NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2025
The 2025 NHL Draft begins Friday evening. Check out the latest trade speculation on Noah Dobson, Bowen Byram, Rasmus Andersson, K’Andre Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov and more in today’s Rumor Mill.
ISLANDERS ENTERTAINING OFFERS FOR NOAH DOBSON
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the New York Islanders are listening to trade offers for Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights seeking a significant raise over the $4 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson could become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer if he gets a new contract via arbitration this summer. Rumor has it his camp wants an AAV between $10 million and $11 million. Any club interested in acquiring him will want assurances that he’ll sign an extension.
New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).
Johnston claims the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues are among the teams that have spoken to the Islanders about Dobson. The blueliner is also eligible to sign an offer sheet if he’s still unsigned on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team signing Dobson to a deal with an AAV between $10 million and $11.7 million would have to part with two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a third-rounder as compensation to the Islanders. Anything over $11.7 million costs four first-rounders.
The Canadiens could use an experienced top-four, right-shot defenseman to take some pressure off Calder Memorial Trophy winner Lane Hutson. The Blues have Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk on the right side, but the former is 32 and the latter 33.
The Isles are gauging the market, but it doesn’t mean they’re actively shopping Dobson. If they don’t get any intriguing offers, they’ll continue negotiating a new contract with the blueliner.
NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias weighed in on the Dobson speculation. He believes Montreal makes little sense as a trade destination for the type of return the Isles would want for Dobson. He felt the Blues and San Jose Sharks might make the most sense, as could the Utah Mammoth if Sean Durzi and the 2025 fourth-overall picks were part of the return.
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens executive VP of hockey ops Jeff Gorton maintained his club intends to stick with their rebuilding plan. “This is a big weekend for us, and it’s a big summer for us, but we’re not going to do anything that’s stupid.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Taking on Dobson at $11 million annually could be a stupid thing, especially when the priority remains adding a top-six forward, preferably a second-line center. Dobson is a talented puck-moving defenseman entering his playing prime, but he’s currently not an $11 million AAV player.
IS BOWEN BYRAM NEXT ON THE SABRES’ TRADE BLOCK?
TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s a lot of interest in Bowen Byram. Like Dobson, the 24-year-old is an RFA defenseman with arbitration rights. The Sabres could look at avoiding a potential contract snarl by trading him, like they did earlier this week with winger JJ Peterka by sending him to the Utah Mammoth.
Dreger believes the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche and perhaps the Toronton Maple Leafs could be interested in Byram.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A left-shot defenseman, Byram was acquired by the Sabres from the Avalanche. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams prefers player-for-player swaps because his club already has a well-stocked prospect pool. The asking price for Byram could be a top-six forward.
THE LATEST ON ANDERSSON, MILLER, GAVRIKOV AND ARVIDSSON
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Flames GM Craig Conroy confirmed he’d spoken with Rasmus Andersson, saying things were “all good” between them. The 28-year-old defenseman has been the subject of frequent trade rumors. “If he’s a Calgary Flame in September, he’s a Calgary Flame”, said Conroy.
However, Gilbertson believes there’s no guarantee that Andersson will still be around by then. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and there are contending teams interested in the right-shot rearguard.
NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes the rest of the Rangers’ offseason plans depend on what they do with K’Andre Miller. Like Dobson and Byram, the 25-year-old left-side defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights who has been the subject of trade conjecture for weeks.
TSN: Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said he increased the contract offer his predecessor made to pending UFA defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. So far, however, there’s still no deal in place. It’s projected he could get a long-term deal with an AAV of $7.5 million on the open market.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson speculates the Oilers could “sweeten the pot” to move Viktor Arvidsson in a cost-cutting trade. He proposed packaging the 32-year-old winger with the 2025 fourth-round pick they received from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this week in the Evander Kane trade.
LATEST ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell looked at some recent rumors regarding the Golden Knights.
She doesn’t believe they have any intention of moving forwards William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. Kirkell also doesn’t buy into the rumors linking them to Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram because he doesn’t fit their preference for physical blueliners.
Kirkell also pointed out the Golden Knights’ limited cap space has shrunk with the re-signing of Reilly Smith (one year, $2 million) and could deplete further with the anticipated re-signing of Brandon Saad.
UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Vancouver Canucks hope to make more moves this week. Acquiring a center is on their priority list. One move that could be off the table is trading Thatcher Demko. The 29-year-old goaltender is a year away from UFA eligibility.
SEVERAL FIRST-ROUND PICKS IN PLAY
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins hold picks No. 11 and 12 in the first round. They’re willing to move one of them for a good, young NHL player. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens could move the No. 16 or 17 pick for a top-six forward.
The Philadelphia Flyers are holding onto their first-rounder (sixth overall) but are willing to entertain offers for picks No. 22 and 31. The Nashville Predators hold picks 5, 23 and 26 and are considering their options.
With the seventh-overall pick, the Boston Bruins haven’t ruled out moving that selection for a return that would provide immediate improvement to their roster.
