NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2024

by | May 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2024

Check out the latest on the Canadiens and Canucks and find out which Kings forward reportedly requested a trade in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels responded to questions from Montreal Canadiens fans about the club’s offseason plans. Here are some of the notable tidbits:

He believes the Montreal Canadiens will retain their first-round pick (fifth overall) in this year’s draft. It’s rare to trade up from that position and it’s unimaginable that they would trade down.

Engels doesn’t see the Canadiens signing a big-ticket unrestricted free agent like Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl or Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen if they become available in the 2025 UFA market. He thinks that spending top dollar and giving maximum term to such players wouldn’t enable the Canadiens to maximize the value of that player. They’d be burning through the first couple of years of the player’s contract without having a realistic chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. The best time to chase a big-name UFA would be 2027 or 2028 if the Canadiens are in a position where adding such a player would help them become Cup contenders. That’s assuming the current rebuild progresses as expected. However, it could prove difficult because most top UFAs avoid a high-pressure market like Montreal.

Engels also doesn’t think the Canadiens are a realistic free-agent destination for Steven Stamkos if he tests the UFA market on July 1. He acknowledged Stamkos’ ties to Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis but thinks other teams would be better positioned right now to give him a chance of winning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “Stamkos-to-Montreal” rumor came up only because of his ties to St. Louis. It’s not enough to convince the 34-year-old winger to sign with the rebuilding Habs if he becomes a UFA.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafskovsky (NHL Images).

Asked about contract extensions for Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky, Engels believes Guhle could seek something comparable to the six-year, $27.6 million contract Alex Vlasic signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also thinks Slafkovsky would find it difficult to reject an offer similar to the eight-year deals signed by linemates Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube also looked at what Slafkovsky’s next contract might look like.

He listed New Jersey’s Jack Hughes (eight years, $8 million average annual value) and Nico Hischier (seven years. $7.25 million AAV) and Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle (eight years, $8.35 million) if the Canadiens are looking at a long-term deal.

Bridge deal comparables include Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson (three years, $7.35 million AAV), the New York Islanders’ Mathew Barzal (three years, $7 million), Columbus’ Patrik Laine (three years, $6.75 million), Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras (three years, $5.75 million) and LA’s Pierre-Luc Dubois (two years, $5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s risk in both scenarios. A long-term deal could become burdensome if Slafkovsky fails to meet expectations throughout the deal. A bridge contract could lead to a far more expensive deal if he reaches his projected potential as a power forward.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Canadiens handle this situation. Based on Caufield’s contract, they could go the long-term route.

TVA SPORTS: Lists the pros and cons of the Canadiens taking a chance and acquiring Patrik Laine. The former 40-goal scorer has been hampered by injuries in recent years and in January placed himself in the NHL-NHL player assistance program due to mental health issues.

The pros include the Canadiens adding a big winger who’s proven he can score when healthy. The emergence of Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovsky means Laine wouldn’t have to carry the offense. The Canadiens can afford his $8.7 million cap hit. The 26-year-old winger is signed for two more years and if he doesn’t work out they can just let him walk.

Laine’s injury history is a major concern. He could struggle under the harsh spotlight in Montreal. The Blue Jackets could seek a first-round pick plus one of the Canadiens’ defense prospects as part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are unlikely to acquire Laine. The Blue Jackets are under new management and might prefer to see how he performs this season. His injury history would hurt his value in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes the Vancouver Canucks should “take a big swing to land a star forward” as part of their offseason “to-do” list. Several intriguing names, such as Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, and Carolina’s Martin Necas are floating around the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Canucks looked into Necas when they were discussing a possible trade with the Hurricanes involving Elias Pettersson. That’s not going to happen now with Petterson signing an eight-year extension but there’s talk the Canucks remain interested in Necas. If they make that big swing, he’s the guy they’ll likely target but they’ll face competition from other teams if the Hurricanes peddle him following the playoffs.

KALIYEV REPORTEDLY ASKS THE KINGS FOR A TRADE

MSN.COM: Brian La Rose cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming Arthur Kaliyev has asked Los Angeles Kings management for a trade.

Kaliyev is coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. He showed potential as a secondary scorer during his first two seasons with the Kings but his performance declined this season. The 22-year-old winger became a frequent healthy scratch under interim coach Jim Hiller, now their full-time bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev frequently surfaced in the rumor mill during the second half of this season. He could become a promising reclamation project regarding trade return and contract for teams seeking an affordable young forward with some offensive promise.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2024

by | May 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2024

The latest on the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl and the Kings’ Cam Talbot plus an update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WOULD LEON DRAISAITL BE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SHARKS?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski discussing Leon Draisaitl’s future during a recent appearance on The Jeff Marek Show.

