NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025
What’s next for the Sabres following the Peterka trade and the Oilers after the Kane trade? What’s the latest on Erik Karlsson, Jordan Kyrou, Rasmus Andersson, Aaron Ekblad and more? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES AND OILERS
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington believes the Sabres must have bigger moves in store after the “flimsy return” they received in the JJ Peterka trade. They shipped Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan.
With defenseman Bowen Byram expected to be the next trade candidate, Harrington thinks they have to be getting back a top-six forward to replace Peterka.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll have our answer in the next several days as trade activity picks up before the start of the unrestricted free-agent market on July 1. Byram’s been a fixture in trade rumors for months, with the expectation that he’d fetch a top-six forward.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making cost-cutting moves after trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. They must re-sign restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl’s new contract kicks in on July 1.
LeBrun believes Viktor Arvidsson will be next on the trade block. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.4 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, but he met with Oilers management and both sides agree it would be best if he moved on. His agent is working with the Oilers to find a suitable trade partner, and LeBrun thinks a deal could occur within the next two to three weeks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kane leaves the Oilers with $16.2 million in cap space with 19 active roster players under contract. That’ll go up to $20.6 million if Arvidsson is traded, leaving enough room to re-sign Bouchard and address other roster needs.
THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is believed to be open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to a contender. However, the Penguins might have to retain some salary to reduce his cap hit to $7.5 million per season.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)
Karlsson, 35, is signed through 2026-27 with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value (AAV). He’s also entitled to a $5 million bonus on July 1. Other teams could prefer waiting until that’s paid, but the Penguins could be less inclined to trade him after that date unless they get an extra asset in the deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s contract, coupled with his declining performance, will make it difficult for the Penguins to find a trade partner this summer. It’s not impossible, but those factors will make it difficult.
Meanwhile, LeBrun’s colleague Scott Wheeler reports the Penguins are aggressively trying to move up in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. They spoke to the Chicago Blackhawks about the third-overall pick. He believes they really like prospect winger Porter Martone and centers James Hagens and Roger McQueen.
ARE THE BLUES PEDDLING JORDAN KYROU?
STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks was asked about the recent trade speculation involving Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli placing the 27-year-old winger at No. 2 on his latest trade targets list.
DeFranks said he hasn’t heard much on the Blues’ end, but they’re usually tight-lipped about these things. He noted that Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors in the past. He’s a young, cost-controlled scorer who has improved his defensive deficiencies.
However, Kyrou’s trade value has never been higher. The Blues are deep in wingers and need help at center. They could also use another young defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou completed the second season of his eight-year contract. His salary-cap hit is expensive ($8.125 million), and he has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. If the Blues are shopping him, they could be eyeing a trade before next Tuesday; otherwise, they’ll need Kyrou’s approval.
UPDATE ON RASMUS ANDERSSON
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Calgary Flames are taking trade calls on Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. Contract extension talks last week reportedly didn’t go well.
D’Amico cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins have looked into Andersson. One source believed the Blue Jackets make a lot of sense, given their $40.4 million in cap space and depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico cited another source claiming the Ottawa Senators were pursuing Andersson. However, recent reports claim they’re on his six-team no-trade list.
IS AARON EKBLAD HEADED TO THE UFA MARKET?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun considers Aaron Ekblad likely headed to the UFA market next Tuesday. The long-time Florida Panthers defenseman reportedly hasn’t had any contract extension talks with management since last summer, though he expects the Panthers will make an offer before July 1.
Contract term was the issue in last summer’s discussion. LeBrun thinks that will still be a factor as the Panthers could be reluctant to invest too long in the 29-year-old Ekblad.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Panthers. It’s believed he’ll take a pay cut from his current $7.5 million. If the term remains the issue, he might have to accept a three-year deal to remain in Florida. We’ll know for sure by July 1.
COULD THE KINGS PART WITH ALEX TURCOTTE?
MAYOR’S MANOR: There’s plenty of chatter suggesting the Los Angeles Kings could move Jordan Spence and/or Trevor Moore this week. However, Alex Turcotte could also be worth watching. Multiple teams are said to be interested in the 24-year-old winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Turcotte is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $775,000. He’s battled injuries in recent years but played a career-high 65 games this season, netting 23 points. The former first-round pick (fifth overall, 2019) could be part of a bigger trade package.
Rasmus Andersson has to be at his peak of worth in the entire league. Flames should entertain the best offer of picks and players. I thought Buffalo prior to the Peterka deal.
They should try to get into that top 8 on Friday. Maybe Utah or maybe Phil. Aside from McKenna there is Landon DuPont the year after. Rebuild it.
Could the Sabres and STL be trade partners?
