NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2024

by | May 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2024

The Bruins defeat the Panthers in Game 1 of their second-round series, the draft lottery will be held today, Jets coach Rick Bowness retires, the Senators are poised to hire a new coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jeremy Swayman kicked out 38 shots while Mason Lohrei and Jonathan Brazeau each scored their first NHL playoff goals for the Bruins. Matthew Tkachuk replied for the Panthers. Game 2 is Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers opened the scoring in the second period but the Bruins quickly seized contract soon afterward with goals by Morgan Geekie, Lohrei and Brandon Carlo. Brazeau’s goal in the third period put this out of reach.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Swayman was once again the difference for the Bruins. He’s their MVP thus far in this postseason.

Carlo missed practice yesterday as his wife gave birth to their son at 3 am back in Boston. The club flew him to Florida on a private jet in time to suit up for this game.

The 2024 NHL Draft Lottery will be held today at 6:30 pm EDT at NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. The San Jose Sharks have the best odds of winning (18.5 percent) after finishing last in the regular-season standings.

Boston University center Macklin Celebrini is the prize. Winner of the 2024 Hobey Baker Award, the 17-year-old is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft class.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets head coach Rick Bowness announced his retirement on Monday. The 69-year-old spent 38 seasons in the NHL in various coaching roles.

Bowness’ 2,726 games behind the bench as a head coach or assistant coach are the most by anyone in league history. He served as a head coach for this incarnation of the Jets over the past two years and one season with the original club in 1988-89. Bowness was also the head coach of the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bowness said he still loves the game and coaching but personal reasons were behind his decision. He took a month-long leave of absence earlier this season after his wife, Judy, was hospitalized by a seizure. Bowness also took some time away for a medical procedure. Here’s hoping he and his wife enjoy a happy and healthy retirement.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators are expected to announce Travis Green as their new head coach by as early as Wednesday. He served as the interim coach of the New Jersey Devils after Lindy Ruff was fired in early March. Green was considered a top candidate for the full-time position but Devils management appears to be waiting for better options, allowing Green to speak with other clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Green spent nearly five seasons with the Vancouver Canucks during a time of considerable upheaval in the front office as the club attempted to rebuild its roster. He faces the challenge of coaching a Senators club filled with good young players who have missed the playoffs over the past seven seasons.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe took full responsibility on Monday for his club’s first-round elimination by the Boston Bruins. In what many believe was his final press conference as Leafs coach, Keefe said he still believes in the team and in himself but admitted his fate was out of his control.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe sounds like he knows he’s coached his last game with the Leafs. His fate could be decided later this week.

Leafs center Auston Matthews explained his absence from Games 5 and 6 of that series against Boston. He said he was “really, really sick” following Game 2 and tried to play through it during the next two games. “Then I took a weird hit and I couldn’t go any longer. That’s as detailed as I’m going to get into it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That explains why Matthews appeared to be at half speed during Games 3 and 4. His illness contributed to the Leafs’ elimination by the Bruins.

Matthews’ teammate Mitch Marner said he wants to be part of the Leafs’ long-term plans. He has a year remaining on his contract.

“I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city,” said Marner. “I grew up here. We’ll start thinking about that now and trying to figure something out.” He said it means the world to him to play in Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner also said he and his teammates are looked on as “kind of gods” in Toronto. That raised some hackles and criticism in Leafs Nation but he’s not wrong. The problem is that these “gods” keep coming up short after eight seasons of hype and expectation.

Marner’s teammates also came to his defense about the criticism of his play in recent years, expressing their hope that he’ll remain part of the team’s future. Whether management feels the same way remains to be seen. I’ll have more on Marner in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley, team president Brendan Shanahan and general manager Brad Treliving will meet with the media on Friday. The press conference was originally scheduled for Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The fact Shanahan is part of this presser suggests he’ll be completing the final year of his contract. His future beyond that remains in doubt and will hinge on the club’s performance in 2024-25.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers forwards Evander Kane and Adam Henrique missed recent practices in favor of maintenance days to get healthy. Head coach Kris Knoblauch expects they’ll resume practicing on Tuesday and be ready for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Canucks on Wednesday.

Kane has been hampered by a sports hernia this season. Henrique suffered what appeared to be a leg injury during the Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings.

