NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 29, 2025

by | Mar 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 29, 2025

The Blue Jackets regain the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth, Brad Marchand gets a point in his debut with the Panthers, Jets stars Connor Hellebucyk and Mark Scheifele set franchise records, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets regained the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth, overcoming a 5-3 deficit to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 7-6 on a shootout goal by Kent Johnson. Boone Jenner and Dante Fabbro each had three points for the Blue Jackets (75 points), who hold that wild card for the first time since March 14. Aatu Raty scored twice and Kiefer Sherwood and Pius Suter collected three assists each for the Canucks (81 points), who sit four points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have won two straight in a shootout after going 1-7-1 over their previous nine games.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jackson Blake had a goal and two assists to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Second-period goals by Taylor Hall and Sebastian Aho gave the Hurricanes the win. They sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 92 points. Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens (75 points), who’ve dropped out of the final Eastern wild-card spot after going 0-3-2 in their last five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina winger Andrei Svechnikov scored in his first game since missing the last seven games with an upper-body injury. Hurricanes defenseman played in his 915th consecutive NHL regular-season game, moving into fourth place on the league’s all-time Ironman list.

An overtime goal by Mason McTavish lifted the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-4 win over the New York Rangers. Leo Carlsson had a goal and three assists as the Ducks a 4-2 deficit to force the extra frame. J.T. Miller, Adam Fox and Alexis Lafreniere each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (75 points), who have one win in their last six games (1-5-1) to sit outside the Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets, Canadiens and Rangers each have 75 points, but the Jackets hold the wild card with a game in hand over the Canadiens and two games in hand over the Rangers. The New York Islanders are one point back and the Detroit Red Wings are three points back.

Brad Marchand set up Sam Bennett’s overtime goal in his debut with the Florida Panthers as they nipped the Utah Hockey Club 2-1. Bennett scored both goals for the Panthers as they picked up their seventh straight home win, regaining first place in the Atlantic Division with 91 points. Sean Durzi scored for Utah.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves for his league-leading seventh shutout in a 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. Alex Iafallo tallied twice for the Jets, who’ve overtaken the Washington Capitals for first place in the overall standings with 104 points. New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes was a late scratch for precautionary reasons with a lower-body injury. The Devils are third in the Metropolitan Division with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are the first team to reach the 50-win plateau this season. Hellebucyk’s shutout set a single-season franchise record. Scheifele also set a franchise record for the most multi-point games with 201, surpassing former teammate Blake Wheeler.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3. Victor Olofsson scored two goals and William Karlsson had three assists for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 96 points. Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato tallied his first NHL hat trick.

HEADLINES

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco provides a breakdown of what led the Philadelphia Flyers to fire head coach John Tortorella on Thursday, citing a source claiming a series of consistent events since the March 7 trade deadline culminated in his dismissal.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Cam York and the Flyers are moving past a reported incident that led to his benching on Thursday against the Canadiens. He said he took full responsibility for his actions.

The benching was described as for disciplinary reasons. The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz reported Friday that an incident occurred between York and Tortorella during Tuesday’s 7-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claimed the incident was a heated verbal exchange between the two men.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Daniel Briere said it wasn’t any one thing that prompted the decision to replace Tortorella. Nevertheless, the incident with York contributed to their decision to make a coaching change following the incident. 

THE ATHLETIC: Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has been suggested by some pundits as a full-time replacement for Tortorella behind the Flyers bench. However, Thomas Drance cited a team source saying the club fully intends to use their club option next season to retain Tocchet. They also prefer to negotiate a contract extension for Tocchet this summer.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich returns to action on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche after missing four games with an illness. The Blues also signed top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud to an entry-level contract.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning will honor Ryan McDonagh for reaching the 1,000-game plateau during a ceremony before Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. McDonagh reached the milestone on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club.

RG.ORG: Ryan Lindgren is enjoying his fresh start with the Colorado Avalanche after being traded by the New York Rangers before the March trade deadline. The 27-year-old defenseman is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 but his current focus is on helping the Avalanche win.

