NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2024

by | May 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2024

What are some possible goaltending options for the Leafs? What could Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky’s next contract look like? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT ARE SOME OFFSEASON GOALTENDING TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan recently speculated the Maple Leafs could go with Joseph Woll as their starting goaltender next season if they succeed in changing his offseason training regimen. However, the 26-year-old’s injury history means they must cover themselves in case he’s sidelined again.

If the Leafs trade Mitch Marner and his $10.9 million cap hit, Koshan believes the focus has to be “a top-flight goalie or defenseman.” Options could include Nashville’s Juuse Saros or Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, who has two years remaining on his contract with a no-movement clause. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving authored that contract during his tenure with the Flames.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Koshan believes Boston’s Linus Ullmark would be a reach considering the intense rivalry between the Bruins and the Leafs.

Pickings are slim for goaltenders in this summer’s free-agent market. Ilya Samsonov could be the best of the bunch, but there’s no indication the Leafs will bring him back. Others include Cam Talbot, Alex Nedeljkovic, Kevin Lankinen and Casey DeSmith.

THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke doubts the Leafs will re-sign Samsonov. He thinks Martin Jones could return as their third-string netminder.

Kloke shares Koshan’s belief that Woll could be their starter, his concern over Woll’s health, and the Leafs’ need to bring in someone to share the goaltending duties.

Markstrom and Saros make some sense as trade targets. Their current teams aren’t in a position to contend right now and they have young goalies waiting in the wings. Acquiring notable pieces from a division rival is difficult but shouldn’t prevent Treliving from inquiring about Ullmark.

The cost of acquiring one of those big-ticket goalies could prove expensive. Affordable options include Winnipeg’s Laurent Brossoit, Florida’s Anthony Stolarz or Pittsburgh’s Alex Nedeljkovic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs goaltending has been a major issue for some time now. Woll has potential but his history of injuries is a concern. If they can free up the cap space, they must look into acquiring Markstrom, Ullmark, or Saros. Otherwise, they’ll have to consider short-term cost-effective options like Brossoit or Stolarz.

WHAT WILL JURAJ SLAFKOVSKY’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie and Tony Marinaro recently discussed the type of contract extension Juraj Slafkovsky could receive from the Montreal Canadiens.

The 20-year-old winger has a year remaining on his entry-level contract coming off a promising 20-goal, 50-point sophomore season. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes can sign Slafkovsky to an extension when this year’s free-agent market opens on July 1.

Marinaro believes Slafkovsky will get an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $8 million. That would make him the Canadiens’ highest-paid active roster player, surpassing team captain Nick Suzuki’s $7.875 million.

Lajoie disagreed, suggesting Slafkovksy will a three-year, $15 million bridge contract “and then he’s going to break the bank.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky will become a restricted free agent next July. He’ll lack arbitration rights, leaving him little leverage in negotiations.

Hughes signed Cole Caufield to an eight-year contract with an AAV just below Suzuki’s ($7.85 million). He could prefer locking up Slafkovsky to a long-term deal rather than a bridge contract by signing him for slightly less than Caufield’s annual cap hit.

Both sides could agree to let the coming season play out and base negotiations on that. It would work in Hughes’ favor if Slafkovksy’s production dips. On the other hand, it would ensure the winger gets a more expensive deal if he exceeds this season’s stats.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2024

by | May 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2024

What’s the latest on Mitch Marner? Could the Jets trade Nikolaj Ehlers this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST MARNER SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran suggested four trade scenarios if the Maple Leafs decide to move Mitch Marner, provided he agrees to waive his no-movement clause.

One option is offering Marner to the Nashville Predators with goaltender Juuse Saros as the centerpiece of a package return to the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros could be available this summer. He’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility and the Preds could move him to make room for promising Yaroslav Askarov. McGran speculated the Leafs would want Saros to sign a contract extension. He also indicated that Saros’ numbers weren’t that good this season.

Another could be sending Marner to the Seattle Kraken for defenseman Adam Larsson and promising center Shane Wright. Marner would boost the Kraken’s top-six scorers. Larsson is a right-shot defenseman who could help the Leafs but they’d have to sign him to a contract extension. Wright has struggled so far at the NHL level but the Leafs could be more patient with him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken general manager Ron Francis is expected to shop for offensive depth this summer. He could part with Larsson for an established scorer. Wright showed signs of improvement with five points in eight games during his late-season call-up. Francis could be reluctant to part with him but maybe he’d consider it for someone like Marner.

McGran also suggested shipping Marner to Utah for Clayton Keller or to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Mikhail Sergachev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring Marner would make a big splash for the former Coyotes in their new market. However, I don’t see them parting with Keller, who’s been an important part of their roster rebuild.

