NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2024

by | Aug 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2024

Is Jeremy Swayman seeking $10 million annually? What are the Leafs’ options to bolster their left wing? What’s the latest speculation about Seth Jarvis’ contract talks with the Hurricanes? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOES SWAYMAN WANT $10 MILLION PER SEASON?

SPORTSNET: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli told SN960 The FAN’s Big Show that he doubts Jeremy Swayman is seeking an average annual value of $10 million on his next contract with the Boston Bruins.

Seravalli believes the Swayman camp sought an AAV in the mid-$8 million range while the Bruins countered with something in the low $6 million range. He considers that a sizeable gap but indicates the two sides are still grinding away at it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $10 million annually would tie Swayman with the Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky as the second-highest-paid goalie in the league.

Swayman’s put up good numbers over the past two seasons, took over the starter’s job last season from Linus Ullmark, and the pair won the Jennings Trophy in 2022-23. However, Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner who backstopped the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and a championship last season.

Bobrovsky earned his hefty contract. Swayman has yet to have the type of career that merits that salary. Nevertheless, given his recent performance, he deserves a substantial raise on a long-term deal.

Something at most around $8.5 million annually seems suitable. It wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides agreed to a cap hit somewhere in the middle of their initial proposals, perhaps around $7.5 million.

WHAT ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS OPTIONS ON LEFT WING?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently examined options for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bolster their left-wing depth.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (NHL Images).

Internal options include Nick Robertson. However, he requested a trade and the 22-year-old restricted free agent remains unsigned. Others include Alex Steeves, Alex Nylander or Nikita Grebenkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs GM Brad Treliving believes Robertson could help his club this season. He thinks the young winger has a tremendous opportunity to establish himself as a middle-six forward.

Treliving has indicated he’s not interested in moving Robertson. Nevertheless, as I noted yesterday, there could be teams monitoring this situation who are willing to make a pitch if the Leafs GM wants to entertain offers.

Aging unrestricted free agents Max Pacioretty, Mike Hoffman, and former Leaf James van Riemsdyk remain available. Pacioretty reportedly has offers from three teams in hand and is expected to decide soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No indication yet which teams are interested in Pacioretty. Maybe the Leafs are one of them.

Physical options include former Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins and former New York Islanders winger (and former Leaf) Matt Martin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising that Treliving hopes Robertson will change his mind after looking at this list of available UFAs.

The scorers were once significant players but their best seasons are behind them now. Cousins and Martin provide grit but no secondary scoring.

ARE THE HURRICANES ANY CLOSER TO SIGNING SETH JARVIS?

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette lists whether the Carolina Hurricanes can sign Seth Jarvis among the five big questions they must answer before the start of the season.

Lavalette believes there’s nothing to worry about regarding Jarvis’ contract talks. The club wants him around for a long time and the winger wants to stay with the team that drafted him.

Jarvis might want a bridge contract that costs less now but will put him in line for a bigger payday down the road. The Hurricanes want to lock him into a long-term deal but prefer the average annual value to be lower than Andrei Svechnikov’s $7.75 million AAV.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock believes the Hurricanes will likely get Jarvis signed to a long-term deal rather than a bridge contract. He also considers Svechnikov’s AAV the ceiling for Jarvis’ new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This might spill over into the start of training camp but Jarvis could be signed before then. The AAV could be around $7.5 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2024

by | Aug 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 24, 2024

Are the Canucks shopping for a goaltender? Could the Oilers look into adding a defenseman? What’s the latest on Max Pacioretty? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE THE CANUCKS IN THE GOALIE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal cite multiple sources claiming that Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko won’t be ready for training camp and preseason next month as he continues to rehab a knee injury.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

The Canucks hope that Demko, 28, will be ready for their season-opener on Oct. 9 against the Calgary Flames. However, that seems in question at this stage of the offseason.

Dhaliwal reported earlier this week that the Canucks were poking around in the goalie market. They’re exploring all their options for additional insurance in net.

