NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

by | Aug 13, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 13, 2024

The Leafs to name Auston Matthews as captain, Oilers winger Evander Kane could start this season on LTIR, plus the latest on Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs are expected to call a press conference on Wednesday to name center Auston Matthews as their new captain.

Matthews, 26, will take over from John Tavares, who has held the captaincy since Oct. 2, 2019. The 33-year-old center reportedly was heavily involved in the process and approves of the move.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move is seen as shaking up the leadership and providing a fresh perspective. It’s also worth noting that Tavares is in the final season of his contract and could depart next July as an unrestricted free agent.

Cynical observers, such as the Star’s Dave Feschuk, believe the Leafs are making this move because the no-trade protection enjoyed by Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander makes it impossible to shake up their failing core by trading one of them.

What do you think, folks? Let me know in the comments below.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites Oilers insider Bob Stauffer reporting that there is a “very good chance” that Oilers winger Evander Kane starts this season on long-term injury reserve. Stauffer indicated the 33-year-old winger “may require surgery”.

Kane claimed he was hampered last season by a sports hernia. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson recently said he was dealing with a hip issue.

Staples noted Stauffer’s report contradicted recent rumors claiming Kane would be good to go for the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples points out Stauffer is the ultimate Oilers insider so this report should be considered credible unless we hear otherwise. Kane carries a $5.125 million annual cap hit through 2025-26.

This could explain why the Oilers haven’t signed restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg yet. They are over the $88 million cap but could sign Holloway and Broberg for the start of the season with Kane on LTIR without having to trade or demote players to free up cap room.

They’ll have to shed salary to be cap-compliant once Kane’s ready to return to action this season. In the short term, this would give them the relief they need and buy them time to find a way to prepare for Kane’s return.

TSN: Patrik Laine and his fiance, Jordan Leigh, have launched a mental health initiative called “From Us To You”.

Laine, 26, missed most of last season in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program receiving treatment for his mental health. The couple said they decided to start this initiative after people reached out to Laine to share their stories and the importance of speaking out while dealing with mental health issues.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers will be suiting up for his native Denmark in Olympic qualifying later this month.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov lashed out at Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark in response to comments by the former Boston Bruins goalie earlier this year when Samsonov played for the Maple Leafs.

After Boston eliminated Toronto from the opening round of the 2024 playoffs, Ullmark said he was surprised the Leafs stuck with Samsonov as long as they did. He claimed the Bruins found Leafs netminder Joseph Woll more challenging.

Samsonov’s Golden Knights are scheduled to face Ullmark’s Senators on Nov. 21. The Vegas netminder took to Instagram to note the date, telling Ullmark to “keep your a** shut or will you be injured again?” Samsonov soon deleted the comment but not before fans took screenshots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Circle your calendars, Golden Knights and Senators fans. Things could get spicy if Samsonov and Ullmark are the starting goalies for that game.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie shed some light on why Oliver Kylington didn’t re-sign with the Calgary Flames in a recent mailbag segment.

McKenzie indicated the Flames approached Kylington with a one-year contract offer but the 27-year-old defenseman wanted a two-year deal. Ultimately, the Flames wouldn’t give him more than a year and let him depart as a UFA.

Kylington’s agent claimed his client was willing to sign a one-year contract with the Flames once he hit the open market but the club had moved on by then. The blueliner recently signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils signed Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract worth $825K at the NHL level. The 23-year-old forward missed all but four games last season with a lower back injury.










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.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2024

by | Jul 24, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2024

The latest on the Flyers’ Sean Couturier, the Penguins’ Kevin Hayes, and the Jets’ Cole Perfetti, some arbitration dates are revealed, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier faces a make-or-break season. The 31-year-old Flyers captain played a full season in 2023-24 after missing a season and a half to back surgery but struggled to regain his form, finishing with 38 points in 74 games. Couturier was also a healthy scratch late in the season.

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It can sometimes take a full season for a player to bounce back from a serious surgery. Couturier could return to his Selke Trophy form this season and silence the concerns about his future. His contract is partly behind those worries, entering the third season of an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $7.75 million.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins forward Kevin Hayes intends to use his trade from the St. Louis Blues as motivation while he awaits his role with his new club. Hayes, 32, said he didn’t really find a role with the Blues, making it difficult to play his best hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins acquired Hayes to replace the aging Jeff Carter as their third-line center, which was greeted with criticism citing Hayes’ age and struggles last season with the Blues. How well he adjusts will contribute to the outcome of the Penguins’ season.

