NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2024

by | Jan 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2024

Which players could the Rangers target as a possible replacement for Filip Chytil? What’s the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko? Will the Predators be busy in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS FOR CHYTIL

NEW YORK POST: Before Sunday’s news that Filip Chytil is out for the rest of the season with a suspected concussion, Larry Brooks wondered which players the Rangers might target as a possible replacement for the sidelined center.

The Rangers need a third-line center behind Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. Brooks believes they will operate with the cap space freed up by placing Chytil and his $4.4 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve.

Brooks listed the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique and Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan as the most prominent trade candidates. The 33-year-old Henrique carries a $5.85 million cap hit that the Ducks would have to retain half, likely driving up their asking price. Monahan, 29, has a $1.985 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elliotte Friedman touched on this during his Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. He felt a trade sending Monahan to the Rangers wouldn’t be easy. He said there’s no love lost between the front offices of the two clubs as former Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton is now the Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations.

Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Monahan is younger and carries a much more affordable cap hit but he does have a recent history of injuries. The Canadiens could seek a first-round pick in return for Monahan while the Ducks could seek the same for Henrique.

LATEST ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported on Friday that Senators GM Steve Staios must determine what’s next for Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old right wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

On Wednesday, Staios told reporters that he hadn’t approached Tarasenko about waiving his no-trade clause. Nevertheless, both sides understand the reality of the situation.

The Senators GM said the winger has made a good impression with the Sens and hinted at re-signing him. However, Garrioch pointed out that the Senators need more assets (draft picks or prospects) and Tarasenko could fetch some of those in a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch also indicated that there were scouts from Washington, Detroit, St. Louis and Arizona at Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins. They may have been there to look at Tarasenko and other Ottawa players but it’s worth noting that the Capitals, Red Wings and Coyotes will play the Senators within the next four weeks.

Tarasenko will certainly draw attention over the next month as the trade deadline approaches. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 and has a proven record in postseason play with 44 goals and 64 points in 97 contests. The veteran winger has 32 points in 43 games with the Senators this season.

PREDATORS COULD BE ACTIVE BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently reported Predators GM Barry Trotz spent time phoning different general managers during the club’s recent road trip. He said that he’d be ready to do something but the others couldn’t because of limited salary-cap space.

Trotz believes his team will be able to do “a couple of things” at the March 8 trade deadline. Gallagher noted he’s been trying to move defenseman Tyson Barrie but hasn’t been able to make the dollars work yet because the interested parties lack cap room.

Predators backup goalie Kevin Lankinen has drawn interest but he’ll fetch a draft pick or two rather than a player who can help the Predators now. There were rumblings earlier this season that blueliner Dante Fabbro was available but those have since died away

Trotz hasn’t made up his mind if he’ll be a buyer or seller but suggested his club’s performance in the coming weeks would determine his decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie is the most likely to be moved given his public trade request, which didn’t sit well with Trotz. However, I don’t think he’ll fetch much more than Lankinen.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

by | Jan 28, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

Sean Monahan is linked to the Rangers, Chris Tanev could become a Senators trade target, and the Sabres’ Erik Johnson could become a trade candidate. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE RANGERS PURSUE MONAHAN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported speculation over whether the New York Rangers might pitch for Sean Monahan.

The Montreal Canadiens center has garnered lots of respect around the league after overcoming injuries that threatened to derail his career two years ago. Monahan, 29, has 35 points in 49 games this season.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Canadiens’ asking price could be a first-rounder for Monahan. He noted that the Rangers were in the market for a center and could use a second one after Filip Chytil suffered a setback last week in his recovery from a concussion.

It could prove not very easy for the two clubs to swing a deal. Friedman believes there is little love lost between their front offices. Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is the Rangers’ former general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think Gorton would have an issue if the Rangers offered up a first-round pick or a top prospect for Monahan. A bigger concern could be whether the Blueshirts could win a bidding war for the Canadiens center. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks could have an interest in him.

SENATORS EYEING CHRIS TANEV

SPORTSNET: Friedman reported that Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev could be on the Ottawa Senators’ radar as they look to add complete players and “pros” to their lineup.

