NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 30, 2024

by | Nov 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 30, 2024

Recapping the action of Friday’s 14 games in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S NHL GAMES

NHL.COM: Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny scored two goals as his club upset the New York Rangers 3-1. Bobby Brink also scored and Ivan Fedotov stopped 22 shots for the Flyers as they moved into the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with 25 points (11-10-3). Vincent Trocheck replied for the Rangers, who’ve lost five in a row and hold the first Eastern wild-card spot with 25 points (12-9-1).

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers look nothing like the dominant club that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season. General manager Chris Drury miscalculated if he felt that publicly shopping some of his veterans in the trade market would light a fire under this team. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill update.

Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon scored twice as his club overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 20 saves as he remains unbeaten in regulation (5-0-1) this season. Ryan Donato tallied both goals for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blackhawks announced backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit will remain sidelined for another six weeks after undergoing a second procedure on his right knee.

The Vancouver Canucks blew a 3-1 lead but got a 4-3 overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Connor Garland had two goals (including the winning goal) and an assist and Kevin Lankinen turned aside 31 shots for the Canucks. Sabres forward Dylan Cozens had a goal and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres forward Sam Lafferty left this game with a lower-body injury.

Power-play goals by Dougie Hamilton, Timo Meier and Jack Hughes carried the New Jersey Devils over the Detroit Red Wings 5-4. Hamilton, Meier and Hughes each finished with two points. Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko also had a goal and an assist while teammate Lucas Raymond scored to extend his goal streak to five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils forward Tomas Tatar left this game in the first period with a lower-body injury. His status is unclear for Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals. The Devils sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 34 points.

The Washington Capitals overcame a 4-2 deficit to defeat the New York Islanders 5-4 on an overtime goal by Jakob Chychrun. Tom Wilson had two goals, Dylan Strome scored a goal and two assists and Connor McMichael had three helpers for the Capitals. Simon Holmstrom scored twice and Anders Lee had a goal and two assists for the Islanders, who have only two wins in their last 10 games (2-4-4).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau was a last-minute scratch as he’s dealing with a lower-body issue.

Three unanswered third-period goals by A.J. Greer, Anton Lundell and Sam Bennett carried the Florida Panthers over the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 6-3. This was Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad’s 700th career NHL regular-season game. Seth Jarvis, Sean Walker and Eric Robinson scored for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win moves the Panthers into first place in the Atlantic Division with 29 points, one ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their points streak to five games (4-0-1) with a 5-2 upset of the Calgary Flames. Adam Fantilli scored two goals, and Kirill Marchenko had a goal and two assists for the Blue Jackets. Blake Coleman and Nazem Kadri replied for the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski extended his points streak to seven games with a goal and an assist.

An overtime power-play goal by Brayden Point gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning while Roman Josi netted both goals for the Predators, who’ve dropped three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nashville winger Steven Stamkos wasn’t pleased with his club’s work ethic against his former team. It’s been a difficult season for Stamkos with seven goals and 12 points in 24 games since signing with the Predators this summer.

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Erik Portillo turned aside 28 shots in his NHL debut to defeat the Anaheim Ducks 2-1. Alex Turcotte and Alex Laferriere scored for the Kings while Ryan Strome replied for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings placed center Akil Thomas (undisclosed) on injured reserve ahead of this contest. He was injured during Monday’s 7-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

San Jose Sharks rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith each had a goal and an assist in an 8-5 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Ethan Cardwell tallied his first NHL goal for the Sharks and Jake Walman tallied twice. Kraken center Chandler Stephenson had a goal and two assists and teammate Shane Wright potted two goals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks are still rebuilding and aren’t expected to be a playoff club this season. Nevertheless, promising youngsters like Celebrini, Smith and William Eklund and veterans like Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli, Mackenzie Blackwood and Alexander Wennberg have turned this group into an entertaining team. It’s a refreshing change from the moribund bunch that floundered at the bottom of the standings in 2023-24.

