NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2023

by | Nov 15, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2023

The Flames are listening to trade offers on several players, the latest on Patrick Kane’s search for a new team, and an update on Predators goalie Juuse Saros in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES “OPEN FOR BUSINESS”

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy and his staff are listening to offers on more than just defenseman Nikita Zadorov following his trade request on Friday. They’re also willing to entertain trade proposals regarding their other pending unrestricted free agents such as center Elias Lindholm, and defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.

LeBrun noted that Hanifin was reportedly close to signing a contract extension but opted to wait “and now that ship has sailed.” He said the Flames aren’t in any hurry to move those UFAs as they’ve got until the March 8 trade deadline.

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Darren Dreger said the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils are the “primary teams” interested in one of those Calgary defensemen. He also believes that center Nazem Kadri isn’t keen to stick around if the Flames regress, adding that there could be others who feel the same.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun believes Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has an interest in Zadorov but “there’s no question” he also inquired about Tanev.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin took note of Dreger’s remark about Kadri, who signed a long-term deal last year with the Flames.

He pointed out that there are other Flames veterans like Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Blake Coleman, and Jacob Markstrom on long-term contracts who expected the club would try to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Austin also wondered whether players like Rasmus Andersson would want to re-sign if they saw their teammates getting traded away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things are a mess in Calgary right now. Zadorov’s trade request could set off an avalanche of change this season if the Flames fail to improve before the New Year.

Pending UFAs such as Zadorov, Lindholm, Hanifin and Tanev will draw plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking rental players. Trading those with hefty contracts such as Kadri, Huberdeau, Weegar and Markstrom, however, could prove more difficult. Those moves might have to wait until the offseason when teams have more cap space and a willingness to spend.

THE LATEST ON PATRICK KANE

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports free agent right wing Patrick Kane has started meeting with teams this week to determine his next NHL destination. His agent Pat Brisson said there is no timetable for his client to sign.

It’s expected Kane will meet with up to eight teams this week. He’s been linked to the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers, who have checked in with him since free agency. The New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings were also said to be on his radar.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports well-placed sources claim the Rangers are not getting into the Kane sweepstakes this time. They acquired the future Hall-of-Fame winger before last season’s trade deadline but the two sides parted ways on July 1 when his contract expired.

Brooks listed the Sabres, Panthers, Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning among the possible suitors for Kane.

TORONTO SUN: cited NHL analyst John Shannon reporting he’d heard that Kane met with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. He also claimed the Lightning, Stars and Carolina Hurricanes were among the interested parties.

TSN: Darren Dreger said Kane and Brisson hope to cut that list of potential destinations down by this weekend and hope to have a final decision in place by early next week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Your guess is as good as mine where Kane ends up. At least we’re finally into the end game of this saga after months of speculation.

Some clubs, like the Sabres and Red Wings, have the cap space to sign him to a decent contract. The others, however, could give him a better chance to win the Stanley Cup this season provided he’s willing to accept an affordable one-year deal.

SAROS NOT GOING ANYWHERE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun noted that Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros would be a “dream addition” for some teams, “including wishful thinkers in Edmonton.” However, he reports the Preds have “no intention to move him.”

Predators GM Barry Trotz told LeBrun that he met with Saros’ agent and indicated his intent to re-sign the 28-year-old goaltender. Trotz acknowledged the recent trade rumors swirling about Saros but he doesn’t plan on moving him.

LeBrun suggested that could change if the Predators can’t get Saros signed next summer to an extension. However, they seem confident that he’ll want to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said that his club is in “a little bit of a retool type of situation here” and sees Saros as their backbone once it’s completed.

As LeBrun noted, things can change if a rival club makes an offer for Saros too good to pass up. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2023

by | Nov 14, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 14, 2023

What’s the latest on possible trade destinations for the Flames’ Nikita Zadorov? Are the Panthers linked to Patrick Kane? Should the Devils attempt to acquire Ducks goalie John Gibson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON ZADOROV

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie and Shayna Goldman looked at several possible trade destinations for Nikita Zadorov. The 28-year-old defenseman recently requested a trade through his agent from the Calgary Flames.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils made their list as they’ve already been linked to Zadorov in the rumor mill. They also included the Colorado Avalanche (Zadorov’s former club), Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers.

Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov (NHL Images).

