NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 17, 2025

by | Jan 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 17, 2025

Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner and Victor Hedman reach notable offensive milestones. Read on for the details and much more from a busy Thursday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal in a 1-0 overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators. Goaltender Logan Thompson made 25 saves for his second straight shutout victory as the Capitals picked up their third straight win to take over first place in the overall standings with 65 points. Leevi Merilainen stopped 26 shots for the Senators (48 points) as their three-game win streak ended, leaving them one point behind the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has 874 NHL regular-season goals, leaving him 21 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. Merilainen became the 179th NHL goalie that Ovechkin has scored against, breaking Jaromir Jagr’s record of 178. Meanwhile, Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot missed this game as he’s day-to-day after taking a puck to the face during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the New York Islanders.

The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 3-0 deficit with four unanswered goals to nip the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Oilers captain Connor McDavid tied the game with his 20th goal of the season and Evan Bouchard tallied the game-winner as the Oilers moved into a tie with the first-place Vegas Golden Knights (61 points) in the Pacific Division. Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid became the sixth player in Oilers history to reach the 20-goal plateau nine times, joining Glenn Anderson, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier (10 times), Leon Draisaitl and Wayne Gretzky (nine times). The Oilers sit second in the Pacific because the Golden Knights hold a game in hand.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard returned to the lineup after missing three games with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by William Nylander lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Auston Matthews tallied twice and Mitch Marner had two assists for the Leafs, who sit first in the Atlantic Division with 58 points. Nico Hischier scored two goals and Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist for the Devils to extend their points streak to four games (1-0-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner became the fastest player to reach 700 points in Leafs history, reaching that milestone in 622 games, breaking Darryl Sittler’s record of 666. Leafs center John Tavares missed this game as he’s week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Jake McCabe had two assists in his return from a four-game absence with an upper-body injury.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a shootout goal from Jake Guentzel to down the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Guentzel also scored in regulation while netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 34 shots for the Lightning. Troy Terry scored the tying goal in the third period and Lukas Dostal made 32 saves as the Ducks have one win in their last six contests (1-3-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman collected an assist to become the first player in franchise history to reach the 600-assist milestone. Lighting blueliner Erik Cernak left this game in the first period with an undisclosed injury.

Winnipeg Jets blueliner Dylan DeMelo scored with 27 seconds remaining in the third period to beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1. Mark Scheifele tied the game with his 27th goal of the season as the Jets are tied with the league-leading Capitals with 65 points. Matty Beniers scored for the Kraken, who’ve won twice in their last eight games (2-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeMelo was playing in his 600th NHL regular-season game. The Capitals hold first over the Jets with a game in hand.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski collected an assist to extend his home points streak to 18 games in a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. James van Riemsdyk scored twice as the Blue Jackets (50 points) have won six straight and vaulted over the Boston Bruins in the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot. Tyler Toffoli replied for the Sharks, who’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering everything the Blue Jackets have endured since last year (management and coaching changes, trading Patrik Laine, the sudden death of Johnny Gaudreau, and injuries to Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson and Sean Monahan), their surge into a playoff berth has been impressive. Even general manager Don Waddell is surprised by their performance in recent weeks.

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1 to extend their points streak to six games (5-0-1). Jakub Dobes made 32 stops to pick up their fourth straight win in as many starts while Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook and Joel Armia scored for the Canadiens (48 points) as they also sit one point out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Jason Robertson scored for Dallas, who sit third in the Central Division with 57 points. The Stars played without Roope Hintz, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars also unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Thursday.

The First Team comprises forwards Mike Modano, Jamie Benn and Jere Lehtinen, defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Sergei Zubov, and goaltender Marty Turco. The Second Team comprised forwards Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin and Brenden Morrow, defensemen John Klingberg and Esa Lindell, and goaltender Ed Belfour.

Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot kicked out 41 shots (including 23 in the third period) in a 5-2 upset of the Florida Panthers. Dylan Larkin tallied twice and collected an assist while Lucas Raymond had two helpers as the Red Wings sit three points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth with 46 points. Anton Lundell and Evan Rodrigues scored for the Panthers, who pulled goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in the second period after he gave up four goals on 15 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov received a notable honor from his home country of Finland. It was announced that the Finnish Association of Sports Journalists named Barkov its Sportsman of the Year for 2024, making him the first hockey player to receive that award.

