NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2024

by | Sep 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on the notable remaining restricted free agents and the Blue Jackets are looking to make a trade.

UPDATES ON SWAYMAN, SEIDER AND PERFETTI

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the status quo remains in contract negotiations between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins. He wondered if they might go the short-term route if they can’t bridge the gap on a long-term contract.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Swayman camp seeks around $8.5 million annually while the Bruins countered with $6.2 million. One report had the 25-year-old goalie seeking $10 million annually.

The Detroit Red Wings and Moritz Seider are working on an eight-year deal but it sounds like it could be something a little shorter, perhaps six or seven years. That’s because the Wings are reluctant to exceed captain Dylan Larkin’s team-leading $8.75 million annual cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings recently signed winger Lucas Raymond to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.075 million. Seider’s AAV could be around $8.5 million.

Darren Dreger reports contract talks remain delicate between the Winnipeg Jets and forward Cole Perfetti. There’s a significant gap in negotiations, prompting Dreger to suggest Perfetti could miss some time in training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently said the Jets were reluctant to offer Perfetti a deal similar to that of Shane Pinto’s with the Ottawa Senators. Pinto is on a two-year deal with a $3.75 million AAV.

The Jets have $5.77 million in cap space for this season but they probably want to keep as much of that available as possible for other roster moves, especially near the March 7 trade deadline.

BLUE JACKETS SEEK A TRADE

Chris Johnston reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to add a forward through the trade market.

They recently signed free-agent winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract. However, general manager Don Waddell wants to add more forward. They’ll also look at professional tryout offers and the waiver wire.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2024

by | Sep 17, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2024

Updates on Cole Perfetti, Alexei Kolosov and Dawson Mercer plus some recent Sabres speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports one executive told him negotiations between the Winnipeg Jets and restricted free agent Cole Perfetti are “the politest in recent memory.”

Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti (NHL Images).

Perfetti has represented the Jets in some recent NHL/team events, saying he’s not unhappy in Winnipeg and wants to stay. Sources told Friedman that Shane Pinto’s contract with the Ottawa Senators is challenging for the Jets. The two players have similar career numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is entering the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

The Philadelphia Flyers are trying to determine what to do with Alexei Kolosov. The 22-year-old Belarussian goaltender did not report to training camp and remains in Russia.

Friedman said teams that inquired about Kolosov were told the asking price is a second-round draft pick. They must also figure out if the young netminder will join them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov’s apparent reluctance to leave home is likely the bigger sticking point. Some teams in desperate need of goalie depth would probably part with a second-rounder for him.

Friedman is sticking to his prediction of Dawson Mercer getting a bridge contract from the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercer is coming off his entry-level contract. He has no leverage other than not reporting to training camp, which won’t do him or the Devils any good.

COULD THE SABRES STILL PURSUE A TOP-SIX FORWARD?

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Matthew Fairburn if he felt it was still possible for the Buffalo Sabres to make a big trade for a top-six forward to replace the departed Jeff Skinner. They possess the cap space and prospect depth to swing a deal this season.

Fairburn believes it’s still possible but noted it might not take place until later in the season. He suggested Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers as a trade target, noting he’s in the final season of his contract and the Jets must decide if they’ll keep or trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers, 28, was the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason but that died away as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel praised his performance.

Despite that praise, Cheveldayoff hasn’t committed to signing Ehlers to an extension. The winger’s future in Winnipeg could depend on him and his teammates this season. He could become available if the Jets drop out of the playoff race by the March 7 trade deadline. Whether the Sabres will be interested in him will depend on where they are in the standings by that point.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2024

by | Sep 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 16, 2024

The top remaining unsigned restricted free agents plus the latest speculation on Mikko Rantanen, Nikolaj Ehlers and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and winger Lucas Raymond, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti and Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley top Steven Ellis’ list of the notable remaining unsigned restricted free agents.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve singled out those RFAs as they’ve featured prominently in the rumor mill throughout the offseason. They’ll face heightened scrutiny as training camps open around the NHL.

Most could be signed to new contracts this week. A few could miss the start of camp if negotiations remain stalled.