As for the Flames’ asking price. McKenzie and Goldman suggest a third-round pick as fair compensation given his status as a playoff rental player. They point to the Luke Schenn return at last year’s trade deadline as a comparable.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source expressing his opinion that Bruins general manager Don Sweeney could be in on Zadorov. They claimed that Sweeney had attempted to acquire the Flames rearguard before, suggesting a one-for-one swap of Matt Grzelcyk.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the word going around is a Leafs player said to Zadorov that he was exactly who his club needed during Friday’s game between the two teams. No word as to which Leafs player said it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs, Canucks and Devils reportedly have varying degrees of interest in Zadorov. That’s understandable given their current positions as playoff contenders. Whether those cap-strapped clubs can afford him is another story.

I doubt the rebuilding Blackhawks are interested in a rental player even though he could provide a boost to their blueline. Never say never about a possible return to the Avalanche but they might have other options in mind for their defense besides Zadorov. The Hurricanes could use his defensive grit if they were to ship out offensive-mind rearguard Tony DeAngelo but they could prefer adding depth to their forward lines.

McKenzie and Goldman mentioned the Rangers if injured blueliner Ryan Lindgren winds up sidelined for a while. However, they could look at addressing his absence internally before testing the trade market.

The Flames need to get younger and faster. It’s believed they’ll want a draft pick, a prospect or a good young NHL player in return for Zadorov, rather than another pending UFA d-man like Grzelcyk.

PANTHERS LINKED TO PATRICK KANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has been one of the most aggressive general managers when it comes to Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old unrestricted free-agent winger is expected to soon begin talking to interested teams.

It’s believed Kane could seek a one-year contract and pursue a long-term deal following this season. Friedman noted the Panthers are pressed for salary cap space but Zito could be offering the future Hall-of-Fame a chance to win another Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Florida could be an intriguing option for Kane. The Panthers have shown no signs of letdown since their surprising march last spring to the Stanley Cup Final. They’re currently third overall in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of sidelined defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour and with versatile forward Sam Bennett battling injuries.

COULD THE DEVILS PURSUE GIBSON?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if John Gibson’s return to form with the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks would draw interest from New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Gibson, 30, has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million.

Brooks noted the Devils are getting “barely sufficient netminding” from Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid while their team structure and discipline have evaporated with centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier currently sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s cap hit is tough to move in a season where most teams have limited cap room, including the Devils. That type of move seems more likely next summer when the salary cap is projected to rise by $4 million. That’s assuming the Devils aren’t on his 10-team no-trade list.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 12, 2023

by | Nov 12, 2023

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 12, 2023

Check out the latest Nikita Zadorov trade rumors plus some recent Oilers speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON ZADOROV

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Nikita Zadorov addressed the reports that he had requested a trade from the Flames through his agent Dan Milstein. “We have been discussing it,” said the 28-year-old defenseman. “I cannot really say a lot of stuff.”

Zadorov reiterated his love of playing for the Flames and the city of Calgary. “But the business side, sometimes stuff happens, you know? My agent has to protect me at some points, for sure”.

Gilbertson cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressing his belief that Flames management has made it clear to Zadorov that they would be willing to move him. However, it will be on their timetable.

That means Zadorov could be on their roster for a while, perhaps until the March 8 trade deadline. Gilbertson expects Flames general manager Craig Conroy should receive plenty of calls about the big blueliner, pointing out that he’s already been linked to “Toronto, Vancouver and New Jersey”.

Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov (NHL Images).

Zadorov currently skates on the Flames’ third defense pairing. He believes he deserves a bigger role but said the coaches are controlling how much ice time he gets. He also acknowledged that some of his teammates might be miffed by his trade request but he hopes they’ll understand one day.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reported the Canucks and Maple Leafs are willing to trade for Zadorov and the rearguard (who lacks a no-trade clause) is open to joining either club. The market for him could be competitive, providing an opportunity for the Flames to land a decent return.

Fox wondered if the Leafs would be willing to part with young forward Nick Robertson or their 2024 first-round pick even though they lack a second-rounder. Perhaps the Flames would take on John Klingberg’s contract with enough of a sweetener.

Meanwhile, the cap-strapped Canucks also hold a first-rounder but lack a second in next year’s draft. Fox wondered if they might be able to offload winger Conor Garland.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston also cited Friedman noting that the Canucks are among the clubs with an interest in Zadorov. A source told Johnston that they were looking into trading for him this summer before signing free agent Carson Soucy.

Johnston wondered who Zadorov might replace if the Canucks acquired him. He’s not going in for Quinn Hughes, Ian Cole or Soucy on the left side, though Cole and Soucy have skated on the right side.

Mark Friedman has been a quiet surprise for the Canucks since they picked him up from the Pittsburgh Penguins last month. Perhaps he might replace Tyler Myers, who the Canucks have explored trading over the past couple of years.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby noted there remains a cordial relationship between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and his former club in Calgary. However, acquiring Zadorov could prove easier said than done.

