NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2025
The top players still available in the UFA market, an update on Bowen Byram, and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
TOP REMAINING UFAs
DAILY FACEOFF: Winger Nikolaj Ehlers remains atop the list of the best available players in this summer’s crop of unrestricted free agents (UFAs).
Defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Matt Grzelcyk, forwards Jack Roslovic, Victor Olofsson, Max Pacioretty and Jeff Skinner, and goaltender Ilya Samsonov are among the remaining notables.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently indicated the Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning were among the clubs reportedly interested in Ehlers.
Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).
Potential landing spots for Orlov include the Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, and his former club, the Capitals.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the door remains open for Pacioretty’s return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers was expected to decide on Wednesday, but nothing happened. Perhaps we’ll get the answer on Thursday.
A significant number of teams have the money to sign Ehlers to a lucrative contract. Puckpedia indicates that 14 clubs have over $10 million in cap room this season. Not all of them are pursuing him, but it wouldn’t be surprising if several of them have spoken to the Ehlers’ camp.
SABRES WILL MATCH ANY OFFER SHEET FOR BYRAM
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said he would match any offer sheet for Bowen Byram. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.
Harrington also corrected a TSN report claiming Byram was a year away from UFA eligibility, pointing out that the blueliner is two years away. He also noted the Sabres don’t need the draft pick compensation if an offer sheet is unmatched.
If Byram wants out of Buffalo, signing an offer sheet would backfire if the Sabres matched it.
Harrington speculates a trade could be in the works for Byram. The Sabres traded top-six winger JJ Peterka last week to the Utah Mammoth and must find a suitable replacement. Byram could be used as a trade chip to address that need.
The Sabres could also re-sign Byram, give him another season alongside Rasmus Dahlin, and revisit moving him at the March trade deadline or next summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market, teams that missed out on signing a top-four, left-side defenseman could make Byram a trade target. Those clubs should be prepared to part with a top-six forward in a player-for-player swap.
THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS
THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports the Montreal Canadiens still need to address their lack of a reliable second-line center. Given the few options in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets, GM Kent Hughes stressed that the short-term answer must come from within the organization.
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes oft-injured Kirby Dach remains the most likely candidate for that role this season. While the 24-year-old struggled at that position last season when healthy, Engels noted that he didn’t have Ivan Demidov and Zachary Bolduc as potential linemates.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains noted that the Canadiens’ acquisition of right-shot defenseman Noah Dobson prompted speculation suggesting Mike Matheson could become a trade chip.
Matheson, 31, is a year away from UFA status and carries a $4.875 million cap hit this season. However, Hughes told reporters that he intends to retain Matheson, citing his big minutes, experience and leadership.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes has a well-deserved reputation as a savvy trader, but he’s not a magician who can conjure a second-line center out of thin air. There were few quality centers among this summer’s UFA class before the market opened on July 1, and it’s a seller’s market as far as trades go.
Hughes has little choice but to wait and see what develops in the trade market throughout the summer and into the regular season.
While I can understand the continuing hope that the 6′ 4″ 220lb Kirby Dach will finally shake off the injury bug (he’s missed a whopping 59% of his games since entering the league in 2019-20) and will finally blossom with the new line-mates, at what point do they say “OK – that’s enough?”
I mean, in the 269 games he has managed to play, his 82-game averages are 13g 24a 37pts. That’s barely average. Is it solely a reflection of not having top wingers on a consistent basis, or has he been, essentially, somewhat over-rated based on his massive size?
When Chicago took him 3rd overall in 2019, that size had to be the motivating factor because, while he had a decent final Major Junior season with Saskatoon, it was hardly eye-opening.
If things don’t click with Demidov and Bolduc, what is Plan B?
As I noted above, George, Plan B is to wait and see what shakes out in the trade market during the regular season.
There were no suitable options among this summer’s UFA class, and it’s a seller’s market for second-line centers in the trade market.
If Dach doesn’t work, they can try Bolduc in that role as he played center in Junior. Otherwise, it’s back to Newhook while they wait for better options in the trade market.
Maybe they can swing a deal with Florida for Evan Rodrigues who has played some at C. He has 2 seasons to go @ $3 mil per, and Florida, still with RFA C Mackie Samoskevich to re-up, currently sits $2,950,000 over the cap and so, will need to make some sort of roster adjustment (unless Tkachuk goes under the knife and starts the season on LTIR!)
