NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2024

by | Sep 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2024

The latest on Jacob Trouba, Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri plus the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers offseason plans to shake up its roster were thwarted by defenseman Jacob Trouba’s unwillingness due to family reasons to report to a team if traded.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The plan was to move Trouba and his $8 million cap hit once his full no-movement clause became a 15-team no-trade list on July 1, even if it meant retaining 25 percent of that cap hit to facilitate a deal. Multiple teams were interested in the 30-year-old Rangers captain, with Detroit considered the most likely destination.

Trouba’s NMC was set to expire at the same time when his wife’s medical residency was to end on June 30 but her residency was deferred by a year. The couple also welcomed a son in January, leaving the blueliner unwilling to leave his family behind.

TSN: Trouba acknowledged this season is likely the “last crack” the current Rangers core will have to win the Stanley Cup. “I don’t think it’s a secret by any means.”

Trouba said he communicated well with the Rangers regarding the offseason trade rumors, insisting there were no hard feelings. Meanwhile, head coach Peter Laviolette said he wasn’t involved in any of those conversations and is glad to have his captain back for another season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba and Rangers general manager Chris Drury are determined not to let this situation become a divisive issue for the coming season. Nevertheless, it’s expected they’ll attempt to move him once his wife’s residency is completed next June as they try to clear cap space next summer to add younger talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is somewhat surprised that New York Islanders center Brock Nelson is entering his “walk year” without a new contract. He doesn’t rule out the 32-year-old Nelson signing an extension but noted some “what if” scenarios could creep in.

Staple wonders what happens with Nelson if the Islanders are out of the playoff race by the March 7 trade deadline, or if he decides he wants a change of scenery. He also suggested the cost of re-signing Nelson could rise if he remains the Isles’ leading scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson is among the notable pending UFAs worth monitoring this season. He turns 33 in October so it’s unlikely he’ll get a deal over four years. Nevertheless, he could seek a raise over his current $6 million AAV and could get it on the open market if the Isles aren’t willing to pay.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin recently wondered if Nazem Kadri would be happy as the best player in a rebuilding Flames club. The 33-year-old center led them with 46 assists and 75 points last season.

Kadri hasn’t said anything publicly to suggest he wants out but Austin thinks the Flames would have to consider moving him if the right offer was made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri doesn’t seem keen to move on from the Flames, telling reporters on Thursday to “pump the brakes” about whether he’d be open to a move. He’s indicated he wants to stay and help the Flames become a better club.

Kadri has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. Unless he changes his mind, he’s not going anywhere.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source claiming the Montreal Canadiens are working the phones in pursuit of upgrades to their roster.

The Canadiens were linked to Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras, Carolina’s Martin Necas and Rutger McGroarty before his trade from Winnipeg to Pittsburgh. Ultimately, those deals fell through because they landed promising forwards Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage in this year’s draft.

They’re now looking for an experienced right-side top-four defenseman. They still believe in their young blueliners. However, if they take longer to develop, the Habs will need an upgrade at that position.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 18, 2024

by | Aug 18, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 18, 2024

Would Nazem Kadri be a good fit with the Jets? Could the Flames dangle Rasmus Andersson ahead of the March trade deadline? What’s the latest on Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe believes Nazem Kadri is just what the Jets need to fill their second-line center position.

Kadri, 33, is in the third season of his seven-year contract with the Calgary Flames. He carries an average annual value of $7 million plus a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 when it becomes a 13-team no-trade list.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Wiebe acknowledged Kadri’s hefty contract and no-move protection. Nevertheless, he speculates the veteran center could prefer a change of address depending on how the rebuilding Flames perform this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has stated he enjoys living in Calgary and doesn’t want a trade. He might change his mind if the Flames are looking at several years of rebuilding. For now, it’s safe to assume he’s not going anywhere

If Kadri becomes receptive to a trade, the Jets wouldn’t be the only club pursuing him. That’s assuming they’d be interested in the first place.

