NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2024

by | Mar 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – March 2, 2024

The latest on Jacob Markstrom, Noah Hanifin, Vladimir Tarasenko and Reilly Smith plus the latest on the Flyers and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DEVILS STILL KEEN ON MARKSTROM

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils remain interested in acquiring Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. They attempted to acquire the 34-year-old goaltender last month but the sticking point was the Flames’ unwillingness to retain salary.

The Devils are now willing to acquire Markstrom without the Flames retaining any portion of his $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. It’s a difficult trade to contemplate for Flames general manager Craig Conroy. His club is still in playoff contention and trading their MVP would gut the dressing room.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Markstrom voiced his unhappiness over how Flames management handled this situation. It was seen as a message to Conroy following the very public speculation over that potential trade with the Devils last month.

One report claimed Markstrom was frustrated that the deal with the Devils fell through after being asked to waive his no-movement clause. Some suggest he was never officially asked to waive his NMC but was merely asked if he’d be willing to do so to go to New Jersey. Some think he never gave his blessing at all.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis pondered whether the relationship between Markstrom and Conroy is fractured beyond repair. If so, he wondered if a deal could be put together by the March 8 trade deadline or will it have to wait until the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis believes Markstrom’s comments have “muddied the waters” over his future in Calgary. The Devils’ supposed willingness to take on his full cap hit could be enticing for Conroy. Markstrom’s comments could also make it easier to move him out.

Whether a suitable deal can be had at this stage remains to be seen. It sets the stage for an intriguing week in Calgary.

ARE THE CAPITALS INTERESTED IN NOAH HANIFIN?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing his belief that the Washington Capitals have “kicked tires” on Noah Hanifin.

The Capitals are hard-pressed to make the playoffs but perhaps they could land the 27-year-old Flames defenseman if he agrees to a long-term contract extension. The Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning are also among the clubs linked to Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals must shed salary if they hope to sign Hanifin to a long-term extension. They’ve got just $6.7 million in projected cap space for 2024-25 with 16 active roster players under contract.

COULD THE PANTHERS PURSUE VLADIMIR TARASENKO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork cites a rumor claiming Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko will waive his no-trade clause to join a Stanley Cup contender. The 32-year-old winger is said to be interested in the Florida Panthers. However, the concern would be how well he’d fit within their system, which relies on strong defensive play, elite awareness and communication.

Tarasenko’s $5 million cap hit could be a sticking point unless the Senators agree to retain a portion. It’s believed they seek a second-round pick in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun recently reported it’s a second-round pick and a prospect for Tarasenko. Anyway, his style of play might not be best suited for the Panthers. Still, he won a Stanley Cup with the Blues so perhaps he could adjust to their system.

TEAMS GETTING INTERESTED IN REILLY SMITH

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting Penguins winger Reilly Smith is drawing more interest in the trade market than teammate Jake Guentzel.

Dan Kingerski reports Smith was asked about the trade rumors and speculation that he’s unhappy in Pittsburgh. “Just baseless opinions of people,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith has struggled this season which is the basis for the speculation. With the Penguins expected to be sellers by the deadline, the 32-year-old wing is bound to draw some interest. Kingerski noted that interested clubs could ask the Penguins to retain part of his $5 million cap hit. He’s signed through 2024-25 and has a 10-team no-trade clause.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere will keep an open mind as the trade deadline approaches.

The Calgary Flames trading defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars for second and third-round picks hasn’t changed Briere’s asking price of a first-rounder for blueliner Sean Walker. He is willing to stick with Walker, Nick Seeler or anyone else if no one meets his price for those players. It’s possible Walker and Seeler could be re-signed.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers need a reliable backup goaltender if they hope to remain in playoff contention. He suggested Jake Allen of the Montreal Canadiens as a suitable option. The 33-year-old netminder wouldn’t be a rental as he’s signed through next season with an AAV of $3.85 million.

