NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2025
The latest on Brock Boeser plus updates on the Islanders, Oilers and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
BRUINS, SENATORS AMONG CLUBS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN BROCK BOESER
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that an NHL source claims the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger is expected to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Boeser has been on the radar of Bruins general manager Don Sweeney going back to last summer. The Bruins made it clear that they want a scoring winger if they can’t find a top-six center.
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).
The Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, Utah Mammoth, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens are also believed among the other possible suitors for Boeser.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators could also get into the bidding for Boeser. They were 18th in the league in goals last season (243) and want to address that issue.
The Senators have roughly $10.75 million in cap space for 2025-26, which doesn’t leave much room unless they shed some salary. They’re also in the market for a right-shot defenseman.
Garrioch also believes the Bruins, Wild and Kings could be interested in Boeser, and included the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres on his list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a bit of an injury history and can be a streaky scorer, but he has netted 20-plus goals six times (including a career-best 40 in 2023-24) and reached or exceeded 45 points in each of his eight NHL seasons.
Boeser might have to wait until Mitch Marner signs his new contract. The soon-to-be former Toronto Maple Leafs winger is expected to take several days fielding offers before reaching a decision.
THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports that the recent report of Noah Dobson seeking $11 million annually in contract talks with the Islanders has made the 25-year-old defenseman the subject of rampant trade speculation. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Sears pointed out that Mathieu Darche, the Islanders’ new general manager, has indicated he wants to re-sign Dobson. It’s believed Darche isn’t actively shopping the blueliner, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t calling or that option isn’t closed off.
Defenseman Alexander Romanov is in the same situation as Dobson and his situation appears equally volatile. The possibility they could select Matthew Schaefer in the upcoming draft would create a logjam of left-shot defensemen, which could result in Romanov or Adam Pelech being considered expendable.
Meanwhile, center Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a year away from UFA eligibility and could become a trade candidate.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The threat of an offer sheet is also stoking speculation of Dobson or Romanov getting traded. If that happens, Dobson seems the least likely to get one. Any club willing to pay him $11 million annually would have to cough up two first-rounders, a second and a third. Anything over $11.7 million costs four first-rounders.
CAN THE OILERS FIND A GOALTENDER THIS SUMMER?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited ESPN’s Ray Ferraro pointing out that the Oilers are in a difficult spot in their efforts this summer to find a goaltender.
Jake Allen is available via free agency, but a few teams are competing to sign him. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is mentioned in trade rumors, but it would be an expensive trade for both clubs in terms of dollars and assets.
Staples doesn’t want to see the Oilers trade away Skinner, but acknowledged his inconsistency and declining stats. He also pointed out that the Oilers have limited cap space and there are few goalies available this summer.
UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports it doesn’t appear the Montreal Canadiens will use one or both of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft to bolster their top-six forwards.
The problem is that there is only one genuine seller (the Pittsburgh Penguins) in the trade market, with most clubs now hoping to be buyers.
An executive told Engels that nearly every team wants to acquire players this summer, but none really want to sell the ones they have. The executive believes there will be some trades now, “some hockey deals”, but the trade market could be quieter than expected.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market this summer, meaning the Canadiens will have difficulty acquiring a good, established NHL center or winger from a rebuilding club looking to stock up on draft picks and prospects. The reference to “hockey deals” usually means a player-for-player swap.
THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka speculated over the possibility of the San Jose Sharks using their salary-cap leverage to pick up an asset.
He suggested a scenario where the Canadiens trade the contract of permanently sidelined goalie Carey Price ($10.5 million AAV for 2025-26) to the Sharks. The move would increase the Canadiens’ cap space to over $16.5 million for next season, while enabling the Sharks to reach the $70.6 million salary-cap floor.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the most notable trade the Canadiens make this summer if the Sharks are willing to do it. The Habs would have to include a draft pick or a prospect in the deal, but it would give them sufficient cap room for other possible additions throughout the offseason or leading up to next year’s trade deadline. It would also allow them to accrue cap space throughout the season, something they usually can’t do with Price on LTIR.
Buffalo IS NOT in on Boesser.
Right now they have enough wingers with others waiting in AHL.
Roster yop 9 right now looks like
Peterka-Norris-Thompson
Zucker-Kulich-Tuch
Greenway-McLeod-Benson
Quinn
AHL–Rosen, Ostlund first call ups
I agree, the Sabres would have to make a major move to be anywhere near Boeser.
