NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2024

by | Apr 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2024

Two scoring milestones for Sidney Crosby as his Penguins regain the Eastern wildcard spot, the Kings clinch a postseason berth, the Golden Knights re-sign Noah Hanifin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collected his 1,000th career NHL assist as his club nipped the Detroit Red Wings 6-5 on an overtime goal by Erik Karlsson. Crosby and Bryan Rust each had a goal and an assist for the 37-30-12 Penguins, who regained the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth with 86 points. Lucas Raymond tallied a hat trick and Alex DeBrincat picked up three assists for the Red Wings (38-32-9) as they sit one point back of the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby also took supplanted Phil Esposito for 10th overall with 1,591 points. He’s 50 points behind ninth-place Joe Sakic and 132 behind eighth-place Mario Lemieux. Meanwhile, the Penguins announced defenseman Ryan Graves (concussion) has been moved to injured reserve. He could return to action if the Penguins reach the first round of the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Kings clinched a playoff berth by defeating the Calgary Flames 4-1. Viktor Arvidsson tallied twice for the Kings, who improved to 42-26-11 and sit third in the Pacific Division with 95 points. Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The final wildcard berth is the only playoff spot available in the West. The Golden Knights (92 points) hold that spot with a three-point lead over the St. Louis Blues.

Returning to the Eastern wildcard race, the Washington Capitals dropped a 4-2 decision to the Buffalo Sabres. Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson scored for the Capitals (37-31-11) as they sit one point behind the Penguins. Alex Tuch netted his 22nd goal of the season for the Sabres.

An overtime goal by Kyle Palmieri lifted the New York Islanders over the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. The Islanders (37-27-15) sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points, three points up on the Penguins. Cole Caufield tallied his 25th goal of the season for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury. It’s unclear how long he might be sidelined.

The Philadelphia Flyers kept their playoff hopes alive by upsetting the New York Rangers 4-1, snapping an eight-game winless skid. Travis Konecny had a goal and an assist and Samuel Ersson stopped 24 shots for the 37-32-11 Flyers, who sit one point behind the Penguins for that final wildcard berth. Artemi Panarin scored his 47th of the season for the 53-23-4 Rangers, who have lost two straight but remain first in the overall standings with 110 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Third place in the Metro and the final Eastern wildcard are the only playoff spots still up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. Four points separate the Islanders from the Flyers with the Penguins, Capitals and Red Wings between them.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Laurent Brossoit turned in a 24-save shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Dallas Stars. Nikolaj Ehlers, David Gustafsson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets (49-24-6), who’ve won five straight games and moved into seventh overall with 104 points. Jake Oettinger turned aside 21 shots for the 50-21-9 Stars as they remain one point behind the league-leading Rangers.

The New Jersey Devils upset the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5. Jesper Bratt snapped a 5-5 time with 1:14 remaining in the third period for the Devils. Bratt and Timo Meier finished each finished with two goals and an assist. Auston Matthews scored two goals to move with two of the 70-goal plateau for the Leafs (46-24-9), who sit tenth in the overall standings with 101 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews also reached a notable milestone, becoming the first player to score 50 even-strength goals in a season since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93. As for the Devils, their elimination from playoff contention earlier this week means their 2024 second-round pick belongs to the San Jose Sharks. It was the remaining condition of their acquisition of Meier last year.

Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 25 shots to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. Sam Reinhart scored his 54th goal of the season for the 50-24-6 Panthers, who sit fifth overall with 106 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and defenseman Zach Werenski intend to suit up for Team USA at the 2024 World Championships in Czechia from May 10-26.

The Ottawa Senators upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on a shootout goal by Brady Tkachuk, who also had a goal and an assist in regulation play. Nikita Kucherov collected two assists to extend his lead in the scoring race to 141 points as the Lightning (44-27-8) hold the first Eastern wildcard with 96 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov holds a four-point lead over Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. MacKinnon’s next game is Saturday against the Jets while Kucherov and his Lightning face off against the Capitals.

