NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2025
Which players could be traded this summer? Could Wild center Marco Rossi, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas and Kings defenseman Jordan Spence be among them? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHICH PLAYERS COULD BE TRADED THIS SUMMER?
THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary recently listed 10 players he believes could be traded during the NHL off-season.
William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights topped his list, though he subsequently cited reports indicating they’re not shopping the 29-year-old center this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson made the list because of recent media speculation over which players the Golden Knights might trade in a cost-cutting deal.
Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues and Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild were next on O’Leary’s list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheen seemed a potential trade candidate after he surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to the March deadline. His full no-trade clause drops to a modified NTC on July 1. However, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic recently indicated the Blues’ biggest need was adding depth at center. As a result, they could hang onto him for next season.
Rossi completed his entry-level contract, making him a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He and the Wild are believed to be at an impasse in negotiations. The 23-year-old center is reportedly seeking a contract comparable to teammate Matt Boldy’s seven-year, $49 million deal, putting him at risk of becoming a trade or offer-sheet candidate.
Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)
However, The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe trading Rossi wouldn’t be in the Wild’s best interest.
The best replacement for him via free agency was Brock Nelson, and he recently signed an extension with the Colorado Avalanche. Toronto’s John Tavares, Florida’s Sam Bennett, and Ottawa’s Claude Giroux all hope to re-sign with their current clubs. Jonathan Toews is 37 and mounting a comeback, while the Wild aren’t believed to be interested in Matt Duchene.
Pickings are also slim in the trade market. It’s believed the Vancouver Canucks want to retain Elias Pettersson, the New York Islanders aren’t interested in moving Bo Horvat or Mathew Barzal, and the Seattle Kraken will likely hang onto Jared McCann. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad and the Calgary Flames’ Nazem Kadri have full no-movement clauses.
Unless something changes in either market, the Wild will have to continue working with the Rossi camp to hammer out some kind of deal before July 1 to avoid a rival club tempting him with an offer sheet.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and winger JJ Peterka were fourth and fifth on the list. Both are restricted free agents, with Byram carrying arbitration rights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabre management is reluctant to part with either player, but it’s believed they would trade Byram if he’d fetch a scoring forward or a top-four, right-shot defenseman.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault are sixth and seventh.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson and the Flames reportedly started contract talks this week. The 28-year-old blueliner is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, and can sign an extension with the Flames as early as July 1.
The Flames could move Andersson if he proves too expensive to retain. However, they don’t have to rush into doing so, and could retain him for next season if they don’t find any suitable trade offers during the summer.
Marchessault is said to be open to a trade after a disappointing season with the Predators. However, his age (34) and the remaining four years on his contract (with an average annual value of $5.5 million) could make him a tough sell.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, and Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Morgan Rielly round out this list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s production has dropped off over the past two seasons. The Penguins will have to retain a big chunk of their share ($10 million) of his $11.5 million AAV to facilitate a trade for the 34-year-old.
Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill over the past two offseasons. He has two years left on his deal with an AAV of $6.4 million. Maybe the Ducks retain half of that cap hit to entice a rival club to take the 31-year-old netminder off their hands.
Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman noticeably declined this season. He’s got a full no-movement clause with five years left on his contract at an AAV of $7.5 million. Good luck moving him.
THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON, ELIAS PETTERSSON, MARTIN NECAS AND JORDAN SPENCE
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes everything that was reported about the possibility of the Dallas Stars being willing to listen to trade offers for Jason Robertson was true. However, a source recently told him that they were “dialing this back a little.”
Part of the reason for the trade speculation surrounding Robertson was attributable to the Stars’ shock over their loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, particularly in the final game. Friedman believes they let it be known that they would be considering some options.
If Robertson gets traded, Friedman thinks it’ll be for a “great player” or to recoup what they gave up to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Mikko Rantanen trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Dallas Morning News reports the Stars aren’t prioritizing trading Robertson, adding that the reports were “completely overblown”.
