NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025
The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
HURRICANES
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.
Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.
Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).
If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.
TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
DEVILS
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.
ISLANDERS
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.
Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.
PENGUINS
TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.
Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.
MAPLE LEAFS
TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.
FLYERS
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.
BRUINS
TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.
CANUCKS
TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.
CANADIENS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.
TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.
Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.
JETS
TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.
OILERS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.
FLAMES AND SENATORS
TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.
BLUE JACKETS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.
DUCKS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.
The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.
Found this quote on another blog. Makes me feel a bit better about moving the milkshake man for what we did
By moving Bunting we can add Novak to the Guentzel trade tree in which the Penguins now have Novak, Harrison Brunicke, Vasily Ponomarev, and Ville Koivunen to show for the trade.
Chrisms,not many household names there!
Certainly not but Brunicke almost made the team as a 18 year old and is having a great junior year. Kovunin is having a really solid first year in America as a rookie ahl forward. Pon has looked solid if not spectacular. As a pens fan it’s odd to actually have some hope from prospects.
Chrisms…
I agree with you about the trade. I think Dubas did a good job Novack 27 had 18 goals last year and a high of 50 points is a great two way plyer with grit. I have always liked Luke Schenn and I hope we keep him because he is so solid, a leader, tough and he can help the Owen Pickering’s and the Harrison Brunicke’s next year.
Desharnais for a 5th well???? Schenn major upgrade over him so/
Dubas now has 30 draft picks over the next three years and 15 in the top 15 so we shall see.
I’m hoping Karlsson Graves Accairi move?
it is about next year clear more space right now we have $25 million this off season.
Chrisms, you have to wonder what it is about Bunting’s game that shortens his stay everywhere he goes?
After 26gp with spot duty in 2018-19 and 2020-21 in Arizona (11g 3a 14pts, it looked like Dubas had struck gold when he picked him up as Group 6 free agent for the 2021-22 season during which he potted 23g 40a 63 pts in 79gp. The following season he had another 23g year in 82gp, but a reduction in assists to 49 – while also wracking up 103 pim. Toronto let him walk as a UFA and he signed with Carolina, parlaying his Toronto production into a $4.5 mil per deal.
As it turns out in that 2023-24 season he only lasted 60 games with the Hurricanes, scoring 13g 23a 36 pts in 60gp before reuniting with Dubas again, this time in Pittsburgh where he contributed 6g 13a 19pts in 21gp, for a relatively decent season of 19g 36a 55 pts in 81gp.
This season he made it through 58 games with the Penguins, scoring 14g 15a 29 pts in 58gp before being on the move again, this time to Nashville for Novak and Schenn.
So far in his NHL career he has played a total of 326 games, scoring 90g 120a 210 pts for 82-game averages of 23g 30a 53 pts. Maybe not quite worth $4.5 mil per, but not bad stats for someone who is on his 5th team in 7 years and playing with a host of different linemates. So, what is it with his game that cuts his visits short?
Islanders: Lou is probably throwing more $ and term at Nelson to get him to commit. That will be a mistake. Isles need some game changers to charge up their offense. Nelson isn’t that any longer. Very good player, but keeping him will not get Isles over the hump.
Carolina: Unless Rantanan has told them he will definitely NOT sign in Car going forward, they have to keep him and play it out. They likely won’t get equal, high impact value in another trade for him now. But if he’s adamant about not living/playing in Carolina, then they need to move on and get something now. Having him walk away with nothing to show for it after the season is a major risk.
(Odd thing it, I read a report somewhere that Car was given permission to speak with Rantanan before they acquired him… gotta wonder how those conversations went then and what has changed since?)
Foley, that’s a huge question. How could they make a trade for a player like Rantanen without knowing for sure that he will re-sign with them? It boggles the mind.
The Carolina GM put himself in a precarious position. As we do in Poker sometimes you need to read the tells. Im seeing 2 from Rantenan right now. 1st is he was pretty well offered the money he was asking Colorado he wanted & would not commit to signing mammoth offer. Wanted to think about it. 2/ Its not like he’s scoring wildly & in fact, his current performance right now would even get him close to the ask he is wanting. Perhaps he isnt seeing the chemistry or players he wants to finish the majority of his career with. If he was racking up points & Carolina was rolling over teams & looking like a power house, I would say that would have a lot of appeal to him staying.
Moral of this is if I was the Carolina GM I would be flipping him & talking to his agent to see which team he would consider extending with & make a deal. If its LA then they may be able to pry Byfield back which would be a nice replacement for Necas, from an optics point of view anyways.
