NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2024

by | Feb 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2024

Updates on Chris Tanev, Jake Guentzel, the goalie market, the Flyers, the Blue Jackets, the Rangers’ first-round pick and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thought” column, Elliotte Friedman reported a lot of teams are interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. However, some are non-contenders this season looking to become contenders next season (Ottawa), some have limited cap space or tradeable assets (Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver), and some (like New Jersey) aren’t sure yet if rental players make sense for them this season. Dallas could also be lurking.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

The Maple Leafs want Tanev but the Flames are asking for a first-round pick. The Senators are very interested in the 34-year-old defenseman and could pursue him as a free agent this summer if they don’t land him before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators will try to sign Tanev to a contract extension if they acquire him before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Los Angeles Kings could also be a suitor.

It seems like Tanev is certain to be moved by trade deadline day. However, it could still take some time for that to happen. Many teams have limited cap space and could wait until deadline day to accrue sufficient space to make some moves.

Garrioch also cited a league executive claiming teams looking at Tanev are also looking at Carolina’s Brett Pesce and Arizona’s Matt Dumba. I don’t think Pesce’s available as the Hurricanes are in the thick of the playoff chase. Dumba’s been sidelined for a couple of weeks now with a lower-body injury but could become available if the Coyotes become buyers leading up to the trade deadline.

Regarding the Philadelphia Flyers, Friedman reports they’re trying to lay the groundwork to sign Travis Konecny to a contract extension. It’s believed defenseman Nick Seeler will be re-signed but the recent addition of Jamie Drysdale makes Sean Walker a trade candidate. The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are possible destinations. “Rasmus Ristolainen’s stock is up, but the contract is tricky.” Friedman also noted that Scott Laughton’s ice time is down this season, suggesting a move might be better for everyone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsurprisingly, the Flyers want to keep Konecny. He’s thrived under head coach John Tortorella…Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the Flyers seek a first-round pick for Walker…Ristolainen is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.1 million. Tricky, indeed…Laughton carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26. He’s also well-liked by his teammates and coaches. They’re in no rush to move him and it could take a significant offer to tempt Flyers management.

Friedman expects teams to call the Columbus Blue Jackets about captain Boone Jenner. However, he’s got a partial no-trade clause and they probably won’t move him unless they get a massive return. Elvis Merzlikins’ availability was well-known before his blow-up last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline shares Friedman’s opinion about Jenner. He speculates defenseman Ivan Provorov could be on the move to free up room on their crowded blueline. Provorov has 23 points in 50 games this season and lacks no-trade protection. He carries an annual salary-cap hit of $6.75 million through 2024-25 but the Los Angeles Kings carry $2.025 million annually as part of the three-team trade that sent him to Columbus from Philadelphia.

The Washington Capitals could hold onto checking-line forward Nic Dowd. They’re looking at moving defenseman Joel Edmundson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I saw some skepticism on social media regarding the possibility of moving Edmundson but I wouldn’t be so dismissive. A general manager desperate to bolster their blueline could take the gamble, recalling his performance with the St. Louis Blues during their 2019 Stanley Cup run and the Montreal Canadiens during the 2021 playoffs.

Friedman believes the Boston Bruins attempted to acquire Elias Lindholm from the Flames before he was traded to the Canucks. He thinks they’ll pursue the 29-year-old center in this summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins lack the tradeable capital necessary to acquire Lindholm. They’ll have the cap space (a projected $27.7 million) this summer to take a run at signing him.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche or Edmonton Oilers could be good trade destinations for Marc-Andre Fleury. However, the 39-year-old goaltender has a full no-movement clause. Nothing happens without his say-so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury reportedly would want “a prominent role” if he were traded. He doesn’t want to be in a position where he’s seeing little action as a backup. We’ll see what happens.

Speaking of goalies, Friedman also mentioned the Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar, Montreal’s Jake Allen and Anaheim’s John Gibson. Nothing new that hasn’t already been previously reported.

Friedman also indicated there’s nothing new to report on the status of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, “just that there’s no panic.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Edmonton Journal’s David Staples cited a Pennsylvania online betting site listing the Oilers as the team most likely to acquire Guentzel. The Oilers have just $2.3 million in projected salary-cap space. Good luck with that. It’s also doubtful they could meet what would be a high asking price from the Penguins for Guentzel.

RANGERS FIRST-ROUND PICK IN PLAY

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed a recent report from TSN claiming Rangers owner James Dolan forbid Rangers management from trading their first-rounder. Dolan is the owner of Sphere in Las Vegas where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. The TSN report said that the Rangers owner wants his team to be part of the excitement of the opening round.

