NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2024

by | Oct 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Canadiens and the Utah Hockey Club are exploring the trade market plus updates on Panthers forward Sam Bennett and Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson.

CANADIENS, UTAH SHOPPING AROUND FOR DEFENSEMEN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports he’s been talking with teams around the league who say that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has started making calls to conduct due diligence and determine which players might be available in the trade market.

He believes Hughes is open to making a move that could shake up his roster a bit and help his rebuilding club win some games this season. So far, there’s no activity in the trade market and nothing imminent for the Canadiens.

LeBrun points out the Canadiens aren’t going to mortgage their future as their long-term plan remains in place. They also have limited cap space this season so any deal would have to be dollar-in, dollar-out.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet the Canadiens are checking prices for a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens aren’t the only team looking for that kind of blueliner…

LeBrun also said the Utah Hockey Club is looking to plug some holes in their defense with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined for months recovering from surgeries.

They’ve reportedly contacted the Columbus Blue Jackets about Ivan Provorov. The 27-year-old rearguard is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July and could be in demand as a playoff rental player by the March 7 trade deadline. However, the Blue Jackets aren’t ready to part with him yet as they don’t want to take away from their roster this early in the season.

LeBrun mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs might be open to moving Timothy Liljegren. However, the 25-year-old might not appeal to Utah because he has term remaining on his deal. Liljegren is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $3 million.

Darren Dreger pointed out that Dante Fabbro of the Nashville Predators might be available. The 26-year-old has been available before in the trade market. He also carries an affordable $2.5 million cap hit. Dreger noted the Predators are in the market for a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also mentioned Utah could shop around for a right-shot defenseman. He also mentioned the emergence of Michael Kesselring has partially alleviated that problem. LeBrun believes they’ll look to within and see if they can ride this out. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring if losses mount because of their depleted defense.

Friedman also pointed out that Predators GM Barry Trotz wants to add a center. Maybe there’s a deal there to be had with the Canadiens or Utah.

LATEST ON BENNETT AND GIBSON

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports the Florida Panthers could find it trickier getting Sam Bennett under contract compared to their signings of Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe. He claims both sides are miles apart with little chance of a resolution anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson will soon return to the lineup following an emergency appendectomy earlier this month. Kypreos claimed the Carolina Hurricanes were close to acquiring the 31-year-old netminder in the offseason but the deal fell through. Interest in Gibson could heat up with Colorado, Detroit and Pittsburgh having problems between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson carries an AAV of $6.4 million through 2026-27. Kypreos claims Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is willing to retain part of it if he gets a top asset in return. We’ll see if one of those teams will bite.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2024

by | Oct 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, three teams seek a center, contract speculation about Alexis Lafreniere and Wyatt Johnston, and the latest on Utah HC and the Leafs.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz said that not much is happening in the NHL trade market right now.

“No one is trading anyone right now. I would like to get a center, but no one is giving their centermen away,” said Trotz during a recent interview with The Game in Nashville.

The Calgary Flames are in the market for a right-shot center. GM Craig Conroy said he’s not parting with a first-round pick for a player who would only be with his team for a year. “But if it was a first-round pick for a guy who would be here long term, we would be open to that,” said Conroy.

Friedman indicated the Florida Panthers are also looking for a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since the implementation of the salary cap in 2005, October tends to be a dead month in the trade market once the regular season begins. The few deals that occur usually involve low-cost depth players. The Predators, Flames, and Panthers could be waiting until the calendar flips to 2025 to find those centers. 

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

The New York Rangers prefer to sign Alexis Lafreniere to a maximum-term eight-year contract. However, Friedman isn’t convinced the 23-year-old winger wants that as it would take him up to age 31 before he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Rangers and Lafreniere discussed eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. The length of that deal could be the sticking point in their negotiations.

Friedman speculates the Dallas Stars could offer forward Wyatt Johnston over $8 million annually on his next contract. They signed goaltender Joel Oettinger to an $8.25 million AAV while defenseman Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz each received $8.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston is in the final season of his three-year entry-level contract. He lacks arbitration rights, which gives Stars management leverage in their negotiations.

