NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 29, 2025
The Maple Leafs and Golden Knights discuss a sign-and-trade scenario for Mitch Marner, updates on Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad and Vladislav Gavrikov, and notable news from the second day of the draft in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
LEAFS AND GOLDEN KNIGHTS DISCUSS “SIGN-AND-TRADE” FOR MARNER
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights were in ongoing talks regarding a potential “sign-and-trade” scenario for Mitch Marner. The 28-year-old right wing is expected to test the unrestricted free-agent market when it begins on July 1.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
Dreger reported the talks could carry over into Sunday. He indicated there was more work to be done in terms of the return for Toronto. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the Leafs would prefer to get something for Marner rather than lose him to free agency for nothing, but declined to comment about the speculation linking the winger to the Golden Knights.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported the Leafs were believed to be asking for forward Nicolas Roy and defenseman Nicolas Hague in return for Marner’s rights.
THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger looks at what this trade would mean for the Golden Knights, particularly their salary-cap payroll.
Assuming Marner receives an average annual value (AAV) between $12 million and $14 million, the Golden Knights would have over $80 million invested in their top-10 player, leaving little room under the $95.5 million cap to fill out the rest of the roster.
Granger noted there were questions about the health of Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. If he lands on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), it would free up his $8.8 million cap hit, leaving the Golden Knights with around $17.4 million before acquiring Marner. It would be a tight squeeze adding Marner, another defenseman, and another forward, but it could be doable.
Nevertheless, this scenario would leave the Golden Knights’ roster more top-heavy and would come at the expense of their roster depth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Marner would make them a more powerful offensive team, but it would come at the expense of their defense. Their pursuit of big-name talent has hurt their overall depth, which explains why they haven’t repeated as Stanley Cup champions over the last two seasons.
As for the Leafs, getting two established NHL players for a star who is heading to free agency would be a good return that helps them defensively. However, it wouldn’t replace the offense that Marner brought to the club over the past nine years.
UPDATES ON MARCHAND, EKBLAD AND GAVRIKOV
NHL.COM: Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito remains focused on trying to sign pending UFAs Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad before the free-agent market opens on Tuesday. On Friday, the Panthers announced that center Sam Bennett signed an eight-year contract extension.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have $11 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract for next season. Marchand reportedly seeks a raise over the $6.13 million AAV of his previous deal. Ekblad could accept a pay cut from the $7.5 million of his former deal, but the contract term is reportedly the sticking point in his negotiations.
MAYOR’S MANOR: John Hoven reports Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said it looks like Vladislav Gavrikov is heading to market on July 1. Holland said he’s had several talks with the 29-year-old defenseman’s agent over the past week.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov has been linked to the New York Rangers in the rumor mill. I’ll have more about that in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
NOTABLE NEWS FROM THE SECOND DAY OF THE 2025 NHL DRAFT
THE SCORE: The San Jose Sharks chose Simon Wang with the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, making Oshawa Generals defenseman the highest-drafted Chinese player in NHL history.
NHL.COM: Ten current or committed NCAA Division 1 players were chosen during the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. It’s the third-most in college hockey history and the most since 2016.
For the first time in 38 years, at least 20 Canadian-born players were chosen in the opening round.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the complete list of every pick made in the 2025 NHL Draft.
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois is trying to trade top prospect Isaac Howard but hasn’t found a deal yet that satisfies both sides.
Howard is the 2025 winner of the Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy as the top player in US college hockey. However, the 21-year-old Michigan State University winger hasn’t agreed to an entry-level NHL contract with the Lightning, preferring the option to choose which team he’ll sign with.
If unsigned by next August, Howard will become an unrestricted free agent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: BriseBois might have to wait until next year’s trade deadline to find a suitable offer.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin recently underwent surgery for an upper-body injury. He could be sidelined for the start of the 2025-26 schedule in October.
STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed goaltender Joel Hofer to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.4 million. He was slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: So much for Hofer becoming an offer-sheet target this summer.
WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a two-year, $1.9 million contract extension.
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: The Penguins acquired defenseman Connor Clifton and a 2025 second-round pick (39th overall) from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defensemen Conor Timmins and Isaac Beliveau.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Declan Chisholm and the 180th pick in this year’s draft from the Wild in exchange for blueliner Chase Priskie and pick No. 123.
