NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

by | Oct 8, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin plus some under-the-radar options at the 2025 trade deadline.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing confidence that the New York Rangers will re-sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

“I believe it’s going to work out,” said Friedman. “I think the Rangers have made the choice they’re going to pay him and, to me, it just comes down to what the numbers are going to be. Until I’m told otherwise, I expect them to work out. Work it out. I believe the Rangers have made their choice here.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Shesterkin, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. It was reported that his camp would shelve contract talks until the end of the season if a deal wasn’t reached by the Rangers’ season opener on Oct. 9. However, Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported management isn’t fazed by this supposed deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers will re-sign Shesterkin to a long-term extension and he will become the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. The only question is how much? It’s reported his camp seeks an average annual value of $12 million while the Rangers are willing to pay around $11 million. That doesn’t seem like a bridge too far.

As for that rumored deadline, it’s doubtful Shesterkin’s camp would refuse to discuss the matter after Oct. 9 if the Rangers offer up close to what they want.

BLEACHER REPORT: Adam Herman looked at six players who could be under-the-radar trade options at the March 7, 2025, NHL trade deadline.

Topping the list is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. Herman cites the Flames’ current rebuilding phase and the 34-year-old Kadri’s $7 million AAV through 2029 as reasons he could be moved by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri surfaced several times in this summer’s rumor mill. At the start of training camp, he told reporters to “pump the brakes” on the trade speculation. He has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control over his situation. The remaining value and length of his contract would also make him a difficult sell at the trade deadline even if he agreed to be moved.

Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch was next on Herman’s list. While the Sabres might be reluctant to move the 28-year-old winger, they might have to consider it if they’re out of contention by the deadline. Tuch’s contract expires in 2026, and it’s fair to wonder if he’d be willing to stick around and face more uncertainty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a fair point. Tuch could have more value leading up to the 2025 deadline because he wouldn’t be a rental player. Having him around for two playoff runs could entice Stanley Cup contenders. He also has Cup Final experience, having played in the 2018 Final with the Vegas Golden Knights.

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is another option. He’s on a one-year deal, wasn’t productive last season, and has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never, but it’s doubtful the Rangers will move Lindgren this season even at the risk of losing him to free agency next summer. Herman noted they expect to be a contender plus he usually pairs with top blueliner Adam Fox. It’s unlikely they’ll want to split them up.

Herman speculates the Pittsburgh Penguins could attempt to shop Erik Karlsson if they’re out of the playoff race by the deadline. They need to get younger and peddling the 34-year-old defenseman could fetch picks and prospects they need to rebuild in earnest. It’ll also free up salary cap room.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Herman believes Karlsson’s contract wasn’t as problematic as it once was. The Penguins are carrying $9,999,998 of his $11.5 million cap hit through 2026-27. That’s still a big chunk to swallow unless the Pens agree to retain some of it. He’s also reaching the stage in his career when his performance steadily declines. Karlsson also still has his full no-movement clause over the remainder of his contract.

Anaheim Ducks forward Cam Fowler is also on Herman’s list. The 32-year-old defenseman could welcome a move to a contender after spending the last several years with the rebuilding Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was reported last month that Fowler has had discussions with Ducks management about his future, including the possibility of a trade that would mutually benefit them. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a four-team trade list, though it’s believed he’s expanded that list to double digits. He could interest a contender seeking a puck-moving blueliner who would be more than a rental player.

Herman wonders about Boone Jenner’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The rebuilding Jackets have two promising young centers in Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom. Jenner, 31, is signed through 2025-26 and would interest contenders seeking depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner would be a tempting trade target. He’s a big, versatile forward with leadership skills who can play in all situations. He also carries an affordable $3.75 million annual cap hit. Jenner also has an eight-team no-trade list but that’s unlikely to be much of an obstacle. It depends on where first-year general manager Don Waddell sees Jenner in his plans for the Jackets and if his captain wants to be part of them.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 29, 2024

by | Sep 29, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 29, 2024

Some predictions for the coming season in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski made bold predictions for every NHL team for 2024-25. Among them were some trade and free-agent forecasts.

Wyshynski expects this season will be Jim Montgomery’s last as head coach of the Bruins. He cited the lack of contract extension talks between the two sides and the club’s inability to get past the Florida Panthers in the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another early postseason exit could spell the end for Montgomery in Boston.

