NHL Rumor Mill – August 16, 2024

by | Aug 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 16, 2024

What’s the latest on the Oilers’ offer sheet saga? Did Penguins defenseman Kris Letang request a trade to the Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE OILERS’ OFFER SHEET SAGA

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he expects the Oilers will match the St. Louis Blues’ offer sheet to Dylan Holloway but not the one to Philip Broberg.

Speaking with Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now”, Friedman also believes there’s no way that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong would’ve signed Holloway and Broberg if Ken Holland was still the Oilers GM. “I do think that…Armstrong’s friendship with Ken Holland absolutely plays a role in how this played out,” said Friedman.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (NHL Images).

The Sportsnet insider also thinks there’s lingering unhappiness on Broberg’s part over how the Oilers handled him this season. He spent much of this season with their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

Friedman claimed Broberg asked for a trade in December. He doesn’t believe the blueliner changed his mind. He also claimed Broberg sought $1.8 million annually on his next contract with the Oilers before receiving a two-year offer from the Blues with an annual cap hit of $4.58 million.

Staples colleague Jim Matheson pointed out that signing Broberg would give the Blues 10 defensemen on one-way contracts. He believes the young defenseman could replace Scott Perunovich as the Blues’ second-pairing left-side defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those defensemen is Torey Krug, who could miss this season after being diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch scolded the Oilers for putting themselves in a position where they risk losing two promising young players like Broberg and Holloway to another team via offer sheets.

He believes they should’ve taken a page from the Ottawa Senators’ blueprint with Shane Pinto. Senators GM Steve Staios didn’t waste time signing the 23-year-old center in early July, especially after word got out that Pinto’s agent was shopping around for an offer sheet.

Garrioch claimed the Oilers are trying to trade Cody Ceci ($3.25 million AAV) and Brett Kulak ($2.75 million) to free up cap space to match the offer sheets. He also indicated teams were showing an interest but the Oilers will have to package those players with draft picks like their 2026 first and second-rounders.

The Oilers could also place winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million) on long-term injury reserve if he undergoes surgery for a sports hernia. However, that’s not a given.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are above the cap by over $7.225 million factoring in the new contracts for Broberg and Holloway. That’s how much they must free up to become cap-compliant by their season-opener in October. Trading away Ceci and Kulak won’t achieve that goal if Kane doesn’t go on LTIR. If he does, they must clear cap space for when he returns to action later in the season.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston wondered if the Vancouver Canucks might be one of those clubs interested in Brett Kulak.

Rather than asking for a draft pick along with Kulak, Johnston suggested the Oilers acquire sidelined Canucks defenseman Tucker Poolman. He’s been sidelined with migraines since January 2023 and isn’t expected to play again. The Oilers could place Poolman on LTIR, freeing up $2.5 million to match one of those offer sheets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s an interesting suggestion by Johnston. The Oilers could be considering that type of scenario, if not with the Canucks, perhaps with another club carrying a player on permanent LTIR.

DID KRIS LETANG REQUEST A TRADE TO THE CANADIENS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Conor Tomalty recently cited Pittsburgh radio host Mark Madden claiming he’d heard Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang sought a trade to the Montreal Canadiens.

During an Aug. 5 episode of the “Breakfast with Benz” podcast, Madden said he’d heard “there were discussions to try and bring Letang to Montreal at his request, but nothing came of it.”

Letang, 37, is a Montreal native. However, Tomalty doubted the Canadiens would make this move, pointing out they already have a logjam on defense. Even if they did a defenseman-for-defenseman swap, Letang would take up a roster spot from one of their promising blueliners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation linked Letang to the Canadiens when he was negotiating his current contract with the Penguins two years ago but he dismissed it, saying he wanted to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

If Letang changed his mind, why would he request a trade from a team starting to rebuild to another club already deep in their rebuilding process? Surely, he’d prefer a move to a contender where he’d have one last shot at winning another Stanley Cup?

All due respect to Madden but I’m not buying that Letang asked to be traded to Montreal. Assuming he did, I don’t believe the rebuilding Canadiens want a 37-year-old defenseman whose best years are behind him with four years left on his contract at an AAV of $6.1 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

by | Aug 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 14, 2024

What are the Oilers’ options regarding the offer sheets for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway? How could those offer sheets affect other clubs with still-unsigned restricted free agents? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector looked at the options facing the Edmonton Oilers after Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

Broberg’s is a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4,580,917 while Holloway’s is two years with an AAV of $2,290,457. The Oilers have seven days from the date those offers were signed to match them.

