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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman did a quick summary on Monday of where each club stands leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. Here are the more notable tidbits:
Friedman’s big question regarding Jake Guentzel is whether the Pittsburgh Penguins will grant permission for interested clubs to discuss a contract extension with the 29-year-old winger. They also prefer to receive prospects rather than draft picks as part of the return for Guentzel.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun included the Canucks and Oilers among six-plus suitors for Guentzel.
Turning to the Calgary Flames, Friedman believes defenseman Noah Hanifin remains locked in on joining the Tampa Bay Lightning. He thinks the Lightning are interested in Hanifin but if was that easy it would’ve been done by now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning’s lack of a first-rounder in the 2024 and 2025 drafts is likely a complicating factor, especially if they’re trying to outbid other teams.
Friedman noted the Boston Bruins are believed to have contacted the Flames about Hanifin. Their limited cap space means they’d have to move a roster player. That’s why goaltender Linus Ullmark has been mentioned in the rumor mill. Ullmark’s 16-team no-trade gives him some control plus the tandem of Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman gives the Bruins their best chance to win the Cup this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils have looked into Ullmark’s availability if they can’t swing a deal with the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.
Speaking of Jacob Markstrom, his disappointment over how management handled a potential trade to New Jersey hasn’t affected his performance.
The Devils haven’t given up on acquiring Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom. They could revisit that attempt in the offseason if a deal isn’t reached by the trade deadline. Friedman isn’t convinced that the Devils could trade winger Tyler Toffoli.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Calgary Hockey Now’s Trevor Neufeld cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming Flames ownership spiked the deal that would’ve sent Markstrom to the Devils. If so, we can forget about the 34-year-old goaltender going anywhere at the trade deadline. It would also cast doubt over any potential offseason deals unless Markstrom asks to be moved.
St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has set a very high asking price for winger Pavel Buchnevich. There’s been what Friedman calls “non-stop noise” over winger Jordan Kyrou.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Kyrou, The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford recently suggested the odds are 50-50 that the Blues trade him before his no-trade clause begins in July 2025. If that move takes place my bet is it’s more likely an offseason trade.
Speaking of the Senators, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports there is growing interest in defenseman Jakob Chychrun from clubs seeking more than a playoff rental. However, the Senators remain in listening mode and haven’t set an asking price for him yet.
Friedman believes the Florida Panthers could pursue a winger such as Guentzel or Tarasenko. He said he’s heard mixed responses that they might have an interest in Hanifin.
With the Vegas Golden Knights placing Mark Stone on LTIR, they will be buyers. Friedman thinks they could pursue one or two wingers, including one of those near the top of the market like Buchnevich and Guentzel.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights always try to make a big splash near the NHL trade deadline. With over $7.3 million in cap flexibility, they will try and land a big fish by the deadline.
Jake Guentzel, Vladimir Tarasenko or Tyler Toffoli (if available) would be perfect fits for the Carolina Hurricanes. They have the prospect depth to make competitive bids. Meanwhile, Friedman believes the Martin Necas situation is coming to a head.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas has been floated recently as a trade candidate if the Hurricanes decide to pursue a big-ticket scorer.
It’s believed the Colorado Avalanche remains in the market for a second-line center. They’re looking at short-term options like Adam Henrique and medium-term ones like Arizona’s Nick Bjugstad and Alex Kerfoot.
Defensemen remain a priority for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Friedman believes they’ve been linked to most of the notable trade candidates. He also thinks they’ve looked at adding another forward.
The Edmonton Oilers have been looking at adding a defenseman. They have also been linked to Adam Henrique and his teammate Sam Carrick in a rumored “double deal.”
There was some social media speculation suggesting the New York Islanders might move Brock Nelson. Friedman dismissed it, pointing out among other things that the Isles aren’t giving up on the playoff race.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one knows what secretive Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has in store for his team. Nevertheless, I agree with Friedman’s dismissal of the Nelson trade rumors.
The asking price for Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton is high, creating doubt that they want to move him. Contract talks continue with defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Flyers still in the thick of the playoff race, I don’t see them moving those guys unless someone is willing to overpay for them.
Teams are assessing whether Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins could benefit from a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Ivan Provorov could become available as the Jackets deal with a blueline backlog.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikin’s $5.4 million AAV through 2026-27 and inconsistent play will likely keep him in Columbus for the rest of this season. As for Provorov, he has a year left on his contract. The Jackets can wait until the summer to shop him if they don’t get any suitable offers now.
Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has rebuffed requests from other clubs to discuss winger Alex Tuch. He’s prepared to move pending UFAs such as Erik Johnson. Friedman wondered if team captain Kyle Okposo would be a fit with the New York Rangers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers need a top-six right wing but they’re probably eyeing other options. Meanwhile, The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski reports Adams is open to trading notable young players but only if it’s a move that helps the Sabres now. In other words, he’s not interested in a return of draft picks and prospects.
Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson is coveted in the trade market but Friedman would be shocked if he got traded. There’s been contract extension talk with winger Jordan Eberle. Forward Brandon Tanev could be a trade deadline wild card.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman published this column hours before the Kraken scratched center Alex Wennberg from their game last night against the New York Rangers for trade-related reasons. The 29-year-old Wennberg seems the most likely to be moved out of Seattle.
Speaking of the Rangers, Friedman noted they’ve asked about Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch. He thinks they could also look at Pittsburgh’s Reilly Smith or St. Louis’ Pavel Buchnevich.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Again, this was published before the report about Wennberg becoming a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons amid speculation the Rangers were pursuing him.
Speaking of Mantha, Friedman thinks he’d be a good fit with the Winnipeg Jets if Gabriel Vilardi should be sidelined longer than expected.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Winnipeg Sun’s Paul Friesen anticipates the Jets will make another move before the deadline. He believes GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would like to add a puck-moving defenseman.
There’s nothing on the front burner for the Montreal Canadiens. Defenseman David Savard wants to stay and they can sit back and say, “Make us consider it.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said there are some teams interested in acquiring goalie Jake Allen after this season when he’ll have just one year left on his contract with a $3.85 million cap hit. Teams could have the same approach toward Savard. Either way, the Canadiens seem fine with both players remaining on their roster beyond the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Chris Johnston believes the Maple Leafs could be interested in Bogosian if he and the Wild fail to agree to an extension by March 8.
The San Jose Sharks have been open for business for a while but it’s been quiet. They’re trying to move as many of their pending UFAs as possible. Friedman noted there’s been talk about players with term left on their contracts like Mario Ferraro and Mikael Granlund but they’re more costly to acquire.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was recently reported the Sharks aren’t shopping Ferraro but could be willing to listen to offers. At this point, I’ll be surprised if he or Granlund are moved.
The Nashville Predators surge up the standings since mid-February has turned them into buyers rather than sellers.
Friedman sees the Detroit Red Wings doing something to secure a playoff berth. He wondered if they’d pursue Jake Guentzel but GM Steve Yzerman isn’t much for signing 30-year-old player to term.
The Los Angeles Kings aren’t expected to do anything major. Forward Arthur Kaliyev has been in and out of the lineup and isn’t guaranteed to move.
After acquiring Chris Tanev from Calgary last week, the Dallas Stars could make one more depth move before the deadline.
The Vancouver Canucks must soon decide if they’ll sign free agent Phil Kessel if they hope to have him for the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The deadline for signing free agents to be eligible for the postseason is the same as the trade deadline.
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