NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2020

by | Jan 22, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2020

The latest lists of trade bait in today’s NHL rumor mill.

TSN: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez, and Montreal Canadiens winger Ilya Kovalchuk are the top-three players atop Frank Seravalli’s latest NHL trade-bait list. Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and New York Rangers’ goaltender Alexandar Georgiev round out the top five.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprises here. These five have figured prominently in the rumor mill in recent weeks. Kreider, Kovalchuk, and Pageau are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Georgiev is a restricted free agent who could be the odd-man-out among the Rangers’ three goalies. Martinez has a year remaining on his contract with an affordable $4-million annual average salary. He also lacks no-trade protection.

With the NHL’s trade deadline just over a month away, New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider remains a prime trade candidate (Photo via NHL Images)

Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, New Jersey Devils blueliner Sami Vatanen, Detroit Red Wings center Andreas Athanasiou, and the Carolina Hurricanes’ first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft fill slots six through 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another four who’ve surfaced in frequent media trade chatter this season. I’m surprised to see Gostisbehere this high on Seravalli’s ranking. He’s struggling this season and is signed through 2022-23 with a $4.5-million AAV. A player carrying that much term usually doesn’t get moved until the off-season.

Toffoli and Vatanen are UFAs this summer, while Athanasiou is an RFA with arbitration rights. The Canes could dangle their first-round pick for a top-four defenseman, especially with Dougie Hamilton sidelined with a broken leg.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Alex Galchenyuk, Ottawa Senators blueliner Ron Hainsey, Minnesota Wild winger Ryan Donato, and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Robin Lehner fill slots 11 to 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Donato (signed through 2020-21) are UFAs in July. Lehner’s not going anywhere. He’s outplaying Corey Crawford and remains vital to the Blackhawks’ ongoing push to reach the playoffs. Granted, that could change if they fall out of contention by the trade deadline, but I believe they intend to re-sign him.

Nashville Predators winger Craig Smith and center Kyle Turris, Canadiens defenseman Marco Scandella, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Josh Anderson, and Canadiens blueliner Jeff Petry round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith and Scandella are UFAs. If the Preds fail to gain ground in the standing, GM David Poile could become a seller. Smith could hit the trade block, but there won’t be interest in Turris’ hefty contract unless Poile agrees to pick up part of the center’s $6-million AAV.

Anderson’s an RFA who’s struggled through injuries and inconsistency this season, but the Jackets could retain the big winger for the playoffs. It’ll take a considerable offer to tempt Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin to part with the underrated Petry.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen last week also published a list of 20 trade candidates we could hear about before the deadline. It included Wild winger Jason Zucker, Predators winger Mikael Granlund and center Nick Bonino, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian and center Evan Rodrigues, Senators goaltender Craig Anderson and Blackhawks netminder Corey Crawford, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith, Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad, Flames forward Mark Jankowski, and Edmonton Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could be sellers if they keep sliding out of playoff contention. There’s talk the Penguins could revisit interest in Zucker, who they attempted to land last May. However, his 10-team no-trade clause and $5.5 million AAV through 2022-23 could make him an off-season trade candidate.

Granlund is a UFA and could get shopped if the Predators become sellers. Ditto Bonino, though his $4.1 million cap hit through next season could scare off some clubs.

Bogosian is a UFA and Rodrigues an RFA. Both requested trades but there might not be much interest in either guy. The 38-year-old Anderson is reaching the end of his career, has a $4.75-million AAV and a 10-team no-trade list. Someone could express interest in him as a backup, but the Sens might have to absorb part of his salary-cap hit.

The Blackhawks could shop pending UFA Crawford, but I suspect they’ll keep their goalie tandem intact in their quest for a playoff spot. DeSmith could be available if the Penguins decide to pursue a winger for the postseason.

