NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

by | Jun 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2024

What’s the latest on Patrik Laine? Could Martin Necas sign an offer sheet? Will the Ducks finally trade John Gibson? Are the Avalanche shopping Ross Colton? Check out the latest in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON PATRIK LAINE

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell hopes to find a “hockey trade” for Patrik Laine. Earlier this month, the Blue Jackets and the Laine camp agreed to look for a trade.

Waddell hopes that retaining salary won’t be necessary to move Laine. “We want to make a hockey trade if we can and certainly exhaust every opportunity and every team that potentially has interest,” he said.

The Jackets GM admitted there’s a chance the 26-year-old winger won’t be moved during the offseason. “If the options are limited or there’s no options that make sense, then we’ll have to deal with that,” said Waddell.

Laine has two seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

SPORTSNET: Sammy Sachdeva listed the Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins among eight possible trade destinations for Laine. The others include the Utah Hockey Club, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These clubs could use additional scoring for one reason or another. Whether they’re interested in Laine or can afford his contract or the Blue Jackets’ asking price remains to be seen.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel believes Laine is one big-name trade target that makes sense for the Penguins.

Vensel proposed the Penguins offer winger Reilly Smith in exchange for Laine. Like the Jackets forward, Smith could use a change of scenario after struggling this past season.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

The Jackets would get cap relief by swapping Laine’s $8.7 million for Smith’s $5 million cap hit for 2024-25, plus they could ship Smith to another club if they wish. If Laine doesn’t regain his scoring touch in Pittsburgh, taking on his contract wouldn’t adversely affect the Penguins’ long-term flexibility. Also, they wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick or prospect to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the type of hockey trade Waddell is referring to, unloading Laine for a player with a more affordable short-term contract that could be enticing to another club.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked if Laine would be a good fit with the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens. He believes it would depend on what the Blue Jackets want in return, if Laine will accept a trade to Montreal and if the Jackets retain some salary in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engels thinks the Canadiens could consider it if the asking price isn’t too prohibitive. However, they could be considering other trade options that are less costly and carry less baggage.

COULD MARTIN NECAS SIGN AN OFFER SHEET?

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on social media yesterday that a few teams wonder if an offer sheet for Martin Necas is plausible if the Carolina Hurricanes’ asking price remains high.

The Hurricanes are entertaining trade offers for the 25-year-old winger. However, they’re said to want “star power” in return.

LeBrun admits it’s a “long shot play” but feels it’s something worth keeping in mind.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Rival clubs can send him offer sheets but it’s up to him whether he’ll sign.

It’s a little-used tactic that rarely succeeds. Of the 10 offer sheet signings since 2005-06, only two (Dustin Penner in 2007 and Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021) were successful.

WILL THE DUCKS TRADE JOHN GIBSON THIS SUMMER?

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Elliotte Friedman thinks some teams are looking at Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson.

Friedman said the Devils looked into Gibson before they acquired Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. He isn’t sure if the Ottawa Senators would be a fit. The Ducks aren’t keen to retain salary so that could complicate things.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Recent reports suggest the Senators are more interested in Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark. He has a year left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit and a 16-team no-trade list.

COULD THE AVALANCHE SHOP ROSS COLTON?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Avalanche might peddle Ross Colton to gain some salary-cap flexibility.

The 27-year-old center was traded to Colorado from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer, signing a four-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. He has a no-trade clause for next season beginning on July 1.

Colorado faces a bit of a cap crunch this summer. There is uncertainty over the futures of forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Restricted free agent center Casey Mittelstadt is in line for a significant raise and they’re also trying to re-sign pending UFA Jonathan Drouin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton could draw attention in the trade market. However, the Avalanche must act quickly before his NTC begins on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2024

by | Jun 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2024

Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Martin Necas and Tanner Jeannot plus updates on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS AND PATRIK LAINE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets had been working on trading Patrik Laine since early last season. He believes there’s interest in the 26-year-old winger as a player but his contract complicates things.

Laine has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also carries a 10-team no-trade list.