WINNIPEG SUN: Cole Perfetti’s role this season with the Jets could determine the length of his next contract. The 22-year-old restricted free-agent forward is believed to have talked with new head coach Scott Arniel regarding his role with the team, which could sway whether he signs a long-term deal. Perfetti could see top-six minutes and power-play time under Arniel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Jets head coach Rick Bowness seemed to lose confidence in Perfetti last season. He could break out this season with a more robust role under Arniel.

PUCKPEDIA: released the salary arbitration dates for Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (July 29), Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko (July 31), New York Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom (Aug. 1) and Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas (Aug. 4).

New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren also has an upcoming arbitration hearing date.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple recently reported Lindgren’s hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs avoided arbitration with forward Connor Dewar as the two sides agreed to a one-year, $1.18 million contract.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: The Buffalo Sabres won’t be facing Beck Malenstyn in arbitration, signing the 26-year-old winger to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.35 million.

NHL.COM: The Utah Hockey Club signed Cole Beaudoin to a three-year entry-level contract. Beaudoin, 18, was selected 24th overall by Utah in the 2024 NHL Draft.

TSN: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois were named to Canada’s management team for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the 2026 Men’s Olympic hockey team.

THE ATHLETIC: A tax ruling involving Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares could make it difficult for Canadian NHL teams to sign free agents.

The report indicates a key reason behind Tavares’ signing with the Leafs was the belief a provision in the Canada-US Tax Treaty commonly used by professional athletes would allow him to pay lower taxes on his initial $15 million signing bonus.

However, the Canada Revenue Agency claims he owes over $6.8 million (plus another $1.2 million in interest) on that signing bonus. Tavares is disputing the CRA’s assessment, the outcome of which could have a far-reaching effect on Canadian teams trying to lure players north of the border.

This stems from where Tavares’ principal residence was in 2018. He was a US tax resident that year. However, a person is considered a resident of Canada for tax purposes if they spend 183 days in the country.

The issue centers on whether Tavares’s bonus with the Leafs that year was employment income or an inducement to sign the contract. If the CRA is successful, it will reframe how the provision of bonuses is applied.

The CRA is also scrutinizing the use of Retirement Compensation Agreements (RCAs) by Canadian teams to reduce the tax burden on non-resident players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve shortened this to provide the main highlights. If you have a subscription to The Athletic, I recommend reading the piece for the full details. This case could take a couple of years before a decision is reached.

Higher taxes are one reason why Canadian teams have had difficulty signing top free-agent talent. A ruling against Tavares will mean those clubs must pay more to entice free agents to sign with them. It will also mean they must pay more to retain their best players.

Canadian teams will likely turn to the NHL to address this situation If this becomes a significant impediment for them. They’re unlikely to go to the Canadian government. An attempt to find a federal and provincial solution to help those clubs dealing with a historically low Canadian dollar in 1999 didn’t poll well with Canadians. It was abandoned following disagreements between the provinces and the federal government over the breakdown of the funding.

That forced the NHL to implement a revenue-sharing scheme for Canadian teams which stayed in place until the 2005 CBA was implemented.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2024

by | Jul 22, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2024

A look ahead at the UFA class of 2025 in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon looked ahead at next summer’s class of unrestricted free agents.

He excluded Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand, and New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, assuming they’ll sign contract extensions with their current clubs.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner tops Dixon’s list. He notes the 27-year-old winger holds all the cards with his full no-movement clause this season. Marner could play out this season with the Leafs and see what free agency holds next summer. The Leafs could try to re-sign him but Dixon doesn’t expect they’ll come up with a sufficiently high number that’s entice Marner to forego free agency.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner could re-sign with the Leafs if the average annual value is between William Nylander’s $11.5 million and Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million, preferably closer to the latter. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he tests the market.

Dixon also pondered the possibility of the Leafs bringing back captain John Tavares for half his current $11 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs Nation could prefer Tavares accept much less than that. He could get half of his current AAV on the open market. That’ll depend on his performance this season. The decline in his production in 2023-24 was noticeable. A further drop means he won’t get anything close to $5.5 million annually on his next contract from the Leafs or on the open market.

