NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 11/30/2018

November 30, 2018

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

11/30/2018 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Nov 30, 2018 01:22 pm

In today’s rumor rundown, a connection exists between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs as the deadline to sign William Nylander approaches. That said, the bigger news seems to be the connection being made between all three Maple Leafs star forwards. While the Nylander drama unfolds, Mitch Marner is taking notes and some NHL insiders are asking what Nylander’s deal (or lack thereof) does to the rest of the team long-term, including their star Auston Matthews?

Connection Between Leafs and Flyers?

Frank Seravalli of TSN tweeted the Philadelphia Flyers are believed to be among the teams that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has spoken within the past few days. What the two sides have spoken about or who is the focus of the discussion is unclear, but it’s logical to assume William Nylander is somehow connected considering the deadline to sign him is tomorrow.

Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander speaks to reporters in Toronto on Friday, April 27, 2018. The next time the Maple Leafs play a game, they???ll know the status of winger William Nylander. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

Seravalli specifically said that the two GM’s, Kyle Dubas and Paul Holmgren have talked. Meanwhile, Michael Augello tweeted the Maple Leafs have been scouting the Flyers this season and they were at the Flyers-Senators game on Wednesday.

Pierre LeBrun tweeted that the hope is still that the Maple Leafs’ will get him signed but the organization is circling “back to some teams suggesting they put their best foot forward on trade offers…” One thing to remember is, the Maple Leafs will not take back any contracts that could mess with their future salary cap situation. This whole situation with Nylander exists because Toronto is trying to be smart with their cap room and that will make a trade more complicated, especially if it includes a third team.

Reports are still out there that the two sides are about $300,000 apart on a deal and that potentially, each side has come as far as they’re willing to in negotiations.

Mitch Marner Watching Closely

While all of this unfolds with Nylander in Toronto, another Maple Leafs is watching closely. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun noted on Insider Trading that Mitch Marner’s agent Darren Ferris doesn’t want to negotiate Marner’s next contract until after the season.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Marner sympathizes with Nylander’s position in that, over time, the value of a forward will change in the NHL and that by signing long-term for current market value, someone of his skill set could be undervaluing himself down the road when salaries for forwards with his point production balloons. As a result, Marner might be looking at a shorter-term deal, hoping to hit a home run in free agency.

LeBrun wrote:

“But what I think is new is that our understanding is the Marner camp is looking at the idea of the merits of a four- or five-year deal when it’s time to negotiate as opposed to a maximum or longer term deal. And that is obviously quite interesting. It’s probably not what the Leafs want, that’s for sure. Especially, a four-year deal because that would walk Marner right into ufa (unrestricted free agency). How much would a four or five-year deal cost instead of a max deal? My sense is they think it’s somewhere between $9-10 million based on the season that he is having right now.”

A Matthews Offer Sheet?

Way off in the distance, there is a concern about what all of this means for Auston Matthews. Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland has shared speculation that Matthews could be a prime target for an offer sheet this off-season. Although offer sheets are rare, not often does a player of Matthews caliber potentially become available for one.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 11: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his second period goal during an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on October 11, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Strickland notes how important the contracts for players like Nylander and Marner are and asks what the Leafs will do if they overpay or have too many RFA’s with a defense that needs improvement. If another team were to offer Matthews $14 million per season, the Leafs can’t possibly match.

Strickland does admit that $14 million seems far-fetched but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. One of 30 teams might find him worth that kind of money.

Too often people see this Nylander negotiation as one that exists exclusively between the Leafs and Nylander. It’s so much bigger than that. The wrong move by the Maple Leafs could be disastrous for the organization moving forward.

By Jim Parsons on Nov 29, 2018 01:33 pm

In today’s rumor rundown there is plenty of speculation surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers, some doubt as to the real value of Jeff Skinner on the open market, there are some goaltending names floating around the trade market and one NHL insider suggests the marriage between the Maple Leafs and William Nylander is over, no matter what gets done in the next two days.

The Latest on the Philadelphia Flyers

Everyone seems to be weighing in on what’s happening with the Philadelphia Flyers as there’s news on the GM search, the coaching and potential player movement.

Dave Hakstol, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said the Flyers search for a new GM should be done in “weeks, not months.” CEO Dave Scott said they are actively searching and won’t take forever to make a decision despite the fact that Paul Holgrem will get actively involved in personel decisions for the time being. Leading candidates for GM job include Chuck Fletcher and Ron Francis while lesser candidates but still possibles include Tom Fitzgerald, Mark Hunter or Chris Drury.

Names like Scott Mellanby and Chris Pronger have come up, but don’t seem to be likely options and Friedman believes the Flyers will at least check in on Steve Yzerman. Sam Carchidi figures Yzerman is a longshot considering his ties to the Detroit Red Wings.

Bob McKenzie said the New Jersey Devils have given the Flyers permission to speak with Fletcher about the job and Michael Russo tweeted multiple sources have said that the Flyers are doing their due diligence on Fletcher. They’ve been contacting Minnesota Wild people.

Interesting to note is that Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 1200 and said he got the sense the Flyers wanted to return to the days of “wacky trades and then go for it.” which has led to speculation of some player moves. This has led to speculation the Flyers might be quietly shopping forward Wayne Simmonds who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Without Hextall, there isn’t a voice actively stating the intention is to re-sign Simmonds.

If it isn’t Simmonds that moves, LeBrun said, “But whoever gets hired, the marching orders for sure will be to be very active before February 25, mark my words.”