“The concept is ludicrous,” wrote Brooks “More to the point, it has zero validity.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks would know. Like him or not, he’s well-connected with the Rangers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

by | Feb 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

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

UPDATES ON NOAH HANIFIN AND CHRIS TANEV

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

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

LATEST ON DAVID SAVARD AND ERIK JOHNSON

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

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

RECENT RED WINGS SPECULATION

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

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

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

RANGERS NOT WILLING TO MOVE THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUNDER

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

FLYERS AND DEVILS GET CAP RELIEF

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

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

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










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2024

by | Feb 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 7, 2024

The Golden Knights snap the Oilers’ 16-game win streak, Elias Lindholm and Andrei Kuzmenko scored in their first games with their new teams, the Blackhawks will host another Winter Classic game, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights ended the Edmonton Oilers’ win streak at 16 games by defeating the latter 3-1. Chandler Stephenson snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period, William Karlsson scored an empty-netter and Adin Hill made 30 saves for the 30-15-6 Golden Knights as they hold second place in the Pacific Division with 66 points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored for the Oilers (29-16-1) as they sit seven points behind Vegas in the Pacific Division with 59 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will add fodder to the growing rivalry between these two clubs. The Golden Knights also eliminated the Oilers from the second round of the 2023 playoffs during their march to the Stanley Cup.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

Elias Lindholm had a memorable debut with the Vancouver Canucks, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. J.T. Miller netted the game-winner in the third period while Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser each collected two assists for the league-leading Canucks (34-11-5, 73 points) as they extended their points streak to 12 games (10-0-2). Jordan Martinook and Sebastian Aho replied for the 28-16-5 Hurricanes as they sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 61 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was acquired from the Calgary Flames by the Canucks on Jan. 31.

Speaking of the Flames and memorable debuts, Andrei Kuzmenko scored in their 4-1 upset of the Boston Bruins. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri each collected three points for the 23-22-5 Flames (51 points) as they moved within three points of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Pavel Zacha scored for the Bruins (31-10-9) as they lead the Eastern Conference with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko was part of the return to the Flames in last week’s Lindholm trade with the Canucks. he had good chemistry skating alongside Huberdeau in this game. It’ll be interesting to see if the duo can maintain it over the rest of the regular season. Meanwhile, Flames forward Martin Pospisil received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking Bruins captain Brad Marchand in the face during the first period.

The New Jersey Devils downed the Colorado Avalanche 5-3, ending Avs center Nathan MacKinnon’s points streak at 14 games. Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt and Erik Haula each had two points for the 25-20-3 Devils (53 points) as they sit five points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Jonathan Drouin collected two assists for the Avalanche (32-15-4) as they sit in second place in the Central Division with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils activated forward Tomas Nosek off injured reserve for this game. He’d been sidelined for three months with an injured foot.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry stopped 23 shots for his league-leading sixth shutout of the season to blank the Winnipeg Jets 3-0, spoiling Sean Monahan’s debut with the latter following his trade last Friday from the Montreal Canadiens. Kris Letang, Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust were the goal-scorers for the Penguins (23-17-7) as they sit five points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth with 53 points. The Jets are now winless in their last four (0-3-1) and sit third in the Central Division with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for an illegal hit to the head of Penguins forward Noel Acciari in the second period. Acciari left the game with help from his teammates and was undergoing evaluation following the game.

The Dallas Stars got a 47-save performance from Jake Oettinger to nip the Buffalo Sabres 2-1, picking up their fourth straight win. Sam Steel broke a 1-1 tie in the third period for the 31-13-6 Stars as they hold first place in the Central Division with 68 points due to a game in hand over the Avalanche. Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres (22-24-4), who got 28 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Sabres placed defenseman Mattias Samuelsson on injured reserve and activated blueliner Erik Johnson off IR. 

A third-period goal by Noah Cates lifted the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Travis Konecny also scored and Samuel Ersson stopped 20 shots for the 26-19-6 Flyers as they snapped a five-game losing skid and hold third place in the Metropolitan Division with 58 points. Carter Verhaeghe scored for the 31-15-4 Panthers, who sit second overall in the Eastern Conference with 66 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers forward Sam Reinhart was held scoreless as his 13-game points streak came to an end. The Panthers activated forward Nick Cousins off injured reserve while the Flyers activated winger Owen Tippett off IR for this game.

