Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

by | Dec 29, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 29, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the Oilers, Rangers, Sabres and Red Wings plus updates on Blues winger Brandon Saad and Canadiens center Jake Evans.

PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at possible trade targets for the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers could use a left-shot defenseman who regularly faces elite talent. Three options include Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres, Olli Maatta of the Utah Hockey Club and Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely the Sabres will move Byram. If anything, they could use another defenseman like him. Maatta could be available if Utah isn’t in playoff contention by the trade deadline.

Pundits like bringing up Matheson because he’s playing on a rebuilding team and has a year remaining on his contract. However, it will take a significant offer to pry him out of Montreal given their lack of experienced blueliners. The most likely to move is pending free agent David Savard but he’s a right-hand shot who plays second or third-pairing minutes.

Mitchell also suggested the possibility of the Oilers acquiring a low-cost, experienced backup goaltender. However, he doesn’t see them landing John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, citing the cost of the return and his $6.4 million annual average value.

St. Louis Blues winger Brandon Saad (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson also has a 10-team no-trade clause. It’s rumored all seven Canadian teams are on that last.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Brandon Saad’s future with the St. Louis Blues continues to be something to monitor moving into 2025.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned Saad two weeks ago, claiming the Blues would like to move him. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He has a no-trade clause but Friedman claimed he’s willing to accept other options.

The struggling New York Rangers remain a team “everyone’s watching” now that the holiday roster freeze has been lifted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers were defeated 6-2 on Saturday by the Tampa Bay Lightning with goalie Igor Shesterkin lifted after giving up five goals on 13 shots. That was their third straight loss and the sixth in their last seven games. They’ve won only four of their last 18 games and are five points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with the lowly Montreal Canadiens threatening to overtake them.

Trading Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and Kaapo Kakko to Seattle earlier this month did nothing to improve the Rangers’ lot. If management’s plan isn’t to make a season-saving deal or a coaching change then we must assume they intend to become sellers at the March 7 trade deadline.

Friedman also indicated that the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings continue to scout each other. He thinks they “looked at something” before the holiday roster freeze, adding “We’ll see if that continues”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two clubs faced off on Dec. 9 with the Wings winning 6-5 in a shootout. They don’t meet again until after the March 7 trade deadline (March 12) so it’s unlikely they’re keeping tabs on each other for that game.

WILL THE CANADIENS MOVE JAKE EVANS?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes Jake Evans could be too expensive for the Canadiens to re-sign. The 28-year-old checking-line center is on pace for a career-best performance in his contract year with nine goals and 22 points in 35 games.

Evans is in the final season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Cowan thinks Evans is worth at least double that annual cap hit if not more on a four-year deal. He doubts the rebuilding Canadiens will pay that much for that long, suggesting Evans could be shopped by the trade deadline unless he accepts a hometown discount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans has developed into a reliable two-way checking-line center. If the Canadiens were poised to become Stanley Cup contenders they’d pay to keep him around.

However, Evans turns 29 in June and will want to use his UFA status to cash in. Management could balk at a long-term investment with so many promising young players coming up in the roster. He could fetch a solid return from a contender seeking depth at center.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

by | Dec 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 13, 2024

​Check out the latest on the Sabres, Hurricanes and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are getting calls from other teams about Dylan Cozens. The 23-year-old right-shot center is two years removed from a 30-goal season but he’s struggling in 2024-25. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.1 million, which Friedman believes helps his value in the trade market.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports no sense of panic among the Sabres’ organization despite their difficulties. Teams are calling in for promising young players like Jack Quinn but general manager Kevyn Adams isn’t moving him. He’s open to a trade that helps his team now but doesn’t want to force things.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wonders what move could set the Sabres back after missing the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons. They’re closer to last place in the league this season than they are to a playoff berth.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Fairburn cited Adams saying he didn’t spend his $7 million in cap space because Quinn, forward JJ Peterka and goalie Devon Levi are restricted free agents next summer. However, Quinn has one goal this season, Peterka has one goal in his last 13 games, and Levi is back in the AHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There are plenty of reasons why the Sabres have struggled over the years, from meddling ownership to poor management to a revolving door of coaches. The issue now is whether Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff can find a way to turn things around before their postseason drought stretches to 14 years and counting.

