NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

by | Feb 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

Which teams are linked to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev? What forwards could the Oilers pursue? What’s the latest on the Sharks and Avalanche? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON HANIFIN AND TANEV

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis observed that the Calgary Flames have a stranglehold on the trade market as they carry three of the most desirable trade targets in defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

The likelihood of Markstrom getting traded remains low. He has two years left on his contract and has full control of the situation thanks to his no-movement clause, while his $6 million cap hit and the Flames’ high asking price make him too expensive for most teams to afford this late in the season.

Hanifin and Tanev are more likely to be moved as they’re pending unrestricted free agents who won’t be re-signing with the Flames. Patience by the club’s management could result in better returns for both players as the March 8 trade deadline approaches and more potential buyers accrue cap space.

Francis believes Hanifin could fetch a first-round pick, a top prospect and a roster player. The return for Tanev could be two pieces, including a second-rounder. However, the goal is to net a first-round pick.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources as saying the Dallas Stars have shown strong interest in Tanev. Other right-shot defense options include Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker and Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin.

Sean Gentile believes it’s possible for the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire Hanifin. It could include giving up a prospect such as Isaac Howard or Ethan Gauthier and their 2026 first-round pick as part of the return.

Jonas Siegel considered Hanifin and Tanev among the logical fits for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One reason there’s been no activity in the trade market since Feb. 2 is because teams are waiting to see where Hanifin and Tanev are traded. The longer the Flames wait, the more likely the possibility of buyers stepping up to meet their price for both blueliners.

The Stars could be better positioned to land Tanev. They’re trying to win the Stanley Cup this season and might be willing to part with a first-rounder.

As for the Lightning and Hanifin, that might make sense if they intend on signing him to a contract extension. Still, they’ve depleted a lot of their prospect pool over the years trying to maintain a Cup contender. They also have 16 active roster players under contract for next season with $10 million in projected cap space and captain Steven Stamkos to re-sign or replace.

Hanifin would be too expensive for the Leafs and wouldn’t address their need for a right-shot defenseman as Tanev would.

COULD DEBRUSK OR MANTHA LAND WITH THE OILERS?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source wondering if the Bruins will retain Jake DeBrusk for the playoffs or trade the pending UFA winger to a club like the Edmonton Oilers seeking a postseason rental forward.

There’s been no indication that DeBrusk’s representatives and Bruins management are any closer to a contract extension as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Murphy cited a belief around the league that the winger’s hometown Oilers or the Calgary Flames would try to bring him home to Alberta.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Noah Hanifin straight up for DeBrusk with both players agreeing to contract extensions with their new clubs. I’m kidding of course…or am I?(Insert wink emoji here).

Meanwhile, the Oilers could have some interest in DeBrusk but I don’t think they’d have what the Bruins would want in a trade package. The Bruins will probably stick with him for the rest of this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency on July 1.

SPORTSNET: During their latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old winger is putting up good numbers this season with 18 goals and 29 points in 52 games.

Friedman noted that Oilers general manager Ken Holland drafted Mantha during Holland’s tenure as GM of the Detroit Red Wings. He also mentioned the Oilers have been linked to Anaheim Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick and San Jose Sharks forward Luke Kunin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Mantha only works for the Oilers if the Capitals retain half of his $5.7 million cap hit. The same goes for the Ducks and Henrique with his $5.825 million. Carrick and Kunin are much more affordable for the Oilers in terms of cap hit and return.

LATEST SHARKS SPECULATION

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Anthony Duclair said he hasn’t had any contract extension talks with San Jose Sharks management. That’s another indication that Sharks GM Mike Grier intends to move the 28-year-old winger by the March 8 trade deadline.

Duclair said he’s seeking a long-term contract and was open to re-signing with the rebuilding Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards believes the Panthers should bring back Duclair, pointing out how well he played for them over the previous two seasons. The Panthers traded him to San Jose last summer as a cost-cutting measure.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports the agent for Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said the club isn’t actively shopping his client. Peng observed that doesn’t mean Ferraro won’t be traded if a club made a tempting offer. Nevertheless, he believes they’ll hang onto the 25-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier might listen if someone offered up a first-round pick for Ferraro. However, Peng cited league sources saying clubs would trade a second or third-round pick for him.