Friedman believed Robertson’s future with the Stars could depend on what he seeks in his next contract. The 25-year-old winger is a year away from becoming an RFA with arbitration rights, and would be UFA-eligible in 2027 unless signed to a long-term deal.
Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks will only trade Elias Pettersson if it addresses their problem at center. The 26-year-old Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. He also noted that the center returned from Sweden to meet with new head coach Adam Foote, which was appreciated by Canucks management.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s hefty contract (signed through 2031-32, $11.6 million AAV) and the troubling decline in his performance last season will likely ensure he remains with the Canucks even if they were willing to move him.
Recent Colorado Avalanche speculation suggests they could consider trading Martin Necas to free up some cap space. However, Friedman dismissed the idea, saying he doesn’t believe they necessarily have to free up cap room, and isn’t sure the Avs feel they need to.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have $1.2 million available for 2025-26 with 19 active roster players under contract. However, Logan O’Connor ($2.5 million AAV) is out for at least five months following hip surgery. He’s likely headed for long-term injury reserve to start the season.
Friedman speculated that Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence could be someone worth watching in the trade market. He thinks the Kings don’t feel that there is room for Spence and Brandt Clarke on the right side of their blueline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spence has a year left on his contract worth an affordable $1.2 million. Given the need for right-shot defensemen around the league, the 24-year-old could be a valuable trade chip for the Kings.
If history is any criterion you can bet on one thing … a trade (or two) will emerge involving significant players not ever considered by anyone.
So true! What is different this year in my opinion, there are a lot more buyers than sellers. The pendulum has seemed to swing to the other side. So I think we will see who is a good GM and who is questionable…
All said, teams needing to make a move will probably have to make a big deal involving several players.
Pageau (half salary) and Duclair and a 4th for Rossi
Since the Wild seem to be using Rossi in their bottom 6, Pageau is a good placeholder for the time being. Duclair gets away from Roy.
I would give Duke away for a bag of pucks. I wish I could walk away from my job after being told I did not get it done and still get paid.My boss would laugh at me before he fired me. Unreal.Welcome to 2025.
The difference Pete is you can quit any time you want, and work anywhere you want that will hire you. The #1 reason employees leave, good or bad, is they don’t like their boss.
We don’t know what went on between the 2 of them.
Laf+Schneider for Peterka+Byram.
Buffalo needs a top 4 righthanded D. Rangers need left. Lafy is a playmaker to balance the shooters on Buffalo. Rangers need the shoot first Peterka energy.
win win
DS – the only way Buffalo trades Petreka, is if he forces the team to do so. They don’t want to deal him.
ds. Peterka and Byram both need new contracts. How much? Schneider has a year left at 2.2 mil. Can’t see swapping him and creating a hole on right side. Byram and Peterka have smaller sample sizes, even though all 4 are basically same ages. 23/24. Peterka had good offensive numbers but had 18 pp points to Lafs 4. Laf playing off wing due to logjam on left side. Even with Kreider now gone, would you put Peterka in top 6 at LW ahead of Cuylle? Can he play RW? Peterka shoot 1st, but Laf the more grittier player. 119 hits to Peterka 30. I think if I was trading Laf, I’d want a young center like Rossi, or a top pair LD to play with Fox. Not sure Byram that guy. Also, saw today Drury talking to Jones camp on extension.
@Slick
look up the Peterka highlights . he motors around and finds openings. I would prefer to keep #13 and add Peterka somehow. I believe he wants a bit of money which is the contract issue per usual.
also Schneider is slotted for 3rd pairing or to play his offside. I like him too but trying to improve the left side and a player who can move the puck around.
@slick
moving Mika or Panarin would help the cap and the future. Panarin could still have a few more 90-100 point seasons but is he resigning next summer?
Cuylle-Miller-Zib
Laf-Tro-Peterka
Othmann-McLeod-Perreault
Edstrom-Carrick-Rempe
Panarin would never agree to Buffalo… but….
ds. I like Peterka. And I’d love if Panarin would waive nmc to go somewhere. But for now, I’m not sure I’d swap Laf for JJ. I really wanted Eichel back when he was in Buffalo. There were stories they didn’t want him in NY. Not sure that thinking doesn’t still exist.