Marek and Wyshynski were chatting about possible roster upheavals for teams that failed to advance to this year’s Conference Finals. They mentioned speculation claiming the Edmonton Oilers superstar might be interested in signing with the San Jose Sharks because team owner Hasso Plattner is German.

Wyshynski also listed other factors about the Sharks that might entice Draisaitl. “Emerging market, great young players. They will obviously compensate him.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. The Oilers can sign him to a contract extension on July 1, 2024.

There’s nothing wrong with pondering Draisaitl’s future. His plans could depend on the Oilers’ performance this postseason. That’s why we’re starting to hear his name mentioned in the rumor mill while his team is in the midst of playoff competition.

Draisaitl signing with San Jose because their owner is a countryman is akin to rumors claiming every Quebec-born NHL star wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens. Recent speculation also had Draisaitl wanting to join the Boston Bruins if the Oilers fail to progress in their quest for the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins likely can’t afford to acquire Draisaitl via trade or to sign him next summer. While the Sharks have the cash, they’re years away from being a playoff contender. That could take them out of the Draisaitl sweepstakes next summer if he hits the open market.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski looked at three potential trade options for the Penguins to add young, affordable talent to their roster.

The first is Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson. He’s struggled over the past four seasons to crack the Leafs roster on a full-time basis. The 22-year-old was drafted by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas when he was the Leafs GM.

Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev is another option. The 22-year-old’s production went cold during the second half of this season. Kings GM Rob Blake was critical of Kaliyev’s performance, prompting speculation he could be traded this summer.

Max Jones of the Anaheim Ducks could provide depth to the Penguins’ checking lines. The 6’3”, 216-pounder can skate and doesn’t mind using his size.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski examines the strengths and weaknesses of those three players. They’re slated to become restricted free agents this summer, with Robertson and Kaliyev lacking arbitration rights coming off their entry-level contracts.

Kaliyev seems the most likely of the three to become available given Blake’s comments about his play. The asking price could be a second-round pick, something the Penguins have two of in this year’s draft.

Kingerski also recently listed four Penguins besides Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang who won’t be traded this summer.

Erik Karlsson will stay put unless he asks to be traded. There were rumors the Penguins asked Bryan Rust to waive his no-movement clause before the trade deadline but both sides denied it.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry’s late-season struggles make it unlikely that another team will come calling with an irresistible trade offer. Michael Bunting was a solid addition after coming over from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Jake Guentzel trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski also doesn’t see Dubas shopping 25-year-old forward Drew O’Connor unless the return is a headline grabber.

WHERE COULD CAM TALBOT LAND THIS SUMMER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary looked at three destinations this summer for Cam Talbot. The 36-year-old Los Angeles Kings goaltender is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Talbot might fit with the Washington Capitals if they end up trading Darcy Kuemper. He would fill the backup role for Charlie Lindgren.

The Penguins could also be an option. They’ll need a backup with Alex Nedeljkovic heading to free agency on July 1.

Lazary also suggested the Kings given Talbot’s willingness to re-sign with them. He’d be a reliable backup for whoever they bring in this summer as their new starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears the Capitals hope Kuemper will spend the offseason working on improving his game for next season. The Penguins will likely promote promising Joel Blomqvist to share the goalie duties with Jarry. Talbot might have a better chance of sticking with the Kings as an affordable and familiar backup.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2024

by | May 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2024

What’s the latest Canadiens’ speculation? Would Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev be a good fit with the Penguins? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL GAZETTE: In Stu Cowan’s latest mailbag segment, a reader asked if the Canadiens might trade their first-round pick (fifth overall) in this year’s draft given their prospect depth.

Cowan believes Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes intends to keep that pick and use it to draft a scoring forward. The only way he sees Hughes moving that pick is for a young, established NHL scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors linked the Canadiens to Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras this season. That first-round pick would be part of the Ducks’ asking price.

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Speaking of Zegras, a reader asked Cowan how strong the Habs’ rumored interest might be in the 23-year-old forward. He doesn’t know because Hughes can’t publicly comment about players under contract with other teams.

