NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2024

by | Dec 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Panthers and Hurricanes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE OILERS IMPROVE THEIR BLUELINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell cited Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman saying he’d like to add a defenseman later this season during a recent interview with Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

Mitchell suggested Henri Jokiharju of the Buffalo Sabres and J.J. Moser of the Tampa Bay Lightning as trade options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jokiharju might be available if the Sabres are out of playoff contention at the March 7 trade deadline. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Moser isn’t going anywhere. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $3.375 million and currently skates alongside Victor Hedman on the Lightning’s top defense pairing.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: A reader asked Jim Matheson if there was anything to the speculation suggesting Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard could land with the Oilers by the trade deadline.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).

Matheson believes the Oilers would prefer Savard’s teammate Mike Matheson, provided the Canadiens retained part of his $4.875 million AAV because he’s a better puckmover.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson has surfaced in the rumor mill as the Canadiens are once again among the bottom feeders in the standings. Habs GM Kent Hughes will want a a first-round pick or a top prospect as part of a package deal, especially if the inquiring team wants him to retain part of Matheson’s salary.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jason Gregor noted that Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has frequently popped up in trade rumors. However, he’s torn on the big Finn because of his consistency with his decision-making. Gregor also mentioned Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames, but considers the odds of the Oilers landing him are “pretty much zero.”

UPDATES ON THE PANTHERS AND HURRICANES

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers have had internal discussions about tweaking their blueline between now and the March 7 trade deadline. “They don’t have much cap space, so they’ll have to be creative.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puckpedia shows the Panthers with $1.69 million in current cap space but could have over $5.4 million by March 7. That should provide sufficient wiggle room for GM Bill Zito to get creative in the trade market.

LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes signing Dustin Tokarski on Monday doesn’t take them out of the goalie market. He believes they could act at any time if a goalie becomes available who slots ahead of Spencer Martin and Tokarski. They’ll also want to see how Frederik Andersen performs when he returns from his recent knee procedure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There aren’t many options currently available which explains the signing of Tokarski. They’re fine with Pyotr Kochetkov as their starter but want to ensure they’ve got sufficient depth in case injuries strike again.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2024

by | Nov 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 19, 2024

Check out the latest on the Penguins and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE PENGUINS?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports hearing more moves are expected for the Pittsburgh Penguins after shipping Lars Ellers to the Washington Capitals last week.

Yohe considers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to be untouchable. While Kris Letang signed a six-year contract in 2022, Yohe believes the 37-year-old defenseman might not object to a trade but moving his contract could be difficult given his age, health history and poor play this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Letang has a full no-movement clause through 2025-26. Even if he waives it, they’ll have to retain a significant chunk of his $6.1 million average annual value to make him enticing given the issues cited by Yohe.

Yohe thinks Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would like to move Ryan Graves, Tristan Jarry and Erik Karlsson. However, other clubs likely aren’t interested in them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Poor play and expensive contracts are the reasons why.

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Rickard Rakell are most likely to be moved by the March 7 trade deadline. Yohe cites sources claiming the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have an interest in the 28-year-old Pettersson. He expects other clubs will also covet him, suggesting he’s “as good as gone.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Recent reports claim there’s been no contract extension talks between the two sides. Unless that changes, he truly will be as good as gone by deadline day.

Yohe also speculates Bryan Rust could become a trade candidate when his no-trade clause reverts to a modified list on July 1 but he doesn’t believe the Penguins are in a hurry to move him.

Shayna Goldman looked at possible moves for the Penguins going forward. She considers Pettersson to be their only real trade chip on defense. Forwards Noel Acciari, Anthony Beauvillier and Blake Lizotte (when healthy) could also hit the trade block. She doesn’t rule out Rakell becoming a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acciari and Lizotte are signed through next season with affordable cap hits. They shouldn’t be difficult to move but won’t fetch much in return. Beauvillier is a UFA next summer but he’s on his fifth team since 2023.

Rakell still has value as a scorer but his contract remains a sticking point. The 31-year-old winger has an AAV of $5 million through 2027-28 and an eight-team no-trade list. There might have to be some salary retention here to make it work.

CANADIENS COULD MOVE SAVARD BY THE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited two sources suggesting Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard could draw interest leading up to the trade deadline. They point out the thin market for right-shot blueliners, including Cody Ceci and Jan Rutta in San Jose, Dante Fabbro in Columbus, and Erik Johnson in Philadelphia.

