NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2023

by | Aug 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2023

Should the Golden Knights look into acquiring Canucks center Elias Pettersson? Could the Blues trade Torey Krug this season? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS PURSUE ELIAS PETTERSSON?

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Chris Gawlik recently suggested the Golden Knights look into acquiring Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson if Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson don’t get contract extensions.

Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Marchessault and Stephenson are slated to become unrestricted free agents next July. It’s not a certainty one or both will be re-signed as both will likely command significant raises. Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy last season while Stephenson has been outperforming his current contract.

Noting Pettersson’s recent remarks about putting contract talks with the Canucks on hold, Gawlik speculated the pending restricted free agent might prefer a trade to a potential contender. He pointed out that Marchessault and Stephenson have already peaked while the 24-year-old Pettersson is just starting his prime. The Golden Knights could offer up draft picks and prospects to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gawlik isn’t the first pundit to suggest the team that he’s covering should look into Pettersson’s availability. Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy made the same proposal for the Bruins.

Bear in mind Gawlik and Murphy aren’t stating that the Golden Knights and Bruins are actively pursuing Pettersson or even remotely interested at this point. They’re just suggesting the management of those clubs should conduct their due diligence and at least look into it.

In reality, it will take more than draft picks and prospects for the Golden Knights to pry Pettersson away from the Canucks. Their first-round picks in 2024, 2025 and 2026 will likely be near the bottom of each round. They’ve also depleted their prospect pipeline putting together their current roster.

The Golden Knights currently have 16 active roster players under contract for 2024-25 with just over $16 million in cap space. A new contract for Pettersson will likely eat up over $10 million of that, making him a tight squeeze within their cap payroll.

COULD THE BLUES TRADE TOREY KRUG THIS SEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford made 10 bold predictions for the St. Louis Blues this season. Among them was trading Torey Krug.

Rutherford indicated that the Blues had a trade in place earlier this summer to ship Krug to the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers. However, the 32-year-old defenseman nixed the deal by invoking his no-trade clause.

There are three reasons why Rutherford believes a Krug trade is possible during the upcoming season. The Blues’ failed attempt to move the veteran blueliner created a potentially awkward and distracting situation. They’d like to free up a spot on their defense corps for Scott Perunovich. They’re also up against the $83.5 million cap and moving out Krug’s $6.5 million cap hit will free up much-needed payroll space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford acknowledged it remains difficult to trade Krug given his cap hit and his no-trade clause. Nevertheless, it could happen if a suitable trade destination can be found. A healthy season and a return to form could also make him more desirable in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

by | Aug 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

A look at some of the Metropolitan Division teams plus some PTO options for the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

QUESTIONS FOR SOME METROPOLITAN DIVISION TEAMS

SPORTSNET: Earlier this week, Ryan Dixon looked at the biggest questions facing each team in the Metropolitan Division. Some of them involve possible trade scenarios.

The Carolina Hurricanes, for example, must decide if they’re willing to go through this season without a contract extension for Brett Pesce. They could flip him for a scoring forward but Dixon thinks they could ride it out with the 28-year-old defenseman given their status as a Stanley Cup contender.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was speculation earlier this summer that the Hurricanes were willing to consider trading Pesce if they couldn’t get him under contract before the start of this season. Their offseason additions of Dmitry Orlov and Tony DeAngelo served to fuel those rumors. If they don’t find a suitable trade offer, however, they could stick with Pesce for the coming season.

Dixon also wondered whether the New Jersey Devils will take a run at landing a reliable starting goaltender such as the Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck. He also mentioned the possibility of the Boston Bruins moving one of their goalies in pursuit of a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils were linked to Hellebuyck in the rumor mill through late June and early July. It’s said that they weren’t willing to meet the 30-year-old goalie’s $9 million average annual value on a new contract beyond this season. As for the Bruins, they’re sticking with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. They see having a solid goalie tandem as their best bet to reach the playoffs this season.

If center Sean Couturier is fully healthy, Dixon mused over what his future might be and if it would be with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old former Selke Trophy winner was sidelined by a back injury since Dec. 2021 but is expected to be in training camp next month. Perhaps the Flyers put Couturier on the trade block if he regains his form though his hefty contract could make that an impossibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couturier’s contract is a major obstacle in the path toward a trade. He carries an AAV of $7.75 million through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause.

Finally, Dixon pondered the fates of Washington Capitals forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha. He wondered if a trade of one or both forwards was possible given their miserable performances last season. He suggested the prospect of moving Kuznetsov if the Capitals were willing to retain part of his $7.8 million AAV through 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there were any chance of moving either guy it would’ve happened by now. The Nashville Predators were reportedly interested in Kuznetsov before free agency started on July 1 but that seems to have waned following their signing of center Ryan O’Reilly.

SOME SUGGESTED PTO TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently suggested several players the Penguins should consider as possible targets for professional tryout offers.