TSN: Minnesota Wild defenseman David Jiricek is out for the season with a lacerated spleen. He suffered the injury playing for their AHL affiliate in Iowa and is expected to fully recover before the start of next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin looks at whether last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off adversely affected the overall performance of the players who participated in the tournament.

THE ATHLETIC: NHL attendance is seeing nearly league-wide gains heading into the final stretch of the 2024-25 regular season. The biggest gainers include the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks.










NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Trades – March 1, 2025

Panthers Acquire Seth Jones From The Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and Chicago’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

Chicago Blackhawks traded defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers(NHL Images).

The Blackhawks retain 26 percent of Jones’ $9.5 million average annual value through 2029-30 ($2.5 million).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whenever we think an expensive contract is too difficult to move, two general managers find a creative way to make it work.

Jones spoke with Blackhawks management over a week ago about the possibility of a trade. The 30-year-old defenseman forced the issue earlier this week by criticizing the club’s play during a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. He waived his no-movement clause to facilitate this move.

The Panthers had to improve their blueline depth if they intend to successfully defend the Stanley Cup this spring. Jones should address that issue. He is a big-minute, puck-moving defenseman with a right-hand shot who will line up alongside Niko Mikkola on their second defense pairing. He could also become an insurance policy for the Panthers if Aaron Ekblad departs via free agency on July 1.

Sending Knight to Chicago freed up his $4.5 million cap hit from the Panthers’ books, making it possible (with the Blackhawks retaining some salary) to acquire Jones. The deal leaves them with just over $629K in projected trade deadline cap space. Chris Dreidger will replace Knight as their backup goaltender.

Trading Jones to Florida leaves a gaping hole on the Blackhawks’ blueline while gaining another goaltender. They were using Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom as their goalie tandem with Laurent Brossoit sidelined by knee surgery for the season.

Knight has another season remaining on his contract. They could demote Soderblom to their AHL affiliate, but he’s not waiver-exempt. Perhaps one of them (other than Brossoit) will be dealt to another club by the March 7 deadline.

Rangers Trade Lindgren to Avalanche In Multiplayer Deal

The New York Rangers traded defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forward Jimmy Vesey and prospect defenseman Hank Kampf to the Colorado Avalanche for center Juuso Parssinen, defenseman Calvin de Haan, a conditional 2025 second-round pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-rounder.

The Rangers retained 50 percent of Lindgren’s $4.5 million cap hit.

New York Rangers trade  defenseman Ryan Lindgren to the Colorado Avalanche (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth major trade made by the Rangers since Dec.6. The previous three deals saw Jacob Trouba shipped to Anaheim, Kaapo Kakko dealt to Seattle, and Filip Chytil sent to Vancouver.

As of March 1, the Rangers are four points out of the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. However, this move suggests that general manager Chris Drury is looking ahead to next season. Lindgren and Vesey are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

This is the second time the 23-year-old Parssinen has been traded this season. The Avalanche acquired him in December from the Nashville Predators. He has 11 points in 37 games split between those two clubs seeking checking-line duty and is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old de Haan is UFA-eligible this summer. He had seven points in 44 games.

The Avalanche made this move to shore up their roster for the playoffs. Lindgren is a defensive-minded blueliner who will likely slot in on their third defense pairing. Vesey could play left wing on their third or fourth line.

Nyquist to the Wild

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators held forward Gustav Nyquist out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. They’re discussing a trade with the Minnesota Wild, but the deal has yet to go through.

**UPDATE** The Wild acquired Nyquist from the Predators in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. The Predators retained 50 percent of the 35-year-old forward’s $3.185 million cap hit. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild sought affordable scoring depth ahead of the trade deadline. Nyquist has 21 points in 57 games this season with the Predators but tallied 75 points in 2023-24. Perhaps the change of scenery will boost his production.

The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus believes they need more than a third-line forward, but they’re running out of tradeable assets to add someone else. This is likely the only significant move the Wild can afford to make before March 7.

Meanwhile, this move gives the Predators an extra second-rounder in next year’s draft to retain for themselves or use as a trade chip to add an established player. 