HURRICANES SHOPPING FOR A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes had discussions with the San Jose Sharks about Mackenzie Blackwood before the 28-year-old goaltender was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. They’re seeking insurance for starter Pyotr Kochetkov.

LeBrun mentioned Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames, Anton Forsberg of the Ottawa Senators and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club as options. However, none of those teams are ready to be sellers.

The Hurricanes have spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. However, the asking price will have to go down before

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also noted the Hurricanes’ interest in Gibson. He said there’s been an on-again, off-again courtship between the Hurricanes and Ducks over Gibson for years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list but these reports suggest the Hurricanes are on that list. The Hurricanes could prefer the Ducks retain part of his $6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27, but the Ducks could seek something substantial to make salary retention worthwhile.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello isn’t tipping his hand about potential moves this season. His peers find it hard to believe that Lamoriello would move pending UFA center Brock Nelson if the Isles remain in playoff contention.

The Dallas Stars are expected to utilize its extra salary-cap space while Tyler Seguin recovers from hip surgery. Friedman indicates they’re doing due diligence on what centers and right-shot defensemen are available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars are expected to put Seguin on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to bolster their roster for the playoffs. Seguin is out for four to six months.

The Vancouver Canucks are trying to find a better fit for Vincent Desharnais. It hasn’t worked out as hoped for the 28-year-old defenseman, who signed a two-year contract in the offseason with the Canucks.

Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen is being scouted as a potential depth addition.

Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz is doing all he can to avoid making head coach Andrew Brunette the fall guy for the club’s struggles this season. Friedman speculated that little-used forward Juuso Parssinen could follow Dante Fabbro and Philip Tomasino out of Nashville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz might not have much choice if the losses keep mounting.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2024

by | Dec 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 12, 2024

A look at some intriguing trade candidates and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos released his first trade board of the 2024-25 NHL season. He’s broken his list down into several categories.

Under “Intriguing Names to Watch,” Kypreos includes Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, and Nashville Predators blueliner Alexandre Carrier.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

Bennett is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Kypreos indicates there’s a risk the Panthers could lose him to the UFA market which isn’t appealing to general manager Bill Zito. From what Kypreos has been told, Zito will listen to offers.

Kypreos believes the Colorado Avalanche would pursue Bennett to fill the void of Gabriel Landeskog’s ongoing absence. He also speculated the Dallas Stars would seek a replacement for sidelined forward Tyler Seguin, wondering if they’d part with Mason Marchment to get Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Bennett before the March 7 deadline would be a bold move by Zito. However, I don’t see him going that route with his club attempting to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. The return would have to be significant. Marchment might do it but the Stars could be reluctant to part with him.

Kypreos thinks the Senators could make a big trade involving Chabot to shake things up if they’re out of playoff contention by the deadline. He has three years left on his contract with a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Chabot trade is more likely to occur in the offseason when teams have the cap space to take on his $8 million annual salary-cap hit. The Senators could retain half of it but having $4 million in dead cap space for each of the next three seasons might not appeal to them.

Ferraro surfaced in trade rumors last season and will be present again in 2024-25. The 26-year-old Sharks blueliner has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could entertain offers for Ferraro if he intends to test the market in 2026.

If the Predators continue to struggled they could be forced to make some changes. Carrier has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier also surfaced in last season’s rumor mill before he signed his current contract with the Predators.

Kypreos also included Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, Senators center Josh Norris, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

Those players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards in recent weeks so there was no point in rehashing their situations.

Kypreos also listed the pending UFAs likely to be trade candidates. They include Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov and forward Mathieu Olivier, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson, the Islanders’ Brock Nelson, Chicago Blackhawks winger Taylor Hall, Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde and winger Brandon Tanev, Ducks forward Frank Vatrano, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have frequently appeared here and on other trade boards because of their pending UFA status.

