NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025
Check out the latest on Brock Boeser, JJ Peterka, Scott Laughton, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, Brandon Tanev and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
BOESER REJECTS CANUCKS’ CONTRACT OFFER
CANUCKS ARMY: David Quadrelli cites Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reporting the Vancouver Canucks offered Brock Boeser a five-year, $40-million contract ($8 million annually). However, the 28-year-old winger is seeking a long-term deal.
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).
Seravalli wrote that the Canucks intend to make one more offer to Boeser before the March 7 trade deadline. If he rejects it, they’ll explore trade options ahead of the deadline. They could also keep him as an “own rental” to help them secure playoff games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the only team that can offer Boeser the maximum eight-year contract. He will get at most seven years on the open market but that’s still longer than what the Canucks are reportedly offering him. Boeser could get a bigger average annual value if he tests the market on July 1.
TEAMS CALLING SABRES ABOUT PETERKA
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli added JJ Peterka to his latest trade board. He claims sources are saying the Buffalo Sabres are rejecting calls for the 23-year-old winger, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing.
Seravalli added Peterka to his board for several reasons. First, the Sabres haven’t done anything yet to shake up their roster. Second, Peterka has value in the trade market. Third, he’s a restricted free agent this summer who could become an offer-sheet target.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising the Sabres are rejecting offers for Peterka. He has 44 points in 55 games this season, putting him on pace to exceed his career-best 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24.
If they were to trade him (and that’s a big “if” right now), general manager Kevyn Adams will want a return that helps his club right away, like last season’s swap of Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for Bowen Byram. He won’t want draft picks and prospects because his club has plenty of those.
Peterka is completing his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant raise. With over $33 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, they can afford to re-sign him, even with Byram and Jack Quinn also RFA-eligible this summer. That cap space also blunts the threat of an offer sheet.
FLYERS STILL RELUCTANT TO MOVE LAUGHTON
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Friday that the Philadelphia Flyers’ asking price for Scott Laughton is a first-round pick, or the prospect equivalent of one.
However, multiple team sources claim the Flyers remain wary of moving the popular 30-year-old forward. They’re concerned about what his departure might do to the culture and morale among the players.
If the Flyers decide to move Laughton, Kurz believes it’ll be to a team of his choosing despite his lack of no-trade protection. He speculated that the Maple Leafs would make the most sense since Laughton is from the Toronto area.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would have to offer up their 2026 first-rounder because they traded away this year’s pick. Failing that, they’ll have to offer a prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, but they might not be to the Flyers’ liking. Minten was a second-round pick. Cowan was a first-rounder, but he went 28th overall.
UPDATE ON O’REILLY
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are still getting calls about Ryan O’Reilly, but they’re not getting offers that would convince them to move the 34-year-old center. They’re not shopping O’Reilly but remain willing to entertain offers. The asking price must include a good young NHL player who can step into the Predators’ lineup right away.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly is signed through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection. However, the Predators are treating him like he has full no-movement protection, giving him complete control over this situation.
LeBrun believes the Predators are more likely to move UFA-eligible forward Gustav Nyquist. He wondered if the Los Angeles Kings might be interested.
LATEST ON RAKELL
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel downplays the recent speculation swirling around Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. He believes forward Rickard Rakell remains their most valuable trade chip if GM Kyle Dubas is willing to part with him.
Karlsson’s hefty annual cap hit and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles. Meanwhile, the more affordable Rakell would fetch the best return. He leads the team with 25 goals and is second in points with 49.
The Penguins are open to offers but aren’t rushing to trade Rakell. He’s got three more years left on his contract, plus they could be reluctant to move another of Sidney Crosby’s linemates.
Nevertheless, his trade value probably won’t get any higher than it is right now. If a team makes an offer that tops what the Penguins got in the Marcus Pettersson trade, Dubas will listen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some general managers could be unwilling to meet that asking price because Rakell’s stats are directly tied to being Crosby’s linemate. He may get moved at the deadline but Dubas could wait until the offseason for better offers.
KRAKEN’S TANEV GARNERING INTEREST
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Seattle Kraken left winger Brandon Tanev is drawing some interest from playoff contenders and bubble teams.