The Pittsburgh Penguins got a game-winning goal from recently acquired winger Philip Tomasino to nip the Boston Bruins 2-1. Penguins winger Rickard Rakell also scored and Tristan Jarry got the win with a 31-save performance. Charlie Coyle scored for the Bruins as Jeremy Swayman stopped 33 shots.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden scored twice, including the game-winner, in a 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets. It’s the first time Howden has reached 10 goals in a season. Ivan Barbashev also tallied two goals for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 33 points. Cole Perfetti scored twice for the Jets, who’ve dropped three of their last four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winnipeg remains atop the overall standings with 36 points but they’ve cooled from their red-hot start of 17 wins in their first 20 games. The Jets activated defenseman Logan Stanley off injured reserve for this game.

Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment scored two goals and collected an assist as his club defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-3. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin each had a goal and an assist for the Stars while Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar each had two points for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars center Roope Hintz returned to action after missing the club’s previous game with an undisclosed ailment. However, teammate Logan Stankoven missed this game with a minor injury and is listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins lifted the Edmonton Oilers over the Utah Hockey Club 4-3. His teammates Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each had a goal and an assist, Evan Bouchard had two assists and Calvin Pickard kicked out 28 shots for the win. Alexander Kerfoot, Logan Cooley and Lawson Crouse scored for Utah.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah defenseman Maveric Lamoureux missed this game as he’s sidelined for four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies will return from injuries in Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues activated defenseman Philip Broberg off injured reserve. He could return to action on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

by | Jun 16, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

A look at Daily Faceoff’s list of potential contract buyout candidates in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli has Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois atop his list of potential contract buyout candidates this summer.

Seravalli acknowledged Kings general manager Rob Blake indicating the club doesn’t plan on buying out the 25-year-old Dubois. However, he thinks it makes too much sense to do so if it can be done before the forward turns 26 on June 24. Until that date, they could buy him out at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining tenure of the contract. If he’s bought out at age 26 or older, it’s at two-thirds the remaining value.

Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buyout period begins on June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final, whichever is later. The latest the current series runs is June 24.

Blake was firm when he said that Dubois wouldn’t be bought out. We’ve since seen or heard little indication he or his superiors will change their minds.

Seravalli’s other buyout candidates include Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell, New York Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow, Ottawa Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo, New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug, Philadelphia Flyers netminder Cal Petersen, Flyers winger Cam Atkinson, and Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Petersen and Atkinson are the most likely to be bought out. On June 7, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club was examining its options, including buyouts for those two players.

Campbell was a free-agent bust for the Oilers. They’ve put their faith in Stuart Skinner as their starter this season, banishing Campbell to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. A buyout wouldn’t be out of the question, especially if they want to free up cash to re-sign restricted free agent Evan Bouchard this summer.

Goodrow is another possibility as the cap-strapped Rangers consider their options this summer. However, there could be a trade market for him given his playoff experience. Suter could also become a cost-cutting casualty.

The Islanders could prefer to trade Pageau rather than go the buyout route to free up salary. He popped up in trade rumors earlier this season.

The Senators are rumored to be shopping for an upgrade between the pipes. That could require clearing Korpisalo from their books.

Most reports out of Ottawa thus far suggest they could return with the tandem of Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg and hope they improve next season. Still, if there’s a chance to add someone like Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Boston’s Linus Ullmark, buying out Korpisalo could become a realistic option.

Krug used his no-trade clause last summer to reject a trade with the Flyers. He could become a buyout candidate if the Blues become desperate to create cap space for next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2024

by | May 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2024

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Linus Ullmark, Martin Necas, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently published his list of trade targets leading up to the 2024 NHL Draft on June 28-29. Follow the link for the complete list. Here’s a look at some of the more notable ones:

Mitch Marner: It’s decision time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to extend the 27-year-old winger’s contract or trade him. He has a full no-movement clause, but if the Leafs won’t extend him, it might be in his best interest to facilitate a move to a preferred destination in his contract year.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby believes Marner would be welcome in many NHL towns despite his hefty $10.9 million salary-cap hit for next season. He suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins (where former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas now resides), Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and the Utah franchise (Mammoth? Yeti?). Hornby also noted the possibility of Marner remaining with the Leafs.

Meanwhile, The Toronto Star’s Nick Kypreos admits to being among those calling for the Leafs to trade Marner but he now feels that’s less of a certainty. He suggests the onus could be on a rival club making an aggressive offer for Marner to move. There’s also the risk of Marner shining elsewhere like Matthew Tkachuk in Florida and Zach Hyman in Edmonton.