The Los Angeles Kings thumped the Vancouver Canucks 5-1. Alex Turcotte scored twice and set up another as the Kings took over third place in the Pacific Division with 55 points, ending a two-game losing skid. Filip Hronek scored for the Canucks, who have two wins in their last 10 games (2-5-3).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet wasn’t pleased with the performance of center J.T. Miller. “He’s struggling. He’s caught in between,” he said in his postgame interview. “You know, it seems like every time he’s on the ice, something bad happens.” Miller’s been the subject of trade rumors amid reports of a rift with center Elias Pettersson.

Three unanswered third-period goals by Reilly Smith, Chris Kreider and Artemin Panarin gave the New York Rangers a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Panarin finished with two goals as the Rangers extended their points streak to six games (4-0-2) to sit four points behind the Bruins for the final Eastern wild-card spot. Matias Maccelli tallied twice for Utah, extending their losing skid to three games.

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn scored twice and Dylan Holloway picked up two assists to douse the Calgary Flames 4-1. The Blues swept the two-game series and are 7-3-0 in their last 10. Yegor Sherangovich replied for the Flames, who hold a one-point lead over the Blues and Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

The Philadelphia Flyers held off the New York Islanders 5-3. Sean Couturier had a goal and an assist while Travis Konecny had three assists for the Flyers, extending their points streak to four games (3-0-1) and sitting within three points of the final Eastern wild-card spot. Islanders captain Anders Lee scored his 20th of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers center Ryan Poehling left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury following a hard hit from Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov.

Nashville Predators winger Filip Forsberg scored his 300th NHL regular-season goal in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Forsberg also extended his goal streak to four games while teammate Steven Stamkos scored the winner in the shootout. Connor Bedard scored and Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists for the Blackhawks.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2024

by | Dec 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 20, 2024

The annual holiday roster freeze is in effect (Dec. 20-27) but the trade and free-agent rumors persist. Check out the latest on the Predators, Canadiens and Sabres plus updates on Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett and Trent Frederic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TROTZ CLAIMS THE PREDATORS AREN’T IN SELL MODE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz claims his club is not rebuilding its roster after trading defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens for Justin Barron.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has been the busiest GM in this season’s trade market thus far. Before the Carrier deal, he traded winger Philip Tomasino to the Pittsburgh Penguins and sent goaltender Scott Wedgewood to the Colorado Avalanche for netminder Justus Annunen. He also waived defenseman Dante Fabbro, who was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Trotz claimed he’d been trying to acquire the 23-year-old Barron since last season, adding he wanted to add a right shot to his blueline who was “age appropriate”. He said the moves he’s made thus far are to reset the roster for the offseason, when he intends to be more aggressive in the trade and free-agent markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz was aggressive in this summer’s UFA market, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Those moves had observers (including yours truly) crowning them as offseason winners but they haven’t yet translated into on-ice success.

Trotz also shot down recent musings over whether he’ll try to peddle Stamkos by the March 7 trade deadline. “There’s no chance,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s also no indication Stamkos regrets his decision to sign with the Predators. If anything, he and Marchessault and Skjei appear determined to help their new team overcome their early-season struggles.

The Predators GM acknowledged he’s made lots of moves already, suggesting he could be quiet the rest of the season unless he gets an offer that knocks his socks off.

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cites a source claiming the Carrier-for-Barron trade isn’t the only move the Predators could make. “They’re clearing their cap space for something. It may not be for right now, but it’s coming.”

The Predators have been linked to Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens in the rumor mill. Their cupboard of tradeable assets is getting bare apart from Tommy Novak and Fedor Svechkov. They might have to move one of them to bolster their depth at center if they intend to turn their season around.

They also want a top-four defenseman. D’Amico noted Cozens teammate Bowen Byram has recently surfaced in the rumor mill.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz’s remarks to LeBrun suggest he intends to focus on next summer’s free-agent market to address his club’s needs. It’s doubtful that Novak or Svechkov would be enough to pry Cozens or Byram away from the Sabres.

COULD THE FLAMES TRY TO BRING BACK SAM BENNETT?

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis recently pondered whether a reunion between the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett makes sense.

Bennett, 28, was the Flames’ first-round pick (fourth overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft. He spent nearly seven seasons in Calgary until he was traded to the Panthers before the 2021 trade deadline. Over the past four seasons, he’s played a big role in that club’s development into a Stanley Cup champion.

The Flames have sought an impact center since trading Elias Lindholm last season. Bennett is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Panthers will try hard to re-sign him but Francis suggests a trade could happen if negotiations fail to produce a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will depend on whether Bennett is open to returning to Calgary. Francis pointed out that the coaches and general manager who presided over his frustrating early years in Calgary are gone, which could make that path more enticing. The Flames have plenty of cap space to sign him to a lucrative deal. He’d also be returning as a leader and a respected playoff performer.

