Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

by | Apr 20, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames, Rangers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL THE FLAMES DO THIS OFF-SEASON?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin believes Rasmus Andersson’s future will be the biggest news for Flames fans to track this summer. The 28-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

Flames general manager Craig Conroy can sign Andersson to an extension starting on July 1. However, both sides admit there’s a little uncertainty right now, but they will meet at some point to discuss the blueliner’s future.

Wes Gilbertson observed that this is a familiar spot for Conroy. He faced a similar decision with Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin. Those three were traded last season when they couldn’t reach an agreement on new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames don’t have to trade Andersson this summer if they don’t get a new deal hammered out. However, moving him might be better than having the uncertainty over his future become an unnecessary distraction next season.

Andersson will have considerable value in this summer’s trade market, especially from teams that lose out in the bidding for the top free-agent defensemen.

Conroy didn’t rule out making a splash in this summer’s free-agent market but will continue to take a patient approach to building a contender. He also didn’t take the possibility of an offer sheet off the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have two first-round picks and two third-round picks in next year’s draft. They also have over $32 million in cap space for 2025-26. Conroy can afford to sign one or two unrestricted free agents or sign a restricted free agent from a rival team to an offer sheet. However, just because he can doesn’t necessarily mean he will.

WHO ARE SOME POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at some early candidates to replace Peter Laviolette, who was fired as head coach of the Rangers on Friday.

If the opportunity arises, Rangers GM Chris Drury could try to pry away Mike Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan has said he’s with the Penguins for the long haul, but who knows what will happen after they missed the playoffs for the third straight year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan has two years remaining on his contract. Last week, he said he intends to remain with the Penguins.

Others on her proposed list include Boston Bruins assistant coach Jay Leach, Boston University coach Jay Pandolfo, former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, University of Denver coach David Carle, Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Marc Savard, former Rangers coach John Tortorella, and former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. The Blueshirts weren’t interested in Quenneville the last time they went through the hiring process.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see who Drury brings in as Laviolette’s replacement.

There’s no indication that the Penguins will give Sullivan the axe, and it’s unlikely they’ll hire Quenneville (because of his baggage) or bring back the combative Tortorella.

Carle has frequently surfaced as a coaching candidate, but may be reluctant to leave his current position. If he does, it might be to join a team with young players that he can mold into a winning roster.

Winner of the Jack Adams Award last season, Tocchet could become the best choice if available. However, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only team interested in his services.

LATEST SABRE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at some offseason questions for the Sabres after another year outside the playoff picture.

What the path looked like for their restricted free agents was among those questions. Fairburn observed that the threat of an offer sheet looms for forward JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram. He thinks a long-term deal for Peterka could be worth at least $7 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That number for Peterka is close to the $6.6 million projected by Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

The Sabres have $21.4 million in cap space for next season, so they can afford to match offer sheets for Peterka and Bowen. That’s assuming they’ll spend to the cap. However, the cost of doing so could complicate efforts to bolster their roster.

Fairburn doesn’t rule out the possibility of another core player getting traded. If so, it could be one of their restricted free agents or a player under contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trade wouldn’t be for draft picks and prospects. Like the Byram-for-Mittelstadt and the Norris-for-Cozens swaps, they’ll want a comparable NHL player in return.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 14, 2025

by | Apr 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 14, 2025

Could the Blues pursue Mitch Marner via this summer’s free-agent market? What’s the latest on Sabres winger JJ Peterka? What will the Jets do with Luke Schenn and Neal Pionk? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLUES PURSUE MITCH MARNER?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford was recently asked what he thought the St. Louis Blues might do regarding Mitch Marner. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Rutherford believes Marner would be a terrific fit with the Blues alongside his former junior teammate Robert Thomas. However, he’s set to be the premier player in this summer’s UFA market and could seek an average annual value of $14 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have a projected cap space of $7.146 million with 23 active roster players under contract for next season. They’ll have to shed considerable salary to sign Marner, making it unlikely they’ll be bidding for him if he goes to market on July 1.

THE LATEST ON PETERKA

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski recently profiled JJ Peterka, singling out the 23-year-old forward’s development this season into one of the Sabres’ “core, young guys”.

