Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 4, 2023

by | Jun 4, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 4, 2023

The latest on Jets stars Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois as well as updates on Ducks goalie John Gibson, Devils defenseman Damon Severson, Flyers blueliner Ivan Provorov and Canadiens winger Cole Caufield in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON HELLEBUYCK, SCHEIFELE AND DUBOIS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Winnipeg Jets will be listening to offers for Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois. All three are a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Friedman claims the Jets aren’t throwing in the towel on being a contender. He said they’ve made it clear that this isn’t going to be a rebuild this summer. They could get some futures (draft picks, prospects) as part of the return if any of those players get traded. However, they also have several good players on long-term contracts that they want to support.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has Hellebuyck sitting second on his updated list of offseason trade targets with Scheifele at fourth and Dubois seventh.

Seravalli suggested Los Angeles, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Vegas all have openings for a goaltender “based on play or contractual status”. Of these, I suggest Los Angeles, New Jersey, Carolina and Pittsburgh as more viable destinations for Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck lacks no-trade protection so the Jets can send him anywhere. However, I think Ottawa would want assurances that he would agree to a contract extension before trading away valuable assets to get him.

Toronto’s cap constraints make acquiring him difficult unless they shed one of their expensive “core four” forward to clear space for him. They could instead stick with the promising (and affordable) tandem of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll.

Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images).

Vegas also lacks cap space plus they seem to be managing just fine with their goaltenders of Logan Thompson, Laurent Brossoit and current playoff hero (and possible Conn Smythe Trophy contender) Adin Hill. They’ve also got sidelined Robin Lehner’s $5 million cap hit on their books.

As for Dubois, the Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck noted the ongoing rumors linking the 24-year-old center to his hometown Montreal Canadiens. However, he also suggested the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins as possible destinations.

Billeck noted the Kings could need a new No.1 center if Anze Kopitar comes off their books next summer. However, I expect Kopitar will sign a contract extension to finish his career in Los Angeles.

The Rangers need a scoring right winger. Dubois doesn’t address that issue unless they shift second-line center Vincent Trocheck to the right wing.

Keep an eye on the Avalanche and Bruins. They both have limited cap space but I wouldn’t be shocked to see one of those clubs finding a way to land Dubois. I also wouldn’t rule out the Canadiens but that might depend on how much he’d want on a contract extension as well as the Jets’ asking price.

GIBSON COULD PART WAYS WITH THE DUCKS

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Lisa Dillman recently reported John Gibson is ready to move on from the Anaheim Ducks. It’s believed the 29-year-old goaltender met last month with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to express those sentiments.

Gibson has four seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million plus a 10-team no-trade clause. He wants to play for a winning club but that won’t be possible over the next several years with the Ducks engaged in rebuilding their roster.

Dillman noted the Kings and Penguins could use help between the pipes but both clubs could find it difficult to accommodate his salary or meet Verbeek’s potential asking price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli has Gibson sitting 10th on his trade targets list. He also wrote that the Ducks goalie was available last summer but the asking price was high.

Seravalli wondered if the Ducks would be willing to retain part of his cap hit to bring it down to around $5 million to make a move more palatable. Four years is a long time to retain $1.4 million annually but it might have to be done unless Verbeek can find a way to pull off a three-team deal.

PROVOROV TRADE IS NOT A CERTAINTY

THE ATHLETIC: Charlie O’Connor wonders if Ivan Provorov still has a place on the Philadelphia Flyers blueline. He’s regressed since his stellar 2019-20 performance.

Provorov remains a strong skater and good puck-mover who flashes high-end skill but his offensive game has not progressed nor does he drive the play at even strength. The Flyers have tried different defense partners with him to no avail.

O’Connor mused over whether Provorov remains a fit with a rebuilding Flyers team under a demanding head coach like John Tortorella. A trade seems likely if general manager Daniel Briere can find a rival GM who thinks Provorov could improve with a change of scenery. However, it’s hard to predict what he might fetch in a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov sits 18th on Seravalli’s trade list. He anticipates the Flyers will receive calls about the 26-year-old defenseman. Like O’Connor, however, he’s not sure they’ll move him or what Provorov’s stature is among general managers around the league.

UPDATE ON CAUFIELD’S CONTRACT TALKS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico cited Montreal broadcaster Tony Marinaro’s recent report on the status of Cole Caufield’s contract talks with the Canadiens. The 22-year-old winger is completing his entry-level contract.

