NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2020

by | Jan 22, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 22, 2020

The latest lists of trade bait in today’s NHL rumor mill.

TSN: New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez, and Montreal Canadiens winger Ilya Kovalchuk are the top-three players atop Frank Seravalli’s latest NHL trade-bait list. Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and New York Rangers’ goaltender Alexandar Georgiev round out the top five.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprises here. These five have figured prominently in the rumor mill in recent weeks. Kreider, Kovalchuk, and Pageau are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Georgiev is a restricted free agent who could be the odd-man-out among the Rangers’ three goalies. Martinez has a year remaining on his contract with an affordable $4-million annual average salary. He also lacks no-trade protection.

With the NHL’s trade deadline just over a month away, New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider remains a prime trade candidate (Photo via NHL Images)

Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, New Jersey Devils blueliner Sami Vatanen, Detroit Red Wings center Andreas Athanasiou, and the Carolina Hurricanes’ first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft fill slots six through 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another four who’ve surfaced in frequent media trade chatter this season. I’m surprised to see Gostisbehere this high on Seravalli’s ranking. He’s struggling this season and is signed through 2022-23 with a $4.5-million AAV. A player carrying that much term usually doesn’t get moved until the off-season.

Toffoli and Vatanen are UFAs this summer, while Athanasiou is an RFA with arbitration rights. The Canes could dangle their first-round pick for a top-four defenseman, especially with Dougie Hamilton sidelined with a broken leg.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Alex Galchenyuk, Ottawa Senators blueliner Ron Hainsey, Minnesota Wild winger Ryan Donato, and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Robin Lehner fill slots 11 to 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Donato (signed through 2020-21) are UFAs in July. Lehner’s not going anywhere. He’s outplaying Corey Crawford and remains vital to the Blackhawks’ ongoing push to reach the playoffs. Granted, that could change if they fall out of contention by the trade deadline, but I believe they intend to re-sign him.

Nashville Predators winger Craig Smith and center Kyle Turris, Canadiens defenseman Marco Scandella, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Josh Anderson, and Canadiens blueliner Jeff Petry round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith and Scandella are UFAs. If the Preds fail to gain ground in the standing, GM David Poile could become a seller. Smith could hit the trade block, but there won’t be interest in Turris’ hefty contract unless Poile agrees to pick up part of the center’s $6-million AAV.

Anderson’s an RFA who’s struggled through injuries and inconsistency this season, but the Jackets could retain the big winger for the playoffs. It’ll take a considerable offer to tempt Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin to part with the underrated Petry.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen last week also published a list of 20 trade candidates we could hear about before the deadline. It included Wild winger Jason Zucker, Predators winger Mikael Granlund and center Nick Bonino, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian and center Evan Rodrigues, Senators goaltender Craig Anderson and Blackhawks netminder Corey Crawford, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith, Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad, Flames forward Mark Jankowski, and Edmonton Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could be sellers if they keep sliding out of playoff contention. There’s talk the Penguins could revisit interest in Zucker, who they attempted to land last May. However, his 10-team no-trade clause and $5.5 million AAV through 2022-23 could make him an off-season trade candidate.

Granlund is a UFA and could get shopped if the Predators become sellers. Ditto Bonino, though his $4.1 million cap hit through next season could scare off some clubs.

Bogosian is a UFA and Rodrigues an RFA. Both requested trades but there might not be much interest in either guy. The 38-year-old Anderson is reaching the end of his career, has a $4.75-million AAV and a 10-team no-trade list. Someone could express interest in him as a backup, but the Sens might have to absorb part of his salary-cap hit.

The Blackhawks could shop pending UFA Crawford, but I suspect they’ll keep their goalie tandem intact in their quest for a playoff spot. DeSmith could be available if the Penguins decide to pursue a winger for the postseason.

