NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025
Check out the latest on Jeremy Swayman, Brock Boeser, Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane, plus updates on the Rangers and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claimed the Edmonton Oilers were among the clubs looking into the availability of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman last summer.
The 26-year-old Swayman was in the midst of contentious contract negotiations before signing an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins last October.
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images)
Swayman’s struggles this season had some teams wondering about his status as the March 7 trade deadline approached. However, the Bruins retained him and haven’t lost faith in their starting goaltender.
Murphy noted there is currently plenty of trade speculation building around the Oilers. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Swayman, who lacks no-trade protection until next July.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Murphy’s report, and isn’t surprised about the Oilers’ rumors given general manager Stan Bowman’s plans to address his goaltending. However, Staples pointed out the Oilers lack the cap space to acquire Swayman without making a major roster overhaul, something he doesn’t see them doing.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins wouldn’t have signed Swayman to that eight-year deal if they didn’t intend to stick with him as their starting goalie. He’s a crucial part of what they hope will be a bounce-back performance next season.
Yes, anything’s possible, but it would take a substantial offer to convince the Bruins to part with Swayman. It would also leave them without a reliable starting goalie. Joonas Korpisalo is a solid backup, but he’s proven that he can’t handle the starter’s job full-time.
NESN: Kayla Gregoire cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Bruins could go after Brock Boeser when the free-agent market opens next Tuesday (July 1). The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks right wing is expected to go to market, but the Canucks haven’t ruled out bringing him back.
Gregoire noted that Boeser is projected to receive a six-year contract with an AAV of $8.46 million. She doesn’t rule out the Bruins pursuing him, citing their salary-cap space ($26.2 million) for 2025-26.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted earlier, the Bruins hope to rebound quickly from last season’s disappointing performance. They’ll be in the market for another scoring winger this summer. Boeser’s production was down last season, but he tallied a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24.
UPDATES ON THE RANGERS
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers have yet to decide what they’ll do with their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall). They owe the Pittsburgh Penguins either this year’s pick or their 2026 first-rounder. They have until June 25 to decide.
If they keep this year’s pick, that will take them out of the offer-sheet game since they would need their 2026 pick as compensation for a major successful signing. They also lack their own 2026 second-rounder.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have been exploring the trade market for K’Andre Miller. If they move him, Baugh believes they must find a suitable replacement, potentially via free agency. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers are this summer’s top UFA blueliners.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming Gavrikov doesn’t have a long list of potential UFA destinations. Friedman believes that’s why so many observers have linked the 29-year-old defenseman to the Rangers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the 2025 NHL Draft weekend fast approaching, the trade market should kick into high gear this week. If Miller is moved, the Rangers could be poised to make Gavrikov a significant offer if he tests the market next Tuesday.
POTENTIAL SUITORS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson cited recent reports indicating contract extension talks didn’t go well between the Flames and Rasmus Andersson. That’s generated conjecture suggesting the Flames could trade the 28-year-old defenseman, who is a year away from UFA eligibility.
Gilbertson noted that Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, but speculates he could have more control than that. To maximize the return, the Flames could allow suitors to discuss a contract extension with the blueliner.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are mentioned as one destination, but the Stars face a salary-cap crunch. Some wonder if Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving (the former Flames GM) might try to bring Andersson to Toronto. Meanwhile, some Flames fans suggest offering Andersson to the Buffalo Sabres for winger JJ Peterka.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has shown a willingness to be patient to get the return he seeks. It’s no secret that he’s in the market for a second-line, right-shot center. A deal could be had if someone is willing to make that offer, but there aren’t a lot of those available.
BLUE JACKETS EXPECTED TO BE BUYERS
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has been quietly working behind the scenes on deals big and small. He cited colleague Pierre LeBrun reported the Jackets GM spoke to the Dallas Stars about Mason Marchment before the gritty winger was shipped last week to the Seattle Kraken.
Portzline indicates the Jackets seek a top-six forward and a right-shot center, a right-shot, right-side top-four defenseman, and a goaltending upgrade.
Trade chips could include their 2025 first-round pick (14th overall), left winger Yegor Chinakhov, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the No. 20 pick in this year’s draft (originally from the Minnesota Wild), the rights to pending UFA defenseman Ivan Provorov, and perhaps gritty center Cole Sillinger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets possess over $40 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Expect them to make at least one big move this summer.
MANGIAPANE TO TORONTO?
LEAFS NATION’s Nick Alberga confirmed a report by The Fourth Period claiming the Maple Leafs are expected to pursue Andrew Mangiapane when the Washington Capitals winger hits the UFA market next Tuesday.
