NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2024

by | Jun 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2024

The potential cost of Travis Konecny’s next contract, the recent trade rumors about Tanner Jeannot, and the Avalanche’s need to go bargain-hunting in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST THE FLYERS TO SIGN TRAVIS KONECNY?

THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz took to social media on May 26 to speculate over Travis Konecny’s next contract. The 27-year-old Philadelphia Flyers winger has a year left on his current deal with a cap hit of $5.5 million.

Kurz believes the “obvious comparable” is the eight-year, $70.4 million contract Timo Meier signed last year with the New Jersey Devils. “Similar ages, almost identical PPG”, wrote Kurz, adding we can’t ignore how much the Flyers view Konecny as part of their leadership group.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Kurz’s comparable but expressed concerns about Konecny’s age, pointing out he’ll be 29 when the first season of that extension is complete. He noted that the Flyers would carry that $8.8 million AAV on their books until the winger is through his age 36 season.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images)

“Combine that with the rumored $10 million AAV asking price, and the Flyers could find themselves in serious trouble down the line,” wrote Bailey. He also cited the 5’10’, 175-pound Bailey’s size and physical style of play as areas of concern that could adversely affect his performance over time.

Bailey suggests the Flyers signed Konecny to a five or six-year contract. That would enable him to seek one more big payday if he remains healthy and productive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how Flyers management handles Konecny’s contract situation.

If they were a perennial playoff team or a Cup contender, they’d likely sign him to an eight-year extension without any qualms. However, they’re in the middle of a roster retooling as they transition toward younger players.

As Bailey suggests, Konecny might not fit into their long-range plans. If they ink him to a contract comparable to Meier’s, it could become an expensive millstone in the latter half of the deal even with the salary cap projected to be much higher by that point.

WILL THE LIGHTNING MOVE TANNER JEANNOT IN A COST-CUTTING DEAL?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina recently took note of the trade rumors swirling around Lightning winger Tanner Jeannot. Some observers suggest the 27-year-old winger could be moved to free up salary cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos.

According to Encina,  no concrete reports indicate the Lightning will trade Jeannot. However, he acknowledged that the winger still needs to provide the complementary scoring management was hoping for when they gave up five draft picks and defenseman Cal Foote to the Nashville Predators last season to get him.

Injuries hampered Jeannot’s performance this season. However, his $2.665 million cap hit for next season could make him a player they move to clear cap space for Stamkos.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Depending on how much it costs the Lightning to re-sign Stamkos, Jeannot could be the most likely cost-cutting trade candidate. Anthony Cirelli, Mikhail Sergachev, and Erik Cernak were also mentioned but they’re too invaluable to move. 

AVALANCHE COULD GO BARGAIN-HUNTING AGAIN

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak pointed out the Colorado Avalanche could be forced to go bargain-hunting again. They lack salary-cap space and face uncertainty over the futures of Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.

The Avalance successfully signed Zach Parise and Jonathan Drouin to cost-effective one-year contracts. Both players performed well and gave glowing reviews of their tenure this season in Colorado.

Masisak wondered if New York Rangers forwards Jack Roslovic and Alex Wennberg would be good fits with the Avalanche. San Jose Sharks winger Alexander Barabanov could be another.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2024

by | Apr 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2024

Is there a deal that could work for the Flyers and Ducks? Could the Wild trade Filip Gustavsson and Marco Rossi this summer? Who are the potential candidates to become the next head coach of the Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE DUCKS AND FLYERS MAKE ANOTHER BIG TRADE THIS YEAR?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey noted the recent remarks by Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek indicating he’s in the market for a right-shot top-six forward or a right-shot top-four defenseman.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images)

The two clubs made a big move in January when the Ducks sent defenseman Jamie Drysdale to the Flyers in exchange for promising winger Cutter Gauthier. Bailey wondered if the two clubs might swing another move that works for both sides.