The Leafs lack any attractive roster players that they can spare. They might also be hesitant to risk their young prospects plus they’ve already traded away five of their first 12 draft picks over the next three drafts with no second-rounders in any of them. The Leafs also haven’t accrued enough cap space yet to take on Zadorov’s $3.75 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman also noted that Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev have also drawn attention. Like Zadorov, the Flames defensemen are eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July.

Friedman said Toronto and Vancouver are believed to be among the teams with an interest in Tanev and Zadorov “if not both.” Meanwhile, the Arizona Coyotes “took a long look” at Hanifin this week. He thinks Zadorov’s availability has brought other teams into the mix but there’s nothing imminent.

As always, salary cap space and depth in tradeable assets are the determining factors here. Friedman was asked if the Ottawa Senators would be interested in Zadorov but he noted they lack the cap room to do so.

The Devils could have the advantage in terms of prospects and promising young players to draw on for trade bait if they wish. They still need to accrue some cap space to take on Zadorov but could still be better-positioned than the Canucks and Leafs, especially if the Flames were willing to retain some salary in the deal or take back a contract in return.

UPDATE ON THE OILERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers remain in shock over how quickly things have fallen apart so far. He indicated that it’s not just the goaltending but also their poor defensive play and lack of offense.

They spent much of this week calling around the league trying to see what’s out there in the trade market. They made it very clear that they were not going to make a desperate deal but couldn’t find a reasonable deal as teams were willing to wait them out.

Friedman doesn’t believe the Oilers have given up on this season. However, something will have to change soon because they can’t keep going as they have.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could end up being a coaching change if no reasonable season-saving trades can be found. Head coach Jay Woodcroft is probably breathing a little easier today following his club’s 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. However, he could start feeling the heat again if the Oilers don’t soon string some wins together.

**UPDATE** The Oilers fired Woodcroft on Sunday, replacing him with former Hartford Wolfpack bench boss Kris Knoblauch. 

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Caleb Kerney noted there’s been a lot of talk linking the Oilers to Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. However, he feels they would be better off attempting to acquire Ilya Sorokin from the New York Islanders.

With Sorokin having a down year so far, Kerney believes this would be the best time to propose a trade to Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz said earlier this season that Saros isn’t going anywhere, adding that he’s looking into getting the ball rolling on contract extension talks next summer.

Sorokin may be having a “down year” by his standards through the early weeks of this season but Lamoriello isn’t trading his starting netminder. He signed Sorokin to an eight-year contract extension this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2023

by | Nov 11, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 11, 2023

Possible destinations for Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov following his trade request and some recent Sharks speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHERE COULD THE FLAMES SHIP ZADOROV?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the big question following last night’s report that Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov requested a trade through his agent. So, let’s dive in and see…

TSN: Pierre LeBrun confirmed the report by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes that Zadorov requested a trade through his agent Dan Milstein yesterday. His camp is hoping for a quick resolution.

Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov (NHL Images).

Chris Johnston reports the pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman would welcome a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before Weekes’ report of Zadorov’s request broke, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox and The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel included him among three Flames defensemen they felt the Leafs should target in the trade market. The others were Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, who are also slated to become UFAs next summer.

They agree that Hanifin would be the most expensive to acquire. He and Tanev also have modified no-trade clauses with Hanifin having an eight-team no-trade list and Tanev having 10 teams on his.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a source saying Zadorov would welcome a trade to the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bidding war! Well, that’s what the Flames will hope for given Zadorov’s lack of no-trade protection and his reasonable $3.75 million cap hit for this season. They’ll ship him to the team that will give them the best return.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie wonders what the Flames’ asking price will be for Zadorov. Given the club’s intent to get younger and their need for speed and skill, McKenzie speculates they could obtain draft picks or a young prospect for Zadorov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils’ deep prospect pool gives them an advantage over the Leafs in that regard. Cap space, however, will be a sticking point for both clubs.

The Flames might have to retain salary or take back a player with a comparable cap hit to make this work for the Leafs or Devils. It’ll be interesting to see if other clubs get into the bidding here.

RECENT SHARKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Duhatschek recently observed that the San Jose Sharks had hoped pending UFAs Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair and Kevin Labanc would be of interest to playoff contenders as trade-deadline rentals. However, they’re off to terrible starts and would have zero value at the moment.

If the Flames felt their season was salvageable, Duhatschek wondered if they might acquire Duclair and reunite him with Jonathan Huberdeau. The duo developed some offensive chemistry during their time with the Florida Panthers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reported Sharks general manager Mike Grier wasn’t worried about the trade value of those on expiring contracts. “I think all those guys have a pretty good track record of who they are and producing and things like that,” he said.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli noted that the Sharks need to figure out where high-price forwards like Tomas Hertl and captain Logan Couture fit into the club’s future.

