Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 4, 2023

by | Jun 4, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 4, 2023

The latest on Jets stars Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois as well as updates on Ducks goalie John Gibson, Devils defenseman Damon Severson, Flyers blueliner Ivan Provorov and Canadiens winger Cole Caufield in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON HELLEBUYCK, SCHEIFELE AND DUBOIS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Winnipeg Jets will be listening to offers for Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Pierre-Luc Dubois. All three are a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Friedman claims the Jets aren’t throwing in the towel on being a contender. He said they’ve made it clear that this isn’t going to be a rebuild this summer. They could get some futures (draft picks, prospects) as part of the return if any of those players get traded. However, they also have several good players on long-term contracts that they want to support.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has Hellebuyck sitting second on his updated list of offseason trade targets with Scheifele at fourth and Dubois seventh.

Seravalli suggested Los Angeles, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Vegas all have openings for a goaltender “based on play or contractual status”. Of these, I suggest Los Angeles, New Jersey, Carolina and Pittsburgh as more viable destinations for Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck lacks no-trade protection so the Jets can send him anywhere. However, I think Ottawa would want assurances that he would agree to a contract extension before trading away valuable assets to get him.

Toronto’s cap constraints make acquiring him difficult unless they shed one of their expensive “core four” forward to clear space for him. They could instead stick with the promising (and affordable) tandem of Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll.

Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images).

Vegas also lacks cap space plus they seem to be managing just fine with their goaltenders of Logan Thompson, Laurent Brossoit and current playoff hero (and possible Conn Smythe Trophy contender) Adin Hill. They’ve also got sidelined Robin Lehner’s $5 million cap hit on their books.

As for Dubois, the Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck noted the ongoing rumors linking the 24-year-old center to his hometown Montreal Canadiens. However, he also suggested the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins as possible destinations.

Billeck noted the Kings could need a new No.1 center if Anze Kopitar comes off their books next summer. However, I expect Kopitar will sign a contract extension to finish his career in Los Angeles.

The Rangers need a scoring right winger. Dubois doesn’t address that issue unless they shift second-line center Vincent Trocheck to the right wing.

Keep an eye on the Avalanche and Bruins. They both have limited cap space but I wouldn’t be shocked to see one of those clubs finding a way to land Dubois. I also wouldn’t rule out the Canadiens but that might depend on how much he’d want on a contract extension as well as the Jets’ asking price.

GIBSON COULD PART WAYS WITH THE DUCKS

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Lisa Dillman recently reported John Gibson is ready to move on from the Anaheim Ducks. It’s believed the 29-year-old goaltender met last month with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to express those sentiments.

Gibson has four seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million plus a 10-team no-trade clause. He wants to play for a winning club but that won’t be possible over the next several years with the Ducks engaged in rebuilding their roster.

Dillman noted the Kings and Penguins could use help between the pipes but both clubs could find it difficult to accommodate his salary or meet Verbeek’s potential asking price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli has Gibson sitting 10th on his trade targets list. He also wrote that the Ducks goalie was available last summer but the asking price was high.

Seravalli wondered if the Ducks would be willing to retain part of his cap hit to bring it down to around $5 million to make a move more palatable. Four years is a long time to retain $1.4 million annually but it might have to be done unless Verbeek can find a way to pull off a three-team deal.

PROVOROV TRADE IS NOT A CERTAINTY

THE ATHLETIC: Charlie O’Connor wonders if Ivan Provorov still has a place on the Philadelphia Flyers blueline. He’s regressed since his stellar 2019-20 performance.

Provorov remains a strong skater and good puck-mover who flashes high-end skill but his offensive game has not progressed nor does he drive the play at even strength. The Flyers have tried different defense partners with him to no avail.

O’Connor mused over whether Provorov remains a fit with a rebuilding Flyers team under a demanding head coach like John Tortorella. A trade seems likely if general manager Daniel Briere can find a rival GM who thinks Provorov could improve with a change of scenery. However, it’s hard to predict what he might fetch in a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov sits 18th on Seravalli’s trade list. He anticipates the Flyers will receive calls about the 26-year-old defenseman. Like O’Connor, however, he’s not sure they’ll move him or what Provorov’s stature is among general managers around the league.

