NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2023

by | Sep 5, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – September 5, 2023

Why didn’t the Bruins trade a goalie this summer? Could they pursue Jets center Mark Scheifele? Could Tomas Tatar end up with the Islanders? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

98.5 THE SPORT HUB: Ty Anderson offered up his thoughts on the Boston Bruins with training camps opening later this month. Despite an offseason that saw the departures of key talent such as Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, he believes the Bruins could still be competitive in the Atlantic Division this season.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images)

Regarding why the Bruins didn’t trade a goaltender to address their needs at center, Anderson pointed out that Linus Ullmark had a no-trade clause that required his consent to be dealt to half the league. There was some scuttlebutt claiming that a team offered up a fair market offer for Ullmark. However, it would’ve meant “a corresponding trade that never happened” as well as Ullmark waiving his NTC.

Anderson thinks the Bruins weren’t keen to move Jeremy Swayman. There was a rumor claiming the 24-year-old netminder wanted a trade in order to be closer to his parents in Alaska. That speculation was “bogus” as Swayman’s parents no longer live in Alaska.

If the Bruins end up being a fringe playoff club by the trade deadline, Anderson hopes that they go into sell mode. Of their eight pending unrestricted free agents, only Jake DeBrusk should be considered an automatic re-signing. He believes the rest (including Milan Lucic, James van Riemsdyk, and Matt Grzelcyk) should be shopped as their value at the trade deadline could be higher than in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some interesting tidbits regarding Ullmark and Swayman. The Bruins appear determined to ride their goalie tandem this season as they try to cope with the loss of their top two centers.

The trade rumors surrounding Ullmark and Swayman have died down in recent weeks. Still, they could resurface at some point this season if the Bruins can’t adjust to the absences of Bergeron and Krejci.

Given Swayman’s eligibility as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, they could be forced to choose between one or the other at some point. Much will depend on how both goalies perform this season.

I expect the Bruins will be sellers if they’re a borderline playoff club or out of postseason contention leading up to the trade deadline. As Anderson points out, the 2024 first-round pick they sent to the Detroit Red Wings last season for Tyler Bertuzzi is top-10 protected. A selloff of pending UFAs at the trade deadline, if they’re already out of contention, could ensure that they retain that pick, meaning the Wings get the 2025 pick.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy noted that the Bruins have been linked to Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele since Bergeron and then Krejic announced their retirements.

He cited Mark McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press suggesting Boston could make sense for the 30-year-old Scheifele, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. McIntyre wondered what the Bruins could offer up for the Jets, who would be interested in retooling their roster rather than rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy questions if Scheifele would be a good fit with the Bruins given his reputation as difficult to coach. I have my doubts that the Bruins have sufficient depth in tradeable assets to make a competitive bid for him if he hits the trade block.

Even if they did land Scheifele, it remains to be seen if he would significantly improve the Bruins. It could work out well, providing them with the inside track to re-signing him. If not, they’ll end up squandering their precious few assets on a rental that didn’t work out.

COULD TATAR END UP WITH THE ISLANDERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner noted there hasn’t been much news of late regarding Tomas Tatar. The 32-year-old winger is coming off a 48-point performance last season with the New Jersey Devils but remains available in this summer’s UFA market.

Rosner wonders if Tatar might already have a contract in hand with an NHL club but it hasn’t been officially announced yet. He points out that New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has a reputation for such stealth signings during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the Tatar speculation had him linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins. So far, however, there’s no indication yet that he’s close to signing with them.

We can’t dismiss the possibility of a club like the Isles having already signed him but not announcing it until training camp begins. With training camps opening on Sep. 21, we’ll find out soon enough.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2023

by | Aug 15, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 15, 2023

What are the Bruins’ options at center following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci? Could they involve a trade with the Flames or Jets? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE BRUINS REPLACE BERGERON AND KREJCI?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looked at the options available to the Bruins to offset the retirements of centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

One option is looking internally by using Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha as their top two centers. Prospect John Beecher could skate on the third or fourth line if he can crack the lineup with a strong training camp. Prospects such as Matthew Poitras and Brett Harrison are a year or more away.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

Regarding trade options, the two obvious targets are the Calgary Flames’ Elias Lindholm and the Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer. However, Goss acknowledged the Bruins don’t have an abundance of quality trade assets.

