NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones, Nick Robertson, and potential Rangers trade-deadline targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli took note of the news out of Chicago indicating Seth Jones and his agent were discussing trade possibilities with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t requested a trade but appears open to moving to a winner if the right opportunity arises.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Seravalli doesn’t believe Davidson’s phone is ringing off the hook with calls about Jones. He also pointed out the blueliner’s contract is difficult to move. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

The biggest question for interested teams is how much of Jones’ cap hit would the Blackhawks retain. Jones must present Davidson with a list of trade destinations. Since he wants to go to a winner, those teams usually have the most salary-cap issues.

Seravalli believes the Blackhawks could afford to carry half of Jones’ cap hit over the next five seasons if it’ll fetch them a significant return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant projected increases in the salary cap over the next three seasons could make it easier for the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ cap hit. PuckPedia shows them carrying over $36 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 roster players under contract. There’s enough room to retain $4.75 million annually going forward.

The Blackhawks could find a trade partner for Jones by the March 7 deadline but it might take a three-team swap to pull it off. They should have better luck in the offseason when more clubs are flush with cap room.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, James Mirtle was asked about Nick Robertson’s trade value. The 23-year-old forward is on a one-year, $875K contract and becomes a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

Mirtle observed that Robertson is a small offensive winger with 12 points in 47 games seeing sheltered minutes. He could become a salary-cap casualty at the trade deadline to create room if the Leafs attempt to add players at the trade deadline. Mirtle doesn’t see him fetching more than a fourth-rounder in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a hot topic for trade speculation last summer when he tried to force a trade by refusing to sign with the Leafs. He eventually inked his current deal before training camp opened last fall.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if he thinks the New York Rangers will try to add a third-line center or top-six winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Staple doesn’t see Rangers GM Chris Drury going after a rental player like Ryan Donato. However, he thinks Drury would prefer adding a player who can be part of their future beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple mentioned Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres as an example if he becomes available. The 25-year-old center is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights carrying an AAV of $2.1 million on his current contract. He could also see the Rangers GM adding a pending UFA like Boston’s Trent Frederic if he can re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

by | Jan 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 2, 2025

Could the Canucks trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? What’s the latest Leafs speculation? Could the Penguins attempt to trade Jesse Puljujarvi? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS FACE A CHOICE BETWEEN PETTERSSON AND MILLER?

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston observed Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin’s recent comments about Elias Pettersson during his year-end interview with Sportsnet.

Allvin said he believes Pettersson has the tools to become a No. 1 center but needs more maturity and accountability. He also didn’t dismiss the possibility of a trade.

Johnston suggests Allvin could be trying to encourage improvement from Pettersson, or perhaps signal to his team that everyone must be held accountable. Another option could be trying to re-set the trade market for Pettersson, whose hefty contract and recent struggles could be difficult to move.

“Will they trade (Pettersson)? Almost certainly not,” writes Johnston. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t”.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes Canucks management is leaning closer toward making a major roster change, citing the feud between Pettersson and J.T. Miller. “Don’t be surprised if we start hearing the Canucks are willing to take calls on Miller,” writes Kypreos.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In the middle of this speculation came recent remarks by former Canucks forward Brad Richardson regarding Miller’s interactions with Pettersson.

Richardson said he loves Miller but felt the veteran center was being too hard on Pettersson. “Listen, J.T., he’s the man. But there is a lot of tension. And something’s gonna give. I’m not saying you’re going to love every guy on your team – it helps – but something’s gonna give here. We’ll see.”

Johnston believes Richardson’s remarks jibe with what others have said about the relationship between Miller and Pettersson. He considers both players demanding and exacting but Miller’s brash, outspoken personality hasn’t sat well at times with the introverted Pettersson.

Both players recently denied a rumored rift. However, Allvin’s and Richardson’s remarks add fuel to the fire. It could come down to Allvin and president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford having to choose between them.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos took note of Auston Matthews’ nagging upper-body injury and its potential effect on the remainder of the season for the Maple Leafs captain.