Linus Ullmark: The Boston Bruins goaltender could become one of the hottest commodities in the trade market leading up to the draft. Winner of the Vezina Trophy last season, the 30-year-old goaltender lost the starter’s job to Jeremy Swayman. He has a year left on his contract with a $5 million cap hit. Ullmark reminded everyone at his end-of-season interview that he has a no-trade clause for a reason. However, the Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators could be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli’s colleague Matt Larkin included the Kings and Senators on his list of destinations for Ullmark along with the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols cited a report out of Boston suggesting the Bruins could seek a first-round pick or a player of comparable value. However, Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy cited an NHL executive indicating Ullmark’s market value remains unknown, suggesting they could also end up with a third-rounder.

Martin Necas: The 25-year-old forward is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He’s made it clear to Hurricanes management that he wants a larger role, which will be impossible with Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis ahead of him on the depth chart. The Vancouver Canucks are among the teams believed to have indicated their interest in Necas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa noted a rumor suggesting a straight-up swap of Necas for Ullmark. However, a league executive believes that would be a mistake for the Hurricanes, swapping a 25-year-old RFA whose best seasons remain ahead for a 30-year-old goalie with a year left on his contract whose best years could soon be in his past.

NYI Hockey Now’s Russell Macias believes Necas should be the Islanders’ top trade target if available this summer. The Hurricanes winger has also been linked to the Montreal Canadiens.

Filip Gustavsson: The Minnesota Wild are willing to entertain trade offers for the 25-year-old goaltender. Marc-Andre Fleury will return next season while promising Jesper Wallstedt is waiting in the wings. The cap-strapped club could free up $3.75 million if they find a trade partner for Gustavsson.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau: Seravalli speculates Islander GM Lou Lamoriello might use some of the additional draft capital he received in a recent trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to package Pageau to another club. The Islanders only have $6 million in cap space. Moving Pageau would clear $5 million annually from their books for the next two seasons.

Jacob Markstrom: The Calgary Flames remain open to moving the 34-year-old goaltender. He has two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. With other high-value goalies potentially available this summer (Ullmark, Juuse Saros), the Flames’ best chance to get a quality return might’ve been back at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Flames had a deal to ship Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils but it fell through for uncertain reasons. One of them had Flames ownership spiking the deal because the club was still in the playoff hunt at that time.

Following the trade deadline, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald indicated he would be in the market this summer for a starting goaltender. He could still have his sights on Markstrom, provided the netminder is willing to go there.

One St. Louis defenseman: Seravalli believes Blues GM Doug Armstrong will once again attempt to shake up his blueline by peddling Torey Krug, Justin Faulk, or Nick Leddy. He believes there will be interest in Colton Parayko but considers him worthwhile to retain. Parayko has six seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug, Faulk, and Leddy all have full no-trade clauses until July 1, 2025, while Parayko’s runs to July 2028. Armstrong tried to move Krug to the Philadephia Flyers last June but the blueliner nixed the deal. Finding a suitable destination that Krug, Faulk, or Leddy would find acceptable could prove challenging.

Reilly Smith: The Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward frequently appeared in this season’s rumor mill but didn’t draw as much interest as other wingers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That situation might not change this summer. Smith’s performance notably declined this season with the Penguins, hurting his trade value.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2024

by | Apr 20, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 20, 2024

The opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begins today, the latest on the Coyotes’ move to Utah, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

PLAYOFF NOTES

NHL.COM: The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today with the New York Islanders facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes (5 pm ET) in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series. At 8 pm ET, the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the Boston Bruins to start their series.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson returns to action after missing the final three games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. However, forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Bobby McMann were absent from Friday’s practice. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said Nylander (undisclosed) and McMann (lower-body injury) are “possibilities” for Game 1 against the Bruins.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keefe also said Leafs general manager Brad Treliving told him there will be no daily injury updates during the playoffs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will return to action in Game 1 of his club’s first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He missed the last six games of the Panthers’ regular-season schedule. The two clubs face off on Sunday at 12:30 PM ET.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche backup goaltender Pavel Francouz officially announced his retirement on Friday. The 33-year-old missed the entire season following surgery on his adductors last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francouz was with the Avalanche for six seasons but injuries limited him to just four seasons on the ice. He played 73 regular-season games with 64 games saved, finishing with a record of 44-21-6, a 2.49 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and four shutouts. He saw action in 13 playoff games with a record of 8-4 with a 3.01 GAA, .899 SP and two shutouts. Francouz helped the Avalanche win the 2022 Stanley Cup.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Utah franchise owner Ryan Smith announced about 22,700 deposits have been made for season tickets during Friday’s press conference at Delta Center in Salt Lake City announcing the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was thrilled with the demand for season tickets for the Utah franchise.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Bettman also had to sit through what Remy Mastey described as a bizarre press conference with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, who attempted to explain his plans to bring an NHL expansion team back to Arizona within the next five years.

