NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

by | Jun 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Jake Guentzel, Jeff Skinner, and Tyler Toffoli plus an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MARKSTROM NEVER ASKED FOR A TRADE, SAYS CONROY

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy told Eric Francis that Jacob Markstrom has not asked to be traded.

“He’s never come out and said he wants out,” said Conroy. “That’s never been mentioned. He’s never said that.”

Markstrom has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Conroy also claimed that he’s bothered by the constant trade speculation about Markstrom. “It’s part of the game, but it does bother me because there’s always something about there.” He went on to say he felt it wasn’t fair to Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes Markstrom would like to end up with the New Jersey Devils. Without options, however, it’s clear the Flames won’t part with their starting goalie for what the Devils are willing to offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom may not have requested a trade but there were plenty of reports in February that he was willing to waive his NMC to join the Devils. A deal that would’ve sent him to New Jersey before the March trade deadline reportedly fell through.

Francis believes the trade speculation about Markstrom will continue leading up to the NHL draft next weekend. He’s also been linked to the Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CANUCKS TO PURSUE JAKE GUENTZEL VIA FREE AGENCY?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli expects the Vancouver Canucks will make a strong play for Jake Guentzel when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

Seravalli cited sources that believe the Canucks could offer Guentzel the best mix of money and opportunity. There’s also a familiarity the 29-year-old winger has with Canucks management and head coach Rick Tocchet. President of hockey ops Jim Rutherford, GM Patrik Allvin and Tocchet were part of the Pittsburgh Penguins during Guentzel’s early years with that franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This story appears to have been published before the Canucks signed Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $7.25 million. Allvin admitted Hronek’s new deal meant the Canucks wouldn’t be able to re-sign all of their remaining free agents.

The Canucks have $17.7 million in cap space and 15 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Signing Guentzel could run between $8.5 million and $9.5 million annually on a long-term deal. They can’t comfortably afford that unless they free up additional cap space.

COULD THE SABRES BUY OUT JEFF SKINNER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Buffalo Sabres could consider buying out the remainder of Jeff Skinner’s contract. The 32-year-old winger carries an AAV of $9 million through 2026-27 and is coming off a down year. It would be at two-thirds the remaining value over twice the remaining term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A buyout would be costly given how Skinner’s contract is structured. The first season would count as $1.444 million against the Sabres cap. However, it jumps to $4.444 million in 2025-26 and $6.444 million in 2026-27 before dropping to $2.444 million per season for the remaining three years.

The salary cap is expected to significantly rise. That could provide some relief for the two seasons where the cost of the buyout spikes.

The buyout window opens 48 hours after the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30.

COULD THE RANGERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently reported his belief that the New York Rangers looked at Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils traded the 32-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets.

Baugh expects Toffoli is looking for one last chance to win the Stanley Cup, suggesting he could fetch a four-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. “The Rangers could find a way to make that work, but they’d probably need to clear some cap space via trades.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could explain why the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout or a potential claim by the San Jose Sharks Stay tuned…

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are exploring a two-year contract for Shane Pinto. The Sens would prefer signing him to a five- or six-year deal. Pinto’s agent reportedly seeks a long-term contract with an AAV of $5 million. The two sides could instead consider a lower cap hit on a shorter deal.

Garrioch also reports a league executive claims the Senators have had talks with the Seattle Kraken regarding Brandon Tanev. The 32-year-old Kraken forward could play a third or fourth-line role with the Senators. However, they’d have to move out Mathieu Joseph’s $2.95 million cap hit to make room for Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Brandon could entice his brother Chris to sign with the Senators. Before the Flames traded him to the Dallas Stars, they were reportedly interested in acquiring him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 8, 2024

by | Jun 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 8, 2024

The latest on the Panthers and Oilers on the eve of the Stanley Cup Final, the Flyers consider buyouts for Cam Atkinson and Cal Petersen, the latest on the Blackhawks’ plans for their first-round pick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STANLEY CUP NOTEBOOK

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers still remember the sting of losing the Stanley Cup Final last year against the Vegas Golden Knights. They’re using it as motivation as they face the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour (NHL Images).

Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour said he couldn’t watch the Golden Knights’ on-ice celebration last year. Losing that series was a feeling he and his teammates don’t want to go through again. Head coach Paul Maurice recalls how focused everyone was entering training camp last September on returning to the Final.

Winger Carter Verhaeghe said he and his teammates learned a lot from last year’s Final, saying they weren’t focused enough on winning. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad said the experience fueled everyone in the organization to be better this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is one of the factors behind my decision to pick the Panthers in my Stanley Cup prediction. We’ll find out over the next week or two if it proves to be sufficient additional motivation to put them over the top.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Winger Warren Foegele returns to the Oilers lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Defensive errors led to Foegele becoming a healthy scratch for the final three games of the Western Conference Final.

“It’s never fun watching because I’ve been on this team for three years and it’s an exciting time,” said Foegele. “I know what I need to do to stay. Every game is a new opportunity. You do have to have a short memory.”

THE FLYERS COULD BUY OUT ATKINSON AND PETERSEN

TSN: Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club is weighing all options for winger Cam Atkinson and goaltender Cal Petersen, including buying out their contracts later this month when the buyout window opens.

“Because we’re tight on cap space, we’re still looking at every possible option in that direction. Both Cam Atkinson and Cal Petersen want to prove that they can still play in the NHL,” said Briere. “So, we’re evaluating all of that, but we haven’t made a final decision yet.”

The Flyers have just over $500K in cap space for next season with 19 players under contract. Atkinson, 35, has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.875 million. Petersen is also signed through next season and carries a $5 million cap hit. He spent most of this season in the minors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buyout window opens on June 15 or 48 hours following the end of the Stanley Cup Final, whichever is later. It closes at 5 pm ET on June 30.

The Flyers could also get additional cap flexibility of $4 million if Ryan Johansen stays on long-term injury reserve for next season. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $8 million. Half is retained by the Nashville Predators, who traded Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche last summer. He’s been sidelined by a hip injury since getting traded to the Flyers.

LATEST DRAFT NEWS

TSN: Top prospect Macklin Celebrini is expected to be chosen first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old Boston University center isn’t in any rush to begin his NHL career.

“There’s never really shame or there’s nothing wrong with just taking your time and just improving a little bit more,” said Celebrini. He suggested spending another year with BU could benefit him physically when he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks must ensure they don’t rush Celebrini into their lineup. If he feels another season at BU will make him a better player they will likely support that decision.

THE ATHLETIC: Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said there’s an ongoing debate among his staff over which prospect they’ll select with the second overall pick in this year’s draft. It’s believed they’re deciding between Russian winger Ivan Demidov and Belarussian defenseman Artyom Levshunov.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are open to trading their first-round pick (11th overall) in this year’s draft. He believes they’re willing to move it for a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald recently said he’s open to moving the 10th overall selection. Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is also open-minded about trading his pick (fifth overall) if it fetches a return that helps his club right away but he also said he would most likely retain that selection.

IN OTHER NHL NEWS…

NHL.COM: Flyers GM Daniel Briere said Jamie Drysdale underwent surgery on April 18 to repair a “significant injury.” He didn’t elaborate but stated that the 22-year-old defenseman will be ready when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers acquired Drysdale from the Anaheim Ducks in January. Briere indicated it was unrelated to the blueliner’s season-ending shoulder injury suffered in November 2022.

SPORTSNET: announced an 11-year broadcasting extension with the Edmonton Oilers, renewing their regional coverage through 2035.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks will reportedly rebrand their jerseys and logos for next season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

by | May 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 14, 2024

The Hurricanes force Game 6 with the Rangers, the Stars push the Avalanche to the brink of elimination, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes erupted for four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the New York Rangers 4-1 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven second-round series. Jordan Staal, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jordan Martinook and Martin Necas found the back of the net as the Hurricanes avoided elimination for the second straight game. Jacob Trouba opened the scoring for the Rangers in the second period. This series returns to Carolina for Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A series that seemed all but done after Game 3 has become more intriguing and entertaining.