Friedman believes it comes down to what the Blue Jackets seek in return and if they’re willing to retain part of Laine’s cap hit. He also believes the winger’s injury history makes him riskier.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Jeff Marek observed that the Utah Hockey Club wants to add veteran players on short-term contracts. He thinks their young player might benefit from having a proven goal scorer in their midst.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets will want to move the entirety of Laine’s contract from their books. They won’t get much in return to do that. The Jackets might have to take back an expensive struggling veteran in the deal.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER

Friedman believes Mitch Marner’s contract will make it difficult for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade him. He noted that the type of contract Marner would seek once his current deal expires next summer is one factor while another is his no-movement clause. Friedman also pointed out that Marner’s agent prefers to go to free agency.

This saga could carry over into next season unless the Leafs can sell Marner on a trade. “I think people are underestimating just how complicated this whole thing is,” said Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, Elliotte, Marner’s critics in Leafs Nation are willfully ignoring those complications. They want the scapegoat for their club’s playoff woes traded immediately for a big return and won’t accept no for an answer.

RED WINGS FOLLOWING MARTIN NECAS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Stockton cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Detroit Red Wings is among seven clubs closely following Martin Necas’ trade status.

Stockton pointed out that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is determined to add a top-fix forward this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly seek “star power” in return. If they’re unable to get it, perhaps they’d be interested in what the Red Wings could offer in terms of draft picks and prospects.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE HRONEK AND MIKHAYEV?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Filip Hronek fits the Vancouver Canucks perfectly but that doesn’t mean he’s staying around long-term. They’ve been trying to re-sign the 26-year-old restricted free-agent defenseman but haven’t gained much traction.

Johnston suggests there might be more value in trading Hronek rather than signing him to a deal that is above what Canucks management wants to pay him. He noted that the blueliner played well alongside Quinn Hughes but not in limited minutes away from the Canucks captain.

Meanwhile, Johnston cited sources confirming the Canucks are trying to trade Ilya Mikheyev. The 29-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

Mikheyev has struggled with injuries and consistency in his NHL career. They’d like to move him out to free up cap space for other needs. It could cost them a draft pick to move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hronek would have more value in the trade market than Mikheyev. However, the blueliner is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal worth $8 million annually, which is more than Hughes is making as the Canucks’ top defenseman. His salary demands and unimpressive numbers away from Hughes could dampen his value in the trade market.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Dakota Joshua is drawing plenty of interest. The 29-year-old Canucks forward is a UFA coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $825K. Dhaliwal believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the clubs interested in Joshua.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua enjoyed a breakout performance this season with 18 goals and 32 points, bringing a gritty presence to the Canucks’ checking lines. He won’t be lacking for suitors willing to pay him over $3 million annually on a multi-year deal if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS INTERESTED IN TANNER JEANNOT?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes a young team like the San Jose Sharks or Chicago Blackhawks would be interested in Tanner Jeannot. The 27-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning forward has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $2.6 million.

Kypreos thinks Jeannot would make more sense for a young team than a contender with only a fourth-line position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Jeannot plays well with a young club they can try to re-sign him. They can also flip him to a contender at the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

by | Jun 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024

Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets are working on a trade, plus updates on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Martin Necas, Valeri Nichushkin and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

LAINE AND THE BLUE JACKETS ARE WORKING ON A TRADE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there is a mutual agreement between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine that he needs a fresh start with a new team. The 26-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Injuries have hampered Laine’s production since joining the Blue Jackets in 2021. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. While those factors could affect his value in the trade market, he could also bounce back and regain his scoring form with a new club.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested clubs could insist on the Blue Jackets retaining part of Laine’s cap hit. However, only two years remain on his contract, so that might not be a deal breaker for teams with cap space seeking additional scoring. The Jackets won’t get much in return but clearing his cap hit from their books frees up money to invest in other players through trades or free agency.

THE LATEST ON MARKSTROM, MARNER, EHLERS AND NECAS

TSN: Chris Johnston feels the Calgary Flames are at a point where they want a certain return for Jacob Markstrom. He thinks the New Jersey Devils are the most motivated to get a trade done but they’re only going to go so far in terms of return. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million and a full no-movement clause.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames are quietly trying to move Markstrom. He cited Kevin Woodley of Sportsnet’s 960 The Fan expressing his belief that Markstrom has no intention of returning to the Flames.

