The holiday roster freeze is in effect from Dec. 20 – 27 but that hasn’t stopped the trade and free-agent speculation. Here’s the latest on the Senators plus updates on Corey Perry and Andrei Kuzmenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wonders if it could be long before the Ottawa Senators decide to become sellers leading up to the March 8 trade tradeline. If they go that route, Kypreos wouldn’t be surprised if Jakob Chychrun resurfaces in trade talks.
Kypreos noted that there are several teams (Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars) in “dire need of shoring up their blueline for a playoff run.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chychrun was the subject of two years of trade speculation before he was acquired by the Senators before last season’s March trade deadline.
I would have my doubts about the Senators moving Chychrun if Pierre Dorion was still the general manager. With Dorion gone, perhaps it’s not that far-fetched if they go into sell mode in the New Year. Interim GM Steve Staios wouldn’t have the same attachment to the current players on this roster.
Chychrun still carries an affordable $4.6 million average annual value through 2024-25. He’s also slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2025, which could also factor into where he fits in their plans.
Unlike last season, however, there are a couple of sticking points if the Senators decide to move Chychrun. He carries a 10-team no-trade clause plus there are a high number of clubs this season with limited cap space.
Speaking of the Senators, Kypreos claims there are some within the organization pushing for them to hire former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube as their new full-time bench boss. He wonders if the new ownership group is ready to make that kind of commitment right now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latest word out of Ottawa regarding the Sens’ coaching situation is they’re going to take their time and cast a wide net before making a decision. You also have to wonder if Berube would want to coach the Senators. The Blues are still paying him through next season so he can afford to take his time and find the right fit.
UPDATES ON COREY PERRY AND ANDREI KUZMENKO
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos reported last week the NHL Players Association remained undecided over whether they’d file a grievance on Corey Perry’s behalf regarding the termination of his contract last month. He indicates that hasn’t stopped some teams from considering adding him to their roster before the trade deadline once he receives clearance from the NHLPA player assistance program and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those clubs could be the Edmonton Oilers. Last month, the Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson speculated Oilers GM Ken Holland might look into it.
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet is running out of patience with winger Andrei Kuzmenko. While his offensive skills are undeniable, he’s not an adept skater or forechecker and those flaws are becoming apparent as his production declines.
Tocchet made Kuzmenko a healthy scratch on Tuesday against Nashville, marking the fourth time in recent weeks that he’s benched the 27-year-old winger. Johnston suggests Kuzmenko could start running out of opportunities to improve his game.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cites an interview with Kuzmenko’s agent Dan Milstein claiming his client is very happy in Vancouver and there is constant communication with management. “We have a plan and everything is going to be okay,” said Milstein. He added that his client should regain his form “with a few minor adjustments.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation over Kuzemenko’s future in Vancouver surfaced earlier this month after he’d been scratched three times and had his playing time reduced. The front office has also maintained that they want to help the winger improve his overall performance. However, he’ll likely remain the subject of trade conjecture if he fails to pick up his play.