One name of note is former Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes winger Jesse Puljujarvi, suggesting the opportunity to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might be a selling point. Other targets include defensemen Mark Pysyk and Slater Koekkoek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puljujarvi is recovering from offseason hip surgery and is expected to be unavailable until later this fall. Kingerski noted that Koekkoek stepped away from the game last season to deal with unbearable anxiety. He hasn’t announced if he’s ready to resume his career.

Pysyk might be the best bet on his list. He missed last season recovering from a torn Achilles but could be ready to return to action for 2023-24.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2023

by | Aug 23, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2023

The Lightning sign Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension, the Coyotes extend coach Andre Tourigny’s contract, a columnist joins Kris Letang for a workout, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday announced the signing of Brandon Hagel on an eight-year, $52 million contract extension. The 24-year-old winger is currently on the final season of his three-year, $4.5 million deal.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hagel’s getting a significant annual pay raise from $1.5 million to $6.5 million when his new contract kicks in for 2024-25. However, the 24-year-old winger earned it by quickly becoming a key part of the Lightning roster following his acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season.

Hagel reached career highs last season with 30 goals and 34 assists for 64 points. He’s now in his playing prime and should remain an important part of their core forwards over the life of his new contract.

GOPHNX.COM’s Craig Morgan reports the Arizona Coyotes have reached an agreement on a contract extension with head coach Andre Tourigny. Terms were not announced. It’s also believed his assistant coaches will also receive extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tourigny is entering his third season on his current deal with the Coyotes. The club showed improvement last season with 70 points, up from 57 from the previous year.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Columnist Matt Vensel recently took part in an offseason workout in Montreal with Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and his personal trainer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vensel’s brief foray as Letang’s workout partner is a fascinating look at the hard work that the 36-year-old blueliner puts himself through in preparation for the upcoming NHL season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year, $825K contract.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed center Peter Holland to a professional tryout offer.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed 2023 first-round pick Oliver Bonk to an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old defenseman was chosen 22nd overall.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Edmonton Oilers have hired Rick Pracey as their Director of Amateur Scouting, parting ways with Tyler Wright.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: cited TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reporting the NHL has cleared defenseman Logan Mailloux to play with the Canadiens. Mailloux, 20, played his final season of junior hockey in 2022-23 with the OHL’s London Knights.

Three years ago while playing in Sweden, Mailloux was charged under Swedish law with defamation and offensive photography when he shared explicit, non-consensual photos with his teammates.

Mailloux was fined for the offenses and was suspended by the OHL for all but 12 games of the 2021-22 season. He also had to receive permission from league Commissioner Gary Bettman to play in the NHL following his junior career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the report, Mailloux has expressed remorse for his actions and has taken part in a series of educational events involving the Montreal Canadiens Foundation. He could start the season with the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Laval.

Mailloux appears to have earned the opportunity for a second chance. It’s up to him to make the most of it.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2023

by | Aug 17, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2023

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin talks about teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov, Flyers forward Joel Farabee is looking forward to a better season, the Oilers sign Brandon Sutter to a PTO contract, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: recently cited an interview given by Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin to a Russian news outlet addressing the trade rumors swirling around teammate and friend Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

“How would I react to a trade? This is the business of hockey,” said Ovechkin. “Today you’re here, tomorrow there, the day after tomorrow on another team. I hope it doesn’t happen.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin acknowledged that the decision isn’t up to him. However, he could get his wish. Kuznetsov’s inconsistent play in recent years and his $7.8 million annual salary cap hit through 2024-25 have hurt his value in this summer’s trade market.

NHL.COM: Joel Farabee hopes a full offseason will lead to a better performance this season. The Philadelphia Flyers forward spent part of last summer recovering from artificial disk replacement surgery in his neck.

Farabee, 23, enjoyed a career-best 39-point effort in 2022-23. He believes he’ll be able to contribute more in 2023-24 following a full offseason of training.

CAP FRIENDLY: indicates the Edmonton Oilers have signed free-agent forward Brandon Sutter to a professional tryout offer. The 34-year-old center’s last NHL season was 2020-21 with the Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sutter is hoping to stage an NHL comeback after being sidelined for two seasons by long-COVID.

DAILY FACEOFF: recently published an updated list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Patrick Kane, Max Comtois and Tomas Tatar hold the top-three spots, followed by Jonathan Toews, Noah Gregor, Jaroslav Halak, Paul Stastny and Phil Kessel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane isn’t expected to sign with a team until December when he’s fully recovered from an offseason hip surfacing procedure. Tatar has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Toews is believed to be mulling retirement. Kessel said he intended to continue his long NHL career after winning his third Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights.