Gilbertson noted reports claiming the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Markstrom. However, he doesn’t think Flames general manager Craig Conroy will rush into trading the 34-year-old goalie if he doesn’t find any suitable offers.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he believes the Flames haven’t given up on retaining Markstrom. He said they’re prepared to trade him but won’t do it simply for the sake of making a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom is difficult to move because of his NMC and cap hit. The Flames will understandably seek the best possible return. Nevertheless, there seems a greater possibility of moving him now than there was leading up to the trade deadline. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the trade rumors keep swirling around Mitch Marner but there’s been nothing new to report about the 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger. He continues to train and prepare to return with the Leafs for the final season of his contract.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sporstnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Marner. Friedman pointed out the Golden Knights always seem to be around any good player in the trade market. He said he’s had people suggesting trade offers for Marner involving defenseman Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs management appears willing to listen to offers but those could be few and far between this summer. Marner carries an AAV of $10.9 million which is difficult to move even with the salary cap rising by $4.5 million for next season. His full NMC gives him complete control over whether he’ll accept a trade, plus the Leafs will seek a significant return. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still a Leaf when the regular season begins in October.

TSN: Dreger also mentioned the Winnipeg Jets are willing to entertain offers for Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s going into the final year of his contract (with an AAV of $6 million). It’s more of a financial issue for the Jets, as they’re looking ahead to re-signing winger Kyle Connor. He has two years left on his contract and will be expensive to retain.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck mentioned trading Ehlers as one way the Jets could garner some salary-cap relief to re-sign RFAs Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley, and attempt to re-sign pending UFAs Sean Monahan and Dylan DeMelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger mentioned Ehlers is tied to the Carolina Hurricanes as they’re looking at trading winger Martin Necas.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun said the Hurricanes have heard from five to seven teams expressing general interest in Necas. They include the Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins.

The Hurricanes are also prepared to retain Necas if they don’t receive suitable offers. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights coming off a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly want “star power” in return. That could take most of the team mentioned by LeBrun out of the running.

BLACKHAWKS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN NICHUSHKIN

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun reported there was a rumor that the Chicago Blackhawks considered taking a look at suspended Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin. However, he said they were not interested. “Just too much unknown and risk for their liking.”

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is listening to offers for his club’s first-round pick (seventh overall) in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. The club has two first-rounders in this year’s draft, including the 25th overall that originally belonged to the Boston Bruins.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2024

by | Jun 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2024

Will the Canucks pursue Jake Guentzel and re-sign Elias Lindholm? Will the Jets trade Nikolaj Ehlers? Are the Canadiens out on Martin Necas and Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Vancouver Canucks have long had Jake Guentzel in their crosshairs as a trade target. He wonders if they’ll get into the bidding as the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to trade the 29-year-old winger’s signing rights. The asking price is said to be a mid-round draft pick.

Kuzma noted the Canucks reportedly considered flipping Elias Lindholm to the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline to clear room to acquire Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canucks were also linked to Martin Necas but the Hurricanes seek “star power” in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Guentzel’s signing rights would be more affordable for the Canucks than what it would’ve cost to get him before the March trade deadline. However, he could prove too expensive to re-sign.

The Canucks possess over $25 million in cap space with 14 active roster players under contract for next season. Their notable unrestricted free agents include Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Tyler Myers and Dakota Joshua while Filip Hronek and playoff hero Arturs Silos are restricted free agents.

Guentzel could seek between $8.5 million and $9.5 million per season on a long-term extension. That wouldn’t leave much cap space for the others

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Lindholm’s encouraging postseason performance put him back in the Canucks’ roster conversation. Head coach Rick Tocchet likes his hockey smarts and versatility. However, the Bruins have a continued interest in the 29-year-old center. Even if the Canucks offered a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually, it might not be enough to keep Lindholm from testing the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm’s departure would make it easier to re-sign their other free agents, including Guentzel if they acquire him from the Hurricanes. 

TRADE RUMORS SWIRLING ABOUT NIKOLAJ EHLERS

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck cited a report by The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming Nikolaj Ehlers wasn’t willing to sign a contract extension with the Jets. A source wouldn’t confirm it but said Ehlers had a year left on his contract and they’d see where it went from there. The source added that constant dialogue exists with Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Billeck noted that Ehlers consistently produced well whenever he saw top-line minutes but didn’t spend much time in that role under coaches Rick Bowness, Dave Lowry and Paul Maurice. If new bench boss Scott Arniel is the same, it may be time to part ways with Ehlers, whose production tends to drop during the postseason.

The Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are reportedly among the potential suitors. Billeck believes the Jets would seek a top-four defenseman if they peddle Ehlers this summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Jets are prepared to shop Ehlers before the NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. He thinks they’ll seek a first-round pick and a good non-elite player in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumblings about Ehlers started soon after the Jets’ first-round elimination by the Colorado Avalanche in April. Ates pointed out that he carries a 6 million cap hit for next season and a 10-team no-trade list. He’s previously suggested the Senators, Hurricanes, Utah franchise, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins as potential destinations for Ehlers.

CANADIENS OUT ON NECAS AND ZEGRAS?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports the Montreal Canadiens are still exploring the possibility of acquiring Hurricanes forward Martin Necas or Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras. However, the acquisition price could prove too expensive and the timing doesn’t seem right.

The Hurricanes reportedly want “star power” in return for Necas. The Canadiens won’t part with their good young core pieces. It could cost them top defenseman Mike Matheson, leaving a big hole in their blueline. Re-signing Necas could also prove too costly for the Habs right now.

Zegras has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.75 million. However, the Canadiens would be asked to part with significant pieces for a financial commitment in a player that they’re not sure will fit in well within their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Basu acknowledged that asking prices for Necas or Zegras could drop and priorities might change. However, he pointed out that the Canadiens dodged a bullet last summer when they were linked to Pierre-Luc Dubois. While they need more scoring, it might be best to avoid taking a risk on Necas or Zegras and find better options.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2024

by | Jun 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 8, 2024

The Hurricanes are open to trading Jake Guentzel’s rights, the latest on Martin Necas and an update on the Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES OPEN TO TRADING GUENTZEL’S RIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that the Carolina Hurricanes are open to trading Jake Guentzel’s contract negotiating rights before free agency begins on July 1.

Friedman thinks the asking price could be “a mid-round pick.” He believes there is “tons of interest,” adding that teams must think they can get the 29-year-old winger signed to a long-term extension before July 1.

The Chicago Blackhawks could be among the interested clubs. Friedman said someone told him they’d like to move their rebuild along.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown believes acquiring Guentzel would boost the rebuilding Blackhawks’ anemic scoring. He thinks the contract concern would be over term more than dollars, suggesting a five-year contract wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $32.3 million for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. They could easily afford a hefty raise for Guentzel. However, it’s uncertain if he wants to join a rebuilding club. He could prefer skating with a contender.

THE LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

SPORTSNET: Friedman also provided an update on Martin Necas. He said the Hurricanes are letting people know that they consider the 25-year-old forward a “budding star”, adding that they want “star power” in return. He indicated they’re not seeking a return of middling draft picks and prospects.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently wrote that the Montreal Canadiens were among many clubs calling about Necas. However, he thinks there’s “zero chance” of a trade given the bad blood between the two clubs over the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet in 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens probably lack the roster assets that the Hurricanes would seek for Necas. I doubt it has anything to do with lingering bad feelings about the Kotkaniemi deal, at least from the Habs point of view.

Everyone directly involved on the Canadiens side is no longer with the club except for team owner Geoff Molson. I don’t see him preventing the current management from dealing with the Hurricanes.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Rangers GM Chris Drury could be ready for a roster shakeup following his club’s elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

“We’re looking at a lot of different things,” said Drury. “And there’s different ways to get to where we want to go. To me, really, nothing’s off the table.”

Drury didn’t elaborate about his plans but Sears believes he has plenty of options to shake things up. Those could include moving Jacob Trouba, Mika Zibanejad or Chris Kreider after they struggled during the conference final. However, there are stumbling blocks such as their high salaries and no-trade clauses.

If Kreider and Zibanejad return, Drury should focus on finding a permanent right wing for their line. Winger Barclay Goodrow could also be a trade candidate given the Rangers’ need to free up cap space to re-sign defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Goodrow carries a 15-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be surprising if Zibanejad or Kreider get traded this summer. The same goes for Trouba, whose struggles were largely due to his playing on a broken ankle since March. Goodrow, however, seems a more likely trade candidate despite his modified no-trade clause.