San Jose Sharks goalie Devin Cooley kicked out 49 shots to down the Seattle Kraken 3-1.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: The Vegas Golden Knights signed Noah Hanifin to an eight-year, $58.8 million contract extension. They acquired the 27-year-old defenseman from the Calgary Flames two days before the March 8 trade deadline. The average annual value is $7.35 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin is completing a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.95 million. His new deal is similar in term and dollars to what he was reportedly close to signing with the Flames last fall before their negotiations derailed. However, he’ll keep more of that because of the lower taxes in Nevada.

It’s a good move by the Golden Knights. Alex Pietrangelo and Brayden McNabb are in their mid-thirties and Alec Martinez isn’t expected to be re-signed. Hanifin has fit in well since joining them and will take on a greater role on their blueline in the coming years.

The signing also raises questions about Jonathan Marchessault’s future in Vegas. The 33-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. I’ll have more in today’s Rumors update.

ARIZONA SPORTS: Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny said the news of a possible relocation of his team to Salt Lake City is having a “huge impact” on his players because they love playing in Phoenix.

Tourigny also voiced concern for the club’s 31 staff members without contracts for next season. He noted the effect it could have on their families and personal lives.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the NHL continues to work behind the scenes trying to find a solution for what deputy commissioner Bill Daly called a “difficult and challenging situation.”

In terms of a timeline of a possible sale of the Coyotes and a move to Salt Lake City, LeBrun noted the sale and relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg in 2011 took place in late May. However, he cited a source suggesting it wouldn’t take that long but could require some time to get done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some reports suggest it could happen as early as April 18, the end of the regular season schedule. LeBrun doubted that it would take place that quickly. He also cautioned that this isn’t a fait accompli as the deal still might not take place. As he observed, this remains a delicate situation.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks winger Jakob Silfverberg announced his retirement from the NHL at the end of this season. Silfverberg, 33, began his 12-year NHL career with the Ottawa Senators but spent the past 11 seasons with the Ducks. He’s returning to his native Sweden where it’s believed he’ll finish his playing career where it began, with Brynas IF in his hometown of Gavle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silfverberg currently sits fifth among Ducks players in games played (769) and goals (158), eighth in assists with 196 and seventh in points with 354. He also has 16 goals and 41 points in 57 career playoff games.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 27, 2024

by | Mar 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 27, 2024

What will Sidney Crosby’s next contract with the Penguins look like? Have the Bruins set the table for some big moves in the offseason? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

WHAT WILL CROSBY’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi noted that “a lot of people” have opined that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby should finish his career with a team like the Colorado Avalanche. However, he shoots down that notion by pointing out that Crosby had publicly and privately indicated he intends to finish his career with the Penguins. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins’ decline into also-ran status has fueled media speculation about Crosby’s future. Some suggested he should orchestrate a trade to join his good friend Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado or sign with the Avalanche next summer as a free agent. 

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

The earliest the Penguins can open contract extension talks with Crosby is July 1. If he’s not signed on that date, Rossi suggests it could be because he’s still on vacation. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer it takes for the Penguins and Crosby to reach an agreement the more questions over his future in Pittsburgh will appear in the media. If he’s not signed when training camp opens, the media buzz over his future will continue to increase. 

Crosby’s current annual average value is $8.7 million. Rossi speculates a three-year extension at $10 million annually would be fair. He believes Crosby will want to stick around and help shape the next great Penguins team. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Kyle Dubas has to sell his vision of the club’s future to Crosby. If he can do that, his captain could be up for the challenge of guiding the next group of young Penguins stars. 

ARE THE BRUINS PRIMED FOR A BIG OFFSEASON?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL executive suggesting Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has “set the table” for some big moves in the offseason. 

“Look at all the cap space he has, and his two biggest trade targets are still set to become free agents.” 

