NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2025

by | Feb 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 6, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby injured, the Canucks re-sign Marcus Pettersson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: A shorthanded third-period goal by Chris Kreider lifted the New York Rangers to a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Mika Zibanejad collected two assists for the Rangers (56 points) as they picked up their second straight win to move within four points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Bruins winger David Pastrnak scored to collect 25 points over the past 12 games. However, his club remains just outside the Eastern wild card with 60 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins held a 2-1 lead going into the third period but Vincent Trocheck tied it early in the frame, setting the stage for Kreider’s game-winner. Pastrnak’s doing the heavy lifting for the Bruins’ anemic offense. They’re sitting 25th overall with a 2.75 goals-per-game average.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman scored in overtime to nip the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. Leon Draisaitl and Jeff Skinner each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who hold first place in the Pacific Division with 72 points. Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen each had two points for the Blackhawks.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl is making a strong case for the Hart Memorial Trophy. He continues to lead all goal scorers (38) and has surged ahead of Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon for the points lead with 81. Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson left this game in the second period with an injured left leg. Head coach Anders Sorensen said Dickinson will be reevaluated on Thursday, adding “It doesn’t look good.”

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-3. Kevin Fiala tallied twice and Quinton Byfield collected three assists as the Kings sit third in the Pacific Division with 62 points. Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier and Logan Mailloux replied for the Canadiens, who’ve dropped six of the last seven contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens (55 points) remain five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot with two games remaining before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

HEADLINES

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is being evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. Crosby appeared to injure his left arm after colliding with Devils forward Erik Haula and defenseman Luke Hughes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby missed practice yesterday, raising concerns about whether he can participate in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. He’s the captain of Team Canada in that tournament.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed Marcus Pettersson to a six-year contract extension on Wednesday. Acquired on Saturday from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 28-year-old defenseman’s new deal is worth an average annual value of $5.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks president Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin knew Pettersson from their days with the Penguins, signing him to his current contract in 2020. They consider the lanky blueliner “a calming presence” on the Canucks blueline.

Pettersson receives a raise of about $1.5 million annually over the $4.083 million on his present deal. He might have received much more had he gone to market on July 1, especially with the salary cap jumping from $88 million to $95.5 million, but he opted for term security. Pettersson also gets a full no-movement clause in the first three years of the deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane set an NHL record during Tuesday’s 5-4 win over the Seattle Kraken. He scored his 53rd career shootout goal to become the league leader in that category, surpassing former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Jonathan Toews.

TSN: According to Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, center Dylan Cozens missed practice on Wednesday with a “lower-body aggravation”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was no indication of how long Cozens will be sidelined, but Ruff didn’t indicate that it was serious. The young center has been the frequent topic of trade rumors this season. You can read the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

The National Hockey League Players’ Association is appealing Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension. The Minnesota Wild center received that punishment from the NHL’s department of player safety for driving Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle’s head into the ice following a faceoff.

The Wild also claimed forward Vinnie Hinostroza off waivers from the Nashville Predators.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

by | Feb 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and the Canucks, the Rangers’ plans after acquiring J.T. Miller, and the latest on the Flames, Blues and Stars in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the speculation around Elias Pettersson can calm down after the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday. The Canucks are determined to see how things go for the 26-year-old center and hope that he returns to his high-scoring form.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Friedman also noted that the Canucks are eager to sign Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to contract extensions. The pair were acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes Pettersson is now off the trade block. However, he speculates the Canucks could revisit this in the offseason if Pettersson continues to struggle. His no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

Drance also reports the Canucks are confident they can re-sign Pettersson and O’Connor and intend to open contract talks as soon as possible.

Following the Canucks moves on Friday, Drance believes their biggest priority is finding another credible first-line or top-six caliber center. He anticipates they’ll be shopping for an upgrade at center leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. Drance also thinks the club’s performance in the coming weeks will determine what they do by the deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington doubts the Sabres will end their pursuit of Pettersson following the Miller trade. He speculates the Canucks could hang onto him as they push for a playoff berth and look to move him around the draft in June.

Trade rumors linked Sabres center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram to the Canucks as a potential return for Pettersson. Harrington thinks Cozens might jump at the chance to play in Vancouver as it would be closer to his family in Whitehorse, Yukon. Trading BC native Bowen Byram would be more troublesome for the Sabres given his chemistry with defense partner Rasmus Dahlin.

Harrington also believes the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s performance and that of the Canucks over the remainder of this season will determine if he pops up as an offseason trade candidate.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AFTER ACQUIRING MILLER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are projected to have $16.5 million of trade deadline cap space following Friday’s acquisition of J.T. Miller.