The offense is fine – it is the defense that needs improvement. I still say Connor Murphy should be the guy they need.
Just wondering what the Leafs will end up doing in the next few weeks. Toronto is the big mystery to me.
Totally agree. Vancouver wants Byram, is there a Byram for M. Pettersson possibility. He would be an expensive 3rd pair D, but he is very good defensively, can move the puck, is excellent on the PK and can play the right side pretty good if needed.
A couple things. First of if you needed any more proof on Garrioch’s irrelevancy – watch the owners comments at the charity golf tourney from a couple weeks ago regarding Batherson. Yes, Bruce used to be on the old ownership’s unofficial payroll….but this new regime wants nothing to do with him. And if that wasn’t enough Mendes is never far from the owner and or the gm and Garrioch isn’t getting squat. Could the Sens be in on Broke Boesser? Sure. But they already said they weren’t spending to the cap, Claude and some some fourth liners need to be signed and the their hot back up goalie too. Doesn’t leave much for BB unless Chabbot is on his way out.
Also Howard. Regarding Zegras. You can give me a big “I told you so” and vice versa next season.
Heh … re Garrioch … one thing I’d like to see him drop from his lexicon is the “kicked/kicking tires” euphemism for “showed/showing interest.”
I think he used it 3 times in his column this morning.
Staois has proven he isn’t afraid to deal. Perhaps guys like Chabot will be dealt. Maybe Giroux and Forsberg won’t be resigned. Maybe they are looking at Border and maybe they don’t stand a chance at landing him.
Time will tell. Bowser would require significant change and it is hard to see how they could out bid anyone for him.
Staois has proven he isn’t afraid to deal. Perhaps guys like Chabot will be dealt. Maybe Giroux and Forsberg won’t be resigned. Maybe they are looking at Border and maybe they don’t stand a chance at landing him.
Time will tell. Bowser would require significant change and it is hard to see how they could out bid anyone for him.
Penguins – keep hearing only true seller. Why could this statement be misunderstood?
Kyle Dubos interview doesn’t plan sign any high price UFAS and looking make hockey trades for younger players.
Heard Penguins want trade Erik Karlsson, and if possible older third / fourth line players, Ryan Graves (not likely), Tristan Jarry maybe? Dubos wants younger players not be blocked by few veterans.
Penguins aren’t going just give away Rikard Rakell or Bryan Rust unless getting good return.
Rangers just announced they are turning over the number # 12 overall pick to the Penguins so Pens will have number # 11 and # 12 overall picks in this years first round.
They are willing to retain on Karlsson at least
$ 3 million and he showed at 4 nations he has a lot lefty. He needs the right team, the right fit and a good d partner. Penguins system didn’t fit him
If Dubas lands one of these young players
Isaac Howard
J.J Peterka
Marco Rossi
This will help and Mc Groarty Koivunen look to be regulars this year young !
Biggest thing Penguins needs at least 2 defenseman maybe 3 via free agency or trade.. Keeping the puck out of our own net HUGE HUGE PROBLEM.
Goaltending maybe sign a Jake Allen
Top 6 forwards terrific
do need some bottom six depth they do have $23 million in cap space we shall see
Only way Rakell goes if it brings back peterka or Rossi otherwise he stays top 6 wasn’t the problem
This week the drat on Friday an
We need to retain 50% ($5 M) on zKarllsson to maximize return
Karllsson at $7M MIGHT have at best 1-2 suitors
At $5 M; that jumps to at least 5 trams that would at least engage in talks with Dubas
Dubas MUST retain Sal/Cap
50% more (leaving $5 Cap) on Karllson gets a current young NHLer with term AND an NHL ready prospect (under contract) that id expected to play this year
Similarly, 50% retained on either Rust or Rackell; would get same return
Maybe take less than above in one of those trades if s team takes Hayes
Graves is immovable
Oilers want to move Kane for space
We’ll take him; Oilers sweeten deal with Akey; Oil take Accairi; Oil then sit Accairi; total net to Oil is clearing $4.3 M in Cap space
8787 if we have one suitor that works for Karlsson. At $ 7 million or $ 5 million.
Carolina still wants him they wanted him when the Penguins wanted him and who better to pair him with than Jacob Slavin and a team that has a strong system….that dudes a defensive stud.
