NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2024

by | May 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 11, 2024

The Oilers tie their series with the Canucks, the Panthers take a 2-1 series lead over the Bruins, the latest on the Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Evan Bouchard gave the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, tying their best-of-seven second-round series at a game apiece. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and three assists for the Oilers. Elias Pettersson tallied his first goal of the playoffs while Nikita Zadorov and J.T. Miller each had two points for the Canucks. The series moves to Edmonton for the next two games with Game 3 on Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 pm EDT.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl were the difference, answering criticism that they didn’t step up during the Oilers’ loss in the previous game. Draisaitl was a game-day decision after being listed as day-to-day after dealing with “cramping and equipment issues in Game 1.

Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has been sidelined since winning the opening game of their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. However, reports suggest he could be ready to return to action if this series reaches Game 6 or 7.

The Florida Panthers scored six goals for the second straight game to defeat the Boston Bruins 6-2 in Game 3 of their second-round series. Evan Rodrigues scored twice and Matthew Tkachuk collected three assists for the Panthers as they took a 2-1 series lead. Jake DeBrusk had a goal and an assist while Jeremy Swayman stopped 27 shots for the Bruins. Game 4 is on Sunday at 6:30 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins are in deep trouble. They were dominated for the second straight game, outshot 33-17 and allowing four power-play goals. Team captain Brad Marchand left this game after the second period with an upper-body injury and received little production from their other top-six forwards. Swayman did his best but couldn’t stem the onslaught.

Panthers center Sam Bennett returned to action after being sidelined by an injury during Game 2 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke returned from a finger injury suffered during Game 2 of their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes remain confident despite facing elimination entering Game 4 of their series with the New York Rangers. They’re attempting to become the fifth team in playoff history to win a series after overcoming a 3-0 deficit. The Canes are vowing to address the mistakes that have put them into their current predicament, including a punchless power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are putting up a brave front but some observers consider it empty talk. They’ve put themselves into a hole that history suggests is too deep to escape. Game 4 is Saturday at 7 pm EDT.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog appears no closer to returning to action a year after undergoing cartilage transplant surgery on his right knee. The timeline for his potential return was 12 to 16 months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landeskog’s last game was the Avalanche’s Cup clincher in 2022. He’s been traveling with the team and skating in morning practices in warm-up clothes. It remains unlikely he’ll return to the lineup in this postseason.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR: Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley, Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, and general manager Brad Treliving met with the Toronto press yesterday for their season-ending media session.

Pelley said the team’s goal remains winning the Stanley Cup while Shanahan and Treliving took responsibility for another early playoff exit. After years of patience with their roster core. they all indicated that changes could be afoot.

“Everything is on the table,” said Shanahan. “We will discuss everything.”

“We have really good players, but it hasn’t worked,” said Treliving. “We have to analyze why it hasn’t worked.”

Shanahan indicated a new head coach will have a say in those decisions. Treliving said they will conduct a thorough search for a new bench boss. Speculation suggests former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube is the front-runner.

Treliving also provided details on the injuries suffered by several Leafs players in the first round. Auston Matthews battled an illness and suffered a head injury in Game 4 that didn’t clear until the day of Game 7. Migraines sidelined William Nylander from the first three games. Bobby McMann sprained a knee in the last game of the regular season while forward Connor Dewar was scheduled for shoulder surgery on Friday.

TORONTO SUN: The Leafs granted permission to the New Jersey Devils to speak with former head coach Sheldon Keefe, who was fired by the Leafs on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve cited the main highlights of this press conference. Whether any of those issues are suitably addressed before the start of next season remains to be seen.

Asking Mitch Marner and John Tavares to waive their no-movement clauses could be what they’re referring to when they said everything was on the table. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July. Tavares previously indicated he intends to fulfill the final season of his contract with the Leafs while Marner remains hopeful of signing a contract extension.

The Leafs could hire someone other than Berube as their next coach but he appears to be the favorite for the job. His NHL experience and the Stanley Cup on his resume are strong enticements.

