NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

Could the Senators shop for a goaltender or claim Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers? Should the Leafs trade prospect Easton Cowan? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators should be scouring the trade market for a goaltender with starter Linus Ullmark sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

Ullmark departed during the Senators’ 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. There is no timetable for his return. The Senators are currently using backup Anton Forsberg and call-up Leevi Merilainen.

Garrioch cited sources claiming the market for goaltenders isn’t great. Those who could be available include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Cayden Primeau of the Montreal Canadiens, and James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. If the Ducks were willing to retain part of his salary he might not accept a trade to Ottawa. It’s rumored the seven Canadian teams are on his no-trade list.

Primeau passed unclaimed through waivers last week. The Sabres claimed Reimer off waivers from the Ducks in November and will likely hang onto him for insurance.

A source told Garrioch the Detroit Red Wings would be willing to move Ville Husso. However, he carries a $4.75 million cap hit and the Wings aren’t willing to retain salary.

Garrioch also wondered if the Senators might claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He pointed out that general manager Steve Staios has a long history with the 23-year-old winger as they won the 2018 OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out after the noon ET deadline on Monday. Kaliyev had a promising rookie season with the Kings in 2021-22 but struggled afterward to maintain a regular roster spot. He fractured his clavicle on Oct. 6 and only recently came off injured reserve.

SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE EASTON COWAN?

YARDBARKER: Nick Matthews of Maple Leafs Daily cited former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro suggesting the Leafs should trade top prospect Easton Cowan following his disappointing performance for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors.

“Contrary to what a lot of folks are saying, (Cowan) still has a lot of value. But Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs should give up on Cowan because of a couple of bad weeks at the WJC.

“I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. “Number two, I think it’s bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Friedman. The Leafs are already near the bottom third with their prospect pipeline. Cowan is among the few prospects they have with the skills to become an NHL player. They’re in win-now mode but must maintain an eye on the future.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 8, 2024

by | Oct 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 8, 2024

The North American portion of the 2024-25 regular season begins on Tuesday. Check out the latest injury updates, contract signings, waiver claims, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL NORTH AMERICAN SCHEDULE BEGINS TUESDAY

NHL.COM: The NHL season began last week in Prague, Czechia between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils in the 2024 NHL Global Series. The North American portion of the schedule begins Tuesday with a triple header televised nationally in Canada and the United States.

The schedule opens with the Seattle Kraken hosting the St. Louis Blues at 4:30 ET. It will be a historic game as Seattle assistant coach Jessica Campbell becomes the first woman in NHL history to serve in a behind-the-bench capacity.

The Florida Panthers will raise their 2024 Stanley Cup banner at home before facing off against the Boston Bruins starting at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: South Florida is outside the cone of concern for the approaching Hurricane Milton. For now, this game appears likely to be played as scheduled in Sunrise.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been forced to evacuate. They were expected to depart for Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday evening with most players bringing along their family and pets. Some made private arrangements to evacuate their families.

The tripleheader concludes with the Utah Hockey Club making its debut by hosting the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

INJURY UPDATES

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks announced forward Dakota Joshua and goaltender Thatcher Demko were placed on the club’s injured non-roster list. Joshua missed training camp recovering from surgery for testicular cancer while Demko’s been dealing with a rare muscle injury in his knee.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s speculation both players could be sidelined three-to-four weeks.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars head coach Pete DeBoer and winger Jason Robertson returned to the club on Monday. DeBoer underwent an appendectomy two weeks ago and dealt with some minor complications during his recovery. Robertson was sidelined recovering from offseason surgery to remove a cyst from his foot.

CBS SPORTS: The Anaheim Ducks placed goaltender John Gibson (abdomen) on injury reserve. Meanwhile, San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Eduoard Vlasic is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Sharks, rookie center Macklin Celebrini is good to go for their season opener on Oct. 10. He was sidelined last week by a lower-body injury.

TSN: The Calgary Flames placed winger Yegor Sharangovich on injured reserve. He’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers winger Artemi Panarin returned to practice on Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during a preseason game last week. Meanwhile, the Rangers placed defenseman Ryan Lindgren (upper body) on injured reserve and winger Jimmy Vesey (lower body) on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed forward Bryan Rust and Blake Lizotte and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic on IR and placed forward Matt Nieto (knee surgery) on LTIR.

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres placed forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel on IR with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs placed Calle Jarnkrok, Jani Hakanpaa and Dakota Mermis on LTIR and put Conor Dewar and Fraser Minten on IR.

