NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2025

by | Apr 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2025

Check out the latest about the possible offseason plans for the Rangers, Blackhawks and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BIG CHANGES COMING FOR THE RANGERS THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reported the New York Rangers have fallen behind younger Eastern Conference rivals like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Rangers carry an older roster that fell from being considered a Stanley Cup contender a year ago to missing the playoffs, raising concerns about their future. They have a middle-of-the-pack prospect pool and gave up one of their next two first-round picks acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Baugh expects general manager Chris Drury will fire head coach Peter Laviolette. He’ll likely try to keep reworking the roster as he did during this season. However, the Rangers only have $9.672 million in cap space for next season. Most of that will have to go to re-signing restricted free agents Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, though the latter could become a trade candidate this summer.

Chris Kreider is the most obvious cost-cutting candidate. However, the 33-year-old winger had a disappointing performance this season. He also has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. Drury could also try moving Mika Zibanejad, but his full no-movement clause gives him complete control over his situation.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Rangers face a massive roster overhaul after missing the playoffs this season.

Teams called about Zibanejad and Kreider last fall when Drury let it be known they were looking to make changes. Biringer wondered if they could be moved this summer. He also wondered if Artemi Panarin could be shopped. He’s in the final year of his contract. Like Baugh, Biringer suggested Miller could become a trade candidate.

The Rangers could also decide to make a coaching change. Biringer also cited a source suggesting a management change might be in order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin, Zibanejad, Kreider and Miller have frequently surfaced in this season’s rumor mill, with Kreider considered the leading trade candidate.

Like Zibanejad, Panarin has a full NMC and controls his fate. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t accept a trade, but their preferred destinations would be limited.

Laviolette seems all but certain to be relieved of his coaching duties. As for Drury, he’s not going anywhere. He wouldn’t have made the moves he did in this season’s trade market without the blessing of team ownership.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers wondered who would become the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

They believe interim bench boss Anders Sorensen will probably get an interview. University of Denver coach David Carle is the hottest name among this year’s NHL coaching candidates, but there’s no guarantee he’ll leave Denver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: RG.Org’s James Murphy cited a league source claiming the Blackhawks want Carle badly and are willing to “show him the money if the situation presents itself.” However, they’re not the only NHL club hoping to pry him away from his current job. Another source told Murphy to keep an eye on the Seattle Kraken and the Utah Hockey Club.

The Blackhawks would love to re-sign UFA-eligible forward Ryan Donato. There is a three-year offer worth an AAV of $4 million on the table but the 28-year-old hasn’t accepted it. Donato’s coming off a career-best performance of 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points.

Lazerus and Powers believe the Blackhawks would be first in line if Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner hits the open market on July 1. They have the cap space to offer him an AAV of between $12 million and $14 million.

The Blackhawks could also get creative by going the offer-sheet route. “The Rangers’ Will Cuylle could be a target, or maybe Dallas’ Mavrik Bourque.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have the cap space and tradeable assets to improve their roster through trades, the unrestricted free-agent market, and offer sheets. Whether they can land the talent they need could be easier said than done.

Signing Marner would be a major acquisition by the Blackhawks that could accelerate their rebuild process if he clicks with franchise player Connor Bedard. However, he could prefer signing with a playoff contender if he goes to market.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Calgary Flames must improve an offense ranked 30th overall this season.

GM Craig Conroy knows a team can’t be built through free agency, but he isn’t ruling out finding assets that could improve their roster in the UFA market. He’s also looking at adding young players from within their system.

The Flames’ top need is a right-shot center. They were interested in Dylan Cozens before the Buffalo Sabres traded him to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames must decide on Rasmus Andersson’s future with the club. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. He could be traded away if he’s not signed to a contract extension this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Blackhawks, the Flames have a lot of cap space for next season ($34.2 million) and tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects. Some cap room will go toward new contracts for Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Adam Klapka, Morgan Frost and Kevin Bahl. However, there should be enough to add that elusive right-shot center if one can be found this summer.

