Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

by | Feb 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

Should the Rangers trade Alexis Lafreniere for Trevor Zegras? Could Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off improve his trade value? Are a couple of Western clubs looking at Islanders forward Jean Gabriel Pageau? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury should look into trading winger Alexis Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Trevor Zegras. He thinks the two 23-year-olds haven’t met expectations and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Brooks called Lafreniere’s unwillingness to backcheck in each of the Rangers’ last two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break “a bad look”. He believes the young winger hasn’t built off the promising 2023-24 performance that earned him a seven-year, $52.15 contract extension.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Zegras has been hampered by injuries and playing for a bad team in Anaheim for the past two seasons. He’s considered a one-dimensional player whose skills haven’t translated well into the NHL but Brooks doesn’t buy that assessment, suggesting Zegras might thrive playing close to family and friends in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks sees Lafreniere and Zegras as centerpieces of a larger deal with the Rangers perhaps including defenseman Zac Jones and the Ducks including a promising blueliner like Drew Helleson or Tyson Hinds.

Swapping Lafreniere for Zegras would be a bold move by Drury. He’s already made his share of them since December, shipping Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, sending Kaapo Kakko to Seattle for Will Borgen, and acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-asset deal.

However, Brooks isn’t saying that he’s hearing rumors of a Lafreniere-for-Zegras swap. He’s merely spitballing here.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh answered trade questions from several Rangers fans in a recent mailbag segment.

He doesn’t see Mika Zibanejad getting traded this summer partly because of his hefty contract, and his no-movement clause. The same factors apply to Artemi Panarin, including the difficulty in replacing his production.

Winger Chris Kreider faces an uncertain future with the Rangers. However, it’s doubtful that anyone will take on his contract in midseason. He’s also complained about back spasms, which have affected his performance and trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Drury goes into sell mode by March 7 it’ll be pending free-agents like Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren who get moved.

COULD ERIK KARLSSON’S 4-NATIONS PERFORMANCE IMPROVE HIS VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked by a reader if Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off would make rival general managers look at the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman more closely.

Yohe believes it does, pointing out that Karlsson was Sweden’s best player in their 4-3 overtime loss to Canada on Wednesday. “Karlsson playing well in this series only helps Dubas, I assure you.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s age and contract remain two sticking points. He turns 35 in May and has two seasons left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value. He still has his full no-movement clause.

OILERS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS INTERESTED IN PAGEAU?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner recently reported hearing several Western Conference teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The versatile Pageau, 32, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. He’s enjoying a bounce-back season with 27 points in 52 games, winning nearly 60 percent of his faceoffs, which would be a new career high. Pageau is also the Isles’ top penalty killer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could become a seller if his club hasn’t gained ground in the standings by March 7. He’ll more likely peddle pending UFAs like Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri but could entertain offers for aging veterans like Pageau who were signed past this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on the Rangers’ attempt to land Canucks center J.T. Miller and the latest on Stars captain Jamie Benn and Sharks center Nico Sturm.

UPDATE ON THE “MILLER TO THE RANGERS” RUMORS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there have been on-and-off trade discussions between the Rangers and Vancouver Canucks regarding J.T. Miller since November. The 31-year-old Canucks center is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched Bo Groulx, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar from Saturday’s game against Charlotte, raising speculation they were to be part of a multiplayer deal for Miller. Brooks stated there was no indication that a trade had advanced that far.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad “will not be part of the bounty going to Vancouver in a potential deal for Miller.” It’s believed Alexis Lafreniere was part of the discussions. The 23-year-old Blueshirts winger carries a $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32.

Brooks believes Rangers management is willing to take a step back this season to be in a position to win the Stanley Cup within the next year or two. He acknowledged a potential swap of the older Miller for the younger Lafreniere might come back to haunt the Rangers down the road. “But this is a team that should focus on a window that, with smart use of cap space, should remain open for the next three years.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey believes Brooks’ report doesn’t necessarily mean the Rangers are willing to trade Lafreniere. He cited USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano suggesting moving the talented young winger would be “a bridge too far.”

Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman report on Saturday that the deal was off. It’s unclear if Lafreniere was involved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman broke the story on Saturday that the Canucks and Rangers had discussed a trade involving Miller that seemed close but fell apart. He didn’t name any Blueshirts that might’ve been part of the deal.

Friedman also reported earlier this month that the Canucks wanted a center as part of the return for Miller. Their rumored ask for Lafreniere suggests they’re now willing to accept a talented young forward regardless of position.

Brooks also mentioned Braden Schneider, saying he wouldn’t include the 23-year-old Rangers defenseman in the deal. He didn’t say the Canucks asked for Schneider but his comment gives that impression.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Miller has not been asked to waive his no-movement clause. However, “the vibe around the player and the room in a season gone south would suggest that something has to give.” Kuzma also acknowledged the rumors earlier this season that had the Canucks swapping Miller for Zibanejad. However, he indicated the latter won’t waive his no-movement clause to go to Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Patrick Johnston wondered where Miller would go if he accepted a trade. “Will it be New York? Dallas? New Jersey? Boston?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun last week that he wanted to acquire a center who could bring some “extra oomph” to his roster. Miller would fit the bill provided he’s willing to go to New Jersey.

The Stars could afford Miller’s cap hit for this season once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million AAV on long-term injury reserve. It’s unlikely the cap-strapped, prospect-thin Bruins could meet the Canucks’ asking price.

STARS LOOKING TO BRING BACK JAMIE BENN NEXT SEASON

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill wants to re-sign captain Jamie Benn. He cited a “well-placed source” who says neither side is worried about completing the deal. Biringer adds that Benn is expected to finish his playing career with the Stars.

The 35-year-old Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $9.5 million. Preliminary talks took place last summer but no numbers have been discussed.

Biringer’s source indicated the two sides agreed to get through this season before getting into serious talks. However, they believe Benn will still be with the Dallas Stars after July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn won’t get another lucrative long-term deal at this career stage. Nevertheless, he remains an effective part of the lineup. They could do a two or three-year deal at a lower salary than his current contract.

SHARKS’ NICO STURM ANTICIPATES A TRADE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks forward Nico Sturm believes he’ll be moved by the March 7 trade deadline if he doesn’t receive a contract extension.

The 29-year-old Sturm is in the final season of a three-year, $6 million contract. He’s centered the Sharks’ fourth line this season. Pashelka thinks he could be “an attractive, low-risk addition to any playoff team.” He won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

by | Jan 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

Are the Canucks planning to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could the Rangers, Islanders or Blackhawks get involved? What’s the latest on former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PETTERSSON AND MILLER TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Elliotte Friedman mused over the trade rumors swirling around Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Friedman pointed out Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson during a year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. He wondered if the Canucks are serious about moving the 26-year-old center. He thinks they’ve spoken with other teams about Pettersson and Miller but believes they prefer to keep both players.

Noting the Miller speculation, Friedman believes he’s a player the Chicago Blackhawks should pursue. He also thinks the New York Rangers are interested in bringing back Miller but doesn’t think that will be easy to pull off.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal said the Canucks have spoken with the New York Rangers during his Friday appearance on Sportsnet’s 650’s Halford and Brough Show. He claimed the two sides spoke about “a lot of things, not just Miller.” Dhaliwal said the Canucks have been interested in Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller has a full no-movement clause. The 31-year-old center might not waive it to join a rebuilding team. He also doesn’t make sense for Chicago given his age. Miller will be past his prime by the time the Blackhawks are contenders.

Miller began his NHL career with the Rangers. He’d provide a short-term boost to the Blueshirts, especially if they were in Stanley Cup contention. However, their stunning collapse this season indicates they need more than quick fixes.

Over the long haul, Miller’s value to the Rangers would decline. They already carry aging, expensive assets like 33-year-old forwards Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and 31-year-old Mika Zibanejad. Adding another makes no sense for them right now.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if there was a way for the Islanders to acquire Pettersson and reunite him with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat. He cited industry sources claiming Isles defenseman Noah Dobson is high on the Canucks list. They would also be interested in Islanders center Brock Nelson if the pending free agent would sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Islanders have done business before, swinging a multi-player trade two years ago that sent Horvat to Long Island.

