Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly close to sending winger Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Michael Bunting is believed to be part of the trade package going to Pittsburgh as he’s a healthy scratch tonight for “trade-related reasons.”  The Penguins and Hurricanes are still sorting out the details. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sitting up all night waiting for this deal to be consummated. If it happens later tonight, check out the details at the NHL Trade Tracker. 

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

San Jose Sharks trade winger Anthony Duclair to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Jack Thompson and a 2024 third-round pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Joel Edmundson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

Chicago Blackhawks traded winger Anthony Beauvillier to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 fifth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second time Beauvillier has been traded during this season. He was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Vancouver Canucks in November.

Colorado Avalanche acquired winger Brandon Duhaime from the Minnesota Wild for a 2026 third-round pick.

Arizona Coyotes trade defenseman Troy Stecher and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-rounder.

Nashville Predators acquired defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 third-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Yakov Trenin and defenseman Graham Sward.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2024

The trade deadline is Friday at 3 pm ET. Check out the latest on the Bruins, Stars, Sabres, Predators, Leafs, Lightning, Avalanche and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRADE RUMORS FROM JEFF MAREK’S LATEST “RINK FRIES”.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek shared some interesting trade speculation in his latest “Rink Fries” column.

Marek pointed out that Boston Bruins goaltending prospect Brandon Bussi will require waivers next season. He speculates they could draw on their depth between the pipes to address other roster needs. That doesn’t mean they’ll trade Linus Ullmark at the trade deadline as they can wait until the summer or next season to move him. Getting Jeremy Swayman signed is also a consideration.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cited a source claiming a market exists for Ullmark, citing Western clubs such as the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings that need help between the pipes.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark and Swayman are among the reasons the Bruins exceeded expectations by jockeying for first place in the overall standings in what’s supposed to be a transition season.

Moving one of them could help them add a center or a defenseman but it’s rare nowadays for a goalie (even a former Vezina Trophy winner) to fetch a significant return in the trade market. Bussi’s inexperience at the NHL level could weaken them down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit through next season won’t be easy to move. Too many teams have limited cap space. His 16-team no-trade clause also complicates things.

The Dallas Stars could look to add to their blueline despite acquiring Chris Tanev last week from the Calgary Flames. He speculates they could target Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers head coach John Tortorella recently said his club isn’t shopping Seeler. Nevertheless, they could listen to offers if someone is willing to overpay by offering up a first-round pick. If not, they’ll be content to stick with Seeler as they attempt to secure a playoff spot.

Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo could be on the move by the deadline. Marek cited his colleague Elliotte Friedman suggesting the New York Rangers as a trade destination. He also indicated that defenseman Erik Johnson’s name is in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers seek a reliable right winger to skate alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider on their second line. Okposo, 35, might be unable to address that need at this point in his career. The Blueshirts are linked to Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano.

Marek suggests keeping an eye on Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier. He’s on an expiring contract “and most likely to be moved” to make room for promising Spencer Stastney.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have surged up the standings over the last three weeks. They might not be as keen to move Carrier as they might’ve been a month ago. Still, Predators GM Barry Trotz could listen to offers if someone is willing to overpay for him.

THE LATEST ON THE LEAFS, LIGHTNING, AVALANCHE & CANADIENS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports rumors link the Maple Leafs to right-shot defensemen such as Matt Dumba of the Arizona Coyotes, Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier.

Koshan noted that Leafs GM Brad Treliving has two fewer assets to work with after trading a third-round pick and a sixth-rounder to acquire Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks last week. Lyubushkin was injured in Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers and the Leafs are hoping he won’t be out of the lineup for long.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes beat writer Craig Morgan believes Dumba’s value might be a third-round pick. However, that could rise to a second-rounder if the Coyotes are willing to retain half of his $3.9 million cap hit.

Like Seeler, the Flyers aren’t shopping Walker but could listen to offers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for the 29-year-old blueliner. They’re content to stick with him for the rest of the season if no one meets their asking price.

