NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2024

The annual free-agent signing frenzy begins at noon ET today. Check out the latest notable free agent and trade rumors in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believing part of the reason the Tampa Bay Lightning haven’t officially announced their signing of Jake Guentzel is they still have some hope of working something out with Steven Stamkos.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Guentzel could use up half of the Lightning’s cap space. Stamkos would have to accept a major pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay. His agent said he’s heading to market today and it’s doubtful that his situation has changed.

Former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If Stamkos goes to market, Seravalli believes the Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.

Seravalli also reported Tyler Bertuzzi has come to terms with a Western Conference team. It’s expected to be a four-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million.

The Daily Faceoff pundit believes Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to a contract extension. He doesn’t know if the deal will be announced on July 1.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers shouldn’t overreact after Patrick Kane opted to re-sign with the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Unless they can land Steven Stamkos, he doesn’t believe the forwards available in the UFA market would make a difference against a team like the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Brooks acknowledged Jonathan Marchessault’s MVP performance against the Panthers in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. However, he believes the Rangers need a bigger physical forward.

Today is the day Jacob Trouba’s no-movement clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The 31-year-old defenseman’s feelings are hurt over the way the Rangers have handled his situation. However, Brooks believes he shouldn’t stand in the way of the Rangers’ efforts to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings. If he does, the Rangers will trade him somewhere else or place him on waivers.

Mollie Walker also noted the Rangers’ rumored efforts to trade Trouba to Motown. She feels it’s best he returns to the state where he grew up and began playing hockey rather than stay with a team that doesn’t want him.

Walker anticipates the Rangers could be interested in adding a forward via free agency. They could be interested in Stamkos, Bertuzzi or Jake DeBrusk. They could also pursue a defenseman like Nikita Zadorov.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reporting the Rangers are taking family considerations into account in their efforts to move Trouba. They want to ensure the defenseman ends up in a place that’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Trouba trade could come as early as today based on the recent reporting. It would certainly add some extra spice to what will be a busy day for player movement.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: The Bruins could start free agency with a bang by signing former Vancouver Canucks Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. The 29-year-old Lindholm could give the Bruins a reliable two-way center. Zadorov, 29, enjoyed a solid postseason performance on the Canucks blueline, logging over 20 minutes per game and collecting eight points in 13 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was linked to the Bruins for months last season before he was traded to the Canucks. There was talk leading up to the deadline of a three-way trade that would’ve sent him to Boston.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Trade talk has linked the Kraken to Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger has yet to be released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Despite his injury history, he could be a high-upside gamble for the low-scoring Kraken without tying them up in a long-term contract. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets can trade Laine while he’s in the player assistance program. However, it was reported over the weekend that interested clubs want to speak with him first.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators and Shane Pinto aren’t close to a long-term contract extension. They were exploring the option of a short-term deal to try to get something done. Pinto’s agent, Lewis Gross, could be looking for an offer sheet from a rival club but that could be a long shot. His client also lacks arbitration rights because he lacks the accrued seasons necessary to qualify.

The Senators could make a pitch for Jake DeBrusk, Tyler Toffoli or Matt Roy via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted a team that successfully signs Pinto to an offer sheet would have to part with a first-round pick and a third-rounder as compensation if the offer is between $4.57 million and $6.7 million. He also noted on “X” that the Senators would match it.

THE ATHLETIC: The Vancouver Canucks could be shopping for a veteran backup goaltender when free agency begins. They had contract extension discussions last week with Casey DeSmith but it appears he’d headed to market. They’ll also be shopping for a top-six forward, a speedy bottom-six forward and a left-shot defenseman.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

by | Jun 30, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 30, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and more in the Sunday NHL Post-Draft Rumor Roundup.

JAKE GUENTZEL TO THE LIGHTNING TO REPLACE STEVEN STAMKOS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston report league sources claim the Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Jake Guentzel.

The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger is heading to free agency on Monday but the Hurricanes have yet to give up trying to re-sign him. Meanwhile, it appears Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will test the free-agent market.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also cited sources indicating the Lightning could pursue Guentzel should he become available when the free-agent market opens on Monday at noon ET. He also speculated the Hurricanes could trade Guentzel’s signing rights before Monday.

**UPDATE** The Carolina Hurricanes trade Jake Guentzel’s signing rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2025 third-round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel (NHL Images).