Kadri’s age and contract will be significant concerns if he becomes available in this season’s trade market. Interested clubs could ask the Flames to retain part of his $7 million AAV. His NMC gives him full control over which teams he would consider acceptable trade destinations. The Jets might not be among them.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, a reader asked Julian McKenzie what value Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson would have at the March trade deadline.

The reader believes Andersson could have some significant value as a “top-4, arguably low-end top pair, right-spot defense on a good contract.”

Andersson, 27, is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $4.55 million.

McKenzie believes Andersson could be someone the Flames dangle but only if the price is right. His play this season will dictate his value in the trade market. However, the Flames don’t have to move Andersson this season unless they get an irresistible offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames were big-time sellers last season as they began to rebuild their roster. Andersson’s name surfaced several times as a trade candidate leading up to the March deadline.

Andersson doesn’t have to be moved this season but teams could be interested in landing him because he has another season left on his contract. A solid performance on his part this season combined with that extra year on his deal could make him an enticing trade target for playoff clubs seeking a right-shot blueliner.

One sticking point is Andersson’s modified no-trade clause kicked in on July 1. He has a six-team no-trade list.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork dismissed the recently suggested trade ideas about Aaron Ekblad that have surfaced in the media.

The 28-year-old Florida Panthers defenseman is in the final season of his eight-year contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. His no-movement clause changed on July 1 to a 12-team no-trade list.

Dwork acknowledged Ekblad could price himself out of the Panthers’ market on his next contract. They could consider moving him before his UFA eligibility next July. He also mentioned the possibility of Ekblad accepting a pay cut to remain with the Panthers.

Some of those trade ideas have Ekblad going to teams like the Detroit Red Wing and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Dwork noted those proposed deals don’t take into account how Panthers GM Bill Zito has built his club.

Any players coming to Florida must understand and fit into the systems employed by Panthers coach Paul Maurice. They must be hardworking character guys who would be welcomed into their tight-knit dressing room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits claimed the Panthers were shopping Ekblad since early June. There’s no indication they’re close to a deal. Of course, we wouldn’t know about it until the trade went down.

I believe the Panthers intend to hang onto Ekblad this season. Trading him would leave them thin in experienced right-shot defensemen capable of playing top-four minutes. He will be crucial to their defense of the Stanley Cup this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

Entering Day 2 of the 2024 Draft, check out the latest on Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jacob Trouba, Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Jakob Chychrun, Nazem Kadri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS AND JAKE GUENTZEL

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Tampa Bay Lightning’s limited salary-cap space could lead to the departure of long-time star Steven Stamkos. His agent said his client will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but LeBrun cautions things could change between now and then.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If he goes to market, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are potential options for Stamkos. LeBrun wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights might come calling if they fail to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ latest offer to Jake Guentzel is eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. Meanwhile, it’s rumored the Vancouver Canucks could be willing to offer the 29-year-old winger a seven-year deal ($9 million annually) if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, LeBrun believes there’s a chance they re-sign defenseman Brady Skjei. However, blueliner Brett Pesce is heading to market.

JACOB TROUBA TO THE RED WINGS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports growing speculation the Rangers could trade captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. The 31-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Michigan would presumably accept that deal.

Trouba carries an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, the Rangers would reportedly retain $2.5 million per season. Trading him would leave them searching for a new captain and someone to replace Trouba’s physical presence on the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a shakeup for the Rangers. The move would free up $5.5. million in cap room that management can put toward making some roster additions.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE AND TYLER TOFFOLI

NEW YORK POST: Brooks reports the Rangers remain interested in a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old winger had a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23. The Red Wings remain interested in bringing back Kane. There’s also talk both clubs could be interested in Steven Stamkos if he becomes available on Monday.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan also reports the Red Wings and Rangers are in the mix for Kane. She doesn’t rule the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible replacement for Jonathan Marchessault.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing Tyler Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar. The 32-year-old pending UFA winger began his career with the Kings, spending nearly eight seasons with them. The Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be interested in Toffoli.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Florida Panthers are among the teams interested in Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman has a year remaining on his contract. It’s unknown if that deal will get done during Day 2 of the draft.