According to Marinaro, he’s heard that the average annual value of Caufield’s next contract will not exceed that of linemate Nick Suzuki. The Canadiens captain’s AAV is $7.875 million.

Marinaro followed up by reporting the contract talks are progressing with all signs pointing to a seven- or eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans and pundits are worried that a rival club might swoop in on July 1 and sign Caufield to an expensive offer sheet that the Habs might have difficulty matching.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently dismissed that notion saying the word around the league is the Canadiens would match any offer. A Caufield offer sheet is quite unlikely this summer. Nineteen teams have less than $15 million in cap space for 2023-24. Several others lack sufficient draft picks to pay the high compensation rate for successfully signing him away. That’s assuming Caufield would sign one in the first place.

I didn’t dismiss the possibility of Caufield’s cap hit being slightly higher than Suzuki’s as the latter signed his contract two years ago. It will be a big win for the Canadiens to get him signed for less than Suzuki’s AAV on a long-term deal.

DEVILS COULD SHOP SEVERSON’S RIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils could be opening to trading the rights of pending UFA defenseman Damon Severson if they can’t sign him to an extension before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t get much of a return for Severson because of his UFA status but better than losing him to the free-agent market for nothing. That’s assuming he’ll sign with whatever club acquires him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 4, 2023

by | Jun 4, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 4, 2023

The Golden Knights take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Blue Jackets will reportedly hire Mike Babcock as head coach, highlights from Gary Bettman’s “State of the League” press conference, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS WIN GAME 1 OF THE STANLEY CUP FINAL

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2 in Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Zach Whitecloud tallied the winning goal in the third period to break a 2-2 while Mark Stone and Reilly Smith put the game out of reach for Vegas.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (NHL Images).

Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill got the win with a 32-save performance, including a big paddle save on Florida’s Nick Cousins early in the second with the game tied at 1-1. Vegas’ Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore finished the night with two points each. Eric Staal and Anthony Duclair scored for the Panthers.

Game 2 is Monday night in Las Vegas at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: While the score was 2-2 after two periods, the Golden Knights were the better team over that stretch and took control of the game in the final frame. The Panthers kept it close until the third but the rust from their 10-day layoff was evident in this contest.

This game got rowdy at times and the Panthers’ frustration boiled over after Vegas made it 4-2. Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett each drew misconduct penalties for throwing punches at Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague during a scrum behind the Panthers’ net late in the period. Vegas center Chandler Stephenson also received a misconduct.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice was unperturbed by the loss. Following the game, he reminded reporters that his club fell behind 1-0 and 3-1 in the first-round series against the Boston Bruins. “Everybody just f**king breathe, alright?” said Maurice. “I feel like you people have been here, you’re tight. Loosen up a little bit.”

HEADLINES

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets are reportedly set to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach pending the completion of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1.

Babcock signed an eight-year, $50 million deal in 2015 to coach the Leafs but was fired in November 2019 amid accounts from former Leafs and Detroit Red Wings players that he bullied players, staffers and arena employees.

The 60-year-old Babcock has 17 seasons of NHL coaching experience with the Leafs, Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks. He’s 12th all-time in wins among NHL coaches (700), won a Stanley Cup with the Wings in 2008 and coached them to the Cup Final in 2009. He also guided the Ducks to the Final in 2003.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Babcock and Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was unavailable for comment on Saturday.

A team source told Portzline that Kekalainen and members of the club’s staff spoke with the veteran players on the roster to see how they would feel about the possibility of Babcock becoming head coach. Nevertheless, Portzline believes Babcock’s hiring could be met with consternation among some of the players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The reaction toward this news on social media was mostly negative. Regardless, it appears Kekalainen believes Babcock deserves a second chance. As Portzline noted, there’s no disputing his successful record in the NHL and on the international stage for Canada despite his baggage.

Portzline also cited interviews Babcock have in 2021 where he pushed back against the allegations. Perhaps his nearly four-year banishment from the NHL has given him time to reflect and change for the better. We’ll find out in due course.

SPORTSNET: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly gave their annual State of the League news conference prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Among the highlights:

The league remains committed to Arizona despite the Coyotes’ failed bid to construct a new arena in Tempe. Bettman said the club is looking at other areas in the Phoenix area for a long-term home. He pointed to the size of the Arizona market and the Coyotes being a “victim of circumstance” as to why the league remains so patient in keeping the club in Arizona.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve said for years (and I’m not the only one) that the Arizona market is the reason Bettman has stubbornly worked to keep the Coyotes in their current location. A successful franchise in that market would significantly boost NHL revenue.