Peterka, Byram + 9OA for Robertson or 1OA.
3rd pairing RHD not worth trading JJ or Byram.
Come on Wally, such a deal would require so much more to come back to the Sabres. Byram is a top 4 dman, Peterka a top 6 winger and #9?
Sabres would never ask for Panarin, they are already top 10 in offense. It is the defense that needs improving.
Schneider should be a 2nd
pair top 4 guy for the next decade. The Rangers signed Borgen so they have 2 guys for the 2nd pair. They are also considering playing Schneider on his off side. He can be physical too
byram straight for schneider is close imho
DS I think Byram for Schneider would be a good deal for both sides
Try again, Patty.
The asking price on Robertson will be extremely high given the demand. Well worth an overpay based on his offensive and relatively decent defensive stats per evolving hockey.
Everyone in the 716 knows Peterka can’t defend for his life, and Terry won’t trade him to NY as he is a personal favorite.
ds, in that deal the Rangers, with $14,922,142 and still 7 RFAs to re-up, would be trading away $9,650,000 in cap space for two players who are also RFAs and both seeking top $$$ – certainly combined a way way more than $9 mil and change
Rossi’s camp can’t be using Boldy as a comparable . He is faster bigger way more physical & aggressive . Above all a goal scorer. Having said that Guerin is not giving Rossi away. He will let him rot first.
Will there be a lot of trades with the draft being decentralized ?
SilverSeven
If Boldy were a FA he’d be getting more than he’s getting currently. Rossi could get same deal but it’s not saying he’s as good as Boldy, just salaries have gone up past 2 years.
doubt the Avs trade Necas, more likely they trade Charlie Coyle’s $3M AAV, to free space space. A low cap hit like that should generate a decent return
Coyle makes $5,250,000
Climbing back on my hobby-horse, I’d be happy to have Rossi in Montreal.
He’s considered small but he’s a dog on the puck, built like a fire truck and has smooth hands.
He’d thrive under MSL coaching who’d let him loose, probably becoming a ppg player as a 2C.
I don’t know what it would take to get him since Guerin is following in the footsteps of other former players turned GM of knocking a player down, seemingly lowering their value.
He’s too small, he’s dropped to 4th line…..so what do you want for him?
HF30. I agree that Rossi would be an improvement over what we have now at 2C. My problem with him is that rumours are suggesting that he is looking for a 7x$7 million dollar extension. That’s where my interest wanes.
Completely agree. The size issue can be properly addressed with appropriate wingers. 7 M for 7 years is a bet I’d be willing to make.
7x$7 million is a counter offer to a team that doesn’t appear to value him and relegated him to 4th line despite his production.
What would he want as a Hab?
Hughes has shown an ability to make players happy with team friendly contracts.
If Rossi buys into the culture set in Montreal by Hughes and Gorton money won’t be a problem.
HF30. Why do you think they don’t value him? Coaches usually ice the lineup that they think will win so maybe they see something in his game that warrants him being demoted to the 4th line. Chicago certainly saw something in Dach that made him expendable and Colorado gave up on Newhook. Both Dach and Newhook were 1st round picks and both organizations gave up on them and to date, those organizations seemed to have made the right move. Again, I like Rossi as he is an improvement over what we got but I’d like him more in a 2-3yr/ $4-5 million bridge deal. If he doesn’t work out/have chemistry with Demidov 7x$7 is way too much money for way too many years for a 3rd line center. I think his camp is asking 7x$7 regardless of which team he plays for. Just interesting in what assets you would trade to acquire him and what you think he would sign for in Montreal.
I wonder what Boston is thinking? Zacha s name has come up a lot because of his manageable contract.They need to get younger and more talented.There roster is filled with bottom 6 forwards and young players that they are going through the evaluation process. Their forward group is one of the worst in the NHL.Would like them to stack first round picks and rebuild. If they get a first round pick in a Zacha trade that will give them 6 first round picks in the next 3 drafts,not to mention several second round picks.Problem is do people trust Sweeney s drafting history.He has never adequately replaced Bergeron or Krecji in the middle.