Brian Rust isn’t going anywhere. Rakell only goes if there is a haul involved a J.J Peterk or a Marco Rossi type thing.
leave Sid’s line alone.
defense, bottom six, goaltending, $ 23 million in cap space number # 11 and # 12 overall first round picks important couple weeks for the Penguins
If they Sens sign Giroux, I doubt they are signing a UFA forward. I feel they can only make one move this offseason. As for RHD, Dante Fabbro is a good 2nd pairing guy that wont break the bank ($4 to 4.75 over 3 years).
They will make small, cost effective moves this offseason, bigger deal at the TDL if they are in a playoff spot.
Still feel they are going to try to do a Marchant type move, pick up a player from a team who needs to shed salary, only costs them a 3rd or 4th.
And I think owners/GMs will wait until after the BOD to make major moves/signings because the new CBA might be discussed.
Feel Sens fans should temper expectations, is all.
I agree. I think with the cap space they have and the number of players we need to sign, they stand pat if they can lock up G. Would like to see Gaudette come back, but doubt it with the season he had last year. Cousins is much more realistic and I like his game. Now if G doesn’t come back, then maybe you look at doing something, but they still need some help at RD with Jensen out.
Sportsnet guy today that he thought the sens were going after pterka, but I doubt it as Buffalo would want a roster player back, most likely someone like zetterlund or maybe one of our Ds, so doesn’t make sense for sens as you fill a hole only to create another https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-draft-preview-opportunity-for-staios-to-restock-prospect-cupboard/
I feel the Pterka deal would have happened for Norris. And they got a polite “no” so they shifted their focus to Couzens or Cousins or however you spell it.
St.Pats. I agree. The Leafs have a lot going on. And as much as I can’t stand Tavares, he could cash in. He had a great season and looked like a beast (against the Sens) in the playoffs. IF Johnny T can get near even some of those numbers next year….granted he benefited from Matthews absence
Dark G – hard to replace Tavaras in the Leafs’ lineup. Especially when Marner goes
If they Sens sign Giroux, I doubt they are signing a UFA forward. I feel they can only make one move this offseason. As for RHD, Dante Fabbro is a good 2nd pairing guy that wont break the bank ($4 to 4.75 over 3 years).
They will make small, cost effective moves this offseason, bigger deal at the TDL if they are in a playoff spot.
Still feel they are going to try to do a Marchant type move, pick up a player from a team who needs to shed salary, only costs them a 3rd or 4th.
And I think owners/GMs will wait until after the BOD to make major moves/signings because the new CBA might be discussed.
Feel Sens fans should temper expectations, is all.
Why on earth would the B’s pursue Boesser?
I really hope this sentence from Murphy is incorrect “The Bruins made it clear that they want a scoring winger if they can’t find a top-six center.”
I will go on a limb and suggest they won’t find a top 6 C.
I’m not going back 25 years to scour the internet to find a team that won a cup with no #1C and an “OK” #2C, but I would bet $20 I could count them on 1 finger or less, and I’m going with less. I would suggest even getting to the finals is incredibly rare, if not non-existent.
If you were trying to get back into the playoffs this year, why on earth would you trade guys with term left for assets that won’t help you now? Carlo & Coyle.
Again, I know it is the noisy season, and I prefer to look at GM’s actions vs words. So going with this isn’t true, because if it is; WTF is the strategy?
My interpretation is there aren’t any available top centers for the Bruins to acquire.
Therefore they might try to strengthen their wing scoring with Boesser and/or Ehlers.
Clearly a #1 C is the priority for them (and so many other teams) but if you can’t get that, you need scoring to come from somewhere. They have some decent cap to spend so the $’s are going somewhere.
Mittelstadt is such an un-Bruin player. I was surprised they traded for him.
Agree on Mittelstadt TSP. Darts around, accomplishes very little because he doesn’t engage in the puck battles enough. That can change I suppose, but the Avs didn’t think it would, obviously. Trying to play with a moth around a light bulb.
foleyd, they don’t need to spend anything, they’ll hit the floor easily. I’m firmly in the camp of the goal is to compete for the cup. Also firmly in the camp of you can’t do that without strength down the middle. You need at least a high end #1C and a quality #2C to have a real chance. The B’s have neither.
Not saying it’s accurate they are pursuing Boesser, or Ehlers, but if they are that is a recipe for mediocre, not trying to build a winner.