THE ATHLETIC: Former NHL defenseman Jamie Rivers has been named as the St. Louis Blues’ new TV color analyst on Bally Sports Midwest. He previously worked with Fox Sports Midwest and ESPN.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rivers acknowledged he’s got big shoes to fill. He replaces the popular Darren Pang, who has moved on to become the top color commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks and the No. 2 color commentator on TNT.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins have unveiled their centennial plans for the coming season. Among the highlights will be the Heritage Homecoming Week on Oct. 10-13 as the club welcomes over 50 alumni as honored guests.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2023

by | Aug 15, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 15, 2023

Bruins center David Krejci retires, Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has died and Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar makes the cover of NHL 24. Details on these and other stories in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: David Krejci announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons, all of them spent with the Bruins. The 37-year-old center tallied 231 goals and 555 assists for 786 points in 1,032 regular-season games along with 43 goals and 85 assists for 120 points in 160 playoff games.

Boston Bruins center David Krejci announced his retirement (NHL Images).

Krejci helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the Cup Final in 2013 and 2019. Last season, he played a key role in the Bruins setting the NHL’s single-season records for wins with 65 and points with 135.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A talented and sometimes underrated two-way center, Krejci sits fifth among the Bruins’ all-time leaders for games played and assists and is ninth in total points.

Krejci’s retirement was expected, following the lead of teammate Patrice Bergeron who called it a career last month. His departure has heightened speculation over how the Bruins will address their lack of top-six forward depth that started when Bergeron retired. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov passed away yesterday in Munich, Germany. He was 21.

A promising young Russian winger, Amirov was chosen 15th overall by the Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor soon afterward and was receiving treatment in Munich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A promising life and hockey career cut short far too soon. My condolences to Amirov’s family, friends, former teammates and the Leafs organization.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: EA Sports named Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar as the cover athlete for its NHL 24 videogame. He’s the third Avalanche player to grace the cover, joining Peter Forsberg (NHL 98) and Joe Sakic (NHL 2004).

OTTAWA SUN: The sale of the Senators to billionaire Michael Andlauer is nearly completion. He could take over control of the franchise by September.

A co-owner of the Montreal Canadiens, Andlauer is expected to have sold his 10 percent share of that franchise before he officially takes over the Senators. If not, that stake will be placed in trust until he has completed its sale.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has ruled in favor of the Flyers and the NHL regarding a 2022 contract agreement with Russian goaltender Ivan Fedotov.

Fedotov signed with the Flyers last year but was conscripted into the Russian military soon afterward. The Flyers tolled his contract forward to this season but the goalie recently signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow following the completion of his military service.

Per the IIHF ruling, Fedotov violated its transfer regulations and faces a four-month suspension from international games. CSKA Moscow faces an immediate one-year ban on international transfers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per the report, it’s unlikely Fedotov will be joining the Flyers for the coming season. CSKA Moscow stated on its website that it expects the 26-year-old netminder to play for them this fall.

The Fedotov situation seems fishy given his stated intention to play for the Flyers last year following the completion of his contract with CSKA Moscow. It’s suspected that the club’s ownership pulled strings with the Russian government to prevent his move to the NHL.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid topped Matt Larkin’s fantasy hockey top 300 rankings for 2023-24. McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Avalanche forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes round out his top five.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link to see the complete list.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2023

by | Aug 6, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2023

Check out the latest roundup of recent NHL news you may have missed in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating over why Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas named himself the club’s general manager.

Friedman believes Dubas was waiting to see if Toronto Maple Leafs assistant general manager Brandon Pridham was willing to join him in Pittsburgh. Pridham worked for Dubas during the latter’s tenure as Leafs GM, which ended in May.

Pittsburgh Penguins hockey ops president and GM Kyle Dubas (NHL.com).

During his introductory press conference following his hiring with the Penguins, Dubas indicated that he would fill in as their GM on an interim basis through July and then screen suitable candidates for the position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the guy Dubas wanted to fill that role wasn’t available. He stated that he would consider exploring the market for candidates in future offseasons.

NHL.COM: Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek insisted that patience remains the watchword regarding his club’s promising young prospects. That includes Leo Carlsson, the second-overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft.

“Patience is going to be required from everybody,” said Verbeek. “They’re good prospects. They just need time to grow, time to mature. They’re so young. It’s not an easy league.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek didn’t rule out Carlsson cracking the Ducks’ lineup this season. However, he could likely start with their AHL affiliate in San Diego.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Arizona Coyotes placed forward Jean-Sebastien Dea on waivers for the purpose of mutually terminating his contract. Dea, 29, played just four games with the Coyotes last season, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate in Tucson. He’s reportedly pursuing an opportunity overseas.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers signed goaltender Sam Ersson to a two-year, $2.9 million contract extension. He appeared in 12 games last season with the Flyers, sporting a record of 6-3-0 with a 3.07 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage and one shutout.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL forward Sven Baertschi is reportedly set to announce his retirement as a player. Baertschi, 30, played 292 games over 10 seasons with the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights from 2011-12 to 2021-22, tallying 66 goals and 138 points. He played last season with SC Bern in his native Switzerland.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Good news for fans of the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. The club announced last week that single-game tickets go on sale on Aug. 22.