NHL Rumor Mill – January 23, 2025
Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, J.T. Miller, Simon Nemec, Jonathan Toews and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.
THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” TRADE & FREE-AGENT RUMOR TIDBITS
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Elliotte Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche and Mikko Rantanen need a deadline for a new contract. He wondered if Avalanche management considers the March 7 trade deadline to be that date or if they’ll take their chances if Rantanen remains unsigned by then.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract talks between the two sides have stalled but it was recently reported they’ll revisit those discussions following next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off. It’s also believed the Avs have no intention of peddling Rantanen if he hasn’t signed by then.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).
Friedman considers the Carolina Hurricanes a team to watch in the trade market. “They are active, ready to pounce.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could be trying to pounce on J.T. Miller. Reports earlier this week linked them to the 31-year-old Vancouver Canucks center.
The Hurricanes and New York Rangers are two of the teams permitted to speak with Miller. Friedman believes the Rangers’ offer was Filip Chytil, a first-rounder and a prospect.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other reports claimed it was Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, a first-rounder and perhaps a couple of minor-leaguers. Either way, the Rangers would’ve made out like bandits in the deal if it hadn’t fallen through.
Friedman isn’t sure about the rumored interest in Miller from the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun he sought a center to bring some “extra oomph” to his lineup. Miller would certainly fit the bill but he could be too expensive. The Stars could afford Miller’s $8 million cap hit once they put Tyler Seguin and his $9.8 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but they could be concerned about the long-term hit to their salary cap.
Devils defenseman Simon Nemec raised some eyebrows recently when he told a Slovak news outlet about his disappointment in playing for their farm team in Utica. They’ve told anyone who’s asked that they have no interest in trading the promising blueliner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec isn’t happy in the AHL but he’s not making waves by demanding a trade. Friedman believes his injury during last August’s Olympic qualifier hurt his chances of making the Devils this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in some of the Buffalo Sabres’ younger, NHL-ready prospects.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some mixed messages lately regarding the Penguins’ intentions. Some believe they want young players already in the NHL. Regardless, it’s clear that GM Kyle Dubas intends to move some of his aging veterans in exchange for younger talent.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have little interest in moving their UFA-eligible players for mid-round draft picks at the trade deadline. Their focus is on making the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell won’t be a seller unless his club collapses in the standings between now and the trade deadline. He’ll keep this roster intact if they’re still in the chase. After everything they’ve endured over the past year, this postseason race brings a measure of hope to the players and the fans.
PENGUINS GM DENIES FIRE SALE RUMORS
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas denied recent rumors claiming the club was preparing for a fire sale of several veteran players.
Dubas acknowledged his ongoing goal is to add younger players to his roster and restock his prospect pipeline. However, he said he’s not telling teams that everything must go.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent rumors suggest the Penguins have few untouchables, with long-time stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin topping the list. There’s been some speculation about defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson but their ages and contracts make them unlikely trade candidates. Some pundits claim the Penguins could listen to offers for Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell but it would take a lot to pry either player out of Pittsburgh.
UNDER-THE-RADAR TRADE CANDIDATES
THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Chris Johnston looked at several under-the-radar trade candidates. They include Edmonton Oilers winger Jeff Skinner, New York Rangers defensemen K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Joel Farabee.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those players have been recently overshadowed by the trade drama involving Canucks forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson but most of them have frequently surfaced in the media rumor mill. Their struggles this season have prompted suggestions they might benefit from a change of scenery.
JETS INTERESTED IN JONATHAN TOEWS
SPORTSNET: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said his club would be interested in Jonathan Toews if the former Chicago Blackhawks captain stages a comeback. The 36-year-old center last played in 2022-23. His career was derailed by the effects of COVID-19 and chronic immune response syndrome.
Cheveldayoff said he’s had some conversations with Toews and his representatives. “I think he’s going to have to push himself to get his body to respond and see how it responds,” said the Jets GM. “I think there’s a lot of layers yet from that standpoint.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no certainty Toews will make a comeback this season. It could take until training camp in September before he’s ready to attempt to resume his career. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt the Jets to check in and let him know they’re interested in giving him a shot at a comeback.
” Either way, the Rangers would’ve made out like bandits in the deal if it hadn’t fallen through.”
Really? 31 year old center who, is either way up in points and plus/minus or way down. Pouts. Is routinely a defensive liability with some slow down. And five more (declining) years at 8m + bonuses. Call the Islanders this is exactly the type of player Lou loves. Heck he’d probably renegotiate his contract and pay him 12m. Because, you know a couple of 30 goal seasons and one 100 point season when everything was going Vancouver’s way. Buyer beware on this guy.
Yes, really, Dark G. Say what you will but he’s generated plenty of interest around the league and his previous performances indicates he can be a difference-maker on a contender. The final two years of the remaining five on his contract would hurt, but he should remain capable of providing three more solid seasons. For a team in “win-now” mode, Miller could be that final piece of the puzzle. Oh, and you can’t renegotiate NHL contracts.