THE PROVINCE: Canucks center J.T. Miller is expected to be matched up against Oilers center Connor McDavid in the upcoming series between their two clubs. He admitted it will be challenging to contain the Oilers captain. “He’s different than anybody,” said Miller. “You can play what seems to be a perfect shift and all of a sudden he’s gone.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That matchup will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of this series.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings general manager Rob Blake shot down recent speculation suggesting his club should buy out Pierre-Luc Dubois. He said they have no intention of buying out the final seven seasons of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubois had a disappointing first season with the Kings, ending up on their fourth line during the playoffs and finishing the regular season with only 40 points. The criticism of his play was justified but the notion of a buyout was absurd.

Whether at one-third or two-thirds of the remaining value depending on Dubois’ age during the buyout, it would count against the Kings’ cap for twice the remaining term. That means 14 years if they bought him out in June.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 3, 2024

by | May 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 3, 2024

The Maple Leafs force Game 7 with the Bruins in their opening-round series. Get the details plus the latest playoff news and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAP

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 6 of their best-of-seven opening-round series. William Nylander scored both goals and Joseph Woll made 22 saves for the Leafs, who overcame a 3-1 series deficit to force a seventh and deciding game in Boston on Saturday. Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins with one second remaining in the third period and teammate Jeremy Swayman stopped 24 shots. The start time for Game 7 is 8 pm EDT.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given up for dead after their listless loss in Game 4, the Leafs have flipped the script in this series. The pressure is now on the Bruins, who return home facing the prospect of blowing a 3-1 series lead and being eliminated from the opening round for the second straight year.

Like their win in Game 5, the Leafs played a solid defensive game to contain the Bruins’ offense. Woll has been solid between the pipes. His teammates are drawing strength and confidence from his steady performance.

Leafs star Auston Matthews remained sidelined by an illness for the second straight game but has returned to skating with his teammate in practice. Nylander, meanwhile, stepped up in this game to fill the void.

After the game, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery called out his club’s leading scorer David Pastrnak. “’Pasta’ needs to step up”, he said. “He needs to be a dominant player like he used to. He’s doing it in flurries, but not consistently.” Pastrnak has two goals and two assists in this series but was held scoreless in the last two games.

Don’t expect a goaltending change for the Bruins in Game 7. Swayman wasn’t to blame for his club’s two losses, giving up only two goals in Game 5 with a .939 save percentage and two in Game 6 (.923). That’s especially true in the first period of both games with the Leafs outshooting the Bruins 11-2 in the fifth game and 12-1 in the sixth.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: The second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs starts Sunday with Game 1 between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could learn the start times for other second-round series depending on the outcome of Friday night’s games. The Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-2 series lead as they face the Predators in Nashville while the Dallas Stars are up 3-2 over the Golden Knights as the two clubs face off in Las Vegas.

TSN’s Darren Dreger took to social media on Thursday reporting the Carolina Hurricanes aren’t interested in allowing head coach Rod Brind’Amour to test the open market this summer. He indicated the two sides have recently come together and it “looks encouraging an extension will get done.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour’s contract situation drew considerable buzz earlier this week following reports claiming he was uncertain about his future in Carolina after the club pulled their offer from the table.

Brind’Amour responded saying he wanted to stay in Carolina. Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Don Waddell maintained their confidence that an agreement would be reached soon.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars are using the Golden Knights’ physical play against them by making them pay on the power play. Two undisciplined penalties by the Golden Knights in the last two games led to the Stars cashing in with the man advantage.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights need a more disciplined game from top defenseman Alex Pietrangelo if they hope to stave off elimination in Friday’s game against the Stars. He was called out by head coach Bruce Cassidy after his penalty against Dallas winger Tyler Seguin in Game 5 led to the Stars’ game-winning goal.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller brought some levity to his teammates by wearing teammate Arturs Silovs’ flashy pink and paisley dress shirt during practice on Thursday. Silovs took Miller’s prank in strike. “It looks good on him,” he laughed.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Luke Schenn hopes to return to the lineup for Game 6 after an illness sidelined him in Game 5.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day for a maintenance day. That’s raised concern about the condition of his right knee following a collision with the Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen on Sunday.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Goaltender Spencer Knight is back with the Panthers after spending the regular season with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Knight left the Panthers in February 2023 after being admitted into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program seeking treatment for OCD.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram, and Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington are this year’s finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the three finalists for being recognized for their perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey this season.

