NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2024

by | May 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 22, 2024

Conference Finals storylines and Conn Smythe Trophy favorites, the Lightning reacquire Ryan McDonagh from the Predators, the Leafs introduce Craig Berube as their new coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: Tom Gulitti looks at the top 10 storylines to follow in the 2024 Conference Finals.

They include New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky facing each other in postseason competition for the first time since their departures from the Columbus Blue Jackets as free agents in 2019.

Gulitti also wondered if Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could take the next step and carry the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

The NHL.com staff listed their favorites thus far for the Conn Smythe Trophy. They include Draisaitl and teammate Evan Bouchard, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and teammate Vincent Trocheck, and Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Wyatt Johnston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You could include Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, though he isn’t the same presence as in last year’s postseason. Stars goaltender Joel Oettinger deserves a nod but Heiskanen and Johnston have stood out thus far. Rangers winger Chris Kreider’s hat trick in the series-clinching game against the Carolina Hurricanes earns him some recognition heading into the Conference Final with the Panthers.

HEADLINES

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning reacquired defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in exchange for two draft picks. The Predators get a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft and the Lightning’s second-rounder in 2025. They also sent the Lightning a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft that originally belonged to the Edmonton Oilers.

McDonagh, 34, spent nearly five seasons with the Lightning, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021. The Lightning traded him to Nashville in a cost-cutting move in 2022.

Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said he received a call last week from Predators GM Barry Trotz asking if he’d be interested in reacquiring McDonagh, who requested a trade during his exit interview. BriseBois leaped at the chance to reacquire the veteran blueliner, citing his importance to the Lightning’s defense corps.

McDonagh is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6.75 million. The Predators did not retain any part of his cap hit.

The move leaves the Lightning with over $5 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 18 active roster players under contract. BriseBois insists he can still work out a new contract for Lightning captain and pending free agent Steven Stamkos. “We still have some cap space to get done what I think we need to get done this off-season,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: BriseBois must trade to free up sufficient salary-cap space or acquire a player on permanent long-term injury reserve to give him some cap flexibility.

A cost-cutting trade means moving out someone like winger Brandon Hagel ($6.5 million AAV through 2031-32), center Anthony Cirelli ($6.25 million AAV through 2030-31), defenseman Mikhail Sergachev ($8.5 million per season through 2030-31) or blueliner Erik Cernak ($5.2 million annually through 2030-31) for draft picks and/or prospects.

Moving any of those players could create a weakness on their Lightning roster that proves difficult to address.

BriseBois acquired permanently sidelined defenseman Brent Seabrook from the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2021. With Seabrook’s $6.875 million coming off the Lightning’s books, BriseBois could consider making a similar move again. It would keep his current roster of active players intact while providing the necessary wiggle room to re-sign Stamkos, leaving enough to make some affordable additions.

THE TENNESSEAN: Trading McDonagh frees up nearly $7 million from the Predators’ books. They now have over $26 million in cap space. Trotz said he was more concerned with doing right by McDonagh but admitted his club now has salary-cap flexibility to make some moves this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s raised questions over what Trotz will do with his windfall and which players he’ll target. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumors update.

SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs officially introduced Craig Berube as their new head coach on Tuesday. “I’m going to bring my own style here in how we played the game,” said Berube. “Competitive. We don’t want to get outworked ever.”

Berube expects the Leafs to be a hard-working club that plays a heavy game, wins puck battles, earns their ice time, and moves their feet. “It’s all about the team for me,” he said. “Everyone is used. Everyone has a role. Playing predictable and north and playing as fast as we can.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube is expected to make the Leafs players more accountable. He’ll do his best to fulfill his part of the bargain but management must address the ongoing roster issues (a reliable starting goaltender, improved defensive depth) that have plagued this club during the “Shanaplan.”

