NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

by | Sep 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the Rangers and speculation over whether we’ll see an increase in offer sheets.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report sources claiming Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the New York Rangers will be shelved if there’s no deal in place once the 2024-25 regular season begins next month. The Rangers kick off the campaign in Pittsburgh on Oct. 9.

Shesterkin, 28, is in the final season of his four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.666 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Those sources also said the two sides were “not remotely close” in negotiations. There’s a risk that things could spill over into next offseason.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Shesterkin declined to comment about the status of his contract talks, preferring to keep his focus on the upcoming season. Nevertheless, she cited sources confirming those negotiations could be put on hold if a deal isn’t in place by Oct. 9.

Walker also confirmed via industry sources that the Shesterkin camp is aiming for an average annual value of $12 million on his next contract. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in the league.

The longer Shesterkin remains unsigned, the more precarious the situation becomes for the Rangers. They’ll face competition from other clubs who can afford to pay the former Vezina Trophy winner what he wants.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers need Shesterkin to keep their Stanley Cup window open. There aren’t many suitable replacements via next summer’s trade or free-agent market.

Shesterkin’s departure would mean a shift into a transition phase for the Blueshirts. That could lead to veterans like Jacob Trouba, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider getting peddled in the trade market.

Trouba is the most likely to be traded now that he has a 15-team no-trade list this season and a 12-team list for next season. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list. Panarin would have to waive his no-movement clause and he carries a hefty $11.6 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wondered if the St. Louis Blues successful signings of former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway could lead to an increase in offer sheets.

LeBrun spoke with several NHL general managers and player agents who offered up mixed views on the subject. He believes that a well-respected general manager like the Blues’ Doug Armstrong signing Broberg and Holloway could open the door a crack to future offer sheets. LeBrun also noted the lack of rancor from the Oilers in response to those signings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Offer sheets have been part of the CBA for decades. They remain a rarely used tactic because teams often matched, making it a futile exercise.

The Broberg and Holloway signings were unique as it was the first time a team successfully signed away two players from the same team simultaneously. The Oilers’ frenzy of signings earlier in the offseason left them lacking sufficient cap space to match those offers.

There could be what LeBrun suggested as an “uptick” in offer sheet signings going forward. However, it’s still up to the player to decide if they want to sign them. History shows most usually don’t, which is another reason why they rarely occur.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

by | Sep 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Amid rumors of unrest among some Calgary Flames veterans not wanting to be stuck in a rebuild, Eric Duhatschek was asked by a reader what the trade market would be for Jonathan Huberdeau, Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar, Mikael Backlund, and Nazem Kadri.

Duhatschek doesn’t see Huberdeau moving without the Flames retaining at least 30 percent of his $10.5 million annual cap hit. The 31-year-old winger must also re-establish himself as a point-per-game player.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duhatshek believes we should “never say never” but the Flames will find Huberdeau difficult to move with that hefty cap hit running through 2030-21. He also has a full no-movement clause throughout the deal.

Coleman, 32, could have the most value. He has a championship pedigree and a $4.9 million average annual value through 2026-27. Teams could come calling about the two-way forward near the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. Coleman has a 10-team no-trade list but that gives the Flames considerable leeway if the right offer is made.

The 35-year-old Backlund took a pay cut to stay in Calgary. He could draw attention near the trade deadline but finishing his career with the team he started with is important to him. “I don’t see him moving,” replied Duhatschek.

Weegar carries a $6.25 million AAV through 2030-31 and is an important piece of the Flames’ transition. Duhatschek believes it would take “something special” to pry him away. He thought the Ottawa Senators would’ve been a good destination for Weegar but the Flames asking price would be Shane Pinto and that’s a non-starter for the Senators.

