NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2020

by | Feb 29, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 29, 2020

Chris Kreider sidelined with a fractured foot, the red-hot Golden Knights and Flyers continue their winning ways and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Jakub Voracek tied a career-high with four assists as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Rangers 5-2, snapping the latter’s nine-game road winning streak. Claude Giroux also scored twice as the Flyers (81 points) moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division. It was a costly loss for the Rangers (74 points) as winger Chris Kreider suffered a fractured foot in the first period. They remain two points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider suffered a fractured foot on Friday against the Philadelphia Flyers (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lengthy absence for Kreider could prove fatal to the Rangers’ playoff hopes. He sits third among the Blueshirts in goals (24) and provides a physical presence to their forward lines.

The Flyers vaulted over the Pittsburgh Penguins (80 points), who dropped a 3-2 decision to the Anaheim Ducks. John Gibson made 28 saves as the Ducks held on for the win. Jason Zucker scored both goals for the Penguins, who’ve lost five straight games.

Netminder Robin Lehner stopped 32 shots for his first victory with the red-hot Vegas Golden Knights by doubling up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Reilly Smith tallied twice for the Golden Knights (80 points), who’ve won eight straight and hold a six-point lead atop the Pacific Division. Vegas winger Mark Stone missed the game with a lower-body injury.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Alex Stalock kicked out 24 shots to blank the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-0, with Zach Parise scoring a goal and setting up two others. The Wild (71 points) are just one point out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference. The Jackets have lost 10 of their last 11 games and cling to the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 76 points. Jackets winger Alexander Wennberg returned to action for the first time in 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These are two teams going in different directions. The Wild have won six of their last 10 and are rising in the Western standings, while the Blue Jackets are danger of tumbling out of a playoff spot.

The Colorado Avalanche picked up their fifth straight win by edging the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. Avs goalie Pavel Francouz turned aside 45 shots while Tyson Jost tallied two goals. Colorado (83 points) moved three points ahead of the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division. Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho extended his points streak to 14 games. Carolina sits two points behind the Blue Jackets.

HEADLINES

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets winger Patrik Laine remains doubtful for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. Laine took a shot off his foot in Wednesday’s win over Washington. X-rays revealed he didn’t suffer any broken bones.

SPORTSNET: Oilers defenseman Mike Green will be sidelined three-four weeks with a knee injury.

NEWSDAY: The New York Islanders loaned winger Josh Ho-Sang to the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate in San Antonio. Sources also say the Islanders will play all their playoff games this season and next at Nassau Coliseum, as well as their entire 2020-21 regular-season schedule. The Isles are expected to begin playing in their new arena at Belmont Park in 2021-22.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The AHL approved the transfer of ownership of the San Antonio Rampage to the Golden Knights, “as well as the relocation of the franchise to Henderson/Las Vegas.”










What We Learned This Week In The NHL: Post-Trade Deadline Edition

by | Feb 28, 2020

What We Learned This Week In The NHL: Post-Trade Deadline Edition

 










The Notable Deals of the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline

by | Feb 24, 2020

The Notable Deals of the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline

New York Rangers re-sign Chris Kreider to a seven-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $6.5 million

Not a trade, but Kreider was considered the top trade bait entering deadline day. Reports out of New York this morning suggested he was likely to be moved. The Rangers bent on the term, as they reportedly offered a six-year deal. Perhaps the Kreider camp gave a little on the dollars. The 28-year-old left-winger gets the long-term deal to stay put, but time will tell if this deal pans out over the long term for the Blueshirts.

The New York Islanders acquire and sign center Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators (Photo via NHL Images).

New York Islanders acquire center Jean-Gabriel Pageau

The Islanders address a glaring need on their forward lines with Pageau, a skilled two-way player who can skate at center or on the wing. They overpaid to get him, sending a conditional first-round pick in 2020, a 2020 second-rounder, and a conditional third in 2022 to the Ottawa Senators. That was offset by re-signing Pageau to a six-year, $30-million contract extension. The rebuilding Senators got a fine return, leaving them with potentially 13 picks in the 2020 Draft, with nine of those in the first three rounds.

