NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025
Could Evan Bouchard get an offer sheet? Is Tomas Hertl getting traded to the Hurricanes? What’s the latest on the Islanders, Rangers, Wild, Red Wings and Lightning? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton suggesting defenseman Evan Bouchard could become an offer-sheet target if his negotiations with the Oilers drag on.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).
Bouchard, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He completed a two-year contract and is due a significant raise over the $3.9 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth remembering that Bouchard recently said he loves being an Oiler, admitting that the desire to win the Stanley Cup with this team is his motivation for staying. He has to be receptive to an offer sheet. If he’s not, then there’s nothing to worry about.
The other thing to keep in mind is that it will take a significant offer that the Oilers cannot hope to match. It’s rumored he could get $10 million annually on a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton. In that case, a rival club will have to pitch around $12 million annually to tempt him. Few teams can afford the cap hit and the four first-round picks in compensation. Those that can are clubs that aren’t anywhere close to Cup contention.
OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Viktor Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a new home. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things didn’t work out as both sides hoped when Arvidsson signed last summer. The Oilers could use the cap relief to free up room to re-sign Bouchard. They also reportedly have a contract in place with Trent Frederic but are believed to be waiting until July 1 to make it official.
SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE TO “HERTL TO THE HURRICANES” SPECULATION
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects claiming he’d heard the Carolina Hurricanes were pursuing a deal for Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.
The Golden Knights have been linked to pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, but they must create salary-cap space to sign him. Moving Hertl would free up their share ($6.75 million) of his $8.135 million AAV through 2029-30.
However, Robinson subsequently reported that it doesn’t appear the Hurricanes have any deals in place or closing in on anything at this time.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a three-team trade list. He waived the clause at the 2024 trade deadline to facilitate the trade to Vegas from the San Jose Sharks.
The Golden Knights must shed some cap space if they want to sign Marner or another notable player in this summer’s UFA market. Recent speculation suggests they could get some cap flexibility if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve next season. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding his status.
ISLANDERS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN DOBSON
NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t pivoted from trying to sign Noah Dobson to trading the 25-year-old defenseman.
It’s rumored the Dobson camp seeks an AAV of $11 million on his next contract. Sears was unable to confirm that number, but it’s obvious the blueliner seeks a substantial raise, and it’s less certain if the two sides will find a number they’re both comfortable with.
Trading Dobson doesn’t sound like the Isles’ preferred path. However, Sears indicated teams have called to express interest and will likely continue to do so.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin listed six clubs that could become trade destinations if the Isles decide to move Dobson. They include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s doubtful any of them would be more receptive to paying Dobson $11 million annually on a long-term contract.
UPDATE ON THE RANGERS
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers didn’t decide to retain their 2026 first-round pick to put toward signing a rival team’s player with an offer sheet. He pointed out that they lack the cap space to make a successful signing, and doing so will put them at risk of losing restricted free-agent forward Will Cuylle to an offer sheet.
The Rangers’ limited cap space means they’re not in any position to pursue Buffalo Sabres RFA winger JJ Peterka or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.
Brooks also shot down suggestions that the Rangers should consider trading Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin or Will Borgen before their no-trade/no-movement protection kicks in on July 1. He pointed out that each of their clauses went into effect the day they signed their contract extensions.
Brooks believes the Rangers would listen to offers for Alexis Lafreniere. However, they are not shopping the 23-year-old winger.
Teams have expressed an interest in Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, but very few of the discussions have evolved into serious offers. The Blueshirts are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Dmitri Voronkov, prompting Brooks to ponder whether there could be a framework of a deal involving Miller.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could need a top-four, left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Trading Voronkov, however, would then leave them having to find a suitable top-six left winger to replace him.
WILD NOT PEDDLING ROSSI
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dylan Loucks cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling a local TV network that he’s not shopping Marco Rossi.
The 23-year-old center is an RFA without arbitration rights. Negotiations with the Wild have reached a stalemate, resulting in rumors that he could be traded.
Guerin said there’s a perception the Wild are dying to trade Rossi, but that’s not the case. He considers the young center an important part of the team, but wants to sign him within a certain price range.
WILL THE RED WINGS MAKE A BIG TRADE?
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes if Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman intends to make a big trade, this is the week to do it.
The 2025 NHL Draft is on Friday and Saturday, and this is usually the time of year when significant offseason trades are made. Yzerman has limited trade assets, with his first-round pick (13th overall) his best trade chip. The Wings have roughly $21 million in cap space and could target cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary.