@ George, I don’t think trading Rodrigues solves their issue (at least long term once Thachuk is ready to play).
They are about $3M over now. Samoskevish should get $2 – $3M.
So they need more than Redrigues’ $3M cap hit to solve a $5-$6M problem.
Agree wait and see is best approach
Habs rebuild has been steady and strong
Rushing and/of Rash decisions not necessary
If Dach stays healthy and works out; genius
Injured and/or not working out; address via in-year trade
Gotta feel bad for Dach. Have to think the injuries have hampered his development and career. Hard to improve when you are rehabbing every off season vs working on improving your game and missing that much time.
3 serious injuries at 24 including 2 knee surgeries. Sometime the phrase back to 100% is used, not sure if that is ever the case with these type of injuries. Lots of scar tissue in that body already.
Would be a great story if he got back, stayed healthy, and had a successful career.
It’s basically Dach or bust. Hopefully he’ll stay healthy and be productive. His first season with the Habs he missed time with injury but the 58 games he played he was pretty good except on faceoffs. Let’s hope we eee that version of Dach next season because this past season he was pretty bad even when he wasn’t hurt. It didn’t help they Laine missed two months and Dach really had no solid wingers to play with. This year he’ll get to play with Demidov and either Bolduc or Laine. Hopefully that’ll help.
Hughes prefers the trade route but I don’t see any legitimate second line center available for trade. Maybe once the season starts there will be teams that get off to slow starts who’ll decide to start retooling and someone will become available. Hughes was wise to not pay $7m a year to Granlund.
The problem that everyone is overlooking is that the Habs could use another center in the bottom six. Once again I’m glad that they didn’t offer over $5m to Dvorak, who was healthy and effective really for only the last half season with the Habs, but they need to replace him. They have Evans in the bottom six but I think Beck and Kapanen need another year in the AHL. That’s why I think they should sign Veleno. He’s coming off a rough year but he had 28 points the year before, if he could get back to that level he’d help the bottom six.
I would be patient, I don’t believe Hugh’s is desperate to make a move but obviously will if the right situation comes along. Thing is with Dach, it’s hard to say that “when healthy” he struggled, sure partly true but it’s hard to come back and find your game when you are returning from a pretty big injury. I am not making excuses for the guy, but he seems to get thrown under the bus a lot without that fact being mentioned.
I say give the guy until the trade deadline, see what move if any need to be made! Regardless of what happens the Habs are a better team now then the one that ended last season.
George,
Too much is being made of a 2C.
The Habs didn’t have one last year and made the playoffs by committee .
Training camp will show a lot internally
.Bolduc(22) has played center.
Demidov(19) has played center.
Beck(21) and Kapanen(22) are both centers and one year further
Dach(24) and Newhook(24) are the old guys in the mix.
The team has improved in other areas so with or without an established 2C, there won’t be a shortage of offense.
There has been talk the the Habs think Hage can be their 2C long term starting in a couple years. Any truth in that HF30?
Guessing they want to monitor his progress before making any type of long term commitment to a UFA or giving up quality assets in a trade.
HabFan we can’t underestimate or overlook that the lack of a solid option at 2C is a detriment on an otherwise solid team.
Notwithstanding the playoff spot, the second line was a disaster. Obviously it didnt help that with Laines injury, there were no solid second line wingers either. This year, with everyone hopefully staying healthy, there are at least 3 solid options for wingers on the second line. Hopefully Dach will bounce back.
Hughes was smart to not overpay for a temporary solution. But if the Habs are to contend for the Cup, that’s an issue that’ll have to be resolved.
Ray, Hage may indeed become a solid 2C. He had an impressive freshman year in college. But he’s obviously at least a couple of years away.
Ray Bark,
That’s a long term plan and a feel good story
He’s playing at Michigan, doing well but not a “star”
At development camp he is standing out.
That and a cup of coffee gets you a cup of coffee.
I don’t believe that it’s holding back a trade or UFA signing. Too much talent is hardly a problem for a bubble team.
I’d be happy to be in the position where Michael Hage was good enough to force Hughes to trade a roster player.