The Montreal Canadiens beat the Washington Capitals 5-2. Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky each scored twice, Cole Caufield picked up an assist to extend his points streak to 10 games, and Sam Montembault kicked out 37 shots for the 21-21-8 Canadiens. Alex Ovechkin tallied his 10th goal of the season for the 22-19-7 Capitals.

HEADLINES

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: The Blackhawks will host the 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field where they’ll face the St. Louis Blues. It will be the seventh time the Blackhawks have taken part in the Winter Classic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Call it the Connor Bedard effect. The Blackhawks are the worst team in the league but the presence of their talented young rookie resulted in an 18.9 percent increase in home attendance through their first two months of the season, drawing an average of 3,005 more fans per game compared to the same period last season. The league is banking on a promising young Blackhawks team led by a healthy Bedard drawing a huge crowd at Wrigley and big TV ratings as a result.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of only three NHL teams not to participate in an outdoor game. However, that could change as it’s believed they will host a 2025 NHL Stadium Series game against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on or around March 1, 2025.

TSN: The New York Rangers placed center Nick Bonino on unconditional waivers yesterday for the purpose of contract termination. He’s currently on a one-year, $800K deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chris Johnston reported Bonino might not have to wait long to land with a new NHL team as there have been inquiries. He must sign before the March 8 trade deadline to be eligible to play in the postseason.

NEW YORK POST: Speaking of the Rangers, captain Jacob Trouba returns to action on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He served a two-game suspension for elbowing Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev on Jan. 26.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2024

by | Feb 6, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2024

Recaps of Monday’s games, the three stars of the week are revealed, Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald is in hospital following a cardiac event, and David Pastrnak weighs in on the NHL’s 4 Nations Faceoff tournament. Get the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Alexis Lafreniere lifted the New York Rangers to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Artemi Panarin scored the tying goal for the Rangers (31-16-3) as they hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 65 points. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the 32-14-4 Avalanche as he moved into a tie with Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for first place in the scoring race with 85 points. The Avs extended their points streak to 14 games, holding first place in the Central Division with 68 points.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

The New York Islanders nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on a late goal by former Leaf Pierre Engvall. Ilya Sorokin made 35 saves for the 21-17-12 Islanders (54 points) as they snapped a three-game winless skid (0-2-1) to sit four points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. John Tavares had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs (25-15-8) as they hold the first Eastern wild-card spot with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Defensemen Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock returned to action for the Islanders after missing several games due to injury. Meanwhile, Leafs forward David Kampf is out for a week with an undisclosed injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat were the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Feb. 4.

SPORTSNET: Hall-of-Famer Lanny McDonald is in a Calgary hospital after suffering a cardiac event Sunday after returning from the 2024 NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto. He said he owes his life to two quick-thinking nurses who were catching their flights at the Calgary airport but stopped to attend to him. In the stress of the moment, his wife didn’t get their names.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping McDonald has a quick recovery and learns the names of those nurses so he can thank them properly.

THE SCORE: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak is no fan of next year’s 4 Nations Faceoff tournament. Scheduled for Feb. 2025, the nine-day tournament features only Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden.

Pastrnak, who’s from Czechia, isn’t pleased that his country was excluded from the tournament. “It’s a huge disappointment…Definitely not happy about it,” he told Boston.com’s Conor Ryan. He said he understood that it was a quick turnaround and the league probably didn’t have enough time to expand the tournament.

Nevertheless, Pastrnak said he’s not going to watch that tournament, putting his focus on representing Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t blame Pastrnak for feeling slighted. It’s a slap in the face to NHL players from smaller hockey-playing nations like Czechia, Germany, Slovakia and others. The league could’ve addressed this by having a Team Europe comprised of NHL players from those countries as they did during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has entered the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program and will be away from the team indefinitely. The 31-year-old’s production has declined over the past two seasons and he’s struggled with consistency.

TSN: London, Ontario police yesterday confirmed charges against five former players of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, Calgary Flames winger Dillon Dube, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote and unsigned Ottawa Senators winger Alex Formenton were each charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident following a Hockey Canada event in London in June 2018. McLeod also faced an additional charge of sexual assault for “being a party to the offense.”

The case is set to return to court on April 30.

THE ATHLETIC: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the Flyers, Flames and Devils will receive salary-cap relief for those players during their indefinite leaves of absence to deal with these legal proceedings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be within the realm of the collective bargaining agreement and not something arbitrarily decided by the league.