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins captain Brad Marchand hopes to sign a contract extension “at some point.” The 36-year-old winger has a year remaining on his deal with an AAV of $6.175 million. He had 29 goals and 38 assists in 82 games this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand could get a two or three-year contract. It’s unlikely he’ll get a raise over his current AAV but it could be between $5 million and $6 million given his performance this season.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators hired Rob DiMaio as their director of player personnel and head of pro scouting. DiMaio spent the past two seasons as assistant general manager with the Anaheim Ducks and GM of their AHL affiliate in San Diego. Before that, he spent 13 seasons with the St. Louis Blues as director of player personnel from 2015 to 2022 and was named their director of scouting in 2012. His work contributed to the Blues’ Stanley Cup championship in 2019.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a smart hire by GM Steve Staios. DiMaio’s hiring should improve the Senators’ drafting and development of young players.

CALGARY SUN: Flames winger Martin Pospisil suffered a shoulder injury on Tuesday while playing for Slovakia in the ongoing IIHF World Championships. An X-ray revealed no fracture or dislocation. A further update is expected following an MRI.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 18, 2024

by | May 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 18, 2024

The Panthers and Stars advance to the Conference Finals, the Maple Leafs hire Craig Berube as head coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year after defeating the Boston Bruins 2-1 in Game 6 of their second-round series, taking the series four games to two. Gustav Forsling broke a 1-1 tie with 1:33 remaining in the third period. Anton Lundell also scored for the Panthers and assisted on Forsling’s goal while Sergei Bobrovsky made 22 saves for the win. Pavel Zacha scored and Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 shots for the Bruins. It’s the second consecutive year they’ve been eliminated by the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida did a superb job smothering Boston’s offense in this series. After a series-opening 5-1 victory, the Bruins scored two goals or less in each of the next five games. The Panthers’ penalty-killers limited their opponent to one power-play goal in the series.

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov briefly left the game in the third period after blocking a David Pastrnak shot with his left hand. He returned and completed the game, telling reporters afterward that he “felt great”.

Brad Marchand’s return to the lineup for Game 6 couldn’t prevent the Bruins’ elimination. If not for Swayman’s outstanding goaltending, this series wouldn’t have gone as long as it did. Bruins fans chanted his name in gratitude, moving the 25-year-old to tears. He wasn’t helped by his penalty killers, who gave up six goals in this series.

The Panthers will face the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals with Game 1 in New York on Wednesday, May 22, at 8 pm EDT.

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (NHL Images).

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene scored in double overtime to lift his club to a 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 of their second-round series, eliminating the Avs in six games. Stars captain Jamie Benn tied the game in the third period after the Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on Mikko Rantanen’s second-period goal. Jake Oettinger finished with 29 saves for the Stars while Avs goaltender Alexandar Georgiev turned aside 36. The Stars advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year and await the winner of the Edmonton Oilers-Vancouver Canucks series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dallas appeared to score in the first overtime but Mason Marchment’s goal was overturned following a league-initiated review after it was initially waved off. The claim was Duchene interfered with Avalance goalie Alexandar Georgiev but the Stars forward was outside the crease and was bumped by Avs defenseman Cale Makar. Despite winning the game and series, the Stars remained puzzled by the call.

The Stars got the win without center Roope Hintz. He missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury.

Roster depth made the difference in this series. Colorado Hockey Now’s Evan Rawal indicated four Avalanche forwards had more ice time in Game 6 than the Stars’ forward leader in ice time. The Avs couldn’t match the Stars’ overall depth in this series.

HEADLINES

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs announced Friday that Craig Berube is their new head coach. Berube spent five seasons with the St. Louis Blues, coaching them to the Stanley Cup in 2019. Fired by the Blues in December, Berube becomes the 40th head coach in Leafs history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube has a reputation as a straightforward, no-nonsense bench boss with little patience for players who don’t adhere to his game plan or put in a full effort. It will be interesting to see how well the Leafs players react under his guidance.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers need more production from captain Connor McDavid and winger Zach Hyman to stave off elimination tonight in Game 6 of their second-round series with the Vancouver Canucks. McDavid has one assist in his last three games while Hyman has been held off the score sheet over the same period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Give credit where it’s due, the Canucks have done a good job shutting down McDavid and Hyman. It’s not because of a lack of effort by those two.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet said it would be a stretch to expect Thatcher Demko to return to action in Game 6. Demko’s been sidelined by a lower-body injury following Game 1 of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. Arturs Silovs is expected to get his ninth straight start for the Canucks.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers hope their layoff until Wednesday’s start of the Eastern Conference Finals will benefit sidelined forwards Filip Chytil and Blake Wheeler. Chytil played in Game 3 but missed the remainder of their series with the Carolina Hurricanes. Wheeler was taken off long-term injury reserve after participating in full practices with his teammates this week.

