The Flames and Devils revisit their Jacob Markstrom trade talks, the latest on Jake Guentzel and Juuse Saros, plus a recent update on the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
FLAMES AND DEVILS RENEW MARKSTROM TRADE TALKS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils renewed their trade discussions regarding Jacob Markstrom. The two teams were reportedly close to a trade in February that would’ve shipped the 34-year-old goaltender to the Devils but the deal fell through.
LeBrun claims Markstrom is willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to New Jersey. He also indicated the Flames are getting calls from other clubs about the veteran netminder. LeBrun said there remains a difference of opinion on the return and what it would cost the Devils to land Markstrom.
Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).
One holdup during their previous discussions was the Flames’ unwillingness to retain part of Markstrom’s $6 million annual salary cap hit through 2025-26. LeBrun also suggested the Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and the Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson could also be options for the Devils.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is keen to land a reliable starting goaltender this summer. He’s got a few options but his preference is for Markstrom.
In February, there was talk that the Flames sought a first-round pick, a top prospect like Seamus Casey, and a young NHL player like Alexander Holtz or Dawson Mercer. Fitzgerald is willing to move his 2024 first-rounder (10th overall) and could part with Holtz but not Mercer. He could also be reluctant to part with Casey.
COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO SIGN JAKE GUENTZEL?
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted that Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek recently made an admittedly wild prediction suggesting the Sharks could sign Jake Guentzel. The 29-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Peng noted the Sharks have plenty of cap space and need to surround promising players like Macklin Celebrini (whom they’re expected to select first overall in this year’s draft) with veteran players. However, he believes they’ll find more affordable options than Guentzel, who probably isn’t interested in signing with a rebuilding club.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be this summer’s biggest free-agent surprise if Guentzel joined the Sharks. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that to happen.
THE LATEST ON JUUSE SAROS
NASHVILLE HOCKEY NOW: Clay Brewer cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Juuse Saros camp could wait and see what kind of contract goaltender Igor Shesterkin receives from the New York Rangers as a baseline for their contract talks this summer.
Saros and Shesterkin both have a year remaining on their respective contracts. They’re allowed to sign extensions starting on July 1.
Friedman believes Shesterkin is set to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. He believes Saros’ agent could seek 75 to 80 percent of what the Rangers netminder gets. Saros is currently earning an average annual value of $5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The highest-paid goaltender is the Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price with an AAV of $10.5 million. Shesterkin’s next deal could be between $11 million and $12 million annually.
Assuming Shesterkin receives $11.5 million annually on his next deal, the Saros camp could seek between $8.6 million and $9.2 million for their client.
UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS
THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi recently reported contract extension talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are expected to intensify soon, perhaps during this week’s NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.
Both sides are believed to be proceeding as though Crosby’s contract will be finalized this summer. Whether that happens on July 1 or soon afterward depends on how many roster changes management has in store for the coming weeks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will sign an extension this summer and finish his playing career with the Penguins.
Rossi also reported that league sources said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is trying to move winger Reilly Smith. He’d prefer a hockey trade and doesn’t want to retain salary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a possibility but the return might not make the Penguins better. This could become a case where two teams swap players who didn’t pan out last season, hoping that the change of scenery helps them regain their form.
Dubas isn’t shopping Tristan Jarry but there’s a sense around the league that the 29-year-old goaltender is available. The Penguins are prepared to carry Jarry if they don’t find a deal that directly or indirectly (by clearing cap space) brings in a top-four winger or a top-four defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Jarry will be back with the Penguins next season.
The Penguins GM doesn’t see much of a trade market for defenseman Ryan Graves without retaining a significant chunk of his cap hit. It’s hoped that he bounces back next season with fewer expectations as a bottom-pairing option.