NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2024

by | Dec 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 4, 2024

Is a coaching change coming for the Rangers? Are the Avalanche done dealing? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there is no credibility to a rumor that appeared on social media over the weekend linking the Rangers to former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. “There has been no contact between the parties and there will be no contact between the parties.”

Brooks adds the Rangers aren’t going to fire head coach Peter Laviolette. He claims they’re “committed” to Laviolette and won’t bum-rush him out of New York.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers may be committed to Laviolette now but that could change if they don’t snap out of their funk soon. Nevertheless, Brooks’ sources within the organization seem adamant that Quenneville won’t be his successor.

Brooks also spoke with Chris Kreider, who was one of two Rangers (Jacob Trouba being the other) mentioned in the infamous “memo” circulated around the league by general manager Chris Drury. The 33-year-old winger dismissed the notion that the trade rumors and outside noise have affected the club’s performance, saying he and his teammates put plenty of pressure on themselves to play better.

Kreider insisted he and his teammates must work through their current slump and come out better on the other side.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Few observers believe the Rangers can move Kreider or Trouba at this stage in the season, and certainly not for a return that immediately improves their roster.

Kreider may believe Drury’s “memo” hasn’t put extra pressure on the Rangers. As Brooks points out, it hasn’t sat well with the players.

COULD THE AVALANCHE HAVE MORE MOVES IN STORE?

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen believe the Colorado Avalanche might not be done dealing after shipping goaltender Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for backup Scott Wedgewood on Saturday.

Cohen pointed out that the Avalanche are a “win now” team. He thinks they could be in the market for a centerman and doubts they’ll continue with Ivan Ivan and Parker Kelly as their third and fourth-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche won’t be the only club in the market for a center. The Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators have made no secret that they’re looking for one while the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks need help at that position. The Toronto Maple Leafs could end up in the market for a third-line center before the March 7 trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 1, 2024

by | Dec 1, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 1, 2024

What’s the latest on Rangers stars Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider? Could the Rangers or Red Wings have former coach Joel Quenneville in their sights? Are changes in store for the Islanders? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports teams are trying to figure out what the New York Rangers are trying to do after they sent around a note last week indicating Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider were available.

Friedman noted that Trouba had been in the rumor mill before but not Kreider. “Are there other players available? And since Trouba and Kreider have partial no-trade clauses, where would they be willing to go?”

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Things may have calmed down a bit on Saturday after the Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 to snap a five-game losing skid. Friedman thinks they want to tone down the heat and pause before doing anything too intense or something they might regret later.

Friedman indicated the Rangers haven’t permitted rival clubs to speak with Trouba or Kreider. They want to keep control of the process, which is critical as no one wants to run afoul of the NHL’s tampering rules.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salaries of Trouba and Kreider are also obstacles that could be insurmountable. Trouba is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8 million while Kreider’s is $6.5 million through 2026-27. Those sound like deals that get done in the offseason when teams have more cap space and willingness to swing major deals.

Trouba and Kreider each have 15-team no-trade lists. Clubs with depth in tradeable assets are likely rebuilding and would probably be on those no-trade lists.

Drury bungled this situation. His actions could jeopardize the rest of the Rangers’ season, leading to Igor Shesterkin’s departure next summer as a free agent, jeopardizing Drury’s tenure as general manager.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source suggesting a coaching change could be coming for the Rangers. The source claims their current bench boss, Peter Laviolette, doesn’t have long in New York, adding Joel Quenneville could be the guy if general manager Chris Drury wants to go that route.

D’Amico cites another NHL insider suggesting that Quenneville could also be on the radar of Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman if he changes things behind the bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury is unlikely to find a suitable trade for Trouba or Kreider. A coaching change might be his only option to get his club back on track. The Red Wings, meanwhile, rarely replace coaches during the season and could stick with current bench boss Derek Lalonde until the end of this campaign.

ARE CHANGES COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS?

