NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2022

by | Nov 18, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2022

Could the Sharks trade Erik Karlsson this season and could the Senators be a destination? Are the Islanders interested in Canucks captain Bo Horvat? What’s the latest on the Jets, Coyotes and Kings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON

THE SCORE: cited The Athletic’s Corey Masisak reporting Erik Karlsson remains “fully invested” in the San Jose Sharks despite general manager Mike Grier being open to trade offers for the 32-year-old defenseman.

Karlsson indicated he’s putting his focus on helping the Sharks win games. He said he understood Grier’s comments about being open to a trade. The blueliner also indicated the question of a trade would be between himself and Grier. So far, that issue hasn’t come up so he’s not worried about it.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Off to a hot start to this season, Karlsson is garnering plenty of hype in the rumor mill. However, he carries an expensive $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27 while his full no-movement clause gives him complete control over where he plays.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch doubted the Senators will be able to bring back Karlsson this season or anytime soon. While there are reports of the Senators and Sharks discussing the blueliner, his hefty contract would be difficult to absorb.

THE ATHLETIC: Ian Mendes believes Karlsson would waive his NMC to come back to Ottawa, where he still maintains a home and professes to love the city. However, Mendes admits it would be quite complicated to pull off a trade because of his $11.5 million cap hit, putting the chances of such as deal happening at 10 percent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson doesn’t sound like someone who wants to be traded. Perhaps that changes if the Sharks fall out of playoff contention and postseason contenders come calling near the March 3 trade deadline.

Even so, his contract will be tough to trade during the season given the flattened salary cap and the high number of clubs with little or no cap room. If Karlsson is willing to move and the Sharks can drum up sufficient interest, I think that deal takes place in the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to make big trades.

That won’t stop the Karlsson trade speculation. TSN’s Mike Johnson suggested the Detroit Red Wings as a destination citing their cap space as one factor in their favor.

COULD THE ISLANDERS PURSUE BO HORVAT?

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Stefen Rosner believes the time is now for the New York Islanders to pursue a trade for Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat to bring stability to their forward lines. The 27-year-old Canucks captain is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and is off to a blazing start with 14 goals in 17 games.

Rosner believes a package deal for Horvat would depend on whether the Isles could get him signed to a contract extension. He proposed offering up Josh Bailey, prospect William Dufour, plus their first and fourth-round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rosner is merely musing over what it might take the Isles to acquire Horvat. Still, we must remember that Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was reportedly interested in Canucks center J.T. Miller during the first round of the 2022 Draft. The Isles could be a club worth monitoring if they’re in the playoff chase by the trade deadline and looking to add a rental player or a more long-term impact option.

LATEST RUMOR TIDBITS FROM TSN INSIDERS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets will look within their organization for short-term help to replace sidelined forwards Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton and Mason Barron. However, he also expects they’ll consider trade options as well.

Chris Johnston expects trade rumors to pick up once sidelined Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun returns to action next week from offseason wrist surgery. A lot of teams have had discussions with the Coyotes but want to see him play first.

Pierre LeBrun indicates the Los Angeles Kings are a club that teams in need of blueline depth will be monitoring. They currently have four right-shot defensemen and have two promising rearguards in Brian Clark and Jordan Spence within their system.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2022

by | Nov 17, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2022

Could the Senators attempt to bring back Erik Karlsson or are there better trade options for them with the Canadiens or Penguins? Should the Leafs target Karlsson or are there better alternatives to address their defense? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE SENATORS TRY TO REACQUIRE ERIK KARLSSON?

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Sharks may have had conversations with the Ottawa Senators regarding Erik Karlsson. In 2018, the Senators traded Karlsson to the Sharks, who signed him to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.5 million.

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson has never lost his affection for the city of Ottawa and he and his family still maintain a home there. With the 32-year-old defenseman enjoying the best start of his career, Sharks general manager Mike Grier earlier this week indicated he was willing to entertain offers for the blueliner.

