NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2024

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they prepare for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Jets could trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty, and more in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP FINAL NOTEBOOK

NEW YORK POST: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid can cement his legacy among hockey’s all-time greats if he leads his club to the Stanley Cup in Game 7 on Monday. He’s considered the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy regardless of the game’s outcome. With 42 points in this playoff run, he trails only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux for the most in one postseason.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner became the first netminder in Stanley Cup playoff history to record an assist in a game where his club faced elimination. He collected that assist on Darnell Nurse’s empty-netter in Game 6.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they prepare for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Jets could trade top prospect Rutger McGroarty, and more in the NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: History will be made one way or another in Game 7. The Panthers will either win their first-ever Stanley Cup or the Oilers will become only the second team to overcome a 3-0 deficit and win the Cup.

THE ATHLETIC: Sean McIndoe believes it will be the biggest collapse in Stanley Cup playoff history if the Panthers lose this series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: History will be made on Monday.

Despite the intense pressure the Panthers are feeling, they can still win after blowing a 3-0 series lead. It’ll be joy mixed with relief if they can stem the tide of momentum that’s now rolling in the Oilers favor. Their championship will still be well-deserved.

There won’t be any shame for the Oilers if they fall short. Overcoming an 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final is significant.

However, an Oilers win will make this the greatest comeback in Stanley Cup playoff history. It will also be devastating for the Panthers, especially after how hard they worked to return to the Final after falling short last year.

McDavid is unquestionably the greatest player of his generation. Winning the Cup and the Conn Smythe in this series will put him in the same class as Gretzky and Lemieux.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reported the Winnipeg Jets are likely to trade their top prospect, Rutger McGroarty.

The Jets hoped to sign McGroarty following the 2023-24 NCAA season. However, they couldn’t guarantee him NHL playing time so the 20-year-old forward is returning to the University of Michigan for 2024-25.

Ates believes there is a disconnect between how the Jets’ player development viewed and communicated its plan with McGroarty and the player’s view of his future. “He no longer believes his future is with the Jets,” writes Ates, citing a league source claiming the youngster felt his path to the NHL with another team.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck cited a source suggesting this doesn’t look good for the Jets’ organization, pointing to how the club has handled young center Cole Perfetti and defenseman Ville Heinola.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe cite a source suggesting the Jets could regret trading McGroarty. “Winnipeg really needs to revisit its development plan”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Jets trade McGroarty it’ll be before or during the first round of the upcoming trade. They should get a solid return like a high first-round pick or another high-quality prospect. Nevertheless, this situation raises questions and criticism of the Jets’ development system.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Anthony Mantha has been informed he will not be returning with the Golden Knights. The 29-year-old winger was acquired from the Washington Capitals before the March trade deadline. He was a healthy scratch in the final four of their seven playoff games. Mantha is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Alex Turcotte to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $775K.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators added Darby Hendrikson to their coaching staff.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks have hired Rich Clune as an assistant coach.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

by | Jun 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Juuse Saros and Jonathan Marchessault in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS, LEAFS, SENATORS LINKED TO JACOB MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are quietly trying to find a deal for Jacob Markstrom. The 34-year-old goaltender has two years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million. 

Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators are interested in Markstrom. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to move his first-round pick (10th overall) and seeks help between the pipes. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is the former GM of the Flames and signed Markstrom to his current contract. 

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

The Senators are believed to be in every trade conversation regarding a goaltender. Friedman doesn’t know what Markstrom feels about that. He holds a full no-movement clause. 

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios has been working the phones in search of a goaltending upgrade. He’s reportedly among the more aggressive suitors for Markstrom. Staios also held talks with the Boston Bruins about Linus Ullmark. It’s also believed the Senators GM may have “kicked tires” on Nashville’s Juuse Saros. 

The Senators would have to get one of its current goalies off their books to accommodate Markstrom’s $6 million cap hit if he agreed to come to Ottawa. Joonas Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million while Anton Forsberg has a year remaining at $2.75 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s NMC gives him the final say over where he goes. It’s believed he was willing to accept a trade to the Devils in February, That deal fell through partly because they didn’t want to take on his full cap hit. 