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports a source claims the New York Islanders were considering a management change before last season began. However, general manager Lou Lamoriello saved his job when the club squeaked into the 2024 playoffs.

Lamoriello has shunned rebuilding because his teams are never out of the playoff mix. However, the Islanders could become sellers this season if they don’t soon turn things around. They’re dealing with injuries to key players like Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, Adam Pelech and Mike Reilly, but they weren’t winning when they were in the lineup.

Brock Nelson is the most likely trade candidate if the Isles become sellers. The 33-year-old center is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Biringer’s source claims Nelson was in play last season and could’ve been moved if the team wasn’t in the wild-card mix. He said the Vancouver Canucks were interested in him and could have their eye on the center again this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what unfolds if they fail to gain ground in the standings. I’ve mentioned before that the Islanders won’t move Nelson if they’re still in the playoff chase by the March trade deadline but he will draw interest just the same.

The Canucks could be a suitor for Nelson. However, most of the chatter out of Vancouver indicates their focus is on shoring up their defense corps.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 27, 2024

by | Nov 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 27, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Blue Jackets, Flyers and Hurricanes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE RECENT RANGERS TRADE SPECULATION

TSN: Chris Johnston reports New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has informed his peers around the league that he’s willing to move veteran players like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider under the right circumstances.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Johnston noted both players have 15-team no-trade clauses. He thinks there could be a situation where the Rangers would have to work with one of those players to get a deal done. He also speculates that letting it be known those players are available could be a strategy to get them to waive their clauses.

NEW YORK POST: Jared Schwartz reports Trouba claims he’s unconcerned about the report of the Rangers potentially shopping him. “It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “I’m happy to be here. I’m focused on playing hockey.” The 30-year-old defenseman said it was something he learned over the summer that he can’t control, alluding to similar rumors linking him to the Detroit Red Wings during the offseason.

Trouba said he hadn’t spoken with Drury about the report. “I think it’s part of the business,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s real or not, I don’t know. My job is to play hockey and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Larry Brooks believes trading Kreider would send the wrong kind of message to the Rangers. He also doubts that the 33-year-old winger would fetch a return that would provide immediate help in their quest to win the Stanley Cup this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano claiming there is “definite unrest” within the Rangers organization, “with concerns from the top down about this core plateauing and increasing unease from players/employees.” Mercogoliano also cited sources reminding us of the rarity and difficulty of making big trades at this time of year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether Drury intends to trade Trouba or Kreider or is merely trying to motivate his players to improve remains to be seen. His rumored actions have definitely caught the attention of pundits and fans.

Both players’ contracts are significant obstacles in the path toward a trade. There aren’t many teams that can afford to take them on right now and even fewer that can send the type of return to the Rangers that helps them now and in the future.

ARE THE BLUE JACKETS CLOSE TO TRADING DAVID JIRICEK?

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Columbus Blue Jackets are committed to trading David Jiricek. He reports they’ve adjusted their asking price for the 20-year-old defenseman to complete a deal and are willing to listen on draft-pick packages or even a depth defenseman rather than a comparable prospect.

Johnston claims the Jackets have recently had a number of trade discussions with other clubs and are trying to sort out the best offers. He said there is “sizable interest” in Jiricek.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline believes a Jiricek trade could happen if Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell gets the right offer. He reports the Jackets told clubs last week they wanted a prospect-for-prospect return. Portzline also reported Waddell could consider a package offer that would start with a first-round pick but also include a depth defenseman.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli claimed the Blue Jackets had “five or six concrete offers” for Jiricek. Seravalli named the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins as frontrunners but also included the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The possibility of a Jiricek trade is growing and appears likely to happen soon, perhaps by the end of this week. It’s not surprising most clubs linked to Jiricek are those in rebuild mode seeking promising talent. The Flyers and Sharks have plenty of depth in young players to make competitive offers.