It was rumored Keefe might end up joining former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas with the Pittsburgh Penguins if bench boss Mike Sullivan resigned or was fired by Dubas. Another theory had Sullivan planning to leave Pittsburgh for New Jersey to fill their vacant head-coaching job. Both rumors seem unlikely with the Leafs permitting the Devils to speak with Keefe.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

by | May 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 10, 2024

A look at potential coaching candidates for the Leafs, possible coaching destinations for Sheldon Keefe and the latest on the Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan looked at potential coaching candidates for the Maple Leafs after they fired bench boss Sheldon Keefe on Thursday.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube topped Koshan’s list, followed by former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan, former New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft.

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour and Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan also made the list, along with former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau and Leafs assistant coach Guy Boucher.

TORONTO STAR: Brind’Amour is Kevin McGran’s top choice, followed by Berube, Gallant, former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason, former Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, and McLellan.

Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Berube is the betting favorite for the role. He was reportedly “intrigued” in the Ottawa Senators job but was weighing his options, prompting the Senators to hire Travis Green instead.

Berube, McLellan, Woodcroft, Evason and Hakstol were fired during or following this season in an unusually high turnover for coaches in recent months.

Brind’Amour’s name is out there due to recent rumors of difficulties in his contract extension talks with the Hurricanes. Both sides downplayed the speculation, claiming there’s close to a new deal. However, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if the Hurricanes end up swept from the second round by the Rangers.

There’s speculation suggesting Sullivan will quit the Penguins to join the New Jersey Devils because their general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, is an old friend. Pens GM Kyle Dubas recently issued a statement claiming the Devils haven’t sought permission to speak with Sullivan.

Berube is the front-runner to become the Maple Leafs’ new coach, but that could change if Brind’Amour becomes available.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR SHELDON KEEFE

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie looked at some landing spots for Sheldon Keefe following his dismissal as head coach of the Maple Leafs.

The New Jersey Devils are McKenzie’s top destination for Keefe, followed by the Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, the Kraken and the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe is under contract with the Leafs for two more years. Any club interested in hiring him must seek permission to do so. That will be our tip-off as to which teams are interested in Keefe.

The Devils are reportedly interested in interviewing Keefe for their vacant head coaching position. They’re also believed to have spoken to Berube.

Keefe is linked to the Penguins because Dubas hired him during his tenure as Leafs GM. It’s part of the “Sullivan-to-New Jersey” theory making the rounds. The Devils’ interest in Keefe would drive a stake through that rumor.

LATEST ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan isn’t commenting much on the future of Darcy Kuemper. The 34-year-old netminder struggled this season, losing his starter’s job to Charlie Lindgren.

MacLellan still believes Kuemper is a good goaltender and acknowledged his difficulties this season. The Capitals GM rejected the idea of buying out the remaining three years of Kuemper’s contract.

Despite recent trade rumors about Kuemper, MacLellan anticipates he’ll bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacLellan will listen if a team calls about Kuemper. However, that seems unlikely given his performance this season and his $5.25 million cap hit

Silber also reported that MacLellan intends to investigate this summer’s trade and free-agent markets in search of more scoring punch for the Capitals. He’s hoping to find a young top-six forward to take some of the pressure off aging captain Alex Ovechkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber mentioned Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Carolina’s Teuvo Teravainen and Vegas center (and former Capital) Chandler Stephenson could become available in this summer’s UFA market. Reinhart will likely be re-signed by the Panthers but Teravainen and Stephenson could be free-agent options.










Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Sheldon Keefe

by | May 9, 2024

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Sheldon Keefe

NHL.com: The Toronto Maple Leafs announced head coach Sheldon Keefe was fired. No replacement was named.

Keefe went on social media to accept the decision. He took responsibility for the Leafs’ postseason failures during his tenure.

“I didn’t get it done in the playoffs, I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job, I didn’t get it done.”

Former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe (NHL.com)

Keefe thanked the players and the Maple Leafs support staff. He added that he believes the club will win the Stanley Cup, telling Leafs Nation they deserve a championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt anyone was surprised by this news. Keefe’s comments say it all regarding his responsibility for the Leafs’ lack of playoff success over the past five seasons.

