NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025
Could the Canadiens trade a defenseman this season? Are the Oilers interested in signing Carter Hart? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE SICK PODCAST WITH TONY MARINARO: Eric Engels of Sportsnet believes the Montreal Canadiens could end up moving a defenseman at some point during this season.
Engels singled out Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).
“Between those three guys, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here,” Engels said.
Promising blueliner David Reinbacher is a vital part of Montreal’s long-term plans, and he could get some NHL games this season. Adam Engstrom is another rearguard who has real value with the Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson, Struble, and Xhekaj will stay put if Reinbacher and Engstrom need more development with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. If one or both improve significantly, management must move someone to free up a blueline spot.
Matheson seems the most likely trade candidate. He’ll turn 32 in February, he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, and at times, his defensive breakdowns incurred the wrath of the Canadiens’ faithful.
Nevertheless, Canadiens management thinks highly of Matheson’s puck-moving skills, his efforts to improve his defensive play, and the experience and leadership he brings to their blueline. They could attempt to sign him to a contract extension before next July.
Struble, 23, just signed an affordable two-year contract. He started last season in Laval but worked his way into the Canadiens’ lineup, becoming a reliable part of their blueline by the end of the season. Whether he can build on that to maintain a regular roster spot remains to be seen.
Xhekaj’s size, his physical game, and his scrappy style make him a fan favorite in Montreal. However, the 24-year-old was a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch last season, raising questions about his future with the Canadiens.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey cited a report by Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report indicating the Edmonton Oilers aren’t expected to target goaltender Carter Hart.
Hart, 26, was recently found not guilty of sexual assault in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial. The former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender remains an unrestricted free agent, though the NHL has deemed him and the four other defendants in that trial to be ineligible to return at this time.
The Oilers are in the market to upgrade their goaltending. However, Seravalli said he was told Hart is “a non-starter” for them.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jason Gregor reported on July 12 that the Oilers won’t be approaching Hart about signing with them even if he were found not guilty.
Wouldn’t mind Xhekaj on Rangers. Even if they decide to play Schneider on his off side, Xhekaj wouldn’t be any worse than Soucy or Vaakanainen.
I would be very surprised to see Hughes trade Xhekaj, the team needs his truculence. And , if he does, he’ll be wise enough to trade him out West.
Don’t see the Habs moving Xhekaj, Slick. While he has the occasional brain fart he makes too much sense as a 5-6 for a team that has declared they want to have a bigger roster.
Matheson possibly, by the end of the year if Reinbacher and or Engstrom are ready, but most likely Struble. Those who point out Xhekaj was a healthy scratch step over the fact that he played 70 games last year to Struble’s 56. In fact, I won’t be surprised to if Struble gets traded before the season starts.
Montreal has a nice problem to have. To many NHL defensemen. The problem is once you trade one you inevitably sustain an injury to one of the 6 you kept. To me D men are like
pitchers in baseball,you never can have to many of them.
Matheson,Xhakej or Struble will traded anytime during next year. Timing will depend on when Reidenbacher will be ready to step in.
Each of them are bringing different factors to the game.
Matheson can produce offensively, play on th PP and can eat a lot of minutes, he should provide the best return even if he is older than the two others.
Struble and Xhakej are almost the same age and salary. Struble is more reliable defensively and could be a good option for PK while Xhakej do not always take the right decision on the ice but his only presence in the line up makes everybody taller and bigger.
Having Dobson and Hutson to drive the PP, I guess Matheson will be the one leaving during next season when a team will be in need for someone able to play on their PP.
Short-sighted move by EDM. This was probably the best window they’ll have for a long time to make a significant upgrade in net.
While some noise would be raised in the court of public opinion, in the real court they’ve been cleared. Ultimately, this would have gone the route of Logan Mailloux and quickly died down.
Banger – initially I felt this way as well over the past few weeks.
But taking a more measured analysis…you have to ask…is Hart even an upgrade? My first instinct is yes of course…but that is reacting to Hart’s pedigree and potential coming into the league more so than his NHL play to date. Skinners career numbers are a bit better albeit on a better team and Skinner has tons of playoff experience, proven he can win high pressure games and can rebound from poor performances quickly.
The real issue with Skinner is consistency of course and the team changed coaching and they also have the emergency back ups in play.
So add that and the circus that will follow Hart for the first season back at least and is it a situation a cup contender, wants following them every night when every team in the league (well except the panthers) will use them as a measuring stick.
The cons may out weigh the pros.