Goss suggested Jake DeBrusk as a trade chip if he doesn’t re-sign before the trade deadline. Linus Ullmark could be an option if Jeremy Swayman establishes himself as the Bruins’ starter. Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are capable defensemen on expiring contracts.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates noted that the Jets have two goalies eligible for UFA status next summer in Connor Hellebuyck and Laurent Brossoit. While swapping Scheifele for one of the Bruins goalies sounds like an easy fix, goaltenders aren’t fetching first-line centers these days. He also cited the Bruins’ limited number of tradeable assets.

Ates also believes building a trade between the Bruins and Flames involving Lindholm is more challenging. The Flames have no obvious need for a goalie and few Bruins skaters would be a fit on their roster.

SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe was asked by a reader about the possibility of the Jets shipping Scheifele to the Bruins. Like Goss and Ates, he cites the Bruins’ lack of trade assets, specifically a top center or a top center prospect they could send the Jets in return.

Asked if the Flames might be a destination for Scheifele if the Bruins acquired Lindholm, Wiebe considers that to be a long shot. He cites the big bucks the Flames have already invested in Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar beyond this season, making them reluctant to sign Schefiele to a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets don’t seem to be in a hurry to trade Schiefele while the Flames are reportedly still discussing a contract extension with Lindholm.

If Scheifele and Lindholm end up shopped before this season’s trade deadline, I don’t think the Bruins have the assets to outbid other interested clubs. I expect the Bruins will be very interested in them should they become UFAs next July.

LATEST ON THE JETS

SPORTSNET: Ken Wiebe was asked by a reader if the Winnipeg Jets intend to re-sign Scheifele and Hellebuyck before they become eligible for UFA status next July. He said it’s challenging to know what general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has in store for those two, though Cheveldayoff didn’t rule out that option during his media availability on July 1.

For now, it appears both players will be in training camp next month and will start the season with the Jets. Even if Scheifele and/or Hellebucyk are traded, the Jets won’t get equal value in return. Cheveldayoff could use both as self-rentals for the season even at the risk of losing them to free agency next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff was probably listening to offers for Hellebuyck and Scheifele leading up to the NHL Draft in late June and free agency on July 1. The fact that both players are still with the Jets tells us all we need to know about the type of offers he may have received.

At this point, it appears the Jets will start the season with Hellebuyck and Scheifele and see how things pan out. Perhaps an improved performance by the club will convince one or both players to re-sign. Maybe Cheveldayoff peddles them at the trade deadline if the Jets are out of playoff contention.

As Wiebe noted, Cheveldayoff could hang onto them for one last playoff run. If they depart as free agents, he’ll invest whatever cap space he would’ve used to re-sign them toward retooling the roster with younger talent via trades and his prospect pipeline.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2023

by | Aug 11, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – August 11, 2023

What are the Hurricanes’ plans going forward this season? What’s the latest on the Bruins’ goaltending? Are any more big moves coming for the Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES FACING MORE QUESTIONS

CAROLINA HOCKEY NOW: Bryant Baucom believes the Hurricanes front office still has some questions to address regarding their roster.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (NHL Images).

Baucom thinks their biggest need remains a scoring forward but those are virtually non-existent in the free-agent market. They also have limited cap room to make a significant UFA addition.

General manager Don Waddell must decide if he’s shopping Brett Pesce and/or Brady Skjei. Both defensemen are slated to become UFAs next July. Young forward Jack Drury requested a trade prior to last season and put in a lackluster performance with the Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate in Chicago.

Baucom also wondered how big the list of Hurricanes untouchables is and how much urgency management has to add another scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on the Hurricanes’ performance over the course of the upcoming season. They could become more active in the trade market if their scoring fails to improve.

After adding Dmitry Orlov this summer as well as affordable depth defensemen Tony DeAngelo and Caleb Jones, the Hurricanes could peddle Pesce or Skjei before the start of the season. They could also retain them until the trade deadline nears in order to land a scoring forward. Perhaps they’ll hang onto both as “own rentals” for the season.

Drury would be a tempting trade chip for clubs that become sellers this season. On his own, he probably won’t fetch the scoring forward the Hurricanes seek. Bundled with Pesce or Skjei or with a first-round pick, however, it could be a different story.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS GOALTENDERS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss recently explained why the Bruins are keeping their goalie tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman intact. He pointed out that they’ll need strong goaltending this season to reach the playoffs after losing several key players elsewhere from the lineup to free agency and retirement.