Other possibilities include the San Jose Sharks’ Kaapo Kahkonen and the Nashville Predators’ Kevin Lankinen. Both are slated to become UFAs this summer.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan reports Briere is adamant that he’s not shopping center Scott Laughton. He’s willing to listen to trade offers but it doesn’t seem like any team will meet his steep price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere might be a buyer rather than a seller by the deadline. They do need some help between the pipes now. Plenty of inexpensive backups could be found in the trade market. 

THE LEAFS COULD PEDDLE THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICK

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving isn’t averse to trading his 2024 first-round pick for the right return. He stressed that one has to be careful in peddling that pick for short-term help. However, if it makes sense, “if you think it’s going to have an impact, you have to look at every option.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving was ragged in some corners of social media for not parting with that pick for Chris Tanev. He could be looking at better options than Tanev, perhaps a younger right-shot defenseman with term on his contract.

The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel suggested Adam Larsson as one example if the Seattle Kraken were open to moving him. There’s no indication they would be but that’s the kind of defenseman I could see Treliving pursuing in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2024

by | Feb 28, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2024

Check out the latest on Elias Pettersson, Jake Guentzel, Juuse Saros, Tyler Toffoli and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DON’T BUY INTO THE ELIAS PETTERSSON TRADE RUMORS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ken Campbell noted recent reports about teams calling the Vancouver Canucks regarding Elias Pettersson. The gifted 25-year-old center becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. While the Canucks are said to be interested in signing Pettersson, he’s not indicated what his long-term intentions will be.

Campbell believes it’s far too early for any trade talk about Pettersson. The Canucks own his rights for the next 17 months and it would make no sense for them to move him now, especially when they’re hoping to stage a deep playoff run this spring. He also doubts they’d get equal value in return by moving him at the trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t doubt that some general managers are calling the Canucks to find out what’s going on with Pettersson. However, they’re not trading him because there’s no reason to do so now.

Pettersson made it clear at the start of this season that he wanted to put his focus on his play rather than contract talks. It’s rumored Canucks management has gently tried to broach the issue with an eight-year offer worth over $12 million annually. If so, it hasn’t had the desired effect.

We’ll learn Pettersson’s true intentions once this season ends. If the Canucks keep playing well and look like a Cup contender (or even win it all this season), he could sign a lucrative long-term extension making him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players. If not, it’ll be worthwhile to ponder where he’ll play next.

PENGUINS SET HIGH ASKING PRICE FOR GUENTZEL (FOR REAL THIS TIME!)

TSN: cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins have set a sky-high asking price for Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. While currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, he’s expected to return to action by mid-March.

Kaplan said she’s heard Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas seeks multiple first-round draft picks or a first-rounder and equivalent in top prospects or roster players. She cited one rival executive calling the price tag for Guentzel “ridiculous.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this month we had a rumor circulating that Dubas had set a high price for Guentzel. It was dismissed because he claimed he hadn’t spoken to other clubs about the winger yet. That’s likely changed by now with the Penguins struggling to stay in the race for a wild-card spot as the trade deadline draws near.

There’s no question Guentzel is drawing attention in the trade market. Whether someone steps up to meet Dubas’ price remains to be seen. That rumored high price tag could be reduced if he doesn’t get sufficient interest leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying that some observers think the Red Wings could be a fit for Guentzel. Allen has his doubts given the winger’s nearly 30 and seeks a seven or eight-year contract. He noted that Friedman pointed out that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman never hands out such contracts to 30-year-old players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Yzerman will be a buyer at this year’s trade deadline. He could pursue one of the notable trade candidates but I think he’ll pass on a big-ticket player like Guentzel because of the high cost of acquiring them.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators were linked to Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. He believes they’ve likely “kicked tires” there. Predators general manager Barry Trotz has publicly dismissed the possibility of trading Saros but that hasn’t stopped teams from making inquiries. The asking price, however, would be sky-high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators want Saros they might have to wait until the offseason with other rumored suitors like the New Jersey Devils. Nashville Hockey Now’s Michael Gallagher cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s reporting the Predators have told teams they’re not moving Saros while they’re in a position to make the playoffs.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports it’s unlikely the Senators will move defenseman Jakob Chychrun at the trade deadline. He’s signed through next season so there’s no rush to move him. It’s something that could be revisited in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will depend on whether he signs a contract extension. They could peddle him during the draft in late June if they fail to agree to a new contract.