The Utah Hockey Club is determined not to overpay finding replacements for sidelined right-shot defensemen Sean Durzi (four to six months) and John Marino (three to four months). “No panic, short-term moves,” writes Friedman, noting the emergence of Michael Kesselring has helped.

Friedman also noted that Utah is deep with forwards and 21-goal scorer Michael Carcone is off to a slow start this season. He believes someone will give Carcone a spot if he can’t find one in Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carcone was a healthy scratch in four of Utah’s seven games leading into Thursday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. He could become a trade chip for a defenseman.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted Utah HC’s blueline dilemma, suggesting that club could be a good trade destination for Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren.

Liljegren, 25, has been the subject of frequent trade speculation this month. With an AAV of $3 million, he’s been an expensive healthy scratch for the Leafs. He could benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah currently has over $8.2 million in cap space so they can easily afford Liljegren’s cap hit. He’s the right age and under contract through 2025-26. The question is, do they see him as a suitable addition to their blueline? Stay tuned…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered if the Leafs will eventually attempt to move forwards Ryan Reaves and David Kampf. He believes roster changes are coming once their sidelined players return from injury.

Reaves hasn’t done much in his four games thus far, averaging a team-low 8:15 of ice time. Meanwhile, Kampf has played five games and his ice time has decreased since last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It won’t be easy moving either guy. Reaves carries an affordable $1.35 million cap hit through next season but at 37 he’s past his prime as an agitating forward. Kampf, 29, carries an AAV of $2.4 million through 2026-27 and a 10-team no-trade list.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2024

by | Oct 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2024

The Leafs down the Lightning, the latest on Panthers center Anton Lundell and Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, and injury updates on Anthony Duclair, Alexis Lafreniere and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 in the only NHL game on Monday. William Nylander scored twice and collected an assist, Auston Matthews scored for the third straight game and Anthony Stolarz made 32 saves for the Leafs. Nick Paul and Brayden Point replied for the Lightning, who pulled goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy after he gave up four goals on 14 shots.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards reports Panthers center Anton Lundell is gaining more recognition for his two-way play. He’s performed well filling in for sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov on the Panthers’ first-line centering Sam Reinhart and Eetu Luostarinen.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lundell started drawing attention around the league during the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup last spring, earning the nickname “Baby Barkov”. The 23-year-old is off to a hot start this season, sitting second in team scoring with eight points in seven games.

Lundell will move out of that first-line role when Barkov returns but he’s shown that he can handle top-line minutes when required.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Lane Hutson is settling in well with the Canadiens. The 20-year-old defenseman has four assists in his first six games while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game, including over 30 minutes during the Canadiens’ 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson began this season among the favorites to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year. It remains to be seen how the rest of his season pans out but he’s off to a good start, drawing positive reviews from his coaches, teammates and Canadiens fans for his creativity and puck-possession skills.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said winger Anthony Duclair will be sidelined for a while. He injured his right leg during Saturday’s game against the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello also said the injury won’t end Duclair’s season. Nevertheless, his absence will deplete the Isles’ popgun offense.

Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere missed practice on Monday with an upper-body injury but skated on his own after the session ended. He’s listed as day-to-day and isn’t expected to miss much time.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks GM Mike Grier said Macklin Celebrini is expected to be out for at least two more weeks as he recovers from a hip injury. The 18-year-old rookie center suffered the injury during training camp but played in the Sharks’ season opener on Oct. 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier indicated that Celebrini’s injury was an off-and-on issue, adding the youngster claimed he felt great in the lead-up to their season opener.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Kraken placed defenseman Vince Dunn (upper body) on long-term injury reserve retroactive to Oct. 17. The earliest he can return to action is Nov. 12.

OTTAWA SUN: Goaltender Linus Ullmark (strain) and center Ridly Greig (upper-body injury) are expected to return to action in Tuesday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils sent defenseman Seamus Casey to their AHL affiliate in Utica after eight games. Head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated the return of sidelined defensemen Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce is imminent.

