NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

by | Feb 13, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Juuse Saros, Chris Tanev, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jake Allen in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PENGUINS REPORTEDLY SET A HIGH PRICE FOR GUENTZEL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Horwat cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculating the Pittsburgh Penguins will set a high price for Jake Guentzel if they put the 29-year-old winger on the trade block.

Friedman pointed to what the Philadelphia Flyers received from the Florida Panthers two years ago in the Claude Giroux trade. That deal fetched the Flyers a first-round pick in 2024, a third-rounder in 2023 and winger Owen Tippett, who’s blossomed into a scorer in Philadelphia.

Horwat’s colleague Adam Proteau believes the Penguins should move Guentzel if a team is willing to meet their high asking price. Trading him away would hurt in the short term but could prove beneficial over the long run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Guentzel’s offensive numbers, team captain Sidney Crosby’s stellar play and Tristan Jarry’s solid goaltending, the Penguins are struggling to remain in the chase for a wild card spot.

The Penguins tried to make one more Stanley Cup run by re-signing aging stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang two years ago. Under new management last summer, they brought in Erik Karlsson and Reilly Smith.

It’s time to accept reality. The Penguins are not a Stanley Cup contender and haven’t been for several years. They’re not even holding a playoff spot right now. Even if they somehow rally and clinch a berth in the 2024 postseason they’ll probably be eliminated in the first round.

The Penguins don’t have to tear this roster down completely but they must restock with promising young talent for now as well as the future. If someone is willing to overpay for Guentzel, Dubas must pull the trigger.

SAROS RESURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman brought up Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros as an intriguing trade target for teams seeking a starting goaltender. He noted the Predators are looking for a top offensive player and Saros could be the kind of guy to fetch that type of return.

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).

The New Jersey Devils are searching for help between the pipes and recently spoke with the Calgary Flames about Jacob Markstrom, who carries a $6 million cap hit. However, the Devils have limited salary-cap space and the Flames could be reluctant to retain salary for a player signed through 2025-26.

Regarding Saros, Friedman noted the name of Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield has been tossed around. However, he doubts Saros would fetch Byfield. The Carolina Hurricanes are another club in need of goaltending. Friedman mentioned Martin Necas could be attractive to the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros, 28, is slated to become a UFA next summer. The Predators aren’t under pressure to move him now.

Predators GM Barry Trotz earlier this season said he intended to speak with Saros’ agent about opening contract extension talks on July 1. Even if that plan has changed, Trotz isn’t likely to trade his starting goalie while his team is battling for a wild-card berth.

Everything I’ve read and heard coming out of Nashville is skeptical of the Predators moving Saros. They point to the trade talk that swirled about him leading up to last year’s deadline but nothing came of it. They don’t expect anything to happen now.

Nashville Hockey Now’s Clay Brewer made a good point when he noted that it’s rare these days for a starting goalie to fetch a big return. He thinks the Predators should consider moving Saros if the return is two top prospects or young NHL players plus two high draft picks. He’s not holding his breath expecting anyone to pitch that type of offer.

FLAMES SEEKING A FIRST-ROUNDER FOR TANEV

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal spoke yesterday with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman about Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. Friedman believes the Flames seek a first-round pick for the 34-year-old Tanev but teams are offering up second-round picks.

Asked if the Vancouver Canucks could do that, Friedman didn’t think so. Nevertheless, he believes the Canucks have a lot of time for Tanev, who began his NHL career in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev spent 10 of his 14 NHL seasons with the Canucks before signing with the Flames in 2020. Speaking of the Flames’ asking price, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun suggested it was a second-rounder plus another asset or a first-rounder if teams lacked a second-round pick.

UPDATE ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t paying any attention to the trade rumors swirling about him as he considers his options with the March 8 trade deadline approaching. The 32-year-old Senators winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a no-trade clause. He has 34 points in 46 games this season.

Tarasenko hasn’t ruled out re-signing with the Senators. He wouldn’t say if he’s spoken with general manager Steve Staios about the situation.

Garrioch noted that Tarasenko recently changed agents again but doubted that it had to do with signing a contract extension with the Senators. He cited an insider claiming the winger made this move to get a contract extension in place with a new club before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Senators mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, I’ll be surprised if Tarasenko isn’t moved by the March 8 trade deadline. Whether he can get a contract extension as part of the condition of a trade remains to be seen. Interested clubs could be leery about investing long-term before seeing how well he performs for them first.

UPDATE ON JAKE ALLEN

TVA SPORTS: Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie believe Jake Allen’s recent poor performance will adversely affect the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender’s value in the trade market.