TSN: Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis denied a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan claiming he received an ultimatum from several players demanding the replacement of Dave Hakstol as head coach. Hakstol was fired on Tuesday after three seasons behind the Kraken bench.

“Zero players issued any ultimatums of any kind regarding the coach – that I can assure you,” said Francis. Kraken winger Jordan Eberle also denied the report.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Hurricanes signed a three-year affiliate agreement with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

THE ATHLETIC: Former NHL player Cody Hodgson has retired for the second time. His original retirement was in 2017 after a condition known as malignant hypothermia ended his six-year NHL career.

The 34-year-old center staged a comeback this season, earning an AHL contract with the Milwaukee Admirals. In 13 games, he had six goals and eight points but soon found the symptoms of his condition had returned.

Hodgson said he was at peace with his decision to retire again. His comeback effort brought him a sense of closure that he could still perform at a professional level. “I answered the question that I could play again. Maybe someone else would look at it objectively and conclude something different, but I thought I could keep up with the kids,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Hodgson in his future endeavours.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2024

by | Apr 9, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 9, 2024

The Leafs’ Auston Matthews tallies his 65th goal, Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser reach personal scoring milestones, the three stars of the week are announced, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored his league-leading 65th goal of the season in a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jake McCabe scored in overtime with Matthews picking up the primary assist for the 45-23-9 Leafs as they hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 99 points. Rickard Rakell and Drew O’Connor replied for the Penguins (36-30-12) as they extended their points streak to nine games. With 84 points, they’re just outside the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is tied with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin for the most goals in a single season in the salary-cap era. Meanwhile, the Penguins have the same amount of points as the Detroit Red Wings but the latter holds that wildcard berth with a game in hand.

The Vancouver Canucks overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3. Conor Garland scored twice, J.T. Miller reached the 100-point plateau and Brock Boeser netted his 40th goal of the season for the Canucks (48-22-8) as they sit fifth in the overall standings with 104 points. Jack Eichel scored twice and Tomas Hertl collected an assist in his first game with the Golden Knights (42-27-8) as they hold the final Western Conference wildcard spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller leads the Canucks in points. It’s the first time he’s reached 100 points. He fell one point short of the plateau in 2021-22. Boeser leads the Canucks in goals this season in what’s been a career-best performance for the 27-year-old winger.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending April 7, 2024.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Mayor of Scottsdale, Arizona opposes the Coyotes’ plan to purchase a plot of land in North Phoenix for a new arena and entertainment complex. David Ortega believes the proposed arena would not be feasible on that 95-acre piece of land because of a lack of infrastructure. He also stated that Scottsdale water assets “are absolutely not available.”

The auction date for the land is scheduled for June 27 with a starting price of $68.5 million. Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo issued a statement last week emphasizing the team’s intent to win that auction.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev returned to practice yesterday in a non-contact jersey participating in offensive drills. He’s been sidelined since Feb. 7 after breaking the tibia and fibula in his left leg during a game against the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no timetable for Sergachev’s return. He’s not expected to be ready for the opening round of the playoffs.

TSN: Florida Panthers winger Carter Verhaeghe is currently listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury. However, he is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Colorado Avalanche forward Brandon Duhaime pranked former teammate Marc-Andre Fleury last week by “TPing” his vehicle. Fleury got his revenge on Duhaime this week by placing flowers and dirt on the bonnet of his vehicle, removing all four tires, and placing a “for sale” sign on the window.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2023

by | Aug 10, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2023

Erik Karlsson meets with the media following his trade to the Penguins plus the latest on Logan Couture, Tom Wilson, J.T. Miller and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW/SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Erik Karlsson met with the Pittsburgh media yesterday for the first time since being traded to the Penguins by the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.

Karlsson said he didn’t give the Sharks a list of preferred trade destinations but he wanted to go to a winner. He became interested when he learned the Penguins were looking into acquiring him. The 33-year-old defenseman said he’s excited to be playing alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

Karlsson and Letang are both right-shot, right-side defensemen. However, he doesn’t believe he’ll have any difficulty co-existing with the long-time Penguins blueliner. He also denied a report from earlier this summer claiming there was tension between himself and former Sharks teammate Brent Burns. “We’re actually pretty good friends, personally,” he said.