The Oilers could afford to walk away as neither player constitutes the difference between winning or losing the Stanley Cup. However, both are former first-round picks on a club with an already thin prospect pipeline.

Edmonton Oilers forward Dylan Holloway (NHL Images).

They could opt to retain one or the other. Holloway’s is the most affordable but it would sting to let the promising Broberg let go for peanuts.

Of the two, Spector thinks the Oilers will retain Holloway. He believes it risky to sign Broberg when he might not play up to his cap hit, especially when they’ve got Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard to sign before next summer. He suggests using the second-round pick received from the Blues as trade bait to replace Broberg.

Holloway’s deal is cheaper plus the Oilers could use his speed after adding or retaining veterans like Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry and Adam Henrique.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers can’t afford to match both offers without shedding significant salary. It’s unlikely they’ll let both players walk. Holloway’s offer seems more likely to be matched given its affordability to Broberg’s. The latter’s departure will further weaken the Oilers’ blueline, forcing them into the trade or free-agent markets for an affordable short-term replacement.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio doesn’t anticipate the Blues’ attempt to sign away Broberg and Holloway from the Oilers will inspire other clubs to try and sign Jeremy Swayman.

The restricted free-agent goaltender is expected to sign a multiyear deal with the Bruins between $7.75 million and $10 million based on comparable players. It’ll likely be close to $8.6 million, which the Bruins have in cap space.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at what an offer sheet for Devils RFA forward Dawson Mercer would look like. Citing AFP Analytics, a two-year offer sheet would be close to $4 million annually. A six-year offer would have an AAV of around $6.5 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Connor Earegood speculates the Blues’ attempt to sign Broberg and Holloway could speed up the Detroit Red Wings’ signings of defenseman Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Meanwhile, Carter Brooks wondered what effect those offer sheets might have on the Winnipeg Jets’ efforts to sign RFA center Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why fans of those clubs watching this situation play out might be worried that those players could also become offer sheet targets. However, that’s unlikely to happen because the Bruins, Devils, Red Wings, and Jets have more cap flexibility to match any offer sheet.

The Oilers face more difficulty matching those offer sheets. They were vulnerable because they were already over the $88 million salary cap.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng wondered if the Sharks could use the Oilers’ situation to their advantage. If the Oilers attempt to shed salary via trade, Peng suggests the Sharks try to prize away a defenseman like Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak along with a draft pick.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont suggests the Canadiens use their cap space to their advantage by acquiring Ceci or another player and a draft pick or landing a draft pick by becoming a third-party broker for the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2024

by | Aug 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if there is any clear indication that the New York Rangers will attempt to trade or buy out Jacob Trouba after this season.

Staple replied that Trouba submitted his 15-team no-trade list valid until July 1, 2025. There’s nothing set in stone but both sides understand that the Rangers need salary-cap space next summer.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers attempted to move Trouba before his no-movement clause ended on July 1 and became a 15-team no-trade list. He waited until July 1 (as is his right) to submit that list.

Both sides say there is no bad blood and they’ll work together this season. However, this season is likely Trouba’s last with the Rangers and he understands that. Whether they find trade partners willing to take on his $8 million cap hit for 2025-26 depends on his performance this season.

Asked about Kaapo Kakko, Staple believes he’s not a player other teams are coveting now, speculating the Rangers may be getting offers but nothing worthwhile. He considers the 23-year-old winger a “buy-low player” in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would explain why Kakko hasn’t moved despite plenty of offseason trade speculation. He’ll likely start this season with the Rangers. Improvement in his performance will boost his trade value but could also give them second thoughts about moving him.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at some Oilers storylines to follow for the remainder of the summer.

He believes no news is good news regarding contract extension talks with Leon Draisaitl. If things were going poorly, the Oilers would drop hints about trade options. As things stand, Mitchell considers the signing inevitable and possibly not far away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Stan Bowman said talks have become and there’s nothing negative to report. Draisaitl’s contract situation gets interesting if the season begins without him putting pen to paper. Until then, it’s not worth fretting about.

The Oilers remain over the $88 million salary cap with restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to be signed.

One way to address this would be placing Evander Kane (hip injury) on long-term injury reserve to start the season but they’ll have to be cap-compliant when he’s ready to return. If he’s coming to training camp, Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak could be traded to free up cap space to sign Holloway and Broberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ceci carries a $3.25 million cap hit this season while Kulak’s is $2.75 million annually through 2025-26.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

by | Dec 18, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

The annual holiday roster freeze is from Dec. 20-27. Check out the latest on the Penguins and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PENGUINS CONSIDER MOVING CROSBY, MALKIN OR LETANG?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski weighed in on how recent comments by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas sparked speculation about whether he’d consider rebuilding if his struggling club didn’t improve soon.