Speaking of Stamkos, Friedman believes the Nashville Predators have the best chance of landing him. He also indicated the Lightning pitched a long-term, low-average annual value contract and a shorter one that would’ve made him eligible to sign a one-year, bonus-laden 35-plus contract.

Friedman also said the fact Stamkos had to wait so close to free agency while other teammates were taken care of in advance ruptured the relationship with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning appears to be looking at Guentzel as a replacement for Stamkos. If they couldn’t afford to re-sign their captain, they could struggle to win a bidding war for Guentzel. He could get offers worth over $9 million on the open market.

THE LATEST RANGERS RUMORS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report the New York Rangers could find it difficult to move Jacob Trouba.

Momentum appeared to build toward a trade to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Nothing materialized, and the 31-year-old defenseman may not be inclined to speed the deal along.

Trouba has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. If he waits until Monday to submit his list to Rangers management, he could spike the deal by including the Wings on that list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers trading Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings remains on hold. He wondered if that move would prompt winger Patrick Kane to re-sign with the Red Wings rather than test the UFA market.

The Rangers remain interested in the 35-year-old Kane. However, his camp continues their contract discussions with the Red Wings.

Brooks believes the Rangers would be interested in signing Steven Stamkos but he’s heard the Nashville Predators could be all-in on the Lightning winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes they could also look at Jake Guentzel but the Lightning may have moved to the front of the line.

Ranger goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s representatives are seeking a contract extension that would be worth 14 percent of the Rangers’ cap hit. That would be $12.9 million annually under an expected cap of $92 million for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shestekin holds the leverage here. Brooks observed the Rangers can’t let him simply walk out the door next summer. Losing their starting goaltender would be a big blow to their Stanley Cup hopes.

UPDATE ON PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Columbus Blue Jackets haven’t been told yet if Patrik Laine has been cleared from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

The Jackets can trade the 26-year-old winger while he’s still in the program. However, clubs interested in trading for him have told Jackets management that they want to speak with Laine first.

Laine carries an average annual value of $8.7 million through 2025-26. The longer this situation goes on through the summer, the harder it’ll be to facilitate a trade as cap space evaporates around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline also cited TSN’s Craig Button stumping for the Minnesota Wild to acquire Laine, suggesting he would provide them with an offensive boost.

However, the Wild have limited cap space for 2024-25. GM Bill Guerin has suggested his club might not make any major additions via trades or free agency this summer.

DEVILS INTERESTED IN TWO PENDING UFA DEFENSEMEN

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reported on “X” that the New Jersey Devils are expected to take a run at signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pesce is coming off a six-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dillon completed a four-year deal, spending the last three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources claiming Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was willing to trade goaltender Tristan Jarry and winger Reilly Smith. However, he couldn’t find any takers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players coming off a down season with modified no-trade clauses and $5 million cap hits tend to be difficult to trade.

SENATORS STYMIED IN TRADE EFFORTS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios tried to wheel and deal at the draft but couldn’t find any suitable offers for Jakob Chychrun, Mathieu Joseph, Erik Brannstrom, and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the trade market.

A restricted free agent, Brannstrom could become a UFA if the Senators don’t qualify his rights by 5 pm ET on Sunday. That could happen if he’s unwilling to accept a pay cut. It’ll cost the Senators $2 million to qualify his rights.

Limited salary-cap space could mean the Senators won’t qualify forward Parker Kelly’s rights.

Garrioch expects the Senators could target a defenseman like Brandon Montour or Matt Roy if they hit the open market on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch indicated the Senators only have $11.5 million available. They won’t win a bidding war for Montour. They could have better luck with Roy but that depends on what the market looks like for defensemen after Montour, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce are snapped up.

UPDATE ON YAROSLAV ASKAROV

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report the Nashville Predators will continue to listen to offers for Yaroslav Askarov. However, they’re comfortable keeping him as an understudy for Juuse Saros, whose new eight-year contract should be finalized on Monday.

The Predators also hope to add some scoring and bolster their blueline. They could pursue potential free agents like Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Chandler Stephenson.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

by | Jun 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Steven Stamkos and Martin Necas, the latest on the Red Wings, Jets, Sabres and Rangers, and two notable potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PREDATORS INTERESTED IN STEVEN STAMKOS?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are lining up hoping to talk to Steven Stamkos if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger heads to free agency on July 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

LeBrun said he’s been told the Nashville Predators could be among the clubs with serious interest in Stamkos. General manager Barry Trotz is seeking some offensive pop for his roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ first choice remains staying in Tampa Bay. Discussions with the Lightning are ongoing.