Are Maple Leafs getting greedy with return for Marner sign and trade? Is the sign and trade 8 years deal? Because isn’t 8 years deal, why would Golden Knights wait for two days? Who else leaving the Golden Knights get under the cap?
Penguins drafted 13 players. Next season added around 3.3 million with Connor Clifford trade. Heard he does hit, is he worth contract 3.3 million?
Clifton will be a fan fave as he does throw some good checks. But not worth current salary IMHO. Has a few to many defensive mind farts. He won’t move the needle forward to back
The Penguins’ defensemen corps needs improvement.
Depth at right defense is thin. Clifton will provide depth presently on the third pairing.
Left defense should be better with Graves and Pickering as the two top LD. Grzelcyk is not returning.
If the Penguins can find buyers for Karlsson with some salary retained, they can make necessary investments
Knight, I know I’ve been adamant that any suggestion of a return to Ottawa of Eric Karlsson – under any scenario – is just out of the question, having used “that ship has sailed” several times. But with each passing day as we get closer to UFA action and no resolvement of the Claude Giroux situation, I’m beginning to wonder if that could be in the cards.
Of course, with $9,251,786 now in cap reserve following the acquisition of Spence, and still with RFA Merilainen to re-up and a couple of more spots to fill, the trade would need Pittsburgh to withhold 50% of Karlsson’s $10 mil cap hit, which has 2 seasons to go. And from the Penguin’s perspective, since freeing up $5 mil in cap space would be the goal, the return would be limited. It would also necessitate Staios dealing RD Artem Zub and his $4.6 mil cap hit (2 seasons to go – then a UFA) to ANOTHER team to cover the cost of Karlsson.
Pure spitballing on my part – and I stress as a fan I wouldn’t be thrilled to see Karlsson back for whatever that’s worth – lol – but it does present some intriguing possibilities on the pairings and right side
Sanderson – Karlsson
Chabot – Spence
Kleven – Matinpalo
with Jensen filling the 7th D role when he gets back and until he gets into prime seasonal shape. To start, Yakemchuk would get some important AHL seasoning in Belleville.
George
To me, Pens MUST retain 50% more on Karllsson; no matter who the trade partner is
I’ve maintained all along that IF (huge IF) Dumbyity Dumb Dumb finally does retain the necessary 50%, that the return would be
A you current early 20s NHLer under contract
AND
An NHL ready promising prospect (under contract) who is expected to play in the NHL this year
With that in mind; AND of course setting aside that you personally wouldn’t want it to happen; what does Staois have in the roster and in the cupboard to offer (IF he chose to go that route) that fits the above suggested return?
Again, not what you would pay; and not whether they should do the move; but just what is actually owned by Sens ; that fits those 2 parameters.
Not asking for speculation; just what is owned by Sens that fits those two asset descriptors
All I can say, 8787 is that, under those terms, there’s no point in speculating since it would never happen.
As far as this observer/fan is concerned, Pittsburgh would need to look at it as a $5 mil salary/cap dump, with a limited return.
If we are to believe all the chatter over recent months, Dubas has been trying to move him for a while, and if that sort of return was seen as fair for a D who will be 37 when his contract expires. it would already have happened.
Looks to me like he’s there until at least trade deadline day of his final season.
You might me correct George, but what I was asking is; which assets in the Sens system (NHL roster and in Sens system ) fit EACH of these 2 categories(Again, NOT asking what you’d give up; I know that’s ZERO; just asking what Sens have, I’m not familiar so much with the Sens overall assets):
1) A current early 20s Sens NHLer under contract
And
2) a Sens NHL ready promising prospect (under contract) who is expected to play in the NHL this year
NOTE : again, I’m NOT asking your opinion of a trade; just asking which Sens assets fit the two above Categories
The two who would fit that description would be
Ridley Greig
Carter Yakemchuk
Thanks
I don’t know anything about Yaremchuck; I’ll look him up
I’ve seen Greig play only a few times. My memory of that was speedy slight guy; with good hands
I believe Toronto has Vegas in the ropes , as per tampering !
Vegas has no other alternative than to try and be amicable
I get the 8th year helping the cap hit. But agree Speed kills why not wait 2 days and trade the 2 guys mentioned for picks and prospects . Vegas does need to build there farm system back up again this could help a bit
Yogi had the answer yesterday:
“Bissenette says Vegas is being investigated for tampering concerning Marner, might explain the sudden interest in a sign and trade, if that’s true. Also Bissenette says Marchand has a deal in place with Toronto and yes the NHL is investigatlng that too.”