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

Why has Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson changed agents? Could the Red Wings be interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOBSON CHANGES AGENTS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported Noah Dobson changed agents from Andrew Maloney to Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. Moldaver represents some of the NHL’s top players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias looks at two reasons why Dobson made this move. He’s either unhappy with the Islanders and wants a trade (which Macias considers unlikely) or it’s a business decision to garner better terms on his next contract.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias that the second reason is the most likely. Dobson, 25, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Macias pointed out that Fortier was the agent who got Alexis Lafreniere his new seven-year contract (with an average annual value of $7.45 million) with the New York Rangers.

COULD THE RED WINGS BE INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan speculated the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s rumored the Sabres could move the 23-year-old Cozens by the trade deadline.

Khan suggested Cozens could fill the second-line center role on the Wings, a position that’s been difficult to fill. They also have the cap space to accommodate the remaining three years on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.1 million.

The Sabres would want a good young player but Khan doesn’t believe the Wings would part with Marco Kasper or Simon Edvinsson. The Wings could see Kasper as eventually filling the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains patient with his young players. If he’s unwilling to part with Kasper or Edvinsson, the notion of a Cozens trade falls flat. The Sabres won’t be interested in draft picks and prospects, they want a player in return who can help their roster now.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: If New York Rangers GM Chris Drury becomes a seller by the March 7 trade deadline, Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh believe there will a be market for defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Lindgren would draw the best return. Despite a down season, he remains an attractive player for contenders seeking a physical shutdown defenseman. Vesey and Smith could fetch mid-range draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple and Bough point out Drury’s been a buyer and a seller this season. He could follow the same path at the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson recently speculated the Flames could use the 4 Nations Face-Off break to consider ways to address a couple of roster issues before the trade deadline.

They could seek a permanent defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar, suggesting Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option. Gilbertson also wondered if they’ll stick with backup Dan Vladar or seek a more experienced second-stringer to support and mentor rookie starter Dustin Wolf.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2025

by | Jan 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 28, 2025

Is there any truth to the recent Sidney Crosby trade speculation? What’s next for the Blackhawks? Does Ryan Lindgren want to remain a Ranger? Could the Leafs target Sharks center Luke Kunin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEBUNKING THE CROSBY TRADE RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe debunked the recent trade rumors swirling around Sidney Crosby following Friday’s blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The rumors started when Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli made a cryptic tweet following the Rantanen trade claiming “an impeccable source” told him that deal wasn’t the biggest thing on the table within the previous 48 hours.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

That prompted some pundits, including Spittin’ Chiclets podcasters (and former Crosby teammates) Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney, to suggest that Seravalli could be referring to the Penguins trading their captain to Colorado, uniting him with his good friend and fellow Nova Scotian Nathan MacKinnon.

Yohe lamented that those folks, some of whom he felt knew better, were spreading such a baseless rumor. He referred to what Crosby told his colleague Rob Rossi earlier this season.

“I don’t worry about that stuff,” Crosby said. “I’ve said I’m always going to be here. I just signed a new contract to be here. I’ve been very upfront about it – I’m a Pittsburgh Penguin.”

Yohe suspects some NHL pundits are bored and are titillated by the thought of a blockbuster trade involving Crosby that would have him finish his career elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe isn’t the only pundit pouring cold water on the Crosby trade rumors. TSN’s Chris Johnston (a colleague of Yohe’s with The Athletic) and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman quickly dismissed that chatter over the weekend, pointing out Crosby’s new contract with the Penguins and his full no-movement clause.

Some pundits have made the case for a Crosby trade because they believe he deserves better than to finish his NHL career with a rebuilding Penguins club. Yohe makes the point that Crosby wants to stick around and help them rebuild, perhaps even return to the postseason before his career ends.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

TSN: Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson met with the media on Monday to explain his reason for trading Taylor Hall to the Hurricanes and his plans for the rest of the season.

Davidson said he moved Hall at this time because he wouldn’t use one of his two remaining salary retention spots on Rantanen and use the other for Hall in a separate trade later this season. The Blackhawks retained half of Rantanen’s $9.25 million salary and sent Hall to the Hurricanes for a third-round pick.

The Blackhawks GM also didn’t see Hall fetching more than a third-rounder. The pick the Blackhawks received was their third-round which they sent to the Hurricanes last year.