Potlicker I agree with you especially since LA could use him as well as like you said, Byfield would be a really good step to salvaging this misstep by the Canes.
I’d love to have a Byfield!
Rantanen wanted $14M a year in Colorado, why does anyone think he will take less to go somewhere else? And that was playing alongside MacKinnon, how can a player do any better than that? Bad move Carolina.
Foley even if Rantanen tells them he will not sign the Canes still have to keep him and go for the Cup. I doubt that any return gets them much that’ll help them now.
How about Rantanen for Chris Kreider, Adam Edstrom, Drew Fortescue, and a conditional #2 pick (If Rantanen signs an extension with the Rangers the pick becomes a #1 pick).
I believe the Canes hang up the phone pretty quickly on that.
Well that’s just it. Who ever your favorite team is – what are you giving up to get Raantonen. Who you then have to pay 12-15m to keep and AND who may not neccessarily fit in to your system of play.
Carolina has kinda painted themselves into a corner here.
Some 11th hour tom foolery may end up getting him moved. Marner for Him straight up? Marner waives to go to an actual contender? But that doesn’t sit well with me as Marner doesn’t play that style either.
What could the Sens possibly give up to entice Carolina to sell Raantonen at the 11th hour? Batherson, an unprotected 1st in 27, JBD and Halloway? Forsberg?
Dark G,
Even if the Canes said yes to the Sens, where would the find the money to sign him to his huge new contract. No thank you.
Canes window is now…..they need to get Rantanen producing in their system or move him for someone who will
and who will give up for Mikko without an extension?
Kyrou and Schenn would help the Canes now…but why would they want a UFA
I would take that in a heartbeat
Am I the only one annoyed by fights that result from a good clean body check?
A couple of nights ago Romanov nails Appleton and Lowry seeks revenge. Last night Knies has a revenge fight with Whitecloud over a clean hit in a previous game (and then did nothing to help his team).
If hockey players can’t take a good clean hit, try figure skating.
It’s annoying some people can’t evaluate players or teams without letting you know exactly how they feel about a player or team that’s not one they cheer for.
It’s hopefully a case of a die hard fanatical than a guy who knows little about what they are saying…whatever the case, the look isn’t good. Criticizing with points and observations backed up by numbers or comparisons open dialogues but insulting comments end all meaningful hockey talk.
Your comments appears under mine, but are unrelated so I can’t tell if it’s a reply to me.
For that matter, it seems unrelated to any other post here either.
What are you trying to say, Ron?
You suck! 😉😂
That’s weird. I made a comment in reply to DarkG but I left one you won’t like regarding your take on Knies fight.
Lowry did the same thing against the sens a fee games back in may have even been a check against Appleton. Lowry initiated but didn’t even get a penalty.
LJ you don’t know the situation you’re commenting on regarding Knies who smoked whitecloud. Like you said, try figure skating.
Will your petulance never end Ron Moore? Even the obtuse (annoyingly sensitive and slow to understand) would have understood my comment was about fighting just because a player got bodychecked.
Knies was used as an example because of the fight he last night. Any other player who did the same thing could have been used. Indeed, others clearly were.
Had the comment been about Knies’ effectiveness as a player I would have said: Knies took himself off the ice for 5 minutes selfishly, did nothing to help the Leafs who clearly were not energized by the fight, scored no goals, had no assists, and was -2 for the game.
Clear enough distinction for you? Got the message that who won the fight is irrelevant to my point?
But once again we see this absurd oversensitivity of yours in which you read in criticism of Leaf players when the Hubble telescope couldn’t spot it. Perhaps Chatelaine magazine would offend you less.
Ok buddy! I guess you’re right and clearly have an understanding of what’s what. Even though you don’t know why that fight was started by Knies, it didn’t stop you to say all that you did with both your comments.
We’ve all been there with guys like you that had you known about why Knies fought and didn’t, you’ll call him and his team soft but when he does, you’ll throw shade on that.
You insulting me is something I won’t cater to. Stick to talking about hockey like your team and its players without having to resort to taking shots at other teams, their players or fans.