CAP FRIENDLY: The 2024 second-round pick the Carolina Hurricanes sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Jake Guentzel trade does not become a first-rounder because Carolina failed to reach this year’s Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes also retain their 2025 fifth-round pick.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed enforcer Kurtis MacDermid to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.15 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is in response to the Rangers, a close division rival, having Matthew Rempe on their roster. He’s also well-liked by his teammates.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2024

by | May 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2024

What’s the latest on Mitch Marner? Could the Jets trade Nikolaj Ehlers this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST MARNER SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran suggested four trade scenarios if the Maple Leafs decide to move Mitch Marner, provided he agrees to waive his no-movement clause.

One option is offering Marner to the Nashville Predators with goaltender Juuse Saros as the centerpiece of a package return to the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros could be available this summer. He’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility and the Preds could move him to make room for promising Yaroslav Askarov. McGran speculated the Leafs would want Saros to sign a contract extension. He also indicated that Saros’ numbers weren’t that good this season.

Another could be sending Marner to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Adam Larsson and promising center Shane Wright. Marner would boost the Kraken’s top-six scorers. Larsson is a right-shot defenseman who could help the Leafs but they’d have to sign him to a contract extension. Wright has struggled so far at the NHL level but the Leafs could be more patient with him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken general manager Ron Francis is expected to shop for offensive depth this summer. He could part with Larsson for an established scorer. Wright showed signs of improvement with five points in eight games during his late-season call-up. Francis could be reluctant to part with him but maybe he’d consider it for someone like Marner.

McGran also suggested shipping Marner to Utah for Clayton Keller or to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Mikhail Sergachev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Marner would make a big splash for the former Coyotes in their new market. However, I don’t see them parting with Keller, who’s been an important part of their roster rebuild.

The Bolts won’t trade Sergachev because it would further deplete their defense corps. He’s also a left-shot defenseman, which doesn’t address the Leafs’ requirement for a right-shot rearguard.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Having looked at possible trade scenarios, McGran believes trading Marner will accomplish very little for the Leafs. He thinks they should keep the core five intact and see if they improve under a new head coach.

McGran doesn’t see the sense in moving out Marner for lesser players in return. He also doesn’t believe the 27-year-old winger wants out of Toronto.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan pointed to the big hole Marner’s potential departure would leave in their lineup. The winger was on pace for a 101-point performance this season with 85 in 69 games. He had 99 points in 2022-23, 97 the previous season and 94 in 2018-19. It won’t be easy to replace his production.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The emotion of another early Leafs playoff departure is giving way to sober second thoughts among some Toronto pundits. McGran’s colleague Damien Cox suggests the Leafs should instead focus on stabilizing their supporting cast rather than breaking up their Core Four forwards.

For all the talk of trading Marner or asking John Tavares to waive his NMC, there’s a good chance both players will return with the Leafs next season. Marner and Tavares hold all the cards and if they don’t want to be traded there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it. Sure, they could buy out the final years of their contracts but that won’t happen.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Leafs opt to keep their core four intact. They won’t get equal value in any return for Marner or Tavares which could provide justification to retain them, even at the risk of losing them for nothing to free agency next summer. Whoever they hire as head coach could also prefer having Marner and Tavares in the lineup.

JETS COULD TRADE NIKOLAJ EHLERS THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes Nikolaj Ehlers might not be with the Winnipeg Jets after this summer. The 28-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a $6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause. He’s eligible for UFA status next July.

Ehlers has put up first-line numbers playing second-line minutes. If the Jets cannot extend him they must find a way to move him for assets. He’s been shopping before but Ates indicates things could be different this summer.