The 33-year-old Tanev is UFA-eligible this summer. He carries a $3.5 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. LeBrun claims Tanev prefers joining an upper-echelon contender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s energetic, gritty style of play is well-suited for postseason action.
WHO COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TARGET AT THE DEADLINE?
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster cited Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon recently saying he doesn’t anticipate his team will be a big spender at the trade deadline.
Webster noted the Golden Knights have limited trade capital in draft picks, prospects and available players. They made a recent significant addition by signing Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Nevertheless, the Golden Knights could target an affordable forward like Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Montreal’s Jake Evans or Chicago’s Ryan Donato.
Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins are long-shot options. Webster doesn’t see them pursuing Anaheim’s John Gibson to shore up their goaltending.
Boeser isn’t a superstar in this league. He better jump at the next offer the Canucks make or he’s playing Russian roulette. He’s just one bad stick, skate or puck away from getting nothing. Plus he has an injury and medical history. Logic dictates take the guaranteed money and be set for life rather than try to squeeze out a little bit more.
If the Canucks don’t want to give Boeser more than 5 years then another club will. He has 4 – 20+ goal seasons and one 40 goal season. Goal scorers get paid.
You also assume Boeser wants to stay in Vancouver. Maybe he does. But the Canucks are a mess right now with no clear path to recovery. Maybe he wants a less chaotic environment.
The problem with that is: Should he be paid like a 40 goal scorer, or a 20 goal scorer?
The Peterson experience hasn’t worked out real well for the Canucks. I can understand why they’re leery to give more term to Boeser.
Add the Demko situation in Vancouver and you have some huge decisions to make as a franchise!I hope the GM that gave Petersen contract is out of a job!
Yes gm should have traded Petey last Feb/24 when his production was declining.
It would great for Dumbass to move EK65….but I realize it will be tough, as mentioned.
Moving Rakell might hurt Sid’s feeling again and hurt him on scoresheet.
Hi Pens4ever
Not as tough as you think(see below)
Agree that moving Rackell will likely piss off Sid
That said; if return is big enough; then Dubas must consider
Pettersson was a UFA; 2nd pairing D…. Look at his return
Rackell has two more years at very very reasonable $5 M; and is on an 82 Game pace of 35 goals. Pens would prob have to take back an underperforming cap hit in the $4M range (for suitors to fit Rackell in)…. That trade has to garner a great deal more than Pettersson did
But with his NMC that might be tough….he might not want to move….believe me I hope Kyke can move him.
Yes he does have an NMC, but he’d for sure move to aContender(which would be only teams interested in him) because he finishes this contract at 37; doesn’t have a cup now; and won’t even play in the playoffs at all with Pens
C’mon Dubas
Retain 50% (of remaining) on Karllsson and move him
Zero takers at $10 M cap hit
There will be takers at $5M cap hit
Keeping him has zero logic. With or without; no playoffs this year or next 2 ; that’s definite.
Him in line up vs younger replacement actually would have Pens finishing a little higher in standings (maybe 20th – 25th [8th-13th OA pick] vs maybe 26th – 32nd [1st to 7th OA pick]) in 25/26 and 26/27 (Mckenna and DuPont drafts)
People who say “it’s not saving Pens money” by retaining 50% on remaining; are not looking at this correctly
It IS saving Pens money
As at today; Pens (their portion) still owe Karllsson $16.6 M until end of term
Retain 50%; trade; and replace with younger RD (in that trade or from within) to develop (say at $1M – 2M per):
-saves Pens $4 M – $ 6 M in future commitments
-substantially increases chances at McKenna and DuPont
-nets at least 2 future assets coming back
-Note:Pens in no way need the Cap space now; 25/26 or 26/27 (not spending to ceiling)
-Note: Pens have 3 retention spots available come July 1st
-Note: Pens are in rebuild (future paramount: getting younger , faster, better in the next few years)
Retain 50% more; move him!!!
You know this won’t happen though, right? The plan is to try to compete while keeping Sid, Malkin, and Letang.
Crosby didn’t sign at a huge discount so they could spend that money on retained salary.
They need a rebuild, but they won’t do it.