THE LATEST ON THE FLYERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere has been taking a lot of calls. There’s plenty of interest in veteran Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who has a couple of years left on his contract. Scott Laughton is also drawing attention in the trade market but the Flyers aren’t in a hurry to move him.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco wondered when the Flyers will bring in some help at the center position. He cited OnPattison.com’s Anthony San Filippo reports they spoke with the Minnesota Wild about a forward swap but those discussions went nowhere and have been shelved for now.

Frank Seravalli mentioned earlier this week that Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris is believed to be available. However, Di Marco doesn’t think he’s a player the Flyers are interested in given his contract ($7.95 million annually through 2029-30) and injury history. He believes they’d be more intrigued by Senators centers Ridly Greig and Shane Pinto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports out of Ottawa suggest the Senators could look at shaking things up if they don’t improve soon. However, Greig and Pinto are promising players they don’t want to move.

Di Marco also reported Joel Farabee is a player the Flyers could be open to moving. He hasn’t excelled under head coach John Tortorella and has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million. He wondered if the New Jersey Devils could be a trade destination for Farabee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Farabee surfaced regularly in last season’s rumor mill. Time will tell if he gets shopped before this season’s trade deadline. He has enticing skills but his cap hit could be difficult to move during the season.

Di Marco also believes the Flyers have kicked tires on Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek. He claims they’re open to moving any roster player not named Matvei Michkov in a deal for Jiricek.

HURRICANES SEEKING A GOALTENDER

ESPN: Kevin Weekes reports sources tell him Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is making positive progress in his recovery from a concussion. Nevertheless, they’re actively exploring goalie options in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were rumored to be concerned about their goalie depth after veteran starter Frederik Andersen underwent knee surgery last week that sidelines him for eight to 12 weeks. Pickings seem slim in the goalie market right now. It could take weeks until they find a suitable option.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2024

by | Nov 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 26, 2024

Are roster shake-ups coming for the Rangers and Senators? What’s the latest Oilers speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE RANGERS TRADE TROUBA OR KREIDER?

SPORTSNET’s Elliotte Friedman took to “X” yesterday reporting the New York Rangers have made it clear they’re interested in “making moves and shaking up their roster.” This decision came following their 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated that team captain Jacob Trouba and veteran winger Chris Kreider are among the names being floated as available, “although other options will be considered.”

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan replied to Friedman’s report, indicating she followed up with calls to people associated with the Rangers. Despite their .658 win percentage, the names being mentioned lead everyone to believe that none of the Rangers should feel complacent right now.

Friedman discussed the situation during an appearance on The FAN Hockey Show on Monday afternoon. He observed that Kreider lacks full no-move protection and suggested he would draw interest in the trade market.

However, Friedman said he and others are trying to determine whether the Rangers are serious about moving Kreider or just trying to shake up the room by threatening to trade the long-time Blueshirt.

Kreider, 33, is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury sent a memo to all 31 of his NHL counterparts announcing his club was open for business, “specifically citing multiple players as available, not merely their longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider, and captain, Jacob Trouba.”

Larry Brooks believes it’s time to blow up this version of the Rangers, dismissing the idea of another coaching change. “This core does not get to fire another coach. They have not earned that right,” he wrote.

Brooks noted that Trouba can be traded, suggesting he be suspended and removed from the Rangers’ salary cap if he refuses to go. The 30-year-old captain is signed through next season with an AAV of $8 million. He has a 15-team no-trade list for this season. During the offseason, Trouba spiked a deal that would’ve sent him to the Detroit Red Wings.

Moving Kreider would be a shockwave through the organization. However, he might yield a bounty in return.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports Rangers management is pleased with the performance of young players like Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, Braden Schneider and Zac Jones. He also noted that Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil are playing well this season, though Chytil missed his fifth straight game on Monday with an upper-body injury.

The veteran core (except for goalies Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick and leading scorer Artemi Panarin) aren’t performing to expectations. However, there’s little Drury can do about them because most have long-term deals, no-trade clauses, or no-movement clauses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kreider or Trouba right now could be difficult. Their cap hits are difficult for interested parties to absorb, especially with a lot of teams carrying limited cap room at this point in the season. Their 15-team no-trade lists are an additional complication.

