NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett and Filip Gustavsson plus updates on the Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports he’s had no firm confirmation that the New York Rangers offered Igor Shesterkin an eight-year, $88-million contract. However, if that was the offer that was made, it’s no surprise the 28-year-old goaltender rejected it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported this story. He has a solid track record for breaking news like this. Friedman isn’t saying Weekes was given the wrong info, only that his own sources can’t confirm the numbers.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Rangers aren’t comfortable with Shesterkin’s asking price, which would also make him their highest-paid player. He also cites teams and agents saying the percentage of the salary cap is a critical factor, especially with the cap expected to rise. “No agent or player wishes to sign something that looks relatively small if things go where predicted,” wrote Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported in June that the Rangers netminder would seek an average annual value of $12 million on a long-term deal.

There are fewer A-list goaltenders these days which is why their wages overall have been suppressed. Nevertheless, the Rangers have a top goalie in Shesterkin, prompting Friedman to suggest that they will eventually meet his asking price because of his value to the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying that for weeks and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. You can debate whether Shesterkin deserves $12 million annually but he’s perfectly positioned to make that request.

Friedman admits there were times last summer when he thought the Minnesota Wild would trade goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are starting this season with Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jesper Wallstedt in goal. Gustavsson could be moved at some point but it could be difficult to find him sufficient playing time to generate interest among other clubs. They might have to wait until the trade deadline.

Friedman wondered if an eve-of-season contract extension was possible between the Winnipeg Jets and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

Ehlers is slated to become a UFA next July. He appeared in trade rumors during the draft in June but that talks fizzled out as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel sang his praises while offering their expectations of his role with the club this season.

After signing Carter Verhaeghe to a contract extension, the Florida Panthers are expected to focus on retaining Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers will have a projected $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the salary cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That would give them enough to re-sign Bennett but he will want a substantial raise over his current $4.425 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will draw interest in the trade market. Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues took a long look at him. However, it’ll take time for interested teams that currently lack salary cap space to pursue him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman said things are quiet on the Trevor Zegras front. He noted there was speculation last season linking the 23-year-old forward to the Montreal Canadiens but that’s cooled off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens made their big move for a forward by acquiring Patrik Laine in August. Laine is currently sidelined until December with a sprained knee but they’re reportedly going to ride things out with their current roster until he returns.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox included Mitch Marner on his recent list of 25 people who will define the 2024-25 NHL season. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Fox will be surprised if Marner accepts a contract extension with an average annual value less than teammate William Nylander’s $11.5 million.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could attempt to trade Marner before the March 7 trade deadline, which is unlikely given the winger’s full no-movement clause. He could re-sign him to a lucrative new offer during this season or wait and see how this season unfolds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also wonders what the end game will be for Marner. He doesn’t think the Leafs want to let Marner walk next summer but he also doesn’t see them trying to move him at the trade deadline if they’re a 100-point team by then, especially with Marner’s NMC giving him complete control over his situation.

I think Treliving waits until the regular season is over to make his decision. He’ll likely let Marner walk if the Leafs make another early postseason exit.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman has tumbled down their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly looked into peddling Liljegren before signing him in June to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. He’s an expensive seventh defenseman for the Leafs but could be a suitable addition for clubs looking for reasonably-price blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2024

by | Aug 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 26, 2024

The latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas, Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom,  Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson, and an update on the Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports Martin Necas was “50-50” about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old forward said he didn’t have the best season and was unhappy.

However, Necas said he and the club “turned the page”, figuring out a way for him to stay for two more seasons. “I feel like Carolina is my home”, he said, adding that he’s happy to stay and looks forward to a better performance this season.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Before signing his new deal, it was reported that multiple teams expressed interest in him after his father criticized the Hurricanes’ handling of his son’s role with the club. Necas said the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets were among the suitors but his Hurricanes teammates convinced him to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk of the Blue Jackets offering up Patrik Laine for Necas and the Jets dangling promising center Cole Perfetti.

Necas will likely play more of a top-six forward role with the Hurricanes this season. The trade rumors have died since he signed his new contract last month. His role and performance this season will be worth watching.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted the recent activity in the NHL trade market and wondered if the Islanders might get into the fray by attempting to move Oliver Wahlstrom.