Meruelo appeared nervous and unprepared for the press conference. At one point, he said he didn’t like the media as an explanation for why he hasn’t spoken publicly about the Coyotes over the past year. Bettman sometimes clarified Meruelo’s remarks, jumping in occasionally to answer questions directed at the Coyotes owner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Meruelo has five years to construct a state-of-the-art NHL arena to receive an expansion franchise. He must win an auction on June 27 (which he mistakenly said was June 29 during the press conference) for a parcel of land near Scottsdale where he intends to build this arena.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas revealed defenseman Kris Letang was dealing with multiple injuries, one of which could be serious enough to require surgery. Forward Matt Nieto and defenseman John Ludvig also suffered injuries that could require surgery in the offseason.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale could also go under the knife after saying he played injured through most of this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Flyers, Ryan Johansen’s playing career could be over. The 31-year-old center played 63 games this season with the Colorado Avalanche until traded to the Flyers on March 6. He’s been sidelined with an undisclosed ailment. Flyers GM Daniel Briere doesn’t expect him to be back, saying Johansen doesn’t think he can play hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johansen’s situation has been shrouded in mystery. That’s prompted speculation that he doesn’t want to play under Flyers head coach John Tortorella due to their contentious relationship during their days with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Johansen hasn’t spoken publicly about the situation. It was obvious that his play had declined this season. Neither he nor the Avalanche mentioned an injury before the trade. It appears the Avs weren’t aware of his condition.

Johansen has one year left on his contract. If medically unfit to play, the Flyers could place him on long-term injury reserve at the start of next season.

STARTRIBUNE: Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber said he played the final two months of the regular season with fractured ribs. The 21-year-old blueliner is considered a candidate to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Faber finished the season sitting sixth among all NHL skaters in ice time per game (24:58), blocked the second-most shots among the Wild (150), quarterbacked their power play and finished tied for second among rookie scorers with 47 points.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said he’d like to sign Shayne Gostisbehere to a new contract. The 31-year-old puckmoving defenseman had 56 points with the Wings this season. Yzerman called him “a valuable player for how we’re set up on the back end.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are Gostisbehere’s fourth NHL team since 2020-21. It appears “The Ghost Bear” might be settling down for a spell in Motown.

TSN: Interim Ottawa Senators head coach Jacques Martin is moving to an advisor role with the club.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Senators, general manager Steve Staios said he doesn’t expect to buy out any of his players this summer.

SPORTSNET: Former NHL star Jaromir Jagr became the oldest professional hockey player on Thursday when he skated for his club Kladno at age 52 years and 63 days. Gordie Howe was the previous record holder when he finished his NHL career in 1980 with the Hartford Whalers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 29, 2024

by | Feb 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 29, 2024

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars, Bruins, Senators, Predators, Rangers, Islanders, Leafs, Flyers, Kraken and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST FROM “KYPER’S KORNER”

THE TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reported hearing the latest offer to Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks is an eight-year, $96 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was published before Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported the Canucks had made progress in negotiations with the Petersen camp on a possible eight-year deal. $96 million over that period is an average annual value of $12 million. Stay tuned!

Kypreos expects the Dallas Stars could pursue another defenseman after adding Chris Tanev and only taking on 50 percent of his salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames retained 50 percent of Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit with the Devils picking up $1.125 million and the Stars $1.125 million. Nevertheless, as Kypreos points out, the Stars have the cap space ($2.05 million) to add another defenseman if they wish by the March 8 trade deadline.