Kyrou takes Peterkas spot. STL is long in the tooth on defense so Byram plus prospect center Ostlund and a draft pick or a RHD prospect like Strbak for Kyrou.
yeah its a fit i agree too
That’s over payment for Kyrou. I’m not saying he’s not a great player but you’re asking Buffalo to basically trade three first round picks Byram was 4th overall ostlund another first rounder and you want another pic or a right handed D Also highly coveted I agree with the needs for both teams, but like a typical Homer You want the world for your second round draft pick Regardless of what he’s become It’s overpayment for the potential you’d be getting
Turning Casey Mittlestadt into Kyrou is a solid move
And I agree Byram is worth more than Kyrou straight… i am sure the deal will have more parts if it happens
I believe there was one player, Drait, who had more points and higher +/- rating during the last 30+ games of the 24-25 season then Kyrou. Over the past 3 season’s Kyrou is 20th in the league in Goals. Byram, Ostlund , and Strbak is close to fair, but not sure that helps the Blues who need a RHD, Byram doesnt fit the bill.
ds. Would you trade Lafreniere straight up for Byrum? (With assumption Miller won’t be back) Would Buffalo consider trading Powers and keeping Byrum?
You’ve got that backwards…I’m the homer giving up the 3 firsts. The only player that MY Sabres probably could use in the future is Strbak…Byram is a goner no matter what, Ostlund is trade capital and ok they don’t include Strbak and throw in a lesser pick.
Understand Adams has his back against the wall, took less for Peterka and will probably give more for a top 6 forward. I don’t see it as a 1 for 1 trade.
BTW, Dregs says STL is one of seven teams interested in Byram.
To much and Östlund isn’t going anywhere
On Sabres trade…..
Coming into thus offseason they had $24M in cap space but had Peterja, Quinn, McLeod, byram, Kozsk, JBD, and Ryan Johnson ( still waiver exempt( to sign
Peterka at 7.7, byram st y, mcleod at 5 is 19.7 leaving them at $5M which exposes Quinn to a broberg OS
This gives them cap breathing room
Signing those might give them about $10M in space with byram unsigned
Someone above talked about Kyrou. They aren’t shopping for that
In sumner 26 they have tuch, Benson, and others to resign
In thr deal they could have asked for a 26 2nd ( Utah had 3)
Doan might bea better defense/ PK/ physical player than peterka
Sabres team right now
Benson-Norris-Thompson
Zucker-Kulich-Tuch
Greenway-McLeod-Quinn
Malenstyn-Kozak-Krebs
Lafferty
Samuelsson-Dahlin
Power-Kesserling
Byram-Clifton/JBD
UPL
Levi
F call ups- Ostlund, Doab, Rosen
D call ips- Ryan Johnson
26 contract changes ( CAphit INCREASE)
Cap goes up 8.5M
Skinner dead cap +2
TUCH <4
BENSON<4
KESSERLING RAISE <4
They will need space in 26/27.
On Sabres trade…..
Coming into thus offseason they had $24M in cap space but had Peterja, Quinn, McLeod, byram, Kozsk, JBD, and Ryan Johnson ( still waiver exempt( to sign
Peterka at 7.7, byram st y, mcleod at 5 is 19.7 leaving them at $5M which exposes Quinn to a broberg OS
This gives them cap breathing room
Signing those might give them about $10M in space with byram unsigned
Someone above talked about Kyrou. They aren’t shopping for that
In sumner 26 they have tuch, Benson, and others to resign
In thr deal they could have asked for a 26 2nd ( Utah had 3)
Doan might bea better defense/ PK/ physical player than peterka
Sabres team right now
Benson-Norris-Thompson
Zucker-Kulich-Tuch
Greenway-McLeod-Quinn
Malenstyn-Kozak-Krebs
Lafferty
Samuelsson-Dahlin
Power-Kesserling
Byram-Clifton/JBD
UPL
Levi
F call ups- Ostlund, Doab, Rosen
D call ips- Ryan Johnson
26 contract changes ( CAphit INCREASE)
Cap goes up 8.5M
Skinner dead cap +2
TUCH <4
BENSON<4
KESSERLING RAISE <4
They will need space in 26/27.
That Buffalo move really doesn’t make much sense unless we get some kind of additional update that he had quietly requested a trade or wasn’t going to re-sign there for the relatively “affordable” contract he turned around and signed with the Mam’s.
I go back to Ottawa getting Couzens from the Sabres for Norris. I’m seeing that was now more of a 1for1 to get out from under Norris’s deal but ultimately Couzens will be on the wing and the Sens did covet Peterka. Weird a deal couldn’t have been struck.
What the crap is going on in Vancouver. Too many over priced goalies. Adding some more spice to an already spicy locker room.
There were several main stream media reports that said Peterka was not happy with the Sabres.
Dark G, when Ottawa got Zetterlund from San Jose, part of the price was hustling 3rd/4th line F Noah Gregor – who was very good in Ottawa on the pk, and an effective 4th liner.