Brooks believes Rangers GM Chris Drury isn’t done making roster changes. He believes those moves will be “of the short-term variety” and will be dictated by the club’s performance before the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament and leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

FLAMES NOT SHOPPING ANDERSSON, KADRI AND WEEGAR

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are jockeying for a playoff spot, meaning they aren’t listening to trade offers for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar and center Nazem Kadri.

Kadri and Weegar are on long-term contracts but Andersson has a year left on his deal and will be eligible for UFA status at the end of 2025-26. The Flames are telling teams that they’re confident they can re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 while Weegar has a full no-trade clause until 2027-28. Both maintained that they want to stay in Calgary and help the retooling Flames become a playoff contender.

Andersson has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames, but he has also said he wants to stay in the Stampede City.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at which members of the St. Louis Blues could be on the move after terminating Brandon Saad’s contract last week.

Blueliners Justin Faulk and Ryan Suter appear to be the most likely trade candidates. Rutherford doesn’t see them moving defenseman Cam Fowler and checking-line center Radek Faksa as he believes their current value to the Blues is higher than whatever return they might fetch in the trade market.

STARS COULD ATTEMPT TO RE-SIGN GRANLUND AND CECI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill intends to speak with forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci about contract extensions. The duo were acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and are UFA-eligible in July.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2025

by | Feb 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2025

Game recaps, the Penguins ship Marcus Pettersson to the Canucks in a multiplayer deal, analysis of J.T. Miller trade, Brandon Saad signs with the Golden Knights, updated salary-cap projections, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Zach Werenski lifted the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson scored as the Blue Jackets overcame a 2-0 deficit, setting the stage for Werenski’s game-winner. The Jackets picked up their third straight win and hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 59 points. Nick Schmaltz and Alexander Kerfoot scored for Utah, who are winless in their last four games (0-2-2).

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah sophomore center Logan Cooley missed this game as he’s sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Cooley is also part of Utah’s Quarter Century Team. He’s on the First Team with fellow forwards Dylan Guenther and Clayton Keller, defensemen Michael Kesselring and Mikhail Sergachev and goaltender Karel Vejmelka. The Second Team features forwards Nick Schmaltz, Alex Kerfoot and Jack McBain, defensemen Ian Cole and Olli Maatta, and goalie Connor Ingram.

A four-goal first period lifted the Colorado Avalanche over the St. Louis Blues 5-0. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 19 shots for the shutout, Jonathan Drouin had a goal and an assist, and Nathan MacKinnon collected his league-leading 60th assist as the Avalanche hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 62 points. The Blues (50 points) have lost four straight and sit seven points out of the final Western wild card.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich snapped a 3-3 tie late in the third period to give his club a 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators. Kulich finished with two goals and teammate Rasmus Dahlin collected two assists for the Sabres. Predators defenseman Brady Skjei had a goal and an assist in a losing cause as his club has dropped three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres inducted Rob Ray into their Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony. Ray spent nearly 14 seasons as an enforcer with the Sabres from 1989-90 to 2002-03, becoming one of the most popular players in franchise history.

Predators goaltender Juuse Saros missed this game due to an illness while teammate Luke Evangelista returned to the lineup following an eight-game absence with a lower-body injury.

The Dallas Stars picked up their fourth straight victory by downing the Vancouver Canucks 5-3. Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson each had two goals and an assist for the Stars (67 points), who sit one point ahead of the Minnesota Wild in second place in the Central Division. Conor Garland, Jake DeBrusk and Carson Soucy replied for the Canucks (56 points), who remain one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars placed defenseman Miro Heiskanen (knee) on injured reserve earlier in the day. Meanwhile, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was banged up during this game. He told reporters following the game he’ll see how he’s doing over the next 48 hours.

The Canucks made bigger news off the ice on Friday. Read on to find out.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins traded defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, prospect forward Melvin Fernstrom and a conditional 2025 first-round pick that originally belonged to the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This move came on the heels of the Canucks trading center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. That first-round pick sent to the Penguins was part of the return the Cancusk received in the Miller deal.

Canucks president Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin were familiar with Pettersson and O’Connor during their tenure with the Penguins. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1 but could end up signed to contract extensions.