Despite my many ravings that suggest otherwise particularly after a poor game, I quite like Skinner (and Pickard) …I am fine seeing if the aforementioned changes see him return to a more consistent goalie.
Fully agree Banger:
1) IMO Skinner/Hart combo at least better than Skinner/Pickard combo
2) Would make Oilers younger
3) Hart completely motivated to prove himself
4) Hart cost should be about same (maybe a tad more) as Pickard
5) Not only found NOT guilty (not legally guilty) but in effect from Judges ruling/summary/assessment/rationale he and other 4 are defacto/perceptually ruled INNOCENT: per reporters: an “emphatic” statement that EM’s testimony was “NOT credible or reliable” and that the judge also “emphatically” stated that EM DID in fact actually provide consent. Add to that the “independent” evidence (multiple videos) which completely squashed and reversed substantial parts of EM’s testimony
6) He will be in demand once Bettman lifts ban (more st reporters are consistently stating Bettman just waiting to see if there is an appeal (that window ends in 3 weeks); so why not be in on him; another team will get him
7) Oilers literally should NOT be overly concerned re public push back—— they’ve already set precedents and repeated on that precedent 3 times at least: Virtanen (NOTE: after NG finding; no ban from Bettman) Oilers signed him to a PTO; he just wasn’t playing well enough to make team); Kane; Perry; Bowman.
8) NOT signing Hart; leaves door open to a failure to win cup and public blame on goaltending; followed by “we shoulda signed Hart”
9) Financially and Cap-wise, no risk: he’ll sign for $1.15 M or less, 1 year “prove-it”, so he can be waived with zero counting against Cap
10) Hart should push Skinner for improvement (in numbers and consistency)
Oilers should sign him IMHO
Plus Hart would have a clear mind and not having this whole sex case hanging on him. He had a personal shrink with him, which to me says that this weighed heavily on him, affecting his play. Hart was probably the best junior goalie in history, most decorated with year end awards. He started out great, and as the team declined, and the sex case ramped up in the media, his play fell. He still had a .906 sp in last year, on the 4th worst team in the league. I feel there is way more there, and he should be able to rebound and fulfill career expectations. I, personally, would welcome him back in Philly, arms wide open.
spot on 8787. Where does that leave the Jarry market? LOL!
Would it be an upgrade though? Hart hasn’t played in quite awhile and there’s going to be distraction wherever he ends up unless it’s not in North America
Banger Hart’s situation was a lot worse than Mailloux. Being found not guilty doesn’t make them innocent, it only means the Crown didn’t prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Why would you want a PR nightmare for a goalie who hasn’t played in a long time and obviously has severe character issues? They will have a chance to upgrade their goaltending during the year if need be.
Actually in Canada, you are presumed innocent. Since they were found not guilty, they remain innocent. They didn’t get off on some technicality. In her judgement, the judge said she found consent.
Well there were definitely some “technicalities” that helped them Mike. Won’t get into all of it, but there was.
Bottom line, that is in the court of law where the bar to criminally convict and take away some ones freedom is very high. I think we can all agree it should be that way.
Was OJ innocent? Highly unlikely. Should he have been convicted? Can make an argument either way, I would have voted to convict, others wouldn’t. But it doesn’t change the fact that he very likely did something very wrong.
No I am not equating the 2 actions, just showing that the law isn’t perfect, but it is the best system available.
There was evidence and testimony to NHL investigators that wasn’t allowed in this trial. It isn’t good for the players. Because they didn’t have a good memory of it anymore. Okeedokee?
The NHL is a business, and doesn’t have the same evidentiary rules.
They aren’t deciding if they should go to jail, they are deciding when they should be allowed back into the NHL. 2 totally different things.
IMO this has nothing to do with Hart’s SV% and nothing to do with criminal liability and everything thing to do with what is the standard of behavior required to play in the NHL. Hence they have an agreed upon code of conduct policy. As do I where I work and many other companies and organizations. Break it and you’re fired, with cause. Different standard than a criminal court. As it should be.
To quote my wife – “they’re all pigs if they participated in that”. NHL want pigs? Best make them show they aren’t anymore first. That’s what I would do. Sit for at least this year.
Ray, I would not have participated either and I understand your wife’s perspective.
But what is unacceptable behaviour in one’s private lives to us is neither the standard nor anyone’s business, as long as it is not criminal.
I ask again: does anyone reading this truly believe that no NHL player has participated in group sex, S & M, or any other variant of “normal” sex?
What is normal and acceptable sex practices for hockey players? Why is it relevant?