Kadri, 33, has a $7 million cap hit through 2028-29. Duhatschek thinks he’d be a good addition to a club with a three-year Stanley Cup window. However, Kadri recently told reporters to “pump the brakes” on trade speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames’ performance this season could determine Kadri’s willingness to stick around. His cap hit isn’t as expensive as Huberdeau’s but the Flames might still have to retain some of it to facilitate a deal because of his age.

Duhatshek considers forwards Andrei Kuzmenko ($5.5 million AAV) and Anthony Mantha ($3.5 million) most likely to move if they have decent seasons. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents in July.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons noted the Edmonton Oilers could garner some salary-cap flexibility to add to their roster by placing sidelined winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve.

If they do, Parsons doesn’t see them using it to sign PTO winger Mike Hoffman. Instead, he believes they could use it to bolster their defense corps, depending on whether offseason acquisition Ty Emberson can play top-four minutes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Oilers go that route they’ll have to be prepared to shed salary to make room for Kane if he returns to action in January or February.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 22, 2024

by | Sep 22, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 22, 2024

The preseason begins, Jonathan Marchessault’s junior team retires his number, Robin Lehner explains his absence from Golden Knights’ training camp, the Canucks sign Kevin Lankinen, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PRESEASON SCORES

NHL.COM: Preseason play began with three games on Sept. 21.

Buffalo Sabres center JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

The Buffalo Sabres thumped the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-3. JJ Peterka led the Sabres with a hat trick while Jesse Puljujarvi tallied all three goals for the Penguins.

Minnesota Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 35 shots in a 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 23 shots for the Jets.

The Dallas Stars nipped the St. Louis Blues 2-1. Casey DeSmith stopped all 14 shots he faced through two periods while Kyle Capobianco and Colin Blackwell scored for the Stars. Kasperi Kapanen replied for the Blues as Jordan Binnington saved all 10 shots he faced in the first period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Preseason play runs through Oct. 5. Ten games are on tap for Sunday including the Ottawa Senators meeting the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers facing off against the Boston Bruins, and split-squad games between the Nashville Predators and the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

RDS.CA: The QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts retired Jonathan Marchessault’s No. 18 jersey at the Videotron Centre. The Nashville Predators winger played for the Remparts from 2007-08 to 2010-11.

It was an emotional ceremony for Marchessault. During his remarks, he revealed that his mother had recently passed away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Marchessault for his loss.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner released a statement explaining why he didn’t report for his training camp medical. He’s been sidelined since April 2022 after undergoing shoulder in May 2022 and hip surgery in August and has been on long-term injury reserve ever since.

“All I can say at this time is everyone knows why I couldn’t be there. I was waiting calmly for things to be sorted out.”

All players, including those on LTIR, are supposed to undergo a physical before the start of each season. The Golden Knights are in contact with the league and the NHL Players’ Association about the matter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lehner has a year remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $5 million. However, it could be terminated if the league and PA agree that he violated the terms of the CBA.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a one-year, $875K contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks had been in talks with Lankinen for several weeks as starter Thatcher Demko continues to rehab a nagging lower-body injury. He’s taking a significant pay cut to join the Canucks after earning $2 million with the Nashville Predators last season.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators center Josh Norris and goaltender Linus Ullmark didn’t participate in the club’s intra-squad game on Saturday. Head coach Travis Green said they’re keeping Norris out of scrimmages over the last two days for precautionary reasons while Ullmark was having a maintenance day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Norris’ three shoulder surgeries have Senators fans understandably on edge whenever he’s absent from practice.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev is expected to miss an extended period after suffering an injury during a scrimmage on Friday.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney will be absent from training camp for personal reasons.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers promoted Warren Rychel to pro scouting director and added former Oilers winger Zack Kassian to their pro scouting staff.

THE ATHLETIC: A recent poll of NHL players revealed 62.5 percent don’t want the league to address the advantage teams have in “no-tax” states.

Two players said there are various reasons why their peers might choose to play with a specific team. One player noted there was a time when players wanted to go to cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh with higher taxes. Another observed that teams in higher tax states like Chicago, Pittsburgh and Detroit were destination cities when they were winning Stanley Cups.

