NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2024
Check out the latest on Steven Stamkos and Martin Necas, the latest on the Red Wings, Jets, Sabres and Rangers, and two notable potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
PREDATORS INTERESTED IN STEVEN STAMKOS?
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are lining up hoping to talk to Steven Stamkos if the Tampa Bay Lightning winger heads to free agency on July 1.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).
LeBrun said he’s been told the Nashville Predators could be among the clubs with serious interest in Stamkos. General manager Barry Trotz is seeking some offensive pop for his roster.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ first choice remains staying in Tampa Bay. Discussions with the Lightning are ongoing.
COULD MARTIN NECAS BE TRADED SOON?
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported one team has jumped to the front of the line in the Martin Necas trade sweepstakes. That club is offering up a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft and could be the team that completes a deal for Necas very soon.
LeBrun believes the Buffalo Sabres are very interested in Necas. It’s getting close to crunch time if a team is going to offer up a 2024 first-rounder. He also indicated the Hurricanes are content to hand onto the 25-year-old restricted free agent if they don’t find a suitable offer.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils could dangle the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Hurricanes for Necas. Seravalli also mentioned the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and the Predators as possible suitors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Necas rumors have heated up with the draft fast approaching. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks also hold top-10 picks but they might not be as keen to part with them for Necas.
ARE THE RED WINGS GEARING UP FOR A BIG MOVE?
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings trading Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in a cost-cutting move freed up $3.4 million annually for the next two seasons. The move also fueled speculation general manager Steve Yzerman is planning a big move.
The move could be to free up a logjam on defense. The Wings have seven blueliners projected to make the roster next season. It could also be to free up additional room to re-sign restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
Yzerman could also be considering a significant addition via the trade and free-agent markets to bolster his goaltending and scoring depth.
TSN: Chris Johnston suggested watching the Red Wings in the Steven Stamkos free-agent sweepstakes. It’s believed they’re among the clubs lining up for the Lightning captain.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Yzerman is looking at adding a goaltender. He thinks the Wings GM has spoken to the Anaheim Ducks about John Gibson. Friedman also wondered if Yzerman might be interested in Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Red Wings remain in contract discussions with pending UFA winger Patrick Kane.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman will do something to address his goaltending and scoring issues. He could make a big move but recent history shows he prefers doing smaller trades and signings, not wanting to tie up too much cap room for too long. We’ll soon see if he has something bigger planned this time.
LATEST ON THE JETS, SENATORS AND RANGERS
WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck reports the Jets remain likely to trade prospect Rutger McGroarty at any moment and will continue efforts to peddle winger Nikolaj Ehlers. It’s also possible they buy out the final season of defenseman Nate Schmidt’s contract.
There’s plenty of interest in the 20-year-old McGroarty. He could be used as a trade chip for a first-rounder in this year’s draft or a defenseman to bolster their blueline. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens could come calling.
Ehlers could also be used as a trade chip for a blueliner. Billeck suggested offering him to the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun or the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators or Kraken could seek assurances that Ehlers will sign a contract extension, assuming they’re interested in him. He has a year left on his deal with an AAV of $6 million.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios shot down a rumor suggesting defenseman Thomas Chabot is on the trade block. “Not sure where that comes from,” he said. “It hasn’t been talked about once.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That speculation arose because the oft-injured Chabot’s modified no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. Some observers would rather the Senators trade him and use the savings to re-sign Jakob Chychrun.
RANGERS INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH PATRICK KANE
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are looking at a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 34-year-old winger spent a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23.
JEFF SKINNER AND JACK CAMPBELL COULD BE BOUGHT OUT
BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Chad DeDominicus of Expected Buffalo claiming sources told him the Sabres will buy out the final three years of winger Jeff Skinner’s contract. The buyout will save the Sabres over $7.5 million in 2024-25.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer saying the club will likely buy out the remainder of goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. A buyout will count as $1.1 million against the Oilers cap for 2024-25, $2.3 million in 2025-26, and $2.6 million in 2026-27, dropping to $1.5 million annually for the final three seasons.
