NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2024

by | Nov 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE PENGUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports hearing more moves are expected for the Pittsburgh Penguins after shipping Lars Ellers to the Washington Capitals last week.

Yohe considers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to be untouchable. While Kris Letang signed a six-year contract in 2022, Yohe believes the 37-year-old defenseman might not object to a trade but moving his contract could be difficult given his age, health history and poor play this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letang has a full no-movement clause through 2025-26. Even if he waives it, they’ll have to retain a significant chunk of his $6.1 million average annual value to make him enticing given the issues cited by Yohe.

Yohe thinks Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would like to move Ryan Graves, Tristan Jarry and Erik Karlsson. However, other clubs likely aren’t interested in them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Poor play and expensive contracts are the reasons why.

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Rickard Rakell are most likely to be moved by the March 7 trade deadline. Yohe cites sources claiming the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have an interest in the 28-year-old Pettersson. He expects other clubs will also covet him, suggesting he’s “as good as gone.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Recent reports claim there’s been no contract extension talks between the two sides. Unless that changes, he truly will be as good as gone by deadline day.

Yohe also speculates Bryan Rust could become a trade candidate when his no-trade clause reverts to a modified list on July 1 but he doesn’t believe the Penguins are in a hurry to move him.

Shayna Goldman looked at possible moves for the Penguins going forward. She considers Pettersson to be their only real trade chip on defense. Forwards Noel Acciari, Anthony Beauvillier and Blake Lizotte (when healthy) could also hit the trade block. She doesn’t rule out Rakell becoming a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acciari and Lizotte are signed through next season with affordable cap hits. They shouldn’t be difficult to move but won’t fetch much in return. Beauvillier is a UFA next summer but he’s on his fifth team since 2023.

Rakell still has value as a scorer but his contract remains a sticking point. The 31-year-old winger has an AAV of $5 million through 2027-28 and an eight-team no-trade list. There might have to be some salary retention here to make it work.

CANADIENS COULD MOVE SAVARD BY THE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited two sources suggesting Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard could draw interest leading up to the trade deadline. They point out the thin market for right-shot blueliners, including Cody Ceci and Jan Rutta in San Jose, Dante Fabbro in Columbus, and Erik Johnson in Philadelphia.

The sources indicate that Savard is a top-four right-shot defenseman with Stanley Cup championship experience. They don’t rule out the possibility he could fetch a first-round pick from a Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard is eligible for UFA status next summer. It’s widely assumed he’ll be moved if the Canadiens are out of playoff contention by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2024

by | Nov 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs, Sabres, Flames and Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE LEAFS PURSUE A CENTER THIS SEASON?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes Auston Matthews’ recent injury highlights the Toronto Maple Leafs’ pressing need for depth at center.

The Leafs would have difficulty making headway in the playoffs with an injury to one of his centers. He pointed out their third line is a “hodgepodge of forwards who can’t score,” noting that Max Domi’s latest trial centering that line has been rough.

Fox speculates that general manager Brad Treliving must be starting to look at potential rental options. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders would be the best of the bunch. Others could include Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks, Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks, Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club or Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson won’t be going anywhere if the Islanders remain in the playoff hunt by the March 7 trade deadline. The others are pending unrestricted free agents like Nelson but play on clubs considered to be non-contenders. They could all be available but the Leafs will face competition to land one of them.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is considered among the busiest talkers thus far in the trade market. Harrington noted what he called “some absurd chatter” out of Vancouver about the Canucks trying to acquire Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. However, Adams wants to add to his roster rather than subtract, and Byram was recently promoted to the Sabres’ top defense pairing alongside captain Rasmus Dahlin.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, don’t expect Byram to be donning a Canucks jersey anytime soon.

Harrington suggests Adams should consider Nashville Predators forward Gustav Nyquist. The four-time 20-goal scorer is on pace to reach that figure again. He’s in the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $3.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators aren’t sellers yet as GM Barry Trotz is shopping around to find a center. Nevertheless, Nyquist could become available if the Preds are out of playoff contention by the March 7 trade deadline.

FLAMES HOPING TO RETAIN ANDERSSON

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer recently reported Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is coming up in trade rumors despite being signed through 2025-26. However, he’s a player that Flames GM Craig Conroy sees as a long-term cornerstone for his blueline.

Conroy noted that Andersson is a homegrown talent who came up through the Flames system. He also pointed out that the blueliner loves being with the team and living in Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy was busy last season shipping out players like Jacob Markstrom, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Andrew Mangiapane and Nikita Zadorov. However, he did sign captain Mikael Backlund so we can’t assume he won’t have similar success with Andersson, especially if the Flames look like they’re going to return to playoff contention in the coming years.

SHOULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE MARCUS PETTERSSON?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston recently considered the possibility of the Vancouver Canucks acquiring Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins trade of Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals last week sparked speculation they could blow up their roster this season. Pettersson could be a good fit to the Canucks blueline but Johnston noted he’s only average on breakouts.

Johnston suggests the Canucks should aim higher in the trade market such as Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson or MacKenzie Weegar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering the Flames hope to retain Andersson, and Weegar is under a long-term contract, the Canucks might have better luck acquiring a rental like Pettersson if he becomes available.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2024

by | May 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2024

The latest on the Bruins, an update on Hurricanes forward Martin Necas and recent speculation about Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE BRUINS INTEND TO BE AGGRESSIVE IN THE OFFSEASON

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters his club intends to be aggressive this summer as they search to address their need for help among their forward lines.

Conroy noted Sweeney sounds like he’ll focus on adding depth among his wingers. “I have to be able to find some players that can come in and provide secondary scoring for us,” he said.

Bruins president Cam Neely said the Bruins weren’t as fast as they’d like to be and must win more 50-50 puck battles.

Conroy noted some very good wingers could be available in this summer’s free-agent market. They include Carolina’s Jake Guentzel, Florida’s Sam Reinhart, Detroit’s Patrick Kane, Winnipeg’s Tyler Toffoli and Vegas’ Jonathan Marchessault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have more wiggle room this summer, carrying a projected cap space of $23.5 million for next season with 15 active roster players under contract. They have room to make a splash in the free-agent market.

Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, contract talks between Sweeney and Jake DeBrusk’s agent have stalled. The Bruins GM said he sees a path for the 27-year-old winger’s return but added that negotiations “are a two-way street.” He also pointed out that DeBrusk has the right as a pending unrestricted free agent to explore the market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy contacted DeBrusk’s agent, Rick Valette, but he hadn’t heard back regarding the winger’s intentions. He’s coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.4 million and will seek a more lucrative long-term contract.

Whether DeBrusk gets it from the Bruins remains to be seen. He won’t have to wait for long to sign with a new club. The Utah franchise could be among the suitors if he’s available on July 1.

Sweeney also indicated that he’s hopeful of making the math work in re-signing Jeremy Swayman whereby the Bruins can also retain Linus Ullmark for next season. “If we can’t, we’re going to explore,” he said, noting that he expects to receive inquiries about Ullmark, who has a year left on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He’s coming off a one-year, arbiter-award contract worth $3.475 million. Swayman could cost the Bruins over $6 million annually on a seven or eight-year deal.

That would leave the Bruins with over $11 million tied up in two goaltenders. They could clear $5 million from their books by trading Ullmark. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and has a 16-team no-trade list until July 1, when it drops to 15 teams.  If the Bruins get a satisfactory trade offer, Ullmark will be moved this summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently pondered whether the Bruins should pursue Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl this summer if he becomes available or wait until he becomes a UFA next summer.

Draisaitl, 28, has a year remaining on his contract. He’ll command a big raise on his next deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl’s contract status will make him a hot topic of speculation this summer if he and the Oilers fail to agree to a contract extension.

Recent conjecture suggested the Bruins could be interested in Draisaitl to address their need for an elite center. The latest rumor claims the 28-year-old Oilers forward would be interested in joining the Bruins next summer to center his buddy David Pastrnak.

The Bruins’ limited trade capital makes them unlikely to win any bidding war for Draisaitl if the Oilers decide to trade him this summer.

Signing Draisaitl as a UFA will likely cost over $15 million annually. The Bruins have a projected $47 million in cap room for 2025-26 with seven active players under contract. However, that will shrink considerably once they make their necessary signings and additions this summer. They might not have enough by next summer to outbid other clubs for Draisaitl’s services.

UPDATE ON MARTIN NECAS

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander wondered if Martin Necas will return with the Carolina Hurricanes next season. The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, making him the subject of media trade chatter.

Necas departed Carolina soon after the Hurricanes’ elimination from the playoffs to play for Czechia in the ongoing IIHF World Championships. His father said his son wants to play on a team where he’ll play on the top line and top power-play unit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed the Hurricanes will attempt to trade Necas, probably in the days leading up to the 2024 NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. The Montreal Canadiens reportedly inquired about his availability. The Utah franchise is another club that might have an interest in Necas.

WILL THE PENGUINS TRADE OR RE-SIGN MARCUS PETTERSSON

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel recently pondered whether the Penguins will re-sign Marcus Pettersson or use the 28-year-old defenseman. He’s entering the final season of his five-year contract ($4.025 million AAV) and carries an eight-team no-trade list.