Saad’s $6-million AAV through 2020-21 won’t be easy to move. With the Blackhawks trying to reach the playoffs, I don’t think he’s available. The Flames could toss the slumping Jankowski into a larger deal to land a top-six forward. The Oilers could shop Puljujarvi’s rights, but I still think that the move takes place during the NHL Draft weekend in June.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin’s list includes Devils winger Kyle Palmieri, defenseman P.K. Subban and winger Wayne Simmonds, Canadiens winger Tomas Tatar, Blackhawks blueliner Erik Gustafsson, Anaheim Ducks winger Ondrej Kase, Sabres winger Marcus Johansson and Michael Frolik, Carolina Hurricanes rearguard Jake Gardiner, Sabres winger Conor Sheary, Flames winger Sam Bennett, Toronto Maple Leafs AHL winger Jeremy Bracco, and Colorado Avalanche prospect d-man Conor Timmons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Devils having traded away Taylor Hall and replaced their head coach and GM, it’s expected more roster changes are in store. Palmieri’s come up a lot in trade chatter. He’s signed through next season with a $4.65-million AAV and an eight-team no-trade list. Simmonds is a UFA and could be moved, though he’s indicated his preference to stay. Subban said he’s not seeking a trade, but the Devils could explore his value in the trade market. His declining performance and $9 million cap hit through 2021-22 makes him a tough sell.

Tatar is signed through next season and lacks no-trade protection. He’s the Habs leading scorer and his trade value could be high, though his $5.3 million AAV could be a stumbling block for a deadline deal. Gustafsson is a UFA and expected to be dealt, though that could change if the Hawks remain in playoff contention at the deadline. The Ducks need all the scoring they can get, so I don’t believe they’ll shop the oft-injured Kase.

The Sabres could be sellers if they don’t move up in the standings. Sheary and Frolik are UFAs while Johansson has a year remaining on his deal worth $4.5 million per season. He and Frolik have modified no-trade clauses.

Bennett would attract lots of interest if the Flames shop him, but they could keep him for the postseason when he does his best work. There were reports of some teams wondering what the Hurricanes might do with Gardiner. With Dougie Hamilton sidelined by a broken leg, Gardiner could be staying put.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2020

by | Jan 21, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2020

What deadline moves should the Flames and Leafs explore? Who’s the Bruins’ top trade target? Will the Blue Jackets be aggressive at this year’s trade deadline? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SUGGESTED DEADLINE MOVES FOR THE FLAMES AND LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the Calgary Flames need to boost their offense before the trade deadline. He proposes recalling Austin Czarnik and demoting Mark Jankowski, shopping versatile checking-line forward Sam Bennett for a scorer, or offering up a defenseman like T.J Brodie to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Kaspari Kapanen.

THE ATHLETIC: Darren Haynes suggested the Flames pursue a player with term remaining on his contract (such as Kapanen or New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri) or a pure rental like Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli, New Jersey’s Wayne Simmonds, or Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Could the Calgary Flames target a winger like Toronto’s Kasperi Kapanen? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having freed up salary-cap space by shipping winger Michael Frolik to Buffalo earlier this month, Flames general manager Brad Treliving indicated he intends to use it at the trade deadline.

Landing a top-six forward could cost someone like Bennett or Brodie. Palmieri’s limited no-trade clause could complicate any attempt to bring him to Calgary. The Leafs need blueline help and might part with Kapanen for the right offer, though I doubt they’ll give him up solely for a rental player.

Luke Fox, meanwhile, suggested the Leafs pursue New York Rangers goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon, or Calgary Flames blueliner Travis Hamonic.

If Georgiev isn’t available, Fox proposed the Leafs consider Pittsburgh’s Casey DeSmith, Anaheim’s Ryan Miller, or San Jose’s Aaron Dell. Landing Dillon might take offering up a prospect like Dmytro Timashov or Jeremy Bracco. The Leafs could also throw in one of their extra picks in the sixth or seventh rounds of this year’s draft. Acquiring someone like Hamonic could cost them a young forward like Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, or Alexander Kerfoot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Fox points out, the Leafs’ limited salary-cap space makes it difficult to bring in a better backup goalie and a top-four defenseman. Georgiev’s affordable salary (over $792K) could be squeezed in by waiving and demoting Michael Hutchinson. Landing a quality blueliner could involve a dollar-in, dollar-out move, especially if Leafs GM Kyle Dubas prefers adding a player signed beyond this season.

