NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2024

by | Aug 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2024

The latest Penguins speculation plus a look at Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden acknowledged the expectation that Sidney Crosby will sign a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, he played the “what if” game in case Crosby hasn’t signed when training camp opens or the regular season begins. He also raised the “nuclear option” of the Penguins trading Crosby if he wasn’t signed by the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any of those options could happen but seem unlikely. Barring an unexpected change by one side or the other, Crosby will sign his extension with the Penguins before training camp opens next month.

POSTGAZETTE.COM: During a recent live chat, Matt Vensel was asked if there’s any chance the Penguins would trade goaltender Tristan Jarry before the start of training camp.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

Vensel believes the odds of that happening are pretty slim. He indicated the Penguins were open to moving Jarry during the 2024 NHL Draft but he doesn’t have much trade value at the moment.

The Penguins will keep Jarry around and try to get him back on track. If that happens, it’ll improve his trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s contract will remain a difficult hurdle. He carries an average annual value of $5.375 million throughout 2027-28 with a 12-team no-trade list.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski included Lars Eller among his three perplexing Penguins storylines for this season. The 35-year-old center seems expendable with Noel Acciari and offseason acquisition Blake Lizotte capable of centering the Penguins’ fourth line.

Eller is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $2.45 million. Trading him, or even Kevin Hayes, would free up space for younger players while adding more draft picks to the Penguins’ stockpile.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski was surprised by the lack of trade chatter about Eller. It’s probably due to his age and the fact most teams don’t need to add a veteran checking-line center right now. Those who did earlier in the offseason did so for less than Eller’s AAV.

Hayes was recently acquired and isn’t going anywhere. Eller’s value could improve throughout the season, especially near the trade deadline.

DOES ANDREI KUZMENKO FIT WITHIN THE FLAMES’ LONG-TERM PLANS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons pondered winger Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the rebuilding Calgary Flames.

Kuzmenko, 28, made an impressive NHL debut in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, tallying 39 goals and 74 points. He struggled through 43 games with the Canucks last season with eight goals and 21 points. Traded to the Flames in January, he regained his scoring touch with 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games.

Parson noted that Kuzmenko remains a one-dimensional player. While the Flames will remain patient with him, he must round out his game to have a long-term future in Calgary.

Kuzmenko is in the final season of his two-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. If he sustains his scoring ability he could get a long-term extension. He could also become an appealing option for other clubs if he hits the open market next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko will be interesting to follow this season. A strong performance could ensure his long-term future in Calgary if he wants to stay or make him an invaluable trade chip.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

by | Jul 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Canucks and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel looks at four ways the Penguins can use their leftover $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

One way could be adding another winger but they’d be hard-pressed to find better options than they currently have. There are no impact forwards left in the free-agent market and it’s difficult to see them trading for someone like Columbus’ Patrik Laine now.

Another option would be taking on a player from a cap-strapped team packaged with a draft pick. The Penguins’ recent acquisition of Kevin Hayes also netted them a second-round pick.

They could also consider pursuing an affordable young player like Arthur Kaliyev from the Los Angeles Kings or Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vensel considers both to represent a bet on untapped potential.

The Penguins could also sit tight with that cap space and work it to their advantage during the regular season. They could use those dollars to add to their roster or to become a third-party broker near the trade deadline to add more future assets.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latter two options seem the most sensible. Kaliyev or Robertson could be affordable pickups who would benefit from a change of scenery. On the other hand, hanging onto that cap space could help them during the season if they want to add a player who helps them clinch a playoff berth or bring in assets to help them rebuild.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski shoots down a recent rumor suggesting Tristan Jarry could be traded based on speculative pieces about the 29-year-old Penguins goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. However, his inconsistent play and the four years remaining on his contract with its $5.375 million annual cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause ensure he’ll be starting this season in Pittsburgh.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston wonders what the future holds for forward Vasily Podkolzin following the Vancouver Canucks recent signing of winger Daniel Sprong. This move ensures the 23-year-old winger isn’t a lock to make their lineup this season.

Podkolzin, 23, is a former first-round pick who should be fighting for a spot on the Canucks’ top line, not battling to hang onto a fourth-line role. He could end up playing on another team if he doesn’t find a way to improve his game.

SEKERES & PRICE: Discuss whether acquiring Sprong could set up moving someone like Nils Hoglander for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Podkolzin had a promising debut in 2021-22 with 14 goals and 26 points in 76 games. However, he’s struggled to stick with the Canucks, spending time over the past two years with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Hoglander was a second-round pick by the Canucks in the 2019 draft. He had a career-high 24 goals last season but only two points in 11 playoff games. Still, he could be a more tempting trade chip than Podkolzin for the Canucks.