Ron give it up, your talking to a guy who`s never played sports. Knies called it a cheap shot by Whitecloud and he decided it was worth the time and effort to beat the crap out of him. Of course LJ knows more than Knies because of his vast knowledge of lying on the couch and years of playing tiddly winks, which makes his opinion superior to yours, mine or anybody else`s. He has this corny idea that you can only talk to him if you follow his rules, which change when he has no basis to argue/discuss. I must say though, I was impressed with Whitecloud, not many players can take a shot like he did and remain standing. Knies`s first puch almost put Whiteclouds helmet into a low orbit. Maybe LJ you should watch a sport which is played with no emotions like lawnbowling, making it easier for you to understand
Ron, are you going to tell us why Knies wanted revenge on Whitecloud if it wasn’t the hit that knocked Knies out of the lineup?
I haven’t read anything giving an alternative version.
Ray the first time Toronto was in Vegas Whitecloud caught Knies along the boards with his him looking for the puck in his feet. The only problem with the hit was that Whitecloud left his feet and made Knies head the point of contact. Knies left the game with a head injury and missed about 2 weeks time. No penalty was called and Whitecloud wasn`t suspended for the hit. But it was a 100% cheapshot
Fair enough Yogi.
Had to deal with it then. Whitecloud always plays on the edge a bit, but will answer the bell as well, so not dip sh*t.
Knies is a big strong kid, and Whitecloud has been through the wars. Thinking Knies being a lefty was an advantage early, and yes caught him clean early, with 2.
Good on Whitecloud for staying composed and even upright after that and good on Knies for dealing with his own sh*t.
If it was senior or beer league there is a good chance they have a beer after.
Well, prolonging this isn’t in anyone’s interest Ron, but what the hell.
One of your replies to me on this site was deleted because you called me a swear word. Not that I care you say, but it was the only time I’ve seen that happen in all the years that I have been here. Yet you say you don’t like insults. Is this hypocrisy or apostasy on your part?
As for your “direction’ about what I or anyone else can comment on, who are you say we can only comment on our own teams or players? This site is rife with opinions about GMs, teams, players, and even reporters. That’s what it is for.
Yes, that includes negative comments about any of the above, my team, your team, or anyone in between, by anyone who posts here. The comments and responses stand on their own merit.
What’s not on, in my books, is an embargo on the most oblique or flat out imagined criticisms and the sputtering indignant responses by you when you think a Leaf has been criticized.
Dark G can stick up for himself but I had to read his post three times to see what set you off. And there it was, I think:
“Marner waives to go to an actual contender?”
Oh the slander!
So your issue isn’t confined to me. It’s confined to you.
With all due respect to Chris Johnston. I see Ottawa moving goalie Anton Forsberg – likely with some other asset – on Friday to free up his $2,750,000 cap hit which, combined with the $850,000 on hand, will give Staios $3.6 mil with which to shore up elsewhere.
That will pair Merilainen with Ullmark down the stretch, beginning Saturday night at home against the Rangers in a big one for both teams.
Geroge, Completely agree. Leevy has very much outplayed Forsberg and with Forsbergs contract ending I beleive at the end of the season it would be a good solid 3.6 Mill to add to the roster. Unfortunately the player I was hoping for was Trent Frederic it will be surely interesting to see what Staios does at the deadline. I dont forsee anything massive by any stretch. Sure be nice for the Sens and Brady to make it to the playoffs. I keep seeing hilarious trade proposals involving Batherson which makes no sense at all. He may seem streaky but for a player to have 49 pts in 61 games as a second lind player earning 4.9 Mill against the cap isa player easily replaced. Im still not sold on Perron however have been told he is good but 6 points in 23 games is horrensdous for a 4 Mill player
It’s been a tough go for Perron since opening night Scott, most of it due to extenuating circumstances.
He’ll show his worth in the money games down the stretch and in the playoffs …. IF they can play well enough from goal on out to land a spot.
The only issue is that Forsberg and Ullmark are good friends and had been before he came to Ottawa. It’s business but…something to consider
George, I`m not sure how highly regarded Mads Soogard is in Ottawa right now, but I`m sure I`d want to have Merilainen backing up Ullmark for the rest of the season. Merilainen needs to play as much as possible at this point of his career. I agree moving Forsberg to clear up cap space makes sense, but I`m not sure having Merilainen on the bench is a good idea. If Soogard can handle the bench warming, he might be a better choice to backup Ullmark. I believe both are still waiver exempt so calling up Merilainen to play a couple of games is still an option too for Ottawa
It should`ve said, I`m not sure I`d want Merilainen backing up Ullmark
Yeah, that did cross my mind, Yogi. Just that Forsberg and his cap hit ($2,750,000) is really the only realistic option Staios has to free up enough cap space to combine with what he has at hand with which to then deal for someone like Donato using a picks/prospect combination.
