NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

by | Mar 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 15, 2025

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl reaches 100 points, the Jets take sole possession of first overall, the Golden Knights re-sign Adin Hill, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl scored twice in a 2-1 overtime victory over the New York Islanders. Draisaitl became the second player this season to reach 100 points and is one goal away from becoming the first this season to score 50 goals. Bo Horvat replied for the Islanders, who got a 33-save performance from Ilya Sorokin.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl sits two points behind league leader Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in the point races. The Oilers vaulted one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings into second place in the Pacific Division with 80 points. With 66 points, the Islanders are four points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Speaking of Nathan MacKinnon, he was held scoreless as his Colorado Avalanche doubled up the Calgary Flames 4-2. Parker Kelly tallied twice and Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division with 83 points. Blake Coleman and Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames, who cling to the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have dropped six of their last eight games. They are tied in points with the Vancouver Canucks but hold that wild card with 24 regulation wins. Flames captain Mikael Backlund missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor scored two goals and Mark Scheifele collected three assists in a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars. The Jets regained sole possession of first place in the overall standings with 96 points. Mason Marchment scored for the Stars, who sit 10 points behind the Jets in second place in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets defenseman Neal Pionk missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes held off the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 to pick up their sixth straight win. Jack Roslovic had a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen made 24 saves for the Hurricanes, who are second in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points. Alex DeBrincat and Michael Rasmussen scored for the Wings, who’ve lost seven of their last eight games to sit two points out of the final Eastern wild card with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Just like this point last year, the Red Wings are slumping at the wrong time. With five other clubs jockeying for that final wild card, they’re in danger of extending their franchise-record playoff drought to nine years.

Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals and collected an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kaapo Kakko snapped a 2-2 tie and Philipp Grubauer turned aside 23 shots for the win. Nick Schmaltz and Kevin Stenlund scored for Utah (69 points), who remain two points behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Nashville Predators 2-1. Lukas Dostal got the win with a 28-save performance while Troy Terry and Alex Killorn scored for the Ducks (65 points), who are six points out of the final Western wild card. Jakub Vrana replied for the Predators.

HEADLINES

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights signed goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hill has established himself as the Golden Knights’ starting goalie. He has a record of 24-11-4 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with his team’s veteran core twice during this season, warning them that changes would be coming to the roster if things didn’t change on the ice. Three of those players (Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo) were shipped out by the March 7 trade deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is unavailable for personal reasons. They recalled Jet Greaves from their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tkachuk missed the final minutes of the Senators’ 6-3 win over the Bruins on Thursday due to a hip issue.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres forward Josh Norris is dealing with an undisclosed injury unrelated to his surgically-repaired shoulder. Acquired from the Senators last Friday, he has a goal and an assist in three games with the Sabres.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 13, 2025

by | Mar 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 13, 2025

A milestone performance by the Red Wings’ Patrick Kane, a record-setting game for the Kraken’s Brandon Montour, Mikko Rantanen explains why he chose the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane scored twice and collected three assists in a 7-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and three assists and Marco Kasper tallied two goals for the Red Wings (68 points), who snapped a six-game losing skid and sit two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Tage Thompson and Zach Benson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who’ve dropped seven of their last eight games.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: At 36 years and 113 days, Kane became the fourth-oldest player in Red Wings history to record a five-point game, joining Brett Hull (37 years, 170 days), Alex Delvecchio (37 years, 27 days) and Brendan Shanahan (36 years, 324 days).

The Seattle Kraken overcame a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. Brandon Montour scored four seconds into overtime to complete a two-goal, four-point performance. Jordan Eberle had three assists for the Kraken. Juraj Slafkovsky scored two goals for the Canadiens, one point behind the Blues Jackets in the Eastern wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montour set the league record for the fastest overtime goal. Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson had two assists to become the first rookie to reach 50 points this season.

A shootout goal by Conor Garland lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Canucks center Elias Pettersson scored the tying goal and team captain Quinn Hughes had an assist in his return from a lower-body injury. Jonathan Huberdeau netted two goals for the Flames. Both teams have 71 points but the Flames hold the final Western Conference wild-card spot with a game in hand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames captain Mikael Backlund left this game after the first period with an upper-body injury. Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson left the game during the first with an undisclosed injury.

The Utah Hockey Club nipped the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 as Dylan Guenther snapped a 2-2 tie in the third period, finishing the game with two points. Utah sits two points behind the Flames in the Western wild-card race. Alex Killorn and Mason McTavish replied for the Ducks.

HEADLINES

THE SCORE: Mikko Rantanen explained why he felt the Dallas Stars were a better match than the Carolina Hurricanes. He was dealt to Dallas at the trade deadline after informing the Hurricanes that he wouldn’t sign a contract extension. He inked an eight-year extension with the Stars.