COULD THE SHARKS REUNITE WITH MARTIN JONES?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reported San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier indicated earlier this month that he would address his club’s need for a No. 3 goaltender at some point during the offseason.

Pashelka suggested bringing back Martin Jones. The 34-year-old free agent was the Sharks’ starter from 2015-16 to 2020-21. He performed well last season as a No. 3 netminder with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks bought out Jones’ contract in 2021, making him an unrestricted free agent. That buyout ($1.666 million annually) remains on their books until 2027. However, they can bring him back if they want to take up Pashelka’s suggestion.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

by | Jun 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Steven Stamkos and Martin Necas, the latest on the Red Wings, Jets, Sabres and Rangers, and two notable potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PREDATORS INTERESTED IN STEVEN STAMKOS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are lining up hoping to talk to Steven Stamkos if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger heads to free agency on July 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Nashville Predators could be among the clubs with serious interest in Stamkos. General manager Barry Trotz is seeking some offensive pop for his roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ first choice remains staying in Tampa Bay. Discussions with the Lightning are ongoing.

COULD MARTIN NECAS BE TRADED SOON?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported one team has jumped to the front of the line in the Martin Necas trade sweepstakes. That club is offering up a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and could be the team that completes a deal for Necas very soon.

LeBrun believes the Buffalo Sabres are very interested in Necas. It’s getting close to crunch time if a team is going to offer up a 2024 first-rounder. He also indicated the Hurricanes are content to hand onto the 25-year-old restricted free agent if they don’t find a suitable offer.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils could dangle the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Hurricanes for Necas. Seravalli also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and the Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Necas rumors have heated up with the draft fast approaching. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks also hold top-10 picks but they might not be as keen to part with them for Necas.

ARE THE RED WINGS GEARING UP FOR A BIG MOVE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings trading Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in a cost-cutting move freed up $3.4 million annually for the next two seasons. The move also fueled speculation general manager Steve Yzerman is planning a big move.

The move could be to free up a logjam on defense. The Wings have seven blueliners projected to make the roster next season. It could also be to free up additional room to re-sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Yzerman could also be considering a significant addition via the trade and free-agent markets to bolster his goaltending and scoring depth.

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested watching the Red Wings in the Steven Stamkos free-agent sweepstakes. It’s believed they’re among the clubs lining up for the Lightning captain.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Yzerman is looking at adding a goaltender. He thinks the Wings GM has spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. Friedman also wondered if Yzerman might be interested in Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Red Wings remain in contract discussions with pending UFA winger Patrick Kane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman will do something to address his goaltending and scoring issues. He could make a big move but recent history shows he prefers doing smaller trades and signings, not wanting to tie up too much cap room for too long. We’ll soon see if he has something bigger planned this time.

LATEST ON THE JETS, SENATORS AND RANGERS

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reports the Jets remain likely to trade prospect Rutger McGroarty at any moment and will continue efforts to peddle winger Nikolaj Ehlers. It’s also possible they buy out the final season of defenseman Nate Schmidt’s contract.

There’s plenty of interest in the 20-year-old McGroarty. He could be used as a trade chip for a first-rounder in this year’s draft or a defenseman to bolster their blueline. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens could come calling.

Ehlers could also be used as a trade chip for a blueliner. Billeck suggested offering him to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun or the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators or Kraken could seek assurances that Ehlers will sign a contract extension, assuming they’re interested in him. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $6 million.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios shot down a rumor suggesting defenseman Thomas Chabot is on the trade block. “Not sure where that comes from,” he said. “It hasn’t been talked about once.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That speculation arose because the oft-injured Chabot’s modified no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. Some observers would rather the Senators trade him and use the savings to re-sign Jakob Chychrun.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH PATRICK KANE

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are looking at a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old winger spent a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23.

JEFF SKINNER AND JACK CAMPBELL COULD BE BOUGHT OUT

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Chad DeDominicus of Expected Buffalo claiming sources told him the Sabres will buy out the final three years of winger Jeff Skinner’s contract. The buyout will save the Sabres over $7.5 million in 2024-25.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer saying the club will likely buy out the remainder of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. A buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers cap for 2024-25, $2.3 million in 2025-26, and $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million annually for the final three seasons.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2024

by | Jun 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2024

The latest speculation over Leon Draisaitl’s future with the Oilers, possible buyout candidates, updates on Jake Guentzel and Jakob Chychrun, and the latest on the Rangers and Blackhawks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON LEON DRAISAITL’S FUTURE WITH THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports there is no more important business for the Edmonton Oilers than what happens next for Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old superstar forward has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8.5 million and could seek a considerably higher annual average value on his next deal.

