Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025
Check out the latest on the Flames, Rangers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
WHAT WILL THE FLAMES DO THIS OFF-SEASON?
CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin believes Rasmus Andersson’s future will be the biggest news for Flames fans to track this summer. The 28-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)
Flames general manager Craig Conroy can sign Andersson to an extension starting on July 1. However, both sides admit there’s a little uncertainty right now, but they will meet at some point to discuss the blueliner’s future.
Wes Gilbertson observed that this is a familiar spot for Conroy. He faced a similar decision with Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin. Those three were traded last season when they couldn’t reach an agreement on new contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames don’t have to trade Andersson this summer if they don’t get a new deal hammered out. However, moving him might be better than having the uncertainty over his future become an unnecessary distraction next season.
Andersson will have considerable value in this summer’s trade market, especially from teams that lose out in the bidding for the top free-agent defensemen.
Conroy didn’t rule out making a splash in this summer’s free-agent market but will continue to take a patient approach to building a contender. He also didn’t take the possibility of an offer sheet off the table.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have two first-round picks and two third-round picks in next year’s draft. They also have over $32 million in cap space for 2025-26. Conroy can afford to sign one or two unrestricted free agents or sign a restricted free agent from a rival team to an offer sheet. However, just because he can doesn’t necessarily mean he will.
WHO ARE SOME POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE RANGERS?
NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at some early candidates to replace Peter Laviolette, who was fired as head coach of the Rangers on Friday.
If the opportunity arises, Rangers GM Chris Drury could try to pry away Mike Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan has said he’s with the Penguins for the long haul, but who knows what will happen after they missed the playoffs for the third straight year.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan has two years remaining on his contract. Last week, he said he intends to remain with the Penguins.
Others on her proposed list include Boston Bruins assistant coach Jay Leach, Boston University coach Jay Pandolfo, former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, University of Denver coach David Carle, Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Marc Savard, former Rangers coach John Tortorella, and former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. The Blueshirts weren’t interested in Quenneville the last time they went through the hiring process.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see who Drury brings in as Laviolette’s replacement.
There’s no indication that the Penguins will give Sullivan the axe, and it’s unlikely they’ll hire Quenneville (because of his baggage) or bring back the combative Tortorella.
Carle has frequently surfaced as a coaching candidate, but may be reluctant to leave his current position. If he does, it might be to join a team with young players that he can mold into a winning roster.
Winner of the Jack Adams Award last season, Tocchet could become the best choice if available. However, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only team interested in his services.
LATEST SABRE SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at some offseason questions for the Sabres after another year outside the playoff picture.
What the path looked like for their restricted free agents was among those questions. Fairburn observed that the threat of an offer sheet looms for forward JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram. He thinks a long-term deal for Peterka could be worth at least $7 million per season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That number for Peterka is close to the $6.6 million projected by Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.
The Sabres have $21.4 million in cap space for next season, so they can afford to match offer sheets for Peterka and Bowen. That’s assuming they’ll spend to the cap. However, the cost of doing so could complicate efforts to bolster their roster.
Fairburn doesn’t rule out the possibility of another core player getting traded. If so, it could be one of their restricted free agents or a player under contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trade wouldn’t be for draft picks and prospects. Like the Byram-for-Mittelstadt and the Norris-for-Cozens swaps, they’ll want a comparable NHL player in return.
Sullivan to rags for a promise they use their 1st rounder this year.
Sullivan to any other team is good for us.
At this point in time He’s not a retool (or rebuild) coach and his hyperactive and spasmodic game in game out line and D-combo changes is not only NOT working; it’s been highly detrimental to our success
His choice of who to sit, when to sit and TOI for bottom 9 and D-men has not been good at all
We need a new face behind the bench
Gallant, Quenville , or Woodcroft would definitely improve our outlook in 25/26
Sullivan’s contract runs out with Sid’s. and thats how i see it playing out
I absolutely hope you are wrong
Sid has given everything to this franchise and he’s battled hard through 3 non playoff years
He was promised (so that he would re-up) that the team would be made better
Without some big offseason changes AND Sully staying; zero chance for Sid to play another playoff game ever again…. As a Penguin!!
Change must happen
New face at the helm would be a good first step in the retool/rebuild(??)
On Peterka, I would give Fairburn more credence than Lysowski especially since 7 mil seems like the Sabres favorite contract number. All Lysowski did was take cap wages estimate on a 6 yr contract.
Watched Peterka’s locker clean out interview and wasn’t really impressed with his attitude, can’t put a finger on it but he just didn’t seem as committed as the rest. So do I think he would sign an offer sheet I say yes.
I think he can be a 35-40 goal scorer but his defence leaves a lot to desired, makes the same mistakes as he did as a rookie…but I would still keep him.
How to play the defensive side of the game can be a learned quality …. how to score goals cannot.
George I agree but the player has to want to learn…He’s been in the league 3 years now and there are things he did in year 1 and 2 that he continued to do in year 3.
He continues to get caught watching the play in his own end when the puck is in the corner on the opposite side and the D slips in behind him for a clear shot at the net. That’s my primary example. But again as I said I’d keep him.
LEN, I know not everyone gives much credence to individual plus/minus … but it is indicative of something.
Two seasons back he was a minus 15 on a team that was, collectively, minus 4 – so, room for improvement.
Last season he was a plus 10 on a team that was +2 overall – so indicative of some measure of improvement.
This season he was a minus 1 on a team that, collectively, fell back to minus 20.
Yes, there is a myriad of game factors that contribute to those stats 5 on 5 – not the least of which is the goalie – I get that, but in the case of an individual player the best indicator is how he performs in that regard in relation to the overall stats. And his are not bad in comparison to others.
If Lafreniere can get over 7 mil, I think Peterka could. Problem with offer sheet is if he really wants out, he needs to make it clear. Otherwise, he risks Buffalo matching. I want to hear Dahlin wants out!
Oilers should find the cap space to offer sheet Peterka, his speed could fill the void after Holloway left
Easy match by Kevyn Adams. Oilers problem remains unresolved.
I’d like to see Rangers promote 1 of their remaining assistants. Peca is the name guy who I think will want to eventually be a head coach. Muse is a 3x asst. Has head coaching time with USA development team. Has experience working with younger guys.
Peca could find his way back to the Sabres as an assistant coach.
Lindy Ruff’s coaching change should see changes with assistant coaches Matt Ellis and Marty Wilford departing.
Peca was an assistant coach for Rochester from 2021 to 2023 before joining the Rangers. Players for Rochester at the time are now playing for Buffalo.
As I have said, Tocchet to Rangers
Buffalo should do a Norris for Pettersson trade, both have a sell low sign, both have bounce back potential. Pettersson has a higher cap but has also shown more and has a higher ceiling.
So your solution to the Miller- Pettersson drama is to get rid of both guys.
Not sure how that helps the Canucks.
Has Flyers decided on coach for next year? Think Tochett better fit there. Not sure how I feel about him in NY.
flyers wish list would be Sullivan then Tocchet. Not sure either is a good choice for the team, seeing as we have very lil elite talent.
The fact that Sacco hasn’t been fired yet by the Bruins is quite troubling. He should have gotten the Jerrod Mayo treatment. Don’t know what Cam and Sweeney are waiting for?