NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2024

by | Feb 16, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 16, 2024

The Devils are still shopping for a goalie such as Jacob Markstrom, Juuse Saros and Jake Allen, the Leafs remain in the market for a defenseman, plus the latest on Jake Guentzel and Marc-Andre Fleury in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS STILL SHOPPING FOR A STARTING GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils remain keen on trying to make a trade work with the Calgary Flames for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Their previous talks broke down in part because the Devils want the Flames to retain part of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames general manager Craig Conroy reportedly wants a significant return for Markstrom. His asking price goes up if the Devils insist that his club retain part of Markstrom’s salary. That’s understandable as it would leave the Flames with over two years of up to $3 million annually in dead cap space.

Even with the cap projected to rise significantly over the next two seasons, that would still leave a big hole in the Flames’ payroll. The Devils will have to make it worth their while or look elsewhere. Speaking of which…

LeBrun reports the Devils are also kicking tires on the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson, the Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Allen, and the Nashville Predators’ Juuse Saros.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen was the subject of a recent rumor claiming he was going to be traded to the Colorado Avalanche. LeBrun’s colleague Darren Dreger shot that down but The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan expects Allen could be moved by the March 8 trade deadline, possibly in a package deal with other players. Whether it’s to the Avalanche or another club remains to be seen.

As for Saros…

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

PREDATORS LISTENING ON SAROS’ OFFERS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher believes the possibility of the Predators trading goaltender Juuse Saros is greater than we think.

Gallagher cited Predators GM Barry Trotz telling Nashville’s 102.5 The Game on Tuesday that he would consider moving the 28-year-old Saros if he received an offer of an asset that he otherwise wouldn’t envision himself getting, adding he said the same thing to Saros.

Trotz could be thinking about the potentially high cost of re-signing Saros, who has a year left on his contract and is eligible in 2025 to become an unrestricted free agent. Gallagher cites speculation suggesting the Saros camp could seek something similar to the seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) signed by Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebucyk last October.

The Hurricanes, Devils and Los Angeles Kings are among the clubs recently linked to Saros in the rumor mill. Gallagher claims Trotz will set an expensive asking price.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has contacted Trotz about Saros, which the Predators general manager confirmed during his appearance on 102.5 FM The Game. Trotz continues to insist that it would take a massive offer to tempt him into moving his starting goalie. Novozinsky speculated that the package might have to include Dawson Mercer or Alexander Holtz, prospect Seamus Casey and a first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun considers Saros the No. 1 goalie on the market. While the Predators may be listening to offers, LeBrun claims they’re not committed to trading him. That’s why they’re setting a high asking price with a good young NHL player as the centerpiece of the return. He indicated that no one has made that offer yet, which is fine for the Preds because they’re happy to keep Saros.

In other words, you can ask Trotz about Saros but you won’t get him unless you make an offer too good to refuse. And right now, the Preds GM has been refusing whatever’s been proposed.

GUENTZEL’S INJURY COULD AFFECT HIS TRADE VALUE

TRIBLIVE.COM: Seth Rorabaugh reports the Pittsburgh Penguins face a major challenge attempting to remain in the playoff race with winger Jake Guentzel sidelined for three to four weeks with an upper-body injury.

The Penguins placed Guentzel on long-term injury reserve, meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least 10 games and 24 days on the calendar, stretching past the March 8 trade deadline. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and there’s been frequent speculation over whether the Penguins will re-sign or trade him by the deadline.

Guentzel would fetch a significant return as a trade candidate if healthy. Putting him on LTIR could affect his value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams will undoubtedly call the Penguins about Guentzel if they make him available in the trade market. However, they will want assurances that he’ll be at 100 percent once he’s ready to return to action by mid-March.

UPDATE ON FLEURY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recently met with his agent to discuss the March 8 trade deadline. The 39-year-old Fleury doesn’t want to go anywhere right now as he doesn’t want to bail on the Wild while they’re trying to chase down a playoff berth.

