Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 6, 2024

by | Oct 6, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 6, 2024

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: bold predictions for the Stars, Red Wings, and Rangers and the possibility of the Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj starting the season in the AHL.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently made bold predictions for all 32 NHL clubs this season. Among them was some trade speculation regarding the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers.

Dixon believes the Stars are all-in on a Stanley Cup run this season. He predicts they’ll deal from a position of strength (young forwards) to address an area of weakness (right-side defense) by shipping center Mavrik Bourque to the Calgary Flames for defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourque was the Stars first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2020 NHL draft. He has one game of NHL experience but could become a full-time roster player this season.

Andersson surfaced in trade rumors over the summer. The 27-year-old is a solid top-four defenseman with an affordable annual cap hit of $4.55 million through 2025-26. He also has a six-team no-trade list but could be open to joining a Stanley Cup contender.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images).

With the Flames rebuilding, they could be open to solid offers for Andersson before the trade deadline. Bourque could tempt them, especially if he plays well this season.

Dixon predicts the Detroit Red Wings will acquire local boy Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have the depth in prospects and promising young roster players to make a competitive offer to the Ducks. Fowler would bring skilled, experienced depth to the Wings’ defense corps. He has a three-team trade list but reportedly expanded that list to double digits. Maybe the Wings are among those preferred destinations.

Dixon predicts the New York Rangers will include winger Kaapo Kakko in a trade package to the Winnipeg Jets for winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers isn’t going anywhere if the Jets are playoff-bound by the deadline, especially if he’s played a significant role in getting them to that stage.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico suggests the Montreal Canadiens could send Arber Xhekaj to their AHL affiliate in Laval, not because they’re unhappy with his performance, but for salary cap reasons.

D’Amico explains the Canadiens hope to avoid using LTIR until the season begins. Their goal is to maximize their LTIR relief space and performance bonus pool in one move.

They could demote Xhekaj as $1.15 million of his $1.3 million salary would be buried in the minors. That would move them to within $900K of the salary cap before placing sidelined Rafael Harvey-Pinard on LTIR to start the season. That would allow them to hold off putting Carey Price or Patrik Laine on LTIR.

Xhekaj also doesn’t have performance bonuses, so the Canadiens can quickly recall him on Oct. 8 once they place Price or Laine or LTIR.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico goes into greater detail on how the Canadiens could do this. In short, this would be a paper transaction for salary cap accounting purposes, meaning Xhekaj wouldn’t spend time in Laval.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 5, 2024

by | Oct 5, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 5, 2024

Check out the latest on the Leafs and Stars in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel wondered if Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren could end up on the trade block.

He reports the Maple Leafs were open to trading Liljegren this summer as the threat of arbitration loomed before signing the 25-year-old blueliner to a two-year contract. However, he’s fallen down the depth chart in training camp and perhaps out of the opening-night lineup.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (NHL Images).

Liljegren carries a $3 million average annual value through 2025-26, making him a potentially expensive seventh defenseman. Siegel wondered if he had any trade value with that cap hit and if it would be wise to move him given they have an older defense corps with injury questions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: For the time being, no, and given the injury histories of Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpaa, it would be best to hang onto Liljegren and allow him to play his way back among the top-four blueliners.

Siegel also pondered whether the Leafs will make a move to address their crowded forward lines.

He wondered if they might move fourth-line forward David Kampf and his $2.4 million AAV and replace him with the more affordable Steven Lorentz, who’s in camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Siegel also mused over whether Calle Jarnkrok fits within head coach Craig Berube’s system and if Max Pacioretty will get a contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kampf and Jarnkrok have frequently come up as trade candidates this week. One of them might be moved before the Leafs’ season opener next week.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered what moves the Dallas Stars might make at the March 7 trade deadline to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

Proteau believes GM Jim Nill will likely focus on bolstering his blueline but points out the Stars only have around $693K in salary-cap space. He thinks Nill will have to get creative if he hopes to add a veteran defenseman by the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The right side of the Stars defense is a concern. They added two physical right-shot rearguards with Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin but could use another one with better all-around skill.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2024

by | Oct 4, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 4, 2024

Check out the latest on the Stars, Sabres and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reported earlier this week that Stars captain Jamie Benn won’t be signing a contract extension this season.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (NHL Images).