Peterka is completing his entry-level contract. He’s in line for a significant raise though the Sabres hold the advantage because he lacks arbitration rights. They could do a short or long-term deal, with the latter projected to be a six-year deal with an average annual value of $6.6 million.

An offer sheet is possible but unlikely. The Sabres possess the cap space to match and they won’t want to lose him for draft picks as compensation. General manager Kevyn Adams has no intention of trading him and hopes to extend his contract as soon as possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka surfaced in the rumor mill as a potential target for the New York Rangers before last month’s trade deadline but Adams quickly denied any trade discussions occurred.

The young forward recently popped up as a possible offer-sheet candidate. The only way that happens is if someone pitches an offer that far exceeds that $6.6 million projection.

Given Adams’ recent comments, Peterka could be re-signed well before his restricted free-agent eligibility on July 1.

JETS EXPECTED TO RETAIN SCHENN AND RE-SIGN PIONK

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates was asked if the Winnipeg Jets intend to keep Luke Schenn next season. The 35-year-old defenseman was acquired at the trade deadline. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Ates fully expects they’ll keep Schenn, pointing out that the Jets are happy with his defensive play and veteran presence.

He also believes they intend to sign Neal Pionk to a contract extension. The 29-year-old blueliner is UFA-eligible on July 1. He’s completing a four-year deal with an AAV of $5.875 million.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 6, 2025

by | Apr 6, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 6, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flyers and Bruins in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE FLYERS COULD SHOP DRAFT PICKS FOR PLAYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere is open to shopping some of their draft capital to acquire young players who can join their roster more quickly.

The Flyers have three first-round picks and four second-rounders in this year’s draft. Some of those picks could be used as trade bait. Briere indicated he’s open to moving one of his first-round picks.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere is following the recent trend to accelerate a roster rebuild or retooling project by stocking up on draft picks and using some of them to acquire young NHL-ready players.

In addition to their pick, the Flyers have the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche’s first-rounders. Holding seven picks in the first two rounds gives Briere the option of packaging some of them together or bundling one or two with a player in a trade offer.

The Flyers’ first-rounder would draw the most attention and fetch the better return. If the draft were held today, they’d have the fourth-overall pick. However, Briere likely prefers retaining that pick and shopping the other two, which are currently 23rd and 25th overall.

THE BRUINS COULD BE BIG SPENDERS THIS SUMMER

DAILY FACEOFF: Ty Anderson of Boston’s sports radio 98.5 The Sports Hub believes the Bruins will spend to the salary cap for next season. He thinks they’ll be very aggressive, though how much could depend on whether they win the draft lottery as they’ll need to ensure sufficient long-term cap space for that player.

Anderson doubts that Bruins ownership wants to engage in a long rebuild or retooling process. He cites their high ticket sales (particularly season tickets) as one factor. They want to give their fans a good reason to come to the games. He believes they’ll try to make a move for a big-time player in free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have a projected cap space of $27.1 million next season with 13 active roster players under contract. They have six restricted free agents, with Morgan Geekie the most notable to be re-signed.

They will have sufficient cap room to pursue a big-name player through free agency like Toronto’s Mitch Marner, or second-tier stars like Vancouver’s Brock Boeser, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers and Florida’s Sam Bennett. They might even have enough left to bring back Brad Marchand.

However, other clubs will compete with the Bruins for those UFA players. They could instead attempt to add a player through the offer-sheet route.

The Bruins have their own picks in the first three rounds of next year’s draft to use as compensation if they want to invest between $6.871 million and $9.161 million on another club’s restricted free agent.

If they want to make a bigger investment, they also have their first-rounders in the next three drafts. That allows them to use two of those picks as compensation (along with their 2026 second and third-round picks) to invest between $9.162 million and $11.452 million into an offer sheet.

What do you think, folks? Should the Bruins try to land a potential UFA like Marner? Or should they chase someone like Minnesota’s Marco Rossi, Toronto’s Matthew Knies or Buffalo’s JJ Peterka with an offer sheet?

