NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

The top remaining UFAs plus the latest on the Oilers, Islanders, Predators, and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TOP REMAINING UFAS

DAILY FACEOFF: Forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and James van Riemsdyk lead the list of the top players still available in the unrestricted free-agent market. The other notables are Ryan Suter, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I indicated yesterday, most notable UFA players are past their prime.

Winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

A handful will likely sign cheap, one-year contracts in the coming days. Many will be forced to earn new contracts on professional tryout offers during training camp in September.

Some will face the reality that their NHL careers are over, though they will probably continue their playing days in Europe.

OILERS FACING COST-CUTTING MOVES

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Edmonton Oilers must find a way to shed salary. They’re sitting $2.5 million over the $88 million salary cap with restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to re-sign. Teams can exceed the salary cap during the offseason but must be cap-compliant when the regular season begins.

Nugent-Bowman suggested winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million average annual value), defenseman Cody Ceci ($3.25 million), blueliner Brett Kulak ($2.75 million) and forward Ryan McLeod ($2.1 million) as trade candidates. Kane, however, carries a full no-movement clause until March 1, when it becomes a partial no-trade clause.

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited TSN’s Darren Dreger also indicating that the Oilers must cut costs, suggesting Ceci, McLeod or Kane as trade candidates.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported on July 1 that Kane had not been asked to waive his NMC at any point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s not going anywhere. As Nugent-Bowman pointed out, he holds all the cards with his NMC. That means Ceci, Kulak or McLeod could be traded before the Oilers’ season opener in October.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears noted the Islanders’ recent foray into the free-agent market by signing winger Anthony Declair. With limited salary-cap space, any additional efforts to bolster their offense must come in a trade market with few suitable options.

Sears noted the trade rumors still swirling about Winnipeg Jets wingers Nikolaj Ehlers and Rutger McGroarty, suggesting they would fill the Islanders’ needs. However, the Jets are in no rush to move either player. Ehlers is signed through next season and the Jets still control McGroarty’s rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers carries an average annual value of $6 million for 2024-25. It’ll have to be dollar-in, dollar-out to pull that off. McGroarty must sign an entry-level contract if the Isles acquire him. The Jets will want at least a first-round pick for their top prospect.

PREDATORS ARE NOT DONE MAKING ROSTER CHANGES

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz isn’t done making moves after adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei to his roster via free agency.

Trotz told the media on Monday that he’s looking at moving at least one player. They’re sitting over the $88 million cap by $179K and must be cap-compliant when their season opens in October.

Daugherty suggests Cody Glass as a trade candidate. The 25-year-old forward carries a $2.5 million cap hit and is now the club’s 13th forward. He was a healthy scratch during their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.

Defenseman Dante Fabbro, 26, could be another. He also carries a $2.5 million cap hit and was a healthy scratch in three of their six games against the Canucks.

Moving both players would create sufficient space to operate during the season while leaving room for roster call-ups as required.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has the entire offseason and training camp to make these moves. Glass and Fabbro could be skating with other clubs by October.

COULD THE RED WINGS TRADE A GOALIE?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen wonders if the Red Wings intend to shop a goaltender after signing Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell on Monday. The move leaves them with four netminders as Talbot and Campbel join Alex Lyon and Ville Husso.

Allen wondered if they could attempt to move Husso. He thinks that’s unlikely unless they retain part of his $4.75 million cap hit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2024

Contract extensions for Jaccob Slavin, Juuse Saros and Juraj Slafkovsky, analysis of the Jakob Chycrhun and Reilly Smith trades, reaction to some of the notable UFA signings from the opening day of free agency, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

**UPDATE**

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8 million. He has a year remaining on his current contract with a cap hit of $7.875 million.

EXTENSIONS FOR SLAVIN, SAROS, AND SLAFKOVSKY

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Jaccob Slavin to an eight-year, $51.69 million contract extension. The average annual value is $6.46 million and comes with a no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina re-signed their top defenseman at a bargain price. He could’ve gotten a much bigger cap hit in next summer’s free-agent market but opted for the security of an eight-year deal with his long-time NHL club.