Andersson indicated that he loves living and playing in Calgary and wants to stay. Whether he and the Flames can find the right deal remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2025

by | Apr 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2025

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, here’s the latest on the Rangers and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun recently looked at what could be in store for the New York Rangers if they miss the playoffs.

The club is staying tight-lipped about its offseason plans. However, there is speculation around the league that head coach Peter Laviolette could get fired. He has a year left on his contract, but the body language and performance of the players over the past month suggest a change could be required.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larry Brooks of the New York Post shares that opinion. He believes Laviolette didn’t do enough to keep his players focused and motivated, which could cost him his job.

LeBrun and Brooks don’t solely blame Laviolette for the Rangers’ collapse this season, pointing out that management deserves its fair share. They also believe several core players bear some responsibility. Nevertheless, a coaching change seems more likely than a shakeup in the front office.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes distinct changes are necessary as the Rangers bury this lost season. She believes everything about the club’s “epic implosion” must be analyzed and action taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Some of this falls on management and the coaching staff for doing a poor job navigating through the issues that derailed this season. Nevertheless, there could be roster decisions that otherwise wouldn’t have been made if the season had gone the other way.

Walker believes that means determining if restricted free-agent defenseman K’Andre Miller has a future with the Rangers. They could have a conversation with center Mika Zibanejad about waiving his no-movement clause. It could also mean attempting to move Chris Kreider or Alexis Lafreniere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller, Zibanejad and Kreider frequently surfaced in the rumor mill as general manager Chris Drury attempted to remake his roster in this season’s trade market. Lafreniere didn’t pop up as much in the media trade chatter but his disappointing play could have Drury rethinking his long-term commitment to the 23-year-old winger.

At least one of those players mentioned by Walker probably won’t be in the Rangers starting lineup for next season. Kreider and Miller seem the more likely to be moved.

Kreider has two years left on his contract with a 15-team no-trade list and could still be enticing for clubs seeking an experienced scoring winger. Miller struggled this season but he’s still young and his potential upside will draw interest in the trade market.

Zibanejad reportedly declined to waive his NMC to go to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the J.T. Miller trade in January. He could agree to accept a trade elsewhere this summer but he’ll likely have a short list of destinations. His age (31), cap hit ($8.5 million through 2029-30) and declining production could also hurt his value in the trade market.

Lafreniere would also draw lots of attention if he hit the trade block. However, Drury could keep him in the hope he’d regain his form and meet his full potential on a retooled roster.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examined the plethora of options facing the Islanders and Noah Dobson during their contract negotiations after this season.

The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He’s completing a three-year deal with an average annual value of $4 million.

He could go for long-term stability or pursue a shorter deal bringing him up to unrestricted free-agent eligibility and the opportunity for a more lucrative contract as the salary cap keeps rising. Meanwhile, the Islanders could try to lock him up long-term as a core piece of their roster or prefer a shorter term after his production dropped this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sears also pointed out that the threat of a possible offer sheet for Dobson hangs over his negotiations. The blueliner hasn’t revealed if he’s willing to entertain that option but it should be kept in mind if his negotiations stall should he forego arbitration.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

by | Mar 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

Should the Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette and re-sign K’Andre Miller? What should the next contract for Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko look like? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at the case for and against replacing Peter Laviolette as head coach of the New York Rangers.

If the Rangers decide to replace Laviolette, Staple doubts they’ll hire a coach from the amateur ranks like David Carle of the University of Colorado or Cam Abbott of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette (NHL.com).

Staple observed that Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan was on the Rangers’ shortlist two years ago. However, Sullivan said he isn’t ready to leave the Penguins and there’s no certainty he’d want to join the Rangers if he became available.

The league has cleared Joel Quenneville to return to the NHL coaching ranks. However, he comes with considerable baggage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laviolette’s status will come under scrutiny after this season, especially if the Rangers miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year.

LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the Rangers are reaching a crossroads with K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1

Miller struggled through injury and inconsistency during the first half of this season. His performance improved after being paired with Will Borgen but his name still surfaced in trade rumors. Despite his inconsistencies, he remains the best left-shot defenseman in the organization.

Finding a suitable replacement for Miller if they trade him won’t be easy. There are limited options in the unrestricted free-agent market. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets are older and would cost more to sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano suggests the Rangers sign Miller to a two-year deal to take him up to his UFA eligibility. A better option could be available by then or Miller’s performance might improve enough to earn him a lucrative long-term deal with the Rangers.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Should your club trade Miller or sign him? Should they replace Laviolette or give him another season? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT COULD THATCHER DEMKO’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently observed that Thatcher Demko has a year remaining on his contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Demko’s average annual value of $5 million is below what comparable goalies are making. Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators will earn $8.25 million annually on his new four-year contract starting next season.

The 29-year-old Demko’s strong performance last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. However, he also has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzma believes Demko should seek a deal similar to Ullmark’s. The Canucks could lock him up this summer on a four or five-year contract extension. However, his injury concerns could have them wait and see how he performs next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

by | Mar 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

The latest speculation on this summer’s top restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest rumors and reports regarding this summer’s top 12 NHL restricted free agents.

It could cost the Edmonton Oilers around $10 million annually to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. Fox wonders if the decline in his production this season might knock that average annual value down a tad.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could but not by much. Bouchard’s agent will point to his client’s career-best 82-point performance last season as justification for $10 million or close to it. His 54 points this season currently puts him fourth among NHL defensemen. Finishing with over 60 points could get him something between $9 million and $9.5 million.

In January, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he would begin contract negotiations with Luke Hughes, but so far there’s no indication they’ve started. Bridging the young defenseman at $5.1 million annually would save money now but would mean a monster contract when Hughes approaches UFA eligibility and the salary cap has gone through the roof.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald could attempt a long-term extension, but Hughes’ camp might take a page from the Auston Matthews playbook and go for a four or five-year contract, setting him up for a much bigger payday down the road while he’s in his playing prime.

Fox believes another cautious bridge deal for Noah Dobson would push the New York Islanders defenseman straight into unrestricted free-agent territory. He speculates an eight-year deal would cost $8 million annually, making Dobson the highest-paid defenseman on the Isles’ blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could depend on who’s handling the negotiations for the Islanders. It’s rumored GM Lou Lamoriello could retire or move on to a different position within the organization where he’s less hands-on.

Another two-year bridge deal for Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi would walk him straight to unrestricted free agency. Fox suspects Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will push for term here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vilardi is 25, completing a career-best performance (61 points and counting), and has arbitration rights this summer. Cheveldayoff could push for at least five years.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving rebuffed offers for Matthew Knies at the trade deadline. The Leafs have big decisions to make regarding UFA-eligible forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares, but with Knies’ stock rising along with the salary cap, Fox believes they’ll try to lock him up for as long as possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed, the longer the better.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams recently denied winger JJ Peterka was part of any discussions leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. He remains open to signing Peterka to term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox observed that Adams tends to sign players who show promise to long-term contracts. Peterka could be next in line.

A qualifying offer for K’Andre Miller will cost the New York Rangers $4.65 million to retain his rights this summer. A long-term deal could push him to between $6 million and $6.5 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller’s struggles this season made him the subject of frequent trade speculation. Rangers GM Chris Drury has been shaking up his roster since December with more changes expected this summer. Miller could become an offseason trade candidate.

The Anaheim Ducks’ recent acquisition of goaltender Ville Husso suggests they could move out John Gibson this summer. That would free up more cap space to re-sign netminder Lukas Dostal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, it could, although the Ducks shouldn’t have any issue re-signing Dostal if Gibson’s $6.4 million remains on their books for next season. They have a projected $39 million of cap space and 15 active roster players under contract.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi’s next contract could be affected by the club’s need to sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension before his UFA eligibility next summer. Things could get tricky here because of their tight budget and with promising prospects like Danila Yurov and Riley Heidt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox suggests a short-term bridge deal for Rossi until the more immediate cap issues are resolved. However, that would risk paying him much more when this contract expires, which could make him a trade candidate.