Fleury could consider going to two or three teams if the Wild are out of contention by the deadline. Among them could be the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury has a full no-movement clause so the final decision rests with him. Wild GM Bill Guerin is a former teammate of Fleury’s as well as a friend and will attempt to accommodate the veteran netminder if he decides to chase a Stanley Cup somewhere else.

LEAFS STILL SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is still shopping around for a defenseman. Calgary Flames blueliner Chris Tanev likely remains at the top of his list but he’s also been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker and the Nashville Predators’ Alexandre Carrier.

Johnston indicates the Leafs don’t want to part with their first-round pick and lack a second-rounder over the next three drafts. They’ve been offering up multiple lower-round picks but aren’t getting any interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will either have to give up their first for a rental defenseman or be prepared to accept lesser-talented blueliners than those noted above.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

by | Feb 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Juuse Saros, Chris Tanev, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jake Allen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS REPORTEDLY SET A HIGH PRICE FOR GUENTZEL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Horwat cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Pittsburgh Penguins will set a high price for Jake Guentzel if they put the 29-year-old winger on the trade block.

Friedman pointed to what the Philadelphia Flyers received from the Florida Panthers two years ago in the Claude Giroux trade. That deal fetched the Flyers a first-round pick in 2024, a third-rounder in 2023 and winger Owen Tippett, who’s blossomed into a scorer in Philadelphia.

Horwat’s colleague Adam Proteau believes the Penguins should move Guentzel if a team is willing to meet their high asking price. Trading him away would hurt in the short term but could prove beneficial over the long run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Guentzel’s offensive numbers, team captain Sidney Crosby’s stellar play and Tristan Jarry’s solid goaltending, the Penguins are struggling to remain in the chase for a wild card spot.

The Penguins tried to make one more Stanley Cup run by re-signing aging stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang two years ago. Under new management last summer, they brought in Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith.

It’s time to accept reality. The Penguins are not a Stanley Cup contender and haven’t been for several years. They’re not even holding a playoff spot right now. Even if they somehow rally and clinch a berth in the 2024 postseason they’ll probably be eliminated in the first round.

The Penguins don’t have to tear this roster down completely but they must restock with promising young talent for now as well as the future. If someone is willing to overpay for Guentzel, Dubas must pull the trigger.

SAROS RESURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman brought up Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros as an intriguing trade target for teams seeking a starting goaltender. He noted the Predators are looking for a top offensive player and Saros could be the kind of guy to fetch that type of return.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils are searching for help between the pipes and recently spoke with the Calgary Flames about Jacob Markstrom, who carries a $6 million cap hit. However, the Devils have limited salary-cap space and the Flames could be reluctant to retain salary for a player signed through 2025-26.

Regarding Saros, Friedman noted the name of Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield has been tossed around. However, he doubts Saros would fetch Byfield. The Carolina Hurricanes are another club in need of goaltending. Friedman mentioned Martin Necas could be attractive to the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros, 28, is slated to become a UFA next summer. The Predators aren’t under pressure to move him now.

Predators GM Barry Trotz earlier this season said he intended to speak with Saros’ agent about opening contract extension talks on July 1. Even if that plan has changed, Trotz isn’t likely to trade his starting goalie while his team is battling for a wild-card berth.

Everything I’ve read and heard coming out of Nashville is skeptical of the Predators moving Saros. They point to the trade talk that swirled about him leading up to last year’s deadline but nothing came of it. They don’t expect anything to happen now.

Nashville Hockey Now’s Clay Brewer made a good point when he noted that it’s rare these days for a starting goalie to fetch a big return. He thinks the Predators should consider moving Saros if the return is two top prospects or young NHL players plus two high draft picks. He’s not holding his breath expecting anyone to pitch that type of offer.

FLAMES SEEKING A FIRST-ROUNDER FOR TANEV

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal spoke yesterday with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman about Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. Friedman believes the Flames seek a first-round pick for the 34-year-old Tanev but teams are offering up second-round picks.