Zacha isn’t going anywhere for 2 reasons. 1 he’s a good second line guy on both sides of the puck but plays better D than he gets credit for. Sturm is a defense first coach. And 2 let’s face it he’s Pastrnak buddy and countryman. The star needs to be kept happy and that’s Zach.this isn’t a rebuild it’s a retool. Too many high priced players Sway Pasta Mac Lindholm’’s 1-2 for that. This is the new core. Sweeney hasn’t drafted nearly as bad as people play off. Jake Carlo Lindgren Freddy Sway Lauzon all NHL level players. Remember he’s trade a ton of picks in trades while keeping the team elite for 7 years. Could he have done better? No question 2015 was a couple months to get ready for the draft and last minute Carolina backed out of a trade that would’ve sent 2 first rounders out.
Paul I think Sweeney was to loyal to his players.You can t fall in love with your roster. He should have planned to trade some players much earlier than to empty the bucket all at once.INSTEAD OF TRADING Coyle,Marchand,Frederic,Carlo,Brazier all at once he should have moved some players earlier. If so they would not be facing such a big retool as you say.I m not sure the team was as elite as you.The last cup was in 2011,14 years ago. Carolina is reminding me a lot of the Bruins lately. Making big trades to win a cup.I feel they play just well enough to lose when it counts the most.Also Paul I am concerned about Mcavoys injury history and Lindholms knee injury. It sounds to me like a similar injury that eventually forced Kevin Millar to retire.
Sr
Bruins are in the lower side of scale with age being one of the youngest rosters in nil. Can’t see bruins moving Zacha. Without getting nhl ready player in return as well as a pick I can see him part of a bigger type trade with several parts
Bruins just traded their #1 seventh pick for d-man Solderstrom Sweeney did it again- when they desperately need offense trades for defense.
Barry, Barry, Barry! A 7th rounder and Ryan Mast!!!!!! for Solderstrom!!!!!!!!
After acquiring the rights to Victor Soderstrom on Friday, the Bruins announced that they’ve signed the defenseman to a one-year, two-way contract. The NHL portion of the deal will pay the minimum salary of $775K while the AHL salary was not disclosed.
Lyle,
Golden Knights forward William Karlsson age is 32 instead of 29.
Agree 100%
Zacha will be traded but there’s a wait and see for now to see what happens with the top tier centers.
He isn’t a top flight 2C so there’s a more limited number of buyers despite it being a sellers market.
At the beginning of the season I said the Bruins wouldn’t make the playoffs as the writing was on the wall.
For the sake of Bruin fans here like you Sr, Ray and 2422 I hope your team goes rebuild as opposed to re-tooling.
Re-tooling makes for years of low to middle of the pack boring hockey with a team of bottom 6 and 3rd pairing guys playing boring hockey.
A rebuild might bring losing hockey but at least it’s exciting as the team grows and young talent enters. As the Habs have shown, a rebuild doesn’t need to take what seems like forever.
Sorry I read the report of the trade wrong-big difference between #1 seventh overall and a lowly #7 pick. I like the trade but top 6 forwards should still be top priority.
Count me as firmly in the rebuild camp. Can they take a run at the playoffs again in 26/27? Ya maybe, but not at the cup. Their ceiling will be the Flames, Islander type success. WC team at best.
Sr, not replacing Bergy and Krecji isn’t surprising. C’s that can make you a contender don’t get traded unless they need a novel neck surgery, and/or Pegulla owns the team.
You usually have to draft them with the odd exception with some late blooming guys. Bergy and Krecji are two of them. And less now than ever, as scouting and player evaluation continues to improve.
2026 draft seems like a class that could produce one, so far folks are predicting it to be very, very good. Maybe 2015 good. Stock up B’s!
What would it take for the Islanders to grab Necas from the Avs?