Seravalli noted there will only be room to move one of them if they need to retain salary to facilitate a trade. They only have one salary-retention spot left after using two of them on Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson. Servalli speculates that Hertl could generate more interest than Couture.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no indication Hertl and/or Couture want out of San Jose. However, Grier said back in September that he would listen if they asked to be moved and explore that option if it made sense for the team.

The most likely trade candidates remain those pending free agents. Of those three, Duclair has the most value given his 31-goal season in 2021-22 and his solid performance during the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final last spring.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2023

by | Nov 7, 2023

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2023

Check out the latest on the Flames and Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES GAUGING THE MARKET ON THEIR UFA DEFENSEMEN

SPORTSNET: During his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman believes the Calgary Flames could have three defensemen on the trade market. He thinks the Flames have started making phone calls around the league to gauge the market of Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov.

Friedman wondered if the Edmonton Oilers would have an interest in one of them. He also felt the Toronto Maple Leafs would be interested in Tanev and Zadorov if they could find a way to pull it off.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Appearing on the Donnie & Dhali Show, Friedman felt teams like Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver could show an interest in some of those players. However, he cautioned that things can always change and doesn’t think any trades are imminent. Friedman pointed out that the Flames were close to re-signing Hanifin before mounting losses put those talks on hold.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden believes the Leafs could be interested given the injuries to their blueline this season as well as the club’s overall defensive play thus far. However, he noted that Hanifin, Tanev and Zadorov each make over $3.7 million for this season, meaning the cap-strapped Leafs would have to shed significant salary to acquire one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks and Oilers are in the same boat cap-wise as the Leafs. Unless it’s a dollar-in, dollar-out scenario or another club getting involved as a third party to broker the deal, I doubt we’ll see one of those three Flames defensemen getting shipped to the Canucks, Leafs or Oilers at this stage in the season. That’s a move that might have to wait until closer to the trade deadline provided those clubs can accrue sufficient cap space to make deals by that point.

LATEST ON THE OILERS

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the struggling Edmonton Oilers are running out of time to address their goalie woes. Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have had their difficulties this season. Their poor play has sunk the Oilers from being a team with Stanley Cup aspirations to one sitting 31st overall in the standings.

Nugent-Bowman noted that head coach Jay Woodcroft has also been feeling the heat in Edmonton. While he’s not without his faults, firing Woodcroft won’t improve the goaltending. The Oilers have also been sloppy defensively in front of Campbell and Skinner but it’s still up to those two to stop the puck.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Oilers can’t afford to wait for their goaltenders to improve as their playoff hopes dwindle.

Meanwhile, on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman said he believes Oilers management may have kicked around the idea of a coaching change. He also ruled out the possibility of Joel Quenneville as a potential replacement for Woodcroft as he doubted the league would approve his return just now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could contact teams carrying three goalies like the Buffalo Sabres or Montreal Canadiens. However, those clubs won’t part with goalies like Devon Levi or Sam Montembeault who could make a difference in Edmonton.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2023

by | Oct 27, 2023

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 27, 2023

The Bruins and Avalanche suffer their first losses and Senators’ center Shane Pinto is suspended for a gambling violation. Details on these and other stories in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks overcame a 3-1 deficit to upset the Boston Bruins 4-3, snapping the latter’s season-opening win streak at six games (6-0-1). Mason McTavish scored in overtime while Troy Terry and rookie Leo Carlsson each had a goal and an assist for the 3-4-0 Ducks. Charlie McAvoy collected three assists while David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery indicated winger Jakub Lauko (facial injury) will be sidelined for at least a week while winger Milan Lucic (lower body) will be out for at least two weeks.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry turned in a 31-save shutout in a 4-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche, ending the Avs’ 15-game road win streak and their season-opening six-game win streak. Reilly Smith scored two goals for the Penguins (3-4-0). The Avs (6-1-0) remain in first place in the Central Division with 12 points.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by Martin Necas lifted the Carolina Hurricanes over the Seattle Kraken 3-2. Necas finished the game with two goals and an assist as the Hurricanes overcame a 2-0 deficit to lift their record to 4-4-0. Oliver Bjorkstrand had a goal and an assist and Joey Daccord stopped 42 shots as the Kraken blew a 2-0 lead and dropped to 2-4-2.

