Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 9, 2025
Check out all the latest speculation on Vladimir Tarasenko, Brock Nelson, Brayden Schenn, Brad Marchand, Scott Laughton, Alex Tuch, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
THE LATEST ON TARASENKO, NELSON, SCHENN AND DONATO
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Vladimir Tarasenko has recently surfaced in the rumor mill. The 33-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward is in the first year of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season.
Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).
Friedman said he’s heard “some noise” around Tarasenko. He also pointed out the Red Wings are playing better and are in the race for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Most of their players are performing well of late but he’s “kind of struggled to be a fit.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko is no longer the perennial 30-goal scorer he was during his long tenure with the St. Louis Blues. However, he reached 55 points last season split between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, and 50 points in 2022-23 between the Blues and New York Rangers. He’s managed just 22 points in 53 games with the Wings.
Friedman also indicated that a lot of people are waiting to see what happens with New York Islanders center Brock Nelson. He believes the Isles will attempt to re-sign him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello could peddle the 33-year-old Nelson if they fail to agree to a new contract. Then again, he could hang onto him if they’re holding onto a wild-card spot by March 7. He has done that sort of thing before.
The St. Louis Blues are willing to talk about a lot of their players with other teams. However, they’ve set “a very, very high price” for team captain Brayden Schenn.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn’s versatility, leadership, playoff experience, and physical two-way play would make him enticing for any playoff contender. The 33-year-old forward signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6.5 million and he has a full no-trade clause for this season.
Friedman’s colleague Luke Fox noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to Schenn and Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. Their limited salary-cap space makes acquiring either player difficult without some salary retention by the Blues or Sabres. Fox believes they’ll have to part with their 2026 first-rounder and a promising youngster like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan as part of the return.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato could draw plenty of interest. He’s UFA-eligible this summer and carries a $2 million cap hit. The 28-year-old center is playing well in his contract year, with a career-high 19 goals and 37 points. Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers are looking at him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato’s performance this season and his low cap hit could make him a valuable trade chip this season for the Blackhawks.
The Athletic’s Scott Powers is interested to see what the Blackhawks do with Donato. He expects they’ll move him closer to March 7 to maximize his trade value.
Powers doesn’t expect pending UFAs Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon to ask to be traded. He considers defensemen Seth Jones and Connor Murphy to be long shots as trade candidates.
THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports teams are watching the Boston Bruins closely to see what they intend to do by the March 7 trade deadline. Last month, team president Cam Neely said they would be buyers or retool a bit depending on where they were in the standings by deadline day. GM Don Sweeney recently reiterated Neely’s comments.
Murphy cited an NHL source suggesting Bruins captain Brad Marchand could be in play but doesn’t think they’ve reached that stage yet. The 36-year-old winger is eligible for UFA status on July 1. Teams could also inquire about defenseman Brandon Carlo but the Bruins aren’t currently shopping him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. A lot could depend on whether they can gain ground in games leading up to March 7.
LEAFS AND JETS REPORTEDLY INTEREST IN LAUGHTON
DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports trade talks are “heating up” around Scott Laughton. The 30-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward is signed through next season with an AAV of $3 million and lacks no-trade protection.
Di Marco cited sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are interested in Laughton. He added they are among several teams in the mix.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is a feisty, hard-working two-way forward with leadership skills who can play center or wing. The Flyers were reportedly reluctant to part with him because of what he brings to their team. Nevertheless, he’s slated to become a UFA at the end of next season. It’s rumored the Flyers seek a first-round pick as part of their asking price.
SHOULD THE DEVILS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the New Jersey Devils should look into acquiring Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, provided they’re not on the 28-year-old’s five-team no-trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams wants to add to his team rather than subtract. That’s why he hasn’t shipped out Dylan Cozens as he wants a hockey trade if he were to part with him. The same thing would apply to Tuch, who is UFA-eligible at the end of next season.
Brooks mentioned Devils forward Dawson Mercer is struggling this season. Maybe they’d pitch the 23-year-old forward to the Sabres if they take an interest in Tuch.
The Sabres are not going to take draft picks and prospects for Cozens. I am still not convinced they are trading him, but they are the Sabres so anything idiotic can happen.
Punch must be looking down and shaking his head.
Sabres. Are hard to figure out. They have had really good young pieces for over a decade. But never pull it together for whatever reason. They need a real hockey dept with full autonomy from ownership IMHO
Buffalo seems to need veteran leadership who is familiar with the ups and downs and can cope when the getting gets tough (ie knows you can come back or find another gear).