Pettersson put up a career-high 30 points in 82 games this season and led the Penguins with a plus/minus of plus-28. Noting management’s shift toward moving veterans for younger assets, Vensel wondered if Pettersson could suffer the same fate as Jake Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson would be a player the Penguins would prefer to retain if they were still a serious contender. However, they could shop him this summer while his value is high or peddle him before next season’s trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 10, 2023

by | Sep 10, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 10, 2023

The latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele plus other Penguins trade needs in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON HELLEBUYCK AND SCHEIFELE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Michael Russo reported Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t looking to trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele right now.

“The narrative took on a life of its own,” said Cheveldayoff. “Obviously we made some changes to our organization and we think we’re situated to be in a real good, competitive spot.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

That narrative is the contract status of Hellebuyck and Scheifele. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer unless they re-sign with the Jets before then. LeBrun and Russo noted there’s a risk that the Jets could lose those two for nothing if they’re not signed before the projected March 8 trade deadline.

Cheveldayoff, however, is putting his focus on winning this season. He also indicated there’s been ongoing dialogue with both players, adding that he’ll meet with them once training camp opens later next week.

LeBrun and Russo’s colleague Murat Ates believes Cheveldayoff’s body of work during the offseason might give the Jets a chance to re-sign Hellebuyck. The most notable move was shipping Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings for Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari.

Ates speculates there’s a possibility of a short-term contract between the Jets and their starting goaltender. Scheifele’s situation, however, is less clear.

If the Jets are forced to move Hellebuyck and Scheifele before the trade deadline, Ates believes they could fetch solid returns. The club could also accrue $10 million in cap space by the deadline if they wish to become buyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant offer before the regular season begins, it’s safe to say that Hellebuyck and Scheifele will start this season with the Jets. Whether they finish the season in Winnipeg or stay beyond that remains to be seen. 

If the Jets are sitting in a playoff position, Cheveldayoff will likely keep both players for the postseason even if it means they’ll depart next July as free agents. On the other hand, one or both could be peddled at the trade deadline if the club is near the bottom of the standings.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE PENGUINS?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski doesn’t see the Penguins making any forays into the trade market before the season opens next month. However, they still have some roster shortcomings that could require a trade or two later this fall.

The Penguins could use some offense among their bottom-six forwards. With the club pressed for salary-cap space, it must also be affordable.

Kingerski also believes the Penguins need to boost the right side of their third defense pairing. Chad Ruhwedel or professional tryout offer signing Mark Pysyk are tentative options to be penciled in at that position.

Marcus Pettersson could once again find himself the subject of trade rumors. Other potential trade chips could be left-shot defensemen Ty Smith, Will Butcher and Libor Hajek.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like former Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, current GM Kyle Dubas isn’t afraid to wheel and deal to try and address his roster issues. He could attempt to make another move or two later this season if those issues raised by Kingerski persist.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 21, 2023

by | Jul 21, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 21, 2023

The summer of Erik Karlsson continues with more speculation linking the Sharks defenseman to the Penguins. Check out the latest plus some possible Sabres trade candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE “KARLSSON TO PITTSBURGH” RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reports the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes remain the primary suitors for Erik Karlsson as both clubs have permission to speak with the San Jose Sharks defenseman. The Penguins have had multiple people (apart from president of hockey ops Kyle Dubas) talking to Karlsson in recent weeks and several within the organization are confident that the Penguins are his preferred destination.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and top defenseman Kris Letang have endorsed the pursuit of Karlsson. Letang would remain their No. 1 defenseman and skate on the top pairing but he’s willing to change his role on their top power-play unit to allow Karlsson to quarterback it.

Dubas and his staff are working on several scenarios that would allow them to acquire Karlsson while remaining cap compliant. One is a straight-up trade with the Sharks. Another would involve a third team with salary-cap space. There could also be a scenario that would include buying out a current roster player such as Mikael Granlund.

Rossi also indicated that Dubas spoke with Jeff Petry last month in Detroit about all possibilities, including a trade. The 35-year-old defenseman is not open to a trade far away from his family in Michigan. He has a 15-team no-trade list.

The Sharks are interested in Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson as part of the deal but Dubas has resisted offers thus far. The Penguins’ hockey ops president also favors top-five protection on any first-round draft picks and expects the Sharks will retain a portion of Karlsson’s $11.5 million cap hit. How much they’ll retain depends on what assets the Sharks receive in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As expected, a Karlsson-to-Pittsburgh trade would be a complex deal involving a lot of moving parts.

It certainly seems like the Penguins are the front-runners. The most we’ve heard about the Hurricanes’ interest is they’re “monitoring” the situation. That doesn’t mean they’re not making offers or trying to work a deal but there’s been almost nothing of substance being reported about their efforts to land the Sharks blueliner.