Ates suggested offering up Ehlers to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Ehlers might also fetch a power forward like Lawson Crouse from “Utah HC.” The Carolina Hurricanes might be a fit if he brought back one of their high-priced defensemen like Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov or Jaccob Slavin.

Other proposed destinations include the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I like that swap of Ehlers for Chychrun but the latter could have the Jets on his no-trade list. Utah could be interested but might not want to part with Crouse. I don’t see the Hurricanes parting with Slavin. Burns could have the Jets on his no-trade list. Orlov lacks no-trade protection but the Canes would have to retain part of his $7.75 million cap hit to facilitate that trade.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck was asked what type of return Ehlers might fetch for the Jets. He suggested a top-four defenseman who (like Ehlers) is a year away from UFA eligibility like Chychrun or Slavvin (who Billeck admits is likely untradeable), along with Vegas’ Shea Theodore or the LA Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov. Billeck doubts those two will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve heard speculation suggesting the Golden Knights could move Theodore to free up cap room to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault. If so, they won’t want a player in return. As for Gavrikov, he’s got a full NMC.

Another option could be using Ehlers to acquire draft picks and use the $6 million savings in this summer’s free-agent market. Potential defense UFAs include Florida’s Brandon Montour, Carolina’s Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei and Vancouver’s Nikita Zadorov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the best option for the Jets but it does come with some risk. Those blueliners mentioned by Billeck could be unwilling to come to Winnipeg as free agents.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at whether Ehlers would be a good fit with the Washington Capitals. His offensive consistency could be what the Capitals need to bolster their production.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2024

What’s the latest Leafs speculation? Could the Avalanche part ways with Valeri Nichushkin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes whoever becomes the next head coach of the Maple Leafs will want to know what the team will look like entering training camp in September. They’ll want to know how serious the club could be about potential roster changes, which could include trading winger Mitch Marner if he agrees to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan suggested prospective Leafs coaches might want a chance to work with Marner. That could affect who becomes their next head coach as well as their roster plans for next season.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown looked at whether the Blackhawks could afford to acquire Marner if he becomes available in the trade market.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

One rumor making the rounds is the Marner-for-Seth Jones narrative. While the Leafs could use a defenseman of Jones’ caliber, they’re also trying to simplify their salary-cap situation. Taking his $9.5 million annual cap hit for the next six years isn’t optimal even with John Tavares’ cap hit coming off their books at the end of next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones’ contract is the issue I have with the proposed trade that would send the 29-year-old defenseman to Toronto as part of the return for Marner. When the Columbus Blue Jackets were shopping him in 2021, it was rumored the Canadian teams were on his 10-team no-trade list. If so, Jones won’t waive the NMC on his current deal to join the Leafs.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox wonders where the Leafs and team captain John Tavares go from here. The 33-year-old center has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $11 million and a full NMC.

Tavares has shown no inclination that he wants out of Toronto. However, his base salary for next season will be $910 after receiving his $7.04 million signing bonus on July 1. Fox believes that could make Tavares enticing to clubs like Chicago, Anaheim, San Jose and Buffalo that would prefer saving real dollars and have cap space to spare.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tavares won’t waive his NMC it won’t matter what his actual salary is and whether budget teams would be interested in him. At his age, he wants a Stanley Cup as soon as possible. He won’t win it by joining a rebuilding club.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons claims there is interest in Marner and Tavares around the league. “What they’re willing to give up, to take on an $11 million player, that’s the better question.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs won’t get equal value for Marner or Tavares if they agree to be traded. That doesn’t mean they’ll have to accept scraps and castoffs, but they won’t get a comparable talent in return.

Marner or Tavares probably won’t accept a move to a rebuilding club. They could prefer playing out next season in Toronto and trying their luck in next summer’s free-agent market.

Even if Marner or Tavares accepts a trade, the receiving team will want assurances they’ll sign a contract extension. No club will give up valuable trade assets for either guy if they’re going to depart next summer.

COULD THE AVALANCHE PART WAYS WITH VALERI NICHUSHKIN?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler thinks it’s time for the Colorado Avalanche to part company with Valeri Nichushkin after he entered Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He is suspended without pay until November when he can apply for reinstatement.