Saad’s $6-million AAV through 2020-21 won’t be easy to move. With the Blackhawks trying to reach the playoffs, I don’t think he’s available. The Flames could toss the slumping Jankowski into a larger deal to land a top-six forward. The Oilers could shop Puljujarvi’s rights, but I still think that the move takes place during the NHL Draft weekend in June.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin’s list includes Devils winger Kyle Palmieri, defenseman P.K. Subban and winger Wayne Simmonds, Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar, Blackhawks blueliner Erik Gustafsson, Anaheim Ducks winger Ondrej Kase, Sabres winger Marcus Johansson and Michael Frolik, Carolina Hurricanes rearguard Jake Gardiner, Sabres winger Conor Sheary, Flames winger Sam Bennett, Toronto Maple Leafs AHL winger Jeremy Bracco, and Colorado Avalanche prospect d-man Conor Timmons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Devils having traded away Taylor Hall and replaced their head coach and GM, it’s expected more roster changes are in store. Palmieri’s come up a lot in trade chatter. He’s signed through next season with a $4.65-million AAV and an eight-team no-trade list. Simmonds is a UFA and could be moved, though he’s indicated his preference to stay. Subban said he’s not seeking a trade, but the Devils could explore his value in the trade market. His declining performance and $9 million cap hit through 2021-22 makes him a tough sell.

Tatar is signed through next season and lacks no-trade protection. He’s the Habs leading scorer and his trade value could be high, though his $5.3 million AAV could be a stumbling block for a deadline deal. Gustafsson is a UFA and expected to be dealt, though that could change if the Hawks remain in playoff contention at the deadline. The Ducks need all the scoring they can get, so I don’t believe they’ll shop the oft-injured Kase.

The Sabres could be sellers if they don’t move up in the standings. Sheary and Frolik are UFAs while Johansson has a year remaining on his deal worth $4.5 million per season. He and Frolik have modified no-trade clauses.

Bennett would attract lots of interest if the Flames shop him, but they could keep him for the postseason when he does his best work. There were reports of some teams wondering what the Hurricanes might do with Gardiner. With Dougie Hamilton sidelined by a broken leg, Gardiner could be staying put.










Surveying the NHL Trade Sellers – Montreal Canadiens

by | Jan 22, 2020

Surveying the NHL Trade Sellers – Montreal Canadiens

 










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2020

by | Jan 20, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2020

Should the Canadiens re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk? Will the Leafs shop for a defenseman? Could Rangers winger Pavel Buchnevich become available? What’s the latest on the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SHOULD THE CANADIENS RE-SIGN KOVALCHUK?

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jack Todd believes the Canadiens should re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk, who’s tallied eight points in as many games since joining the club on a one-year, $700K contract earlier this month. Todd feels the 36-year-old winger could continue playing at a high level for the next two seasons. While acknowledging there’s risk in re-signing Kovalchuk, Todd feels it’s pointless to trade him for a draft pick when the Habs are already well-stocked in promising young players.

TVA SPORTS: Pat Brisson, Kovalchuk’s agent, said it’s too early to talk about a new contract for his client. He said Kovalchuk is very happy playing in Montreal.

Will the Canadiens re-sign or trade Ilya Kovalchuk? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I understand the excitement some Montreal observers are feeling about Kovalchuk’s performance thus far. If he continues playing well, regardless of where the Habs are in the standings, perhaps general manager Marc Bergevin will consider re-signing him. However, he could also receive a tempting offer from a rival club before the trade deadline.

As we saw with Andrei Markov and Alexander Radulov, Bergevin has shown reluctance to re-sign 30-something stars. If he decides to keep Kovalchuk, he doesn’t have to lock him up to an expensive long-term deal. Given the winger’s age, he could make it a one-year, bonus-laden contract. Of course, that depends on how much interest there is in Kovalchuk heading into this summer’s free-agent market. 

SHOULD THE LEAFS SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has to have a defenseman of some caliber in his sights, even if Rasmus Sandin proves himself as an NHL regular. Acquiring a blueliner would also have to make sense for the cap-strapped Leafs.

