NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2025
The latest on the Penguins, Devils, and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
UPDATES ON RICKARD RAKELL, ERIK KARLSSON AND BRYAN RUST
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported there was “heavy interest” in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell, but they never came close to moving him. They set a high asking price, which no one met.
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)
Yohe believes general manager Kyle Dubas never expected anyone to match that price. “Truth be told, the Penguins never wanted to trade Rakell.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expect that high price to remain in effect during the offseason.
Yohe believes the Penguins would like to trade Erik Karlsson this summer. He doesn’t sense any urgency but believes it will be discussed with other teams. The 34-year-old puck-moving defenseman still has great value. On a good team, his defensive flaws could be protected while his strengths could be a difference-maker.
Two league sources told Yohe that Dubas could trade Karlsson this summer if he’s willing to retain $3 million of his $10 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That $10 million is the Penguins’ share of his $11.5 million cap hit, with the San Jose Sharks carrying the remaining $1.5 million. With the cap rising significantly, Dubas could try to find a trade without having to retain salary, but it’s more likely he’ll have to retain some of it to move Karlsson.
Teams could contact the Penguins on July 1 when Bryan Rust’s no-movement clause expires. Yohe cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings are fans of the 32-year-old winger, but Yohe doesn’t believe the Penguins want to move him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust lacks no-trade protection after June 30.
COULD THE DEVILS SHOP ONE OR TWO PROMISING DEFENSEMEN?
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the futures of prospect defensemen Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey are in question after the Devils signed Johnathan Kovacevic to a five-year contract extension. Brett Pesce has five years remaining on his contract, while Dougie Hamilton has three years.
That doesn’t leave much room on the right side for Nemec and Casey to earn regular roster minutes. In December, a report emerged claiming Nemec wanted a fresh start elsewhere, but the young Slovakian quickly squashed that speculation. However, that was before his path to become a roster regular became less certain.
Nichols noted the Devils were in the market for an impact scorer before the recent trade deadline. He speculated that they could dangle one or both young blueliners as bait to address that need this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will be a situation worth monitoring this summer. Fitzgerald tried to swing a major deal before the deadline but came up short. He could find a better market this summer, especially if he’s willing to move one or both of those promising defensemen.
LATEST ON THE CANADIENS
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Montreal Canadiens are expected to address their need for a second-line center during the offseason.
Sources claim the market for centers was too expensive at the trade deadline, pointing out healthy scratches were going for third-round picks and borderline NHL players were going for mid-round picks.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has a track record for making calculated trades during the summer rather than overpaying at the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s too early to speculate which centers could be available this summer. However, Hughes recently mentioned that he’d been speaking with general managers before the trade deadline about players who weren’t mentioned in media trade rumors.
Thankfully, the Habs long search for a first line center has come to a successful conclusion. But now #2 is an obvious need.
Would be great to be able to trade for a young center with some track record; such as Byfield. But those guys obviously don’t come cheap.
There are five solid top 6 centers in their 30s that seem headed for UFA this summer. Matt Duchene, Brock Nelson, Claude Giroux, Mikael Granlund and Sam Bennett. The Habs might want to pursue one of them on a 3 or 4 year deal until a guy like Michael Hage would hopefully be ready. Bennett will want a longer term but the others may be possible.
Actually just checked and Bennett will be 29 when he becomes a UFA. I imagine he’ll want 6 or 7 years. Hughes won’t go for that. But the others are all at least 33 and will wind up with shorter term. May be worth pursuing.
Howard: The Habs could end up having to pay more, even on short-term deals, to woo one of those guys to Montreal. Not many players at that stage of their careers are keen to come to a rebuilding team. Giroux did, with Ottawa, but that was his hometown. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it will be expensive. That’s why I think he’s looking at the trade market. He could surprise us again, like he did with the Monahan and Laine acquisitions.
Na. Sam and Brad both be bruins next year😀
That’s a brilliant assessment that I haven’t thought of MB4, but now it all make sense!
It was a stealth move by Sweeney to get an asset into FLA to influence Bennet. Couple that with Sweeney choosing him for Canada in the 4 nations, allowing Marchand to bond with Bennett on the same team even more.
Get the ladies out for a few dinners, play a little golf, kick back some truth serum & plant the seeds.
Sweeney is playing the long game!
I feel way better now, thanks MB4.
Howard & Lyle, very much entering into the picture where Giroux is concerned is, how close does he want to come to his expiring $6.5 mil deal AND, perhaps more importantly, what term is he seeking?
He will turn 38 y/o half-way through next season and is projected to finish this season with 16g 37a 53 pts.
Ray
Yes Sweeney a very sneaky guy 🤔
Ray Bark and Bennet will get over the beat down he got from Zadorov the other night in Boston!
