NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2023

by | Oct 28, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2023

Could the Flames’ sputtering start affect efforts to re-sign Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm? Which players could be early-season trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In his recent “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman wrote that the Calgary Flames will continue to close in on a contract extension for Noah Hanifin despite the club’s rocky start to this season. Hanifin turns 27 in January and is in his playing prime plus he’s more open to an extension than he was at the end of last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the Flames’ negotiations with Hanifin may have hit a bit of a snag because of their shaky start to this season. He suggests that it leaves a lot of questions about where they go next as they attempt to sign pending unrestricted free agents such as Hanifin and Elias Lindholm.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli goes on to say the Flames don’t want to become “the New York Islanders of the West” where they have a team locked into long-term contracts with a group of players that can’t get over the hump.

So far, it seems like Flames management wants to retain core players like Hanifin and Lindholm. How much willingness there will be from both sides to continue those negotiations could depend on whether this club can snap out of its early-season swoon.

EARLY SEASON TRADE CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Also in this week’s “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman listed five players whose teams would like to move them or they might welcome a trade. They are Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia, Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland, San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc, Washington Capitals winger Anthony Mantha and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman acknowledged cap space is tight and rosters are short around the league. It could take some time for those players to get traded during this season.

Garland has garnered the most attention after the Canucks allowed his agent permission to speak with other clubs about a trade. However, his $4.95 million cap hit through 2025-26 seems to be difficult to move right now.

Armia started the season with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. He was recently recalled but hasn’t seen any NHL action yet this season. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an annual average value of $3.4 million.

Labanc’s in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4.725 million but his production’s been in decline since his career-best 56-point effort in 2018-19. Mantha is also in the last year of his contract and has struggled offensively since his career-high 48 points in 2018-19 with the Detroit Red Wings. His $5.7 million cap hit for this season is the most expensive of this bunch.

Peeke is in the first season of a three-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million. The Blue Jackets are reportedly looking to move a defenseman now that promising David Jiricek has earned a regular roster spot. Peeke’s been a healthy scratch for every game except the Jackets’ season opener. Adam Boqvist is another Jackets blueliner who has surfaced as a trade candidate.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

by | Oct 26, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2023

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest Canadiens speculation plus a look at why the Jets didn’t opt for a rebuild during the offseason.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico recently noted that the Canadiens’ early-season injury woes provide them with an advantage in salary cap space.

The Canadiens have $15 million in relief space with Carey Price and Christian Dvorak on long-term injury reserve. Dvorak is expected to return to action in November but Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee injury would still ensure they have over $13 million in cap relief once Dach is placed on LTIR. Defenseman Chris Wideman is also out indefinitely and can also be placed on LTIR.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL.com).

D’Amico suggests the Canadiens could use this wiggle room to help teams shed some salary, like the Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators. He noted that the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Blue Jackets’ Adam Boqvist, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha and the Senators’ Mathieu Joseph are all currently on the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was inclined to help those clubs directly or as a third-party broker he’ll want them to include a draft pick or prospect as part of the return.

Hughes could keep his powder dry for now as he accrues cap space over the course of the season. Making an early-season move might bite into that when he could be in a good position to get a better return closer to the March 8 trade deadline.

THE FOURTH PERIOD: Dave Pagnotta recently noted the Canadiens recalled Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He pointed out that they attempted to trade the 30-year-old forward during the offseason and re-engaged in trade talks last week. Armia has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armia also lacks no-trade protection so the Canadiens can send him anywhere if they find a trade partner. His cap hit is difficult to move this early in the season with so many teams pressed against the $83.5 million ceiling.

Nevertheless, they could try to sweeten the deal by retaining part of his cap hit. They’re already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry for this season but have one retention spot left.

There’s a rumor flying around suggesting that the Canadiens could use Armia as a trade chip to broker a deal that would involve sending Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland to another NHL club. The Habs were a third-party broker in the August trade that sent Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

WHY DIDN’T THE JETS REBUILD THIS SUMMER?

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Winnipeg Jets co-owner Mark Chipman explained why his club opted to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele rather than start rebuilding the roster this summer.