KREIDER COULD BE THE BRUINS’ TOP TRADE TARGET

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty cites multiple sources claiming New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider remains the Bruins’ top trade-deadline target. His acquisition could push current left wing Jake DeBrusk down to the third line. Anticipating plenty of interest in Kreider if he hits the trade block, Haggerty believes it could cost the Bruins’ their first-round pick in this year’s draft to land Kreider.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins GM Don Sweeney isn’t afraid to make significant moves near the trade deadline. He’s probably monitoring Kreider’s status with the Rangers.

WILL THE BLUE JACKETS BE AGGRESSIVE AT THE DEADLINE?

NBC SPORTS: Adam Gretz wonder how aggressive the Columbus Blue Jackets will be at this year’s trade deadline. Given their recent surge in the standings, Gretz believes they’re in a position to buy, not sell. Only three clubs (New Jersey, Colorado, and Ottawa) have more salary-cap space.

Gretz suggests their cap space could put them in a good position to add a rental scorer like the Kings’ Tyler Toffoli, the Rangers’ Chris Kreider, Ottawa’s Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Montreal’s Ilya Kovalchuk, or a player with term on his contract like Minnesota’s Jason Zucker or Montreal’s Tomas Tatar.

What they don’t have, however, is many tradeable assets. Their farm system isn’t deep and they have only five draft picks this year, including one in the top 100. They won’t move a young player like Pierre-Luc Dubois, Seth Jones, or Zack Werenski.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen will keep watch on the trade market. But as Gretz points out, he’ll be limited by what he can do after going all-out at last year’s deadline. He could attempt to use his cap space to take on a contract from a cap-strapped club, but he’ll still have to part with a prospect or a draft pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2020

by | Jan 16, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2020

Suggested defense targets for the Leafs, possible destinations for former Vegas coach Gerard Gallant, updates on the Sabres, and much more today’s NHL rumor mill.

SUGGESTED BLUELINE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva compiled a list of seven potential trade targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bolster their injury-depleted defense corps. They include T.J. Brodie or Travis Hamonic of the Calgary Flames, Brenden Dillon of the San Jose Sharks, Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings, Nikita Zadorov or Ian Cole of the Colorado Avalanche, and Zach Bogosian of the Buffalo Sabres.

Could Alec Martinez be a trade target for the Toronto Maple Leafs? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brodie, Hamonic, Dillon, and Martinez would be the best bests. Brodie and Hamonic were rumored to be available earlier this season, recent speculation linked Dillon to the Leafs, while the Kings are reportedly willing to entertain offers for Martinez. I’m not convinced the Avs intend to shake up their blueline, while the oft-injured Bogosian would be too risky.

The Flames could seek a skilled, affordable forward like Kaspari Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson for Brodie or Hamonic. That could also be the rebuilding Kings’ asking price for Martinez. I believe Dillon could be had for a draft pick and a prospect.

POTENTIAL SUITORS FOR GALLANT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jared Clinton lists the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and the Seattle expansion franchise as potential destinations for former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant, who was fired yesterday along with long-time assistant coach Mike Kelly.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen includes the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets among his list of possible suitors.

THE DETROIT NEWS: Ted Kulfan wonders if Gallant will be reunited with former Red Wings teammate and long-time friend Steve Yzerman in Detroit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A well-respected “players’ coach” who won the Jack Adams Award guiding the then-expansion Golden Knights to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, Gallant won’t be unemployed for long. The Wings seem like the best fit, as Yzerman could prefer bringing in his own man after inheriting coach Jeff Blashill. With the Wings’ rebuild stalled, a shakeup behind the bench could be necessary.

The Wild could be ready for a coaching change if they miss the playoffs. The Devils have shown some improvement under interim bench boss Alain Nasreddine, but probably not enough to ensure he keeps the job. I wouldn’t be surprised if Seattle general manager Ron Francis checks to see if Gallant would like to coach another expansion franchise.

Most of the other candidates will be determined by how those clubs finish this season. I don’t think the Avs will part ways with Jared Bednar, who’s done a fine job helping to mold that club into a perennial playoff club. The Flames could stick with interim coach Geoff Ward. Paul Maurice deserves credit for juggling the Jets’ depleted blueline, though a strong performance by goalie Connor Hellebuyck is the biggest factor there. The Blackhawks could stay the course with Jeremy Colliton if they reach the postseason. The Stars are doing well under Rick Bowness so there’s no certainty he’ll be replaced this summer.