The Senators seek a draft pick for winger Mathieu Joseph.

TEAMS ARE CALLING THE FLAMES ABOUT NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports teams contacted the Calgary Flames about Nazem Kadri. However, they’re not engaged in a full roster teardown but are trying to reset their roster. The 32-year-old center is a big part of that. He also has a full no-movement clause and likes Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some speculation earlier this week wondering if Kadri would prefer to move on after seeing so many veteran teammates getting traded this year. It sounds like that isn’t an issue to him.

AVALANCHE NOT INTERESTED IN TRADING JOSH MANSON

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams are calling the Avalanche to express interest in defenseman Josh Manson. However, the Avs aren’t keen to move their most physical blueliner.

PREDATORS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YAROSLAV ASKAROV

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are getting plenty of calls about promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. This comes following the news they’re poised to sign starting goalie Juuse Saros to a contract extension. The Predators have set a high price for Askarov.

DEVILS SHOPPING JOHN MARINO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils are shopping John Marino. The 27-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list starting on July 1.

Seravalli speculates the Vancouver Canucks could be a suitor for Marino if Nikita Zadorov heads to free agency on July 1.

LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets worked hard to trade Rutger McGroarty during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old prospect has indicated he’s returning to Michigan for his junior year amid reports of a disagreement between him and the Jets over their development plan for him.

The Minnesota Wild offered up the 13th overall pick but withdrew that offer once Zeev Buium became available. Trade talks took place with multiple clubs. The Jets aren’t in any rush to move McGroarty but his stock remains high despite his desire to play elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NYI Hockey Now’s Russ Macias reported before the first round that the Islanders were among the clubs interested in McGroarty. They’ve also been linked to Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 28, 2024

With the first round of the 2024 Draft fast approaching, the Flyers attempt an aggressive trade to move up on the draft order. Check out the details, updates on Mitch Marner, Jacob Trouba, Aaron Ekblad, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nazem Kadri, the latest UFA speculation, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS ATTEMPT TO MOVE UP IN THE FIRST-ROUND ORDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Philadelphia Flyers attempted to acquire the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft. It was an aggressive pitch, offering their 2024 first-rounder (14th overall), a roster player, and perhaps their 2025 first-round pick.

The Blue Jackets rejected the offers but LeBrun thinks the Flyers could try again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some social media chatter suggested GM Daniel Briere wants to draft Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to center Matvei Michkov. It would make sense that Briere would try to land a good young center to pair with his promising winger.

UPDATES ON MARNER, TROUBA, EKBLAD, EHLERS AND KADRI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the most likely scenario for Mitch Marner will be finishing the final season of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He thinks the Leafs could consider offering the 27-year-old winger a new contract and see where it goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner holds all the cards here because of the full no-movement clause in his contract. For all the media speculation about his future in recent weeks, there’s no indication he’ll be traded. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time a trade involving a star like Marner catches everyone by surprise. Still, there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it if Marner doesn’t want to move.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman also reported New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba’s full no-movement clause turns into a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The Rangers have asked the 30-year-old defenseman for his list, which is normal procedure. However, Friedman doesn’t rule out the possibility of Trouba getting traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. While he struggled through an injury this season, he remains well-respected by his teammates and a physical presence on their blueline. Nevertheless, there’s been recent media conjecture about his future in New York. We likely haven’t heard the last of it.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports hearing the Florida Panthers are shopping defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He’s entering the final season of his contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. The 28-year-old defenseman’s no-movement clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a bold move by the Panthers coming so soon after winning their first Stanley Cup. The Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons reported earlier this month that the Panthers would move Ekblad to free up cap space to re-sign Brandon Montour. This will be worth watching in the coming days.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff continues to receive calls about winger Nikolaj Ehlers and top prospect Rutger McGroarty. There’s no rush to move them, though the Jets are interested in moving McGroarty for a first-round pick, maybe a prospect or young player.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wondered if Nazem Kadri might consider waiving his no-movement clause. It’s apparent the Calgary Flames are rebuilding after trading Jacob Markstrom last week to New Jersey. The question is where the 33-year-old center sees himself fitting in the short and long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri could ask to be traded but his age and contract will make him difficult to move. He carries a $7 million AAV through 2028-29.