The sources indicate that Savard is a top-four right-shot defenseman with Stanley Cup championship experience. They don’t rule out the possibility he could fetch a first-round pick from a Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard is eligible for UFA status next summer. It’s widely assumed he’ll be moved if the Canadiens are out of playoff contention by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2024

The trade deadline is at 3 pm ET today. Check out the latest on Tyler Toffoli, Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, Frank Vatrano, Jason Zucker, Jakob Chychrun, Bryan Rust, Ryan Johansen and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils scratched winger Tyler Toffoli from last night’s game against the St. Louis Blues for trade-related reasons. No indication as to which teams are calling about him or potential destinations.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun said it’s not 100 percent that Toffoli gets traded as they still believe they can get back into the playoff race. However, the teams that were in on Jake Guentzel before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes also kept tabs on the Devils winger.

New Jersey Devils winger Tyler Toffoli (NHL Images).

Chris Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm isn’t going anywhere. It was rumored he would be on his way to the Boston Bruins had the Canucks acquire Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s not happening now.

Johnston thinks the Canucks could try to add one more piece before the deadline. They were believed to have an interest in Arizona Coyotes winger Jason Zucker. Speaking of Zucker, Johnston tweeted the Coyotes held the veteran winger and defenseman Matt Dumba out of last night’s game against the Minnesota Wild for trade-related reasons.

Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom remains in the rumor mill. He believes the New Jersey Devils want to make one more attempt to acquire the 32-year-old Markstrom, who has a full no-movement clause. A rumored trade that would’ve sent him to the Devils last month reportedly fell through over salary retention amid speculation that Flames ownership nixed the deal.

Johnston believes the Winnipeg Jets could try to add a depth forward or defenseman…The Ottawa Senators have received some interest in Jakob Chychrun as well as Erik Brannstrom…The Montreal Canadiens remain open for business. The players they want to move (Jake Allen and David Savard) have a year remaining on their contracts.

THE ATHLETIC: The Philadelphia Flyers hope to find a trade partner for Ryan Johansen. They acquired the 31-year-old center on Wednesday from the Colorado Avalanche as part of the Sean Walker trade.

Johansen cleared waivers on Thursday and was reassigned to the Flyers AHL affiliate. However, general manager Daniel Briere said he informed the center to stand pat for a day or two as they attempt to see if another team could use him.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Rangers are eyeing a reunion with Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano, who is signed through next season with $3.65 million cap hit. They’ve also been linked to St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich but the Blues would have to retain part of his $5.8 million cap hit.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reports rumors of the Red Wings acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust are running hot. However, he believes it’s unlikely to happen as the Penguins haven’t asked Rust to waive his no-movement clause.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Geoff Baker reports the Kraken’s improving odds of qualifying for the playoffs could complicate a possible trade of winger Jordan Eberle. Contract discussions were underway but reportedly stalled on Wednesday. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believes Eberle will be traded by today’s deadline.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger considers Jack Roslovic to be the Blue Jackets’ most likely trade candidate. The 27-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont reports The Toronto Maple Leafs were among the clubs that inquired about Canadiens defenseman David Savard. However, those teams have balked at the Canadiens’ high asking price.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser lists Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons and Victor Olofsson among the Sabres’ most likely trade candidates as today’s deadline approaches.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2021

by | Aug 25, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2021

More legal trouble for Evander Kane, Kevin Hayes pays tribute to his late brother Jimmy, more Canadian teams require proof of vaccination to attend games, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane faces more legal troubles. Daniel Kaplan reports a federal bankruptcy judge has approved for discovery in a lawsuit filed against Kane alleging he reneged on a promise to pay at least $2 million for an abortion.

San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaplan also pointed out Kane filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, endured a very public, messy, ongoing divorce from his wife and learned several of his teammates want him traded. He’s also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the league regarding allegations made by his estranged wife that he bet on NHL games.

SPORTSNET: Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes made a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to his brother Jimmy, who died suddenly on Monday. He said he lost his best friend, crediting his older brother with paving the way for his NHL career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to the Hayes family. Tributes poured in following Jimmy’s passing from around the hockey world.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are the latest teams to require fans to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend their games this season. The Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs announced similar rules earlier this month. The Edmonton Oilers are expected to follow suit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Senators are also expected to implement similar rules and I daresay the Montreal Canadiens will do the same.

