NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Erik Karlsson, and what the Oilers, Canucks and Senators have left to do this summer.
THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is willing to waive his no-movement clause to accept a trade. However, there are only a few teams he’d consider as acceptable destinations.
Johnston thinks Karlsson’s contract is easier to move now because there are only two years left. The 35-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)
If the Penguins move Karlsson, Johnston doesn’t think it’ll be strictly to shed salary. They view him as an asset that should fetch a reasonable return, especially if they were to retain part of his salary to facilitate a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Karlsson could be tradeable, but he also thinks that it might not happen this summer. He didn’t say which teams the three-time Norris Trophy winner would agree to, but they could be those that he thinks would give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.
Karlsson agreed to sign his contract with the Sharks in 2019 because he thought they were Cup contenders after reaching the Western Conference Final that year. He accepted a trade to the Penguins because he felt that joining Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang would give him a shot at hockey’s holy grail.
Of course, Karlsson was wrong on both counts, but as the old saying goes, the third time’s a charm.
SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will continue to explore the goaltender market in the hope of finding an upgrade between the pipes.
Spector doubts Bowman will find a suitable solution, but he also doesn’t see “a Jack Campbell-type acquisition by a desperate GM.” He suggests that something could emerge during the season, perhaps by the trade deadline, that could address this situation.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s little available via free agency or trade right now to improve the Oilers’ goaltending. However, that could change during the regular season as teams that fall out of playoff contention seek to shake up their rosters.
Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Iain MacIntyre believes the Canucks must remain patient and continue looking for depth at center. To create cap space to do so, he suggested winger Dakota Joshua (three years, $3.25 million AAV) and center Teddy Blueger (one year, $1.8 million).
MacIntyre also suggested looking at the market for third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs. The 24-year-old was the MVP of the AHL playoffs by backstopping the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford to the Calder Cup.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market for centers right now. The Canucks have little choice but to bide their time and hope that it improves during the season.
In Ottawa, Alex Adams believes the Senators are short of an elite top-six winger who can score. He thinks GM Steve Staios is perusing the league despite the limited options, the club’s lack of salary-cap space and assets at his disposal.
Adams suggested Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish as a possible trade target. He claims there’ve been rumblings out of Anaheim that McTavish and the Ducks aren’t a happy family.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have also been reports dismissing the speculation about McTavish’s supposed unhappiness in Anaheim. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is coming off his entry-level contract and has little leverage in contract negotiations, but no reports suggest talks have become stalled or contentious.
One rumor this spring speculated the Ducks could move winger Cutter Gauthier off the top line and into the second-line center position, pushing McTavish down to the third line. However, there has been no indication that the Ducks are considering that option.
Karllsson must be moved now
4 RDs making > $23.2 M ; with then a likelihood of $3.5 M on Clifton as a press-boxer or having him play 3LD; on a team plunging from mediocrity into the abyss —- this can’t stay as is
Karlsson must go; and is only tradeable with at least 30% further retained; 50% further retained ideal (most suitors)
As Lyle said, according to Chris Johnston; Karlsson would waive to go to small handful of contenders
For amusement only
Lightning:
Karlsson AND Rust (both at 50% retained) Shea, and Mcgroarty
For
Hagel, Geekie, Lilleberg, O’Reilly
Knights (after Petro is finally put on LTIR; they’d have $ 1.2 M in space with 22/23 on the Roster
Karlsson (50% more retained) and Hayes (50% more retained); and Lizotte
For Howden, Kolesar, Swick, 2nd
Leafs
Karlsson (50%) ; Novak; Lizotte
For: Roy, Cowan, Danford
Canes
Karlsson (at 50 %) and Novak, 3rd
For Kotkaneimi , Nadeau, Badinka, 2nd
Kings
Karlsson and Rust (both at 50%) , Novak, McGroarty
For
Byfield, Greentree, Booth
These might be 5 of the worst trades I’ve ever seen. None of these teams are giving up top talent for EK65, maybe an overpaid 3rd line guy and a B prospect
They are pretty bad. But calling rust an overpaid third liner immediately nullifies any validity in your post. Now if we got a nhl ahl tweener d man instead of those 2nd round picks I’d be much happier as a pens fan. More valuable.
Unfortunately, Bobs your uncle, and while I wholeheartedly agree, that won’t stop the endless Pittsburgh specific-player fantasy-league trade proposals that date back to the Pengy days, complete with the response opening of “Hi (whoever) ….”
Rust is a good player … but he alone would not get your Byfield alone – never mind Hagel. The rest is pure fantasy crap better suited to a Pub league.
A prime example of what cheap drugs will do to your brain. I’m surprised he didn’t throw Sid in there at 50% of course to help sell it
lol. The thing is with Karlsson, the need to shed that contract … or at least a portion of it – was evident almost from the day he acquired him.
But if and when it does happen, whatever portion of that deal is shed will be the major return. In other words, a pure partial-salary dump. There will be absolutely nothing in the way of a significant player OR pick coming back.