Heinen and Desharnais were off-season additions for the Canucks who didn’t pan out. Both have a year remaining on their contracts at a combined cap hit of $4.25 million, making them affordable stopgap additions for the retooling (rebuilding?) Penguins. The prize for the Pens is the conditional first, which is top-13 protected. They now have two first-rounders in this year’s draft.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the hope for the Canucks in the wake of the Miller trade is Elias Pettersson will regain his scoring touch. A rift between the two players was blamed for the decline in both players’ performances.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Miller’s return to the Rangers is what the struggling club needs now and for the future. He will make them more formidable and consistent at center, keeping their Stanley Cup window open.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how this deal affects both clubs over the remainder of this season and the foreseeable future.

LAS VEGAS SUN: The Vegas Golden Knights signed Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Friday. The 32-year-old winger became a UFA on Friday following the termination of his deal with the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are considered a Stanley Cup contender but they’ve been struggling recently. Saad could regain his scoring touch in Vegas, which could improve their offensive punch and his stock in this summer’s free-agent market.

NHL: The league and the NHL Players’ Association announced their projected payroll ranges for the next three seasons.

The upper limit is expected to reach $95.5 million for 2025-26 with a lower limit of $70.6 million. For 2026-27, the upper limit could reach $104 million with the lower limit at $76.9 million. For 2027-28, the upper limit could be $113.5 million with the lower limit at $83.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those numbers could be adjusted up or down depending on hockey-related revenue (HRR) fluctuations. Nevertheless, those projected figures indicate a significant rise in the cap after several stagnant years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big-market teams will be delighted with those increases as they build and maintain their rosters. However, this will inevitably result in bad contracts, as some teams overpay to retain or add big-name talent.

Meanwhile, some small-market clubs could have difficulty reaching the cap floor. Revenue sharing will help but it’s unlikely to get them to the cap ceiling. That could become an issue in the next round of collective bargaining scheduled to begin later this month.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken center Yanni Gourde underwent successful surgery to repair a sports hernia. He’s expected to be sidelined for five to seven weeks.

Gourde, 33, is UFA-eligible this summer and was frequently the subject of trade rumors. However, he’ll be out until after the March 7 trade deadline, which could see him finish the season with the Kraken.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks forward Nikolai Kovalenko is sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers recalled goaltender Aleksei Kolosov on Friday and placed defenseman Egor Zamula (upper body) on injured reserve.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders claimed defenseman Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2025

by | Jan 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2025

The latest on Canucks center Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, Brandon Saad, Sidney Crosby and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PETTERSSON AND MILLER

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Shayna Goldman noticed the recent rise of trade speculation around Elias Pettersson.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported the 26-year-old center was close to getting traded to the Carolina Hurricanes before they acquired Mikko Rantanen. He added trade discussions regarding Pettersson are ongoing.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Dayal and Goldman believe if it came to a choice for the Canucks they would retain Pettersson and trade J.T. Miller, who turns 32 in March and doesn’t have as many productive seasons ahead.

However, Miller’s trade value appears distressed, the number of interested teams is dwindling and his no-movement clause gives him full control of his situation. Pettersson’s age, track record, and lack of no-trade protection this season could give him more lucrative trade value.

Dayal and Goldman included the Philadelphia Flyers among their proposed list of trade destinations for Pettersson. However, their colleague Kevin Kurz believes Miller would be a better choice, citing his more affordable contract, size, body of work and the Canucks’ lower asking price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The offer the Canucks received from the New York Rangers could be the only one they’ve had for Miller. That would explain the recent increase in the Pettersson trade chatter.

The Flyers need a No. 1 center but they might not be interested in Miller because of his age or Pettersson because of his contract. Given the drama between those two, they might not view either player as a good fit for their rebuilding club.

WHAT NEXT FOR BRANDON SAAD AND THE BLUES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford believes Brandon Saad’s decision to accept contract termination from the St. Louis Blues is the club’s best-case scenario in addressing this issue.

The Blues tried finding a trade partner for Saad but had no takers partly because of his contract. He had a year left on his deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million and a full no-trade clause this season. The 32-year-old winger cleared waivers and was due to be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Springfield.

By accepting contract termination, Saad becomes an unrestricted free agent. Rutherford speculated the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars could become suitors, citing their needs for more forward depth.

The contract termination also clears Saad’s $4.5 million from their books for next season, giving them $10 million in cap space.