The Isles made Wahlstrom available at the end of last season but he couldn’t have had much value in the trade market. Nevertheless, they’re in a salary-cap bind and must free up space for offseason addition Maxim Tsyplakov.

Macias suggested the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias is right about Wahlstrom’s trade value. They could send him to the minors to make room for Tsyplakov. He’s on a one-year deal with a $1 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Shayna Goldman report Filip Gustavsson could be sticking around with the Minnesota Wild.

Gustavsson was considered a trade candidate after the Wild re-sign Marc-Andre Fleury and with Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings. The 26-year-old goaltender surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason. He could be part of a three-goalie rotation with the Wild this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson’s struggles last season combined with his $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26 explains why he’ll likely be back with the Wild this season.

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs could consider adding a left winger before training camp opens in mid-September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Free-agent options at left wing include Max Pacioretty, who reportedly has firm offers from a couple of clubs. Former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins could be another if GM Brad Treliving maintains last summer’s obsession with adding “snot” to his lineup. Former Leaf James van Riemsdyk is also available.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

A look at some notable trade and free-agent rumors facing several Western Conference clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently examined lingering offseason questions facing the NHL’s Western Conference teams. Among them were some notable trade and free-agent speculation.

Dixon wondered if the Anaheim Ducks would trade Trevor Zegras. Trade speculation started last fall during their contentious contract negotiations. The 23-year-old was limited to 31 games by injuries last season. He’s an imperfect player but his offensive skills continue to draw interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has consistently denied the trade rumors, claiming he hasn’t shopped Zegras nor received any trade offers. He’s under no pressure to move the young winger, who has two seasons remaining on his contract. Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season.

The Calgary Flames are now rebuilding their roster. Dixon wondered if they might take on a bloated contract or two from a cap-strapped club in return for a draft pick or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $20 million in cap space and 22 active roster players under contract, the Flames are well-positioned to make that type of deal. Whether they want to is another matter. The earliest we could see such a move is in September or early October as teams with limited cap space or over the $88 million cap look to shed salary before the start of the season.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Dixon wonders if the two sides will hammer out a contract extension this summer.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been quiet on the Rantanen front. The Avalanche faces some short and long-term salary cap uncertainty given Gabriel Landeskog’s attempt at a comeback from knee injuries and Valeri Nichushkin’s returning to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Both are on long-term contracts. The Avs could be waiting for cap clarification before opening extension talks with Rantanen.

Dixon wondered if the Dallas Stars might scour the trade market for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on this situation. The depth among the Stars’ right-shot defensemen drops sharply behind Miro Heiskanen with free-agent additions Ilya Lyubushkin and Matt Dumba signed to fill those gaps.

Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings could be coming to an end. He’s been on the outs with the club and is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is coming off an entry-level contract and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation. Don’t be surprised if he ends up traded before the start of the season.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be a trade candidate after the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and promising Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson surfaced in the rumor mill during the spring but trade speculation about him dried up weeks ago. The Wild could retain him for another season and send Wallstedt back to the minors. 

Dixon pondered the possibility of the Nashville Predators trading goalie Yaroslav Askarov after they signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed free-agent backup Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz will set a high asking price for Askarov, who has potential as an NHL starter. Trotz can afford to be patient as he waits for a club seeking goaltending depth to come calling, which could lead to Askarov starting this season with their AHL affiliate.

The Utah Hockey Club made some significant additions to their blueline by acquiring Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. Flush with cap space, draft picks and prospects, they might not be done making additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong prioritized improving his defense corps this summer. Having addressed that issue, he could shift his focus to other roster areas. Still, he could also keep his powder dry and see what unfolds during this season.

Dixon also wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will work out an extension with winger Brock Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser made it clear he wants to play for the Canucks despite being the subject of trade rumors leading up to last season. He’s the only core player due for a new contract by next summer.

The Canucks have over $12 million in projected cap space based on a cap of $88 million, but it’s projected it could rise to $92 million for 2025-26. That will give them plenty of room to re-sign Boeser. However, his injury history could have management adopt a wait-and-see approach to this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights have limited cap space for 2024-25. Nevertheless, Dixon wonders if they might have a crafty move up their sleeve to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas’ depth chart took a beating this summer with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha. They brought in Victor Olofsson, Alexander Holtz, Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid.