Thanks Johnny I did read that yesterday. Maybe to many pops last night lol
Bissonette claiming Golden Knights tampering for Marner – don’t believe he has case! Last summer strong rumor Maple Leafs and Golden Knights trade discussion for Marner. During that time do you think Marner got word idea new contract from the Golden Knights? Before past trade deadline strong rumor three way trade involving Maple Leafs trading Marner to Golden Knights. Apparently Marner didn’t block the trade. Again, during this time do you believe Marner got word details new contract from the Golden Knights? How is this tampering? Who does Bissonette think he is? As long as Golden Knights find cap space, Marner will play for Golden Knights.
One thing on that rumoured 3 way trade, Marner didn’t get to talk to Carolina about a contract. Vegas was there in case Carolina couldn’t sign Marner. So, did Marner even know Vegas might be involved, doubtful, because if Vegas was there at the start. Then why didn’t Vegas just talk directly to Toronto about a trade and if Marner knew he was going to sign with Vegas, why did Marner say that it may take till the middle of july for him to decide where he was going. There’s another rumour that Darche discussed a sign and trade with Toronto before Vegas. Rumours galore, cheaper by the dozen
Yogi, add-on to rumors:
Summer 2024 rumor – Maple Leafs wanted Shea Theodore. Golden Knights declined and signed Theodore new 7 year contract. This rumor starting point Golden Knights wanted Marner.
Before past trade deadline, Mikko Rantenan quickly wanted out of Carolina. Rumor trade Hurricanes send Rantenan to Maple Leafs for Marner. Marner declined. Because Marner declined why would he want talk new contract with Hurricanes?
Also, before past trade deadline, three team trade rumor: Hurricanes trade Rantanen to Maple Leafs, Maple Leafs trade Marner to Golden Knights, Golden Knights trade ??? to Hurricanes. Rumor deal didn’t happen because Hurricanes didn’t like return and rumor Hurricanes wanted Theodore. Real deal Rantenan traded to Stars.
Weeks ago heard Marner wants play for Panthers or Golden Knights. At least twice rumors Golden Knights want Marner – Clear Match. Few days ago reports Marner and his wife looking for house in Vegas.
As far as making decision two weeks later, maybe Marner being polite or maybe just in case exploring options.
Treliving, nor Marner, never mentioned Vegas at the TDL. Treliving was asked if any contracts were discussed and he said no none. Rantanen said he gave Carolina a list of 4 teams he’d accept a trade to and be willing to resign with. Odd that Carolina would be mentioned, but not Vegas. Even odder that Vegas didn’t try to deal directly with Toronto at the TDL and there was zero evidence to show that they did try. Marner may well end up in Vegas and another reason for a possible sign and trade deal is the changes in the new cba. No 8 year deals and a 60% cap on the signing bonuses. Another point nobodies talking about is Eichel’s new deal. If Vegas signs Marner, that will probably be the starting point of discussion for Eichel’ next deal. Bissenette’s point is, if nobody had permission to discuss contract with Marner or Rantanen, then how does Marner know what the deal will be. If Marner does know, then there’s your tampering and oddly last week Bettman issued another warning about tampering. Not saying Marner won’t end up in Vegas, I just think it won’t happen the way the rumours have it
If they do find tampering, take away a 1st round pick. They did that to Ottawa for something a lot less than tampering … rank stupidity on the part of Dorion and his staff … and, unlike tampering, there’s no cure for stupidity.
They get nailed once for tampering … I doubt they ever do it again.
Bruins…could Pasta be available and the Panthers be interested ?
Joe.
I believe that to be 100% click bait. What would panthers be giving up to get pasta?
They gave no 1sts for next couple years. No hi end prospects. I looked at their line up and could mix match a trade Maybe you have an idea
Don’t shoot the messenger… you google it you’ll find it ..
I did. The “report” is two days old and cites a Czech sports media outlet. No one in the mainstream media (Dreger, Friedman, LeBrun, Kypreos, Brooks, etc) have picked up on it. I doubt they even know that it exists. The Panthers don’t have the cap space or the tradeable assets to pull this off without getting extremely creative, assuming Pastrnak is willing to waive his NMC or the Bruins are even the slightest bit interested in trading him.