Kingerski doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Dubas peddling Erik Karlsson, who agreed to be traded to Pittsburgh this summer because he wanted to win. He can also see pending free-agent winger Jake Guentzel getting shopped by the March trade deadline. Rickard Rakell, Reilly Smith, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari or Ryan Graves could be trade bait if Dubas decides it’s time for a change.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

However, Kingerski doesn’t see Dubas attempting to move long-time core stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang. He believes the Penguins are getting the best out of those three while the rest of the roster is struggling. The only one he thinks might accept a trade is Malkin, as he was ready to move on as a free agent in 2022 because it felt like the previous management didn’t want him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way I see Crosby, Malkin or Letang getting traded right now is if they ask for it. Maybe one of them might want out in a couple of years. Perhaps Crosby will move on when his contract expires in 2025. However, if they insist on finishing their careers in Pittsburgh, their no-movement clauses will ensure that they stay put.

COULD THE OILERS MAKE ANOTHER BIG SPLASH AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell believes the Edmonton Oilers could pull off another big splash at the March 8 trade deadline comparable to their acquisition of Mattias Ekholm before last season’s deadline.

Mitchell suggests the Oilers could do it without having to include Jack Campbell in the deal. They could package a first-round pick, a promising player such as Philip Broberg or Dylan Holloway, and a player such as Warren Foegele or Brett Kulak.

Trade targets could include a defenseman such as the Calgary Flames Chris Tanev or the Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Sean Walker, or a goaltender like the Detroit Red Wings’ James Reimer, the Flames’ Daniel Vladar or the Nashville Predator’s Juuse Saros, though Mitchell acknowledged he’d be “an extreme long shot.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Oilers rolling the dice again at the trade deadline if they’re in playoff contention by March 8. They’re in “win-now” mode and could be willing to sacrifice a first-rounder, especially if it’s for a player they could retain beyond this season. Broberg, Holloway, Foegele and Kulak have surfaced in the rumor mill at various times in recent months.

Mitchell’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Oilers need another goaltender to relieve Stuart Skinner and push him for the starter’s job. They also need improvement among their top-four defense, depth at center and among their middle-six forwards.

As for Mitchell’s suggested targets, trades between the Flames and Oilers are rare but they do happen, with the most notable recent example being Milan Lucic getting swapped for James Neal in 2019. Nevertheless, I see Walker or Reimer seem to be more likely targets than Tanev or Vladar.

Saros isn’t going anywhere. Earlier this season, Predators GM Barry Trotz indicated he wants to open contract extension talks next summer. With his club having battled back into playoff contention thanks in part to Saros, Trotz has no reason to trade his starting goaltender.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 2, 2023

by | Apr 2, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 2, 2023

Updates on the Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha plus the latest Oilers speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE CAPITALS COULD FACE AN OFFSEASON OF CHANGE

THE HOCKEY NEWS: In her latest mailbag segment, Sammi Silber provided a recent update on what changes might be in store for the Washington Capitals should they miss the playoffs this season.

General manager Brian MacLellan recently said that acquiring a top-six forward is something the club would like to look into. He added there will be more flexibility for tweaks and offseason changes.

Evgeny Kuznetsov was the subject of recent trade rumors but the 30-year-old center dismissed it, noting that it was based on a misinterpreted report. He said he still sees his future with the Capitals.

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (NHL Images).

Anthony Mantha’s future in Washington is less certain following a disappointing season in which he was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions. It’s unclear if he’s in the mix with the Capitals for next season, let alone what his trade value would be.

As for head coach Peter Laviolette, contract extension talks have reportedly grown cold. Missing the playoffs could mean a shakeup behind the bench, though Laviolette had to deal with numerous injuries to his roster over the past three seasons.

Silber noted this summer’s free-agent class isn’t that impressive so she’s not sure who the Capitals might target. They could have better luck in the trade market and have some trade chips, including perhaps Kuznetsov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Capitals have $7.3 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 17 players under contract. They’ll have to shed some salary if they intend to add a scoring forward.

The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir recently reported that Capitals management wasn’t impressed with Kuznetsov’s performance this season, citing his poor defensive play and inability to step up when injuries struck the lineup. However, his $7.8 million annual average value and 10-team no-trade list make the soon-to-be 31-year-old difficult to move. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s still with the Capitals next season.