Getting a return of a center with concussion history, plus a pick and a prospect wouldn’t have helped the Canucks at all.
Unlike Zibanejad contract, Millers last 2 years could be bought out for reasonable dead cap hits. And his nmc becomes partial ntc last 3 seasons compared to Zib having full nmc.until last year of deal. Would think that’s the swap Rangers want to make even if you add sweetener. Chytil and Lindgren combined salary 8.9 mil. JT plus an AHL call up makes that an even swap cap wise.
You aren’t wrong but there are positives as well, especially on the ice. My main problem with Miller is that when things are good he is great on and off the ice, when they are bad he is bad on the ice and terrible in the locker room(my impression). However a 3rd line C with concussion and injury concern, a bad D being UFA and a first in the 15-20 range is a low ball offer
With Miller, the highs are high and the lows are low. He can be a frustrating player. But he can also be dominant offensively, a big threat on the power play, and physical. He’s been consistently good in head-to-head match-ups with Connor McDavid, both at limiting McDavid’s chances and creating for his own line.
Zib wants to stay in NY, would he accept a trade to NYI?
So Dubas apparently has his players in three categories. 1. The untouchables. 2. Players he’ll move for an overpayment he’s not likely to get. 3. Players who are untradeable.
Let’s not hold our breaths waiting for anything big to happen.
Agree Howard save for:
In #2 , replace “ overpayment he’s not likely ”
With
“Underpayment he’s guaranteed”
With Pens, Dubas has list every move and/or trade save for
Glass, Tomassino, P-O J
@ 8787…P O J was not on the no trade list.
I know he is your boy.
Crosby Malkin Rust Tomasino Pickering everyone else could be, I said could be moved, at the deadline or sooner.
POJ -14 34 games (Blues/Pens combined)
Grzelyck -13 48 games
BlackNGold
Not sure why you don’t like P-O J. Calling him a boy doesn’t help.
P-O J is -7 with Pens and Pens are a -32 (GF-GA)
But That’s irrelevant to what Lyle’s article relayed…. Dubas to trade aging players for younger players
P-O J is 3rd youngest on team; has speed; does very well on the breakouts and can move players out from in front of Bolmquist/Jarry/Nedjelkovic
Grzylcyk is only good in the opponents end. Grzylcyk is much older and much smaller than PO-J. P-O J also faster.
Again, PO-J is the 3rd youngest on the team, will be an RFA , and Cap hit is < $1M
All pundits are honing in on Dubas’ claim of trading aging players to get younger.
36 years old and he wants to make a comeback?
I would put that way way back and better concentrate on getting healthy. Work out, do whatever it takes but skip hockey. Mental health, physical health far more important than hockey.
I think in regards to Toews. People are looking it and going…if I can get Claude Giroux type performance out of him then it’s a win. Giroux has been huge for the Sens. Last year a bit more offensive contributions but always a warrior and good in the face off dot. I’d sign Claude for another 2 years. Easy.
Re; TJ Miller Trade.
I’m really not sure what the Vancouver Canucks want for this guy it’s gonna be 32 years old right away getting paid $8.M million a year as a 2nd line centre……‼️❓
Nj
There young 21 yr old d/man
Simon Nemec Would be Great, Pick up bye the Canucks And maybe 1st pick,
And player to make the cash work a little better $3-$ 5$. M
Then they can trade both there 1st picks Canucks & NJ picks for a young Centre 23 to 26 yrs old….?
Your Thoughts….❓❓
I like it from Vancouver but I would be worried about that locker room which I think is pretty quiet, getting Miller in there might not be great
I think people are expecting too much
The way to look at it is; if he does play this year; he’ll sign for $1M maybe less; that’s at most $225 k over league minimum
At trade deadline (1/3rd if year left); the effective gamble is just $75 K over League min
Even at 36, and being out so long; he’ll be better than almost every team’d 14th forward
Add to that his Veteran presence for the dressing room; it really is almost a zero risk proposal
Lets just take Pens for example (again for example; as he’ll choose which team to go to and it will be a contender):
Toews in; Nieto out. IMMEDIATE and substantial improvement
Toews even now is better than other Pens forwards; I just wanted to make a point using Nieto
P o J isn’t a bad player he just isn’t as good as you believe he is or he wouldn’t be released and moving around so often.
As far as your boy it is a term for thats a player you like…lighten up man
there is enough sensitivity with the world and all the bs going on around pronouns gender identify…this has nothing to do with that.
Being younger doesn’t make you good…just a thought.
I, seriously, hope the Stars interest in Miller’s just due diligence. He would definitely help the Stars this year, but I don’t want them to mortgage the future by giving up Stankoven, Borque or Bischell to get him… and I’m guessing that 2 of those 3 would have to be involved in the deal to make it happen.
Its Bourque!!!
The trade punditry always look at things backside first, taking a fan angle and making waves with it.
Buyers are looking and talking about what they need and want not what others want to get rid of.
Trade talk here always centres on who people want to get rid of, usually over-rating them in return for better players that they undervalue.