Keefe deserved his share of the blame but not all of it. He did what he could with the team that was built for him. He’ll land another NHL coaching gig at some point. In the meantime, he’ll still be on the Leafs’ payroll courtesy of the two-year contract extension he signed with them last year.

Former general manager Kyle Dubas and current GM Brad Treliving are also responsible for building the current roster. Dubas already paid the price when he was fired or quit (depending on which side you believe) last year. They’re not firing Treliving after only a year on the job.

Team president Brendan Shanahan also deserves his share. All of this is the result of his vaunted “Shanaplan”, investing heavily in a handful of stars but leaving little salary-cap room to bolster the supporting cast.

Many in Leafs Nation are calling for Shanahan’s firing. The fact he’s taking part in management’s press conference on Friday indicates he’s not going anywhere for now. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment may be content to let him finish the final year of his contract and see how things pan out.

The players – especially Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares – are also responsible. They bear the brunt of it from the fans during every loss and from the media afterward. Sometimes it’s warranted, sometimes not, but it’s a shared responsibility that comes with being an NHL player in the league’s most hockey-mad market.

The Leafs are in a better place compared to eight years ago. They’ve qualified for the playoffs in every season since 2016-17. During Keefe’s tenure, this version of the Leafs posted three of the best records in franchise history, with 115 points in 2021-22, 111 points last season and 102 points this season.

However, that’s small potatoes for a team and a fan base whose 57-year Stanley Cup drought is the league’s longest. Winning just one playoff series in five years wasn’t going to cut it.

Given the Leafs’ current top-heavy roster, ending their long Cup drought will be a daunting challenge for Keefe’s successor.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2024

by | May 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner, the Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault, and the latest updates on the Predators and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE LEAFS’ MITCH MARNER AGREE TO A TRADE?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should ask winger Mitch Marner whether he’d have any interest in waiving his no-movement clause.

Marner, 27, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. Koshan acknowledged he’s one of the best hockey players on the planet but his performance in the Leafs’ first-round series against Boston was underwhelming and not close to what a leader should provide.

Koshan suggested exploring the trade market to see if Marner would fetch a No. 1 defenseman. If not, they can use part of the money they would’ve invested in him to sign a top blueliner in next summer’s free agent market.

Meanwhile, Steve Simmons doubts Marner or team captain John Tavares will agree to waive their no-movement clauses. He thinks Marner might have some value in the trade market but it will be limited compared to his worth because he only has a year left on his contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Simmons dismissed the notion that Marner could fetch the Leafs any number of great young players as mostly fantasy. He believes the Leafs will be in a better position to address their needs next summer when Marner and Tavares come off their books.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner could agree to waive his NMC if Treliving tells him they won’t offer a contract extension or if he starts to feel the pressure of playing in Toronto is too much. If he does, however, the Leafs likely won’t get a great return even if he agreed to a contract extension with his new club as a condition of the trade.

I’ve seen some folks suggesting the Leafs offer up Marner to the Utah franchise straight up for Clayton Keller. That won’t happen. Keller is their best player and a foundation piece on a roster of good young players. He also carries an affordable $7.125 million annual cap hit through 2027-28. They’ll want to add someone who can play with him.

WILL JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT REMAIN WITH THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?

LAS VEGAS SUN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL/THE ATHLETIC: Jack Williams, Ed Graney and Jesse Granger report Jonathan Marchessault wants to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 33-year-old winger is among the few remaining original members of the club. He’s completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million and is slated to become a UFA on July 1.

“I’ve done everything I can to stay here,” Marchessault told reporters Tuesday as he and his teammates cleaned out their lockers for this season. “I know I’m a big part of this organization and team. I’ve proved that over the years.”.

“I’m pretty confident. I’d love to stay. This is my home. I’m part of the guys that started this. It’s the most proud thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Marchessault said he spoke with general manager Kelly McCrimmon and their chat went well. “He wants me back,” he said. “He likes me, obviously, and the feeling is mutual.” McCrimmon agreed the conversation went well, adding he’s had preliminary talks with the winger and his agent.

The problem is the Golden Knights’ limited salary-cap space. They have roughly $7.6 million available with 18 active roster players under contract for next season. A new contract for Marchessault could cost between $6 million and $7 million annually on a three or four-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will take plenty of salary-cap gymnastics to free up sufficient room to sign Marchessault and leave enough for the rest of the roster.