Friedman thinks Tanev would make a lot of sense for the Senators. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations given their place in the standings. The 34-year-old blueliner could prefer going to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This only makes sense for the Senators if Tanev is willing to sign a contract extension with them. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which is why he’s come up so often in trade rumors this season. If he’s not interested, they’ll be wasting assets on someone who could bolt this summer to greener pastures. It might be best to wait and see if he will test the free-agent market this summer and inquire about him then.

WILL THE SABRES SHOP ERIK JOHNSON?

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast episode in which Friedman said he’s starting to hear Erik Johnson’s name a little bit in the rumor mill. The 35-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres last summer.

Friedman said he was told that Johnson could be a name to watch as there’s going to be interest in him. He thinks the veteran blueliner would prefer going to a contender if the Sabres attempt to move him. Moser speculated they might get a third-round pick for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnson lacks a no-trade clause but the Sabres could try to do right by him by prioritizing contenders. He’s on injured reserve but is expected to return to action following the upcoming All-Star break.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2024

by | Jan 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2024

Should the Leafs approach John Tavares about waiving his no-movement clause? What’s the latest on the Capitals’ Evgeny Kuznetsov and the Canadiens’ Sean Monahan? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

SHOULD THE LEAFS ASK TAVARES TO ACCEPT A TRADE?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons observed the decline in John Tavares’ production this season. If the Maple Leafs can expect this from their 33-year-old captain over the remainder of his contract, perhaps the two sides should consider parting ways.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

Simmons wondered if Tavares, who has one year remaining on his contract with a full no-movement clause, would be willing to “make a most unselfish gesture and waive his no-trade arrangement?” He speculated that question might come before this season ends or in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares made it very clear that he intends to play out his contract with the Leafs. I’ll be astonished if Leafs management asks him to waive his movement clause and even more shocked if he agrees to accept a trade.

Assuming that unlikely scenario took place, there is no market for a declining center that turns 34 in September carrying an average annual value of $11 million through 2024-25.

Tavares is earning $7.95 million in actual salary per season on the final two years of his contract Nevertheless, I don’t believe any club will take on that contract unless the Leafs are retaining half of his annual cap hit.

Even then, it would still be too expensive for most clubs to carry. Those who could are rebuilding teams whose playoff hopes for next season will be slim at best.

THE LATEST ON KUZNETSOV

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber noted that Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov was moved to the fourth line during Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Head coach Spencer Carberry said Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin were “getting crushed” when playing together this season.

The move was made in part to spark Kuznetsov, who hasn’t shown any consistency or momentum this season. Silber doesn’t see the 31-year-old center getting moved by the March 8 trade deadline because of his $7.8 million AAV and declining trade value. However, she speculated he could become a good draft trade asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov is signed through 2024-25. His performance has significantly eroded this season with just 14 points in 40 games. For that matter, so has that of the 38-year-old Ovechkin with just eight goals and 28 points in 41 contests. However, the Capitals captain is in no danger of becoming a trade candidate.

The combination of Kuznetsov’s contract and performance makes it unlikely that he’ll be moved by deadline day. I also think it will hurt his value in the offseason trade market unless the Capitals retain half of his AAV for the final season of his contract.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MONAHAN

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently looked at six possible trade destinations for Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan. He’s on a one-year deal with an AAV of $1.985 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Canadiens management reportedly has an agreement with the 29-year-old center that they would try to trade him to a contender if they’re out of playoff contention leading up to the March trade deadline.

Larkin listed (in alphabetical order) the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets as potential landing spots for Monahan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan would make an affordable and worthwhile “Plan B” for teams that fail to land Calgary’s Elias Lindholm if he becomes available leading up to the deadline.

The Oilers might not make any further additions following their reported signing of Corey Perry. As for the Leafs, defense and goaltending are more urgent priorities.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

by | Jan 21, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 21, 2024

Should the Avalanche attempt to reacquire Nazem Kadri? Who could the Canucks pursue at the trade deadline? Which players should the Jets target in the trade market? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SHOULD THE AVALANCHE BRING BACK KADRI?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler makes the case for the Colorado Avalanche to reacquire Nazem Kadri, who signed a long-term contract in 2022 as a free agent with the Calgary Flames.

