NHL Rumor Mill – June 30, 2025
Updates on Alex Pietrangelo, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Brad Marchand, Brock Boeser and Patrick Kane in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
ALEX PIETRANGELO TO MISS THE 2025-26 SEASON?
THE FOURTH PERIOD’s David Pagnotta claims he’s heard Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo “is dealing with serious injuries and is going to require multiple major surgeries this summer, which will result in him missing the entire 2025-26 season, at least.”
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo’s condition has been the subject of frequent speculation for weeks, with some pundits speculating his NHL career could be over. There hasn’t been confirmation yet from the Golden Knights. During the draft weekend, general manager Kelly McCrimmon said they’ll know more soon.
If Pietrangelo is sidelined next season, the Golden Knights can place him on long-term injury reserve. He has an average annual value (AAV) of $8.8 million, giving them salary cap flexibility to find a replacement or to address another roster issue.
The Golden Knights have been linked to Mitch Marner as the front-runner to sign the 28-year-old winger when free agency begins on July 1. PuckPedia shows them with less than $758,000 in cap space for 2025-26 with 21 active roster players under contract. Putting Pietrangelo on LTIR would be necessary if they hope to sign Marner or anyone else this summer.
THE LATEST ON EVGENI MALKIN, JORDAN KYROU AND BRAYDEN SCHENN
RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an NHL executive suggesting the possibility of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin getting traded this summer. The Penguins won’t be offering the 38-year-old Malkin a contract extension, meaning he’ll either retire next July or try to sign elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Murphy’s source suggested the trade option as a way for Malkin to earn a contract extension elsewhere or improve his value for next summer’s free-agent market. Another NHL source told Murphy he expects Malkin will be traded during the season, not this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin has a full no-movement clause, so he’s not going anywhere. He has already indicated he intends to retire as a Penguin. Age and the wear and tear of 19 NHL seasons have caught up with him.
The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. A source told Murphy the two clubs have had more than one conversation. The same source also said several teams (including the Canadiens) are interested in Blues center Brayden Schenn.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens need a second-line center but would add a top-six winger if a center isn’t available. Teams might be interested in Schenn, but it would take a significant offer to pry away Schenn. They’re flush with wingers but thin at center.
THE LATEST NOTABLE UFA RUMORS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs hope to get the chance to speak with Brad Marchand when the UFA market opens on July 1.
If the 37-year-old winger doesn’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers, the Bruins would be open to bringing him back. They shipped Marchand to the Panthers at the March trade deadline.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s James Mirtle believes Marchand will be the Leafs’ top UFA target. He believes the winger will get $8 million per season on the open market, but also thinks he could end up staying with the Panthers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most observers are leaning toward Marchand re-signing with the Panthers, which could leave long-time Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad as the odd man out.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited several NHL insiders claiming the Oilers could be a destination for Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old winger is headed to the UFA market after nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have $12.35 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 20 active roster players under contract. Their priority is re-signing restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard, who could command around $10 million annually.
Rumor has it the Oilers hope to trade winger Viktor Arvidsson and his $4 million cap hit. However, that still won’t leave them enough to sign Boeser once they re-sign Bouchard unless they can shed another contract.
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains confident he’ll be able to re-sign Patrick Kane. The 36-year-old winger is coming off a one-year, $4 million contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane didn’t sign his previous contract with the Wings until June 30 of last year. The same thing could happen this year.