The Rangers looked sluggish in this contest while the Hurricanes were again determined to avoid the end of their season. They didn’t fall apart after Trouba’s shorthanded goal gave the Blueshirts the early lead. Staal’s tying goal following his impressive drive to the net seemed to suck the life out of the Rangers.

Heading back to Carolina, the Rangers remain in control with a 3-2 series lead. However, if the Hurricanes take Game 6, it’ll force a seventh and deciding game back in New York with all the pressure on the Blueshirts.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (NHL Images).

The Dallas Stars are poised to advance to the Western Conference Finals following a dominating 5-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of their second-round series. Wyatt Johnston scored twice and collected an assist while Miro Heiskanen had a goal and two assists for the Stars, who’ve taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Casey Mittelstadt replied for the Avalanche. The series returns to Dallas for Game 5 on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 pm EDT.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars stormed from the gate in this game, outshooting Colorado 16-2 in the first period. They had a 3-0 lead midway through the second before the Avalanche finally got on the board.

Johnston continues to thrive in this postseason. The 21-year-old sophomore forward set a franchise record by scoring his 10th career playoff goal, the most of any Stars player before the age of 21, eclipsing Mike Modano’s previous record of nine. He added another to make it 11 goals. Johnston turns 21 today.

Stars forward Roope Hintz left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury after blocking a shot by Avs defenseman Scott Walker. There was no immediate update on his condition.

Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews was sidelined by illness. Meanwhile, winger Jonathan Drouin returned for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during their regular-season finale.

PLAYOFF NOTEBOOK

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin’s postseason is over after entering Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the 29-year-old winger failed a drug test.

Nichushkin entered the program in January and returned to the Avalanche in March. He will now be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months and can apply for reinstatement in November.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche learned about Nichushkin on Monday morning. His teammates attempted to put a brave face on the situation but his absence affected their performance against the Stars in Game 4. Nichushkin’s nine goals in this postseason ties him with Edmonton’s Zach Hyman for the goal-scoring lead.

This is a major setback for the Avalanche and the second straight postseason that Nichushkin has required time away from the team to deal with personal matters. However, the important thing right now is he receives the treatment and support he needs to regain control of his health and his life.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Carson Soucy received a one-game suspension and blueliner Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000.00 by the NHL department of player safety for cross-checking Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3 on Sunday.

NHL.COM: The Oilers aren’t revealing their starting goaltender for Game 4 against the Canucks on Tuesday. Stuart Skinner started the previous three games but was replaced by Calvin Pickard following the second period of Game 3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner has struggled against the Canucks with a .793 save percentage in those three games. Pickard could get the nod for Game 4.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Bruins general manager Don Sweeney believes the league and on-ice officials should go before the media to answer questions about controversial calls. His comments come after his club was on the wrong end of a couple of calls in their second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney has a point but don’t hold your breath expecting the NHL to follow his advice. Commissioner Gary Bettman believes his league has “the best officials in the world.” Try not to let your eyes roll too far back into your head after reading that. 

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will host the 2024 NHL Awards on June 27.

NJ HOCKEY NOW: New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier suffered a facial laceration playing for Switzerland against Czechia on Monday in the 2024 IIHF World Championships. He received stitches and returned to action as the Swiss won the game 2-1.

CITY NEWS: cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have interviewed former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube for their vacant head-coaching position. They’re also expected to speak with former Los Angeles Kings bench boss Todd McLellan this week. They’ve also been interviewed by the New Jersey Devils.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres promoted Seth Appert as an assistant coach. He was the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Rochester.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2024

by | May 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2024

Should the Islanders trade Brock Nelson? Will the Lightning peddle Anthony Cirelli? Could the Sabres trade their 2024 first-rounder? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TRADE BROCK NELSON?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello needs to shake up the core of his roster. He suggests trading forward Brock Nelson.