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Sharks, team captain Logan Couture remains committed to the retooling club despite the departure of Karlsson. The 34-year-old center has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Sharks. He praised the management and coaching staff, adding that he wants to help reverse the club’s fortunes. “I want to turn this thing around here in San Jose,” said Couture.

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million. The article also noted that he and his family have stability in the Bay Area so he currently has no interest in seeking a trade to a Stanley Cup contender.

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Armed with a seven-year contract extension, Capitals winger Tom Wilson is enjoying a healthy summer after rehabbing a torn ACL last year. He admitted he felt “behind the eight-ball” when he returned to action midway through last season after missing training camp last fall.

VANCOUVER HOCKEY INSIDER: Canucks center J.T. Miller remains determined to avoid social media and the sometimes toxic atmosphere that sometimes comes with it.

Appearing on the “Cam and Strick” podcast, Miller also admitted he couldn’t stand a portion of the local media base, noting two or three incidents that he claimed were misinterpreted by them as well as the spreading of unsubstantiated rumors.

“Not all of them, I just can’t stand some of them, and to be honest, I think they know that I feel that way. So it’s not really something to hide,” said Miller.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs signed goaltender Martin Jones to a one-year contract worth $875K. However, he will have to pass through waivers to be sent to their AHL affiliate and there’s a risk he could be claimed by another NHL club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones is likely to slot in as the Leafs’ No. 3 goaltender provided he doesn’t get plucked off the waiver wire at some point.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed defenseman Cal Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $800K at the NHL level.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The late Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz was remembered by family, friends, current and former Blackhawks and the club’s fans during two memorial services yesterday in Chicago. Wirtz died suddenly on July 25 at age 70.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2023

by | May 5, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2023

A look at some of the offseason’s notable trade targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli released his latest list of NHL Trade Targets on April 27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m getting to this now only because of the usual surge in rumors involving teams eliminated from the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes sit first and second respectively.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both have featured prominently here in recent weeks, especially at the end of the regular season with their respective clubs long eliminated from playoff contention.

Seravalli believes Karlsson’s trade value may never be higher for the Sharks. However, his hefty contract and full no-movement clause will make him difficult to move. Hayes isn’t as expensive (or as talented) as Karlsson. Still, his contract remains a significant obstacle in the path toward a trade.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard checks in at No. 3. Seravalli believes the Avs don’t want to move Girard but could have little choice given their salary-cap constraints this summer.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Girard has surfaced in trade rumors before. With an affordable $5 million cap hit and his puck-moving skills, he’d attract plenty of interest. He’ll be the Avs’ most likely trade candidate unless they can find another way to clear cap space.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm and Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller are fourth and fifth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was non-committal about signing a contract extension this summer. Maybe he’ll change his mind after the Flames fired head coach Darryl Sutter.

Miller’s been floating around in the rumor despite having a seven-year contract extension kicking in on July 1. They need to clear cap space but I expect the Canucks will look at other options like Brock Boeser and Conor Garland.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov and Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois sit sixth and seventh.

SPECTOR’S NOTES: These two have also come up frequently in recent rumors. Capitals management is said to be unhappy with Kuznetsov’s performance this season. However, his $7.8 million cap hit through 2024-25 is a stumbling block.

Dubois, meanwhile, is a restricted free agent who’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He’s frequently linked to the Montreal Canadiens. Much will depend on the Jets’ asking price and where the Habs land in the draft lottery, where the prize is highly-touted center Connor Bedard.

One of the following St. Louis Blues defensemen (Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk, Nick Leddy or Marco Scandella) comes in at No. 8. One of them could be moved as a cost-cutting measure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plenty of speculation about that after the Blues were eliminated from playoff contention. Scandello has the most affordable cap hit ($3.275 million) and only has a modified no-trade while the others have full no-traded contracts. However, he also missed most of this season to injury.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ross Colton and Boston Bruins winger Taylor Hall round out the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli points out that the Lightning have less than $10 million to fill eight roster spots. Colton is a restricted free agent this summer. I still see him replacing Alex Killorn, who’s expected to depart as a UFA. The Bolts will find a way to keep him.

Hall made this list because the Bruins, like so many other NHL clubs, must free up space this summer if the salary cap only rises by $1 million as projected to $83.5 million.