The Bolts won’t trade Sergachev because it would further deplete their defense corps. He’s also a left-shot defenseman, which doesn’t address the Leafs’ requirement for a right-shot rearguard.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Having looked at possible trade scenarios, McGran believes trading Marner will accomplish very little for the Leafs. He thinks they should keep the core five intact and see if they improve under a new head coach.

McGran doesn’t see the sense in moving out Marner for lesser players in return. He also doesn’t believe the 27-year-old winger wants out of Toronto.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan pointed to the big hole Marner’s potential departure would leave in their lineup. The winger was on pace for a 101-point performance this season with 85 in 69 games. He had 99 points in 2022-23, 97 the previous season and 94 in 2018-19. It won’t be easy to replace his production.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The emotion of another early Leafs playoff departure is giving way to sober second thoughts among some Toronto pundits. McGran’s colleague Damien Cox suggests the Leafs should instead focus on stabilizing their supporting cast rather than breaking up their Core Four forwards.

For all the talk of trading Marner or asking John Tavares to waive his NMC, there’s a good chance both players will return with the Leafs next season. Marner and Tavares hold all the cards and if they don’t want to be traded there’s nothing the Leafs can do about it. Sure, they could buy out the final years of their contracts but that won’t happen.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Leafs opt to keep their core four intact. They won’t get equal value in any return for Marner or Tavares which could provide justification to retain them, even at the risk of losing them for nothing to free agency next summer. Whoever they hire as head coach could also prefer having Marner and Tavares in the lineup.

JETS COULD TRADE NIKOLAJ EHLERS THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes Nikolaj Ehlers might not be with the Winnipeg Jets after this summer. The 28-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a $6 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade clause. He’s eligible for UFA status next July.

Ehlers has put up first-line numbers playing second-line minutes. If the Jets cannot extend him they must find a way to move him for assets. He’s been shopping before but Ates indicates things could be different this summer.

Ates suggested offering up Ehlers to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Ehlers might also fetch a power forward like Lawson Crouse from “Utah HC.” The Carolina Hurricanes might be a fit if he brought back one of their high-priced defensemen like Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov or Jaccob Slavin.

Other proposed destinations include the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I like that swap of Ehlers for Chychrun but the latter could have the Jets on his no-trade list. Utah could be interested but might not want to part with Crouse. I don’t see the Hurricanes parting with Slavin. Burns could have the Jets on his no-trade list. Orlov lacks no-trade protection but the Canes would have to retain part of his $7.75 million cap hit to facilitate that trade.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck was asked what type of return Ehlers might fetch for the Jets. He suggested a top-four defenseman who (like Ehlers) is a year away from UFA eligibility like Chychrun or Slavvin (who Billeck admits is likely untradeable), along with Vegas’ Shea Theodore or the LA Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov. Billeck doubts those two will be traded.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve heard speculation suggesting the Golden Knights could move Theodore to free up cap room to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault. If so, they won’t want a player in return. As for Gavrikov, he’s got a full NMC.

Another option could be using Ehlers to acquire draft picks and use the $6 million savings in this summer’s free-agent market. Potential defense UFAs include Florida’s Brandon Montour, Carolina’s Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei and Vancouver’s Nikita Zadorov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the best option for the Jets but it does come with some risk. Those blueliners mentioned by Billeck could be unwilling to come to Winnipeg as free agents.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at whether Ehlers would be a good fit with the Washington Capitals. His offensive consistency could be what the Capitals need to bolster their production.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2024

by | May 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2024

Check out the latest on Leafs winger Mitch Marner, the Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault, and the latest updates on the Predators and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE LEAFS’ MITCH MARNER AGREE TO A TRADE?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving should ask winger Mitch Marner whether he’d have any interest in waiving his no-movement clause.

Marner, 27, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. Koshan acknowledged he’s one of the best hockey players on the planet but his performance in the Leafs’ first-round series against Boston was underwhelming and not close to what a leader should provide.

Koshan suggested exploring the trade market to see if Marner would fetch a No. 1 defenseman. If not, they can use part of the money they would’ve invested in him to sign a top blueliner in next summer’s free agent market.

Meanwhile, Steve Simmons doubts Marner or team captain John Tavares will agree to waive their no-movement clauses. He thinks Marner might have some value in the trade market but it will be limited compared to his worth because he only has a year left on his contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Simmons dismissed the notion that Marner could fetch the Leafs any number of great young players as mostly fantasy. He believes the Leafs will be in a better position to address their needs next summer when Marner and Tavares come off their books.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner could agree to waive his NMC if Treliving tells him they won’t offer a contract extension or if he starts to feel the pressure of playing in Toronto is too much. If he does, however, the Leafs likely won’t get a great return even if he agreed to a contract extension with his new club as a condition of the trade.