If the Flames want Bennett, they might have to wait until next summer to pursue him. However, it seems unlikely that the Panthers move Bennett at the deadline even if he’s not under contract by then. There is a risk of losing him to free agency in July but the Panthers need him if they intend on defending the Cup next spring. Repeating as champions with Bennett in the lineup would soften the blow of his departure next summer.

LATEST RUMORS FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner remain focused on winning games this season rather than negotiating a new contract. Marner, 27, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

As the calendar flips to January, Dreger believes time will be of the essence, so they’ll have to have some definition and direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides remain tightlipped about this situation. Marner said at the start of the season he wouldn’t answer questions about his contract while GM Brad Treliving said the club would not negotiate with the Marner camp through the media.

The two sides seem to prefer waiting to open serious talks until the end of this season. Marner likely wants to stay and the Leafs want to keep him, but everything depends on his performance and that of the Leafs. Another disappointing playoff outing could lead to his departure on July 1.

Dreger said he’s been told that Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has been on the phone non-stop for the past week. He indicates Adams is willing to make a big move. Teams are interested in the Sabres’ top players but are only offering decent players in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams are trying to take advantage of Adams, hoping he’ll panic if the losing skid continues and trade away one of his best young players for peanuts. He likely seeks a one-for-one swap of comparable talent similar to his trading Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche last season for Bowen Byram.

Dreger believes the Canadiens’ acquisition of Alexandre Carrier provides the club with backfill in case someone makes an offer for blueliner Mike Matheson or David Savard before the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger’s colleague Pierre LeBrun also believes the addition of Carrier could lead to Savard getting dealt later in the season. However, he also indicated they’re not in a hurry to move.

Dreger believes the Boston Bruins must soon decide what to do with Trent Frederic. The big, rugged 26-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Teams are wondering if they’ll sign or trade him at the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could depend on the Bruins’ position in the standings by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2024

by | Dec 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 14, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Oilers and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently listed several players who could trade targets for the New York Rangers. He noted that general manager Chris Drury has some prospects, his 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, and some players on his current roster to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple assured us tongue-in-cheek that no tampering went into the compilation of his list, a none-too-subtle dig at Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer. In case you missed it, Andlauer made a recent insinuation about “soft tampering” involving the Rangers’ rumored interest in Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. The league is not investigating the allegation.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Speaking of Tkachuk, he appears on this list. Staple acknowledged the Senators’ vehement denials that their captain was available and acknowledged the asking price would be high, starting with winger Alexis Lafreniere. Staple also included Tkachuk’s teammate Thomas Chabot.

Other notable names on Staple’s wish list included Buffalo Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch, Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, and Vancouver Canucks center (and former Ranger) J.T. Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on this list (following the link if you have a subscription) are very unlikely to end up with the Rangers, including those mentioned above.

Drury could become a seller instead of a buyer if the Rangers’ fortunes don’t improve soon. Look for the lists of Blueshirts trade candidates to appear in February if they’re out of playoff contention by then.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan speculating Drury could attempt to sign a big-name unrestricted free agent this summer. She believes he could pursue Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner or Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen if they test the market next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the cap rises by $4.4 million as projected, the Rangers will have over $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 14 roster players under contract. Drury could afford a big-ticket signing but it will take up most of that cap space, leaving little to flesh out the roster unless he intends on shedding more salary first.

OILERS COULD TARGET A DEFENSEMAN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Edmonton Oilers CEO and president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson likes how his club’s defense corps has played and has no issues with them this season.

LeBrun believes they could bolster their blueline by the March 7 trade deadline. Jackson maintained they’re happy with their defense but are open to opportunities.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer suggesting the Oilers seek a right-side defenseman. Staples suggested Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ben Chiarot of the Detroit Red Wings or Nick Jensen of the Ottawa Senators as potential trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap space will determine if the Oilers pursue a defenseman and how big of a splash they might make in the trade pool by March 7. They have just under $3.5 million in projected trade-deadline cap room. The Oilers will have to shed salary or get one of those teams to agree to retain some salary to take on one of those defensemen.

ARE THE PENGUINS INTERESTED IN CANUCKS FORWARD NILS HOGLANDER?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently cited rumors linking the Pittsburgh Penguins to Nils Hoglander. The 23-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger has seen reduced playing time of late.

