NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 26, 2024

What’s the latest on Igor Shesterkin? Could the Canadiens trade Arber Xhekaj? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON SHESTERKIN

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer believes New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s value keeps rising every time he takes to the ice. He cites a source suggesting the 28-year-old former Vezina Trophy winner will get whatever he wants on his next contract, perhaps as much as $12.5 million.

Shesterkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July and intends to become the NHL’s highest-paid goalie. He reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88-million offer by the Rangers.

It’s believed Shesterkin seeks 13 to 15 percent of the Rangers’ salary cap, putting him in line with other top NHL stars.

Biringer’s source believes if Shesterkin gets $12 million annually with the cap rising next season to $92 million, it’ll be in the same range as when Henrik Lundqvist signed his contract with the Rangers for $8.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lundqvist signed that contract extension in December 2013 effective July 1, 2014. The salary cap for 2014-15 (the first season of his deal) was $69 million, meaning he earned 12.4 percent of the Rangers’ cap for that season.

The Rangers’ reported offer of $11 million to Shesterkin is roughly 12 percent of the projected $92 million cap for 2025-26. Suppose he’s asking for $12 million, that’s shy of 13 percent. $12.5 million would be just over $13.6 percent.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (NHL Images).

Starting next season, Shesterkin will be the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender at his price. He’ll get it from the Rangers or another team via free agency.

COULD THE CANADIENS TRADE XHEKAJ?

TVA SPORTS: On Oct. 22, Jean-Charles Lajoie speculated Arber Xhekaj might not fit into the Montreal Canadiens’ medium-term plans.

Following a poor start to this season, the popular 23-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch for the Habs’ last two games. Lajoie suggested the rugged rearguard could become the odd man out on their blueline given the promising youngsters within their system.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan observed Xhekaj is on a short leash with head coach Martin St. Louis, who expects more consistency and alertness from the big defenseman.

Cowan cited former Canadien Georges Laraque saying he wouldn’t be surprised if the Habs traded Xhekaj. “There are teams interested in his services and if they get him he won’t be coming out of the lineup like he does in Montreal,” said Laraque.

According to Cowan, the Ottawa Senators would be among the clubs interested in Xhekaj if he becomes available in the trade market. Senators owner Michael Andlauer loved the rugged blueliner after he helped lead the Hamilton Bulldogs to the 2022 OHL championship. Andlauer still owns the Bulldogs, who moved to Brantford last season.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont believes trading Xhekaj would make the Canadiens worse, citing his solid underlying number, the emotion he brings to the game and his willingness to defend his teammates.

Nevertheless, Dumont believes Xhekaj would fetch a solid asset for the Canadiens. Like Laraque, he thinks many clubs around the league would be interested in him and give him a permanent roster spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ disappointing 2-4-1 record is largely behind the Xhekaj speculation. It took off after TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Thursday that his sources claim Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is calling around in search of a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

LeBrun never mentioned Xhekaj in his report. He also indicated that nothing’s imminent and Hughes is conducting due diligence. He also pointed out that there’s not much happening in the trade market this early in the season.

The Canadiens love those qualities Dumont alluded to about Xhekaj. However, they want him to play a more disciplined game instead of taking costly penalties. As St. Louis said, he’s not a rookie anymore. He’s in his third season and they want to see improvement in his play.

Hughes could be laying the groundwork for a trade later in the season. Xhekaj could be a trade candidate if he fails to improve.

It’s worth remembering that Hughes doesn’t make quick, panicky deals. If he moves Xhekaj, he’ll wait until he gets what he wants. For now, it’s talk that could fade away if Xhekaj improves. It’s also Montreal, where nervous fans have long memories of little-used players getting traded for peanuts and going on to become stars with other teams.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, the possibility of the Jets adding to the roster this season, the Oilers linked to some UFA defensemen, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was asked by a reader if New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin will go to free agency next summer.

Johnston believes the path to a deal remains open between Shesterkin and the Rangers. The latter isn’t in a place yet to make him their highest-paid player but they are willing to make him the league’s highest-paid goalie. He considers it “incredibly likely” that the two sides will find common ground.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers don’t re-sign Shesterkin they should start rebuilding their roster. There’s no one within their system or the trade and free agent markets to replace him. Team owner James Dolan wants to win the Stanley Cup and that’s only possible if Shesterkin is between the pipes.

The Rangers will make Shesterkin the NHL’s highest-paid goalie. It’s just a matter of when and how much.

Another reader asked Johnston if he sees the Winnipeg Jets adding a center or defenseman by the March 7 trade deadline. He replied that he wouldn’t be surprised if they boosted their depth at center.