Bailey noted the Flyers have plenty of wingers but lack depth at center while it’s the opposite for the Ducks. He suggested Trevor Zegras or Mason McTavish might be available for the Flyers. Meanwhile, Flyers winger Travis Konecny will be due for a big-money extension and is already in his playing prime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bailey is just musing about what each club has that could help the other. Still, the two teams have that recent trade history so we can’t rule out another deal between them this summer.

I doubt the Flyers will part with Konecny unless he prices himself out of their comfort zone in contract talks. If they offered him to the Ducks, they’d likely want McTavish in return. He would adapt better under Flyers coach John Tortorella’s system than the free-wheeling Zegras.

COULD GUSTAVSSON AND ROSSI HIT THE TRADE BLOCK?

THE ATHLETIC: In their recent mailbag segment, Michael Russo and Joe Smith were asked what Filip Gustavsson might fetch for the Minnesota Wild.

The signing of Marc-Andre Fleury to a one-year contract indicated the 25-year-old goaltender could hit the trade block this summer. There’s no guarantee he’ll be moved but the Wild would like to make room for up-and-comer Jesper Wallstedt.

Moving Gustavsson’s $3.75 million cap hit for next season and replacing him with Wallstedt’s $925K would save the cap-strapped Wild $2.825 million. That’s assuming they move him for a high draft pick and/or a prospect.

Gustavsson struggled this season following a fine performance in 2022-23 plus there will be a lot of goaltenders in this summer’s trade market. Still, the volatility of the position around the league suggests a team could bet on unlocking his full potential.

Gustavsson could fetch a second-round pick for the Wild but they could prefer a middle-six winger. They could also use him as a trade chip to move up in the first-round draft order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson could be pursued by teams that lose out in the bidding for big-name netminders like Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Boston’s Linus Ullmark this summer. He could also be a tempting target for clubs in the market for more affordable goaltending.

Russo and Smith also think there’s a good chance the Wild trade Marco Rossi this summer if they can get the same level of high-end prospect who’s bigger and faster. They were interested in Cutter Gauthier before the Philadelphia Flyers traded him to the Anaheim Ducks in January. That’s the type of player they might consider for Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chosen ninth overall in the 2020 draft, Rossi’s progress was stalled when he contracted COVID-19 in 2020, sidelining him for all but one game with Switzerland’s ZSC Lions the following season. He had one point in 19 games with the Wild in 2022-23 but put up 51 points in 53 games that season with their AHL affiliate in Iowa.

The 22-year-old center finished this season sitting second among NHL rookies with 21 goals and fifth in points with 40. He could draw plenty of interest if the Wild put him on the trade block but they might not get the type of player described by Russo and Smith. Rossi will likely remain with the Wild when next season begins.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS SEARCH FOR A NEW COACH

TSN: recently cited the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reporting Senators GM Steve Staios has already had meetings or plans to meet with three coaching candidates.

They include former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason and former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube. It’s also believed (but unconfirmed) that Staios has spoken with former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was speculated that Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden and Philadelphia Flyers assistant coach Brad Shaw would also be candidates. However, it appears Staios seeks someone with plenty of NHL head-coaching experience for this job.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2024

by | Feb 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2024

The Golden Knights set an NHL record, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar sets a franchise record, league commissioner Gary Bettman assures Jets fans their team won’t be moved, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights became the fastest franchise in league history to reach 300 wins (514 games) by beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2, snapping the latter’s seven-game win streak. Jonathan Marchessault had two goals and an assist for the 33-19-7 Golden Knights as they ended a three-game losing skid and hold second place in the Pacific Division with 73 points. With 74 points, the Leafs (33-17-8) sit in third place in the Atlantic Division.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar collected an assist to become the highest-scoring blueliner in franchise history (308 points) in a 5-1 win over the Dallas Stars. Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and an assist to extend his season-opening home points streak to 29 games for the Avalanche (36-19-5) as they sit third in the Central Division with 77 points. Rookie Logan Stankoven scored his NHL goal for the 35-17-9 Stars as they slipped to second place in the Central with 79 points.