Stars general manager Jim Nill said the 35-year-old Benn wants to focus on winning this season and decide from there. “He’s all in with the team,” said Nill, saying his captain wants to wait and see what the club’s needs are after this season and how he can help.

“My plan, as long as I’m the GM here, he’s going to be a Dallas Star,” said Nill. “He’s earned that right. I think the first thing is are they still performing at the level they should be? And Jamie’s done that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn is past his playing prime but remains a productive part of the Stars’ roster core. It’ll be surprising if he ends up going to market next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn wondered if the Buffalo Sabres would swing a big in-season trade. He indicated they have over $7 million in salary-cap space and plenty of prospects to draw on for trade bait.

The Sabres were poking around the trade market this summer for a top-six forward. He believes GM Kevyn Adams could make a move near the March 7 trade deadline if the Sabres are in playoff contention.

Fairburn also pointed out that the Sabres have several roster players in the final seasons of their contracts (notably Jordan Greenway), who could be attractive trade chips if Adams decides to shake up the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of that speculation had the Sabres interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee. That could be something to keep an eye on depending on the fortunes of both clubs as the season progresses.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited sources claiming the Montreal Canadiens don’t appear to be in the trade market for a quick fix to address their recent injury issues. They would instead prefer long-term upgrades to their roster.

D’Amico cited a well-placed Canadiens source claiming the club will look to within, saying management is considering keeping promising forward Oliver Kapanen on their roster rather than returning him to his Swedish club. Forward Joshua Roy could also get an opportunity for more playing time.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 19, 2024

by | Sep 19, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 19, 2024

The Lightning and Blackhawks name their new captains, the latest on Jeremy Swayman’s contract talks, several notable players are already sidelined by injuries, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The Lightning named Victor Hedman as their new captain. He replaces Steven Stamkos, who signed with the Nashville Predators on July 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Hedman was the logical choice to succeed Stamkos having spent his 15-season NHL career with the Lightning.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks announced Nick Foligno as the 35th captain in franchise history. He’s the first to wear the “C” since Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Foligno has plenty of experience as a team captain. He held that role with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2015-16 to 2020-21. This move could pave the way for franchise player Connor Bedard to succeed Foligno when the latter’s contract expires in 2026.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will not be in training camp as he remains unsigned. He and Bruins management still haven’t agreed on a new contract.

Bruins GM Don Sweeney expressed disappointment that the 25-year-old restricted free agent is not under contract in time for training camp. He didn’t forecast when an agreement could be reached but stressed that every day Swayman is absent is detrimental to the goalie and the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed a wide gap exists between the two sides with Swayman rumored to be seeking an AAV between $8.5 million and $9.5 million while Bruins are said to be offering around $6.2 million annually.

Swayman has until Dec. 1 to sign or become ineligible to play the rest of this season. He doesn’t want to risk that as it’ll cost him a season of work and wages. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets will memorialize Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau this season with helmet stickers featuring the brothers’ last name and their respective jersey numbers. They’ll wear jersey patches with Johnny’s No. 13 once the regular season begins.

The brothers were killed on Aug. 30 by an alleged drunk driver while they were bicycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

SPORTSNET: As expected, Thatcher Demko will miss the start of the Vancouver Canucks’ training camp as he continues rehabbing a nagging knee injury. Checking-line forward Teddy Blueger will be out for a week with a lower-body injury and defenseman Tucker Poolman (migraines) will be placed on long-term injury reserve for the entire season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said Demko will speak to the media on Thursday about his condition. Meanwhile, Poolman also missed last season and hasn’t played since Oct. 2022.

