NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2024

by | Sep 21, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – September 21, 2024

Are the Bruins considering trading Jeremy Swayman? What will the Kings do with Arthur Kaliyev? Is former Oilers GM Ken Holland joining Utah HC? What’s the latest on Flyers goalie Alexei Kolosov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During the Sept. 20 edition of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he’d had some people ask if the Boston Bruins might consider trading Jeremy Swayman.

Negotiations between the Bruins and the Swayman camp have stalled, keeping the 25-year-old goaltender out of training camp.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images).

Friedman said he hasn’t spoken with Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. He said Sweeney is trying to keep a low profile, but he isn’t always happy with some of the reporting on this situation. Nevertheless, Friedman doesn’t believe the Bruins want to trade Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins see themselves as Stanley Cup contenders. They need Swayman between the pipes to achieve that goal. Trading him over this standoff would derail those plans. They also know they won’t get equal value back in return.

I doubt this situation would’ve reached this stage had Swayman not gone through arbitration last summer. He admitted it was a bruising experience having to hear what he said were things that no player should ever hear from management.

Swayman is digging in, using his leverage to his advantage, especially with Linus Ullmark traded to Ottawa in June. The Bruins’ front office might not think he’s worth between $8.5 million and $10 million annually (depending on who you listen to) at this stage in his career, but they could have little choice but to pony up and get Swayman back into the lineup as soon as possible.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens wondered what the Los Angeles Kings have in store for Arthur Kaliyev after signing him to a one-year, $825K contract earlier this week.

Stephens doubts the new contract means Kaliyev’s place with the Kings is resolved. He pointed out the 23-year-old forward rejected the club’s qualifying offer. Frustrated by fourth-line duty and healthy scratches, he reportedly requested for a trade earlier this year.

Kaliyev saw his ice time further decline despite a midseason coaching change, sending his trade value plummeting.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stephens believes the Kings should play Kaliyev to showcase him to other teams. That’ll mean giving him more ice time than last season. They’ll also have to work with him to address the deficiencies in his game.

SI.COM: Nick Horwat cited a report by former NHL player turned podcaster Jordan Schmaltz claiming former Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland could be joining Utah HC in some capacity.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Holland was invited to Utah’s training camp as a guest by people he knew within the organization. There’s nothing formal in terms of a position for him at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of Holland joining Utah or another club at some point. He’s well-respected around the NHL.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey listed some possible trade destinations for Alexei Kolosov if the Flyers should decide to trade him. The 22-year-old goaltender remains home in Belarus after refusing to report to Flyers training camp. That’s prompted some NHL clubs to come calling.

Bailey suggested the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild as destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Kolosov reportedly wants a guaranteed spot with an NHL club. Those other teams likely won’t give him that opportunity without him spending at least one season with their AHL affiliate.

Some NHL teams might be interested in Kolozov but I doubt they’re banging down the door of Flyers GM Daniel Briere to get him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2024

by | Sep 12, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 12, 2024

Key dates for the upcoming season, the latest injury updates, contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

KEY DATES FOR THE NHL’S 2024-25 SEASON

SPORTSNET: The NHL released several key dates for the 2024-25 season.

Oct. 1: NHL Board of Governors meeting (New York)
Oct. 4-5: NHL Global Series in Prague (Sabres vs. Devils)
Oct. 8: Opening night
Oct. 22: NHL Frozen Frenzy: All 32 teams in action
Nov. 1-2: NHL Global Series in Tampere, Finland (Stars vs. Panthers)
Dec. 9-10: NHL Board of Governors meeting
Feb. 10-21: Season paused for 4 Nations Face-Off
March 7: Trade deadline (3 p.m. ET)
April 17: Final day of the regular season
April 19: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
June 23: Last possible day for Stanley Cup Playoffs

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 4 Nations Face-Off pushes the playoff schedule later into the calendar. Expect the same thing for 2025-26 when the league shuts down for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The league’s annual holiday roster freeze will be Dec. 20 to 27.

The dates for the 2025 Draft Lottery, the NHL Awards, and the NHL Draft will likely be announced at some point next year. The best guess for the Awards is June 26 with the draft being held on June 28-29. Free agency will begin as usual on July 1.