That’s very true habfan30. I suppose what I was trying to get at above – in a round-about way (lol) – is whether anyone thinks he may have been somewhat over-rated when taken 3rd overall by Chicago in 2019 and was that based primarily on his massive size as opposed to any eye-opening production in Major Junior?
In Lyle’s blurb above, Eric Engels mentioned that his offensive struggles might stem from the fact he’s never had top class wing-mates. But in one season with Chicago when he produced just 9g and 17a (26 pts) in 70gp, his line-mates were Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. He has also been consistently mediocre in the face-off circle.
Habs fans your best option of a 2nd line center is Pavel Zacha at 4.75 AAV for the next two years,! God Dvorak who you cast away got over 5 from Philly on a dea! Zacha buys you 2 more years until your young prospects separate themselves. He is a dependable player who plays in all situations and he has missed very few games in his career. You have an abundance of draft picks and young prospects to make this happen! And we will even throw Korpisalo into the deal for you.
Let me jump in.
First, I’d applaud Ray Bark’s comment about Dach, albeit it (understandably) he can’t stand the Habs. Love fair minded posts. Way to go, Ray,
Re the Habs need/quest for a 2 C. Hughes and Co. have been preparing fans for the possibility of not making the playoffs on the basis of long term, consistent improvement. I’m buying.
Yeah, Dach has been underwhelming and injury prone. I hold out little hope he will bounce back this season, let alone be the long term 2C hoped for.
IMO the Habs do have an option in Roslovic, reputation as inconsistent but is a good skater which the Habs prize. The yeah but to signing him is that it does take some developmental ice time away from Kapanen and Beck.
I’d sign him if he would take a year or two at a reasonable cap hit, making it easier to move him if he doesn’t work out. Velano just takes time away from the bottom 6, and would make little difference.
Finally, Hage is at least two years away, and a few more before he becomes the much longed for 2C. Remember the fiasco of rushing KK into the NHL.
Howard,
Of course the 2C position needs to be resolved, I’m saying isn’t a fire this year.
There will be many holes to fill between now and serious SC contention.
This summer the glaring openings were 2C and RHD.
RHD was solved long term and 2C will wait it’s turn.
Sr we thank you got your generosity. But while you may want to trade Zacha, it seems like Sweeney doesn’t. If Zacha to the Habs was to happen at all it would have happened before the draft.
George,
When Dach came to the Habs he played with Sean Monahan, a reclamation project at the time, and they both played very well together.
He missed the next season.
Last season he never seemed comfortable, injured again.
When you talk about his massive size, he never played big in Chicago, in fact he was considered soft.
In Montreal, he plays big when he plays, and its frequently said he should play RW.
LJ,
Roslovic is 28, inconsistent, R shot, projected AAV of $4 million.
Zacha, 28y/o, steady, L shot, $4.75 for two years. He’s a bargain for a 2C, if only Sr and Ray Bark were the Bruins GM
HF30: I wouldn’t touch Roslovic with Chara’s stick at 4 million per. Massive overpay.
Zacha is marginally better and arguably more consistent, and yes LH centre. But not worth 4.5 per IMO. Don’t care if centers are hard to come by, it sticks in my craw to pay 4.5 million for a guy who averaged 17 goals over the past five years.
I’d rather give up wine an cheese, grab a knee brace and get myself a tryout.
If it’s 4 million + for either, pass. Let’s see how the season begins before overpaying for a centre.
HabFan, understood and I see your point. A legitimate 2C certainly won’t be found during the offseason. Hopefully in season on next offseason.
But you’re right about RD having been a pressing need as well. And Hughes filled it beyond our wildest dreams. May add that picking up another scoring winger was also a need, although slightly lesser, and it’s also been filled.
Dach was even injured as a junior. Broke his wrist in the WJC before it even really started .
Some players have that dark cloud following them. Marion Gaborik comes to mind.
Re:
“Mike Harrington reports Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said he would match any offer sheet for Bowen Byram. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.”
Adams definitely saying the right things
Possibly (small possibility but still possibly) deters any truly interested (in OS’ng Byram) GMs
And
Helps in negotiation with Byram’s agent
I agree; if Byram is not interested in several years with Sabres (and why would he be) then matching an OS only to get picks; and overpay for 2 years service while likely still missing the playoffs; is a bad move
The better option for Adams IMO is a sign and trade
Byram at 24; reasonable size at 6’1”, 208; AND 46 [on Sabres!!!!] points; RIGHTIE—-absolutely will be in demand
Sign and trade is the best route
8787, if he actually doesn’t want to sign long term with BUF, Adams is likely holding out for a large return. I would too. I think Byrum could be an all star in the right situation. May have to go to another rebuilding club though to find it.
