NHL Rumor Mill – July 5, 2025
Could the Maple Leafs attempt a reunion with Nazem Kadri? What’s the latest on the Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRY TO BRING BACK NAZEM KADRI?
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan wondered if Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving would attempt to bring Nazem Kadri back to Toronto.
The Leafs traded Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. In 2022, he signed a seven-year contract with the Calgary Flames, whose GM at the time was Treliving.
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).
Koshan said he wasn’t suggesting anything was imminent trade-wise between the Leafs and Flames. He cited an NHL source claiming Kadri wouldn’t use his no-movement clause to block a return to Toronto. However, Kadri enjoys playing in Calgary and isn’t looking to be moved, nor has he been asked to waive his NMC.
THE SPORTING NEWS: cited TSN’s Darren Dreger indicated the Flames don’t want to trade Kadri, whose NMC remains in effect until next July, when it becomes a 13-team no-trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames came close to making the playoffs last season, with Kadri playing a key role as their leading scorer. He’ll be a crucial part of their postseason hopes for 2025-26. They’re not parting with Kadri unless he demands to be traded, and there’s no indication he wants out.
Assuming Kadri would welcome a trade to Toronto, the retooling Flames would likely want a good young player as part of the return. That’s something the Leafs lack among their limited tradeable assets.
THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently looked at trade speculation surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. The 33-year-old Rust’s no-movement clause ended on July 1.
Yohe had a hunch that both players would be part of the Penguins’ starting lineup in October. However, he expects at least one of them will be playing elsewhere by the March 2026 trade deadline.
“They’re great players, great guys, and fairly paid,” wrote Yohe. “But they’re also valuable commodities who are in their 30s. Does keeping them make sense?” He thinks both players could command a first-round pick in return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has resisted moving Rust or Rakell this summer, possibly because he hasn’t received any suitable trade offers, or maybe because he wants to maintain some veteran depth to his rebuilding roster for the coming season.
Whatever the reason, one of them could indeed be on the move by the trade deadline if, as expected, the Penguins are out of playoff contention by then.
TVA SPORTS: cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos believes Sidney Crosby could be moved by the March 2026 trade deadline.
Kypreos noted that the 37-year-old Crosby is still performing at a high level. He thinks the Penguins’ captain is too good a player to be acting as a babysitter for young talent on a non-contending club.
“Leaving him in Pittsburgh would be a disservice to our game,” Kypreos said. He then deadpanned about Crosby possibly landing with the Montreal Canadiens following the Olympic break.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos is among several pundits who believe Crosby must be traded to a playoff contender “for the good of the game”. Some suggest the long-time Penguins superstar join the Canadiens, his boyhood team. Others openly salivate over the thought of him playing alongside his buddy (and fellow Cole Harbour, NS native) Nathan MacKinnon with the Colorado Avalanche.
Folks, it’s up to Crosby to decide what he thinks is best for him. And if that means staying with the now-rebuilding Penguins until he retires, so be it. If he wanted out, he never would’ve signed that two-year extension last September. He would’ve let his contract expire and hit the open market this past Tuesday.
Crosby could change his mind if he feels that he wants one more shot at the Stanley Cup. Maybe he sticks around long enough for Evgeny Malkin’s farewell tour this season and decides he’s had enough.
Or maybe, just maybe, Crosby intends to remain loyal to the only NHL team he’s ever played for, and sticks around to provide guidance and leadership to the promising next generation of Penguins players. Either way, it’ll be what’s best for him, and it won’t hurt the integrity of the game at all.
Kypreos is doing a disservice to the game. Click bait crap at Crosby’s expense. A Crosby trade would be great for hockey writers and it burns them they can’t personally benefit from it.
Kyprios is a good example of tier three level talking heads who embarrass the professionals covering sports and annoy us. He’s just seeking clicks. And we are now into the dog days of hockey news so expect lots of malarky to fill space.
Don’t let him spoil your breakfast.
Totally agree, “good for the game”, what a bunch of crap. Crosby has done enough for the game to choose by himself instead of having people getting click bait off his name
Very possible Crosby follow Lemieux playing his whole career with the Penguins. Perhaps after Crosby retires get different role with the Penguins?
Owner?
Chrisms: TSN reported that Mario is trying to buy back the Pens. Not sure a Mario/Sid combo works. Who makes the final decision.
Mario, of course. Sid is just the kid.
Nathalie and Kathy obviously.
Well done boys.
Kypreos needs to shut his piehole or stuff it with Twinkie’s and let the man (Crosby) make his own choices. “A disservice to our game…?” Shuddup, ya nincompoop! I guess it’d be hunky dory if he were already languishing on a hypothetically terrible,Canadiens team though, right Nick?
If he wants to leave, fine. So far he has indicated his desire to stay in Pittsburgh so he’s staying.
I’m not sure if the proverbial horse can take much more beating. It’s been dead for months and still the yahoos persist.
A disservice for what winning 3 cups and stamping his name all over the franchise? If there’s a disservice its 97 having his prime years put to sleep in Edmonton…with how many top 10 picks!?!?! 97 should sign elsewhere. The NHL could use the revenue of 97 in a U.S market.
Antonio, he has been to the last 2 cup finals, what are you talking about?
Edmonton was the #1 team in revenue last year, a city of approx 1M.
Could he leave, of course, until he signs he isn’t signed. I would bet no. He an his wife luv it here. She has a very successful home design and supply business and just opened a wine bar.
They have roots is all I’m saying.
I think he likes playing in Canada, being Canadian and all.