The Hurricanes also moved quickly to address the departures of Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce via free agency. They signed Shayne Gostisbehere to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.2 million and Sean Walker to a five-year contract with a $3.6 million AAV. They’re more affordable but won’t fully replace the skills of Skjei and Pesce.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators officially announced Juuse Saros’ contract extension. It’s an eight-year, $61.92 million deal with an AAV of $7.74 million.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated last week that Saros was also entitled to some trade protection toward the end of the contract. There’s currently no indication on PuckPedia and CapFriendly what that is but it’s safe to assume Saros will have some sort of no-trade clause in this contract.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed winger Juraj Slafkovsky to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are betting on the promising Slafkovsky blossoming into a scoring star based on his 20-goal, 50-point sophomore season. He will be the third-highest-paid skater on the Canadiens behind captain Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million) and winger Cole Caufield ($7.85 million). Those contracts will look like bargains if this trio reaches their expected potential.

JAKOB CHYCHRUN TRADED TO THE CAPITALS, REILLY SMITH TO THE RANGERS

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators traded Jakob Chychrun yesterday to the Washington Capitals for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. They had to lower their asking price from a first and second-round pick or a high-end prospect before the 2024 NHL Draft.

Jensen, 33, is a right-shot defenseman carrying an AAV of $4.05 million through 2025-26.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Chychrun could earn a contract extension with the Capitals if he plays well for them this season. He’ll bolster their defense corps and provide some additional offense from the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators had to move Chychrun because he’s slated to become a UFA next summer and they weren’t re-signing him. Still, this is a disappointing return. Jensen is approaching his mid-thirties when a player’s skills begin to deteriorate.

Adding Chychrun and signing former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract should significantly boost the Capitals’ defense.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers acquired “a proven playoff performer” in Reilly Smith, acquiring the 33-year-old winger yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 2025 fifth-rounder pick and a 2027 second-rounder. Smith has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million but the Penguins retained $1.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith was a reliable scoring winger during his six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. Traded to the Penguins last summer, he struggled in Pittsburgh amid rumors he wasn’t happy with his new club.

Smith gets a chance for a reset with the Rangers as they attempt once again to boost their depth at right wing. The Penguins, meanwhile, cut ties with a player who didn’t fit with their roster.

PREDATORS MAKE THE BIGGEST MOVES TO OPEN THE UFA MARKET

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators were the big spenders from the opening day of free agency, investing more than $111 million on Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and Scott Wedgewood.

Trotz claimed this was a statement to the rest of the league that these players wanted to come to Nashville. “These players see what we’re doing with the franchise. We have lots to offer, and we’re very determined to win.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These moves, especially the additions of Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei, could turn the Predators into a Stanley Cup contender again. However, it’s risky because of the ages of Stamkos (34) and Marchessault (33). If those players decline quicker than expected their contracts will become burdensome for the Predators even if the salary cap continues to rise significantly in the foreseeable future.

STAMKOS DEPARTURE MARKS THE END OF AN ERA IN TAMPA BAY

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning fans and pundits, meanwhile, are mourning the departure of Stamkos as the end of an era. Chosen first overall by the Bolts in 2008, Stamkos became the franchise’s greatest star. He’s their all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137), leading them through the franchise’s greatest era, winning two Stanley Cups and a Presidents’ Trophy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois cut ties with Stamkos and opted to sign the younger Jake Guentzel because he felt his captain was past his prime and on the decline. It could prove to be the right decision but BriseBois’ handling of the situation hasn’t sat well with many of the Lightning faithful.

ROUNDUP OF NOTABLE UFA SIGNINGS WE MAY HAVE MISSED

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I compiled a quick list of the noteworthy signings from the opening day of the 2024 free-agent market. NHL.com has a complete breakdown by team. Here are a handful of some other notable signings of Day 1.

The Edmonton Oilers brought back forward Adam Henrique on a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, $1.8 million contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman T.J. Brodie to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Zemgus Girgensons to a three-year deal with an AAV of $850K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That one’s notable because Girgensons is moving on from the Buffalo Sabres after 10 seasons.

IN OTHER NEWS…

PHILLY.COM: The Flyers officially announced Matvei Michkov signed his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expectations are high for Michkov. The 19-year-old winger is expected to be a key piece of the retooling Flyers. He could make his NHL debut this season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Alex Burrows has stepped down as an assistant coach with the Canadiens for family reasons. He will remain with the club as a consultant and could assist in their search for a new head coach for their AHL affiliate in Laval.