Brooks praised Nelson as an exemplary leader and team representative over the past 11 seasons. However, the 32-year-old winger would have value in the trade market as a full-season rental before his contract expires at the end of next season.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

Moving captain Anders Lee seems impossible given he has two years left on this contract with an AAV of $7 million and a 15-team no-trade clause. Bo Horvat has a full no-movement clause while Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock have full NTCs. They won’t part with Mathew Barzal and Noah Dobson. JG Pageau has two years left on his deal with an AAV of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We don’t know what the always-secretive Lamoriello has in store for his club this summer. If the Isles GM takes Brooks’ advice, Nelson’s 16-team no-trade clause will hamper efforts to move him.

COULD ANTHONY CIRELLI BECOME THE NEXT LIGHTNING CAP CASUALTY?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina recently looked at five things the Lightning must do during the offseason. Re-signing Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman top the list but doing so means shedding sufficient salary to do so.

General manager Julien BriseBois said nothing was off the table when it comes to moving an existing contract to sign Stamkos and Hedman. One player worth watching is Anthony Cirelli because he’s the only member of the Lightning’s group of “locked-in” players lacking no-trade protection this summer.

It’s difficult to see the Lightning trading Cirelli. He’s their second-line center and their best two-way forward. However, he also carries a $6.25 million annual cap hit for the next seven years.

Encina also mentioned the possibility of getting defenseman Erik Cernak to accept a trade. However, the Lightning likely wouldn’t get much in return and might have to retain part of his salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cirelli would draw plenty of attention around the league, especially from rebuilding clubs with plenty of trade capital (draft picks, prospects, affordable young players) to offer up in return. It’ll be interesting to see if BriseBois would go that far.

Cernak’s no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. BriseBois could move him before then but he still won’t fetch as much as Cirelli.

WILL THE SABRES TRADE THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUND PICK?

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski believes the Buffalo Sabres should trade their 2024 first-round pick (11th overall) for more immediate roster help. He based this on the club being in a “win-now situation” according to new head coach Lindy Ruff.

The Sabres are already well-stocked in good young roster players and prospects. Lysowski suggested targeting cap-strapped clubs like the Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets that could be trying to shed salary this summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn shares Lysowski’s view but only if the Sabres can find the right trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons. They must do something to end that streak and become perennial postseason contenders.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

by | Apr 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2024

What next for the Capitals following their first-round elimination? What’s the latest on the Sabres and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what the offseason might hold for the Washington Capitals following their first-round playoff elimination.

Shilton wonders if Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan will embrace a full-scale roster rebuild. She pointed out they must prioritize building up their scoring depth and adding to their defense corps.

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman also weighed in on the Capitals’ potential offseason plans. She also wonders if they’ll maintain their retool or consider a rebuild.

Management could feel there’s a chance for one last run with the club’s aging core, especially with up-and-coming players like Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre and Aliaksei Protas getting some meaningful games under their belts.

The Capitals don’t have much salary cap space or roster room to make additions via free agency. They could consider a trade similar to the one that landed them Rasmus Sandin last year.

Going the rebuild route would mean shedding some veterans but that won’t be easy given their contracts. T.J. Oshie ($5.75 million) is signed through next season. Tom Wilson would draw interest but not at $6.5 million per season for the next seven years. John Carlsson’s $8 million AAV over the next two seasons is a hard sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ovechkin era is winding down and it would be tempting to either add veterans to the lineup in the hope of making a final playoff run. They could also embrace a full-fledged rebuild. Neither option, however, seems likely.

No one believes the Capitals have a realistic shot at the Stanley Cup. Tearing everything down for a rebuild would risk setbacks in the development of those young players.

The Capitals exceeded expectations this season by qualifying for the postseason. That could provide MacLellan with the justification to continue the retooling process. That means continuing the transition away from the aging veterans while giving the kids more playing time. He could bring in affordable young assets with potential via trades like he did with Sandin. He will likely keep promoting promising youngsters from his farm team.