Asked if the Vancouver Canucks could do that, Friedman didn’t think so. Nevertheless, he believes the Canucks have a lot of time for Tanev, who began his NHL career in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev spent 10 of his 14 NHL seasons with the Canucks before signing with the Flames in 2020. Speaking of the Flames’ asking price, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun suggested it was a second-rounder plus another asset or a first-rounder if teams lacked a second-round pick.

UPDATE ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t paying any attention to the trade rumors swirling about him as he considers his options with the March 8 trade deadline approaching. The 32-year-old Senators winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a no-trade clause. He has 34 points in 46 games this season.

Tarasenko hasn’t ruled out re-signing with the Senators. He wouldn’t say if he’s spoken with general manager Steve Staios about the situation.

Garrioch noted that Tarasenko recently changed agents again but doubted that it had to do with signing a contract extension with the Senators. He cited an insider claiming the winger made this move to get a contract extension in place with a new club before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Senators mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, I’ll be surprised if Tarasenko isn’t moved by the March 8 trade deadline. Whether he can get a contract extension as part of the condition of a trade remains to be seen. Interested clubs could be leery about investing long-term before seeing how well he performs for them first.

UPDATE ON JAKE ALLEN

TVA SPORTS: Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie believe Jake Allen’s recent poor performance will adversely affect the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender’s value in the trade market.

They believe Allen doesn’t want to leave the Canadiens. They speculate he was likely offered a role with the franchise following his playing career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s enduring the worst season of his career with the Canadiens carrying three goalies. He seems like the odd man out with Sam Montembeault becoming their starter while promising Cayden Primeau looking more and more like Montembeault’s backup.

Some general managers could blame Allen’s struggles this season on the Habs three-goalie system. One of them could take the chance on him regaining his form with a change of scenery with a traditional two-goalie system..

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said he’s comfortable carrying all three goalies for the rest of the season. However, it’s believed he’s still willing to trade Allen.

Some observers think Hughes has set his asking price for Allen and won’t budge from it. He’s signed through next season so Hughes doesn’t have to move him at the trade deadline. He could wait until the offseason for a club to meet his price.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 2, 2024

by | Feb 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 2, 2024

The ongoing fallout of the Elias Lindholm deal on the trade market, plus the latest on the Predators and Blackhawks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FALLOUT FROM THE LINDHOLM TRADE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Sean Monahan of the Montreal Canadiens moves to the top of the list of available centers who are pending unrestricted free agents heading toward the March 8 trade deadline.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan (NHL Images).

He believes the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche want to add a second-line center. The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers also make sense as destinations for Monahan.

The Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique is probably next on that list. LeBrun also wondered if Scott Laughton could end up on this list if the Philadelphia Flyers fall out of the playoff race. He cited colleague Darren Dreger reporting the Flyers are getting calls about Laughton, who has two years left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million. While general manager Daniel Briere isn’t keen to move the 29-year-old center he’s willing to listen to offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Monahan’s bounce-back performance this season and his affordable $1.9 million cap hit account for why he’s likely the top center in the trade market leading up to March 8. The Canadiens could even retain half of that cap hit but they’ll likely want a first-round pick and maybe a prospect or a promising young NHL player in return.

Laughton could be moved if someone pitches a significant offer to Briere, who isn’t deviating from his rebuilding plans despite his club sitting third in the Metropolitan Divison. As he said, however, he won’t make trades just for the sake of doing so. Briere indicated the trade market would determine what moves (if any) he’ll make.

LeBrun believes the Flames’ focus now shifts toward pending UFA defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. He thinks they’re still trying to re-sign Hanifin but will have to fish or cut bait by March 8.

It’s more likely that Tanev gets moved by deadline day. The Flames’ asking price is believed to be a second-round pick plus another asset but a club could have him right now if they’re willing to part with a first-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun believes the Flames are rebuilding on the fly rather than engaging in a full roster teardown. They could seek a young roster player for Hanifin as he has more value than Tanev.