Some believe homosexuality is an abomination. The Staal brothers refused to wear pride jersies, effectively scuttling the leagues clumsy attempt to support diversity.
Is that a violation of the NHL’s code of conduct? Is the NHL going to demand players reveal their private sex lives as part of code of conduct enforcement?
If the NHL has any sense at all they will reinstate the players – before an arbitrator compels them to. Then we can get back to evaluating players on their on ice performance.
LJ,
I agree with most of what you hare saying here except for the last paragraph.
“If the NHL has any sense at all they will reinstate the players – before an arbitrator compels them to”
That’s putting the cart before the horse, the NHL has to wait to see if the Crown appeals, then has to wait for a decision.
They aren’t positioned to make a final decision on reinstatement till then.
Ray Bark, I’m with you on this 100%.
And I’m kind of shocked how eager some commentors are to bring them back as if nothing happened, pretend they are good guys and act like they would be a good locker room presence.
As a follower of many sports, Hockey by far has such a bad reputation for looking the other way and covering up these type of scandals. It won’t change until the NHL makes it change.
With ya foleyd7, and I keep repeating, the NHL isn’t a court of law. They have a code of conduct, did the players break it or not.
Some questionable decisions in the case and there is evidence the NHL will look at even if the judge wouldn’t consider it.
Howden testimony to Hockey Canada about EM “weeping”. Weeping sound like consent? In court he said he didn’t really remember clearly any more. Wasn’t allowed. Well, he did remember then, IMO the NHL will consider it.
Two other members of the “audience” in that room texting about how hard she was being slapped, right after it happened. Not sworn testimony not allowed, changed their tune in court. Guess their memory changed too. Ya, most girls like getting slapped, really hard. Sound like reality from your experience boys? Not online crap, I mean real life.
2 juries dismissed and changed to a judge only trial. Pretty flippin’ unusual as well. Know what else is unusual, at least 7 guys in a room with one girl and thinking she’s cool with it. This. Is. Not. Normal.
If Hart gets picked up by the Oil, I hope Nurse or one of the other players with a sister or daughter, punches his teeth out. A couple other guys can slap him around. They can take turns! Then make him record a video saying he was cool with it. The guys watching can have a bad memory of what happened if it ever goes to court.
HF30, fair enough, the NHL does indeed have to wait to see if an appeal is launched and if so what the outcome is.
folyd7: on what basis do you assume the players are not a good dressing room presence?
On what basis do you assume that other players in the dressing room haven’t engaged in any such type of conduct? Or if they haven’t, that they care what their team mates do off ice – as long as it doesn’t get in the way of winning?
I keep asking that question and no one here answers.
Really, Dave? Mailloux was found guilty, and there was no question about what he did.
While you are sadly likely correct about a PR nightmare should any team sign any of the players, bear in mind:
Most of the internet mob are not real fans.
Those that howl and scream about the verdict are hypocrites. They yell for justice, as long as justice is what they want the outcome to be. The fact that Hart and others have been found innocent in a court of law with full disclosure of evidence is mere inconvenience and due process. “Believe” is their mantra. Believe who and what?
I doubt if any of those who state not guilty isn’t the same as innocent ever wonder how they would think were they charged with something.
Hi Dave
See my response above to Banger:
Not only found NOT guilty (not legally guilty) but in effect from Judges ruling/summary/assessment/rationale Hart and other 4 are defacto/perceptually ruled INNOCENT:
per reporters: the Judge provided an “emphatic” statement that EM’s testimony was “NOT credible or reliable” and that the judge also “emphatically” stated that EM DID in fact actually provide consent.
Add to that the “independent” evidence (multiple videos) which completely squashed and reversed substantial parts of EM’s testimony.
Here it’s “innocent until proven guilty” and per Mike above; it seems Canada has the same standards for their courts.
I am guilty of having bought into the narrative. I’m educated and should have thought in terms of “innocent until proven guilty”.
But this blockhead (me) somehow punted that idea rationalizing that they must be guilty, why else would they be charged and reading the reports/statements by EM before trial; I was biased (wrongly so).
I shouldn’t have been; but was. I am sure I wasn’t alone.
Then as trial began and more and more testimony came out and summaries of the cross-examination testimony was provided daily; I started to shift
Then when I read the scathing summary/decision by the judge; I’d completely reversed—- not only “NOT guilty” (legally of sexual assault; but actually INNOCENT. All 5 of them INNOCENT.