OTTAWA SUN: Former Senators head coach D.J. Smith will join the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach to interim bench boss Jim Hiller for the remainder of the season. Smith was fired on Dec. 18 after over four seasons with the Senators.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting several injured players back. Forwards Tanner Jeannot and Austin Watson and defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, Erik Cernak and Haydn Fleury participated in practice on Monday.

TORONTO SUN: Matthew Spezza, the younger brother of former NHL star Jason Spezza, died over the weekend from an accidental overdose. Now an assistant general manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jason issued a statement yesterday confirming the news and asking for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to the Spezza family.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

Updates on the Flames, Penguins, Blues, Flyers and Blue Jackets plus the latest on Adam Henrique, Jakob Chychrun, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Arthur Kaliyev in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman provided an update on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Friedman believes there’s “a ton of interest” in Lindholm, listing the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations. He thinks the 28-year-old center will get traded.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal also interviewed Friedman, who told him Lindholm is high on the Canucks’ radar but it could cost them a little more because they’re dealing with the Flames.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie had the Avalanche and Canucks on their list of proposed trade destinations for Lindholm. They also included the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets.

Hanifin will have to decide over the All-Star break as to whether he sees his future in Calgary or somewhere else. At one point, the two sides seemed close to a contract extension but Hanifin changed his mind as the club struggled early in the season. They have reportedly resumed discussions.

There’s a big market for Tanev. The Ottawa Senators have an interest in him but he might not accept a trade this season to a non-contender. Maybe they’ll have a better chance of signing him as a free agent this summer.

As for Markstrom, Friedman said he doesn’t like the trade speculation. He believes that there’s an unwritten agreement between the goalie and Flames management that they won’t ask him about waiving his no-movement clause unless they’ve got an offer too good to pass up or he tells them that he wants to go somewhere. Neither scenario has happened yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Either scenario seems more likely to happen in the offseason given Markstrom’s $6 million AAV. I’m not saying either one will, just pointing out that it’s easier to move expensive contracts during the offseason when clubs have more cap space.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman was asked if the Pittsburgh Penguins might make some big moves to retool their roster for next season. He doesn’t believe they’ll be buyers and that may be playing a role in the contract talks with pending UFA winger Jake Guentzel. They won’t trade their first and second-round picks and top prospects for playoff rentals. The Penguins could attempt to do a “soft rebuild” over the next couple of years.

LATEST ON HENRIQUE

NHL NETWORK: Friedman cited the New York Post’s Larry Brooks saying the Rangers might not want to pay a big price for a center to replace Filip Chytil because they haven’t played well lately.

Friedman acknowledged how well-connected Brooks is regarding the Rangers but he wonders if that’s a bit of a smokescreen. They have the eighth-best winning percentage in the NHL and if goaltender Igor Shesterkin regains his form there’s no reason that they can’t win their division in the playoffs.

The Rangers were seeking a fourth-line center before Chytil was sidelined for the season. Now they could be seeking another center. He believes the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique makes a lot of sense for them and he thinks that could be determined over the next month.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Friedman on his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast speculating that the Devils may have checked into Henrique’s availability. The 33-year-old center began his career with the Devils and spent over seven years with them before being traded to Anaheim during the 2017-18 season.

Nichols noted the Devils need to improve their goaltender and defensive depth and have sufficient centers to offset the indefinite absence of Michael McLeod. However, Henrique would generate more offense and would be stronger in the faceoff circle than anyone the Devils have beyond Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers want Henrique they might have to ask the Ducks to retain part of his cap hit, and that’s going to raise their asking price. The Devils have more cap space than the Rangers and could easily absorb Henrique’s $5.85 million cap hit.

I wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Tom Fitzgerald has looked in his availability. However, I think his focus remains on improving his goaltending and blueline depth.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” episode, Friedman indicated that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had a lot of his players in the trade market but there wasn’t a lot of interest.

One player who would’ve drawn interest was winger Pavel Buchnevich. However, he doesn’t think Armstrong wants to move the 28-year-old winger, who’s second in team scoring with 39 points in 48 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Blues having climbed into a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, perhaps Armstrong will stand pat and see how the season unfolds.

SHOULD THE BLACKHAWKS KICK TIRES ON KUZMENKO?

SPORTSNET: During the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman suggested the Chicago Blackhawks should look into acquiring Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko. He felt the Nashville Predators could’ve been a destination but the Blackhawks are struggling to score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko continues to struggle this season following his 74-point campaign in 2022-23. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million annual cap hit.