TSN: The Washington Capitals placed winger T.J. Oshie on LTIR for the entire 2024-25 season. Oshie, 37, has been plagued by a chronic back injury that limited him to 52 games last season. The decision was made following his training camp medical.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oshie is in the final season of his eight-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights are reviewing their options after goaltender Robin Lehner failed to report for his mandatory training camp medical. Lehner, 33, is expected to miss his third straight season after undergoing hip surgery in Aug. 2022. He’s entering the final season of his five-year contract with an AAV of $5 million and $4.5 million in actual salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates contract termination is among those options, which would remove his $5 million cap hit from the Golden Knights’ books.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Evander Kane reveals he’ll be undergoing surgery to repair two sports hernias and four muscle tears that took him out of the lineup for his club’s final five playoff games last spring.

TSN: Speaking of the Oilers, they’ve signed winger Mike Hoffman to a professional tryout offer (PTO).

THE HOCKEY NEWS: St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle on Tuesday to address a pre-arthritic condition. Teammate Oskar Sundqvist continues to recover from offseason surgery to repair a torn right ACL. He’s not expected to participate in training camp but should be ready for the start of the season.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Blues announced they’ve signed Scott Harrington, Matthew Peca, Nikita Alexandrov and Sam Bitten to PTOs.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars winger Jason Robertson will miss most of training camp after undergoing offseason surgery to remove a cyst from his foot. He’s expected to be ready for their season-opener against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 10.

Speaking of the Stars, recently retired defenseman Jordie Benn has returned to the club as a player development assistant and AHL scout.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Sabres blueliner Rasmus Dahlin left practice on Wednesday. Head coach Lindy Ruff described the injury as “mid-range” when asked if it was upper or lower body. It’s not believed to be serious.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings signed winger Alex Chiasson to a PTO.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators signed winger Philip Tomasino to a one-year, $825K contract.

CALGARY SUN: Former Flames forward Matt Stajan has joined the team as a skills consultant.

SPORTSNET: released their preseason broadcast schedule beginning Sept. 21 and running through Oct. 2.

TSN: Bell sold its 37.5 percent interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to Rogers Communication, giving the latter the majority stake in Canada’s most valuable sports empire.

As part of the deal, Bell Media secured access to content rights for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors on TSN for the next 20 years.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2024

by | Sep 18, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 18, 2024

The Stars re-sign Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley, Canucks forward Dakota Joshua reveals testicular cancer diagnosis, plus other notable signings and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed defenseman Esa Lindell to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $5.25 million. They also signed a two-year contract with blueliner Thomas Harley with a $4 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindell and Harley are among the Stars’ top three blueliners along with Miro Heiskanen.

Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (NHL Images).

Lindell, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s taking a pay cut on his next deal as his current AAV is $5.8 million. His new deal comes with a full no-trade clause in the first three years and a 20-team no-trade list in the final two years. He also gets signing bonuses during the first three years.

Harley, 23, is coming off his entry-level contract. He’s accepting a bridge deal but his next contract will likely be longer and more lucrative. He enjoyed a breakout performance in 2023-24, tallying 47 points in 79 games.

THE PROVINCE: Canucks forward Dakota Joshua revealed he was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the summer. The tumor was successfully removed and the 28-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. Joshua hopes to resume playing soon but there is no timeline for his return to the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s hoping Joshua makes a complete recovery. Testicular cancer is no joke. Thankfully, nearly 100 percent of cases are curable.

Joshua can draw inspiration from Phil Kessel. He was also diagnosed with testicular cancer early in his NHL career. He made a full recovery, going on to become the NHL’s reigning Ironman and a three-time Stanley Cup champion.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary reports the Los Angeles Kings signed winger Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year contract worth $874, 125.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev, 23, reportedly requested a trade after the Kings were eliminated from the opening round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. However, he was completing his entry-level contract and had little leverage to force a trade.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Sabres signed restricted free-agent forward Peyton Krebs to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krebs was another player coming off his entry-level contract. He was part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights in November 2021. The young forward has struggled to establish himself with the Sabres, relegated to fourth-line duty last season.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere hopes goaltender Alexei Kolosov changes his mind and returns to the club from Belarus. Until then, Briere said the club is moving on.