INJURY UPDATES

CBS SPORTS: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse continues to be hampered by an undisclosed injury suffered last season. Nurse, 29, could miss the start of training camp and the Oilers’ first preseason game but is expected to be ready for their season opener next month.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen took part in a recent skate with several teammates. He seems fully recovered from his season-ending triceps injury. He was sidelined on Feb. 10 and underwent surgery on Apr. 18.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Blackhawks rookie Artyom Levshunov injured his right foot and is unavailable for the 2024 Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase in St. Louis.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

ALL CITY NETWORK’s Craig Morgan reports Utah HC prospect Tij Iginla is listed as day-to-day after being evaluated for a lower-body injury.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins prospect Tanner Howe suffered a facial injury and is listed as day-to-day. He’s been scratched from the upcoming Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.

CONTRACT SIGNINGS

TSN: Max Pacioretty signed a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 35-year-old left winger is expected to sign with the club before the start of the upcoming season.

TORONTO SUN: The Leafs also signed defenseman Jani Hakanpaa. The 32-year-old former Dallas Stars defender agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.47 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hakanpaa originally signed with the Leafs on July 1 but the deal was never formally announced or went on the Leafs’ salary cap amid concerns over a knee injury. This deal is shorter but the amount is reportedly close to the original’s average annual value.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Seattle Kraken winger Kailer Yamamoto signed a PTO with Utah HC.

The Anaheim Ducks are bringing defensemen Boris Katchouk, Mark Pysyk, and Gustav Lindstrom to training camp on PTO contracts.

Defenseman Madison Bowey is reportedly signing a PTO with the New York Rangers. He spent last season in the KHL.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Pierre-Marc Bellemare is returning to the Avalanche on a PTO. The 39-year-old center played for the Avs from 2019-20 to 2020-21.

IN OTHER NEWS

WINNIPEG SUN: Cole Perfetti remains hopeful of having a new contract in place with the Jets before training camp opens next week.

“Our side is working on a deal with them,” said the 22-year-old center. “We’re obviously positive something’s going to get done. Our groups are working hard together to figure something out. At this point, I want to be there.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been speculation whether another club might sign Perfetti to an offer sheet. His remarks suggest he hasn’t received one and doesn’t seem interested in an offer from another club.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens will honor former captain Shea Weber in a pregame ceremony at the Bell Centre on Nov. 16.

Weber was acquired by the Canadiens from the Nashville Predators in 2016 and was team captain from 2018 to 2021.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Injuries ended Weber’s playing career following the 2021 playoffs. He hasn’t officially retired but remains on permanent long-term injury reserve (LTIR) until his contract expires in 2026. The Canadiens traded his contract to the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Hockey Club) on Feb 22, 2023.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Canadiens, prospect goaltender Jacob Fowler is learning French in anticipation of playing for Montreal one day. A high-profile prospect, the 19-year-old Fowler will return with the NCAA’s Boston College Eagles this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2024

by | Aug 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – August 20, 2024

A look at potential trade destinations for Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tony Ferrari listed five NHL trade destinations for Yaroslav Askarov.

The 22-year-old Nashville Predators goalie prospect informed the club he wouldn’t report to their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee and requested a trade.

Ferrari noted Askarov may no longer fit in the Predators’ plans after they signed starting goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year contract extension.

Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (NHL Images).

He suggested the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and the Utah Hockey Club as possible trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored teams inquired about Askarkov leading up to the NHL Draft in late June. Those clubs could revisit their interest, though his reluctance to return to the AHL could dampen their enthusiasm if they see him as a future piece rather than an immediate member of a goalie tandem.

Askarov has potential as a future NHL starter. He and his agent believe he’s ready to challenge for that role. However, the Predators don’t see him as ready, hence their contract extension to Saros and signing veteran backup Scott Wedgewood this summer to a two-year contract.

The Leafs have cycled through Frederik Andersson, Jack Campbell, Matt Murray, and Ilya Samsonov in recent years before settling on Joseph Woll this season with Anthony Stolarz as his backup. Askarov would likely end up with the Marlies unless Woll should become sidelined again.