Keeler believes the Avs can no longer count on winger Valeri Nichushkin, who’s taken his second extended leave of absence from the club, this time to enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He doesn’t want to see the club waste another season of Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen while they’re still in their playing prime.

The Avalanche have been linked to Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm but he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Instead, Keeler believes bringing back Kadri would be a better option given his style of play and his previous tenure in Colorado.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Keeler acknowledged Kadri is on the wrong side of 30 (33) and has five more years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7 million. However, he’s also expressed his reluctance to play for a rebuilding club if the Flames decide to go down that path.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keeler admits this is wishful thinking on his part (“let’s get wacky”) though ESPN’s Kevin Weekes shares his opinion about bringing back Kadri, especially with the salary cap going up next season.

Nevertheless, there are too many hurdles to clear for the Avs. The biggest is their lack of cap space for this season unless they send the Flames a good young player like Samuel Girard or Bowen Byram as part of the return. I don’t see the Flames retaining a significant chunk of Kadri’s cap hit given how many years remain on his contract.

As for next season, the Avalanche currently have $84.8 million invested in 12 active roster players for 2024-25. They’ll get $7 million in cap relief if Gabriel Landeskog remains on long-term injury reserve as he has since last season. If he returns to action, however, they can’t afford to take on Kadri even with the cap going up without shedding considerable cap space in the process.

CANUCKS TO EXTEND ALLVIN’S CONTRACT, SEEK A TOP-SIX FORWARD

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks intend to extend general manager Patrik Allvin’s contract by this week. They signed president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford to a three-year extension last week.

Friedman also indicated they’re “looking hard” for a top-six forward. The word is they’re looking at about four or five different players.

One of their targets could be Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel. Another could be Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That need for a top-six forward is due in part to the ongoing struggles of Andrei Kuzmenko. Following a 39-goal, 71-point performance in 2022-23, the 27-year-old winger has just eight goals and 19 points in 40 games. He’s been a healthy scratch five times and seen limited playing time as head coach Rick Tocchet attempts to improve his overall performance.

That’s led to speculation suggesting Kuzmenko could become a trade candidate. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million average annual value and a 12-team no-trade clause. Perhaps he’ll become part of a trade package if the Canucks pursue a rental player such as Guentzel or Lindholm, provided either one is available by the March 8 trade deadline.

FIVE PROPOSED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently listed five players that he believes the Winnipeg Jets should target leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

The Jets could use depth at center and among their right-shot defensemen. Ates proposed Calgary’s Elias Lindholm, the Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan and the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique to address the centerman role. Calgary’s Chris Tanev and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker are his suggested blueline options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm would be the best option in terms of skills but the asking price could be too expensive for the Jets. Other clubs will also be interested as the Flames will try to get a bidding war going to ensure a better return.

Henrique carries a $5.825 million AAV and at 33 has slowed but he still has good hockey sense and two-way skills. He’d be more affordable than Lindholm in terms of asking price but his cap hit is a concern. The Ducks could retain half of that hit but that will cost extra to convince them. That’s assuming, of course, that the Jets aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list.

Monahan could be the best option here. He lacks no-trade protection and has an affordable $1.985 million cap hit. The 29-year-old won’t cost as much as Lindholm and Henrique to acquire, perhaps a second-round pick.

Tanev could also prove difficult to land as there will be several clubs that could get into the bidding. He also carries a 10-team no-trade clause. Walker lacks no-trade protection, carries an affordable $2.65 million AAV and shouldn’t cost as much to acquire as Tanev. However, he might not be available with the Flyers holding second place in the Metropolitan Division.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2024

by | Jan 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom as well as updates on the Canadiens and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis isn’t putting much stock into recent trade speculation regarding Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Francis noted the 33-year-old Markstrom’s no-movement clause gives the netminder complete control over this situation. He also felt that teams in the market for an upgrade between the pipes could be leery about pursuing established, highly-paid goalies, pointing out that the Vegas Golden Knights carried four unproven ones on their Stanley Cup roster last season.