DEVILS HOPE TO RE-SIGN TOFFOLI

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the New Jersey Devils prefer to re-sign winger Tyler Toffoli rather than shop him at the trade deadline. He’s slated to become a UFA but his agent and Devils management have had some discussions about a contract extension. Dreger thinks they could explore some of the interest they’re getting in Toffoli if they decide they’re not playoff-worthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cost of re-signing Toffoli could be the determining factor. It wasn’t something they were going to worry about if they were holding a playoff berth but they’re currently five points out of a wild-card spot. If they can gain some ground over the next week they’ll likely hang onto Toffoli and try to stage a run for that final Eastern playoff berth.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jamie Drysdale’s upper-body injury won’t affect the Philadelphia Flyers plans for the upcoming trade deadline. Defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker continue to garner trade market interest. They could move someone like Walker if a rival club steps up to meet their asking price

RANGERS LINKED TO WENNBERG

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Thomas Drance noted the recent rumors linking the New York Rangers to Seattle Kraken center Alex Wennberg. They speculated the Rangers could offer up a second-round pick and a lower-level prospect.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 25, 2024

by | Feb 25, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 25, 2024

Teams are calling about Canucks center Elias Pettersson, the latest on the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel and speculation that the Hurricanes could be listening on Martin Necas. Details on these and other trade conjecture on the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

GROWING INTEREST IN PETTERSSON

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported a lot of noise has developed over the past couple of weeks regarding Elias Pettersson. Teams are calling the Vancouver Canucks to ask what’s going on regarding the 25-year-old center’s contract situation and if he’s available.

Pettersson is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. He’s completing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $7.35 million.

Friedman said the Canucks don’t want to comment on this. He added that they’re telling teams they are trying to re-sign Pettersson.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the Canucks position in the standings (first overall) I’ll be amazed if they were to trade Pettersson by the March 8 trade deadline. It’s rumored they’ve tabled a long-term contract with an AAV of $12 million but he prefers to wait until the offseason to discuss a new deal.

Given Pettersson’s RFA status, the Canucks are under no pressure to trade him by March 8. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement on a long-term extension and it appears he’ll head to market by his UFA eligibility in July 2025 they’ll shop him in June, probably leading up to the opening round of the 2024 draft.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are among the clubs interested in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having interest is one thing. Having the cap space to absorb the remainder of Guentzel’s $6 million cap hit as well as the tradeable assets to entice the Penguins is another. It could take some creativity on the part of one of these teams to pull it off, perhaps involving another club acting as a third-party broker.

Friedman also reports teams are inquiring about the Penguins goaltenders. They’ve got Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic at the NHL level and a promising prospect in Joel Blomqvist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless Jarry wants out, the more likely to move is Nedeljkovic. Jarry is the better of the two, leading the league with six shutouts and among the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He’s been among the few bright spots for the Penguins this season.

Jarry would fetch a nice return but if general manager Kyle Dubas is looking at retooling the roster rather than rebuilding he’ll want to hang onto his starting goalie. I don’t see him moving Blomqvist as he’s part of that youth movement that Dubas wants for the future.

Friedman also took time to calm the waters about his musing over the possibility of Erik Karlsson returning to Ottawa. “That’s just me spitballing,” he chuckled. “Let’s not get too crazy about that one at this point in time.”

HURRICANES LISTENING ON NECAS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports being told that the Carolina Hurricanes could be willing to entertain offers on winger Martin Necas. He also wondered if the Hurricanes would be calling the Calgary Flames about goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of spitballing, could the Hurricanes package Necas in a deal for Markstrom? Discuss it in the comments section below.

UPDATE ON THE DUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers are seeking some forward depth. He thinks they’re looking at Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. He’s not sure if they’re after both players or just one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been mentioned that the Oilers would like to add a third-line center and a gritty checking-line forward. Henrique would handle that center role plus he can also play on left wing while Carrick would bring a more physical presence to their checking lines. Of the two, Carrick would be the more affordable to acquire in terms of return and cap hit.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Ducks winger Frank Vatrano remains on the Rangers’ radar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also took notice of speculation suggesting the Rangers reacquire Pavel Buchnevich from the St. Louis Blues. However, he believes Vatrano is the better former Ranger to bring back into the fold, citing the strong chemistry he had with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider down the stretch in 2022.

TEAMS CALLING THE FLYERS ABOUT SEELER AND WALKER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes two teams have contacted the Philadelphia Flyers about defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker as a pair. They’ve been a solid defense duo this season and the Flyers have been weighing whether to sign or trade them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was talk earlier this season that the Toronto Maple Leafs had looked into Seeler and Walker after a failed attempt to acquire Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames before Zadorov was traded to Vancouver.

LATEST ON THE LEAFS, STARS, ISLANDERS AND COYOTES

SPORTSNET: Friedman said the Leafs continue to look for a right-shot defenseman. That’s been their focus for most of this season.

The Dallas Stars have been quietly among the more aggressive teams in the trade market. They’re seeking defense and depth.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello would like to add a more reliable No. 3 goaltender. Of the three they have with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, only one has a save percentage over .900.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday that Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong is once again in sell mode leading up to the trade deadline. The obvious trade candidates are rental players such as defenseman Matt Dumba and Jason Zucker.

Armstrong could get calls on players with a year left on their contracts like goaltender Karel Vejmelka and Nick Bjugstad. LeBrun said the Coyotes GM doesn’t sound motivated about Vejmelka and deflected when asked about Bjugstad.

The Coyotes are already well-stocked with draft picks but Armstrong is willing to accept more via trades. He pointed out that some of those picks will be used as trade currency to add established NHL players.










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 14, 2024

by | Feb 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2024

More info on the Devils’ attempt to acquire Jacob Markstrom, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams denies shopping Casey Mittelstadt, Boone Jenner wants to remain with the Blue Jackets, plus the latest on the Flyers and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REPORT CLAIMS DEVILS AND FLAMES WERE CLOSE TO A DEAL ON MARKSTROM

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cites Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting Calgary Flames management recently approached goaltender Jacob Markstrom about waiving his no-movement clause to accept a trade to the New Jersey Devils.

Seravalli doesn’t think there were any issues on Markstrom’s part about joining the Devils. Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that the two sides were in agreement on a deal that would’ve worked for both sides, with Devils forward Alexander Holtz believed to be part of the return to the Flames.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated the deal fell apart over the issue of the Flames retaining part of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. Seravalli doubts the deal can be revived as the Devils are looking elsewhere for goaltending help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Markstrom were an unrestricted free agent this summer or next perhaps the Flames might’ve been more agreeable to retaining part of his salary cap hit. Having part of his cap hit on their books for the remainder of this season plus the next two wasn’t something they seemed keen to do.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams denied recent speculation claiming he was shopping Casey Mittelstadt.

Appearing Tuesday on “Schopp and the Bulldog”, Adams praised the versatile 25-year-old forward, who leads the Sabres with 43 points this season. He also indicated that he hopes to work toward a contract for Mittelstadt and get him signed.

Mittelstadt is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt’s contract status plus the fact several of his teammates have already signed long-term contracts sparked speculation he could be shopped because the Sabres didn’t want to sign him.

Adams could be tempted if a rival GM made an enticing pitch for Mittelstadt. However, I’m taking him at face value when he says he wants to re-sign him. Bear in mind that Mittelstadt’s RFA status means his rights still belong to the Sabres so Adams is under no pressure to move him by the March 8 trade deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Speaking of the Sabres, Lance Lysowski reports Victor Olofsson is remaining patient while awaiting a trade. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has been the subject of trade speculation this season.