I’ve seen some folks suggesting the Leafs offer up Marner to the Utah franchise straight up for Clayton Keller. That won’t happen. Keller is their best player and a foundation piece on a roster of good young players. He also carries an affordable $7.125 million annual cap hit through 2027-28. They’ll want to add someone who can play with him.

WILL JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT REMAIN WITH THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS?

LAS VEGAS SUN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL/THE ATHLETIC: Jack Williams, Ed Graney and Jesse Granger report Jonathan Marchessault wants to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 33-year-old winger is among the few remaining original members of the club. He’s completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million and is slated to become a UFA on July 1.

“I’ve done everything I can to stay here,” Marchessault told reporters Tuesday as he and his teammates cleaned out their lockers for this season. “I know I’m a big part of this organization and team. I’ve proved that over the years.”.

“I’m pretty confident. I’d love to stay. This is my home. I’m part of the guys that started this. It’s the most proud thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Marchessault said he spoke with general manager Kelly McCrimmon and their chat went well. “He wants me back,” he said. “He likes me, obviously, and the feeling is mutual.” McCrimmon agreed the conversation went well, adding he’s had preliminary talks with the winger and his agent.

The problem is the Golden Knights’ limited salary-cap space. They have roughly $7.6 million available with 18 active roster players under contract for next season. A new contract for Marchessault could cost between $6 million and $7 million annually on a three or four-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will take plenty of salary-cap gymnastics to free up sufficient room to sign Marchessault and leave enough for the rest of the roster.

That means making a cost-cutting trade or two. All of the expensive Golden Knights have some form of no-trade protection. Four – Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl and Alex Pietrangelo – have no-movement clauses.

William Karlsson, Ivan Barbashev, Shea Theodore and Adin Hill carry cap hits of $4.9 million or higher and have modified no-trade clauses. One of them could become a trade candidate.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty and Gentry Estes report Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz said everything was on the table regarding his off-season plans for the club.

Trotz told reporters on Tuesday that he wants to build up his top nine forwards, adding more youth and speed to augment the top line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist.

“We’ve got some draft capital that will allow us to be flexible and use those assets to acquire (talent),” he said. “That’s what we’re going to have to do.”

Trotz could be leaning toward re-signing Juuse Saros rather than trading him. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year remaining on his contract. The Predators can re-sign him starting on July 1. Trotz said Saros wants to stay and he wants to keep him. “We’re gonna work hard on getting something done with him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros was the subject of frequent trade speculation often linking him to the New Jersey Devils. He’s earning an AAV of $5 million on his current deal and it will cost more to re-sign him. I don’t doubt Trotz’s sincerity about retaining Saros but it will be worthwhile to monitor those negotiations.

UPDATE ON THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting the Devils are speaking to multiple candidates for their vacant head-coaching job, including former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Devils hope to hire a new coach within 7-10 days. “They should have a clearer picture by the end of this week.”










NHL Rumor Mill – May 4, 2024

by | May 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – May 4, 2024

What could be in store for the Predators in the offseason? What’s the latest on the Kings and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PREDATORS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at the offseason keys for the Nashville Predators following their first-round elimination by the Vancouver Canucks.

The Predators were 10th in goals per game during the regular season. However, their lack of production against the Canucks could prompt them to find more options for next season.

Decisions must be made regarding Anthony Beauvillier, Alexandre Carrier and Jason Zucker. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Clark wondered when promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov would make his full-time NHL debut. He could share the crease next season with starter Juuse Saros, who has a year remaining on his contract. Askarov could take over as their starter the following season.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Rexrode suggested trading Saros this summer to free up salary-cap space to bring in some help for Predators stars Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Re-signing the 29-year-old goalie to a long-term deal in the range of $8 million annually would be an unwise course of action with the gifted Askarov on the rise.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros was the subject of trade speculation this season. General manager Barry Trotz refused to move him and was rewarded when Saros helped the Predators clinch a playoff spot.

The Predators have over $18 million in cap space with 17 roster players under contract next season, including all of their core players. There’s room to make additions without trading Saros if he wants to keep him around next season to begin the transition to Askarov. However, that could also cause an unnecessary distraction for next season.

Keeping Saros for next season also means losing him for nothing to free agency next July. He would fetch a decent return in this summer’s trade market while freeing up his $5 million cap hit. That would clear room for Askarov’s promotion, but Trotz must ensure he has a reliable veteran backup to mentor the young netminder.