The Golden Knights are over the cap by $3.6 million but they’ll get cap relief with Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. They lack room to make a significant addition unless they ship out a salaried player in return.

Recent trade history indicates sleeping on the Golden Knights isn’t wise. However, they will struggle to pull off a major deal this summer.

Dixon concludes by wondering when the Winnipeg Jets intend to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers and prospect forward Rutger McGroarty. They still have some roster holes to fill and either player could fetch a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers has a year left on his contract while the Jets still hold McGroarty’s rights. They won’t be in any rush to move either player this summer but one or both could be moved as we get closer to the start of the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

by | Jun 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

A look at the offseason market for goaltenders and the latest on Brady Tkachuk, Martin Necas and Chandler Stephenson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM IN THIS SUMMER’S GOALIE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen offered up an analysis of the goaltenders potentially available in this summer’s trade market and the teams who could be interested in them.

The big names include Nashville’s Juuse Saros, Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, and Boston’s Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros seems the least likely of those three to be available. The Predators are reportedly planning to open contract extension talks soon, though they could listen to offers if those negotiations stall.

Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. The 34-year-old Flames goalie was reportedly close to getting traded to the New Jersey Devils in February but for some reason, the deal fell through. It’s assumed Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald could revisit his interest in Markstrom, who could waive his clause to go to New Jersey.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark seems the most likely to be traded. He’s got a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list that becomes a 15-team list on July 1. It’s believed the Bruins intend to make Jeremy Swayman their full-time starter with promising Brandon Bussi as his backup. It was rumored the Bruins were close to moving Ullmark before the trade deadline to a team on his no-trade list but he rejected the deal.

Other trade options include Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, Ottawa’s Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins, and Washington’s Darcy Kuemper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re all on this list because of their recent inconsistent performances.

Gustavsson is the odd man out among the Wild goalies with Marc-Andre Fleury returning for one more season and promising Jesper Wallstedt ready for promotion. Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Merzlikins raised eyebrows in January with a trade request that his agent subsequently walked back. He’s got three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Kuemper’s performance has declined over the past two seasons. He’s also got three years left on his deal and a 10-team no-trade list. His AAV is $5.25 million.

The free-agent market is rather thin on reliable starters but has plenty of backups with varying abilities. They include Kaapo Kahkonen, Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, Laurent Brossoit, and Cam Talbot.

Boylen listed the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings as potential buyers.

SENATORS MUST IMPROVE TO MAKE TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS DISAPPEAR

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the recent trade speculation suggesting the Ottawa Senators might listen to trade offers for captain Brady Tkachuk, forcing GM Steve Staios to deny the rumors in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

The trade conjecture about Tkachuk is baseless but it’s not going away. Scanlan believes the only way to nip it in the bud is for the Senators to finally improve into a playoff contender. Another missed postseason will only further stoke speculation about their captain’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are building around Tkachuk but the constant losing is wearing on him. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract. He’s already been in the NHL for six seasons without a sniff of the playoffs. This year’s disappointment had to be particularly bitter following such a promising buildup to this season.

If the Senators keep spinning their wheels, Tkachuk will run out of patience at some point. He’ll want to play for a winner while he’s still in his playing prime. Another lost season or two could force him into requesting a trade. He’ll get slammed in some quarters for bailing on the Sens but most folks won’t blame him for doing so.

Tkachuk is doing everything he can to lead the Senators into postseason contention. His performance on and off the ice back this up. He and his teammates have been let down by years of mismanagement by Staios’ predecessor.

LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Marek spoke with colleague Elliotte Friedman about potential suitors for Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Friedman isn’t sure that some of the teams reportedly interested in Necas (Vancouver and Montreal) have what the Hurricanes want for the winger. The Boston Bruins could offer up goaltender Linus Ullmark, noting the two teams discussed the former Vezina Trophy winner before the March trade deadline.

Marek noted the Buffalo Sabres have a lot of prospects and draft capital to use as trade bait. However, he doesn’t think any of that works for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will set a high asking price for Necas, hoping his potential as a scoring winger will fetch a significant return. They can retain him if they don’t get any suitable offers, but there’s a sense among the punditry that they prefer to move him rather than face a potential arbitration hearing.

Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if Necas was traded by this Saturday. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

UPDATE ON CHANDLER STEPHENSON

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson could draw several suitors if he hits the open market on July 1. He’s coming off a four-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Allen cited reports suggesting the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators could be among a growing list of teams that could come calling about Stephenson when free agency begins.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2024

by | May 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2024

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Linus Ullmark, Martin Necas, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently published his list of trade targets leading up to the 2024 NHL Draft on June 28-29. Follow the link for the complete list. Here’s a look at some of the more notable ones:

Mitch Marner: It’s decision time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to extend the 27-year-old winger’s contract or trade him. He has a full no-movement clause, but if the Leafs won’t extend him, it might be in his best interest to facilitate a move to a preferred destination in his contract year.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby believes Marner would be welcome in many NHL towns despite his hefty $10.9 million salary-cap hit for next season. He suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins (where former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas now resides), Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and the Utah franchise (Mammoth? Yeti?). Hornby also noted the possibility of Marner remaining with the Leafs.

Meanwhile, The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos admits to being among those calling for the Leafs to trade Marner but he now feels that’s less of a certainty. He suggests the onus could be on a rival club making an aggressive offer for Marner to move. There’s also the risk of Marner shining elsewhere like Matthew Tkachuk in Florida and Zach Hyman in Edmonton.

Linus Ullmark: The Boston Bruins goaltender could become one of the hottest commodities in the trade market leading up to the draft. Winner of the Vezina Trophy last season, the 30-year-old goaltender lost the starter’s job to Jeremy Swayman. He has a year left on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Ullmark reminded everyone at his end-of-season interview that he has a no-trade clause for a reason. However, the Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators could be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli’s colleague Matt Larkin included the Kings and Senators on his list of destinations for Ullmark along with the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols cited a report out of Boston suggesting the Bruins could seek a first-round pick or a player of comparable value. However, Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL executive indicating Ullmark’s market value remains unknown, suggesting they could also end up with a third-rounder.

Martin Necas: The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He’s made it clear to Hurricanes management that he wants a larger role, which will be impossible with Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis ahead of him on the depth chart. The Vancouver Canucks are among the teams believed to have indicated their interest in Necas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa noted a rumor suggesting a straight-up swap of Necas for Ullmark. However, a league executive believes that would be a mistake for the Hurricanes, swapping a 25-year-old RFA whose best seasons remain ahead for a 30-year-old goalie with a year left on his contract whose best years could soon be in his past.

NYI Hockey Now’s Russell Macias believes Necas should be the Islanders’ top trade target if available this summer. The Hurricanes winger has also been linked to the Montreal Canadiens.

Filip Gustavsson: The Minnesota Wild are willing to entertain trade offers for the 25-year-old goaltender. Marc-Andre Fleury will return next season while promising Jesper Wallstedt is waiting in the wings. The cap-strapped club could free up $3.75 million if they find a trade partner for Gustavsson.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau: Seravalli speculates Islander GM Lou Lamoriello might use some of the additional draft capital he received in a recent trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to package Pageau to another club. The Islanders only have $6 million in cap space. Moving Pageau would clear $5 million annually from their books for the next two seasons.

Jacob Markstrom: The Calgary Flames remain open to moving the 34-year-old goaltender. He has two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. With other high-value goalies potentially available this summer (Ullmark, Juuse Saros), the Flames’ best chance to get a quality return might’ve been back at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Flames had a deal to ship Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils but it fell through for uncertain reasons. One of them had Flames ownership spiking the deal because the club was still in the playoff hunt at that time.

Following the trade deadline, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald indicated he would be in the market this summer for a starting goaltender. He could still have his sights on Markstrom, provided the netminder is willing to go there.

One St. Louis defenseman: Seravalli believes Blues GM Doug Armstrong will once again attempt to shake up his blueline by peddling Torey Krug, Justin Faulk, or Nick Leddy. He believes there will be interest in Colton Parayko but considers him worthwhile to retain. Parayko has six seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug, Faulk, and Leddy all have full no-trade clauses until July 1, 2025, while Parayko’s runs to July 2028. Armstrong tried to move Krug to the Philadephia Flyers last June but the blueliner nixed the deal. Finding a suitable destination that Krug, Faulk, or Leddy would find acceptable could prove challenging.