Linus Ullmark’s tenure with the Ottawa Senators will only last this season. Wyshynski noted the 31-year-old goaltender is in the final season of his contract and the Sens are giving him time to acclimate before trying to re-sign him.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark could enjoy his time in Ottawa and want to stick around, especially if he backstops them to their first postseason appearance in eight years. Where it could get sticky is how much salary he’ll want and for how long.

Wyshynski expects Mitch Marner will re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He pointed out how stories that he’ll get traded this summer gave way to stories that he’s open to negotiating a contract extension during this season, remaining unwavering in his intent to stick with the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll cost a fortune to keep Marner in the fold, perhaps over $12.5 million annually. However, John Tavares’ big contract comes off their books next summer and if Tavares wants to stay he’ll have to do so for less money. They’ll have enough to re-sign Marner, even if it means carrying a top-heavy roster that struggles in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.

Igor Shesterkin will get his hefty new contract with the New York Rangers, probably before the start of the season to avoid an average performance on his part bringing down his average annual value. Whyshynki predicts they’ll reach common ground at around $11 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are believed to be willing to go as high as $11 million while the Shesterkin camp reportedly seeks an average annual value of $12 million. They’re not that far apart if those reports are true.

Wyshynski predicts the rising salary cap could make it possible for the Chicago Blackhawks to find a trade partner willing to take defenseman Seth Jones and his $9.5 million AAV off their hands.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe, but that also depends on Jones’ willingness to waive his full no-movement clause. Until that happens, the 29-year-old defenseman isn’t going anywhere.

Expect the Anaheim Ducks to move Cam Fowler by the March 7 trade deadline. The 32-year-old defenseman has had discussions with management about his future. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler will be enticing to contenders seeking a top-pairing defenseman who will be more than a rental player for one postseason.

Speaking of the Ducks, Wyshynski predicts they’ll move forward Trevor Zegras in the offseason when he’ll have a year remaining on his contract. The 23-year-old center can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras emerged as a trade candidate in January. His name continues to float to the surface of the rumor mill. A strong performance on his part this season could silence that chatter or bolster his value in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2024

by | Sep 27, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2024

Check out the latest on Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, Islanders center Brock Nelson, and Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the effect a new contract for Igor Shesterkin will have on the New York Rangers’ cap payroll.

The 28-year-old goaltender reportedly seeks an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $12 million, making him the Rangers’ highest-paid player and the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Seven Rangers, including Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller, are slated to become restricted free agents next summer, with those two carrying arbitration rights. Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren and Jonathan Quick are eligible to become unrestricted free agents.

Baugh believes the Rangers can’t afford to sign them all even if Shesterkin doesn’t double his current AAV of $5.66 million. They could be forced to make cost-cutting moves.

Jacob Trouba is the most likely trade candidate. He’ll have a year remaining on his contract ($8 million AAV) with a 12-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba might not be the only Ranger on the move next summer to make room for Shesterkin.

Artemi Panarin will also be in the final year of his contract, though his $11.6 million AAV and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles in the path of a trade. They could also attempt to move Filip Chytil, who lacks no-trade protection and carries an affordable $4.43 million AAV through 2026-27. However, his injury history could dampen his value in the trade market.

It’s easy to suggest the Rangers not re-sign Shesterkin but that leaves a big hole between the pipes that would be difficult to fill.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson is open to negotiating a contract extension during this season with the Islanders.

Nelson turns 33 during the first week of this season. Sears believes how the club handles the veteran center’s pending free agency will determine their future direction. They’ll need to determine how much to invest in him and for how long when he’s outperforming the traditional age curve for NHL forwards.

The Islanders could shop Nelson by the March 7 trade deadline. However, Sears only sees that happening if the club underperforms this season.

Nelson has been with the Islanders since 2010 and he doesn’t seem keen to leave. He carries a 16-team no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be worthwhile to monitor Nelson’s status and that of the Isles this season. He’ll draw lots of interest from playoff contenders in the trade market if the Isles peddle him before the deadline.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli predicts it’ll be “very, very expensive” for the Colorado Avalanche to sign Mikko Rantanen to a contract extension. He believes his next AAV “starts with a $12,” as in $12 million. Jason Gregor believes it’ll be $12.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is one of the elite forwards in the league and a key player for the Avalanche. His current AAV is $9.25 million and he’s coming off two straight 100-plus point seasons. He is going to get a hefty raise on his next contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2024

by | Sep 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2024

Check out the latest on Igor Shesterkin and Jeremy Swayman in today’s NHL Rumor mill.

