NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2024

by | Jul 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2024

The latest on the Blue Jackets, Panthers, and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said his club will continue to explore potential trades for Patrik Laine but a move isn’t guaranteed.

Laine has been in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program since January. Waddell indicated he’s heard the 26-year-old winger is making positive progress but the team isn’t getting much information from the program’s doctors. Most of the info he’s received has come from Laine’s agent.

The Jackets GM said Laine made it clear last month that he’d like a fresh start someplace else. He stated he’d look at all the options, including the possibility of Laine returning with the Jackets if a deal that makes sense fails to materialize.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell has said teams remain interested in Laine but wanted to speak with him before making trade offers. However, they’re not allowed until he’s been released from the program. Until that happens, his trade status remains in limbo.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jason Newland reports Waddell gave an update on contract negotiations with Kirill Marchenko. The 24-year-old winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5 and his hearing is scheduled for July 31.

Waddell said he’s had daily discussions with the Marchenko camp with both sides aiming for an agreement before July 31. He believes a two-year deal makes the most sense for both sides.

THE PANTHERS WILL FACE CAP CRUNCH NEXT YEAR

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards noted that salary-cap constraints could make it difficult for the Panthers to retain Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett next summer. Both players are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July.

Puckpedia indicates the Panthers will have $22.5 million in projected cap space under the current $88 million cap.

Ekblad carries a $7.5 million cap hit for this season but Richards believes it can be argued that number is now too high as his play has leveled off. He speculates Ekblad might accept a pay cut to stay in Florida.

Rumors claim Panthers GM Bill Zito is shopping Ekblad but Richards doubts he’ll be moved given the departures of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Verhaeghe ($4.166 million) and Bennett ($4.425 million) have been underpaid on their current contracts. Richards believes they’ll earn more in free agency than the Panthers can afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers can’t afford to keep those three even with the cap expected to rise to $92 million for 2025-26. At least one of them is playing their final season with the Panthers unless Zito can free up sufficient cap room.

COULD THE ISLANDERS TRADE WAHLSTROM DESPITE HIS NEW CONTRACT?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears suggests Oliver Wahlstrom’s future with the Islanders remains doubtful despite signing a one-year, $1-million contract on Thursday.

The signing put the Isles over the $88 million salary cap. GM Lou Lamoriello acknowledged the team was seeking trade partners during the NHL Draft last month.

Lamoriello pointed out Wahlstrom’s hard work recovering from an ACL injury in 2022-23 that hampered his performance last season. He’s hoping to give the young forward an opportunity to remain on the roster but indicated he wouldn’t just give him away.

Sears suggests this signing allows Wahlstrom to earn a roster spot during training camp. They could also use that time to showcase him for a trade. He could also end up on waivers and be demoted.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I noted in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines a report suggesting the Isles could demote Maxim Tsyplakov as he’s waiver-exempt.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2024

by | Jul 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Jeremy Swayman, Patrik Laine, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Kirill Marchenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NHL.COM: In his latest mailbag, Dan Rosen was asked about the odds of the New York Rangers and goaltender Igor Shesterkin failing to agree to a new contract, forcing them to trade him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Rosen dismissed that possibility, citing Shesterkin’s value to the Rangers. He also noted the 28-year-old netminder has plenty of years left in his playing prime. Shesterkin will seek market value on his next contract and Rosen expects a deal will be in place before his UFA eligibility next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin will receive the most expensive contract for a goaltender in NHL history. It’ll be between seven and eight years and could come in around $12 million annually.

One reader asked Rosen what Jeremy Swayman’s new contract with the Boston Bruins would look like. He anticipates it could come in around $9 million annually depending on the length of the deal. It could dip below $9 million if the 25-year-old goalie seeks an eight-year contract, or jump to the $10 million range if he wants a five-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could explain why the Bruins and Swayman haven’t yet hammered out an agreement. The two sides could still be negotiating the term and dollars. Plenty of time remains for them to get it done before training camp opens in September.

Another reader noted the Washington Capitals got $3.9 million back due to the termination of Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract and wondered if they might pursue someone like Patrik Laine. Rosen thinks they could be in the mix for Laine once he’s cleared to resume his playing career. He believes the Capitals have sufficient cap space to add another forward via trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia shows the Capitals sitting over $10.2 million above the $88 million salary cap. However, they’ll get $9.2 million in cap relief with Nicklas Backstrom on long-term injury reserve. The Caps could also get an additional $5.75 million if T.J. Oshie joins Backstrom on the LTIR list. Factor in Kuznetsov’s buyout and they could have sufficient room to make another addition, be it Laine or another forward.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of Kuznetsov, Sammi Silber reports his agent, Shumi Babayev, said there is interest from 15 NHL teams in the 32-year-old center. The former Hurricane and Capital is also believed weighing offers from KHL teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov probably didn’t expect to hear from other NHL teams following the termination of his contract. Those clubs could attempt to sign him to a low-cost one-year deal worth around $2.5 million.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey noted a recent report indicating Kirill Marchenko hadn’t received a worthy offer from the Columbus Blue Jackets and had yet to speak with new general manager Don Waddell. Bailey suggested this could be an opportunity for the Flyers to attempt to acquire the 24-year-old forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko also indicated he believed he would hear from Waddell this week and would likely get a better offer from him then. His arbitration hearing is slated for July 31 but he’s likely to end up settling with the Jackets before then. It’s unlikely he’ll be available for the Flyers or anyone else to acquire.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2024