Rantanen explained that he felt the Stars’ style of play was the best match for him. “Dallas was a better fit on the ice, a style of play similar to Colorado,” he said. The 28-year-old winger spent nearly 10 seasons with the Avalanche, where he blossomed into a scoring star.

He also felt the Hurricanes would get a better return for him in the trade market if he did a sign-and-trade, making it better for them rather than staying as a rental player and departing as a free agent on July 1. “But I want to make it clear I was open-minded in Carolina and really thought about staying there.”

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said Dougie Hamilton will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs with a lower-body injury. He didn’t rule out the possibility of the 31-year-old defenseman returning in the second round if the Devils get that far, but he wasn’t planning for it.

Hamilton suffered the injury late in the first period against the Stars on March 4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second devastating blow the Devils have received within a week. On March 5, superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

TSN: The New York Rangers signed backup goaltender Jonathan Quick to a one-year, $1.55 million contract extension.

AZCENTRAL.COM: Former Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is suing the Arizona Board of Regents for a $3.5 million security deposit paid to Arizona State University.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Meruelo believes it’s not his fault he had to break his three-year lease with Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena. He pocketed nearly $1 billion after selling off the team last year.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2025

by | Mar 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2025

A glimpse at what the offseason could hold for the Flyers, Blackhawks and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reported Philadelphia Flyers fans are still waiting for general manager Daniel Briere to take a big swing at acquiring a major name. That could happen as early as this summer.

That move could take the form of a major trade. However, Briere didn’t dismiss the possibility of wading into free agency, given their ample cap space next season.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the salary cap reaches $95.5 million, the Flyers will have over $27.5 million with four young restricted free agents (Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, Jakob Pelletier and Cam York) who should be affordable re-signings. That’ll leave sufficient room to make a significant addition via trade or free agency.

The Flyers also have seven picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, three of them being first-rounders. They also hold two first-rounders in 2027. Some of those picks could be used as trade capital to add immediate help to their roster.

BLACKHAWKS

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has set himself up for a big summer.

During Davidson’s trade deadline press conference, he indicated it’s time to start making “hockey trades” by acquiring more players rather than draft picks and prospects. He didn’t rule out using some of his stockpiled draft capital to pursue some big-name talent this summer, indicating he’ll seek acquisitions that fit the team’s picture going forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson spent the past two seasons acquiring veterans via trades and free agency. However, most of them were past their prime, doing little to improve the Blackhawks or take pressure off franchise player Connor Bedard, who confessed to frustration at times this season about the club’s performance.

Davidson’s trade or free agent targets should be players in their mid to late-twenties in their playing prime, including someone who can play well alongside Bedard.

The Blackhawks have seven picks in the first four rounds of this year’s draft (including two first-rounders), and five picks in the first two rounds of next year’s draft (including two more first-rounders). Some of those picks could be part of a trade package deal that fetches some established young talent this summer.

KRAKEN

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Tim Booth looked ahead to what could be a busy summer for Kraken GM Ron Francis.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen has a career-high 18 goals this season and could be of interest to another club this summer. Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak could have been moved at last Friday’s trade deadline and could be a trade target this summer.

Booth wondered if Francis might move a cornerstone player like winger Jared McCann or defenseman Vince Dunn. He also speculated that goaltender Philipp Grubauer and winger Andre Burakovsky could become buyout candidates if no trade partners can be found.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis focused on adding younger players to the roster this season, most notably his acquisition of winger Kaapo Kakko from the Rangers in December. He could continue that trend during the summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2025

by | Mar 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon is the first player to reach 100 points this season, Wyatt Johnston inks a contract extension with the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice to become the first player to reach 100 points this season in a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Valeri Nichushkin had a hat trick and collected an assist while Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle each picked up an assist in their debuts with the Avalanche since the trade deadline. Mitch Marner and John Tavares each scored twice, and Auston Matthews had three assists for the Maple Leafs.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was a close, high-scoring affair until Colorado broke it open with four unanswered goals in the third period, including two empty-netters. The Avalanche sits third in the Central Division with 78 points, while the Leafs remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

The Edmonton Oilers ran up a 5-1 lead and held on to nip the Dallas Stars 5-4. Zach Hyman scored two goals and set up another and Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 78 points. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist in his first game since coming to Dallas at the trade deadline. The Stars sit second in the Central Division with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Stars announced Wyatt Johnston had signed a five-year contract extension. The average annual value is $8.4 million. Johnston, 21, has blossomed into a valuable core player for the Stars. With 60 points in 63 games, he’s poised to exceed the career-high of last season’s 65-point sophomore performance.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game after being struck in the face by a puck. Head coach Peter DeBoer said Hintz was receiving tests at a local hospital. They’re hopeful that he avoided serious injury.