The Florida Panthers held off the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 3-2. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist for the 39-16-4 Panthers (82 points) as they sit first in the Eastern Conference and second in the overall standings. The Sabres slipped to 27-28-4.

An overtime goal by Erik Karlsson lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Sidney Crosby had two assists and reached his 1,000th career even-strength point for the 27-21-8 Penguins as they’ve won three straight games. J.T. Miller netted his 30th goal of the season for the Canucks (38-16-7) as they remain first overall with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Penguins announced that winger Bryan Rust is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

A five-goal third period carried the Philadelphia Flyers over the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2. Travis Sanheim and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (31-22-7) as they sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 69 points. The 32-24-5 Lightning hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 69 points, four ahead of the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Flyers announced defensemen Jamie Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainen are week-to-week with upper-body injuries. Winger Travis Konecny (upper body) is listed as day-to-day.

Speaking of the Devils, they cruised to a 7-2 drubbing of the San Jose Sharks. Nico Hischier had a goal and three assists while Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists for the 30-25-4 Devils while San Jose sank to 15-37-5. They also lost goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood as he left the game with an injury in the first period.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane collected two assists to extend his points streak to nine games as his club trounced the Washington Capitals 8-3. Shayne Gostisbehere tallied twice for the surging Red Wings (33-20-6) as they picked up their sixth straight win and hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 72 points.

The Calgary Flames kept their playoff hopes alive by doubling up the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 to pick up their fourth straight win. Yegor Sharangovich snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period for the 29-25-5 Flames (63 points) as they sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings (29-19-10) as they cling to the first Western wild-card spot with 68 points

Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators maintained their hold on that final Western wild-card berth by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Roman Josi and Gustav Nyquist each had three points for the 33-25-2 Predators (68 points) as they picked up their sixth straight win. The Senators dropped to 25-29-3 while center Josh Norris left the game with an apparent shoulder injury in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to NHL.com, the Senators were outshot 19-0 in the third period.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal had a goal and an assist to lead his club to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The Hurricanes improved to 35-18-6 and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. The Wild slipped to 28-15-6 and are six points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

The Montreal Canadiens handed the Arizona Coyotes their 13th straight defeat (0-11-2) by a score of 4-2. Sam Montembeault stopped 36 shots while Joel Armia and Jordan Harris had a goal and an assist for the 23-28-8 Canadiens as they ended a five-game losing skid. The Coyotes dropped to 23-30-5.

Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan had a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers each collected two assists as the Jets (37-15-5) moved into first place in the Central Division with 79 points. With a record of 30-26-2, the Blues (62 points) are six points behind the Predators for that final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Jets, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in Winnipeg on Tuesday. He dismissed the notion that the club could relocate after team owner Mark Chipman last week expressed concern over their declining season-ticket sales.

The Jets have the second-lowest average attendance this season (13,306), drawing 87.4 percent of Canada Life Centre’s 15, 225 capacity.

At the time, Chipman said the Jets had to get back to a season-ticket base of 13,000 each year after sales dropped to 9,500 for 2023-24. “This place we find ourselves in right now, it’s not going to work over the long haul. It just isn’t,” he said.

Bettman suggested Chipman was referring to the club’s ability to compete and win the Stanley Cup rather than the viability of remaining in Winnipeg. He believes Winnipeg is a strong hockey market and cited the financial commitments that ownership has made to the team, its arena and the downtown area.

“If the team is going to have the resources and the ability to compete at the highest level, and to spend at the cap, as they have, it’s important for the building to be full,” said Bettman. He felt their current difficulties are simply part of the growing pains clubs occasionally endure and is confident that they will adjust.

WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen noted that Chipman walked back his comments from last week that generated so much emotion and concern over the Jets’ future. The Jets owner acknowledged the club screwed up with its rigid policies, admitting it must win back the fans’ trust.