Cap-strapped clubs could prefer employing cheaper options, such as the New Jersey Devils with Nico Daws and the Toronto Maple Leafs with Martin Jones.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes the Flames aren’t about to tear down their roster after moving back into playoff contention. He also thinks it would take an overwhelming offer for management to approach Markstrom about waiving his NMC. Such an offer, if it comes at all, might not occur until the offseason.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Trevor Neufeld pointed out that Markstrom hasn’t requested a trade while his outstanding play of late is a crucial factor in the Flames’ surge in the standings.

Nevertheless, Neufeld believes Markstrom faces a “Catch-22” backlash from a contingent of Flames fans upset that the netminder wants to stay in Calgary. If he’s playing poorly, it generates talk that they need to find a new starter. If he plays well, fans and media start examining how much he might fetch in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy has indicated he’s willing to listen to offers on pretty much everyone on his roster. However, he’s not about to start trading away assets while his team is battling for a playoff spot.

That could change if the Flames fall out of contention in the coming weeks. If so, Conroy will look at the market for pending free agents such as Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. Someone like Markstrom (assuming he’ll waive his NMC) usually isn’t traded until the offseason when interested clubs have more cap space to work with.

WHAT WILL THE CANADIENS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels expects the Montreal Canadiens to be sellers at the March 8 trade deadline. As many as five players could be shipped out in the coming weeks.

Sean Monahan is expected to be the most likely to move should Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes receive the right offer. Defenseman David Savard could be another trade candidate as well as winger Tanner Pearson. It’s also possible Hughes could shop one or two of his young defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect first-pairing defenseman Kaiden Guhle to be moved. It’s also unlikely that Jayden Struble will be peddled given that he’s been a pleasant surprise for the Habs this season. Justin Barron, Jordan Harris and fan favorite Arber Xhekaj have occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill.

Engels also reported on the Canadiens’ need for a scoring star. However, he noted that Hughes, head coach Martin St. Louis and team captain Nick Suzuki bristle at the notion that the club is devoid of elite forward talent. “It’s there, but in development,” wrote Engels.

Nevertheless, Hughes admitted that he’d like to add forwards who can help the Canadiens. They possess a stockpile of 22 picks in the next two drafts, a loaded prospect pool and plenty of promising young defensemen. As a result, Engels noted the Habs GM seemed confident that trade was one of three ways he could address that need in the next year or two.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie believes Hughes is working on adding a scoring forward to support Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. However, Lavoie is uncertain if it’ll come through the draft or via trade for someone like the Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras.

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas cited Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont indicating Hughes isn’t guaranteeing he’ll move one of his three goaltenders by the March trade deadline.

Hughes acknowledged the plan at the start of the season was to carry the trio of Sam Montembeault, Cayden Primeau and Jake Allen and evaluate potential trades. It’s still not the plan to carry all three for the rest of the year but he admits there’s no certainty he’ll move one of them by deadline day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault isn’t going anywhere as he’s emerged as their clear-cut starter, earning a three-year contract extension as a result. It’s down to Primeau and Allen and I think the latter is the most likely candidate as the former has improved throughout this season.

UPDATES ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: In a recent mailbag segment, Sammi Silber was asked which members of the Washington Capitals could be moved by the March trade deadline.

Silber believed it’ll depend on where the club sits in the standings leading up to deadline day. She suspected winger Anthony Mantha and defenseman Joel Edmundson could become trade chips given their eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. However, Silber doesn’t see him getting moved at the deadline given his $7.8 million cap hit through next season and his declining performance. She considers him more of an offseason trade candidate.

Nic Dowd, Sonny Milano and Nick Jensen could also become trade candidates if the Capitals become sellers.

Silber was also asked if the Capitals would trade goaltender Darcy Kuemper and take a flyer on Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins. She doesn’t see either scenario taking place, especially for Merzlikins after he was involved last month in an on-ice altercation with Capitals winger Tom Wilson.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2024

by | Jan 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel and Andrei Kuzmenko as well as some recent Canadiens speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON GUENTZEL’S CONTRACT SITUATION

THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi reported Sunday that Jake Guentzel’s agent seemed to suggest that his client might not be with the Pittsburgh Penguins for much longer. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Agent Ben Hankinson said his client loves living and playing in Pittsburgh. He also indicated that he has a good relationship with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas.

