Check out the latest on the Lightning plus some trade and free-agent predictions for this season in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun noted that the Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t claim a goaltender off waivers as a short-term replacement for sidelined starter Andrei Vasilevskiy. However, general manager Julien BriseBois didn’t rule out a possible move for a goalie as he’s leaving all his options on the table.
LeBrun believes the Lightning will try to hang in there with their current tandem of Jonas Johansson and Matt Tomkins until Vasilevskiy returns. However, if they need an addition, they have the flexibility to do so with their starter on long-term injury reserve.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise there. They evidently felt comfortable with their current tandem and didn’t see any improvement among the goalies who were on the waiver wire earlier this week.
BriseBois also downplayed Steven Stamkos’ disappointment over a lack of contract talks during the summer. He said his captain’s remarks didn’t surprise him because it was the same thing he told him during the offseason.
The Lightning GM said he didn’t think it was Stamkos’ intent to create headlines and understood his position. Unless something changes, however, those contract talks will wait until after this season. BriseBois also told LeBrun that he didn’t believe this situation would be a distraction.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos may not have wished to make headlines but that’s happened. Regardless, I agree that this won’t be a distraction for BriseBois or his captain as they focus on remaining among this season’s Stanley Cup contenders. Still, it could be worth revisiting this situation by February depending on how this season unfolds for the Bolts.
PREDICTED MOVES FOR 2023-24
SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently published bold predictions for all 32 NHL teams ahead of the start of this season. Among them were a few interesting moves:
He predicts Patrick Kane will sign with the Buffalo Sabres.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Color me skeptical because I don’t think adding another winger on a team already loaded with offense is the best way for them to invest cap dollars. Still, I won’t dismiss the possibility, especially if Kane doesn’t find any Stanley Cup contenders able to afford his services.
Boylen expects the Los Angeles Kings will open the 2024 playoffs with a goaltender who’s currently not on the team. He believes they’re taking a big risk with Pheonix Copley and an aging Cam Talbot as their tandem.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with this take. There could be more suitable options between the pipes available to them in the trade market by midseason.
Boylen predicts the Philadelphia Flyers will trade a top-six forward. He believes the rebuilding club is set up to be a seller at the trade deadline with some attractive assets like Scott Laughton or Travis Konecny.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton and Konecny have surfaced in the rumor mill at times this year. Playoff contenders will likely come calling for one or both and could be willing to pony up some decent assets to get them.
Boylen also thinks the St. Louis Blues will be sellers again. He noted that they tried to move a defenseman during the summer but five of them have trade restrictions on their contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That defenseman they attempted to move was Torey Krug, who made it clear that he’s not waiving his no-trade clause. Maybe one of the others (Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk, Nick Leddy and Marco Scandella with his partial no-trade) would be willing to do so, provided the Blues become sellers again.
One bombshell prediction is this season could be Elias Pettersson’s last with the Vancouver Canucks. Boylen noted he might be reticent to re-sign if the club has another rocky season with making the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson was reluctant to discuss a long-term contract extension with management. That has some wondering if they’re even keen to make a lengthy commitment with him. I think the outcome of this season will determine Pettersson’s future in Vancouver.