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

WGR 550: In a recent interview, Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill said he wants to make trades that will add to his roster. He denied that he’s waiting for the trade deadline to make moves. “We’re open to trying to find something that can certainly add to our group, but it hasn’t materialized. We’ll continue to look at it, and there’s no use to saying that we’re close on a trade or this and that. Until it actually happens and we announce something, it’s just talk.”

THE BUFFALO NEWS: In a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski said the Sabres are stuck salary-cap wise for this season. However, they’ll have $33 million in projected salary-cap space next season and would be best served waiting until the summer to make significant trades. Lysowski also said Botterill currently refuses to trade defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and Brandon Montour.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Yerdon recently explored the limited trade scenarios for Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian. One would be a money-in, money-out deal, or attempting to swap him for another club’s unhappy player. Otherwise, the Sabres could be faced with either a mutual contract termination or he finishes the season in Buffalo and departs in the summer as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have featured prominently for months in the rumor mill. They’ve already made a couple of deals, shipping Marco Scandella to Montreal for a draft pick and flipping that pick to Calgary for Michael Frolik. However, they’ve yet to make the big move that brings them a much-need scorer.

The fact Botterill cannot find a suitable deal suggests rival clubs are attempting to exploit the Sabres’ desperate plight this season. It could also indicate there’s no interest in the players Botterill is shopping.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “31 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported there’s been at least one legitimate offer for New Jersey Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen, with more expected to come. Devils captain Andy Greene said he hasn’t discussed his future with management. Winger Wayne Simmonds would prefer to stay with the Devils. The trio is due to become unrestricted free agents in July.

Friedman also wonders what the Devils will do with veterans who have term remaining on their contracts, such as Kyle Palmieri and Blake Coleman. He always assumes New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello wants Travis Zajac.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Vatanen will be moved before the trade deadline. There could be a market for Greene or Simmonds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if both are still with the Devils after the 3 pm ET deadline on Feb. 24. Palmieri has come up a lot in recent rumors, most of which link him to the Boston Bruins.

Friedman expects the Golden Knights will continue their search for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve been linked to the Devils’ Sami Vatanen. They could also kick the tires on Los Angeles Kings blueliner Alec Martinez. Given their limited cap space, it’ll have to be a dollar-for-dollar deal or they’ll have to make a salary-dumping move to clear sufficient cap room.

Friedman also repeated his previous report suggesting San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson isn’t interested in blowing up his roster core. Friedman expects interest in defenseman Brenden Dillon and winger Melker Karlsson, and wonders if there’s a market for goalie Aaron Dell. He also anticipates Wilson will be aggressive this summer.

He also said the Anaheim Ducks are willing to use their cap space to help a cap-strapped rival, provided they’re willing to part with young assets.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2020

by | Jan 14, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2020

Could the Avalanche attempt to acquire Henrik Lundqvist? What’s the latest on Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Craig Anderson, Alex Martinez, Kyle Palmieri, and Alex Galchenyuk? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LUNDQVIST A TRADE TARGET FOR THE AVALANCHE?

THE DENVER POST: Mike Chambers believes the Colorado Avalanche have a trade option in New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist if their goalie tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz fail to snap out of their midseason funk. Lundqvist, 37, is signed through 2020-21 with an annual average value of $8.5 million, but just $5.5 million in actual salary for next season.

Could the Colorado Avalanche make a pitch for New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist? (Photo via NHL Images)

Chambers believes the Avalanche have the salary-cap space and prospects/draft picks to entice Lundqvist to waive his no-movement clause for an opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender. With the Rangers carrying three goalies, Chambers believes they want to trade one of them. Los Angeles Kings netminder Jonathan Quick could be another option, though he’s got three years remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be Rangers management, not Lundqvist, who might be enticed by the Avs cap space and their draft picks/prospects. The Avs can’t make that pitch to Lundqvist.

Every report I’ve seen and hear regarding Lundqvist’s future suggests he’s not leaving New York. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but he has to be willing to accept a trade.