Bettman was asked about interest in Salt Lake City, Quebec City or a second team in Toronto. He said relocation currently isn’t being considered.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would certainly have something to say about another club in their market. Sadly, Quebec City remains a long shot despite its state-of-the-art arena and rabid hockey fanbase. Salt Lake City, on the other hand, would be intriguing to the league as a potential relocation or expansion destination given its market size.

The Ottawa Senators are close to getting sold for what Bettman estimates could be around $1 billion USD.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bettman didn’t indicate who the front-runner is but it’s been reported that Toronto billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos has made the highest bid.

Bettman will be meeting individually with former Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and former head coach Joel Quenneville to determine whether they’ll be reinstated to work in the NHL. Both resigned in 2021 over their roles in mishandling Kyle Beach’s sexual assault allegations against former video coach Bradley Aldrich in 2010.

Daly said the league’s independent investigation into the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal has wrapped up and expects to release its report in July. Several players currently in the NHL were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in 2018 while members of Canada’s world junior team. Their names have not been revealed.

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin remains eligible to play in the NHL next season despite an incident in a Seattle hotel involving an intoxicated woman in his room that sparked a team investigation. Bettman said there will be no league investigation, adding that the Avalanche handled the situation appropriately.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin was not charged by Seattle police and there is no further investigation into the matter.

Two Stadium Series games will be held at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium next February. The Philadelphia Flyers will face off against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 17 followed by the New York Rangers facing the New York Islanders on Feb. 18.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 3, 2023

by | Jun 3, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 3, 2023

The latest on the Golden Knights and Panthers ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Blues won’t buy out contracts, more changes to the front offices of the Flyers and Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Jack Eichel is making the most of his first-ever NHL postseason as his Vegas Golden Knights prepare for the upcoming Stanley Cup Final.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

“It’s where you want to be as a player and (it’s) been taking a few years for me to get here,” said Eichel. “It’s been a great experience. It’s been a lot of fun sharing with the guys in the room, the emotions, winning and moving on.”

Eichel, 26, is tied for fourth in this postseason with 18 points.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill has been enjoying the ride to the Stanley Cup Final. Hill took over as their starter midway through their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers, backstopping them to victory in that series and in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.

In 11 postseasons appearance, Hill leads all goalies with two shutouts and a sparkling .937 save percentage.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has found his underdog team’s march to the Stanley Cup Final to be “an unbelievable experience.” He’s applied the lessons learned from the disappointments of the past to his performance in the 2023 playoffs. Bobrovsky’s won 11 of his 12 playoff games, including six in overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky’s performance has made him a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Hill should also be considered a Smythe candidate.

NHL.COM: The Panthers long layoff has benefitted forward Eetu Luostarinen. Sidelined during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final, he has returned to his usual spot with linemates Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart.

STLTODAY.COM: Don’t expect the Blues to go the buyout route to free up some salary-cap space this summer. “I don’t see us buying out players, no,” said general manager Doug Armstrong. “I’m not sure this is the summer for substantial changes for us. We talked about that at the end of the year. We want to see internal growth from some of the guys.”

Armstrong also said he was flattered to learn that his name was mentioned by Toronto sports media as a potential candidate to become the GM of the Maple Leafs. He said he was glad he was in Europe when those rumors came out. “My intentions, I’m a St. Louis Blue,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those rumors appear to be based on pundits thinking out loud and spitballing potential candidates for the job. It turns out the Maple Leafs never reached out to the Blues to speak with Armstrong, who’s under contract through 2025-26.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The shakeups continue in the Penguins’ front office. Their latest departures include director of pro scouting Kerry Huffman, senior vice president of integrated performance Teena Murray and director of hockey operations Alec Schall. No replacements have been named yet.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers have parted ways with senior advisor to the general manager and player development Mike O’Connell and player development coaches John Riley and Kjell Samuelsson.

They named Alyn McCauley as assistant GM, Riley Armstrong as director of player development and Nick Schultz as assistant director of player development.

THE SCORE: Player agent Kurt Overhardt doesn’t anticipate any problems reaching an agreement with the Minnesota Wild on a new contract for client Filip Gustavsson. “I don’t think it’s a matter of getting something done. It’s just a matter of when it’s done. It’s only June 2. So there’s still a lot of time.”

Gustavsson is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $787, 500. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. The 24-year-old Swedish goaltender appeared in 39 games with the Wild, starting 37 of them. He ranked second in save percentage (.931) among goalies with at least eight games played this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson has taken over the starter’s job from the aging Marc-Andre Fleury, who has one season remaining on his contract.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Toronto billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos is considered the front-runner in the bidding to purchase the Senators. He had the highest bid ($1 billion USD) and is thought to be in the driver’s seat because he has what’s considered to be the “cleanest” bid.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Apostolopoulos hasn’t had to get outside investors involved to come up with the money to purchase the team. Garrioch indicated that his partners are his two brothers and his bid isn’t heavily leveraged with debt.

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens have signed checking-line forward Michael Pezzetta to a two-year, $1.625 million contract. The average annual value is $812,500.

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes are mourning the loss of Bob Brind’Amour, father of head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Bob passed away on Thursday in Campbell River, BC, surrounded by family and friends.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the Brind’Amour family.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Bark-Andre Furry, the beloved Jack Russell terrier who became the furry friend of the Vegas Golden Knights, passed away on Friday at age 14. Bark was named after former Golden Knights star Marc-Andre Fleury in 2018 and frequently appeared at their home games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Condolences to the Golden Knights and to Bark’s owners.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2023

by | May 31, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2023

The latest on Auston Matthews and the Leafs, an update on Flyers goalie Carter Hart and more speculation about the Stars in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON MATTHEWS AND THE LEAFS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the recent change in Toronto Maple Leafs management hasn’t adversely affected contract extension talks between the club and superstar Auston Matthews.

Johnston reports the line of communication between the two sides has remained open despite the departure of former general manager Kyle Dubas. While there haven’t been any progress or firm discussions about an extension on July 1, Johnston doubts bringing in a new GM will derail things. He pointed out that Matthews has consistently expressed his desire to stay in Toronto and expects those contract talks will pick up once a new GM is in place.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, both sides are willing to do a contract extension but they’re going to wait until a new general manager is hired. That makes sense but of course, gives rise to conjecture over Matthews’ future.

Unless those negotiations go off the rails during this summer I anticipate Matthews will sign an extension at some point in this offseason. Expect the length of that new contract and the average annual value to be grist for the rumor mill.

Nevertheless, I anticipate that Matthews will end up earning the highest AAV of any NHL player starting in 2024-25. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon is currently the leader at $12.6 million. Don’t be surprised if Matthews comes in between $13 million and $14 million. And yes, the Leafs will be able to afford it because the salary cap is projected to jump by at least $4 million for 2024-25.

THE TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently suggested that whoever becomes the Leafs new general manager will have to have what would be a difficult discussion with captain John Tavares.

Kypreos was no fan of Dubas signing Tavares to his seven-year contract at $11 million annually back in 2018. The Leafs captain said he has no intention of waiving his no-movement clause as he wants to honor the remaining tenure with the club Nevertheless, the Leafs must shed salary and moving Tavares’ contract should be an option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I understand that a player carrying a no-movement clause can opt to waive it for a certain team if pressured or requested to do so by management. However, I doubt Tavares is going to do that. For better or worse, the Leafs are stuck with his contract until it expires in 2025.

BRIERE DOWNPLAYS HART TRADE RUMORS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Quigley reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere is throwing cold water on trade rumors about Carter Hart. In an interview on Saturday, Briere indicated he’d be willing to entertain trade offers for any player, including the 24-year-old goaltender.

Talking to Broad Street Hockey’s Bill Matz and Kelly Hinkle on Tuesday, however, Briere clarified that while no player is immovable, it’s not a foregone conclusion that he’s trading Hart. Briere indicated that he still sees the young netminder as a part of what they’re trying to build in Philadelphia. “It would have to be a crazy load of a haul to even consider trading him,” said the Flyers GM.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hart’s future could also be determined by his willingness to agree to a contract extension. He signed through next season and becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. If he and the Flyers don’t reach an agreement on a new contract, he can become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Briere’s remarks suggest that he wants to keep Hart in the fold for the long term. Of course, there’s plenty of time for the two sides to work out an agreement. Nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see if they open extension talks this summer or wait until next year to work this out.

UPDATE ON THE STARS

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Joseph Hoyt looked at some key questions facing the Stars as they head into the offseason.

With limited salary-cap space, he wondered if Stars management can find sufficient cap space to re-sign Max Domi or Evgenii Dadonov, who played well after joining the Stars at the trade deadline.

Their estimated $7.3 million in cap space could allow a promising young forward such as 21-year-old center Mavrik Bourque an opportunity to crack the lineup next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Mike McKenna believes the Stars must bolster their depth if they hope to be a Stanley Cup contender next season.

Unless they can find a way to shed forward Radek Faksa and his $3.25 million cap hit, they’ll have to find some serious value via free agency or trade for a player with a lesser cap hit who’s under contract for several seasons.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2023

by | May 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2023

A look ahead at the Stars’ offseason, the latest on the Flyers plus some recent Elias Lindholm speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE STARS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at what the offseason could have in store for the Dallas Stars after their playoff run ended in the Western Conference Final.

The Stars have limited salary-cap space if they hope to re-sign Evgenii Dadonov and Max Domi. Both were trade-deadline acquisitions who are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Clark suggests it’s possible they could move some cap space to sign Dadonov and/or Domi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars management could focus on re-signing Domi. He’s younger than Dadonov, more versatile and doesn’t shy away from physical play. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Dadonov could be more affordable given his age.

Clark also noted the Stars have young talent including Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger and the underrated Roope Hintz. They also have a farm system that continues to replenish their roster.

THE ATHLETIC: Saad Yousef also pointed out the Stars’ growing core of young talent that included a solid performance by rookie center Wyatt Johnston. Thomas Harley emerged as a key late-season development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those talented young players could make it easier for the Stars to shed an older veteran to free up some cap room.

They can’t move the overpaid Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin given their respective $9.5 million average annual values and full no-movement clauses. They’re also likely stuck with aging defenseman Ryan Suter, who has a reasonable $3.65 million cap hit but also a full no-movement clause. They’re certainly not parting with the ageless Joe Pavelski, who carries an affordable $3.5 million cap hit for 2023-24 and – you guessed it! – a full NMC.

Radek Faksa is a more likely cap casualty. He carries an AAV of $3.25 million through 2024-25 and a five-team no-trade clause. Defenseman Colin Miller ($1.85 million for 2023-24) is another likely candidate.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (NHL Images)

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Quigley noted Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere’s recent remarks about his willingness to entertain offers for goaltender Carter Hart. However, he also pointed out that Briere expects the 24-year-Hart to be back with the Flyers’ other young players next season.

Quigley believes defenseman Ivan Provorov is another player who could be moved, noting his productivity has declined since 2019-20. He thinks the 26-year-old blueliner could bounce back with the right supporting cast but the Flyers in their current state lack that type of support.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Chuck Bausman believes the Flyers would be making a big mistake if they trade Hart, whom he considers their most valuable asset. If they make that move, he thinks they better be getting a mind-blowing offer such as a top-line forward or a top-line defenseman plus draft picks and a prospect. Instead, he suggests the Flyers rebuild around Hart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere is wise to consider all his options. He’s willing to listen on everyone at this stage but that doesn’t mean he’s going to trade Hart. It’s unlikely the Flyers will get a suitable offer to make such a move worthwhile.

The only wild card is Hart himself. He’s a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and will be eligible for UFA status in 2025 unless he and the Flyers agree next summer to a long-term extension.

Hart might be reluctant to spend his prime playing years on a rebuilding club. That could prompt Briere to trade him. However, if Hart’s willing to be part of their long-term plans, then they should invest in him.

Provorov, on the other hand, seems a more likely trade candidate. He’s frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the course of this season. Provorov should attract interest from clubs seeking a top-four defenseman in his late twenties who’s in need of a change of scenery.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS LINDHOLM

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek recently suggested a trade scenario involving Elias Lindholm that might make sense for the Calgary Flames.

If Lindholm isn’t interested in signing a contract extension with the Flames but was willing to do so if he were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets to be reunited with Johnny Gaudreau, would the Blue Jackets part with the third overall pick?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s an interesting scenario that would address the Jackets’ need for an established first-line center. It would provide them with a devastating first line that could lead them into postseason contention.

Of course, we don’t know what Lindholm’s intentions are right now or what Craig Conroy, the Flames’ new GM, has in store for his roster. If the Flames were to offer up Lindholm for the third-overall pick, we don’t know if the Jackets would be interested.

However, if Lindholm remains reluctant to re-sign, Conroy might have to peddle him this summer. Perhaps it could be some sort of creative deal like the one proposed by Duhatschek.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 28, 2023

by | May 28, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 28, 2023

The latest on the Hurricanes, the Flyers are willing to entertain offers for Carter Hart, and the possibility of the Blackhawks and Canucks swapping first-round picks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON THE HURRICANES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock believes the Carolina Hurricanes are running out of chances with their current group to win the Stanley Cup. After another disappointing postseason, they could have one final shot at it before difficult roster decisions must be made.

Core players such as Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei and Teuvo Teravainen will need new contracts next summer, and Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin the year after that. Meanwhile, some changes could come this summer with Jesper Fast, Jordan Staal and goalies Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images)

DeCock speculated Hurricanes management could decide to peddle Teravainen this summer if they’re unlikely to re-sign him. They could also perhaps sell high on Necas or Jack Drury, who both struggled in the postseason. There are also lingering questions regarding their overall roster toughness.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have plenty of salary-cap space ($24.1 million) to retain players like Staal and Andersen on affordable short-term contracts. Meanwhile, they could go shopping for a scoring forward with size and grit via the trade or free-agent markets.

SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe wonders if the Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets would become trade partners if the latter attempts to shake up their “core four” of goalie Connor Hellebuyck and forwards Mark Scheifele, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Blake Wheeler.

Pyotr Kochetckov is the only Hurricanes goalie under contract for next season. Hellebuyck has one season left on his contract with a manageable $6.167 million cap hit. He’d unlikely be a long-term fit but that might not be a deterrent for a team in “win-now” mode.

Scheifele, meanwhile, doesn’t necessarily fit into the Hurricanes’ defensive-zone commitment. Nevertheless, perhaps Rod Brind’Amour could be the type of coach that inspires Scheifele to play a 200-foot game. The 29-year-old center will also be motivated as he’s also a year away from UFA status and will want to ensure his value remains high.

Wiebe listed Necas, Teravainen and Pesce as possible Hurricanes trade chips as well as top prospect Scott Morrow and their 2023 or 2024 first-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weibe isn’t saying that the Hurricanes and Jets are talking trade. He’s merely looking at which members of the Jets core might be available and of potential interest to the Canes. We’ll learn in the coming weeks whether these two clubs intend to have trade discussions.

We can’t rule out the possibility of the Hurricanes rolling the dice on stars with a year left on their contracts in their quest to win the Stanley Cup next season. Whether Carolina GM Don Waddell is prepared to go that route remains to be seen.

FLYERS COULD ENTERTAIN TRADE OFFERS FOR HART

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Chuck Bausman cited Flyers general manager Daniel Briere telling Philadelphia sports radio 94.1 WIP that he’s open to trading goaltender Carter Hart.

“Most likely, Carter will be our goalie for the future, but I’m not in a position to turn down anything,” said Briere. “I have to listen.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hart was considered among the rebuilding Flyers’ few untouchables so that’s a significant statement by Briere. However, he didn’t say that he is trading Hart but only indicated that he’s willing to entertain offers.

Those offers, however, will have to meet what will likely be Briere’s high asking price. He’s not going to just give him away. I daresay he’ll want at least a first-round pick and a top prospect in the deal.

Someone could step up and overpay to get Hart. However, I think he’ll be returning to the Flyers crease this fall.

COULD THE BLACKHAWKS AND CANUCKS COMBINE ON A DRAFT PICK TRADE?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston recently took note of The Athletic’s Scott Powers indicating the Chicago Blackhawks would love to move up into the top-15 in this year’s draft order. In addition to the first-overall pick, they also hold the 19th overall pick.

Powers indicated the Blackhawks are willing to package second-round picks with the 19th overall pick. He suggested the Canucks as a trade partner as they hold the 11th overall selection.

Johnston cited one source suggesting the Blackhawks could land the Canucks pick based on the scenario laid out by Powers. Another source told Johnston that they might be willing to entertain that scenario if they can move a contract in the deal.

The Canucks would like to move Tyler Myers, who has a year left with a $6 million cap hit on his contract. Johnston, however, suggested winger Conor Garland ($4.95 million cap hit through 2025-26) might be more enticing to the Blackhawks because he’s six years younger than Myers and still in his prime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To summarize: the Hawks move up to 11th overall plus they add a good roster player in Garland who has several years remaining on his contract. The Canucks drop down to 19th overall but add one or two second-rounders and clear nearly $5 million in cap space from their books.

That’s a very interesting trade scenario for those two clubs. It’ll be interesting to see if it comes to pass during the first round on June 28.