Carolina Hurricanes acquire Brady Skjei from the New York Rangers and Sami Vatanen from the New Jersey Devils

The Hurricanes shored up their banged-up blueline by parting with a first-round pick for Skjei and shipping forward Janne Kuokkanen and a conditional second-round pick to the Devils for Vatanen. With Dougie Hamilton out for several more weeks with a broken leg and Brett Pesce sidelined by an upper-body injury, Skjei and Vatanen should help fill the gaps.

Florida Panthers trade Vincent Trocheck to the Carolina Hurricanes

The Panthers were rumored for weeks to be in the market for a top-four defenseman and Trocheck recently surfaced as a trade candidate. Instead, they swap him for checking-line forwards Erik Haula and Lucas Wallmark plus two prospects. Trocheck, meanwhile, should provide the Hurricanes with some welcome depth at center.

Vegas Golden Knights acquire goaltender Robin Lehner

Big pickup there for the Golden Knights, shipping Malcolm Subban, a prospect and a second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2019 Vezina Trophy finalist. Lehner will share the duties with starter Marc-Andre Fleury, providing Vegas with a solid one-two punch between the pipes.

Pittsburgh Penguins acquire forwards Patrick Marleau, Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford made a significant move earlier this month by acquiring Jason Zucker from Minnesota. He wasn’t done tinkering with his forward lines, bringing in three key playoff rentals. They got Marleau for the San Jose Sharks for a conditional third-rounder and shipped center Dominik Kahun to the Buffalo Sabres for winger Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues. In the twilight of his career, Marleau gets a final shot at winning the Stanley Cup. It’s Sheary’s second go-around with the Penguins, winning Cups with them in 2016 and 2017. Rodrigues had requested a trade from the Sabres earlier in the season.

Edmonton Oilers deal for winger Andreas Athanasiou

The Oilers sent Sam Gagner and two second-round picks to the Detroit Red Wings for one of the fastest players in the league in Athanasiou, prompting speculation he’ll become a new linemate for Connor McDavid. If those two mesh well together, Athanasiou will regain the 30-goal form that he’s been lacking this season. Failing that, perhaps he’ll be a better fit on their second line with either Leon Draisaitl or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers also acquired winger Tyler Ennis from the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Mke Green from the Red Wings.

Calgary Flames bring in Erik Gustafsson and Derek Forbort

With Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic still sidelined, the Flames sent a third-round pick in 2020 to the Chicago Blackhawks for Gustafsson and a conditional fourth in 2021 to the Los Angeles Kings for Forbort. Gustafsson is a mobile blueliner and Forbort will bring a physical edge to the Flames defense corps.

Buffalo Sabres acquire winger Wayne Simmonds

The Sabres sent a fifth-rounder in 2021 to the New Jersey Devils for Simmonds. He’ll provide leadership and experience, but won’t address their ongoing need for a scorer. At least they didn’t pay much to get him, plus the Devils picked up half of his $5-million salary-cap hit.

Boston Bruins trade winger Danton Heinen to the Anaheim Ducks for Nick Ritchie

This is a swap of two young forwards who needed a change of scenery. Ritchie was the Ducks first-round pick (10th overall) in 2014 but struggled to play up to expectations as a power forward. Heinen had a promising rookie performance (47 points) in 2017-18, but his production has eroded since then.

Colorado Avalanche land Vladislav Namestnikov

With their forward lines depleted by injuries, the Avs sent a 202 fourth-rounder to the Ottawa Senators for the versatile Namestnikov. The 27-year-old is a solid two-way forward who can skate at center or on the wing. He should fit in well on their checking lines.

Philadelphia Flyers add Derek Grant and Nate Thompson

The Flyers had an interest in Jean-Gabriel Pageau before the Senators shipped him to the Islanders. They instead went a more affordable route, sending a minor-league forward and a 2020 fourth-rounder to the Anaheim Ducks for Grant, and a 2021 fifth-rounder to the Montreal Canadiens for Nate Thompson. The two veterans will provide the Flyers with experienced depth up the middle.