Johnston also noted the Jets have to decide what to do about Nikolaj Ehlers. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. So far, the two sides appear comfortable playing this out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets’ plans for the trade deadline and Ehler’s future depends on their place in the standings by March 7 and how well Ehlers is playing by that point. Right now, it’s too early to tell.

Johnston and colleague Pierre LeBrun also reported the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to a pair of UFA defensemen.

They indicated the Oilers are believed to be among the teams to have spoken with Kevin Shattenkirk. They also included the Oilers among “appealing possibilities” for Mark Giordano.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins noted the talk linking the Oilers to Shattenkirk but criticized his skating and decline in his play. Leavins believes former Oiler Justin Schultz might be a better option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could consider an affordable veteran addition to their blueline if they continue to stumble as they’ve done through their first three games. However, aging veterans like Giordano, Shattenkirk and Schultz won’t improve their need for a fleet-footed, defensively-responsible rearguard.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if Steve Yzerman might put in a call for Joel Quenneville to replace head coach Derek Lalonde if the Detroit Red Wings get off to a sputtering start to this season. He also suggested a projected contender might turn to Quenneville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quenneville was banned from coaching in the NHL following revelations in 2021 that he played a role in mishandling sexual assault allegations from player Kyle Beach against the Chicago Blackhawks’ video coach during the club’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman lifted the ban in July.

Hiring Quenneville would be a controversial decision. Nevertheless, the door was opened this summer when the Edmonton Oilers hired Stan Bowman as general manager. Bowman was Blackhawks GM at the time that Beach made his allegations and played a significant role in how the front office mishandled that situation. Bettman also lifted his ban in July.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 13, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 13, 2024

Check out the latest on the Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin and the Leafs’ Timothy Liljegren plus a look at the Kraken’s goaltending future in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST SHESTERKIN SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the start of this season was seen as a soft deadline for the New York Rangers to reach an agreement on a new contract with Igor Shesterkin.

The 28-year-old goaltender can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. He reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer last week from the Rangers.

Friedman indicates the Rangers believe they can still get Shesterkin under contract during this season if they can reach a number that will make the goaltender happy. He noted that Shesterkin has positioned himself as the Rangers’ best and most important player.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

It’s near-certain that Shesterkin will not only become the highest-paid Ranger but also the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin is said to be seeking an average annual value of $12 million on an eight-year contract. The offer he rejected offer had an AAV of $11 million. Perhaps there’s a number in between that both sides can agree on.

Some fans don’t believe Shesterkin (or any goaltender) is worth that much. As Friedman pointed out, he’s well-positioned to seek that amount.

The Rangers need Shesterskin if they want to keep their Stanley Cup window open beyond this season. No one in their system can wrest the starter’s job away from him nor are there any viable alternatives in this season’s trade market and next summer’s free-agent market.

If the Rangers don’t sign Shesterkin they should start rebuilding their roster, replacing veterans like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad with promising youngsters. That also means finding a future starting goaltender.

UPDATE ON LILJEGREN

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reports Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is working the phones trying to trade Timothy Liljegren and his $3 million AAV. However, he believes if it were easy to trade a third-pairing defenseman with a second-pair salary, it would’ve happened by now.

Fox noted there isn’t any urgency to move Liljegren but there could be soon. The Leafs are maxed out in NHL contracts and salary-cap space. Players on long-term injury reserve like Jani Hakanpaa, Calle Jarnkrok and Connor Dewar will eventually return to the lineup. If another Leaf gets injured, that will delay the pressure to trade Liljegren.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox doesn’t see Liljegren having a long-term future in Toronto. He speculates that a rival club with a banged-up blueline could come calling at some point.

Liljegren must see some playing time and improve his performance to generate interest from rival clubs. Even then, the Leafs might have to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE IN GOAL FOR THE KRAKEN?

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte believes the Kraken’s goaltending future got interesting after they signed Joey Daccord last week to a five-year contract extension. The 28-year-old netminder will earn an AAV of $5 million starting next season.

The Kraken is also paying Philipp Grubauer $5.9 million annually through 2026-27. They’re investing a lot in two goaltenders.

Shefte cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting a possible buyout for Grubauer if Kraken management wished to go that route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken could prefer trading Grubauer at some point. However, that could mean adding a sweetener like a quality draft pick or young player in the deal or retaining part of his average annual value.

A buyout next summer would count as $1.983 million against their cap for 2025-26, rising to $3.083 million for 2026-27 and dropping to $1.683 million annually for the final two years.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Sam Bennett and Alexis Lafreniere, an update on the Islanders, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger provided updates on the contract negotiations between Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.