Mantha, meanwhile, has been a big disappointment for them this season. The 28-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility and carries a $5.7 million AAV for next season. He lacks no-trade protection but his struggles this season hurts his trade value.

As for Laviolette, this could go either way but it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide to hire a replacement.

LATEST ON THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently looked at the Edmonton Oilers’ options to free up some salary-cap space for 2023-24.

He speculated they could shuffle out wingers like Kailer Yamamoto or Warren Foegele. However, the latter’s performance since Feb. 1 suggests he’ll be back next season.

Regarding their blueline, Mitchell suggested Cody Ceci could become a trade candidate if management needs a cost-cutting deal. Philip Broberg would have to pass through waivers next season which could make Brett Kulak expendable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have $8.5 million in projected cap space with 15 roster players under contract next season. They’ll have to clear some cap space with Evan Bouchard, Klim Kostin and Ryan McLeod slated to become restricted free agents in July.










Trade Tracker – 2022 NHL Trade Deadline

by | Mar 21, 2022

Trade Tracker – 2022 NHL Trade Deadline

The following is the list of players traded on March 21, 2022. The trade deadline is 3 pm ET. Check in regularly as this list will be updated throughout today until the last trades are officially announced.

Vegas Golden Knights trade forward Evgenii Dadonov to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the LTIR contract of Ryan Kesler, defenseman John Moore and a conditional second-round pick in 2023 or 2024.

Seattle Kraken acquire forward Victor Rask from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for future consideration.

Columbus Blue Jackets trade forward Max Domi to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team trade involving the Florida Panthers. The Hurricanes also received defense prospect Tyler Inamoto, the Blue Jackets received defense prospect Aiden Hreschuk, and the Panthers received forward prospect Egor Korshkov and a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft.

The New York Rangers acquire forward Andrew Copp and a sixth-rounder in 2023 from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for minor-league center Morgan Barron, a conditional second-round pick in 2022 (becomes a first-rounder if the Rangers win two rounds in 2022 playoffs), a conditional second-rounder in 2022 or 2023 and a fifth-rounder in 2023.

Tampa Bay Lightning acquire Riley Nash for the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for future considerations.

Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Derick Brassard from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2023.

Calgary Flames acquire center Ryan Carpenter from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2024.

Ottawa Senators acquire goaltender Michael McNiven from the Calgary Flames for future considerations.

Chicago Blackhawks trade goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to the Minnesota Wild (NHL Images)

New York Rangers acquire forward Nick Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Anthony Bitetto.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquire winger Rickard Rakell from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forwards Zach Aston-Reese and Dominik Simon, a 2022 second-round pick and a prospect.

The Rangers also acquire forward Tyler Motte from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2023 fourth-rounder.

Detroit Red Wings ship forward Vladislav Namestnikov to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2024.

Montreal Canadiens trade goaltender Andrew Hammond to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for minor-league center Nate Schnarr.

Colorado Avalanche acquires forward Andrew Cogliano from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2024 fifth-rounder.

The Washington Capitals acquire Johan Larsson from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick.

Ottawa Senators trade Zach Sanford to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2022 fifth-round pick.

St. Louis Blues acquire defenseman Nick Leddy and minor-league blueliner Luke Witkowski from the Detroit Red Wings for winger Oskar Sundqvist, defenseman Jake Walman and a 2023 second-round pick.

Montreal Canadiens trade forward Artturi Lehkonen to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defense prospect Justin Barron and a 2024 second-round pick.

Edmonton Oilers acquire defenseman Brett Kulak from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman William Lagesson and a conditional second-round pick in 2022 or 2023.

Boston Bruins trade winger Zach Senyshyn and a fifth-rounder in the 2022 draft to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Josh Brown and a seventh-rounder in 2022.

The New York Rangers acquire defenseman Justin Braun from the Philadelphia Flyers for a third-round pick in 2023.

Chicago Blackhawks trade goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a conditional 2022 second-round draft pick that becomes a first-rounder if the Wild reach the Western Conference Final. 

Minnesota Wild trade goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and a fifth-round pick to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Jacob Middleton.

The Seattle Kraken trade forward Marcus Johansson to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Daniel Sprong, a 2022-fourth-round pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder.

The Winnipeg Jets trade center Nathan Smith and Bryan Little’s LTIR contract to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round pick.

Winnipeg Jets trade defenseman Nathan Beaulieu to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional 2022 seventh-round pick.