NHL Rumor Mill – November 20, 2023

by | Nov 20, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 20, 2023

Are the Sabres a fit for Patrick Kane? Could the Panthers pursue Nikita Zadorov? What’s the latest Canucks speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE THE SABRES A FIT FOR PATRICK KANE?

THE BUFFALO NEWS: In his latest mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked why so many Sabres fans think Patrick Kane will sign with their club if he’s trying to latch onto a Stanley Cup contender.

Kane has links to his hometown Sabres including with Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Don Granato. He noted that the club is among the few with the cap space, opportunity and supporting cast to entice the 35-year-old free-agent winger.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

However, Lysowski doesn’t see Kane selecting the Sabres unless they overpay or give him a multi-year contract. The latter scenario seems unlikely as they have several right-wing options for next season that include Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn and Matthew Savoie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are among a handful of clubs (including the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs) that have been linked to Kane in the media rumor mill. He’s expected to decide by the end of this week as to where he’ll spend the rest of this season. The Sabres and Panthers have reportedly kept in touch with his camp since the summer.

COULD THE PANTHERS PURSUE ZADOROV?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: In a recent mailbag segment, George Richards was asked if he thinks the Panthers will be in on Nikita Zadorov. The defenseman recently requested a trade from the Calgary Flames.

Richards believes the Panthers always have an interest in any player who could help them out. However, he doubts that they have what it would take to make a move for someone like Zadorov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That means depth in draft picks and prospects, something the Flames would want in return for Zadorov.

The Panthers have traded away their first-round picks for 2024 and 2025 as well as their 2024 second-rounder. Their prospect pipeline was ranked No. 23 by The Athletic back in August largely because of Anton Lundell’s success. They won’t part with Lundell as he’s a key part of their roster.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: In a recent mailbag segment, Patrick Johnston was asked if the Canucks are continuing to search for more defensive depth with Carson Soucy sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Johnston noted that the Canucks were interested in the Flames’ Nikita Zadorov since before last summer’s draft. His teammate Chris Tanev loved his time playing in Vancouver and would probably welcome a return, especially with how well the Canucks are playing right now.

However, Johnston doesn’t believe the Flames want to trade either player to Vancouver. To make it work, the Canucks might have to find an Eastern Conference club willing to swing a three-team deal.

The Canucks would also like to add another winger or two. Conor Garland has been in the rumor mill for some time but no one’s sprung for him yet. If the Canucks could trade Anthony Beauvillier and his expiring contract, they could use the savings to add a more effective player to their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks strong performance of late means management doesn’t have to rush around trying to find a suitable deal this early in the season. They could end up having to wait until the calendar flips to 2024 before they start finding any suitable possibilities in the trade market.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 19, 2023

by | Nov 19, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 19, 2023

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the Leafs and Patrick Kane, an update on the Flames pending free agents and the Oilers appear interested in the Canadiens’ goaltenders.

UPDATE ON THE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a conversation with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old free-agent right winger is fielding offers as he searches for the right team to play with this season.

Free agent winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

The Leafs have kept silent on the matter. Friedman considers it unlikely that they’ll sign Kane as he thinks the two parties wanted to talk to each other and conduct due diligence. He anticipates that Kane will decide on where he’ll play in the coming days. The Leafs appear more committed to addressing their defense.

Friedman also believes the Toronto Maple Leafs need to figure out where things are going with John Klingberg. He was unable to play during their Global Series games in Sweden.

Luke Fox wondered if the Leafs might place Klingberg and his $4.15 million cap hit for this season on long-term injury reserve. He’s been absent from the lineup for a week with an undisclosed injury and only lasted 10 minutes before leaving Saturday’s full-team practice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Putting Klingberg on LTIR could provide additional wiggle room to perhaps sign Kane. However, I agree with Friedman that their focus is on improving their blueline.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported there’s nothing new to report regarding trade rumors involving the Calgary Flames defensemen. They’re undoubtedly taking a lot of calls from other clubs and there’s been “a lot of conversation” over what they want to do and when. Friedman wonders when the Flames will get to a point where they’ll allow some of these teams to talk to those players.

Meanwhile, Flames captain Mikael Backlund spoke to some of his teammates to “end the noise”. He wants them to concentrate on playing as long as they’re with the Flames.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie reports the Flames’ recent 4-1-1 streak has dampened some of the criticism aimed at the club’s performance as well as the spate of trade rumors.

If the Flames remain competitive, McKenzie wonders what effect it will have regarding the futures of Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm and Chris Tanev. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents in July and have been frequent subjects of trade speculation.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby noted that talk of the Maple Leafs’ interest in Nikita Zadorov or Chris Tanev has eased following the Flames’ recent improvement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Lindholm, Hanifin, Tanev and Zadorov. If the Flames improve and get back into playoff contention, he could decide to hang onto them even if it means losing them to free agency in July. Should they remain out of contention by midseason, Conroy could start seriously entertaining trade offers from playoff contenders.