The Jets could hang onto Ehlers as an own rental as they attempt to stage a run for the Cup this season. The Islanders could also hang onto Nelson if they’re in playoff contention by the deadline. Kypreos noted that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell downplayed the Olivier rumors and is working on re-signing him.

Kypreos suggested the Kraken could attempt to peddle goaltender Philipp Grubauer. They’ll have to retain part of his $5.9 million AAV that runs through 2026-27. The Kraken could buy him out this summer if they find no takers in the trade market.

The Ducks’ John Gibson was included with Grubauer as two goalies of note in the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not impossible to move Grubauer or Gibson during the season but such attempts are more likely in the offseason. It’s possible they’re both bought out this summer if there’s no trade market for their services.

Kypreos also listed energy players like the Flyers’ Scott Laughton, the Sharks’ Barclay Goodrow, and the Penguins’ Drew O’Connor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton and Goodrow have term left on their contracts which could make it tougher to move them during the season. O’Connor is UFA-eligible and more likely to move.

TORONTO STAR: Kypreos also reports it sounds unlikely the Ducks will attempt to flip recently acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba at the trade deadline. He claims they see him as a big part of their rebuild plus it will provide his wife with wonderful opportunities in the medical field. Kypreos claims the Ducks are exploring signing Trouba to a contract extension on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2024

by | Nov 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 30, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Canucks, Canadiens, Avalanche and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports executives around the NHL are wondering if the New York Rangers could entice Igor Shesterkin to sign an offer of $12.5 million per season given the club’s current slump, management’s desire to alter the team’s core, and their inability to reduce the numbers of shots and scoring chances against him.

Shesterkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He might want to see what other teams have to offer if the Rangers intend to retool or make big roster changes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin would be the top goaltender and among the biggest names in next summer’s UFA market. Plenty of clubs will line up to get him, especially if the salary cap rises higher than the $92.4 million projection. His departure would also signal the Rangers are rebuilding, not retooling.

Staple also noted a recent TSN report claiming Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko is back on the trade block. The 23-year-old winger’s been among the few bright spots on their roster this season. Staple doesn’t see them moving Kakko for futures when there’s no one in their system to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no reason to move Kakko during this season unless it’s a player-for-player swap, or if the Rangers are tearing down the roster now.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

A league source told Staple that Rangers general manager Chris Drury recently contacted the Vancouver Canucks about bringing J.T. Miller back to New York. Drury tried to acquire Miller before the 2022 trade deadline. Miller subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks aren’t trading Miller, who carries a full no-movement clause and wants to stay in Vancouver. Even if he were available, the Rangers would have to move one of their high-salaried forwards to make room for his $8 million annual salary-cap hit.

Staple also noted how much things have fallen apart for the Rangers since news broke of Drury’s willingness to shake up his roster core with a trade. He doesn’t see anyone trading for team captain Jacob Trouba due to the decline in his performance. Staple wondered if Trouba is stripped of the captaincy and what could be in store for head coach Peter Laviolette and Drury himself.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple suggested this goes back to Drury’s shabby treatment of Barclay Goodrow in June when he abruptly placed the popular checking line forward on the waiver wire, where the San Jose Sharks claimed him. Another issue was Drury’s bungled attempt to trade Trouba before July 1.

Drury might’ve been trying to motivate his veterans when he sent that memo around the league indicating his willingness to entertain trade offers for some of them. However, it’s blown up in his face. The Rangers look nothing like the club that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season. They’re clinging to a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets nipping at their heels.

UPDATES ON THE CANUCKS

DAILY HIVE: Noah Strang cited CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Canucks GM Patrik Allvin contacted the Boston Bruins to discuss bringing Nikita Zadorov back to Vancouver. Dhaliwal claimed it was a “short conversation” and wasn’t major.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zadorov was traded to the Canucks last November by the Calgary Flames. He signed a six-year contract with the Boston Bruins in July with an average annual value of $5 million. The deal includes a full no-movement clause for this season.