So they may as well keep him around until it runs out.
Easy boys. It’s the dog days of hockey. At least he got you all engaged.
Worst trade suggestion I’ve heard is trading Slavkovski for a bottom 6 forward.
Here’s my trade proposal. Brady for Laine. Bonus is George throws up his hands in dismay and reverts to being a Habs fan. Welcome mat awaits, George.
LOL. What I’d do in THAT event is get a comfortable location out of the heat to watch the lynching of Staios.
GeorgeO I wonder if Dubas is hesitant to trade Rust and Rakell as Crosby s line mates. Especially if Malkin is done after next season!
After reading thế trade scenarios you think DUBAS IS BAD…😁😀
Any team that would like to acquire Karlsson from the Peguins will need to offer more than “trash” players.
The Penguins’ greatest need or investment would be a strong middle six forward.
You’re literally out of your mind.
Hagel? Byfield?
Amusement? This is borderline insanity!
This is the correct response. Except the insanity might not be borderline.
8787 for president
For the love of all hockey loving humanity stop with your nonsensical trade scenarios. Oh, and all of the “Dubas lost another trade” comments, speaking on behalf of people (Crosby and Dubas) who’s conversations you are not privy to, emphasizing what people “MUST” do, predicting playoff success based on your suggested moves knowing they will never, ever, happen, and the repetition of your posts.
Some Old Guy, IF EVER one of his proposed deals were to materialize, he is obviously unaware of the Irish proverb
“when you are right, no one remembers, but when you are wrong, no one forgets.”
Are you Johnny Z?
@8787. Bét fits for Karlsson and he is going, will waive nmc, and Penguins will eat salary.
He needs a good coach good system good D pảtner!
Carolina Brindamour Slavin
Tôronto Berube. Tanev
Detroit. Morris seidler
Dallas. HeiskaNen
All goôd spots for him.
Tôronto. Simon benoit nicholas robertson to pittsburgh
Karlsson and a 2nd ti Leafs
Pens only want prospects and picks.
They want a you g player who can fit in now.they have 88 000 picks the next three yeaRs.
If the goal tender market is tight Vancouver is in the cat bird seat. They even drafted another highly ranked one in June’s draft.
I would see what is the ask for Silovs .
Why trade Silovs? He’s young and talented.
As much as I like Lankinen, I think he would be the one to be moved.
Problem with dealing either is Demko and his being injury prone of late, and that with an injury with little history across all major professional sports.
I think Lankinen has a no trade clause for the 1st 2 years. Silovs is no longer waiver exempt so they will lose him if they send him down to the AHL. He won’t beat our Demko or Lankinen so unless they roll with 3 goalies he must be traded. He’s no chump as he’s been the MVP of the world championships and the MVP of the Calder Cup. Teams with questionable goal tending such as To and Edmonton should be making offers.
Gored1970, Lankinen has a full NMC.
According to Puckpedia, Silovs is listed among their minor league players. I would assume he would be called up only in the event of an injury to Demko or Lankinen, in which case I don’t believe he would need to clear waivers if returned to the minors when the injured goalie returns.
On the other hand, if he is called up to replace one of them due to poor performance, and they try and return him to the minors, then I believe he would need to clear waivers.
If I’m wrong, hopefully someone will set me right – lol
George the only way Silovs can be called up and returned to the AHL without having to pass through waivers is if he’s called up on an emergency basis. But that’s for a very limited time, max is 3 games I think. After that he becomes part of the 23 man roster. They can return him and recall a different goalie
Thanks Yogi … I figured there might be a limit in terms of games, but wasn’t certain.
Demko and Lankinen have to agree to a new home. Silovs may be forced out due to not being wavier exempt.
Would a Silovs to Edmonton for Beau Ackley be enough? Of course, one of Calvin or Stu would have to be dealt as well.
Historically? Not gonna get a ton of value back.
Re :
“Mark Spector believes Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will continue to explore the goaltender market in the hope of finding an upgrade between the pipes.”
My gut says Bowman is staying quiet for another couple of weeks until a certain decision comes down where possibly a certain local goaltender just may be available.
If The decision comes down against; and Bowman’s done nothing wrong because he never mentioned anything; no one is the wiser.
If the decision comes down in favor; he can make calls then and act as if this was a change in plans post decision; publicly then doing nothing wrong.
Im pretty friggin’ sure the Oil won’t touch Carter Hart.
I dont think anyone will.
Really? Bowman and q are both in the nhl again. Talent trumps.
I dont think any of the 5 are real difference makers on any club.
One already retired. The rest might be better than 3rd round picks, I guess?But not much. Goalies? Less than that.
With that said, your point is valid.
I personally just don’t see the talent trumping the baggage.
Also, Skinner is fine. He backstopped his team to the finals in consecutive years. Not many do that.
There is no need to replace him with a forseen media shitshow.