An overtime goal by Brady Tkachuk lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Tkachuk finished the game with two goals, while trade-deadline acquisition Dylan Cozens collected an assist and a game-high nine hits. Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist for the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cozens made a positive impression in his debut with the Senators following his acquisition at the trade deadline. The Senators vaulted into the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 69 points, while the Rangers sit just outside the final wild card with 68 points.

Goaltender Vitek Vanecek had a 21-save shutout to blank the Buffalo Sabres 4-0. A.J. Greer, Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers, who’ve won six straight games and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 83 points. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 32 shots for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Vanecek’s debut with the Panthers following his acquisition from the San Jose Sharks last week.

Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman had a 26-save shutout to upset the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0. Cole Koepke tallied twice for the Bruins (66 points) as they kept their playoff hopes alive in the Eastern Conference, sitting two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild card. The Lightning (78 points) remain one point behind the second-place Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman was a late scratch with a lower-body injury. He’s considered day-to-day.

Calgary Flames rookie goalie Dustin Wolf turned aside 26 shots for his third shutout of the season in a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Joel Farabee scored for the Flames (70 points), who moved ahead of the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Jakub Dobes made 23 saves for the Canadiens (66 points), who are two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card.

The Los Angeles Kings beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on an overtime goal by Quinton Byfield. Anze Kopitar also scored for the Kings, who snapped a 0-3-2 winless skid. They sit third in the Pacific Division with 73 points. Nick Leddy replied for the Blues (69 points) as they sit one point behind the Flames.

New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau had a goal and two assists as his club doubled up the San Jose Sharks 4-2. Ilya Sorokin made 26 saves for the Islanders (65 points), who’ve won four of their last five games to sit three points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Macklin Celebrini collected assists on both Sharks goals.

The Seattle Kraken downed the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1. Philipp Grubauer made 23 saves for his first win since Dec. 30, while Matty Beniers had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Owen Tippett scored for the Flyers as they dropped their third straight game.

Nashville Predators winger Steven Stamkos tallied a hat trick, including the game-winner in overtime, to down the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Alex Vlasic and Ilya Mikheyev replied for the Blackhawks. 










NHL Trades – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Trades – March 5, 2025

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Michael Eyssimont, first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, and a 2025 second-round pick formerly belonging to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Detroit Red Wings are also involved in the deal. Gourde was traded to the Red Wings for unsigned defenseman Kyle Aucoin. The Wings traded him to the Lightning for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025.

Seattle Kraken trade Yanni Gourde to the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning load up again near the trade deadline, bolstering their forward depth and taking pressure off their top-six forwards.

As per Puckpedia, the Kraken retained half of Gourde’s $5.166 million cap hit ($2.583 million). With the Wings retaining half, the Lightning bring him back to Tampa Bay at a cap hit of $1.291 million.

Gourde, 33, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which explains the Kraken’s willingness to retain salary. There was no salary retention for Bjorkstrand, who has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

It’s a homecoming for Gourde. The versatile two-way center began his NHL career in Tampa Bay, helping the Lightning win two Stanley Cups in his first six seasons.

The Kraken selected Gourde in the 2021 expansion draft. He played well in Seattle, reaching a career-high 76 points in 2022-23 as they reached the playoffs for the first time. Gourde returned to action recently after missing two months due to sports hernia surgery.

Bjorkstrand has reached or exceeded 20 goals in five of the last six seasons with the Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets. With 16 goals in 61 games, he’s on pace to reach that plateau again.

The Kraken are retooling, moving out some veterans to make room for younger talent. Brandon Tanev could be next to hit the trade block. The 33-year-old winger is also UFA-eligible and the Kraken are reportedly willing to retain up to half of his $3.5 million AAV to facilitate a trade.

**UPDATE** The Pittsburgh Penguins traded winger Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak.

The Penguins also traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bunting was acquired by the Penguins from the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He had 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season and is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Schenn, 35, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $2.75 million. Novak is in the first season of a three-year deal with an annual cap hit of $3.5 million.

Desharnais is signed through next season with an AAV of $2 million.

The Penguins added depth at center in Novak, who can provide immediate help as they continue to retool their roster. Acquiring Schenn was an interesting move, suggesting he could be used as a trade chip to pry away a draft pick from a playoff contender.

Bunting is an energetic forward who will bring experienced depth at left wing on the Predators’ third line.

The San Jose Sharks traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league forward Patrick Giles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vanecek will replace Spencer Knight as the Panthers’ backup goaltender. They traded Knight to Chicago on Saturday as part of the return for Seth Jones.