UPDATE ON CAUFIELD’S CONTRACT TALKS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico cited Montreal broadcaster Tony Marinaro’s recent report on the status of Cole Caufield’s contract talks with the Canadiens. The 22-year-old winger is completing his entry-level contract.

According to Marinaro, he’s heard that the average annual value of Caufield’s next contract will not exceed that of linemate Nick Suzuki. The Canadiens captain’s AAV is $7.875 million.

Marinaro followed up by reporting the contract talks are progressing with all signs pointing to a seven- or eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans and pundits are worried that a rival club might swoop in on July 1 and sign Caufield to an expensive offer sheet that the Habs might have difficulty matching.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently dismissed that notion saying the word around the league is the Canadiens would match any offer. A Caufield offer sheet is quite unlikely this summer. Nineteen teams have less than $15 million in cap space for 2023-24. Several others lack sufficient draft picks to pay the high compensation rate for successfully signing him away. That’s assuming Caufield would sign one in the first place.

I didn’t dismiss the possibility of Caufield’s cap hit being slightly higher than Suzuki’s as the latter signed his contract two years ago. It will be a big win for the Canadiens to get him signed for less than Suzuki’s AAV on a long-term deal.

DEVILS COULD SHOP SEVERSON’S RIGHTS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils could be opening to trading the rights of pending UFA defenseman Damon Severson if they can’t sign him to an extension before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t get much of a return for Severson because of his UFA status but better than losing him to the free-agent market for nothing. That’s assuming he’ll sign with whatever club acquires him.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2023

by | May 30, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2023

A look ahead at the Stars’ offseason, the latest on the Flyers plus some recent Elias Lindholm speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE STARS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at what the offseason could have in store for the Dallas Stars after their playoff run ended in the Western Conference Final.

The Stars have limited salary-cap space if they hope to re-sign Evgenii Dadonov and Max Domi. Both were trade-deadline acquisitions who are slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Clark suggests it’s possible they could move some cap space to sign Dadonov and/or Domi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars management could focus on re-signing Domi. He’s younger than Dadonov, more versatile and doesn’t shy away from physical play. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Dadonov could be more affordable given his age.

Clark also noted the Stars have young talent including Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger and the underrated Roope Hintz. They also have a farm system that continues to replenish their roster.

THE ATHLETIC: Saad Yousef also pointed out the Stars’ growing core of young talent that included a solid performance by rookie center Wyatt Johnston. Thomas Harley emerged as a key late-season development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those talented young players could make it easier for the Stars to shed an older veteran to free up some cap room.

They can’t move the overpaid Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin given their respective $9.5 million average annual values and full no-movement clauses. They’re also likely stuck with aging defenseman Ryan Suter, who has a reasonable $3.65 million cap hit but also a full no-movement clause. They’re certainly not parting with the ageless Joe Pavelski, who carries an affordable $3.5 million cap hit for 2023-24 and – you guessed it! – a full NMC.

Radek Faksa is a more likely cap casualty. He carries an AAV of $3.25 million through 2024-25 and a five-team no-trade clause. Defenseman Colin Miller ($1.85 million for 2023-24) is another likely candidate.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (NHL Images)

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan Quigley noted Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere’s recent remarks about his willingness to entertain offers for goaltender Carter Hart. However, he also pointed out that Briere expects the 24-year-Hart to be back with the Flyers’ other young players next season.

Quigley believes defenseman Ivan Provorov is another player who could be moved, noting his productivity has declined since 2019-20. He thinks the 26-year-old blueliner could bounce back with the right supporting cast but the Flyers in their current state lack that type of support.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Chuck Bausman believes the Flyers would be making a big mistake if they trade Hart, whom he considers their most valuable asset. If they make that move, he thinks they better be getting a mind-blowing offer such as a top-line forward or a top-line defenseman plus draft picks and a prospect. Instead, he suggests the Flyers rebuild around Hart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere is wise to consider all his options. He’s willing to listen on everyone at this stage but that doesn’t mean he’s going to trade Hart. It’s unlikely the Flyers will get a suitable offer to make such a move worthwhile.