OILERS LOOKING AT CANADIENS GOALTENDERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Edmonton Oilers continue to look at the goaltending market. He indicated that several teams who were recently in Montreal said the Oilers were looking at all three of the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltenders. However, Friedman doesn’t believe anything is imminent between the two clubs as the Oilers are determined not to make a panic trade that they might regret.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are carrying goalies Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau. Allen has the most experience but his $3.85 million annual average value through 2024-25. That’s too expensive for the Oilers unless they ship out a player with an equivalent salary or convince the Canadiens to retain half of Allen’s cap hit. He also has a 10-team no-trade clause.

Montembeault has an affordable $1 million cap hit but it’s believed the Canadiens hope to re-sign the pending UFA goalie. Primeau is the least experienced and probably the least likely option for the Oilers.

Allen and Montembeault have decent stats with the rebuilding Canadiens. Their numbers could improve with a better team. Whether the Oilers will take that chance remains to be seen. They’d prefer a more established option but those don’t seem to be available right now.










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.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2023

by | Nov 16, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2023

Should the Bruins try again to acquire Noah Hanifin? Will the Leafs pursue Patrick Kane or one of the Flames’ pending UFA defensemen? Would Nikita Zadorov be a good fit with the Canucks?   Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted the earlier interest of Bruins GM Don Sweeney in Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. With the Flames reportedly listening to offers on their UFA blueliners, Murphy wondered if Sweeney would take another crack at acquiring the 26-year-old Hanifin.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Bruins’ limited cap space for this season, Sweeney could wait until Hanifin becomes a UFA in July when his club will have the cap space to sign him. Murphy noted they would risk losing him to another club under that scenario but I don’t think they can free up sufficient cap room to acquire him via trade. They also lack sufficient depth in tradeable assets (first-round draft picks, high-quality prospects) to outbid other clubs in the trade market.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan acknowledged the rumors linking the Maple Leafs to free-agent winger Patrick Kane. However, he believes the focus of Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should be on bolstering his defense.

Adding one or two of the Flames’ pending UFA defensemen (Zadorov, Tanev or Noah Hanifin) would help the Leafs. Koshan believes Zadorov would bring an element of size and toughness that’s currently missing from their blueline.

As for Kane, he’s a player the Leafs don’t need and can’t afford to sign. Despite an earlier report, it doesn’t sound like he met with the club on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t blame Treliving for looking into the possibility of adding Kane but signing him would take away cap dollars that could be better invested elsewhere on the roster. I agree with Koshan that the priority should be on improving the Leafs’ defense.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Julian McKenzie took note of the recent trade rumors linking the Vancouver Canucks to Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov. They analyzed the 28-year-old Zadorov’s game to see if he’d be a good fit for the Canucks.

The cost of acquiring Zadorov could be a second or third-round draft pick provided the Flames would be willing to retain part of his $3.75 million cap hit. However, the Canucks are already set on the left side (provided the sidelined Carson Soucy isn’t out too long) and have a greater need for a right-shot defenseman. They suggest that Zadorov’s teammate (and former Canuck) Chris Tanev would be a better fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Their analysis was made before it was announced that Soucy will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. That could affect how the Canucks approach this situation.

Zadorov’s size and physical style would provide a boost to the Canucks’ defense corps. Nevertheless, I agreed with Dayal and McKenzie that he wouldn’t address their more pressing need for right-shot depth on the right side of their blueline.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2023

by | Nov 15, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2023

The Flames are listening to trade offers on several players, the latest on Patrick Kane’s search for a new team, and an update on Predators goalie Juuse Saros in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES “OPEN FOR BUSINESS”

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy and his staff are listening to offers on more than just defenseman Nikita Zadorov following his trade request on Friday. They’re also willing to entertain trade proposals regarding their other pending unrestricted free agents such as center Elias Lindholm, and defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.

LeBrun noted that Hanifin was reportedly close to signing a contract extension but opted to wait “and now that ship has sailed.” He said the Flames aren’t in any hurry to move those UFAs as they’ve got until the March 8 trade deadline.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Darren Dreger said the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils are the “primary teams” interested in one of those Calgary defensemen. He also believes that center Nazem Kadri isn’t keen to stick around if the Flames regress, adding that there could be others who feel the same.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun believes Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has an interest in Zadorov but “there’s no question” he also inquired about Tanev.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin took note of Dreger’s remark about Kadri, who signed a long-term deal last year with the Flames.

He pointed out that there are other Flames veterans like Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Blake Coleman, and Jacob Markstrom on long-term contracts who expected the club would try to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Austin also wondered whether players like Rasmus Andersson would want to re-sign if they saw their teammates getting traded away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things are a mess in Calgary right now. Zadorov’s trade request could set off an avalanche of change this season if the Flames fail to improve before the New Year.

Pending UFAs such as Zadorov, Lindholm, Hanifin and Tanev will draw plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking rental players. Trading those with hefty contracts such as Kadri, Huberdeau, Weegar and Markstrom, however, could prove more difficult. Those moves might have to wait until the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to spend.