We don’t know if anyone is making a pitch to the Rangers, or if “King Henrik” has been approached about accepting a trade to a Cup contender. If Lundqvist is willing to accept a trade, Colorado might not be on his list of preferred destinations.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports there haven’t been any in-depth contract talks yet between Ottawa Senators management and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The 27-year-old center will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. LeBrun speculates those discussions could begin later this month. How they go will determine if Pageau hits the trade block. If he does, LeBrun lists the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins as potential suitors.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators goaltender Craig Anderson’s performance must improve if he hopes to be moved by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. His stock has declined in recent weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t automatically assume Pageau will be traded. He’s a local boy who could be reluctant to leave the only NHL team he’s ever played for. He might want to be part of the club’s promising future. We’ll know within a month if he stays or goes.

As for Anderson, I can see a team taking a chance on him, though the Sens might have to pick up part of his $4.75-million salary-cap hit. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things.

KINGS WILLING TO MOVE MARTINEZ

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also reports the Los Angeles Kings are open to dealing defenseman Alec Martinez, who’s signed through 2020-21 with a $4-million cap hit. The Carolina Hurricanes have internally discussed bringing a steadying presence to their blueline, but it would mean moving one of their rearguards to make room for Martinez. LeBrun also suggests the Colorado Avalanche or Winnipeg Jets as possible destinations, though the latter continues to face uncertainty over Dustin Byfuglien’s situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Martinez would be a fine addition to a contending club’s defense corps. LeBrun cites an Eastern Conference executive suggesting the Kings could get a second-round pick and a prospect in return. He also pointed out GM Rob Blake can afford to wait until this summer to find a better return.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS, PENGUINS, DEVILS, AND SHARKS

If the Montreal Canadiens become sellers, LeBrun believes they could be reluctant to part with defenseman Jeff Petry. He also feels they have to listen to offers for Tomas Tatar. Both players are signed through next season.

Speaking of the Habs, LeBrun suggests the Boston Bruins inquire about winger Ilya Kovalchuk if he’s still playing well in a month. The Bruins had some interest in Kovalchuk after he cut ties with the LA Kings, but weren’t ready to offer him a contract at that time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun isn’t saying the Canadiens will trade Petry or Tatar, only that they should at least listen to offers. We’ll see if GM Marc Bergevin is willing to do that. Like Blake with Martinez, Bergevin can wait until the summer if he doesn’t receive any worthwhile offers leading up to the trade deadline. As for Kovalchuk, I can see the Habs shipping him to a contender if there’s sufficient interest.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ asking price for winger Alex Galchenyuk is believed to be either a draft pick or a bottom-six forward. He’s a UFA on July 1 with a cap hit of $4.9 million.

Before being fired, former New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero was telling teams he wasn’t interested in trading winger Kyle Palmieri. Now that Shero’s gone, it’s anyone’s guess what the future holds for Palmieri. He’s signed through next season and interested in re-signing with the Devils. LeBrun believes Palmieri would be a good fit with the Bruins.

LeBrun expects the struggling San Jose Sharks could become sellers at the trade deadline. They could dangle defenseman Brenden Dillon and forward Melker Karlsson, but they aren’t looking at blowing up the roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2020

by | Jan 13, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2020

After firing GM Ray Shero, what’s next for the Devils? Which second-line wingers will the Bruins target? What moves might the Flames make? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE DEVILS?

THE ATHLETIC: Corey Masisak and Scott Burnside weighed in with their thoughts on the New Jersey Devils firing general manager Ray Shero yesterday.

After firing their general manager, will the New Jersey Devils trade pending UFAs like Sami Vatanen before the Feb. 24 trade deadline? (Photo via NHL Images)

Masisak believes they need a replacement for the recently-traded Taylor Hall, an upgrade or two on defense, and a resolution to their goaltending predicament if they’re to contend next season. Burnside believes they have important decisions to make regarding pending UFAs Andy Greene, Sami Vatanen, and Wayne Simmonds before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Addressing the goaltending is the priority. The Devils have the second-worst goals-against per game (3.38) in the league. Long-time starter Cory Schneider hasn’t been the same since suffering hip, groin, and abdominal injuries over the previous two years. Mackenzie Blackwood has shown some potential but he’s struggled with his consistency. Louis Domingue is a decent backup but he’s never going to be a reliable starter.