Rental players include New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen, San Jose’s Brenden Dillon, and Chicago’s Erik Gustafsson. However, Dubas has shown he’s willing to add a player who’s not on an expiring contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  If Dubas pursues a blueliner, it’ll likely be a dollar-in, dollar-out deal. There’s a growing sense it’ll cost the Leafs a good, young forward like Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, or Alexander Kerfoot to bring in a decent top-four defenseman.

The Leafs have been linked to Dillon. The Athletic’s Michael Russo wondered if they’d have any interest in Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin, who’s signed through 2020-21 with an AAV of over $4.1 million.

BUCHNEVICH AVAILABLE?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks observed Rangers winger Pavel Buchnevich hasn’t generated much offense of late. He’s managed just one goal and three assists in his last 13 games, and two goals and four assists over the last 23 contests.

Brooks speculates Buchnevich “is certainly to be a topic of conversation in the executive suite as Feb. 24 approaches,” regardless of where the Rangers sit in the standings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks pointed out Buchnevich has battled flu-like symptoms for the past week, but that doesn’t account for the decline in his production since late November. The 24-year-old winger tallied 21 goals and 38 points in 64 games last season and 43 points as a sophomore in 2017-18.

Buchnevich is signed through 2020-21 with an affordable $3.25-million annual average salary. He would attract interest if the Blueshirts shop him at the trade deadline.

LATEST ON THE RED WINGS

DETROIT FREE PRESS: In a recent mailbag segment, Helene St. James was asked what Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will do at the Feb. 24 trade deadline. She notes Yzerman’s intention to add more picks to the eight he already holds in the 2020 NHL Draft but could be hard-pressed doing so. Struggling pending UFAs such as Mike Green, Trevor Daley, and Jimmy Howard will have limited value in the trade market

Andreas Athanasiou scored 30 goals last season, but the decline in his production this season has tarnished his trade value. St. James feels it’s pointless to move the 25-year-old Athanasiou unless the return boosts the rebuild. The Pittsburgh Penguins might consider him after losing Jake Guentzel to shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Athanasiou is probably Yzerman’s best trade chip. I don’t see him shopping a young core player like Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, or Filip Hronek, and Robby Fabbri has fit in well after being acquired from St. Louis earlier in the season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2020

by | Jan 19, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 19, 2020

The latest on the Canadiens and Sharks plus updates on Jeff Carter and Erik Gustafsson in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

COULD THE CANADIENS SHOP KOVALCHUK, DOMI OR TATAR?

SPORTSNET (via KUKLA’S KORNER): Chris Johnston reports the Montreal Canadiens are very pleased with the performance of Ilya Kovalchuk. Earlier this month, they signed the veteran winger to a one-year, prorated $700K contract. He’s got eight points in as many games, including four goals. As the Canadiens get healthier coming out of the upcoming All-Star break and with the Feb. 24 trade deadline getting close, Johnston believes Kovalchuk could become a trade asset that lands the Habs a draft pick.

Will the Montreal Canadiens shop Ilya Kovalchuk for a draft pick at the trade deadline? (Photo via NHL Images)

Earlier in the week, Johnston’s colleague Eric Engels observed Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin faces some difficult decisions in the coming weeks. If leading scorer Tomas Tatar’s value in the trade market is high, Engels suggests Bergevin should explore the winger’s value in the trade market. He also feels the same about defenseman Jeff Petry, but acknowledged it would take a significant offer to tempt Bergevin as youngers blueliners Cale Fleury and Josh Brooks are at least a couple of years away from becoming top-four blueliners.

If the Canadiens can’t find a suitable return for Kovalchuk, Engels proposes attempting to re-sign the veteran winger.

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie believes the Canadiens will be sellers leading up to the trade deadline. He feels they should move Kovalchuk if he can fetch a second-round selection. He also thinks a team willing to do a “problem swap” could come calling about Max Domi. Lajoie lists Nick Cousins, Dale Weise, Jordan Weal, and Brett Kulak as other trade candidates.

LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL: Jonathan Bernier also ponders what the Habs could get for Kovalchuk in the trade market. He reminds us that the New Jersey Devils traded Brian Boyle last season to the Nashville Predators for a second-round pick. In 2017, the Detroit Red Wings sent winger Thomas Vanek to the Florida Panthers for a third-round and Dylan McIlrath, while the Colorado Avalanche got a conditional fourth from the LA Kings for Jarome Iginla.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kovalchuk’s thriving thus far in Montreal. If the Canadiens somehow surge back into the playoff chase in a month, they could hang onto him for the remainder of the season. If not, I don’t think it’s far-fetched to suggest they could get a second- or a third-round in return if he maintains his point-per-game pace.

Domi’s name has surfaced a couple of times in recent speculation. While there’s been some grumbling in the Montreal media over his temper, consistency, and supposedly selfish play, the 24-year-old reached a career-high 72 points last season and is on pace for a respectable 55 points. I’m not convinced that he’s in any danger of getting traded.

Tatar, meanwhile, has another year remaining on his contract. Bergevin doesn’t have to shop the 29-year-old winger this season, but it might not hurt to gauge his value in the trade market.

COULD CARTER HIT THE TRADE BLOCK?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall wonders if LA Kings center and former Flyer Jeff Carter might be available at the trade deadline. The 35-year-old Carter is under contract through 2021-22 with an annual average salary of over $5.2 million. He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion and a four-time 30-goal scorer who’s on pace for 23 goals this season.

Hall’s colleague John Clark said the Flyers discussed the possibility of trading for Carter. While he has fond memories of his years in Philadelphia, Carter said he doesn’t want to leave Los Angeles. “I love playing in L.A. and being a part of this team,” he said. “We’ll see where it goes.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carter surfaced in the rumor mill midway through last season. A report claimed he could retire if traded, but he denied it. Carter lacks no-trade protection, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the rebuilding Kings looked into moving him.

Nevertheless, his age and annual average value are significant stumbling blocks. An interested club might insist on the Kings picking up a healthy portion of his salary-cap hit. Given the Flyers’ limited cap space, they can’t afford his full AAV.

BLACKHAWKS LISTENING ON GUSTAFSSON?

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently reported the Chicago Blackhawks have spoken with other clubs about Erik Gustafsson. The 27-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He and Hawks GM Stan Bowman declined to comment regarding a possible contract extension.

A league source believes they’re checking the market value and could circle back before the trade deadline. They were asking mostly about prospects.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Powers that how the Blackhawks fare in the coming weeks will also determine what happens with Gustafsson. If they climb back into the playoff picture, they could hang onto the blueliner for a run at the postseason.

UPDATE ON THE SHARKS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports there’s word San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson is embarrassed the first-round pick he gave up as part of the deal for Erik Karlsson could turn into a lottery selection. As a result, he’ll try to get a first-rounder back before the trade deadline. He’ll have to sweeten the pot because none of his pending UFAs (including Brenden Dillon and Melker Karlsson) will fetch a first-rounder.

Garrioch speculates teams could call about Timo Meier, Tomas Hertl, and Brent Burns. He also claims New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello is sniffing around for a defenseman and should give Wilson a call.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wilson’s reportedly let it be known he’s not interested in moving a core player. Of course, that could change if someone were to make a significant offer, but I doubt that type of deal takes place before the deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2020

by | Jan 14, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2020

Could the Avalanche attempt to acquire Henrik Lundqvist? What’s the latest on Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Craig Anderson, Alex Martinez, Kyle Palmieri, and Alex Galchenyuk? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LUNDQVIST A TRADE TARGET FOR THE AVALANCHE?

THE DENVER POST: Mike Chambers believes the Colorado Avalanche have a trade option in New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist if their goalie tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz fail to snap out of their midseason funk. Lundqvist, 37, is signed through 2020-21 with an annual average value of $8.5 million, but just $5.5 million in actual salary for next season.