Vancouver Canucks acquire Louis Domingue

With starting goalie Jacob Markstrom sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury, the Canucks sent minor-league goalie Zane McIntyre to the Devils for Domingue. He’ll split the duties with Thatcher Demko and should provide some additional insurance once Markstrom returns.










NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – February 24, 2020

by | Feb 24, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – February 24, 2020

The NHL 2020 Trade Deadline is today at 3 pm ET. Here’s the latest on Chris Kreider, Joe Thornton, Tyson Barrie, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and more in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be evaluating today’s notable deals in the Soapbox following the deadline. While we’re waiting for today’s activities, check out TSN’s updated Trade Bait list.

UPDATE ON KREIDER

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports it appears the New York Rangers will move Chris Kreider before today’s deadline as contract talks reached an impasse. The Rangers offered a six-year extension worth just under $7 million annually, but the Kreider camp seeks a seven-year term.

The Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights could have an interest in Kreider. The New York Islanders may have also checked in, but Brooks feels they have no chance of landing Kreider.

The New York Rangers are expected to move winger Chris Kreider before today’s 3 pm ET trade deadline (Photo via NHL Images).

The Blueshirts could also entertain offers for Marc Staal and Brady Skjei. Brett Cyrgalis believes Jesper Fast could garner the Rangers a second- or third-round pick.

TSN (via Forever Blueshirts): Darren Dreger last night reported the Rangers have an offer of a first-round pick on the table. The expectation is they could get a first-round pick and a prospect or a first and an NHL player.

**UPDATE** The Rangers announce they’ve re-signed Kreider to a seven-year extension worth an annual average value of $6.5 million. 

INTEREST REMAINS IN THORNTON

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports there’s still no confirmation San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton will waive his no-movement clause. Four clubs (Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning) are thought to be on his shortlist of trade destinations. It’s believed Sharks general manager Doug Wilson has been granted permission to at least explore what he could get from those clubs.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Erik Gustafsson will almost certainly be traded today after the Blackhawks left the defenseman in Chicago as they departed on their current road trip. Other Blackhawks trade candidates could include goaltender Robin Lehner or winger Brandon Saad. Trade partners could include the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report the Hurricanes aren’t willing to part with one of their two first-round picks in this year’s draft for Lehner. Two team sources claim three or four clubs could be interested in Gustafsson. The Golden Knights were thought to be among them, but that no longer seems to be the case. If Lehner isn’t moved today, contract talks with Hawks management could resume.

SENATORS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN PAGEAU

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are still believed trying to re-sign Jean-Gabriel Pageau to a contract extension before today’s trade deadline. While they’ve listened to trade offers, other clubs realize the Sens wish to keep him. Meanwhile, forward Vladislav Namestnikov and Tyler Ennis were recent healthy scratches as there’s interest in both players from other teams.

What happens with the Rangers’ Chris Kreider could determine the fates of Pageau, Namestnikov, and Ennis. The Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders and Calgary Flames are all seeking forward depth.

BARRIE STILL LINKED TO THE CANUCKS

TSN’s Rick Dhaliwal reported yesterday talks were ongoing between the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs regarding Leafs blueliner Tyson Barrie.

WILL THE WINGS MOVE ATHANASIOU?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings held Andreas Athanasiou and Mike Green out of yesterday’s game against the Calgary Flames. With Green subsequently traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Athanasiou could be next.

The Oilers are rumored as a potential destination for Athanasiou. The Wings are trying to stock up on draft picks, prospects, and young players.

DUCKS SHOPPING GRANT?

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Elliott Teaford reports the Anaheim Ducks held Derek Grant out of the lineup in last night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks as a precautionary measure. It’s a clear sign Ducks GM Bob Murray has at least one offer for the 29-year-old center.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part Two) – February 23, 2020

by | Feb 23, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part Two) – February 23, 2020

Twas the evening before the NHL trade deadline…Check out the latest on the Hurricanes, Rangers, Red Wings, and Oilers in the rumor mill.