NHL.COM: The league has reinstated Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac. They had been suspended since Oct. 2021 due to what the league called an inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Chicago Blackhawks player Kyle Beach had been sexually assaulted by video coach Bradley Aldrich.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Typical of the NHL to try and sneak this in during one of the busiest days on their calendar. There’s greasy and then there’s NHL greasy.

This decision means Quenneville, Bowman and MacIsaac can now seek employment with NHL teams. The old boys’ network remains alive and well.

I’ll leave the final word on this with The Athletic’s Scott Powers:

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

by | Jun 30, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and more in the Sunday NHL Post-Draft Rumor Roundup.

JAKE GUENTZEL TO THE LIGHTNING TO REPLACE STEVEN STAMKOS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston report league sources claim the Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Jake Guentzel.

The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is heading to free agency on Monday but the Hurricanes have yet to give up trying to re-sign him. Meanwhile, it appears Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will test the free-agent market.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also cited sources indicating the Lightning could pursue Guentzel should he become available when the free-agent market opens on Monday at noon ET. He also speculated the Hurricanes could trade Guentzel’s signing rights before Monday.

**UPDATE** The Carolina Hurricanes trade Jake Guentzel’s signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2025 third-round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

Speaking of Stamkos, Friedman believes the Nashville Predators have the best chance of landing him. He also indicated the Lightning pitched a long-term, low-average annual value contract and a shorter one that would’ve made him eligible to sign a one-year, bonus-laden 35-plus contract.

Friedman also said the fact Stamkos had to wait so close to free agency while other teammates were taken care of in advance ruptured the relationship with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning appears to be looking at Guentzel as a replacement for Stamkos. If they couldn’t afford to re-sign their captain, they could struggle to win a bidding war for Guentzel. He could get offers worth over $9 million on the open market.

THE LATEST RANGERS RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report the New York Rangers could find it difficult to move Jacob Trouba.

Momentum appeared to build toward a trade to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Nothing materialized, and the 31-year-old defenseman may not be inclined to speed the deal along.

Trouba has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. If he waits until Monday to submit his list to Rangers management, he could spike the deal by including the Wings on that list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings remains on hold. He wondered if that move would prompt winger Patrick Kane to re-sign with the Red Wings rather than test the UFA market.

The Rangers remain interested in the 35-year-old Kane. However, his camp continues their contract discussions with the Red Wings.

Brooks believes the Rangers would be interested in signing Steven Stamkos but he’s heard the Nashville Predators could be all-in on the Lightning winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes they could also look at Jake Guentzel but the Lightning may have moved to the front of the line.

Ranger goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s representatives are seeking a contract extension that would be worth 14 percent of the Rangers’ cap hit. That would be $12.9 million annually under an expected cap of $92 million for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shestekin holds the leverage here. Brooks observed the Rangers can’t let him simply walk out the door next summer. Losing their starting goaltender would be a big blow to their Stanley Cup hopes.

UPDATE ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets haven’t been told yet if Patrik Laine has been cleared from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The Jackets can trade the 26-year-old winger while he’s still in the program. However, clubs interested in trading for him have told Jackets management that they want to speak with Laine first.

Laine carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26. The longer this situation goes on through the summer, the harder it’ll be to facilitate a trade as cap space evaporates around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline also cited TSN’s Craig Button stumping for the Minnesota Wild to acquire Laine, suggesting he would provide them with an offensive boost.

However, the Wild have limited cap space for 2024-25. GM Bill Guerin has suggested his club might not make any major additions via trades or free agency this summer.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN TWO PENDING UFA DEFENSEMEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported on “X” that the New Jersey Devils are expected to take a run at signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is coming off a six-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dillon completed a four-year deal, spending the last three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources claiming Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was willing to trade goaltender Tristan Jarry and winger Reilly Smith. However, he couldn’t find any takers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players coming off a down season with modified no-trade clauses and $5 million cap hits tend to be difficult to trade.

SENATORS STYMIED IN TRADE EFFORTS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios tried to wheel and deal at the draft but couldn’t find any suitable offers for Jakob Chychrun, Mathieu Joseph, Erik Brannstrom, and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the trade market.

