NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2026

by | Feb 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Roundup – February 23, 2026

The Olympic trade freeze is lifted. With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, check out the latest on the Oilers and Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH DEFENSEMEN COULD THE OILERS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that the Oilers have acquired a defenseman in two of the last three NHL trade deadlines. As much as they need a third-line center, Matheson believes they have a greater requirement for a right-shot top-four blueliner.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (NHL Images)

Matheson referred to TSN’s Craig Button’s suggestion that Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks would be a good fit alongside Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Other options include Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, and Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. However, Schenn is aging, Peeke and Perbix are “iffy”, and Ristolainen has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the available options are either out of the Oilers’ price range in terms of return and cap hit, or could be risky acquisitions if they fail to mesh well on their blueline.

The Oilers could wait a few days to see how the blueline corps responds to the return of Paul Coffey as their defense coach. However, if they wait too long, they could lose out on the few options in the trade market.

What do you think, Oilers fans? Let us know in the comments section which defensemen you believe your club has a realistic chance of acquiring by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell also looked at possible trade targets to address the Oilers’ need for a right-shot defenseman.

Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils and John Carlson of the Washington Capitals are mentioned. However, multiple factors (cap hit, no-trade clauses, expensive return) rule them out for the Oilers.

Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers is a good bet to have strong shutdown seasons, but the 24-year-old could be a risky move as a deadline addition. Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames is very good, but the Flames aren’t likely to help their long-time rival.

As for Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins, Mitchell pointed out that they’re not having strong seasons.

Mitchell believes Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators would be a perfect fit based on his numbers versus elite talent. However, he’s unlikely to be available.

COULD THE FLYERS MOVE RASMUS RISTOLAINEN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers would be willing to listen to calls about Rasmus Ristolainen.

Kurz noted there was tepid interest in Ristolainen last season until the final days leading up to the 2025 deadline. He indicated that the lanky defenseman has a year left on his contract with a salary cap hit of $5.1 million.

As a right-shot blueliner, Ristolainen could draw more interest this season, given the limited number of sellers. The Flyers won’t be interested in a minimal return for him.

The Dallas Stars could be a suitor. They could be seeking a right-shot defenseman after losing out on Rasmus Andersson, who was traded by the Flames to the Vegas Golden Knights last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen has become a more defensively reliable rearguard in Philadelphia. Having that extra year on his contract would make him enticing for clubs seeking players who will be more than rentals. However, his injury history could lead clubs to pursue healthier options elsewhere.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

by | Feb 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2026

What could the Bruins do at the trade deadline? Could the Islanders try to boost their offense? Will the Sharks go after a defenseman? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD BE BUSY AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa wondered if the Boston Bruins will be buyers, sellers, or both at the March 6 trade deadline.

General manager Don Sweeney’s attempt to acquire Rasmus Andersson last month indicates his intent to bolster the right side of his defense corps.

The Bruins have two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, but they might not part with the first-rounder they received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in last year’s acquisition of Fraser Minten. Shinzawa believes that rival general managers could be interested in the offensive potential of Mason Lohrei and Matt Poitras.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

Sweeney will likely want to add players in their late-twenties who will be around to help David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman. Shinzawa also believes the Bruins could use help at center and on the wing. They’d also like to add to their prospect pipeline.

Bruins on expiring contracts, such as forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Andrew Peeke, could become trade candidates. They could also see if there’s any interest in goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley noted a recent report by RG. Org’s James Murphy indicated the Bruins are interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk. However, the latter’s age (he turns 34) and the Blues’ high asking price would make this an unnecessary move unless the asking price is dropped.

Studley also examined what the Bruins might receive in return for their trade chips. He thinks Peeke could fetch at least a third-round pick. Given his status as a right-shot defenseman, his value could increase.

Shinzawa indicated the Bruins won’t part with Arvidsson for a mid-round pick. As for Lohrei, the Bruins would likely move him only for a more established defenseman. He was reportedly part of the package Sweeney offered the Calgary Flames for Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins currently hold a wild-card berth and will attempt to solidify a playoff spot down the stretch. Sweeney wants to address the club’s weaknesses, but not with aging quick-fixes. He’s looking for returns that will benefit this team beyond this season, provided he doesn’t have to overpay to do so.

Lohrei and Poitras should draw lots of attention if Sweeney dangles them in the trade market. Peeke could also be an enticing trade option if the Bruins GM finds another right-shot defenseman.

WILL THE ISLANDERS PURSUE A SCORING FORWARD?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders need scoring depth as they attempt to secure a playoff spot. He indicated they have the third-fewest goals per game and fourth-fewest actual goals in the Eastern Conference.

