NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

by | Jan 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on the Rangers’ attempt to land Canucks center J.T. Miller and the latest on Stars captain Jamie Benn and Sharks center Nico Sturm.

UPDATE ON THE “MILLER TO THE RANGERS” RUMORS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports there have been on-and-off trade discussions between the Rangers and Vancouver Canucks regarding J.T. Miller since November. The 31-year-old Canucks center is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford scratched Bo Groulx, Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar from Saturday’s game against Charlotte, raising speculation they were to be part of a multiplayer deal for Miller. Brooks stated there was no indication that a trade had advanced that far.

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

Rangers center Mika Zibanejad “will not be part of the bounty going to Vancouver in a potential deal for Miller.” It’s believed Alexis Lafreniere was part of the discussions. The 23-year-old Blueshirts winger carries a $7.45 million AAV through 2031-32.

Brooks believes Rangers management is willing to take a step back this season to be in a position to win the Stanley Cup within the next year or two. He acknowledged a potential swap of the older Miller for the younger Lafreniere might come back to haunt the Rangers down the road. “But this is a team that should focus on a window that, with smart use of cap space, should remain open for the next three years.”

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey believes Brooks’ report doesn’t necessarily mean the Rangers are willing to trade Lafreniere. He cited USA Today’s Vince Z. Mercogliano suggesting moving the talented young winger would be “a bridge too far.”

Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman report on Saturday that the deal was off. It’s unclear if Lafreniere was involved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman broke the story on Saturday that the Canucks and Rangers had discussed a trade involving Miller that seemed close but fell apart. He didn’t name any Blueshirts that might’ve been part of the deal.

Friedman also reported earlier this month that the Canucks wanted a center as part of the return for Miller. Their rumored ask for Lafreniere suggests they’re now willing to accept a talented young forward regardless of position.

Brooks also mentioned Braden Schneider, saying he wouldn’t include the 23-year-old Rangers defenseman in the deal. He didn’t say the Canucks asked for Schneider but his comment gives that impression.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Miller has not been asked to waive his no-movement clause. However, “the vibe around the player and the room in a season gone south would suggest that something has to give.” Kuzma also acknowledged the rumors earlier this season that had the Canucks swapping Miller for Zibanejad. However, he indicated the latter won’t waive his no-movement clause to go to Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Patrick Johnston wondered where Miller would go if he accepted a trade. “Will it be New York? Dallas? New Jersey? Boston?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun last week that he wanted to acquire a center who could bring some “extra oomph” to his roster. Miller would fit the bill provided he’s willing to go to New Jersey.

The Stars could afford Miller’s cap hit for this season once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million AAV on long-term injury reserve. It’s unlikely the cap-strapped, prospect-thin Bruins could meet the Canucks’ asking price.

STARS LOOKING TO BRING BACK JAMIE BENN NEXT SEASON

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill wants to re-sign captain Jamie Benn. He cited a “well-placed source” who says neither side is worried about completing the deal. Biringer adds that Benn is expected to finish his playing career with the Stars.

The 35-year-old Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $9.5 million. Preliminary talks took place last summer but no numbers have been discussed.

Biringer’s source indicated the two sides agreed to get through this season before getting into serious talks. However, they believe Benn will still be with the Dallas Stars after July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn won’t get another lucrative long-term deal at this career stage. Nevertheless, he remains an effective part of the lineup. They could do a two or three-year deal at a lower salary than his current contract.

SHARKS’ NICO STURM ANTICIPATES A TRADE

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks forward Nico Sturm believes he’ll be moved by the March 7 trade deadline if he doesn’t receive a contract extension.

The 29-year-old Sturm is in the final season of a three-year, $6 million contract. He’s centered the Sharks’ fourth line this season. Pashelka thinks he could be “an attractive, low-risk addition to any playoff team.” He won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

by | Jan 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 4, 2025

Are the Canucks planning to trade Elias Pettersson or J.T. Miller? Could the Rangers, Islanders or Blackhawks get involved? What’s the latest on former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PETTERSSON AND MILLER TRADE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Elliotte Friedman mused over the trade rumors swirling around Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller.

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

Friedman pointed out Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson during a year-end interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. He wondered if the Canucks are serious about moving the 26-year-old center. He thinks they’ve spoken with other teams about Pettersson and Miller but believes they prefer to keep both players.

Noting the Miller speculation, Friedman believes he’s a player the Chicago Blackhawks should pursue. He also thinks the New York Rangers are interested in bringing back Miller but doesn’t think that will be easy to pull off.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal said the Canucks have spoken with the New York Rangers during his Friday appearance on Sportsnet’s 650’s Halford and Brough Show. He claimed the two sides spoke about “a lot of things, not just Miller.” Dhaliwal said the Canucks have been interested in Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere and defenseman Braden Schneider for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller has a full no-movement clause. The 31-year-old center might not waive it to join a rebuilding team. He also doesn’t make sense for Chicago given his age. Miller will be past his prime by the time the Blackhawks are contenders.