LATEST NOTABLE CONTRACT SIGNINGS

TORONTO SUN: The Leafs signed winger Max Pacioretty to a one-year contract worth $873,770 and forward Steven Lorentz to a one-year deal worth $775K. They also signed defenseman Cade Webber to a two-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty and Lorentz attended Leafs training camp on professional tryout offers (PTOs).

DAILY FACEOFF: The Minnesota Wild signed goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension. The average annual value (AAV) is $2.2 million commencing in 2025-26.

The Washington Capitals signed winger Jakub Vrana to a one-year, $775K contract. He attended Capitals training camp on a PTO.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Winger Austin Watson turned his PTO with the Red Wings into a one-year, two-way contract with the club.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Anaheim Ducks claimed goaltender James Reimer off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres.

Forward Zach Aston-Reese was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights claimed forward Raphael Lavoie from the Edmonton Oilers.

The Vancouver Canucks reclaimed goaltender Jiri Patera from the Boston Bruins, who had claimed Patera off waivers from the Canucks last week.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck missed practice on Monday for family reasons. He’s expected to be ready for their season opener against the Oilers on Wednesday.

THE SCORE: Jett Luchanko is set to become the youngest roster player in Philadelphia Flyers history. He was chosen 13th overall in this year’s draft and turned 18 on Aug. 21.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators returned Carter Yakemchuk to the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Chosen seventh overall in this year’s draft, the 18-year-old defenseman had a strong training camp and performed well in preseason action. However, management felt it best for his long-term development that he return to the Hitmen where he’ll get more playing time this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A smart decision by the Senators. Despite his preseason play, Yakemchuk likely would’ve seen limited action in regular-season play. He’ll be in a better position next season for a full-time roster spot among their top-four blueliners.

RDS: Former NHL player Mike Ribeiro pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault in Texas on Monday. The charge was connected to an event that occurred in June 2021 resulting in Ribeiro being acquitted on two counts of sexual assault earlier this year.

The jury was unable to agree on the final charge. The process of selecting a new jury was slated for Monday but the two sides reached an agreement in which Ribeiro admitted under oath that he sexually touched the victim without her consent.

Ribeiro will avoid prison and must pay a $4,000 fine.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

The Canucks re-sign Nils Hoglander and acquire Erik Brannstrom, several notable players land on waivers as teams make their final roster cuts for the regular season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed winger Nils Hoglander to a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3 million.

Vancouver Canucks winger Nils Hoglander (NHL Images).

Hoglander, 23, is in the final season of a two-year contract with a $1.1 million AAV. He scored a career-high 24 goals last season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche traded defenseman Erik Brannstrom to the Canucks in exchange for blueliner Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche signed Brannstrom this summer but adding John Ludvig off waivers over the weekend made him expendable. The Canucks have put him on waivers to send him to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Poolman, 31, is in the final year of his contract. He’s suffered migraines since 2022 and is permanently sidelined. The Canucks retained 20 percent of his $2.5 million cap hit but it still provides them with much-needed cap room. It’s expected the Avs will place him on LTIR.

DAILY FACEOFF: Several notable players were placed on waivers Sunday. They include New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray, Buffalo Sabres netminder James Reimer, and Calgary Flames forward Jakob Pelletier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles placing Engvall on waivers raises some eyebrows. The 28-year-old forward’s contract makes him unlikely to be claimed by another club. He’s entering the second season of a seven-year contract with a $3 million annual cap hit. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s Rumor Mill.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen believes Holl’s $3.4 million AAV through 2025-26 makes him unlikely to be claimed by a rival club.

The move leaves the Wings with seven defensemen, opening the door to add a 13th forward. It’s expected they’ll sign Austin Watson, who’s been in training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson examined why Pelletier is on waivers The 23-year-old winger was the Flames’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2019 draft. However, he’s struggled to nail down a full-time roster spot, bouncing between the Flames and their AHL affiliate over the past two seasons. Pelletier carries an affordable $800K cap hit and could become a tempting option for a rival club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club signed Kailer Yamamoto to a one-year, two-way contract after the 26-year-old forward played well during his professional tryout offer.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes released Sam Gagner from his professional tryout offer.

SPORTSNET: Monday’s preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning was canceled due to Hurricane Milton’s approach. This game was originally scheduled for Sept. 27 but was postponed because of the effects of Hurricane Helene.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The approach of Hurricane Milton forced the Panthers to cancel their public Stanley Cup ring presentation ceremony at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2024

by | Jan 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 1, 2024

More on the Leafs’ goaltending situation plus the latest Senators speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE LEAFS’ GOALTENDING?