Adams got the better of that deal and was wise even though he was somewhat redundant as a left shot D and is playing his off side which isn’t ideal, but he’s been doing it well.
Almost all of his points are at even strength and he gets less PP time than both Dahlin and Power. I think Byrum could run a PP if he ever got the chance to QB a #1 unit. He’s blocked from that in BUF, plus that organization seems dysfunctional from the outside.
Kid has great skills and is a gamer with an edge. I’m a big fan.
It makes sense for both the Sabres and Bryam that he be traded. He is a first D pairing, and the Sabres are set with Power and Dahlin.
It’s not a cheap shot when I say the thing that may be holding up a trade is getting a quality forward who wants to come to Buffalo.
Agree LJ, I’m thinking they need to trade for a young, highly touted, not established forward prospect.
Teams like Chicago, SJ, ANA (McTavish?) who have young forwards with no say where they go, and all could use a young d-man like Byrum.
Byrum may not like that idea. But Anaheim would be a step up IMO.
Yeah, Ray, any of those would be a step up because of the way the Sabres operate as a if only franchise and the fact that of all the teams that missed the playoffs last year, they have done Sweet Boom All in terms of upgrading. Their only trade got them a 6th rounder and as of this writing signed no new player of any merit.
Byram would help with that for sure.
Agree Ray and LJ
I’f love Byram to be a Penguin
We just drafted buckets of prospects.
LJ … quality forward who wants to play in Buffalo
Without sounding crass ; I’d think that then would need to be a player who was raised in Buffslo or close by.
Ray re “for a young, highly touted, not established forward prospect.”
Dubas continuously touted and touts him; and traded for him:
I’d move McGroarty AND two other prospects plus a 2nd rounder for sign and trade on Byram
I thought Carolina was a good fit for Ehlers (they have a need for offense and the cap to fit him), but something is dragging on.
Maybe he’s leaning towards Washington and they need some extra time to figure out their own cap situation; they don’t have enough room to give him a $8M+ deal right now. (I know they technically can give him a deal like that and go over cap in offseason, but a secondary move (trade, demotion) would still be needed.)
I’m assuming something finally gets done today before the long US holiday weekend.
I can’t see s Washington fit for Ehlers
Money talks though
If Canes get Ehlers; cup odds increase substantially
They still need an RD
Karllsson has trade protection but I have confidence that he’d waive to go to Canes:
Proposal (if Canes land Ehlers):
Karllson to Canes at 50% further retained
Pens get Kokeniemi and Nadeau
But also; Canes must take Hayes in the deal
Net Cap increase to Canes is $3.1 M but Hayes gone after this upcoming year; and
with then Ehlers AND Karllsson; huge uptick in cup odds (in ‘26 AND ‘27)
Pens can have Kokeniemi at 2C and move Gino to Sid’s wing
Sid-Gino-Rackell
Kok-Rusty-Mantha
Tomasino-Brazeau-Heinen
Novak- and 2 of: Dewar, Lizotte, Poulin, Ponomarev, Nadeau, Howe, Koivenen, Hallander, McGroarty; Fernstrom; etc
I think the sell for Ehlers on Wash is that Ovi might walk away after this year. He then becomes top option. Just a total guess on Ovi, but I can see that possibly happening.
As for Carolina, I think their D is pretty set. Slavin shut down, Ghost PP, Chatfield solid, Nikishin gets a full year, KAndre added, plus Walker and Reilly. Before the KAndre add, maybe he could have fit there.
But now they give up Kotkanemi because their weakness right now is a legit #2 center, and they can’t make that hole even weaker. And “no”, Hayes ain’t it!!
That was supposed to say “But now they can’t give up Kotkanemi “.
What if we told you that Hayes promised to increase his North-South game by 10%; and increase his speed by 10%
He’d still be slowest skater in league; BUT that’s now a whopping 110’ game instead of the current 100’ game
😂😂😂
I saw some reports on Twitter that a deal for Isaac Howard to Edmonton for a 1st rounder was nearly a done deal (to the point Edmonton thought they had him) but nothing has materialized yet.