Could the Colorado Avalanche make a pitch for New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist? (Photo via NHL Images)

Chambers believes the Avalanche have the salary-cap space and prospects/draft picks to entice Lundqvist to waive his no-movement clause for an opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender. With the Rangers carrying three goalies, Chambers believes they want to trade one of them. Los Angeles Kings netminder Jonathan Quick could be another option, though he’s got three years remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be Rangers management, not Lundqvist, who might be enticed by the Avs cap space and their draft picks/prospects. The Avs can’t make that pitch to Lundqvist.

Every report I’ve seen and hear regarding Lundqvist’s future suggests he’s not leaving New York. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but he has to be willing to accept a trade.

We don’t know if anyone is making a pitch to the Rangers, or if “King Henrik” has been approached about accepting a trade to a Cup contender. If Lundqvist is willing to accept a trade, Colorado might not be on his list of preferred destinations.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports there haven’t been any in-depth contract talks yet between Ottawa Senators management and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The 27-year-old center will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. LeBrun speculates those discussions could begin later this month. How they go will determine if Pageau hits the trade block. If he does, LeBrun lists the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins as potential suitors.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators goaltender Craig Anderson’s performance must improve if he hopes to be moved by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. His stock has declined in recent weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t automatically assume Pageau will be traded. He’s a local boy who could be reluctant to leave the only NHL team he’s ever played for. He might want to be part of the club’s promising future. We’ll know within a month if he stays or goes.

As for Anderson, I can see a team taking a chance on him, though the Sens might have to pick up part of his $4.75-million salary-cap hit. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things.

KINGS WILLING TO MOVE MARTINEZ

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also reports the Los Angeles Kings are open to dealing defenseman Alec Martinez, who’s signed through 2020-21 with a $4-million cap hit. The Carolina Hurricanes have internally discussed bringing a steadying presence to their blueline, but it would mean moving one of their rearguards to make room for Martinez. LeBrun also suggests the Colorado Avalanche or Winnipeg Jets as possible destinations, though the latter continues to face uncertainty over Dustin Byfuglien’s situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Martinez would be a fine addition to a contending club’s defense corps. LeBrun cites an Eastern Conference executive suggesting the Kings could get a second-round pick and a prospect in return. He also pointed out GM Rob Blake can afford to wait until this summer to find a better return.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS, PENGUINS, DEVILS, AND SHARKS

If the Montreal Canadiens become sellers, LeBrun believes they could be reluctant to part with defenseman Jeff Petry. He also feels they have to listen to offers for Tomas Tatar. Both players are signed through next season.

Speaking of the Habs, LeBrun suggests the Boston Bruins inquire about winger Ilya Kovalchuk if he’s still playing well in a month. The Bruins had some interest in Kovalchuk after he cut ties with the LA Kings, but weren’t ready to offer him a contract at that time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun isn’t saying the Canadiens will trade Petry or Tatar, only that they should at least listen to offers. We’ll see if GM Marc Bergevin is willing to do that. Like Blake with Martinez, Bergevin can wait until the summer if he doesn’t receive any worthwhile offers leading up to the trade deadline. As for Kovalchuk, I can see the Habs shipping him to a contender if there’s sufficient interest.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ asking price for winger Alex Galchenyuk is believed to be either a draft pick or a bottom-six forward. He’s a UFA on July 1 with a cap hit of $4.9 million.

Before being fired, former New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero was telling teams he wasn’t interested in trading winger Kyle Palmieri. Now that Shero’s gone, it’s anyone’s guess what the future holds for Palmieri. He’s signed through next season and interested in re-signing with the Devils. LeBrun believes Palmieri would be a good fit with the Bruins.