That’s not to say it’s impossible. Perhaps a deal could be worked out involving one or both, or whoever else Rangers management might consider peddling. It just won’t be easy to find suitable trade partners with the cap room and the wealth of tradeable assets.

COULD THE SENATORS SHAKE THINGS UP?

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a source suggesting the Ottawa Senators could consider a shake-up trade. The club remains mired in mediocrity despite management and coaching changes since last year.

Murphy believes the Senators are running out of options without making a franchise-altering move. Goaltending was assumed to be the issue they believed was rectified by acquiring Linus Ullmark.

Former Senators defenseman turned podcast host Marc Methot hinted at this last week, suggesting a core player could be moved if things don’t improve soon. Murphy claimed there were rumors captain Brady Tkachuk could be a trade candidate but his source said he hadn’t heard specific names, just that anything is in play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported last week that the Senators had to do something or risk another lost season, citing sources claiming GM Steve Staios was shopping around to find upgrades for his roster.

Garrioch dismissed the notion of Tkachuk or long-time defenseman Thomas Chabot hitting the trade block. It’s unlikely that scoring leader Tim Stutzle or top defenseman Jake Sanderson will be moved. Garrioch cited a source suggesting Josh Norris as a trade candidate.

One move the Senators could make is for a defenseman. Garrioch reported they’re aggressively looking to add to their blueline after Artem Zub broke his foot blocking a shot during Saturday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Zub is expected to be sidelined for a while.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins noted Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported last week that Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson could waive his no-trade clause for the Oilers. However, Leavins is skeptical that Gibson would be an improvement over Oilers starter Stuart Skinner and not at his $6.4 million cap hit. Even if the Ducks agreed to retain half, Gibson would still be difficult to fit within the Oilers’ limited cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed.

Leavins also noted recent speculation linking the Oilers to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek. He noted Jiricek projects as a better, more physical defender than the departed Philip Broberg, possessing a better shot and with plenty of room for development. However, he also pointed out that Jiricek wasn’t as good a skater as Broberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers don’t see Jiricek as a fit with the Oilers because they lack the depth in tradeable assets to tempt the Blue Jackets.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2024

by | Jul 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2024

Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine exits the player assistance program, Martin St. Louis talks about Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Lightning and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPORTSNET: Patrik Laine was cleared by doctors to return from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger entered the program in January for mental health issues. He endured a difficult, injury-plagued season that limited him to six goals and nine points in 18 games.

Laine is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered during last season. He reportedly requested a trade but interested teams couldn’t speak with him while he was in the program.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is among the few notable names in this summer’s NHL trade rumors. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s NHL Rumors.

TSN: Martin St. Louis commented on former teammate Steven Stamkos’ departure from the Tampa Bay Lightning, occurring 10 years after St. Louis was traded from the Lightning to the New York Rangers.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis (NHL Images).

St. Louis acknowledged it’s difficult to leave a team where you’ve played for a long time, but he doesn’t think it’ll be bad for Stamkos to experience something new.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be a different feeling for Stamkos playing with new teammates while he and his family adjust to a new city. However, it could be a positive experience for him. Many stars have made successful transitions to new teams.

THE SCORE: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider was surprised by Barclay Goodrow’s departure last month. Goodrow was plucked off waivers by the San Jose Sharks, freeing the Rangers from the remaining three years of his contract.

“That’s the awful side of our business, I guess,” said Kreider. “That it is a business…It’s a friend for life, but it’s a guy you expected to be suiting up with again.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury wasn’t afraid to attempt bold moves this summer. He also attempted to trade team captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings but the defenseman used his no-movement clause to block the trade.