HOW WILL NICHUSHKIN’S RETURN AFFECT THE AVALANCHE’S TRADE PLANS?

THE DENVER POST: That was the topic discussed by Sean Keeler and Corey Masisak following word that winger Valeri Nichushkin had returned to practice with the Colorado Avalanche.

Masisak believes they need a center who can play second or third-line minutes but admitted that could be difficult to achieve given their salary-cap limitations. Keeler would like to see them add a playoff-worthy 1B goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have just $1.2 million in projected trade deadline cap space with Gabriel Landeskog and Pavel Francouz on long-term injury reserve. They’ll have to move out some salary if they hope to address either need.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2022

by | Jul 19, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 19, 2022

The Flames take Matthew Tkachuk to arbitration, the latest noteworthy contract signings, the Ducks aren’t done making off-season moves, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames are taking winger Matthew Tkachuk to arbitration after the 24-year-old winger opted not to file for player-elected arbitration by Sunday’s deadline.

Calgary Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move sets a deadline for the two sides to hammer out an agreement on a new contract. It also prevents Tkachuk from receiving offer sheets from rival clubs.

This decision by the Flames will likely raise concerns among the fanbase that he could end up with just a one-year deal taking him up to unrestricted free agent status next summer. It could also lead to his name popping up in trade rumors.

The arbitration period begins on July 27 and ends on Aug. 11. The schedule for those hearings has yet to be released.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed restricted free agent goaltender Samuel Montembeault to a two-year, one-way contract worth an average annual value of $1 million. The signing leaves the Canadiens with $1.2 million in cap space with 22 roster players signed for 2022-23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is likely an insurance move by the Canadiens given the ongoing uncertainty over the status of starting goalie Carey Price as he continues to deal with the effects of last summer’s knee surgery. Center Kirby Dach is their sole remaining free agent among their roster players.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: The San Jose Sharks re-signed restricted free agent forward Luke Kunin and goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to two-year contracts with an average annual value of $2.75 million.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek continues to work on his off-season roster makeover. He’d like to sign a free-agent forward and a defenseman but didn’t indicate which players he’s targeted in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek made two notable free-agent additions last week, bringing in forwards Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano.

TSN: Arizona Coyotes defenseman Conor Timmins released a statement on Monday indicating he was not involved in an alleged sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team. His statement comes a week after Hockey Canada announced it was reopening its investigation into the alleged assault.

Timmins joins Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Victor Mete in publicly declaring their innocence. The agent for Colorado Avalanche rearguard Cale Makar said his client wasn’t involved in the incident and had cooperated in the initial investigation.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ed Olczyk is leaving the Blackhawks broadcast teams after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. He’ll be joining the Seattle Kraken broadcast booth and continuing as a hockey analyst for TNT.

TSN: Jake Virtanen’s sexual assault trial is underway in British Columbus. The alleged incident took place in Sept. 2017 when he was a member of the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL.COM: Defenseman Andrej Sekera has retired after 16 NHL seasons. He had 253 points in 842 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres between 2006-07 to 2021-22.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Sekera and his family in their future endeavors.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers are reportedly replacing their trainers as well as long-time equipment manager Harry Bricker.

THE PROVINCE: Former Canucks general manager Jack Gordon passed away last month in Minnesota at age 94. He was GM of the clubs from 1985 to 1987, during which he’s remembered for trading a young Cam Neely to the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Gordon’s family, friends and the Canucks organization.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 9, 2022

by | Jul 9, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 9, 2022

Duncan Keith’s retirement and its effect on the Oilers and Blackhawks, an update on Kirill Kaprizov, the latest on Johnny Gaudreau’s contract talks, the Kings re-sign Adrian Kempe, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported Duncan Keith will retire after 17 NHL seasons. The 38-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenseman has a year remaining on his contract with an annual average value of $5.54 million.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Duncan Keith (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keith played all but one of his 17 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the greatest defenseman in franchise history. Joining the Blackhawks when they were among the league doormats in 2005-06, he went on to anchor their blueline as they rose to become one of the league’s most dominant teams.