Buffalo Sabres winger Jeff Skinner (NHL Images)

LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Fairburn recently looked at some decisions that will define Lindy Ruff’s first offseason with the Buffalo Sabres.

They must figure out what to do with Jeff Skinner. The 31-year-old winger’s production declined this season. If they keep him, they’ll have to surround him with better linemates or convince him to accept a lesser role.

Skinner has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9 million. He carries a full no-movement clause. If he agrees to waive it, no one will want to take on his salary. Buying him out is an option but it would cost $1.4 million against their cap for next season, followed by annual cap hits of $4.4 million and $6.4 million. After that, it drops to $2.4 million annually for the final three years of the buyout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re stuck with Skinner for the remainder of his contract unless they can swing a trade where they retain half of that cap hit.

Fairburn believes general manager Kevyn Adams must add a veteran third-line center to kill penalties and win faceoffs, a top-six forward who is tough to play against and at least one fast, tenacious bottom-fix forward.

Adams could find it difficult to address those needs via free agency. Instead, he’ll likely have to go the trade route. Forward Peyton Krebs could be used as a trade chip. The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent who needs to turn the corner in his development.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed to Adams’ shipping Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche for Bowen Byram as an example of the type of trades he could make this summer.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE CANADIENS

TVA SPORTS: Kevin Dube and Benoit Rioux wondered if Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will attempt to add another promising young forward at this year’s draft. In the 2022 draft, he acquired Kirby Dach from Chicago and brought in Alex Newhook last year from Colorado.

Dube and Rioux suggested five forwards who might fit that profile. They include Buffalo forwards Jack Quinn and Peyton Krebs, New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz, Los Angeles’ Arthur Kaliyev and the New York Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are moving Quinn but could part with Krebs as noted above. Holtz, Kaliyev and Kakko surfaced in this season’s rumor mill. Kakko seems the least likely of that trio to be available as the Rangers don’t want to risk giving up on him too quickly.

The Devils could use Holtz as part of the return this summer for a starting goalie. Kaliyev seems the most likely to be available as his playing time declined with the Kings this season. A trade to a new club might help him get back on track.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2024

by | Apr 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2024

A roundup of recent speculation involving the 16 non-playoff clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton and Ryan S. Clark recently looked at what went wrong for the 16 NHL teams eliminated from playoff contention and their potential plans to address their problems in the offseason.

The Anaheim Ducks will have a projected salary cap space of $34 million next season. They could use some of that to strengthen their core.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks are a young team with promising talent but could use some seasoned depth to help them.

Looking at the former Arizona Coyotes who are moving to Utah, they could use their salary-cap space to replicate what they did in free agency last summer. Part of that was parlaying their cap space into trades with cap-strapped clubs while signing UFAs to one-year contracts knowing they can move them if necessary at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: General manager Bill Armstrong had to go that route last summer because he was dealing with an owner who gave him a shoestring budget. His club’s new owner, Ryan Smith, could be willing to spend to the cap this summer. That could enable Armstrong to pursue more talented players who could improve the club’s long-term fortunes.

Turning to the Buffalo Sabres, there’s a critical need for veteran depth, and consistent players at that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams could look at adding a scoring forward after his club’s production declined this season. It’ll be interesting to see how their hiring Lindy Ruff as their head coach affects Adams’ plans.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

The Calgary Flames have eight picks in the first four rounds of this year’s draft. They could use those picks to strengthen their farm system or to acquire some veteran help. It depends on how management approaches things.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy insists he’s retooling rather than rebuilding his roster. He could use some of those picks to bolster his prospect pool and others as trade bait to add a veteran or two.

The Chicago Blackhawks are another team with draft capital to use as trade bait to bring in some immediate help. They have five picks in their first two rounds and seven in the first three of this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks are rebuilding but management has indicated they want to take steps forward next season. That could include signing one or two veteran free agents to provide additional depth in experience and leadership for their young players. It could also include going the trade route as well.