Macias suggested Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues if Islanders GM Mathieu Darche wants to make a major move. Nashville Predators forwards Steven Stamkos and Michael Bunting have popped up in the rumor mill. Oft-injured sniper Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens could be available on the cheap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche recently acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. He’s put up three points in six games before the Olympic break, but his best seasons remain behind him. The Isles GM could keep his eye on the trade market for a scoring forward, but it’s doubtful he’ll pay the high asking price for Kyrou.

WILL THE SHARKS TRADE FOR A DEFENSEMAN?

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng recently looked at potential trade targets for the San Jose Sharks to bolster their blueline.

Options include Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Justin Faulk of the Blues, Mason Lohrei of the Bruins, Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames, Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets, and Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton reportedly rejected a trade to San Jose last summer. Unless he’s changed his mind, the Sharks will have to look elsewhere. Hamilton would also be an expensive pickup as the Devils won’t just give him away. They might retain salary, but they’ll want a significant sweetener in the deal.

Faulk is another who would be expensive. Given his age, the Sharks might prefer someone a little younger and more cost-effective who would fit into their long-range plans, such as Lohrei, Whitecloud, Stanley, or Schneider.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 24, 2024

by | Apr 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 24, 2024

The Panthers and Rangers take 2-0 series leads while the Avalanche and Predators tie their first-round series. Get the details and the latest on the other playoff clubs and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Carter Verhaeghe lifted the Florida Panthers to a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of their best-of-seven opening-round series. Sam Bennett and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Panthers, who hold a 2-0 series lead. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 34 shots and Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos replied for the Lightning. The series shifts to Tampa Bay for Games 3 and 4 with Game 3 on Thursday, Apr. 25 at 7 pm ET.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made an acrobatic stop on a backhander by Lightning defenseman Matt Dumba that could be considered an early favorite for “save of the playoffs.”

Bennett left this game in the second period after being struck in the hand by a slapshot from teammate Brandon Montour. There was no update on his condition following the game.

New York Rangers forwards Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck each had a goal and an assist as their club held off the Washington Capitals 4-3 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Tom Wilson had a goal and an assist for the Capitals while teammate Alex Ovechkin was held without a point for the second straight game. The series moves to Washington for Games 3 and 4 with the third game set for Friday, Apr. 26 at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Special teams made the difference in this game as the Rangers got power-play goals from Zibanejad and Jack Roslovic and a shorthanded tally by K’Andre Miller. Meanwhile, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said he felt Ovechkin was struggling to get scoring chances in part because of the Rangers’ shot blocks.

A four-goal second period carried the Colorado Avalanche to a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of their series with the Winnipeg Jets, tying their opening-round series at a game apiece. Miles Wood, Artturi Lehkonen, Zach Parise and Josh Manson were the second-period goal scorers while goaltender Alexandar Georgiev made 28 saves. David Gustafsson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets. Games 3 and 4 will be held in Denver with Game 3 on Friday at 10 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was redemption for Georgiev following his brutal performance in Game 1. The Jets did themselves no favors with their sloppy defensive play in the second period.

The Nashville Predators tied their first-round series with the Vancouver Canucks at one apiece with a 4-1 win. Filip Forsberg and former Canuck Anthony Beauvilier each had a goal and an assist for the Predators while Nikita Zadrov scored for the Canucks. The series heads to Nashville for Games 3 and 4 with the third game starting at 7:30 pm on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Casey DeSmith suited up for Vancouver as starting goalie Thatcher Demko is out week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said it is unrelated to the knee injury that sidelined Demko for 14 games this season. Nevertheless, the Canucks will be without their starting goalie for perhaps the remainder of this series.

Demko wasn’t the only Canuck on the shelf for this game. Defenseman Tyler Myers is sidelined with the flu.

DeSmith wasn’t to blame for the Canucks loss in this game. His teammates went 0-4 on the power play, had 32 shots blocked and missed the net 31 times.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe hinted it was possible William Nylander might return to action in Game 3 against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday in Toronto. The 27-year-old winger missed the first two games of this series with an undisclosed injury as the club has kept mum on his condition.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Bruins, defenseman Andrew Peeke is week-to-week with an upper-body injury (finger) suffered during Game 2 against the Leafs. The Bruins recalled defenseman Mason Lohrei from their AHL affiliate in Providence.

IN OTHER NEWS…

GOPHNX.COM: Craig Morgan reports Alex Meruelo has a steep hill to climb to convince anyone he should remain as owner of the Arizona Coyotes.

Public opinion of Meruelo in Arizona is at an all-time low. His method of operation has burned many bridges with local politicians, business leaders and community leaders. There is skepticism he can get a new arena built to meet the league’s five-year timeline to bring back the Coyotes as an expansion franchise.