As an oiler fan I like the idea of trading mcdavid. The leadership isn’t there, during the finals he allows wives and gfs to have a bachelorette party? Put your foot down and be the captain you’re playing for the cup.
Pasta, swayman, and a couple firsts and prospects
Bobs your uncle -“put your foot down?” I didn’t realize the team captain can tell wives and girlfriends what they can and cannot do. I know that attitude wouldn’t last 30 seconds with my wife. She’d be pretty quick to tell me what I can do, and where I can go.
That explains why McDavids GF didn’t dress for the finals, too hungover to play. Yep needs to put his foot down
Pulling the goalie, if Connor says there’s nothing more important than winning the yes the captain makes that call on a winning hockey team. Do you think guys like messier, Crosby, even Bergeron or Marchand allow that. Zero chance. It’s a slightly different situation with your wife though I’m sure
McDavid’s wife is successful on her own and has a life of her own. Connor has his work and career, Lauren has hers. Just like my wife does. The more she does with her friends the better, I encourage it as I have my boys trips every year. Way better than having to do everything together.
What does the ladies having a party have to do with the guys playing hockey? I don’t see the connection.
I’m sure some nhl data source can back this up…
Over 95% of the players fall off a cliff in performance between 26-28 and 32-36. The question is not an if but when
Crosby is one of the few exceptions
I don’t see Rust or Rakell as exceptions. That is why the likely ask to trade either one is a 1st+ decent prospect. Without retention. Teams are concerned greatly on how they will be in yr 3 of the terms they have left.
Penguins retooling / rebuilding, also require sell tickets.
Last season not many wingers scored 30+ goals which both Rust and Rakell accomplished, and each player’s contact around 5 million per season – Bargain. Comparison look what Hurricanes paid Ehlers,8.5 million per season for player who’s never scored 30+ goals in season and career high 64 points – Hurricanes overpaid will they regret Ehlers or Miller contract?
Dubas likely won’t give Rust or Rakell away. Possible return include: 1st round unprotected pick or young forward with potential scoring 30+ goals or young defenseman with potential.
Right now Penguins rooster includes 15 forwards not including Koivunen who likely makes team as Top 6 or Broz knocking on the door for rooster spot. Too many forwards, who’s leaving?
Yup. I’d be worried about the term left on those contracts. What about Malkin? How come he’s not mentioned? Last year of his contract.
Does a rackell/rust and graves plus a pick get Robertson from Dallas or Byram from buffalo?
Hold 50% Karlsson to Vegas (replacing Pietrangelo ) for their 3c in Karlson?
As a Pens fan, if that pick isn’t a first then where do I sign?
Regardless of what you think about what Kypreos said, as a fan of hockey, I’d prefer Crosby on the Habs than the Pens. I think the way he can play and lead will help the Habs regain their status in the league and be a big get for the league in general…and I an no fanboy of either player or team.
I know the prospect of losing the embodiment of the Pens is unimaginable and highly undesirable to the Pens fans, but seeing how they are now in the path towards a tank battle, would you rather have Crosby help pull the team away from the bottom or propel a team towards greatness again? Or are Pens fans delusional about what state they are in?
Crosby is more than a generational player, he is a brand, and the Penguins will work hard to keep that. Unless he wants out. And then you accommodate him.
Agree 100, it will be his call Zonnonizer.
Probably had that exact discussion before he signed. If he has a change of heart and wants to chase another cup, let MGT know and they will accommodate.
Delusional is thinking anyone other than Crosby has a say in the matter.
Or maybe, just maybe, Crosby intends to remain loyal to the only NHL team he’s ever played for, and sticks around to provide guidance and leadership to the promising next generation of Penguins players. Either way, it’ll be what’s best for him, and it won’t hurt the integrity of the game at all.
Very well put and said.
Rumor – Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is on trade block for Top 6 forward.
Sharks must be saving their $$$. The only Dman they have signed next offseason is the one they just signed Dmitry Orlov… 9 other Dmen are either UFA or RFA
Kadri is the same age as Tavares. His contract is not a bargain and Toronto has too few young players or picks to move. Don’t see either side doing it.
Kyprios is a smart guy, with a playing history as an “agitator” and no doubt was having some fun at the expense of some Habs-fan-podcasters. Not the first time I have heard wishful posts for Crosby to finally get to play for his childhood favorite franchise.
It seems to come up every summer.
Based on past history, I expect Treyliving to seek out young forwards with potential to play every night, but still be heavier on Potential” than “proven first-line play.”
Rakell and Rust get an easy return of a 1st and high-end prospect. Both have 3y left on their contract at 5m, a great deal and they will still produce during that window.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one moves between now and the deadline, and the other the deadline to next deadline. The Pens have no rush, and still need to give Sid and Geno decent wingers.
The Oilers may have had a cup last year with one of them, especially Rust. Rust is a great 2-way player, plays pk, and is clutch averaging over 30g a year the last four seasons. He is also hard to play against.
As far as Sid, they’ve said it is up to him, and so far, he has no interest in leaving so drop it. If he decides he wants to try for another cup all he has to do is tell the fo and they will move him per his ask. Anything else is just media hacks or fans trying to justify why my team should have Sid.
I am fairly certain but a snowballs chance the Flames ownership would approve a trade with Toronto unless it was totally one sided. Conny would but won’t get it approved . Kadri back to back 75 points and a Stanley Cup a year before that where he played excellent . I think the series winning goal . Also a battler and edgy. I think next season and the one after that is fair value. After that who knows . I would bet He ain’t going to Toronto