Davidson didn’t believe Hall’s market value would improve by hanging onto him until closer to the March 7 trade deadline. He indicated there was the risk of an injury or his diminishing role affecting his market value.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen noted that Davidson intends to continue listening to offers leading up to March 7. He believes he has the luxury of patiently waiting to see what unfolds.

Davidson continued to preach patience with the Blackhawks’ rebuild. He’s pleased with the progress that young players like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Colton Dach, and Nathan Allen have shown this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson will entertain offers for pending UFAs like Ryan Donato and Pat Maroon. He’s more likely to become a buyer this summer, using his cap space and his trade capitals in draft picks and prospects to target one or two impact players in their mid-to-late twenties who are in their playing prime.

RYAN LINDGREN WANTS TO REMAIN A RANGER

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren doesn’t want to be moved by the trade deadline. The 26-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible this summer and has surfaced in recent trade speculation tying him to Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller.

Brooks believes it was a foregone conclusion that Lindgren would be moved by the trade deadline. However, the club’s recent rebound into playoff contention could change that plan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether that also affects his chances of getting a contract extension remains to be seen.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TARGET LUKE KUNIN?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could have San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin on their radar.

Kunin, 27, is signed through next season with an average annual value of $2.75 million. Friedman cited his affordable contract, versatility and defensive play as enticing factors for the Leafs, who are believed to be in the market for a reliable third-line center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks GM Mike Grier is likely open for business and willing to entertain offers for his veterans provided they fetch a return that helps his rebuilding process. Kunin could attract interest from several playoff contenders by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2025

by | Jan 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Miller, Simon Nemec, Jonathan Toews and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” TRADE & FREE-AGENT RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche and Mikko Rantanen need a deadline for a new contract. He wondered if Avalanche management considers the March 7 trade deadline to be that date or if they’ll take their chances if Rantanen remains unsigned by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract talks between the two sides have stalled but it was recently reported they’ll revisit those discussions following next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off. It’s also believed the Avs have no intention of peddling Rantanen if he hasn’t signed by then.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Friedman considers the Carolina Hurricanes a team to watch in the trade market. “They are active, ready to pounce.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could be trying to pounce on J.T. Miller. Reports earlier this week linked them to the 31-year-old Vancouver Canucks center.

The Hurricanes and New York Rangers are two of the teams permitted to speak with Miller. Friedman believes the Rangers’ offer was Filip Chytil, a first-rounder and a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other reports claimed it was Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, a first-rounder and perhaps a couple of minor-leaguers. Either way, the Rangers would’ve made out like bandits in the deal if it hadn’t fallen through.

Friedman isn’t sure about the rumored interest in Miller from the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun he sought a center to bring some “extra oomph” to his lineup. Miller would certainly fit the bill but he could be too expensive. The Stars could afford Miller’s $8 million cap hit once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but they could be concerned about the long-term hit to their salary cap.

Devils defenseman Simon Nemec raised some eyebrows recently when he told a Slovak news outlet about his disappointment in playing for their farm team in Utica. They’ve told anyone who’s asked that they have no interest in trading the promising blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec isn’t happy in the AHL but he’s not making waves by demanding a trade. Friedman believes his injury during last August’s Olympic qualifier hurt his chances of making the Devils this season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in some of the Buffalo Sabres’ younger, NHL-ready prospects.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some mixed messages lately regarding the Penguins’ intentions. Some believe they want young players already in the NHL. Regardless, it’s clear that GM Kyle Dubas intends to move some of his aging veterans in exchange for younger talent.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have little interest in moving their UFA-eligible players for mid-round draft picks at the trade deadline. Their focus is on making the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell won’t be a seller unless his club collapses in the standings between now and the trade deadline. He’ll keep this roster intact if they’re still in the chase. After everything they’ve endured over the past year, this postseason race brings a measure of hope to the players and the fans.

PENGUINS GM DENIES FIRE SALE RUMORS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas denied recent rumors claiming the club was preparing for a fire sale of several veteran players.