Buyer Beware on Skinner

There is a real sense that while Jeff Skinner is having a tremendous year, his production won’t be a true reflection of his value as the season rolls along. Most believe another player might be worth the $9 million or so that Skinner might ask for but not necessarily Skinner himself.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates his game-winning goal following the overtime period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Bob McKenzie was on TSN 690 and said that around the NHL, Skinner’s reputation is that he hasn’t produced consistently and has battled injuries. He added that not everyone will be convinced that what he’s producing now is what he’ll produce later. “But I think there’s been enough inconsistency in his career where there’s a little bit of buyer beware in terms of the really big numbers,” McKenzie said.

LeBrun actually said something similar on TSN 1040 when he talked about how little interest there was on the marketplace for Skinner over the summer and before the Sabres traded for him. The Hurricanes had been trying to trade him at the draft and all summer with little interest. LeBrun said teams had concerns about his health and inconsistency as did the Hurricanes who felt it was best to move on.

This could affect Skinner’s ability to get that huge money he wants coming out of this season. McKenzie admitted Skinner will get paid if he keeps scoring, but wonders if anyone will give him $9 million or more.

Goaltenders on the Market?

TSN’s Frank Seravalli recently listed Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Matt Murray of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Cam Talbot of the Edmonton Oilers, and Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators as five possible trade candidates.

Craig Anderson 41, Ottawa Senators – February 3, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Interestingly, only Craig Anderson seems like a likely candidate to be moved. The Oilers are unsure of their goaltending situation even though Mikko Koskinen seems to be winning the starting job, it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets would trade Bobrovsky while playing so well and heading to the postseason and the Red Wings have seemed to shift gears and are talking an extension with Howard. If Howard is moved, the asking price would be high.

Friedman Suggests the Maple Leafs and Nylander Marriage is Over

Elliotte Friedman recently wondered, whether Nylander signs or not, if there is a future in Toronto for him. Friedman believes that even if he does sign, Toronto will trade him by the draft at the latest. “One way or the other, I think this is over. I would be surprised if he plays for Toronto next season.”

By Jim Parsons on Nov 28, 2018 03:35 pm

In today’s rumor rundown, the St. Louis Blues are looking around the NHL for a better option in goal but stopped in Detroit along the way, the Montreal Canadiens are going to have to get creative if they hope to move out Karl Alzner’s contract, and while no one needs reminding that the Toronto Maple Leafs have less than three days to sign William Nylander, things look like they are going to go down to the wire.

Blues Looking for Options In Goal

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the St. Louis Blues and GM Doug Armstrong are looking to upgrade their situation in net. Reports are that the Blues have been eyeing Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard. The Blues went so far as to send scouts to the Red Wings game on Monday.

Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)

Dreger said that if the Blues are looking at Howard acquiring him won’t come cheaply. The Blues don’t have a first-round pick in 2019 and without it, the Red Wings might be looking for a prospect like Jordan Kyrou or Robert Thomas. If not, the Blues may have to widen their search and consider other options.

With some uncertainty in Edmonton and Mikko Koskinen looking like he could be the starter moving forward, would Edmonton trade Cam Talbot if the return was right?

Montreal Has to Get Creative With Alzner

In that same segment, it was reported that the Montreal Canadiens have sent defenseman Karl Alzner to the AHL after he cleared waivers. LeBrun says that Alzner’s agent has permission to speak with other teams about possibly finding Alzner a new team and the Habs are going to try and see what’s out there in a trade.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Karl Alzner (Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)

This won’t be easy for Montreal considering the size of Alzner’s contract. They’ll either need to retain considerable salary, throw in another player or take a terrible contract back, swapping bad deal for a bad deal. What is clear now is that agent JP Barry is reaching out directly to teams to help in the process.

Nylander Not Signed, No Announcement Coming… Yet

Bob McKenzie also addressed the many rumors regarding William Nylander. As far as McKenzie knows, there is no truth that a deal has been done and a formal announcement is coming. Instead, this could go down to right before the 5 pm Eastern deadline on Saturday. “there’s a really strong feeling that both sides, one or the other, feels that they might get their best offer from the other side right at the deadline. So now it goes to deadline, stay tuned, same old deal.”

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander battles for position with Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet believes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nylander are “around $300,000/year apart.” The good news is, that’s not far apart in terms of numbers. The bad news is, both sides may feel they’ve moved far enough from their original positions and could reach the point where they’re unwilling to move further.

The latest word Friedman had heard was that the Nylander camp might accept a six-year contract worth around $6.9 million per season but that’s not been offered by the Maple Leafs.

Panthers Trade Pieces

The Athletic’s George Richards recently wrote that forwards Nick Bjugstad, Colton Sceviour, Denis Malgin and Frank Vatrano, as well as goaltender James Reimer, and defenseman Mark Pysyk are possible trade candidates out of Florida. While he says the team is not a seller yet, Richards writes:

But what if they continue on the same path and find themselves looking up at a bunch of teams they need to leap in the standings? General manager Dale Tallon may have to become a reluctant seller.

source – ‘It’s Black Friday, but the last-place Florida Panthers aren’t ready to sell — yet’ – The Athletic – George Richards – 11/23/2018

Flyers Confirm Leading Candidates for GM Job

Steve Yzerman and Ron Francis are among the candidates to fill the Flyers’ general-manager vacancy, Dave Scott confirmed Tuesday.

Scott, the CEO of the Flyers’ parent company, Comcast Spectacor, did not confirm former Minnesota Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher, as a candidate, but many sources have indicated, he may, in fact, be the leading candidate for the job.

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