Multiple sources tell Johnston the Oilers have no intention of letting Draisaitl play out the final year of his contract and walk away as a free agent next summer, especially when Connor McDavid will be a year away from UFA eligibility by then.

Given the length of their playoff run, the Oilers haven’t yet started serious contract extension talks with Draisaitl’s camp. Re-signing him this summer is a “massive priority”. They do have some wiggle room if they attempt to move him as he has a 10-team no-trade list. Going that route would be a franchise-defining move.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Johnston’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Oilers should not trade Draisaitl if an extension cannot be reached. Trading him would be an almost no-win situation. He felt they should retain him for next season and one more shot at winning the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers possess an aging roster in win-now mode. Re-signing Draisaitl will eat up a lot of cap space going forward even with the cap expected to rise significantly for the foreseeable future. That could hamper their efforts to bolster their roster down the road. Still, it’ll be shocking if Draisaitl isn’t re-signed this summer.

LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR ROUNDUP

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Jeff Skinner is a name to watch when the buyout window opens on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million. Other buyout possibilities include Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt, and New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams considering buyouts can’t afford to waste time this year. The buyout window opens 48 hours following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes on June 30 at 5 pm ET.

Friedman believes there are some “really good teams” looking at whether they can afford to acquire and sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. There’s talk the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks looked into it but they are rebuilding clubs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signing goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic leaves Friedman wondering if they might trade Tristan Jarry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He’s not the only pundit pondering that possibility. Jarry has four more years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.375 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

The Winnipeg Jets could move prospect Rutger McGroarty sooner rather than later. The 20-year-old winger has expressed concern over the Jets’ plans for his future. Friedman dismissed the notion that the Jets have no trade leverage with McGroarty wanting out, suggesting they could make an interesting deal that gets them a first-round pick and perhaps more.

THE LATEST ON JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are trying to determine what the trade market looks like for Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old defenseman has a year left on his contract with a $4.6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list.

It’s believed the Senators seek a first and a second-rounder or a high-end prospect for Chychrun. The Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks are among the clubs that have shown an interest.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there is no indication the Rangers intend to buy out the final two season of captain Jacob Trouba’s contract. He also claims his sources are divided over whether GM Chris Drury will attempt to trade Trouba after he submits his 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Brooks believes the Rangers have little stomach to turn over their captaincy after only two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful Trouba will be traded. His performance declined partly because he played on a broken ankle over the final month of the regular season and during their playoff run. As Brooks pointed out, he’s well-respected by his teammates.

The Rangers are believed to be aggressively shopping Kaapo Kakko despite signing him to a one-year, $2.4 million contract. Sources tell Brooks they could bundle him with the 30th overall pick to move up in the first round of the upcoming draft.

UPDATE ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report league sources suggest the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t sold enough on Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas to send him an offer sheet or acquire and sign him to a long-term contract.

The Blackhawks are intrigued by Necas but the Hurricanes aren’t in the market for draft picks and prospects. They instead prefer NHL-ready talent.

Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen could be open to returning to Chicago as a free agent.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

Updates on Linus Ullmark, Tyler Toffoli, Igor Shesterkin, and Tristan Jarry in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S HOLDING UP TRADING LINUS ULLMARK?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins are in a good position to move Linus Ullmark now that Jacob Markstrom is off the trade market. However, the 30-year-old Bruins goaltender’s modified no-trade clause remains a hurdle.

Friedman noted the Ottawa Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. However, they’re believed to be on his no-trade list. He also thinks that interested clubs might prefer signing the netminder to a contract extension if they’re to pay the Bruins’ expensive asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Other factors include whether the Bruins might feel pressure to lower their price and if they’d be comfortable trading within their division.

Friedman took note of Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman saying he’s not interested in acquiring an older goaltender who might be a short-term fix. If Yzerman were interested in Ullmark, Friedman thinks he’d want him signed to an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is speculation suggesting Ullmark might accept a trade to Ottawa if the Senators and Bruins can finalize a deal. We could find out later this week if that’s the case. The Bruins would likely prefer moving Ullmark before the draft opens on Friday.

COULD TYLER TOFFOLI RETURN TO THE CANUCKS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks could have Tyler Toffoli in their sights as a backup option if they fail to sign Jake Guentzel when free agency begins on July 1.

Toffoli, 32, split last season with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, finishing with 34 goals and 55 points. He was acquired by the Canucks before the 2020 trade deadline, collecting 10 points in as many regular-season games and four points in seven postseason contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli will be a more affordable free-agent target for the Canucks. Guentzel is hitting the UFA market for the first time and could seek around $9 million annually on a long-term deal.