I think coaches can only do so much but it always ultimately comes down to the players to figure out how to play. I think this buffalo team could really use two or three real team guys that can help the younger players get through the lows and maintain focus to shake off bad loses and get through the ruts young teams often fall into. There is a good team there in buffalo but it’s really missing the spark to get them going.
If I were buffalo and I was trading away an asset of value, the return would include a pick (futures are always a fail safe), a roster player that is a character guy that plays the way you want the team to play and won’t hurt the team, ie not a superstar but rather a reliable and steady presence and hopefully a player biting on the bit to prove he’s a regular NHLer. I don’t know enough of the Sabers system to know where they have a surplus of assets, like wingers or D, but where ever they can take away and not take a side or back step in their development is a good start as well….
Or maybe it’s something completely different happening there.
Re A New Captain in Buffalo,
Rasmus Anderson the Assistant Captian from the Calgary Flames would be a really good captian…❓
if there was a trade with buffalo & Calgary… 🤔
if there was a tradw a trade
Cousins for Rasmus Anderson if it happened it would not be till July 1st as a Sign and trade,❓
williew: The Flames aren’t trading Andersson. It was reported over a week ago that they’ve informed interested teams that Andersson, Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar aren’t available. Andersson wants to stay put and the Flames intend to sign him to a contract extension this summer.
63 will only get moved if he wants to. The rumours with Avs mitlstadt. A 2nd and callum Ritchie. If true would pull that trigger in a heartbeat Even toss in Frederick if need be
Mrbruin4,enough of the nostalgia! Did TB ask Stamkos for his permission! This is a business! Look what Colorado did with Rantanen!, If they can improve the team you do it! That s part of the Bruins problem they fall in love with their players!Have you watched Carlo and Zadora s overall play this year?Myfearis that they are looking for Lindholm to come back and be the difference maker!This core needs to be retooled!
Sr. Not nostalgic for me. I would do that trade everyday. But I don’t think bruins will unless 63 says trade me he is the last of the cup core. I think they should move any player not wearing 88 if return makes sense
I would be all over this if this is true. l like Marchand but he is getting up there and it’s a cap world so yes move him for this haul. and get rid of Carlo the over sized marshmellow should of kept Clifton and dumped this guy
The Avs are not giving the Bruins a 26 year old second line center, a 2nd rounder, and our best prospect for a 36 year old 50 pt. winger on the downleg of his career.
Tuch would certainly help the Devils but I can’t see them giving up Mercer for a pending UFA.
Touch still has another year😁
If they want Tuch they will have to pay dearly for him…if I am Buffalo only a I can’t refuse offer will make me move any player other teams covet or just want
Tuch staying in BUF
Brock Nelson seems like the kind of player the Islanders will want on an 8 season extension.
Might be interested in frederic for sure. But if you are talking mittlestadt and Ritchie, then something more from boston minus marchand. Carlo or coyle?I don’t see anyone on the bruins doing much of anything? What about zacha? He is a good hockey player!
You don’t think Nate would want to play with his homer 63 for a deep playoff run ? I do
This was not my trade idea read it I believe from pagnotta at 4th period
No, I am sure Nate would love to have marchand but I believe frederic is a better fit for the team but what do I know ? He is kind of what we need more of and he is younger
What New York Islanders writer in particular, I believe it was Stefan Rosner suggested that the Islanders look into St Louis right wing Jordan Kyrou who is believed to be available. Would take the injured Barzal’splace on the top line. If Barzal comes back by the end of the season he could switch to left-wing where he is more comfortable. Rosner suggested that the Islanders offer Dobson, who they are reportedly looking to trade, to St Louis.
What New York Islanders writer in particular, I believe it was Stefan Rosner suggested that the Islanders look into St Louis right wing Jordan Kyrou who is believed to be available. Would take the injured Barzal’s place on the top line. If Barzal comes back by the end of the season he could switch to left-wing where he is more comfortable. Rosner suggested that the Islanders offer Dobson, who they are reportedly looking to trade, to St Louis.
Calum Ritchie is the real deal. Passes the eye test all day long. He might even be better than Mittlestadt right now. For sure in a couple of years
I would be surprised if he is going anywhere anytime soon. But hey stranger things have happened .Ask Rantanen
How about all his shoulder surgeries?