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is considering his goaltending options after placing the struggling Ilya Samsonov on waivers yesterday. Martin Jones will fill the starter’s job as the Leafs await the return of sidelined netminder Joseph Woll, who is weeks away.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (NHL Images)

Given Samsonov’s difficulties this season, he’s expected to clear waivers and report to the Leafs’ AHL affiliate. It’s expected they’ll continue working with him during his tenure with the Marlies to help him improve his game.

The Leafs could call up Dennis Hildeby or Keith Petruzelli from the Marlies. They could also claim Eric Comrie off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres or fill the void with a trade. The options are few and far between in the trade market. McGran noted that Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens and former Leaf James Reimer of the Detroit Red Wings are believed to be available for the right price.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel also weighed in on possible goalie trade targets for the Leafs. He pondered whether they could land a “big bet” netminder such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins or Anaheim’s John Gibson.

In addition to Allen, Comrie and Reimer, Siegel also mentioned such options as San Jose’s Kaapo Kahkonen and Nashville’s Kevin Lankinen, as well as unrestricted free agent Jaroslav Halak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Leafs are reluctant to acquire a goalie right now as they hope to ride it out with Jones as their starter. They want to work with Samsonov to improve his performance. They could call up Hildeby for one or two games as well.

If the Leafs go the trade route they’ll likely pursue an affordable short-term option. They lack the cap space to land someone such as Markstrom, Merzlikins and Gibson, who each earn over $5 million annually on long-term contracts. Markstrom has a full no-movement clause while the other two have partial no-trade clauses. It’s believed that every Canadian team is on Gibson’s no-trade list.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SENATORS: Now that Steve Staios is the full-time general manager of the Senators, Bruce Garrioch believes Staios and his new staff will make plans on what roster moves they might want to make before the March 8 trade deadline. Staios is reportedly looking to add some veteran toughness and leadership to their third and fourth lines.

Garrioch also noted that Staios and his staff have no history with core players such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris, Drake Batherson, Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot and Shane Pinto. They won’t be afraid to make changes among that group if necessary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt we’ll see any major shakeup to the Senators’ core by the trade deadline if they decide to become sellers. They’ll move out pending unrestricted free agents such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Dominik Kubalik.

If (and that’s a big “if” at this stage) they shop a core player or two it’ll likely happen during this summer when teams have more cap space and willingness to make big trades. Of that group listed by Garrioch, I think Norris, Chabot and Pinto would be the more likely trade candidates unless any of the others start asking to be moved.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

by | Dec 18, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2023

The annual holiday roster freeze is from Dec. 20-27. Check out the latest on the Penguins and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PENGUINS CONSIDER MOVING CROSBY, MALKIN OR LETANG?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski weighed in on how recent comments by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas sparked speculation about whether he’d consider rebuilding if his struggling club didn’t improve soon.

Kingerski doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Dubas peddling Erik Karlsson, who agreed to be traded to Pittsburgh this summer because he wanted to win. He can also see pending free-agent winger Jake Guentzel getting shopped by the March trade deadline. Rickard Rakell, Reilly Smith, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari or Ryan Graves could be trade bait if Dubas decides it’s time for a change.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

However, Kingerski doesn’t see Dubas attempting to move long-time core stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or Kris Letang. He believes the Penguins are getting the best out of those three while the rest of the roster is struggling. The only one he thinks might accept a trade is Malkin, as he was ready to move on as a free agent in 2022 because it felt like the previous management didn’t want him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way I see Crosby, Malkin or Letang getting traded right now is if they ask for it. Maybe one of them might want out in a couple of years. Perhaps Crosby will move on when his contract expires in 2025. However, if they insist on finishing their careers in Pittsburgh, their no-movement clauses will ensure that they stay put.

COULD THE OILERS MAKE ANOTHER BIG SPLASH AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell believes the Edmonton Oilers could pull off another big splash at the March 8 trade deadline comparable to their acquisition of Mattias Ekholm before last season’s deadline.

Mitchell suggests the Oilers could do it without having to include Jack Campbell in the deal. They could package a first-round pick, a promising player such as Philip Broberg or Dylan Holloway, and a player such as Warren Foegele or Brett Kulak.

Trade targets could include a defenseman such as the Calgary Flames Chris Tanev or the Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Sean Walker, or a goaltender like the Detroit Red Wings’ James Reimer, the Flames’ Daniel Vladar or the Nashville Predator’s Juuse Saros, though Mitchell acknowledged he’d be “an extreme long shot.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Oilers rolling the dice again at the trade deadline if they’re in playoff contention by March 8. They’re in “win-now” mode and could be willing to sacrifice a first-rounder, especially if it’s for a player they could retain beyond this season. Broberg, Holloway, Foegele and Kulak have surfaced in the rumor mill at various times in recent months.