The rebuilding Blackhawks and Sharks need all the help they can get at every position. Utah has Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram as their tandem but Askarov could supplant one of them.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont believes the Canadiens are currently set in goal. They have the underrated Sam Montembault as their starter with Cayden Primeau as his backup. Both goalies put up solid numbers last season backstopping a young defense while enduring a three-goalie system. The Habs also have promising Jacob Fowler within their pipeline who could push for the starter’s job within four years.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Rob Couch included the Sharks on his three-team list of possible destinations. He believed Askarov could fit in well with the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils and Kings could use some prospect depth between the pipes. However, the Devils have Jacob Markstrom as their starter through 2025-26 with Jake Allen as his backup this season. Askarov would end up in the minor this season if they acquire him. The same goes for the Kings, where they’ve got Darcy Kuemper and David Rittich.

Julian Gaudio believes the Seattle Kraken should look into acquiring Askarov. He points out that starter Philipp Grubauer hasn’t played to the expectations of his expensive contract. Meanwhile, backup Joey Daccord remains unproven despite his stellar play last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Grubauer’s performance and contract will make it difficult to move him. The Kraken could trade or demote Daccord to make room for Askarov.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes the Flyers should pursue a trade for Askarov because of the uncertainty surrounding Alexei Kolosov’s willingness to play for them.

Bailey noted the Flyers have Samuel Ersson as their starter and Ivan Fedotov as their backup. He believes they would offer up Ersson to the Predators as part of the return for Askarov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers might provide Askarov with the best opportunity to be part of an NHL goalie tandem this season. It remains to be seen if they feel he’s worth the pursuit.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 10, 2024

Predicting which players will fill six captain vacancies, the club Ryan McDonagh considers a team to beat this season, Oliver Kylington explains why he signed with the Avalanche, a make-or-break season for Ilya Samsonov, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman recently predicted which players he believes will fill the vacant captaincies for the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Utah Hockey Club.

Wegman thinks Mason McTavish will become the Ducks’ next captain in 2025-26, filling a role last filled by Ryan Getzlaf from 2010 to 2022. He predicts Rasmus Dahlin will fill the vacant Sabres captaincy after Kyle Okoposo was traded to Florida in March.

Connor Bedard could be the next Blackhawks captain in 2025-26, filling the role previously held by Jonathan Toews from 2008 to 2023. Wegman believes Yanni Gourde should be tapped for the captaincy of the Seattle Kraken, a position last held by Mark Giordano during their inaugural season (2021-22).

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (NHL Images).

Victor Hedman is Webman’s choice as Lightning captain, replacing the departed Steven Stamkos (2014-2024). Clayton Keller is his pick to captain Utah, whose previous one was Oliver Ekman-Larsson from 2018 to 2021 during the franchise’s incarnation in Arizona.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedman is the obvious choice for Tampa Bay. Time will tell if the others get the job with their respective clubs. Bedard could be named Blackhawks captain if he establishes himself as a leader on and off the ice. Dahlin would be a solid option for the Sabres.

TSN: Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh believes the Nashville Predators could be a force to be reckoned with this season. The 35-year-old defenseman spent the past two seasons with the Predators before being traded back to Tampa Bay in May.

McDonagh cited how the Predators rallied in midseason after being counted out by observers to reach the playoffs. “There’s no question that they’re going to be a team to beat this season,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The additions of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and former Lightning captain Steven Stamkos should also bolster the Predators this season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington explained why he chose to sign with the Colorado Avalanche this summer. He indicated the Flames were in the picture for a long time but the Avalanche made him feel like they really wanted him.

“It was a very compelling factor that they wanted me so much that I felt that all the pieces beyond that felt natural to choose. It felt good considering how hungry they are. I am involved in a new start with a new organization,” he said.

Kylington also remains grateful for the support he received from the Flames and their fans when he took time away to deal with his mental health.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Anthony Larocco wonders which version of Ilya Samsonov the Vegas Golden Knights will be getting as their new backup goaltender this season. The 27-year-old Samsonov is on his third team in five years and this season could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Consistency has been an issue for Samsonov in his five-season NHL career. He’s on a one-year contract with the Golden Knights and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Another shaky performance could make this season his last in the NHL.

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on X.com that the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting closer to a new contract with forward Cole Sillinger. It’s believed to be a two-year deal.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill is still confident he’ll get restricted free agent defenseman Thomas Harley under contract soon. He said that talks continue between the two sides. “We’re going to get him signed,” said Nill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Training camps don’t open for another month – plenty of time for Sillinger, Harley, and other RFAs to be signed to new deals. The time to start worrying is when training camp opens if they aren’t under contract. Until then, enjoy what’s left of the summer.