NEW YORK POST: Speaking of the Rangers, Matt Rempe is training with Kreider as he seeks a larger role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rempe saw fourth-line minutes in an enforcer role during his call-up last season but he did see action in 11 playoff games. He garnered attention earlier this summer by training with former NHL enforcer George Laraque. Training with Kreider, however, suggests he wants to see more playing time as a power forward.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard underwent surgery to repair a broken leg suffered during a summer scrimmage session. The recovery time is four months.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins signed 2023 first-round pick Brayden Yager to an entry-level contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming will not be returning to Finland, signing with the OHL’s Barrie Colts for 2024-25. The 18-year-old right winger was chosen 29th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: Former Senators assistant coach Bob Jones passed away on Friday following a battle with ALS. He was 54. Jones coached in the OHL and AHL before joining the Senators.

TORONTO SUN: Cindy Cherry, daughter of Don Cherry, passed away suddenly on July 15 at age 67. Her father co-hosted Hockey Night in Canada’s “Coach’s Corner” for 33 years following his NHL coaching career. Her brother, Tim, recalled that she saved his life when he was 18 by donating one of her kidneys when both of his failed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the families of Bob Jones and Cindy Cherry.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2024

by | Jun 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2024

The Hurricanes are open to trading Jake Guentzel’s rights, the latest on Martin Necas and an update on the Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES OPEN TO TRADING GUENTZEL’S RIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes are open to trading Jake Guentzel’s contract negotiating rights before free agency begins on July 1.

Friedman thinks the asking price could be “a mid-round pick.” He believes there is “tons of interest,” adding that teams must think they can get the 29-year-old winger signed to a long-term extension before July 1.

The Chicago Blackhawks could be among the interested clubs. Friedman said someone told him they’d like to move their rebuild along.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown believes acquiring Guentzel would boost the rebuilding Blackhawks’ anemic scoring. He thinks the contract concern would be over term more than dollars, suggesting a five-year contract wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $32.3 million for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. They could easily afford a hefty raise for Guentzel. However, it’s uncertain if he wants to join a rebuilding club. He could prefer skating with a contender.

THE LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

SPORTSNET: Friedman also provided an update on Martin Necas. He said the Hurricanes are letting people know that they consider the 25-year-old forward a “budding star”, adding that they want “star power” in return. He indicated they’re not seeking a return of middling draft picks and prospects.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently wrote that the Montreal Canadiens were among many clubs calling about Necas. However, he thinks there’s “zero chance” of a trade given the bad blood between the two clubs over the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet in 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens probably lack the roster assets that the Hurricanes would seek for Necas. I doubt it has anything to do with lingering bad feelings about the Kotkaniemi deal, at least from the Habs point of view.

Everyone directly involved on the Canadiens side is no longer with the club except for team owner Geoff Molson. I don’t see him preventing the current management from dealing with the Hurricanes.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Rangers GM Chris Drury could be ready for a roster shakeup following his club’s elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

“We’re looking at a lot of different things,” said Drury. “And there’s different ways to get to where we want to go. To me, really, nothing’s off the table.”

Drury didn’t elaborate about his plans but Sears believes he has plenty of options to shake things up. Those could include moving Jacob Trouba, Mika Zibanejad or Chris Kreider after they struggled during the conference final. However, there are stumbling blocks such as their high salaries and no-trade clauses.

If Kreider and Zibanejad return, Drury should focus on finding a permanent right wing for their line. Winger Barclay Goodrow could also be a trade candidate given the Rangers’ need to free up cap space to re-sign defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Goodrow carries a 15-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be surprising if Zibanejad or Kreider get traded this summer. The same goes for Trouba, whose struggles were largely due to his playing on a broken ankle since March. Goodrow, however, seems a more likely trade candidate despite his modified no-trade clause.

Kaapo Kakko has surfaced in trade rumors following a difficult season. However, Drury defended the young restricted free agent, noting that Alexis Lafreniere was the subject of trade speculation at this time last year but has since enjoyed a breakout performance. He said the club will do everything it can to help Kakko reach his potential.