LATEST ON SHESTERKIN’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Igor Shesterkin will become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, eclipsing Carey Price’s $10.5 million average annual value with the Montreal Canadiens.

Brooks writes that the Shesterkin camp seeks an AAV of $12 million. He would be shocked if Rangers general manager Chris Drury hasn’t already pitched an offer between $10.5 million and $11 million.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

However, Brooks believes Shesterkin wants to be the highest-paid player on the Rangers. That would mean exceeding Artemi Panarin’s team-leading cap hit of $11.642 million. A $12 million AAV would represent 13.04 percent of next season’s projected $92 million cap.

Brooks also doesn’t understand why some observers are fixated on the percentage of the cap going to goaltenders. He pointed out there was no fuss when Panarin signed his contract with the Rangers or Leon Draisaitl’s new deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s probably tied to Shesterkin’s somewhat limited body of work compared to Panarin and Draisaitl plus the nature of his position. The performances of today’s NHL goaltenders tend to fluctuate more than their predecessors.

Shesterkin holds all the leverage and seeks the best deal he can get. If the Rangers won’t pay up, another club will via free agency.

Losing Shesterkin would signal a transitional phase for the Blueshirts. They need him between the pipes to keep their Stanley Cup window open because they have no one in their system to replace him and no comparable options to pursue in the trade and free-agent markets.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports dialogue continues between Rangers management and Shesterkin. He noted that the goalie’s camp has informed the club that they’d rather not negotiate once the puck drops on the Blueshirts’ season opener on Oct. 9.

The Rangers are willing to pay Shesterkin north of Price’s $10.5 million but it remains to be seen how high they’re willing to go.

SPECTOR’ S NOTE: Brooks was dismissive of that Oct. 9 deadline, suggesting the two sides could get a deal done in-season if the Rangers meet Shesterkin’s asking price. Nevertheless, Drury and his staff would likely prefer to sign a deal that emerges from their current negotiations.

UPDATE ON JEREMY SWAYMAN

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports of ongoing dialogue between Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins. However, things remain status quo as they’re still not there in terms of a deal.

He thinks the real deadline for a contract is the Bruins’ season opener (Oct. 8) rather than the recent start date of training camp. Swayman is fixed on getting an eight-year contract. The Bruins also hope to sign him to a long-term deal.

LeBrun also believes the Swayman camp is trying to push through what other goalies have recently signed. He noted Juuse Saros signing an eight-year extension worth $7.74 million this summer with the Nashville Predators and Connor Hellebuyck agreeing to an eight-year extension worth $8.5 million last summer with the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: To recap, Swayman is a restricted free agent coming off a one-year, arbitration-awarded contract worth $3.475 million.

Conflicting reports suggest Swayman seeks an AAV between $8.5 million and $10 million on an eight-year contract. Those reports agree the Bruins offered up between $6.2 million and $6.4 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

by | Sep 24, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2024

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the Rangers and speculation over whether we’ll see an increase in offer sheets.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh report sources claiming Igor Shesterkin’s contract talks with the New York Rangers will be shelved if there’s no deal in place once the 2024-25 regular season begins next month. The Rangers kick off the campaign in Pittsburgh on Oct. 9.

Shesterkin, 28, is in the final season of his four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.666 million. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

Those sources also said the two sides were “not remotely close” in negotiations. There’s a risk that things could spill over into next offseason.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Shesterkin declined to comment about the status of his contract talks, preferring to keep his focus on the upcoming season. Nevertheless, she cited sources confirming those negotiations could be put on hold if a deal isn’t in place by Oct. 9.

Walker also confirmed via industry sources that the Shesterkin camp is aiming for an average annual value of $12 million on his next contract. That would make him the highest-paid goaltender in the league.

The longer Shesterkin remains unsigned, the more precarious the situation becomes for the Rangers. They’ll face competition from other clubs who can afford to pay the former Vezina Trophy winner what he wants.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers need Shesterkin to keep their Stanley Cup window open. There aren’t many suitable replacements via next summer’s trade or free-agent market.

Shesterkin’s departure would mean a shift into a transition phase for the Blueshirts. That could lead to veterans like Jacob Trouba, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider getting peddled in the trade market.

Trouba is the most likely to be traded now that he has a 15-team no-trade list this season and a 12-team list for next season. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list. Panarin would have to waive his no-movement clause and he carries a hefty $11.6 million cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wondered if the St. Louis Blues successful signings of former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway could lead to an increase in offer sheets.