Morgan also reported that Meruelo must reactive the franchise at least 18 months before the end of that five-year window. He can do it earlier but the new arena must be at least 50 percent completed at the time he reactivates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I recommend reading Morgan’s report. He details the number of issues dogging Meruelo that raise questions about his efforts to construct a new arena and bring the NHL back to Arizona and his suitability as an NHL owner.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey looks at the potential consequences if Meruelo fails to meet the league’s timeline for arena construction.

Meruelo still technically owns the Coyotes as part of the recent agreement that relocates the franchise to Salt Lake City. The team is considered inactive until Meruelo gets a new NHL-suitable arena within five years.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told Craig Morgan that the NHL will not entertain competing bids for the Coyotes as long as Meruelo owns the rights. Once he no longer does, Arizona would become like any other expansion team.

Muruel intends to bid on a parcel of land for his new arena project at an auction on June 27. If he loses that auction he could have other options but it would be a significant setback for his plans.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports a record 11 NHL teams will carry salary-cap overages into 2024-25. Multiple teams are expected to carry over more than $2 million in penalties.

Some overages were pre-planned as the clubs knew the salary cap would significantly rise for next season. Other overages are due to younger players reaching their performance bonuses this season.

The Edmonton Oilers top the list with projected overage penalties of $3.45 million, followed by the Dallas Stars ($2.595 million) and the Washington Capitals ($2.252 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Click the link provided for the complete list. The flattened cap for this season put some of those teams into this bind regarding those players reaching their performance bonuses.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils forward Timo Meier underwent voluntary arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder yesterday. He’s expected to make a full recovery and be available for the start of the Devils’ training camp in September.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed goaltender Ivan Fedotov to a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension. He appeared in three games with the Flyers this season after finally being allowed to leave the KHL to pursue his NHL career.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL winger Jakub Voracek announced his retirement on Tuesday. The 34-year-old winger was in the final season of his contract but didn’t play due to concussion issues.

Voracek spent 15 seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, scoring 223 goals and 583 assists for 806 points in 1,058 regular-season games. He also had 28 points in 49 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Voracek’s contract was traded last year to the Coyotes. He returned to Czechia and has taken up coaching there.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Chadwick has passed away at age 90. He spent five seasons with the Leafs from 1955-56 to 1961-62, including back-to-back 70-game seasons. In 184 career games, he had a record of 57 wins, 92 losses and 35 ties with a 2.94 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. From 1982 to 2001, he was a scout with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Chadwick’s family, friends and former teammates.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 14, 2024

by | Mar 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 14, 2024

The Oilers’ Zach Hyman tallies his fourth hat trick of the season, the Avalanche stage a three-goal comeback against the Canucks, an update on Flyers center Ryan Johansen, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman collected his fourth hat trick of the season in a 7-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and three assists while Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists to extend his home points streak to 26 games for the 40-21-3 Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 83 points. Ivan Miroshnichenko and Connor McMichael replied for the 30-25-9 Capitals (69 points), who remain three points behind the New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference wildcard berth.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman (46 goals) became the first Oiler to score four hat tricks in a season since Wayne Gretzky in 1986-87. Meanwhile, McDavid (106 points) moved within one point of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov for second place in the scoring race. Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon leads all scorers this season with 115 points.

Speaking of MacKinnon and the Avalanche, he had a goal and an assist as his club overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on an overtime goal by Valeri Nichushkin. Mikko Rantanen also had a goal and an assist and Cale Makar collected two assists for the Avalanche (42-20-5), who moved into first place in the Central Division with 89 points. J.T. Miller and Nikita Zadorov each had a goal and an assist for the Canucks (42-17-8) as they hold second place in the overall standings with 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have the same number of points as the Dallas Stars but they hold first place in the division with two more wins.

The Nashville Predators extended their points streak to 13 games by doubling up the Winnipeg Jets 4-2. Roman Josi and Gustav Nyquist each had two points and Jason Zucker scored his first goal since joining the Predators at the trade deadline. With a record of 38-25-4, the Predators hold the first Western Conference wildcard spot with 80 points. Alex Iafallo and Mason Appleton scored for the Jets (41-19-5) as they slipped to third place in the Central Division with 87 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets center Mark Scheifele missed this game due to illness.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington kicked out 40 shots in a 3-1 upset of the Los Angeles Kings. Alexey Toropchenko, Jake Neighbours and Brandon Saad scored for the Blues (34-29-3). Adrian Kempe had the only goal for the 33-21-11 Kings as they hold third place in the Pacific Division with 77 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season has been Binnington’s best since his 2019-20 sophomore campaign. He’s kept his temper in check and is more focused on his game.

