NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2025

by | Mar 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2025

The latest on Brock Boeser, Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Donato plus a look at the Wild’s potential free-agent targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES HAD INTEREST IN BOESER

CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently reported the Carolina Hurricanes were believed to have made a pitch for Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser in the hours before last Friday’s trade deadline.

Boeser, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. There’s been no sign of progress in contract extension talks with the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Dhaliwal said the Hurricanes attempted to flip one of the two first-round picks they received from the Dallas Stars in the Mikko Rantanen trade to the Canucks as part of their offer for Boeser. He also indicated the Canucks made another contract offer to Boeser but it was unclear how much it differed from their original pitch of five years at $8 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser could be heading to free agency on July 1, where the Hurricanes might be willing to sign him after losing out on Mikko Rantanen.

There’s plenty of time for Boeser and the Canucks to reach an agreement and things can change quickly. However, Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin saying Boeser didn’t draw attractive offers in the trade market before last Friday’s deadline might not have sat well with the winger’s camp.

WHO WILL THE WILD TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo looked at which free agents might be on the Minnesota Wild’s radar this summer. The buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter drop from a combined $14.7 million to $1.7 million next season, freeing up valuable cap space for general manager Bill Guerin to bolster the roster.

The upcoming UFA class doesn’t contain many game changers. Minnesota native Brock Nelson could extend with the Colorado Avalanche, Mitch Marner will be too expensive, while the rest (John Tavares, Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux) are in their mid-to-late thirties.

Minnesota native Brock Boeser could be available, but Smith and Russo question if it’s worth overpaying for a winger whose value at the recent trade deadline was underwhelming.

Whatever Guerin has in mind must account for Kirill Kaprizov’s future with the Wild. Kaprizov can sign a contract extension on July 1 but Wild management must sell him on their seriousness of building a contender around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild will be worth monitoring in the offseason. Guerin would make a foray or two into this summer’s UFA market, but he’ll also look at the trade market for suitable additions.

THE LATEST ON PALMIERI AND DONATO

TSN: Pierre LeBrun provided an update on contract extension talks between the New York Islanders and Kyle Palmieri, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Donato. On July 1, both players are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

The Palmieri negotiations are continuing and could be close to an agreement, though there’s no timeline for announcing the deal. Meanwhile, Donato and the Blackhawks have taken a breather on their extension discussions, but talks could resume soon.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2025

by | Mar 8, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s games, the aftermath of the trade deadline, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets remained in first place in the overall standings with a 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and two assists, while Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey each had a goal and an assist. With 92 points, the Jets hold a two-point lead over the Washington Capitals. Dawson Mercer scored for the Devils, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s trade deadline moves didn’t earn a positive review from Paul Friesen of The Winnipeg Sun. Cheveldayoff made two depth moves, acquiring veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and energy winger Brandon Tanov.

On Friday, the Devils announced that defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler will miss the remainder of the regular season with a lower-body injury. Blueliner Dougie Hamilton is expected to miss “an extended period of time” with a lower-body injury.

Speaking of the Capitals, they overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 5-2. Aliaksei Protas had two goals and an assist and Tom Wilson netted a goal and an assist. Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider scored for the Red Wings (66 points), who’ve dropped five straight games and sit one point behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The Vegas Golden Knights blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. Ilya Samsonov made 22 saves for the shutout while Mark Stone had a goal and two assists for the Golden Knights, who sit in first place in the Pacific Division with 82 points. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 23 shots for the Penguins.

A late goal by Kiefer Sherwood lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Elias Pettersson and Teddy Blueger also scored and Kevin Lankinen kicked out 37 shots for the Canucks, who moved ahead of the Calgary Flames into the final Western Conference wild-card spot with 69 points. Brock Faber replied for the Wild, who hold the first wild-card berth with 76 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild GM Bill Guerin explained that a lack of cap space prevented him from making any significant additions at the trade deadline. He couldn’t place Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek or Jonas Brodin on long-term injury reserve because they’re expected to return before the end of the regular season.

