A list of the remaining notable UFAs, the latest on Jacob Trouba, plus updates on the Leafs, Senators and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
REMAINING NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
DAILY FACEOFF: Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Suter and Max Pacioretty are the notable players on Frank Seravalli’s list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Others include Nate Schmidt, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson, Mike Hoffman and Tony DeAngelo.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these players are past their prime. Some of them might land with new clubs on inexpensive one-year contracts.
THE LATEST ON JACOB TROUBA
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers’ biggest move yesterday was the one they didn’t make: trading Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit.
New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).
The Rangers explored trading the 30-year-old defenseman, whose no-movement clause shifted to a 15-team no-trade list on Monday. They requested his list early to trade and expedite the situation.
Arthur Staple reports Trouba refused to submit his list until it was due on early Monday, which may have scuttled some of general manager Chris Drury’s plans for the day. A rumored deal with the Detroit Red Wings might not be on the front burner following the Wings’ re-signing of Patrick Kane and other free-agent additions yesterday.
Staple also believes there’s a chance Trouba, knowing the Rangers are trying to send him to Detroit, could include the Wings on his no-trade list.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Trouba’s wife’s hospital residency is among the factors keeping him with the Rangers.
Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s three-year residency at a New York hospital was to be completed this year when her husband’s no-movement clause expired. However, her residency was deferred by a year so the program she is required to complete will instead end on July 1, 2025.
Brooks reports sources claim the discussions between the Trouba camp and Rangers management have been professional without animosity. He also said the rumor that Trouba rejected a trade to Detroit was untrue.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As this story unfolds, it seems increasingly unlikely that Trouba will be traded this summer. The Ranger’s inability to clear his $8 million from their payroll will complicate efforts to improve their roster depth and to re-sign RFA defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren.
UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to make it work with Nick Robertson. He wouldn’t confirm if the 22-year-old winger made a trade request but admitted there was some frustration from Robertson last season.
Treliving had no update on whether contract extension talks have started with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility. He said he wouldn’t address it, adding that Marner is training and preparing for the season.
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reported Treliving also had no update on a contract extension for captain John Tavares. “I’m not going to get into any contract discussions that we may or may not be having,” said Treliving. “We do our business behind closed doors.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s how I see the Leafs’ summer unfolding. Robertson will be traded only if the Leafs can get a comparable player in return. Marner won’t be traded. He and Tavares won’t get contract extensions this summer. Both players and management will adopt a wait-and-see approach to the 2024-25 season.
NO TRUTH TO SHANE PINTO TRADE REQUEST
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios denied Shane Pinto had requested a trade.
League sources claim contract talks between Staios and the Pinto camp are at an impasse. However, Staios said the 23-year-old center didn’t ask to be traded. He added that negotiations take time and they’re still pressing on.
Garrioch also mentioned hearing Pinto’s agent is calling around seeking an offer sheet. The Senators only have $4.4 million in cap space but would match an offer for the young center. It would also be a long shot as the compensation for an offer between $4.57 million and $6.7 million is a first and third-round draft pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto will probably end up with a two-year deal worth around $3 million annually. He lacks arbitration rights because he didn’t accrue sufficient years to qualify.
THE LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty remains in play in the trade market.
The Jets were close to moving the 20-year-old forward to the Minnesota Wild at the recent NHL Draft. They also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty won’t attend the Jets development camp this week. Ates indicates they are still trying to move him.