It was just announced that San Jose will not extend a qualifying offer, so he becomes a UFA. Something to think about re a possible return.
The Sharks also announced that Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract. Not that I want him in Ottawa or anything … just a bit of additional news. Could be the end of the line for him at age 38.
Bruins rumor .. they are looking to resign Henri Jokiharju to replace Carlo … don’t know how this helps the Bruins cause because they were looking for a second pairing Dman ( that he’s not ) Sweeney seems to be all over the place as usual
I still say that Bruins need to retool on the fly. i still think a trade for a top 5 pick this year maybe utahs pick at number 4 for Zacha and Loreih makes sense .it gives Utah another experienced forward with an and coming defenceman and bruins can select 2 great draft picks to go aling with next years 2 first round picks. also gives bruins extra money to spend on free agents.
If you add #7 pick to Lohrei & Zacha where would it get the Bruins in draft
Joe I think giving up zacha Loreih And & 7 overall pick for Utahs 4 overall pick would be too much. But instead of 7 pick I would be alright giving up Bruins 2 Second round picks in this years draft.
peter, you might be alright with that … I very much doubt Utah would be, though
Joe , Jokiharju isn t as bad as you think. Played 18 games for that AHL team at the end of the year and he was a + 8. Should be able to get him at about 3/12. Different type of player than Carlo bit I Don t. Know about you,he handles the puck and passes much better than Carlo ever did.
Sr
I think he fit the role well and won’t break the bank
Seems like some interesting and big names around the league that have ntc kicking in on July 1st. As Lyle mentioned with Kyrou, Petterson in Vcr as well. Kyrou would leave such a big hole in the Blues lineup from a production standpoint point, I’d be shocked if he was dealt. Petterson is such a wildcard, his contract scares the hell out of me. If his game doesn’t turn around that deal could quickly become an albatross. Do the Sabres make a play for him with Byram being the main piece coming back? Petterson with Thompson on his wing could be fun to watch. Great article in the Hockeynews on projected number 1pick Schaefer. Isles are getting a really good one. If I’m The Jackets, I’d call Dallas and see if a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and a young player would get me Robertson?? Can’t wait till tomorrow’s draft, cheers all.
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Dallas Stars are close to re-signing their captain, Jamie Benn, on a one-year contract. LeBrun added that the contract should be completed today, while TSN’s Darren Dreger shares that the contract is bonus-heavy. According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, Benn’s contract will be a one-year deal worth $1MM, featuring performance bonuses similar to other contracts for players over 35.
No surprise there. Everyone knew Benn wasn’t leaving the Stars. They already tipped their hand months ago of their intention to retain him.
Just confirmed – 1 year $1 mil – heck of a comedown from $9.5
After his amazing playoff run of 18gp 1 goal 3 assists and a -11 I think it’s a 1 million dollar overpay.
He wasn’t alone in their playoff failure. But not sure why you’d even roll him back.
Dallas is now committed to 10F 8D 2G (20 players) for next season, with cap space of just $980,084 with which to sign 2 … and still with 5 unsigned UFAs: C/LW Mikael Granlund (exp. $5,000,000); C/RW Colin Blackwell (exp. $775,000); LW Evgeni Dadonov (exp. $2,250,000); LD Brendan Smith (exp. $1,000,000); RD Cody Ceci (exp. $3,250,000).
Clearly, barring some other major roster player being dealt, almost none of the above will be returning to Dallas.
One million is about right for Benn. He’s really the only player on the team with grit and abrassiveness now that Marchment is gone. The captaincy needs to be moved on…maybe Johnson or Heiskanen.
While still respected in the room, a 4th line captain probably isn’t the best.
There has been a lot of talk in New York about Dobson going to St Louis as part of the deal for Kyrou. Dobson wants 11M when is production actually went down. Kyrou would be a great pickup for the Islanders
That Isles – Blues rumor of Dobson and Kyrou, as part of a deal makes a lot more sense then a deal with Buffalo for a LHD.
Joe F, the Kyrou Dobson deal makes no sense for the Blues. They need more finishers why would they trade their leader in goals scored and 2nd leading scorer who exploded when he was put on a line with Holloway and Schenn.
More to the point why would they pay 9 or 10 million to a second pair right dman because he wouldn’t replace Parayko in the lineup and certainly wouldn’t replace him if they traded Parayko.
Trading Kyrou only works if offense is coming back in any deal.
Dobson all day over Kyrou in St. Louis. Blues need a top 4 RHD, and you look at the point per game over the past 3 seasons, Dobson .69, Kyrou .86. Start factoring in Snuggy and Bolduc in the top 6, and Kyrou becomes the piece you need to move to fill the area of need at RHD.
Word is, the Isles already shot down the 2025 1st and Neighbours offer from STL. They want Kyrou for Dobson.