I hate it when some hack writer comes up with ridiculousness like a Pasta trade to Florida and then someone else copies it and suddenly it is a rumor. Unfair to real fans who want real information/ruors.
Yardbarker carried the Rumor
They cited a two-day old “rumor” from a blog that appeared in a Czech Media outlet. If the Panthers were actually pursuing Pastrnak, this would be all over the MSM right now.
The Panthers would like to re-sign Marchand and Ekblad. One of the two will probably go to free agency. So how will they be able to fit Pasta’s $11mil salary under the cap? Which players would go to bruins?
Kent Nilsson,Boston just drafted 2 young centers. Hagens has a much higher ceiling than Poitras. They have to look at Middlestadt because of his contract. They have to decide what to do with Minton and Zacha as well as Kastellac and Beecher. I don’t t see any room for him. I wonder why the Bruins didn t bring him up at the end of last year when they threw in the towel?
Joe,I could honestly see the Bruins trade for Nazim Kadri as center help. Zacha has been mentioned often and he could go the other way. Kadri s contract has 2-3 more years then slide Hagens in the top 6 and play Lindholm as a 2-3 line center.I know they want to go young but this could help them bridge their next wave of prospects and get an outside chance of making the playoffs. Middlestadt and Poitras can be moved in this scenario.
I dont see Poitras moving as he is one of their better young players
Ottawa should look at trading Zub and Perron.
Anyone know how or why Malcolm Spence fell so far in the draft?
Every mock draft out there had him going in the 1st round between 16-22? He was ranked as high as 10th overall earlier this year.
Just curious why he fell to 43rd overall?
Like to see both Tkachuks be Boston Bruins … make it happen Sweeney …
Boy, you’re on a roll today, Joe – LOL – but even though it has about as much chance of happening as Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan getting an NHL franchise, it’s a doozy.
George O. agree 😂 Joe is on a roll today.
OMG,
Boston franchise is moving to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan?
I can say that without stuttering or walking 500 miles.
Lol.. it’s for you
Trolling much?
NHL Stars in their 20’s do get traded there’s a long list of them
Yeeaah … but Sweeney ain’t no magician.
Joe: Of course NHL stars in their 20s get traded. Nobody said they don’t. What isn’t happening is Pastrnak getting traded to the Panthers for the reasons we previously mentioned.
George, Giroux 1 year 2 million. He must of caught the Tavares bug
As I had hoped in a post a day or so ago, Yogi.
I see Knies signed 6×7.75, again a little less than they thought and they bought 2 years of UFA. No bresakdown of the contract yet. That leaves about 14 million 5 spots to fillĺ
Good signing … puts to rest that offer-sheet crap. Only RFAs now to finalize are Robertson and Holmberg.
Do you think they’ll re-up UFAs Pacioretty and Lorentz for one more season?
At first Pacioretty said he was packing it in, but I guess now he wants to come back. Robertson is the only question mark I think. They’ll all be cheap signings. If Vegas gets nailed for tampering, the cost will be a lot more than a first. They may void any contract between Marner and Vegas and fines to boot
Giroux really wanted to stay i. Ottawa. Staios is a shrewd GM and would not be swayed by sentiment.
This deal gets them both what they want. And a bonus laden contract can really get the most out of players.
I like it. If it had been Dorion, we would have had 5M a year for 4 years full NMC
Agree totally re Staois. And I think we’ll see a bit more of that.
Until Jensen gets back, the RD position can be held in the early going by Zub, Spence and Matinpalo with Yakemchuk, and Thomson in the wings for early injury call-ups. It’s risky, but with 18 signed and needing to fill 5 spots, all he has now is $8,194,286, and if he truly intends to leave around $1.5 in the cap kitty as wiggle-room that cuts him down to about $6.7 to do it.
Cousins could probably be re-upped to $1.2 and Merilainen signed to a bridge of around $1.8 leaving $3.7 to sign 3.
He might be able to get by with one lesser UFA signing and 2 ELC call-ups … but that’s not an ideal option, hence one more trad. The question is, who?
I definitely cannot even pretend to know what Staios plans haha
With the cap rising and projected to rise more, pundits and fans were expecting or feared outlandish contract increases.
Interestingly it hasn’t happened yet, contracts across the board have been signed for less than expected.
Will UFA signings follow the trend?
It will be interesting.