Trading Greene, Vatanen, and Simmonds at the trade deadline won’t fetch immediate help to their woes between the pipes. However, one of them could bring in a promising prospect or a quality draft pick that could one day blossom into a goaltending star.

POSSIBLE BRUINS TRADE TARGETS

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reported the Bruins still need a quality winger to skate alongside second-line center David Krejci. He believes GM Don Sweeney will be contemplating such potential options as the New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider, the LA Kings’ Tyler Toffoli, and New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri or perhaps his teammate Wayne Simmonds.

Dupont also suggested San Jose Sharks center (and former Bruin) Joe Thornton. While he has a no-movement clause, he’s 40 and won’t get a chance to win the Stanley Cup with the fading Sharks this season.

Thornton wouldn’t fix the Bruins’ second-line winger issue but could provide stability at center and give coach Bruce Cassidy the flexibility to move Charlie Coyle back to the second line. Dupont acknowledged the return of Thornton to Boston is unlikely, but reminded us Sweeney surprised us in the past with his acquisition of Rick Nash from the Rangers in 2018.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s more likely we’ll see Kreider, Toffoli, Palmieri or Simmonds in a Bruins jersey than Thornton. That ship sailed a long time ago and it ain’t comin’ back.

LATEST FLAMES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek recently pondered some possible moves by the Calgary Flames. They’re seeking a top-six winger to play alongside first-line stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. He considered Sam Bennett an intriguing trade chip to address that need.

Duhatschek suggested Detroit Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou as an option, pointing out Wings GM Steve Yzerman was believed to have interest in Sam Bennett when he was GM of the Lightning. The Flames, however, could prefer a right-handed shot. He also wondered if Bennett might be a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs, proposing winger Kasperi Kapanen would be a good fit for the Flames in terms of age, skill, and salary.

Other options for the Flames could include Kings winger Tyler Toffoli and Devils winger Wayne Simmonds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett has frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the past three years. So far, however, Flames GM Brad Treliving has resisted the temptation to move him. That could change if a club comes calling with the right offer.

Athanasiou is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights who could pursue a hefty raise after last season’s 30-goal performance. Kapanen is under contract through 2021-22 with an affordable $3.2 million cap hit. He’d be the better fit, but every indication I’ve seen or heard suggests the Leafs don’t want to part with him.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2020

by | Jan 11, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2020

Check out the latest on the Bruins, Oilers, and Sharks, plus an update on Robin Lehner in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST BRUINS TRADE BUZZ

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Jacob Camenker cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Boston Bruins could pursue Los Angeles Kings winger Tyler Toffoli. “I’ll tell you this, I do think Boston if they wanted to, could do a deal for Toffoli almost at any time. I think they know they’ve got that in their hip pocket,” Friedman said. He added the question was whether they’d do that deal or wait for New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider to become available. Friedman said he’s been told the Rangers are starting to think more about keeping Kreider.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri checks all the boxes for the Bruins. If Palmieri’s available in the trade market, one NHL assistant general manager suggested the Bruins could make a pitch similar to the one that landed Charlie Coyle last year from the Minnesota Wild. Shinzawa proposed offering up winger Anders Bjork and perhaps a prospect like Axel Andersson for Palmieri, who’s signed through 2020-21.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy reports league sources confirmed the Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks have talked trade. One source mentioned Bruins defenseman John Moore as a possible trade target for the Hawks, who are in the market for a third-pairing rearguard.

Murphy also claims Bruins GM Don Sweeney has an interest in Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad and Rangers winger Chris Kreider. With only $1.7 million in salary-cap space, Sweeney must shed some salary to make room for a top-six winger. Moore has three years left on his contract with an annual average value of $2.7 million.

Are the Boston Bruins close to acquiring LA Kings winger Tyler Toffoli? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After falling just short of winning the Stanley Cup last spring, the Bruins are all-in this season. Sweeney’s not reluctant to make significant moves before the trade deadline, acquiring Coyle and Marcus Johansson last year and Rick Nash in 2018.