THE DENVER POST: Mikko Rantanen’s contract extension is among Corey Masisak’s 10 questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp begins this week.

Rantanen, 27, is entering the final season of his six-year contract with its $9.25 million average annual value. He’s in line for a considerable raise on his next deal.

Masisak wonders if extension discussions between the Rantanen camp and Avalanche management will continue as the season begins, will there be an artificial deadline, or will they get it out of the way early in training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is an important part of the Avalanche roster and a big reason why they’ve been a Cup contender (and a champion) over the past five years. He’ll be among the biggest names in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market if he and the Avs don’t agree to a new deal by July 1. His contract situation will be closely watched during this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance asked Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about a contract extension for Nikolaj Ehlers. The 28-year-old winger is eligible for UFA status next July after he completes his six-year deal with an AAV of $6 million.

Ehlers was the subject of trade speculation during the offseason, especially near the 2024 NHL Draft in late June. Cheveldayoff said he’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach, suggesting it could be addressed at the end of the season or sooner.

630 CHED’s Bob Stauffer writes that he fully expects the Edmonton Oilers to be in the market for a second-pairing right defenseman, preferably with a little term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have just over $945K in cap space for the coming season. However, they could get some cap relief by placing Evander Kane and his $5.125 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve following his upcoming sports hernia surgery. However, they must be cap-compliant once he returns to action later this season.

Stauffer didn’t elaborate on which blueliner he believes the Oilers could pursue. Feel free to post your suggestions in the comments section. Keep in mind the Oilers’ cap constraints and their need for a right-shot rearguard.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2024

by | Sep 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2024

Key dates for the upcoming season, the latest injury updates, contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

KEY DATES FOR THE NHL’S 2024-25 SEASON

SPORTSNET: The NHL released several key dates for the 2024-25 season.

Oct. 1: NHL Board of Governors meeting (New York)
Oct. 4-5: NHL Global Series in Prague (Sabres vs. Devils)
Oct. 8: Opening night
Oct. 22: NHL Frozen Frenzy: All 32 teams in action
Nov. 1-2: NHL Global Series in Tampere, Finland (Stars vs. Panthers)
Dec. 9-10: NHL Board of Governors meeting
Feb. 10-21: Season paused for 4 Nations Face-Off
March 7: Trade deadline (3 p.m. ET)
April 17: Final day of the regular season
April 19: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
June 23: Last possible day for Stanley Cup Playoffs

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 4 Nations Face-Off pushes the playoff schedule later into the calendar. Expect the same thing for 2025-26 when the league shuts down for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The league’s annual holiday roster freeze will be Dec. 20 to 27.

The dates for the 2025 Draft Lottery, the NHL Awards, and the NHL Draft will likely be announced at some point next year. The best guess for the Awards is June 26 with the draft being held on June 28-29. Free agency will begin as usual on July 1.

INJURY UPDATES

CBS SPORTS: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse continues to be hampered by an undisclosed injury suffered last season. Nurse, 29, could miss the start of training camp and the Oilers’ first preseason game but is expected to be ready for their season opener next month.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen took part in a recent skate with several teammates. He seems fully recovered from his season-ending triceps injury. He was sidelined on Feb. 10 and underwent surgery on Apr. 18.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Blackhawks rookie Artyom Levshunov injured his right foot and is unavailable for the 2024 Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase in St. Louis.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

ALL CITY NETWORK’s Craig Morgan reports Utah HC prospect Tij Iginla is listed as day-to-day after being evaluated for a lower-body injury.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins prospect Tanner Howe suffered a facial injury and is listed as day-to-day. He’s been scratched from the upcoming Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.

CONTRACT SIGNINGS

TSN: Max Pacioretty signed a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 35-year-old left winger is expected to sign with the club before the start of the upcoming season.

TORONTO SUN: The Leafs also signed defenseman Jani Hakanpaa. The 32-year-old former Dallas Stars defender agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.47 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hakanpaa originally signed with the Leafs on July 1 but the deal was never formally announced or went on the Leafs’ salary cap amid concerns over a knee injury. This deal is shorter but the amount is reportedly close to the original’s average annual value.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Seattle Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto signed a PTO with Utah HC.