Meanwhile, 71.8 percent of the players believe the league should address LTIR and tweak the rule, perhaps by implementing a playoff salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly seemed unenthused about the league implementing a cap on teams in no-tax states when the subject was raised to him earlier this month. However, he also admitted that most general managers prefer some sort of adjustment to the LTIR rule.

Based on these results, The Athletic’s Michael Russo predicted the LTIR rule will be adjusted in the next round of collective bargaining.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2024

by | Sep 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2024

The Stars re-sign Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley, Canucks forward Dakota Joshua reveals testicular cancer diagnosis, plus other notable signings and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed defenseman Esa Lindell to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.25 million. They also signed a two-year contract with blueliner Thomas Harley with a $4 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindell and Harley are among the Stars’ top three blueliners along with Miro Heiskanen.

Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (NHL Images).

Lindell, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s taking a pay cut on his next deal as his current AAV is $5.8 million. His new deal comes with a full no-trade clause in the first three years and a 20-team no-trade list in the final two years. He also gets signing bonuses during the first three years.

Harley, 23, is coming off his entry-level contract. He’s accepting a bridge deal but his next contract will likely be longer and more lucrative. He enjoyed a breakout performance in 2023-24, tallying 47 points in 79 games.

THE PROVINCE: Canucks forward Dakota Joshua revealed he was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the summer. The tumor was successfully removed and the 28-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. Joshua hopes to resume playing soon but there is no timeline for his return to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping Joshua makes a complete recovery. Testicular cancer is no joke. Thankfully, nearly 100 percent of cases are curable.

Joshua can draw inspiration from Phil Kessel. He was also diagnosed with testicular cancer early in his NHL career. He made a full recovery, going on to become the NHL’s reigning Ironman and a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary reports the Los Angeles Kings signed winger Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year contract worth $874, 125.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev, 23, reportedly requested a trade after the Kings were eliminated from the opening round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. However, he was completing his entry-level contract and had little leverage to force a trade.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres signed restricted free-agent forward Peyton Krebs to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krebs was another player coming off his entry-level contract. He was part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights in November 2021. The young forward has struggled to establish himself with the Sabres, relegated to fourth-line duty last season.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere hopes goaltender Alexei Kolosov changes his mind and returns to the club from Belarus. Until then, Briere said the club is moving on.

Kolosov, 22, is under an entry-level contract with the Flyers. They’re unwilling to loan him back to KHL club Dinamo Minsk, who have also moved on and carry three goalies on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report claims Kolosov wanted assurances of a guaranteed roster spot with the Flyers. That won’t happen with Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as their tandem for this season. Given his contract status, Kolosov has no choice but to return to the Flyers if he wants to keep playing this season.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Jon Gillies to a professional tryout offer (PTO). Gillies, 30, last played in 2022-23, splitting time between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers agreed with Broward County on a lease extension for Amerant Bank Arena that could keep the club in Sunrise through 2043.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated this deal should end rumors of the Panthers looking into constructing a new arena closer to Ft. Lauderdale. It also noted that potential new development around their current venue would likely keep them there.

SPORTSNET: Alexander Edler will sign a one-day contract to officially retire from the NHL as a member of the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 11. The 38-year-old defenseman spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Canucks, becoming a key part of their blueline and helping them reach the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

Edler played in 1,030 career regular-season games with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings from 2006-07 to 2022-23, finishing with 104 goals and 335 assists for 439 points. He also had 40 points in 93 playoff contests.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Tyler Ennis announced his retirement on Tuesday. Ennis, 34, played 13 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers from 2009-10 to 2021-22. He spent the last two seasons playing in Europe.