In Carolina for vacation, and there was some talk on the radio yesterday, I believe 99.9 that Carolina has spoken to Pitt about Karlsson, and would be willing to take on his full cap hit, If Pitt includes one of their 1st round picks, and takes back Gostisbehere. Ghost has outscored EK the last 2 seasons, .67 PPG vs .66, has more Power Play Points, and is a lot less of a cap hit. Not sure I make that trade unless they are going to use that 1st in another deal. IMO there would have to be more going back to Carolina, as that contract is just that bad.
Pens don’t have to move karlsson and certainly are not going to pay a 1st to do so. If they can’t unload him for essentially free with no cap held or for a return of assets with cap held they keep him for now. See what happens at deadline
Karlsson only has 2 years left on his deal, so it’s not the huge albatross it’s been in the past.
And despite EK’s defense not being great, he’s still way better than Ghost (who also has 2 years left on contract at $3.2M).
If I were Carolina I would definitely make the swap.
Will be interesting to see if Pitt can deal him without any $ retention (so maybe a pick thrown in, but not sure they throw in a 1st).
99.9 radio isn’t the best source for anything Carolina from Canes to Panthers or NCAA they get all info off X like everyone else and spin it.
Arvidsson would be easier to move than Kane I would think if not for his no trade clause. And what does his willingness to accommodate mean…16 teams 8, 3?
I wish there was some mechanism to limit what a no trade clause can be or the number a team can have at one time. They are handed out like candy and few are honored for the duration be it mutual or either side opting for a change.
How are they not honoured?
Arvidsson to pens makes sense. Get a 2026 pick for taking him. Then trade rakell for a decent return. Then move arvidsson at deadline for another pick.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson speculates the Oilers could “sweeten the pot” to move Viktor Arvidsson in a cost-cutting trade. He proposed packaging the 32-year-old winger with the 2025 fourth-round pick they received from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this week in the Evander Kane trade.
OK, Arvy and the 4th to the Wings for Tarasenko at $2.4M
Just read that Edm is about to sign Frederick to an 8 year deal (around $32M). The $4M salary isn’t awful, but 8 years? For someone who will be 28 next season?
Owners are literally about to approve a new CBA that removes the 8 year max because it hurts team flexibility…. and yet they can’t help themselves.
Some “details” here
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oilers-rumors-edmonton-sign-trent-145706347.html
If, as is indicated, the contract will be “north of $3.5 but south of $4 in AAV” it makes it a lot easier to buy-out at some point down the line.
Trent Frederic, 8 x 3.85M
Under $4M! Bundle and save $ !!!!!!!
The 8 years is hedging the bet that Frederic sticks in the top 6 on the front end and finds chemistry with either Mcdavid or Leon or both. At least that is my justification for 8 yrs. They have to be thinking that there may be a Hyman like up tick in production.
If there is no up tick and he still pots the 15 + while being a versatile player he will still earn his pay
And if 5 years in they opt to move on the contract shouldn’t be buyout opposed (hard tonsay for sure right now)
So do I like the term. Today. Not at all. Do I like the salary…based on rumors of what players are going to be getting…I am ok with it.
Let’s see how we all feel next summer or a couple years in.
The Frederic contract looks a lot like Jeannot deal! He was not the same player after Jeannot tooled him in a fight a couple of years ago!
All no-trade/no move clauses should be removed on trade deadline day on the last year of the contract.
So…. Why do players negotiate for those clauses then?
That’s ridiculous players have many reasons why they want a no trade. That is up to them. If a team doesn’t like it don’t sign the players that do. Pretty simple. NTC also helps keep salary down so either give them their ntc or pay the extra few millions
How exactly do NTC’ s keep salaries down?
That’s a pretty hefty salary for a guy that had 15 points in 57 games last year. Throw in one goal and three assists in 22 playoff games this year and it’s an overpay in my opinion. Why would you give 8 years coming off a bad season and bad playoff? I realize you need toughness in the playoffs, but for a team in salary cap trouble I would have never paid that for him.
Draft day and still can’t believe a team that finished 30 points ahead of SJ has bumped them from top spot. Or that Utah jumped to 4. Maybe something else that should be addressed in new cba.
If this system not in place ny don’t have laffy. Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad thing though.
Things have certainly changed on the Dobson front since this blog was posted. Trade seems imminent. Between the Habs and the Jackets. And the AAV on a long term deal is being talked about as $9.5m. Not cheap, but less than $11m. And the Isles prefer futures. Would then try to flip for another high pick. Which would be difficult.
Hughes and Gorton need to close the deal on this, assuming a contract would come in at $9.5m. rather than $11m. At least one of the firsts would have to be moved, plus Reinbacher and a forward prospect like Beck, Roy or Kapanen.
Howard, the forwards you suggest including would be ok, but the Habs need to factor in to things:
A big paydays for Hutson and Demidov.
I can’t see the Habs deciding Reinbacher is expendable for immediate help on the blue line.
Already there is chatter that the Habs might not make the playoffs again this coming season.
As Gorton has said no disrupting long term plans. IMO fitting in Dobson’s $ would do just that.
Howard,
If Columbus signs Dodson they won’t be signing UFA Fabbro who would fit fine on the Habs for half the money.
