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Articles by Mark Easson
A Lightning Change of Heart May No Longer Matter to Nikita Kucherov
Even if the Lightning offered Nikita Kucherov six years and $20 million now, he likely wouldn’t sign it. Many will be interested Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: After Nikita Kucherov‘s comment that “It was more about poor communication and respect,” and not about the money, it doesn’t sound like that relationship can be mended. Back in the first week of July, the Tampa Bay Lightning offered Kucherov four years at $15 million per year, and then six years at $15 million in September.
NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Nikita Kucherov
Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel is safe for now TSN: The Winnipeg Jets have really been struggling of late, winless in nine heading into last night, but management and ownership are not getting involved yet, according to Darren Dreger. Coach Scott Arniel is safe for now.
NHL Rumors: Red Wings Scouted BOS-VGK, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Minnesota Wild
Red Wings AGM Kris Draper continues his scouting trip Steve Conroy: Detroit Red Wings assistant GM Kris Draper was watching the Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights game last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets are listening on Dmitri Voronkov, and they could move a defenseman Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed that he is listening to calls on forward Dmitri Voronkov. Voronkov is a pending RFA who carries a $4.18 million cap hit.
Will the Tampa Bay Lightning be Looking to Make a ‘Hockey Trade?’
The Tampa Bay Lightning will likely be looking for a ‘hockey trade’ with Nikita Kucherov Daily Faceoff: Will the Tampa Bay Lightning be looking to make a ‘hockey trade’ for Nikita Kucherov? It’s hard to see the Lightning wanting to take a step back. Tyler Yaremchuk: “And maybe this Kucherov thing would lead to a mass exodus in Tampa Bay. But it’s also Tampa Bay.
NHL Rumors: Nikita Kucherov, and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikita Kucherov wants to play with a McDavid or a Matthews or a Pastrnak Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media: A source to RG about Nikita Kucherov: “He wants to be the top scorer every year and play on a team with McDavid or Matthews or Pastrnak, plus in a big market, so people talk about how good he is.
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs looking for defenseman, Simon Edvinsson would be ideal; Oilers looking for power forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a defenseman Daily Faceoff Toronto: The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to look for help on the blue line, and could make multiple moves by the March 1st NHL trade deadline. Simon Edvinsson would be an ideal addition, but fans may not like what it would cost. Nick Alberga: “Is anything new to add to the Maple Leaf trade conversation?” Pagnotta: “They’re still looking.
NHL Rumors: Lightning’s Offers to Nikita Kucherov, and the Ducks are in a Tough Spot With Beckett Sennecke
Nikita Kucherov has been looking for more than Kirill Kaprizov, but Julien BriseBois didn’t go over $15 million Kevin Weekes: Was told that the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first offer to Nikita Kucherov was around $13 million. After the Leo Carlsson $18 million offer sheet and Cale Makar‘s $20 million deal, the offer changed to $15 million. Kucherov has a great relationship with coach Jon Cooper and told his teammates he won’t be re-signing with the team.
Differing Situations for Nikita Kucherov, Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck
Nikita Kucherov’s situation is different than Connor Hellebuyck’s and Dylan Larkin’s Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Nikita Kucherov‘s situation isn’t like Connor Hellebuyck‘s and Dylan Larkin‘s, as some have suggested. Kucherov’s a pending UFA, while the other two had five years left on their contract.
NHL Rumors: A Maple Leafs blockbuster may have to include Easton Cowan; what about Morgan Rielly?
The Detroit Red Wings scouted the Washington Capitals again Tom Gulitti: Detroit Red Wings AGM and head of pro scouting Kris Draper has been at the Washington Capitals’ past two home games. The New Jersey Devils aren’t moving Hischier or Bratt to bring in Larkin James Nichols: Not sure who needs to be reminded of this, but the New Jersey Devils aren’t going to be trading Nico Hischier or Jesper Bratt in a Dylan Larkin trade. The Devils didn’t give up half that to get Connor Hellebuyck.
NHL Rumors: Simon Edvinsson and Nikita Kucherov
Simon Edvinsson trade talks continue and his mindset hasn’t changed The Sheet with Jeff Marek: Things seem to be status quo with the Detroit Red Wings and Simon Edvinsson. Pagnotta: “His mindset hasn’t changed. He’s, I think, he’s waiting for a trade more than anticipating Detroit coming to him, saying, “Fine, we’ll give you, you know, $77 million over, over seven years.” Doesn’t seem like, like that’s the case.