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 18, 2024

by | Jul 18, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2024

A look at some notable trade and free-agent rumors facing several Western Conference clubs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon recently examined lingering offseason questions facing the NHL’s Western Conference teams. Among them were some notable trade and free-agent speculation.

Dixon wondered if the Anaheim Ducks would trade Trevor Zegras. Trade speculation started last fall during their contentious contract negotiations. The 23-year-old was limited to 31 games by injuries last season. He’s an imperfect player but his offensive skills continue to draw interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has consistently denied the trade rumors, claiming he hasn’t shopped Zegras nor received any trade offers. He’s under no pressure to move the young winger, who has two seasons remaining on his contract. Zegras will remain with the Ducks this season.

The Calgary Flames are now rebuilding their roster. Dixon wondered if they might take on a bloated contract or two from a cap-strapped club in return for a draft pick or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $20 million in cap space and 22 active roster players under contract, the Flames are well-positioned to make that type of deal. Whether they want to is another matter. The earliest we could see such a move is in September or early October as teams with limited cap space or over the $88 million cap look to shed salary before the start of the season.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Dixon wonders if the two sides will hammer out a contract extension this summer.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been quiet on the Rantanen front. The Avalanche faces some short and long-term salary cap uncertainty given Gabriel Landeskog’s attempt at a comeback from knee injuries and Valeri Nichushkin’s returning to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Both are on long-term contracts. The Avs could be waiting for cap clarification before opening extension talks with Rantanen.

Dixon wondered if the Dallas Stars might scour the trade market for a defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep an eye on this situation. The depth among the Stars’ right-shot defensemen drops sharply behind Miro Heiskanen with free-agent additions Ilya Lyubushkin and Matt Dumba signed to fill those gaps.

Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings could be coming to an end. He’s been on the outs with the club and is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaliyev is coming off an entry-level contract and has been the subject of frequent trade speculation. Don’t be surprised if he ends up traded before the start of the season.

Goaltender Filip Gustavsson could be a trade candidate after the Minnesota Wild re-signed Marc-Andre Fleury and promising Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson surfaced in the rumor mill during the spring but trade speculation about him dried up weeks ago. The Wild could retain him for another season and send Wallstedt back to the minors. 

Dixon pondered the possibility of the Nashville Predators trading goalie Yaroslav Askarov after they signed Juuse Saros to a contract extension and signed free-agent backup Scott Wedgewood.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators GM Barry Trotz will set a high asking price for Askarov, who has potential as an NHL starter. Trotz can afford to be patient as he waits for a club seeking goaltending depth to come calling, which could lead to Askarov starting this season with their AHL affiliate.

The Utah Hockey Club made some significant additions to their blueline by acquiring Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. Flush with cap space, draft picks and prospects, they might not be done making additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong prioritized improving his defense corps this summer. Having addressed that issue, he could shift his focus to other roster areas. Still, he could also keep his powder dry and see what unfolds during this season.

Dixon also wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will work out an extension with winger Brock Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser made it clear he wants to play for the Canucks despite being the subject of trade rumors leading up to last season. He’s the only core player due for a new contract by next summer.

The Canucks have over $12 million in projected cap space based on a cap of $88 million, but it’s projected it could rise to $92 million for 2025-26. That will give them plenty of room to re-sign Boeser. However, his injury history could have management adopt a wait-and-see approach to this season.

The Vegas Golden Knights have limited cap space for 2024-25. Nevertheless, Dixon wonders if they might have a crafty move up their sleeve to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas’ depth chart took a beating this summer with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Logan Thompson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha. They brought in Victor Olofsson, Alexander Holtz, Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid.

The Golden Knights are over the cap by $3.6 million but they’ll get cap relief with Robin Lehner and his $5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve. They lack room to make a significant addition unless they ship out a salaried player in return.

Recent trade history indicates sleeping on the Golden Knights isn’t wise. However, they will struggle to pull off a major deal this summer.

Dixon concludes by wondering when the Winnipeg Jets intend to trade winger Nikolaj Ehlers and prospect forward Rutger McGroarty. They still have some roster holes to fill and either player could fetch a suitable return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers has a year left on his contract while the Jets still hold McGroarty’s rights. They won’t be in any rush to move either player this summer but one or both could be moved as we get closer to the start of the season.