LATEST UFA SPECULATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes are still pushing hard to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel. They’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract which is giving the 29-year-old winger something to think about

LeBrun said the list of teams lining up to bid on Guentzel on July 1 is growing. Some would have to move some pieces around but are willing to do so if he becomes a UFA on Monday.

Darren Dreger believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors. They’re also considering what to do with Elias Lindholm. The 29-year-old center is heading to market and could be a good fit with the Boston Bruins.

Dreger also mentioned teams will be interested in Chris Tanev if the 34-year-old defenseman doesn’t re-sign with the Dallas Stars by Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple leafs could be among the suitors.

Chris Johnston believes pending UFA forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi want to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Negotiations are continuing as the Leafs are also looking at shoring up their blueline. Both players are waiting to see if the Leafs can afford them.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2024

by | Mar 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2024

Could Erik Karlsson return to Ottawa this summer? What could the future hold for Jakob Chychrun and Nazem Kadri? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE PENGUINS ATTEMPT TO TRADE KARLSSON BACK TO OTTAWA?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Alan Saunders cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting a reunion between the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Erik Karlsson and the Ottawa Senators during the offseason.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman wondered whether it was possible to trade the 33-year-old defenseman back to where his NHL career began. He acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy but thinks the Senators might consider it, pointing out that former Sens captain Daniel Alfredsson is now one of their assistant coaches.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the trade deadline, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas suggested his roster could undergo significant changes this summer. Dubas wants to transition away from some of his veterans to make room for younger players.

The Senators could help the Penguins address that issue. They’re trying to bring in some veterans to help their young core players.

I’ve learned to never say never in this business. However, I don’t see Karlsson returning to the Senators. He could agree to waive his no-movement clause to return to Ottawa, but they’re unlikely to take on his hefty cap hit. The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million annual average value through 2026-27.

Besides, Senators management must decide the future of one of their key defensemen.

JAKOB CHYCHRUN REMAINS UNHAPPY ABOUT RECENT TRADE RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes reports Jakob Chychrun expects he’ll remain the subject of trade speculation during the offseason. The 25-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman was a fixture in the rumor mill leading up to the recent trade deadline.

Chychrun acknowledged his contract is why he’s appeared in trade rumors. He has a year remaining on his current deal and is eligible next summer to become an unrestricted free agent. He said he was trying to focus on what he could control but it wasn’t easy. Senators general manager Steve Staios believes the trade conjecture distracted Chychrun.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun repeatedly indicated he wants to stay with the Senators. Staios has said he wasn’t shopping the blueliner and wanted to his agent about a contract extension.

Nevertheless, Staios seemed to be listening to offers from other clubs. He could do so again this summer if his contract discussions don’t go smoothly with the Chychrun camp.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR NAZEM KADRI?

SPORTSNET: Following the trade deadline, Eric Francis reported questions over Nazem Kadri’s future with the Calgary Flames were starting to arise.

Kadri signed a seven-year contract with the Flames two years ago. The club has struggled on the ice since then, leading to coaching and management changes and the recent trades of Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, and Chris Tanev.

With five years remaining on his contract, Kadri intends to meet with Flames general manager Craig Conroy at the end of this season to discuss his role with the club and its direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the trade deadline, Conroy hoped his veterans would want to be part of the roster retooling process. It’ll be up to him to sell players like Kadri on his plan.