Running Three Goalies in Montreal? A Top 20 NHL Trade Board
The Montreal Canadiens may be okay to ride three goalies all season if they don’t get an offer they like The Fourth Period: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault is expected to return sometime around mid-November. Jacob Fowler has taken his opportunity and run with it, and trade talk involving Montembeault will increase. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract and is two years removed from a 31 win season. A down year last season saw him only get in 25 games.
What is Elias Pettersson’s trade value?
After two down seasons, has Elias Pettersson’s bounced back and what is his trade value? Halford and Brough: Harman Dayal on the trade value of Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson. Jason Brough: “But what we’re seeing right now, Harm, this is the question for you is: let’s say this is the player, right? Like this, let’s say this is the player that we’re talking about. What is he worth on the trade market? Without getting into the no-move clause and everything too.
NHL Rumors: No traction on a Owen Tippett for Frank Nazar trade
The Philadelphia Flyers could be looking for blue line help as opposed to help down the middle Frank Seravalli of Sportsnet: The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to upgrade their blue line. Keith Jones, their president of hockey ops scouted games in Calgary and Chicago. Many speculated Owen Tippett for Frank Nazar, but there doesn’t appear to be any traction on that. There’s been speculation the Flyers also want a center.
Media Wondering Where Nikita Kucherov Could/Won’t End Up
So where could Nikita Kucherov end up? Will the Lightning keep him? A run through some media comments Tampa Bay Lightning: Statement from GM Julien BriseBois: “We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning. We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.” Pierre LeBrun: Have been told that Nikita Kucherov will continue playing for the Lightning while Tampa figures this out.
Tampa Bay Lightning Forward Nikita Kucherov Asks for a Trade
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Nikita Kucherov told his teammates and the Tampa Bay Lightning management that he won’t be signing a contract extension with the team and wants a trade. He’s in the final year of an eight-year, $76 million deal. David Pagnotta: There was some talk that the Tampa Bay Lightning offered Kucherov a four-year contract at $15 million per. Emily Kaplan: “Negotiations between the Lightning and Nikita Kucherov’s camp remained far apart.
NHL Rumors: Devils and Fabbri, Capitals and Miroshnichenko, Larkin, Sharks and Edvinsson
Could Hellebuyck convince the New Jersey Devils to add Robby Fabbri? Frank Seravalli of Sportsnet: Connor Hellebuyck had been training with Robby Fabbri as he awaited a trade. Could he suggest Fabbri to the New Jersey Devils as a way to replace some of Dawson Mercer‘s scoring?
NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers, Matt Rempe, and Players With Term
The Edmonton Oilers are looking for size. Matt Rempe? Frank Seravalli of Sportsnet: Edmonton Oilers coach Mike Babcock has been wanting to add more size and toughness to his forward group, and GM Stan Bowman is looking at their options. New York Rangers Matt Rempe is one player that Babcock is believed to like. Would he cost just a mid-round pick, as he’s not seeing much action under Mike Sullivan?
Is a Dylan Larkin Trade in the Works Sooner Than Later?
Elliotte Friedman: Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin won’t be in the lineup, and it sounds like he won’t play until he’s traded. Pierre LeBrun: “Hearing that trade talks have escalated on Larkin. Which doesn’t mean it necessarily leads to a trade imminently but things have escalated.
NHL Rumors: Hurricanes' Alexander Nikishin not likely to change mind about trade.
Are the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild playing chess? TSN: Quinn Hughes and Dylan Larkin are tied together. The Minnesota Wild’s top need is a center, and acquiring Larkin will fill that need. Would it help convince Hughes to re-sign with the Wild, or will the lure of his brothers in New Jersey be too much? Pierre LeBrun: “And until Quinn Hughes signs an extension with the Wild, or if he does at all, the whole New Jersey thing is a legitimate storyline.
No Trade Protection if Jason Robertson Extends Early
Dallas Stars GM want to talk extension mid-to-late December with Jason Robertson, but he doesn’t need to rush TSN: Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill plans on starting contract extension talks with pending UFA forward Jason Robertson in mid to late December, according to Pierre LeBrun. He’s on a one-year deal at $12 million and not eligible to sign an extension until January 1st. “The Stars really want to finally figure this out. They want to sign him.