Keith enjoyed a career worthy of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups in six seasons from 2009-10 to 2014-15, took home the Norris Trophy twice as the league’s top defenseman, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2015 and was a two-time First Team All-Star. He is second all-time among Blackhawks skaters with 1,192 games played, sixth in total assists (520) and 10th in points with 625. Keith also helped Canada win two gold medals (2010, 2014) in men’s hockey at the Winter Olympics.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Keith’s retirement provides a boost to the Oilers’ salary-cap space for 2022-23, removing $5.5 million from their books. Having traded Zack Kassian ($3.2 million) to Arizona on Thursday and with goaltender Mike Smith ($2.2 million) and defenseman Oscar Klefbom ($4.1 million) expected to spend next season on long-term injury reserve, the Oilers could have $22 million to work with this summer.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Because Keith was on a 13-year contract signed before term limits were imposed on contracts, the Blackhawks faced a $5.5 million salary-cap recapture penalty for 2022-23 and $1.9 million in 2023-24. The club wasn’t planning on spending to the $82.5 million cap, but it does hamper their efforts to weaponize their cap space by taking on bad contracts from rival clubs with sweeteners such as draft picks and prospects attached.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The financial effects of Keith’s retirement for the Oilers and Blackhawks is newsworthy, but it seemed to overshadow the fact that a future Hall-of-Famer was hanging up his skates after a long and productive career.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports sources claim Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov was twice denied entry into the United States and has returned to his native Russia, likely because he currently lacks a work visa. The 25-year-old winger was previously accused of buying a fake military ID in 2017 to avoid service in the Russian military. Russo reports Kaprizov’s father said his son was a student which allowed him to avoid service. However, that exemption expired on June 30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This has raised concerns over whether Kaprizov will be allowed to return to North America given the tensions between the United States and Russia over the latter’s ongoing war with Ukraine. Russo reports the Wild are working with the NHL behind the scenes to sort this out.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving said there is a genuine desire by his team and Johnny Gaudreau to get a new contract done before the free-agent market opens on July 13. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Flames offered Gaudreau an eight-year deal worth $9.5 million annually. While there’s talk the club has the flexibility to go higher in salary, there’s also a belief that he wants to gauge other offers before reaching a decision.

TSN: The Los Angeles Kings reached an agreement with winger Adrian Kempe on a four-year, $22-million contract with an official announcement expected on Saturday. Kempe, 25, was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He’s coming off a career-best 35-goal performance.

SPECTOR’ S NOTE: $5.5 million per season is a good contract for a 30-goal winger, especially if he continues that level of production over the course of his new deal.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: More details emerged on the Philadelphia Flyers’ acquisition of Tony DeAngelo from the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The Flyers sent the Canes a second-round pick in 2024, a third-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-rounder in the 2022 draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The original report indicated the Hurricanes were receiving second, third and fourth rounds picks.

The Flyers acquired DeAngelo because they need insurance in case Ryan Ellis remains sidelined next season by his recovery from a multilayered injury in his pelvis region. Nevertheless, the deal is facing criticism by Flyers followers citing DeAngelo’s checkered history and his average defensive game.

RDS.CA: cites Pierre LeBrun reports it appears Tampa Bay Lightning winger Ondrej Palat is heading to the free-agent market on Wednesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun didn’t rule things changing but this would be a big loss to the Lightning if Palat departs as a free agent. The 32-year-old winger is a reliable two-way player who’s also a clutch playoff performer, sitting third among active players with 12 game-winning playoff goals.

NEW YORK POST: Forget the rumors of the Islanders trading Semyon Varlamov. GM Lou Lamoriello said he’ll be maintaining his goaltending tandem of Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin for next season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche are reportedly closing in on a new contract for Valeri Nichushkin.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic said it doesn’t appear he’ll be receiving a contract buyout. He’s excited about returning under new GM Mike Grier (who he played with earlier in his career) and the new coaching staff.