Miller began his NHL career with the Rangers. He’d provide a short-term boost to the Blueshirts, especially if they were in Stanley Cup contention. However, their stunning collapse this season indicates they need more than quick fixes.

Over the long haul, Miller’s value to the Rangers would decline. They already carry aging, expensive assets like 33-year-old forwards Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and 31-year-old Mika Zibanejad. Adding another makes no sense for them right now.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner wondered if there was a way for the Islanders to acquire Pettersson and reunite him with former Canucks captain Bo Horvat. He cited industry sources claiming Isles defenseman Noah Dobson is high on the Canucks list. They would also be interested in Islanders center Brock Nelson if the pending free agent would sign a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Islanders have done business before, swinging a multi-player trade two years ago that sent Horvat to Long Island.

Rosner believes the deal’s framework would be Dobson, prospect Danny Nelson, and a first-round pick. The Islanders must also take on Pettersson’s $11.6 million cap hit.

Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. A trade to the Isles would have to happen before then to ensure he doesn’t block it. That’s assuming the Canucks are ready to give up on him, which doesn’t seem likely. Allvin didn’t rule out trading Pettersson but he still believes he can become a dominant center for the Canucks.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston replied to several readers’ questions about the recent rumors regarding Pettersson and Miller. He considers it unlikely that they’ll move either player.

Johnson believes Miller would interest the Rangers but doubts they’ll part with young players like Lafreniere and Schneider to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That seems the most sensible take thus far. Anything can happen and we can’t dismiss the possibility of a trade. However, the Canucks would need to get significant value for Miller (provided he’s willing to waive his NMC) or Pettersson.

The biggest issue facing the Canucks isn’t Miller and Pettersson supposedly clashing, it’s their lack of blueline depth which became even shallower with Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek sidelined by injuries.

UPDATE ON JONATHAN TOEWS

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Servalli claims there is no shortage of interest in Jonathan Toews after the former Chicago Blackhawks captain indicated he could stage a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23, when his career was derailed by health issues.

Seravalli believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Colorado Avalanche are three teams to watch if Toews makes a comeback bid.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran cites a source saying it’s “too premature” to speculate on Toews, adding that his camp is “far from exploring deals” with teams.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2024

by | Jul 14, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2024

Making the case for Victor Hedman as the next Lightning captain, the league’s calendar needs to change, the Rangers re-sign Braden Schneider, and more.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina makes the case for Victor Hedman to become the next captain of the Lightning. The departure of long-time captain Steven Stamkos leaves a void in the dressing room, but the 33-year-old defenseman would be a worthy successor.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Hedman has been an alternate captain with the Lightning since 2018-19. Encina notes he’s been a leader on and off the ice for years. Hedman acknowledged his teammates will be looking to him to step up and lead the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedman is filling some big skates here but he’s the logical choice to take over as the Lightning’s captain. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs partly because of his leadership when Stamkos was sidelined for all but one game during their Cup run.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes we’ll see another frenetic late June NHL calendar over the next two seasons. The 4 Nations tournament in February means the 2024-25 regular season will end on Apr. 17, “at least two weeks too late.” He also anticipates the same thing in 2025-26 when the NHL returns from the Milan Winter Olympics.

Brooks believes the start of NHL free agency should be pushed ahead to July 5 if the NHL Draft starts pressing against the end of June. That will prevent the draft from being overshadowed by the approach of free agency as it was this year when the market opened two days following the draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks makes a good point. Those tournaments, and the Global Series games during the regular-season schedule, are wreaking havoc with the league calendar.

I’m not suggesting the NHL shouldn’t stage international games or participate in tournaments like the Olympics, but they must find a better way to incorporate these events within their schedule. The playoffs are starting too late in the spring, with the Cup Final stretching into late June.

If they can’t remedy the regular-season schedule, they should be able to adjust the offseason schedule. The draft shouldn’t be taking place mere days following the end of the Stanley Cup Final. Free agency shouldn’t take place two days after the draft. It leaves little time to build anticipation for these events and to absorb their outcomes.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed defenseman Braden Schneider to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.2 million. Schneider, 22, is expected to remain on the Rangers second defense pairing with K’Andre Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schneider was coming off his entry-level contract and lacked arbitration rights. He’s on an affordable short-term bridge deal partly because of the Rangers’ limited salary-cap space.

Nevertheless, Schneider’s getting a reasonable raise. He’ll have arbitration rights in two years to use as leverage for a more lucrative deal. By then, he should be firmly entrenched on the Rangers’ second-defense pairing.