NHL Rumors: Some teams don't like Brady Skjei's contract
Teams may not like the remainder of Brady Skjei’s contract NHL Rumour Report: David Pagnotta on DFO Insider on the Nashville Predators: “There are teams that, while they’ve had conversations involving Brady Skjei, for now are a little bit reluctant to take on that remaining contract at its entirety.” Skjei has four years left on his contract a $7 million per year.
Dylan Larkin’s List Hasn’t Expanded, and Simon Edvinsson Getting Terms but Not the Money
Dylan Larkin’s list hasn’t expanded after being suspended by the Detroit Red Wings TSN: The Detroit Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin for not showing up today and leaving the team. Larkin hasn’t expanded his, according to Pierre LeBrun. “Now, in the meantime, I can tell you that Dylan Larkin’s 10-team list has not been expanded. It’s still those 10 teams that he went to several weeks ago. No.2, and I think this is important, certainly the Red Wings have circled back to teams on that list.
Dylan Larkin has had Enough, and he Could get Suspended as Nothing is Imminent
Dylan Larkin has had enough, and the Red Wings could suspend him Pierre LeBrun: Dylan Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, on Larkin deciding to not play anymore as he awaits a trade: “Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process.” Darren Dreger: “Clearly CAA and Larkin feel like there are trades with teams on his 10 team list that have been close and could have been finalized. Hence, they apply pressure.
NHL Rumors: Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin, and the Buffalo Sabres
Dylan Larkin feels the Red Wings have had enough time Pierre LeBrun: “There were talks in the the last 24 hours between Larkin’s camp and the Red Wings, both last night and again this morning, and what was communicated from the agents to Detroit was that Larkin feels he’s given the team ample time since his trade request in May to get a deal done. Larkin has had enough, so decision was made he won’t play tonight nor for foreseable future hoping a trade materializes. Fluid situation still.
Scouting MTL-STL and PHI-CBJ, and Philadelphia Flyers Search for a Center
Scouting the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues Anthony Martineau: Scouts listed to attend Tuesday’s Canadiens – Blues game include the Montreal Canadiens (Red Wings AGM Kris Draper), Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues.
Is a Dylan Larkin Trade in the Works Sooner Then Later?
Elliotte Friedman: Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin won’t be in the lineup, and it sounds like he won’t play until he’s traded. Pierre LeBrun: “Hearing that trade talks have escalated on Larkin. Which doesn’t mean it necessarily leads to a trade imminently but things have escalated.
NHL Rumors: Seattle Kraken continue to look for scoring winger, have centers they could move
The Seattle Kraken have some young centers and are looking for a scoring winger TSN: Seattle Kraken GM Jason Botterill continues to look to add to his roster, and has been looking for a scoring winger since the offseason, according to Darren Dreger. “At that point, I was told that, look, ‘We’d like to add a top-line scoring winger.’ Well, that’s a lot to ask. And that’s a pretty big piece to try and land. But that search continues.
NHL Rumors: Pavel Zacha, Brenden Dillon, and the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Boston Bruins aren’t ready to go to Pavel Zacha’s number yet NHL Rumour Report: Chris Johnston on Hockey PDOcast on pending UFA Pavel Zacha and his future with the Boston Bruins: “I know there’s a number they would sign him at, but the numbers don’t align in their mind with, with what the player wants in a…rising salary environment.” Brenden Dillon didn’t veto a trade last season, as was reported last week Daniel Amoia of NJ Hockey Now: Elliotte Friedman said early last week on The Fan...
Western Conference Injuries: It's a wait-and-see approach with Zach Hyman, but Mattias Ekholm feeling good
Eric Stephens: Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry had offseason hip surgery and has been skating since training camp. The Ducks are hopeful that he can join practice in early November. Zach Cavanagh: Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He’s on the IR. Defenseman Ian Moore is on the IR with a lower-body injury and has just started skating.
Eastern Conference Injuries: Ben Kindel joins Penguins teammates for practice
Emily Kaplan: The Carolina Hurricanes activated Taylor Hall from the IR, but then another issue happened at their morning skate. He missed last night’s game and is day-to-day. Adam Kimelman: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro returned to the lineup after missing their first nine games of the season with an upper-body injury. Patrick Guillet: Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki was on the ice before practice yesterday. Vince Z.