Peng points out that trading Karlsson will be difficult given how few teams can afford his contract, which also contains a full no-movement clause. He also noted that Friedman doubted the Senators could afford to do so even if the Sharks agreed to retain 50 percent of Karlsson’s cap hit. That’s because they still want to re-sign winger Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Artem Zub.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier’s comments combined with Senators GM Pierre Dorion telling reporters he’s still actively shopping for a defenseman prompted some folks to suggest a reunion with Karlsson. If the Sens had more long-term cap space perhaps there would be a possibility, assuming that Karlsson would waive his NMC to return to Ottawa.

The Senators have $21.7 million of cap space for 2023-24 if the cap only rises by $1 million as originally projected with just 10 players under contract. DeBrincat, Zub and Shane Pinto will eat up a big chunk of that cap room as well as pending UFA goaltender Cam Talbot if they attempt to re-sign him. If not, replacing Talbot could also prove to be expensive.

There is also the question of the Sharks’ asking price. They’re not going to just give Karlsson away, especially if they have to retain a portion of his cap hit to facilitate a trade. They’ll want a decent return, perhaps in the form of a package containing a first-round pick, a high-end prospect and a promising young player like Pinto or Jake Sanderson. And if it becomes a three-team trade to spread the cap hit around, that third team will also want a sweetener.

ARE THERE OTHER BLUELINE TRADE OPTIONS FOR THE SENATORS?

TVA SPORTS: Louis Jean wondered why the Senators didn’t attempt to sign David Savard in 2021 when he became an unrestricted free agent. He felt the 32-year-old rearguard would’ve been a perfect complement for Thomas Chabot.

Savard is currently signed with the Montreal Canadiens through 2024-25 with an AAV of $3.5 million. Jean wondered if Dorion might put in a call to Habs GM Kent Hughes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, I suppose, but I don’t see that call taking place. If Dorion wasn’t interested in Savard in 2021, he’s probably not interested now.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently wondered if the Penguins and Senators could become trade partners. In addition to needing defensemen, the Senators could use some help at center with Josh Norris sidelined until at least January with a shoulder injury.

Kingerski suggested Brian Dumoulin and Jeff Carter as short-term options for the Senators since both are slated to become UFAs next summer. Other options could include center Teddy Blueger and defensemen such as Mark Friedman or Ty Smith.

In return, Kingerski suggested the Senators part with Alex Formenton. The Sens have until Dec. 1 to sign the RFA winger or he’ll become ineligible to play in the NHL this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators could be on Dumoulin’s 10-team no-trade list and I don’t see Carter agreeing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Ottawa. If Dorion were interested in the Penguins’ defensemen I believe he’d prefer Marcus Pettersson or Pierre-Olivier Joseph than Friedman or Smith.

LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos proposed a way for the Maple Leafs to acquire Erik Karlsson. “Could the Leafs get the Sharks to take (Jake) Muzzin’s contract back, retain salary, and build a deal around top prospect Matthews Knies?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Why would the Sharks want Muzzin’s contract? He’s earning a $5.6 million AAV through 2024-25 with a full no-trade clause this season. They could agree to that if the Leafs are taking Karlsson’s full cap hit through 2026-27 off their books, assuming Muzzin agrees to be shipped to the Sharks.

I’m assuming the “retain salary” bit refers to the Sharks’ absorbing part of Karlsson’s $11.5 million AAV. However, if they’re taking on Muzzin’s contract, why would they retain any part of Karlsson’s cap hit? Sorry, I don’t see that happening.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli lists six trade options for the Leafs to replace Muzzin by using his placement on long-term injured reserve to acquire a defenseman.

The Anaheim Ducks’ John Klingberg tops Seravalli’s list, followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Vladislav Gavrikov and the Los Angeles Kings’ Matt Roy. The Seattle Kraken’s Carson Soucy and the Washington Capitals’ Nick Jensen or Dmitry Orlov round out the list. He also suggested keeping an eye on the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those defensemen likely won’t be available until close to the March 3 trade deadline.

Klingberg isn’t a shutdown blueliner like Muzzin so I don’t see him as a good fit for the Leafs. Gavrikov could be a better option but I think the Jackets intend to re-sign him.

Seravalli points out the Kings have a surplus of defensemen and Roy has another year on his contract. However, they could be reluctant to part with him given his adaptability and ability to play big minutes. Seravalli also admitted Soucy might not be available yet given the Kraken have exceeded expectations thus far this season. I agree that he could be an intriguing option if the Kraken are out of playoff contention by March and looking to sell.