As I mentioned, Carrier surfaced in the rumor mill several weeks ago when the Predators faced falling out of the Western Conference playoff race. Their recent surge into the first wild-card position could make them less interested in moving him.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina believes Lightning GM Julien BriseBois will be in the market for players with term remaining on their contracts or those they believe they can keep beyond this season.

He noted that rumors have linked the Lightning to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. They need a replacement for blueliner Mikhail Sergachev as the latter is out for the season recovering from leg surgery. Placing him on long-term injury reserve frees up nearly $7.4 million in salary-cap flexibility.

Encina noted that the Lightning doesn’t have much draft capital to draw on for trade bait. They might have to use prospects such as Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning hold the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. BriseBois could swing a deal to shore up his defense corps and perhaps add a gritty checking forward. Given his recent trade history and the reports of Tampa Bay being Hanifin’s preferred destination, we can’t rule out the Lightning making another big splash.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak noted the Colorado Avalanche garnered more salary-cap flexibility by trading Kurtis MacDermid to the New Jersey Devils. That’s prompted speculation they’re preparing to be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.

Trying to outbid other teams will be challenging for the Avalanche. They lack a second and a third-round pick in this year’s draft and could end up dangling prospects such as Calum Ritchie, Mikhail Gulyayev and Sean Behrens as trade bait. Future salary-cap complications could result in a defenseman like Bowen Byram or Samuel Girard becoming a trade candidate if the Avs hope to land an impact player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peddling Byram or Girard should only be for a player they can retain beyond this season. It would be a waste of a quality asset to ship out one of them for a rental player.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted there’s no certainty the Montreal Canadiens will trade defenseman David Savard by the deadline. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The Canadiens aren’t eager to move him because he mentors their young blueliners. What is clear is the asking price starts with a first-round pick if a team wants the Canadiens to retain half of that cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu noted that Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Ryan Hardy has attended a few Canadiens games lately. He could be scouting Savard or conducting due diligence as the two clubs face each other on March 9 following the trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Jacob Markstrom and the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel plus updates on the Hurricanes, Flyers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

HANIFIN FOCUSING ON FLORIDA TEAMS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports it’s believed that the Tampa Bay Lightning are the preferred trade destination for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He felt if it were easy to do, it would have been done by now. “Everyone continues to work at it,” he said, adding that it remains to be seen how Hanifin and the Flames proceed if they can’t get a deal done with the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A significant hurdle will be landing a suitable return from the Lightning.

They have the cap space ($7.3 million) with Mikhail Sergachev on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season. However, they don’t have any first-round picks in 2024 or 2025 to draw on for trade bait plus they lack second and fourth-rounders in this year’s draft.

Meanwhile, their prospect pipeline is ranked 29th by The Athletic with Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier as their top young players. Trading one of them further depletes their prospect pool, which is a concern for an aging roster whose Stanley Cup window has likely closed.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports he’s been told the Florida Panthers are making a push for Hanifin. He wondered how that could affect core defensemen Brandon Montour and Gustav Forsling. Both of them are slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hanifin is willing to join the Panthers (currently in first place in the overall standings) and sign a contract extension it could affect Forsling. Like Hanifin, he’s a left-shot defenseman whereas Montour is a right-shot blueliner.

UPDATE ON MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman talked about Jacob Markstrom’s remarks on Friday where he said he felt the Flames could’ve handled his situation better regarding a rumored trade to the New Jersey Devils.

Friedman believes Markstrom is upset that Flames management approached him about the possibility of a deal with the Devils. He indicated he would be willing to consider going to New Jersey but then the plans changed and the trade didn’t happen. Then at some point, management informed Markstrom that they preferred to keep him because he’s playing great and the team is doing so well.

The Devils have identified Markstrom as their top target. Friedman has heard they’re prepared to revisit their interest in the Flames goalie this summer if they don’t acquire a goalie with term by the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sticking point in that deal was the Devils wanted the Flames to retain a portion of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. It fell apart because the Flames refused.