IMO a waste of time.
If they do, and they compete with the best in the Eastern Conference, I will be more than happy to say that I am wrong.
The reason why the Bs or another team, like the Habs, might sign a winger is that they can’t get a centre.
My point, Ray, is that we all know how many teams want a C, or a goalie or a RHD, or whatever. Few teams will get what they want, and the rest will have to pivot to Plan B or C. Upgrading a need out of desired sequence may be better than nothing.
RayBark the Bruins should pursue any forward that can hit the net.Their forward group is horrendous. Why haven t they signed Geekie? They gave Lohrei a ridiculous bump up in pay.They are starving for top 6 forwards. Two went off the market for cheap returns.Those behind Zegras and Marchment.
Guys I’m talking about a long term strategy vs short term tactics for next season. 2 different things.
Ya LJ, I understand the theory that Boesser makes your team better because he obviously will.
My point is they aren’t a contender with or without him. That #1C (and 2C) they absolutely need to contend for a cup is highly unlikely to via free agency. Tavares is the closest one? Before that?
If the opportunity comes for a trade for someone like Eichel, you need the assets and the cap space to acquire him. Even when they want a somewhat unproven neck surgery, which in itself is an anomaly. That would have usually cost a lot more.
The weaponization of cap space to acquire assets is less likely over the next couple years as the cap is expected to continue rising. There will be opportunities, just fewer. So that points to the draft, and “hockey trades”. Who can the B’s trade for a #1C? How about a #2C? McAvoy and Pasta are the answers, and likely have to add with either one for the 1C.
Whack a mole.
I could write another 4 paragraphs about why I think the rebuild route is the best path, but basically it’s the B’s aren’t very good and the Boessers and Ehlers of the world won’t make them good enough. At best 1st round fodder. More likely picking 12 or 13th vs top 10. And there goes your cap space for when you really need it.
Cool your jets this off season Sweeney, Neely and Jacobs family. See how this season plays out and see where you’re at.
Yes, I am repeating myself.
Like, everyday. Sorry about that.
Ray Bark so as a non contender for at least a while which I agree with you would you trade Swayman before his NTC kicks in?I m firmly convinced that Sweeney- Neeley sold Jacob’s on a quick turnaround.
Maybe SR, I wouldn’t know.
What I would say is just as likely is Jacobs told Neely & Sweeney they expect to make the playoffs and they said “yes sir”.
Or maybe this is all just noise and they don’t go chasing the Boeser’s of the world. We’ll find out soon enough!
Boeser:
“he has netted 20-plus goals six times (including a career-best 40 in 2023-24) and reached or exceeded 45 points in each of his eight NHL seasons.”
Compare to Sam Bennett: 20 goals 3x. Career high of 28 in 2021/22. Exceeded 45 points twice in 10 seasons. I understand Bennett is a center and brings intangibles but Boesers playoff production also tops Bennetts.
In the past, I always wanted Rangers to trade for him when he was in rumors. Joining JT in NY shouldn’t be ruled out, but I can’t see without trading Panarin or Lafreniere
Not a huge Boeser fan. He’s “fine” but not a huge play driver. And he seems way to streaky. He’ll get 5 goals in 2 games and they go quiet for weeks on end.
His 1 big season everything went right playing on a stacked line with JT and a healthy Elias Petterson. I think his stats that year were inflated too much. If you back that 1 year out (and exclude his brief 1st year) he is a 23 goal, 28 assist guy who has never achieved 57 points in a year.
Again, those are “fine” numbers that can still help, but what is the cost. I wouldn’t want to sink $7M+ on a long term deal into that. (Rumors are that Van offered him $8M for 5 years and he wanted more term. Just a rumor, but it’s out there….)
Rangers To Send 12th Overall Pick To Penguins
Yup, just saw it.
As a Ranger fan, I’m actually glad.
I’d rather they have options for this upcoming year on the 2026 draft pick: use it for offer sheet, use it at trade deadline to bring in a new addition, or use it yourself next year if you happen to fall out of it again.
And next year is supposedly a deeper draft according to a lot of prospect analysts. If the Rangers pick this year was in the top 8 I think they would have kept it. Being 12 I think made it expendable this year.
Thank you Rangers we now have # 11 and # 12 in the first round.
Just saw that. A bit of a surprise to me. Some speculation that they could be trying to get a 1st this year as part of return for K Miller.