If it were up to Cowan, he’d definitely be interested in Zegras if he’s available given his scoring ability. He also pointed out that Zegras is close friends with Canadiens winger Cole Caufield. The duo are playing together on Team USA at the 2024 World Championships.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cowan speculated Hughes could keep an eye on how well Zegras and Caufield perform together in that tournament.

We must remember that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has repeatedly denied Zegras is available in the trade market. That doesn’t mean he won’t entertain offers. Verbeek might listen if Hughes pitched a package with the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft as the centerpiece.

WOULD KALIYEV BE A GOOD FIT WITH THE PENGUINS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Austin Stanovich believes the Los Angeles Kings have a natural trade partner for Arthur Kaliyev in the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A promising young winger, the 22-year-old Kaliyev struggled this season with the Kings. He’s completed his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent without arbitration rights.

Stanovich believes Kaliyev might interest the Penguins. They need to get younger and improve their power play. He suggested a swap for winger Jesse Puljujarvi, who has a year left on his contract at an affordable $800K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is expected to be traded this summer and could regain his scoring touch elsewhere. Whether the Penguins could be a destination remains to be seen. The Kings probably won’t be interested in Puljujarvi given his offensive struggles and the double hip surgery he underwent last summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 4, 2024

by | May 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 4, 2024

What could be in store for the Predators in the offseason? What’s the latest on the Kings and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PREDATORS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at the offseason keys for the Nashville Predators following their first-round elimination by the Vancouver Canucks.

The Predators were 10th in goals per game during the regular season. However, their lack of production against the Canucks could prompt them to find more options for next season.

Decisions must be made regarding Anthony Beauvillier, Alexandre Carrier and Jason Zucker. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Clark wondered when promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov would make his full-time NHL debut. He could share the crease next season with starter Juuse Saros, who has a year remaining on his contract. Askarov could take over as their starter the following season.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Rexrode suggested trading Saros this summer to free up salary-cap space to bring in some help for Predators stars Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Re-signing the 29-year-old goalie to a long-term deal in the range of $8 million annually would be an unwise course of action with the gifted Askarov on the rise.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros was the subject of trade speculation this season. General manager Barry Trotz refused to move him and was rewarded when Saros helped the Predators clinch a playoff spot.

The Predators have over $18 million in cap space with 17 roster players under contract next season, including all of their core players. There’s room to make additions without trading Saros if he wants to keep him around next season to begin the transition to Askarov. However, that could also cause an unnecessary distraction for next season.

Keeping Saros for next season also means losing him for nothing to free agency next July. He would fetch a decent return in this summer’s trade market while freeing up his $5 million cap hit. That would clear room for Askarov’s promotion, but Trotz must ensure he has a reliable veteran backup to mentor the young netminder.

THE LATEST ON THE KINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens looked at the five questions that will shape the Los Angeles Kings’ offseason. Who will be their general manager and head coach top his list, followed by what to do with underachieving center Pierre-Luc Dubois, the futures of their UFAs, and the club’s direction in the future?

Dubois has seven seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million. They could buy him out at one-third of the deal’s remaining value if the buyout occurs before his 26th birthday, which is June 24, which is the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final. The buyout window opens on June 15 or 48 hours following the end of the Final, whichever is later.

The Kings could also push for a trade before Dubois’ no-movement clause begins on July 1. They would probably have to retain up to half of his cap hit to spark any interest in the trade market. Their other option is retaining him and hope that a new head coach and a new system might bring out the best in Dubois.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens acknowledged a buyout, even at 1/3 the remaining value, would be on the Kings’ books for the next 14 seasons. Nevertheless, he pointed out that it could reshape them on the fly, providing salary-cap flexibility to address their roster needs. A buyout could be more palatable than trading him and retaining $4.25 million annually over the next seven years.

I don’t believe the Kings ownership wants to buy out Dubois. For his part, he admitted his first season in Los Angeles didn’t go as planned but said he’s committed to a better performance in 2024-25. “I’ll do anything to be better,” he said.

It’ll be interesting to see how this situation plays out. If the Kings intend to buy out Dubois they’ll hope the playoffs end well before his birthday on June 24. If they go the trade route, they’ll have a limited window of opportunity that will slam shut on July 1.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary noted the Kings and winger Arthur Kaliyev didn’t see eye-to-eye for most of this season, affecting his performance and development. He recommended offering him to the New York Islanders for a draft pick or a prospect.