IF (big IF) Marchand get’s moved; there will be quite a few teams interested AND he’ll be easy to fit in:
At TDL he’s then only owed about $220 K and Bruins will retain 50%. Another team will get a 5th for spending 55K to retain 25% (50% of remaining)
That’s Marchand coming over at an annual Cap hit of $1.53; and he’ll replace s roster spot (NOTE league min is .775); so max ANNUALIZED space needed is .755 which is less than $180K in needed space at TDL
Many teams will have TDL space of at least $180 K
What’s the return to have your weakest forward replaced by Marchand for the stretch run AND the playoffs.
Note: he can be traded to 23 teams without any approval from him.
Again this all depends on the big IF he is traded.
I’m sure that Avs and Oil would have big interest in him
Sure their might be consideration to where he’d like to go but this won’t be limited to a single team of his choice
Marchand (retain $2M) and Fredric for Middlestadt and the Canes 2nd and Canes ’26 4th
Cap works out
Why is St. Louis putting a high return on Schenn ?
I like Schenn , but I think he is 35 years old
Not sure what Cozens return is required
Leafs have the the young talent in return , plus can figure out the cap involving a third team or include a Kampf or Domi , Simmons ..
Leafs definitely need another weapon to go deep ..
Reilly has looked better as of late ?!?!
If Treliving ever gets off his hands and makes a trade of significance for the Leafs this is the year.
Marner and Tavares are UFA and no guarantees they’re returning.
If it takes Cowan and Minten to get a deal done, get it done.
Schenn would be a good vet but at 33 is a little older than the current Leafs core. He’s also left handed. All of the Leafs top C shoot left.
They need good RH centre and a #2, #3 or #4 RHD to bump everyone back a spot.
If Adams moves Cozens he should only do it for a good player in the 25-30 range and that is also the reason why I dont see them moving Tuch, they need more guys in that age range, not less. I still believe a trade of Power/Byram, Cozens and a 2nd for Pettersson and Willander is a good trade for both and which holds about the same amount of risk for both parties as well
Personally I wouldn’t trade Power or Byrum straight up for Pettersson. So that would mean the cost of Willander is Cozens and a 2nd. Also a no go.
The Sabres are overloaded on LD but Byrum seems to be doing just fine on right side. If you trade one on Power/Byram you better get a kings ransom in return. Not an underperforming Pettersson.
If I was GM of BUF I move my UFA’s I don’t want to resign, hunt for a stay at home RD, and other vets who play the right way.
Selling low on Cozens seems like a desperation move. He needs to find it again, but his upside is a strong physical 2C who can score. Exactly what they need.
I know they have been losing forever, but they need stability not more panic change. Holland brought that in Edmonton, call him, see if he wants to do it again. And leave him the F alone.
If not him, somebody like him.
No way is Buffalo going to give up Powers and Cousins for Pettersson and Willander, if I was Vancouver I’d add a 2025 1st round pick or Boeser.
If Adams moves Cousin’s
If they move him to Calgary
For RD man Rasmus Anderson
on July 1st
When he is a UFA A sign & Trade…?Or it’s A trade for there to 5 Pick….❓❓
They need to add older players for the sabres on d and up front.🤙
Ever since Friedmann floated the idea of trading Cozens and Byram for Pettersson the internet has gone wild thinking Buffalo is trading them. Its not happening. Neither player is getting traded. Its nice to spitball these trades but the media and internet have taken it for Gospel that Buffalo is looking to trade them. Sorry,not happening.
I sometimes feel like those rumors get started by the GM’s themselves to gauge the reaction. It wouldn’t surprise me if the info was deliberately ‘leaked’ with GM K Adams’ permission. He knows his job is starting to have a whole lot less security than it did a couple years ago and he knows he needs to do ‘something’. I am from BC Canada but I tend to follow the teams who I have drafted players for my long-term (30 years+) hockey pool. I have been following Buffalo for Benson, Power and Cozens. If one s**t-talks about Petterson’s under-performance this season, one would really have to say Cozens has underperformed for almost two years now. If JT Miller really was the problem for Petterson’s decline then we should see a significant uptick in his stats now that Miller has been moved to the Rangers. If I were Adams, I would take the chance on a guy like EP who has already shown he CAN get 100 pts instead of hoping that Cozens MIGHT be better down the road. I am neither for or against a trade but I kind of just want the whole EP story to go away and get down to playing some better hockey.
Wish Canucks would be in on Scott Laughton….he’s the exact type their forward group needs and adds massive vet depth in bottom 6