The Blackhawks can easily afford Kuzmenko’s contract. However, he also has a 12-team no-trade clause and might not be keen to join a rebuilding team.

CHYCRUN’S FUTURE IN OTTAWA

NHL NETWORK: Friedman believes Jakob Chychrun’s future with the Senators will come down to what he seeks on his next contract. He has one year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.6 million and will seek a big raise. That will force management to make some decisions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That decision could be moving Chychrun but that might not take place until the offseason.

KINGS OPEN TO MOVING KALIYEV

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings are willing to trade winger Arthur Kaliyev. He believes they would swap him for a depth forward who plays with a bit of an edge to his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is only 22 and in the final season of his entry-level contract. He could make be an affordable reclamation project for an aging team or a rebuilding club.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE FLYERS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to sign pending UFA defenseman Nick Seeler to a contract extension and they could take a run at re-signing Travis Konecny, who has a year remaining on his contract.

It seems less likely that they’ll re-sign Sean Walker since their recent addition of Jamie Drysdale. The 30-year-old defenseman has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CHANGES COMING FOR THE BLUE JACKETS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman noted rookie defenseman David Jiricek’s public frustration with his usage by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This comes at the worst time with the Jackets poised to miss the playoffs again but he thinks Jiricek handled it well by reporting to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

Friedman believes there could be big changes coming for the club and wondered how high up they could go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It starts with a new president of hockey operations, a new general manager and a new head coach. This franchise has been mired in mediocrity for years. The fans and players deserve better.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 25, 2024

by | Jan 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 25, 2024

Zach Parise could soon sign with the Avalanche plus the latest on the Flyers, Bruins and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REPORT: PARISE COULD SIGN WITH THE AVALANCHE

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited The Athletic’s Michael Russo speculating winger Zach Parise could soon sign with the Colorado Avalanche.

Appearing on the “Talk North” podcast, Russo said that he expects the 39-year-old Parise to sign within the next couple of days and make his debut following the All-Star break.

Unrestricted free agent winger Zach Parise (NHL.com)

“I think he’s going to Colorado, by the way,” said Russo, though he also mentioned the Boston Bruins as a potential landing spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rawal noted the Avalanche’s need for depth on the wing with Valeri Nichushkin last week entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Parise would be an affordable signing for the Avs or the Bruins. Perhaps we’ll know for certain by the end of this week.

FLYERS WON’T SACRIFICE FUTURES FOR QUICK FIXES

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reported Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted to being pleasantly surprised by his club exceeding expectations by holding a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, he maintains that his eye remains fixed on the club’s future.

Briere insisted that he’s not going to trade prime assets like first and second-round picks to make a run for the playoffs this season. Noting that he traded Cutter Gauthier recently to the Anaheim Ducks, Briere said that was a different situation and he got a return (Jamie Drysdale) that helps his team now as well as in the future.

The Flyers do hold some potential trade chips in pending free-agent defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler. Meanwhile, blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Morgan Frost have appeared on various media trade boards. Nevertheless, Briere said he won’t be making trades just for the sake of doing so and a lot would depend on the marketplace.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think Briere might consider a low-cost playoff rental or two but his focus is more on adding long-term assets. He could also be content to stand pat if the Flyers are still playing well by the trade deadline.

LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss noted the speculation suggesting the Bruins might focus on adding a middle-six forward with some scoring punch. However, the recent increase in their offensive production could shift their focus toward bolstering their blueline.

Goss believes the Bruins could use a shutdown blueliner who can play tough minutes in the playoffs. He noted that promising Mason Lohrei’s defensive game remains a concern, Matt Grzelcyk has trouble handling heavy forechecks in the postseason and Derek Forbort has missed plenty of games with injuries. Adding another quality defenseman would also help reduce the heavy workload on Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That type of defenseman could be more affordable for the cap-strapped Bruins than adding a middle-six forward. Of course, they might be able to address the latter more cheaply if Zach Parise opts to sign with them.

KRAKEN COULD RETAIN THEIR THREE GOALTENDERS

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker noted the Kraken hold three potential No. 1 goaltenders in Philipp Grubauer, Joey Daccord and Chris Driedger.

It’s been assumed the Kraken might peddle Driedger by the trade deadline as his contract expires at the end of this season. However, Grubauer’s injury history has Baker suggesting they’d be better off retaining Driedger for the remainder of the season as they push for a playoff berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I daresay Kraken management shares Baker’s assessment.