The only wild card is Hart himself. He’s a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and will be eligible for UFA status in 2025 unless he and the Flyers agree next summer to a long-term extension.

Hart might be reluctant to spend his prime playing years on a rebuilding club. That could prompt Briere to trade him. However, if Hart’s willing to be part of their long-term plans, then they should invest in him.

Provorov, on the other hand, seems a more likely trade candidate. He’s frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the course of this season. Provorov should attract interest from clubs seeking a top-four defenseman in his late twenties who’s in need of a change of scenery.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS LINDHOLM

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek recently suggested a trade scenario involving Elias Lindholm that might make sense for the Calgary Flames.

If Lindholm isn’t interested in signing a contract extension with the Flames but was willing to do so if he were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets to be reunited with Johnny Gaudreau, would the Blue Jackets part with the third overall pick?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s an interesting scenario that would address the Jackets’ need for an established first-line center. It would provide them with a devastating first line that could lead them into postseason contention.

Of course, we don’t know what Lindholm’s intentions are right now or what Craig Conroy, the Flames’ new GM, has in store for his roster. If the Flames were to offer up Lindholm for the third-overall pick, we don’t know if the Jackets would be interested.

However, if Lindholm remains reluctant to re-sign, Conroy might have to peddle him this summer. Perhaps it could be some sort of creative deal like the one proposed by Duhatschek.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 16, 2023

by | Apr 16, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 16, 2023

Updates on the Flyers and Capitals plus the latest on Erik Karlsson, Jake Guentzel and Joel Edmundson in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

UPDATES ON THE FLYERS AND CAPITALS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Sam Carchidi reported Flyers forward Kevin Hayes dropped hints suggesting he might be traded this summer during his end-of-season interview with the media on Friday. “I picked up the message that was sent months ago,” he said. “I’m OK with it. It’s their decision.”

Philadelphia Flyers center Kevin Hayes (NHL Images).

The 30-year-old center believes the Flyers intend to get younger and free up salary-cap space. He’s signed for three more seasons with an annual cap hit of $7.1 million. He believes the decision on his future has already been made and expects to find out by the draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Charlie O’Connor reports Tony DeAngelo wants to remain with the Flyers but he’s keeping mum as to why he was scratched from the final games of the season.

“I’m sure there’s reasons for it, but nothing that either of us are obviously willing to discuss,” DeAngelo said, referring to head coach John Tortorella. Given how the blueliner’s season ended, O’Connor believes it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be back with the Flyers next season.

Speaking of Flyers defensemen, O’Connor noted Ivan Provorov offered up a lukewarm response regarding the direction of the club and his role on the roster. It was rumored back in January that he wasn’t happy with the reduction of his ice time, the club’s struggles and its embrace of a rebuilding strategy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Hayes is going to be shopped this summer. It wouldn’t be surprising if GM Daniel Briere dangles DeAngelo as a trade chip and entertains offers for Provorov.

The New York Post’s Larry Brooks suggested DeAngelo could be bought out of the final year of his contract. He also pointed out that going that route with Hayes won’t be as simple given the six years of cap penalties. Then again, eating half of his contract to facilitate a trade would be more costly over the next three years than a buyout.

As I noted back in December when talk of a Hayes buyout first surfaced, going that route would leave the Flyers paying out $16.5 million over six years with most of it paid out in the first three years. Retaining half in a trade leaves them carrying $3.57 million in dead cap space per season for three years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reported Friday that the Washington Capitals intend to waste little time kicking off a busy offseason. Coming off this year’s trade deadline as a seller, the club intends to continue retooling and reworking its roster this summer.

There are questions regarding center Evgeny Kuznetsov and winger Anthony Mantha following the decline in their respective performances this season. GM Brian MacLellan must decide if he’ll attempt to move them and bring in other top-six players to replace them or keep them for next season and see how they perform under a new head coach.

Kuznetsov didn’t talk much during the Capitals locker clean-out day, saying he needed more time to digest a disappointing campaign. The 30-year-old center did admit to playing through an injury but wouldn’t speculate as to whether he could be traded.

MacLellan, however, expressed his dismay with Kuznetsov’s underwhelming performance this season. Silber suggested the center could become a trade chip.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuznetsov is signed through 2024-25 with an average annual value of $7.8 million and a 10-team no-trade list. The decline in his stats this season will make that contract harder to move.

Mantha, meanwhile, lacks no-trade protection and has a year left on his deal worth $5.7 million. Like Kuznetsov, however, the drop in his production this season hurts his trade value.

LATEST ON KARLSSON, GUENTZEL AND EDMUNDSON

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka believes the biggest question of the offseason for the San Jose Sharks is whether Erik Karlsson will be back next season. Given the 32-year-old defenseman’s career-best performance this season, their asking price will be high for teams interested in acquiring him.

What Karlsson wants to do is also important. He stressed that he wants to win but Pashelka wondered if upgrades to the Sharks’ roster through the draft as well as trades and free agency might give the blueliner optimism that they’ll be competitive sooner rather than later.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expect the Karlsson trade rumors to start again in June as we get close to the NHL Draft later that month.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden believes Jake Guentzel’s future will be among the priorities facing the Pittsburgh Penguins’ new general manager. The 28-year-old winger is heading into the final year of his contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million.

The new GM will have to decide whether to sign Guentzel to a contract extension this summer or trade him. Madden feels they can’t risk losing him to free agency next summer. He carries a 12-team no-trade list and would fetch a good return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The coming offseason will be an interesting one for the Penguins following their recent front-office firings. If they’re retooling, they’ll likely re-sign Guentzel. If it’s a rebuild, perhaps the winger becomes a trade chip to bring in a return that starts restocking their depleted prospect pipeline.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan recently reported Canadiens defenseman Joel Edmundson hopes he’ll be back next season. He probably would’ve been moved at the trade deadline if he hadn’t been sidelined at various times earlier in the season by injuries.

Edmundson has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.5 million. He stayed healthy and played well over the final 22 games of the season, which might pique the interest of other clubs in this summer’s trade market. However, he probably won’t fetch as much as he would’ve at the trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 19, 2023

by | Mar 19, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 19, 2023

Is there a way the Oilers could acquire the Sharks’ Erik Karlsson in the offseason? What are the priorities facing Daniel Briere as the Flyers’ general manager? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE OILERS LAND ERIK KARLSSON THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek believes where the San Jose Sharks go next will depend on what they do with Erik Karlsson.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

While the 32-year-old defenseman is enjoying a career year and was the subject of trade speculation, his $11.5 million average annual value through 2026-27 proved too difficult to move before the March 3 trade deadline. Given Karlsson’s age, Duhatschek doesn’t expect his contract will age well, making him harder to trade and more difficult to get actual value in return.

The Edmonton Oilers were the only club to seriously look into acquiring Karlsson. Duhatschek wondered if trading Jack Campbell and his $5 million AAV to the Sharks might make it possible for the Oilers to accommodate Karlsson’s contract. The Sharks are rebuilding and their goaltending hasn’t been great. Playing in San Jose might give Campbell the opportunity to turn his career around in a relatively stress-free environment.

Duhatschek proposed the Sharks retain around $2 million annually of Karlsson’s cap hit. The Oilers could then part with two or three young assets the Sharks would be looking for, such as Phillip Broberg and Xavier Bourgault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that Duhatschek is merely spitballing here. On its face, it seems like a sensible proposal.