Rutherford’s colleagues Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston examined whether the Maple Leafs should sign Saad. They believe he could be despite his struggles this season, citing he’s played for Leafs coach Craig Berube in St. Louis plus he’d be an affordable addition to their forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saad’s championship experience with the Chicago Blackhawks, his seven 20-plus goal seasons, and his affordability will make him a tempting option for contenders seeking forward depth for the postseason.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

TSN: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is done addressing trade rumors as his team faces a third season outside the playoff picture. The 37-year-old center was recently linked to the Colorado Avalanche after they traded Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I know how speculation works: Everybody’s looking to talk about different things, different scenarios,” said Crosby. “I can’t control that. I don’t know where that comes from. I don’t think that it’s something I’m going to discuss every time somebody speculates something. I’m not going to answer it every time it happens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For the umpteenth time: Crosby has a full no-movement clause in his current contract and his two-year extension that he signed with the Penguins last year. He wouldn’t have signed that team-friendly extension if he didn’t want to stay in Pittsburgh. He would’ve played out this season, thanked the Penguins and their fans for 20 wonderful years, and hit this summer’s free-agent market where everyone and their dog would’ve fallen all over themselves trying to sign him.

Crosby is a Penguin until he decides he doesn’t want to be. Neither he nor the team have indicated he doesn’t want to be. Until then, as The Bard would say, it’s all sound and fury, signifying nothing.

NHL.COM: Meanwhile, in the real world, Dan Rosen believes Penguins defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Matt Grzelcyk could become rental players by the March 7 trade deadline. He speculates there could be a bigger trade to be made for forward Rickard Rakell or winger Michael Bunting.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins are five points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. They could become sellers if they haven’t gained ground in the standings by March 1.

PREDATORS COULD BECOME BUYERS IF THEY IMPROVE IN THE STANDINGS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz isn’t ruling out the possibility of becoming a buyer at the March 7 trade deadline. He indicated he could make an addition or two if his club crawls back into the playoff race by then. If not, Trotz said he could become a seller if the returns make sense.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

by | Jan 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, proposed trade targets for the Leafs, updates on the Rangers, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON PETTERSSON AND MILLER

TSN: Chris Johnston reports sources claim the Vancouver Canucks remain active in trade discussions with rival clubs regarding center Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Management is gauging the trade market on both players before determining a course of action.

Johnston believes the Canucks are giving serious consideration toward moving Pettersson. Multiple teams have shown interest in the 26-year-old center. The Canucks and Hurricanes had discussions about Pettersson last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those talks between the Canucks and Hurricanes took place before Pettersson signed his eight-year contract extension.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also reports the Canucks are gauging the market value of Pettersson and Miller, stressing there is no certain outcome.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Friedman cited The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reporting the Canucks turned down an offer of Zibanejad from the Rangers for Miller, but doesn’t know if Zibanejad was approached about waiving his no-movement clause. Friedman also believes the Canucks were interested in defenseman Braden Schneider but the Rangers don’t want to part with him.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports an NHL executive claims the Boston Bruins are talking to the Canucks about Pettersson and Miller. The source indicated the Bruins want to get younger, which suggested they’re more interested in Pettersson, but it’s not about who they want but which center the Canucks intend to move.

Another source told D’Amico that the Canucks would want a top-six center or a top-four defenseman and a top prospect or a first-round pick in return.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma weighed in on the recent trade speculation about Pettersson and Miller. General manager Patrik Allvin could trade one or the other or both, but either scenario would be a difficult sell to Canucks ownership. Miller would also have to waive his NMC.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Talking to other teams is one thing. Finding a suitable return is another. Pettersson’s expensive contract ($11.6 million annually for seven more seasons) and Miller’s no-movement protection could complicate things.

The Leafs and Bruins would love to have Pettersson or Miller. However, they lack the cap space and tradeable assets to pry either guy away from the Canucks. The Hurricanes have players that would entice the Canucks (hello there, Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis) but they’re also hampered by limited cap room this season.

The Zibanejad-for-Miller proposal works cap-wise because the former carries an average annual value of $8.5 million and the latter $8 million. However, their respective no-movement clauses are obstacles that could be too difficult to overcome.

PROPOSED CENTER TRADE TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are involved in the Pettersson trade talks. He considers Pettersson, Miller, Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers and Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres in the “high-rent district”. He also noted a lot of teams are interested in New York Islanders center Brock Nelson.

The Leafs are believed to have identified a more diverse group of centers to target in the trade market. Dreger suggested Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club.

Dreger also wondered about bringing back Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators. He noted Scott Laughton is also out there but the Philadelphia Flyers seek a first-round pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Diverse is another way of saying “affordable”. The Leafs must go bargain-hunting to add a center unless they’re looking at a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario. That’s assuming they don’t put Auston Matthews on LTIR before the March 7 trade deadline if he becomes sidelined again by his nagging upper-body injury.

O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the 33-year-old has two more years left on his contract, with an AAV of $4.5 million. He turns 34 in February, and his best seasons are behind him.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Leafs want a center with term remaining on his contract. “Might not be what ends up happening, but it’s what they prefer,” he writes.