The 29-year-old Mangiapane played for Leafs GM Brad Treliving during their days with the Calgary Flames. Alberga claims he’s on the Leafs’ list of free-agent targets.
IMO, NY should trade this years pick. I don’t see them as having the cap room to successfully use an offer sheet and still fill in holes.
If they do choose to trade Miller (fingers crossed) and backfill him with yet another veteran, then Zac Jones without question will once again want out.
This guy has shown he is more than capable and deserving of a FT spot. The only issue I see with Jones is he would not be a good partner with Fox on the top line.
But would be a perfect fit on the 2nd or 3rd pairing with Borgen or Schneider.
If Rangers plan on being in playoffs next year, it wouldn’t make sense to give up the 12rh pick this year to Pitt. They’re not going to offer sheet anyone. Can’t add without subtracting. I can see pairing the 12th pick with Miller and possibly moving up in draft. Will be interesting to see how a new coach views Jones. Rumors around that he’s not a fan of Millers.
I think that we may see a very quick drop off of top UFA talent this week.
That means that I expect a few surprises as teams re-sign players before this week’s Draft is over.
For many players, the best contract terms will come from their current teams and if they really want to move, then a deal later, or a sign and trade may be simpler, than playing the usual “July UFA Musical chairs” game.
I guess it depends what KAndre’s contract would look like. If it’s around $5M-$6m for a couple years I might rather keep working with him given the new coach and a new system coming it.
Signing one of the other names mentioned above could command $8M+ on long term deals, and that seem like an overpay.
Just saw this on twitter
“Teams around the league believe Vladislav Gavrikov is going to the #NYR, per Elliotte Friedman”
Please give the 26 pick to Pittsburgh. Is New York likely to bomb the season and that pick win the lotto? No. Is it impossible? Absolutely not. Can any ranger fan say they are 100 percent confident that drury will guide this team back to success?
Hmmm, can that be said with Dubas and the Pens?
No! Two picks in 26 that have a decent chance of being lotto picks is perfect for this pens fan. Use the 26 draft to really jump start the rebuild.
So to post the question to you I meant are you 100 percent confident that Dubas will guide this team back to success?
Just seeing where you sit now then we can see where you are later.
Dubas had done a decent job so far. Walking the tightrope of going for a final cup vs rebuilding. Hes had a couple bad moves but mostly his moves have been decent. But he took over a team that was a Hail Mary to win another cup. Drury took over a up n comer and spoiled the bed.
Your comparison isn’t very close. I’m just trying to get legit ny fans to give me a good argument that drury is ready to lead the team to victory. His track record is…. dubious.
I would bet the Rangers pick next year draft is more in the 25-32 slot. Take this year
Andersson , Honzal , a first #32 plus a prospect to Sabres for JJ and Byram
I would hardly doubt the sabres make that deal. Both their guys are legit, what you’re offering is a prospect, Anderson who has one year left on his contract, and essentially a second round pick. Maybe if you start with the 18th it may get you closer but I would not trade pterka for a prospect and a second
I’ve bee leaning to have the NYR give up this year’s 1st rounder.
I keep reading that this years draft isn’t very deep (especially considering the NYR are picking outside the top 10) and next years class is supposed to be deeper.
But more importantly, if they retain the 2026 1st rounder, they can use that for an offer sheet, use it at the upcoming trade deadline to improve their roster, or keep it in a deeper draft if by chance they flounder again.
Feel like saying draft is deeper is anyone’s guess. The hope is that you’re not picking high next year. Would think you can get a better player this year at 12, or like I mentioned, try and move up. Wouldn’t mind reuniting Hagens with Perreault for foreseeable future. Also, I wouldn’t mind adding Aitcheson at 12 if we don’t move up.
No offence but that is a terrible proposal? I know Adams isnt a great GM but even he says no to that, hopefully. I wouldnt trade JJ for Andersson in a million years. He is a 23 year old sniper that is only getting better. If im trading him Im getting a 24/25 year old RD with first pair potential back, not a soon to be 29 smallish RD that was minus 38 last season.
Andersson and the Panther’s 1st for Peterka with Andersson agreeing to 7 x $7M contract in pre-trade talks. Calgary may need to add another mid-round pick in another draft year.
Question for Bruins fans: Wouldn’t Ehlers be a better target than Boeser?
I feel like Boeser is just a shoot-first player, and he isn’t going to supplant Pastrnak as option 1 on the powerplay, so his best asset is a bit muted.
Ehlers might be a better fit with a more well-rounded offensive game.