Fox doesn’t expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to have any issue re-signing forward Dmitri Voronkov. They’re flush with cap space and Voronkov, at 23, is the perfect age to grow with their flourishing young core.

The Ducks could attempt to sign Mason McTavish to a deal similar to the five-year extension that Quinton Byfield received from the Los Angeles Kings, which carries a $6.25 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is a tough negotiator. He holds the hammer here given McTavish’s lack of arbitration rights.

A strong postseason performance could help Fabian Zetterlund in contract talks with the Ottawa Senators, who acquired him from the San Jose Sharks before the recent trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2025

by | Mar 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2025

The latest on the Penguins and some potential offer sheet targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski is on record suggesting the possibility of Penguins general manager (and former Toronto Maple Leafs GM) Kyle Dubas pursuing Mitch Marner if the latter goes to free agency this summer.

He believes it depends on how far and fast Dubas thinks his team hits rock bottom and bounces back. If the Penguins GM flips some draft picks for younger players and feels good about the direction, pursuing Marner could be on the table.

However, Kingerski doubted that Dubas could sell his picks as quickly or easily as he might hope. The rising salary cap means more teams will have cap space, making it difficult to weaponize the Penguins’ cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything can happen, but Marner to the Penguins seems like a long shot. The Athletic’s Josh Yohe recently cited team sources claiming Dubas intends to wait until the 2026 offseason to take a swing at landing a big-ticket player.

Kingerski thinks Dubas could use his cap space and depth in draft picks to pursue a restricted free agent with an offer sheet. He considers Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka a prime target.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have almost as much projected cap space for next season ($24.1 million) as the Penguins ($26.3), with Peterka and Bowen Byram as their notable RFAs. Nevertheless, they’re in a good position to match any offer sheet for Peterka unless it’s ridiculously expensive (over $10 million annually). Dubas will have to target clubs with much less cap room to make an offer sheet worthwhile.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Jason Mackey believes the Penguins should attempt to trade Erik Karlsson and Tristan Jarry this summer to free up as much salary-cap space as possible and recalibrate.

Mackey doesn’t see them trading Kris Letang if next season is the last one for center Evgeni Malkin. Karlsson, however, is a different story.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letang and Malkin have spent their entire NHL careers with the Penguins and want to finish their careers in Pittsburgh. Some observers aren’t sure Letang wouldn’t accept a trade, but that’s unlikely to happen with Malkin heading into his final season. And with Sidney Crosby signed for two more seasons, Letang could ride things out until his captain hangs up his skates.

Karlsson hasn’t worked out as the Penguins hoped when they acquired him two years ago. However, his puck-moving abilities and solid performance for Sweden during last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament saw him emerge in the rumor mill leading up to the recent trade deadline. Dubas could find a trade partner for the 34-year-old defenseman this summer if the Penguins are willing to retain some of his salary.

POTENTIAL OFFER SHEET TARGETS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked which players he felt were viable offer-sheet targets this summer.

Johnston believes mid-tier or emerging players to be the most vulnerable because contending teams are most worried about not overpaying those types of players. He cited the St. Louis Blues signing away Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers last summer as examples.

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque could be a target. The Stars have already made some significant investments for next season.

Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich could be another. Johnston’s colleague Peter Baugh suggested Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dallas has $5.33 million in cap space with Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund eligible for unrestricted free-agent status. Florida has $19 million in cap space but must re-sign or replace pending UFAs Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. That could make Bourque or Samoskevich prime options for offer sheets.