Karlsson might be willing to join the Oilers and play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, perhaps becoming the missing piece that finally puts them over the top. The Sharks would get most of Karlsson’s salary off their books and receive some long-term assets to help with their rebuild. They would also get a starting goalie in the short term who might regain his form playing for a rebuilding club where the spotlight won’t be as harsh.

However, this deal depends on whether the Sharks will retain some of Karlsson’s cap hit and their willingness to take the struggling Campbell off the Oilers’ hands. If the answer is no, we can forget about seeking Karlsson skating on the Edmonton blueline next season.

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES FACING FLYERS GM DANIEL BRIERE?

THE SCORE: John Matisz recently looked at what could be the high-level priorities on the to-do list for Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere if he’s named their full-time GM following this season.

Matisz believes Briere must attempt to acquire another 2023 first-round draft pick or an early second-rounder. He suggested shopping defensemen Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim but felt peddling Carter Hart and Travis Konecny could be complicated and carry more downside.

Offloading the contracts of Kevin Hayes and Rasmus Ristolainen is another priority. Hayes is not head coach John Tortorella’s favorite player plus he’s a salary-dump candidate given his age and contract. Matisz admits trading Ristolainen and his $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27 would be challenging.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere last week indicated he’s committed to a rebuild but that doesn’t mean a roster fire sale. Hayes and Provorov seem the most likely to be moved. Sanheim could be peddled but I think he might fit into Briere’s long-term plans.

I agree with Matisz about the complications of moving Hart or Konecny. One or both could force the issue, especially Hart as he is a restricted free agent next year. However, they would be worth retaining if they want to be part of the solution.

Ristolainen lacks no-trade protection. However, I think there are only three ways Briere could move him and none of them are palatable. He can retain up to half of the blueliner’s cap hit, take back a toxic contract in return, or package him this summer with the Flyers’ first-round pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2023

by | Mar 13, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2023

Interim Flyers GM Daniel Briere talks about his club’s plans, the latest Erik Karlsson speculation and the chances of Dmitry Orlov staying with the Bruins after this season in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NO FIRE SALE FOR FLYERS, SAYS BRIERE

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports Philadelphia Flyers interim general manager Daniel Briere acknowledged his club’s need for a multiyear rebuild as he campaigns for the job on a full-time basis. Briere took over from fired GM Chuck Fletcher on Friday for the remainder of the season.

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

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere will likely take over on a full-time basis in the offseason after ownership evaluates his performance over the remainder of the season. If they opt for another GM candidate, he could take over as president of hockey operations.

Briere cautioned that a rebuild doesn’t mean a fire sale of roster players. “We’re not going to get rid of everybody,” he said. “We have some good players here, some players that are in certain roles that we are going to keep as well.” Briere added that he and his staff will evaluate players and hockey operations staff with an eye toward the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere’s comments yesterday could be a response to recent trade conjecture regarding Flyers such as Kevin Hayes, Ivan Provorov and Carter Hart. There was speculation before the March 3 trade deadline that Briere’s predecessor had engaged in trade talks regarding Hayes and Provorov.

Briere could be looking at which players will fit best into their multiyear rebuild. Hayes (30) might not be part of those plans. Provorov is only 26 but becomes eligible in two years’ time for UFA status and might not fit into their long-term scheme.

Hart, 23, could have a future with the Flyers if he’s willing to be part of a rebuild. He’s got a year left on his contract but Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek observed on Saturday that the Flyers can sign him this summer to a contract extension.

Those on long-term contracts such as Joel Farabee (23) and Travis Sanheim (26) could also be part of their plans. Travis Konecny (26) could also fit into their program but (like Provorov) he’s only got two more years left on his deal and might not wish to stick with a rebuilding team.

I can see Briere trying to move Ryan Ellis’ contract if the 32-year-old defenseman’s career is truly over. It’ll be interesting to see what he would have in mind for sidelined forwards like 33-year-old Cam Atkinson and 30-year-old center Sean Couturier.

LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON AND DMITRY ORLOV

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont expects the San Jose Sharks to renew trade talks regarding Erik Karlsson leading up to and including the 2023 NHL draft in late June. GM Mike Grier had deals on the line before the March 3 trade deadline but interested clubs were reluctant or unable to absorb a high percentage of Karlsson’s $11.5 million average annual value for the next four years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams usually have more salary cap space to work with from mid-June through early July leading up to the NHL draft and the annual start of the free-agent period on July 1. Perhaps one can be found willing to take on most or all of Karlsson’s contract.

One reader persistently emails me claiming the Sharks can move Karlsson without retaining any of his $11.5 million cap hit. I don’t disagree that it’s possible, but doing so involves moving a lot of salary to the Sharks or making multiple trades with the Sharks and other teams to make the dollars fit. That could do more harm than good to a club’s roster depth, adding a superstar to the blueline but creating holes elsewhere in the roster that could prove difficult to plug.

The easiest way for the Sharks to move Karlsson remains absorbing a portion of his cap hit, especially if the cap only rises as projected by $1 million for 2023-24. If it goes higher than expected, the greater the chances of trading him without having to retain some of his salary.

Dupont doesn’t expect the Boston Bruins will be able to retain recently-acquired defenseman Dmitry Orlov after this season. With Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm on expensive long-term deals, it’s difficult to see the Bruins offering the 31-year-old Orlov more than four years at his current $5.1 million AAV. Doing so would also mean shipping out Brandon Carlo or Matt Grzelcyk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Bruins have $10.5 million in projected cap space for next season with only 13 roster players under contract. As Dupont points out, Orlov’s a rental player for this season unless the Bruins free up room to sign him and he’s willing to accept a short-term deal for around $5 million.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 12, 2023

by | Mar 12, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 12, 2023

Speculation over the futures of Kevin Hayes, Carter Hart and Ivan Provorov with the rebuilding Flyers in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek repeated his earlier report of conversations between the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets regarding Flyers forward Kevin Hayes. Given the Flyers’ recent change in management and anticipated rebuild, he expects those talks with the Jackets about Hayes to pick up again closer to the 2023 Draft in late June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hayes’ contract ($7.14 average annual value through 2025-26) was difficult to move during a season with a flattened salary cap. Despite his 12-team no-trade clause, the 30-year-old center might be easier to trade between late June and early July when clubs have more cap space to work with.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (NHL Images)

The Blue Jackets have a longstanding need for skilled centers. Cap Friendly shows they have a projected $18.3 million in cap space for 2023-24 with 17 players under contract and all their core players signed for next season. They have room to take on Hayes but could still ask the Flyers to retain part of his cap hit or take back some salary in return.

Marek also wondered about Carter Hart’s future with the Flyers given the emergence of goaltender Samuel Ersson, who’s been up and down this season between the big club and their AHL affiliate.

Hart has a year remaining on his contract but the Flyers can extend him this summer. However, if they’re going to go through a rebuild, Marek wondered what Hart could fetch on the trade market and if the 24-year-old netminder wants to spend the best seasons of his career with a rebuilding Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hart was supposed to be the franchise goalie the Flyers have been lacking since Ron Hextall’s glory days in the late-1980s. He showed plenty of promise in his first two NHL seasons, including out-dueling Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price in the 2020 playoffs. However, he struggled the following season and has had to deal with a depleted team in front of him since 2021-22.

Hart carries an affordable $3.9 million cap hit and lacks no-trade protection. He’ll also be eligible for salary arbitration.

Given Hart’s age and potential, the Flyers shouldn’t have any trouble finding suitors this summer if they decide to tear it all down or if he’s reluctant to be part of a long rebuild process. As Marek suggested, Hart’s situation will be something worth watching in the offseason.

Marek also briefly wondered about Ivan Provorov’s future in Philadelphia.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Provorov surfaced in the rumor mill during the weeks leading up to the March 3 trade deadline. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $6.75 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Like Hayes, moving his salary during a season with a flattened salary cap was difficult to do. Perhaps they’ll have better luck in the offseason provided they’re willing to consider moving him.