Friesen also included a sampling of the fans’ complaints, most of which centered on the perception that ownership was out of touch with the fans and took them for granted. High prices for parking and concessions, indifferent customer service from the arena staff and sales department, and last spring’s season-ticket ad campaign referencing the original Jets that came across as a veiled threat were among the issues raised.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Before Bettman’s journey to Winnipeg, Mike McIntyre did a detailed examination of how things reached this point for the Jets. He felt there was no reason to panic about the team relocating but pointed out that economics was behind this situation.

McIntyre noted the decline in the Jets season-ticket sales, including a waitlist of reportedly 8,000 that has dried up. He cites many of the same factors as Friesen, as well as the rising cost of living, economic downturn, and the club’s erratic performance in recent years.

He also pointed out the Jets lack corporate support, with just 15 percent accounting for their season-ticket sales. That’s well below the other six Canadian markets, where businesses make up between 45 and 85 percent of the base.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates examined ways the Jets can win back their fans. He believes they must generate more substantial corporate support and prioritize individuals, families and friends of groups that buy tickets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve noted all this because Chipman’s remarks last week raised concerns about the Jets’ future, not just in Winnipeg but around the league. It also drew plenty of comments last Saturday when I reposted my 2011 Soapbox article expressing concerns for the franchise following its relocation.

While the club isn’t in danger of moving to a new city, there’s no question that the attendance issue garnered attention at NHL headquarters. Hence the commissioner’s attempt to reassure the fans while also meeting with the club’s corporate sponsors to drum up more support.

Bettman’s comments about the requirement for a full arena are no different from those he made in 2011 when the Jets relocated to Winnipeg from Atlanta. For a decade, that wasn’t an issue. It’s become a problem now, one that the team’s owner took public and the league commissioner had to address.

Playing in the NHL’s smallest market and the second-smallest arena, the Jets continue to face more challenges than other Canadian franchises. Over time, it could prove difficult for individual fans or families to keep up with the increasing fan cost index especially if the cost of living continues to rise. Improved corporate support will be crucial going forward.

Jets fans are passionate about their team. If the issues they raised are suitably addressed by the club’s ownership, the season-ticket sales should improve and the Jets should regularly sell out their arena once again.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2024

by | Feb 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 25, 2024

The Rangers match their franchise record win streak, the Canucks regain first overall, the Leafs’ Tyler Bertuzzi nets a birthday hat trick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers tied a franchise record with their 10th straight win by downing the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Rookie forward Matt Rempe’s first career NHL goal was the game-winner as he snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period while Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves for the Rangers (39-16-3). With 81 points, they lead the Metropolitan Division and sit in second place in the overall standings. Tyson Foerster scored for the 30-21-7 Flyers as they remain in third place in the Metro with 67 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers winger Travis Konecny missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He’s not expected to be sidelined for long.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser tallied two goals, including the winner in overtime, to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2 and reclaim first place in the overall standings with 82 points. The Bruins (34-12-13) jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Jesper Boqvist and Danton Heinen before the Canucks (38-16-6) staged their rally. The Bruins lead the Atlantic Division with 81 points and sit third in the overall standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins and Rangers have the same number of points but the latter holds a game in hand plus they’ve got more regulation wins.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).

The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their seventh straight win by nipping the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Tyler Bertuzzi celebrated his 29th birthday with a hat trick while William Nylander collected three assists for the 33-16-8 Leafs as they sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon had three assists for the 35-19-5 Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 75 points but have won only three of their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon sits second in the NHL scoring race with 96 points, two back of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov.

Speaking of Kucherov, he had a goal and two assists for the Lightning in a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Victor Hedman picked up three assists while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves for the Lightning (31-23-5), who hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Anders Lee and Brock Nelson replied for the 23-20-14 Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield missed this contest with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.

The Dallas Stars downed the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 on goals by Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. Joel Oettinger turned aside 20 shots as the Stars improved to 35-16-8 and sit atop the Central Division with 78 points. Sebastian Aho scored for the Hurricanes (34-18-5) as they’re perched in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 73 points.