LeBrun also wondered what effect Lindholm’s trade might have on Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom as the two are good friends. Markstrom is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $6 million and a no-movement clause. If he wants out, moving him might have to wait until the offseason.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina doesn’t see the Nashville Predators parting with starting goaltender Juuse Saros by deadline day. They’re jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Western Conference and promising Yaroslav Askarov isn’t NHL-ready yet. The only way he thinks that could happen is if a desperate general manager is willing to overpay to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Somebody could pitch Preds GM Barry Trotz an offer too good to refuse but I don’t think anyone’s going to do that by the trade deadline. Maybe in the offseason if Saros’ contract extension talks get difficult.

Skrbina expects Tyson Barrie to be the more likely candidate following his recent public trade request. Pending free agents such as Tommy Novak, Yakov Trenin, Alexandre Carrier and Kevin Lankinen and pending restricted free agent Dante Fabbro could also become trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not all of those pending free agents could hit the trade block. In Fabbro’s case, Trotz doesn’t have to move him by March 8 as he could wait for the offseason to gauge his market value if he doesn’t have a long-term future in Nashville.

SHOULD THE BLACKHAWKS LOOK INTO ACQUIRING KAKKO?

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Nate Brown noted a recent report indicating the New York Rangers are taking calls on winger Kaapo Kakko and wondered if the Blackhawks should look into it if they haven’t already done so.

Kaapo, 22, could be an affordable acquisition and he still has time to reach his potential. However, Brown noted that the young Rangers winger has had ample opportunity to do so and hasn’t reached it yet. He also noted the Blackhawks are dealing with a struggling young winger of their own in Lukas Reichel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks already have enough promising youngsters on their club and within their system. They need more established young talent to help their rebuild and provide some much-needed depth around budding superstar Connor Bedard.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2024

by | Jan 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2024

Could the Sabres trade Casey Mittelstadt? What’s the latest on the Predators? Are the Flyers interested in Arber Xhekaj? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS MITTELSTADT THE ODD MAN OUT IN BUFFALO?

ESPN: Kevin Weekes recently looked at several players who could become available by the March 8 trade deadline. One of them was Casey Mittelstadt, who could become the odd man out among the Buffalo Sabres’ young forwards.

Weekes praised Mittelstadt’s performance in filling in for sidelined winger Jeff Skinner. However, they’ve yet to sign him to a long-term extension as they’ve done with their other young players. He said Mittelstadt is drawing a lot of attention.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports Mittelstadt was surprised to hear his name mentioned on NHL Network as a trade candidate. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has not approached the 25-year-old forward or his agent yet about a contract extension.

Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt (NHL Images).

Mittelstadt has consistently been the Sabres’ most consistent player. He’s a versatile two-way player who can skate at center or on the wing among their top-six forwards.

Lysowski believes it could cost the Sabres $5.87 million annually (or 6.7 percent of their salary cap) on a five-year deal to sign Mittelstadt. They lack a proven internal replacement if they choose not to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contenders seeking a player with Mittelstadt’s skills could be inquiring about his availability. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who’s also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility in 2025.

I doubt that Adams is shopping Mittelstadt and likely intends on signing him this summer. He could be tempted by a significant trade offer but I don’t think he’ll get one leading up to the trade deadline. That sort of thing seems more likely in the offseason depending on how contract discussions go following this season.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently provided updates on several Predators who have reportedly become trade targets.

He noted that some observers still believe there’s an outside chance the Predators could move Juuse Saros despite general manager Barry Trotz’s stated intent to re-sign him. The Predators’ asking price could be outrageous but Gallagher believes that’s the point. He thinks Trotz has set the bar ridiculously high that no reasonable GM would agree to pay it.

One Predators goalie who could be available is backup Kevin Lankinen. Gallagher believes several teams could be interested in him. If they do move Lankinen, it could be closer to the March 8 trade deadline to allow promising Yaroslav Askarov more playing time with their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee before calling him up as Lankinen’s replacement.

Defenseman Tyson Barrie has been sidelined for nearly a month with an upper-body injury. That’s affected his trade value, which wasn’t that high to begin with. Most teams with an interest in Barrie lack the cap space to acquire him right now. He’s still expected to be moved by the March 8 trade deadline but this could drag on for a few weeks.