Rosner believes the deal’s framework would be Dobson, prospect Danny Nelson, and a first-round pick. The Islanders must also take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. A trade to the Isles would have to happen before then to ensure he doesn’t block it. That’s assuming the Canucks are ready to give up on him, which doesn’t seem likely. Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson but he still believes he can become a dominant center for the Canucks.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston replied to several readers’ questions about the recent rumors regarding Pettersson and Miller. He considers it unlikely that they’ll move either player.

Johnson believes Miller would interest the Rangers but doubts they’ll part with young players like Lafreniere and Schneider to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems the most sensible take thus far. Anything can happen and we can’t dismiss the possibility of a trade. However, the Canucks would need to get significant value for Miller (provided he’s willing to waive his NMC) or Pettersson.

The biggest issue facing the Canucks isn’t Miller and Pettersson supposedly clashing, it’s their lack of blueline depth which became even shallower with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries.

UPDATE ON JONATHAN TOEWS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Servalli claims there is no shortage of interest in Jonathan Toews after the former Chicago Blackhawks captain indicated he could stage a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23, when his career was derailed by health issues.

Seravalli believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche are three teams to watch if Toews makes a comeback bid.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran cites a source saying it’s “too premature” to speculate on Toews, adding that his camp is “far from exploring deals” with teams.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2024

by | Dec 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 7, 2024

Are more moves coming for the Rangers after trading Jacob Trouba to the Ducks? Will the Leafs try to bring back Nazem Kadri? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE MORE TRADES IN STORE FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports more moves are coming for the Rangers after they traded Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.

Brooks claims Rangers general manager Chris Drury spent the week in trade talks with multiple clubs. He indicated that Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk is Drury’s primary trade target.

Acquiring “the Senators’ 25-year-old hardscrabble captain” would immediately change the Rangers’ identity. However, the package going to Ottawa would have to be significant and likely include winger Alexis Lafreniere.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators may have “kicked tires” on Jacob Trouba before he was shipped to the Ducks. However, they weren’t anywhere close to a deal because the veteran defenseman did not want to be traded to a Canadian team.

Garrioch also reports the Senators have no intention of trading Tkachuk. One well-placed source called the Post story “total bullshit” while another called the report “garbage.” The Senators would rather win with Tkachuk rather than trade him away. Garrioch indicated that Sens GM Steve Staios intended to speak with his captain to assure him there was nothing to the story.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those well-placed sources Garrioch referred to are probably members of the Senators’ front office, perhaps even Staios himself.

Staios could consider shaking up the Senators if they fail to end their playoff drought this season. Moving Tkachuk would be an extreme decision unless he wants out and there’s no indication he does. Something worth keeping in mind is Tkachuk’s no-movement clause begins on July 1, 2025. 

NEW YORK POST: Returning to the Rangers, Brooks believes Drury has put the club in a better place by trading Trouba and his $8 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26. That move leaves the Rangers with a projected $21.9 million of trade deadline cap space. “No other contender comes close,” claims Brooks, believing the Rangers “will have their pickings the rest of the way.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also walked back his claim that the Rangers were pursuing Tkachuk, but noted the Senators winger is the type of player the Blueshirts are seeking. They have the cap space to add that player at the trade deadline.

In an earlier report, Brooks suggested Drury should contact the Nashville Predators and find out if Steven Stamkos would waive his no-movement clause. He also proposed speaking with the Buffalo Sabres and Utah Hockey Club as those teams must make changes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos isn’t a young power forward like Tkachuk. The 34-year-old winger is under contract for three more seasons with an AAV of $8 million. His decline this season could be due to age and the wear-and-tear of 17 NHL seasons catching up with him. Stamkos is an expensive risk the Rangers can’t afford to take.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Rangers and Ducks might not be done dealing with each other. Sources close to the situation claimed the Rangers sought winger Frank Vatrano in the Trouba deal.