However, Hankinson didn’t rule out the possibility that negotiations could get ugly. He thinks Dubas must determine his club’s plans before the March 8 trade deadline and his client’s place within them. Hankinson said he’ll “lean on conversations” he’s already had with Dubas and with his client. “What’s going to happen, I don’t know.”

Rossi believes a lot can be read into Hankinson’s comments. One open question is whether he and Dubas discussed a new contract for Guentzel since the start of this season. Another is whether the two sides agreed to wait until the end of this season for serious negotiations.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images)

Guentzel declined to comment about his agent’s comments. “I’m not going to go too much into detail about it,” he said. “I’m just trying to play, and we’ll see what happens as we go.”

Rossi speculates this could go three ways. Guentzel could test the free-agent market on July 1, he could be traded by the March 8 deadline, or he and the Penguins agree to a contract extension. So far, there’s no indication which way it will go.

Guentzel is currently earning an average annual value of $6 million. Rossi thinks he could get a $2 million pay bump over that on his next deal. He could get a maximum of eight years with the Penguins and seven years on the open market. Given his production, Guentzel would be one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s free-agent pool.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested the Seattle Kraken, Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders could use Guentzel if the Penguins shop him before the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another factor to take into account is what Sidney Crosby would think about Guentzel moving on at the trade deadline or via free agency. He’s had Guentzel on his wing for several productive seasons now and could exercise his influence to keep him there.

However, Rossi noted that the Penguins already have several over-30 players on expensive contracts. While the resilient Guentzel is currently the club’s leading scorer, Rossi pointed out that he also has an injury history.

If the Penguins decide to move Guentzel before March 8 there won’t be any shortage of suitors. He could become the most coveted player in this season’s trade market given his scoring ability and Stanley Cup experience.

WHAT NEXT FOR KUZMENKO AND THE CANUCKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal noted the Vancouver Canucks are continuing to work with struggling winger Andrei Kuzmenko to help him improve his performance.

Kuzmenko and his agent Dan Milstein want to make this work with the Canucks. Milstein has a good relationship with management and the two sides have regularly kept in touch. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old winger has yet to show signs of real improvement in his overall game and was a healthy scratch from some recent games.

Drance and Dhaliwal believe some teams have expressed some interest in Kuzmenko. However, his usage by the Canucks has distressed his value in the trade market. The Canucks would also be reluctant to retain part of his $5.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drance and Dhaliwal believe something’s got to give if this situation doesn’t improve soon. It’ll be interesting to see how much longer this goes on.

The Canucks are currently jockeying for first place in the overall standings. They could be in a position to become buyers at the March 8 trade deadline. Perhaps Kuzmenko becomes part of a hockey trade that fetches a winger or defenseman who can help them stage a deep playoff run. Bear in mind, however, that his cap hit and 12-team no-trade clause could hamper those efforts.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu wondered if Christian Dvorak’s season-ending injury could make Sean Monahan too important for the Montreal Canadiens to trade.

Basu believes the Canadiens will maintain its rebuilding program and that will include shopping Monahan even if he’s helping the club remain competitive this season. He suggested that perhaps a market for Monahan won’t develop that would fetch a sufficient return. However, the added responsibility he’ll have by replacing Dvorak could raise his trade profile.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens would trade Monahan simply for the sake of doing so by the deadline. I also doubt that they’d do so for a middling return. They’ll want substantial for him.

TVA SPORTS: With Los Angeles Kings backup goaltender Pheonix Copley sidelined for the season by knee surgery, perhaps general manager Rob Blake will call Canadiens GM Kent Hughes about Jake Allen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For now, the Kings will stick with their tandem of starter Cam Talbot and call-up David Rittich. Nevertheless, I think Blake will keep an eye on the trade market to add a little more depth between the pipes. Whether Allen will be on his radar remains to be seen.