The Bruins have a projected salary-cap space of $21.7 million for 2024-25. With potentially eight roster spots opening up, Murphy speculates they could re-sign Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk and perhaps Kevin Shattenkirk on team-friendly contracts. Winger Jake DeBrusk remains a wildcard as he has not heard back from management about a contract extension as of the March 8 trade deadline. 

Murphy noted the two trade targets his source referred two are Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin. Both players were linked to the Bruins in the rumor mill this season. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could get more cap space if they trade goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. 

Sweeney has his club in a good position cap-wise heading into this summer. I don’t doubt that he’ll look at bolstering his roster with one or two free-agent signings and perhaps through the trade market. Whether he lands Lindholm and/or Hanifin remains to be seen.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 17, 2024

by | Mar 17, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 17, 2024

A look at some of the notable players in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

REINHART, GUENTZEL, STAMKOS AMONG THIS SUMMER’S NOTABLE UFA CLASS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports regarding the top players in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart tops this list. He is due for a significant raise over his average annual value of $6.5 million. With the 28-year-old Reinhart poised to score 50 goals this season, the Panthers intend to take a serious run at extending his contract.

The lack of a state tax gives the Panthers a chance at re-signing Reinhart if he accepts a little less than teammates Aleksander Barkov ($10 million) and Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million). He’ll draw lots of interest if he goes to market but he “absolutely” wants to stay put.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the two sides will get it done. Discussions have reportedly been ongoing between the Panthers and the Reinhart camp. I can see him getting $8.5 million annually on a long-term deal.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel will be in high demand if he tests the market on July 1. Fox suggested Patrik Laine’s contract ($8.7 million AAV) would be a suitable comparable for the 29-year-old Guentzel with the Hurricanes or another team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could re-sign Guentzel if he becomes a good fit and wants to stay. With a projected $30.7 million in cap space for next season and 13 roster players under contract, there’s room to keep him. That could mean letting Teuvo Teravainen depart via free agency or trading restricted free-agent winger Martin Necas.

Elias Lindholm’s low production since joining the Vancouver Canucks and their recent re-signing of Elias Pettersson suggests Lindholm is a pure rental player this season. Fox noted that the 28-year-old two-way center’s stock is in decline but a strong performance in the postseason should bolster his value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was linked to the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers before the Canucks acquired him from the Calgary Flames. He’s seeing third-line center duty in Vancouver right now but there could be teams willing to bet that his performance will rebound in a top-six role.

The Vegas Golden Knights have several high-profile UFAs and can’t afford to keep them all. However, there’s mutual interest between Vegas management and defenseman Noah Hanifin regarding an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean bidding farewell to 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault. There haven’t been any contract talks between management and the 33-year-old winger.

Speaking of Marchessault, he said that the value of his next contract is motivating his performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault is making an AAV of $5 million as he finishes a six-year contract. Given his age, he likely won’t get any offers over four years but he could seek around $7 million annually on a three or four-year deal. He seems destined to hit the open market.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he voiced his disappointment over the lack of contract extension talks last summer. He might have to accept a pay cut if he hopes to finish his career with the only team he’s played for in his 16-year NHL career. The Lightning have over $75 million invested in next season’s payroll.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 34-year-old Bolts captain is earning an AAV of $8.5 million, considered below market value when he signed his current deal in 2016. He could accept another pay cut but could draw the line at anything under $6 million annually.

Matt Duchene has improved his stock this season with the Dallas Stars. The 33-year-old center could have more suitors this time around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene was bought out by the Nashville Predators last summer as a cost-cutting measure after his production dropped from 86 points in 2022-23 to 56 points last season. Signed to a one-year, $3 million contract by the Stars, he has 58 points in 67 games. He’ll be receiving buyout payments for the next five seasons so perhaps he’d be willing to sign a three-year deal with the Stars for around $4 million annually.