The Boston Bruins are pushing hard to acquire Noah Hanifin. The Calgary Flames seek “three significant pieces” from the Bruins for the 27-year-old defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I jokingly suggested Jake DeBrusk for Hanifin yesterday. In reality, it will be daunting for the Bruins to pull this off. They don’t have any picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft to draw on for trade bait, their prospect pool is shallow and there aren’t many roster players they can afford to part with.

I’m not saying the Bruins can’t meet the Flames’ asking price but other clubs with more cap space, draft picks and prospects could outbid them.

The goalie market is shrinking. Marc-Andre Fleury, John Gibson and Juuse Saros are unlikely to be moved by the trade deadline. Meanwhile, teams could be less willing to pitch a mind-blowing offer to the Flames for Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since this was published, the Wild stated they’re not trading Fleury while the Predators intend to hang onto Saros while they’re in playoff contention. Gibson’s contract remains too expensive for the Ducks to move in the offseason. The Devils were interested in Markstrom but the Flames aren’t willing to retain half of his $6 million average annual value, which runs through 2025-26.

UPDATE ON THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa cited an NHL hockey operations executive saying it would be a gutsy move by the Boston Bruins to trade goaltender Linus Ullmark before the trade deadline.

The executive gave Shinzawa three reasons why it would make sense to move Ullmark. It would allow them to upgrade other areas of the roster, and free up $5 million in cap space, and Jeremy Swayman is ready to be the full-time starter.

However, Shinzawa believes moving Ullmark would require adding an experienced backup for Swayman as promising Brandon Bussi hasn’t played an NHL game yet. Finding a suitable trade partner for Ullmark, who has a 16-team no-trade clause, could be difficult.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out trading Ullmark by the deadline but that move seems more likely in the offseason. A strong goalie tandem has enabled the Bruins to jockey for first overall in the standings in what was supposed to be a transition season for the club.

Shinzawa also considered it unlikely that the Bruins would move defenseman Matt Grzelcyk at the trade deadline. That would mean risking his departure this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports winger Jake DeBrusk confirms his contract extension talks with Bruins management have stalled. That’s raised questions over whether the 27-year-old winger will be traded to a team like the Edmonton Oilers by the March 8 deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the Bruins trading DeBrusk solely because of his pending UFA status. They won’t move him (or Ullmark or Grzelcyk for that matter) for draft picks or prospects. They’ll want a return that helps them contend for the Stanley Cup this season.

They could move one of them for picks and prospects to clear cap space to move another player for immediate roster help. If that’s not possible, they’ll likely keep DeBrusk as an “own rental” for the playoffs and deal with his contract situation after that.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

TSN: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug there was no truth to social media rumors claiming captain Brady Tkachuk was on the trade block.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

“That could not be further from the truth,” said Staios. “There’s obviously no truth to that. We’re building this team around Brady Tkachuk and the type of person, player, and leader that he is.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That hasn’t stopped some pundits from speculating over the possibility of the team they cover acquiring Tkachuk. If you’re gonna dream, dream big.

Staios also addressed recent Jakob Chychrun rumors, once again expressing his disappointment that the defenseman’s name has been mentioned again. However, he acknowledged that conversations come up with other clubs and names get bandied about.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios also expressed disappointment last month over Chychrun’s name surfacing in the rumor mill. At that time, he said he hoped to re-sign the 25-year-old blueliner, who has a year remaining on his contract. By the sound of things, teams are asking Staios about Chychrun. It doesn’t sound like he’s shopping him but he could at least be listening to offers.

The Senators GM also said Vladimir Tarasenko is drawing some interest in the trade market. However, he didn’t commit to moving the 32-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rumored asking price for Tarasenko is a second-round pick and a prospect.

WHAT ARE THE PREDATORS’ TRADE DEADLINE PLANS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators’ surge up the standings will affect how general manager Barry Trotz approaches the trade deadline. He’s balancing long and short-term needs but LeBrun believes he’s in a hold or add position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t be trading away Juuse Saros unless someone is willing to overpay for the privilege. They’ll also likely hang on to defenseman Alexandre Carrier.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty noted that Trotz hopes to re-sign forward Tommy Novak, a player he’s mentioned as someone he didn’t want to lose to free agency this summer. He listed the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning as possible destinations if Trotz decides to move Novak by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Novak is another that Trotz could hang on to even at the risk of losing him to free agency. If he doesn’t move Novak, a contract extension is possible.