HURRICANES PURSUING A DEFENSEMAN

TSN: Frank Seravalli reports the Carolina Hurricanes were shopping around for a defenseman to replace the sidelined Dougie Hamilton. With Brett Pesce getting injured against Toronto last night and potentially out long-term, their priority is adding to their blueline. They’ve been linked to New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen and Toronto’s Tyson Barrie, among others. The Canes have an additional first-round pick in this year’s draft, though team owner Tom Dundon isn’t keen on shopping futures for rental players. Given their needs, it’s difficult to imagine them hanging onto both first-rounders.

Could the Carolina Hurricanes make a pitch for Toronto’s Tyson Barrie? (Photo via NHL Images)

Seravalli adds the Hurricanes are also willing to shop pending UFA forward Erik Haula. Pierre LeBrun reports they’re hoping UFA defenseman Zach Bogosian chooses to sign with them. Darren Dreger yesterday reported Pittsburgh and Arizona were also among those interested in Bogosian. Toronto, Calgary, San Jose, and Boston are also among the tire-kickers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps the Hurricanes will part with one of their first-round picks if they can get a defenseman with term remaining on his contract. Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin or Matt Dumba frequently surfaced in trade chatter earlier this month, though that speculation cooled as the Wild try to remain in the playoff chase. Philadelphia’s Shayne Gostisbehere was another topic of trade rumors, but he’s not worth a first-rounder. Montreal’s Jeff Petry has also been linked to the Canes, but it’s believed the Canadiens set a high asking price. Could a first-round pick tempt them?

The Hurricanes were also in the market for some goaltending depth before Saturday’s game. While James Reimer could be sidelined for a lengthy period, there’s no word as to how long Petr Mrazek could be out. GM Don Waddell is prepared to call up AHL goaltenders Alex Nedeljkovic and Anton Forsberg for the time being.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canes were linked to Chicago’s Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. Given the latter’s full no-movement clause, Lehner seems the most likely trade candidate. Whether he heads to Carolina before tomorrow’s deadline or somewhere else remains to be seen.

UPDATE ON KREIDER

TSN: Darren Dreger tweets hope is fading for a new contract between the New York Rangers and winger Chris Kreider. If there isn’t a shift in negotiations soon, he’ll remain the top player on TSN’s trade bait board for tomorrow’s deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kreider’s been linked to the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. The most likely contenders could be the Avs and Stars. 

The Bruins’ acquisition of Ondrej Kase on Friday probably takes them out of the bidding. I’ll be very surprised if the Rangers ship Kreider to the Isles, while I’m not sure the Penguins have the assets to swing it. The Blues, meanwhile, could wait for winger Vladimir Tarasenko’s return from shoulder surgery in March. 

WINGS SEEKING DRAFT PICKS

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains in the market for draft picks as the trade deadline approaches. He hoped to move pending UFAs such as Mike Green, Jimmy Howard, Trevor Daley, and Jonathan Ericsson, but their struggles in this disastrous season hurt their trade value. Their best trade chip could be Andreas Athanasiou, but the decline in his performance this season means the Wings will be selling low.

 

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2020

by | Feb 23, 2020

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2020

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on Monday, Feb. 24. Check out the latest on Joe Thornton, Tyson Barrie, Chris Kreider, Robin Lehner, and many more in the Sunday rumor roundup.

UPDATE ON JOE THORNTON

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Joe Thornton admits it would be tempting to accept a trade to a Stanley Cup contender. The long-time Sharks center has a full no-movement clause. Thornton said he doesn’t feel that this is his final NHL season. He also acknowledged the possibility of getting traded to another club and returning to the Sharks in the summer.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW (stick tap to Shawn Lamba for the link): Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins are apparently on Thornton’s shortlist of destinations.

San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton admits it’s tempting to accept a trade to a Cup contender (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Jumbo Joe will accept an opportunity to join a Stanley Cup contender. Just because the Avs, Bruins, Bolts, Stars, and Pens are supposedly on his shortlist doesn’t mean any of them will make a pitch.