Vanecek is in the final season of a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.4 million. The Panthers recently placed winger Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR, giving them the wiggle room necessary to acquire him.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on March 7. Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Boeser, Drake Batherson and Brandon Tanev, plus updates on the Devils, Bruins Jets, Lightning, Oilers and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE BLUES MOVE BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is “on the fence” about moving team captain Brayden Schenn. The Blues remain in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card berth. The 33-year-old center has a full no-trade clause, giving him full control of this situation.

Armstrong has set a high asking price for his captain. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn also has three more years remaining on his contract, so there’s no pressure on Armstrong to trade him now. Unless someone meets the Blues’ asking price, Schenn finishes this season in St. Louis. The offseason could become interesting as his no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. 

ARE CANUCKS FORWARDS BROCK BOSER AND PIUS SUTER AVAILABLE?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports the Vancouver Canucks are positioning themselves to be a buyer and a seller at the trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

They’re open to moving their pending unrestricted free agents if the returns are sufficiently enticing. Contract extension talks between the Canucks and Brock Boeser remain stalemated, but a league source told Drance that interest in the 28-year-old winger was lukewarm. They’re not about to move Boeser at below market value, especially when they’re still in the playoff race.

The Canucks won’t move any impact players with term remaining on their contracts, and that includes struggling center Elias Pettersson. Carson Soucy is the only realistic expectation. They would like to acquire young players in their mid-twenties with term remaining on their contracts.

TSN.CA: Farhan Laji reports it’s very unlikely Boeser will get an extension from the Canucks before the trade deadline. It’s possible they could attempt to sign him after March 7.

Laji also noted Canucks forward Pius Suter surfaced in the rumor mill. However, there is nothing imminent, and Suter will be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly offered Boeser a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. He rejected the offer, preferring a longer-term deal. It appears both sides want to work toward an agreement, but uncertainty persists as the deadline approaches.

DEVILS SHOPPING FOR CENTERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were already in the market for a center before Jack Hughes was injured over the weekend. They’re awaiting word on whether he’ll require surgery and how long he could be sidelined.

If Hughes is out for the regular season, it would free up over $8 million in cap space to put toward acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches. LeBrun said they’ve inquired into the availability of New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The update on Hughes’ condition could come as early as today. If he’s out for the rest of the regular season, they won’t waste time stashing him on long-term injury reserve to clear cap room for the trade deadline.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS AFTER THE FREDERIC TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looks at other possible Bruins trade candidates following their trade of forward Trent Frederic on Tuesday to the Edmonton Oilers. He speculates that move signals they’re getting an early start on selling.

Goss suggested Charlie Coyle as a trade option, citing the interest in centers in this year’s trade market. Coyle has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.25 million.

Forward Morgan Geekie could be another. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. Forward Justin Brazeau is UFA-eligible on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team captain Brad Marchand had popped up recently in the rumor mill, but it seemed a long shot at best that he’d be moved. Sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury, he’s less likely to be moved now.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT BATHERSON

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports teams are calling the Senators about Drake Batherson. They’re not in a hurry to move the 26-year-old forward, but he’s an attractive option for teams seeking younger, affordable talent. Garrioch said Batherson’s struggles this season have rival clubs thinking he might benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are buyers, not sellers. They’ll want a return that helps them make the playoffs now and keep them a contender after this season. Teams looking into Batherson are probably offering draft picks and prospects, which won’t help the Senators right now.

UPDATE ON BRANDON TANEV

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Seattle Kraken are willing to retain 50 percent of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade. There are high-end Stanley Cup contenders and playoff bubble teams interested in the gritty 33-year-old winger. LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators could be suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is UFA-eligible after this season. His physical, energetic style of game is well-suited for postseason competition.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS, JETS, LIGHTNING, OILERS AND AVALANCHE

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports all eyes are on Islanders forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri leading up to the trade deadline. However, they’re not the only potential trade candidates if GM Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller.

Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and winger Anders Lee each have a year remaining on their contracts. They could fetch quality returns, especially if the Isles agree to retain some salary. They could also attempt to flip defensemen Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo. The Isles aren’t interested in moving Noah Dobson unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are willing to spend to add to their roster by the deadline. “Everything from Brock Nelson to a depth forward up front to a quality, experienced defenseman.” He said there’s a strong appetite to bolster their roster for a run at the Stanley Cup.

Chris Johnston believes it would be a massive mistake to overlook the Tampa Bay Lightning at the deadline. They’ve accrued over $6 million in cap space, so there is plenty of room to acquire a forward. GM Julien BriseBois has a trade record for swinging deadline deals to help his club in the playoffs.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making acquisitions in the trade market following their trade for Trent Frederic yesterday. He thinks they’ll pursue a defenseman next.

LeBrun also expects the Colorado Avalanche will add a forward. The “home-run swing” would be Brock Nelson, but they can’t afford it. LeBrun expects they’ll go after a depth forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Avs will be among the suitors for Brandon Tanev.