With Schneider under contract, the Rangers’ focus shifts to Ryan Lindgren, who filed for salary arbitration on July 5. The date for his hearing hasn’t been released yet but will likely be announced this week. It will be sometime during the upcoming arbitration period from July 20 to Aug. 4.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The names of the 2023-24 Florida Panthers have been officially etched into the Stanley Cup.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2023

by | Sep 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2023

Recaps of Tuesday’s preseason action plus the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, Sharks captain Logan Couture, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Blake Wheeler scored in his debut with the New York Rangers as they doubled up the New York Islanders 4-2.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin (lower-body injury)and Filip Chytil (upper body) missed this game and are listed as day-to-day.

The Anaheim Ducks dropped the San Jose Sharks 4-2 with Sam Carrick getting a goal and two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Sharks, team captain Logan Couture (lower-body, week-to-week) is skating again. However, they’re being cautious with his return date even if it means missing their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 12.

Alex DeBrincat picked up two assists in his debut with the Detroit Red Wings in a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Penguins, defenseman Mark Pysyk will be sidelined “longer-term” with an undisclosed injury. He’s in training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi stopped all 19 shots he faced over two periods in a 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Devin Cooley made 18 saves in the third period for the Sabres.

Tony DeAngelo had a goal and an assist in his first game back with the Carolina Hurricanes to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2.

The St. Louis Blues scored three first-period goals over the Columbus Blue Jackets and held on for a 3-2 win.

Dallas Stars forwards Jason Robertson, Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin each had a goal and an assist to thump the Minnesota Wild 6-1.

WASHINGTON HOCKEY NOW: Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk resumed skating yesterday after leaving Sunday’s preseason game after being struck by a shot on the right arm. Meanwhile, blueliner Joel Edmundson missed practice after suffering an upper-body injury during a scrimmage on Sunday.

THE PROVINCE: Canucks forward Ilya Mikheyev joined his teammates yesterday in his first practice since suffering a knee injury in January. He hasn’t yet gained clearance for full participation but this is considered a promising sign.

TSN: The NHL and Adidas revealed the uniforms the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers will wear for the 2023 Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Oct. 29.

NHL.COM: Goaltender Cory Schneider announced his retirement on Tuesday. In 410 NHL games (389 starts) with the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders, Schneider had a record of 171 wins, 159 losses and 58 overtime losses with a 2.43 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage and 26 shutouts. He and Roberto Luongo won the Jennings Trophy for the league’s lowest combined goals-against in 2010-11.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before injuries derailed his career, Schneider was among the league’s top goaltenders. As per NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti, from 2010-11 through 2015-16, Schneider’s 2.13 GAA and .926 SP ranked first among all goalies with at least 100 games played during that stretch.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2023

by | Aug 18, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2023

Jonathan Toews to take some time away from hockey, updates on Panthers defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour, and long-time Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passes away. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Toews issued a statement yesterday regarding his plans for the future. The former Blackhawks captain indicated that he is not fully retiring but is taking some time away from the game of hockey.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (NHL Images).

Toews cited the health issues he suffered through long-COVID and chronic immune response syndrome that sidelined him in 2020-21 and hampered his performance over the past two seasons.

The 35-year-old center became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, bringing to an end his 15 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As per Toews’ statement, he intends to spend the coming season “to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again”. However, he also seems to be leaving the door open to a possible NHL comeback.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito provided an update on Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour. Both defensemen are recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Zito said both players are healing and on schedule with their respective recoveries. “It’ll be a month or two. Is it four (months)? Probably not Is it one (month)? Probably not. That’s as well as I could get, but every time I check in, I’m told (they’re) on schedule.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A month or two would put both players within range of returning during training camp or the start of the regular season.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Long-time Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passed on Thursday at age 81 from multi-organ failures. The iconic voice of the Sabres began broadcasting their games in 1971 until his retirement at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Jeanneret received the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Award in 2012 for broadcasting. He was also a member of the Sabres Hall of Fame.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tributes to Jeanneret are widespread on traditional and social media. He was one of hockey’s greatest broadcasters. His call of Brad May’s series-winning overtime goal against the Boston Bruins in the 1993 playoffs (“May Day!”) ranks among the best in sports history. It still gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it.