Personally I like both Ehlers for his speed and skill Boeser for size strength and scoring. Either one at a reasonable price I’d take.
Ehlers is a much better fit since he drives play way better than Boeser and is a much better skater
Mason Lohrei 2 years 3.2 per love this kid getting better every year.
The kid is basically getting the “show me” deal. Generally speaking, trade potential is high when any player gets this type of deal.
Fun to watch if you’re a fan if he can put it all together or not. Risky play for management.
-43 league worst .. as stated in Coffee… he got himself a good short term deal
Obe,love his offensive game but his defensive game is very soft for a guy his size.I think they signed him to make a trade with someone.
Sr Mason still a kid I could see moving him to Islanders but I believe he will be a top line D man for the Bruins.
A lot of talk about Trevor Zegras being moved talented young kid needs to dig in and be a force
Zegras to Philly wow
Zegras for 2nd, 4th Poeling … hunh?
Not very much for Zegras at all. They couldn’t have got a better offer from anyone else ??
Granted took on full salary . Medical concerns style of play concerns .
Maybe that is a sign of things to come .
I thought the Flyers were “tough”? Zegras is softer than countertop butter…
Gitta wonder if Knies hits July 1st, will Pitt of Boston send him an offer sheet? Both flush with draft picks, and both could offer a major deal.
Will we see Toronto lose all 3 of JT, MM, and MK
Pitt not giving up their 2026 1st
Don’t think either Pitts or Bos would part with what it would take to get Knies. Leafs have lots of cap space
We’re only going to have a low percentage (5% at best) chance at McKenna; so use of the 1st in a successful offer sheet (I’m not necessarily saying Knies, but any impact/worthwhile acquisition) could very well be a great move
There are other OS potentials out there
Dobson, Vilardi, Bouchard, Hague, Paterka, McTavish, Byram, McBain to name a few
Not all would be requiring a 1st (cite the zBlues move last year to get two RFA offer sheets done)
I’m hoping Dubas DOES do at least one OS
trading futures (and uncertainty at those picks) for proven NHLers is a very smart move(s)
Hi Yogi
I’m pretty sure you are right re Leafs matching; but your statement of
“ Don’t think either Pitts or Bos would part with what it would take to get Knies”
Knies’ OS (if he get’s one) won’t be north of $9.36 M; so thr compensation is a max of a 1st + 2nd + 3rd (any OS between $7M and 9.36 M gets that)
Knies definitely worth a 1st and 2nd and 3rd
As I said; I’ve got confidence that Treliving would match; but Pens DO have the 1st,2nd, and 3rd and that would be a great move for them
To pry Knies out you’re looking at 26 and 27 minimum. Remember Toronto turned down a Knies for Rantanen trade. That’s how much Toronto values Knies
And following the results of the Zegras and Marchment trades I hope the returns, regarded as “low” in both occasions, sinks in with those who keep posting wishful-thinking trade scenarios that have absolutely NO chance of happening.
That’s not the point, Toronto probably match any offer sheet that’s below the 2 first round picks. Thats the point
Not sure Knies would sign an offer sheet to go to PIT unless the money was stupid. Not picking on the Pens, same is true for Boston IMO, for the same reason.
They aren’t very good.
Both were a tad low side George, but they say Dallas did Marchment a favour and you have to admit Zegras’s stock has been falling. Marchment might of been way better if everybody shot at him. Another prime example how bad Dubas is as a GM, he traded Marchment for half a player in Malgin
Ya was expected on Zegras IMO. If he isn’t scoring, he isn’t bringing value in other ways. The way I understand it, he is a liability away from the puck, and isn’t a guy who wins a bunch of puck battles. And he hasn’t been scoring much. And ya, he hasn’t been healthy.
He’s worth a flier even if his cap hit is high for what he has brought recently. That was basically what Philly did. They could afford the $$ for next season.
Maybe when another coach tells him the same thing as the last one, and the one before that, maybe it sinks in or clicks for him.
Hi Yogi
I wasn’t referring to a trade
I was referring 1st,2nd,3rd as compensation on an Offer sheet
I highly doubt Treliving doesn’t match anyway; AND we’re talking about Dubas as a GM
Dubas making an offer sheet (although a great and very logical move) is a longshot.
Offer sheet in a Leaf; nigh impossible
But other GMs just may not be that shy on the OS on Knies
Trade Swayman, next three 1 st round picks, any of the Bs so called prospects and anyone but Pastrnak and Macavoy for McDavid. And send Don Sweeney to Siberia
What are you talking about? Surely, you’re not serious?