GMs aren’t dummies, they make decisions, most of which are lauded at the time, signings that are appreciated till hindsight revises history.
I have cited the great Sam Pollock in the past who chose Mark Napier over Mike Bossy, a monumental blunder.
That was 1977 and hasn’t tarnished his reputation as one of the NHL’s best GMs.
Had it been 2017 , punditry would forget all his amazing decisions and skewer him.
I recall that well, Habfan30. But it was only a monumental blunder in hindsight, something borne out by the fact that 12 teams – the Rangers and Toronto twice each – passed on Bossy that year: 1. Detroit – Dale McCourt; 2. Colorado – Barry Beck; 3. Washington – Robert Picard; 4. Vancouver – Jere Gillis; 5. Cleveland – Mike Crombeen; 6. Chicago – Doug Wilson; 7. Minnesota – Brad Maxwell; 8. NYR – Luc DeBlois; 9. St. Louis Scott Campbell; 10. Montreal – Mark Napier; 11. Toronto – John Anderson; 12. Toronto – Trevor Johansen; 13. NYR – Ron Duguay; 14. Buffalo – Ric Seiling
Kind of like how Irving Grundman got roasted when, in 1980, he took Doug Wickenheiser # 1 overall instead of Denis Savard, who went to Chicago 3rd. All the huge Wickenheiser had done in his final year with the Regina Pats was score 89g 81a 170 pts in 71gp!
George O nothing hurts worse then Sweeney s 2015 draft when he had the 13,14,15 picks! This is indirectly why Boston is hurting for good players in their 20 s! It kills me to say the names of the players they lost out on!
Looking back, in fact, most of the above selections went on to have pretty decent careers, with maybe a couple of exceptions (Scott Campbell and Trevor Johansen).
Just not like Bossy.
One of my favourite Pollock stories was told by Emile “The Cat” Francis, then GM of the NYR. He said, I’d spend an off-season shoring up my roster and thinking “I’ve got a pretty good team assembled here” … and then Sammy would call just before the season opener offering a deal for my 1st pick in the next draft … and I’d lay awake at night for days wondering why my team was going to finish last!
Yeah, Sr, well Montreal picked Corey Urquart at 40, leaving Bergeron at 45 for the Bruins!
Earlier in the draft they picked Andre Kostitsyn, when they could have had two renters you might have heard of: Carter or Getzlaf.
Drafts are littered with those “shoulda coulda woulda” You just don’t know how people are gonna blossom.
the blame on that 2015 boston draft falls on gretzky. no, the other one….pretty sure Keith was head of scouting that year
The point being all those trades/drafts seemed good at the time, most of the picks were touted by pundits and fans when they were made.
Pretty sure most GMs getting lambasted in hindsight made some pretty good trades and drafts that get ignored. It’s easier for most to b*tch and complain rather than compliment.
Here in Montreal GM Bergevin is seen as a devil or as great. I happen to think he was very good but I’m sure oters here can’t stand the guy.
What people forget to consider is that there is more involved in how a player performs than the draft. There is how the teams develop them. You have no idea if so and do that busted on one team would have done if developed on another team. Or vise versa.
Dark G Where was President Cam Neeley during the 2015 draft!
proposed trades by fans reminds me of Benning in Vancouver. Everyone would say why doesnt he trade this guy or that guy for picks or prospects or whatever. Now I think Benning was terrible as GM, but my view was that the fanbase always thought their own players were better than they were, I mean, if they were as good as the fans thought, why did they miss the playoffs?
Re :
“ GM Kyle Dubas intends to move some of his aging veterans in exchange for younger talent.”
There are only 3 tradables on Pens that MAY bring back a younger player:
Pettersson (and note at 28, he’s not really “aging”)
Rackell -31(can be traded to 23 teams)
Bunting (at 29 is he aging?)— can be traded to 21 teams
Rust & Letang – full trade protection
Hayes -32(can go to 21 teams) and Accairi -33 (can go to 23 teams) in no way bring back younger talent without 50% retention; and maybe not even then.
Grzylcyck -31; in no way brings back younger NHL player without retention
Nedjelkovic -29 (aging?) highly unlikely to bring back an NHLer; maybe a prospect
Pens will still pick in the 7th – 14th spot and maybe net a younger NHLer and 2 prospects; if Dubas can pull off 3 trades (he’ll still almost assuredly lose in the trade)
Where have I read all of your posts before about Pitts?
I bet you even have another “fav team” in T.O
It was years ago, you seem to have “Quit” this site, good to see you back, albeit under a new screen name.
Lyle, is there a roster freeze during 4 nations break 2/12-2/20? If not, maybe that’s where we see some trades? By then we could have clearer picture of buyers and sellers. Would also be a couple weeks before tdl. Would give players time to settle into new cities.
Hi, Slick. According to the NHL Media site, the league will pause from Feb. 10-21 for the 4 Nations Face Off. No mention of a roster freeze but I’m assuming the same rule will apply as for the All-Star Break or the previous Olympic breaks, meaning no trades during that period.