Nevertheless, the Devils remain the most likely destination of the three. He could also accept the Leafs because they’re a playoff contender and his link to Treliving. Given the Senators’ struggles, it’s unlikely he’ll agree to go to Ottawa.

MORE MITCH MARNER SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports the Maple Leafs have no plans to ask Mitch Marner to waive his no-movement clause. However, they remain interested in moving him during this offseason. 

Simmons claims the Leafs are in trade mode and are willing to entertain offers for everyone except Auston Matthews and William Nylander. As for Marner, if they get a suitable trade offer, then they’ll approach the 27-year-old winger about waiving his clause. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs need to clear cap room to bolster their goaltending and defensive depth. However, they won’t just give Marner away. They’ll want a suitable return that helps them now and in the future. 

As for potential trade destinations, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin recently published his list. It includes the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and the Utah franchise. Feel free to check it out and then give your thoughts in the comments section below. 

UPDATES ON JUUSE SAROS AND JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT

SPORTSNET: Friedman said there is motivation between the Nashville Predators and Juuse Saros to work out a contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his deal with an average annual value of $5 million. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that the Saros camp could wait and see what Igor Shesterkin gets for an extension with the New York Rangers and then seek 75-80 percent. 

Speaking of contract talks, Friedman said discussions have started between the Vegas Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault. The 33-year-old winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after completing a six-year, $30-million deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2024

by | May 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2024

The status of contract talks between the Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault, questions about Kaapo Kakko’s future with the Rangers, and the latest on the Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NO TALKS YET WITH GOLDEN KNIGHTS, SAYS MARCHESSAULT

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: David Schoen reports Jonathan Marchessault said he hasn’t heard from Golden Knights management regarding a contract extension. The 33-year-old winger is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s completing a six-year, $30 million contract.

Marchessault said management told him they were “definitely interested” in re-signing him. He noted that they have until June 30, “so we’ll wait how it goes.” The veteran winger believes they’re exploring all their offseason options. He also said that he was keen to sign last summer but the team wanted to wait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed his willingness to sign Marchessault during his end-of-season press conference, touting his value to the club.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Limited salary-cap space is why the Golden Knights didn’t re-sign Marchessault last summer and the reason why he hasn’t heard from them yet. They have a projected cap room of $1.797 million with 18 active roster players under contract.

The Golden Knights will get another $5 million of cap flexibility if Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve next season. That could leave enough room to re-sign Marchessault but not enough to suitably fill the remaining roster spots.

It’s believed McCrimmon could make a cost-cutting trade to free up additional cap room.

Defenseman Shea Theodore could be a candidate. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $5.2 million cap hit and a five-team no-trade list.

Another option is goaltender Adin Hill, who’ll be a UFA next summer and has a cap hit of $4.9 million. He has an eight-team no-trade list for this season which becomes a five-team list on July 1.

MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT KAKKO’S FUTURE WITH THE RANGERS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox noted that New York Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko wasn’t happy with being a healthy scratch from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

The 23-year-old Finn has struggled this season with just two points in 13 playoff games. An injury during the regular season limited him to 19 points in 61 games.

Kakko is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. Fox speculates that contract negotiations could be tense, suggesting rival general managers should inquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alexis Lafreniere was the subject of trade speculation heading into this season but that’s died away with his breakout performance this season. Kakko could have the same opportunity next season if the Rangers don’t retain Jack Roslovic, who is currently skating as their second-line right wing behind Lafreniere. However, his struggles this season could result in a one or two-year contract at a lower rate than he’d prefer.

The Rangers could listen to trade offers for Kakko but the decline in his stats this season will hurt his value.

SHOULD THE KINGS SHOP TREVOR MOORE FOR A GOALIE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Connor Doyle believes the Los Angeles Kings lack sufficient cap space to make a major move in this summer’s trade market. They’re also further hamstrung by the high number of players carrying no-movement or no-trade clauses.

Doyle suggests Trevor Moore as their only viable asset who might fetch a decent return. He pointed out that the 29-year-old winger lacks a no-move clause, carries a reasonable $4.2 million annual average value through 2027-28, and is coming off his first 30-goal season. Doyle believes it’s worth the cost to peddle Moore for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $19 million of projected cap space with 13 active roster players under contract for next season. They must re-sign or replace starter Cam Talbot and must also sign restricted free agents Quinton Byfield and Jordan Spence. That’ll eat up most of that cap space.