Moving Olofsson could be tricky. His production is down this season, he’s been a frequent healthy scratch and he carries a $4.75 million cap hit.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael DeRosa cited The Fourth Period claiming the Colorado Avalanche have been linked to Olofsson. They need depth at center but DeRosa thinks they could also use more scoring among their bottom six.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres might have to retain half of Olofsson’s cap hit to move him by the March 8 trade deadline. Even that might not fetch much of a return.

JENNER WANTS TO STAY WITH THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has become a wanted man in this season’s trade market. However, the 30-year-old forward made it clear that he doesn’t want to be traded.

Jenner said he wants to be part of the rebuilding roster’s development. He acknowledged there’s a lot of work to be done but believes they can get it done.

A versatile, hardworking forward, Jenner carries an affordable $3.75 million AAV through 2025-26. That contract along with his style of game makes him attractive to playoff contenders. However, Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said it would take an over-the-top offer before he would consider trading his captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner also seems keen to spend his entire NHL career with the Blue Jackets. That might change in a couple of years when he becomes eligible for UFA status if the Jackets haven’t improved by then.

If Kekalainen gets replaced at the end of this season a new GM could have designs on trading Jenner, who carries an eight-team no-trade clause. For now, however, it seems unlikely that he’ll be moved by the March 8 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON SEAN WALKER

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella recently said that his club isn’t shopping defenseman Sean Walker. However, Tortorella thinks they’d be dopes if they didn’t listen to offers, adding they’d move him if it made sense for the organization.

Walker’s been the Flyers most consistent defenseman this season. Moving him would hurt their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ acquisition of Jamie Drysdale has heightened anticipation that Walker could be traded. However, Kurz cited Tortorella saying the 21-year-old Drysdale remains a work in progress.

Kurz noted the Flyers have been carrying eight defensemen. One way to address this would be to trade Rasmus Ristolainen while attempting to re-sign Walker and defense partner Nick Seeler. While Ristolainen is on The Athletic’s trade board, any deal would involve the Flyers retaining part of his $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. Walker, however, is simply more valuable in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decision would be easier for Flyers management if the club was out of playoff contention. However, they’re holding on to third place in the Metropolitan Division. GM Daniel Briere said that wouldn’t affect his decision to make trades for the future but he could be feeling pressure from ownership to keep this group intact for the rest of the season.

I’ll be very surprised if Briere can find a taker for Ristolainen. While his play has improved under Tortorella’s coaching, his cap hit is a significant obstacle in the path to a trade.

UPDATE ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s recent appearance on “Oilers Now” telling Bob Stauffer that Oilers top prospect Philip Broberg could factor into the club’s plans for the trade deadline.

Seravalli wasn’t talking about the Oilers shopping Broberg, who’s spent most of this season with their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Instead, he believes that Brober is now NHL-ready. That could give them the flexibility to move out other players.

Staples speculates blueliner Brett Kulak could be that player. While the Oilers like Kulak, Daily Faceoff pointed out that replacing him with Broberg represents an immediate $2 million in cap savings.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2024

by | Feb 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2024

The Sabres are rumored to be shopping Casey Mittelstadt, speculation over Max Pacioretty’s future, two Canadian clubs could have an interest in Alexandre Carrier, plus the latest on the Flyers and Sharks in the NHL Rumor Mill.

REPORT: SABRES ACTIVELY SHOPPING MITTELSTADT

AFTER THE WHISTLE: Andrew Peters said Friday that he’d heard “from a very reliable source” that Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is “shopping Casey Mittelstadt hard” because he doesn’t want to pay the 25-year-old forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’s in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $2.5 million. The versatile forward enjoyed a 59-point breakout performance last season and currently leads the Sabres in scoring with 42 points in 50 games.

Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt (NHL Images).

Peters’ source didn’t know what Adams’ asking price would be for Mittelstadt but indicated that he’s looking for a goaltender. “They don’t trust the three that they have,” said Peters.