THE LATEST ON THE KINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens looked at the five questions that will shape the Los Angeles Kings’ offseason. Who will be their general manager and head coach top his list, followed by what to do with underachieving center Pierre-Luc Dubois, the futures of their UFAs, and the club’s direction in the future?

Dubois has seven seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million. They could buy him out at one-third of the deal’s remaining value if the buyout occurs before his 26th birthday, which is June 24, which is the last possible day of the Stanley Cup Final. The buyout window opens on June 15 or 48 hours following the end of the Final, whichever is later.

The Kings could also push for a trade before Dubois’ no-movement clause begins on July 1. They would probably have to retain up to half of his cap hit to spark any interest in the trade market. Their other option is retaining him and hope that a new head coach and a new system might bring out the best in Dubois.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens acknowledged a buyout, even at 1/3 the remaining value, would be on the Kings’ books for the next 14 seasons. Nevertheless, he pointed out that it could reshape them on the fly, providing salary-cap flexibility to address their roster needs. A buyout could be more palatable than trading him and retaining $4.25 million annually over the next seven years.

I don’t believe the Kings ownership wants to buy out Dubois. For his part, he admitted his first season in Los Angeles didn’t go as planned but said he’s committed to a better performance in 2024-25. “I’ll do anything to be better,” he said.

It’ll be interesting to see how this situation plays out. If the Kings intend to buy out Dubois they’ll hope the playoffs end well before his birthday on June 24. If they go the trade route, they’ll have a limited window of opportunity that will slam shut on July 1.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary noted the Kings and winger Arthur Kaliyev didn’t see eye-to-eye for most of this season, affecting his performance and development. He recommended offering him to the New York Islanders for a draft pick or a prospect.

The Islanders badly need more offense. Kaliyev, 22, could be an affordable option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings could retain Kaliyev and see how he does under a new head coach but it’s more likely he’ll be traded. Whether the Islanders would be interested is another story.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu believes the Montreal Canadiens prefer to avoid signing free agents to long-term contracts, at least until they’ve sorted out those of Kaiden Guhle, Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, and determined how much money will be at their disposal as the salary cap rises. If someone like Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault were to agree to a two or three-year deal, that’s something Basu believes they might consider.

The Canadiens could consider acquiring a young forward coming off an entry-level contract who their teams might undervalue. He suggested forward Cole Perfetti might be an option if the Winnipeg Jets don’t consider him ready to contribute right now. The Jets could use depth on their blueline, prompting Basu to suggest offering up the first-round pick that the Habs got from the Jets for Sean Monahan and/or one of their excess of young, cheap NHL-ready defensemen.

Basu also mentioned the possibility of taking a bigger swing in the trade market by pursuing Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras or Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. Of the two, Necas would be the more affordable to acquire as the Ducks will set a high asking price for Zegras.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico also pondered the possibility of the Canadiens acquiring another young forward at the draft. In addition to Zegras and Necas, he mentioned St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He suggested the possibility of a smaller move for someone like Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti, Columbus’ Kent Johnson or New Jersey’s Alexander Holtz.

The Canadiens will likely draw on their depth of promising defensemen for trade bait. D’Amico suggested Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom or Justin Barron as trade options. He didn’t rule out the possibility of shopping veteran David Savard, who garnered interest at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens management acknowledged their need for more scoring and are expected to add one or two forwards via trade or perhaps free agency. GM Kent Hughes could pursue one of the players mentioned by Basu and D’Amico but could also have his eye on a forward that no one expects to be available.

Zegras will be very costly with the asking price starting with Montreal’s first-round pick and defense prospect David Reinbacher. Necas, Perfetti, Johnson and Holtz would be much more affordable. Kyrou probably isn’t available but it never hurts to ask. The Jets likely won’t give up on Perfetti but they might be open to offers.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2024

by | Apr 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2024

What’s the latest on Predators goalie Juuse Saros and Flyers winger Joel Farabee? Could Penguins coach Mike Sullivan join the Devils? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THIS POSTSEASON DETERMINE SAROS’ FUTURE WITH THE PREDATORS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch believes the current playoff series between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators could determine Juuse Saros’ future.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

Entering the first-round series with the Canucks, the 28-year-old Predators starting goaltender hadn’t yet elevated his game to an elite level in the postseason. He has a year left on his contract and becomes eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer.

Saros’ future in Nashville was the subject of media speculation leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. His performance in these playoffs could determine whether he gets a contract extension this summer and how long that new deal might be.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros allowed three goals on 20 shots in Game 1 against the Canucks (.850 save percentage) but only one goal on 18 shots (.944 SP) in Game 2.