Karlsson makes sense in Carolina.
Penguins retain $2.5. Or $ 3 million. Bringing Karlsson to $ 7 million
CarolinA has the terrific. team structure coach and jakob slavin the ideal D partner so solid.
Blackngold, more and more seeing rumors Karlsson gets traded. What’s expected return? Cap savings?
Penguins #11 and #12 picks chance trading up?
Dubas HAS to retain more than a measly $2.5 M
You can probably count on one finger (maybe) interested clubs (@$7.5 M) that (A) have the cap space and (B) EK would waive to go to
Wait until signing bonus is paid AND retain 50%
At that point a receiving team gets him at a $5 M Cap hit with only a total (for 2 years) of $5 M cash outlay (AAV cash of $2.5 M per year)
That EK (at $5 M cap hit and effectively only costing $2.5 M cash/yr) is definitely going to have teams interested; more who can fit him in; AND will get a return of
A current young NHLer on the rise; who is under contract
AND
An NHL ready prospect (on their ELC) who is expected to play in the NHL this year
At $7.5 M pre July 1st; more than likely no deal( and even if somehow done; very poor return
Take the cash hit; get a far better return
Dubas also has the option of doing the 50% now(before July 1st); but also taking back a dump contract (1 year) in that similar range ($4 M -$5 M) and then getting that same return shown above
Stars as at now; in Cap nightmare
Next year need to sign : Harley, Robertson, Bourque; Lundquist
Pens have space; need to get younger and bigger
Sabres need an impact player
1st trade:
Pens take Dumba off Stars hands; and get Robertson
Stars get EK (50% retained) ; Rust (50% retained); 2nd ‘26 (Jets); 3rd in ‘25 (Wild)
Stars free up over $4 M in Cap space
2nd trade
Pens flip Robertson, Novak, and 12OA this year to Sabres
Pens get:
*9OA
McLeod
Quinn
Doan
*Dubas can then call his namesake in Chicago and as what else is needed to add to 9OA to get 3OA(Martone)
Considering that the Oilers were. on average, the oldest team in the league this past season, moving Kane and perhaps Arvidsson are steps in the right direction to correct that.
But even so, the clock is ticking on this group what with free agency looming in a few key cases … they pretty much are in a “win-now” scenario … not in 2 or 3 years kind of thing.
And in looking at next season, one question that has to be running through Bowman’s mind is – did we get to two straight cup finals BECAUSE of Skinner … or was it a case of rising above his shortcomings?
Another thought that must be in play is: how much do the Oilers have left in the tank after going to the finals two years in a row. That’s a lot of spent adrenalin, particularly by McDavid and Draisaitl. Wouldn’t surprise me if the Oil were an early out next playoffs.
Yes, same goes for the Panthers.
Doofus ruining another team. How does he still have a job
I just wonder how much action there will be in the next couple of days. Exciting time of year.
If Pitt pays Karlsson bonus, he’ll be owed 11.5 mil with SJ paying 13% if that. SJ has over 40 mil in cap space. What would happen if Pitt traded him to SJ as a 3rd party to help facilitate a deal with another team? Would SJ need to use their 3rd retention allowed or would they just increase their previous retention? Could they do same for Hertl?
Vlasic being waived for buyout. Add another 2.3m in cap space. Maybe they do go after Marner. Maybe they’d take Karlsson or Hertl back?
I just found out that a third team cannot be involved in a karlsson trade for retention purposes as only two teams can retain on any one player. Now your sj idea kinda sidesteps that but I’m sure it wouldn’t fly.
Hi Chrisms
I think More than 2 teams can retain; but for sure you can’t retain twice (Sharks) on same contract (EK)
Here is what I found re limitations on trade retentions:
Limitations:
A maximum of 50% of a player’s salary and cap hit can be retained by the trading team.
A maximum of three retained salary contracts can be held by a team at any given time.
A team can only retain salary on a maximum of two contracts simultaneously.
The total retained salary cannot exceed 15% of the NHL’s upper salary cap limit.
Now I find sites that say maximum is 2 trade retentions (75% total if both team’s retain 50% of what they had carried) ; and others saying 3 (87.5% total; 3 consecutive 50% retentions).
Right now Pens carrying 87% of EKs, they can retain 50% of that (And SHOULD DO SO) meaning 43.5 % further retained; and rdceiving team getting him at 43.5 % ($5 M Cap)
As at now he’s owed $16.5 M- 43.5 % of that is $7.2 M
After SB is paid; $115 M; 43.5% of that is only $5 M total
Dubas MUST retain 50% more (43.5%) and should do that after July -st to maximize the return
Dude. You’re just setting yourself up to say “he coulda gotten more if he held 50%!” When you have no idea if that’s true or if ownership will even let him. Give it a rest.