The Canucks reached out to unrestricted free agent Kevin Lankinen. The 29-year-old netminder played solid hockey for the Nashville Predators last season as a backup. There’s some familiarity between Lankinen and Canucks goalie coach Marko Torenius.

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas suggested Antti Raanta and Martin Jones as other free-agent options for the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lankinen would be the best option for the Canucks. However, Dhaliwal and Drance noted that he had a one-year, $2 million contract last season and likely won’t be interested in a one-year deal for near the league minimum. They also suggest adding another goalie could affect their plans to accrue cap space this season to put toward the March trade deadline.

OILERS SEEK A DEFENSEMAN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports the Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a right-shot defenseman after trading Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks and losing Philip Broberg to an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues.

Former Oilers Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz are believed to be on the Oilers radar. Kevin Shattenkirk is another possible target.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples wondered if Tony DeAngelo could be an option. The 28-year-old is much younger than Barrie, Schultz and Shattenkirk, and played his junior hockey with Oilers blueliner Darnell Nurse. Travis Dermott is a left-hand shot but he’s 27 and knows Connor McDavid and Connor Brown from their days with the Erie Otters.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seeing what the Oilers do will be interesting. They could go with Barrie as he’s more familiar with the current roster though his defensive deficiencies could be a concern. Schultz and Shattenkirk are now past their prime. DeAngelo comes with personal baggage while Dermott struggled last season in Arizona.

LATEST ON PACIORETTY

DAILY FACEOFF’s Frank Seravalli reports former Washington Capitals winger Max Pacioretty has “firm in-hand offers from three teams.” The 35-year-old winger is expected to make a decision soon.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 11, 2024

by | Aug 11, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 11, 2024

A look at the best players still available in the unrestricted free-agent market in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hunter Crowther recently looked at the top five wingers and defensemen still available among this summer’s crops of unrestricted free agents (UFAs).

The top five wingers include James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Johnson, Kevin Labanc, Mike Hoffman and Max Pacioretty.

Former Boston Bruins winger James van Riemsdyk (NHL.com).

Crowther believes the 35-year-old van Riemsdyk could still have value in a limited third or fourth-line role. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the 34-year-old Johnson but he also played for a bad Chicago Blackhawks club.

Labanc, 28, and the 34-year-old Hoffman saw their production affected by playing for the rebuilding San Jose Sharks.

When healthy, the 35-year-old Pacioretty can play a decent two-way game and contribute to the second power-play unit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Age and/or injuries have affected these forwards. Labanc should be in his playing prime but his production tumbled from his career-best 56-points performance in 2018-19 skating with a more talented Sharks team. He was a frequent healthy scratch last season, seeing action in just 46 games.

Crowther listed Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz, Marco Scandella, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Calen Addison as his top five remaining UFA defensemen.

Barrie, 33, was a frequent healthy scratch with the Nashville Predators last season. However, he could get a one-year contract from a club looking for a right-shot, puck-moving defenseman who can help their power play.

The 34-year-old Schultz has Stanley Cup experience but his performance has declined, logging the worst plus-minus on the Seattle Kraken last season despite seeing third-pairing minutes. Scandella, also 34, also had difficulties in a third-pairing role with the St. Louis Blues last season.

Shattenkirk’s game is also in decline. He’s no longer the dynamic offensive blueliner he was earlier in his career. Addison, 24, was a once-promising defenseman who bounced from the Minnesota Wild to the San Jose Sharks, who opted not to qualify his rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie could still have some value playing sheltered minutes if he’s paired with a good stay-at-home defender. Addison might have value as a reclamation project.

Schultz, Scandella and Shattenkirk are all now past their prime. They might have to consider professional tryout offers to secure an NHL contract this season or look overseas to continue their playing careers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

by | Aug 5, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines and Rumors – August 5, 2024

It’s a holiday Monday in Canada so there’s little hockey news to report. Here’s a brief look at the notable remaining unrestricted free agents plus a look at whether Patrik Laine would be a fit with the Bruins.