LeBrun spoke with several NHL general managers and player agents who offered up mixed views on the subject. He believes that a well-respected general manager like the Blues’ Doug Armstrong signing Broberg and Holloway could open the door a crack to future offer sheets. LeBrun also noted the lack of rancor from the Oilers in response to those signings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Offer sheets have been part of the CBA for decades. They remain a rarely used tactic because teams often matched, making it a futile exercise.

The Broberg and Holloway signings were unique as it was the first time a team successfully signed away two players from the same team simultaneously. The Oilers’ frenzy of signings earlier in the offseason left them lacking sufficient cap space to match those offers.

There could be what LeBrun suggested as an “uptick” in offer sheet signings going forward. However, it’s still up to the player to decide if they want to sign them. History shows most usually don’t, which is another reason why they rarely occur.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 10, 2024

An early look at next summer’s top potential unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl topped Carol Schram’s recent list of next summer’s top potential NHL unrestricted free agents. She considered it inevitable that they would re-sign with their respective clubs

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since Schram’s list was published on Aug. 1, Crosby and the Penguins are reportedly close to an agreement on a contract extension. Meanwhile, talks between Draisaitl and the Oilers are in the preliminary stage but look positive thus far. 

Turning to the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett could face uncertain futures. Verhaeghe and Bennett could price themselves out of Florida. Schram wouldn’t be surprised if the 29-year-old Ekblad is traded this season. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers speculate Ekblad might re-sign with the Panthers if his value in the UFA market is lower than expected. Others think he could be moved while Verhaeghe and Bennett are re-signed. 

Turning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the cone of silence has dropped on Mitch Marner. “Extend? Get traded? Leave in free agency? All three options still seem like very real possibilities,” writes Schram. She also considers it “highly possible” that Leafs captain John Tavares moves on next summer. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s no-movement clause ensures he’ll finish this season with the Leafs unless he changes his mind about a trade. Signing an extension or departing next July as a UFA seems the more likely. As for Tavares, some observers suggested that they might keep him if he’s willing to accept a big pay cut on a short-term deal. 

Schram believes the Colorado Avalanche intends to re-sign winger Mikko Rantanen but must determine what the future holds for sidelined captain Gabriel Landeskog and suspended winger Valeri Nichushkin. 

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser finally realized his potential last season with a 40-goal campaign. However, he could be headed to a change of scenery if he seeks more than the Canucks are willing to pay. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche will find a way to sign Rantanen and keep their Stanley Cup window open. It will become easier if Landeskog and his $7 million annual cap hit remain on long-term injury reserve. Meanwhile, Boeser’s situation will be interesting to monitor. Another 40-goal campaign could price him out of Vancouver’s market. Then again, it seemed almost certain he was going to be traded two years ago and the Canucks held onto him. 

Jamie Benn’s days of averaging $9.5 million annually are ending. However, the Dallas Stars could hang onto their 35-year-old captain with a series of one-year, bonus-laden contracts. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn likely wants to stay in Dallas and lead the Stars to the Stanley Cup. They’ll want to keep him around. 

Schram also noted there’s a decent crop of UFA defensemen. They included Ryan Lindgren of the New York Rangers, Jake McCabe of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jakob Chychrun of the Washington Capitals, Neal Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets, Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights, Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad is the most notable name among next summer’s top UFAs but it’s clear that next summer’s UFA market is much deeper in big-name forwards. Schram expects some will be re-signed before July 1 and some retained by their teams as “own-rentals” for the 2025 playoffs. 

The most likely to be moved could be Chychrun, Gavrikov, and Provorov if their respective teams are out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline. 

Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers tops Schram’s list of the notable UFA goaltenders. He’s likely to be re-signed but could be seeking a record-breaking salary for a netminder. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Shesterkin could get around $12.5 million annually. If the Rangers won’t pay it, another club will happily do so via free agency. I’ll be shocked if he ends up signing elsewhere on July 1. 

Linus Ullmark could set himself up for a big payday if he replicates his 2023 Vezina Trophy form with the Ottawa Senators. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What Ullmark does in that scenario will be interesting to observe. Will he stay with the Senators if they meet his asking price? Does he spurn them regardless and hit the open market? Most will assume the latter but you never know.

Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken rose to prominence after all but stealing the starter’s job from Philipp Grubauer. Schram wondered if the Kraken could tempt him to stay. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daccord carries a $1.2 million cap hit. A decent raise on a four or five-year contract and the opportunity to be the Kraken’s starting goalie could be all the enticement he’d need.