Could the Blackhawks or Predators pursue Mitch Marner? Which two teams could be interested in the Hurricanes’ Martin Necas or the Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers? Read on to find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST MITCH MARNER SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers was recently asked by a reader who would say no to a trade that saw the Chicago Blackhawks send defenseman Seth Jones to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Mitch Marner.
Powers believes Jones isn’t untouchable but trading him would leave a big hole on the Blackhawks blueline that would be difficult to fill. In time, they hope their defense prospects will emerge and replace Jones. His contract also helps them reach the cap floor in the short term.
Assuming Marner waives his no-movement clause, he would help the Blackhawks as an ideal winger alongside young center Connor Bedard. However, he’s got a year left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $10.9 million and will seek a raise on his next contract. Powers doesn’t see the Blackhawks investing in a $10 million player right now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This trade scenario has floated around the rumor mill since the Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs earlier this month. It’s not happening.
Powers was also asked if the Blackhawks would be interested in Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark if they’re not on his no-trade list. He doesn’t see that happening, partly because doing so would cost the Blackhawks draft capital to acquire, something he doesn’t see them doing for a short-term addition.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reported speculation the Nashville Predators might try to acquire Marner after trading defenseman Ryan McDonagh and his $6.75 million cap hit back to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
Predators general manager Barry Trotz was asked directly about acquiring Marner but dismissed that notion. “I don’t think Mitch is a free agent,” said Trotz. “I read the same stuff as you. Just rumors.”
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Evan Doerfler cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting the Leafs haven’t spoken yet to another club about Marner. Their recent focus was on hiring a new coach. LeBrun speculated teams could start expressing interest in the Leafs winger closer to the draft next month.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks noted Trotz didn’t flat-out deny any interest in Marner. Like every other NHL GM, he’s not allowed to talk about another team’s player in that way as it could violate the league’s anti-tampering rules.
Trotz might call Leafs GM Brad Treliving to inquire into Marner’s availability and the asking price. Then again, he could invest his windfall in other players via free agency or the trade market.
COULD THE CANADIENS OR ISLANDERS PURSUE NECAS OR EHLERS?
MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marco D’Amico suggested Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas and Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers could become prime trade targets for the Canadiens.
It’s expected the Canadiens will attempt to add a scoring forward via this summer’s trade market. They have a glut of young defensemen, a solid bank of draft picks, and the necessary cap space to address that need.
D’Amico cited a source close to the Canadiens confirming they’ve checked into Necas’ availability. He’ll be high on their shortlist of trade targets. The 25-year-old winger is a restricted free agent this summer, setting up a possible “sign-and-trade” scenario.
Ehlers, 28, has a year remaining on his contract and could be traded this summer if he and the Jets fail to agree to a new deal. The Jets are in the market for blueline depth and more draft capital. The two clubs also have a recent trade history with the Canadiens shipping Sean Monahan to the Jets in February.
The Canadiens could prefer signing Ehlers to a contract extension before agreeing to a trade.
D’Amico believes any deal involving Necas or Ehlers must make sense within the Canadiens’ fiscal structure, especially with Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle due for next contracts next summer.
NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russell Macias suggested Ehlers could be a good fit as a top-six winger with the New York Islanders. He suggested offering Ryan Pulock straight up as he would help the Jets address their need for a top-four defenseman.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner believes the Islanders should keep an eye on the Carolina Hurricanes’ contract chaos. He suggested pending free agents such as forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen and defenseman Brady Skjei would be good fits with the Isles.
Necas would also be a strong fit. However, Rosner believes the Hurricanes’ asking price will be too high for the Islanders.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas is three years younger than Ehlers and his next contract could be more affordable. Given the timing of the Canadiens’ rebuild process, he’d be a better fit for them. Whether either guy ends up with the Habs remains to be seen. They could have other options in mind.
Ehlers would be a solid fit with the Islanders. However, it would cost more than Pulock to get him. The Isles depleted prospect pipeline doesn’t leave much to draw on for trade bait.