Check out the latest on the Sabres, Avalanche, Canadiens, Utah HC, Jets and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman reports trade talks have increased as teams that have preached patience are starting to run out of it.
Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is trying to add to his roster.
Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams (NHL.com).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been rumored since the summer that Adams wants to add a top-six forward. Offseason acquisition Jason Zucker is among their leading scorers with seven points but forwards Dylan Cozens (three assists), Jack Quinn (two points) and Jiri Kulich (one goal) haven’t produced as expected.
The Colorado Avalanche are looking for forwards. Friedman observes they must “get through a miserable stretch” with five of their top-nine forwards sidelined.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That includes Ross Colton (broken foot, six to eight weeks) and Miles Wood (upper-body injury, seven to 10 days). However, help is coming in November.
Artturi Lehkonen is expected to make his season debut next Tuesday after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin will return in mid-to-late November following his mandatory six-month suspension as part of entering Phase 3 of the NHL-NHLPA player assistance program in May.
Friedman also repeated his Saturday report claiming the Montreal Canadiens seek a forward who plays with an edge but not at the expense of their future.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed they’re interested in adding a player on an expiring contract.
Utah Hockey Club forward Michael Carcone hasn’t played since Oct. 16. Friedman believes that situation is “growing some urgency to it.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong could be fielding calls for Carcone, who scored 21 goals last season but has dropped down their forward depth chart this season. He’s been a healthy scratch in all but three games.
The Winnipeg Jets are off to a blazing start but Friedman suggests they could use more size on their blueline.
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston recently listed 10 early NHL trade candidates.
Among them were Canadiens center Christian Dvorak, San Jose Sharks defenseman Cody Ceci, and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s list, such as Anaheim’s John Gibson and Cam Fowler, frequently appeared in the rumor mill recently. Follow the link to see the full listing if you have a subscription to The Athletic.
It’s not surprising that Dvorak and Ceci are on this list. They play on rebuilding teams and are eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July.
Ristolainen, however, is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.1 million. Johnston considers him a third-pairing defenseman at this stage of his career. Good luck moving that contract without retaining salary or adding sweeteners.