THE PROVINCE: Daniel Sedin is enjoying the active role he and brother Henrik have taken in management decisions this offseason with the Vancouver Canucks. The twins were hired as senior advisors to general manager Jim Benning earlier this year. 

MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens announced France Margaret Belanger has been named president (sports and entertainment) of Groupe CH. She becomes the first woman to serve on the Canadiens executive committee in its 104-year history. She also serves, alongside team owner Geoff Molson, as an alternate governor for the team.

MLIVE.COM: Former Detroit Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula is returning to Europe after 16 NHL seasons. He signed a one-year contract with Geneve-Servette of the Swiss Hockey League.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced Gord Murphy and Mike Kelly will serve as assistant coaches under head coach Gerard Gallant. Murphy is being promoted from the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. Steve Smith joins the Wolfpack as an assistant.

WINDSOR SPITFIRES: Announced former NHL player Marc Savard as their new head coach.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2021

by | Aug 23, 2021

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2021

Rangers Hall-of-Famer Rod Gilbert passes away plus the latest on Jack Eichel, David Savard and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers yesterday announced Rod Gilbert had passed away at age 80. Fondly known as “Mr. Ranger” as a team ambassador and a community relations representative, Gilbert was among the greatest players in franchise history.

New York Rangers Hall-of-Famer Rod Gilbert (NHL.com).

An eight-time all-star, he spent his 18-season NHL career with the Rangers from 1960 to 1978. He’s their all-time scoring leader with 406 goals and 1,021 points  He also won the Masterton Trophy in 1975-76. Gilbert was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and he became the first player in franchise history to have his number retired.

Gilbert was part of the Rangers’ vaunted GAG Line (Goal-a-Game) alongside Jean Ratelle and Vic Hatfield in the early 1970s. He helped the Blueshirts reach the 1972 Stanley Cup Final and was a member of Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A talented offensive star, Gilbert was also among the NHL’s classiest players. He overcame a serious back injury early in his career to become one of the league’s most popular stars in the 1970s. My sincere condolences to Gilbert’s family, friends, former teammates and the Rangers organization.

THE FOURTH PERIOD: David Pagnotta cites sources claiming Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel has yet to undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck. It’s increasingly unlikely he’ll be medically cleared to start the 2021-22 regular season regardless of which team he’s playing for.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The impasse persists between Eichel and the Sabres front office over which surgical procedure he’ll undergo. He wants disc replacement surgery while team doctors recommend fusion surgery.

Eichel’s situation has also made him the subject of ongoing trade speculation. Pagnotta suggests a team could still trade for the Sabres center even if he’s unavailable for the start of the season. Given his hefty contract and the Sabres’ expensive asking price, there doesn’t appear to be many clubs keen to take that risk.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of the Sabres, the club’s long decline, the recent trading away of several core players and Eichel’s expected departure is hurting season ticket sales for the coming season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A decade of suck thanks to meddling ownership and an ever-changing cast of general managers and coaches tend to have that effect on the gate.

THE SCORE: David Savard said the Montreal Canadiens intend to win the Stanley Cup this season. Savard won the big mug last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, defeating the Canadiens in five games. He said he liked how the Habs played against the Bolts in the Final and believes he and others with championship experience can help them go all the way.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard was signed by the Canadiens earlier this summer as a free agent. I admire his positive attitude and enthusiasm but I have my doubts we’ll see the Habs hoisting the Cup next spring.

The Canadiens face a tough challenge in the Eastern Conference. The defending champion Lightning, the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes could finish among the top four. The Habs also have to contend with two flawed but still talented teams in the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, aging but still skilled clubs like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, and improving teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.

They’ll also need promising young forwards Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Jesperi Kotkaniemi to take their next steps toward stardom. And of course, they need goaltender Carey Price to be at the top once he’s fully recovered from offseason surgery.

AZ COYOTES INSIDER: Craig Morgan examines several possible Arizona locations for the Coyotes if the city of Glendale carries forward with its decision to opt-out of its arena lease agreement.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators fans will need to provide proof of double vaccination against COVID-19 to attend their home games this season.










Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 28, 2021

by | Jul 28, 2021

Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 28, 2021

Be sure to check in regularly throughout the day for today’s notable free-agent signings and trades.

SIGNINGS (Updated: 6 pm ET.

New Jersey Devils sign defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year, $63 million contract ($9 million AAV).

Boston Bruins sign goaltender Linus Ullmark to a four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million AAV).

Montreal Canadiens sign winger Mike Hoffman to a three-year, $13.5 million contract ($4.5 million AAV).

Anaheim Ducks sign center Ryan Getzlaf to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

Detroit Red Wings sign center Pius Suter to a two-year, $6.5 million contract ($3.25 million AAV).

Boston Bruins sign winger Nick Foligno to a two-year contract. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Ottawa Senator sign defenseman Michael Del Zotto to a two-year, $4 million deal ($2 million AAV).

SIGNINGS: (Updated: 4 pm ET)

Tampa Bay Lightning re-sign center Brayden Point to an eight-year, $76 million contract ($9.5 million AAV).

Vegas Golden Knights sign forward Mattias Janmark to a one-year, $2 million contract.

SIGNINGS (Updated: 2:45 pm ET):

Seattle Kraken sign goaltender Philipp Grubauer to a six-year, $35.4 million contract ($5.9 million AAV).

Seattle Kraken sign winger Jaden Schwartz to a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($5.5 million AAV).

Los Angeles Kings sign center Phillip Danault to a six-year, $33 million contract ($5.5 million AAV).

Los Angeles Kings sign defenseman Alex Edler to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Boston Bruins sign forward Erik Haula to a two-year, $4.75 million contract ($2.375 million AAV).

Carolina Hurricanes sign defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year, $2.9 million contract.

San Jose Sharks sign center Nick Bonino to a two-year, $4.1 million contract ($2.05 million AAV).

SIGNINGS (UPDATED 1:30 PM ET)

Nashville Predators re-sign forward Mikael Granlund to a four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million AAV).

Minnesota Wild sign defenseman Alex Goligoski to a one-year, $5 million contract.

Calgary Flames sign forward Blake Coleman to a six-year, $29.4 million contract ($4.9 million AAV).

Carolina Hurricanes sign goalie Frederik Andersen to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million AAV.

Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign Boone Jenner to a four-year $15 million contract ($3.75 million).

New Jersey Devils sign goaltender Jonathan Bernier to a two-year, $8.25 million contract ($4.125 million AAV).

Montreal Canadiens sign David Savard to a four-year, $14 million contract ($3.5 million AAV).

Edmonton Oilers sign defenseman Cody Ceci to a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV).

Vancouver Canucks sign defenseman Travis Hamonic to a two-year, $6 million contract ($3 million AAV).

Columbus Blue Jackets sign forward Sean Kuraly to a four-year, $10 million contract ($2.5 million cap hit)

Vancouver Canucks sign defenseman Tucker Poolman to a four-year, $10 million contract ($2.5 million AAV)

Philadelphia Flyers sign goalie Martin Jones to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Dallas Stars sign Braden Holtby to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Philadelphia Flyers sign defenseman Keith Yandle to a one-year, $950K contract.

SIGNINGS AND TRADES PRIOR TO NOON ET. 

Edmonton Oilers sign Zach Hyman to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract ($5.5 million annual average value).

Edmonton Oilers re-sign defenseman Tyson Barrie to a three-year contract worth $4.5 million per season.

Vegas Golden Knights re-sign defenseman Alec Martinez to a three-year deal worth $5.25 million annually.

Seattle Kraken sign forward Alexander Wennberg to a three-yeae contract worth $4.5 million annually.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Petr Mrazek to a three-year contract worth $3.8 million.

Dallas Stars sign defenseman Ryan Suter to a four-year contract worth $3.65 million AAV.

Carolina Hurricanes sign goaltender Antti Raanta to a two-year deal worth $2 million annually.

Vancouver Canucks sign goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million in base salary.

Carolina Hurricanes sign defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year, $1 million contract.

TRADES

Edmonton Oilers trade defenseman Ethan Bear to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Warren Foegele.

Ottawa Senators trade winger Evgeni Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Nick Holden and a third-round draft pick in 2022.

Chicago Blackhawks trade defenseman Nikita Zadorov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a third-round pick in 2022. The pick originally belonged to Toronto.