Beyond this season is another story. The combined cap hits of Ullmark and Swayman for 2023-24 is $8.475 million. However, a strong performance by Swayman could vault him into the $5 million average annual value range. That could mean trading Ullmark to free up his $5 million cap hit next summer when he has only a year left on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winner of the 2023 Vezina Trophy, Ullmark will also have a 15-team no-trade list for 2024-25. It could hamper efforts to move him but wouldn’t make it impossible. Whether he or Swayman get moved next summer will depend on their respective performances this season.

NO OTHER BIG MOVES PLANNED FOR THE PENGUINS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Following the Pittsburgh Penguins’ acquisition of Erik Karlsson, Nick Horwat cited general manager Kyle Dubas telling reporters that he’s likely done making big moves this summer. Dubas mentioned he could bring in some players on professional tryout offers.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman speculated the Penguins GM might look into signing free-agent winger Tomas Tatar but Horwat considers that to be unlikely. While Tatar could be seen as an obvious replacement for sidelined winger Jake Guentzel, he’s only expected to miss the first five games of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I guess that also spikes that silly rumor flying around on social media claiming Dubas was going to sign 51-year-old Jaromir Jagr to a one-year, $1 million contract to return to the Penguins.

Jagr will be playing hockey this season but not in the NHL. He’s reportedly committed to spending another season in Czechia with the Kladno Knights, the club that he also owns.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2023

by | Jul 26, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2023

How will the Bruins replace Patrice Bergeron? What’s the latest on Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce? Which members of the Kings could become trade candidates? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW WILL THE BRUINS REPLACE BERGERON?

NBC SPORTS: Nick Goss believes the Boston Bruins face an enormous challenge attempting to replace Patrice Bergeron, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.

If they go with internal options, Goss speculates Charlie Coyle will take over centering the first line between Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk. That will leave Pavel Zacha as their second-line center, assuming David Krejci follows Bergeron into retirement.

Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm (NHL Images).

Trade targets could include Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets and Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames. Goss considers Lindholm the better fit given his all-around skill set plus the 28-year-old Flames center is two years younger than Scheifele.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy also considers Lindholm and Scheifele as the most likely trade targets should the Bruins go that route to replace Bergeron. He shares Goss’ view that Lindholm would be the better fit.

Conroy also looked at which Bruins could become trade chips to bring in someone like Lindholm or Scheifele.

He wondered if they might bite the bullet and break up their goalie tandem by shopping Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman. He also mused whether Jake DeBrusk has a long-term future in Boston after this season. Like DeBrusk, defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are said to be trying to convince Lindholm to sign a contract extension while the Jets are hoping to do the same with Scheifele. One or both could become available in this summer’s trade market if they reject new contract offers from their current clubs.

Swayman would be the easiest to move as Ullmark has a 16-team no-trade list. Like Swayman, DeBrusk and Grzelcyk lack no-trade protection while Forbort has a three-team no-trade list.

A package of Swayman and DeBrusk could be quite tempting to the Flames or Jets. The Bruins could prefer moving one or the other packaged with Grzelcyk or Forbort and a draft pick. Whether that’s enough to land Lindholm or Scheifele is another matter, especially if other clubs with better trade assets get into the bidding.

IS BRETT PESCE OFF THE TRADE MARKET?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ann Kimmel noted the rumors that linked the Nashville Predators to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce. Given the Hurricanes’ recent signing of Tony DeAngelo, she wonders if that means Pesce is off the table.

Kimmel observed that the Hurricanes were among the clubs interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson. Acquiring him would’ve meant making a cost-cutting trade, which in part fueled trade speculation that Pesce could become a trade candidate.

With the DeAngelo signing, the Hurricanes now appear out of the bidding for Karlsson, meaning they don’t need to shed salary to free up cap space for the Sharks blueliner. That means they can afford to retain Pesce for at least this season before his UFA eligibility next July.

As for the Predators, Kimmel believes they’re likely to stick with their current blueline corps considering they’ve invested $30 million in defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could peddle Pesce if they’re looking at adding another scoring forward to their lineup. However, they’re now bumping up against the $83.5 million salary cap. Swapping Pesce and his $4.025 million cap hit for a scorer would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out transaction.

POTENTIAL KINGS TRADE CANDIDATES

LA HOCKEY NOW: Austin Stanovic recently looked at several Los Angeles Kings players that they “wouldn’t necessarily be shopping if they dipped into the trade market.” However, he thinks they would be willing to move them without much fuss this season.