The Canucks had their chance to sign Zadorov last summer but balked because he was asking for more than they were willing to pay. They’re pressed for cap space and can’t afford to take on his contract now.

ESPN: Kevin Weekes took to “X” reporting the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets are among the teams interested in Nils Hoglander. The 24-year-old Canucks forward signed a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoglander had a career-high 24 goals last season but only two goals and five points in 22 games thus far. He could become a trade chip to bring in a top-four defenseman.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is “listening to just about anything” regarding his club’s pending UFAs. They include defenseman David Savard and forwards Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia.

Hughes could also be willing to entertain offers for Mike Matheson. The 30-year-old defenseman has another year left on his contract with an AAV of $4.88 million. Matheson is currently nursing a lower-body injury but when healthy, he could be a valuable trade chip. He has 13 points in 20 games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on where the Canadiens are in the standings by the trade deadline. Some of those players could be on the move if the Habs are once again out of playoff contention. Matheson could have more value given he’s still in his prime and has another year left on his contract.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if the Pittsburgh Penguins might inquire about the availability of young Canadiens forward Kirby Dach. Friedman’s cohost Kyle Bukauskas doubted the Habs would give up on Dach this early in his career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Let’s be clear, Friedman isn’t saying the Penguins are calling about Dach, he’s just spitballing here.

I agree with Bukauskas. Dach is struggling after missing all but one game last season with a knee injury. It takes time to come back from something like that. Hughes will be patient with Dach unless someone makes a mindblowing offer for him.

WILL THE AVALANCHE PURSUE A GOALTENDER?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently looked at possible goaltending options for the Colorado Avalanche. He and co-host Tyler Yaremchuk believe there is “no more urgent goaltending situation in the NHL than the Colorado Avalanche,” pointing out they need an upgrade over the current tandem of Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen.

Seravalli doubts they can afford to take on the contract of Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson. His suggested options include Mackenzie Blackwood of the San Jose Sharks and Dan Vladar of the Calgary Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuilding Sharks aren’t in a hurry to move Blackwood. Neither are the Flames, who are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

Sharks GM Mike Grier will likely wait until the March trade deadline to peddle Blackwood to get the best possible return. Vladar probably won’t be moved if the Flames remain in the postseason hunt.

COULD THE OILERS TARGET A TOP-FOUR DEFENSEMAN

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now” suggesting the Oilers have their eye on a top-four defenseman who can play the right side with a left-handed shot who can move the puck.

Stauffer wouldn’t say who the Oilers could target. Staples speculates it could be Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen, Detroit’s Ben Chiarot or Ottawa’s Nick Jensen.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2024

by | Nov 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2024

Are roster shake-ups coming for the Rangers and Senators? What’s the latest Oilers speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE RANGERS TRADE TROUBA OR KREIDER?

SPORTSNET’s Elliotte Friedman took to “X” yesterday reporting the New York Rangers have made it clear they’re interested in “making moves and shaking up their roster.” This decision came following their 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated that team captain Jacob Trouba and veteran winger Chris Kreider are among the names being floated as available, “although other options will be considered.”

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan replied to Friedman’s report, indicating she followed up with calls to people associated with the Rangers. Despite their .658 win percentage, the names being mentioned lead everyone to believe that none of the Rangers should feel complacent right now.

Friedman discussed the situation during an appearance on The FAN Hockey Show on Monday afternoon. He observed that Kreider lacks full no-move protection and suggested he would draw interest in the trade market.

However, Friedman said he and others are trying to determine whether the Rangers are serious about moving Kreider or just trying to shake up the room by threatening to trade the long-time Blueshirt.

Kreider, 33, is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury sent a memo to all 31 of his NHL counterparts announcing his club was open for business, “specifically citing multiple players as available, not merely their longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider, and captain, Jacob Trouba.”

Larry Brooks believes it’s time to blow up this version of the Rangers, dismissing the idea of another coaching change. “This core does not get to fire another coach. They have not earned that right,” he wrote.