DAILY FACEOFF: recently listed the top remaining players in this summer’s unrestricted free agent market.

Right wing James van Riemsdyk tops the list, followed by defensemen Tyson Barrie and Tony DeAngelo.

Former Nashville Predators defenseman Tyson Barrie (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie was in his hometown of Victoria, BC, on Saturday hosting a charity concert featuring Grammy Award winner Sarah McLaughlan. There’s no word if he’s in discussions with any NHL teams for next season.

As for DeAngelo, SI.com cited Hockey News Hub claiming the blueliner was reportedly signing with SKA St. Petersburg. No official word yet from him or the club.

Right wings Tyler Johnson, Kevin Labanc and Mike Hoffman, defenseman Oliver Kylington, left wings Max Pacioretty and Jakub Vrana, and blueliner Justin Schultz rounded out the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These players have occasionally surfaced in free agent rumors over the past month as options for NHL clubs seeking affordable depth. However, no reports suggest any of them are close to signing.

Other notables include defenseman John Klingberg, goaltender Kevin Lankinen, left wing Nick Cousins, goalie Antti Raanta, and wingers Cal Clutterbuck and Filip Zadina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been no updates on Klingberg since he underwent season-ending hip surgery in December. The latest on Cousins is he’ll be having his day with the Stanley Cup on Aug. 20 but nothing on talks with NHL teams.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont pondered the possibility of the Bruins looking into acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine. With the offseason departure of Jake DeBrusk, he believes the 26-year-old Laine could be a good fit among the Bruins’ top-six forwards.

Laine’s contract, however, is a significant obstacle. He has two years remaining on his deal with an average annual value of $8.7 million. The Bruins currently have $8.6 million in cap space but most of that will be taken up signing goaltender Jeremy Swayman.

To bring Laine to Boston, the Blues Jackets would have to retain some of Laine’s cap hit. Doing so, however, means the Bruins would be forced to ship out equal bucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dupont believes Laine will most likely suit up with a club that has the cap room to acquire him. He suggested the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings as the best bet given their depth of exciting young prospects.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 7, 2024

by | Jul 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 7, 2024

The Sharks signed first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini while the Blackhawks inked second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov. Check out the latest today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks signed Macklin Celebrini to a three-year entry-level contract.

San Jose Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini (NHL.com).

The 18-year-old Boston University center was selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft. He decided to forego the rest of his college career and jump to the NHL shortly after participating in last week’s Sharks’ development camp.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks general manager Mike Grier was impressed by Celebrini’s on-ice play. However, his interview and dinner with the young center at the Draft Combine convinced him to select the young center first overall. Grier praised Celebrini’s maturity, drive, and passion to become a great player.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Ticket sales for the Sharks’ Oct. 31 game against the Chicago Blackhawks and sale of No. 71 jerseys are soaring following Celebrini’s signing. That game features Celebrini facing off against Connor Bedard, the 2023 first-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini will need all of his maturity, strength, and passion for the game heading into his first NHL campaign. Like Bedard with the Blackhawks, he must deal with the pressure of being the foundation piece for a rebuilding club. How well he copes with that pressure and adapts to the NHL game will play a significant role in their rebuilding process.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Blackhawks, they signed Arytom Levshunov to an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old Michigan State defenseman was chosen second overall in this year’s draft.

NHL.COM: Celebrini and Levshunov are the latest 2024 NHL Draft class to sign entry-level contracts. Jett Luchanko (13th overall, Philadelphia Flyers) signed his ELC on July 6.

Adam Jiricek (16th overall, St. Louis Blues) was the first, signing his deal on July 2. Beckett Sennecke (third overall, Anaheim Ducks), Berkly Catton (eighth overall, Seattle Kraken), Zayne Parekh (ninth overall, Calgary Flames), Terik Parascak (17th overall, Washington Capitals), Stian Solberg (23rd overall, Anaheim Ducks), and Matvei Gridin (28th overall, Flames) signed theirs on July 5.

TSN: The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations. They also signed restricted free agents David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley to two-year contract extensions.

