Could the Devils attempt to acquire Predators winger Steven Stamkos? Were the Canucks scouting Canadiens forward Zach Bolduc? What’s the latest on Alex Formenton? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols weighed in on a recent rumor suggesting the Devils may be interested in Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos.
Nichols noted that the Devils were among the few suitors for Stamkos when he went to free agency in July 2024. While his production has declined with the Predators, it could improve playing with the Devils, where he’d have playmakers such as Jesper Bratt and a healthy Jack Hughes to set him up.
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)
Nevertheless, a Stamkos trade would be a risky move. He’s 35, with two years remaining on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $8 million. A potential trade would require the Predators to retain some salary, which means increasing the compensation going to Nashville.
Nichols wondered if a prospect such as Seamus Casey and two second-round draft picks would be enough to land Stamkos.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have been struggling to score lately, partly because Hughes is sidelined with an injured hand. Once he returns, they could still seek a reliable scorer.
Stamkos probably isn’t the only one they’re considering, assuming he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to New Jersey. Management will likely remain patient and see what other options emerge in the trade market as more teams fall by the wayside in the playoff chase.
TVA SPORTS: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claimed the Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild are two teams with an interest in Kiefer Sherwood. The 30-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, and the two sides aren’t any closer to a contract extension.
The Canucks recently scouted the Canadiens during their game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. They’re interested in getting a young player in exchange for Sherwood, and Dhaliwal wondered if they might target someone like Canadiens winger Zack Bolduc.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are interested in adding to their forward line, preferably a second-line center. However, giving up the 22-year-old Bolduc (who was acquired from the St. Louis Blues last summer) for the 30-year-old Sherwood goes against the Habs’ habit of bringing in players in their twenties with term remaining on their contracts.
The Canadiens probably prefer to offer up a draft pick or prospect for Sherwood. If the asking price is Bolduc, they might look elsewhere for help at forward.
TSN: Darren Dreger believes Alex Formenton could become an offer-sheet candidate next summer.
The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators forward is a restricted free agent who is now ineligible to play in the NHL this season because he wasn’t signed by the Dec. 1 deadline for an RFA contract.
In September, Senators general manager Steve Staios said Formenton would not be returning to the club, as both sides believed it was best for him to have a fresh start elsewhere. Staios attempted to trade Formenton this fall, but couldn’t find any takers.