Check out the latest on Jason Robertson, Connor Hellebuyck, Claude Giroux, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
PENGUINS INTERESTED IN JASON ROBERTSON
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Pittsburgh Penguins “still absolutely want to trade for Jason Robertson.” He believes they have the assets to acquire the 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger.
Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).
The Stars still want to re-sign Robertson. However, the money that the winger is demanding makes it more likely that he will be traded.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins acquired Robertson’s brother, Nick, from the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday. Maybe that’s an additional enticement for Jason to accept a trade to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have the cap space ($25.4 million) to sign Robertson to a lucrative long-term deal (perhaps $15 million annually). Whether he’s willing to sign an extension with the Penguins if they make an offer remains to be seen. He had the chance to join the Seattle Kraken, but his unwillingness to accept their contract offer killed the deal.
THE HELLEBUYCK TRADE WATCH IS STILL ON
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Winnipeg Jets’ signing of goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract leaves the questions about Connor Hellebuyck’s future unanswered.
The 33-year-old Hellebuyck has been the subject of recent trade speculation. It was reported that a deal that would’ve sent the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender to the Buffalo Sabres last Friday fell through before the opening day of the NHL Draft.
Ates pointed out that signing Skinner doesn’t transform the Jets’ defense or upgrade the second line. He thinks it means the Hellebuyck trade watch is still on, even if their trade options are limited.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner’s signing is insurance if they end up trading Hellebuyck. In the meantime, he’ll split the goalie duties with the Jets’ long-time starter as his understudy.
COULD CLAUDE GIROUX RETURN TO THE FLYERS?
THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie and Kevin Kurz report the Ottawa Senators have left the door open for Claude Giroux to return. However, the 38-year-old forward could reunite with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Giroux began his NHL career with the Flyers, spending 15 seasons with them before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022. He spent the past four seasons with the Senators.
Flyers GM Daniel Briere, a former teammate of Giroux’s, confirmed there have been ongoing contract talks with the veteran forward. It’s rumored he could sign a one-year contract with the Flyers as a right-shot center who could help them on the power play.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giroux is coming off a one-year, $2 million contract. He remains a versatile, well-respected two-way forward. However, his production has steadily declined, from 79 points in 2022-23 to 49 points last season.
ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE BRUINS?
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes more moves could be coming for the Boston Bruins. He observed that they have $4.5 million in salary-cap space, leaving GM Don Sweeney with flexibility to continue exploring trade options, especially if he moves the salaries of Mason Lohrei ($3.2 million AAV) or Henri Jokiharju ($3 million).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t have enough space or tradeable assets to make a big acquisition, but Sweeney might be able to add one or two affordable depth players.