They believe Allen doesn’t want to leave the Canadiens. They speculate he was likely offered a role with the franchise following his playing career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s enduring the worst season of his career with the Canadiens carrying three goalies. He seems like the odd man out with Sam Montembeault becoming their starter while promising Cayden Primeau looking more and more like Montembeault’s backup.

Some general managers could blame Allen’s struggles this season on the Habs three-goalie system. One of them could take the chance on him regaining his form with a change of scenery with a traditional two-goalie system..

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said he’s comfortable carrying all three goalies for the rest of the season. However, it’s believed he’s still willing to trade Allen.

Some observers think Hughes has set his asking price for Allen and won’t budge from it. He’s signed through next season so Hughes doesn’t have to move him at the trade deadline. He could wait until the offseason for a club to meet his price.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 11, 2024

by | Feb 11, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 11, 2024

The Flames and Devils discussed Jacob Markstrom plus updates on the Bruins, Oilers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the respective general managers of the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils discussed Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom before the two clubs played each other last week. Neither team is commenting on this.

Friedman doesn’t know if this was ever taken to Markstrom, who is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. However, he believes the two sides held a serious discussion on the subject.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Two issues were the Flames’ asking price and salary retention. Friedman heard that those were difficult to overcome and stopped the discussions, adding it seemed unlikely that those talks would resume.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests plenty of time for things to change with the March 8 trade deadline over three weeks away. He indicated that Markstrom is already willing to waive his no-movement clause and it’s been reported he’d be interested in doing so for the Devils. However, it will only be talk unless the Flames and Devils can reach an agreement that both sides are comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames aren’t going to give Markstrom away nor are they under any pressure to trade him. In an interview last week with Friedman’s colleague Eric Francis, the netminder said he hadn’t been asked to waive his clause nor is he going to request a trade. With Markstom signed for two more years, the Flames can wait until the offseason if they don’t get any suitable offers before March 8.

With Dougie Hamilton on LTIR for the rest of the regular season, the Devils have the cap room to take on Markstrom’s AAV. The problem, however, is what it’ll cost them next season.

Adding Markstrom’s full $6 million cap hit would push the Devils’ payroll to over $73 million invested in 15 players. That could make it difficult to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agent Tyler Toffoli, re-sign restricted free agent Dawson Mercer, fill out the remainder of the roster, and leave sufficient cap room to address any issues that arise next season.

That would explain why cap retention became one of the sticking points mentioned by Friedman. The Flames probably aren’t receptive to that unless the Devils make it worth their while with a significant return.

Speaking of the Flames, Friedman cited defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin being among four players currently holding up the trade market along with Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Anaheim Ducks forward Adam Henrique.

Hanifin has had contract extension talks with the Flames. Until he signs, however, teams still consider him as being available.

Teams that could be waiting on Tanev and Hanifin include teams seeking blueline depth like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars. Friedman also said he’s heard the Edmonton Oilers are among the clubs with eyes on Guentzel. He thinks the Penguins are willing to see how the month plays out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, the teams holding those players can afford to be patient. Friedman also noted that some clubs can’t or won’t pay the asking prices for those players and could look at more affordable options.

WHO COULD THE BRUINS TARGET IN THE TRADE MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what the Boston Bruins might do leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

Given the high cost of acquiring a second-line center for now and the future, they could instead consider adding an impact winger. They probably couldn’t afford someone like Jake Guentzel but could instead look at more affordable options like Ottawa’s Vladimir Tarasenko, San Jose’s Anthony Duclair and Detroit’s David Perron.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss also had Duclair on his list. He also suggested they look at adding a forward who can play center or wing such as Anaheim’s Adam Henrique, Minnesota’s Brandon Duhaime, Arizona’s Liam O’Brien, and Washington’s Nic Dowd.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goss admits acquiring Henrique could be difficult for the cap-strapped Bruins given the forward’s $5.8 million cap hit. Even if Anaheim retains half, the Bruins still might have to send some salary to the Ducks. The Bruins would likely face the same issue with Tarasenko ($5 million) and Perron ($4.75 million).

If the Bruins make an addition or two at the trade deadline it’ll likely be more affordable options than Henrique, perhaps one of those on Goss’ list.

COULD THE OILERS PURSUE PERRON?