Reilly Smith: The Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward frequently appeared in this season’s rumor mill but didn’t draw as much interest as other wingers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That situation might not change this summer. Smith’s performance notably declined this season with the Penguins, hurting his trade value.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2024

by | Apr 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2024

Is there a deal that could work for the Flyers and Ducks? Could the Wild trade Filip Gustavsson and Marco Rossi this summer? Who are the potential candidates to become the next head coach of the Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE DUCKS AND FLYERS MAKE ANOTHER BIG TRADE THIS YEAR?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey noted the recent remarks by Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek indicating he’s in the market for a right-shot top-six forward or a right-shot top-four defenseman.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images)

The two clubs made a big move in January when the Ducks sent defenseman Jamie Drysdale to the Flyers in exchange for promising winger Cutter Gauthier. Bailey wondered if the two clubs might swing another move that works for both sides.

Bailey noted the Flyers have plenty of wingers but lack depth at center while it’s the opposite for the Ducks. He suggested Trevor Zegras or Mason McTavish might be available for the Flyers. Meanwhile, Flyers winger Travis Konecny will be due for a big-money extension and is already in his playing prime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bailey is just musing about what each club has that could help the other. Still, the two teams have that recent trade history so we can’t rule out another deal between them this summer.

I doubt the Flyers will part with Konecny unless he prices himself out of their comfort zone in contract talks. If they offered him to the Ducks, they’d likely want McTavish in return. He would adapt better under Flyers coach John Tortorella’s system than the free-wheeling Zegras.

COULD GUSTAVSSON AND ROSSI HIT THE TRADE BLOCK?

THE ATHLETIC: In their recent mailbag segment, Michael Russo and Joe Smith were asked what Filip Gustavsson might fetch for the Minnesota Wild.

The signing of Marc-Andre Fleury to a one-year contract indicated the 25-year-old goaltender could hit the trade block this summer. There’s no guarantee he’ll be moved but the Wild would like to make room for up-and-comer Jesper Wallstedt.

Moving Gustavsson’s $3.75 million cap hit for next season and replacing him with Wallstedt’s $925K would save the cap-strapped Wild $2.825 million. That’s assuming they move him for a high draft pick and/or a prospect.

Gustavsson struggled this season following a fine performance in 2022-23 plus there will be a lot of goaltenders in this summer’s trade market. Still, the volatility of the position around the league suggests a team could bet on unlocking his full potential.

Gustavsson could fetch a second-round pick for the Wild but they could prefer a middle-six winger. They could also use him as a trade chip to move up in the first-round draft order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson could be pursued by teams that lose out in the bidding for big-name netminders like Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Boston’s Linus Ullmark this summer. He could also be a tempting target for clubs in the market for more affordable goaltending.

Russo and Smith also think there’s a good chance the Wild trade Marco Rossi this summer if they can get the same level of high-end prospect who’s bigger and faster. They were interested in Cutter Gauthier before the Philadelphia Flyers traded him to the Anaheim Ducks in January. That’s the type of player they might consider for Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chosen ninth overall in the 2020 draft, Rossi’s progress was stalled when he contracted COVID-19 in 2020, sidelining him for all but one game with Switzerland’s ZSC Lions the following season. He had one point in 19 games with the Wild in 2022-23 but put up 51 points in 53 games that season with their AHL affiliate in Iowa.

The 22-year-old center finished this season sitting second among NHL rookies with 21 goals and fifth in points with 40. He could draw plenty of interest if the Wild put him on the trade block but they might not get the type of player described by Russo and Smith. Rossi will likely remain with the Wild when next season begins.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS SEARCH FOR A NEW COACH

TSN: recently cited the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reporting Senators GM Steve Staios has already had meetings or plans to meet with three coaching candidates.

They include former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason and former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube. It’s also believed (but unconfirmed) that Staios has spoken with former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was speculated that Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden and Philadelphia Flyers assistant coach Brad Shaw would also be candidates. However, it appears Staios seeks someone with plenty of NHL head-coaching experience for this job.