They opted to move on from Trouba’s $8 million cap hit but could revisit their interest in Vatrano. Biringer’s sources say Drury spoke with Ducks GM Pat Verbeek at last year’s trade deadline about Vatrano but the Rangers GM didn’t want to part with winger Kaapo Kaako. However, Drury might be willing to move on from Kaako now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Brooks noted, the Rangers have plenty of cap space to make significant moves by the March 7 trade deadline. They can afford Vatrano’s $3.65 million cap hit. He played briefly for them in the 2021-22 season and had a solid performance during their run to the 2022 Eastern Conference Final. Vatrano departed for the Ducks via free agency that summer as the Rangers couldn’t afford to retain him.

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was very interested in landing Trouba but couldn’t reach suitable trade terms with the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers reportedly tried to trade Trouba to the Red Wings in June but he used his no-movement clause to spike the deal for family reasons. Maybe Yzerman will try again next summer if Trouba doesn’t work out for the Ducks.

SHOULD THE LEAFS PURSUE NAZEM KADRI?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler recently cited former Sportsnet analyst Doug MacLean telling Sportsnet 590 The Fan that he believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should bring back Nazem Kadri. The 34-year-old center began his career with the Leafs and now plays with the Calgary Flames.

MacLean claimed the Leafs were kicking tires for a second-line center. He believes Kadri’s physical two-way style is what they need to compete against the defending champion Florida Panthers as well as the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

DAILY FACEOFF’s Jeff Marek shared MacLean’s opinion, believing it would be a good fit for both clubs. The Flames are rebuilding and won’t make the playoffs right now. He acknowledged Kadri’s leadership is helpful to the young Flames but he’d be a better fit with the Leafs if they’re to compete against a tough team like the Panthers.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames beat writer Eric Francis was asked where he thought the Flames would trade Kadri. He believes the veteran center would generate plenty of interest and didn’t rule out the possibility if the right offer came along. However, he doesn’t see that happening and doesn’t believe the Flames are shopping Kadri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans have cited these reports as substantiation that the Leafs are trying to acquire Kadri or that he would welcome a trade to a contender. However, MacLean and Marek were suggesting the Leafs pursue Kadri, not stating it as a fact. Francis said we should “never say never” but made it clear the Flames aren’t peddling him.

None of them said Kadri wants out of Calgary. During training camp, Kadri told reporters to pump the brakes on the trade speculation that dogged him during the offseason, claiming he loved the team and the city. He might welcome a trade at some point but not right now.

Kadri is a more mature player than when his loose cannon act proved costly to the Leafs in the 2018 and 2019 playoffs. He elevated his stock with a superb effort helping the Colorado Avalanche win the 2022 Stanley Cup and has fit well into the elder statesman role with the Flames.

He would be a better fit with the Leafs now. Nevertheless, everything linking him to Toronto right now is based on the musings of a couple of pundits.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2024

by | Oct 26, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 26, 2024

Recaps of Friday’s games, the Rangers sign Alexis Lafreniere to a contract extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights overcame a 4-3 deficit with three unanswered third-period goals to defeat the Ottawa Senators 6-4. Keegan Kolesar scored the winning goal, Ivan Barbashev tallied twice and Alex Pietrangelo collected three assists for the Golden Knights. Adam Gaudette scored two goals and Drake Batherson and Claude Giroux had a goal and an assist for the Senators.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Ivan Barbashev (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barbashev is having a terrific start for the Golden Knights. He’s 10th in the NHL points race with 11 while his seven goals put him among the top five.

The Golden Knights could have a key player back for Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. William Karlsson is expected to make his season debut after being sidelined by an undisclosed injury.

Linus Ullmark returned to the Senators net after being sidelined by a muscle strain for nearly two weeks, giving up five goals on 27 shots. He blamed himself for allowing the Golden Knights’ tying and winning goals.

An overtime goal by Bo Horvat lifted the New York Islanders to a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri each had a goal and an assist and Ilya Sorokin stopped 32 shots for the Islanders. Jesper Bratt had a goal and an assist for the Devils, who have dropped four games in a row.