Yohe noted that Hoglander has fallen out of favor with Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, who was an assistant coach with the Penguins several years ago under Mike Sullivan. If Hoglander’s out of favor with Tocchet, Yohe doubted that Sullivan would want him in the Penguins lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hoglander trade rumors have cooled off lately. He could end up peddled before the trade deadline, perhaps for a right-side defenseman. Based on Yohe’s observation, the Penguins might not be a trade partner.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 25, 2024

by | Nov 25, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 25, 2024

The Leafs defeat the Utah Hockey Club, reaction to the Blues hiring Jim Montgomery as their new head coach, an update on the injury status of Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner scored two goals in a 3-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club in Sunday’s only NHL game. William Nylander had a goal and an assist and Joseph Woll made 23 saves for the Leafs, who’ve won seven of their last eight contests. Logan Cooley and Jack McBain replied for Utah, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs opened a three-point lead over the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division. William and Alex Nylander played together for the first time in their NHL careers in this game, becoming the 13th set of brothers to play for the Leafs and the fifth set to play a game together for the franchise.

Despite several regulars sidelined by injuries (including Auston Matthews), Toronto is playing well. The Maple Leafs captain is dealing with an undisclosed injury but hinted he might return as early as Wednesday against the Panthers.

Marner has stepped up for the Leafs in Matthews’ absence. The much-maligned winger has collected two points in seven of his last eight games (6 goals and 8 assists) since Matthews’ last game on Nov. 3.

ASSOCIATED PRESS: St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said he didn’t anticipate making a coaching change until the Boston Bruins fired coach Jim Montgomery last week. Montgomery signed a five-year contract with the Blues on Sunday.

Montgomery replaced Drew Bannister, who became the club’s full-time head coach in May. Bannister had filled the role on an interim basis after Armstrong fired Craig Berube last December.

“This was more of an opportunity to get someone of Jim’s caliber than anything else,” Armstrong said on a video call with reporters. “When I talked to Drew today I told him this was more of a decision based on the availability of someone I think is a top NHL coach, someone that we have experience with, someone I really do believe can coach this team and also coach the team when it reaches its ultimate level of competitiveness.”

Armstrong and Montgomery have worked together before. The Blues GM hired him as an assistant coach in 2020 until 2022 when he joined the Bruins.

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks reports Armstrong now feels that coaching isn’t an issue anymore for the Blues. “If there’s an off-ramp of inexperience, that is no longer there,” he said.

DeFranks also observed Montgomery’s new contract is abnormally long for an NHL coach. Armstrong explained it’s because he believes his new bench boss can help this retooling club now and as it grows. He pointed out how Jon Cooper’s longevity with the Tampa Bay Lightning kept that club competitive for years.

Benjamin Hochman noted this move was a bold cutthroat decision by Armstrong. Hochman acknowledged the injuries that sidelined several key players affected the club’s performance this season under Bannister but also noted that other players didn’t step up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong saw an opportunity for an upgrade behind the bench. It didn’t hurt that he had a positive history with Montgomery, giving the Blues GM the inside track. Montgomery also has longstanding ties with St. Louis and maintains his offseason home there.

Armstrong’s remark about coaching no longer being an issue could also be a shot across the bow to his players. It could be a warning that the next changes could be to the roster if the Blues fail to improve under Montgomery.

SPORTSNET: Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed his lower-body injury was not serious. The team will see how he feels over the next several days.

ROTOBALLER: The Carolina Hurricanes removed Seth Jarvis from injured reserve, making him eligible to join the roster for their game against the Dallas Stars on Monday. Jarvis missed the last seven games with an upper-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Ottawa Senators place forward Zack MacEwen on waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2024

by | Oct 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2024

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

WHO SHOULD THE LEAFS SIGN NEXT?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau looked at which players the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign next after inking Jack McCabe to a five-year extension.

Proteau believes Matthew Knies is part of the Leafs’ long-term future. The 22-year-old forward is off to a strong start this season. He carries an average annual value of $925K and will get a significant raise on his next contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

Former captain John Tavares knows people expect him to accept a significant pay cut from his current $11 million AAV to stay in Toronto. Proteau believes the 34-year-old center still has value under the right circumstances, suggesting a $6 million AAV on a two or three-year deal.