The Ottawa Senators will be keen to sign Linus Ullmark to an extension if his goaltending sparks a turnaround in their fortunes. However, the 30-year-old netminder could wait and see how things unfold this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark will likely stay patient and wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

Dixon noted the Vegas Golden Knights are always up against the salary cap, which could affect efforts to re-sign Shea Theodore. He noted they signed Noah Hanifin to an eight-year contract with an AAV of $7.4 million and wondered if a similar deal could get it done for Theodore.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Theodore seems destined to follow Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson out of Vegas via free agency. They have Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo carrying AAVs of over $7 million. They can’t afford a third blueliner with that cap hit.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser enjoyed a career-best 40-goal performance last season. A strong start in 2024-25 could see him and the club hammer out an in-season agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser will be an expensive re-signing. His current AAV is $6.65 million and he could seek over $9 million on his next deal.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny’s robust play will draw lots of interest if he goes to market next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Konecny loves being a Flyer and management thinks highly of him. Nevertheless, his future in Philadelphia will depend on the club’s performance this season. If they falter, they could move him at the trade deadline for pieces that will help them rebuild.

It’s believed the Winnipeg Jets could trade Nikolaj Ehlers this summer. However, the Jets surprised us before by re-signing Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck and Scheifele are the Jets’ franchise players. Ehlers is a complementary winger. If they don’t trade him this summer, he could be moved at the March trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then. Otherwise, they’ll hang onto Ehlers if they’re in the thick of the playoff race and watch him walk next summer.

The Florida Panthers have Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe and Aaron Ekblad eligible for UFA status next summer. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to retain all three of them. They could part ways with Ekblad, but that could further weaken their defense corps.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito has shown he can make bold moves to improve his club. For example, he could be proactive before free agency begins on July 1 by acquiring a replacement for Ekblad.

Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill could be the top goalie in next summer’s UFA market if he has a strong performance this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think that honor will belong to Ullmark. Hill plays well when healthy but he’s battled lower-body injuries for several seasons.

Dixon believes Jamie Benn could accept a contract with a lower cap figure to remain with the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t see the 35-year-old Benn leaving a Cup contender to chase another lucrative deal. He’s made his big money with his current deal paying him an AAV of $9.5 million. He could accept half that on a short-term deal to stay put.

A strong start to this season might prompt Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings to discuss an extension.

Claude Giroux could stay in Ottawa if the Senators improve this season.

Jakob Chychrun could be anxious to get a long-term deal and plant roots with one team after bouncing among three clubs since 2022. Whether it’s with the Washington Capitals or another club remains to be seen.

The other notables include the Stars’ Esa Lindell, Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators, Adam Larsson of the Seattle Kraken, Neal Pionk of the Jets, Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks, Dmitry Orlov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Taylor Hall of the Chicago Blackhawks.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

A list of the remaining notable UFAs, the latest on Jacob Trouba, plus updates on the Leafs, Senators and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REMAINING NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

DAILY FACEOFF: Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Suter and Max Pacioretty are the notable players on Frank Seravalli’s list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Others include Nate Schmidt, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson, Mike Hoffman and Tony DeAngelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these players are past their prime. Some of them might land with new clubs on inexpensive one-year contracts.

THE LATEST ON JACOB TROUBA

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers’ biggest move yesterday was the one they didn’t make: trading Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers explored trading the 30-year-old defenseman, whose no-movement clause shifted to a 15-team no-trade list on Monday. They requested his list early to trade and expedite the situation.

Arthur Staple reports Trouba refused to submit his list until it was due on early Monday, which may have scuttled some of general manager Chris Drury’s plans for the day. A rumored deal with the Detroit Red Wings might not be on the front burner following the Wings’ re-signing of Patrick Kane and other free-agent additions yesterday.

Staple also believes there’s a chance Trouba, knowing the Rangers are trying to send him to Detroit, could include the Wings on his no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Trouba’s wife’s hospital residency is among the factors keeping him with the Rangers.

Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s three-year residency at a New York hospital was to be completed this year when her husband’s no-movement clause expired. However, her residency was deferred by a year so the program she is required to complete will instead end on July 1, 2025.

Brooks reports sources claim the discussions between the Trouba camp and Rangers management have been professional without animosity. He also said the rumor that Trouba rejected a trade to Detroit was untrue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As this story unfolds, it seems increasingly unlikely that Trouba will be traded this summer. The Ranger’s inability to clear his $8 million from their payroll will complicate efforts to improve their roster depth and to re-sign RFA defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to make it work with Nick Robertson. He wouldn’t confirm if the 22-year-old winger made a trade request but admitted there was some frustration from Robertson last season.