EDMONTON JOURNAL’s Jim Matheson tweeted that Oilers GM Ken Holland has long liked Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron. He’s slated to become a UFA this summer but the Wings would have to retain half of his $4.75 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Perron is available. The Red Wings are jockeying for one of the two wild-card berths in the Eastern Conference. I don’t see Detroit GM Steve Yzerman trading away Perron if his club is in the chase for its first playoff appearance in eight years unless it’s for a better player. If anything, Yzerman could become a buyer by the deadline.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Buffalo Sabres are seeking help that improve their team now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was a rumor flying around that the Sabres were actively shopping center Casey Mittelstadt and wanted a goaltender in return. The Buffalo News’ Lance Lysowski downplayed that speculation but his tweet is no longer available. However, in a reply to one of his followers regarding the Mittelstadt rumor, Lysowski tweeted they listen when teams make calls but they’re not shopping the 25-year-old center.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2024

by | Feb 9, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom and Phil Kessel plus updates on the Oilers and Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

MARKSTROM SAYS FLAMES ARE IN CONTROL OF HIS FUTURE

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Jacob Markstrom said it’s up to the Calgary Flames to decide whether he’ll finish the remaining two years of his contract in the Stampede City.

The 34-year-old goaltender has a full no-movement clause but has been the recent subject of trade speculation after his friend Elias Lindholm was shipped to the Vancouver Canucks last week. He said he’s not going to ask to be traded nor has management approached him about waiving his NMC.

Markstrom said it’s up to Flames management what they want to do. Francis noted that the club’s youth movement and Markstrom’s return to form have many wondering if general manager Craig Conroy will attempt to move him. The Flames must also make room for promising netminder Dustin Wolf.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Conroy isn’t shopping Markstrom but Francis believes Conroy now knows there’s a possibility the goalie might accept a trade if a rival GM pitched a significant offer. Meanwhile, Markstrom claims he’s focused on the games and doesn’t pay attention to trade rumors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s comments have New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols pondering the possibility of the Devils acquiring the former Vezina Trophy winner before the March 8 trade deadline. Assuming Markstrom would accept a trade to the Devils, Nichols acknowledged the Flames’ asking price would be expensive.

Trading Markstrom isn’t out of the question. However, this could be a move that takes place in the offseason, especially with the salary cap projected to jump by $4.2 million for next season.

OILERS SEEKING A TOP-SIX FORWARD

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers’ priority before the trade deadline is acquiring a top-six forward.

LeBrun mentioned Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel as a “real splashy name” but it’s unknown if he’s even available. The Oilers could consider a reunion with winger Jordan Eberle if the Seattle Kraken fall out of the playoff race.

Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause but he could waive it to go to Edmonton. Detroit Red Wings forwards Daniel Sprong and David Perron are possibilities if their club falls out of postseason contention.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins’ asking price for Guentzel would likely be too expensive for the Oilers. Guentzel, Eberle, Tarasenko and Perron each make over $4.7 million annually so they could find it a challenge to squeeze one of those players within their limited salary-cap payroll.

Sprong would be the most affordable option in terms of salary ($2 million) and return. Speaking of Tarasenko, he reportedly changed agents again to get a contract extension as a condition for waiving his no-trade clause.

Darren Dreger said the Oilers are also considering their defense options. They’re having conversations about some of the better available blueliners in the trade market such as Philadelphia’s Sean Walker and perhaps Calgary’s Chris Tanev. However, they’d have to shed a defenseman like Brett Kulak or Cody Ceci to make a deal like that happen.

LIGHTNING COULD SEEK REPLACEMENT FOR SERGACHEV

TSN: Chris Johnston believes the Tampa Bay Lightning could attempt to find a replacement for sidelined defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. If he ends up on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of the regular season, they could use the salary cap savings to add a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sergachev underwent surgery yesterday to repair a fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg. Having undergone a similar procedure myself years ago, I doubt very much that we’ll see him back in action before the playoffs begin. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has likely already started searching for Sergachev’s replacement.

LATEST ON KESSEL

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reports the Vancouver Canucks are still poking around UFA Phil Kessel.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 8, 2024

by | Feb 8, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 8, 2024

Recaps of Wednesday’s games, the latest on the Coyotes’ arena saga, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The New York Rangers picked up their third straight win by downing the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1. Jimmy Vesey scored twice and Jonathan Quick stopped 18 shots for the 32-16-3 Rangers as they sit atop the Metropolitan Division with 67 points. Brandon Hagel scored for Tampa Bay (27-19-5) while Nikita Kucherov collected an assist to regain the lead in the NHL scoring race with 86 points. With 59 points, the Lightning slipped to the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning also lost defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to what appeared to be a serious injury to his lower left leg in the second period following a collision with Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere. Sergachev was stretchered from the ice and it’s expected he’ll be out of action for a while.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares (NHL Images).