SPORTSNET: On Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mittelstadt’s contract situation. He believes Mittelstadt would not be happy not to get a lucrative new contract when several other teammates did. “If you’re not going to pay him, you almost have to move him.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey cited Peters’ claiming the Sabres are shopping Mittelstadt. He believes the Flyers should pursue him and suggested offering up right-shot defenseman Sean Walker as part of the return.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal also noted Peters’ report about Mittelstadt. He believes the Sabres forward would be a good candidate for the Avalanche’s second-line center position. However, a young forward under team control for a few more years would be expensive to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes last month suggested Mittelstadt could be available if Adams didn’t want to sign him to a long-term extension. He shrugged off the speculation while Adams has not spoken about it.

Mittelstadt will draw plenty of interest in the trade market if Adams is indeed peddling him. Finding a reliable, established starting goaltender, however, won’t be easy as the pickings are slim right now.

Maybe Adams could offer up Mittelstadt to the Calgary Flames for Jacob Markstrom provided the latter would waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo. Perhaps a deal could be made with the Nashville Predators for Juuse Saros provided he’s willing to sign a contract extension on July 1. Anaheim Ducks starter John Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill stretching back to last season but the Sabres could be on his 10-team no-trade list.

COULD THE CAPITALS ATTEMPT TO MOVE PACIORETTY?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun speculated the Washington Capitals could become sellers if they don’t gain ground soon in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their pending unrestricted free agents include Anthony Mantha, Joel Edmundson and Max Pacioretty.

Pacioretty carries a full no-movement clause giving him and his agent complete control over his situation. However, LeBrun believes he could waive it for the right fit and a chance to win the Stanley Cup.

LeBrun thinks Mantha could be difficult to move even with retaining some salary. Edmundson’s playoff pedigree, meanwhile, could make him enticing to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty is on a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million plus another $2 million in performance bonuses. The six-time 30-goal scorer has seven points in 14 games thus far in his comeback with the Capitals.

LATEST FLYERS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek talked about possible trade-deadline moves for the Philadelphia Flyers.

They believe they are contemplating retaining Sean Walker and moving Rasmus Ristolainen. The latter would be easier to trade in the offseason for financial as well as hockey reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen, 29, lacks no-trade protection but carries a $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27. He would be easier to move this summer when teams have more money to absorb that type of cap hit. However, he could still be a difficult sell unless the Flyers are willing to retain some salary.

They also believe Scott Laughton’s time with the Flyers could be drawing to a close. It could happen at the trade deadline or in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton, 29, is a versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing. He carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26 and lacks a no-trade clause. He could attract a fair bit of interest in the trade market.

UPDATE ON THE SHARKS

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting Mikael Granlund might fetch the best return for the San Jose Sharks in the trade market.

Peng noted that the 29-year-old two-way center has bounced back this season with 29 points in 38 games. He carries a $5 million AAV through next season and lacks no-trade protection.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited The Fourth Period recently claiming the Vegas Golden Knights are interested in Anthony Duclair.

The 28-year-old Sharks winger has just 17 points in 46 games this season with San Jose but was a productive middle-six forward for the Florida Panthers during their run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. He’s in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $3 million.

Gaudio’s colleague Max Miller cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there are teams with an interest in Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen. The pending UFA has put up good underlying numbers this season but doesn’t have a resume in high-pressure games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the three, Duclair seems the more likely to move given his cap hit and his performance in last year’s playoffs.

Granlund’s cap hit remains difficult to move unless the Sharks retain part of it. Having used up two of their three salary-retention slots on Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, I doubt they’ll keep any part of Granlund’s cap hit to facilitate a trade.

Kahkonen’s inexperience in playoff action will be an issue for contenders shopping for goaltending depth.

OILERS & CANUCKS COULD BE INTERESTED IN ALEXANDRE CARRIER

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if the Edmonton Oilers might be looking at Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier as a trade option. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Thomas Drance recently mentioned Carrier as a trade target for the Vancouver Canucks.

Gallagher noted that Predators GM Barry Trotz isn’t necessarily shopping Carrier but is willing to listen to trade offers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carrier could be an attractive option for contenders with limited cap space looking for an affordable defenseman. He carries a $2.5 million cap hit, lacks a no-trade clause and is slated to become a UFA this summer.

Gallagher also noted the Predators are trying to move blueliner Tyson Barrie following his trade request back in December.