Gustafsson, 24, will earn an average annual value of $835K while Stanlhttps://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-remaining-free-agents-the-best-2024-ufas-still-on-the-boardey’s AAV is $1.25 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: No change on the top remaining unrestricted free agents listing.

Winger James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Ryan Suter, blueliner Tyson Barrie, and wingers Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty are the most notable still available. Others include winger Daniel Sprong and defenseman Oliver Kylington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market slowed following its initial frenzy of signings from July 1 and 2 heading into the July 4th American holiday weekend. There could be an uptick this week.

Many of these players could be waiting weeks for new contracts. Some will sign professional tryout offers hoping to secure jobs in training camp and preseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

A list of the remaining notable UFAs, the latest on Jacob Trouba, plus updates on the Leafs, Senators and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REMAINING NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

DAILY FACEOFF: Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Suter and Max Pacioretty are the notable players on Frank Seravalli’s list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Others include Nate Schmidt, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson, Mike Hoffman and Tony DeAngelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these players are past their prime. Some of them might land with new clubs on inexpensive one-year contracts.

THE LATEST ON JACOB TROUBA

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers’ biggest move yesterday was the one they didn’t make: trading Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers explored trading the 30-year-old defenseman, whose no-movement clause shifted to a 15-team no-trade list on Monday. They requested his list early to trade and expedite the situation.

Arthur Staple reports Trouba refused to submit his list until it was due on early Monday, which may have scuttled some of general manager Chris Drury’s plans for the day. A rumored deal with the Detroit Red Wings might not be on the front burner following the Wings’ re-signing of Patrick Kane and other free-agent additions yesterday.

Staple also believes there’s a chance Trouba, knowing the Rangers are trying to send him to Detroit, could include the Wings on his no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Trouba’s wife’s hospital residency is among the factors keeping him with the Rangers.

Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s three-year residency at a New York hospital was to be completed this year when her husband’s no-movement clause expired. However, her residency was deferred by a year so the program she is required to complete will instead end on July 1, 2025.

Brooks reports sources claim the discussions between the Trouba camp and Rangers management have been professional without animosity. He also said the rumor that Trouba rejected a trade to Detroit was untrue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As this story unfolds, it seems increasingly unlikely that Trouba will be traded this summer. The Ranger’s inability to clear his $8 million from their payroll will complicate efforts to improve their roster depth and to re-sign RFA defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to make it work with Nick Robertson. He wouldn’t confirm if the 22-year-old winger made a trade request but admitted there was some frustration from Robertson last season.

Treliving had no update on whether contract extension talks have started with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility. He said he wouldn’t address it, adding that Marner is training and preparing for the season.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reported Treliving also had no update on a contract extension for captain John Tavares. “I’m not going to get into any contract discussions that we may or may not be having,” said Treliving. “We do our business behind closed doors.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s how I see the Leafs’ summer unfolding. Robertson will be traded only if the Leafs can get a comparable player in return. Marner won’t be traded. He and Tavares won’t get contract extensions this summer. Both players and management will adopt a wait-and-see approach to the 2024-25 season.

NO TRUTH TO SHANE PINTO TRADE REQUEST

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios denied Shane Pinto had requested a trade.

League sources claim contract talks between Staios and the Pinto camp are at an impasse. However, Staios said the 23-year-old center didn’t ask to be traded. He added that negotiations take time and they’re still pressing on.

Garrioch also mentioned hearing Pinto’s agent is calling around seeking an offer sheet. The Senators only have $4.4 million in cap space but would match an offer for the young center. It would also be a long shot as the compensation for an offer between $4.57 million and $6.7 million is a first and third-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto will probably end up with a two-year deal worth around $3 million annually. He lacks arbitration rights because he didn’t accrue sufficient years to qualify.

THE LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty remains in play in the trade market.

The Jets were close to moving the 20-year-old forward to the Minnesota Wild at the recent NHL Draft. They also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty won’t attend the Jets development camp this week. Ates indicates they are still trying to move him.