Most teams still have RFAs to deal with, including several top-end types who could, conceivably, receive offer-sheets. Here – in a nutshell for easy reference – are the Eastern Conference teams showing current team cap space, with a “yes” or “no” indicating Arbitration qualification followed by $ amounts of expired contracts
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston $12,743,333 – No RFAs (Lauko is not being offer-sheeted and will become a UFA)
Buffalo $20,840,319 – left-shot C Ryan McLeod – Yes – $2,100,000; G Devon Levi – No – $925,000; LD Bowen Byram – Yes – $3,850,000; RD Jacob Bernard-Docker – Yes – $805,000; LW Tyson Kozak – No – $850,000; RD Connor Timmins – Yes – $1.100,000 (acquired from Pittsburgh)
Detroit $18,411,628 – LW/RW Jonatan Berggren – Yes – $825,000; LD Albert Johansson – Yes – $775,000; LW/RW Elmer Soderblom – Yes – $878,333
Florida $11,000,000 – RW/C Mackie Samoskevich – No – $925,000; G Daniil Tarasov – Yes – $1,050,000
Montreal $3,394,166 over the cap – G Jakub Dobes – Yes – $925,000; LD Jayden Struble – Yes – $867,500
Ottawa $8,194,286 – LD Donovan Sebrango – No – $828,333; G Leevi Merilainen – No – $820,000
Tampa $5,480,001 – LW/RW Gage Goncalves – Yes – $775,000
Toronto $13,570,581 – LW/RW Nick Robertson – Yes – $875,000; left-shot RW Pontus Holmberg – Yes – $800,000
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Carolina $26,715,958 – No RFAs
Columbus $28,533,752 – LW Dmitri Voronkov – Yes – $925,000; RW Mikael Pyyhtia – No – $897,500; LD Jordan Harris – Yes – $1,400,000
New Jersey $14,394,167 – LD Luke Hughes – No – $925,000; C/RW Cody Glass – Yes – $2,900,000; W Nolan Foote – Yes – $825,000
NY Islanders $20,943,334 – RW Simon Holmstrom – Yes – $850,000; LD Alexander Romanov – Yes – $2,500,000; LW/RW Maxim Tsyplakov – yes – $950,000; C/RW Marc Gatcomb – Yes – $775,000; LW/RW Emil Heineman – No – $897,500; LD Scott Perunovich – Yes – $1,150,000
NY Rangers $12,197,142 – LD K’Andre Miller – Yes – $3,872,000; LW Will Cuyle – No – $828,333; LD Zachary Jones – Yes – $812,500; RW/LW Arthur Kaliyev – Yes – $825,000
Philadelphia $15,141,905 – LD Cameron York – Yes – $1.6 mil; C/LW Jakob Pelletier – Yes – $800,000
Pittsburgh $19,616,904 – C/W Philip Tomasino – Yes – $825,000; C/LW Connor Dewar – Yes – $1,180,000; LD Pierre Olivier-Joseph – Yes – $950,000 (Ponomarev has signed in the KHL)
Washington $9,375,000 – left shot C Hendrix Lapierre – No – $863,334l LD Alexander Alexeyev – Yes – $825,000; LD Declan Chisholm – Yes – $1,000,000
I had been shouting the last month that Samoskevich was a perfect offer sheet candidate given his age, his play, and Florida’s cap conundrum.
Then this weekend I read he wasn’t eligible for an offer sheet, even though he was an RFA. Seems there is some clause about years / playing time thresholds that RFAs must cross before they can receive an offer sheet.
Per Puckpedia, below are all the RFA that CANNOT get an offer sheet.
Lots of players I haven’t heard of, but a few big ones like Samoskevich, Luke Hughes, Coronato, Laferriere (LA) and Colangelo.
Team Player Name
ANA COLANGELO, SAM
BUF LEVI, DEVON
CGY CORONATO, MATTHEW
CHI KAISER, WYATT
CHI LUYPEN, JALEN
EDM JARVENTIE, ROBY
FLA BENNING, MICHAEL
FLA SAMOSKEVICH, MACKIE
LAK LAFERRIERE, ALEX
MTL FARRELL, SEAN
NJD HUGHES, LUKE
NSH PROKOP, LUKE
NSH FRASCA, JORDAN
NYR BOYKO, TALYN
OTT DAOUST, PHILIPPE
OTT KLEVEN, TYLER
SJS BURKE, NOLAN
SJS RUSSELL, MITCHELL
STL CRANLEY, WILL
STL DICKINSON, TANNER
TBL KORCZAK, RYDER
VGK SAVILLE, ISAIAH
WSH BJORKLUND, GARIN
Good list – thanks foleyd7
And glad Kleven is on it – for now anyway.