Defenseman Brett Pesce could price himself away from the Carolina Hurricanes, who have several other players on expiring contracts. Fox believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the suitors if the 29-year-old Pesce goes to market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce’s current AAV is $4.025 million. It could cost the Leafs (or anyone else) over $6 million annually to sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 15, 2024

by | Mar 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 15, 2024

Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, Jeremy Swayman, Filip Hronek and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman doesn’t see Sidney Crosby walking away from the Pittsburgh Penguins next summer without giving management a chance to turn things around. His guess is the Pens will offer Crosby a two or three-year contract extension this summer worth around $10.5 million annually.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if Crosby might demand a trade to a contender this summer or sign with one next summer as an unrestricted free agent. The Athletic’s Penguins beat writer Rob Rossi maintains that Crosby intends to retire as a Penguin and will sign an extension this summer.

I’m with Rossi on this one. I don’t believe Crosby will demand a trade or sign elsewhere. He’ll finish his NHL career with the Penguins.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Shelly Anderson reports Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson dismissed rumors suggesting he might make his way back to the Ottawa Senators.

“Yeah, that’s Canada for you,” chuckled Karlsson. “I played there for a long time so I kind of know how that game works. They’ve got a lot of things to talk about every day to fill a lot of air time, but they only have a few things to actually discuss.”

Karlsson added, “They like to make up these what-if scenarios. That’s just the way it is, and it’s not something that I really look into or worry about too much.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Karlsson isn’t heading back to Ottawa for a reunion with the Senators. Moving on…

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes this summer’s goalie market will be interesting. He noted the Calgary Flames pulled Jacob Markstrom from the market leading up to last week’s trade deadline as did the Nashville Predators with Juuse Saros. The Boston Bruins looked into moving Linus Ullmark but punted that decision to the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom, 34, has two years left on his contract with an annual average value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. The 30-year-old Ullmark has one year remaining with an AAV of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list that drops to a 15-team list on July 1. Saros, 28, also has a year left on his contract with a $5 million cap hit but he lacks no-trade protection.

All three clubs could be willing to listen to offers but they will set high asking prices. Ullmark seems the most likely to move as the Bruins will want to free up some cap space this summer.

The Bruins reportedly rejected “at least one ask about Jeremy Swayman.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman is expected to take over as the Bruins’ full-time starter after this season. He’s on a one-year deal worth $3.475 million and has arbitration rights this summer. It’s believed they’ll try to move Ullmark to free up cap room for Swayman’s new long-term contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning were “incredibly disappointed” that they failed to acquire Noah Hanifin from the Flames. Friedman wouldn’t be surprised if he signed a contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights. He also believes the Dallas Stars will attempt to re-sign Hanifin’s old teammate Chris Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Golden Knights have 15 roster players under contract for 2024-25 with less than $10 million in cap space. They’ll garner another $5 million if Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve. It could cost them half of that cap space to re-sign Hanifin.

Meanwhile, the Stars have a projected $18.3 million in cap space with 12 active roster players under contract. Joe Pavelski and Matt Duchene will be due for new contracts as well as Tanev.

There are “debates” over Filip Hronek’s contract discussions with the Vancouver Canucks. Friedman doesn’t expect those talks to be anywhere near as complicated as Elias Pettersson’s recent negotiations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “debates” are over whether Hronek will be paid more than Quinn Hughes. He is pulling in an AAV of $7.85 million through 2026-27. Hronek, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights earning an AAV of $4.4 million. He’s enjoyed a career-best performance with 45 points in 67 games.

The Canucks have already tabled a contract extension to the Hronek camp. Some observers believe he could seek an AAV of over $8 million. Maybe the Canucks try to tempt him with an eight-year deal worth just under Hughes’ annual cap hit in the hope that he’ll prefer the long-term security.

The Edmonton Oilers showed interest in signing recently acquired forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick to contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have $14.2 million in projected cap space with 13 players under contract. As Friedman said, we’ll see how things shake out during the postseason.