LATEST SPECULATION ON IGOR SHESTERKIN’S NEXT CONTRACT

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup last year with Adin Hill as their starting goalie while the Edmonton Oilers could do the same with Stuart Skinner. He wondered if the Rangers must invest $12 million annually in Igor Shesterkin’s next contract when other clubs are winning the Cup without Vezina Trophy winners in their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks pointed out that the 2011 Boston Bruins are the only team in the salary-cap era to win the Cup with a goaltender who won the Vezina, that being Tim Thomas. However, I doubt the Rangers play hardball with Shesterkin for a lesser deal or shop him in place of more affordable options.

ARE THE PENGUINS PREPARING TO TRADE TRISTAN JARRY?

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Mark Madden makes the case for the Penguins to put Tristan Jarry on this summer’s trade block. He believes their recent re-signing of Alex Nedeljkovic with promising Joel Blomqvist waiting in the wings makes no sense unless they intend to move Jarry.

Moving Jarry won’t be easy. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is preparing to move Jarry. However, it’s more likely he feels Blomqvist needs another year in the minors and intends to return with a tandem of Jarry and Nedeljkovic.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 7, 2024

by | Jun 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 7, 2024

The Flames and Devils revisit their Jacob Markstrom trade talks, the latest on Jake Guentzel and Juuse Saros, plus a recent update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES AND DEVILS RENEW MARKSTROM TRADE TALKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils renewed their trade discussions regarding Jacob Markstrom. The two teams were reportedly close to a trade in February that would’ve shipped the 34-year-old goaltender to the Devils but the deal fell through.

LeBrun claims Markstrom is willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to New Jersey. He also indicated the Flames are getting calls from other clubs about the veteran netminder. LeBrun said there remains a difference of opinion on the return and what it would cost the Devils to land Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

One holdup during their previous discussions was the Flames’ unwillingness to retain part of Markstrom’s $6 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26. LeBrun also suggested the Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson could also be options for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is keen to land a reliable starting goaltender this summer. He’s got a few options but his preference is for Markstrom.

In February, there was talk that the Flames sought a first-round pick, a top prospect like Seamus Casey, and a young NHL player like Alexander Holtz or Dawson Mercer. Fitzgerald is willing to move his 2024 first-rounder (10th overall) and could part with Holtz but not Mercer. He could also be reluctant to part with Casey.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO SIGN JAKE GUENTZEL?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted that Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek recently made an admittedly wild prediction suggesting the Sharks could sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Peng noted the Sharks have plenty of cap space and need to surround promising players like Macklin Celebrini (whom they’re expected to select first overall in this year’s draft) with veteran players. However, he believes they’ll find more affordable options than Guentzel, who probably isn’t interested in signing with a rebuilding club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be this summer’s biggest free-agent surprise if Guentzel joined the Sharks. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

THE LATEST ON JUUSE SAROS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Clay Brewer cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Juuse Saros camp could wait and see what kind of contract goaltender Igor Shesterkin receives from the New York Rangers as a baseline for their contract talks this summer.

Saros and Shesterkin both have a year remaining on their respective contracts. They’re allowed to sign extensions starting on July 1.

Friedman believes Shesterkin is set to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. He believes Saros’ agent could seek 75 to 80 percent of what the Rangers netminder gets. Saros is currently earning an average annual value of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The highest-paid goaltender is the Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price with an AAV of $10.5 million. Shesterkin’s next deal could be between $11 million and $12 million annually.

Assuming Shesterkin receives $11.5 million annually on his next deal, the Saros camp could seek between $8.6 million and $9.2 million for their client.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi recently reported contract extension talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are expected to intensify soon, perhaps during this week’s NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.

Both sides are believed to be proceeding as though Crosby’s contract will be finalized this summer. Whether that happens on July 1 or soon afterward depends on how many roster changes management has in store for the coming weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will sign an extension this summer and finish his playing career with the Penguins.

Rossi also reported that league sources said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is trying to move winger Reilly Smith. He’d prefer a hockey trade and doesn’t want to retain salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a possibility but the return might not make the Penguins better. This could become a case where two teams swap players who didn’t pan out last season, hoping that the change of scenery helps them regain their form.

Dubas isn’t shopping Tristan Jarry but there’s a sense around the league that the 29-year-old goaltender is available. The Penguins are prepared to carry Jarry if they don’t find a deal that directly or indirectly (by clearing cap space) brings in a top-four winger or a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Jarry will be back with the Penguins next season.

The Penguins GM doesn’t see much of a trade market for defenseman Ryan Graves without retaining a significant chunk of his cap hit. It’s hoped that he bounces back next season with fewer expectations as a bottom-pairing option.