Proteau suggests the Leafs should consider moving on from Mitch Marner if he wants more than $11 million annually, citing his lack of playoff success. He thinks Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could feel pressure to get something for Marner in the trade market if his contract price is too high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knies is in the final season of his entry-level contract so the Leafs hold all the leverage unless he signs an offer sheet with a rival club or stages a holdout. Treliving will likely want to avoid those scenarios, especially if Knies maintains his strong performance throughout this campaign. He could get a bridge deal as Proteau suggests to between $5 million and $6 million but Treliving could also attempt to lock him up on a longer term.

Tavares wants to finish his career with the Leafs. He could accept between $5 million and $6 million annually on a two or three-year deal.

Marner currently carries an AAV of $10.9 million and probably won’t accept less than William Nylander’s $11.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause and shows no intention of waiving it. As Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently observed, the Leafs can either re-sign Marner or treat him as a playoff rental for this season and watch him depart in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: During the Oct. 28 edition of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman mentioned the Montreal Canadiens are seeking a forward who plays with an edge and a right-shot defenseman.

Friedman mentioned San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning. However, the Canadiens would prefer a player on an expiring contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are reportedly conducting due diligence to see which players are available in the trade market. It’s unknown if Benning is among them. There’s no trade activity right now and it’s believed the Canadiens have no deals in the works.

Benning, 30, is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $1.25 million. That affordable cap hit could make him a worthwhile trade target despite the extra year on his contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

by | Oct 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett and Filip Gustavsson plus updates on the Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports he’s had no firm confirmation that the New York Rangers offered Igor Shesterkin an eight-year, $88-million contract. However, if that was the offer that was made, it’s no surprise the 28-year-old goaltender rejected it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported this story. He has a solid track record for breaking news like this. Friedman isn’t saying Weekes was given the wrong info, only that his own sources can’t confirm the numbers.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Rangers aren’t comfortable with Shesterkin’s asking price, which would also make him their highest-paid player. He also cites teams and agents saying the percentage of the salary cap is a critical factor, especially with the cap expected to rise. “No agent or player wishes to sign something that looks relatively small if things go where predicted,” wrote Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported in June that the Rangers netminder would seek an average annual value of $12 million on a long-term deal.

There are fewer A-list goaltenders these days which is why their wages overall have been suppressed. Nevertheless, the Rangers have a top goalie in Shesterkin, prompting Friedman to suggest that they will eventually meet his asking price because of his value to the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying that for weeks and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. You can debate whether Shesterkin deserves $12 million annually but he’s perfectly positioned to make that request.

Friedman admits there were times last summer when he thought the Minnesota Wild would trade goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are starting this season with Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jesper Wallstedt in goal. Gustavsson could be moved at some point but it could be difficult to find him sufficient playing time to generate interest among other clubs. They might have to wait until the trade deadline.

Friedman wondered if an eve-of-season contract extension was possible between the Winnipeg Jets and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

Ehlers is slated to become a UFA next July. He appeared in trade rumors during the draft in June but that talks fizzled out as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel sang his praises while offering their expectations of his role with the club this season.

After signing Carter Verhaeghe to a contract extension, the Florida Panthers are expected to focus on retaining Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers will have a projected $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the salary cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That would give them enough to re-sign Bennett but he will want a substantial raise over his current $4.425 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will draw interest in the trade market. Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues took a long look at him. However, it’ll take time for interested teams that currently lack salary cap space to pursue him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman said things are quiet on the Trevor Zegras front. He noted there was speculation last season linking the 23-year-old forward to the Montreal Canadiens but that’s cooled off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens made their big move for a forward by acquiring Patrik Laine in August. Laine is currently sidelined until December with a sprained knee but they’re reportedly going to ride things out with their current roster until he returns.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox included Mitch Marner on his recent list of 25 people who will define the 2024-25 NHL season. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Fox will be surprised if Marner accepts a contract extension with an average annual value less than teammate William Nylander’s $11.5 million.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could attempt to trade Marner before the March 7 trade deadline, which is unlikely given the winger’s full no-movement clause. He could re-sign him to a lucrative new offer during this season or wait and see how this season unfolds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also wonders what the end game will be for Marner. He doesn’t think the Leafs want to let Marner walk next summer but he also doesn’t see them trying to move him at the trade deadline if they’re a 100-point team by then, especially with Marner’s NMC giving him complete control over his situation.

I think Treliving waits until the regular season is over to make his decision. He’ll likely let Marner walk if the Leafs make another early postseason exit.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman has tumbled down their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly looked into peddling Liljegren before signing him in June to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. He’s an expensive seventh defenseman for the Leafs but could be a suitable addition for clubs looking for reasonably-price blueline depth.