An overtime goal by Gustav Forsling gave the Florida Panthers a 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Aleksander Barkov scored the tying goal late in the third period for the Panthers (38-16-4) as they sit second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the overall standings with 80 points. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin played his 1,400th career NHL game but saw his 10-game points streak come to an end as his club’s record dropped to 26-21-9.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed injury. Capitals forward Anthony Mantha left this game in the third period with an undisclosed injury.

A four-goal first period carried the Detroit Red Wings over the St. Louis Blues by a score of 6-1. Alex DeBrincat led the way with two goals and an assist while Patrick Kane and Michael Rasmussen each had a goal and an assist for the 31-20-6 Red Wings, who sit one point above the Lightning in the first Eastern wild-card spot with 68 points. Blues rookie Zachary Bolduc scored his first career NHL goal as his club dropped to 30-25-2 (62 points) and sit two points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are on a roll of late, winning four straight and seven of their last 10 games. They’re looking like a playoff contender for the first time since 2015-16.

Speaking of the final Western wild-card spot, the Nashville Predators took over that spot with a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Kiefer Sherwood tallied twice while Juuse Saros made 23 stops for the 31-25-2 Predators (64 points) as they picked up their fourth straight victory. Mikael Granlund and Filip Zadina replied for the 15-36-5 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic suffered an upper-body injury during practice on Friday and missed this game as a result.

The Calgary Flames kept their playoff hopes alive by dropping the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 in their ongoing Battle of Alberta. Noah Hanifin scored twice and collected an assist while Jonathan Huberdeau and Connor Zary each had two assists for the 28-25-5 Flames (61 points) as they’ve won three straight and sit three points behind the Predators. Zach Hyman scored two goals for the Oilers (33-20-2) as they sit third in the Pacific Division with 68 points but have won just four of their last 10 contests.

A shootout goal by Trevor Moore gave the Los Angeles Kings a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Drew Doughty and Kevin Fiala each had a goal and an assist for the Kings (29-17-10) as they hold the first Western wild-card spot with 68 points and have won seven of their last 10 games. Goaltender John Gibson kicked out 48 shots for the 20-34-3 Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Kings placed winger Viktor Arvidsson (lower body) on long-term injury reserve and announced that defenseman Mikey Anderson is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Another team keeping their postseason chances alive is the Minnesota Wild as they defeated the Seattle Kraken by a score of 5-2. Kirill Kaprizov has two goals and an assist while Mats Zuccarello collected four assists for the 28-24-6 Wild (62 points) as they sit two points behind the Predators. Vince Dunn and Jordan Eberle replied for the Kraken (24-22-11), who are five points back of the Predators.

The Ottawa Senators upset the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on a shootout goal by Tim Stutzle. Josh Norris and Thomas Chabot each had a goal and an assist for the 25-27-3 Senators, who are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. Chandler Stephenson scored two goals for the Golden Knights (32-19-7) as they sit second in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Tyler Toffoli collected two assists for the 29-24-4 Devils (62 points), who sit five points behind the Lightning for that final Eastern wild-card berth. Nick Suzuki scored twice for the 22-28-8 Canadiens as their losing streak reached a season-high five games.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2024

by | Feb 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2024

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

THE HURRICANES AREN’T INTERESTED IN RENTAL PLAYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes will be buyers by the March 8 trade deadline. However, general manager Don Waddell said he’s not interested in adding players on expiring contracts.

“Our first priority, if we’re giving up premium picks or top prospects, we want to make sure that we get a player for more than a few months”, Waddell told LeBrun. He added that they’re aren’t many non-rental players in the market as most trade candidates are slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

Contrary to popular belief, Waddell said he’s not looking to add a goaltender. He pointed out that sidelined netminder Frederik Andersen will be returning soon while Pyotr Kochetkov’s performance has been solid this season. He’s also comfortable with his blueline depth.

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell (NHL.com).