A restricted free agent, Brannstrom could become a UFA if the Senators don’t qualify his rights by 5 pm ET on Sunday. That could happen if he’s unwilling to accept a pay cut. It’ll cost the Senators $2 million to qualify his rights.

Limited salary-cap space could mean the Senators won’t qualify forward Parker Kelly’s rights.

Garrioch expects the Senators could target a defenseman like Brandon Montour or Matt Roy if they hit the open market on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch indicated the Senators only have $11.5 million available. They won’t win a bidding war for Montour. They could have better luck with Roy but that depends on what the market looks like for defensemen after Montour, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce are snapped up.

UPDATE ON YAROSLAV ASKAROV

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report the Nashville Predators will continue to listen to offers for Yaroslav Askarov. However, they’re comfortable keeping him as an understudy for Juuse Saros, whose new eight-year contract should be finalized on Monday.

The Predators also hope to add some scoring and bolster their blueline. They could pursue potential free agents like Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Chandler Stephenson.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

Entering Day 2 of the 2024 Draft, check out the latest on Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jacob Trouba, Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Jakob Chychrun, Nazem Kadri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS AND JAKE GUENTZEL

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Tampa Bay Lightning’s limited salary-cap space could lead to the departure of long-time star Steven Stamkos. His agent said his client will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but LeBrun cautions things could change between now and then.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If he goes to market, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are potential options for Stamkos. LeBrun wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights might come calling if they fail to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ latest offer to Jake Guentzel is eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. Meanwhile, it’s rumored the Vancouver Canucks could be willing to offer the 29-year-old winger a seven-year deal ($9 million annually) if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, LeBrun believes there’s a chance they re-sign defenseman Brady Skjei. However, blueliner Brett Pesce is heading to market.

JACOB TROUBA TO THE RED WINGS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports growing speculation the Rangers could trade captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. The 31-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Michigan would presumably accept that deal.

Trouba carries an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, the Rangers would reportedly retain $2.5 million per season. Trading him would leave them searching for a new captain and someone to replace Trouba’s physical presence on the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a shakeup for the Rangers. The move would free up $5.5. million in cap room that management can put toward making some roster additions.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE AND TYLER TOFFOLI

NEW YORK POST: Brooks reports the Rangers remain interested in a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old winger had a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23. The Red Wings remain interested in bringing back Kane. There’s also talk both clubs could be interested in Steven Stamkos if he becomes available on Monday.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan also reports the Red Wings and Rangers are in the mix for Kane. She doesn’t rule the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible replacement for Jonathan Marchessault.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing Tyler Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar. The 32-year-old pending UFA winger began his career with the Kings, spending nearly eight seasons with them. The Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be interested in Toffoli.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Florida Panthers are among the teams interested in Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman has a year remaining on his contract. It’s unknown if that deal will get done during Day 2 of the draft.

The Senators seek a draft pick for winger Mathieu Joseph.

TEAMS ARE CALLING THE FLAMES ABOUT NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports teams contacted the Calgary Flames about Nazem Kadri. However, they’re not engaged in a full roster teardown but are trying to reset their roster. The 32-year-old center is a big part of that. He also has a full no-movement clause and likes Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some speculation earlier this week wondering if Kadri would prefer to move on after seeing so many veteran teammates getting traded this year. It sounds like that isn’t an issue to him.

AVALANCHE NOT INTERESTED IN TRADING JOSH MANSON

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams are calling the Avalanche to express interest in defenseman Josh Manson. However, the Avs aren’t keen to move their most physical blueliner.

PREDATORS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YAROSLAV ASKAROV

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are getting plenty of calls about promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. This comes following the news they’re poised to sign starting goalie Juuse Saros to a contract extension. The Predators have set a high price for Askarov.

DEVILS SHOPPING JOHN MARINO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils are shopping John Marino. The 27-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list starting on July 1.

Seravalli speculates the Vancouver Canucks could be a suitor for Marino if Nikita Zadorov heads to free agency on July 1.

LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets worked hard to trade Rutger McGroarty during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old prospect has indicated he’s returning to Michigan for his junior year amid reports of a disagreement between him and the Jets over their development plan for him.