Nice thinking!
HabFan, LJ, If Dobson were 30 years old, I’d agree with you. In such case, Hughes wouldn’t even consider it. But at 25, he fits right into the long term plan and the age of their young core. A trade like this, unlike throwing too much money and term to a 30 year old, fits right in with the plan. He’s not just immediate help. He’s long term help.
As for the big paydays coming up, the cap is due to rise considerably by the time that happens. They’d be able to afford Dobson without much trouble. And several rather sizable deals will be coming off the books before too long. Such as Anderson and Gallagher with a combined $12m. AAV. And I expect that if Dobson is acquired, Matheson would soon be out the door.
The possibility certainly exists that the trade would not cost Reinbacher. But even if it does, it’s certainly worth it. Dobson is a true top pairing Dman. Reinbacher is still unproven. Truth be told, I wasn’t a fan of the Habs drafting him so high. I think he’ll be solid defensively but with limited offensive production. When picking that high, you need something more. And you can’t overlook the injury issues he’s had.
Chances to pick up top flight young players like Dobson don’t come around that often. When a team has a chance to pick up such a player they have to try to find a way. If they get Dobson, the Habs would have a top 4 D of Hutson, Dobson, Guhle and Carrier. One of the tops in the league. I like Fabbro, but he’s a depth piece at best.
Since Jeff Gorton has been mentioned referring to rebuild. Read something the other day. I think Rangers made 6 picks in 1st round from 2017-2019. Only soon to be traded K’Andre Miller is still with team.
Maybe, Slick, but a lot of the panic in NY occurred after Gorton was fired. So lots of bad decisions in Rangerland. You won’t see any of the Habs young guns traded, certainly not one after the other.
Of the six draftees that Slick referred to, two of them, Andersson and Kravtsov, were complete busts. Kakko was pretty close as well. Chytil had some good moments but was hurt a lot and not consistent. The Rangers managed to squeeze a first from Dallas for Lundquist but he hasn’t been that great either. And Miller may soon be gone as well.
The point is, the draft is far from an exact science. And the farther down you go, the more of a crapshoot it becomes.
Howard. At least MY turned 2nd rd pick they got from LA in Luas trade into Cuylle.
For me, seeing Jake Sanderson play night in and night out. That is the money you’d like to pay Dobson. Yes Noah’s offensive upside seems a little more refined at the moment, but his defensive side isn’t as good as Jake’s. As a closet Isles fan I’m comfortable with 10m x 7 with some limited no trade thrown in. Anything beyond that, start the trade wagon. If it’s first round pics outside the top ten – the Isles want both of them. Inside the top ten …..isles add a 3rd round pick.
JT receives Duchesne money to stay in Trono! What a deal! He is better than Duchesne!
Tavares signs for 4x$4.38
Maybe Duschene did set the market after all……regardless of Nashville money.
2C might be available.
Just saw that … nice signing by Treleving … the guy is still a ppg player
Detroit also signed one of their pending UFAs – LD William Lagesson for 2 years at $775,000 per
Tavares will be 35 when the new season starts and turning 38 for the final year. Very manageable.
Habsfan30
Maybe you got it right. Maybe it’s just two players happy to stay put for less.
No matter how you look at it, those are nice contracts for both the Stars and the Leafs.
So let’s consider this. Tavares over the next four years I’ll be making only about 500K per year more than Frederic. He must really love Toronto. And the CRA obviously didn’t scare him that much.
Howrd
You called it on Dobson.
8x$9.5 to Mtl.
#16, #17, Heineman to NYI
Yeah, I get all the credit.
Great move by Hughes in swinging the deal without having to give up Reinbacher or Mailloux. They will have quite a defense. Hutson, Guhle and Struble on the left side, Dobson, Reinbacher and Carrier on the right side. Xhekaj in the mix as well.
Habs aren’t done yet. I expect that Matheson will be dealt soon. Mailloux could be dangled as well. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them try to move up from 41 into the first round. Need some forward help as well. With Heineman gone and Armia likely to follow, need a couple of depth players who can kill penalties. Then of course there’s that pesky matter of. #2 Center.
But in the meantime, nice move. Nice to see Hughes pull off a big deal like that.
Good deal for the Habs. If Hagens slips to 7, Boston should trade him to the Islanders for pick 16+17 in the first round!
Dobson to Montreal. Both 1st rounders to Isles along with Heinemen
Dobson 8 x $9.5 going to Montreal for both 1st round picks this year plus Emil Heineman.
Assuming Isles now use both those 1s to move up and grab Hagens. Question will be: where do they need to trade up to between 4-10???
Seven years ago, Lou’s predecessor left him a difficult contract matter with Tavares which he had to immediately deal with. It obviously didn’t work out.
Seven years later, Lou returns the favor, dumping the Dobson negotiation on Darche. It was quite obvious that Dobson wanted out and, being a year away from free agency and knowing that any team trading for him would want to sign him to an extension, could basically dictate where he’d go. Seems he really wanted to come to Montreal. Good on Gorton and Hughes for making Montreal a place that players want to play again. Under the circumstances Darche did the best he could.