Notable NHL Trades For March 6, 2024

by | Mar 6, 2024

Notable NHL Trades For March 6, 2024

The NHL Trade Deadline is two days away but business has already picked up in the trade market:

Calgary Flames trade Noah Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights in a three-team trade involving the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flames receive a 2025 first-round pick, a conditional 2025 third-rounder and defenseman Daniil Miromanov. The third-rounder becomes a second-round pick if the Golden Knights win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Flyers receive the Golden Knights’ 2024 fifth-round pick. The Flames are retaining 50 percent of Hanifin’s $4.95 million salary.

Buffalo Sabres trade center Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Bowen Byram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was something to all that early speculation about Mittelstadt in January after all. The Sabres more depth to their blueline while the Avalanche address their need for a second-line center.

Buffalo Sabres trade Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche. (NHL Images).

The Ottawa Senators trade Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retain 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators reportedly sought a first or second-round pick plus another asset. It appears Tarasenko’s trade value wasn’t as high as rumored. 

The Edmonton Oilers acquired forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick and a seventh-round pick from the Anaheim Ducks in a three-team deal involving the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Ducks receive the Oilers’ 2024 first-rounder and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2025 plus they’re retaining half of Henrique’s $5.825 million cap hit. The Lightning receive a fourth-rounder from the Oilers and retain half of Henrique’s remaining cap hit. 

The Philadelphia Flyers trade defenseman Sean Walker and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for center Ryan Johansen and the Avs’ 2025 first-round pick. 

New York Rangers acquire center Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-rounder. The Kraken also retains 50 percent of Wennberg’s salary. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2024

by | Mar 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2024

The NHL Trade Deadline is two days away. Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Noah Hanifin, Vladimir Tarasenko, Tyler Toffoli, and other notable trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

**UPDATE**

The Ottawa Senators trade Vladimir Tarasenko to the Florida Panthers for a 2025 third-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder that becomes a third-round pick if the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Senators also retain 50 percent of Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators reportedly sought a first or second-round pick plus another asset. It appears Tarasenko’s trade value wasn’t as high as rumored. 

COULD THE PENGUINS MOVE GUENTZEL IN A THREE-TEAM DEAL WITH THE CANUCKS & BRUINS?

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Pittsburgh Penguins hope to move Jake Guentzel as early as today. He reports the Vancouver Canucks are interested in the 29-year-old winger. To free up cap room for Guentzel, they’ve had discussions with the Boston Bruins to flip Elias Lindholm to the Bruins. The Canucks acquired the 29-year-old center from the Calgary Flames on Jan. 31.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Due to the Penguins’ high asking price, Johnston doesn’t put the Canucks at the front of the line for Guentzel. Darren Dreger reports the Penguins are seeking a first-round pick, a young NHL player and a prospect or prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights had talks with the Penguins about Guentzel but don’t appear in the mix as much anymore in part because they acquired Anthony Mantha from the Capitals on Tuesday. The Edmonton Oilers have also kept tabs on Guentzel.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source claiming the Penguins like Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk and rookie center John Beecher. He wondered if they could end up in Pittsburgh if this rumored three-way trade goes down.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Florida Panthers are also believed among the suitors for Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That proposed three-way deal would become the biggest deal leading up to or including the trade deadline in the salary-cap era. As Johnston noted, however, nothing’s confirmed as there are plenty of moving parts here, not the least of which is making the dollars fit.

THE LATEST ON NOAH HANIFIN

SPORTSNET: Adam Vingan listed the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins as three potential destinations for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. The Lightning are believed to be his preferred destination.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson included the Detroit Red Wings among the possible suitors for Hanifin.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wonders if the Lightning and Bruins can find suitable assets to acquire Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding a suitable trade package is the biggest issue for the Lightning and Bruins. The Panthers and Red Wings appear better situated with their depth in young players and prospects to make a competitive bid.

WILL THE BRUINS MOVE LINUS ULLMARK AT THE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if Tuesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers might be the last start for Linus Ullmark as a Boston Bruins goaltender. There’s speculation the 30-year-old Ullmark could be moved in a cost-cutting deal to enable the Bruins to address their roster needs. Moving him, however, would weaken their goaltending depth.