by | Jul 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 22, 2024

The latest on the Blues Jackets’ search for a new coach and Patrik Laine’s trade status, Dmitry Orlov supports his friend Evgeny Kuznetsov, a look at the Islanders’ defense corps, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell still has two major offseason moves remaining: hiring a new head coach and honoring Patrik Laine’s trade request.

Sources informed Portzline that former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft came to Columbus last Tuesday and former Minnesota Wild bench boss Dean Evason followed on Wednesday or Thursday. Waddell set a deadline of Aug. 1 for hiring a new coach.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Laine’s trade request remains on hold as the Blue Jackets await his release from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. That will enable rival clubs to speak with the 26-year-old winger before making trade offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Woodcroft or Evason will be named the Jackets’ new coach. Laine, meanwhile, continues his offseason training while in the assistance program. There is no deadline for his release. Receiving the necessary help and treatment for his mental health takes priority.

Meanwhile, restricted free-agent forward Kirill Marchenko told a Russian media outlet that discussions between his agent and Waddell are “progressing slowly.” They’ve talked about a short and long-term contract.

Marchenko, 24, filed for salary arbitration on July 1 and his hearing is scheduled for July 31. He’s hoping to receive a more specific offer from the Blue Jackets this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko is coming off back-to-back 20-plus goal seasons and netted a career-best 42 points last season. He was among the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable 2023-24 campaign.

Portzline also recently reported Josef Boumedienne had an expiring contract and will not return behind their bench for 2024-25.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov supports his friend and former teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov. The 32-year-old center and the Hurricanes agreed to terminate his contract last week.

Kuznetsov is rumored to be signing a contract with a KHL club. Orlov believes he’s still good enough to play in the NHL but accepts his friend’s decision.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders’ focus on bolstering their offense during the offseason means they’re returning with almost the same defense corps as last season. Sebastian Aho and Robert Bortuzzo were the only departures, leaving their top five of Noah Dobson, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Alexander Romanov and Scott Mayfield intact.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries hampered the Isles blueline last season while Pelech and Pulock have declined. However, the article pointed out their defense improved after Patrick Roy took over as head coach in January. They’re banking on better health and a full season under Roy heading into 2024-25.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights announced last week that the Tahoe Knight Monsters will be their new ECHL affiliate, replacing the Savannah Ghost Pirates.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

by | Jul 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2024

Are more changes coming for the Hurricanes after Evgeny Kuznetsov’s departure? What’s the latest Patrik Laine speculation? Could Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg become offer-sheet targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE CHANGES COMING FOR THE HURRICANES?

TSN: Terminating Evgeny Kuznetsov’s contract earlier this week was the latest significant offseason change to the Carolina Hurricanes roster. They also endured the departures of Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Stefan Noesen.

Kuznetsov’s contract termination also freed up $3.9 million, giving the Hurricanes over $13.8 million in cap space. They have 21 of their 23 active roster players under contract for 2024-25 with restricted free agents Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis still to sign.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Necas has been the subject of trade speculation following recent reports of his unhappiness with his role as a third-line winger. The 25-year-old forward also filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas and Jarvis will seek significant raises but the Hurricanes have the room to accommodate those new contracts. They could also have sufficient space remaining to make other moves.

Necas’ situation remains uncertain. There’s been no speculation linking him to other clubs for the last couple of weeks but that doesn’t mean the Hurricanes aren’t getting any offers. Interested teams could also be waiting to see what his next contract looks like. However, they could be reluctant to part ways with Necas following the loss of Guentzel, Teravainen and Kuznetsov.

LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN MONTREAL 690: Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline recently discussed the type of return the club could seek as they attempt to trade Patrik Laine.

The 26-year-old winger recently requested a trade but remains in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The Blue Jackets can still move him but neither they nor other teams can speak directly to him while he remains in the program.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell believes teams are interested in Laine but they’re waiting to speak with him first. Portzline speculates they might not seek a roster player because of their recent offseason additions. They could instead prefer a return of picks and prospects. Portzline also thinks they must retain part of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract remains the biggest sticking point once he’s released from the assistance program. He’s signed through 2025-26 and carries a 10-team no-trade list. Interested parties could ask the Jackets to retain up to half of his cap hit to facilitate a deal.