The Anaheim Ducks are bringing defensemen Boris Katchouk, Mark Pysyk, and Gustav Lindstrom to training camp on PTO contracts.

Defenseman Madison Bowey is reportedly signing a PTO with the New York Rangers. He spent last season in the KHL.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Pierre-Marc Bellemare is returning to the Avalanche on a PTO. The 39-year-old center played for the Avs from 2019-20 to 2020-21.

IN OTHER NEWS

WINNIPEG SUN: Cole Perfetti remains hopeful of having a new contract in place with the Jets before training camp opens next week.

“Our side is working on a deal with them,” said the 22-year-old center. “We’re obviously positive something’s going to get done. Our groups are working hard together to figure something out. At this point, I want to be there.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been speculation whether another club might sign Perfetti to an offer sheet. His remarks suggest he hasn’t received one and doesn’t seem interested in an offer from another club.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens will honor former captain Shea Weber in a pregame ceremony at the Bell Centre on Nov. 16.

Weber was acquired by the Canadiens from the Nashville Predators in 2016 and was team captain from 2018 to 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries ended Weber’s playing career following the 2021 playoffs. He hasn’t officially retired but remains on permanent long-term injury reserve (LTIR) until his contract expires in 2026. The Canadiens traded his contract to the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Hockey Club) on Feb 22, 2023.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Canadiens, prospect goaltender Jacob Fowler is learning French in anticipation of playing for Montreal one day. A high-profile prospect, the 19-year-old Fowler will return with the NCAA’s Boston College Eagles this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2024

by | Sep 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 7, 2024

An update on Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko’s injury, Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin could be nursing an injury, the latest on free-agent defensemen Mark Giordano and Kevin Shattenkirk, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman providing an update on the injury plaguing Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko.

Friedman revealed Demko won’t fully recover from his injury. He said the situation remains shrouded in mystery but the injury isn’t fixable via surgery.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

“It’s something he’s going to have to learn to play through and he can play through to a high level,” said Friedman. He believes Demko was never fully healthy entering the 2024 playoffs and the club rushed him to return before he was completely healed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Demko have not commented yet on Friedman’s report. It’ll be interesting to hear their response. Their silence has reached the point where speculation has become an unnecessary distraction as training camp approaches.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias cited Friedman reporting Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin was “battling something”. He noted that no one within the organization would comment on the 28-year-old goalie’s situation. Sorokin’s agent wouldn’t comment out of respect to Isles general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Macias wondered if Sorokin’s injury could be related to the dropoff in his performance last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any team run by Lamoriello is well-known for its silence regarding its players’ status. We’ll likely have to wait for the Islanders’ response when training camp opens in less than two weeks for the Islanders’ response.

SPORTSNET: Mark Giordano’s agent, Ritch Winter, said the 40-year-old defenseman isn’t ready to retire. Winter indicated he’s spoken with the Edmonton Oilers and two of his client’s former teams, the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Winter said his client’s priority is winning the Stanley Cup. He hopes to join a rebuilding club that could move him at the trade deadline or an established contender. He said Flames GM Craig Conroy wasn’t that interested in bringing Giordano back to Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Giordano’s performance was apparent over the past two seasons as age takes its toll. That will affect his efforts to continue his NHL career.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the agent for Kevin Shattenkirk is engaged in discussions with several teams hoping to find a fit for the 35-year-old free-agent defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman claimed he’d heard that Shattenkirk would love to be part of the Oilers if there’s a spot for him. The Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson reports the blueliner’s agent George Bazos is trying to get a contract for his client rather than a professional tryout offer (PTO).

Darren Dreger reports Cole Perfetti continues to skate and practice with his Winnipeg Jets teammates while contract negotiations between the two sides continue. He also intends to represent the Jets at next week’s NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s promising news given the circumstances. It suggests Perfetti could be under contract when training camp opens in less than two weeks.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks prospect Will Smith will live with former Sharks captain Patrick Marleau while the young center attempts to make the club this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith’s fellow Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini will stay with Joe Thornton this season.