On Friday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils are now willing to take on Markstrom’s entire cap hit. Whether that prompts a change of heart for Flames GM Craig Conroy remains to be seen, especially with his club continuing to remain in the playoff hunt. If Markstrom is bothered by all of this he’s not letting it affect his performance.

PENGUINS SEEKING PROSPECTS OVER DRAFT PICKS FOR GUENTZEL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have told teams they’re more interested in acquiring two prospects as part of the return for Jake Guentzel over a prospect and a draft pick. If they must take back a contract in the deal, that could change the dynamic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas wants his roster to get younger as soon as possible without going into a full-scale rebuild. Prospects could get into the lineup quicker than draft picks.

Speaking of the Penguins, Friedman believes they’ve told sidelined winger Bryan Rust that they won’t ask him to waive his no-movement clause.

LATEST ON THE HURRICANES, FLYERS AND SABRES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock reports Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell could move one of his four goaltenders once starter Frederik Andersen returns to action. Andersen has been sidelined for most of this season with a blood-clotting issue.

The Hurricanes were once thought to be in the market for a goalie. However, that has quieted with the solid play of rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, Antti Raanta’s recovery from injury and the addition of Spencer Martin off waivers. One could be moved to free up salary cap space for the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raanta or Martin seems likely to hit the trade block or get placed on waivers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella said his team isn’t actively shopping defenseman Nick Seeler. Tortorella praised the 30-year-old Seeler, calling him “one of the true competitors that I’ve ever coached as far as he handles himself.”

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports the Sabres are getting more calls about Erik Johnson as the market for defensemen thins out following Chris Tanev’s trade to Dallas and Toronto’s acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin.

Like those two, Johnston is a right-shot blueliner. He’s also respected for his penalty-killing, shot-blocking and leadership. He’s also two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 3, 2024

The Flames honor Miikka Kiprusoff and rally to beat the Penguins, the Jets overcome a three-goal deficit to down the Hurricanes, the Predators pick up their eighth straight win, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Calgary Flames retired Miikka Kiprusoff’s No. 34 in a pregame ceremony and scored three third-period goals to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman and Yegor Sharangovich were the goal scorers for the Flames after the Penguins made it 3-1 early in the third. Sharangovich finished with two goals for the 30-25-5 Flames (65 points) as they picked up their fifth straight win and sit five points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. The Penguins sank to 27-23-8 (62 points) and are 10 points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kiprusoff earned the accolades and the undying love of Flames fans. He holds the franchise single-season records for wins (45), goals-against average (1.69), save percentage (.933) and shutouts (10), and is the franchise leader among goalies for games played (576), wins (305), GAA (2.46), SP (.913) and shutouts (41).

A five-goal third period lifted the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Sean Monahan netted the game-winning goal, Nino Niederreiter tallied twice and Josh Morrissey collected three assists for the Jets (38-16-5) as they sit in second place in the Central Division with 81 points. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov each had two points for the Hurricanes (36-19-6) as they remain in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 78 points.

Nashville Predators forward Cody Glass (NHL Images)

Nashville Predators forward Cody Glass netted his first career NHL hat trick in a 5-1 upset of the Colorado Avalanche. The Predators (35-25-2) extended their win streak to eight games and moved ahead of the Los Angeles Kings into the first Western wild-card spot with 72 points. Nathan MacKinnon scored and remains second in the scoring race with 101 points while his Avalanche (37-20-5) are third in the Central Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Predators, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports they’re making progress on a contract extension for forward Tommy Novak, who was a player of interest in the trade market as the March 8 deadline approaches. It’s also safe to assume that the Predators won’t be moving goaltender Juuse Saros as they attempt to lock down a playoff berth.

The league-leading Florida Panthers picked up their 10th win in their last 11 games by blanking the Detroit Red Wings 4-0. Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves for the shutout and Brandon Montour had a goal and two assists for the 41-16-4 Panthers as they sit atop the overall standings with 86 points. Patrick Kane’s points streak ended at 10 games as his Red Wings (33-22-6) hold the first Eastern wild-card berth with 72 points.

A shootout goal by Max Domi gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Ilya Samsonov stopped 32 shots while William Nylander scored to extend his points streak to 10 games as the Leafs (35-17-8) hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 78 points. Vincent Trocheck scored two goals and Alexis Lafreniere had a goal and two assists for the 40-17-4 Rangers, who sit second overall with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ilya Lyubushkin’s first game back with the Leafs after being reacquired from the Anaheim Ducks lasted two periods before leaving the game after taking a big hit from Rangers forward Matt Rempe. There was no immediate word postgame regarding his condition. Before the game, the Leafs activated forward Calle Jarnkrok off injured reserve and sent forward Nick Robertson to their AHL affiliate.

The New York Islanders picked up their third straight victory by upsetting the Boston Bruins 5-1, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five games. Kyle Palmieri led the way with a hat trick plus an assist for the 26-20-14 Islanders (66 points) as they sit six points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Marc McLaughlin scored for the 35-13-14 Bruins as they’re perched in third place in the overall standings with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins also lost forward Pavel Zacha as he left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. There was no immediate word following the game regarding his condition.

Speaking of the Lightning, they nipped the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on a shootout goal by Victor Hedman. Nikita Kucherov collected an assist to lead the scoring race with 105 points as the Lightning improved to 33-25-6 (72 points). The Canadiens dropped to 23-28-10 (56 points) and are winless in six of their last seven games (1-5-1).

A shootout goal by Jamie Benn gave the Dallas Stars a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Jason Robertson scored the tying goal for the Stars (37-17-9), who hold first place in the Central Division with 83 points. Magnus Chrona kicked out 36 shots for the 15-38-6 Sharks.

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Leon Draisaitl netted his 30th goal of the season and collected an assist and Connor McDavid had an assist to extend his points streak to 10 games. The Oilers (36-20-2) picked up their third straight win and vaulted over the Vegas Golden Knights into second place in the Pacific Division with 74 points. Eeli Tolvanen replied for the 26-23-11 Kraken (63 points), who are seven points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights were thumped by the Buffalo Sabres 7-2. Jeff Skinner and Owen Power each had a goal and two assists and Dylan Cozens tallied twice for the 29-28-4 Sabres (62 points). Brendan Brisson and William Karlsson scored for the 33-21-7 Golden Knights (73 points) as they’ve won just three of their last 10 games.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Tyson Foerster scored two goals in a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. Felix Sandstrom stopped 23 shots for the 32-23-7 Flyers, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 71 points. Vladimir Tarasenko and Thomas Chabot scored for the 25-31-3 Senators.

The St. Louis Blues kept their playoff hopes alive by taming the Minnesota Wild 3-1. Torey Krug had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours tallied his 20th goal of the season and Jordan Binnington turned aside 21 shots for the Blues (31-26-3) as they sit five points behind the Kings with 65 points. Jon Merrill replied for the 28-27-6 Wild (62 points) as they’ve dropped three straight and are eight points behind the Kings.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger scored in his third straight game in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Zach Werenski and Jack Roslovic each had two assists for the 20-30-10 Blue Jackets. Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Donato each had a goal and an assist for the 15-41-5 Blackhawks.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2024

Which teams are linked to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev? What forwards could the Oilers pursue? What’s the latest on the Sharks and Avalanche? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON HANIFIN AND TANEV

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis observed that the Calgary Flames have a stranglehold on the trade market as they carry three of the most desirable trade targets in defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

The likelihood of Markstrom getting traded remains low. He has two years left on his contract and has full control of the situation thanks to his no-movement clause, while his $6 million cap hit and the Flames’ high asking price make him too expensive for most teams to afford this late in the season.

Hanifin and Tanev are more likely to be moved as they’re pending unrestricted free agents who won’t be re-signing with the Flames. Patience by the club’s management could result in better returns for both players as the March 8 trade deadline approaches and more potential buyers accrue cap space.

Francis believes Hanifin could fetch a first-round pick, a top prospect and a roster player. The return for Tanev could be two pieces, including a second-rounder. However, the goal is to net a first-round pick.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources as saying the Dallas Stars have shown strong interest in Tanev. Other right-shot defense options include Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker and Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin.

Sean Gentile believes it’s possible for the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire Hanifin. It could include giving up a prospect such as Isaac Howard or Ethan Gauthier and their 2026 first-round pick as part of the return.

Jonas Siegel considered Hanifin and Tanev among the logical fits for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One reason there’s been no activity in the trade market since Feb. 2 is because teams are waiting to see where Hanifin and Tanev are traded. The longer the Flames wait, the more likely the possibility of buyers stepping up to meet their price for both blueliners.

The Stars could be better positioned to land Tanev. They’re trying to win the Stanley Cup this season and might be willing to part with a first-rounder.

As for the Lightning and Hanifin, that might make sense if they intend on signing him to a contract extension. Still, they’ve depleted a lot of their prospect pool over the years trying to maintain a Cup contender. They also have 16 active roster players under contract for next season with $10 million in projected cap space and captain Steven Stamkos to re-sign or replace.

Hanifin would be too expensive for the Leafs and wouldn’t address their need for a right-shot defenseman as Tanev would.

COULD DEBRUSK OR MANTHA LAND WITH THE OILERS?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL source wondering if the Bruins will retain Jake DeBrusk for the playoffs or trade the pending UFA winger to a club like the Edmonton Oilers seeking a postseason rental forward.

There’s been no indication that DeBrusk’s representatives and Bruins management are any closer to a contract extension as the trade deadline approaches. Meanwhile, Murphy cited a belief around the league that the winger’s hometown Oilers or the Calgary Flames would try to bring him home to Alberta.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Noah Hanifin straight up for DeBrusk with both players agreeing to contract extensions with their new clubs. I’m kidding of course…or am I?(Insert wink emoji here).

Meanwhile, the Oilers could have some interest in DeBrusk but I don’t think they’d have what the Bruins would want in a trade package. The Bruins will probably stick with him for the rest of this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency on July 1.

SPORTSNET: During their latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers acquiring Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals. The 29-year-old winger is putting up good numbers this season with 18 goals and 29 points in 52 games.

Friedman noted that Oilers general manager Ken Holland drafted Mantha during Holland’s tenure as GM of the Detroit Red Wings. He also mentioned the Oilers have been linked to Anaheim Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick and San Jose Sharks forward Luke Kunin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Mantha only works for the Oilers if the Capitals retain half of his $5.7 million cap hit. The same goes for the Ducks and Henrique with his $5.825 million. Carrick and Kunin are much more affordable for the Oilers in terms of cap hit and return.

LATEST SHARKS SPECULATION

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Anthony Duclair said he hasn’t had any contract extension talks with San Jose Sharks management. That’s another indication that Sharks GM Mike Grier intends to move the 28-year-old winger by the March 8 trade deadline.

Duclair said he’s seeking a long-term contract and was open to re-signing with the rebuilding Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards believes the Panthers should bring back Duclair, pointing out how well he played for them over the previous two seasons. The Panthers traded him to San Jose last summer as a cost-cutting measure.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng reports the agent for Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said the club isn’t actively shopping his client. Peng observed that doesn’t mean Ferraro won’t be traded if a club made a tempting offer. Nevertheless, he believes they’ll hang onto the 25-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier might listen if someone offered up a first-round pick for Ferraro. However, Peng cited league sources saying clubs would trade a second or third-round pick for him.

HOW WILL NICHUSHKIN’S RETURN AFFECT THE AVALANCHE’S TRADE PLANS?

THE DENVER POST: That was the topic discussed by Sean Keeler and Corey Masisak following word that winger Valeri Nichushkin had returned to practice with the Colorado Avalanche.

Masisak believes they need a center who can play second or third-line minutes but admitted that could be difficult to achieve given their salary-cap limitations. Keeler would like to see them add a playoff-worthy 1B goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have just $1.2 million in projected trade deadline cap space with Gabriel Landeskog and Pavel Francouz on long-term injury reserve. They’ll have to move out some salary if they hope to address either need.