Trevor Moore, Viktor Arvidsson and Matt Roy could be moved because of their contracts or young players potentially stepping up and taking their spots on the roster. Young players with something to prove such as Arthur Kaliyev, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, and Tobias Bjornfot could also become trade chips as they attempt to prove they deserve a spot on the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on where the Kings are in the standings and what their roster needs are as they approach the trade deadline. Arvidsson and Roy surfaced in last season’s rumor mill near the trade deadline. Their names could pop up again whenever management decides to go shopping this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2023

What next for the Bruins following the Taylor Hall trade? What’s the latest on Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, Erik Karlsson, Alex DeBrincat and Tom Wilson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss explained the motivation behind the Bruins trading Taylor Hall to the Chicago Blackhawks was to free up salary-cap space. The move clears Hall’s $6 million average annual value from the Bruins’ books for the next two seasons. They now have over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24.

Goss believes the Bruins’ priority now is re-signing Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old winger could command between $5.5 million and $7.5 million annually on his next contract.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source claiming the Bruins aren’t done shedding salary. The source believes general manager Don Sweeney is going to move a defenseman. He also claims the trade rumors surrounding goaltender Linus Ullmark are true. Murphy speculates Matt Grzelcyk could be the defenseman on the move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy, Ullmark earns an AAV of $5 million through 2024-25. He has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it drops to a 16-team no-trade list.

Unless Ullmark agrees to waive his clause before then, the Bruins will have to wait until Saturday to trade him, assuming he’s the goalie they intend to move. They could decide to peddle restricted free agent netminder Jeremy Swayman.

LATEST ON PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS’ TRADE TALKS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Montreal Canadiens appeared to be out of the bidding in trade talks for Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Jets don’t want to go into rebuild mode while the Canadiens don’t want to give up good playing assets off their existing roster.

Winnipeg Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images).

The Canadiens have re-engaged discussions with the Jets. However, Dreger believes the Los Angeles Kings remain the front-runners for Dubois.

Dreger also indicated things were “simmering” regarding trade talks on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported that rumors claiming the Kings had permission to discuss a contract extension with Dubois weren’t true. Nevertheless, Friedman wondered if Dubois would sign an eight-year extension or a one-year deal to bring him up to UFA eligibility next summer.

WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reported the Kings were willing to offer up forwards Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo for Dubois. He believes the Canadiens won’t have much else to sway Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff if they’re not willing to part with young center Kirby Dach.

Speaking of Scheifele, Billeck wondered if he might be on the Bruins’ radar following their cost-cutting move of Taylor Hall to Chicago.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Kings drop out I think they’re the most likely destination for Dubois. The rebuilding Canadiens are understandably intrigued about Dubois. However, the cost of giving up a good young player such as Dach as well as paying over $9 million annually to sign Dubois to a long-term deal is probably something they’re not comfortable doing right now.

As for Scheifele going to Boston, most of that freed-up cap space could go to re-signing Tyler Bertuzzi. Unless the Bruins shed more salary, I don’t see the Jets center landing in Beantown this summer.

LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch acknowledged San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson’s recent comments about his willingness to accept a trade back to the Senators. However, such a move would mean clearing Thomas Chabot’s $8 million AAV through 2027-28 to create sufficient cap space for Karlsson’s contract even if the Sharks retained part of his $11.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be a nice story, Karlsson returning to a rising young Senators club five years after he was traded away. As Garrioch pointed out, however, this is a different team than the one he left, built around a good young core of talent. While anything’s possible, I don’t see Karlsson returning to the Senators as a player.

Turning to Alex DeBrincat, Garrioch cited league executives expressing their belief that the Detroit Red Wings are high on the 25-year-old RFA winger’s list of preferred trade destinations. However, dealing with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t easy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also cited Yzerman’s reputation as a tough negotiator as well as his reluctance to sign players to long-term contracts with Dylan Larkin as the sole exception.

Garrioch also noted that DeBrincat has been linked to the Nashville Predators. That’s prompted speculation whether Nashville goalie Juuse Saros would head the other way but there’s mixed feelings over whether the Predators want to part with Saros.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stranger things have happened but I’m still not convinced that Predators GM Barry Trotz will part with Saros. He’s been talking as though he’s retooling rather than rebuilding his roster. In that case, it makes sense to hang onto Saros.

The Senators could also have some interest in Calgary Flames winger Tyler Toffoli, who would make sense on a short-term contract. Toffoli has indicated he would be open to a trade. He has a year remaining on his current deal.