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander scored two goals and collected an assist in a 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars. John Tavares had a goal and two assists while Auston Matthews tallied his league-leading 41st goal of the season for the Maple Leafs (26-15-8) as they vaulted over the Lightning into third place in the Atlantic Division with 60 points. Evgenii Dadonov scored two goals for the 31-14-6 Stars as they sit in second place in the Central Division with 68 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Tavares, The Canadian Press reports (via TSN) that the Leafs captain is taking the Canada Revenue Agency to court to have the reassessment of his 2018 tax return annulled.

According to the CRA reassessment, Tavares’ income was determined to be $17.8 million higher than reported and he was ordered to repay $6.8 million in taxes plus $1.2 million in interest. The report indicates the $17.8 million accounts for a $15.25 million US signing bonus in the first year of his contract which “was integral to Tavares’ decision” to accept the deal.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Marcus Foligno snapped a 1-1 tie in the third period for the 22-23-5 Wild. Nick Foligno scored for the 14-35-2 Blackhawks, who’ve lost five straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Wild announced winger Pat Maroon underwent back surgery and will be sidelined for four-to-six weeks. Maroon has surfaced in the rumor mill as a trade candidate but this news could ensure he finishes the season in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson (foot) was activated off injured reserve for this game.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said things don’t sound promising for the Arizona Coyotes’ efforts to purchase a piece of state land that is up for auction to build a new arena and entertainment complex.

Friedman doesn’t want to jump to conclusions because “deadlines are movable”. However, he said if there is going to be an announcement by this weekend or very soon regarding the purchase of that land, “it doesn’t seem to be good for the current ownership group.”

Speaking of the Coyotes’ ownership, Friedman thinks that “we’re coming to the end of the line”. If there isn’t a new arena plan in place soon, he speculates they could begin the process of selling the team or the NHL taking over and selling the club to somebody else.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predictions of the Coyotes’ relocation have been flying around for nearly two decades. This time, however, there seems to be a different vibe to the speculation. There’s a sense the NHL Board of Governors is running out of patience with this franchise.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been the biggest champion for keeping the Coyotes in Arizona. Nevertheless, he could finally admit defeat if he lacked BoG support on this issue.

I also think it’s more than a coincidence that a prospective ownership group in Salt Lake City recently made a very public expression of interest in bringing an NHL franchise to their city. If the Coyotes go up for sale, they could be on their way to Utah.

The Coyotes saga seems destined to end in relocation but I won’t rejoice if it happens. My thoughts will be with the club’s fans. Contrary to popular belief, the Coyotes drew reasonably well during many difficult years. Unfortunately, their supporters have been let down by decades of mismanagement and ongoing uncertainty over the club’s future.

TSN: Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk laments what is shaping up to be another lost season for the franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This one probably hurts a lot more for Tkachuk given how much excitement there was entering this season following the sale of the club last summer to billionaire Michael Andlauer. The Sens captain has four more years left on his contract and he’s stated repeatedly he wants to turn this team into a winner. However, Tkachuk’s patience will be tested if new general manager Steve Staios struggles like his predecessor did.

Speaking of the Senators, Vladimir Tarasenko has changed agents again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll have more about Tarasenko in today’s Rumors update.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon received a three-game suspension by the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins rookie forward Matthew Poitras will be sidelined for five months after undergoing successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: The Flames signed forward Martin Pospisil to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2024

by | Jan 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2024

Which players could the Rangers target as a possible replacement for Filip Chytil? What’s the latest on Vladimir Tarasenko? Will the Predators be busy in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS FOR CHYTIL

NEW YORK POST: Before Sunday’s news that Filip Chytil is out for the rest of the season with a suspected concussion, Larry Brooks wondered which players the Rangers might target as a possible replacement for the sidelined center.

The Rangers need a third-line center behind Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. Brooks believes they will operate with the cap space freed up by placing Chytil and his $4.4 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve.

Brooks listed the Anaheim Ducks’ Adam Henrique and Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan as the most prominent trade candidates. The 33-year-old Henrique carries a $5.85 million cap hit that the Ducks would have to retain half, likely driving up their asking price. Monahan, 29, has a $1.985 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Elliotte Friedman touched on this during his Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. He felt a trade sending Monahan to the Rangers wouldn’t be easy. He said there’s no love lost between the front offices of the two clubs as former Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton is now the Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations.

Ottawa Senators winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Monahan is younger and carries a much more affordable cap hit but he does have a recent history of injuries. The Canadiens could seek a first-round pick in return for Monahan while the Ducks could seek the same for Henrique.

LATEST ON TARASENKO

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported on Friday that Senators GM Steve Staios must determine what’s next for Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old right wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

On Wednesday, Staios told reporters that he hadn’t approached Tarasenko about waiving his no-trade clause. Nevertheless, both sides understand the reality of the situation.

The Senators GM said the winger has made a good impression with the Sens and hinted at re-signing him. However, Garrioch pointed out that the Senators need more assets (draft picks or prospects) and Tarasenko could fetch some of those in a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch also indicated that there were scouts from Washington, Detroit, St. Louis and Arizona at Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins. They may have been there to look at Tarasenko and other Ottawa players but it’s worth noting that the Capitals, Red Wings and Coyotes will play the Senators within the next four weeks.

Tarasenko will certainly draw attention over the next month as the trade deadline approaches. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 and has a proven record in postseason play with 44 goals and 64 points in 97 contests. The veteran winger has 32 points in 43 games with the Senators this season.

PREDATORS COULD BE ACTIVE BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Michael Gallagher recently reported Predators GM Barry Trotz spent time phoning different general managers during the club’s recent road trip. He said that he’d be ready to do something but the others couldn’t because of limited salary-cap space.

Trotz believes his team will be able to do “a couple of things” at the March 8 trade deadline. Gallagher noted he’s been trying to move defenseman Tyson Barrie but hasn’t been able to make the dollars work yet because the interested parties lack cap room.

Predators backup goalie Kevin Lankinen has drawn interest but he’ll fetch a draft pick or two rather than a player who can help the Predators now. There were rumblings earlier this season that blueliner Dante Fabbro was available but those have since died away

Trotz hasn’t made up his mind if he’ll be a buyer or seller but suggested his club’s performance in the coming weeks would determine his decision.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barrie is the most likely to be moved given his public trade request, which didn’t sit well with Trotz. However, I don’t think he’ll fetch much more than Lankinen.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 26, 2024

by | Jan 26, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – January 26, 2024

The Blue Jackets could listen to offers for Patrik Laine and Ivan Provorov plus the latest on the Senators and Kings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

JACKETS COULD LISTEN ON LAINE AND PROVOROV

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is willing to at least listen to trade offers for winger Patrik Laine and defenseman Ivan Provorov.

He also indicated there were other players the Jackets GM could listen on but didn’t indicate who they were.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Dreger said teams are interested in forward Boone Jenner but the Jackets captain is a “heart-and-soul guy” so it’s highly unlikely they’ll trade him. Their “untouchables” include young players such as rookie Adam Fantilli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t know which clubs would be interested in Laine unless they’re hoping to pay very little to get him and have the Jackets retain up to half of his $8.7 million average annual value through 2025-26. Injuries and inconsistent play have likely hurt his value in the trade market.

Provorov was acquired by the Blue Jackets last June from the Philadelphia Flyers. He’s signed through 2024-25 with an AAV of $6.75 million and lacks no-trade protection. He has 23 points in 47 games and could still have value as a top-four puck-moving defenseman. Nevertheless, his cap hit could be a sticking point.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

TSN: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios said he’s been exploring all options for his club heading toward the March 8 trade deadline. He remains focused on adding experienced players with leadership ability who play a 200-foot game.

Staios said the market would dictate if he’ll be able to find such players this season. If not, he’ll continue looking in the offseason.

The Senators GM said he hasn’t approached Vladimir Tarasenko yet about waiving his no-trade clause. The 32-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries a $5 million cap hit.

Staios also expressed his disappointment that Jakob Chychrun has come up in trade rumors. He’s not surprised other clubs covet the 25-year-old defenseman but said his club will try to find the cap space to sign him to a contract extension. Staios also doesn’t want to rush to a decision regarding his club’s core players leading up to the trade deadline.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes Staios seeks a gritty winger and a right-shot defenseman.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne observed Staios said he’ll keep Jacques Martin as interim head coach for the rest of this season while continuing to search for a full-time replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think it’s only a matter of time until Staios asks Tarasenko to waive his no-trade clause. He’s likely waiting to see how the market develops for the scoring winger. That decision could come by late February.

The Senators aren’t under any pressure to move Chychrun as he’s signed through next season. They could consider shopping him during the offseason if any difficulties arise during contract negotiations. It’ll likely cost at least $8 million annually on a long-term deal to keep him in the fold. Combined with Thomas Chabot’s and Jake Sanderson’s cap hits, that would mean tying up $24 million in three left-shot defensemen, though Chychrun does play on the right side with the Sens.

KINGS TO STAY THE COURSE FOR NOW

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the struggling Los Angeles Kings intend to stay the course despite losing 12 of their last 14 games. That means no coaching change or trades, at least for now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings are clinging to one of the wild-card berths in the Western Conference. If they slip out of contention, I think general manager Rob Blake will have little choice but to replace head coach Todd McLellan or shake up the roster with a trade.