DUCKS SCOUTING RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek scouting the Rangers’ 4-1 win last night over Columbus. The Rangers have been linked to Ducks forwards Adam Henrique and Frank Vatrano. It’s unclear who he was scouting unless it’s Kaapo Kakko, which doesn’t make sense to Brooks unless it’s for a blockbuster deal involving Trevor Zegras. Brooks indicated there’s no indication that sort of deal is on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers don’t face the Ducks again this season. Neither do the Blue Jackets.

COULD THE ISLANDERS SHOP PAGEAU?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears wondered if the Islanders might move Jean-Gabriel Pageau to free up some cap space. It doesn’t seem likely given his $5 million AAV through 2025-26 and his 16-team no-trade clause. However, he could help a playoff team that needs a middle-six forward with defensive acumen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can see the Isles moving Pageau if they agree to retain half his cap hit. Otherwise, no. 

THE LEAFS STILL NEED A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan noted the Maple Leafs pressing need is a right-shot defenseman. The heat is increasing on GM Brad Treliving to address this issue, especially after the Stars acquired Chris Tanev from the Flames. Koshan listed Arizona’s Matt Dumba, Philadelphia’s Sean Walker, Anaheim’s Ilya Lyubushkin, and Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier as trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walker and Carrier could be unavailable with their current clubs holding playoff positions.

UPDATES ON THE FLYERS, CAPITALS AND KRAKEN

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers could get a first-round pick for Sean Walker.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd remains “very much” on the Edmonton Oilers’ radar. Capitals winger Anthony Mantha could also draw some interest from the Oilers.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte reports struggling Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto could become a trade candidate if the club becomes a seller by the March 8 deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2023

by | Nov 18, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2023

Will the struggling Islanders make a trade? Could Patrick Kane land with the Stars? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS A TRADE COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS?

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he believes New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is asking around to see if he can find some help for his struggling club.

Friedman believes Lamoriello is on the hunt for a scoring forward. He also thinks the Isles GM could be in on some of the defensemen the Calgary Flames are believed to be shopping (Nikita Zadorov, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev).

New York Islanders winger Oliver Wahlstrom (NHL Images).

One player who could be a trade chip for the Islanders is Oliver Wahlstrom. Friedman thinks the 23-year-old winger might welcome a move if he won’t get an opportunity with the Isles. He thinks the Flames could be interested considering they acquired Yegor Sherangovich during the summer.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears doubts that a trade is coming for the Islanders. With the exceptions of Wahlstrom and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, “there are not many Islanders who seem moveable right now,” he writes. He also noted that a limited number of teams are looking to offload talent.

If the Islanders fail to improve, Sears thinks a coaching change might be in order. He suggested former Nashville Predators coach John Hynes, current Islanders assistant coach John MacLean, former NHL coach (and current private skills coach) and Hall-of-Fame player Adam Oates, Isles farm team bench boss Rick Kowalsky, former Rangers coach Gerard Gallant and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft as possible replacements for current head coach Lane Lambert.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently recommended against making a trade. He believes it would take moving a first-round pick or one of their few well-regarded prospects as trade bait to land a player who can shake up the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders are in a mess right now. Lamoriello will have to act soon or risk this season slipping away.

It will cost too much of the Isles’ future to bring in a quick fix. They don’t have much available talent to offer up from their roster to bring in the type of player who could shake things up.

A coaching change seems the more likely course of action. Whether Lamoriello goes that route remains to be seen.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

SPORTSNET: Friedman and co-host Jeff Marek also discussed the possibility of Patrick Kane signing with the Dallas Stars or the Islanders.

Friedman doubted the Stars would be interested. He believes their focus is on bolstering their blueline. While he thinks Kane would love to play for Dallas, he doesn’t see a fit there for the 34-year-old free-agent winger.

As for the Islanders, Friedman thinks they’ve been interested in Kane’s scoring prowess. However, he wondered if the future Hall-of-Famer would pick the best opportunity to win now or the best opportunity over the next couple of years. That could improve the chances of a club like the Buffalo Sabres to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see Kane landing with the Islanders. They’re not even on the reported lists of his potential destinations. They also lack the cap space to sign him so I think the odds aren’t in their favor if they were to make a pitch for him.