There was a rumor claiming the Washington Capitals would like to make a deal to send Tom Wilson to the Senators. Capitals GM Brian MacLellan told TSN there was no truth to the rumor and he’s not trading the power forward.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

by | Jun 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2023

Connor McDavid tops the list of winners at the 2023 NHL Awards, the First and Second All-Star Teams and All-Rookie Teams are announced, the Bruins trade Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

2023 NHL AWARDS, ALL-STAR AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid was the big winner at the 2023 NHL Awards. The Edmonton Oilers captain took home the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association.

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

McDavid had already won the Art Ross Trophy as this season’s leading scorer and the Maurice Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is just the third player to win the Lindsay Award four times, joining Wayne Gretzky (five times) and Mario Lemieux (four times). He also joins Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (2007-08) as the only two players to win the Hart, Lindsay, Ross and Richard trophies in the same season.

The Boston Bruins had three trophy winners. Captain Patrice Bergeron won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward for the second straight season and a record sixth time. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender and Jim Montgomery was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year.

Erik Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top defenseman. It’s the third time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson joins Paul Coffey as the only two blueliners to go eight-plus years between Norris Trophy wins. Frequently mentioned in trade rumors, this could further boost his stock in the trade market. He led the Sharks and all defensemen with 101 points, becoming the first blueliner since Brian Leetch in 1991-92 to reach the 100-point plateau.

Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers took home the Calder Memorial Trophy as the rookie of the year. He’s the first player in the club’s two-year history to win an NHL award. He led all rookies this season with 57 points in 80 games.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league’s most gentlemanly player. It’s the second time he’s been honored with this award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks denigrate this award but I think it’s worthwhile to honor players such as Kopitar who play with a high level of skill while taking few penalties. They should be singled out for their disciplined play in a physical sport like hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy honoring his perseverance and dedication to the game. He endure a stroke (the second of his career) and the death of his father yet finished the season with 41 points in 64 games.

Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his charity work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Backlund’s future with the Flames remains uncertain after he was noncommital in April about signing a contract extension. He told reporters that he’s since spoken with new Flames general manager Craig Conroy as well as his agent but said the situation is out of his hands. “We’ll see what happens,” he said.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos took home the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.

McDavid, Karlsson and Ullmark also joined Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson, Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak and New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox as this season’s First All-Star Team.

McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin, Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar and New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin are this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Beniers joins Stars forward Wyatt Johnston and Arizona Coyotes winger Mattias Macelli, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power and Ottawa Senators blueliner Jake Sanderson and Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner as the NHL’s 2022-23 All-Rookie Team.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Prior to the NHL Awards, the Bruins traded left wing Taylor Hall and the rights to forward Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defensemen Alec Regula and Ian Mitchell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the cap-strapped Bruins, shipping out Hall’s $6 million average annual value through 2024-25 to the rebuilding Blackhawks. Reports indicate the Hawks were not on Hall’s 16-team no-trade list.

The move gives the Bruins over $10 million in cap room for 2023-24. That’s prompted speculation they’ll use some of it to re-sign winger Tyler Bertuzzi, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Adding Hall should provide the Blackhawks with an experienced linemate and mentor for Connor Bedard, who is expected to be their selection with the first-overall pick during the opening round of this year’s draft on Wednesday. Hall was chosen first overall by the Oilers in the 2010 draft. His cap hit also helps them reach the salary-cap minimum ($61.7 million) for 2023-24.

Foligno is slated to become a UFA on July 1. This move gives the Blackhawks a few days before that date to negotiate a potential contract with him.

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: The Flyers attempt to trade defenseman Tony DeAngelo back to the Carolina Hurricanes has been held up because of a rule in the collective bargaining agreement regarding trades and salary retention.

The rule states that a team cannot reacquire a player whom they have retained salary from for a minimum of one year after the date of the transaction. The Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Flyers on July 8, 2022, meaning they’ll have to wait until July 8 of this year before the trade will be finalized.

The league is to meet with both clubs about this issue during the upcoming draft before reaching a decision.

TSN: Former St. Louis Blues forward Alex Steen has rejoined the club in their hockey operations department working with the club’s prospects. He spent 12 of his 15 NHL seasons with the Blues.

NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: The Predators announced they’ve hired former goaltender Pekka Rinne as their European development coach and scout.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks goalie coach Sudarshan “Sudsie” Maharaj has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has been undergoing treatment and is scheduled for surgery. He anticipates returning to his role with the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Maharaj for a quick and full recovery.