It could also come down to what’s being offered for Thornton. He’s one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history and remains well-respected around the league, but the 40-year-old is also well past his prime.

BARRIE LINKED TO THE FLAMES, CANUCKS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights are among the clubs looking to potentially acquire Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie. If Barrie is traded, Elliotte Friedman said they won’t do it unless somebody can tide them over until Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci return sometime in March. They’d also want some futures, either for themselves or to use elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After that embarrassing loss to the Hurricanes last night, I’m not sure if the Leafs can get a suitable return to make a Barrie trade worthwhile. They’ll either want an established defenseman or future assets that can be flipped to another club to bring in that type of blueliner. It’s not as though Barrie’s performance this season warrants that type of return. We’ll see.

HURRICANES MONITORING LEHNER OR CRAWFORD

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the Carolina Hurricanes were already in the market for goaltenders before James Reimer and Petr Mrazek getting sidelined in last night’s game against Toronto. They were eyeing Chicago Blackhawks netminders Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. Depending on the extent of the injuries to Riemer and Mrazek, they could increase their efforts to land a goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Mrazek and Reimer are seriously hurt, the Hurricanes could be forced to overpay for a replacement goalie. You can bet the Blackhawks will try to take advantage of the situation if the Canes come calling.

LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry has garnered plenty of recent attention leading up to Monday’s trade deadline. However, Friedman expects Petry will remain with the Habs because they’ve set a big asking price.

TVA SPORTS: Louis Jean reports the Colorado Avalanche could have interest in Ilya Kovalchuk. The winger’s agent said contract talks with the Canadiens would continue Sunday. If his client isn’t traded, perhaps an agreement on a one-year contract extension could be quickly reached.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin could surprise us by tomorrow. Maybe he finds a suitable offer for Petry. Maybe he opts to keep Kovalchuk if there’s insufficient interest in the veteran winger. Maybe he’ll trade Max Domi for another young forward. Maybe he only moves depth players like pending UFA Nate Thompson. Or maybe he’ll do nothing at all.

ISLANDERS ARE BUYERS, BLACKHAWKS AND DEVILS SELLERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New York Islanders had an interest in Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu, but he announced yesterday he’s staying put. The Isles are also believed interested in Rangers winger Chris Kreider. While the Rangers have moved back into the playoff chase, Friedman doesn’t think that means they’ll hang onto Kreider. If they can’t re-sign him, they’ll likely move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One way or another, we’ll have an end to the Kreider trade chatter by 3 pm ET tomorrow.

There’s lots of interest in New Jersey Devils wingers Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Palmieri, though it’ll take a significant offer to acquire the latter. Pending UFA defenseman Sami Vatanen remains sidelined with a bruised leg, but Friedman feels a team that needs offense from the blueline could come calling.

Chris Johnston believes the Chicago Blackhawks will be among the big sellers. They could attempt to move Robin Lehner or Corey Crawford. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson was left back in Chicago as the Hawks left on a road trip today. Gustafsson has been linked to the Vegas Golden Knights, but Johnston believes he’ll be heading somewhere else. He also believes winger Brandon Saad could be had for the right price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That “right price” for Saad? Maybe a good young forward with an affordable cap hit. Perhaps a first-round pick, or a second and a top prospect. Some of you might scoff at those proposals, but given what we’ve seen in recent deals, my suggestions aren’t far-fetched.

NO BIG DEADLINE MOVES FOR THE JACKETS?

THE ATHLETIC: A year after the Columbus Blue Jackets were major buyers at the trade deadline, Aaron Portzline expects they’ll be quiet this time around. The club is ravaged by injuries, leaving little depth to draw upon for trade bait. Winger Josh Anderson has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill, but there’s uncertainty over when he’ll return from shoulder surgery. GM Jarmo Kekalainen won’t trade his first-round pick this year. They also lack second- and third-round picks this year.

COULD THE AVALANCHE MOST TYSON JOST?

SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston believes the Colorado Avalanche are looking to acquire a goaltender or some help up front. He feels young Avs center Tyson Jost could be moved on Monday.