That’s my take; MY opinion
I can respect and understand any who have consistently (from start to finish AND still) believe/believed them to be guilty
I’d find it very hard to believe (read impossible) anybody who did the REVERSE of what I did. That is that they, Pre trial , thought them to be innocent but now post trial, post testimony, post Judge’s ruling/summary; now find them to be guilty.
With the Habs I think they are talking about the wrong defenseman.
Matheson is a great 2LD all day long who was pressed into 1LD then moved to 1RD, played a ton of minutes and yes had some defensive lapses as a result. He’s a beautiful skater and offensive threat that his physicality is overlooked.
UFA at the end of the year what will he bring back? I don’t know but not a 2C.
Xhekaj is a solid 3LD who brings some serious intangibles to the team, there is no other version of him that can do what he does.
The team gains a few inches and pounds when he’s there.
What will he bring back? I don’t know but nothing that would fill the hole left
Struble is also a solid 3D who has shown he can play RD but what’s his trade value? A role playing bottom 6? Team is loaded with those.
Guhle is a top 4D, locked in till 2030-31 at $5.5m, trading him would bring back something of value, maybe a legit 2C if a prospect and draft pick were added.
That would upgrade the team.
Pretty fair assessment, HF30. It would be hard to say goodbye to Guhle, but at some point difficult decisions are going to have to be made. They only way to evaluate them is what is gained for what is given up. If the Habs are still struggling for a 2C then their one area of plenty is, as Sr noted, D.
Off topic but the Habs are mentioned in the rumor mill.
The Habs are training together, participating in living sisu 3 on 3 summer league, and quite many working out together daily, I’m guessing it’s happening in other cities as well.
Patrik Laine is not the same guy as we saw last year. His skating is great, showing speed, he and Ivan Demidov are first ones on the ice and working on one timers.
This guy is intent on on being a reborn player, as a fan I can’t wait to see him let loose this year.
You must then be seeing them, or at least reading about them?
I normally ignore such stuff but got drawn in by a video of Habs players at Suzuki’s wedding. In the clip Laine was shown in a conga line, and I thought that was positive for as you say it suggested an esprit de corp.
There are clips of the guys working out in Brossard and the living sisu was livestreamed on youtube.
I don’t trust summer rumors but seeing him playing like he is albeit scrimmage and not game speed, his one timers in 3 on 3 were wrist shots of course, but he looks healthy and really good.
SilverSeven, he has one of the best shots in the league because he keeps working on it.
A bunch of clips don’t make up a day so who knows what training he’s doing but its working, you can see it in his skating.
Any high nrt worth politicians, pundit, yapper on line who besmirched them publicly better lawyer up. Hart particulalry could have made substantial money in his career the others could have made more than they will make. Their lawyers will start the defamation suits soon since they were all found not guilty on less than credible evidence and the pundits had thrm hanging within minutes. It is irrelevant if they did something you don’t like. The crown could not prove it. If you take away their ability to earn by damaging their reputation further well you may suddenly find yourself working for them.
Sad times all around for hockey.
Until he gets hurt…again.
Laine has always had superstar potential but can not stay in the lineup
Instead of working on one of the best shots in the league maybe stretch for hours , yoga , core strength m diet something that contributes to him playing around 75 games . If he does you will have Stephan Richer in your hands
Montreal is going to b solid.they got a taste last year.
Laine like Letang in Pittsburgh are brittle like potatoe chips
LJ you think sharing a video of a sexual encounter with his girlfriend is the same as what these players did with that girl? Are you kidding? It was his girlfriend, not some woman he picked up in the bar and invited all his friends to have sex with her.
As far as innocence of these players, they did not rule them innocent, as I stated, the Crown didn’t prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If you know anything about the law, then you would know a not guilty verdict does not rule them innocent.
https://surreycriminallawyer.com/not-guilty-vs-innocent-whats-the-difference/
OK…so the judge found that the crown failed to prove the charges, but she also found that EM did consent to the encounter, and that she was uncredible and unreliable as a witness. Her story changed….and she filled in the blanks with what she thought.
That is as close to innocent as can be. This is from the article you provided:
“Innocent”: There is no finding of innocence in Canadian law because the burden of proof is fully on the state. Canadian courts don’t use “innocent” as a formal verdict in criminal trials, because the goal of a criminal trial isn’t to declare someone factually innocent; it’s only to see if the Crown can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Therefore, there is no innocent verdict no matter what. But the players where considered innocent until proven guilty, and that wasn’t proven..so therefore, they are innocent of the charges.
All these guys are guilty of is having some consentual fun with a woman they picked up from the bar. That is not a crime, and they should be treated as no crime occurred.