Here are the Western Conference RFAs
CENTRAL DIVISION
Chicago $22,495,357 – left-shot C Philipp Kurashev – Yes – $2.250 mil; LD Wyatt Kaiser – No – $916,667; RD Louis Crevier – Yes – $775,000; G Arvid Soderblom – Yes – $962,500
Colorado $8,950,000 – RD Sam Malinski – Yes – $850,000
Dallas $980,084 – No RFAs
Minnesota $17,711,835 – left-shot C Marco Rossi – No – $883,334;
Nashville $13,519,610 – RW Luke Evangelista – No – $797,500
St. Louis: $1,625,150 – No RFAs
Utah – $14,982,143 – left shot C Jack McBain – Yes – $1,599,999
Winnipeg: $23,513,810 – C/RW Gabriel Vilardi – Yes – $3.437,500; LD Dylan Samberg – Yes – $1,400,000; C Morgan Barron – Yes – $1,350,000; C/RW Rasmus Kupari – Yes – $1,000,000
PACIFIC DIVISION
Anaheim $35,988,812 – C Mason McTavish – No – $894,167; RD Drew Helleson – Yes – $925,000; C/LW Isac Lundestrom – Yes – $1,500,000; C /RW Brett Leason – Yes – $1,050,000
Calgary $19,820,000 – left-shot C Morgan Frost – Yes – $2,100,000; left-shot C Connor Zary – No – $863,334;
Edmonton $12,350,834 – RD Evan Bouchard – Yes – $3,900,000
Los Angeles $23,210,000 – RW Alex Laferriere -No – $875,000
San Jose $44,090,832 – RD Jack Thompson – No – $828,333; F Kim Klostin – yes – $2,000,000; C/LW Thomas Bordeleau ($874,125); G Georgii Romanov ($910,000)
Seattle $18,057,621 – RW Kaapo Kakko – Yes – $2,400,000; C/LW Tye Kartye – Yes – $859,167; LD Ryker Evans – No – $897,500
Vancouver $7,031,667 – No RFAs
Vegas: $757,857 – RW Alexander Holtz – No – $894,167; C/RW Cole Schwindt – No – $800,000; LW Jonas Rondbjerg – Yes – $766,667
Detroit just traded Vladimir Tarasenko and his $4.7 mil cap hit to Minnesota for “future considerations.”
The Wild drop to $12,961,835 in cap reserve while Detroit jumps to $23,161,628 in he lists above.
And the Leafs just acquired Maccelli and his $3,425,000 cap hit from Utah for a conditional 3rd. dropping their cap reserve to $10,145,581 while Utah jumps to $18,407,143 in the lists above.
And the Oilers re-upping Kapanen at $1,300,000 for 1 season. drops their reserve to $11,050,834 with RFA Bouchard still to be dealt with.
I Get on a personal level playing for one team for your whole career but I don’t think that stat has much significance these days. All fan will think of is what ifs at the end of the day. Crosby will be remembered for his greatness but also wasting the last 5 years of careers on a rebuild. I think Malkin would be great add for a Stanley cup contender I wish he would consider a trade. If you can a healthy Malkin for the playoffs that could be a difference maker.
In Pittsburgh, having Mario play his entire career here is a big deal. Same goes for lots of other Pittsburgh sports stars. It’s a small minority of local fans who want to see Crosby traded.
Chrisms, while I can appreciate the strong feelings of elements of a team’s fan base, a good GM who puts the fortunes of the team he manages as Priority One doesn’t give a rat’s patootie what the fans want.
Sure, many would bitch – and some even vow to never attend a game again – but we’ve heard that before – many times with star players over the years – and they always come back when new “heroes” develop.
They did it here with Alfredsson, Karlsson and Stone when they departed, and I know it surfaced in Edmonton when Gretzky went to L.A. and Ray Bourque from Boston to Colorado.
It didn’t last.
It’s a different argument. Jeff specifically posted about the fans perspective. He then used the term waste 5 years of his career. Very few Pittsburgh fans feel that way. He also said that the significance of playing for one team was diminished… and at least in Pittsburgh… across all sports… that’s not the case. Mario Clemente roethlesburger Crosby etc etc are revered for their greatness but also for being Pittsburghers their whole career.
Funny how commitment (even during this tough stretch), ethics, and staying true to your word from a player is looked at as “wasted” effort. If you don’t think his mere (current) affiliation with Pittsburgh doesn’t mean something to the community that supports the Penguins, and by that, I mean they show it, win or lose, with their hard-earned moolah, then you are mistaken.