The Nashville Predators overcame a 2-0 deficit to nip the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Filip Forsberg, Gustav Nyquist and Brady Skjei scored for the Predators. Craig Smith and Connor Bedard tallied for the Blackhawks.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 27 shots to shut out the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm each had two points and Viktor Arvidsson collected three assists for the Oilers. Joel Blomqvist kicked out 46 shots for the Penguins, who’ve lost four in a row.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The score would’ve been more lopsided in Edmonton’s favor if not for Blomqvist, who was let down by his teammates’ porous defensive game. The Oilers outshot the Penguins 19-5 in the first period and 20-12 in the second but only had a 2-0 lead heading into the third before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ekholm put this game away.

HEADLINES

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed right winger Alexis Lafreniere to a seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension with an average annual value of $7.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year bridge contract worth an AAV of $2.325 million. PuckPedia has the full breakdown of the deal, including an eight-team no-trade list starting in the third season for the remainder of the contract.

Lafreniere had a breakout performance last season with 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games. He’s started this season at a point-per-game pace.

The Rangers have locked up a young core player for the prime of his career to a contract that could become a steal for them over the long term.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah Hockey Club winger Kailer Yamamoto and Boston Bruins forward Riley Tufte were placed on waivers Friday.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames sent forward Matt Coronato to their AHL affiliate as they prepare for the return of sidelined forwards Sam Honzek and Yegor Sharangovich.

YAHOO SPORTS: Defenseman Calen Addison signed an AHL contract with the Henderson Silver Knights, the farm team of the Vegas Golden Knights. Addison, 24, has 50 points in 152 NHL games with the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

by | Oct 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Rangers’ contract talks with Alexis Lafreniere, the latest on Tyler Johnson, the Blue Jackets’ trade plans, and the Islanders’ limited options to replace Anthony Duclair.

UPDATE ON LAFRENIERE’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE RANGERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there have been contract discussions between the New York Rangers and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Both sides hoped to get a contract extension done before the start of the season. Discussions are ongoing but it remains to be seen if they can get a deal done before the end of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.325 million. He enjoyed a breakout performance in 2023-24 with 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games and has six points in as many games to open this season.

Lafreniere is a key part of the Rangers core and their future with aging stars like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad approaching the end of their current contracts.

It’s rumored the two sides discussed an eight-year deal worth $8 million annually. That offer could still happen depending on the cost of re-signing goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

TYLER JOHNSON WAITING ON THE BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports unrestricted free agent Tyler Johnson is patiently waiting for a contract with the Boston Bruins. The 34-year-old forward had a good training camp with the Bruins but they currently lack salary-cap space to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston suggests the Bruins could make room by placing a player on waivers or making a cost-cutting trade. He also mentioned an injury could free up some space.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

RG.ORG: Jimmy Murphy reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell won’t allow injuries to several of his players to force him into making any knee-jerk reactions in the trade market.

Waddell admits he’s speaking with other teams every day. However, he said giving up an asset to fill a position for the rest of the year won’t make a huge difference for a young team like the Blue Jackets. However, it would be a different story if it’s a young player who’ll be with the club beyond this season.

The Blue Jackets GM indicated he wouldn’t shy away from the trade market in the future as talks between teams increase. Given how many teams are currently underperforming, he thinks there could be an uptick in discussions around the 15-20 game mark.

Murphy noted the Blue Jackets have over $20 million in cap space this season. He thinks they could be a cap broker if the right deal came along.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell is clear about what he’s looking for in the trade market. He’s not interested in another team’s problem contracts or aging talent. He could become a third-party broker in a three-team trade if it’ll fetch a young asset or a decent draft pick.

HOW WILL THE ISLANDERS REPLACE DUCLAIR?

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports the New York Islanders have few options to replace Anthony Duclair. The 29-year-old winger is sidelined indefinitely with an injured leg but isn’t expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Simon Holmstrom skated on the Isles’ top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. They could also recall Hudson Fasching.

Staple speculates Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could look at making a move but they only have Duclair’s $3.5 million cap hit to work with if he’s placed on long-term injury reserve. They’d have to clear cap space for Duclair’s eventual return if he’s not out for the season.