Brooks noted that Trouba can be traded, suggesting he be suspended and removed from the Rangers’ salary cap if he refuses to go. The 30-year-old captain is signed through next season with an AAV of $8 million. He has a 15-team no-trade list for this season. During the offseason, Trouba spiked a deal that would’ve sent him to the Detroit Red Wings.

Moving Kreider would be a shockwave through the organization. However, he might yield a bounty in return.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports Rangers management is pleased with the performance of young players like Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, Braden Schneider and Zac Jones. He also noted that Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil are playing well this season, though Chytil missed his fifth straight game on Monday with an upper-body injury.

The veteran core (except for goalies Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick and leading scorer Artemi Panarin) aren’t performing to expectations. However, there’s little Drury can do about them because most have long-term deals, no-trade clauses, or no-movement clauses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kreider or Trouba right now could be difficult. Their cap hits are difficult for interested parties to absorb, especially with a lot of teams carrying limited cap room at this point in the season. Their 15-team no-trade lists are an additional complication.

That’s not to say it’s impossible. Perhaps a deal could be worked out involving one or both, or whoever else Rangers management might consider peddling. It just won’t be easy to find suitable trade partners with the cap room and the wealth of tradeable assets.

COULD THE SENATORS SHAKE THINGS UP?

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a source suggesting the Ottawa Senators could consider a shake-up trade. The club remains mired in mediocrity despite management and coaching changes since last year.

Murphy believes the Senators are running out of options without making a franchise-altering move. Goaltending was assumed to be the issue they believed was rectified by acquiring Linus Ullmark.

Former Senators defenseman turned podcast host Marc Methot hinted at this last week, suggesting a core player could be moved if things don’t improve soon. Murphy claimed there were rumors captain Brady Tkachuk could be a trade candidate but his source said he hadn’t heard specific names, just that anything is in play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported last week that the Senators had to do something or risk another lost season, citing sources claiming GM Steve Staios was shopping around to find upgrades for his roster.

Garrioch dismissed the notion of Tkachuk or long-time defenseman Thomas Chabot hitting the trade block. It’s unlikely that scoring leader Tim Stutzle or top defenseman Jake Sanderson will be moved. Garrioch cited a source suggesting Josh Norris as a trade candidate.

One move the Senators could make is for a defenseman. Garrioch reported they’re aggressively looking to add to their blueline after Artem Zub broke his foot blocking a shot during Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Zub is expected to be sidelined for a while.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins noted Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported last week that Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson could waive his no-trade clause for the Oilers. However, Leavins is skeptical that Gibson would be an improvement over Oilers starter Stuart Skinner and not at his $6.4 million cap hit. Even if the Ducks agreed to retain half, Gibson would still be difficult to fit within the Oilers’ limited cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed.

Leavins also noted recent speculation linking the Oilers to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek. He noted Jiricek projects as a better, more physical defender than the departed Philip Broberg, possessing a better shot and with plenty of room for development. However, he also pointed out that Jiricek wasn’t as good a skater as Broberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers don’t see Jiricek as a fit with the Oilers because they lack the depth in tradeable assets to tempt the Blue Jackets.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 23, 2024

by | Nov 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 23, 2024

The latest on Marco Rossi, Taylor Hall, and John Gibson plus updates on the Bruins and speculation involving the Canadiens and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE WILD TRADE MARCO ROSSI?

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Chris Johnston recently published his updated NHL 2024-25 trade board.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link provided to see the full list if you have a subscription. Many of the names like Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson, Anaheim Ducks winger Trevor Zegras, and Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill in recent weeks and have been duly noted on this site.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi was on that list. Johnston indicated the Wild aren’t facing pressure to trade the 23-year-old forward, he’s slated to become a restricted free agent next summer. He believes management must decide if they’ll commit long-term “to a diminutive winger with elite offensive instincts and playmaking abilities.” Johnston believes Rossi is a candidate “to be included in a player-for-player swap.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Johnston’s colleague Michael Russo telling the “Worst Seats In The House” podcast that he still believes the Wild will trade Rossi. “I don’t know when. I don’t know if it’s imminent, by the deadline, or next summer,” said Russo. “I just think that they do not feel he’s the player to commit to long-term”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi had 21 goals and 40 points in 82 games as a rookie last season. He has five goals and 15 points in 19 games thus far in his sophomore campaign, putting him on pace to reach 60 points. The Austrian forward has yet to hit his playing prime and should continue to improve.