 










NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2025

by | Apr 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2025

The latest Predators speculation, a Sabres forward is suggested as an offer-sheet target, and Cam York’s future with the Flyers in today’s (no foolin’) edition of the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHO SHOULD THE PREDATORS MOVE THIS SUMMER?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli asked Carter Hutton which veteran player he would pick to trade this summer.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Hutton thinks it should be Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault. Both players were signed to four-year contracts last summer. He doesn’t think they can move away from long-time Predators like Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Hutton also sees them sticking with goaltender Juuse Saros now that Yaroslav Askarov is gone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutton acknowledged moving either player would be tricky.

Stamkos, 35, has a full no-movement clause and an average annual value of $8.5 million on his contract. The 34-year-old Marchessault has a more affordable AAV ($5.5 million) and a 15-team no-trade list. He also carries a no-movement clause that prevents him from being sent to the minors.

The Predators will likely hang onto both players and hope for a bounce-back performance next season. If they attempt to trade one of them, interested clubs could squeeze them to retain some salary in the deal.

COULD SABRES FORWARD JJ PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton discussed which player they would target with an offer sheet this summer.

Seravalli believes JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres would be a prime candidate. The 23-year-old forward is completing a three-year entry-level contract.

Hutton believes Peterka is someone the Sabres will have to pay a significant raise to prevent him from becoming an offer-sheet target.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka has steadily improved since his 2022-23 rookie campaign. He had 32 points in 77 games that season, 28 goals and 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24, and 23 goals and 59 points in 68 games this season.

The Sabres have a projected cap space for next season of over $22 million with 17 active roster players under contract. Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod and Jacob Bernard-Docker are also restricted free agents.

They should have enough space to sign everyone if they spend to the cap ceiling. Otherwise, things could get interesting if a rival club makes Peterka a tempting offer.

DOES CAM YORK STILL HAVE A FUTURE WITH THE FLYERS?

SPORTSNET: Last week, Elliotte Friedman talked about Cam York’s future with the Philadelphia Flyers following the firing of head coach John Tortorella.

Friedman said Flyers management and York’s representatives discussed a contract extension earlier this season but it didn’t happen. There were times this season when the 24-year-old defenseman came up in trade talks, but Friedman doesn’t believe the Flyers made him available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: York was benched for part of last Tuesday’s loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was Tortorella’s final game with the Flyers. He was also benched for Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Interim coach Brad Shaw said the benching for the Canadiens game was for “disciplinary reasons”. It was subsequently reported that there was a heated exchange between York and Tortorella during the Leafs game. The blueliner declined to discuss it, saying he took full responsibility for his actions.

York is part of a young core of players who were supposed to play significant roles for the rebuilding Flyers. However, two of them (Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee) were traded to the Calgary Flames in January, raising questions about his place with the club.

A restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer, York has struggled this season with 15 points in 60 games, down significantly from last season’s career-high of 30 points. His situation could be worth monitoring during the offseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

by | Mar 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

The latest speculation on this summer’s top restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest rumors and reports regarding this summer’s top 12 NHL restricted free agents.

It could cost the Edmonton Oilers around $10 million annually to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. Fox wonders if the decline in his production this season might knock that average annual value down a tad.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could but not by much. Bouchard’s agent will point to his client’s career-best 82-point performance last season as justification for $10 million or close to it. His 54 points this season currently puts him fourth among NHL defensemen. Finishing with over 60 points could get him something between $9 million and $9.5 million.

In January, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he would begin contract negotiations with Luke Hughes, but so far there’s no indication they’ve started. Bridging the young defenseman at $5.1 million annually would save money now but would mean a monster contract when Hughes approaches UFA eligibility and the salary cap has gone through the roof.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald could attempt a long-term extension, but Hughes’ camp might take a page from the Auston Matthews playbook and go for a four or five-year contract, setting him up for a much bigger payday down the road while he’s in his playing prime.

Fox believes another cautious bridge deal for Noah Dobson would push the New York Islanders defenseman straight into unrestricted free-agent territory. He speculates an eight-year deal would cost $8 million annually, making Dobson the highest-paid defenseman on the Isles’ blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could depend on who’s handling the negotiations for the Islanders. It’s rumored GM Lou Lamoriello could retire or move on to a different position within the organization where he’s less hands-on.

