The NHL season is just beginning, but that doesn’t mean NHL rumors are idle. Teams want to improve their rosters. Let’s dig right in and see what’s happening.

New York Rangers – Artemi Panarin

NHL Rumors: Nothing has gone right thus far for the Rangers or Panarin. Will he be traded?

The New York Rangers have started the new season with a less-than-acceptable 7-6-2 record. The usual point-per-game, Artemi Panarin has just three goals and seven assists thus far in the new season. He was struggling with a six-game scoreless streak to add to the woes until he broke out of it with a goal and two assists against the Detroit Red Wings. It seems a change would help both the team and the player. It wouldn’t be the first time that Panarin is mentioned in NHL rumors.

One of the NHL rumors circulating is that Panarin may be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Hockey insider Frank Seravalli thinks Panarin would be a good fit in Carolina.

Panarin holds an $11.6 million contract that expires at the end of the season, with a full no-movement clause. The Canes have $9.52 million in available cap space. Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky has a history of being aggressive in adding to his roster. He already landed K’Andre Miller from the Rangers and signed him to an eight-year $60 million free agent deal. Will Tulsky be able to convince Panarin to come to Carolina?

The Rangers are projected to have $28.67 million in cap space. Keeping Panarin in New York will take a large portion of that amount. It appears that the team’s management will assess Panarin’s performance this season before deciding on his future.

Boston Bruins – Mason Lohrei

NHL Rumors: Defenceman Mason Lohrei has been scratched for five games in a row, adding to the potential of trade talks picking up in Boston.

Per hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, “I don’t know that there’s anything going on trade-wise with Mason Lohrei. But I do know that when a talented, young player like him sits five games in a row, others call and ask what’s up.”

Lohrei has two years remaining on his $3.2 million deal before he becomes a restricted free agent. He has participated in 11 games this season with one goal and five assists. He hasn’t played since October 27th.

We are unsure why Lohrei is sitting in the press box viewing games instead of being on the ice helping his team play. Is it the coach’s decision, or is it management that wants him benched? There’s no doubt that Lohrei is a talented young player who has incredible potential. At this point, we are just uncertain if that potential will be in Boston or elsewhere.

Seattle Kraken – Trade Talks

NHL Rumors: The Seattle Kraken are third in the Pacific Division with a 6-3-4 record. They have a great deal of assets in high-end draft picks and prospects. They need another impact forward in their top-six; there’s a lot of potential that a blockbuster move is coming Seattle’s way at some point.

The Seattle Kraken are third in the Pacific Division with a 6-3-4 record. They have a great deal of assets in high-end draft picks and prospects. They need another impact forward in their top-six; there’s a lot of potential that a blockbuster move is coming Seattle’s way at some point.

According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, “I’m not expecting anything in the near term, but here’s an under-the-radar team to watch on the market: 6-2-4 Seattle. These Kraken resemble the 2022-23 version: hard-working, greater than the sum of their parts, a team that upset Colorado in the playoffs. Their issue, as usual, is scoring (24th in goals per game).

The trade they made last year with Tampa Bay, where Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde went to the Lightning for a return including two first-round picks (top 10 protected) gives them five first-rounders (and four seconds) in the next three drafts. They don’t have to rush into anything, but those are the kinds of assets that can add an impactful offensive player. Other teams have noticed what they could, in theory, move.”

Who could the Kraken focus on to add to their roster? Some of the big forwards available this season include Steven Stamkos in Nashville, Owen Tippett in Philadelphia, Nick Robertson in Toronto, Artemi Panarin in New York, Nazem Kadri in Calgary, and Alex Tuch in Buffalo.

Needless to say, any of these offensive forwards would help the Kraken return to the success they experienced in the 2022-23 season. They collected 100 points and went to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Dallas Stars four games to three.

If the Kraken can continue to play well this new season, they will be looking to make a step forward by upgrading their scoring prowess.

End Of NHL Rumors Rant

Panarin’s potential trade could backfire for the Rangers. This writer feels that he will remain in New York, but at what price? $10 million for three years?

Loheri being benched is not uncommon for young players. An astute coach will recognize that sitting him down may inspire better play going forward.

The Kraken are hellbent on improving, and adding a player like Robertson or Tuch may be the way to go. Neither of these young players is meeting their potential with their current teams. Sometimes change is good.

That concludes this edition of NHL rumors. Be sure to check back for our next article, and thanks for reading!