In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, an update on the Penguins plus the latest on the Ducks’ John Gibson, the Kings’ Vladislav Gavrikov, and the Sharks’ Mackenzie Blackwood.
LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Lars Eller won’t be the last player move they make this season. He claims they’ve let teams know they’re “open for business.”
The Penguins seek young NHL players, followed by already-drafted prospects, followed by draft picks. He believes pending UFAs Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor will be among those to follow.
Friedman doesn’t see Sidney Crosby wanting out given he signed a two-year extension in September. He doesn’t think the Penguins want to trade Evgeni Malkin nor does Malkin want to be moved.
Kris Letang has three years remaining with a no-movement clause. Friedman believes his history of injuries and ailments makes the 37-year-old defenseman a gamble for other clubs. even if he wanted to be traded.
Erik Karlsson also has no-move protection and still carries a hefty salary-cap hit. However, Friedman noted that his actual salary will decline over the remaining two years of his contract, prompting him to suggest there would be interest in the talented defenseman.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)
Friedman also wondered about the future of Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. If they fire Sullivan, he believes it’ll be because they feel they need a new voice in the dressing room, not because he’s a bad coach. Sullivan would draw interest from other teams if he becomes available.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those Penguins stars could agree to be traded. However, their respective cap hit would make it difficult to find a suitable deal. Age will also be a factor as they’re in the mid-to-late thirties.
Some folks took to social media following the Penguins’ humiliating loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday calling for Crosby to be traded to a better team, believing he deserves better than this. That’s his call, folks, not yours.
Maybe Crosby will one day accept a trade to a contender. However, that day doesn’t appear to be coming anytime soon.
MORE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports a lot of teams expect the Los Angeles Kings will re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov. Doing so would shrink next summer’s pool of UFA defensemen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov was the subject of considerable trade speculation before the Kings acquired him from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2023 trade deadline. He’ll draw lots of interest if he tests next summer’s UFA market. Gavrikov could also become a valuable trade chip for the Kings if they become sellers before this season’s trade deadline.
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has two years remaining on his contract. He’s made it clear he’s willing to consider more trade options than his trade protection states. However, the oft-sidelined Gibson must stay in the lineup.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson has a 10-team no-trade list.
During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episode, Friedman claimed the Colorado Avalanche revisited their interest in San Jose Sharks goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. They’ve had an eye on Blackwood since last season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood is eligible for UFA status next summer and probably won’t re-sign with the rebuilding Sharks. They could peddle him by the March 7 trade deadline.