NHL Rumors: Artturi Lehkonen, Simon Edvinsson, Nashville Predators, and the San Jose Sharks
Could Artturi Lehkonen price himself out of Colorado? TSN: Colorado Avalanche’s Artturi Lehkonen is the Avs leading goal scorer and is slotted nicely beside Nathan MacKinnon. He’s a pending UFA, and they aren’t close to an extension, according to Chris Johnston. “The sense is there’s nothing really too close in terms of any extension work being done with the Avalanche.
NHL Rumors: Rasmus Ristolainen, Patrik Laine, and Will There be More Offer Sheets?
Will the Philadelphia Flyers finally trade Rasmus Ristolainen? NHL Rumour Report: Nick Kypreos on Sportsnet on Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen: “It’s growing more and more likely that this is the year the Flyers will trade him, especially if they continue to chase the pack of playoff teams ahead of them.” Patrik Laine is only thinking NHL Emily Kaplan: Have been told that UFA forward Patrik Laine has no intention of signing a contract over in Europe.
NHL Injuries: Jared McCann out 10 weeks; Chris Tanev skating with team but not ready yet
Robert Tiffin: Dallas Stars forward Radek Faksa missed last night’s game with a lower-body injury that he suffered on Thursday. Forward Sam Steel missed yesterday’s game with an undisclosed injury. On Friday, as part of his treatment, he got an injection. Both Faksa and Steel could miss Tuesday’s game as well. Russell Vannozzi: Colorado Avalanche forward Nic Roy missed his sixth consecutive game with a lower-body injury.
NHL Rumors: No contract talks planned for Hurricanes and Jalen Chatfield
No contract talks planned between the Carolina Hurricanes and Jalen Chatfield The Fourth Period: The Carolina Hurricanes have four pending UFA defensemen Jalen Chatfield, Shayne Gostisbehere, Juuso Valimaki and Mike Reilly. Chatfield’s agent Darren Ferris held contract talks with GM Eric Tulsky in September. “Darren and Tulsky spoke at the start of the season, they tried to get something done at that point,” Pagnotta said. “They weren’t able to come to terms on an agreement.
NHL Injuries: Maple Leafs right winger Kirill Marchenko exits game with lower-body injury
Pat Steinberg: Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund returned to the lineup last night after missing the past two games with an upper-body injury. Ryan Henkel: Carolina Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall said that he’ll play tonight. Forward Mark Jankowski is expected to practice with the team today but won’t play. Mark Scheig: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov skated on his own on Friday and Saturday and Monday with the main group.
NHL Rumors: Some NHL teams value Alexander Nikishin at $6 million, not $9 million
The Montreal Canadiens have some internal options, the Nashville Predators continue to eye the Dman market, and teams view Alexander Nikishin at $6 million and not $9 million Frank Seravalli of Sportsnet: The Montreal Canadiens have been active in the trade market all season and into the offseason. They remain a little undecided on how aggressive they want to be on the trade market.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Their Tagging Issue
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already been dealing with a tagging issue The Sheet with Jeff Marek: Steve Werier on the Toronto Maple Leafs tagging issue for next season that may put them in a money in, money out situation this year if a player they acquire has term on their deal. “When Toronto this offseason, they signed a lot of players, a lot of their debt signings to you know two three year deals in the two $3 million range, which impacts tagging again.
NHL Rumors: Red Wings, Canadiens, Hurricanes, and Top 9 NHL Trade Board
Detroit Red Wings AGM watches two consecutive Montreal Canadiens games Eric Engels: Detroit Red Wings AGM Kris Draper was in Chicago to watch the Blackhawks – Canadiens game. Marco D’Amico: That was the second consecutive game that Kris Draper watched the Canadiens.
What Could the Acquisition Cost be for Calgary Flames Defenseman Zach Whitecloud
What it might cost to land Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud Leafs Morning Take: David Pagnotta, when asked about Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud and what it might take to get him, if they decide to move him. There will be lots of interest. The Toronto Maple Leafs might be one of the teams interested. Nick Alberga: ” The big Whitecloud Games coming up on Monday. The last game there to the Saddledome for the Maple Leafs.
NHL Injuries: Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson day-to-day
Zach Cavanagh: The Anaheim Ducks put defenseman Pavel Mintyukov on the IR with a lower-body injury. Matthew Fairburn: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich left practice after taking a puck to the face. Scott Powers: Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said that forward Bowen Byram is trending towards returning to the lineup. CHGO Blackhawks: The Chicago Blackhawks activated forward Andrew Mangiapane off the IR.