DAILY FACEOFF: Mathieu Schneider and the NHL Players Association are parting ways after 12 years. He began working with the PA after his playing career ended, going on to become second-in-command to former executive director Donald Fehr. The move comes several months after Marty Walsh took over from Fehr.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Blackhawks top prospect Connor Bedard isn’t the only member of his family to skate for the club. His great-great uncle, James Bedard, played 22 games as a defenseman for the Hawks from 1949 to 1951.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2022

by | Aug 12, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – August 12, 2022

How will the Golden Knights replace sidelined goalie Robin Lehner? What’s the latest on Coyotes’ defenseman Jakob Chychrun? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

EXAMINING THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ OPTIONS TO REPLACE LEHNER

THE ATHLETIC: With Robin Lehner sidelined for the upcoming season by hip surgery, Jesse Granger examined the Vegas Golden Knights’ options to replace the 31-year-old goaltender. If Lehner goes on long-term injury reserve, they’ll have roughly $7 million in usable cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are already above the $82.5 million salary cap for 2022-23 by over $5.7 million with Shea Weber on long-term injury reserve. Most of Lehner’s $5 million cap hit is expected to be used to sign their remaining restricted free agents.

The Golden Knights could promote promising Logan Thompson as their starter backed up by Laurent Brossoit or Michael Hutchinson. That would provide them with the cap space to add a free agent such as Paul Stastny, Sonny Milano or Phil Kessel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They would have to be careful in how much of that cap wiggle room they invest in other players. Spend too much and they won’t have enough room to address their goaltending if Thompson, Brossoit and Hutchinson can’t get the job done.

If they decide to seek a replacement for Lehner outside the organization the pickings are slim. Braden Holtby remains unsigned but his career may be over due to injuries. Granger noted Cory Schneider is still available. He spent the past two years in the AHL.

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forget about free agency. Holtby’s done and Schneider’s last decent NHL season was 2017-18.

Granger suggested New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov as a trade option.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Owen Krepps included Varlamov among his list of suggested trade options. He also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Joonas Korpisalo, the San Jose Sharks James Reimer, and the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello reportedly prefers to keep his goalie tandem intact for the coming season. As Krepps pointed out, however, there are rumors that he’s looking to clear cap space to sign free agent center Nazem Kadri officially. Lamoriello could change his mind provided the Golden Knights aren’t on Varlamov’s 16-team no-trade list.

The Blue Jackets signed Korpisalo to a one-year deal where he’ll be serving as Elvis Merzlikins’ backup so he’s probably unavailable. There is talk the Sharks could trade Reimer for the “right price”. Earlier this summer, Gibson denied rumors claiming he’d welcome a trade out of Anaheim. He carries a 10-team no-trade list.

What hurts the Golden Knights is their lack of trade capital. Since 2018, they’ve mortgaged their future by acquiring stars such as Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty and Jack Eichel. Investing big money in those players (plus free agent signings like Alex Pietrangelo) also forced them to make cost-cutting deals such as practically giving away Pacioretty last month to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Perhaps they could get Varlamov if the Isles are only looking to shed salary but I don’t think Lamoriello wants to move him. The Sharks will want something decent for Reimer while the Ducks’ asking price for Gibson could start with a first-round pick. Given he’s carrying a $6.4 million annual cap hit through 2026-27, they probably can’t afford him over the long term.

Granger also mentioned the possibility of signing Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger to an offer sheet. He points out that the Golden Knights lack their own second-round pick in 2023. That means an offer sheet would have to be between $4.2 million and $6.3 million to meet the compensation requirement of a first and third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Forget it. The Stars have $10.3 million in cap space. I estimate it’ll take between $6.5 million and $8 million to sign Oettinger to an unmatchable offer sheet. The compensation there is a first, a second and a third-round pick. As Granger observed, they lack their own second-rounder next year.

Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal recommends the Golden Knights avoid over-reacting, especially when the trade and free-agent markets won’t be kind. He suggests seeing how things play out with Thompson as their starter before exploring other options. I daresay that’s how management will handle this for now.

COULD THE COYOTES MOVE CHYCHRUN BEFORE TRAINING CAMP?

TSN’s Shawn Simpson recently took to Twitter reporting the feeling around the league is the Arizona Coyotes could trade Jakob Chychrun before training camp opens next month. He said the Ottawa Senators were among the teams in the mix but the Coyotes’ asking price for the 24-year-old defenseman is “ridiculously high”. He credits Senators GM Pierre Dorion for being patient.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Coyotes beat writer Craig Morgan of GOPHNX.com expects Chychrun will be in Arizona’s lineup when the season begins in October. He’s acknowledged that could change but feels the next best opportunity to trade the blueliner could be the 2023 trade deadline.

Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong tried moving Chychrun last season and during last month’s NHL draft. There’s plenty of interest in the blueliner but little in meeting Armstrong’s price, which is believed to be heavy on futures, including a first-round pick, a top prospect and a promising NHL-ready player.

It’s possible Chychrun gets moved before training camp or before the regular season begins. Unless Armstrong lowers his price, however, I wouldn’t hold my breath, especially with the rearguard under contract through 2024-25.