Another two-year bridge deal for Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi would walk him straight to unrestricted free agency. Fox suspects Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will push for term here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vilardi is 25, completing a career-best performance (61 points and counting), and has arbitration rights this summer. Cheveldayoff could push for at least five years.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving rebuffed offers for Matthew Knies at the trade deadline. The Leafs have big decisions to make regarding UFA-eligible forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares, but with Knies’ stock rising along with the salary cap, Fox believes they’ll try to lock him up for as long as possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed, the longer the better.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams recently denied winger JJ Peterka was part of any discussions leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. He remains open to signing Peterka to term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox observed that Adams tends to sign players who show promise to long-term contracts. Peterka could be next in line.

A qualifying offer for K’Andre Miller will cost the New York Rangers $4.65 million to retain his rights this summer. A long-term deal could push him to between $6 million and $6.5 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller’s struggles this season made him the subject of frequent trade speculation. Rangers GM Chris Drury has been shaking up his roster since December with more changes expected this summer. Miller could become an offseason trade candidate.

The Anaheim Ducks’ recent acquisition of goaltender Ville Husso suggests they could move out John Gibson this summer. That would free up more cap space to re-sign netminder Lukas Dostal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, it could, although the Ducks shouldn’t have any issue re-signing Dostal if Gibson’s $6.4 million remains on their books for next season. They have a projected $39 million of cap space and 15 active roster players under contract.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi’s next contract could be affected by the club’s need to sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension before his UFA eligibility next summer. Things could get tricky here because of their tight budget and with promising prospects like Danila Yurov and Riley Heidt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox suggests a short-term bridge deal for Rossi until the more immediate cap issues are resolved. However, that would risk paying him much more when this contract expires, which could make him a trade candidate.

Fox doesn’t expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to have any issue re-signing forward Dmitri Voronkov. They’re flush with cap space and Voronkov, at 23, is the perfect age to grow with their flourishing young core.

The Ducks could attempt to sign Mason McTavish to a deal similar to the five-year extension that Quinton Byfield received from the Los Angeles Kings, which carries a $6.25 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is a tough negotiator. He holds the hammer here given McTavish’s lack of arbitration rights.

A strong postseason performance could help Fabian Zetterlund in contract talks with the Ottawa Senators, who acquired him from the San Jose Sharks before the recent trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 12, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 12, 2025

Recaps of Tuesday’s games include a milestone for Sidney Crosby, the latest in the Mikko Rantanen trade drama, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Sidney Crosby scored two goals and Erik Karlsson tallied in overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins upset the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. Tristan Jarry stopped 35 shots and Rickard Rakell had two assists for the Penguins. Pavel Dorofeyev and Noah Hanifin each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights as they sit first in the Pacific Division with 83 points.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby became the first player in league history to have multi-goal games against 31 different NHL franchises. Penguins defensemen Ryan Shea and Pierre-Olivier Joseph missed this game as they’re week-to-week with upper-body injuries. Forward Tommy Novak is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas tallied his first NHL hat trick in a 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Alex Ovechkin collected three assists and Pierre-Luc Dubois had a goal and two assists for the Capitals, who have won five straight games and hold first place in the overall standings with 94 points. Frank Vatrano, Pavel Mintyukov and Drew Helleson each had a goal and an assist for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Kings, Dubois has rediscovered his scoring touch with the Capitals. He has 57 points in 65 games, putting him on track to exceed his career-best 63-point performance with the Winnipeg Jets in 2022-23. He considers playing with Ovechkin in his quest to break the all-time goal record on a team that looks like a Stanley Cup contender the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Winnipeg Jets kept pace with the Capitals atop the overall standings with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. Vladislav Namestnikov and Gabe Vilardi scored and Cole Perfetti added two assists for the Jets (94 points). Mika Zibanejad scored for the Rangers (68 points), who sit two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals sit ahead of the Jets with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Jets defenseman Luke Schenn admitted feeling a little overwhelmed after being traded twice within a day and a half. On March 5, he was acquired from the Nashville Predators by the Penguins, who flipped him to the Jets.