The Capitals could go into sell mode if they’re out of a playoff berth before the March trade deadline. However, I see them improving as their injury-ravaged roster gets healthier, which could put Jensen or Orlov out of reach. As for Dumba, his status could depend on where the Wild are in the standings as March approaches.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 17, 2022

by | Nov 17, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 17, 2022

Recaps of Wednesday’s games plus the latest on Marc-Andre Fleury, Patrick Laine and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: A hat trick by Trevor Moore powered the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Viktor Arvidsson collected three assists as the Kings improved to 11-7-1 (23 points), sitting just three points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference standings. Zach Hyman replied for the Oilers as they drop to 9-8-0.

Los Angeles Kings forward Trevor Moore (NHL Images).

The St. Louis Blues picked up their fourth straight win by dropping the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and an assist while Jordan Binnington made 25 saves for the 7-8-0 Blues while Andreas Athanasiou scored both goals for the 6-7-3 Blackhawks.

Ottawa Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg kicked out 29 shots in a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres (7-10-0), handing the latter their seventh straight loss. Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson each had two points for the Senators as they improved to 6-9-1. Sabres goalie Eric Comrie left this game in the second period following a collision with Senators forward Mathieu Joseph.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s looking like the same old story for the Sabres. They get off to a promising start to the season and then collapse as the schedule rolls along. This will turn into another lost season unless they reverse this skid soon.

HEADLINES

TWINCITIES.COM: Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been sidelined by an upper-body injury. For now, there’s no timeline as to when he’ll return to action.

ESPN.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets moved winger Patrik Laine (ankle sprain) to injured reserve.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Carolina Hurricanes will be without winger Teuvo Teravainen, goaltender Frederik Andersen and winger Ondrej Kase for a while. All three are currently sidelined and on injured reserve. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said they’re not close to returning to action.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will feel the absence of Teravainen and Andersen. Both are among their core players.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets winger Mason Appleton will be out for eight-to-12 weeks with a wrist injury.

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins have activated goaltender Jeremy Swayman off IR and assigned Keith Kinkaid to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin examines the reasons behind the growing number of goaltenders getting injured and what can be done to address the issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin looks at several good reasons behind the goalie injuries. I believe the main culprit is the butterfly style used by all netminders nowadays. It places tremendous wear and tear on a goaltender’s knees, hips, and groin which can eventually lead to nagging injuries that can shorten a career.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looks at the decline of the stand-alone slap shot as the NHL’s signature scoring weapon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shinzawa isn’t referring to the one-timer, which he points out remains an effective scoring weapon. He’s talking mainly about a player receiving a pass, then winding up and firing the puck.

I think the main reason is the increased pace of the game and the rise in shot blocking have made the stand-alone slapper a less effective tool. It will never fully go away but it’s not as reliable for scoring as it once was.

OTTAWA SUN: Sources report Michael Andlauer, the owner of the Ontario Hockey League’s Hamilton Bulldogs, is teaming up with Rocco Tullio (owners of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals) in an attempt to purchase the Senators.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2022

by | Nov 16, 2022

NHL Rumor Mill – November 16, 2022

The Sharks are willing to entertain offers for Erik Karlsson plus the latest on the Senators’ efforts to find a defenseman in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SHARKS WILLING TO LISTEN TO KARLSSON TRADE OFFERS

NHL.COM: Nicholas J. Cotsonika reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he’s willing to listen to trade offers for Erik Karlsson. However, he indicated he would discuss any potential deal with the 32-year-old defenseman, who holds a full no-movement clause.

“He’s got the trade protection and (has control over) what he wants to do, “ Grier told Cotsonika. “I know right now he’s happy. His family’s happy here. And we’re thrilled with how he’s playing.”