The St. Louis Blues held off the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Brayden Schenn tallied twice while former Duck Cam Fowler collected two assists for the Blues, who sit one point behind the Canucks. Frank Vatrano and Troy Terry each had two points for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn frequently surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate leading up to Friday’s deadline. Blues GM Doug Armstrong declined to comment on whether he’d had trade talks with other teams involving his captain. Schenn has a full no-trade clause this season, which likely explains why he wasn’t moved. That clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

An overtime goal by Connor Bedard lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Spencer Knight picked up his second straight win with the Blackhawks by stopping 36 shots. Clayton Keller and Mikhail Sergachev each had two points for Utah (66 points) as they sit three back of the Canucks.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky said he didn’t regret his acquisition of Mikko Rantanen from Colorado in January, even if it didn’t end the way he would’ve liked.

Unable to sign Rantanen to a contract extension, Tulsky traded him to the Dallas Stars on Friday in exchange for rookie forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks and two third-rounders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tulsky bungled this situation. He should’ve sought assurances that he could sign Rantanen to a contract extension before making the trade with the Avs. When Rantanen wouldn’t commit, the Hurricanes GM was forced to trade him for a return that could pay long-term dividends but doesn’t move his club closer to the Stanley Cup this year.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane won’t be ready to return for the rest of the regular season as he recovers from abdominal surgery.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed winger Jason Zucker to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $4.75 million.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders are negotiating a two-year contract extension with winger Kyle Palmieri. The AAV is expected to be below his current cap hit of $5 million.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier explained his decision to trade top-six forward Fabian Zetterlund to the Ottawa Senators on Friday was to acquire forward Zack Ostapchuk. Grier envisioned the 21-year-old Ostapchuk developing into a third-line center who could grow with their cadre of young forwards like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and William Eklund.










NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill (Trade Deadline Edition) – March 7, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, JJ Peterka, Brock Boeser, Kyle Palmieri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

MIKKO RANTANEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported overnight that the Dalla Stars were actively negotiating a contract extension with Mikko Rantanen’s camp with the Carolina Hurricanes’ permission, “and a trade is conditioned on an extension.”

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Seravalli reported sources claiming the Stars and Hurricanes had agreed to a trade in principle on the condition that an agreement on a contract extension was reached before Friday’s 3 PM ET trade deadline.

However, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports there is no deal between the two clubs, suggesting the Hurricanes might have to go back to the drawing board. “Doesn’t mean a deal/extension with Dallas can’t materialize, but it’s not there as of now.”

BRAD MARCHAND

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa reports that a league executive claims the Boston Bruins are serious about trading Brad Marchand. They have set a high asking price of a first-round pick, a roster player, and an A-level prospect.

The two sides have been talking contract extension throughout this season. However, the differences may be too great to overcome.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Ian MacIntyre reports the Vancouver Canucks are taking offers on winger Brock Boeser, center Pius Suter, and defenseman Derek Forbort.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports there are rumors that the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Mikko Rantanen. He indicates the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars are believed to be among the suitors, but they could also have an interest in Boeser if they miss out on Rantanen.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports of a rumor that connected Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson, Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen, and Devils forward Dawson Mercer and defenseman Simon Nemec in a potential three-team deal.

Murphy cited a Devils source say the club was in talks with the Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks but didn’t specify which players, picks or prospects might’ve been involved.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils have expressed interest in Rantanen, Ryan O’Reilly and Brock Boeser. They also had an interest in Brock Nelson before he was traded to the Avalanche.

JJ PETERKA

THE BUFFALO NEWS’ Lance Lysowski reports the New York Rangers are among the teams trying to acquire JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. However, a deal like this is unlikely at the deadline. The Sabres seek NHL players, not draft picks and prospects.