As for Sogaard, for whatever reason his progress as an eventual and viable NHL goalie hit a brick wall last season, and hasn’t shown any sign of turning around since – either in Ottawa or Belleville.
If all that I lay out ever did come to pass I believe Merilainen would get at least a good third of the 21 games they have left to play.
Would Rantanen sign in STL? A deal around Kyrou for the Canes?
I think he will go to July as ufa regardless of who signs him.
=Canes have to ride him and hope for the best…
Trade Kyrou for Rantanen then watch Mikko go to UFA in a couple of months? Really?
@brian
any Rantanen trade for a player like Kyrou would need to come with him agreeing to extend
i should of added that
Elsewhere I have pointed out that, as of right now, there are just 6 teams east and west with no realistic chance of making the playoffs, so it’s safe to assume that, if ANY teams are involved in deals tomorrow, it will include some or all of these 6 – which I have expanded to include Boston as a 7th since so many of their fans are convinced they are prepared to toss in the towel.
Listed for each are their pending UFAs, their main positions and expiring cap hits. Of course, deals could also included players under contract, but for this exercise I’m just focusing on the UFAs. Which, if any, do any of you see being moved:
San Jose: rs c Luke Kunin – $2,750,000; ls – c Nico Sturm – $2,000,000; RD Jan Rutta – $2,750,000; LD Jimmy Schuldt – $800,000; G Alexander Georgiev $910,000
Nashville: LD Andreas Englund – $1,000,000; LD Marc DelGaizo – $775,000
Buffalo: LW Jason Zucker – $5,000,000; RD Henri Jokiharju – $3,100,000; LD Jacob Bryson – $900,000; LD Dennis Gilbert – $825,000
Chicago: ls – c Andreas Athanasiou – $4,250,000; ls – c Ryan Donato – $2,000,000; LW Pat Maroon – $1,300,000; rs – c Craig Smith – $1,000,000; LD Alec Martinez – $4,000,000
Pittsburgh: ls – c Anthony Beauvillier – $1,250,000; LW Bokondji Imama – $775,000; LD Matt Grzelcyk – $2,750,000; LD Ryan Shea – $775,000
Seattle: LW Brandon Tanev – $3,500,000; ls – c Michael Eyssimont – $800,000; LD Josli Mahura $775,000
Boston: ls – c Nrad March and – $6,125,000; rs – c Patrick Brown – $800,000; LW Riley Tufte – $775,000; rs – c Vinni Lettieri – $775,000; LW Coile Koepke – $775,000; RW Justin Brazeau – $775,000; LD Paker Wotherspoon – $800,000
Brad Marchand … sheesh
I agree, if available, many might be rentals whose return might be underwhelming if dealt alone. Package them another asset or two, can be helpful and hopefully a good hockey trade for all.
Well, at least one of the above has been dealt so far – Nico Sturm and a 7th Rd pick from San Jose to Florida for a 2026 4th Rod pick
Another, Andrias Athanasiou, has been sent to AHL Rockford by Chicago.
I see, too, that the Leafs have again placed Ryan Reaves on waivers – be interesting to see if some team needing muscle picks him up this time.
Parayko out six weeks minimum after knee surgery let the Blues fire sale commence. Schenn you are going to Toronto and after Woll’s pitiful performance last night include Binnington and let’s have a blockbuster.
Wow Woll has a bad game and you think Toronto needs to make a goalie trade. The best trade scenario here is that you keep Schenn and Binnington and we keep Woll and the cap works for us. Plus it keeps Stolarz happy
The thing is, Brindamour’s book doesn’t match with Rantanen, who wants more minutes (like in Col) and more offensive play. And Brindamour had just five yrs extension, so…
Reilly Smith back to Vegas. Brisson and a 3rd back to Rangers. NYR have done a good job of clearing out pending ufa’s that weren’t expected back. Now what. They’re in playoff hunt with 1 day left till deadline. Maybe make a play for Boeser if they can agree on an extension? Feel like they’re overloaded with bottom 6 forwards and 3rd pair dmen. 2 big games this weekend vs CBJ and Ott.
Soucy to NY for a 3rd. I’m trying to figure out if Drury is going for it or waiving the white flag. I’d have to guess a lefty d-man is in the way out? Miller hopefully?
Dehaan ? He looked like crap against Washington.