Some predictions for the coming season in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski made bold predictions for every NHL team for 2024-25. Among them were some trade and free-agent forecasts.
Wyshynski expects this season will be Jim Montgomery’s last as head coach of the Bruins. He cited the lack of contract extension talks between the two sides and the club’s inability to get past the Florida Panthers in the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another early postseason exit could spell the end for Montgomery in Boston.
Linus Ullmark’s tenure with the Ottawa Senators will only last this season. Wyshynski noted the 31-year-old goaltender is in the final season of his contract and the Sens are giving him time to acclimate before trying to re-sign him.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ullmark could enjoy his time in Ottawa and want to stick around, especially if he backstops them to their first postseason appearance in eight years. Where it could get sticky is how much salary he’ll want and for how long.
Wyshynski expects Mitch Marner will re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He pointed out how stories that he’ll get traded this summer gave way to stories that he’s open to negotiating a contract extension during this season, remaining unwavering in his intent to stick with the Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll cost a fortune to keep Marner in the fold, perhaps over $12.5 million annually. However, John Tavares’ big contract comes off their books next summer and if Tavares wants to stay he’ll have to do so for less money. They’ll have enough to re-sign Marner, even if it means carrying a top-heavy roster that struggles in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.
Igor Shesterkin will get his hefty new contract with the New York Rangers, probably before the start of the season to avoid an average performance on his part bringing down his average annual value. Whyshynki predicts they’ll reach common ground at around $11 million annually.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are believed to be willing to go as high as $11 million while the Shesterkin camp reportedly seeks an average annual value of $12 million. They’re not that far apart if those reports are true.
Wyshynski predicts the rising salary cap could make it possible for the Chicago Blackhawks to find a trade partner willing to take defenseman Seth Jones and his $9.5 million AAV off their hands.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe, but that also depends on Jones’ willingness to waive his full no-movement clause. Until that happens, the 29-year-old defenseman isn’t going anywhere.
Expect the Anaheim Ducks to move Cam Fowler by the March 7 trade deadline. The 32-year-old defenseman has had discussions with management about his future. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $6.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fowler will be enticing to contenders seeking a top-pairing defenseman who will be more than a rental player for one postseason.
Speaking of the Ducks, Wyshynski predicts they’ll move forward Trevor Zegras in the offseason when he’ll have a year remaining on his contract. The 23-year-old center can become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights in 2026.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras emerged as a trade candidate in January. His name continues to float to the surface of the rumor mill. A strong performance on his part this season could silence that chatter or bolster his value in the trade market.