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

Karlsson is off to a strong start to this season. He leads all NHL defensemen with 10 goals and 24 points in 18 games. Grier praised him as one of the three best offensive blueliners in the league, singling out his preparation, practice and play. Nevertheless, the Sharks GM didn’t rule out a trade if something came up down the road.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng pointed out Karlsson’s contract will make him difficult to move. In addition to his full no-movement clause, he’s carrying an average annual value of $11.5 million through 2026-27. Peng wondered whether the Sharks would be willing to retain a portion of that cap hit and how much, as well as what circumstances would make Karlsson waive his NMC.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun shared Peng’s viewpoint and also wondered how much of Karlsson’s cap hit the Sharks would be willing to absorb.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Grier’s comments sounded like nobody is pressing for a trade here. Nevertheless, if a team approached the Sharks GM about Karlsson he would at least be open to that conversation. Johnston suggested that might be worth watching closely near the March 3 trade deadline.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman pointed out Grier already shipped out one expensive defenseman in Brent Burns by shipping him in July to the Carolina Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grier’s comments were bound to cause a stir in the rumor mill. Karlsson’s impressive performance this season already prompted some media musings about whether he’d get shopped this season.

We can’t rule anything out but it’s not going to be easy to make that move. Karlsson has to agree to waive his NMC and so far there’s no indication he wants out of San Jose. That could change if the club is on pace to miss the playoffs and Grier tells him they’re going to rebuild.

If Karlsson agrees to get traded, it will also depend on whether the Sharks retain part of his cap hit and how much of it they’re willing to absorb. They did retain 33 percent ($2.72 million) of Burns’ $8 million cap hit. However, they’re only carrying that dead cap space through 2024-25.

Any amount they retain up to 50 percent ($5.75 million) of Karlsson’s cap hit will be two years beyond ’24-’25. I daresay interested clubs will want the Sharks to retain half.

It could prove difficult to move Karlsson during the season. Such a deal might have to wait until the offseason when teams have more cap space and tradeable assets to work with.

THE SENATORS ACTIVELY SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

NHL.COM: Shawn P. Roarke reports Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said he’s “very active” looking to see what’s available in the trade market to help his club. They’ve short two defensemen with Thomas Chabot and Artem Zub currently sidelined by injuries.

“I think we’re just going to keep looking,” said Dorion. “If we can add externally, we’ll look at that.” He also joked that he was among the most popular people at the recent general managers’ meeting.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is set to make his season debut on Nov. 21 after being sidelined by offseason wrist surgery.

He indicates the Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings are among the clubs believed to have had talks with the Coyotes. The asking price is high, said to start with two first-round picks and a high-end prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If there was a reasonable deal for a decent defenseman to be had, I think Dorion would’ve made it by now. As for Chychrun, I doubt the Coyotes will start getting any serious offers until he’s had several games under his belt without any lingering effects from his wrist surgery. Whether the Senators will be among the bidders remains to be seen.

And no, the Senators aren’t going to make a bid for Karlsson. His age, cap hit and asking price rule that out plus I don’t think he’ll have a hankering to return to Ottawa. If he waives his NMC, it’ll likely be to join a legitimate playoff contender.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2022

by | Nov 16, 2022

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2022

The Leafs’ John Tavares tallies his 400th career goal, the Devils extend their win streak to 10 games, the latest on the sale of the Senators, the Hurricanes owner is sued for $184 million, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares tallied his 400th career NHL goal in a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Murray made 35 saves in his first game for the Leafs (9-5-3) since being sidelined following their season-opener on Oct. 12 while Michael Bunting scored twice. Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell scored for the Penguins as they fell to 6-7-3.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forward Teddy Blueger was activated off injured reserve for this game.

The New Jersey Devils extended their winning streak to 10 games by downing the Montreal Canadiens 5-1. Jack Hughes led the way with two goals and an assist while Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves for the win as their record rose to 13-3-0. Evgenii Dadonov scored his first of the season for the 8-7-1 Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens announced before the game that Jonathan Drouin would miss four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury while Joel Armia is also out with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Canadiens executive VP Jeff Gorton revealed they’re laying the groundwork on a contract extension for winger Cole Caufield.

An overtime goal by Alex Killorn lifted the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars. Killorn also collected two assists for the Lightning (9-6-1) while teammate Steven Stamkos picked up his 500th career assist. Joe Pavelski, Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen each had two points for the 9-5-2 Stars.