If the setbacks continue, Kypreos speculates the Leafs could place him on long-term injury reserve before the March 7 trade deadline to help him get healthy for the playoffs. They could use the salary-cap savings ($13.25 million) to trade for another top center and give them a healthy boost when Matthews returned for the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Putting Matthews on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season would enable Leafs management to add more than a center. They could also buttress their blueline, especially on the right side. Whether they go that route remains to be seen and requires sufficient medical evidence to pass muster with league HQ.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Leafs should attempt to acquire Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. He thinks they need a second or third-line center to provide additional depth at that position for the playoffs.

Nelson, 33, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With the Islanders struggling, he could be shopped by the trade deadline if he hasn’t signed a contract extension.

Simmons acknowledged the cost of acquiring Nelson won’t be cheap. A source suggested acquiring a player like him could cost a first-round pick plus other pieces. More affordable trade targets could include Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, or Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks.

Nelson’s cap hit is $6 million but he also has a 16-team no-trade list that could affect where he ends up if the Isles attempt to move him before the deadline.

SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN: Elliotte Friedman recently said the Maple Leafs are trying to improve their roster. It’s been reported they’re trying to add a center, preferably one with term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, Wennberg and Strome would fit the bill. Laughton and Wennberg each have a year remaining on their contracts while Strome has two years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Leafs will have to clear some cap space to make additions before the March 7 trade deadline. He recommends forwards Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf, Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson and defenseman Conor Timmins as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a fixture in last summer’s rumor mill when he requested a trade rather than re-sign with the Leafs. His lack of leverage forced him to ink a one-year deal before training camp opened in September. The 23-year-old could have the most value of that bunch but that’s not saying much.

WHAT NEXT FOR JESSE PULJUJARVI?

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Jesse Puljujarvi may have asked Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to be moved to a place where he can play. He was placed on waivers Tuesday but went unclaimed.

Puljujarvi is in the final season of a two-year contract. He’s been a healthy scratch since Dec. 7, during which the Penguins went 5-4-1. Having cleared waivers, he can be sent to their AHL affiliate but the Penguins are keeping him on their roster as injury insurance as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team could attempt to acquire Puljujarvi via trade since he cleared waivers and wouldn’t have to go on them again to be sent to the minors. That seems unlikely given his struggles throughout his NHL career.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2024

by | Dec 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 21, 2024

The holiday roster freeze (Dec. 20-27) is in effect but it hasn’t silenced the trade and free-agent rumors. Check out the latest on the Canucks, Ducks and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS MOVE PETTERSSON OR MILLER?

THE PROVINCE: Dave Pottinger cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman spitballing a trade that would see the Vancouver Canucks trade Elias Pettersson to the Buffalo Sabres for Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram.

That prompted some observers to take to social media suggesting a rift could exist between Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes a trade by the Canucks could be imminent. He pointed out the club has been inconsistent this season and believes team president Jim Rutherford and his club’s management won’t sit on their hands.

LeBrun cited league sources saying the Canucks are in the market for a top-four defenseman, a need further highlighted by the absence of Filip Hronek as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli made a couple of recent reports indicating the Canucks are shopping for a defenseman. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal advocates acquiring Ivan Provorov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s difficult to see the Canucks trading Miller or Pettersson but it’s not impossible to believe it could happen. Nevertheless, one would think Rutherford or head coach Rick Tocchet would sort out any issue between those two players rather than put one of them on the trade block.

If the Canucks were willing to trade Miller or Pettersson, the latter would be the easiest to move, assuming the former isn’t asking for a trade. Pettersson’s contract is more expensive than Miller’s but his no-movement clause doesn’t kick in until July 1, 2025, whereas Miller has full no-movement protection. Pettersson is also five years younger than Miller.

COULD THE DUCK MOVE VATRANO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports Frank Vatrano could become an attractive candidate for the March 7 trade deadline. The 30-year-old Anaheim Ducks forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He carries an affordable $3.65 million cap hit this season.

Vatrano surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to last season’s trade deadline but the Ducks held onto him. Management hopes to re-sign the veteran winger to a comfortable amount and term length.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vatrano fits in well with the Ducks. He could stick with this rebuilding club to help them see it through but the lure of signing a lucrative contract with a contender could be enticing. Vatrano will attract interest if he becomes available by the trade deadline.