Just maybe the Bruins can offer up Mark Kastelic and their 1st rd pick and Korpisalo for Necas
Joe,that s what they needed Ullmark for!
Yep ..
From what I have read in the McGroarty case is that his main reluctance in not signing with the Jets is their insistence that he spend some development time in the minors, while he believes he can step into an NHL role right away, in comparison to a couple of other cases as mentioned in this article
https://www.thegraphicleader.com/sports/hockey/its-not-a-good-look-jets-may-lose-top-prospect-mcgroarty
If that is indeed the issue, I would assume any team giving up assets to acquire him would have to be prepared to meet his demands.
That’s why the Habs and the Jackets are rumored suitors, George. Those are two forward lineups he’d have a great opportunity to crack.
Howard, my post submitted just this minute didn’t take into account yours.
Do you seriously think Hughes and St. Louis will be interested in a rookie who is telling them how to manage their team?
Which is remarkable arrogance for a player who has played zero games in a professional league.
Guarantee that if that is true the Habs won’t touch him with a barge pole. Neither should other teams.
LJ you’ll notice that I didn’t suggest that the Habs would or should pursue such a trade. I was merely referencing Lyles post in which the Habs are mentioned as a possible suitor.
I agree that this is a rather arrogant move by an unproven player. Chances are his parents are behind it. Pushy parents always a problem in sports.
That being said, the Habs have been rumored to be checking in on him and I’m not sure it would be a bad move at the right price. Just because he has issues with Jets management doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work out with the Habs. And remember that he’s only 20. Years old. Let’s not judge him too harshly just yet.
The article mentions 2 possibilities for the Habs in trading for McGroarty, the first round pick they traded to Montreal (#26) or Justin Barron.
If there’s any truth to it HuGo would take it.
Fair comments, Howard. We only get a partial picture via the media and I should know better than to swallow a report whole.
HF30, assuming the Habs have checked the kid out and are ok with him, yes to the 26th, and or Barron. I have to think the Jets would want more than the 26th back for the 14th pick they used to pick him.
Willie, you are aware that Utah was the Coyotes and Chychrun was traded from there?
Perhaps the new ownership wants him back? Who knows?
Yes….100%
The owner was Very Cheap
And it was ran like a gong show
New Owner with deep pockets and new arena coming in 3 years
Now Ryan Smith is willing to spend
At the start of the week the Coyotes is he is pulling out the land deal and not perusing an NHL team⁉️
Defencman Trades..
Utah looking for a top-pair defenseman, they need 3 d/men for there top 4…….🤔 they only have 25 yr old Sean Durzi a RD man who is more like a #4 d/man 2nd pairing
From David Pagnotta:
The Utah Hockey Club is looking for a Top-Pair defenseman by the sounds of things. Something to watch this week…..
Jackob Chychrun 26 yr old Ottawa
or
Thomas Chabott 27 yr old Ottawa,
his NMC kicks in Julys 1st at $8.M
or
Daniel Nurse 29 yr old Edmonton
his NMC kicks in Julys 1st at $9.2M
That’s Darnell Nurse
yes
Dumba and Ghostisbere are UFA is they want a big name. Tyler Myers too if they want a big body.
But these guys are mostly past prime except Ghost who may have a little left in the tank.
I don’t mind trading Chabbot to Utah. Not sure what that deal would look like. Probably gonna cost Utah picks or somebody on forward they dont’ wanna trade.
More than likely Shayne Gostisbehere is remaining in Detroit. Supposedly there’s already close to a deal being in place.
If they send a top 4 d/man to Utah…. And they need 3….
It will be for a top 10 pick
And A roster player
As Chychrun is young @ 26 and offensive
I would rather Trade Chabott, but he is so injury prone I don’t think we would have any takers this season….🤔
Maybe next year …
And Nurse`s NMC kicked in when he signed the contract 2 years ago
Did you watch the playoffs? Utah doesn’t want DarRnell Nurse at $9M+
A top 10 pick for either of the oft injured Chychrun or Chabot is highly unlikely considering the wealth of young defensemen in the top ten of this years draft.