THE TENNESSEAN: Speaking of the Sharks, they acquire forward Luke Kunin on Friday from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2023 third-rounder and forward John Leonard.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2021

by | Jan 7, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 7, 2021

​The latest on Tuukka Rask, Mika Zibanejad, and Jack Eichel, plus the latest signings, injury updates and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask opened up about his decision to leave the 2020 playoff bubble in August to attend to a family emergency.

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (NHL Images).

He based the decision on a phone call from his family indicating his young daughter was ill and an ambulance was called. “So obviously at that point, my mind is spinning and I’m like, ‘I need to get out of here’”, said Rask, adding he had no regrets about returning home.

Rask also said his preference is to stay with the Bruins beyond this season. He’s due to become an unrestricted free agent in July and was the subject of offseason trade rumors. The 33-year-old goalie appeared open to talking contract during the season. “If they don’t, we’ll just wait it out and see what happens.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rask caught flak from some Bruins fans upset over his decision to leave the club but he had the full support of the club, including his teammates. In my opinion, he did the right thing by putting his family first as any decent parent would.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Mika Zibanejad missed his third straight day of practice but the club remains optimistic he’ll be ready in time for their season-opener against the New York Islanders on Jan. 14. Zibanejad, 27, has been sidelined for undisclosed reasons.

WGR550: Jack Eichel and Victor Olofsson joined their Buffalo Sabres teammates on the ice yesterday after each was recently sidelined by upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, Sabres winger Zemgus Girgensons’ season is over before it began, undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring injury. His recovery period is expected to last six months.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a five-year, $27 million contract extension yesterday. The annual average value is $5.4 million.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators inked forward Luke Kunin to a two-year, $4.6 million deal. The AAV is $2.3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read my take on both signings here.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw admitted he considered retirement during his 14-month recovery from post-concussion symptoms. Shaw says he’s now fully recovered and excited about resuming his playing career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shaw’s gritty style of play contributed to his injuries. It’ll be interesting to see if he changes his game.

ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes received approval from the City of Glendale allowing 25 percent capacity (3,450 fans) during their six home games in January.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers are also allowed 25 percent capacity (around 5,000 fans) at the BB&T Center to start the upcoming season.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning are permitted to allow 23 percent capacity (3,900 to 4,000 fans) at the Amelie Arena to start the season.

Meanwhile, the Lightning reached an agreement with the Panthers to share their AHL affiliate (Syracuse Crunch) for the 2020-21 season. The Panthers affiliate (Charlotte Checkers) opted out of playing this season because of the pandemic.

 










Jackets Re-Sign Bjorkstrand, Predators Sign Kunin In Latest NHL Moves

by | Jan 6, 2021

Jackets Re-Sign Bjorkstrand, Predators Sign Kunin In Latest NHL Moves

 










Predators Trade Bonino to the Wild for Kunin

by | Oct 7, 2020

Predators Trade Bonino to the Wild for Kunin

The Nashville Predators traded Nick Bonino and the 37th and 70th picks in the 2020 NHL Draft to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Luke Kunin and the 101st pick in this year’s draft.

The Nashville Predators trade Nick Bonino to the Minnesota Wild (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild general manager Bill Guerin acquires another center in Bonino, who plays a two-way game and netted 18 goals and 35 points in 67 games last season. He joins Marcus Johansson and Nick Bjugstad among Guerin’s recent acquisitions though none of them can be considered a first-line center. The Wild GM seems to be going for quantity over quality, though we can’t rule out the possibility he’ll swing a trade for a first-line pivot at some point.

The Predators, meanwhile, shed the 32-year-old Bonino’s $4.1 million salary-cap hit for Kunin, a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract. The 22-year-old Kunin is younger, can play center or wing whose offensive stats (15 goals, 31 points in 65 games) were comparable to Bonino. He’ll likely be an affordable re-signing for the Preds on a two-year bridge deal.