward spent 16 seasons in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.

Brassard last played in the NHL in 2022-23. He finishes his career with 215 goals and 330 assists for 545 points in 1,013 regular-season games, and 68 points in 118 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report also indicated Brassard missed this season due to a lower-body injury and is still undergoing physiotherapy. Here’s hoping he makes a full recovery and enjoys a healthy retirement.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

by | Jun 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2024

The Senators continue shopping for a goalie, Jake DeBrusk remains linked to the Leafs, the Golden Knights are getting inquiries about their goalies, and the latest on the Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SENATORS GOALIE SEARCH CONTINUES

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators revisited discussions with the Boston Bruins to find a way to bring goaltender Linus Ullmark to Ottawa.

The Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline. They offered netminder Joonas Korpisalo but the Bruins refused as they couldn’t afford to take on his $4 million average annual value over the next four seasons.

Garrioch reports the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils were among the clubs also trying to acquire Ullmark at that time. He refused to waive his 16-team no-trade list, meaning a possible deal was scuttled, but that wasn’t with the Senators.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun (NHL Images).

The Bruins have set a high price for Ullmark. They’re believed to be scouring the trade market for a center. They could be interested in Shane Pinto but the Senators have told clubs they’re not parting with him.

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. He also pointed out a report claiming they have the framework of a possible deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Scanlan suggests Jakob Chychrun could be an asset the Senators would give up to make a move that would alter their roster. The 26-year-old defenseman is approaching his prime and entering the final year of his contract. He’d be easier to move than Thomas Chabot, who plays a similar game and carries an $8 million average annual value through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun could be part of the Senators’ efforts to land Ullmark if he’s willing to come to Ottawa. He could also be part of this mysterious deal they have with the Flyers that could take place by the NHL Draft next weekend.

JAKE DEBRUSK HAS “MUTUAL INTEREST” IN JOINING THE MAPLE LEAFS

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio cited Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in Jake DeBrusk. The 27-year-old Boston Bruins winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Nick Alberga, host of Leafs Morning Take, reported DeBrusk has some “mutual interest” in joining the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are reportedly attempting to re-sign pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. They have over $19 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. The Leafs could turn to DeBrusk if Bertuzzi or Domi move on.

TEAMS INQUIRING ABOUT GOLDEN KNIGHTS GOALIES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting multiple teams are inquiring about Vegas Golden Knights goaltenders Adin Hill and Logan Thompson. Both are on contracts that expire at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are facing a cap crunch with just $1.19 million in cap space and 20 active players under contract. They’ll get an additional $5 million in relief with Robin Lehner on long-term injury reserve for next season. However, they must free up space to re-sign pending UFA winger Jonathan Marchessault.

Hill would be the logical one to move if the Golden Knights are trying to shed salary. He carries an AAV of $4.9 million while Thompson’s is over $766K.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina expects the Lightning to make a cost-cutting trade in the coming days. They have just $5.335 million in cap space, which won’t be enough to re-sign pending UFA captain Steven Stamkos. The Bolts have 18 active roster players under contract for 2024-25.

Encina believes they must move an existing contract to make room for Stamkos. It’s a matter of whether it’s one like Tanner Jeannot ($2.665 million) or Erik Cernak ($5.2 million) that provides enough space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cernak would clear the most cap room but Jeannot has been mentioned more frequently as a trade candidate.