Neither Chychrun nor Chabot is worth a Levshunov, Silayev, Buium, Parekh, Dickinson or Yakemchuk
Willie, you are aware that Utah was the Coyotes and Chychrun was traded from there?
williew, Utah now possesses the 7th ranked best prospect pool, according to The Hockey Writers, with these 5 deemed to be the best of the lot: Conor Geekie, Victor Söderstrom, Dmitri Simashev, Daniil But and Michael Hrabal. Soderstrome and Simashev are both D – RD and LD respectively. If all goes well for them, they will eventually join the 3 current roster D in the midst of re-upping as RFAs:
LD Durzi – coming off a $1.7 mil hit – turns 26 in Oct – 6’0″ 188 lbs – 76gp 9g 32a 41 pts
LD/RD Moser – coming off an $886,667 hit – turned 24 in June – 6’0′ 172 lbs80gp 5g 21a 26 pts
LD Vallimaki – coming off a $1 mil cap hit – turns 26 in Oct – 6’2″ 212 lbs – 2g 15a 17 pts
I doubt they have visions of suddenly becoming a playoff team so, with the novelty sufficient to carry them with their fan base for a couple of years, they can afford to be patient without taking on any bad contracts simply for marginal improvement
Sometimes I get exhausted by all of Friedman’s “wondering.” It reminds me of faux news with their “I am just asking questions” way of never having to risk fact checking haha.
I feel like Staios knows much more about the status of Chabot than any pundit does…and maybe even more than I or George do! /sarcasm – that said… I wonder if he has come to the same conclusion as George and I that Chabot could have a bounce back season with a coach that doesn’t overwork him all the time. Lean on Sanderson far more and get some solid pairings and Mr. Chabot will be very good maybe even great.
I still wonder if Chychrun will be gone tomorrow (see Elliotte, I can too!)
Wonderful comment. He is without a doubt my least favourite muse. He is always “just thinking out loud” or as you say “just asking questions”.
His noise has become tiresome, to me at least.
theSaint – lol – yeah, why haven’t they consulted us??
Too true, though re Chabot. Used right and with the right on-ice partner (like Methot was with Karlsson) he could be a significant factor under the new regime.
Ehlers ($6 mil for 1 year – then UFA) for Chychrun ($4.6 mil for one year – then UFA) I find intriguing. The immediate difference in cap hit is an additional $1.4 mil taken on by Ottawa (which might explain their alleged desire to move Joseph and his $2.9 mil hit) … but it’s the ensuing deals to re-up them where it needs clarification.
Some pundits have suggested that the 6′ 2″ 210 lb LD Chychrun, who turns 27 next March, could be seeking a new deal closer to $8 mil per. Offensively, he had a good season with 14g 27a 41 pts, and perhaps more importantly, finally played a full 82-game schedule without going on the IR – which was a frequent circumstance in Arizona (all told, over his career to date, he has missed a full 25% of his team\’s games). Defensively, he has been largely on the minus side throughout his career, posting a whopping -30 this past season. His 82-game offensive averages over 467gp works out to 13g 25a 38 pts.
Ehlers, who turns 29 next February, and isn’t huge by any means (6′ 0″ 172 lbs), has missed 14% of his team’s games through injury or being scratched – far below that of Chychrun – but does have very good 82-game averages of 27g 35a 62 pts accumulated over 605gp, along with very good +/- stats (cumulative +65). I haven’t seen any speculation as to what the pundits think his salary/term demands will be leading up to his UFA status.
yeah that seems like a decent trade. I think I will just miss the grit that Joseph has, but it feels like we have guys that fill that role just in Brady and Ridly alone!
I honestly think today and tomorrow will be very interesting… still wondering about the supposed “framework” with the Flyers/Sens trade.
Same here … lots of smoke connected with that rumour – both in Ottawa and Philadelphia media.
I’d love for them to keep Chabbot AND Chychrun. And that was the idea. But neither can play right effectively. Need a Zub for each of them. 3 Zub’s.
Sanderson Zub
Chychrun Zub
Chabbot Zub
the stay at home safety net guy. The Methot to the Karlsson. The Volchenkov. The Phillips.