NO OFFER SHEETS LIKELY FOR HOLLWAY AND BROBERG

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins recently weighed in on speculation suggesting Oilers RFAs Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg could become offer-sheet targets by rival clubs.

Leavins noted that offer sheets are a rarely used tactic by NHL GMs, pointing out that players who sign them usually seek a change. That’s unlikely for Holloway and Broberg after they were in regular rotation with the Oilers during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and Broberg received praise for their performances during this postseason. They have bright futures in Edmonton and should receive bigger roles with the Oilers starting this season. It’s doubtful they’re keen to leave a serious Stanley Cup contender.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2024

by | Jul 15, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2024

Check out the latest on Hurricanes winger Martin Necas and Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette reports all signs pointed to Martin Necas getting traded this summer. The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is a restricted free agent who filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

The Hurricanes shopped Necas before and after the 2024 NHL Draft, getting into deep discussions with the Columbus Blue Jackets before talks fell apart.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

Lavalette believes it’s more likely Necas will return with the Hurricanes for 2024-25. Most NHL clubs have done their heavy offseason lifting. There’s a path for the two sides to a one-year deal between $5.5 million and $6.5 million via negotiation or arbitration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of a trade once Necas has a contract for this season. Interested clubs could be waiting to see how that shakes out.

Recent rumors had the Hurricanes talking with the Winnipeg Jets about a possible swap of Necas for winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million. Nothing’s materialized yet and there’s been no further speculation.

The best opportunity to move Necas may have passed. PuckPedia indicates that 18 clubs have less than $7 million in projected cap space. If any teams interested in Necas are among that group, they won’t have much room to take on his new contract and have enough to finish filling out their rosters unless it’s a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell remains hopeful of finding a trade partner for Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old winger requested a trade last month following a difficult season with the Jackets.

Laine is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The Jackets can trade him while he’s still in the program. However, neither they nor another team can speak directly to him. Waddell indicated interested clubs want to talk to Laine before making trade offers.

Portzline thinks the prime time to move Laine has passed but Waddell remains optimistic. He noted the lack of depth in the free-agent market could have clubs with cap room seeking scoring forwards to look into the trade market. The Jackets GM said he knows some teams remain interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking with Laine once he exits the player assistance program is the easy part. Moving him could be challenging. He carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list. Laine’s injury history hampered his production, affecting his trade values. Interested clubs could also want the Jackets to retain part of his AAV.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

by | Jul 7, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 7, 2024

The Hurricanes are said to be interested in Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers plus an update on Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

HURRICANES REPORTEDLY PURSUING NIKOLAJ EHLERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported on Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes were “pushing heavily” on Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. He believes it makes a lot of sense after the Hurricanes were forced to trade pending free agent Jake Guentzel to Tampa Bay last week.

Ehlers, 28, has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He’s rumored to be unwilling to sign an extension with the Jets. It was expected the Jets would try and move him at the 2024 NHL draft but they may have set too high of an asking price.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

Rosner suggested that the Jets could be hoping that clubs that missed out in free agency might start a bidding war for Ehlers. He thinks the Hurricanes could win that war if they offer up Martin Necas, but the Jets would have to include more than Ehlers in the deal as Necas has more value.

The New York Islanders were also rumored to be interested in Ehlers. Rosner speculates they still could be even after signing Anthony Duclair but wasn’t sure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff praised Ehlers following the draft, calling him an important piece of their lineup. We’ll soon find out if that’s the case. He won’t trade the winger simply for the sake of doing so and could prefer a younger player in return.

A one-for-one swap for Ehlers would make sense for the Hurricanes if there’s no contract resolution with Necas. The 25-year-old winger hasn’t generated much buzz lately in the rumor mill, leading some to suggest the Canes could reconsider trading him after losing Guentzel.

Necas filed for contract arbitration on Friday. That could be his way of setting a deadline to hammer out a new deal with the Hurricanes or another indicator that he has a short-term future in Carolina.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are still waiting for word that Patrik Laine has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to resume his playing career. The 26-year-old winger has been in the program since January.

The Jackets’ efforts to accommodate Laine’s trade request may have taken a big hit going this deep into the offseason. They can trade him while he’s in the program but GM Don Waddell said the clubs interested in Laine want to speak with him before making trade offers.

Teams that may have considered Laine probably already made moves to address their roster needs. The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly were among those teams and made an offer during the recent NHL Draft. They have over $11 million in cap space and plenty of room to take on Laine’s $8.7 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine could still be traded this summer. However, as Portzline indicated, his cap hit and uncertainty over when he’ll be out of the player assistance program will make it difficult for the Blue Jackets to find a suitable trade partner.

The Hurricanes could be out of the bidding for Laine if they’re attempting to acquire Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets. They carry sufficient cap room for Laine’s contract, but Necas, Seth Jarvis, and Jack Drury are seeking new contracts as restricted free agents. Jarvis alone could get a pay raise of over $5 million annually, which would eat up almost half of that cap room.