Supposedly TB wanted more than that.
Not sure how they pass on that, because if he goes back to college he’s a free agent next year and TB only gets a comp pick (I believe in the 2nd round).
Does anyone know where that comp pick would be? I’m assuming it would be a pick added at the END of round 2. Anyone know for sure?
I’ve not seen that Foleyd7, but Bowman would be insane to do that deal
Oilers trading a first just to try and get Howard signed?
Now if BriseBois granted Bowman permission to negotiate with Howard AND Howard agreed on a deal; then 1st is a fair trade
After signing Nyquist, Jets have about 19 mil left. Most of that will go to Samberg and Villardi. Would assume no chance Ehlers returns. I’ll go with Carolina as likely landing spot.maybe Ducks.
Orlov signed in SJ. Over 6 mil per. They’re still not at cap floor
Rumor – Mammoth may sign Ehlers.
Ehlers signs with Hurricanes.
Yep. $8.5 mil per to 2031.
The Jets – with $19,063,810 in reserve and 20 committed to, may as well go ahead with finalizing their 4 RFAs – C Gabriel Vilardi, LD Dylan Samberg, C Morgan Barron and C Rasmus Kupari.
Nothing much else of any consequence on which to spend it.
Looks like SJ has signed Orlov and claimed Leddy to get above the cap floor.
At this wring only Anaheim (about $6 mil) and San Jose (about $7 mil) are appreciably below the cap floor of $70.6 but both should rise above it with the finalization of their remaining RFAs and perhaps either another UFA signing or elevation of a better prospect
Anaheim C Mason McTavish; RD Drew Helleson; G Lucas Dostal
San Jose RD Jack Thompson; W Danil Gushchin
But not a heck of a lot left in the UFA heap – Jack Roslovic is likely the best – Luke Kunin, Cam Atkinson, Anthony Beauvillier … on to the trade options
Can anyone tell me why the oilers signed Lazar? They need a right shot center and some grit in the bottom 6. Roslovic, kostin seem to fill that roll. Add Olofsson and fabbri for cheap potential top 6 players.
Well, just a guess but, with something like $850,000 in cap space they couldn’t afford Roslovic who, coming off a $2.8 mil in Carolina, just had a season pf 22g 17a 39 pts and, if and when signed somewhere (and he will be), he’ll likely get close to $2 mil.
Right now, after signing Lazar at rock bottom $775,000, the Oilers are sitting with just $175,834 in reserve with 23 signed. That can be dicey in the early going if they run into short-term injuries since they wouldn’t be able to call up even another rock-bottom player.
Uncle Bob, IMO they signed him for the 4th line and competition for Philp as the 4C who will be given every opportunity to start as the 4C.
Still has great wheels, 90th percentile. Can win important draws and help on the PK, some of which they lost in Brown going to LA.
A leader who captained the Edmonton Oil Kings to a Memorial Cup. Got to know him a little bit as he billeted at a buddies place who’s kid also played on that Oil King team. Was a great kid back then and I imagine is still a great team mate.
Why did Bruins sign Luke Cavallin?
ECHL goalie in Habs system gets an elc.
DiPietro and Bussi are in Providence with both being the second coming according to some fans though neither has NHL experience.
One of the questionable moves made lately, at least not an expensive one like Jeannot.
I still think they will try to trade Korpisalo for a 10th rd draft pick without holding $$
DiPietro will become the backup in Boston and won’t complain about playing time
Bruins have more than a few goalies that will be in Providence trying out for the that team
HF30, Bussi signed a 2 way deal with Florida.
Joeman, trade him where, exactly. No one is in “need” of a goalie to the extent that they would settle on him.
oops, my bad, Bussi was a few days ago .never mind
One thing about the Bruins they always had good goalie play dating back decades
They are going to need one with that group!
Ehlors 8.5 x 6 Carolina, let the trade rumours begin
Don’t know if this was put out there yet if so my bad
Dmitry Orlov Is a Shark
Yup. So is Nick Leddy off waivers.
Canes .. 10 million left in cap 23 players already signed .. probably can use a vet Dman .
Karllsson; retain 50% more; do it!
LOL. Can’t help but wonder if ol’ Eric isn’t having nightmares about being ridden out of town on half a rail, given all the bad vibes about a bum’s rush 🙂