Waddell would like to add a top-nine forward or two. LeBrun speculates it might be a forward with term remaining on their contract whose name hasn’t yet surfaced in the rumor mill. He suspects that the Hurricanes GM has inquired about winger Travis Konecny but doesn’t think the Philadelphia Flyers intend to move him, especially after recently naming him an alternate captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes currently have over $6.6 million in trade deadline cap space so they’ve got the room to add a forward or two. They also have all their picks in this year’s draft along with the Flyers’ second-rounder to draw on for trade bait if necessary.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE LOGAN COUTURE THIS SUMMER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller noted there is speculation suggesting if the San Jose Sharks are going to trade Logan Couture, it won’t happen until the offseason. Couture, 34, is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury that has plagued him since last summer, limiting him to just six games.

With the Sharks near the bottom of the NHL standings, they are expected to be sellers by the March 8 trade deadline. Couture is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million and a three-team trade list.

Miller cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming Couture could be sidelined for the rest of the season. “If a move happens, it’s more likely to occur in the off-season,” he writes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture would be almost impossible to move in-season under normal circumstances because of his contract. If he’s out for the rest of this season there will be a genuine concern that his condition could end his career. That will make it more difficult to trade Couture during this summer.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: In a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked if the Sabres can expect any changes before the upcoming trade deadline. He believed contenders would ask about pending free agents such as Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. Lysowski also felt that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will try to get a head start on finding players for next season like he did last year by acquiring Jordan Greenway from the Minnesota Wild.

If Johnson is traded, Lysowski speculated Adams will try to add another defenseman who could be part of the roster for next season, preferably a top-four blueliner. He also thinks the Sabres GM will open contract extension talks with Casey Mittelstadt’s agent. Lysowski doesn’t see them trading Mittelstadt or forwards Dylan Cozens, Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson or Alex Tuch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt recently surfaced as a trade candidate in the rumor mill. However, Adams was insistent in an interview last week that he wasn’t shopping the 25-year-old center and intends to re-sign him.

COULD THE CANADIENS TRADE DAVID SAVARD?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted that Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes recently said he’s not shopping David Savard. However, Basu believes he’s listening to offers. He believes the market for a shot-blocking, right-shot defenseman like Savard will open up once the Calgary Flames trade Chris Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard, 33, is signed through next season with an AAV of $3.5 million. He also lacks no-trade protection.

I don’t doubt that Hughes will listen to trade offers for Savard. As we’ve seen, however, he sets a high price for his players and usually won’t budge until someone meets it. With Savard under contract for next season, he’s under no pressure to trade him now. If no one meets his price, he’ll wait until the summer or next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

Updates on the Flames, Penguins, Blues, Flyers and Blue Jackets plus the latest on Adam Henrique, Jakob Chychrun, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Arthur Kaliyev in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman provided an update on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Friedman believes there’s “a ton of interest” in Lindholm, listing the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations. He thinks the 28-year-old center will get traded.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal also interviewed Friedman, who told him Lindholm is high on the Canucks’ radar but it could cost them a little more because they’re dealing with the Flames.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie had the Avalanche and Canucks on their list of proposed trade destinations for Lindholm. They also included the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets.

Hanifin will have to decide over the All-Star break as to whether he sees his future in Calgary or somewhere else. At one point, the two sides seemed close to a contract extension but Hanifin changed his mind as the club struggled early in the season. They have reportedly resumed discussions.

There’s a big market for Tanev. The Ottawa Senators have an interest in him but he might not accept a trade this season to a non-contender. Maybe they’ll have a better chance of signing him as a free agent this summer.

As for Markstrom, Friedman said he doesn’t like the trade speculation. He believes that there’s an unwritten agreement between the goalie and Flames management that they won’t ask him about waiving his no-movement clause unless they’ve got an offer too good to pass up or he tells them that he wants to go somewhere. Neither scenario has happened yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Either scenario seems more likely to happen in the offseason given Markstrom’s $6 million AAV. I’m not saying either one will, just pointing out that it’s easier to move expensive contracts during the offseason when clubs have more cap space.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman was asked if the Pittsburgh Penguins might make some big moves to retool their roster for next season. He doesn’t believe they’ll be buyers and that may be playing a role in the contract talks with pending UFA winger Jake Guentzel. They won’t trade their first and second-round picks and top prospects for playoff rentals. The Penguins could attempt to do a “soft rebuild” over the next couple of years.