KYLE PALMIERI

NEW YORK POST: With Brock Nelson traded by the Islanders to the Avalanche, Ethan Sears reports the focus shifts to Isles winger Kyle Palmieri. The lack of a contract extension for the pending free agent suggests he could be moved by the deadline.

CHRIS KREIDER

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers aren’t shopping Chris Kreider, who has a 15-team no-trade list. They are listening to offers, but there are concerns over his physical condition after missing 13 games with three separate issues.

PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that multiple teams are interested in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell, especially Western clubs. A Penguins source said the asking price is “immense.”

It’s not impossible that Erik Karlsson could be moved by the trade deadline. However, it’s unlikely to happen until the summer.

RYAN DONATO

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report the Chicago Blackhawks are getting plenty of calls about Ryan Donato, but they’re mostly checking in to see what their asking price will be for the 28-year-old forward. The Blackhawks are open to keeping him past the deadline and attempting to sign him to a contract extension.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

Could the Kings trade Quinton Byfield? Is Brayden Schenn a fit with the Maple Leafs? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Flyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS BYFIELD A TRADE CANDIDATE?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos included Quinton Byfield in his updated trade board. He thinks the 22-year-old forward could be in play if the Los Angeles Kings hope to “change their look for an opening round playoff.”

Kypreos suggested trading Byfield to a seller would be necessary to obtain the type of return the Kings need to counter the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers in the postseason. The young center had 20 goals and 55 points in 2023-24, but his stats are down this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

He claimed the Kings organization is wondering how high Byfield’s ceiling is and whether they should focus on the present by flipping Byfield for a more seasoned roster upgrade. There are rumblings that the Kings and Buffalo Sabres “have held talks and both sides might be interested in a package that includes top assets coming from Buffalo.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield’s stats are down this season, but so are Anze Kopitar’s, Adrian Kempe’s and Kevin Fiala’s. That could be attributable to the Kings’ overall style of play this season. The absence of puck-moving defenseman Drew Doughty for most of the season could be another factor.

Trading Byfield would be a bold move by the Kings but it could blow up in their face if he achieves stardom elsewhere. As for those top assets from Buffalo, I don’t see a suitable seasoned roster upgrade coming to the Kings in that deal.

It’ll be interesting to see what the reaction will be to this speculation of Byfield as a trade candidate, especially from those who cover the Kings. I’m hoping to hear back from one of them shortly. Stay tuned…

**UPDATE***

I received the following response from John Hoven of the influential LA Kings blog Mayor’s Manor: “There are three people that are not being traded… Byfield, (Brandt) Clarke, Laffy (Alex Laferriere). That’s from the best sources I have…LA certainly can’t control outside teams calling and asking about players. However, that does not mean a player is available. As you know, two totally different things. The Kings have zero interest in trading the three I mentioned. They view them as three of the core they’re building around.”

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS LAND BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford and Joshua Kloke took note of recent speculation linking St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They noted a recent report claiming the 33-year-old center was considered the Leafs’ primary target.

This could be a situation where teams are inquiring into Schenn’s availability rather than Blues general manager Doug Armstrong shopping his captain. Nevertheless, they feel that Armstrong has to be listening, suggesting the possibility of removing the remaining three years of Schenn’s contract from the Blues’ books while acquiring a valuable asset.

Schenn played for Leafs head coach Craig Berube during the latter’s tenure as the Blues’ bench boss. He would fit in well centering their third line, though Berube could shuffle him up to the second line.

The Leafs’ 2026 first-rounder would have to be the centerpiece of the return. One of their goalie prospects could also be included. A forward prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan might have to be included if the Leafs expect the Blues to retain part of Schenn’s $6.5 million average annual value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This assumes that Schenn would waive his no-trade clause to go to Toronto. He told the media last week that management hasn’t approached him about waiving his clause. That could happen leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if the Blues get a suitable trade offer.