Ennis played 700 career regular-season games in the NHL, scoring 144 goals and 202 assists for 346 points. He also collected 12 points in 24 postseason games.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former NHL blueliner Chris Wideman also retired on Tuesday. The 34-year-old spent six seasons in the NHL from 2015-16 to 2022-23, finishing with 20 goals and 78 points in 291 regular-season games along with 4 points in 15 playoff contests.

SPORTSNET: The Edmonton Oilers and assistant GM Brad Holland mutually agreed to part company. He’d been in that role since 2022-23. Holland is the son of former Oilers GM Ken Holland.

TSN: The Washington Capitals will wear their black “screaming eagle” jersey for six games in 2024-25.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2024

by | Sep 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2024

The top remaining unsigned restricted free agents plus the latest speculation on Mikko Rantanen, Nikolaj Ehlers and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and winger Lucas Raymond, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti and Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley top Steven Ellis’ list of the notable remaining unsigned restricted free agents.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve singled out those RFAs as they’ve featured prominently in the rumor mill throughout the offseason. They’ll face heightened scrutiny as training camps open around the NHL.

Most could be signed to new contracts this week. A few could miss the start of camp if negotiations remain stalled.

THE DENVER POST: Mikko Rantanen’s contract extension is among Corey Masisak’s 10 questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp begins this week.

Rantanen, 27, is entering the final season of his six-year contract with its $9.25 million average annual value. He’s in line for a considerable raise on his next deal.

Masisak wonders if extension discussions between the Rantanen camp and Avalanche management will continue as the season begins, will there be an artificial deadline, or will they get it out of the way early in training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is an important part of the Avalanche roster and a big reason why they’ve been a Cup contender (and a champion) over the past five years. He’ll be among the biggest names in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market if he and the Avs don’t agree to a new deal by July 1. His contract situation will be closely watched during this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance asked Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about a contract extension for Nikolaj Ehlers. The 28-year-old winger is eligible for UFA status next July after he completes his six-year deal with an AAV of $6 million.

Ehlers was the subject of trade speculation during the offseason, especially near the 2024 NHL Draft in late June. Cheveldayoff said he’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach, suggesting it could be addressed at the end of the season or sooner.

630 CHED’s Bob Stauffer writes that he fully expects the Edmonton Oilers to be in the market for a second-pairing right defenseman, preferably with a little term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have just over $945K in cap space for the coming season. However, they could get some cap relief by placing Evander Kane and his $5.125 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve following his upcoming sports hernia surgery. However, they must be cap-compliant once he returns to action later this season.

Stauffer didn’t elaborate on which blueliner he believes the Oilers could pursue. Feel free to post your suggestions in the comments section. Keep in mind the Oilers’ cap constraints and their need for a right-shot rearguard.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2024

by | Sep 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: some suggested trade destinations for Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler and the latest on Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent report indicating the Anaheim Ducks and defenseman Cam Fowler are discussing his future.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images)

The 32-year-old Fowler is believed willing to expand his four-team trade list. He carries an average annual value of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Present listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers as three clubs in “win-now” mode who could benefit from adding Fowler to their defense corps.

Their limited cap space would be an issue for those clubs, meaning there would have to be salary retention by the Ducks or salaried players sent to the Ducks to offset his cap hit. The Oilers also don’t have a shallow prospect pool to draw from for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present noted that Fowler is unlikely to be moved before the start of this season. However, injuries could open up some cap space on one of those clubs at some point. That could make Fowler a tempting target.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh wondered if Kaapo Kakko would still be on the New York Rangers’ roster by the end of this season. He believes he will be, but acknowledged the trade rumors that dogged the 22-year-old winger during the offseason.

Baugh believes Rangers GM Chris Drury will attempt to add to his roster at this season’s trade deadline. Kakko could be part of a “win-now” deal, but the best-case scenario could be the young winger returning to his 2022-23 production when he tallied 40 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Kakko wasn’t traded this summer because his value was low. If he doesn’t improve this season, bundling him as part of a larger return for a skilled player might be the only way to move him in a trade.