Khan believes the Wings need a top-six forward and an upgrade among their top-four defensemen.
LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina suggests it might make sense for the Lightning to shop prospect Isaac Howard ahead of the upcoming draft if the two sides haven’t mended fences.
Howard is the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner. He wants to choose the team he intends to sign with, which could limit his trade value and the number of potential trade partners.
How many times do I have to read in Instant Reactions following a game, how many times Bouchard is responsible for a goal against.
He is not worth 10 million when we still have Nurse.
Please give him an offer sheet and give Edmonton 4 first round picks. The Oilers have not seen that many draft picks since I don’t when.
Don’t you have to learn the defensive side of the game to even be considered for huge dollars? Bouchard looks like a pylon a lot of the time and is really only beneficial on the PP.I agree with Alan.Bring on the draft picks and sign a D-man that can play an all around game.Certainly Dobson comes to mind as a possibility.Maybe Carter Hart would be an option between the pipes if he is cleared to play.Like the Leafs,big decisions have to be made if the Oilers want to compete with the big dogs in the east when it is crunch time.
Bouchard is obviously an offense driven player. He played all 82 games again which is a positive thing! But he had 15 less points. Was still a plus player at 14 but down from plus 34 the season before. In the playoffs the same pattern emerged. 11 less points and plus/minus was down by 8. Is that a trend? Did he top out in 23-24? If I’m the Oilers I’m not giving him $10 million. Offer 7 and maybe they can meet at 8. Otherwise I think they need to use that money to just get solid throughout the blueline. They have these guys named McDavid and Draisaitl that do the heavy lifting! I think finding a few decent puck movers would do. The panthers depth is what killed them. Tying up a ton of money in another player when they’ll already have 2 of the top paid players in the league is just risky business. And they aren’t taking less either. Trade him and get some depth!
It seems like the Oilers have been trying to plug and play D on the PP for years without having the success they expected.
Now they finally have Bouchard running that well, so getting rid of him will put them back at square 1.
If they can get him for a number in the $9Ms it would be a win. I wouldn’t go over $10.
And the rumors of Dobson wanting $11M are ridiculous. In reality he should probably also come in the $8M-$9M range, but top pairing, PP D do come at a premium so we’ll see.
If Islanders draft the D (Schaefer) at 1st overall, I can see them trying to trade Dobson during the draft to get back up for Hagens.
Agree foleyd7.
Gotta say, you’re a pretty negative Oiler fan Alan. It sucked losing in the finals again, but geez, they’re a really, really good team. Better time to be an Oiler fan than a B’s fan like me. I’m fortunate enough to live in Edmonton now so can enjoy that while my B’s try and figure it out.
On the headlines side folks were spit balling what Bowman and Jackson could say to McDavid regarding their plans for staying a contender in the future.
Here is my best guess.
From McDavid – Are you signing our best defenseman and 3rd best player Bouchard?
Bowman and Jackson – yes.
You know why McDavid will ask? Because Bouchard was absolutely great in the playoffs. The players know, especially one as smart as McDavid.
Yes he made some mistakes, as did every player on the ice, for every team in the playoffs, including McDrai. I thought Draisaitl struggled a ton in the last 3 games, lucky OT goal aside, as did the rest of the team.
Foleyd7
Agree. I have no issue with Bouchard getting paid. I would rather him at 10M than Chychrun at 9 or Dobson at what ever he comes in if it’s 8 and up.
Also Bouchard only has 4 years full time in the league playing top minutes. He is young and his defensive acumen should improve with each year of experience.
I agree.
I have no problem with Bouchard getting paid and would rather Bouch at 10M vs Chychrun at 9 or Dobson at whatever number he comes in at.
Bouchard is still young and has only played 4 full seasons and yes his defensive fame is still a work in progress but the d acumen will continue to get better.
Al’s I remember before Bouchard arriving and the struggles passing the puck out of the zone.
But Schaefer plays LD so the player to trade is Romanov
Rarely agree with Brooksie but I don’t see Rangers going the offer sheet rt. More likely to use the 2026 pick at tdl. Not sure where Volkonov rumor came from. LW is 1 position they really don’t need to add to. Does he play center? Listed on puckpedia as C/LW. Guessing he’d be looking for a nice raise. Miller could be a replacement for Provorov, but also could be for Gavrikov in LA as well.I think Miller gets moved during draft.