I am beginning to think Leafs option might be someone like Yanni Gourde and a defence man – pkg deal
Fickle GM’s from other teams can’t make up their minds what they are doing, keeping the player or not , or expecting away too much in return ?
I am not even certain it’s even going to be an active trade deadline , everything has come to a hault
Lots of gossip, but that’s all there is ..
Hopefully , I am wrong
I dont think Boeser will get more on the open market, he might even get less given what he really is, a 25-30 goal scorer with skating and injury issues. But he will get more term. Vancouver should just move on and get a pick/prospect since they arent going anywhere this year, playoffs or not
I agree get what you can for Boeser and move on, a long term contract with him wouldn’t look good in 2-3 years
IF (big IF) M Tkachuck out until at least 1st game of playoffs:
Rackell + Karllsson (50% retained) + Grzylcyck + 2nd (‘26-Blues)
For
Lundell + Gracyn + Benning + 1st (‘26)
Brock Brittle :
Poor skater (no speed)
No forecheck/backcheck
Zero physicality
Injury prone
8 million x 5 isnt enough? Trade him or let him walk. 8 million is a pile of loot for a passenger that doesnt drive play.
If the price for Laughton is a 1st, just cancel the trade deadline…
Brock
Agreed!
Not sure why Laughton is rumoured to be worth a 1st. Not a high scoring 3C and plenty of years in the minus column.
Same goes for Braden Schenn although his career high point is better his effectiveness has been limited over the past few seasons.
If I’m looking for a 3C at a reasonable trade cost I’m looking to Montreal for Evans.
If Laughton is the target for the Leafs, can they please package Domi in the return?
How about Domi to the NYI for Pageau?
Or how about Domi to just about anyone who will take him?
I agree about Brayden Schenn! He is getting hyped up at this trade deadline, but until now, all I’ve ever heard said about him is one of the Blues players they signed to an anchor of a contract.
The Canucks are already grossly overpaying one passenger. Can they afford to pay Brock Brittle for the same noshow style of play as the Kid From Home Alone?
A first for Laughton ? $8M/year for Boeser ? A team might be interested in trading for Karlsson ? What is this world coming too ?
Lol, trade deadline is a time to speculate, no matter how crazy it is!
The first day of free agency and trade deadline are when the biggest mistakes get made.
Rangers traded Lindgren and Vesey to the Avs for Dehaan and Parssinen.
Thank you Drury! This ends the constantly forced top pairing!
Even better, ends any thoughts of re signing them. Now I wonder if this means Drury giving up. IMO neither player leaving hurts chances of winning or losing. Wait and see what next move is.
I think Drury should have waited until TDL or night before; bidding war, better return
On the surface, big gain at very reasonable price for Avs
Do people see a different Lindgren than the Ranger fan base? Bidding war for a guy that is often injured, leads the league in giving up high danger chances and should probably be a 3rd pairing guy . Bonus UFA probably seeking north of 5 million?
Drury making room for Seth Jones. Nudge nudge
Dieter Brock Boeser for Middleton a first and a decent fwd prospect to Minnesota
Notice the only thing people say about Lindgren is he’s “a warrior” nobody compliments his skating, offensive or defensive skills or awareness, hands etc .
The fact that he can stop a puck with his face is great and all, but this guy never was and never will be a suitable top pairing guy.
This was well overdue. The return , which was pretty decent is irrelevant.
Ny got away from him, don’t have to worry about giving him 5 per. Etc.
Winner winner chicken dinner!
I have no idea what people are seeing in this guy. “Warrior”status aside.
The Sabres are not moving Peterka. Peterka is producing points for the Sabres. He will be staying in Buffalo for a while.
Problem player Dylan Cozens remains available. For teams that want Cozens, they will need to part with a scoring center as the Sabres need a 2C. Teams have not come forward with good offers.
I have been a leads fan for 70 years now but I can’t understand why any upcoming junior or college player would want to sign with them. Any young player becomes immediately tradeable to another team even though their coaches rave about their play.steeves record all time goal scorer for the marlies a one or two game call up. They say they need a 3rd line center but park minten in the minors. They buried mcmann until he scored a couple of goals one night and now he is untouchable.