Lyle, I think at this point the Habs have emerged from their rebuild and are ready to contend for the playoffs although not yet the Cup. That might entice one of those players. The top Cup contenders have only so much roster and cap room so free agents often have to settle for the next tier. Obviously it’ll cost but I think it’s far from impossible.
I would obviously prefer a trade for a solid center between the ages of 25-28 but those guys are hard to find and cost a lot in terms of assets and salary. Teams don’t rush to trade top 6 centers. Let’s see what happens.
Howard, I agree with you. I think a vet signing with the Habs should expect playoffs next year and maybe making some noise in the playoffs within 3 years. They likely wouldn’t need to be sold on a rebuild, really.
Also agree a 3-4 year contract is ideal, based on prospects.
Of the UFAs, I see Granlund as fitting the timeline and budget best.
My thinking is it’s more likely the Habs trade for someone with term than sign, though.
Would need to be on a rebuilding team who want a wealth of prospects (which the Habs have) for a top 6.
The dream?
Crosby. Pens are going nowhere, it’s his boyhood team, his contract works great. Term is a little short, but that’s better than too long. But I know the odds of him accepting a trade are virtually nil. Which is why it’s under “The Dream” category.
A bit much?
Horvat. Term is a little long, but Isles need a rebuild, so I can imagine he’s attainable. Plays the 200-foot game his wingers (Demidov & Laine?) would need.
Realistic ideal?
Not sure. Kadri? If Flames miss playoffs, they may sell in off-season; easier than getting their roster out of mediocrity. Four years left on an affordable contract. Habs have assets to burn.
Just my random musings, now that the deadline has passed 🙂
I hope the Avalanche sign Brock Nelson and hope he wants to stay, always liked his game and glad the Avalanche have him!
HF30: Howard is interested in my $50!! 😉
Re, Penguins July 1st
Brian Rust
Would look good with the Ottawa. Senators
If they could pick him up real cheap
He would be a nice top six pic
Ottawa still need a big tough guy for the fourth line
Someone who can play and fight and hit instead of letting Brady do All the Fghting ❗️
Not McEwann
🙈
Your thoughts on this❓
If rust is moved it won’t be for cheap. I’m sure it would be the whole 1st plus young nhl player type of ask.
Can’t see Rust being cheap
Willie, if I was OTT I would kick the tires on Frederic if the Oilers don’t re-sign him.
Plays with energy, physical, good size, can skate and is responsible. He isn’t a heavy weight, but he’ll take on or stand up to anyone.
He grew up in St Louis with the Tkachuk brothers. So come the off season, and OTT or FLA is interested, they will be in his ear.
Ray Bark ,Frederic might be going home to St.Louis with Montgomery who he had his best seasons under! Right age for Monty’s group!
Sr
That would be my bet😀
MrBruin4 What are your feelings on Swayman vs. Ullmark tonight?
LJ. Howard,
Here’s something to chew on, Simon Nemec doesn’t have place in NJ and Joshua Roy doesn’t have room in Montreal, two promising prospects at dead ends, trade them straight up.
Habs C situation can be taken care of by signing the guy down the 401.
For years TML fans complain about cap, salary, core 4 costing too much, Tavares is UFA.
He slots in perfectly and takes the Habs over the top while waiting on Hage, Beck, Kapanen or whomever.
HF30, IMO MTL would need to substantially add to Roy to pry Nemec out of NJ, which they might be willing to do, but sounds like a C will be their priority for prospect and draft capital spend, of which they have plenty.
But you guys know Roy better than I do. I just think Nemec has huge value and is still pegged as a top pair guy once his decision making improves. He pinches too often at the wrong time. He went straight to AHL after his draft year, so really he isn’t late getting to NHL for a D-man at 21. Add some value as he is a right shot, and somebody will buck up. His progression seems pretty normal.
2 of the 3 guys ahead of Nemec in NJ are tradeable given the supply issue with RD in the NHL. Kovacevic has no protection, this off season Hamilton has a 10 team no go list. Couldn’t find the details on Pesce which was odd, but has a NTC.
Not sure what NJ does, but having a less expensive ($918K) Nemec playing next year in NJ has big upside, same is true long term.
Great problem for NJ IMO, all kinds of options, like playing a guy like Kovacevic on his off side and do nothing at all.
Ray, I agree that Nemec would cost away more than just Roy and with Mailloux and Reinbacher on the way, the Habs priority is a #2 center rather than a D-man.
HabFan there’s a reason I didn’t list JT as a possibility. No way he’s coming to Montreal. He would take a big discount to stay in TO and if not would probably still get a big contract from a contender. If he hits UFA he’ll be by far the best center out there.
Howard, it is hard for me to see a situation where Tavares wants to leave Toronto.
Yes, players uproot their families regularly, but JT has three children, is now 34 and by the end of this contract will have made an immense amount of money. He could afford to play for the league minimum on his new contract.