Chipman talked about how long it would take to stage a rebuild as well as the cost. Dreger indicated that it was decided that the market couldn’t sustain a historic rebuild and instead is investing in the here and now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That doesn’t bode well for the Jets’ long-term future unless they can draft and develop young players who transition well into their lineup. Enticing veteran talent via free agency or acquiring it via trade could prove difficult.

They’ll eventually need replacements for Hellebuyck and Scheifele when their skills inevitably decline in the coming years. Having both players under expensive long-term contracts will still take a big bite out of their cap space even with the cap rising significantly in the coming years.

The Jets seem to be hoping that their fans will return if the team plays better. If they don’t improve, however, their supporters could have less incentive to show up. In addition, the high cost of attending NHL games in the league’s smallest market is bumping up against the rising cost of living. If that cost remains high while the on-ice product stagnates, the Jets could be in a world of hurt in a few years.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

by | Oct 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2023

Noah Hanifin and the Flames could be closer to a contract extension, the Capitals could be interested in Canucks winger Conor Garland, and an update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

HANIFIN AND FLAMES REPORTEDLY CLOSING IN ON A CONTRACT EXTENSION

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson and Daniel Austin report Noah Hanifin had nothing new to report about his contract situation with the Flames. However, he confirmed his agent has been in discussions with Flames management regarding an extension since the start of the season. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news on Saturday that the two sides were getting closer to a deal. Gilbertson and Austin suggest there’s plenty of reason for optimism that Hanifin will be with the Flames for the foreseeable future.

TSN: Salim Valji also reported on Hanifin’s discussions with the Flames. He wrote that the blueliner was “coy” about the details but indicated that he’s had nothing but good things to say about his experience with the club. Valji noted that Hanifin is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.95 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie speculated over what Hanifin’s next contract with the Flames might look like. “Per Evolving-Hockey’s contract model, Hanifin’s next deal has a 69 percent chance of being an eight-year deal with a $7.446 million AAV.” If the blueliner opts for a seven-year deal, it projects to $6.693 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things have certainly changed since June when reports emerged that Hanifin wasn’t interested in discussing an extension following the Flames’ disappointing performance last season.

General manager Craig Conroy reportedly gauged Hanifin’s trade value during the summer. However, his preference was to re-sign his most valuable defenseman.

Hanifin had a change of heart over the course of the summer. My guess is the departure of Darryl Sutter as head coach may have had something to do with it.

As Friedman indicated in his report on Saturday, nothing’s done until it’s done. Barring a late development that derails negotiations, it appears that Hanifin won’t be testing next summer’s free-agent market.

ARE THE CAPITALS INTERESTED IN GARLAND?

CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman talking about Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland. He said it’s a difficult time to make trades as there are a lot of teams with too little cap space.

Nevertheless, Friedman is keeping an eye on the Washington Capitals. He noted that they’re trying to move winger Anthony Mantha. However, a Mantha-for-Garland swap doesn’t work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain up to 30 percent of Garland’s $4.95 million cap hit that runs through 2025-26 to facilitate a deal. While Mantha is slated to become a UFA next summer, his $5.7 million cap hit is too much for the Canucks.

The Capitals have been reportedly trying to move Mantha since last season. His declining production isn’t helping his trade value. I doubt the Canucks would be interested in him even if his cap hit were more affordable.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “living on the waiver wire these days, looking for fresh bottom-six and bottom-pairing blood at every turn”. Dubas apparently isn’t pleased with the lower end of his roster. Yohe noted that he didn’t waste time sending Jansen Harkins to the minors and recalling Radim Zohorna.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After a summer of change that included the additions of Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith, the Penguins are 2-3-0 in their first five games of the season. Unhappiness reportedly exists in the ranks as key players such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren’t pleased with the club’s performance thus far. Pressed against the $83.5 million cap, Dubas has little choice but to see what affordable options become available on the waiver wire.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 22, 2023