Mitchell’s colleague Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Oilers need another goaltender to relieve Stuart Skinner and push him for the starter’s job. They also need improvement among their top-four defense, depth at center and among their middle-six forwards.

As for Mitchell’s suggested targets, trades between the Flames and Oilers are rare but they do happen, with the most notable recent example being Milan Lucic getting swapped for James Neal in 2019. Nevertheless, I see Walker or Reimer seem to be more likely targets than Tanev or Vladar.

Saros isn’t going anywhere. Earlier this season, Predators GM Barry Trotz indicated he wants to open contract extension talks next summer. With his club having battled back into playoff contention thanks in part to Saros, Trotz has no reason to trade his starting goaltender.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2023

by | Dec 17, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – December 17, 2023

The annual holiday trade freeze is from Dec. 20-27. Check out the latest goalie speculation plus updates on the Blues and Avalanche in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST GOALIE TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the goalie market is starting to heat up. He noted the Carolina Hurricanes placed Antti Raanta on waivers on Saturday so they’re “definitely looking around.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said the same thing yesterday though he claims that “nothing appears imminent at the moment.”

Los Angeles Kings goalie Pheonix Copley underwent an MRI after leaving practice with an injury on Friday. It’s believed he’ll be sidelined for a bit of time so the Kings might be looking for a backup for Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve recalled David Rittich from their AHL affiliate. They’ll likely see if he can fill the gap until Copley can return.

Friedman noted that call-up Calvin Pickard has been playing really well for the Edmonton Oilers. While they’ve been taking a look at things, he’s not convinced that they’re going to make a trade for a goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems to be the case following their recent surge up the standings. There was talk of Jack Campbell returning from their AHL affiliate at some point but for now, they appear content to stick with the tandem of Pickard and Stuart Skinner.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen (NHL Images).

Turning to trade candidates, Friedman noted the Montreal Canadiens have an extra goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He didn’t say which one could be traded but it likely comes down to Jake Allen or Cayden Primeau. The Canadiens recently signed Sam Montembeault to a three-year contract extension as he’s taking over the starter’s job in Montreal.

Friedman also mentioned Spencer Martin of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers were reportedly scouting the Blue Jackets’ goalies in late November. Martin’s name surfaced as a trade candidate around then.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Christian Larsen listed the Canadiens’ Jake Allen, the Detroit Red Wings’ James Reimer, the San Jose Sharks’ Kaapo Kahkonen and the Arizona Coyotes’ Karel Vejmelka could help playoff contenders in the new year.

Larsen believes the experienced Allen, who’s signed through 2024-25 on a team-friendly contract, could be a good fit on a better club like the Oilers or Hurricanes. The Kings could be a logical fit for Reimer as they have a few million in cap space.

The rebuilding Sharks are near the bottom of the league and have two prospects in Eetu Makiniemi and Magnus Chrona knocking at the door. That leaves little reason for them to retain Kakhonen, who’s on an expiring contract.

Vejmelka began this season as the Coyotes’ starter but he’s lost playing time to Connor Ingram. The rebuilding club is looking to add draft picks and have the cap space to take on a bad contract like that of the Oilers’ Jack Campbell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong made those kinds of moves before this past summer. Since then, however, he’d made deals to bring more immediate help to his roster.

The Coyotes’ pipeline is now well-stocked with draft picks and prospects. With his club jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference, he might not be interested in taking on another bad contract in return for futures.

Speaking of the Coyotes, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes said Vejmelka is drawing interest from several clubs looking to upgrade their goaltending. Perhaps he’ll be the one who gets moved first.

UPDATES ON THE BLUES AND AVALANCHE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the St. Louis Blues were believed to be a team looking to do things in the trade market. He speculates that might calm down a bit since making their coaching change last week but they were definitely looking at what was out there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong acknowledged this during his press conference explaining his decision to replace Craig Berube as head coach with Drew Bannister.

Following the Colorado Avalanche trading Tomas Tatar last week to the Seattle Kraken, Friedman claims there are teams “paranoid” that the Avs are looking to add to their roster though they have limited salary-cap space to do so right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman didn’t elaborate as to what the Avalanche are looking to add. My guess is a reliable second-line center but that could be a move that takes place closer to the March 8 trade deadline.