Rossi will be coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. The only leverage he’ll have is the threat of an offer sheet from a rival club. Missing training camp or the start of next season won’t do his performance any good through 2025-26.

The Wild will have $19.5 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the cap rises as projected to $92.4 million with 15 active roster players under contract. They’ll have plenty of room to re-sign Rossi to a bridge deal or to match an offer from a rival team. However, they must maintain sufficient long-term cap room to re-sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2026 and could cost $14 million annually to re-sign.

Rossi would be a valuable trade chip if he doesn’t fit into the Wild’s long-term plans. It’s a move that likely occurs next summer but a trade for another good young player is possible before the March 7 deadline.

COULD TAYLOR HALL BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch pointed out Taylor Hall was a healthy scratch from a recent Chicago Blackhawks game. He thinks the struggling 33-year-old winger could become a trade candidate. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Adam Proteau suggested four possible trade destinations for Hall. One is his former club, the Boston Bruins. Others include the New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, and St. Louis Blues. All four are low-scoring clubs in need of an offensive boost.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Proteau noted that Hall carries a $6 million cap hit, suggesting the Blackhawks must retain salary for some of these teams to acquire him. Those clubs listed by Proteau might not be buyers if their fortunes haven’t reversed by then.

Given his UFA status next summer, Hall will be a trade chip this season for the rebuilding Blackhawks. He’s struggled to regain his form following the knee surgery that ended his 2023-24 campaign. It could hurt Hall’s trade value if he doesn’t improve by the deadline.

WOULD JOHN GIBSON ACCEPT A TRADE TO THE OILERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Caleb Kerney cited The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun recently suggesting the Edmonton Oilers as a dark horse candidate to acquire Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson before the trade deadline.

LeBrun pointed out that Gibson has a modified no-trade clause. However, it’s his understanding that the veteran netminder could consider the Oilers, who came up one win short of winning the Stanley Cup last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The erratic play of goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard could have the Oilers seeking help between the pipes before the trade deadline. However, the cap-strapped club would have to shed some salary and get the Ducks to agree to part of Gibson’s $6.4 million cap hit to make it work.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports some NHL executives and scouts were surprised the Bruins made an internal hire replacing fired head coach Jim Montgomery with Joe Sacco. They noted that former NHL coaches Joel Quenneville and Darryl Sutter have better resumes than Sacco.

Murphy also cited one source speculating general manager Don Sweeney could be next on the chopping block if the Bruins fail to improve under Sacco.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa speculated which Bruins players could follow their former coach out the door if the club doesn’t turn things around. Possibilities include Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, and pending UFA Brad Marchand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand is the Bruins captain and has been a heart-and-soul player for them throughout his 16 NHL seasons. Nevertheless, they could part ways if the ownership decides to go in a different direction. I still believe they want to keep Marchand but the club’s performance thus far and the decline in his play could make his future in Boston murkier.

IS A TRADE COMING SOON BETWEEN THE CANADIENS AND PENGUINS?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have been heavily scouting the Montreal Canadiens recently. He noted the Penguins have “some interesting pieces” at forward. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have certain needs and there have to be long-term benefits.

“If you don’t see the long-term benefits of a player and Pittsburgh has an interest in that player, maybe you take back an expiring contract,” said Dreger. “The Pittsburgh Penguins have some expiring contracts that aren’t going to hurt you for the rest of the year. Maybe you get a sweetener where it makes some sense.”

Dreger said there’s nothing imminent but noted the Canadiens face a roster crunch when Patrik Laine and Rafael Harvey-Pinard return from injuries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins forwards on expiring contracts include Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Jesse Puljujarvi and Matt Nieto. The Habs could take one of them if they got a nice draft pick or prospect in return but they could have other options in mind with other clubs.