On this day in 1998, Hall of Famer Ray Bourque set an NHL all-time record that still stands to this day. Elias Lindholm [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMjUzNDU3OTQxOTY0MzU1/usatsi_22127703_168400847_lowres.jpg] Elias Lindholm The NHL's holiday roster freeze has lifted, and we're soon to flip the calendar to the 2024 portion of this season's schedule. Here's a quick look at the latest notable rumors heading into the final weekend of 2023. - Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic [https://theathletic.com/5156055/2023/12/22/nhl-trades-free-agents-rumblings/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983] recently listed the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche among clubs with an interest in Elias Lindholm. However, there's no certainty either one will acquire the Calgary Flames center. Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy [https://bostonhockeynow.com/2023/12/27/boston-bruins-murphy-should-bruins-stand-pat-on-trade-market/] wrote he believes acquiring Lindholm could take up what few decent future assets the Bruins have left. Considering how well they're doing in what is considered a bridge year, Murphy thinks it's best to pursue the Flames center next summer via the UFA market. Meanwhile, The Denver Post's Corey Masisak [https://www.denverpost.com/2023/12/27/avalanche-mailbag-trades-toews/] suggested it might be better for the Avalanche to assess their performance once forward Artturi Lehkonen returns to the lineup. If Lehkonen doesn't resolve the Avs' need for a second-line center, Masisak felt they might have to find a more affordable option. It could be difficult to outbid rivals with more cap room and tradeable assets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Turning to the Senators, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch [https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/garrioch-the-holidays-are-over-as-senators-return-to-work-with-a-battle-of-ontario] reports that suspended center Shane Pinto is expected to sign a one-year contract worth around $875,000. The earliest Pinto can return to action is Jan. 21 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He can start skating with the Senators on Jan. 11. His return could make winger Dominik Kubalik expendable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - In Nashville, The Tennessean's Paul Skrbina [https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2023/12/26/nashville-predators-dante-fabbro-healthy-scratch-trade-rumors-andrew-brunette/71981116007/] noted that Predators' defenseman Dante Fabbro has been a frequent healthy scratch. That's sparked trade speculation, but coach Andrew Brunette cites their logjam on the blueline as a factor. Fabbro, meanwhile, said he's trying to ignore the media trade chatter. THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTg5MzM3NTA5NzY2MjUy/my-thn-ad-banner-1500x150.jpg] THN.com/free