Toronto probably isn’t the only contender interested in Schenn. A bidding war could drive up the asking price and put him out of reach for the Leafs. The Blues also aren’t in a rush to move Schenn because he’s signed through 2027-28. If they don’t receive any suitable offers by the deadline, they can wait and try again in the offseason.

It might be better for the Blues to wait until the summer. Schenn’s full no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Teams that lose out on landing the best available centers in this summer’s free-agent market could set their sights on the Blues captain.

TIME FOR THE ISLANDERS TO SELL

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is waving the white flag on the New York Islanders’ season following their 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. They’re seven points out of a playoff spot and four points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Staple believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will stretch his trade deadline decisions as long as he can, possibly up to March 7. He’s skeptical that pending free agent Brock Nelson intends to re-sign before then, suggesting Lamoriello should field trade offers up to March 7 and trade him then or field offers over the next several days, take the best one and set the market for the final deadline stretch.

Other moves could include peddling UFA-eligible winger Kyle Palmieri and center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract. Staple also doesn’t rule out moving captain Anders Lee and one of their over-30 defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There can be no more delaying the inevitable. The Islanders’ rebuild must start now. Nelson, Palmieri and Pageau should fetch solid returns for the future at the trade deadline. They can peddle the other older veterans with term remaining on their contracts during the offseason.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers head coach John Tortorella admits there could be trade deadline casualties as part of his club’s rebuilding process. “We have to get better,” said Tortorella. “And when you try to get better, there’s going to be some casualties.”

Hall noted that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. Teams covet Ristolainen because he’s a big, physical, right-shot defenseman. However, Flyers GM Daniel Briere has said he’s not in a rush to move him because he still has term on his contract. Hall believes the Flyers have set a high asking price.

Laughton has been the subject of trade chatter for some time. He said he’s going to continue going about his business. “If they make a move, they make a move,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports it appears Ristolainen could remain with the Flyers past the March 7 trade deadline. He cited a team source saying they haven’t received many calls about him. That could change quickly if interested clubs miss out on other trade targets, but for now, it seems less likely that Ristolainen will be dealt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers have set a high asking price for Ristolainen and Laughton. The big defenseman’s contract could be an issue, carrying an AAV of $5.1 million through 2026-27. Interested parties could want Briere to retain part of that cap hit, which he seems unwilling to do.

Laughton has a more affordable $3 million AAV but his leadership and experience have been invaluable for the rebuilding Flyers. It sounds like he won’t be moved unless someone is willing to overpay for his services.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2025

by | Jan 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 27, 2025

The latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner and Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen plus an update on the Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could get a king’s ransom if they peddle Mitch Marner before the March 7 trade deadline.

Proteau pointed to the return the Colorado Avalanche received from the Carolina Hurricanes in Friday’s Mikko Rantanen trade, suggesting Marner could fetch the Leafs many assets. Like Rantanen, the 27-year-old Marner can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

If the Leafs are unable to re-sign Marner and put him on the trade block, Proteau suggested offering him to the Vancouver Canucks for center Elias Pettersson. He also proposed offering Marner to the Utah Hockey Club for winger Clayton Keller.

However, Proteau also pointed out that Marner has a full no-movement clause. He wants to stay in Toronto and the Leafs hope to re-sign him. Proteau doubts Marner will hit the open market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner would undoubtedly fetch a significant return in the trade market. We can’t rule out the possibility (however remote) that things could change. After all, we didn’t think the Avs would trade Rantanen. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely to be moved by March 7.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of Marner and Rantanen, Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus believe Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson will be interested in both if they become free agents on July 1.