Kolosov, 22, is under an entry-level contract with the Flyers. They’re unwilling to loan him back to KHL club Dinamo Minsk, who have also moved on and carry three goalies on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report claims Kolosov wanted assurances of a guaranteed roster spot with the Flyers. That won’t happen with Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as their tandem for this season. Given his contract status, Kolosov has no choice but to return to the Flyers if he wants to keep playing this season.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Jon Gillies to a professional tryout offer (PTO). Gillies, 30, last played in 2022-23, splitting time between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers agreed with Broward County on a lease extension for Amerant Bank Arena that could keep the club in Sunrise through 2043.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated this deal should end rumors of the Panthers looking into constructing a new arena closer to Ft. Lauderdale. It also noted that potential new development around their current venue would likely keep them there.

SPORTSNET: Alexander Edler will sign a one-day contract to officially retire from the NHL as a member of the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 11. The 38-year-old defenseman spent 15 of his 17 NHL seasons with the Canucks, becoming a key part of their blueline and helping them reach the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.

Edler played in 1,030 career regular-season games with the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings from 2006-07 to 2022-23, finishing with 104 goals and 335 assists for 439 points. He also had 40 points in 93 playoff contests.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL forward Tyler Ennis announced his retirement on Tuesday. Ennis, 34, played 13 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers from 2009-10 to 2021-22. He spent the last two seasons playing in Europe.

Ennis played 700 career regular-season games in the NHL, scoring 144 goals and 202 assists for 346 points. He also collected 12 points in 24 postseason games.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former NHL blueliner Chris Wideman also retired on Tuesday. The 34-year-old spent six seasons in the NHL from 2015-16 to 2022-23, finishing with 20 goals and 78 points in 291 regular-season games along with 4 points in 15 playoff contests.

SPORTSNET: The Edmonton Oilers and assistant GM Brad Holland mutually agreed to part company. He’d been in that role since 2022-23. Holland is the son of former Oilers GM Ken Holland.

TSN: The Washington Capitals will wear their black “screaming eagle” jersey for six games in 2024-25.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 13, 2024

by | Sep 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 13, 2024

More speculation about possible trade destinations for Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, and the latest on the Canucks’ goalie situation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports Cam Fowler admits his tenure with the Anaheim Ducks is reaching a transitional stage that could lead to a trade.

The 32-year-old defenseman understands he’s in the second half of his career while his younger teammates are the ones who will push the team where it needs to be.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (NHL Images)

Fowler has a four-team trade list but Stephens reports he’s broadened the list to double-digits, opening up more options for trade discussions. He carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. With his contract down to two years, it could increase interest from other teams.

Trades at this time of the season rarely occur. The Ducks could begin this season with Fowler and see what suitors emerge during the season due to injuries or other issues.

Stephens suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars as possible destinations for Fowler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have the cap space but Stephens noted they’d like to move promising Simon Edvinsson into a full-time role. The Leafs would have to move one or two salaried players to Anaheim. Stephens suggested winger Nick Robertson, who requested a trade earlier this summer, as part of the return.

The Jets could be on Fowler’s no-trade list but Stephens wondered if he might be open to joining them as their contention window remains open. It would only be for two years.

Dallas could be an acceptable fit for Fowler. They have cap space now but that will shrink somewhat once Thomas Harley is signed. The Ducks might have to retain salary to make it work.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston noted the Vancouver Canucks have enough goaltenders to cover things off if starting Thatcher Demko isn’t available for preseason practices. The 28-year-old Vezina Trophy finalist’s health remains a concern following reports he’s still dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Johnston noted the Canucks have been considering adding a goalie on a professional tryout offer. They’ve approached Kevin Lankinen but the former Nashville Predators goalie wants more than a PTO.

Former Carolina Hurricanes netminder Antti Raanta was mentioned as an option but there’s no indication any deal has been made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demko’s status for preseason and the start of the regular season should become clearer following his training camp medical next week.