COULD MARTIN NECAS BE TRADED SOON?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported one team has jumped to the front of the line in the Martin Necas trade sweepstakes. That club is offering up a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and could be the team that completes a deal for Necas very soon.

LeBrun believes the Buffalo Sabres are very interested in Necas. It’s getting close to crunch time if a team is going to offer up a 2024 first-rounder. He also indicated the Hurricanes are content to hand onto the 25-year-old restricted free agent if they don’t find a suitable offer.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils could dangle the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Hurricanes for Necas. Seravalli also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and the Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Necas rumors have heated up with the draft fast approaching. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks also hold top-10 picks but they might not be as keen to part with them for Necas.

ARE THE RED WINGS GEARING UP FOR A BIG MOVE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings trading Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in a cost-cutting move freed up $3.4 million annually for the next two seasons. The move also fueled speculation general manager Steve Yzerman is planning a big move.

The move could be to free up a logjam on defense. The Wings have seven blueliners projected to make the roster next season. It could also be to free up additional room to re-sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Yzerman could also be considering a significant addition via the trade and free-agent markets to bolster his goaltending and scoring depth.

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested watching the Red Wings in the Steven Stamkos free-agent sweepstakes. It’s believed they’re among the clubs lining up for the Lightning captain.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Yzerman is looking at adding a goaltender. He thinks the Wings GM has spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. Friedman also wondered if Yzerman might be interested in Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Red Wings remain in contract discussions with pending UFA winger Patrick Kane.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman will do something to address his goaltending and scoring issues. He could make a big move but recent history shows he prefers doing smaller trades and signings, not wanting to tie up too much cap room for too long. We’ll soon see if he has something bigger planned this time.

LATEST ON THE JETS, SENATORS AND RANGERS

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reports the Jets remain likely to trade prospect Rutger McGroarty at any moment and will continue efforts to peddle winger Nikolaj Ehlers. It’s also possible they buy out the final season of defenseman Nate Schmidt’s contract.

There’s plenty of interest in the 20-year-old McGroarty. He could be used as a trade chip for a first-rounder in this year’s draft or a defenseman to bolster their blueline. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens could come calling.

Ehlers could also be used as a trade chip for a blueliner. Billeck suggested offering him to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun or the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators or Kraken could seek assurances that Ehlers will sign a contract extension, assuming they’re interested in him. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $6 million.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios shot down a rumor suggesting defenseman Thomas Chabot is on the trade block. “Not sure where that comes from,” he said. “It hasn’t been talked about once.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That speculation arose because the oft-injured Chabot’s modified no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. Some observers would rather the Senators trade him and use the savings to re-sign Jakob Chychrun.

RANGERS INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH PATRICK KANE

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are looking at a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old winger spent a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23.

JEFF SKINNER AND JACK CAMPBELL COULD BE BOUGHT OUT

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Chad DeDominicus of Expected Buffalo claiming sources told him the Sabres will buy out the final three years of winger Jeff Skinner’s contract. The buyout will save the Sabres over $7.5 million in 2024-25.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer saying the club will likely buy out the remainder of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. A buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers cap for 2024-25, $2.3 million in 2025-26, and $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million annually for the final three seasons.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2024

by | Jun 27, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2024

The latest on Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Linus Ullmark, Rangers front office executive Glen Sather retires, the Canucks trade Ilya Mikheyev to the Blackhawks, rule changes for next season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl played through injuries during the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Draisaitl injured his hand and ribs, leaving the training staff wondering whether he could play. Knoblauch declined to comment on McDavid’s undisclosed injury, saying he didn’t have much information on the injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draisaitl’s performance and production noticeably declined through the final two rounds of the postseason, prompting many observers to suspect he was battling an injury.

It’s speculated McDavid suffered an abdominal injury that might require surgery. We’ll likely learn more about his condition soon, especially if he has to go under the knife.

TSN: Draisaitl talked about a contract extension while speaking with the media on Wednesday. “I’m going to give you the most boring answer here,” he said. “I’m obviously going to sit down with my agents here and talk to the Oilers and see what their plan is, see what our plan is, and go from there.”