Saros reportedly drew the interest of New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald in February when he was searching for a starting goalie. Fitzgerald could revisit that interest this summer if Saros’ contract talks stall with Predators management.

TRADING FARABEE WOULD BE A MISTAKE FOR THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers would be making a huge mistake if they trade Joel Farabee this summer. The 24-year-old winger is the subject of media trade speculation after his offense declined down the stretch.

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere is open to making a “hockey trade” this summer to bolster their depth at center or defense. However, Bailey doesn’t believe Farabee should be used as a trade chip to address one of those needs.

Farabee is the Flyers’ only left-shot winger currently on their roster. He also enjoyed a career-best 50-point performance this season before the wheels fell off for the entire team down the stretch. Bailey considers him a good complimentary winger capable of reaching 30 goals and 70 points in a season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Farabee didn’t sound pleased about moving up and down the Flyers lineup during his end-of-season interview. It’ll be interesting to see if Briere and head coach John Tortorella still see him as a key piece of their rebuild or a trade chip to add depth elsewhere on the roster.

MIKE SULLIVAN TO THE DEVILS?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reports rumors that Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan could leave Pittsburgh to become the New Jersey Devils’ new bench boss. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is a close friend of Sullivan’s. “It could simply come down to Sullivan’s lack of confidence in GM (Kyle) Dubas’ ability to contend anytime soon.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No indication out of Pittsburgh or New Jersey thus far suggesting Sullivan is ready to bolt from the Penguins to join the Devils. There’s also no hint that the Pens intend to fire Sullivan, something that likely would’ve happened by now if there was any unhappiness over his coaching.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2024

by | Apr 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2024

What’s in store during a long offseason for the Devils, Kraken and Wild? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS FACE A BUSY OFFSEASON

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked ahead at what could be a busy offseason for Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.

First and foremost, Fitzgerald needs to hire a new head coach. Potential candidates could be former NHL bench bosses like Craig Berube and Todd McLellan or two-time NCAA Frozen Four champion David Carle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That means interim head coach Travis Green reverts to associate coach or moves on to another club.

Fitzgerald must also address his goaltending. He addressed part of the problem by acquiring Jake Allen last month at the trade deadline. The Devils GM made it clear he intends to go “big-game hunting” this summer. He could revisit his interest Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or turn to other options like Boston’s Linus Ullmark, Nashville’s Juuse Saros or St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  Binnington seems the least likely to be available. Ullmark is the most likely candidate, followed by Markstrom and Saros.

The Devils also need to add a defenseman. Nichols suggested someone like Dallas’ Chris Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s shutdown defensive game will make him a popular free-agent target for several teams this summer. However, his age (34) and injury history could make Fitzgerald seek other options for his blueline.

Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright (NHL Images).

PROPOSED OFFSEASON TRADE CANDIDATES FOR THE KRAKEN

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker believes the Kraken must improve by bringing in an elite performer. Finding one means giving up a player other teams want.

Baker believes defensemen like Vince Dunn, Will Borgen and Adam Larsson and goaltender Joey Daccord would be enticing trade chips. If the Kraken believes young center Shane Wright is a good complementary piece rather than a future star, the time to sell high is now.

Kate Shefte noted that Brandon Tanev and Jamie Oleksiak are being mentioned as trade candidates. She doesn’t see Wright getting shopped but wondered if they might offer up promising prospect Jagger Firkus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what Kraken general manager Ron Francis has in store for his club this summer. He could remain patient with his club and maybe make depth additions. Perhaps he considers a coaching change rather than a big trade. Francis has made big splashes via free agency and could go that route again. Or he could surprise us with a big trade.

I agree with Shefte regarding Wright but they could consider moving another prospect like Firkus for more immediate help. 

LATEST ON THE WILD

STARTRIBUNE.COM: La Velle E. Neal III noted the Minnesota Wild’s youth movement, bringing up promising Jesper Wallstedt and forwards Liam Ohgren and Marat Khusnutdinov late in the season. They join a core of 20-something talent that includes Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi and Brock Faber.

The Wild have one more season of carrying over $14.7 million in dead cap space from buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. That will give him the cap flexibility needed when those young players are ready for new contracts.

Neal also suggested the Wild move on from goaltender Filip Gustavsson and defenseman Alex Goligoski. Trading Gustavsson would make room for Wallstedt, who would benefit from being an apprentice to Marc-Andre Fleury next season. Goligoski, 39, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Neal’s suggestion to trade Gustavsson is interesting considering the Wild signed Fleury on Wednesday to a one-year contract extension. Maybe Wild GM Bill Guerin is looking at a Fleury-Wallstedt tandem for next season.