Unless he is tempted by an offer to join a contender – and even then such things are a gamble – I just don’t see it.
HF30, Somehow I thought you might make a suggestion about acquiring Nemec.
Ray: Roy gets the following assessment from the Athletic:
“He’s got exemplary puck-protection skill. He does an excellent job leaning on defenders and controlling the puck in the middle of the ice to get to his spots and create chances.”
He has 20 goals this year with Laval, including, I believe, 10 game winners.
So he may be more of a straight up trade for Nemec than you might think Ray.
That said, and perhaps unfairly, I was disappointed with his two recent games with the Habs. They needed bottom 6 support and, when combined with Pezzetta and an ill Laine, didn’t give anything. That contributed to a couple of lost and valuable points.
I would be good with HF30’s suggestion. Beck and Kapanen will help at center next season, and Demidov arrives giving strength to the wing. If Hughes can indeed get even a decent 2C in the off season the team should see an uptick in it’s overall strength and depth, and Nemec is worth adding to that.
Hey LJ, wasn’t trying to slag Roy, and it’s a great story and a great find by the Hab scouts in the 5th RD. The guy looks like a legit NHL player, even 2nd line guy who produces.
I just think teams really value what Nemic brings to the table. Elite skating, strong and physical enough to defend, and high end offensive instincts and passing.
The risk with him is his decision making, pinches specifically, and while concerning as it can hurt his career long term, also not unusual for a 21 yr old who is used to taking over games from the back end.
I think teams seem him as a chance to be an elite, high minute D man who can drive offense from the back end, and an all around D-man to boot.
What that is worth when you don’t know for sure? I don’t know, but I think quite a bit. You usually have to draft those guys unless they’re a head case. Which he might, as I sure as heck don’t know, but I haven’t seen anything suggesting that other than he wants to be in the NHL now and sees himself blocked.
One never knows what’s in a player and family’s mind.
An underappreciated guy, fanbase upbraiding him for his lack of contribution, being stripped of his captaincy leaves an opening.
Montreal is the mecca of hockey, expectations would be lower, the team is on the cusp of arriving and he would be appreciated for his ability.
It would be a totally different headspace, one of growth and future not failure and frustration.
HuGo have made significant unexpected moves, eg Laine and a 2nd for Harris, nobody saw that possibility.
Wouldn’t It be something if Tavares left for Montreal and won a Cup there!
JT is kind of exactly what MTL needs, so ya, why not reach out to his agent if he’s available.
The part of that idea that is amusing to me is how some Leaf fans would react (not specific posters on this site so please don’t take it that way).
Both of the most popular FWD whipping boys for past Leaf failures, Marner and Tavares, are pending UFA’s. And I have made this point on here to the let Marner walk in off season crowd, what would the Leafs offence look like if they lost both those guys.
Maybe you can use that space to replace in the UFA market, but wouldn’t bet the farm on it. Bird in hand thing.
But I think they both stay barring an embarrassing 1st RD exit. Like, get smoked. Which I don’t think happens.
I think Sidney Crosby is more likely to go to Montreal than John Tavares.
And I’m pretty sure Sam Bennett ends up with the Leafs, thanks to solid work by his junior coach, some guy named Gilmour.
Retain only $3M (Cap) on Karllsson???
Retain 59% of thr remaining; that’s a Cap hit of $5M
Many more suitors (and better return) at $5 M Cap hit
Pens are NOT spending to Cap in next 2 years; so extra retention is just Cash
After July 1st when the signing Bonus is paid; Pen’s remaining commitment on him is just $10 M total for 2 remaining years
$7 M Cap hit (with less suitors and less return) ; has Pens paying $3M cash; finsl owners $5 M
50% retention; Cap is $5 M per (Pens and final team) year for two years ; and cash id $5 M (effectively $2.5 M per year) total for each team
For the sake of $2M cash ,effectively $1M per year); Pens will have considerably more suitors and better return
Pens DON’T need the cap space
50% not 59%
Typo
Every team needs cap space. It allows for flexibility to trade and to sign free agents. Imagine if there is room to take a run at any one or more of Marner, Ehlers, Boesser, Donato (that you were so keen to throw out a first for), Adin Hill, Dan Vladar, Bennett…? Shocking that cap room is still important. Not saying it’ll happen, but what makes it possible? Cap room.
Our lottery odds are plummeting.
Stop playing Jarry
Play Nedjelkovic.
And Rangers are on the cusp of getting in the playoffs (where anything can happen with Shesterkin in net). I could certainly see them beating Caps, then Canes; and dropping their 1st rounder (now Pens property) to much later in round 1
Just play Shesterkin enough to finish 19th or better; but just out of the playoffs.
Last week we were looking at picking 5th and 14th (and with lottery help, 1st and 14th)
With current trends we could end up picking 11th and mid 20’s