The Minnesota Wild offered up the 13th overall pick but withdrew that offer once Zeev Buium became available. Trade talks took place with multiple clubs. The Jets aren’t in any rush to move McGroarty but his stock remains high despite his desire to play elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NYI Hockey Now’s Russ Macias reported before the first round that the Islanders were among the clubs interested in McGroarty. They’ve also been linked to Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2024

by | Jun 28, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2024

The remaining 2024 NHL Awards are handed out, the Predators and Juuse Saros agree to a new contract, the Stars will buy out Ryan Suter, the Flames trade Andrew Mangiapane to the Capitals, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The major remaining NHL Awards were handed out on Thursday.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as MVP as voted by the NHLPA membership. It’s the first time MacKinnon won those awards.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. He previously took home that award in 2018-19.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers are the only active NHL goalies to win the Vezina twice.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. It’s the first time Hughes has won this trophy.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to this year’s winners of the NHL Awards.

MacKinnon, Hellebuyck and Hughes were part of the 2023-24 First All-Star Team along with Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid leads the 2023-24 Second All-Star Team. David Pastrnak and Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators are the wingers, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Adam Fox of the New York Rangers are the defenseman, with Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks filling the goaltender’s spot.

Bedard headed the All-Rookie Team. The Minnesota Wild’s Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils’ Luke Hughes are the defensemen, Logan Cooley of the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Hockey Club) and Faber’s teammate Marco Rossi are the forwards, with Pyotr Kochetkov as the goaltender. 

TSN: The Nashville Predators have reached an agreement with goaltender Juuse Saros on an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.74 million. He is eligible to sign the extension on July 1, the opening day of free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros, 29, is coming off a four-year deal with an AAV of $5 million. He was the frequent subject of trade speculation this season, especially with promising Yaroslav Askarov expected to join their roster in 2024-25. How this affects Askarov’s future with the Predators remains to be seen.

At the very least, this ends the baseless speculation suggesting Saros would be part of a trade offer to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Mitch Marner.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reported the Dallas Stars will buy out Ryan Suter’s contract. The 39-year-old defenseman had a year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $4.3 million. The buyout will count as over $783K against the Stars’ cap for 2024-25 and $1.433 million for 2025-26.

Suter is a plus-35 player but is exempt from the 35-plus buyout rules because his contract was not frontloaded and doesn’t contain a signing bonus beyond the first year of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second time Suter has been bought out of a contract. The Minnesota Wild bought out the remaining four years of his deal with them in 2021.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames traded winger Andrew Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals on Thursday evening for a second-round pick in 2025. Mangiapane, 28, spent the past seven seasons with the Flames. He has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.85 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rebuild continues in Calgary as Mangiapane joins Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Elias Lindholm among the players traded by the Flames in 2024. Meanwhile, the Capitals continue to bolster their scoring depth, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois last week from the Los Angeles Kings.

TVA SPORTS: Former Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber shed light on the left foot and ankle injuries that ended his career.

“There were days when I couldn’t get out of bed, when I couldn’t walk. I don’t walk to talk about the amount of medication I took because it was adding up,” said Weber. He knew halfway through the 2020-21 season that it would be his last. Team doctors confirmed it following the end of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

Weber admitted he initially struggled mentally with the premature end of his playing career. He said getting involved in his children’s sports helped him out of his depression.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weber was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2024 earlier this week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said winger T.J. Oshie is still weighing his options regarding treatment for his chronic back issues. “He’s still in search of a permanent solution, talking to doctors, training staff,” said MacLellan.

Oshie, 37, was limited to 52 games in 2023-24 by recurring injuries, managing 12 goals and 25 points. Over the past several seasons, he was also plagued by back problems.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Dakota Joshua to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Joshua, 28, tallied a career-high 18 goals last season on the Canucks’ third line and provided a physical presence to the lineup. He thrived under head coach Rick Tocchet.

The Canucks also re-signed Tyler Myers to a three-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Entering this season, it was expected the Canucks would let Myers depart this summer as a free agent. Like Joshua, however, Myers performed well under Tocchet and became a valuable part of their defense corps.

It’s also believed the Canucks are considering bringing back Casey DeSmith to back up starter Thatcher Demko. While Arturs Silovs battled hard during the playoffs replacing both sidelined netminders, he still has some weaknesses in his game to sort out.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The San Jose Sharks have moved up in the order of the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. They traded the No. 14 pick (acquired from Pittsburgh last summer in the Erik Karlsson deal) and No. 42 pick to the Buffalo Sabres for the No. 11 pick.