They point out that the Blackhawks need to accelerate their rebuild. Attendance is slipping, the TV situation with CHSN has been a debacle, and the novelty of Connor Bedard is wearing off. This doesn’t mean Davidson has to derail the rebuild, but they need to add a player in a higher tier who can improve Bedard, take pressure off other young players, and excite the fans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks will have over $32 million in cap space if the ceiling rises to $92.4 million as projected. That’s enough to sign a free-agent superstar in their late twenties or acquire one via trade using their trade capital of draft picks and prospects.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes something is very wrong if Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson remain with the New York Islanders after March 7. He claims Palmieri is coveted by his former team, the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello recently said his club’s performance will determine his course of action by the trade deadline. They’ve improved in recent weeks but are six points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. He could become a seller if they’re still in that position when the calendar flips to March.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 28, 2024

by | Dec 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 28, 2024

The holiday roster freeze ended at 12:01 AM ET on Saturday. Check out the latest on Rangers winger Chris Kreider, Islanders center Brock Nelson and Wild forward Marco Rossi plus updates on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE RANGERS TRY TO MOVE CHRIS KREIDER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Rangers made Chris Kreider a healthy scratch for their Dec. 23 game against the New Jersey Devils. However, he was told the move was made by coach Peter Laviolette to hold his veteran accountable.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Brooks cited “a knowledgeable industry source” saying there was no trade on the table for Kreider and it wasn’t an exercise in “roster management.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He referred to the Rangers scratching Jacob Trouba earlier, threatening to put him on waivers unless he accepted a trade to the Anaheim Ducks.

Kreider, 33, has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Brooks believes those extra two years add to the winger’s value rather than detract. He thinks the Rangers could get a meaningful asset or two for Kreider if he hits the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Issues like the decline in Kreider’s production and his age make the remaining two years of his contract (and his AAV) a concern. His 15-team no-trade list is another factor, though Rangers general manager Chris Drury could play hardball with Kreider as he did with Trouba.

The Athletic’s Arthur Staple pointed out Kreider’s been nursing a back injury. That’s another factor that could hurt his trade value.

WILL THE ISLANDERS TRADE BROCK NELSON?

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias believes the Islanders’ next 20 games leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off will determine the club’s direction at the March 7 trade deadline and beyond.

Macias cited The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun (he mistakenly attributed it to Chris Johnston) speculating Brock Nelson could test next summer’s free-agent market. If so, trading the 34-year-old center is almost inevitable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson should fetch the Islanders a decent return to build up their future and bolster their prospect pipeline.

Macias also believes pending free agents Kyle Palmieri and Matt Martin could be shopped by the deadline. So could center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million.

If the Isles miss the playoffs, Macias believes general manager Lou Lamoriello will no longer be part of the club’s future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been speculated the Islanders could fire Lamoriello or have him turn over the management reins and remain their President of Hockey Operations. He could be a goner even if the Isles squeak into the playoffs, especially if they’re eliminated from the first round again.

THE WILD AREN’T TRYING TO MOVE MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi has been the subject of trade rumors since last season as the club tries to project his ceiling. However, general manager Bill Guerin said he’s not looking to trade the promising 23-year-old after watching his performance on the Wild’s top line for most of this season.

Guerin claims he’s “very happy” with Rossi’s performance, considering him one of the Wild’s best players. Despite his small frame, the 5’9”, 185-pounder is a solid net-front presence with all of his goals coming from 10 feet or less from the net. “He’s doing all the right stuff,” said Guerin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo adds that Guerin intends to re-sign Rossi, who will become a restricted free agent next summer. That should dampen the rumors swirling around this promising young center.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan dismissed the notion of the Canadiens trading defenseman Mike Matheson. He indicated the 30-year-old plays an important role in logging big minutes on the young Habs blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson had a year left on his contract, which could also make him an enticing trade target. Nevertheless, moving him would hurt the growth of the Canadiens blueline.

I get why some fans believe Matheson could fetch a great return. However, the Habs need a veteran or two like Matheson to help take some of the burden off those younger rearguards until they reach the point where they’ve sufficiently improved into reliable top-four defenders.

Cowan anticipates the Canadiens’ recent addition of Alexandre Carrier means David Savard could be moved at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported last week that there hadn’t been any contract extension talks between Savard and Canadiens management. He also believes Carrier’s addition gives the Habs leeway to peddle Savard.