Be it Toffoli, Kreider, Saad, or somebody else, I believe the Bruins GM will pursue a top-six winger before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Anders Bjork could be packaged with a prospect or draft pick to acquire that winger. Given the Bruins’ limited salary-cap space, Sweeney must dump some salary and perhaps get a trade partner to pick up part of the salary of the player he’s pursuing to get a deal done.

WILL THE OILERS BOLSTER THEIR ROSTER BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

TORONTO SUN: Michael Traikos believes the Edmonton Oilers must add a top-six winger to avoid wasting another MVP season from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While the Oilers hold a playoff position in the Western Conference, they’re not that far ahead of the ninth-place Vancouver Canucks. He suggests pursuing Ottawa Senators winger Anthony Duclair, who has 21 goals and 32 points in 43 games this season.

EDMONTON JOURNAL’s Jim Matheson recently tweeted Oilers GM Ken Holland will help his players out at the trade deadline by going after a third-line center. He wondered if Holland might look at Nashville’s Nick Bonino if the Preds fail to gain ground in the standings, but only if they pick up part of his $4.1-million AAV through next season.

Matheson also speculated Holland could look at Detroit’s Andreas Athanasiou. He doesn’t believe Holland will trade his first-round pick in this year’s draft but feels the second-rounder and a defense prospect could be in play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t dismiss the possibility of the Senators parting ways with Duclair, but he’s a restricted free agent this summer and they’re under no pressure to move him before the trade deadline. If he keeps playing well, the Sens could be keen to re-sign him.

Predators GM David Poile made a coaching change in hopes of getting his team back into the playoff chase. If they keep spinning their wheels, however, a roster shakeup could be in order, and that could include shopping Bonino before the trade deadline.

Not sure how interested Holland would be to acquire Athanasiou. The young forward staged an ill-advised contract standoff with Holland in 2017 but subsequently re-signed a two-year deal with no fuss. The 25-year-old is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.

Holland also has winger Jesse Puljujarvi as a trade chip. He recently told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun he wouldn’t rule out moving Puljujarvi for a playoff rental, depending on who that player was. However, I still think Holland intends to use the winger to seek a more long-term return.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SHARKS?

THE ATHLETIC: With San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture sidelined for several weeks with a fractured ankle, Kevin Kurz examined how his absence will affect the Sharks lineup. He also suggested it could make GM Doug Wilson’s trade-deadline plans less complicated. The problem is Wilson doesn’t have much to sell as most of his key assets have various forms of no-trade protection. He believes defenseman Brendan Dillon is a goner and forward Melker Karlsson could also be on the way out.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jared Clinton also weighed in on the struggling Sharks’ woes without Couture. In addition to Dillon and Karlsson likely hitting the trade block, Clinton suggested shopping defenseman Tim Heed and goalie Aaron Dell. He also recommended asking Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau if they want an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup elsewhere. Clinton acknowledged whatever returns the Sharks get for those players won’t include first- or second-round picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant second-half turnaround, the Sharks aren’t going to reach the playoffs. They’re currently eight points out of a Western Conference wild-card berth.

Wilson won’t get much back for those suggested trade bait, but whatever he gets will be better than nothing at all. He gambled everything on this roster, even giving up a first-round pick in this year’s draft for Erik Karlsson. Wilson must restock his prospect pipeline and look toward the summer in hopes of finding some affordable NHL talent via trades or free agency.

NO HOMETOWN DISCOUNT FOR LEHNER

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Jimmy Greenfield reports Robin Lehner made it clear he’s not accepting another discount on his next contract. The 28-year-old goaltender said he enjoys being a Blackhawks and hopes to remain part of their future. However, he’s also accepted contract discounts throughout his NHL career.

“I’m not a guy that wants to be overpaid either. I want to gain some respect that I think I deserve, and we’ll see if that happens or not,” he said. Lehner knows the market is wide-open for goaltenders this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if the Blackhawks won’t pony up a lucrative long-term deal worth considerably more than the $5 million he’s earning this season, there are plenty of other NHL clubs willing to do so this summer.

They could include the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, or Ottawa Senators. The Vancouver Canucks could also come calling if they can’t get Jacob Markstrom re-signed, as well as the Edmonton Oilers if they’re not sold on Mikko Koskinen as their starter.