Moore has a 10-team no-trade list until July 1. After that, he lacks no-trade protection for the remainder of his deal.

The Kings might prefer waiting until July 1 to shop Moore for a goalie if that’s their intent. They would have to move quickly as teams with available cap space will quickly use it up in trades and free-agent signings.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 19, 2024

by | May 19, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 19, 2024

Could Martin Necas be a fit with the Devils or Flames? What are the Canadiens’ best trade assets? What are possible destinations for the Golden Knights’ notable UFAs? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD MARTIN NECAS BE A FIT WITH THE DEVILS OR FLAMES?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating that the Carolina Hurricanes could attempt to move Martin Necas. The 25-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1. Friedman doubts the Hurricanes will offer him a new contract and could trade him this summer.

The Devils have a hole among their top-six forwards after trading Tyler Toffoli to Winnipeg before the trade deadline. Necas could help them address that problem. However, he could also prove costly to sign and the Hurricanes could seek an expensive return.

Nichols examined the pros and cons of acquiring Necas. He thinks the Devils should be interested if he becomes available, but only at the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring or signing a starting goaltender will be the priority for Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, followed by a defenseman. With $18 million in projected cap space and 15 active roster players under contract, there won’t be enough to add a top-six forward.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Trevor Neufeld thinks Necas could be a good addition to the Flames’ forward lines but ultimately they should pass on him.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Neufeld believes Necas’ next contract could cost over $7 million annually, taking a big chunk out of the Flames’ $19 million in cap room. He also believes the Hurricanes’ asking price would be expensive.

Necas doesn’t play a hardnosed style. It could also be the wrong time for the Flames to add an established forward if management is rebuilding the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s hard to determine what Flames GM Craig Conroy has in store for his roster.

Trading away Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin and attempting to move Jacob Markstrom screams “rebuild”. Nevertheless, they have veterans Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri on long-term contracts plus several good young players on their roster and others in their pipeline, suggesting a retooling could be in order.

Adding Necas could fit into a roster retool for the Flames. However, Neufeld is likely correct that he wouldn’t fit into Conroy’s plans

WHAT ARE THE CANADIENS’ BEST TRADE ASSETS?

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently looked at the Canadiens’ best assets to use as trade bait heading into the NHL Draft next month in Las Vegas.

The first-round pick acquired from the Winnipeg Jets in the Sean Monahan trade could be bundled with one or two assets to bring in a scoring forward. They could also part with one of the two first-round picks they hold in the 2025 draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The pick from the Jets is one of their best trade chips. It’ll be surprising if the Canadiens part with their own first-rounder (fifth overall) in this year’s draft. That will likely be used to select a promising young scoring forward.

They could draw on their plethora of promising young defensemen. D’Amico mentioned Justin Barron, Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble, and potentially Adam Enstrom or Logan Mailloux.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those young defensemen could be packaged with the Jets pick to bring in a scorer.

Trade partners could ask for Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson or David Reinbacher but they’re unlikely to be on the table. Guhle is well-established among their top four. Hutson and Reinbacher are their most talented prospects and could be in the lineup as early as next season.

D’Amico also suggested a veteran defenseman like David Savard or Mike Matheson could be dangled. They could also draw on prospects such as Filip Mesar, Owen Beck or Joshua Roy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard is entering the final season of his contract. He will likely be shopped at next season’s trade deadline if the Canadiens are out of playoff contention by then.

Some Habs fans are begging Hughes to trade Matheson while his value is high. However, he’s a local boy with two years left on his contract and an invaluable part of their defense corps. Matheson’s skills and experience should ensure his place with the Canadiens.

DESTINATIONS FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ TOP UFAS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio recently looked at possible destinations for the Vegas Golden Knights’ notable unrestricted free agents if they aren’t signed to new contracts by July 1.

Jonathan Marchessault could interest the Detroit Red Wings. Alec Martinez could see a reunion with the Los Angeles Kings or land with the Devils or Edmonton Oilers.