The uncertainty over goaltender Jacob Markstrom’s future in the Stampede City will be a factor. If he’s traded, selling the other veterans on Conroy’s plan could be difficult. That will lead to guys like Kadri popping up more often in the rumor mill.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

by | Jan 21, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

Should the Avalanche attempt to reacquire Nazem Kadri? Who could the Canucks pursue at the trade deadline? Which players should the Jets target in the trade market? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SHOULD THE AVALANCHE BRING BACK KADRI?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler makes the case for the Colorado Avalanche to reacquire Nazem Kadri, who signed a long-term contract in 2022 as a free agent with the Calgary Flames.

Keeler believes the Avs can no longer count on winger Valeri Nichushkin, who’s taken his second extended leave of absence from the club, this time to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He doesn’t want to see the club waste another season of Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen while they’re still in their playing prime.

The Avalanche have been linked to Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm but he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Instead, Keeler believes bringing back Kadri would be a better option given his style of play and his previous tenure in Colorado.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Keeler acknowledged Kadri is on the wrong side of 30 (33) and has five more years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7 million. However, he’s also expressed his reluctance to play for a rebuilding club if the Flames decide to go down that path.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keeler admits this is wishful thinking on his part (“let’s get wacky”) though ESPN’s Kevin Weekes shares his opinion about bringing back Kadri, especially with the salary cap going up next season.

Nevertheless, there are too many hurdles to clear for the Avs. The biggest is their lack of cap space for this season unless they send the Flames a good young player like Samuel Girard or Bowen Byram as part of the return. I don’t see the Flames retaining a significant chunk of Kadri’s cap hit given how many years remain on his contract.

As for next season, the Avalanche currently have $84.8 million invested in 12 active roster players for 2024-25. They’ll get $7 million in cap relief if Gabriel Landeskog remains on long-term injury reserve as he has since last season. If he returns to action, however, they can’t afford to take on Kadri even with the cap going up without shedding considerable cap space in the process.

CANUCKS TO EXTEND ALLVIN’S CONTRACT, SEEK A TOP-SIX FORWARD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks intend to extend general manager Patrik Allvin’s contract by this week. They signed president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford to a three-year extension last week.

Friedman also indicated they’re “looking hard” for a top-six forward. The word is they’re looking at about four or five different players.

One of their targets could be Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. Another could be Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That need for a top-six forward is due in part to the ongoing struggles of Andrei Kuzmenko. Following a 39-goal, 71-point performance in 2022-23, the 27-year-old winger has just eight goals and 19 points in 40 games. He’s been a healthy scratch five times and seen limited playing time as head coach Rick Tocchet attempts to improve his overall performance.

That’s led to speculation suggesting Kuzmenko could become a trade candidate. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million average annual value and a 12-team no-trade clause. Perhaps he’ll become part of a trade package if the Canucks pursue a rental player such as Guentzel or Lindholm, provided either one is available by the March 8 trade deadline.

FIVE PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently listed five players that he believes the Winnipeg Jets should target leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

The Jets could use depth at center and among their right-shot defensemen. Ates proposed Calgary’s Elias Lindholm, the Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan and the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique to address the centerman role. Calgary’s Chris Tanev and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker are his suggested blueline options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm would be the best option in terms of skills but the asking price could be too expensive for the Jets. Other clubs will also be interested as the Flames will try to get a bidding war going to ensure a better return.

Henrique carries a $5.825 million AAV and at 33 has slowed but he still has good hockey sense and two-way skills. He’d be more affordable than Lindholm in terms of asking price but his cap hit is a concern. The Ducks could retain half of that hit but that will cost extra to convince them. That’s assuming, of course, that the Jets aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list.

Monahan could be the best option here. He lacks no-trade protection and has an affordable $1.985 million cap hit. The 29-year-old won’t cost as much as Lindholm and Henrique to acquire, perhaps a second-round pick.

Tanev could also prove difficult to land as there will be several clubs that could get into the bidding. He also carries a 10-team no-trade clause. Walker lacks no-trade protection, carries an affordable $2.65 million AAV and shouldn’t cost as much to acquire as Tanev. However, he might not be available with the Flyers holding second place in the Metropolitan Division.