LeBrun expects the struggling San Jose Sharks could become sellers at the trade deadline. They could dangle defenseman Brenden Dillon and forward Melker Karlsson, but they aren’t looking at blowing up the roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2020

by | Jan 9, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 9, 2020

The latest on the Canadiens, Islanders, Flames, Predators, Penguins, and Avalanche in today’s NHL rumor mill.

COULD THE CANADIENS BECOME SELLERS?

SPORTSNET: If the Montreal Canadiens fail to climb back into playoff contention, Elliotte Friedman wonders if general manager Marc Bergevin will move some of his veterans by the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL: Jean-Francois Chaumont examined Bergevin’s options if he goes into sell mode. The expensive contracts of goaltender Carey Price and defenseman Shea Weber makes them unlikely to be dealt. Weber’s leadership remains invaluable to the Habs.

Could Canadiens forward Max Domi price his way out of Montreal? (Photo via NHL Images)

Tomas Tatar and Jeff Petry are playing well and could fetch solid returns, but Petry’s value to the Habs blueline means it’ll take a significant offer to part with him. Chaumont also speculates Bergevin could listen to offers for Max Domi if the pending RFA proves too expensive to re-sign. It would be surprising if the Habs part ways with winger Artturi Lehkonen.

Chaumont suggests depth players such as Nate Thompson, Nick Cousins, and Brett Kulak could be peddled for draft picks. Recent acquisitions Ilya Kovalchuk and Marco Scandella could also have some value if they play well for the Habs in the coming weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are nine points out of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Barring a miraculous turnaround between now and the trade deadline, they’re not going to reach the playoffs this season.

I don’t see Bergevin getting into a massive sell-off of assets but he could put UFAs like Kovalchuk, Scandella, and Thompson on the trade block. Price, Weber, Domi, and Petry aren’t going anywhere. Tatar has a year left on his contract, but Bergevin could gauge his value in the trade market. He’s not shopping any of his promising youngsters.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports defenseman Adam Pelech’s season-ending Achilles injury is a huge loss for the New York Islanders.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently reported Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was succinct when asked about trade options to replace Pelech. “You don’t replace an Adam Pelech at the trade deadline,” he said.

Nevertheless, Staple speculates Lamoriello may still have to consider adding a veteran blueliner. Options could include San Jose’s Brenden Dillon, New Jersey’s Andy Greene, or Toronto’s Ben Harpur.

Staple also examined how the Islanders could address their scoring drought on the wing. He suggested Ottawa’s Tyler Ennis and Vladislav Namestnikov, Los Angeles’ Tyler Toffoli, Buffalo’s Conor Sheary, and Nashville’s Mikael Granlund as possible trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello will assess his roster over the next several weeks to determine if a move or two is necessary. For now, they’re using Noah Dobson as a third-pairing defenseman, while coach Barry Trotz continues juggling his forward lines. If there’s no significant improvement, the Isles GM could enter the trade market in February.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST 31 THOUGHTS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving has told potential trade partners he prefers players with term on their contract over rentals. If Elias Lindholm stays at center, Treliving will seek a winger. If not, he could go in a different direction.

Friedman also said there’s a sense change is coming to the Flames if they don’t improve. They’re happy with younger players like Rasmus Andersson, Dillon Dube, and Andrew Mangiapane but not as thrilled with some of their top dogs like Johnny Gaudreau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Treliving wants a player with term, perhaps he’ll look at Chicago Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad once he returns from his recent ankle injury. Friedman recently claimed there’s talk Saad could be available.

If the Flames fail to improve this season, a major change such as moving Gaudreau won’t happen until the offseason. That’s assuming Treliving wants to go that route.

Friedman also reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the market for a replacement for sidelined winger Jake Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: And you can read my take here and here.

He also reports Nashville Predators GM David Poile could become a seller at the trade deadline if his club fails to gain ground in the standings. Center Kyle Turris has been shopped. Others could include Craig Smith, Mikael Granlund, and perhaps Nick Bonino.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My take on the Predators here.

UPDATE ON THE AVALANCHE