Hiring a new general manager is the priority for the Columbus Blue Jackets. That new GM must decide if the Jackets will pursue a full rebuild or attempt to build around their core of young talent. They’ll also have to decide what to do with Elvis Merzlikins, who could use a change of scenery after making noises about requesting a trade in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Merzlikins has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. The Jackets will have to retain some salary to move him.

Goaltending is an issue the Detroit Red Wings must address. Ville Husso and Alex Lyons each have a year left on their contracts. Shilton wondered if GM Steve Yzerman might attempt to trade Husso and target someone else to work with Lyon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several notable goaltenders such as Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, the Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros could be available in this summer’s trade market. Maybe Yzerman will take a stab at acquiring one of them.

Buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter continues to hamper the Minnesota Wild’s efforts to build up their roster. They have limited cap space for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clark wrote this anticipating goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury would depart as an unrestricted free agent with Jesper Wallstedt replacing him. Fleury’s re-signing has instead sparked speculation over Filip Gustavsson’s future in Minnesota.

The Montreal Canadiens are expected to be busy at this year’s draft. They had 12 picks (including two first-rounders) that they can use to continue restocking their prospect pipeline or as trade bait for players who will have a more immediate impact.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has acknowledged his club’s need for more scoring forwards. It wouldn’t be surprising if he used one of his two first-rounders packaged with one of his many promising defensemen to address that issue.

Goaltending is among the New Jersey Devils’ major needs. They need a wide search for someone with a veteran pedigree as their starting goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Tom Fitzgerald acquired seasoned backup Jake Allen at the trade deadline. He made no secret of his intent to pursue a high-quality starter. Markstrom, Ullmark and Saros will be high on his list of offseason trade targets.

Speaking of goaltending, that’s also an area the Ottawa Senators must address. Shilton also wondered if they’ll trade Thomas Chabot or Jakob Chychrun this summer. Both are left-shot defensemen and the Senators need right-shot depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears the Senators intend to return with their goalie tandem of Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg, hoping they’ll improve in the offseason. Chychrun could be moved instead of Chabot given the latter’s long-term contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers could also look at improving their goaltending. Most of their improvements could come from within their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyer GM Daniel Briere said last year that he’s rebuilding his roster. He is sticking with that long-term plan despite his club exceeding expectations this season. Briere is open to hockey trades that make sense for his club. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s interested in pursuing big-ticket free agents or making a blockbuster move.

Turning to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Shilton wondered what they’d do with their goalie tandem of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic. Jarry struggled down the stretch and was supplanted by Nedeljkovic. She also believes the Penguins have no choice but to get younger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After this was published, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and head coach Mike Sullivan gave Jarry a vote of confidence as their starter. It also appears Nedeljkovic will depart as a UFA on July 1.

The San Jose Sharks have a projected cap space of $38 million next season. That should allow this rebuilding club the flexibility to address their weak points. They could opt to sign veterans on one-year contracts that they can flip for draft picks at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Mike Grier acknowledged this season was a low point for his club and they don’t want to go through that again. The rebuild will continue but they need to add some veterans who can help their young players develop and improve.

As for the Seattle Kraken, the cost of re-signing forward Matty Beniers could affect their offseason plans. They could use some of their cap space to bolster their scoring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Ron Francis acknowledged the decline in his club’s production this season. Improvement could come from within if Beniers and Andre Burakovsky have bounce-back seasons. Still, Francis could shop around in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets for a scoring forward.

Salary cap space was an issue last summer for the St. Louis Blues. They carry four defensemen with no-trade clauses. There’s also the discussion of whether they can get Pavel Buchnevich signed to a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have a projected $15.4 million available next season with 17 active roster players under contract. Blueliners Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, Torey Krug and Nick Leddy eat up $23 million of their cap space and all have no-trade clauses. GM Doug Armstrong attempted to trade Krug last summer to the Flyers but the defensemen spiked the deal. It’ll be interesting to see if he tries moving one of those rearguards again this summer.