AVALANCHE NEEDS TO BOLSTER BOTTOM-SIX FORWARD DEPTH.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen believes the Avalanche’s bottom-six forward depth needs improvement. He believes they should bring in a third-line center to play alongside Jonathan Drouin.

Deen suggested pursuing affordable options like Juuso Parsinen of the Nashville Predators, Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jonatan Berggren of the Detroit Red Wings or Mathieu Olivier of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are reportedly keen to re-sign Olivier so he’s unlikely to be available unless their negotiations go south in the coming weeks.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

by | Nov 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2024

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

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle wondered if another cost-cutting trade could be coming to help the Toronto Maple Leafs get under the salary cap.

Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar will soon complete their AHL conditioning stints as they return from injury. Meanwhile, the Leafs have an extra forward (Pontus Holmberg) and two extra defensemen (Matt Benning and Philippe Myers).

Mirtle indicates the Leafs are trying to trade Benning. Failing that, he or Myers could be placed on waivers and sent to the minors if unclaimed.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

They’ll also have to free up a spot for Calle Jarnkrok when he returns from injury. Holmberg could be waived and demoted while trade candidates include Nick Robertson and David Kampf. Moving Kampf would clear his $2.4 million annual cap hit (through 2025-26) from their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes it’s time for the Leafs and Nick Robertson to part ways. The 23-year-old winger has had a sub-par start to the season and should be traded.

Robertson asked for a trade this summer but eventually signed a one-year, $875K contract with the Leafs. He had five goals in preseason play but only one in 11 games thus far and has been a healthy scratch from a couple of recent games.

Proteau thinks Robertson might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. He believes the young winger would get a longer look as a top-nine forward with a club like the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what kind of roster juggling Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has in store to address this issue.

It’s been rumored he could shop a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok. Robertson also remains a trade possibility.

Proteau suggested the Avs and Isles because injuries have left them thin on their respective forward lines. He’d be an affordable addition to those cap-strapped clubs but his inconsistent play affects his value in the trade market.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels recently answered some questions from Montreal Canadiens fans.

First, he doesn’t believe Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis is on the hot seat and doesn’t expect he’ll be fired anytime soon. Despite the team’s current struggles, management expected this and they believe St. Louis will seize the opportunity to improve and come out a better coach.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: St. Louis remains part of the Canadiens’ long-term plans but he could use some help from the coaching staff, especially with their defensive game. Any changes behind the bench could involve his assistants.

Engels also repeated recent reports indicating Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is shopping around for a veteran defenseman and a gritty forward. However, Hughes doesn’t want to pay a high price for depth.

Hughes could be interested in re-signing center Jake Evans but shouldn’t rush based on his strong start to this season. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old center could price himself out of Montreal if he seeks over $3 million annually on his next contract.

They could be interested in re-signing 34-year-old defenseman David Savard if he accepts a short-term deal for less money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes isn’t going to make any panicky deals based on his team’s poor start. Management remains in rebuild mode despite hoping to be in the mix for playoff contention this season. They hope to get a boost when sidelined winger Patrik Laine returns from a knee injury in December.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 1, 2024

by | Nov 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 1, 2024

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

OILERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Caleb Kerney cited Elliotte Friedman’s appearance earlier this week on “Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer” listing four potential blueline trade targets for the Oilers.

They include Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, Matt Benning of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Seth Jones of the Blackhawks.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was broadcast before the Leafs acquired Benning from the San Jose Sharks. However, Kerney’s colleague Nick Barden cited TSN’s Darren Dreger suggesting the Leafs could flip Benning to bring in an additional asset if the club is still struggling with the salary cap.

Don’t hold your breath expecting Fowler, Jones or Murphy to don an Oilers jersey anytime soon. Fowler and Jones carry hefty cap hits with no-trade protection. The asking prices are likely too expensive for the cap-strapped Oilers unless they can swing a three-team deal.

Murphy is signed through next season with an AAV of $4.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. The earliest he could be available is near the March 7 trade deadline.