“Oooooh, he can go get a cup with another team!”
Who cares? He’s won a few. It’s not a Ray Borque situation here, now is it?
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Crosby.
So, even for a fast-fading franchise looking at a long stretch out of the playoffs, it’s part of a GM’s responsibility to hang onto assets whose trade value could speed up the team’s recovery?
Interesting – and in some ways admiral – but as an owner I would insist that that sentimental nonsense not be a part of his job description.
But that’s me. LOL.
As a GM, I’m not telling Crosby “Hey, I know you don’t want to go, but you have to, so…”
Why? Despite the poor performing “supporting cast” Crosby still sells tickets.
Someoldguy:
Too funny . I think you nailed it right on !!!! I don’t want him to come to Colorado, not that it wouldn’t be awesome but the Avalanche did that back in joe’ s day I believe with selanne and karya . No guarantee it will be a success? He loves Pittsburgh, rightly so . Let’s let it go already!!!!
Are they selling out every game when they are out of the playoffs by Christmas? I’m pretty sure I heard some of the crowds were below 14,000 last season. Not sure that argument holds true
Yup. Good posts. George… it’s not like he is requesting a trade and Dubas is denying it. Being a pen for life seems important to Crosby as well. Years of playing for less money than he could have gotten has earned him the right to make that decision. And he is revered in Pittsburgh for it. In no way shape or form is it wasteful or insignificant
Let’s see now … 2 choices …. being revered or a season or two at $9 mil per … hmmmm … tough choice.
Heh … that’s just me and my way of seeing things, Chrisms.
I’ve never criticized Crosby or Malkin or a GM for making that choice … just stating the way I’d prefer to see a team run.
Many will disagree. That’s fine. They won’t change their view and I’ll never change mine.
I’m sincerely curious George. Do you think Dubas should ask Crosby or Malkin to waive their nmc despite their stated desire to stay in Pittsburgh? Or even try to strong arm them into it?
Jeff, how many of those 14,000 or less would have declined to attend sans Crosby? A pretty good chunk I’d bet. I’ll support the team whether the suck out loud or not, but I can watch them lose and buy merch from my house. I’m not in a position to go to home games as I live out of state, but If Sid wasn’t on the current roster, I wouldn’t anyway.
George, if he wants to play for another season, or two, the Penguins will gladly pay him the 8.7 million. Another team won’t have to.
Definitely NO strong-arming. They were given the nmc/ntc whatever as part of the bargaining process.
But perhaps a face to face meeting pointing out the realistic prospects of returning to the playoffs any time soon and, if they did agree to waive, a promise to trade only to locations of their choice and perhaps a decent chance at another c up before hanging them up.
If they remain adamant about staying, so be it.
Oh, no doubt Pittsburgh could pay him $8.7 for 2 ore years, Some Old Guy … just so he understands – and is content with – the fact they have no chance at the playoffs, let alone a cup in that span.
No amount of tinkering is going to turn them into a contending team in 2 years.
As for all the draft picks, what they have right now is a collection of prospects – nothing less nothing more – and historical data has shown that the vast majority of any team’s collection of prospects do not become impact players.
That’s just reality.
Boeser walks for free ?
Marner walks for free ??
Hague trade and sign in Smashville. Don’t think Leafs planned on $5m
and by the trade that happened late yesterday was not in the mix foMarner rights
Samoskovich an offer sheet candidate
He might sign the paper -healthy scratch in post season
See my note above. Samoskevich is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.
What if Marchand didn’t go to defending champs at deadline? Would we still be talking about a 37 year old getting 8 mil on open market? Florida won a cup without him. They won 2 with Ekblad. Unless Marchand takes a bonus Kaiden over 35 deal, IMO they’re crazy if they don’t prioritize Ekblad over Marchand. Who do you think wins series if Edmonton and Florida swapped goalies and dmen?
Bonus **laden**
What if? What’s the point of bringing up a hypothetical that has nothing to do with what really happened? Marchand was quite instrumental in Floridas victory, I would say more than Ekblad was.