Earlier this season it was believed the Predators could move one or both of Alexandre Carrier and Dante Fabbro. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported they could now be inclined to retain both players. Fabbro’s been playing recently on their top defense pairing with Roman Josi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators could be unwilling to shake things up too much while they’re jockeying for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. I don’t see Saros, Carrier or Fabbro getting shopped. Barrie will likely be a trade deadline move.

CANADIENS GETTING CALLS ABOUT XHEKAJ

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Canadiens may have received some calls about defenseman Arber Xhekaj. However, the Habs aren’t moving the 22-year-old blueliner, who was recently recalled from their AHL affiliate in Laval.

Friedman said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Philadelphia Flyers were among the teams expressing interest in Xhekaj.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes recently said that Xhekaj was spending time in Laval to work on his defensive game. He also stated that he wanted the big blueliner to be part of their long-range plans.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

by | Jan 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 19, 2024

Will the Predators trade goalie Juuse Saros? Could Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun be on the move again? Which clubs should look into acquiring Ducks forward Trevor Zegras? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE PREDATORS TRADE SAROS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a possibility the Nashville Predators could trade Juuse Saros. While it remains their priority to re-sign the 28-year-old goaltender, they’re getting lots of interest from clubs desperate to improve their depth between the pipes.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Predators feel they have to at least listen to offers for Saros. However, it would take a “serious, serious offer” to pry him away. A couple of first-round draft picks won’t do it. If a club like the Los Angeles Kings were to offer up someone like Quinton Byfield as part of a package, that would get the attention of Preds general manager Barry Trotz.

THE TENNESSEAN: Paul Skrbina poured cold water on the notion of the Predators trading Saros. He pointed out that the Finnish netminder surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to last year’s trade deadline and during last summer.

Skrbina believes those times would’ve been more ideal to move Saros as that’s when his trade value was higher, the remaining term in his contract at that time (two years at $5 million per) “was much sexier” and his struggles this season hadn’t happened yet.

“If the Predators couldn’t get the king’s ransom they reportedly sought for Saros in the past, they almost certainly won’t get it now,” writes Skrbina, who also noted the Preds are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. He thinks the only thing Saros will be moving toward is a pen to sign a contract extension with the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for Trotz to at least listen to offers for Saros but I share Skrbina’s doubts that the Preds GM will receive a pitch too good to pass up. Never say never, of course, but it would have to be one hell of an offer to tempt Trotz.

COULD CHYCHRUN BE ON THE MOVE AGAIN

TSN: Darren Dreger said Jakob Chychrun could be on the move again a year after being acquired by the Ottawa Senators. It would be a positional decision by the Senators as they already have left-shot defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson signed to long-term contracts.

Chychrun is signed through next season. Senators management like him but there’s some work left to be done regarding a contract extension which would start in the offseason.

Dreger said teams are calling about Chychrun. However, it would take a substantial offer that is unlikely to come before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Senators will continue listening in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun can play on the right side but the left side is his natural position. Perhaps the Senators would consider moving him for a right-side top-pairing blueliner.

SUGGESTED DESTINATION FOR ZEGRAS

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman suggested six trade destinations for Trevor Zegras if the Anaheim Ducks trade him. She believes the 22-year-old center’s exceptional offensive skill and creativity would be enticing to clubs seeking a young scoring forward.

Goldman listed the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins as clubs that should give the Ducks a call about Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits in Montreal and Philadelphia have suggested their respective clubs consider acquiring Zegras. Whether those teams follow that advice remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks need help everywhere and the Capitals could use an infusion of young talent.

I think the Red Wings need to do more to reduce their goals-against while the Bruins might prefer a center with better two-way abilities.

LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo report Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin could explore the trade market with defenseman Jared Spurgeon on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of this season.

The Wild will be able to exceed the $83.5 million salary cap by Spurgeon’s $7.575 million salary cap hit. Guerin will likely explore acquiring a defenseman on an expiring contract, one that could be flipped by the March 8 trade deadline if the Wild become sellers.