The Sharks also acquired forechecking winger Carl Grundstrom from the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Kyle Burroughs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier is wasting no time making moves in this offseason. He’s facing another busy summer as he continues rebuilding his roster.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues hired Claude Julien as an assistant coach and promoted Steve Ott to associate head coach.

TSN: Former NHL forward Daniel Winnik announced his retirement. He spent 11 seasons in the NHL from 2007-08 to 2017-18 with the Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild. He had 251 points in 798 games.

Winnik spent the past six seasons playing for Geneve Servette in Switzerland.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

by | Jun 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Steven Stamkos and Martin Necas, the latest on the Red Wings, Jets, Sabres and Rangers, and two notable potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PREDATORS INTERESTED IN STEVEN STAMKOS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are lining up hoping to talk to Steven Stamkos if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger heads to free agency on July 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Nashville Predators could be among the clubs with serious interest in Stamkos. General manager Barry Trotz is seeking some offensive pop for his roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ first choice remains staying in Tampa Bay. Discussions with the Lightning are ongoing.

COULD MARTIN NECAS BE TRADED SOON?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported one team has jumped to the front of the line in the Martin Necas trade sweepstakes. That club is offering up a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and could be the team that completes a deal for Necas very soon.

LeBrun believes the Buffalo Sabres are very interested in Necas. It’s getting close to crunch time if a team is going to offer up a 2024 first-rounder. He also indicated the Hurricanes are content to hand onto the 25-year-old restricted free agent if they don’t find a suitable offer.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils could dangle the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Hurricanes for Necas. Seravalli also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and the Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Necas rumors have heated up with the draft fast approaching. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks also hold top-10 picks but they might not be as keen to part with them for Necas.

ARE THE RED WINGS GEARING UP FOR A BIG MOVE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings trading Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in a cost-cutting move freed up $3.4 million annually for the next two seasons. The move also fueled speculation general manager Steve Yzerman is planning a big move.

The move could be to free up a logjam on defense. The Wings have seven blueliners projected to make the roster next season. It could also be to free up additional room to re-sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Yzerman could also be considering a significant addition via the trade and free-agent markets to bolster his goaltending and scoring depth.

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested watching the Red Wings in the Steven Stamkos free-agent sweepstakes. It’s believed they’re among the clubs lining up for the Lightning captain.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Yzerman is looking at adding a goaltender. He thinks the Wings GM has spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. Friedman also wondered if Yzerman might be interested in Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Red Wings remain in contract discussions with pending UFA winger Patrick Kane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman will do something to address his goaltending and scoring issues. He could make a big move but recent history shows he prefers doing smaller trades and signings, not wanting to tie up too much cap room for too long. We’ll soon see if he has something bigger planned this time.

LATEST ON THE JETS, SENATORS AND RANGERS

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reports the Jets remain likely to trade prospect Rutger McGroarty at any moment and will continue efforts to peddle winger Nikolaj Ehlers. It’s also possible they buy out the final season of defenseman Nate Schmidt’s contract.

There’s plenty of interest in the 20-year-old McGroarty. He could be used as a trade chip for a first-rounder in this year’s draft or a defenseman to bolster their blueline. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens could come calling.

Ehlers could also be used as a trade chip for a blueliner. Billeck suggested offering him to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun or the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators or Kraken could seek assurances that Ehlers will sign a contract extension, assuming they’re interested in him. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $6 million.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios shot down a rumor suggesting defenseman Thomas Chabot is on the trade block. “Not sure where that comes from,” he said. “It hasn’t been talked about once.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That speculation arose because the oft-injured Chabot’s modified no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. Some observers would rather the Senators trade him and use the savings to re-sign Jakob Chychrun.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH PATRICK KANE

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are looking at a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old winger spent a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23.

JEFF SKINNER AND JACK CAMPBELL COULD BE BOUGHT OUT

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Chad DeDominicus of Expected Buffalo claiming sources told him the Sabres will buy out the final three years of winger Jeff Skinner’s contract. The buyout will save the Sabres over $7.5 million in 2024-25.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer saying the club will likely buy out the remainder of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. A buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers cap for 2024-25, $2.3 million in 2025-26, and $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million annually for the final three seasons.