Speaking of the Blue Jackets, they dropped a 5-3 decision to the New Jersey Devils. Jesper Bratt had a goal and two assists, while Luke Hughes and Cody Glass each collected two points for the Devils, who sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. Mathieu Olivier scored twice for the Blue Jackets (70 points).

The Ottawa Senators opened up a little breathing room between themselves and the Blue Jackets by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Brady Tkachuk scored his 400th NHL point while Dylan Cozens scored to pick up his third straight point since joining the Senators at the trade deadline. The Senators have won four straight and hold the first Eastern wild card with 73 points. Jamie Drysdale and Rodrigo Abois replied for the Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cozens seems rejuvenated since being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres, providing a welcome jolt of energy to the Senators’ lineup.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky had a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each had a goal and an assist and Sam Montembeault made 29 saves for the Canadiens, who sit two points behind the Blue Jackets. Filip Hronek had a goal and an assist for the Canucks (69 points), who remain one point behind the Calgary Flames for the final Western wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Canucks captain Quinn Hughes remained sidelined with a lower-body injury but could return to action for Wednesday’s game against the Flames in Calgary.

The Boston Bruins also sit two points behind the Blue Jackets after rallying to nip the Florida Panthers 3-2. Dmitry Kulikov and Mackie Samoskevich scored for the Panthers but the Bruins replied with third-period goals by David Pastrnak, Mason Lohrei and Pavel Zacha. The Panthers hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Bruins captain Brad Marchand skated with the Panthers during their gameday skate but remains week-to-week with an upper-body injury. The Panthers acquired Marchand at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield scored for the fourth straight game in a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders. Darcy Kuemper turned aside 33 shots for the Kings, who’ve won three straight and sit third in the Pacific Division with 77 points. Anders Lee scored for the Islanders (65 points) as they remain five points behind the Blue Jackets.

The Carolina Hurricanes got their fifth straight win by downing the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1. Seth Jarvis scored to extend his goal streak to three games and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 23 shots for the Hurricanes, who sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 82 points. Gage Goncalves scored for the Lightning, who are third in the Atlantic Division with 78 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov left this game near the end of the second period with an undisclosed ailment.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson made 27 saves to nip the Colorado Avalanche 2-1, ending the latter’s six-game win streak. Mats Zuccarello scored in regulation and the shootout, while teammate Matt Boldy tallied the winning goal. Joel Kiviranta replied for the Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild hold the first Western wild card with 78 points, while the Avalanche is third in the Central Division with 81 points.

The Nashville Predators picked up their fourth straight win with a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist and Kieffer Bellows tallied the game-winner for the Predators. Patrick Giles and Collin Graf scored for the Sharks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE SCORE: Mikko Rantanen’s agent refuted the claim by Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour that the superstar winger didn’t want to play in Carolina.

Andy Scott said Brind’Amour was “completely misinformed”, claiming his client had an open mind when he arrived in Carolina but later felt that the Hurricanes weren’t a good fit “from a style-of-play standpoint.” Scott said it was “nothing personal” on Rantanen’s part, adding that his client respected Brind’Amour and the Hurricanes’ players.

The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche in January. After failing to agree to a contract extension, they shipped him to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. He signed an eight-year extension with the Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever the reason behind that situation, Hurricanes management did not ensure Rantanen was open to a contract extension before acquiring him from the Avalanche. They brought him in to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup, but ended up trading him to the Stars for a return that helps them long-term but won’t move them closer to the Cup this season.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Speaking of the Stars, forward Roope Hintz avoided a facial fracture when a puck struck him in the face during a weekend game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, he’ll be sidelined for five to seven days.

ROTOWIRE: Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka is being evaluated for a lower-body injury. His status for Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings remains uncertain.

SPORTSNET: Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson underwent heart surgery during the 4 Nations Face-Off break in the NHL schedule. Born with a heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot, he had surgery to replace a pulmonary valve after it had stopped working properly by inserting a new valve into the one already in his heart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Davidson for a swift recovery.