by | Oct 22, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 22, 2023

An update on Noah Hanifin’s contract talks with the Flames plus the latest on the Canucks’ Conor Garland, the Capitals’ Anthony Mantha, the Canadiens’ Joel Armia and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATE ON HANIFIN’S TALKS WITH THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames have made progress with Noah Hanifin in their discussions regarding a contract extension. The 26-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Friedman cautions that nothing is done until it’s done. Nevertheless, he indicates that there is optimism the two sides can reach an agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hanifin was the subject of considerable trade speculation throughout the offseason following reports claiming he informed management about his reluctance to sign an extension. However, the blueliner indicated during training camp that he merely wanted time to digest what had happened during a disappointing 2022-23 season. He subsequently said that he wouldn’t rule out re-signing with the Flames.

The Flames already had one key potential free agent under contract when they signed captain Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension last month. If Hanifin agrees to stay it could help management in their efforts to re-sign first-line center Elias Lindholm.

TRADE TARGETS WORTH WATCHING

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman notes there isn’t much going on in the NHL trade market right now. However, there are a few situations worth watching.

The Montreal Canadiens recalled winger Joel Armia from their AHL affiliate where he started the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored the Canadiens are exploring possible trade options for Armia. The 30-year-old two-way forward lacks no-trade protection and carries a $3.4 million average annual value through 2024-25.

The Habs are already retaining salary on Joel Edmundson and Jeff Petry but have one retention slot remaining for this season. Perhaps they’ll consider using it if they can find a decent return for Armia.

Everyone knows Conor Garland’s situation as the Vancouver Canucks have given him permission to speak with other clubs about a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland’s been linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets. The Canucks are reportedly willing to retain 30 percent of the 27-year-old winger’s $4.95 million AAV which runs through 2025-26.

The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner reported the New York Islanders inquired about Garland after he recently changed agents. Given the Isles’ limited cap space, Rosner believes a third team would have to get involved to broker the deal by taking on part of Garland’s AAV.

San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc played his first game of the season on Oct. 19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc, 27, was a healthy scratch through their first three games. The club swiftly denied a recent report claiming that the Sharks intended to place him on waivers.

The Washington Capitals have been “looking around” on winger Anthony Mantha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals have been peddling the 29-year-old Mantha since last season without success. Given his declining production, his $5.7 million cap hit for this season and $6.5 million in actual salary, it’s unlikely they’ll find many takers with so many clubs carrying limited cap room at this stage in the schedule.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke has played only one game this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peeke was mentioned as a trade candidate following a recent report claiming the Blue Jackets were looking into trading one of their defensemen. He’s been a healthy scratch since their season opener. They’ll have to get him into more games to showcase him for a trade.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2023

by | Sep 2, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – September 2, 2023

Elias Lindholm is open to staying with the Flames, the latest on Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha, and updates on Max Comtois and Tyler Ennis in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ELIAS LINDHOLM WILL TO STAY WITH THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Elias Lindholm is willing to stick with the Flames. The 28-year-old center told Sweden’s Hockeysverige.se that his agent and the club are handling the contract extension negotiations. He said there is a lot the two sides have to agree on.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

“After that, it’s up to the agent and Calgary to sort out the rest, “ said Lindholm. “Then, we’ll see if it works out or not.”

Lindholm noted that he has a year remaining on his current contract after which he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. “Nothing strange about that,” he said. “We will see what happens.”

Gilbertson believes the Flames can’t afford to let Lindholm depart next summer as a UFA. He believes the two-way center will be traded before then if they fail to hammer out an extension.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy has made it clear that he wants to get Lindholm under contract. It’s rumored the center could seek an average annual value of $9 million. Comparables could be the New York Islanders’ Bo Horvat and the Los Angeles Kings’ Pierre-Luc Dubois. Both are earning AAVs of $8.5 million but Lindholm was a Selke Finalist in 2021-22.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm would draw plenty of interest if the Flames shop him before the March trade deadline. The Boston Bruins have been frequently mentioned as a possible suitor. For now, however, it’s a positive sign for the Flames that Lindholm is willing to sign with them provided they can work out a mutually beneficial deal.

