A look at questions facing the Bruins, Sabres, Avalanche, Oilers, Panthers, Wild, Canadiens, Islanders, Flyers, Sharks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently listed one question facing all 32 NHL teams at the quarter-mark of this season. Among them:
Boylen wondered if the solid performances thus far of Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha might shift the Boston Bruins’ trade focus away from adding a center to seeking a scoring winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Or maybe they might consider adding a player or two to bolster their defensive game. Their goalie tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman were able to paper over their leaky defense but they’ve given up at least five goals per game in three of their last four contests.
The Buffalo Sabres have been frequently mentioned as a destination for free-agent winger Patrick Kane but will they get him?
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen pointed out that salary-cap space isn’t an issue. Of late, however, the Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings have been mentioned more frequently as possible landing spots for Kane. We’ll hopefully find out by this week where he intends to spend this season.
Boylen pointed out the Colorado Avalanche’s need to boost their depth scoring. This could be an area they look to the trade market to address if no one steps up in the coming weeks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Patrick Kane, The Athletic’s Peter Baugh believes the Avs are “monitoring the situation” but doesn’t see them among the front-runners.
Which goaltender will the Edmonton Oilers add?
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s been the biggest question in the rumor mill throughout November. They don’t appear any closer to acquiring one while recent speculation suggests they could look at recalling Jack Campbell if he regains his form with their AHL affiliate.
Boylen also pondered the possibility that Sam Reinhart could prove too expensive for the Florida Panthers to re-sign. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent but sits among the league’s leading scorers with 13 goals and 25 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reinhart is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He carries a $6.5 million cap hit and could seek between $9 million and $10 million annually on his next contract.
Given the Minnesota Wild’s struggles, Boylen raised the question of whether head coach Dean Evason will make it to the all-star break. The Wild are capped out and have several key players struggling.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild general manager Bill Guerin is sticking by Evason and insisting the answers to his cap-strapped team’s woes must come from within. It remains to be seen how much longer that will last.
Will the Montreal Canadiens get Sam Montembeault signed? He’s earning an average annual value of $1 million and is eligible for UFA status next July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault has been linked to the Oilers in the rumor mill but I think the Canadiens will get him signed. As Boylen noted, he’s starting to build on last season’s promising performance.
Boylen wondered how long the New York Islanders could continue with such a meek offense.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been an issue for the past couple of years. They might have to shift their focus on finding a short-term replacement for defenseman Adam Pelech, who injured an arm during weekend play.
Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost has been a frequent healthy scratch this season, prompting questions over his future. He’s signed through next season with an AAV of $2.1 million. So far, he hasn’t asked for a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers reportedly denied rumors that Frost was available in the trade market but his situation could be worth watching. GM Daniel Briere is reportedly willing to move players for returns that will improve his club’s foundation going forward.
Boylen wondered which players the struggling San Jose Sharks will trade this season. Forwards Anthony Duclair and Mike Hoffman are on expiring contracts while Mackenzie Blackwood could interest goalie-needy clubs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be very surprised if Duclair and Hoffman aren’t moved by the March 8 trade deadline. Blackwood could be available for the right price but they could opt to move pending UFA Kaapo Kahkonen.
Turning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boylen is curious how they’ll address their blueline corps. With John Klingberg going on LTIR, he wonders what kind of defenseman they’ll go after.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Your guess is as good as GM Brad Treliving’s. He opted for a puck-moving defenseman by signing Klingberg during the offseason while bringing in physical forwards like Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi and Ryan Reaves. Perhaps he’ll look to add more “snot” to his blueline.