EDMONTON JOURNAL’s Jim Matheson also mentioned Murphy and suggested Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov as another trade option for the Oilers. He’s eligible for UFA status next July and the Jackets carry $4.7 million of his $6.75 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov is more likely to be available than Fowler, Jones and Murphy. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported last week that the Utah Hockey Club contacted the Blue Jackets about Provorov but they’re not in a hurry to move him. They’ll likely wait until the trade deadline if they’re out of the playoff race by then to drive up his value.

LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan recently noted that Nick Robertson was a healthy scratch from the Maple Leafs game against the Winnipeg Jets earlier this week. The 23-year-old winger led the Leafs with five preseason goals but has only one in 10 regular-season contests thus far.

Robertson said he wasn’t taking the benching personally, saying he was focused on working hard.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deens cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that the Avalanche were shopping around for a forward.

Deens suggested Robertson as a possible trade option for the Avs, pointing out that the winger can’t seem to find a permanent role with the Leafs. He thinks Robertson’s offensive game could take off with the right linemates.

Robertson is on a one-year, $875K contract. He’d be an affordable possibility for the cap-strapped Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was the frequent topic of offseason speculation after requesting a trade on June 30 but re-signed before training camp. Leafs management saw him as a middle-six winger but they could entertain trade offers if he continues having difficulty filling that role.

CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco Dumont cites a source claiming Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans is attracting some interest in the NHL trade market. Dumont cites the jump in the 28-year-old Evans’ production (five points in 11 games) and his mature defensive game.

Evans is UFA-eligible next summer and carries an affordable $1.7 million cap hit this season. Dumont’s source noted that the Canadiens are searching for a top-four defenseman, suggesting that it would make sense to use Evans as trade bait to address their blueline need.

The Canadiens have other assets such as draft picks and prospects to draw on. However, if they’re unwilling to sacrifice their future it would make sense to cash in on their pending UFAs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens aren’t likely to move Evans right now. It’s more likely a trade-deadline move if he proves too costly to re-sign.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2024

by | Sep 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2024

​Does Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov want to join the Blackhawks? What’s the latest on Leafs winger Nick Robertson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

B/R OPEN ICE: cited The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus saying it was rumored during the 2024 NHL Draft that Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov wanted to join the Chicago Blackhawks when his contract expired in 2026.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Lazerus made the remark on his podcast, “The Athletic Hockey Show.” He subsequently took to “X” to clarify his comment, saying the Blackhawks saw Kaprizov “as a potential big add” in two years when he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.

Lazurus claimed he misspoke during the podcast, tweeting that Kaprizov is “intrigued” by the possibility but doesn’t “want” it now.

“Kaprizov has two years left on his contract,” wrote Lazerus. “This decision is forever away. Nothing is imminent, nothing is set in stone, Kaprizov is not asking out, nothing like that. Stand down. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.

Lazerus finished by tweeting that the Blackhawks “have their eye” on Kaprizov, not the other way around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could stir things up a bit among the fans and media in Minnesota. Kaprizov and Wild general manager Bill Guerin will likely be asked about the winger’s future much earlier than expected.

Nevertheless, it’s worth acknowledging that Kaprizov will draw plenty of interest if he tests the open market in 2026. The Blackhawks won’t be the only club with their eye on the skillful Wild winger.

Kaprizov will seek a substantial raise when his current contract expires. He’s currently earning an average annual value of $9 million and has reached or exceeded 40 goals in each of the last three seasons. He could earn over $12 million annually on his next deal with two more 40-plus goal campaigns.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted that Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson was held off the score sheet during their game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

Robertson, 23, is in a competitive battle for a full-time roster spot this season. Koshan noted the winger logged the second-most ice time of Leafs forwards in that contest, adding that the Senators were limited to just two shots on goal when he was on the ice in five-on-five situations.

Koshan pointed out that Robertson would have to clear waivers if the Leafs attempt to send him to their AHL affiliate this season. GM Brad Treliving couldn’t find a trade partner for the winger during the offseason but Koshan believes a rival team would pluck him off the waiver wire.