DAILY FACEOFF: Vegas Golden Knights winger Victor Olofsson is week-to-week with a lower-body injury suffered during last Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Kennedy reports a source told him the next NHL collective bargaining agreement could include a rule permitting AHL eligibility for 19-year-old Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players.

Under the current CBA, CHL-eligible players must be 20 years old by Dec. 31 of the select calendar year or have played four years of Junior A hockey to become eligible for pro hockey in the AHL. Unless 18- and 19-year-old players play more than nine NHL games, they must return to their CHL team, which retains their rights until age 20.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

by | Oct 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2024

More suggested goalie options for the Avalanche and more proposed trade destinations for Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak recently examined the Colorado Avalanche’s goalie woes.

Masisak thinks starter Alexandar Georgiev still has enough of a track record to sort out his inconsistent play. Their internal options aren’t great if Georgiev doesn’t improve. Backup Justus Annunen is a wild card and it would be risky to make him the starter for more than a short period. Kaapo Kahkonen has never proven to be a No. 1 goalie for a significant period.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (NHL Images).

Options in this season’s trade market could include pending unrestricted free agents like Washington’s Logan Thompson or Charlie Lindgren, Detroit’s Alex Lyon, Calgary’s Dan Vladar, San Jose’s Mackenzie Blackwood or Vitek Vanecek, and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka. The latter four would require salary retention to fit them within the Avs’ limited cap space.

Masisak also looked ahead toward this summer’s free-agent market where the pickings are slim assuming the New York Rangers re-sign netminder Igor Shesterkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been suggested the Avs attempt to acquire John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks assuming the Ducks retain half of his $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27 and also accept Georgiev in return.

The Avs are in a bind with no immediate solutions given their cap constraints and the lack of suitable options in the trade market this early in the season.

SPORTSNET: David Morassutti proposed several trade destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren following his season debut against the Los Angeles Kings last week.

Liljegren’s future has been a topic of speculation after sliding down the Leafs’ blueline depth chart. His $3 million annual average value through 2025-26 could also create a salary-cap headache for management.

Morassutti suggested the Utah Hockey Club, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential destinations for Lilejegren.

Utah’s blueline got thin with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined by injuries. The Stars’ defense could use more depth on the right side. The Blackhawks and Ducks are rebuilding teams that could benefit from a veteran rearguard in his mid-twenties. The Penguins need to bolster their defense and the struggling Blue Jackets have the cap space to add to their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly aren’t rushing to move Liljegren partly because of the uncertain health of their own defense corps. That could change as the season advances but it’s difficult to find suitable trade partners for a defenseman carrying a $3 million cap hit if he’s spending most of his time in the press box.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 17, 2024

by | Oct 17, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 17, 2024

A milestone game for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Auston Matthews tallies his first of the season, the Avalanche are off to their worst start in years, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby netted his 1,600th career point and teammate Evgeni Malkin reached the 500-goal plateau in a 6-5 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Crosby scored the winning goal and collected two assists, including setting up Malkin’s milestone goal. Malkin also picked up three assists to lead all NHL scorers with 11 points. JJ Peterka scored twice in his first game with the Sabres since suffering a concussion against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 5.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby is the 10th player to reach 1,600 points and the fifth-fastest to do so (1,277 games), sitting behind Wayne Gretzky (667 games), Mario Lemieux (812 games), Marcel Dionne (1,164 games) and Jaromir Jagr (1,274 games).

Malkin is the third player in Penguins history to reach 500 goals, joining Lemieux and Crosby. He’s the eighth European player to do so, following Alex Ovechkin, Jagr, Teemu Selanne, Jari Kurri, Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa and Peter Bondra.

Before this game, the Penguins demoted forward Rutger McGroarty to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews scored his first goal of the season and his first as team captain to lead his team over the Los Angeles Kings 6-2. Matthews also picked up two assists, Bobby McMann tallied twice and Mitch Marner had three helpers. Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala replied for the Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have won three straight after dropping their season opener while the Kings have lost three straight since winning their first game of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Kings designated defenseman Joel Edmundson non-roster player status as he left the team to return home for family reasons.