Draisaitl has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $8.5 million. He indicated that he wants to take a little time to think about what he wants and what the club wants. “Obviously I love being an Oiler more than anything.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That last line was overlooked by some nervous local observers who remain worried Draisaitl could depart as a free agent next summer. It’s far too early to get into that kind of speculation.

Draisaitl wants to win the Stanley Cup and be paid his true worth on his next contract. He came very close to accomplishing the former and the Oilers will open the vault for the latter. It’ll be surprising if he doesn’t re-sign.

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported last night that the Oilers and Draisaitl appear to be on the same page. The club doesn’t want him to leave and Johnston doesn’t they’ll allow that to happen.

SPORTSNET: A new general manager could handle negotiations for Draisaitl’s next contract. Elliotte Friedman reports multiple sources told him the club won’t renew GM Ken Holland’s contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the end of an era in Edmonton. Holland had his critics but the Oilers never missed the playoffs during his five years as their general manager. That includes two appearances in the Western Conference Final and their recent run to the Stanley Cup Final.

SPORTSNET: Linus Ullmark looks forward to playing with the Ottawa Senators next season. The 30-year-old goaltender was acquired from the Boston Bruins on Monday. He also indicated that the Senators were never on his no-trade list.

Ullmark is entering the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $5 million. He said there’s been no extension talks with the Senators, adding he won’t get involved until his agent tells him there’s something to discuss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark will be in his contract year so he’ll be motivated to have a strong performance in 2024-25. He could find it challenging as the Senators aren’t as strong defensively as the Bruins. General manager Steve Staios will attempt to rectify that issue during the summer.

TSN: Speaking of Staios, he said he won’t be buying out any of his players. The buyout window expires on June 30 at 5 pm ET.

NEW YORK POST: Long-time Rangers front office executive Glen Sather is retiring. He spent 24 years with the Blueshirts, including 19 years as team president and 14 as general manager. Sather spent the past five years as senior advisor to the team owner and alternate governor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sather, 80, spent nearly a half-century as an executive, starting with his successful run with the Edmonton Oilers from 1979-80 to 1999-2000. Before that, he spent 10 seasons as an NHL forward from 1966-67 to 1975-76.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks traded forwards Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty and a 2027 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Canucks will also retain 15 percent of Mikheyev’s $4.75 million annual cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a cost-cutting move by the Canucks. They’re rumored to be interested in signing Carolina Hurricanes winger Jake Guentzel if he heads to the free-agent market on July 1. They could also be clearing space to re-sign pending UFA defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

Meanwhile, the Canucks signed checking-line forward Teddy Blueger to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.8 million.

NHL.COM: The league announced several rule changes starting in 2024-25.

It has expanded the coach’s challenge to allow for a penalty to be taken down if a puck gets knocked out of play.

A defensive team whose goaltender accidentally dislodges the net won’t be allowed a line change on the ensuing play.

The center on offense on a faceoff will receive only one warning for a faceoff violation.

Teams will receive one warning for players sitting on the boards. After that, they will be awarded a bench minor.

TSN: The Utah Hockey Club signed forward Liam O’Brien to a three-year, $3 million contract.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/THE SCORE: The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings unveiled their 1990s throwback jerseys.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL forward Sergei Berezin died on Wednesday in Florida at age 52. Drafted by the Maple Leafs in 1994, Berezin spent seven seasons with the Leafs, Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals from 1996-97 to 2002-03. He had 160 goals and 286 points in 502 regular-season games and 13 goals and 30 points in 52 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Berezin’s family, friends and former teammates.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

by | Jun 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

What next for the Panthers and Oilers following the Stanley Cup Final? Do the Bruins and Senators have any more moves in store? What’s the latest on Predators goalie Juuse Saros? Find out in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS AND OILERS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton observed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have most of their core players under contract for next season. However, Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour head a list of 11 pending unrestricted free agents.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent media speculation suggests the Panthers will sign Reinhart to a long-term deal for slightly less than market value, possibly around $9 million annually. However, their re-signing of Gustav Forsling over Montour earlier this year suggests the latter will be going to market on July 1.

Turning to the Oilers, Ryan S. Clark believes the cap-strapped club will again attempt to round out their roster with players on team-friendly contracts. Warren Foegele, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark are among their seven pending UFAs.

Clark also wondered if they might seek a goalie upgrade. Stuart Skinner played well during the Stanley Cup Final but was shaky earlier in the postseason.

Leon Draisaitl is a year away from UFA eligibility. Clark believes the Oilers will do everything possible to turn its promise into a Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that Oilers management has held preliminary contract extension discussions with the Draisaitl camp. The serious negotiations will soon begin.

The Oilers can afford to retain Foegele, Henrique, or Janmark but not all three. As for Skinner, they’ll stick with him. They could attempt to shed Jack Campbell’s contract via trade or buyout once that window opens Wednesday evening.

ARE THE BRUINS AND SENATORS DONE DEALING FOLLOWING THE ULLMARK TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss analyzed the pros and cons of the Bruins shipping Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators with Joonas Korpisalo heading to Boston as part of the return.

Goss noted Korpisalo was one of the NHL’s worst goalies this season. The Senators retained 25 percent of his annual cap hit but it still works out to $3 million per season with four years remaining on his contract.

The Bruins are likely to carry Korpisalo on their roster for next season. However, Goss speculated they could attempt to flip him this summer to another club by attaching a draft pick or offering to retain part of his cap hit. They could also buy out the remainder of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could attempt to peddle Korpisalo this summer. However, he’s more likely to serve as Jeremy Swayman’s backup next season.

OTTAWA SUN: Tim Baines wondered if Senators general manager Steve Staios will attempt to trade left-shot defenseman Jakob Chychrun and what type of return he might fetch.

Chychrun, 26, had a good season with the Senators in 2023-24. He played all 82 games and netted 41 points. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.6 million and will be expensive to re-sign.

With left-shot blueliners Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson under long-term contracts, the Senators can’t afford to sign Chychrun to an extension. They could carry him on the roster for next season and attempt to move him at the trade deadline but Baines considers that unlikely. They’re also unlikely to trade Chabot and re-sign Chychrun.

Baines noted there’s been rumblings of a pending deal between the Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers. He wonders if Chychrun might be part of it.

Staios could attempt to recoup some of the draft capital used to acquire Chychrun last season. However, Baines believes it best to acquire young players who can bring more immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the musings about this rumored swap between the Flyers and Senators suggest Chychrun will be part of it. The deal could occur before the upcoming NHL Draft, starting on Friday.

UPDATE ON JUUSE SAROS

102.5 THE GAME NASHVILLE: Predators GM Barry Trotz provided an update on contract extension talks with Juuse Saros. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Trotz claimed he’s had good dealings thus far with Saros’ agent, adding they’re hoping to find common ground on a win-win deal. He also confirmed the netminder has reached the stage of his career where he’s earned a no-move clause, something that’s not in his current deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has been open with the media regarding his negotiations with the Saros camp. The netminder has frequently surfaced in trade rumors, with the most recent having the Predators shipping him to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Mitch Marner.

Trotz has swatted aside these rumors. It appears Saros will be staying in Nashville beyond next season.










Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

by | Jun 24, 2024

Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

​The Boston Bruins traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, center Mark Kastelic, and a 2024 first-round pick.

The Senators will also retain 25 percent of Korpisalo’s $4 million annual salary cap hit through 2027-28. The Bruins are receiving the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was speculated that Senators general manager Steve Staios had conversations with teams before the trade deadline that could lay the groundwork for offseason moves. It seems one of those lines of discussion paid off.

It was reported that the Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline by offering up Korpisalo. The Bruins declined because they couldn’t afford Korpisalo’s full cap hit.

The offseason and the rising salary cap changed the equation. The Senators still had to retain part of Korpisalo’s cap hit. However, it’s now easier for the Bruins to take him knowing the salary cap will rise significantly this summer and in the foreseeable future.

Staios wanted to improve the Senators goaltending. He’s picked up a big upgrade by landing the winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy.

Ullmark won’t have the same caliber of defense in front of him in Ottawa as he did in Boston, If he can adjust (and if Staios can upgrade the blueline this summer) the Senators should be in good shape next season.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ullmark agrees to a contract extension with the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Korpisalo struggled in his first season with the Senators. He’ll get a chance for a fresh start with the Bruins. He better be prepared for a backup role as Jeremy Swayman is now the undisputed starter in Boston.

The Bruins also get back the first-round pick they originally traded to the Detroit Red Wings last year in the Tyler Bertuzzi deal. The Wings subsequently shipped that pick to Ottawa last summer in the Alex DeBrincat trade.

Kastelic spent the past three seasons as a checking-line forward for the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of over $821K.