Dreger said Shesterkin is just focusing on playing his game now that the season has begun. The recent report claiming he rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer hasn’t fazed him at all. Some believe his range is $11.5 million and $11.7 million, which would make him the highest-paid Ranger.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source who believes Shesterkin wants to set the market for goaltenders so high that no one will top him for a while. He knows that the Rangers need him and have to sign him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

D’Amico’s source said the Rangers don’t have an issue making him the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. “Where the number starts with an 11 or 12, he will be the standard.

Both sides are still negotiating. Shesterkin wants to stay in New York and the Rangers want to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re not even a week into this season and Shesterkin’s contract situation is dominating the rumor mill. This risks becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Rangers this season.

Turning to Mikko Rantanen, Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think anything’s imminent regarding his contract talks with the Colorado Avalanche. He believes Rantanen’s agent will factor in the rise of the salary cap and the percentage of the cap.

LeBrun thinks Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is a bit of an internal cap for the Avalanche. This could get done but not everyone knows for sure if it will.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $12.5 million annually for eight years could do it but the Avs could be trying to keep it in the $11 million range.

The Florida Panthers signing Carter Verhaeghe to a long-term extension earlier this week prompted Dreger to wonder whether they’ll re-sign versatile two-way forward Sam Bennett.

Dreger believes the Panthers want to keep Bennett. However, he could become a big-ticket player in next summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is that guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team. He’s making over $4.4 million annually on his current contract and could seek an average annual value of around $7 million.

THE SCORE: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Rangers have been working on a new contract with Alexis Lafreniere since the summer. Different options are on the table, including an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8 million.

Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.33 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s breakout performance last season signals better things to come for the 2020 first-overall pick. Getting him locked into a new long-term deal as soon as possible could pay significant dividends against the salary cap down the road.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall could be a great trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Engvall, 28, cleared waivers earlier this week and was sent to the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Bailey believes Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall, whose inconsistent play with the Isles led to his demotion. He pointed to the winger’s size, speed and solid puck possession numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest that if the Flyers wanted him they could’ve claimed him off waivers without giving up anything in return. However, trading for him now means he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again if the Flyers decide to demote him to their AHL affiliate.

Nevertheless, I doubt the Flyers will be interested. Engvall may be an analytics darling but his overall game needs improvement. He failed to produce more offense as a middle-six forward. The length of his contract is also a concern.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The four defensemen are unrestricted free agents still hoping to land NHL jobs. Johnston indicated Schultz turned down some NHL offers and could play in Europe if he doesn’t find the right fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could still land jobs if injuries strike early in the season or if cap-strapped clubs find themselves seeking affordable blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 10, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett and Filip Gustavsson plus updates on the Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports he’s had no firm confirmation that the New York Rangers offered Igor Shesterkin an eight-year, $88-million contract. However, if that was the offer that was made, it’s no surprise the 28-year-old goaltender rejected it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first reported this story. He has a solid track record for breaking news like this. Friedman isn’t saying Weekes was given the wrong info, only that his own sources can’t confirm the numbers.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Rangers aren’t comfortable with Shesterkin’s asking price, which would also make him their highest-paid player. He also cites teams and agents saying the percentage of the salary cap is a critical factor, especially with the cap expected to rise. “No agent or player wishes to sign something that looks relatively small if things go where predicted,” wrote Friedman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported in June that the Rangers netminder would seek an average annual value of $12 million on a long-term deal.

There are fewer A-list goaltenders these days which is why their wages overall have been suppressed. Nevertheless, the Rangers have a top goalie in Shesterkin, prompting Friedman to suggest that they will eventually meet his asking price because of his value to the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying that for weeks and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. You can debate whether Shesterkin deserves $12 million annually but he’s perfectly positioned to make that request.

Friedman admits there were times last summer when he thought the Minnesota Wild would trade goaltender Filip Gustavsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are starting this season with Gustavsson, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Jesper Wallstedt in goal. Gustavsson could be moved at some point but it could be difficult to find him sufficient playing time to generate interest among other clubs. They might have to wait until the trade deadline.

Friedman wondered if an eve-of-season contract extension was possible between the Winnipeg Jets and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.

Ehlers is slated to become a UFA next July. He appeared in trade rumors during the draft in June but that talks fizzled out as Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel sang his praises while offering their expectations of his role with the club this season.

After signing Carter Verhaeghe to a contract extension, the Florida Panthers are expected to focus on retaining Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers will have a projected $20 million in cap space for 2025-26 if the salary cap rises as projected by $4.5 million. That would give them enough to re-sign Bennett but he will want a substantial raise over his current $4.425 million cap hit.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will draw interest in the trade market. Friedman believes the St. Louis Blues took a long look at him. However, it’ll take time for interested teams that currently lack salary cap space to pursue him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler carries an AAV of $6.5 million through 2025-26.

Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman said things are quiet on the Trevor Zegras front. He noted there was speculation last season linking the 23-year-old forward to the Montreal Canadiens but that’s cooled off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens made their big move for a forward by acquiring Patrik Laine in August. Laine is currently sidelined until December with a sprained knee but they’re reportedly going to ride things out with their current roster until he returns.

LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox included Mitch Marner on his recent list of 25 people who will define the 2024-25 NHL season. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Fox will be surprised if Marner accepts a contract extension with an average annual value less than teammate William Nylander’s $11.5 million.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could attempt to trade Marner before the March 7 trade deadline, which is unlikely given the winger’s full no-movement clause. He could re-sign him to a lucrative new offer during this season or wait and see how this season unfolds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also wonders what the end game will be for Marner. He doesn’t think the Leafs want to let Marner walk next summer but he also doesn’t see them trying to move him at the trade deadline if they’re a 100-point team by then, especially with Marner’s NMC giving him complete control over his situation.

I think Treliving waits until the regular season is over to make his decision. He’ll likely let Marner walk if the Leafs make another early postseason exit.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reports it sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman has tumbled down their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly looked into peddling Liljegren before signing him in June to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. He’s an expensive seventh defenseman for the Leafs but could be a suitable addition for clubs looking for reasonably-price blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: reaction to Igor Shesterkin rejecting the Rangers’ contract offer, plus the latest on Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, the Leafs and Blue Jackets.

WHAT NEXT AFTER SHESTERKIN REJECTS RANGERS OFFER?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reacted to yesterday’s report of Igor Shesterkin rejecting the New York Rangers’ contract extension offer of eight years at $11 million annually.

LeBrun indicated the Rangers’ season opener (Oct. 9) was considered an unofficial deadline as Shesterkin might not negotiate during the regular season. That puts some pressure on the Rangers to try and get a deal done before then. However, he stressed that this deadline isn’t 100 percent, pointing out that an agreement could still be reached during the season.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

According to LeBrun, dialogue continues between Rangers management and the Shesterkin camp. What’s certain is he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goalie, whether it’s with the Rangers or somebody else, suggesting the average annual value will come in between $11 million and $12 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shesterkin reportedly seeks $12 million annually. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

LeBrun’s colleague Chris Johnston indicated Shesterkin might not insist on an eight-year contract. He wondered if the 28-year-old goalie would accept something a little shorter if the Rangers agreed to pay him $12 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports Shesterkin’s representatives believe they can get around $12 million annually or more on the open market. However, he wondered if the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner would want to leave a good team in New York that has a chance to win.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports sources claim Shesterkin’s camp isn’t pleased that the offer to their client was leaked to the media.

Larry Brooks wonders if the Rangers were responsible for the leak, suggesting it would be “extremely disappointing” to create unnecessary controversy on the eve of their season opener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Regardless of who leaked this offer, it’s clear the Rangers remain intent on signing Shesterkin and are willing to make him the league’s highest-paid goalie. The question now is whether the two sides can agree on the dollars.

A $1 million difference seems to exist between the two sides. It shouldn’t be too difficult to bridge that gap. Shesterkin could get more on the open market but that doesn’t mean he’ll join any club willing to pay it.

COULD OETTINGER BE SEEKING SWAYMAN MONEY?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jake Oettinger was probably paying close attention to Jeremy Swayman’s new contract with the Boston Bruins.

The 25-year-old Dallas Stars goalie is a restricted free agent on July 1. That would put him in the same position as Swayman before he signed an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins on Monday.

LeBrun reports there’s been no meaningful contract talks yet between Oettinger and Stars management. He believes the goalie will prefer to wait until the end of this season but wouldn’t be surprised if Stars general manager Jim Nill tried to get this going during the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oettinger will get as much, if not more, than Swayman, especially if he backstops the Stars to the Stanley Cup. He’s helped them reach the Western Conference Final twice and played a key role in the Stars being among the top teams in the league.

UPDATES ON THE LEAFS AND BLUE JACKETS

TSN: LeBrun reports there have been contract discussions between the Toronto Maple Leafs and center John Tavares. He doesn’t think anything’s imminent but talks could pick up again later in the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares, 34, is slated to become a UFA next summer. He’s earning an AAV of $11 million on his current deal but won’t get anything close to that on his next deal. However, he seems keen to finish his career as a Leaf, something management could be willing to do for the right price.

LeBrun also recently tweeted that the Columbus Blue Jackets had been in trade talks with teams during training camp looking for help at forward. However, their recent signings of Kevin Labanc and Zach Aston-Reese should be it for them for now.