The Rangers have $10.6 million available with Cuylle and Miller as their notable free agents. However, management is expected to attempt to shake up its roster via trades and free agency, which could make one or both players potential free-agent targets.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2025

by | Jan 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Miller, Simon Nemec, Jonathan Toews and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” TRADE & FREE-AGENT RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche and Mikko Rantanen need a deadline for a new contract. He wondered if Avalanche management considers the March 7 trade deadline to be that date or if they’ll take their chances if Rantanen remains unsigned by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract talks between the two sides have stalled but it was recently reported they’ll revisit those discussions following next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off. It’s also believed the Avs have no intention of peddling Rantanen if he hasn’t signed by then.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Friedman considers the Carolina Hurricanes a team to watch in the trade market. “They are active, ready to pounce.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could be trying to pounce on J.T. Miller. Reports earlier this week linked them to the 31-year-old Vancouver Canucks center.

The Hurricanes and New York Rangers are two of the teams permitted to speak with Miller. Friedman believes the Rangers’ offer was Filip Chytil, a first-rounder and a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other reports claimed it was Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, a first-rounder and perhaps a couple of minor-leaguers. Either way, the Rangers would’ve made out like bandits in the deal if it hadn’t fallen through.

Friedman isn’t sure about the rumored interest in Miller from the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun he sought a center to bring some “extra oomph” to his lineup. Miller would certainly fit the bill but he could be too expensive. The Stars could afford Miller’s $8 million cap hit once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but they could be concerned about the long-term hit to their salary cap.

Devils defenseman Simon Nemec raised some eyebrows recently when he told a Slovak news outlet about his disappointment in playing for their farm team in Utica. They’ve told anyone who’s asked that they have no interest in trading the promising blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec isn’t happy in the AHL but he’s not making waves by demanding a trade. Friedman believes his injury during last August’s Olympic qualifier hurt his chances of making the Devils this season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in some of the Buffalo Sabres’ younger, NHL-ready prospects.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some mixed messages lately regarding the Penguins’ intentions. Some believe they want young players already in the NHL. Regardless, it’s clear that GM Kyle Dubas intends to move some of his aging veterans in exchange for younger talent.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have little interest in moving their UFA-eligible players for mid-round draft picks at the trade deadline. Their focus is on making the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell won’t be a seller unless his club collapses in the standings between now and the trade deadline. He’ll keep this roster intact if they’re still in the chase. After everything they’ve endured over the past year, this postseason race brings a measure of hope to the players and the fans.

PENGUINS GM DENIES FIRE SALE RUMORS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas denied recent rumors claiming the club was preparing for a fire sale of several veteran players.

Dubas acknowledged his ongoing goal is to add younger players to his roster and restock his prospect pipeline. However, he said he’s not telling teams that everything must go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent rumors suggest the Penguins have few untouchables, with long-time stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin topping the list. There’s been some speculation about defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson but their ages and contracts make them unlikely trade candidates. Some pundits claim the Penguins could listen to offers for Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell but it would take a lot to pry either player out of Pittsburgh.

UNDER-THE-RADAR TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Chris Johnston looked at several under-the-radar trade candidates. They include Edmonton Oilers winger Jeff Skinner, New York Rangers defensemen K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players have been recently overshadowed by the trade drama involving Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson but most of them have frequently surfaced in the media rumor mill. Their struggles this season have prompted suggestions they might benefit from a change of scenery.

JETS INTERESTED IN JONATHAN TOEWS

SPORTSNET: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said his club would be interested in Jonathan Toews if the former Chicago Blackhawks captain stages a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23. His career was derailed by the effects of COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome.

Cheveldayoff said he’s had some conversations with Toews and his representatives. “I think he’s going to have to push himself to get his body to respond and see how it responds,” said the Jets GM. “I think there’s a lot of layers yet from that standpoint.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no certainty Toews will make a comeback this season. It could take until training camp in September before he’s ready to attempt to resume his career. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt the Jets to check in and let him know they’re interested in giving him a shot at a comeback.