THE LATEST ON KUZNETSOV AND MANTHA

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov will be on the hot seat this season. The 31-year-old center is coming off a disappointing performance in 2022-23, making him the subject of trade chatter following reports he requested a trade last March, something he hasn’t rescinded.

Kuznetsov is signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $7.8 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. That gives him cost certainty for certain teams. Given his current low value in the trade market, Proteau believes the only way Kuznetsov gets moved this season is if he plays well.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Then again, an improved effort by Kuznetsov could make him more valuable to the Capitals playoff hopes this season. It’ll be interesting to see how his situation unfolds.

Capitals winger Anthony Mantha is also coming off a lousy 2022-23 campaign. He carries an AAV of $5.7 million, lacks no-trade protection and is eligible next summer for UFA status. Proteau suggests he might be an attractive rental option if his performance improves.

ENNIS, COMTOIS COULD GET TRYOUT OFFERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson reports Tyler Ennis might get a professional tryout offer (PTO) from a Western-based club. The former NHL forward is also mulling offers from Switzerland, where he played last season.

BPM SPORTS RADIO: Marc-Olivier Beaudoin reports being told that former Anaheim Ducks winger Maxime Comtois could get a PTO from the Vegas Golden Knights.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

by | Aug 24, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2023

A look at some of the Metropolitan Division teams plus some PTO options for the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

QUESTIONS FOR SOME METROPOLITAN DIVISION TEAMS

SPORTSNET: Earlier this week, Ryan Dixon looked at the biggest questions facing each team in the Metropolitan Division. Some of them involve possible trade scenarios.

The Carolina Hurricanes, for example, must decide if they’re willing to go through this season without a contract extension for Brett Pesce. They could flip him for a scoring forward but Dixon thinks they could ride it out with the 28-year-old defenseman given their status as a Stanley Cup contender.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was speculation earlier this summer that the Hurricanes were willing to consider trading Pesce if they couldn’t get him under contract before the start of this season. Their offseason additions of Dmitry Orlov and Tony DeAngelo served to fuel those rumors. If they don’t find a suitable trade offer, however, they could stick with Pesce for the coming season.

Dixon also wondered whether the New Jersey Devils will take a run at landing a reliable starting goaltender such as the Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck. He also mentioned the possibility of the Boston Bruins moving one of their goalies in pursuit of a center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils were linked to Hellebuyck in the rumor mill through late June and early July. It’s said that they weren’t willing to meet the 30-year-old goalie’s $9 million average annual value on a new contract beyond this season. As for the Bruins, they’re sticking with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. They see having a solid goalie tandem as their best bet to reach the playoffs this season.

If center Sean Couturier is fully healthy, Dixon mused over what his future might be and if it would be with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old former Selke Trophy winner was sidelined by a back injury since Dec. 2021 but is expected to be in training camp next month. Perhaps the Flyers put Couturier on the trade block if he regains his form though his hefty contract could make that an impossibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couturier’s contract is a major obstacle in the path toward a trade. He carries an AAV of $7.75 million through 2029-30 with a full no-movement clause.

Finally, Dixon pondered the fates of Washington Capitals forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha. He wondered if a trade of one or both forwards was possible given their miserable performances last season. He suggested the prospect of moving Kuznetsov if the Capitals were willing to retain part of his $7.8 million AAV through 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there were any chance of moving either guy it would’ve happened by now. The Nashville Predators were reportedly interested in Kuznetsov before free agency started on July 1 but that seems to have waned following their signing of center Ryan O’Reilly.

SOME SUGGESTED PTO TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently suggested several players the Penguins should consider as possible targets for professional tryout offers.

One name of note is former Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes winger Jesse Puljujarvi, suggesting the opportunity to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might be a selling point. Other targets include defensemen Mark Pysyk and Slater Koekkoek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puljujarvi is recovering from offseason hip surgery and is expected to be unavailable until later this fall. Kingerski noted that Koekkoek stepped away from the game last season to deal with unbearable anxiety. He hasn’t announced if he’s ready to resume his career.

Pysyk might be the best bet on his list. He missed last season recovering from a torn Achilles but could be ready to return to action for 2023-24.