Voronkov is primarily LW, so wouldn’t be a solution at C. Agree that Rangers have too many LW already, but the rest of Brooks’ assumptions seemed pretty logical.
I’m glad Rangers held onto their 2026 1st rounder. Gives them options at the upcoming trade deadline to use it in a year where they “should” be back in contention.
Marner seems to be heading to the Vegas Golden Knights. Kings while a playoff team aren’t any better off than Toronto at winning the Cup.
Vegas always pulls something off and if they trade Hertl and Pietrangelo goes on long term IRL they have money to make some moves to get stronger.
The can be a major force in the West again..
I think a bunch of teams will take a run at Hertl if available when you consider all the teams looking for a 2C.
Return should be solid if Vegas goes that route.
Now, if the B’s actually want to try and be competitive next year, that is the type of player they need vs a Boesser. Though still need more IMO if they want to actually contend.
Not sure they have the assets to do it either.
RayBark,the Bruins would be better serviced going with younger players in this rebuild. They still have many young players if given a chance to evaluate.Their best chance at staying competitive is to solidify their D corps and lean on Swayman.They have to find out if these forwards can play. K man, Lauko,Koepke,Kastellac,Minton,Middlestadt,Poitras,Merkulov,Lysell,Farinacci,Brown, to name a few.
Plenty of mediocre names there Sr, but ya, play them. Minton and Poitras both have a chance to be good NHL players. Can Mittelstadt figure it out and be a dependable 200′ C? Not sure I would bet much on that, hasn’t yet.
I still think rebuild is the answer Sr, I guess what I was trying to say is, if the B’s decide they trying to get back into the playoffs next year. Better a guy like Hertl than Boesser.
What makes you think Marner’s going to Vegas. Marner hasn’t said anything but it may take a couple of weeks and he’ll meet with Toronto during that time. As far as anybodies figured, Marner’ narrowed it down to 32 teams.
There has been a ton of reporting that he’s def leaving Toronto, that he wants to play on a playoff contender (so take SJ and the like out) and his preferred destinations are Vegas and Dallas (not saying Dallas can fit him under cap, but that’s the reporting that’s out there).
Marner hasn’t said a word on where he’ll be playing next year. Until July 1st, not even Marner can say anything about any other team but Toronto. Rumours are just rumours, there’s no facts to back up any of those reports. Marner/family and his agent are probably the only people that know where he might land. Marner posted that he will meet Treliving sometime in July. Which could mean he’s going to give Toronto a chance to match whatever the best offer was or he isn’ t interested in signing a long term deal. Something like Matthews did. But, there’s been nothing to indicate Marners preferred destination. Tampering rules do apply to the players too
YOGI,
Marner isn’t going to play for a losing team that is 1 , he wants to win a cup that’s 1 A and only a few teams can afford him that are in a place to win.
Edmonton / Colorado / Dallas all can’t afford him and they are the three best teams in the west.
St.Louis Minnesota nope LA maybe but they aren’t any stronger than Toronto
He could get a ton in Anaheim just don’t see a move down.
He wants out of the east..
Where Yogi d you think he might go? Thoughts?
C’mon Yogi.
Do you really think there are no specs of truth to the reports out there?
And I’m not talking about fan’s wishes, I’m talking about reporters sharing info. Go on Twitter and search “Marner Dallas” or “Marner Vegas” and you’ll find reports from actual sports reporters & beat-writers.
Marner’s camp leaks info. Does Marner do it directly? No.
Teams leak info. Do the GMs & Coaches come out and say it publicly? No.
But intentions are strategically shared by both sides with reporters to maximize each others leverage. It’s always been that way in every sport.
And despite the 7/1 “official” date, back-door negotiations have started already. How do you think Free Agents sign new deals with new teams 1 minute after free agency opens?
Call it soft tampering between team reps and player reps if you want, but it happens every year, in every sport.
How do you know what Marner wants, please show us where you got that info from. When it comes to rumours and speculations 99% end up wrong. All the Leaf chat boards I’ve been in, nobody knows for sure where Marner’s gonna end up, lots of guessing though. My guess is Anaheim or Toronto
Yogi, as I said, just google or search twitter for nations reporters (not just Toronto fan boards). Plenty of reporting about Marner. This is just one:
https://vegashockeynow.com/2025/06/23/experts-dub-golden-knights-team-to-beat-in-marner-sweepstakes/#google_vignette
FYI… I’ve also seen another report that Marner and his wife were in Vegas househunting. True? Don’t know. But its being reported. Wheels are already in motion; Marner and teams are not waiting until 7/1 to begin making plans.