HEADLINES

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Johansen is undergoing testing to determine the severity of an apparent hip injury. The Flyers were unaware of Johansen’s condition when they acquired him last week from the Colorado Avalanche. The 31-year-old center appeared in all 63 of the Avalanche’s games before he was traded.

There was speculation the Flyers could buy out the final season of Johansen’s contract. He carries an average annual value of $8 million, with half of it retained by the Nashville Predators as part of the condition of trading him to the Avs last summer.

The severity of Johansen’s injury could prevent any potential plan to buy him out this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A player cannot be bought out if he’s receiving treatment during the buyout period in June for an injury that occurred during the season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Tempers flared between Red Wings teammates Ben Chiarot and Lucas Raymond during practice on Wednesday. Both players got into a scuffle and had to be separated by their teammates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blame the Red Wings’ six-game losing skid that threatens to derail their playoff hopes for this season. Wings forward Patrick Kane believes this might be a positive development that helps get the club back on track.

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler will be out for an extended period. He suffered a concussion when he was elbowed by New York Rangers center Matt Rempe, who received a four-game suspension.

NHL.COM: Pat Maroon remains week-to-week after the Boston Bruins acquired him last week from the Minnesota Wild. He underwent back surgery on Feb. 7 with a recovery timeline of four-to-six weeks.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Bruins, Andrew Peeke will debut with the club after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets last week. Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (illness) will not be traveling with the team to Montreal for Thursday’s game against the Canadiens.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs signed forward Bobby McMann to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $1.35 million.










Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










NHL Rumor Mill – November 28, 2023

by | Nov 28, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 28, 2023

Check out the latest on the Leafs plus more speculation linking the Coyotes to the Flames’ Noah Hanifin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is still in contract extension talks with winger William Nylander. He’s also awaiting clarity on defenseman John Klingberg’s hip injury.

Treliving provided no details regarding the contract discussions with the Nylander camp. He remains hopeful of getting the 27-year-old winger signed before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an encouraging sign that the lines of communication between the Leafs and Nylander’s representatives remain open. There’s still no guarantee that a deal could be hammered out before season’s end but the odds are better if there is ongoing dialogue.

Nylander’s outstanding play this season almost certainly ensures he’ll receive a significant raise over his current $6.9 million average annual value. Estimates range from $8.5 million (too low in my opinion) to $12.25 million (too high). I think it’ll land somewhere between $10 million and $11 million annually.

As for Klingberg, Treliving revealed his hip ailment began during the fourth game of this season. He underwent double hip surgery in 2014. The 31-year-old blueliner is being examined by doctors in New York and it’s believed a decision regarding surgery or physical therapy will be made by the end of this week.

The Leafs need to know how long Klingberg will be sidelined. That will determine if they need to find another defenseman and how much cap space they’ll have to do so.

It’s rumored the Leafs are interested in Calgary Flames blueliners Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev. Zadorov recently requested a trade and his agent indicated he has an interest in coming to Toronto, where he would be reunited with Treliving.

TSN: Darren Dreger also recently noted the Leafs’ rumored interest in Tanev given their need for a right-shot defenseman. He also listed former Leaf and current Anaheim Ducks rearguard Ilya Lyubushkin, the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker, and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Andrew Peeke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames management isn’t in any rush to move Zadorov or Tanev now that the club has moved up in the standings into a wild-card spot. I doubt the Flyers are that keen to move Walker right now given their ongoing solid play.

The Ducks probably won’t shop Lyubushkin until closer to the March 8 trade deadline. Peeke, however, could be available. Reports earlier this season claimed the Jackets were gauging the trade market on Peeke and Adam Boqvist.

ARE THE COYOTES INTERESTED IN HANIFIN?

GOPHNX.COM: Craig Morgan noted the recent rumors that have linked the Arizona Coyotes to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He said the rumor “has some legs” but indicated their level of pursuit in the 26-year-old pending unrestricted free agent is “a bit exaggerated”.

Morgan acknowledged the Coyotes’ need for someone like Hanifin on their blueline. He thinks they really need another top-four option because offseason acquisition Matt Dumba hasn’t played like one.

If the Coyotes acquire Hanifin, Morgan believes they’d have to do so without giving up any of their top prospects. They’d also have to sign him to a contract extension that would fit within their long-term budget.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those are the two factors that make a Hanifin trade to Arizona unlikely. The Flames will probably want one of the Coyotes’ top prospects as part of the return. Hanifin could also prefer testing the UFA market in July.

I don’t blame the Coyotes for looking into Hanifin’s availability. They’re a club on the rise with a promising future. However, he could prefer joining an already established playoff/Stanley Cup contender.