“32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the following in his latest “32 Thoughts” column:

He believes the Detroit Red Wings were (are?) looking at Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Line forms to the left, Red Wings. Lots of teams have looked (or are looking) at Cozens. However, the Sabres are trying to add to their roster instead of subtracting. That doesn’t mean he won’t be traded but they’ll probably want a good player in return instead of draft picks and prospects. That offer has yet to emerge.

The New York Rangers gave unhappy defenseman Zac Jones permission to speak with other teams. There’s interest but teams with a smallish blueline are unlikely destinations.

Vincent Trocheck is the most coveted Ranger in the trade market but they’re not interested in moving him. Friedman believes he could become their next captain.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have indicated they have forwards, defensemen and goaltenders available. They’re willing to use their cap space to retain salary provided they get young players, prospects and draft picks in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t feel any extreme desire to trade Rickard Rakell. They love how he and Bryan Rust are playing as they give the Penguins a couple of wingers worthy of playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Yohe claims the Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are interested in Marcus Pettersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1. Given his expiring contract, Yohe will be surprised if Pettersson isn’t moved by the March 7 trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2025

by | Jan 5, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun and Penguins blueliner Marcus Pettersson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CANUCKS TESTING TRADE MARKET FOR PETTERSSON & MILLER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks are “definitely” looking at the trade market for centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Friedman indicated three outcomes: neither gets dealt, one gets dealt or both get dealt. He didn’t make predictions about which was the more likely.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

If Vancouver makes a trade they’ll likely want a center in return. While Canucks fans are concerned about the state of the blueline with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries, they would prioritize getting a center back if Pettersson, Miller, or both are traded.

Miller has a full no-movement clause in his contract. If he waives it, Friedman believes it would be for a US-based club, dismissing speculation he could go to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He doesn’t think rumors of a return to the New York Rangers with center Mika Zibanejad and defenseman K’Andre Miller going to Vancouver are entirely accurate.

“I just think that if Vancouver wanted to do that, they would’ve done it already,” said Friedman, pointing out that Zibanejad also has a full NMC.

Friedman also addressed recent speculation suggesting someone has asked for a trade out of Vancouver. He claims he can find no evidence of that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t the first time Pettersson has appeared in trade rumors. There were reports the Canucks had talks with the Carolina Hurricanes before they returned to the negotiating table with the Pettersson camp, re-signing him to his eight-year contract.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin raised eyebrows last week in his year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre when he didn’t dismiss the possibility of trading Pettersson. However, he also stressed that he still believes in the 26-year-old center and his ability to become a top-line center.

It’s worthwhile for the Canucks to explore all their options in this situation. This could be management sending a message to both players that they could be moved if they can’t resolve their differences.

Both players will draw interest in the trade market but getting a suitable return could be difficult. Pettersson carries the more expensive contract at $11.6 million annually through 2031-32. However, he’s 26 and is in his prime despite his struggles this season. Miller brings more intensity to his game but he’s also in his early thirties and won’t have many prime seasons left.

Miller to Toronto doesn’t make sense unless the Leafs decide not to re-sign Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Taking on a center who turns 32 in March with an $8 million average annual value through 2029-30 on his contract would be an expensive long-term gamble they could regret.

The Rangers already have several aging, expensive core players. Swapping out Zibanejad for Miller might provide a short-term boost but they would end up in the same place within a couple of years.

UPDATES ON JAKOB CHYCHRUN AND MARCUS PETTERSSON

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reported Thursday that Jakob Chychrun feels at home with the Washington Capitals. The 26-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Ottawa Senators last summer.

Chychrun has fit in well with the Capitals with 11 goals and 27 points in 34 games. He praised the organization and is enjoying playing with a winning team. Eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, Chychrun said he sees himself staying with the Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun will garner attention if he hits the open market on July 1. His current cap hit is $4.6 million but could seek over $8 million annually on his next contract.

The Capitals will have $28.8 million in cap space next season if the cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That’s enough room to keep him in the fold, especially with long-time blueliner John Carlson in his mid-thirties. They’ll need Chychrun to fill the void if Carlson departs as a UFA in 2026 or retires.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported Wednesday that the Penguins haven’t held contract extension talks with Marcus Pettersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1 and recently returned to action after missing six games with a lower-body injury.

Petterson’s UFA status in July has made him the frequent subject of trade speculation. He said he’s trying to block that out and focus on his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will likely handle this as he did with Jake Guentzel last season. He’ll wait until February to open contract discussion and peddle Pettersson by the March 7 trade deadline if they fail to agree to an extension.