Dark G – heh, when you mentioned Volchenkov my thoughts jumped at once to the ongoing chatter that Staios might be interested in UFA Tanev.
Like Volchenkov, Tanev is a rugged, stay-at-home shot-blocking machine …. but unfortunately with frequent breakdowns thanks to their approach to the game.
In his time here, Volchenkov always seemed to be going on IR just when we needed him most. Signing a potential repeat of that might not be the way to go. And I hear, too, that Staios might be trying to work out a deal for his younger brother to further entice him to sign here.
Re; Oilers
Poor Cap Space & 2 Bad contracts we cant keep
Campbell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million.
&
Nurse Eating up $9.25M for 7 more years
We cant aford him as our 4th d/man make $9.25M
hope they do this at the draft,
with the emergence of young Philip Broberg, now living up to his full expectations, we dont need Nurse….👌
The Oilers have been trading away picks over the past 3 years with limmited cap space,
We have 1 pick in the first 4 rounds this years draft.
We have 2 picks in next years first 4 rounds
Same thing this coming season 2024/25, we have $10.M in Cap space.
we only have enough Cap space to Re-sign some players than we will go into trading more picks to replace them….
&
Jack Campbell Eating up $5.M for 3 more years,
they need to trade him out with 2 good prospects from the farm to a rebuilding team…..❓
The Oil need to sit back and do a Re-set for the coming season,
Clear some salarys of the books this year the cap hits $88.M and for the next season 2025/2026
it could be $92.M…..
over the next 2 years Re-sign, Bouch, Leon & Connor,👍
Good luck in trading either of those contracts away. I think Campbell is done until someone can sign him for 1-2 million.
Nurse… even if he were AMAZING I would not want my team spending 9+ million on him…
Campbell will almost assuredly HAVE to be a buyout and Nurse is stuck with you until the cap goes up significantly.
We hear Yzerman traded Walman to clear cap space. He likely has his eye on someone? Supposed that someone If it’s Gibson, he has a M-NMC & could nix the deal. That was not a brilliant move.
It was a brilliant move if you had watched how brutal Walman’s mental lapses can be. I’m glad he’s gone.
Walman was playing way above his head on the 1st pairing. He is a 4 or 5 defender. As to “the rest of the story “, who knows?
Assuming players agree to waive no trade clause – what do you think about Marner to the Rangers for Trouba and Kakko? Would the Rangers need to add picks (or is that my Leaf bias)?
As a leaf fan I would say an immediate “NO” to Trouba.
Kakko, Schneider plus the #30 pick in 2024 along with some cap shenanigans to make the money work.
Oilers are second oldest team in the league
Odd no official buyouts . I thought it opened midnight 26th
If Necas is so good ( and I believe he is truly exciting and offensively dynamic) why are the Canes trading him ? Asking for a friend
SilverSeven, there are so many sites giving different average ages it’s hard to pout a finger on which is the correct one.
According to this link – supposedly using CapFriendly as the source – Edmonton sits at 27.3, with 16 teams progressively older up to Pittsburgh’s 30.3
https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/comments/y0xziy/cap_friendly_full_average_age_list_of_each_team/?rdt=59430
Just out of curiosity, what source were you looking at?
A must move by Oilers (to buyout Campbell)
If Skinner gets bought out ; Sabres get big relief in 24/25 ($1.4 M vs $9 M); then $4.4 M then $6.4 M
Sabres a bubble team in 24/25 but in 2 years when they are hoping to make strides; $6.4 M in dead cap is significant
If bought out ; he loses $7.3 M and had 3 more years left in his contract
A team offering him 3 @ $2.45 M makes him “whole”; but he’ll get more than that
Still very good on his blades; was a PPG (including 35 G in 22/23 ) and his 82 game pace this year (when Sabres weren’t as productive with goals as they were in 22/23) was 27-24-51
He just turned 32
What is he worth?
Even though he is 32 and Penguins need to get younger; I would like to see Dubas at least reach out to his agent (if he’s bought out) to find out the cost