THE LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports free agent right wing Patrick Kane has started meeting with teams this week to determine his next NHL destination. His agent Pat Brisson said there is no timetable for his client to sign.

It’s expected Kane will meet with up to eight teams this week. He’s been linked to the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers, who have checked in with him since free agency. The New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings were also said to be on his radar.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports well-placed sources claim the Rangers are not getting into the Kane sweepstakes this time. They acquired the future Hall-of-Fame winger before last season’s trade deadline but the two sides parted ways on July 1 when his contract expired.

Brooks listed the Sabres, Panthers, Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning among the possible suitors for Kane.

TORONTO SUN: cited NHL analyst John Shannon reporting he’d heard that Kane met with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. He also claimed the Lightning, Stars and Carolina Hurricanes were among the interested parties.

TSN: Darren Dreger said Kane and Brisson hope to cut that list of potential destinations down by this weekend and hope to have a final decision in place by early next week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Your guess is as good as mine where Kane ends up. At least we’re finally into the end game of this saga after months of speculation.

Some clubs, like the Sabres and Red Wings, have the cap space to sign him to a decent contract. The others, however, could give him a better chance to win the Stanley Cup this season provided he’s willing to accept an affordable one-year deal.

SAROS NOT GOING ANYWHERE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun noted that Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros would be a “dream addition” for some teams, “including wishful thinkers in Edmonton.” However, he reports the Preds have “no intention to move him.”

Predators GM Barry Trotz told LeBrun that he met with Saros’ agent and indicated his intent to re-sign the 28-year-old goaltender. Trotz acknowledged the recent trade rumors swirling about Saros but he doesn’t plan on moving him.

LeBrun suggested that could change if the Predators can’t get Saros signed next summer to an extension. However, they seem confident that he’ll want to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said that his club is in “a little bit of a retool type of situation here” and sees Saros as their backbone once it’s completed.

As LeBrun noted, things can change if a rival club makes an offer for Saros too good to pass up. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2023

by | Nov 14, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2023

What’s the latest on possible trade destinations for the Flames’ Nikita Zadorov? Are the Panthers linked to Patrick Kane? Should the Devils attempt to acquire Ducks goalie John Gibson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ZADOROV

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie and Shayna Goldman looked at several possible trade destinations for Nikita Zadorov. The 28-year-old defenseman recently requested a trade through his agent from the Calgary Flames.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils made their list as they’ve already been linked to Zadorov in the rumor mill. They also included the Colorado Avalanche (Zadorov’s former club), Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.

Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov (NHL Images).

As for the Flames’ asking price. McKenzie and Goldman suggest a third-round pick as fair compensation given his status as a playoff rental player. They point to the Luke Schenn return at last year’s trade deadline as a comparable.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source expressing his opinion that Bruins general manager Don Sweeney could be in on Zadorov. They claimed that Sweeney had attempted to acquire the Flames rearguard before, suggesting a one-for-one swap of Matt Grzelcyk.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the word going around is a Leafs player said to Zadorov that he was exactly who his club needed during Friday’s game between the two teams. No word as to which Leafs player said it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs, Canucks and Devils reportedly have varying degrees of interest in Zadorov. That’s understandable given their current positions as playoff contenders. Whether those cap-strapped clubs can afford him is another story.

I doubt the rebuilding Blackhawks are interested in a rental player even though he could provide a boost to their blueline. Never say never about a possible return to the Avalanche but they might have other options in mind for their defense besides Zadorov. The Hurricanes could use his defensive grit if they were to ship out offensive-mind rearguard Tony DeAngelo but they could prefer adding depth to their forward lines.

McKenzie and Goldman mentioned the Rangers if injured blueliner Ryan Lindgren winds up sidelined for a while. However, they could look at addressing his absence internally before testing the trade market.

The Flames need to get younger and faster. It’s believed they’ll want a draft pick, a prospect or a good young NHL player in return for Zadorov, rather than another pending UFA d-man like Grzelcyk.

PANTHERS LINKED TO PATRICK KANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has been one of the most aggressive general managers when it comes to Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old unrestricted free-agent winger is expected to soon begin talking to interested teams.

It’s believed Kane could seek a one-year contract and pursue a long-term deal following this season. Friedman noted the Panthers are pressed for salary cap space but Zito could be offering the future Hall-of-Fame a chance to win another Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida could be an intriguing option for Kane. The Panthers have shown no signs of letdown since their surprising march last spring to the Stanley Cup Final. They’re currently third overall in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of sidelined defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour and with versatile forward Sam Bennett battling injuries.

COULD THE DEVILS PURSUE GIBSON?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if John Gibson’s return to form with the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks would draw interest from New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Gibson, 30, has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million.

Brooks noted the Devils are getting “barely sufficient netminding” from Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid while their team structure and discipline have evaporated with centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier currently sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s cap hit is tough to move in a season where most teams have limited cap room, including the Devils. That type of move seems more likely next summer when the salary cap is projected to rise by $4 million. That’s assuming the Devils aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list.