Well as that saying goes, “what have you done for me lately?” Brad can say I helped bring a championship and was part of a team that made a big difference on what many called the best 3rd line in hockey. You gotta be paid for that. When the chips are down, this guy has proved he can get it done and if not on the ice then in the room (based on how his new teammates spoke of him). I get it, it’s hard to see past your views of a player beyond what you’re led to believe, especially if it’s a player from an opposing team that owned you.
Well Ron, I guess Florida values Ekblad as he’s signed now. Smart move. As far as sense in hypotheticals, isn’t that what a rumor site is all about?Last year they won after adding Tarasenko. Next year it could be someone else at deadline.
Ron, I’ll also add. I don’t dislike Marchand cause he’s an opposing player. I just thought a top pair right dman should be more a priority than a 3rd liner. Ekblad would be harder to replace.
SilverSeven – add in Granlund, Ehlers, Dadonov, Provorov and Gavrikov all potentially walking for free
Absolutely foolish comment they were winning regardless lol
?
Paul. The comment was more about who is more valuable and should be a priority.
Hoping the Sens trade Perron and Zub and then sign a left winger in free agency or through the trades for Zub and Perron and then sign Ekblad to pair with Sanderson
I could have sworn I saw an article quoting Marchand’s family after the cup win saying how hard the last 3 months had been with him being away. I just don’t see him moving his entire family who have roots in boston for an extra year on a contract of an extra mil per year. But who knows. My gut says he resigns in Boston, 7 x 3 or 4
I could see that as a possibility. If Marchy does come back, does he get the C back on his jersey? Would it be awkward if he doesn’t?
He wants 8 million per for 3 years .. Sweeney is nuts to give him that contract … although Sweeney is a terrible GM
It never ceases to amaze me how some get fixated on the past dominant performances of a fast-fading star.
Malkin not only turns 39 at the end of July, but if he finishes out his Pittsburgh career this coming season, he’ll be 40 by the time the next one rolls around.
Do you prefer paying for a potential that may never be realized? We see that all the time too. I think, within reason, vets ought to be paid or at least be part of the conversation when hammering out a new deal. The same potential intangibles are what vets bring without them being potential.
For me regardless of the player’s age or status, I’d like teams to employ a pay pyramid based on points being a cutoff and intangibles taken in consideration. For an example, 60pt players who are young and/or old and depending on intangibles as well as market would dictate a contract of 6-7 years for around the $7.5-8.5M per.
So in other words, if you can play, you should get paid. Age, experience, etc all adds up but the bottom line is if you are irreplaceable then your worth your salt.
No, actually. What I “prefer” is a GM who is authorized to make moves he sees as improving his team regardless of the personalities involved.
Isn’t that why they’re hired?
I’m with you on that one George. It’s a business, run it like one
So we are all in agreement here. 👍
Im extremely hopeful the Senators will decide to sell high on RD Zub and trade him along with Perron clearing 9.35 Million and sign Ekblad
Sanderson – Ekblad
Chabot – Jensen ( when back from injury )
Klevin – Spence
Yakumchuk in the wings
This talk of Crosby being traded to Avs is just idle fodder. Just speculative murmurs
He’s said he wants to end his career here
That said; I do understand why this speculative rumours could have started
Crosby loves it here; loves the team; loves the fans.
BUT; he’s also highly competitive and there is no way he envisioned that he’d end his career with 5 straight seasons missing the playoffs ; and more importantly was promised by Dubas prior to his signing this contract; that Dubas would be making moves towards ensuring Pens would be back in the playoffs in these next two years.
Dubas has done zero towards that goal. Improvements for 4-6 years from now , Yes; but nothing at all towards getting Pens playoff bound this year or next.
Dubas has publicly stated this (that he will be making moves to get us into plsyoffs in next 2 years) several times including just a couple of days ago
So I do get why someone would speculate a Crosby move. It doesn’t have proven backing; but does stem from logic.
I in no way want to see Crosby move on from here.
I will not however, blame him in any way; if he does ask for a trade.
If I’m FSG, I call Vinnie V immediately and offer $25M to flip Dubas for Zito
Mont could use Korpisalo .. guessing they will have to move players around to fit him in …B’s would probably take a draft pick back
Depietro just signed, and is not waivers eligible. Seems like a possibility something is in the works there.