The Oil don’t need distractions. They’re trying to slay the dragon next season.
Oilers kind of of have knack for picking up the want aways, bowman, Perry, and Kane. Why not Hart. McDavid just wants to win.
@8787. Dubas has done a teriffic job acquiring picks and prospects.
Penguins prospect pool há gone from 31st to 17th bbest according to tge athletic and scouting sites.
He does have to do better witg the current nhl roster.
Still have $15 milluon to use
Clifton nice 3rd rhd
Dumba obly 30 will bounce back always beên good skater passer há an edge gôd years in minnesota
Harison brunicke 19 year old. Dman so gõod
Should get a decent return for Karlsson.
And ì could land a rossi. Or byram. Mmhhhhhb
Chrisms … THAT is what I was referring to yesterday … “bounce back” from what? If he couldn’t on a top team like Dallas, what makes anyone think he’ll do it in Pittsburgh?
If he was so good in Minnesota why did they choose not to re-up him when he became a UFA in 2023? So he signed with Arizona … and that didn’t last long and on March 8, 2024 they dealt him and a 7th round pick to Tampa for a 5th round pick. Again, Tampa chose not to re-up him when he became a free agent again, so he signed with Dallas. and once more that didn’t last long … and within short order he was on his way to Pittsburgh.
If McTavish does somehow get to the trade market; there WILL be a bidding war
Something tells me the Pens “bidding war” will start with a 💩?
Chocolate ice cream?
Aww come on, CaptainObvious …. Anaheim would be dizzy with delight at the mere thought of getting McGroarty … for starters.
Pittsburgh has zero chance at McTavish
Dubas can’t win one on one trades let alone a bidding war
George,
With Karlsson as a sweetener!
Are all the London Room 209 players UFA”s . (if they don’t go to jail )
SilverSeven,sAs Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube did not receive qualifying offers from their teams, they are UFAs.
Not sure why that never happened with Alex Formenton, who is currently listed as an Ottawa minor-league RFA. That point is moot, however, as he’s already said his pursuit of a hockey career is over, one way or another.
If Formenton is found not guilty what a shame to see his career go down the tubes.
Awaken this morning read today’s NHL Rumor Mill with first 16 comments – reading comics – very funny 😂 😸
I don’t know who this Alex Adams is, but is he aware that Tkachuk (66 goals last 2 years) and Batherson (54 goals last 2 years) are pretty good scoring wingers.
And that McTavish is NOT a winger.
People will write anything these days when there isn’t much actual news to report.
That article on Sens needs main points being
A need for top 6 scoring
McTavish to Sens, the Staios relationship.
A need to extend Pinto.
Where he strays .
Picking up Zetterlund is expected to address that.
He wants to sell the McTavish idea so badly he mentions the guy can play wing.
Pinto extension, he’d like to keep him as a 3C, stunting his game.
Is it only people outside Ottawa who see Pinto as much more than Sens?
I doubt it
How is is Pintos role stunting his growth? I feel he was born to play the role he’s given. An elite shut down centre with the ability to score and play the pp and pk. The beauty of the sens is that both other centres are 8 and 7 mill, so if pinto falls in line with the same, Sens could have a triple threat that not many other teams have.
Also think Staois should wait and see how this team responds. Personally, I’d play zetterlund with Brady and Stutzle and Perron/G with cozens and bath and leave the third line alone. We might be surprised what the guys can do with more time for cozens and zetterlund to meld with the group.
Owen,
y opinion is that Pinto is better and worth more than Cozens and keeping him at 3C is wasting his talent and restricting his pay.
The other Sens centers got contracts for term and money a few years ago.
The cap has gone up considerably and so are contracts
Pinto is RFA at the end of the year and the Sens aren’t paying 7-8 for a 3C.
As a 2C he’ll get an offersheet for more.
Foleyd, I agree re Tkachuk and Batherson. Now the hope is that Zetterlund, starting the year at RW on a line with Pinto at C and Greig at LW, will repeat – or improve upon – his 19 goals this past season.
After that it drops drastically. At 37, Giroux could must just 15 goals as the 1st line RW, and I don’t see him getting much more than that as he gets older.
Greig, too, must improve upon his 13 goals, as do Amadio (11g) and Perron (9g) – although in the latter case, he played just 43 games due to injury and early-season family issues. If he can get to an 82-game average of 17, that would help.
With $4,294,286 in cap reserve, I just can’t see Staios landing a top 6 scorer without someone else being moved, such as Perron ($4,000,000) or – much more easily – Pinto ($750,000 and an RFA next year. In which case Greig would likely move to 3rd line C and perhaps Kaliyev slotting in at 3rd line LW.
Lots of moving part.
(and please Lord, in all seriousness, no suggestions about a convoluted multi-named-player Pittsburgh connection).
should read “Pinto ($3,750,000) …”
Or as it should be called the “So Little Gary Bettman won’t get booed” format. .