NHL Rumor Mill – March 11, 2025
A glimpse at what the offseason could hold for the Flyers, Blackhawks and Kraken in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
FLYERS
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reported Philadelphia Flyers fans are still waiting for general manager Daniel Briere to take a big swing at acquiring a major name. That could happen as early as this summer.
That move could take the form of a major trade. However, Briere didn’t dismiss the possibility of wading into free agency, given their ample cap space next season.
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere (NHL.com).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the salary cap reaches $95.5 million, the Flyers will have over $27.5 million with four young restricted free agents (Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, Jakob Pelletier and Cam York) who should be affordable re-signings. That’ll leave sufficient room to make a significant addition via trade or free agency.
The Flyers also have seven picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft, three of them being first-rounders. They also hold two first-rounders in 2027. Some of those picks could be used as trade capital to add immediate help to their roster.
BLACKHAWKS
CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has set himself up for a big summer.
During Davidson’s trade deadline press conference, he indicated it’s time to start making “hockey trades” by acquiring more players rather than draft picks and prospects. He didn’t rule out using some of his stockpiled draft capital to pursue some big-name talent this summer, indicating he’ll seek acquisitions that fit the team’s picture going forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson spent the past two seasons acquiring veterans via trades and free agency. However, most of them were past their prime, doing little to improve the Blackhawks or take pressure off franchise player Connor Bedard, who confessed to frustration at times this season about the club’s performance.
Davidson’s trade or free agent targets should be players in their mid to late-twenties in their playing prime, including someone who can play well alongside Bedard.
The Blackhawks have seven picks in the first four rounds of this year’s draft (including two first-rounders), and five picks in the first two rounds of next year’s draft (including two more first-rounders). Some of those picks could be part of a trade package deal that fetches some established young talent this summer.
KRAKEN
THE SEATTLE TIMES: Tim Booth looked ahead to what could be a busy summer for Kraken GM Ron Francis.
Winger Eeli Tolvanen has a career-high 18 goals this season and could be of interest to another club this summer. Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak could have been moved at last Friday’s trade deadline and could be a trade target this summer.
Booth wondered if Francis might move a cornerstone player like winger Jared McCann or defenseman Vince Dunn. He also speculated that goaltender Philipp Grubauer and winger Andre Burakovsky could become buyout candidates if no trade partners can be found.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Francis focused on adding younger players to the roster this season, most notably his acquisition of winger Kaapo Kakko from the Rangers in December. He could continue that trend during the summer.
Re,
Both Buffalo and Ottawa need mature right side
de-fenceman
Buffalo more than Ottawa. Ottawa have lots of young
LD
BUF needs new management first
Unfortunately that is not likely. But if Norris re-injures his shoulder and Cozens keeps up his current pace and takes the Sens into a deep playoff run , the optics of a “bad trade” might be enough to change the owner’s mind.
I didn’t like the trade when it was made. another bad Buffalo trade.
Ottawa’s right side is older than its left side and the left isn’t even all that young except for when Yakemchuk comes up next year.
Sometimes your posts really confuse me.
This summer is likely where we’ll see Briere firmly establish himself as an effective GM … or flame out.
If there’s a team that could emulate what Washington did between the end of last season and the beginning of this one, it’s the Flyers, with all those picks, healthy cap reserve and, not least, a pretty solid – and mostly young – base to work from – certainly better positioned to do so than their cross-state rival.
Looks like Philly are going to pick a good pick in the first round for roundabout 7-8
I can see them picking big right D man 6 foot six 205 pounds. It’s kind of the weaker area as the right side d/man
With their second pic in the first round right now, the picking number 20-21
I can see them training up with their first pic and a second pic into the 13 to 16 range
To get a young Russian centre who seems to be floating around the boat 18 to 22..❓
To play withere there Russia
Hot shot winger ❗️❓❓
Don’t know who will pick with the third round pick we have number 23 at the moment to young Canadian goal 10 though he’s very good or another centre or another right wing of some kind
How is Florida going to re sign
Ekblad
Bennett
Seth Jones
Marchand
Curious , luv leafs to pick up Bennett as a free agent
Jones has a contract, I can imagine Marchand going back to Boston after all. Ekblad and Bennet, yes that is a question, could they combine for 14? If not I think they keep Bennet