Kaapo Kakko has surfaced in trade rumors following a difficult season. However, Drury defended the young restricted free agent, noting that Alexis Lafreniere was the subject of trade speculation at this time last year but has since enjoyed a breakout performance. He said the club will do everything it can to help Kakko reach his potential.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

by | Jun 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

A look at the offseason market for goaltenders and the latest on Brady Tkachuk, Martin Necas and Chandler Stephenson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM IN THIS SUMMER’S GOALIE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen offered up an analysis of the goaltenders potentially available in this summer’s trade market and the teams who could be interested in them.

The big names include Nashville’s Juuse Saros, Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, and Boston’s Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros seems the least likely of those three to be available. The Predators are reportedly planning to open contract extension talks soon, though they could listen to offers if those negotiations stall.

Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. The 34-year-old Flames goalie was reportedly close to getting traded to the New Jersey Devils in February but for some reason, the deal fell through. It’s assumed Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald could revisit his interest in Markstrom, who could waive his clause to go to New Jersey.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark seems the most likely to be traded. He’s got a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list that becomes a 15-team list on July 1. It’s believed the Bruins intend to make Jeremy Swayman their full-time starter with promising Brandon Bussi as his backup. It was rumored the Bruins were close to moving Ullmark before the trade deadline to a team on his no-trade list but he rejected the deal.

Other trade options include Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, Ottawa’s Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins, and Washington’s Darcy Kuemper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re all on this list because of their recent inconsistent performances.

Gustavsson is the odd man out among the Wild goalies with Marc-Andre Fleury returning for one more season and promising Jesper Wallstedt ready for promotion. Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Merzlikins raised eyebrows in January with a trade request that his agent subsequently walked back. He’s got three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Kuemper’s performance has declined over the past two seasons. He’s also got three years left on his deal and a 10-team no-trade list. His AAV is $5.25 million.

The free-agent market is rather thin on reliable starters but has plenty of backups with varying abilities. They include Kaapo Kahkonen, Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, Laurent Brossoit, and Cam Talbot.

Boylen listed the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings as potential buyers.

SENATORS MUST IMPROVE TO MAKE TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS DISAPPEAR

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the recent trade speculation suggesting the Ottawa Senators might listen to trade offers for captain Brady Tkachuk, forcing GM Steve Staios to deny the rumors in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

The trade conjecture about Tkachuk is baseless but it’s not going away. Scanlan believes the only way to nip it in the bud is for the Senators to finally improve into a playoff contender. Another missed postseason will only further stoke speculation about their captain’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are building around Tkachuk but the constant losing is wearing on him. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract. He’s already been in the NHL for six seasons without a sniff of the playoffs. This year’s disappointment had to be particularly bitter following such a promising buildup to this season.

If the Senators keep spinning their wheels, Tkachuk will run out of patience at some point. He’ll want to play for a winner while he’s still in his playing prime. Another lost season or two could force him into requesting a trade. He’ll get slammed in some quarters for bailing on the Sens but most folks won’t blame him for doing so.

Tkachuk is doing everything he can to lead the Senators into postseason contention. His performance on and off the ice back this up. He and his teammates have been let down by years of mismanagement by Staios’ predecessor.

LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Marek spoke with colleague Elliotte Friedman about potential suitors for Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Friedman isn’t sure that some of the teams reportedly interested in Necas (Vancouver and Montreal) have what the Hurricanes want for the winger. The Boston Bruins could offer up goaltender Linus Ullmark, noting the two teams discussed the former Vezina Trophy winner before the March trade deadline.

Marek noted the Buffalo Sabres have a lot of prospects and draft capital to use as trade bait. However, he doesn’t think any of that works for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will set a high asking price for Necas, hoping his potential as a scoring winger will fetch a significant return. They can retain him if they don’t get any suitable offers, but there’s a sense among the punditry that they prefer to move him rather than face a potential arbitration hearing.

Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if Necas was traded by this Saturday. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

UPDATE ON CHANDLER STEPHENSON

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson could draw several suitors if he hits the open market on July 1. He’s coming off a four-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Allen cited reports suggesting the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators could be among a growing list of teams that could come calling about Stephenson when free agency begins.