Marner has been tight lipped about what his plans are. He’s made 2 statements so far, 1 is that it might take a couple of weeks to decide and 2 he’ll meet Treliving somewhere in time frame. Bettman warned players and teams about tampering this year after what happened last year. Rumours of players trying to influence others about where to sign. Marner’s first 2 contract negotiations were gong shows, not this one. Teams may try backdoor channells, but after the Hughs incedent and Bettman’s warning, they’re not about to share it with anyone and all the reporting is nothing but rumours and speculations
I saw the Lebrun speculation, but when asked about it, all Lebrun would say was an unnamed sourse told him. The speculation was at the TDL, Carolina offered Rantanen for Marner. Then it brecame a 3 way trade with Carolina shipping Marner to Vegas, but Carolina and Vegas couldn’t come to an agreement to finish the deal. Nobody could verify any part of the Vegas deal and Marner only acknowledged that he used his NMC to block a trade to Carolina. No mention was ever made of Vegas, but somehow Marner has an interest in Vegas was born. So just more speculation
One last detail, anybody who says Marner’s desire to win the cup is a priority for him. Please go back and watch games 5 and 7 and come back and say that with a straight face
Think Toronto’s back in the conversation Yogi? I’m basically Sportsnet and here for my hockey news, so not paying that much attention to the speculation. But almost all of it is him leaving.
I said back when they first got punted by Florida that they might want to keep him, even with all the negativity around him by some of the fan base.
His comments seem to “suggest” he might be done there, but folks have had time to let the emotion out of the decision, so maybe?
I also like the Anaheim guess. Up and coming team IMO. Marner speeds that up.
The only reason I see Toronto being in there still Ray is that meeting Marner said he was going to have with Treliving in July. The only reason I could see is that he’ giving Toronto a chance to match what’s out there. Marner has never ruled out resigning with the Leafs and if Marner is only looking for a 3/4 year deal, july 1st is meaningless this time around. So he’s free to see what’s out there and then come talk with Toronto
Yogi, plenty of smoke (would say fire!) Golden Knights front runner land Mitchy Marner. Back in the 2024 off-season speculation Maple Leafs and Golden Knights kicking tires about Marner trade. Maple Leafs wanted Theodore. Golden Knights declined. This spring strong rumor Hurricanes wanted trade Mikko Rantenan to Maple Leafs for Marner. Marner declined. Also, past spring strong rumor potential three team trade: Hurricanes trade Rantanen to Maple Leafs, Maple Leafs trade Marner to Golden Knights, Golden Knights trade ??? to Hurricanes. Rumor – trade didn’t happen because Hurricanes didn’t like the return. Marner didn’t turn down trade. Weeks ago strong rumor Marner wants play for Panthers or Golden Knights. Panthers not likely sign Marner as they win cup need to sign UFAs. Recent rumor Marner wants play for Golden Knights or Kings or Stars. Well, Stars are cap hell. Kings possible second choice? Way I see these rumors as long as Golden Knights find cap space good chance Marner sign with Golden Knights perhaps around four year deal
Add something else. Years ago before Golden Knights became team, Marc Andre Fleury rumor player Penguins wouldn’t protect for Golden Knights expansion draft. Before Golden Knights expansion draft Marc Andre Fleury and his wife rumored looking for house in Vegas. As we know Marc Andre Fleury expansion draft trade to Golden Knights. Now strong rumor Marner and his wife looking for house in Vegas. Matter of preparation Marner and his family moving to Vegas before actually signing. Yogi, why would Marner and his family look for house in Vegas?
Kane traded to Canucks, it seems.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/evander-kane-says-he-has-been-traded-from-the-oilers-to-the-canucks/ar-AA1HphI9?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Yep seems for a 4th (Ottawa) no salary retained on other early reports.
Good landing spot for him. Lots of opportunity to have a great season and cash in next summer.
Confirmed. For a 4th round pick. And just like that Bowman, committed to 18 players, now has $17,087,500 with which to get Bouchard under contract along with, perhaps, Frederic and maybe even 40 y/o Perry.
Conversely, Vancouver, committed to 21, drops from a cap reserve of just over $12 mil to $7,031,667 with no RFAs to re-up.