Treliving had no update on whether contract extension talks have started with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility. He said he wouldn’t address it, adding that Marner is training and preparing for the season.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reported Treliving also had no update on a contract extension for captain John Tavares. “I’m not going to get into any contract discussions that we may or may not be having,” said Treliving. “We do our business behind closed doors.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s how I see the Leafs’ summer unfolding. Robertson will be traded only if the Leafs can get a comparable player in return. Marner won’t be traded. He and Tavares won’t get contract extensions this summer. Both players and management will adopt a wait-and-see approach to the 2024-25 season.

NO TRUTH TO SHANE PINTO TRADE REQUEST

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios denied Shane Pinto had requested a trade.

League sources claim contract talks between Staios and the Pinto camp are at an impasse. However, Staios said the 23-year-old center didn’t ask to be traded. He added that negotiations take time and they’re still pressing on.

Garrioch also mentioned hearing Pinto’s agent is calling around seeking an offer sheet. The Senators only have $4.4 million in cap space but would match an offer for the young center. It would also be a long shot as the compensation for an offer between $4.57 million and $6.7 million is a first and third-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto will probably end up with a two-year deal worth around $3 million annually. He lacks arbitration rights because he didn’t accrue sufficient years to qualify.

THE LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty remains in play in the trade market.

The Jets were close to moving the 20-year-old forward to the Minnesota Wild at the recent NHL Draft. They also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty won’t attend the Jets development camp this week. Ates indicates they are still trying to move him.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2024

by | Jun 12, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2024

Check out the latest on John Tavares, Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi and more in today’s Leafs-oriented NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “The Jeff Marek Show”, the host noted that the Utah franchise is most likely in business to acquire veteran players on short-term contracts. He had a conversation with someone who wondered if they could offer Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares a two-year contract extension with a “healthy number” as an enticement to waive his no-movement clause.

Toronto Maple Leafs captains John Tavares (NHL Images).

His guest, Elliotte Friedman, said he’s under the impression that Tavares intends to finish his current contract with the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares has clearly stated his intent to honor his contract with the Leafs. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported last week that the 33-year-old center has no interest in waiving his no-movement clause. Leafs management will have to look elsewhere to shed some salary or use one of their notable players as trade bait to address other roster needs.

TORONTO STAR: Mark Colley recently reported Max Domi is making no secret of his desire to remain with the Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

“I hope it works out, but we’ll see,” said Domi. He added that his agent is speaking with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports Domi met with Craig Berube and would love to play for the Leafs’ new head coach. He’d also like to spend more than one season in his hometown after playing for six other NHL teams before coming to Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Domi is finishing a one-year, $3 million contract with the Leafs. They have a projected $19.7 million in cap space for 2024-25 with 15 active roster players under contract. The Leafs must add a reliable starting goaltender and shore up their blueline. Domi might have to accept another one-year, cost-effective deal unless Treliving can free up additional cap room.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau listed three options for Tyler Bertuzzi should he head to free agency. One is re-signing with the Leafs, another is a reunion with the Detroit Red Wings, and the third is signing with the Nashville Predators.

Proteau puts Bertuzzi’s chances of staying in Toronto at 60/40. Meanwhile, the Red Wings and Predators have plenty of salary-cap space and could benefit from his gritty style.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with Domi, the Leafs cap space could complicate Bertuzzi’s efforts to stay in Toronto. If he’s looking to cash in on free agency this summer after taking a one-year deal with the Leafs last summer, he’ll likely find it elsewhere.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle reports Leafs management remains very high on Laurent Brossoit as someone to share the goaltending duties next season with Joseph Woll. The 31-year-old Brossoit hasn’t played a lot but has put up good numbers. He’ll likely want to go to a good team where he has a chance to start more frequently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brossoit was also part of the Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup run last spring. Laking over for sidelined starter Logan Thompson, he backstopped them to their first-round series victory over the Winnipeg Jets. He’d be a good, affordable addition to the Leafs.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes Leafs GM Brad Treliving must also decide if he’ll retain his 2024 first-round pick or use it as trade bait for more immediate roster help.

The Leafs hold the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft. They traded away their 2025 first-round to the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2023 for Jake McCabe, though that pick is top-10 protected.

Koshan speculated that pick could come into play if Treliving attempts a legitimate run at acquiring Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That pick will be part of the conversation if Treliving pursues Markstrom or another starter such as Boston’s Linus Ullmark or Nashville’s Juuse Saros.