Dubas acknowledged his ongoing goal is to add younger players to his roster and restock his prospect pipeline. However, he said he’s not telling teams that everything must go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent rumors suggest the Penguins have few untouchables, with long-time stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin topping the list. There’s been some speculation about defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson but their ages and contracts make them unlikely trade candidates. Some pundits claim the Penguins could listen to offers for Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell but it would take a lot to pry either player out of Pittsburgh.

UNDER-THE-RADAR TRADE CANDIDATES

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Chris Johnston looked at several under-the-radar trade candidates. They include Edmonton Oilers winger Jeff Skinner, New York Rangers defensemen K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players have been recently overshadowed by the trade drama involving Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson but most of them have frequently surfaced in the media rumor mill. Their struggles this season have prompted suggestions they might benefit from a change of scenery.

JETS INTERESTED IN JONATHAN TOEWS

SPORTSNET: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said his club would be interested in Jonathan Toews if the former Chicago Blackhawks captain stages a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23. His career was derailed by the effects of COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome.

Cheveldayoff said he’s had some conversations with Toews and his representatives. “I think he’s going to have to push himself to get his body to respond and see how it responds,” said the Jets GM. “I think there’s a lot of layers yet from that standpoint.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no certainty Toews will make a comeback this season. It could take until training camp in September before he’s ready to attempt to resume his career. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt the Jets to check in and let him know they’re interested in giving him a shot at a comeback.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

by | Jan 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 21, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Canucks centers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson plus the Penguins could become major sellers by the March 7 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance, Rick Dhaliwal, Arthur Staple, and Peter Baugh examined the nixed trade that would’ve sent Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.

The deal was close enough that the Canucks intended to scratch Miller from the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers. However, it ultimately fell through and Miller collected two assists in a 3-2 victory over the Oilers.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

Center Filip Chytil, defenseman Ryan Lindgren, and several futures-related assets, including a first-round pick, could have been involved. The Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched three players from their lineup on Saturday but it’s unclear if they were to be part of the trade.

A league source claims the proposed deal never got close enough for the Canucks to ask Miller to waive his no-movement clause. Canucks management has been considering its options with Miller and fellow center Elias Pettersson for six weeks but they seem more open to moving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Chytil and Lindgren were the centerpieces of that deal it would’ve been a steal for the Rangers had it gone through.

Chytil is an effective two-way center but his concussion history is a legitimate concern. Lindgren is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and his performance has declined in his contract year.

Meanwhile, Dhaliwal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating Miller’s preferred trade destinations are Eastern US clubs. The Canucks are still working to move him. Friedman believes the Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes are still in the bidding. He’s less convinced about the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils but wonders about the New York Islanders.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports sources claim the Islanders still have “tremendous interest” in Pettersson. He cited Dhaliwal saying the Isles have “poked around” on Miller but that seems more like they’re doing their due diligence. Rosner said the Canucks are very interested in Isles defenseman Noah Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson is the type of player you’d expect the Canucks would set as part of the asking price for Pettersson or Miller. It seems unlikely the Islanders would part with their best puck-moving defenseman but we can’t assume it wouldn’t happen.

The Canucks’ recent struggles amid rumors of a rift between Miller and Pettersson has many observers believing something’s got to give to get this club back on track. A trade of either player seems likely in the coming days. Miller’s no-movement clause gives him full control over this situation.

PENGUINS POISED TO SELL?

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source close to the Pittsburgh Penguins suggesting their recent demotion of goaltender Tristan Jarry was just the beginning of a potential re-tooling of the roster.

Every player except team captain Sidney Crosby, fellow forwards Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Philip Tomasino and defenseman Owen Pickering are considered to be available

The source is unsure about the status of long-time Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and a full no-movement clause.

Defenseman Erik Karlsson has two more years left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his AAV. However, it’s believed they’re willing to retain some of his salary to facilitate a trade. He also has a full NMC.

D’Amico’s source also indicates the Penguins are willing to move players with term remaining on their contracts provided they get the right ones back. General manager Kyle Dubas still wants to win for Crosby and Malkin but also build for the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap’s projected rise to $92.4 million (and possibly higher) for next season explains why the Penguins would be willing to retain part of Karlsson’s cap hit in a trade. It could also make rival clubs interested in acquiring players signed beyond this season.