Trying to find a home for Arvidsson is next George, and he confirmed publicly he will work with the Oil to do that with regards to his NMC.
If successful there is another $4M.
Now they have something to work with, not a big amount, but some flexibility to use in the off season and or TDL.
They might be able to find a taker for a winger who has had some good scoring seasons, Ray – but at 32 y/o and having missed considerable time the past two seasons with injuries – and costing $4 mil off the cap, it won’t be easy – even with just the 1 year left.
They might have to eat some of that and can’t really expect anything of significance in return – either in a prospect or pick.
Definitely not getting much of anything back George, but might be able to move him to a Chicago, SJ type team. They need place holders who don’t suck, and Arvidsson doesn’t suck.
Might even be able to trade him at the deadline if he starts putting the puck in again. He did get 15 in a limited role in EDM, should get back to 20 with more offensive minutes.
He should be motivated to go, get a bigger role and get another contract.
Edmonton will give Savoie every chance to earn a top 6 role next season IMO. We will see if he is up for it.
Good for Howard. He gets to have a say in where he plies his craft and Tampa has the opportunity to get at least something for him better than the compensatory 2nd round pick. You seeing this chl players? Stand up for yourselves! The system you are in is bologna.
Great trade by Vancouver, getting out from locker room problems and instantly getting new ones, (irony)
who knows maybe they have nice casinos in Vancouver
Although not referenced in Lyle’s daily posts, I though this part of Garrioch’s column this morning might put to rest – at least for a while – musings and opinions that Brady Tkachuk might want out of Ottawa:
“Speaking on the St. Louis-based Cam and Strick Podcast with former NHLer Cam Janssen and veteran broadcaster Andy Strickland, Staios won’t be getting any advice from Tkachuk on what the club’s roster requires, according to the star winger.
Strickland asked Tkachuk if he would tell Staios what the club needs for its roster to be more competitive. Tkachuk made it clear that’s not happening.
“I try not to,” Tkachuk said. “I’m a player. I want to stay in my own lane. I’m not the GM, I’m not the coach and I never want to be viewed as making decisions. I don’t want to do that. I trust in Steve and that he’ll make the right decisions for our team.
“He’s always kind of respected me, and if I have an opinion, he’ll ask me about it. I’ve told him that I trust in him and that he’ll make the right decisions for our team to not just make us a playoff team, but a team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup.
“I’m a player. I put my skates on and I do my best every single night.”
If Bouchard & McDavid are serious about winning a cup then we should see 2 short term deals way below market value,
McDavid is about to wrap up $100 million dollar contract, why not say I will sign 2 years at $5mill per go sign Marner, Then in 2 years sign a 8 year max contract,
It sounds ridiculous to say I want to win, winning is all that matters then taking $15-16mill off the cap,
Having Nurse, Draistle (spelling?), Bouchard & McDavid at almost 50millon will make it almost impossible to win,
E.Kane is from East Vancouver . He will light it up in his contract year.
He will also go along way in protecting all the Suedes and Smurfs on that team . An enforcer with skill will help
Oilers breathing a lot easier with some cap relief and no retention
Dino, it certainly won’t help – if Bouchard gets anywhere near $10 mil – to have their top 4 costing $45,750,000 off the cap (that’s 48% of next season’s $95.5 mil limit
Especially when you compare it to the 2-time Cup winners Florida whose top 4 (Barkov, Tkachuk, Bobrovsky, Reinhart) costs $38,325,000. The difference of just over $7.6 mil can go a long way to bolstering the bottom half of the line-up … and did.
Kane deal
Oilers free up $5.1M AND net a pick (I thought they might have to add a sweetner to have a team take him without retention)—-WIN
Kane goes home—-WIN
Cannucks get a gritty and string forward; reasonably priced and could (if they fall out of playoff picture by TDL) retain 50% at TDL and net s 2nd; all for a 4th—-WIN
WIN-WIN-WIN
Very few trades come out like that
Oilers re Arvidson; that may take a sweetner or two, use the Kane 4th; add a 3rd
For the overall price of a 3rd then; they’d then have $20.2 M to re-up Bouchard and sign 4 more
They MIGHT (purposefully in CAPS) have a hometown goalie option come July 24th
Breaking News – Sabres trade J J Peterka to Mammoth for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan.. Mammoth sign Peterka to five year average 7.7 million per season.