The Colorado Avalanche dropped their fourth-straight game in a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. Hampus Lindholm had a goal and an assist and David Pastrnak also scored for the Bruins. Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar each had a goal and two assists for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was 1998-99 when the Avalanche last started a season 0-4-0. That club rallied to finish second overall in the Western Conference with 98 points. Given their sloppy defense and porous goaltending, it remains to be seen if this version can rally back.

An overtime goal by Leo Carlsson lifted the Anaheim Ducks over the Utah Hockey Club 5-4. Pavel Mintyukov scored two goals and Mason McTavish picked up two assists for the Ducks. Jack McBain and Michael Kesselring each had a goal and an assist for Utah.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Jake Guentzel is settling in quickly with the Lightning after signing with them during the summer. He’s playing on the top line with center Brayden Point and right wing Nikita Kucherov and has three assists in his first two games.

Point and Lightning coach Jon Cooper praised Guentzel’s skill and hockey IQ. Cooper also noted how calm the 30-year-old winger is in his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel is used to playing with elite talent after spending several years skating alongside Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. He also showed how well he could adjust to a new team following his trade last March from the Penguins to the Carolina Hurricanes.

TSN: Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark missed his last game with a strain but is expected to play in Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

Defenseman Thomas Chabot is ok after leaving practice on Wednesday following a collision with teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker and won’t miss any playing time. Meanwhile, blueliner Artem Zub will miss at least a week with a concussion.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (upper body) is expected to be sidelined short term.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues defenseman Nick Leddy could miss Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks will recall defenseman Erik Brannstrom and have sent center Aatu Raty to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks forward William Eklund is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks as he deals with a nagging upper-body injury.

MSN.COM: On Wednesday, Carolina Hurricanes forward Brendan Lemieux and Blue Jackets forward Dylan Gambrell were placed on waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2024

by | Oct 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs, Oilers, Flames and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings. Liljegren, 25, was a healthy scratch from the Leafs’ first three games.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).

Dreger speculates it could fuel recent trade speculation about Liljegren or maybe some of it will fade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman listed the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Kings as logical destinations for Liljegren. All five could use depth in right-side, right-shot defensemen.

Turning to the Oilers, Dreger believes the frustration surrounding the team over its poor start to this season is coming externally rather than from within the organization. He claims there’s no sense of panic among management at this stage. They’re not pointing fingers at any one area but believe the team as a whole must improve.

Nevertheless, Dreger suggests they could use an upgrade on defense. He pointed out that Kevin Shattenkirk remains available in the unrestricted free-agent market. The 35-year-old defenseman is a right-hand shot who wants to chase the Stanley Cup and wouldn’t be an expensive addition. Dreger is surprised that Oilers general manager Stan Bowman hasn’t embraced that opportunity.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported the Oilers reached out to Shattenkirk earlier this month. Maybe he’s asking for more money than they can afford or perhaps Bowman had second thoughts.

Pierre LeBrun believes Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy doesn’t understand why people expect him to be a seller this season. He claims Conroy has done all the fire sales that he’s going to do over the past 12-15 months.

LeBrun points out that the core Flames people believe could get moved (Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Blake Coleman) are under contract beyond this season. Conroy believes those players want to be part of the club’s transition and he wants them to be a part of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri and Weegar are also on expensive long-term contracts with no-movement or no-trade protection. Coleman is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.9 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

LeBrun also noted that Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake is in the final season of his contract. However, he’s comfortable with this situation as he has a great relationship with Kings president Luc Robitaille.

Blake did the same thing with his previous contract and was re-signed. There could be more pressure on him this time as the Kings failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons. Nevertheless, he’s comfortable seeing how this season unfolds before having contract discussions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blake’s critics cited his recent string of questionable moves during the offseason. Another early playoff exit or missing the postseason could prompt a management shakeup.