Back-to-back third-period goals by Carter Verhaeghe gave the Florida Panthers a 5-2 victory against the Washington Capitals. The Panthers improved to 9-6-1 as Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 41 shots while Matthew Tkachuk collected three assists and Aleksander Barkov had a three-point night. John Carlson had two points for the Capitals (7-9-2) as they’ve lost seven of their last nine games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette returned behind the bench after being sidelined by a bout with COVID-19.

Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene collected his 700th career assist and scored the game-winning goal as his club held off the Minnesota Wild 2-1. Juuse Saros kicked out 32 shots for the Predators (7-8-1) while Frederick Gaudreau scored for the 7-7-2 Wild.

The San Jose Sharks (6-9-3) picked up their third straight win with four unanswered third-period goals to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2. Logan Couture, Erik Karlsson and Alexander Barabanov each had two points for the Sharks. Jack Eichel scored for the Golden Knights (13-4-0) to reach his 400th career point.

An overtime goal by Vladislav Gavrikov gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Boone Jenner scored twice for the Jackets as they move to a record of 5-9-1. Travis Konecny, Kevin Hayes and Noah Cates each had two points for the 7-6-3 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The injuries continue to mount for the banged-up Blue Jackets. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins left the game in the second period with an injured left leg while defenseman Jake Bean left with an undisclosed injury later in the period. Earlier in the day, the Flyers announced winger Wade Allison will miss at least three weeks with an oblique strain and a hip pointer.

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat had a goal and two assists as his club hung on to beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-4. Jeff Skinner tallied twice for the 7-9-3 Sabres, who’ve now dropped six straight games. The Canucks improved their record to 5-9-3.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Canucks announced center Jack Studnicka was being placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, the Sabres welcomed back defenseman Henri Jokiharju off injured reserve after missing 11 games with a facial fracture.

The Anaheim Ducks nipped the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on an overtime goal by Ryan Strome. Trevor Zegras and Cam Fowler each collected two assists while John Gibson made 31 saves for the Ducks (5-10-1). Rookie Jonatan Berggren tallied his first career NHL goal for the 7-5-4 Red Wings.

HEADLINES

OTTAWA SUN: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicated there’s been “a fair level of interest” in the Senators since the club was put up for sale by its current ownership. He said several groups have come forward expressing interest in buying the franchise.

A condition of the purchase is the Senators must remain in Ottawa. Daly didn’t give a timeline for the completion of the sale but cautioned it wouldn’t be quick.

Sources told the Sun that Toronto-based businessman Paul Rivett is trying to put together a wealthy group of investors to buy the club. Meanwhile, Andre Desmarais of Montreal-based Power Corp is teaming up with former Pittsburgh Penguins minority owners Jeffrey and Michael Kimel to partner on a deal to purchase the Senators and build a new arena.

Other potential buyers could include Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer, who owns the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. Oshawa Generals owner Rocco Tullio could also be in the mix.

THE ATHLETIC: Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is being sued for at least $184 million by the Alliance for American Football. The suit alleges Dundon tanked the startup when there were financial alternatives. Dundon, meanwhile, is suing the AAF’s founder, Charlie Ebersol, for $70 million alleging he was misled over the financial start of the AAF.

DAILY FACEOFF: The NHL’s bi-annual general managers’ meetings discussed whether to ask the NHL Players’ Association about making the wearing of cut-resistant gear mandatory. This comes days after Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane suffered a gruesome wrist injury when he was accidentally slashed by the skate blade of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat Maroon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league cannot unilaterally impose that ruling on the players. As per the collective bargaining agreement, they need the PA’s concurrence.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins have hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct an independent review of their player-vetting process. This comes following the club’s ill-advised signing of Mitchell Miller to an entry-level contract. They’re now attempting to get out of that deal after learning of Mitchell’s bullying and physical assault of a disabled Black classmate as a teenager.

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators forward Mathieu Joseph was fined $5,000.00 for high-sticking New York Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho on Monday.










Who Will Be Canada’s Team In The 2022-23 NHL Season?

by | Nov 13, 2022

Who Will Be Canada’s Team In The 2022-23 NHL Season?