The San Jose Sharks or Utah could use a skilled shooter like Anthony Mantha. William Carrier could be an affordable addition to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Flames could target Michael Amadio.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights could keep one or two of these players depending on the cost. If they re-sign Marchessault, the others won’t be back because they won’t be able to afford them.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 17, 2024

by | May 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 17, 2024

Offseason changes could be coming for the Hurricanes plus the latest Golden Knights speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE HURRICANES?

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock believes changes are coming for the Carolina Hurricanes following another disappointing postseason. He pointed out that they have several pending unrestricted free agents and head coach Rod Brind’Amour remains unsigned for next season.

“It’s the end of this group, the one that was on the ice Thursday night,” wrote DeCock. “Change is coming. The Hurricanes will almost certainly still be contenders, but not these contenders. That’s over.”

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus predicts a stormy future for the Hurricanes. He anticipates “a roster reckoning” could be coming with or without Brind’Amour behind the bench.

Unrestricted free agents include forwards Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen and defensemen Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, Tony DeAngelo and Jalen Chatfield. Goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov remain under contract for next season.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour (NHL Images).

Lazerus believes Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell will have sufficient salary-cap space, trade bait and roster flexibility to pursue a No. 1 goaltender, re-sign Guentzel, and/or pursue another top forward if he chooses.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton believes the Hurricanes’ priority should be re-signing Guentzel. He had 25 points in 17 games for them following his trade from Pittsburgh and was a point-per-game performer in the playoffs. She also believes they should invest in a starting goaltender.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby believes teams that need a new coach will want to know Brind’Amour’s plans. He thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs are among them.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Glenn Dreyfuss thinks the Seattle Kraken would be among Brind’Amour’s suitors if he doesn’t re-sign with the Hurricanes.

BLEACHER REPORT: The Leafs and Kraken are on Lyle Fitzsimmons’ list of landing spots for Brind’Amour. He also sees him staying in Carolina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour’s future was a hot topic of speculation earlier this month following a report claiming the Hurricanes had pulled their recent contract offer. All sides downplayed the matter, insisting negotiations were ongoing and a deal was close.

Following another disappointing postseason, Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon could feel the need for a change behind the bench. GM Don Waddell could share that view. We’ll find out soon enough.

One of those pending UFAs may have played his last for the Hurricanes. Shortly after last night’s game, Pesce’s father shared a now-deleted post on “X” thanking Hurricanes’ fans for their support over the years.

LATEST GOLDEN KNIGHTS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger recently looked at who stays and who goes among the Vegas Golden Knights this summer.

Jonathan Marchessault is slated to become a UFA on July 1. He and GM Kelly McCrimmon were publicly optimistic that an agreement on a new contract could be reached. However, there is limited cap space for him and the remainder of the roster.

A cap-clearing trade will be necessary if Marchessault is re-signed.

Granger speculated Zach Whitecloud could be a trade candidate if McCrimmon needs to make a minor subtraction. The 27-year-old defenseman has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $2.75 million.

Shea Theodore could be shopped if McCrimmon needs to make a bigger change. He’s signed through next season with an AAV of $5.2 million and will be eligible for UFA status next summer. Recently acquired Noah Hanifin plays a similar style to Theodore and carries a $7.35 million cap hit on his new contract.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen believes freeing up cap space will be a priority for McCrimmon if he intends to re-sign Marchessault and other UFAs. Theodore or goaltender Adin Hill ($4.9 million AAV) could become trade options. He could also try to move a couple of lower-salaried players like Brayden McNabb ($2.85 million) or Nicolas Hague ($2.29 million million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I was initially dismissive of the Golden Knights using Theodore as a cost-cutting candidate. Giving it more thought, however, it seems the best course of action given his UFA status next summer and the addition of Hanifin.

Theodore would draw considerable interest if McCrimmon put him on the trade block. The puck-moving blueliner has a five-team no-trade list but he should still attract a lot of suitors. He could fetch an affordable return that would help to replenish the Golden Knights’ prospect pipeline or add a promising youngster to their lineup.

McCrimmon could have other plans to clear cap space for Marchessault that don’t involve moving Theodore. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.