NEW YORK POST: Former NHL player Alex Formenton has walked away from his playing career and is pursuing a career in construction. Formenton, 24, is among the five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team facing charges of sexual assault related to an incident in London, Ontario, in 2018.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports Montreal Canadiens prospect Oliver Kapanen could steal a roster spot during the club’s upcoming training camp. Kapanen, 21, is a 2021 draft pick who starred during the 2024 Finnish Liga playoffs and is playing well in preseason action with Swedish Hockey League club Timra IK.

Timra head coach and former NHL all-star Olli Jokinen praised Kapanen’s two-way skills and hockey sense. Jokinen said his club has been planning for the possibility of Kapanen’s absence once he signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens in July.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2024

by | Sep 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 6, 2024

An update on the notable remaining restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox provides an update on the notable remaining restricted free agents.

Fox noted a recent rumor claiming goaltender Jeremy Swayman seeks $10 million annually from the Boston Bruins drew skepticism. Another report claimed the Bruins offered the 25-year-old netminder a lowball $6.2 million average annual value for four seasons.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

The Bruins training camp opens on Sept. 18. They possess $8.6 million in cap space. Meanwhile, Swayman was participating in captain’s skates with his teammates this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The AAV on Swayman’s new contract will likely be between $7 million and $8 million, depending on the length of the deal. It could be anywhere between four and eight years.

Fox cited an Aug. 28 report by Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff claiming the Red Wings are close to a deal with defenseman Moritz Seider. Meanwhile, some observers wonder how Seth Jarvis’ new contract with the Carolina Hurricanes affected Lucas Raymond’s negotiations with the Wings. Both wingers had comparable stats last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seider could get an eight-year deal worth between $8 million and $8.5 million. Jarvis is getting an AAV of $7.9 million (though the deferred salary actually reduces the annual cap hit to $7.42 million. Raymond’s negotiations have likely reached the point where it’s late in the game to introduce the concept of deferred payments into the discussions.

Nothing new to report on Thomas Harley’s negotiations with the Dallas Stars. Fox theorizes that the 23-year-old defenseman’s agent could be waiting to see what Seider gets with the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If so, the Stars aren’t going to meet that demand given their $6.2 million in cap space.

Fox cited NHL Network Radio’s Dave McCarthy claiming some teams would be willing to sign Cole Perfetti to a two-year offer sheet with an AAV of $4.5 million. However, the Jets would surely match that offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets have over $5.7 million in cap space with only Perfetti to sign among their active roster players.

According to a recent report by The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta, the New Jersey Devils aren’t close to a new contract with forward Dawson Mercer. However, discussions continue between the two sides.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have nearly $5 million in cap space. Mercer’s coming off his entry-level contract so he lacks leverage here. He could end up with a bridge deal worth between $3.5 million and $4 million annually.

Nothing new on Peyton Krebs’ contract talks with the Buffalo Sabres. Fox speculates the 23-year-old center will either get a short-term “prove-it” deal but isn’t ruling out a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buffalo Hockey Now’s Jason Moser believes Krebs’ limited options could leave him no choice but to accept his qualifying offer ($874,125). The Sabres could explore trade options but Moser believes the return would be minimal.

Fox believes Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson has three options: sign his qualifying offer, let his agent Pat Brisson negotiate an offer sheet or an extension, or withhold his services and await a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun last night reported Robertson still wants to be traded. He’s reportedly training at home and waiting for a resolution but the process isn’t moving as fast as his camp was hoping for. LeBrun noted that the youngster lacks leverage in this situation.

That lack of leverage prompted The Athletic’s James Mirtle to join those observers who believe it doesn’t make sense for Robertson’s career to sideline himself at this point. He thinks the youngster should sign his qualifying offer, play for the Leafs this season, and establish himself as a roster regular. That would give him arbitration rights next summer and improve his value in the trade market if he still wants to be moved.

Nothing new to report on Nashville Predators forward Philip Tomasino and Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev. Both are in the same position as Robertson.