The latest Penguins speculation plus a look at Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST ON THE PENGUINS
TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden acknowledged the expectation that Sidney Crosby will sign a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, he played the “what if” game in case Crosby hasn’t signed when training camp opens or the regular season begins. He also raised the “nuclear option” of the Penguins trading Crosby if he wasn’t signed by the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any of those options could happen but seem unlikely. Barring an unexpected change by one side or the other, Crosby will sign his extension with the Penguins before training camp opens next month.
POSTGAZETTE.COM: During a recent live chat, Matt Vensel was asked if there’s any chance the Penguins would trade goaltender Tristan Jarry before the start of training camp.
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (NHL Images).
Vensel believes the odds of that happening are pretty slim. He indicated the Penguins were open to moving Jarry during the 2024 NHL Draft but he doesn’t have much trade value at the moment.
The Penguins will keep Jarry around and try to get him back on track. If that happens, it’ll improve his trade value.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s contract will remain a difficult hurdle. He carries an average annual value of $5.375 million throughout 2027-28 with a 12-team no-trade list.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski included Lars Eller among his three perplexing Penguins storylines for this season. The 35-year-old center seems expendable with Noel Acciari and offseason acquisition Blake Lizotte capable of centering the Penguins’ fourth line.
Eller is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $2.45 million. Trading him, or even Kevin Hayes, would free up space for younger players while adding more draft picks to the Penguins’ stockpile.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski was surprised by the lack of trade chatter about Eller. It’s probably due to his age and the fact most teams don’t need to add a veteran checking-line center right now. Those who did earlier in the offseason did so for less than Eller’s AAV.
Hayes was recently acquired and isn’t going anywhere. Eller’s value could improve throughout the season, especially near the trade deadline.
DOES ANDREI KUZMENKO FIT WITHIN THE FLAMES’ LONG-TERM PLANS?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons pondered winger Andrei Kuzmenko’s future with the rebuilding Calgary Flames.
Kuzmenko, 28, made an impressive NHL debut in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, tallying 39 goals and 74 points. He struggled through 43 games with the Canucks last season with eight goals and 21 points. Traded to the Flames in January, he regained his scoring touch with 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games.
Parson noted that Kuzmenko remains a one-dimensional player. While the Flames will remain patient with him, he must round out his game to have a long-term future in Calgary.
Kuzmenko is in the final season of his two-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. If he sustains his scoring ability he could get a long-term extension. He could also become an appealing option for other clubs if he hits the open market next summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzmenko will be interesting to follow this season. A strong performance could ensure his long-term future in Calgary if he wants to stay or make him an invaluable trade chip.