That means making a cost-cutting trade or two. All of the expensive Golden Knights have some form of no-trade protection. Four – Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl and Alex Pietrangelo – have no-movement clauses.

William Karlsson, Ivan Barbashev, Shea Theodore and Adin Hill carry cap hits of $4.9 million or higher and have modified no-trade clauses. One of them could become a trade candidate.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty and Gentry Estes report Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz said everything was on the table regarding his off-season plans for the club.

Trotz told reporters on Tuesday that he wants to build up his top nine forwards, adding more youth and speed to augment the top line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist.

“We’ve got some draft capital that will allow us to be flexible and use those assets to acquire (talent),” he said. “That’s what we’re going to have to do.”

Trotz could be leaning toward re-signing Juuse Saros rather than trading him. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year remaining on his contract. The Predators can re-sign him starting on July 1. Trotz said Saros wants to stay and he wants to keep him. “We’re gonna work hard on getting something done with him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros was the subject of frequent trade speculation often linking him to the New Jersey Devils. He’s earning an AAV of $5 million on his current deal and it will cost more to re-sign him. I don’t doubt Trotz’s sincerity about retaining Saros but it will be worthwhile to monitor those negotiations.

UPDATE ON THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting the Devils are speaking to multiple candidates for their vacant head-coaching job, including former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Devils hope to hire a new coach within 7-10 days. “They should have a clearer picture by the end of this week.”










NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2024

by | May 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2024

Check out the latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner, Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois and Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE LEAFS TRADE MITCH MARNER?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes a Mitch Marner trade makes sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 27-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. They cannot let him walk out the door for nothing.

Fox admits it would be difficult to move someone with an expensive salary cap hit ($10.9 million annually) like Marner. However, it’s not impossible, pointing to Jack Eichel and Erik Karlsson as recent examples.

The catch is how much Marner truly loves playing in Toronto. “That, we don’t know,” writes Fox.

At face value, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving can’t win a Marner trade. He’d risk the same criticism then-Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli faced in 2016 when he shipped Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for top-four defenseman Adam Larsson.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

However, Fox suggests Treliving “could properly disperse his dollars in a manner for fitting to team success.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s contract is the major obstacle in the path of a possible trade. It could adversely affect the type of return the Leafs might get.

The verdict is still out on the return the Sabres received from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Eichel deal. The Sharks might get an extra first-rounder in this year’s draft but they got little else in real value in last summer’s Karlsson trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With the right creativity, Treliving might pull it off. As to what that might be, your guess is as good as mine.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers should avoid trying to acquire Marner. While he’s established himself among the league’s premier players, his reputation as an inconsistent playoff performer is one reason they should pass on him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers fans have little to worry about. Marner has a full no-movement clause and the Flyers might not be among his preferred destinations. Besides, general manager Daniel Briere insists he’s still following a rebuilding path despite his club exceeding expectations this season. He won’t pursue Marner if he becomes available this summer.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary believes the Los Angeles Kings should bite the bullet and trade Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Montreal Canadiens. He cited the recent skepticism regarding Dubois’ future in Los Angeles and the speculation last summer regarding his desire to play for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazary’s column appeared before Kings GM Rob Blake’s press conference yesterday. Blake shot down speculation he might buy out Dubois’ contract, adding his club intends to work with him to improve his performance. That doesn’t sound like he’s planning to put the 25-year-old center on the trade block.

The Canadiens probably wouldn’t be interested in Dubois if Blake peddled him this summer. His $8.5 million annual average value for the next seven years is too expensive while the decline in his production will tank his trade value.

Maybe the Canadiens look into the availability of Arthur Kaliyev. Blake was critical of the 22-year-old winger, prompting speculation his time with the Kings could be over. He’s coming off his entry-level contract and could be an affordable reclamation project.

DUBOIS FOR KUEMPER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek suggesting the Kings ship Dubois to the Washington Capitals for goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

Both players could use a change of scenery. Dubois would have an opportunity to skate alongside Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin while Kuemper could address the Kings’ need for a starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silber does a good job explaining why that deal wouldn’t interest the Capitals. His contract and underwhelming play this season are the main reasons against it.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2024

by | May 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2024

A look at what the offseason could hold for the Golden Knights plus the latest on the Leafs and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark believes Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon faces several roster decisions this offseason. One of them is what to do about pending unrestricted free agents Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson.

Winner of the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, Marchessault is among the few remaining original members of the Golden Knights. He’ll be in line for a significant raise after all he’s done for them. So is Stephenson, who’s proven himself as a solid two-way forward who can anchor the second line and play in any scenario.

The Golden Knights’ limited cap space complicates things. They have less than $900k of projected cap space with 20 active roster players under contract.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Ed Graney wondered if Marchessault still has a future with the Golden Knights. He noted the 33-year-old winger is among the few “Golden Misfits” remaining but pointed out the club has parted ways with beloved players in the past (like Marc-Andre Fleury) and could so again.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault earned $5 million annually on his current contract while the 30-year-old Stephenson made $2.75 million.

The Golden Knights will get $5 million in cap relief if goaltender Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve next season. That might be enough to pay Stephenson a decent raise but not for Marchessault. They’ll have to shed salary to retain both. Heck, they might have to shed salary for Stephenson if they decide to part ways with Marchessault.

THE LATEST ON THE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR/TORONTO SUN/THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kevin McGran, Terry Koshan and Michael Traikos looked at the challenging offseason questions facing the Maple Leafs during the offseason.

Koshan thinks Brendan Shanahan could be down to his last gasp as team president. He wonders if Shanahan will change his tune after years of putting his faith in core players Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares and Morgan Rielly. Shanahan has one year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment could give Shanahan one more season to fix the problem. After a decade on the job, however, it’s time to thank him for his service and look at replacing him with someone who’ll bring a fresh perspective.

McGran and Traikos believe firing head coach Sheldon Keefe would be the easiest decision. The Leafs need a new voice behind the bench capable of getting them them to play a better-structured and disciplined system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe signed a two-year contract extension last year. General manager Brad Treliving could give him another shot behind the bench but that seems unlikely now. It’s time for a coaching change after only one playoff series win in five seasons.

They also believe it’s time to trade Marner as it’s no longer working for him and the Leafs. The 27-year-old winger holds all the cards given his no-movement clause.

McGran believes Marner might be better off playing for a southern US team like Tampa Bay or Utah where the spotlight won’t be as intense. Traikos mentioned Utah, Columbus, Seattle or even Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner might be open to a trade if management tells him he won’t get a contract extension. However, there’s no certainty under that scenario that he’ll agree to it. He could insist on finishing his contract with the Leafs hoping that a new team president or head coach can fight for him to be re-signed. If not, he can walk away next summer where he’ll find plenty of lucrative options elsewhere.

McGran also suggested the Leafs consider naming a new team captain, pursue a reliable starting goalie such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom (whom Treliving knows well), and beef up the blueline. Meanwhile, Traikos proposed finding a suitable defense partner for Rielly, re-signing gritty forward Tyler Bertuzzi, and bringing back Ilya Samsonov as a backup goalie on a reasonable contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have a projected cap space of $18.5 million with 16 active roster players under contract. That’ll hamper efforts to address most of their roster needs unless they can move Marner’s $10.9 million from their books.

UPDATE ON THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at the players who could stay or go for the Winnipeg Jets during the offseason.

Their untouchables include core players Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, Adam Lowry and Gabriel Vilardi. Pending UFA Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller are expected to depart via free agency but Dylan DeMelo, Brenden Dillon and Sean Monahan could be re-signed.

Ates believes Nikolaj Ehlers will be shopped and likely moved before the NHL Draft on June 28-29. The 28-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility and there’s some concern that they can afford to re-sign him. The Jets have floated his name in trade talks before and he could fetch someone to bolster their defense and/or bring in a first-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers carries an average annual value of $6 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. He’s been a productive second-line winger but does have an injury history that could dampen his trade value, though he did play the full 82-game schedule this season for the first time since 2017-18.