LATEST ON HENRIQUE

NHL NETWORK: Friedman cited the New York Post’s Larry Brooks saying the Rangers might not want to pay a big price for a center to replace Filip Chytil because they haven’t played well lately.

Friedman acknowledged how well-connected Brooks is regarding the Rangers but he wonders if that’s a bit of a smokescreen. They have the eighth-best winning percentage in the NHL and if goaltender Igor Shesterkin regains his form there’s no reason that they can’t win their division in the playoffs.

The Rangers were seeking a fourth-line center before Chytil was sidelined for the season. Now they could be seeking another center. He believes the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique makes a lot of sense for them and he thinks that could be determined over the next month.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Friedman on his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast speculating that the Devils may have checked into Henrique’s availability. The 33-year-old center began his career with the Devils and spent over seven years with them before being traded to Anaheim during the 2017-18 season.

Nichols noted the Devils need to improve their goaltender and defensive depth and have sufficient centers to offset the indefinite absence of Michael McLeod. However, Henrique would generate more offense and would be stronger in the faceoff circle than anyone the Devils have beyond Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers want Henrique they might have to ask the Ducks to retain part of his cap hit, and that’s going to raise their asking price. The Devils have more cap space than the Rangers and could easily absorb Henrique’s $5.85 million cap hit.

I wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Tom Fitzgerald has looked in his availability. However, I think his focus remains on improving his goaltending and blueline depth.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” episode, Friedman indicated that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had a lot of his players in the trade market but there wasn’t a lot of interest.

One player who would’ve drawn interest was winger Pavel Buchnevich. However, he doesn’t think Armstrong wants to move the 28-year-old winger, who’s second in team scoring with 39 points in 48 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Blues having climbed into a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, perhaps Armstrong will stand pat and see how the season unfolds.

SHOULD THE BLACKHAWKS KICK TIRES ON KUZMENKO?

SPORTSNET: During the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman suggested the Chicago Blackhawks should look into acquiring Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko. He felt the Nashville Predators could’ve been a destination but the Blackhawks are struggling to score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko continues to struggle this season following his 74-point campaign in 2022-23. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million annual cap hit.

The Blackhawks can easily afford Kuzmenko’s contract. However, he also has a 12-team no-trade clause and might not be keen to join a rebuilding team.

CHYCRUN’S FUTURE IN OTTAWA

NHL NETWORK: Friedman believes Jakob Chychrun’s future with the Senators will come down to what he seeks on his next contract. He has one year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.6 million and will seek a big raise. That will force management to make some decisions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That decision could be moving Chychrun but that might not take place until the offseason.

KINGS OPEN TO MOVING KALIYEV

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings are willing to trade winger Arthur Kaliyev. He believes they would swap him for a depth forward who plays with a bit of an edge to his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is only 22 and in the final season of his entry-level contract. He could make be an affordable reclamation project for an aging team or a rebuilding club.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE FLYERS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to sign pending UFA defenseman Nick Seeler to a contract extension and they could take a run at re-signing Travis Konecny, who has a year remaining on his contract.

It seems less likely that they’ll re-sign Sean Walker since their recent addition of Jamie Drysdale. The 30-year-old defenseman has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CHANGES COMING FOR THE BLUE JACKETS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman noted rookie defenseman David Jiricek’s public frustration with his usage by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This comes at the worst time with the Jackets poised to miss the playoffs again but he thinks Jiricek handled it well by reporting to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

Friedman believes there could be big changes coming for the club and wondered how high up they could go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It starts with a new president of hockey operations, a new general manager and a new head coach. This franchise has been mired in mediocrity for years. The fans and players deserve better.