A first as part of the return for the regressing spitter? No thank you. Well, maybe the Kings will go for that so he can play with Drew Doughty.
Drury might not be as dumb as I hoped. Bummer. Oh well.
Possible reasons why Rangers gave Penguins 2025 pick (#12) and kept their 2026 pick. Maybe Rangers miss the playoffs and lottery pick for McKenna? Maybe Rangers need their 2026 first round draft pick make an offer for RFA? Maybe during the season Rangers need the pick for trade?
As far as the Penguins let speculation begin who they can draft at #11 and #12, unless perhaps the Penguins move up?
Penguins could get two young players at # 11 and # 12 that could be soon NHL regulars to add to McGroarty Koivunen who were up this year.19 year old rhd man Harrison Brunicke who is almost there..will be up soon
Murashev this 20 year old goalie is amazing he is up soon he almost made it out of training camp this year..
Hope? Plus if we were lucky to land Marco Rossi or a J. J. Peterka or Isaac Howard be a strong start for a playoff spot is possible.
Peterka and Byram for Schneider, Laffy and K. Miller
Maybe a Schneider and Soucy for Byrum to make cap hits closer.
If Buffalo is dumb enough to make that trade, then they deserve to miss the playoffs yet again.
While the Habs need a 2C it isn’t the end of the world if they can’t trade for one and need to go center by committee again, Dach, Newhook, Beck and Kapanen and resign Dvorak at a much lower rate.
I’d like to see a trade or signing of a RD or two
Some possibilities:
Jayden Struble for Daniil Miromanov
Jayden Struble for Brayden Pachal
FA
Nick Perbix
Dante Fabbro
The Habs should go after Perbix, Fabbro or Ceci in free agency. Solid RDs to hold the fort till Reinbacher is ready.
As for Boeser, would be okay at the right price. He’s topped 30 goals or 60 points only once. He has missed a fair amount of time with injuries. His totals per 82 games are 30 goals 60 points. Word is he wants over 8m. AAV. He’s not worth that.
Will be a lot of competition for Fabbro’s services, but he would certainly be a dream fit for the Habs.
Speaking of: if Vegas is trying to move Hertl to make cap room, that would be a pretty nice 2C for the Habs, as well!
I would imagine Montreal’s on Hertl’s NTC list, but players often waive those.
Check out the 2 RD I suggested from Calgary, either one for Jayden Struble
Habfan – will do! I did a very quick Google of both guys but will admit I don’t know either. Offensively, they don’t jump off the page, but could still be very good placeholders. And I realize we wouldn’t get big-time needle-movers for Struble, so I always appreciate people’s realistic trade targets!
I had recently wondered if the Habs might circle back to Dvorak if they get the sense there is no 2C worth his salt to acquire.
At the same time you feel that the help for centers internally, you are pushing for D by draft or trade. I don’t see the need. If the Habs are going to give Beck or Kapanen some ice time why would they not give any of their top D prospects in Laval ice time?
LJ
There’s no RD that’s ready for prime time, Reinbacher needs playing time in Laval to see if his knee is ready.
Mailloux may never be ready in my opinion, a French columnist gave the best albeit harsh description of him
“En zone défensive sans la rondelle, il ressemble à un chien dans un jeu de quilles. Rarement bien positionné, en retard sur le jeu, difficulté à se situer dans l’espace, manque de concentration par moments et très faible sens de l’anticipation.”
Watching him in the playoffs that description was accurate.
Team needs a backend it can trust, the forward group can get by if need be.
I just heard from an LA source that Vegas is moving Hertl to Carolina to make room for Marner…
we shall see
Pietrangelo goes on ltr lots of space.
Multiple rumors Golden Knights working trade sending Thomas Hertl to Hurricanes. Hertl cap hit 6.75 million with M-NTC which is 3 team trade list.
Weeks ago rumor Mitchy Marner wants play for Panthers or Golden Knights. Another rumor Marner wants play for Golden Knights, Kings, or Stars (maybe Marner realizes Panthers won’t sign him?). Golden Knights appeared wanted Marner for awhile.
I would think the Habs would be interested in Hertl!
They made the playoffs, would that make for Hertl’s interest in the Habs? Hab’s have lottsa picks and prospects to help with VGK cap clearance sale!
Penguins are getting younger ya.. so no more they are the oldest team that now belongs to Edmonton.