This is the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has needed a leave of absence to deal with personal issues. Keeler believes the Avalanche need a winger they can rely on to keep their Stanley Cup window open.

Keeler acknowledged Nichushkin’s issues that sent him into his second stint in the assistance program. However, he wondered if the Avalanche could trust him again after this. He considers the winger too unreliable and too much of a risk to be a pillar of the club’s core.

Nichushkin has six seasons remaining on his eight-year, $49 million contract. His 12-team no-trade clause kicks in next July.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes there is no easy answer for the Avalanche.

A league source confirmed Nichushkin’s $6.125 million AAV won’t count against the Avs’ cap payroll next season while he’s serving his suspension. It will apply once he’s reinstated and returns to the lineup.

Entering Stage 3 of the player assistance program isn’t grounds for contract termination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What’s important right now is that Nichushkin receives the necessary treatment and support. What happens with his playing career will have to wait until after he’s exited Stage 3 of the program.

The Avalanche could attempt to move Nichushkin once he’s served his suspension. Despite his skills, his trade value will be low after this. Any club willing to take the chance will want to see how well he performs over the remainder of next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

The Hurricanes force Game 6 with the Rangers, the Stars push the Avalanche to the brink of elimination, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes erupted for four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jordan Staal, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jordan Martinook and Martin Necas found the back of the net as the Hurricanes avoided elimination for the second straight game. Jacob Trouba opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period. This series returns to Carolina for Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A series that seemed all but done after Game 3 has become more intriguing and entertaining.

The Rangers looked sluggish in this contest while the Hurricanes were again determined to avoid the end of their season. They didn’t fall apart after Trouba’s shorthanded goal gave the Blueshirts the early lead. Staal’s tying goal following his impressive drive to the net seemed to suck the life out of the Rangers.

Heading back to Carolina, the Rangers remain in control with a 3-2 series lead. However, if the Hurricanes take Game 6, it’ll force a seventh and deciding game back in New York with all the pressure on the Blueshirts.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

The Dallas Stars are poised to advance to the Western Conference Finals following a dominating 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round series. Wyatt Johnston scored twice and collected an assist while Miro Heiskanen had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who’ve taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Casey Mittelstadt replied for the Avalanche. The series returns to Dallas for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars stormed from the gate in this game, outshooting Colorado 16-2 in the first period. They had a 3-0 lead midway through the second before the Avalanche finally got on the board.

Johnston continues to thrive in this postseason. The 21-year-old sophomore forward set a franchise record by scoring his 10th career playoff goal, the most of any Stars player before the age of 21, eclipsing Mike Modano’s previous record of nine. He added another to make it 11 goals. Johnston turns 21 today.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury after blocking a shot by Avs defenseman Scott Walker. There was no immediate update on his condition.

Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was sidelined by illness. Meanwhile, winger Jonathan Drouin returned for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during their regular-season finale.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin’s postseason is over after entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the 29-year-old winger failed a drug test.

Nichushkin entered the program in January and returned to the Avalanche in March. He will now be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and can apply for reinstatement in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche learned about Nichushkin on Monday morning. His teammates attempted to put a brave face on the situation but his absence affected their performance against the Stars in Game 4. Nichushkin’s nine goals in this postseason ties him with Edmonton’s Zach Hyman for the goal-scoring lead.

This is a major setback for the Avalanche and the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has required time away from the team to deal with personal matters. However, the important thing right now is he receives the treatment and support he needs to regain control of his health and his life.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy received a one-game suspension and blueliner Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday.

NHL.COM: The Oilers aren’t revealing their starting goaltender for Game 4 against the Canucks on Tuesday. Stuart Skinner started the previous three games but was replaced by Calvin Pickard following the second period of Game 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner has struggled against the Canucks with a .793 save percentage in those three games. Pickard could get the nod for Game 4.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney believes the league and on-ice officials should go before the media to answer questions about controversial calls. His comments come after his club was on the wrong end of a couple of calls in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney has a point but don’t hold your breath expecting the NHL to follow his advice. Commissioner Gary Bettman believes his league has “the best officials in the world.” Try not to let your eyes roll too far back into your head after reading that. 

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the 2024 NHL Awards on June 27.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier suffered a facial laceration playing for Switzerland against Czechia on Monday in the 2024 IIHF World Championships. He received stitches and returned to action as the Swiss won the game 2-1.

CITY NEWS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have interviewed former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube for their vacant head-coaching position. They’re also expected to speak with former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan this week. They’ve also been interviewed by the New Jersey Devils.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres promoted Seth Appert as an assistant coach. He was the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Rochester.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2024

by | May 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2024

We look at some possible trade destinations for Mitch Marner and goaltending options for the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MITCH MARNER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently looked at five destinations for Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger is willing to waive his no-movement clause.

Pittsburgh Penguins: They’re desperate to make the playoffs next year. Marner could be open to playing for Kyle Dubas again. He’d also have the opportunity to skate with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang.

Chicago Blackhawks: Marner would play alongside rising superstar Connor Bedard. Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones could be a good fit on the Leafs blueline if he would agree to waive his NMC to go to Toronto as part of the deal.

New York Islanders: They’re seeking a new direction. He would play alongside Mathew Barzal under head coach Patrick Roy on a team that wants to win immediately.

Anaheim Ducks: Winger Trevor Zegras has surfaced in trade rumors this season. The rebuilding Ducks need some veteran help. Marner might thrive playing in a market where there’s less media scrutiny.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Utah: Acquiring Marner would make a big splash for this club entering its first season in its new market. He would be instantly beloved there but without the harsh glare of the media spotlight.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve summarized Proteau’s article. He goes into greater detail regarding the pros and cons of those destinations.

We don’t know what teams Marner would agree to go to, if any. They could balk at the Leafs’ costly asking price. His $10.9 million cap hit for next season could be too expensive to acquire even if the Leafs agreed to retain part of it.

Nevertheless, expect Marner’s name to continue surfacing in the rumor mill in the coming weeks.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently suggested four trade scenarios the Maple Leafs might consider for Marner.

Columbus Blue Jackets: In return for Marner, the Jackets part with their 2024 first-round pick and promising forward Kent Johnson

Seattle Kraken: They part with young center Shane Wright and defenseman Adam Larsson.

Calgary Flames: They get Marner, prospect Fraser Minten, defenseman Timothy Liljegren and winger Nick Robertson. The Leafs get Jacob Markstrom (with 25 percent of his $6 million cap hit retained) and defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

Philadelphia Flyers: In a three-way deal involving the San Jose Sharks, they get Marner, the Leafs receive forward Scott Laughton, Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro, and San Jose’s 2024 second-round pick, and the Sharks get Flyers prospect defenseman Oliver Bonk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Credit Dixon for his creativity with these proposals, especially the three-team swap. Of course, it’s merely conjecture on his part as we don’t know if those clubs would be interested if Marner became available. Nevertheless, they provide at least a framework of the type of deal the Leafs would be looking for if Marner agreed to be traded.

Feel free to debate the merits of these proposals in the comments section.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looks at whether the Washington Capitals should look into acquiring Marner. She believes the acquisition of a single player won’t resolve their roster issues. The Leafs will set a high asking price and must retain part of his salary for the Capitals to take him on. Still, Silber thinks it’s at least worth looking into if the Leafs are willing to listen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t hurt to ask but I don’t see the Capitals as a serious bidder for Marner if he hits the trade block. They’re transitioning out veterans in favor of younger, affordable talent.

GOALIE OPTIONS FOR THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving will find it difficult to bolster his goalie depth behind Joseph Woll. Ilya Samsonov and Martin Jones are due to become UFAs on July 1. Samsonov is willing to return but will want more than a one-year contract.

Promising Dennis Hildeby will get an opportunity in training camp this fall to prove his worth, However, Koshan doesn’t expect the Leafs will go into next season with a Woll-Hildeby tandem. They need more experience between the pipes.

The free agent market provides few decent options. The notables include Cam Talbot, Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Lankinen, Alex Nedeljkovic and Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could surprise us by acquiring Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Boston’s Linus Ullmark, or Nashville’s Juuse Saros. Otherwise, goaltending will remain a question mark next season.