The 31-year-old left winger carries a $6 million cap hit through 2024-25 plus a 16-team no-trade clause and a no-movement clause that prevents him from being demoted to the minors. I’m not saying he won’t be traded but I don’t see many teams wanting to add that contract to their books.

Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers, Los Angeles Kings blueliner Sean Walker, Bruins rearguard Matt Grzelcyk and Vegas Golden Knights defender Alec Martinez fill slots 11 through 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re now in the tier of depth players who should be more affordable to move though there is some contract sticking points to address.

For example, Myers is a 33-year-old blueliner with a year remaining on his contract and a cap hit of $6 million. $5 million of that will reportedly be paid to him in September as a signing bonus. That might make him easier to move by that point but his 10-team no-trade list could also be an issue.

Edmonton Oilers winger Kailer Yamamoto, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Mikael Granlund, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov, Winnipeg Jets rearguard Logan Stanley and San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc complete the remainder of the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All of these players at one point in their careers would’ve attracted lots of attention in the trade market. Their recent struggles and (for some like Granlund and Provorov) their contracts could make them difficult to sell if the salary cap remains flattened for next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2023

by | Apr 22, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2023

A look at possible offseason moves by the Canucks and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently looked at who stays and who could go for the Vancouver Canucks.

They don’t see the Canucks buying out the remainder of Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s contract but aren’t ruling it out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates that buying out Ekman-Larsson would count against their cap for the next eight seasons. It would be particularly expensive in years three and four when the cap hit would be $4.76 million annually.

General manager Patrik Allvin will listen if teams express an interest in J.T. Miller but praised his performance over the final 30 games of the season. Dayal and Drance don’t see the Canucks moving him just to shed his contract or to blow another big hole in their depth at center after moving out Bo Horvat this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Miller trade but it would have to be one heck of an offer to convince them to do it. If they’re going to pull the trigger it’ll have to be before July 1 when his no-movement clause kicks in.

Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, Anthony Beauvillier and Tyler Myers could be the Canucks’ cost-cutting trade candidates.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

How much talent is available among right wingers in this summer’s trade market could determine how much interest there is in Boeser, who carries a $6.65 million cap hit through 2024-25. He recently stated that he was glad he wasn’t moved at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dayal and Drance suggest it could come down to moving Boeser or Garland, whose average annual value is $4.95 million through 2025-26. They believe the club needs to reallocate cap dollars toward adding a third-line center and improving the blueline.

The Canucks acquired Beauvillier in the Bo Horvat trade. They’d likely prefer to keep him but his speed, work ethic, playoff experience and his expiring contract could give him more trade value than Boeser or Garland.

Myers only has a year left on his contract but moving him won’t be easy. He carries a $6 million cap hit of which $5 million is a signing bonus to be paid out on September 1. He also has a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think moving Beauvillier would be a desperate last-resort move if they can’t move any of those other candidates. As for Myers, they’re likely stuck with him until the trade deadline.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SABRES?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at several questions facing the Buffalo Sabres this offseason.

Addressing their goaltending could be the priority. It would be risky riding a goalie in his first full NHL season like Devon Levi unless they have another reliable option.

The Sabres still have Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Eric Comrie under contract for next season. They’ll have to part with one or both of them if they seek an upgrade between the pipes.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reported Sabres head coach Don Granato said he’d be very comfortable going into next season with Levi and Luukkonen as their tandem. However, he added that nobody has earned the net (the starter’s job) yet, suggesting that could be determined by internal competition among his goalies.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Inconsistent goaltending contributed to the Sabres’ inability to clinch a playoff berth this season. A young tandem could fly or become the anchor that drags them down.

Levi played well in his late-season debut but it’s difficult to determine if he’s ready yet for the rigors of a full-time NHL starter. Luukkonen showed flashes of promise this season but also had his difficulties.

Pursuing a reliable veteran to mentor Levi seems the wisest course of action but that could mean parting ways with Luukkonen, Comrie or both. Adams could end up forced to stick with his young netminders if he can’t find a suitable veteran option via the trade market or fails to woo any of the limited options in the free-agent market.

Fairburn also wondered what the future holds for winger Victor Olofsson as younger Sabres emerge as scorers. He’s a year away from UFA status and carries a $4.75 million cap hit for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Olofsson is going to become the odd man out with the emergence of young forwards like Casey Mittelstadt, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn. He could become a trade candidate this summer, perhaps to add a goalie or an experienced top-four defenseman.