The New Jersey Devils are in the market for a goaltender. Ullmark could be their Plan B if they cannot pry Jacob Markstrom away from the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark carries a $5 million cap hit through next season and has a 16-team no-trade clause for 2023-24. It’ll be interesting to see if those constraints can be overcome. The Bruins could listen to offers but they could stick with their current goalie tandem if they don’t get anything suitable.

WHERE WILL VLADIMIR TARASENKO LAND?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are trying to send Vladimir Tarasenko to a contender. The 32-year-old winger has a $5 million cap hit and a full no-trade clause. He believes the Sens might have to wait to find out what happens to Jake Guentzel before they can move Tarasenko

Garrioch suggests keeping an eye on the Carolina Hurricanes as they were a finalist for Tarasenko last summer before he signed with the Senators. He claims the Florida Panthers are his preferred destination and they’ve looked into it, along with the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Senators seek a first-round pick and another asset for Tarasenko. However, that price could drop as it seems to be a buyer’s market for forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever happens to Guentzel will determine the fate of most notable wingers in the trade market. Teams that lose out on the Penguins winger could shift their attention to Tarasenko.

COULD THE DEVILS TRADE TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald saying he’s still discussing a potential contract extension with Tyler Toffoli’s camp. Contract term was an issue in those talks.

LeBrun thinks this could go to the trade deadline on March 8. He indicated that Fitzgerald doesn’t want to move Toffoli but he might have to given the high number of teams calling about the 31-year-old winger. LeBrun suggested Toffoli would be a good fit on the Edmonton Oilers second line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald told reporters that he’s not shopping Toffoli but admitted he’s listening to offers. If he does move the winger he’s not going to just give him away. Teams that lose out on Jake Guentzel could look into his availability.

UPDATES ON SEAN WALKER AND NICK SEELER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports teams are circling back and getting more serious about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker. It’s believed the Flyers seek a first-round pick but LeBrun hasn’t ruled out the possibility of them trying to re-sign him before the trade deadline. He believes it’s more likely than not that Walker gets moved.

LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz reports the Flyers remain engaged in contract talks with Walker and defense partner Nick Seeler. He thinks there’s a chance the two could stay with the Flyers on multi-year deals but this could go down to the wire.

Kurz also noted a report that the Flyers “checked in” on young Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras. However, he doesn’t anticipate they’ll make any blockbuster deadline moves for Zegras or other high-end players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also thinks one of those two Flyers defensemen will be traded and considers Walker the most likely candidate.

Speaking of the Flyers, they’re not expected to trade center Scott Laughton.

OILERS PURSUING HENRIQUE

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Edmonton Oilers’ priority is to acquire versatile forward Adam Henrique from the Anaheim Ducks. Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker appears to be the kind of forward they might like but Johnston said they’re not in on him.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun also reports the Oilers are in on Henrique. Finding a way to sort out the 33-year-old forward’s $5.825 million cap hit is a sticking point but the Ducks could retain part of it. He also thinks they’ve kept tabs on Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker.

COULD THE CAPITALS MOVE MAX PACIORETTY?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Washington Capitals winger Max Pacioretty could waive his no-movement clause to join a contender. He wondered if the Florida Panthers might be a fit for him.

THE LATEST ON ALEX WENNBERG AND JASON ZUCKER

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple noted the Seattle Kraken have sat center Alex Wennberg for the past two games for trade-related reasons. He wonders if the New York Rangers could be a fit. The Kraken will have to retain half of Wennberg’s $4.5 million cap hit but that could cost them a first-round pick.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reported the Rangers are engaged in trade negotiations with the Kraken. He thinks popular Rangers rookie Matt Rempe could be squeezed from the lineup if they acquire Wennberg. It’s also believed the Rangers are in talks with the Anaheim Ducks for winger Frank Vatrano.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek listing the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights as having interest in Jason Zucker. The Arizona Coyotes held the 32-year-old winger out of the lineup during Tuesday’s game against Chicago for trade-related reasons.