The Montreal Canadiens got an overtime goal from Cole Caufield in a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, who led 3-1 at one point before the Habs staged their comeback. Caufield and linemate Nick Suzuki each had a goal and two assists while Sam Montembeault turned aside 33 shots for the 4-2-1 Canadiens. Emil Bemstrom tallied twice while Jack Roslovic had a goal and two assists for the 3-2-2 Blue Jackets.

Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopped 35 shots to backstop his club over the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 4-1. Nino Niederreiter and Mason Appleton each had a goal and an assist for the Jets (4-3-0) as they extended their win streak to three games. Lucas Raymond replied for the 5-2-1 Red Wings.

Tampa Bay Lightning netminder Jonas Johansson turned aside 23 shots for his second straight shutout in a 6-0 defeat of the San Jose Sharks. Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Mikhail Sergachev and Nick Perbix each collected two points for the 4-2-2 Lightning. The Sharks are still seeking their first win of the season as they sank to 0-6-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lack of scoring punch has hampered the rebuilding Sharks. They’ve managed just eight goals thus far.

The Toronto Maple Leafs got a goal and an assist from Morgan Rielly to defeat the Dallas Stars 4-1. Joseph Woll made 31 saves as the Leafs improved to 5-2-0. Mason Marchment replied for the 4-1-1 Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury. He will be re-evaluated on Friday.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson snapped a 2-2 tie with a third-period goal as his club nipped the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Bo Horvat and Cal Clutterbuck gave the Islanders (3-2-1) a 2-0 first-period lead but the Senators (3-4-0) rallied to tie it on goals by Claude Giroux and Jakob Chychrun.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom was stretchered from the game in the second period when he struck his head on the ice following a hit by Clutterbuck. Following the game, the Senators released a statement indicating the blueliner was alert, had full use of his extremities, and was transported to a hospital for further observation and testing.

The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Minnesota Wild 6-2. Flyers rookie Bobby Brink scored the first two goals of his NHL career while Cam Atkinson had three assists and Travis Sanheim had a goal and two assists for the 4-2-1 Flyers. Dakota Mermis and Marcus Foligno replied for the Wild as they slipped to 3-3-1.

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick made 29 saves to blank the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. Adam Fox, Braden Schneider and Artemi Panarin each collected two points as they improved to 5-2-0. The Oilers sank to 1-5-1 on the season.

St. Louis Blues netminder Joel Hofer stopped 27 shots for his first NHL shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Calgary Flames. Oskar Sundqvist had a goal and an assist for the Blues as they improved their record to 3-2-1. The Flames, meanwhile, dropped to 2-5-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the game, Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov offered a blunt apology for his club’s poor performance this season. “We’re playing like shit now,” he said.

It’s a grim time for Alberta’s NHL franchises. The Oilers entered this season considered among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup while the Flames were hoping to rebound from last season’s disappointing result.

HEADLINES

OTTAWA SUN: The NHL yesterday announced a 41-game suspension of Senators center Shane Pinto for activities that violated the league’s gambling rules.

In a statement, the league indicated that Pinto didn’t wager on NHL games but offered no insight into the reasons behind the lengthy suspension. However, league sources stated that Pinto’s online gambling account in the United States was flagged by a company that is a partner with the NHL because of unusual activity. They contacted the league, which launched an investigation into the matter. It’s believed they found evidence connecting Pinto to a third-party bettor.

The 22-year-old Senators center issued an apology in which he took full responsibility for his actions. Meanwhile, the NHL Players Association was aware of the investigation and will not be appealing the suspension.

Pinto remains a restricted free agent as he was in the midst of contract talks with the Senators before the suspension, which is retroactive to the start of the club’s season. The earliest he can return to action is Jan. 21 against the Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s not expected he’ll be back that soon as he’ll need time with the Senators’ AHL affiliate to get back into game shape.

The Senators said they would welcome Pinto’s return following his suspension. They called him a “valued member of our hockey club” and will provide support for him to “address his issues.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL is criticized for not revealing the details that prompted Pinto’s lengthy suspension. There is also concern that he’s being punished by a league that has almost gone overboard with its recent embrace of legalized gambling. In addition, it raises questions about the NHL’s gambling policy regarding its players.

There are also questions over how Pinto’s suspension will affect his contract talks with the Senators and their efforts to free up cap space to sign him. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumors update.

MLIVE.COM: Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron is mourning the shooting tragedy in Lewiston, Maine that left 18 people dead and many others wounded. Perron played his final year of junior hockey with the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2006-07 and still has friends in the area. 

THE SCORE: Zach Kassian announced his retirement after 12 NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes. In 661 regular-season games, Kassian had 92 goals and 111 assists for 203 points along with 913 PIMs. He also had nine points in 45 playoff games.