Guerin won’t want to burn up all that cap space on one player. They’ll need some of it for call-ups and minor-leaguers currently on the roster. He’s not interested in parting with first or second-round picks for a rental player. Options could include Marco Scandella of the St. Louis Blues, Alexandre Carrier of the Nashville Predators, and Erik Johnson of the Buffalo Sabres.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 31, 2023

by | Dec 31, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 31, 2023

Are there any goalie options to help the struggling Leafs? Is there interest in Hurricanes winger Michael Bunting? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CAN THE LEAFS FIND HELP BETWEEN THE PIPES?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox examined several options facing the Toronto Maple Leafs to address their goaltending with Ilya Samsonov continuing to struggle.

One is to stick with their current netminders and ride Martin Jones in the hope that he stays healthy until Joseph Woll returns healthy and in form sometime in February or hope that something pops up on the waiver wire.

Their second option would be sending Samsonov through waivers to their AHL affiliate and recalling a prospect they don’t want to rush. The third option is to look outside the organization.

Fox noted that Jaroslav Halak remains available in the free-agent market. Middling trade options include Montreal’s Jake Allen, Buffalo’s Eric Comrie, Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg and Calgary’s Dan Vladar. However, the price for those netminders is abnormally high plus the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are also believed sniffing around the trade market.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

According to Fox, the “dream scenario” would be Juuse Saros, who has another season remaining on his contract with the Nashville Predators with a $5 million cap hit. However, the Predators remain in the playoff chase and he’d likely cost more than Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is willing to spend.

Fox suggested the best low-risk option could be New York Rangers’ third-stringer Louis Domingue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman, it’s believed the Leafs don’t have much enthusiasm to go shopping for a goaltender. They’d prefer to hang on until Woll returns to action. They don’t have a lot they can afford to trade in terms of draft picks and prospects. He said they could consider bringing up promising Dennis Hildeby to play in one game during their upcoming California road trip.

I keep seeing Saros occasionally surface in the rumor mill. Predators GM Barry Trotz made it clear on two occasions earlier this season that he has no intention of moving his 28-year-old starter and plans to open contract extension talks with Saros’ agent in July. He’s not going anywhere this season.

A LOOK AT THE GOALIE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman looked at the teams in the market for goaltenders and the clubs who could be sellers.

The Leafs, Oilers, Hurricanes, Devils and Los Angeles Kings are believed to be among the buyers, with the Kings seeking a depth option.

The Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are among the sellers.

Friedman believes Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has a price and won’t waiver much from it. The Ducks are setting a high ask for John Gibson, especially if salary retention is involved. The Sharks’ Kaapo Kahkonen has been good this season but his experience is an issue.

The Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers could be among the sellers but they’re not there yet. The Red Wings are dealing with injuries while the Panthers could need to move a goalie once Spencer Knight is ready to return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs, Oilers, Hurricanes and Devils need reliable starters but that’s not what’s available in the trade market. The Kings are happy with Cam Talbot but it’s believed they have concerns about backup Pheonix Copley, who was struggling before becoming sidelined by an injury.

The Ducks’ John Gibson is the best of the bunch among available goaltenders. His stats have improved this season and I think there are clubs with a genuine interest in him.

Gibson’s contract is a sticking point. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. With so many clubs pressed for cap space, I don’t think that’s a contract that gets moved during this season.

TEAMS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN BUNTING

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports teams have expressed an interest in trading for Michael Bunting. The 28-year-old winger is in this first season of a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes but is on pace for his lowest goal total since 2020-21.

Friedman said Bunting’s name came up when the Hurricanes were looking to clear some salary-cap space and maybe make a move for a goaltender. He was lower down in their lineup at the time and is seventh or eighth in ice time on the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could be getting calls about Bunting but that doesn’t mean he’ll be moved. His goal numbers may be down (he’s got eight this season) but he’s tied for third in points (25) with Martin Necas among Hurricanes scorers and has eight points in his last 10 games.

Maybe that’s why teams are interested in acquiring him. Perhaps he could become trade bait if the Hurricanes need to shore up depth elsewhere. He’s also got a 10-team no-trade list which could complicate things.