The New Jersey Devils Could Still be in on Dylan Larkin and Quinn Hughes
The New Jersey Devils trading for Connor Hellebuyck may not take them out of the running for Dylan Larkin or Quinn Hughes Daily Faceoff: Even after acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets, could the New Jersey Devils still be in on Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larkin, and maybe eventually Quinn Hughes? Tyler Yaremchuk: “Would a deal for New Jersey completely rule them out from trying to trade for Quinn Hughes or Dylan Larkin later in the year?
Connor Hellebuyck Traded to the New Jersey Devils: Thoughts from the Media
Puck Pedia: The New Jersey Devils added $1.65 million to their cap. To #NJDevils Connor Hellebuyck 33 y/o G, Yr 3/7 $8.5M to #GoJetsGo Dawson Mercer 24 y/o F, Yr 3/3 $4M – RFA Nico Daws 25 y/o G, Yr 1/2 $1.1M Nick Bjugstad 34 y/o F, Yr 2/2 $1.75M Alexander Command ’29 2nd ’27 7th Andy Graziano: “Devils going from Jake Allen and Nico Daws to Connor Hellebuyck is huge.” Nick Alberga: “Winnipeg got way more than I thought they would for Connor Hellebuyck.
NHL Rumors: The Toronto Maple Leafs may not Want to Move Easton Cowan
The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t seem to be interested in trading Easton Cowan, but they have some other pieces Sporstnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs have been scoping out the defenseman trade market. Easton Cowan may be one of their best trade assets, but they may not be that interested in moving him. They do have a couple of other lesser assets that they may be willing to part with. Kyle Bukauskas: “Okay.
NHL Rumors: Hellebuyck Talks Continue, Ruff on UPL Rumors, and Teams Not on Larkin’s List
Connor Hellebuyck talks continue behind the scenes TSN: Connor Hellebuyck has lost over $900,000, but his daily losses are about to come to an end on Friday. Chris Johnston said his situation remains cloudy, though. The Jets are hosting the Heritage Classic this weekend, and they don’t want the Hellebuyck talk to take a bigger stage. “The focus from the Jets organization has entirely been on trying to find a trade to bring an end to this Hellebuyck situation.
NHL Injuries: Canadiens' Nick Suzuki out two to four weeks
Mike G. Morreale: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov returned to Anaheim and will miss the remainder of their road trip. He’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Forward Jeff Malott missed last night’s game due to an illness. Ryan Pike: Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund missed last night’s game.
Connor Hellebuyck’s Suspension Ends, Physical Delay, and What the Jets Want
Connor Hellebuyck’s physical to be delayed TSN: With the Heritage Classic this weekend in Winnipeg, Darren Dreger said they could delay Connor Hellebuyck‘s physicals, as his suspension ends Friday. “Hellebuyck, his people, and the Jets want the game to focus on the spectacle that is the Heritage Classic because there is an element of the growth of the game.
NHL Rumors: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will take team-friendly deal to stay,
Scott Mayfield’s days with the New York Islanders may be numbered The Fourth Period: Defenseman Scott Mayfield‘s time with the New York Islanders may be nearing an end. The 34-year-old has three more years left on his deal at a $3.5 million salary cap hit. He has a full no-movement clause this year that switches to a 16-team no-trade list. He’s been healthy scratched for all but two games.
NHL Injuries: Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis could make his season debut Thursday; Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark needed help leaving the ice
Rachel Lenzi: Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin returned to the lineup last night. Forwards Justin Danforth (upper-body) and Sam Carrick (mid-body) are still day-to-day. NHL: Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. NHL: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis took part in a full practice yesterday and could make his season debut tonight. “It’s getting closer,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said.
NHL Rumors: Scouting TOR-SJ and COL-PHI, Bruins, and the Jets
Teams heavily scouted the Toronto Maple Leafs – San Jose Sharks game on Monday David Pagnotta: Teams listed to attend Monday’s Maple Leafs – Sharks game include the Detroit Red Wings (2), Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks,...
NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers have a logjam on the wings
Ryan Huska isn’t on the hot seat in Calgary TSN: The Calgary Flames have really struggled out of the gate, but head coach Ryan Huska is not on the hot seat, according to Darren Dreger. Goaltending and Offense have been issues for the Los Angeles Kings TSN: The pressure is increasing in LA, and there is no easy fix, according to Pierre LeBrun. Goaltending is being questioned, but internally they are worried about their offseason. Dylan Larkin would be nice, but they’re not on his list.
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