Rossi noted the Penguins get a second contract buyout window because of Drew O’Connor filing for arbitration. His arbitration hearing is Aug. 4 but he and the Penguins could reach an agreement on a new contract by then. Whether O’Connor’s situation is settled before his hearing or requires an arbiter’s decision, the Penguins will have 48 hours following the settlement to buy out a roster player.

That could explain why the much-anticipated trade sending Karlsson to Pittsburgh hasn’t taken place yet.

POTENTIAL SABRES TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at several Buffalo Sabres who could become trade candidates. The club currently has 10 NHL defensemen and three goaltenders who could be ready to play this season. They also have several forward prospects who could be ready to join the lineup.

Winger Victor Olofsson is the most logical trade candidate given his one-dimensional play and that he was a healthy scratch during some key games down the stretch. His $4.75 million cap hit for this season makes him tough to move under a flattened cap. The offseason injury to Jack Quinn could force management to retain Olofsson until Quinn’s return.

The Sabres’ blueline depth could make Henri Jokiharju expendable. He does have some value which could make him a more realistic trade candidate before the start of the season. Ilya Lyubushkin could also be available but might not have as much value as Jokiharju.

They must also decide between goalies Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Comrie could have some value around the league as a cheap backup. Other trade options include Jacob Bryson and Riley Stillman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One or two players on Fairburn’s list could be playing elsewhere when the Sabres open their season in October. Olofsson seemed to be a goner for sure before Quinn was sidelined. Perhaps they’ll evaluate the performance of their promising forwards to determine if they can part with him before the season begins.

When it comes to Comrie and Luukkonen I can’t see them parting with the latter. Still, it could come down to training camp and preseason performance.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2022

by | Oct 11, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2022

What next for Wayne Simmonds, Nick Foligno and Mike Reilly after clearing waivers on Monday? Are the Canucks interested in Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson? What’s the latest on the Senators’ search for a blueliner? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR SIMMONDS, FOLIGNO AND REILLY?

THE HOCKEY NEWS/SPORTSNET: Mike Stephens and Luke Fox wondered what’s next for Wayne Simmonds after the Toronto Maple Leafs winger cleared waivers on Monday. The 34-year-old could start this season with the Leafs’ AHL affiliate or he could be traded.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Wayne Simmonds (NHL Images).

Stephens and Fox both cited rumors that have Simmonds returning to the Philadelphia Flyers, where he spent nearly eight seasons and enjoyed the most productive period of his career. Fox also cited Nick Kypreos claiming the Ottawa Senators could have some interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs management said they’re not concerned about return but want to do right by Simmonds. His best seasons are well behind him but he’s still well-regarded for his toughness, experience and leadership. He also carries an affordable $900K cap hit for this season which could be enticing to clubs with limited cap space.

The fact Simmonds cleared waivers makes it easier to move him in the trade market. He can be demoted to the minors within the next 30 days without having to pass through waivers.

Stephens also weighed in on what the future could hold for Boston Bruins forward Nick Foligno and defenseman Mike Reilly. Like Simmonds, they both cleared waivers on Monday.

He cited rumors suggesting the Philadelphia Flyers as a destination for Foligno, who played for Flyers coach John Tortorella when the two were with the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re said to be seeking some veteran leadership.

Meanwhile, Reilly’s skills as a mobile defenseman could make him attractive to a club like his hometown Chicago Blackhawks, who could later flip him at the trade deadline for future assets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t want much in return for Foligno or Reilly as they can’t afford to take back too much salary. They’ll need the space for when Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy come off the long-term injury reserve list later this season. Having cleared waivers, they too can be demoted within the next 30 days without having to pass through them again.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS AND SENATORS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW (stick tap to “NHL Watcher”): Elliotte Friedman said he knows there’s been reports linking the Vancouver Canucks to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson. However, “someone threw cold water on that to me last night”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Penguins carrying nine defensemen under NHL contracts, Pettersson was frequently mentioned during the off-season as a trade candidate. However, they found other ways to become cap compliant to start this season, assigning Ty Smith and Mark Friedman to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

32 THOUGHTS PODCAST (stick tap to “NHL Watcher”): Elliotte Friedman still believes the Ottawa Senators intend to add a defenseman. “I believe they’ve talked internally about it, and my expectations is they’re still going to do it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators were linked to Arizona Coyotes blueliner Jakob Chychrun throughout the latter half of the off-season. The Coyotes’ expensive asking price, however, could have them considering more affordable options. We’ll see what transpires. Maybe they’ll make a trade for a Penguins defenseman?