NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2024

by | Feb 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2024

Updates on Chris Tanev, Jake Guentzel, the goalie market, the Flyers, the Blue Jackets, the Rangers’ first-round pick and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thought” column, Elliotte Friedman reported a lot of teams are interested in Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. However, some are non-contenders this season looking to become contenders next season (Ottawa), some have limited cap space or tradeable assets (Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver), and some (like New Jersey) aren’t sure yet if rental players make sense for them this season. Dallas could also be lurking.

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev (NHL Images).

The Maple Leafs want Tanev but the Flames are asking for a first-round pick. The Senators are very interested in the 34-year-old defenseman and could pursue him as a free agent this summer if they don’t land him before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators will try to sign Tanev to a contract extension if they acquire him before the March 8 trade deadline. He thinks the Los Angeles Kings could also be a suitor.

It seems like Tanev is certain to be moved by trade deadline day. However, it could still take some time for that to happen. Many teams have limited cap space and could wait until deadline day to accrue sufficient space to make some moves.

Garrioch also cited a league executive claiming teams looking at Tanev are also looking at Carolina’s Brett Pesce and Arizona’s Matt Dumba. I don’t think Pesce’s available as the Hurricanes are in the thick of the playoff chase. Dumba’s been sidelined for a couple of weeks now with a lower-body injury but could become available if the Coyotes become buyers leading up to the trade deadline.

Regarding the Philadelphia Flyers, Friedman reports they’re trying to lay the groundwork to sign Travis Konecny to a contract extension. It’s believed defenseman Nick Seeler will be re-signed but the recent addition of Jamie Drysdale makes Sean Walker a trade candidate. The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are possible destinations. “Rasmus Ristolainen’s stock is up, but the contract is tricky.” Friedman also noted that Scott Laughton’s ice time is down this season, suggesting a move might be better for everyone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unsurprisingly, the Flyers want to keep Konecny. He’s thrived under head coach John Tortorella…Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reports the Flyers seek a first-round pick for Walker…Ristolainen is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.1 million. Tricky, indeed…Laughton carries an affordable $3 million AAV through 2025-26. He’s also well-liked by his teammates and coaches. They’re in no rush to move him and it could take a significant offer to tempt Flyers management.

Friedman expects teams to call the Columbus Blue Jackets about captain Boone Jenner. However, he’s got a partial no-trade clause and they probably won’t move him unless they get a massive return. Elvis Merzlikins’ availability was well-known before his blow-up last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline shares Friedman’s opinion about Jenner. He speculates defenseman Ivan Provorov could be on the move to free up room on their crowded blueline. Provorov has 23 points in 50 games this season and lacks no-trade protection. He carries an annual salary-cap hit of $6.75 million through 2024-25 but the Los Angeles Kings carry $2.025 million annually as part of the three-team trade that sent him to Columbus from Philadelphia.

The Washington Capitals could hold onto checking-line forward Nic Dowd. They’re looking at moving defenseman Joel Edmundson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I saw some skepticism on social media regarding the possibility of moving Edmundson but I wouldn’t be so dismissive. A general manager desperate to bolster their blueline could take the gamble, recalling his performance with the St. Louis Blues during their 2019 Stanley Cup run and the Montreal Canadiens during the 2021 playoffs.

Friedman believes the Boston Bruins attempted to acquire Elias Lindholm from the Flames before he was traded to the Canucks. He thinks they’ll pursue the 29-year-old center in this summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins lack the tradeable capital necessary to acquire Lindholm. They’ll have the cap space (a projected $27.7 million) this summer to take a run at signing him.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche or Edmonton Oilers could be good trade destinations for Marc-Andre Fleury. However, the 39-year-old goaltender has a full no-movement clause. Nothing happens without his say-so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury reportedly would want “a prominent role” if he were traded. He doesn’t want to be in a position where he’s seeing little action as a backup. We’ll see what happens.

Speaking of goalies, Friedman also mentioned the Flames’ Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar, Montreal’s Jake Allen and Anaheim’s John Gibson. Nothing new that hasn’t already been previously reported.

Friedman also indicated there’s nothing new to report on the status of Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, “just that there’s no panic.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Edmonton Journal’s David Staples cited a Pennsylvania online betting site listing the Oilers as the team most likely to acquire Guentzel. The Oilers have just $2.3 million in projected salary-cap space. Good luck with that. It’s also doubtful they could meet what would be a high asking price from the Penguins for Guentzel.

RANGERS FIRST-ROUND PICK IN PLAY

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks dismissed a recent report from TSN claiming Rangers owner James Dolan forbid Rangers management from trading their first-rounder. Dolan is the owner of Sphere in Las Vegas where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. The TSN report said that the Rangers owner wants his team to be part of the excitement of the opening round.

“The concept is ludicrous,” wrote Brooks “More to the point, it has zero validity.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks would know. Like him or not, he’s well-connected with the Rangers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2024

by | Feb 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2024

What’s next for the Canadiens after trading Sean Monahan to Winnipeg? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Senators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS FOLLOWING THE MONAHAN TRADE?

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels praised Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes for a master class in asset management by trading Sean Monahan on Friday to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2027. This after Hughes obtained a 2025 first-round pick from the Calgary Flames in 2022 to take on Monahan’s contract at a time when his trade value was at its lowest.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes (NHL Images).

The Canadiens now have two first-round picks in the 2024 draft and two in the 2025 draft. They also have four more picks in the second round and five more in the third through 2026.

Engels speculates that Hughes could use some of those first-round picks as trade bait. He traded first-round picks in each of the last two drafts to acquire Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes recently spoke of his club’s need to bolster their scoring depth. He could draw upon his cache of high draft picks to bring in an established young scorer who could help accelerate the club’s rebuilding process. The Canadiens GM could do that before the March 8 trade deadline or during this year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC’s Arpon Basu reported Hughes indicated yesterday that he’s not shopping defenseman David Savard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard is under contract through next season but he had surfaced in the rumor mill as a possible trade candidate. It sounds like Hughes isn’t that keen to move him. Savard brings veteran experience and leadership to the Canadiens’ young defense corps.

LATEST ISLANDERS SPECULATION

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio recently listed three possible trade candidates for the Islanders if they become sellers by the March 8 trade deadline.

Fantucchio listed goaltender Semyon Varlamov, winger Simon Holmstrom and center Brock Nelson as possible trade options, though he considered Nelson unlikely to be moved.

Varlamov, 35, is in the first year of a four-year deal along with a full no-trade clause in the first two years. The 22-year-old Holmstrom is enjoying his best season to date with 12 goals and 18 points.

Nelson, 32, has two years left on his contract and a 16-team no-trade clause but has averaged over 36 goals per season over the last two years and is once again on pace to finish the season as the Isles’ leading goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantucchio goes into greater detail regarding the pros and cons of moving those three.

Of the three, Holmstrom would seem the easiest to move but he won’t fetch a big return. Varlamov’s age and NTC should ensure he remains with the Isles this season.

Nelson would draw plenty of attention and bring the best return but I doubt he’ll be traded unless Isles GM Lou Lamoriello decides it’s time to tear things down and rebuild. I don’t think Lamoriello is at that stage given his recent hiring of Patrick Roy as head coach.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner listed five reasons why the Islanders have placed forward Julien Gauthier on waivers. One of them could be to clear additional salary-cap space for a trade. If Gauthier clears, he’ll be sent to their AHL affiliate and his $785,500 cap hit will be freed up, giving the Isles nearly $5 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the reason, it would mean Lamoriello intends to be a buyer before next month’s trade deadline.

SENATORS SHOPPING THOMSON?

OTTAWA SUN’s Bruce Garrioch reports a league executive told him that he wouldn’t be surprised if Senators defenseman Lassi Thomson is traded to another organization before the March trade deadline.

Full Press Hockey’s Murray Pam cited a report out of Sweden suggesting Thomson could be heading to Swedish club Malmo next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As we say on The Face Off Hockey Show, “All roads lead to Malmo”. (Inside joke. Those who regularly follow the show will get it).

Once a highly-touted prospect, the 23-year-old Thomson has struggled to crack the Senators lineup. He’s appeared in just 18 games with the Senators, spending most of his time since 2020-21 with their AHL affiliate in Belleville.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2024

by | Feb 1, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, reaction to the Flames trading Elias Lindholm to the Canucks, Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantelli sidelined for eight weeks, and the latest on Phil Kessel in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings snapped a four-game winless skid by doubling up the Nashville Predators 4-2, handing the latter their third straight loss. Rookie forward Alex Turcotte had a goal and an assist for his first NHL points while David Rittich kicked out 39 shots for the 23-15-10 Kings as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 56 points. Filip Forsberg and Philip Tomasino replied for the 26-23-2 Predators, who sit two points behind the Kings and remain behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by Shane Pinto lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 upset of the Detroit Red Wings. Pinto finished the night with two points while Joonas Korpisalo stopped 23 shots for the 20-25-2 Senators. Daniel Sprong and Dylan Larkin scored for the Red Wings (26-18-6) as they hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and didn’t return. He’ll be re-evaluated when the club returns to Ottawa.

The Anaheim Ducks got an overtime goal by Frank Vatrano to nip the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Troy Terry had a goal and an assist while John Gibson made 26 saves for the 18-30-2 Ducks. Anthony Duclair and Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied for the 14-32-5 Sharks.

HEADLINES

THE PROVINCE/CALGARY SUN: Pundits are reacting to yesterday’s trade between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks that saw the Flames ship center Elias Lindholm to the Canucks in exchange for winger Andrei Kuzmenko, two defense prospects and two draft picks, including the Canucks’ 2024 first-rounder.

The Province’s Patrick Johnston believes the price wasn’t that steep for the Canucks. He cited Kuzemenko’s struggles this season, considered prospects Joni Jurmo and Hunter Brzustewicz to be long-shots to reach the NHL, and noted the first-rounder will likely be in the high 20s or even in the 30s by the time this season is over.

Johnston also felt this move indicates that Canucks management isn’t fooling around. He considers the acquisition of two-way center Lindholm as “pushing their chips in to win the Stanley Cup.”

Meanwhile, Sun pundit Wes Gilbertson felt the Flames got a “substantial haul” from the Canucks for Lindholm. He called Kuzmenko “an intriguing talent”. However, he acknowledged his inclusion in the deal may have had more to do with making the cap dollars fit in this deal than how he potentially fits into the Flames’ long-term plans.

Brzustewicz currently leads the OHL in assists by a wide margin (61 in 47 games) and sits third in that league’s scoring race. Jurmo is a big blueliner (6’4”, 210 pounds) skating in Finland’s pro league.

Gilbertson also noted the willingness of Flames general manager Craig Conroy to trade one of his favorite players. He also considered this proof that Conroy is serious about rebuilding the roster and will prioritize acquiring future assets in any trade talks regarding pending free agents Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think this is a move the Canucks could afford to make this season. They’re an entertaining club loaded with talent generating excitement among their fans. Bringing in Lindholm indicates confidence by management that this team can stage a deep playoff run.

Yes, there’s a risk that it might not work out and Lindholm departs this summer as a free agent. Nevertheless, they already possess some good young talent on their roster and they didn’t have to part with one of their better prospects such as Jonathan Lekkerimaki or Tom Willander to get Lindholm. If they’re going to take the chance by acquiring a notable potential rental player, this is the season to do it.

As for the Flames, I agree with Gilbertson that Conroy isn’t waffling on what to do with his pending UFAs. If they don’t want to re-sign or are dragging their feet about it, he’s going to move them before March 8 for the best possible returns. Tanev and Hanifin are likely on their way out in the coming weeks.

TSN: Speaking of the Canucks, they signed general manager Patrik Allvin to a multi-year contract extension. This news was announced before they acquired Lindholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hired in January 2022, Allvin’s done a fine job thus far in reversing the Canucks’ fortunes as they currently sit atop the NHL’s overall standings. He’s also been the busiest GM in the trade market since the start of the regular season, making six trades since Oct. 8. Those include the additions of Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Sam Lafferty.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets rookie center Adam Fantilli will miss the next eight weeks after suffering a skate laceration to his left calf muscle. He suffered the injury on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big blow to Fantilli and the struggling Blue Jackets. He sits third among their skaters and fourth among rookie scorers with 27 points in 49 games.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Phil Kessel remains in contact with several NHL teams and is still hopeful of signing with a club this season. The 36-year-old free-agent winger has been skating and trying to remain ready in case a team comes calling. He holds the NHL Ironman record with 1,064 consecutive regular-season games played. Kessel had 36 points in 82 games last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, winning his third Stanley Cup.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2024

by | Jan 31, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 31, 2024

The Rangers could pursue Elias Lindholm while Kaapo Kakko could become trade bait, plus an update on Chris Tanev and the latest on the Canucks and Capitals in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports sources tell him the Rangers have Elias Lindholm at the top of their wish list and had done so before Filip Chytil was ruled out for the rest of the season with a suspected concussion.

Lindholm, 29, is a skilled two-way center slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Brooks noted that he’s not a bruising checking-line forward that would make the Rangers a tougher playoff opponent. However, he would improve the Rangers at five-on-five.

While the Flames could still attempt to re-sign him he could become what Brooks calls the “prize deadline rental property.” The asking price could be a first-round pick along with “at least one legitimate prospect and perhaps a young, NHL-ready player.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

It could take Kaapo Kakko and a first-rounder for the Rangers to land Lindholm. “Or maybe the Flames would prefer Will Cuylle or Brennan Othmann”. The Blueshirts have the cap room to absorb Lindholm’s $4.85 million cap hit but it would leave them little room to address other issues. Brooks believes the Flames’ asking price could increase if the Rangers asked them to retain 40 or 50 percent of Lindholm’s cap hit.

TSN: Darren Dreger reported Kakko is an asset that Rangers general manager Chris Drury could use as trade bait. He said multiple sources claim Drury is taking calls about the 22-year-old winger, who was chosen second overall in the 2019 draft. Dreger speculates Kakko could be used to acquire “a significant piece” leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers ownership and management consider themselves to be Stanley Cup contenders since reaching the 2022 Eastern Conference Final. They went big in last year’s trade deadline by acquiring Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko but were eliminated from the opening round of the 2023 playoffs by their arch-rival, the New Jersey Devils.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Rangers will swing for the fences again this year. They must address their depth at center and have the cap space to do so with Chytil on long-term injury reserve for the rest of the season.

Dangling Kakko as the centerpiece of an offer for Lindholm could give the Rangers the edge in a bidding war. He’s struggled with injuries and consistency in his five NHL seasons but still has the potential to become a reliable top-six forward, especially after last season’s promising 40-point performance. A change of scenery could be just what he needs to reach his potential.

TEAMS LINING UP FOR CHRIS TANEV

TSN: Darren Dreger reports multiple teams are in the mix for Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. Among them are the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Senators would see Tanev as a foundational fit as they would be interested in signing him to a contract extension. Dreger also indicated some of the teams looking at Tanev are non-contenders like the Senators.

Dreger believes it comes down to whether Tanev is chasing the Stanley Cup this year. If he is, it will factor significantly into his decision as to where he wants to go.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch cites league sources claiming as many as 10 teams have reached out to the Flames about Tanev, including the Senators, Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. It’s thought that Leafs general manager (and former Flames GM) Brad Treliving has made acquiring the blueliner a priority.

There aren’t many right-shot defensemen in this year’s trade market which is why Tanev is so coveted this season. Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Brett Pesce is the only other top-end right-shot blueliner available.

It’s believed the Flames asking price for Tanev is at least a first-round pick plus a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A first-rounder plus a prospect seems like a lot to pay for a 34-year-old pending UFA defenseman. However, it wouldn’t be the first time a team has overpaid for such talent leading up to deadline day.

As for Pesce, his name was out there in the rumor mill earlier this season. With the Hurricanes rising in the Eastern Conference standings, I doubt that he’s available now. Like Tanev, he’s slated to become a UFA in July but the Hurricanes could be willing to hang onto him for the rest of the season and deal with his contract situation once the playoffs are over.

COULD THE CANUCKS TRADE ZADOROV?

CHEK-TV’S Rick Dhaliwal reports agent Dan Milstein doesn’t believe rumors that the Vancouver Canucks could trade client Nikita Zadorov at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The basis of that speculation had the Canucks moving Zadorov as a cost-cutting measure to free up cap room to acquire someone like Calgary’s Elias Lindholm or Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel.

Zadorov has struggled at times since joining the Canucks but he plays with a physical style that could prove invaluable in the heat of playoff competition. A more likely trade candidate would be Andrei Kuzmenko, who carries a $5.5 million AAV through next season. However, his declining performance this season could make him tougher to trade.

UPDATE ON THE CAPITALS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammy Silber cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli including Washington Capitals forward Nic Dowd on his list of trade targets. He’s among the league’s best defensive forwards and has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $1.3 million.

Silber expects Dowd will be a trade candidate if the Capitals become sellers at the March 8 trade deadline. So will pending UFA winger Anthony Mantha. Max Pacioretty, Joel Edmundson and Nicolas Aube-Kubel could also draw some interest as could defensemen Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2024

Updates on the Flames, Penguins, Blues, Flyers and Blue Jackets plus the latest on Adam Henrique, Jakob Chychrun, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Arthur Kaliyev in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

NHL NETWORK: Elliotte Friedman provided an update on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Friedman believes there’s “a ton of interest” in Lindholm, listing the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche as possible destinations. He thinks the 28-year-old center will get traded.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal also interviewed Friedman, who told him Lindholm is high on the Canucks’ radar but it could cost them a little more because they’re dealing with the Flames.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie had the Avalanche and Canucks on their list of proposed trade destinations for Lindholm. They also included the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets.

Hanifin will have to decide over the All-Star break as to whether he sees his future in Calgary or somewhere else. At one point, the two sides seemed close to a contract extension but Hanifin changed his mind as the club struggled early in the season. They have reportedly resumed discussions.

There’s a big market for Tanev. The Ottawa Senators have an interest in him but he might not accept a trade this season to a non-contender. Maybe they’ll have a better chance of signing him as a free agent this summer.

As for Markstrom, Friedman said he doesn’t like the trade speculation. He believes that there’s an unwritten agreement between the goalie and Flames management that they won’t ask him about waiving his no-movement clause unless they’ve got an offer too good to pass up or he tells them that he wants to go somewhere. Neither scenario has happened yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Either scenario seems more likely to happen in the offseason given Markstrom’s $6 million AAV. I’m not saying either one will, just pointing out that it’s easier to move expensive contracts during the offseason when clubs have more cap space.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman was asked if the Pittsburgh Penguins might make some big moves to retool their roster for next season. He doesn’t believe they’ll be buyers and that may be playing a role in the contract talks with pending UFA winger Jake Guentzel. They won’t trade their first and second-round picks and top prospects for playoff rentals. The Penguins could attempt to do a “soft rebuild” over the next couple of years.

LATEST ON HENRIQUE

NHL NETWORK: Friedman cited the New York Post’s Larry Brooks saying the Rangers might not want to pay a big price for a center to replace Filip Chytil because they haven’t played well lately.

Friedman acknowledged how well-connected Brooks is regarding the Rangers but he wonders if that’s a bit of a smokescreen. They have the eighth-best winning percentage in the NHL and if goaltender Igor Shesterkin regains his form there’s no reason that they can’t win their division in the playoffs.

The Rangers were seeking a fourth-line center before Chytil was sidelined for the season. Now they could be seeking another center. He believes the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique makes a lot of sense for them and he thinks that could be determined over the next month.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Friedman on his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast speculating that the Devils may have checked into Henrique’s availability. The 33-year-old center began his career with the Devils and spent over seven years with them before being traded to Anaheim during the 2017-18 season.

Nichols noted the Devils need to improve their goaltender and defensive depth and have sufficient centers to offset the indefinite absence of Michael McLeod. However, Henrique would generate more offense and would be stronger in the faceoff circle than anyone the Devils have beyond Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers want Henrique they might have to ask the Ducks to retain part of his cap hit, and that’s going to raise their asking price. The Devils have more cap space than the Rangers and could easily absorb Henrique’s $5.85 million cap hit.

I wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Tom Fitzgerald has looked in his availability. However, I think his focus remains on improving his goaltending and blueline depth.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” episode, Friedman indicated that St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had a lot of his players in the trade market but there wasn’t a lot of interest.

One player who would’ve drawn interest was winger Pavel Buchnevich. However, he doesn’t think Armstrong wants to move the 28-year-old winger, who’s second in team scoring with 39 points in 48 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Blues having climbed into a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, perhaps Armstrong will stand pat and see how the season unfolds.

SHOULD THE BLACKHAWKS KICK TIRES ON KUZMENKO?

SPORTSNET: During the latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman suggested the Chicago Blackhawks should look into acquiring Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko. He felt the Nashville Predators could’ve been a destination but the Blackhawks are struggling to score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko continues to struggle this season following his 74-point campaign in 2022-23. He’s signed through next season with a $5.5 million annual cap hit.

The Blackhawks can easily afford Kuzmenko’s contract. However, he also has a 12-team no-trade clause and might not be keen to join a rebuilding team.

CHYCRUN’S FUTURE IN OTTAWA

NHL NETWORK: Friedman believes Jakob Chychrun’s future with the Senators will come down to what he seeks on his next contract. He has one year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4.6 million and will seek a big raise. That will force management to make some decisions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That decision could be moving Chychrun but that might not take place until the offseason.

KINGS OPEN TO MOVING KALIYEV

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings are willing to trade winger Arthur Kaliyev. He believes they would swap him for a depth forward who plays with a bit of an edge to his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is only 22 and in the final season of his entry-level contract. He could make be an affordable reclamation project for an aging team or a rebuilding club.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE FLYERS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman thinks the Philadelphia Flyers will attempt to sign pending UFA defenseman Nick Seeler to a contract extension and they could take a run at re-signing Travis Konecny, who has a year remaining on his contract.

It seems less likely that they’ll re-sign Sean Walker since their recent addition of Jamie Drysdale. The 30-year-old defenseman has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CHANGES COMING FOR THE BLUE JACKETS?

NHL NETWORK: Friedman noted rookie defenseman David Jiricek’s public frustration with his usage by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This comes at the worst time with the Jackets poised to miss the playoffs again but he thinks Jiricek handled it well by reporting to their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

Friedman believes there could be big changes coming for the club and wondered how high up they could go.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It starts with a new president of hockey operations, a new general manager and a new head coach. This franchise has been mired in mediocrity for years. The fans and players deserve better.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 30, 2024

The Senators rally to defeat the Predators, the three stars of the week are announced, plus updates on Jack Hughes, Tomas Hertl, Adam Fantilli, Jack Quinn and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators overcame a 3-0 deficit to upset the Nashville Predators 4-3 on an overtime goal by Claude Giroux. Second-period goals by Drake Batherson, Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk set the stage for Giroux’s game-winner for the 19-25-2 Senators. Roman Josi and Philip Tomasino each collected two points for the Predators (26-22-2), who’ve dropped four of their last five and sit outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 54 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators and St. Louis Blues have the same number of points but the Blues hold the final wild-card spot with two games in hand. Preds defenseman Alexandre Carrier left this game in the second period with an undisclosed injury and didn’t return.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, and Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk are the NHL’s three stars for the week ending Jan. 28.

ESPN: Greg Wyshynski reports the NHL remains hopeful that New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes can still participate in the NHL All-Star Game and the skills competition this weekend. Hughes, 22, has been sidelined since Jan. 5 with an upper-body injury. The Devils star wants to take part in the All-Star weekend and continues to be evaluated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes should be careful not to push too hard to take part in this weekend. While it means a lot to him to take part in the All-Star Game, aggravating his injury in a meaningless tournament could prolong his absence from the Devils lineup as they try to secure a playoff berth down the stretch.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Sharks center Tomas Hertl wants to know how long it will take the rebuilding club to become competitive and where he fits into their long-term plans. The 30-year-old Hertl has six years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.135 million and a no-movement clause.

From all indications, Sharks general manager Mike Grier is in no hurry to move Hertl, who’s been his struggling club’s best player this season. Nevertheless, Grier has indicated that he would listen if Hertl or team captain Logan Couture reached a point where they wanted to be moved.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hertl decides he doesn’t fit into the Sharks plans his hefty contract will make it difficult to move him during the regular season. That type of trade would likely be an offseason move when clubs have more cap space to work with.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets rookie center Adam Fantilli suffered a lacerated left leg after he was cut by a skate blade during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. He won’t participate in tonight’s road game against the St. Louis Blues and will receive further evaluation when the club returns to Columbus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantilli sits second among Blue Jackets scorers with 27 points and is fourth among this season’s rookie class.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres winger Jack Quinn underwent surgery to repair a lower-body injury suffered on Saturday in a game against the Sharks. He’s expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s another blow for Quinn, whose sophomore season was already shortened by a ruptured Achilles tendon during offseason training. His latest injury isn’t related to that nor was it a knee injury. He has 12 points in 17 games.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues are awaiting the results of an MRI on defenseman Scott Perunovich, who suffered a lower-body injury during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

WINNIPEG SUN: The Minnesota Wild claimed defenseman Declan Chisholm off waivers from the Jets.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Seattle Kraken placed forward Devin Shore on waivers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL forward Zack Kassian’s retirement was a brief one. After hanging up his skates before the start of this season, he’s resumed his playing career by signing a one-year contract with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga.