NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 16, 2025

by | Jan 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 16, 2025

Connor McDavid moves up among the Oilers’ all-time scoring leaders, the Sabres accomplish a unique feat, Leafs center John Tavares is injured during practice, Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry goes on waivers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid moved into second place among his club’s all-time leading scorers as his club defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-3. McDavid scored twice and collected an assist to move past Jari Kurri with 1,044 points while the Oilers picked up their seventh win in their last eight games. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist for the Wild as they’ve lost three of their last four games.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wayne Gretzky is the franchise leader with 1,669 points.

McDavid angered the Wild by going unpenalized for elbowing Marcus Johansson in the jaw during the second period. Johansson left the game with an upper-body injury.

Oilers winger Jeff Skinner was a healthy scratch for the third straight game. He has 15 points in 40 games.

Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan McLeod collected his first NHL hat trick in a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots and Jason Zucker collected two assists as the Sabres picked up their third win in their last four contests. Jacob Slavin and Martin Necas replied for the Hurricanes

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres accomplished a unique feat by scoring a goal without registering a shot during a full 20-minute period. The goal occurred in the final minute of the third period with the Sabres hanging onto a 3-2 lead.

As per Daily Faceoff, McLeod attempted a shot on the empty Hurricanes net but his stick snapped and didn’t make contact with the puck. Meanwhile, Carolina defenseman Brent Burns’ attempt to get the puck out of the slot caused him to trip McLeod. That resulted in what would’ve been a penalty shot, but with the net empty, became an automatic goal, giving McLeod a hat trick and the Sabres the win.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Wednesday.

The First Team consists of forwards Daniel Briere, Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek, defensemen Brian Campbell and Rasmus Dahlin, and goaltender Ryan Miller.

The Second Team is comprised of forwards Chris Drury, Derek Roy and Jack Eichel, defensemen Jay McKee and Tyler Myers, and goaltender Dominik Hasek.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs center John Tavares left practice on Wednesday favoring his right leg after getting tangled up with defenseman Chris Tanev. Head coach Craig Berube said Tavares was still being evaluated and he’s hoping he’ll be okay. Meanwhile, defenseman Jake McCabe took part in his first full practice after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed goaltender Tristan Jarry on waivers and plan on assigning him to their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They have called up netminder Joel Blomqvist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely that a rival club will pluck Jarry off waivers. He has a record of 8-8-4 with a 3.31 goals-against average and a save percentage of .886. Jarry also carries an average annual value of $5.375 million through 2027-28.

NESN: Boston Bruins president Cam Neely said his club is looking at two approaches leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. They could be buyers or they could be “retooling a little bit” depending on where they are in the standings by the deadline. They’re holding one of the two wild-card berths in the Eastern Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ll likely be retooling if their play throughout the first half is anything to go by. Their lack of a reliable first-line center is a significant factor in their struggles this season. However, they might have to wait until the offseason to address that need.

DAILY FACEOFF: Los Angeles Kings winger Alex Laferriere has been sidelined by an upper-body ailment. A further update on his status is expected later this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 23-year-old Laferriere has had a solid sophomore season with 13 goals and 26 points in 41 games.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic was fined $1,996.53 by the NHL’s department of player safety for cross-checking Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk.

Utah Hockey Club center Jack McBain was fined $4,166.67 for high-sticking Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher.

RG.ORG: The upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off is forcing NHL general managers to move up their timelines to prepare for the March 7 trade deadline. The tournament takes place from Feb. 12-20, with 28 of the 32 NHL teams being off from Feb. 9-22, leaving the general managers less than two weeks to prepare for the trade deadline.

Teams are moving up their pro scouting meetings to narrow down their trade boards.

TSN: The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks made a minor trade on Wednesday, with the Jets acquiring defenseman Isaak Phillips from the Blackhawks for defenseman Dmitry Kuzmin.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2024

by | Dec 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 18, 2024

The latest on John Tavares and Ivan Provorov plus updates on the Islanders, Sabres and Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPARABLE CONTRACTS FOR JOHN TAVARES?

TSN: Darren Dreger said there is ongoing dialogue between the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares regarding a contract extension. The 34-year-old center is completing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $11 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (NHL Images).

Dreger mentioned the contracts of Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (two years, $7 million AAV) and Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux (three years, $6.5 million AAV) have been brought up as comparables in those discussions.

The Tavares camp hasn’t brought up Steven Stamkos’ four-year deal ($8 million AAV) with the Nashville Predators. Dreger believes the Leafs center aims to be lower than that if this gets done with the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would prefer something closer to Giroux’s contract. Everything will depend on how high the salary cap is set for next season. Original projections have it rising to $92.5 million but there’s speculation it could reach up to $96 million.

WILL THE ISLANDERS SELL AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders core is running out of time to prevent some of them from hitting the block by the March 7 trade deadline. He feels there’s no point in keeping it intact if they’re going to be a .500 club and be in the mix for an underwhelming wild-card race in the Eastern Conference.

Sears noted this is the fourth straight season that general manager Lou Lamoriello has stubbornly stuck with a roster core that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2021. He doesn’t expect Lamoriello to be a seller if the Isles are in the playoff race, speculating the Isles GM could become a buyer by the deadline.

Nevertheless, Sears believes it would “amount to malpractice” if Lamoriello hung onto aging UFA-eligible forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri if the Isles are only going to get bounced from the first round again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Isles keep sputtering along as they have thus far they’ll make it easy for Lamoriello to become a seller. They’re overdue for a roster shakeup and Nelson and Palmieri could fetch returns that provide for the future.

LATEST ON IVAN PROVOROV

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports agent Mark Gandler said his client Ivan Provorov would be open to contract extension talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 27-year-old defenseman is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Gandler said Provorov and his family spend a lot of time in Columbus and love it there. LeBrun suggests something that could sway the blueliner is his 16-year-old brother is committed to Ohio State University, though Gandler said that is two separate business decisions.

LeBrun said extension talks between the two sides haven’t started yet but he speculates it could happen sometime in the New Year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on how much of a raise Provorov seeks over his current average annual value of $6.75 million and whether Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell believes he fits into the club’s long-term plans.

SABRES STILL IN THE TRADE MARKET

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Buffalo Sabres remain in the trade market despite their owner’s recent meeting with the players to express support for them and clear the air regarding the rumors swirling around the club.

Johnston claims the Sabres have been pretty active in having discussions with other clubs. He said they’re telling teams if they want one of their best players the Sabres want one of theirs back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres owner Terry Pegula told his players not to expect a big trade. That was before they got spanked 6-1 by the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. If they’re not doing a big trade, perhaps a change in management is coming. Stay tuned…

CANUCKS SEEK A DEFENSEMAN AND A WINGER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks remain in the market for a top-four defenseman. They’re also looking to add a winger.

The defenseman is the priority. LeBrun indicates the Canucks haven’t been the same since Filip Hronek was sidelined by a lower-body injury. He underwent a procedure earlier this month and is expected to miss at least eight weeks.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported on “X” that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman clarified his recent remarks suggesting a trade that would see the Canucks ship Elias Pettersson to the Sabres for Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram.

Friedman said he was merely spitballing but said the two teams have talked. He added that he can see the Canucks having an interest in Cozens and Byram and the Sabres being interested in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman’s spitballing created a buzz on social media among Canucks and Sabres fans. However, the Sabres probably aren’t keen to add a player carrying an $11.6 million AAV, especially one as streaky as Pettersson.

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2024

by | Dec 16, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – December 16, 2024

John Tavares sets a Leafs record, Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov rises again in the scoring race, the Rangers and Sabres continue to slide, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: John Tavares had a natural hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 5-3, setting a franchise record as the oldest player (34 years, 86 days) to accomplish that feat. Max Domi and Nick Robertson each had a goal and an assist while rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby stopped 24 shots for the win as the Leafs hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 40 points. Jack Quinn tallied twice for the Sabres, who’ve lost their 10th straight game (0-7-3).

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The ongoing absence of defenseman and team captain Rasmus Dahlin is a significant reason behind the Sabres’ spiral. Head coach Lindy Ruff is shouldering the blame for his club’s woes but there’s plenty of blame to go around.

The Sabres’ front office faces growing heat for not making a trade to shake things up. However, they’re reportedly getting offers from rivals hoping to take advantage of their plight to pluck away one of their good young players.

Meanwhile, the Leafs announced goaltender Anthony Stolarz (lower body) was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 12.

The Vegas Golden Knights got two goals from Victor Olofsson in a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Jack Eichel picked up two assists for the Golden Knights as they hold first place in the Pacific Division with 43 points. Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov scored twice to reach 22 goals on the season, moving into a tie with Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl for the NHL goal-scoring lead. The loss left the Wild (43 points) one point behind the Winnipeg Jets for the lead in the Central Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild netminder Jesper Wallstedt made his season debut as Filip Gustavsson dealt with lower-body soreness. Wild coach John Hynes said Gustavsson’s injury isn’t expected to be serious.

Jordan Kyrou extended his goal streak to four games while Robert Thomas had a goal and an assist as the St. Louis Blues held off the New York Rangers 3-2. Joel Hofer turned aside 26 shots for the Blues. Rangers forwards Brett Berard and Will Cuylle scored in the third period to make it interesting but they lost for the fourth time in their last five games. With 31 points, they’re one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers star Artemi Panarin missed this game with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day. Teammate Kaapo Kakko was a healthy scratch prompting rumors he could be getting traded but the New York Post’s Mollie Walker reported there was no indication a deal was in the works.

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Dustin Tokarski made 27 saves in a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was Tokarski’s first NHL game since Feb. 2023. Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal each had two points for the Hurricanes as they picked up their third win in their last eight contests. Dmitri Voronkov replied for the Blue Jackets, who are 1-5-2 in their last eight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson left this game after taking a stick to the face in the first period. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Following the game, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor from Governor Roy Cooper. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to persons “who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard broke a 3-3 tie late in the third period and Connor Murphy put the game away with an empty-net goal to beat the New York Islanders 5-3. Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists and Arvid Soderblom kicked out 30 shots for the win. Ryan Pulock, Simon Holmstrom and Noah Dobson replied for the Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returned to the Isles after missing several games with injuries. However, center Bo Horvat missed this contest with a lower-body injury and is day-to-day.

Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno missed this game because of illness. He isn’t expected to be sidelined for long. 










NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2024

by | Nov 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – November 29, 2024

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, John Tavares and Kaapo Kakko plus the latest on the Flyers and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST RUMORS FROM TSN’S “INSIDER TRADING”

TSN: Pierre LeBrun thinks Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen believes he could make an average annual value of $14 million on his next contract if he tests the open market next summer.

Rantanen, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $9.25 million.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

LeBrun believes it’s more likely the winger and the Avalanche sign a contract extension before July 1. However, it remains to be seen if they’ll reach an agreement below the team-leading $12.6 million being earned by Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun indicated that player agents will focus on how much of a club’s cap percentage their clients can make rather than the AAV.

The salary cap for 2025-26 was initially projected to rise by $4.4 million to $92.5 million. There’s speculation it could go higher, rising to as much as $98 million, though NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman dismissed that conjecture.

If the cap rises higher than projected, players like Rantanen could be in line for higher raises than expected, especially if the focus is on how much of a percentage of the cap they’ll make. A player can earn no more than 20 percent. If the cap rises to $92.4 million, that’s an AAV of $18.48 million. If it’s $98 million, the maximum is $19.6 million.

Rantanen won’t get anywhere close to that but it’s understandable why he reportedly thinks he can get $14 million annually on the open market.

Chris Johnston reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are engaged in contract extension talks with John Tavares. The 34-year-old center is UFA-eligible next summer but he isn’t interested in going to market. He’s earning an AAV of $11 million on his current deal.

Johnston said they’re not close to a deal yet. He suggests deferred salary compensation might be a way to bridge the gap as it could lower the AAV.

Darren Dreger said the Calgary Flames continue to shop for a second-line center, preferably one who will play with the Flames for the next three to five years. LeBrun noted the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators are also in the market for second-line centers.

Dreger also reported that Kaapo Kakko has resurfaced in trade rumors. The 23-year-old New York Rangers winger was the subject of speculation during the offseason. He’s on a one-year contract worth $2.4 million and becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in July.

Kakko probably seeks a fresh start where he can garner more ice. Dreger believes the Rangers won’t give him away and the return must be exactly what they want. Nevertheless, he claims there’s interest in the Finnish winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple recently reported the Rangers were happy with the performance of their younger players, including Kakko. Still, they could entertain offers for a return that provides them with an immediate roster boost.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Kevin Kurz recently listed five centers the Philadelphia Flyers could target in a trade this season. They include Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres, Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators, and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the above link for Kurz’s full breakdown as to why the Flyers could target those players.

Nelson is the oldest on this list and UFA-eligible next summer. He won’t be traded unless the Islanders are out of playoff contention and they decide against re-signing him. He’s 33 years old and would be a better option for a playoff contender than a rebuilding club.

Zegras, Rossi and Cozens are 23 while Pinto is 24. They’re better suited for the Flyers’ long-term plans.

Zegras struggled through an injury-shortened 2023-24 campaign, garnering a reputation as a one-dimensional forward. His overall game is improving this season but he’s been employed more as a winger than a center.

Cozens and Pinto aren’t scoring at the same pace this season as they did in 2023-24. However, their respective clubs might not be keen to give up on them. It will take a solid return to tempt them. The Sabres and Senators are trying to take the next step toward contention. A return of draft picks and prospects probably won’t cut it.

Rossi could be the Flyers’ best bet. Kurz’s colleague Michael Russo doesn’t think the 23-year-old center has a long-term future with the Wild and recently said he expects the youngster will be traded at some point. He’s off to a good start this season with 17 points in 22 games, sitting third among Wild scorers.

Landing any of those players will likely cost the Flyers a young player not named Matvei Michkov in return. Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey speculates it could be Tyson Foerster. The 22-year-old winger is going through a sophomore slump with six points in 22 games after a promising 20-goal, 33-point effort last season.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2024

by | Oct 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2024

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

WHO SHOULD THE LEAFS SIGN NEXT?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau looked at which players the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign next after inking Jack McCabe to a five-year extension.

Proteau believes Matthew Knies is part of the Leafs’ long-term future. The 22-year-old forward is off to a strong start this season. He carries an average annual value of $925K and will get a significant raise on his next contract.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

Former captain John Tavares knows people expect him to accept a significant pay cut from his current $11 million AAV to stay in Toronto. Proteau believes the 34-year-old center still has value under the right circumstances, suggesting a $6 million AAV on a two or three-year deal.

Proteau suggests the Leafs should consider moving on from Mitch Marner if he wants more than $11 million annually, citing his lack of playoff success. He thinks Leafs general manager Brad Treliving could feel pressure to get something for Marner in the trade market if his contract price is too high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knies is in the final season of his entry-level contract so the Leafs hold all the leverage unless he signs an offer sheet with a rival club or stages a holdout. Treliving will likely want to avoid those scenarios, especially if Knies maintains his strong performance throughout this campaign. He could get a bridge deal as Proteau suggests to between $5 million and $6 million but Treliving could also attempt to lock him up on a longer term.

Tavares wants to finish his career with the Leafs. He could accept between $5 million and $6 million annually on a two or three-year deal.

Marner currently carries an AAV of $10.9 million and probably won’t accept less than William Nylander’s $11.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause and shows no intention of waiving it. As Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently observed, the Leafs can either re-sign Marner or treat him as a playoff rental for this season and watch him depart in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: During the Oct. 28 edition of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman mentioned the Montreal Canadiens are seeking a forward who plays with an edge and a right-shot defenseman.

Friedman mentioned San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning. However, the Canadiens would prefer a player on an expiring contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are reportedly conducting due diligence to see which players are available in the trade market. It’s unknown if Benning is among them. There’s no trade activity right now and it’s believed the Canadiens have no deals in the works.

Benning, 30, is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $1.25 million. That affordable cap hit could make him a worthwhile trade target despite the extra year on his contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2024

by | Oct 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.