We’re now over a month into the 2022-23 NHL season. As usual, I’m continuing my annual autumn tradition of examining each Canadian NHL team to determine which one has the best shot of ending the country’s nearly 30-year Stanley Cup drought.

Each team is listed here in alphabetical order, noting their general strengths and weaknesses.

I’ll summarize by selecting the one I believe could go all the way this season.

CALGARY FLAMES

Strengths: The Flames are coached by no-nonsense two-time Stanley Cup champion Darryl Sutter. They possess a Vezina Trophy finalist in goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Replaced departed forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk with Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri. They have a solid defense corps featuring Noah Hanifin, Rasmus Andersson and offseason acquisition MacKenzie Weegar.

Weaknesses: Huberdeau and Weegar are still adjusting to their new team and haven’t yet played up to expectations. The loss of 40-goal scorers Gaudreau and Tkachuk will still take a toll on their offense. Markstrom’s performance can get streaky. Their blueline has been whacked by injuries.

EDMONTON OILERS

Strengths: Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are elite scorers in their prime. They’re well-complemented by sniper Evander Kane, the hard-working Zach Hyman and the versatile Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. They gained invaluable playoff experience by reaching the 2022 Western Conference Final.

Weaknesses: Offseason addition Jack Campbell has done little thus far to address their goaltending concerns. They have a decent first-pairing defense in Darnell Nurse and Tyson Barrie but not much beyond them unless Evan Bouchard steps up. The secondary scoring depth still drops sharply beyond McDavid and Draisaitl.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

Strengths: The Canadiens have a promising top line of young guns Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach. They’re getting better-than-expected goaltending from Jake Allen and Sam Montembeault. Kaiden Guhle and Jordan Harris show potential as top-four defensemen. Head coach Martin St. Louis is doing a fine job getting the most out of this roster.

Weaknesses: They’re still a rebuilding club and those promising kids are still on a learning curve. While they’re off to a better-than-expected start to this season, they still have glaring defensive issues. There’s not much reliable scoring punch beyond their first line. They’re still a long shot to reach the playoffs.

OTTAWA SENATORS

Strengths: The Senators have a talented core of young talent led by Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. They augmented this group by adding skilled veterans like Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat. Acquiring Cam Talbot gives them a more reliable starting goalie. Jake Sanderson shows potential as a top-four defenseman.

Weaknesses: They’re having trouble playing up to the hype generated by their off-season acquisitions. The Senators are lacking experienced depth on their blueline and checking lines. They also need a reliable backup for Talbot.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Strengths: Led by superstar forwards Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares, the Toronto Maple Leafs possess two lethal scoring lines. Their blueline is getting a welcome boost in Timothy Liljegren rejoining Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie.

Weaknesses: It’s the same old story: goaltending and defensive depth. Oft-injured offseason pickup Matt Murray has been limited to one game between the pipes. The absence of sidelined defenseman Jake Muzzin is a concern while aging rearguard Mark Giordano seems to have lost a step.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Strengths: The Canucks possess plenty of scoring talent in J.T. Miller, Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Thatcher Demko has shown in the past that he has the ability to be among the league’s best goalies. They have the capability to overcome a poor start to a season.

Weaknesses: Their defensive game is terrible, leading to blown leads in several games thus far. There isn’t much reliable talent on their blueline beyond Quinn Hughes. Demko’s been struggling this season and cannot offset his teammates’ poor play in their own zone.

WINNIPEG JETS

Strengths: These Jets have lots of firepower with Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Blake Wheeler, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nikolaj Ehlers. Rookie Cole Perfetti is showing promise as a top-six winger. Former Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck remains a workhorse between the pipes.

Weaknesses: Their core players have a tendency to be inconsistent and at times they have underachieved. Once a strength, the depth of their defense corps in recent years has been questionable. That’s made Hellebuyck one of the most overworked goalies in the league.

ANALYSIS

Frankly, I don’t see any of this season’s Canadian teams possessing sufficient depth necessary to end the country’s Cup drought. Nevertheless, I’ll hazard a guess and give the nod to the Oilers as having the best chance of winning hockey’s ultimate prize.

McDavid and Draisaitl demonstrated last season that they can carry a team on a deep playoff run. That’s something the core players on the other clubs have yet to do.