The Islanders badly need more offense. Kaliyev, 22, could be an affordable option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings could retain Kaliyev and see how he does under a new head coach but it’s more likely he’ll be traded. Whether the Islanders would be interested is another story.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu believes the Montreal Canadiens prefer to avoid signing free agents to long-term contracts, at least until they’ve sorted out those of Kaiden Guhle, Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, and determined how much money will be at their disposal as the salary cap rises. If someone like Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault were to agree to a two or three-year deal, that’s something Basu believes they might consider.

The Canadiens could consider acquiring a young forward coming off an entry-level contract who their teams might undervalue. He suggested forward Cole Perfetti might be an option if the Winnipeg Jets don’t consider him ready to contribute right now. The Jets could use depth on their blueline, prompting Basu to suggest offering up the first-round pick that the Habs got from the Jets for Sean Monahan and/or one of their excess of young, cheap NHL-ready defensemen.

Basu also mentioned the possibility of taking a bigger swing in the trade market by pursuing Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras or Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. Of the two, Necas would be the more affordable to acquire as the Ducks will set a high asking price for Zegras.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico also pondered the possibility of the Canadiens acquiring another young forward at the draft. In addition to Zegras and Necas, he mentioned St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He suggested the possibility of a smaller move for someone like Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti, Columbus’ Kent Johnson or New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz.

The Canadiens will likely draw on their depth of promising defensemen for trade bait. D’Amico suggested Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom or Justin Barron as trade options. He didn’t rule out the possibility of shopping veteran David Savard, who garnered interest at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens management acknowledged their need for more scoring and are expected to add one or two forwards via trade or perhaps free agency. GM Kent Hughes could pursue one of the players mentioned by Basu and D’Amico but could also have his eye on a forward that no one expects to be available.

Zegras will be very costly with the asking price starting with Montreal’s first-round pick and defense prospect David Reinbacher. Necas, Perfetti, Johnson and Holtz would be much more affordable. Kyrou probably isn’t available but it never hurts to ask. The Jets likely won’t give up on Perfetti but they might be open to offers.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

by | Apr 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

What next for the Capitals following their first-round elimination? What’s the latest on the Sabres and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what the offseason might hold for the Washington Capitals following their first-round playoff elimination.

Shilton wonders if Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will embrace a full-scale roster rebuild. She pointed out they must prioritize building up their scoring depth and adding to their defense corps.

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman also weighed in on the Capitals’ potential offseason plans. She also wonders if they’ll maintain their retool or consider a rebuild.

Management could feel there’s a chance for one last run with the club’s aging core, especially with up-and-coming players like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas getting some meaningful games under their belts.

The Capitals don’t have much salary cap space or roster room to make additions via free agency. They could consider a trade similar to the one that landed them Rasmus Sandin last year.

Going the rebuild route would mean shedding some veterans but that won’t be easy given their contracts. T.J. Oshie ($5.75 million) is signed through next season. Tom Wilson would draw interest but not at $6.5 million per season for the next seven years. John Carlsson’s $8 million AAV over the next two seasons is a hard sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ovechkin era is winding down and it would be tempting to either add veterans to the lineup in the hope of making a final playoff run. They could also embrace a full-fledged rebuild. Neither option, however, seems likely.

No one believes the Capitals have a realistic shot at the Stanley Cup. Tearing everything down for a rebuild would risk setbacks in the development of those young players.

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season by qualifying for the postseason. That could provide MacLellan with the justification to continue the retooling process. That means continuing the transition away from the aging veterans while giving the kids more playing time. He could bring in affordable young assets with potential via trades like he did with Sandin. He will likely keep promoting promising youngsters from his farm team.

Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner (NHL Images)

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Fairburn recently looked at some decisions that will define Lindy Ruff’s first offseason with the Buffalo Sabres.

They must figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner. The 31-year-old winger’s production declined this season. If they keep him, they’ll have to surround him with better linemates or convince him to accept a lesser role.

Skinner has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He carries a full no-movement clause. If he agrees to waive it, no one will want to take on his salary. Buying him out is an option but it would cost $1.4 million against their cap for next season, followed by annual cap hits of $4.4 million and $6.4 million. After that, it drops to $2.4 million annually for the final three years of the buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re stuck with Skinner for the remainder of his contract unless they can swing a trade where they retain half of that cap hit.

Fairburn believes general manager Kevyn Adams must add a veteran third-line center to kill penalties and win faceoffs, a top-six forward who is tough to play against and at least one fast, tenacious bottom-fix forward.

Adams could find it difficult to address those needs via free agency. Instead, he’ll likely have to go the trade route. Forward Peyton Krebs could be used as a trade chip. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent who needs to turn the corner in his development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed to Adams’ shipping Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram as an example of the type of trades he could make this summer.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE CANADIENS

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube and Benoit Rioux wondered if Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will attempt to add another promising young forward at this year’s draft. In the 2022 draft, he acquired Kirby Dach from Chicago and brought in Alex Newhook last year from Colorado.

Dube and Rioux suggested five forwards who might fit that profile. They include Buffalo forwards Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs, New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz, Los Angeles’ Arthur Kaliyev and the New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are moving Quinn but could part with Krebs as noted above. Holtz, Kaliyev and Kakko surfaced in this season’s rumor mill. Kakko seems the least likely of that trio to be available as the Rangers don’t want to risk giving up on him too quickly.

The Devils could use Holtz as part of the return this summer for a starting goalie. Kaliyev seems the most likely to be available as his playing time declined with the Kings this season. A trade to a new club might help him get back on track.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2024

by | Apr 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Kings, Blues and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE FLYERS?

DAILY FACEOFF: Scott Maxwell reports Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club is open for business if there’s a trade that makes sense.

During his end-of-season press conference on Friday, Briere indicated the Flyers’ competitiveness this season won’t change his plans for a long-term rebuild. However, he’s open to making moves that improve his roster right away.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reported Briere backed his head coach John Tortorella, claiming the two sides have “a great relationship”.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That should snuff out speculation over Tortorella’s future with the Flyers that arose as the club stumbled down the stretch.

Briere provided no immediate update on goaltender Carter Hart, who’s on a leave of absence due to the Hockey Canada sexual assault case. The trial reportedly won’t begin until after the start of the 2024-25 season. For now, the Flyers intend to start next season with Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as their goaltending tandem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both young goalies did their best but the additional workload after Hart’s departure in January wore them down, especially Ersson. They might be better prepared for next season but don’t rule out the possibility that they add an affordable veteran on a short-term contract.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Before Briere’s press conference, Sam Carchidi speculated over the Flyers GM’s plans for the offseason.

Carchidi wondered if Briere would trade for a true No. 1 defenseman or attempt to bring back former Flyer Sean Walker as a free agent. He believes their lack of a first-line center is a glaring need. He wondered if Briere might roll the dice on Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers only have $3.8 million in projected cap space, though they could get $4 million in cap relief if Ryan Johansen ends up on long-term injury reserve next season. They’ll get another $6.25 million with Ryan Ellis on permanent LTIR.

There’s enough cap room to pursue someone like Lindholm. Based on Briere’s comments, however, he seems more interested in the trade market than signing expensive free agents. Don’t expect Lindholm to suit up for the Flyers next season.

RECENT KINGS SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary believes the Los Angeles Kings must make improving their goaltending a top priority this summer, especially if they make an early exit from the playoffs.

There were reports that the Kings attempted to acquire goalie Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins before the March 8 trade deadline but he vetoed the trade. Lazary noted there are few options available in this summer’s free-agent market. Current Kings starter Cam Talbot is among them.

Possible trade targets include Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington, Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry and Anaheim’s John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d include Nashville’s Jusse Saros depending on his contract extension talks with Predators management. If the Kings stage a deep playoff run I expect they’ll still be in the market for a new starting goalie to replace the 36-year-old Talbot.

Lazary also believes forward Arthur Kaliyev may be in his final season with the Kings. The 22-year-old winger has been slowly phased out of the lineup and isn’t seeing much ice time when he does play.

Barring a strong playoff performance, Kaliyev could become a trade candidate. He’s completing his entry-level contract and might make a good reclamation project as a trade candidate.

LATEST ON THE BLUES AND KRAKEN

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at the St. Louis Blues’ offseason priorities. Finding a second-line center, adding secondary scoring and making a move on the blueline are among the issues facing general manager Doug Armstrong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have around $13 million in cap space. That’s going to hamper Armstrong’s efforts to address those issues.

Trading one of his high-salaried defensemen would help but the four (Colton Parayko, Torey Krug, Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy) have no-trade protection. Armstrong tried to trade Krug to Philadelphia last June but the blueliner spiked the deal.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker doesn’t see the Kraken replacing general manager Ron Francis but doesn’t rule out head coach Dave Hakstol losing his job.

Baker raised concerns over the regression of several Kraken players this season, including Jared McCann, Eeli Tolvanen, Andre Burakovsky, Oliver Bjorkstrand and 2023 Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers.