NHL Rumor Mill – August 6, 2025
Check out the latest on the notable unsigned restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: From Aug.7 to 15, I’m taking a much-needed vacation while the site undergoes maintenance for several days. Barring the unforeseen, I’ll return with regular updates on Aug. 16.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the recent scuttlebutt surrounding several noteworthy unsigned RFA players.
Starting with Luke Hughes, Fox observed that New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald said his top priority is signing the 21-year-old defenseman to a team-friendly deal.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).
Fox suggested Brock Faber as a comparable, citing the eight-year contract ($8.5 million average annual value) he signed with the Minnesota Wild. However, that would elevate his annual salary over his brother Jack’s $8 million AAV.
Signing Luke to a bridge contract of $5.5 million annually would save money in the short term, but it would result in a massive raise when Hughes is UFA eligible and the salary cap is much higher.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now also wondered if Jack’s contract could be affecting Luke’s current negotiations. He pointed out that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared that opinion.
Friedman doesn’t think there will be any issue getting Luke signed, but believes finding the sweet spot for player and team is the current issue.
The most recent news on Marco Rossi is that his camp hasn’t had any contract discussions with the Wild since early June. Fox indicates the next pressure point will be the start of training camp.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Missing camp over a contract dispute never ends well for the player or the team. It’ll be interesting to see which side blinks first, unless a rival club swoops in with an offer sheet.
Wild GM Bill Guerin repeatedly said his club isn’t interested in trading Rossi. He also has the cap space to match an offer sheet.
Nothing new to report on negotiations between Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks. Fox suggested Toronto’s Matthew Knies ($7.75 million AAV), Utah’s JJ Peterka ($7.7 million), and Los Angeles’ Quinton Byfield ($6.25 million) as comparables.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks are probably looking at something closer to Byfield’s number than Knies and Peterka. So far, there is nothing but silence from Ducks management and the McTavish camp, sparking speculation over his willingness to remain in Anaheim.
Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy indicated last week that contract talks were continuing with Connor Zary, although progress has been slow.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Training camp starts in five weeks, so there’s plenty of time for the two sides to hammer out an agreement. The same applies to Hughes, Rossi, McTavish, and the other RFAs on Fox’s list.
Have a great vacation, Lyle. You’ve more than earned it keeping us on a leash – lol
I responded to you a couple days and posts ago. I don’t want to battle you and fight with you but rather debate with you from time to time.
I’m not going to throw digs like we been doing to each other..cool
enjoy the off season
Training camp starts in 5 weeks. That might seem like a long time but lots can happen.
Enjoy some much needed time off….can’t wait for the new season to get going…it will be here before we know it.
LET’S GO PEN’S
PENS4VEVER..Agreed looking forward to the season and I think the next couple weeks there will be a bit more action.
Thoughts on these moves involving Karlsson
Karlsson @ $ 7.5 million to Toronto pens retain some
Riley $7.5 million to Pittsburgh
or
Carlo Robertson to Pittsburgh $ 5.95 million
Karlsson @ $7.5 million and a 3rd round pick
We need left side defense Toronto needs a d man that can skate the puck up and help on the power play.
Robertson I think can score 25 with Pittsburgh next to Sis or Geno he needs more ice time.
While rosters are slowly rounding into shape, as usual in August things have slowed to a snail’s pace.
As of this morning, according to Puckpedia, the main rosters of these 21 teams reflect the maximum 23, also showing their available cap reserves: New Jersey ($6,131,667 – 14F 7D 2G and still RFA Luke Hughes left to sign); San Jose ($19,740,832 (13F 8D 2G), Pittsburgh ($13,053,571 13F 8D 2G), Detroit $12,086,628 14F 7D 2G), Carolina ($10,644,291 14F 7D 2G), Utah ($6,682,143 13F 7D 3G, Buffalo ($5,190,319 13F 8D 2G), Washington ($4,125,000 13F 8D 2G), Winnipeg $3,963,810 13F 8D 2G), Los Angeles $2,668,333 13F 8D 2G), Boston ($2,081,667 14F 7D 2G), Toronto ($1,919,722 14F 7D 2G), NY Islanders $1,625,000 and showing 24 15F 6D 3G), Tampa ($1,180,001 15F 6D 2G), NY Rangers $777,976 13F 8D 2G), St. Louis ($625,150 14F 7D 2G), Dallas ($310,084 14F 7D 2G), Edmonton ($225,834 14F 7D 2G), Philadelphia (over the cap by $579,762 12F 8D 3G). Florida (over the cap by $3,725,000 14F 7D 2G), Montreal (over the cap by $5,931,667 and showing 24 14F 7D 3G with one of the latter being Price).
The rosters of these show 22: Anaheim ($20,538,812 12F 7D 3G & RFA Mason McTavish still to sign,
Calgary ($15,412,500 13F 7D 2G & RFA Connor Zary still to sign), Seattle ($6,649,287 14F 6D 2G & RFA Ryker Evans still to sign), Chicago ($18,662,024 12F 7D 3G & RFA Wyatt Kaiser still to sign), Columbus ($16,342,501 13F 7D 2G & RFA Mikael Pyyhtia still to sign). Vegas (over the cap by $7,638,571 13F 7D 2G & RFA Alexander Holtz still to sign), Minnesota ($9,411,835 13F 7D 2G & RFA Marco Rossi still to sign), Nashville ($9,341,039 12F 8D 2G & RFA Luke Evangelista still to sign), Ottawa ($4,294,286 13F 7D 2G). Colorado ($3,348,333 13F 7D 2G). Vancouver ($3,270,000 13F 7D 2G).
Of the total 9 RFAs still to resolve, I bet that, by the time Lyle returns in mid-August, there will still be 6 or 7 awaiting new deals, nor would it surprise me to even see a couple dragging on into the pre-season (or beyond).
Have a great vacation. Thanks for all your great hockey coverage!
While fishing Seattle forward John Hayden and Kraken mascot Buoy charged by Grizzley 🐻 no injuries, close call. Curious Grizzly 🐻i interested in the Kraken mascot perhaps for dinner!
Crazy that Rossi’s camp and Guerrin haven’t talked about the contract in 2 months.
I guess it technically doesn’t hurt the team unless missed camp days are impacted, but Guerrin could avoid all the noise and offer-sheet threats by actually getting something done.
Same with Anaheim, Calgary, Chicago, Seattle, Columbus and Nashville – each of which has more than enough in cap reserve to get their remaining one deal done. So the question becomes – which side is playing hardball?
Right now, only Vegas and New Jersey GMs are feeling “squeezed” by their cap situations.
I don’t think he’s too worried about an offer sheet. Don’t get me wrong. Love Rossi. Kids a warrior, Ottawa 67….built like a tank. But still small. He’s probably a 5-6 mill guy. He “might” get to 30 goals. He “might” get to 70 points on the right line with the right people. But no guarantees.
I agree. I originally thought that Rossi (and McTavish) would get nice mid-term, $5M deals, a win for both player and club.
But then the crazy signings of other younger, and less accomplished players got even better deals. It totally skewed the going rate and I think put Guerrin and Verbeek in tough spot in terms of the comps for negotiating with the agents.
Had Guerrin and Verbeek locked these guys up earlier, maybe they would have set the comps.
I hope you sleep in during your respite. Enjoy the time and the break!
Have a great albeit short vacation Lyle,
once again thanks for your work here with the info and providing a forum for fine discussion.
Last chance for a while to wind me up with a trade proposal, HF30!!
LJ,
if I suggested trading Dach for McJesus you’d be wary and say the Habs were giving up too soon on Dach.
I’m probably wrong but I can’t recall a single trade that you have ever suggested to improve the team.
I respect your thoughts and opinions and do take the time to consider them, I just seem more willing to change and move forward than you are.
Not sure if you will see this, HF30, but you are certainly correct that I am more conservative than you are. Or, eye of the beholder, more pragmatic.
You have indeed suggested a number of trades and more than me. Good for you for thinking of ways to improve the team.
But a trade proposal doesn’t indicate more critical thinking on your part than mine. You value Rossi and I don’t. You’d trade Guhle as part of a package for a 2C – McTavish. I would not.
I would let go some combination of Laine, Newhook, Dach, Struble or a prospect like Engstrom to acquire McTavish. But I’m also content to see how the season starts.
You suggested Kampf for Valeno, two similar 4th line players but which would add 1.5 to the Habs cap, which as far as I can see would be for zero improvement. Not to be disrespectful, but I actually thought you were taking a piss, if you understand the expression.
I guess I would summarize my thoughts about any trades at this point is, let’s see where the Habs are 15 games into the season. They’re already, on paper, better than last year.
You of course can continue to make trade suggestions, and I just might agree with you.
LJ,
” a trade proposal doesn’t indicate more critical thinking on your part than mine.”
That’s a claim I have never made, I did say we have different outlooks.
I never said you’re “wrong” i did say you’re conservative and inclined to stand pat, paraphrasing myself.
Every trade I’ve suggested has been backed up by some stats and not some random word salad.
I. try to be realistic in my trade proposals, meaning that the other team might be as interested as the Habs not pie in the sky.
If I want a star I have to be ready to give up a star.
If I’m going to give cap relief I want to fill a hole in the lineup.
I don’t pick a player or two and ride them for every trade/giveaway possible on a daily basis, often repeating them.
There are different ways to look at life including sports.
One is to stay the course.
Another is standing still is falling behind.
We represent each of those preferences.
Agreeing with my suggestions or not doesn’t make any difference as they are just topics for conversation and speculation.
Disagreement backed with stats or trends is more interesting to me as it gives me something to think about.
I don’t look for echo chambers
HF30:
‘Agreeing with my suggestions or not doesn’t make any difference as they are just topics for conversation and speculation.
Disagreement backed with stats or trends is more interesting to me as it gives me something to think about.
I don’t look for echo chambers’
Well said, and ditto.
One thing I would appreciate hearing your opinion about is why Trudeau doesn’t seem to be given a chance at making the Habs. I can’t see that he has played any games with them, and I thought you were right when you pointed him out a year or so ago. What gives?
LJ,
William Trudeau quietly moved up the totem pole in Laval, playing top 4, Engstrom a LD was moved over to RD where he did very well.
Personal opinion their progress made Mailloux available for trade.
Trudeau got a contract despite the injury and knowledge that he’ll miss the start of the season. (torn pectoral muscle)
Will Guhle be injured….again? Will Matheson be traded? Will Reinbacher stay in Laval the whole year for long term development?
Trudeau has been improving his game year to year at 6’1 205 he plays a physical game I think he’ll get a cup of coffee with the Habs during the year as a 3rd pairing D as things shake out during the year.
I was just wondering for the last few days for when you would take a much needed break. Put up a sign on the site “gone fishing”
Hope you have a nice vacation, Lyle!
Lyle thanks for all your great takes on the best sport in the world by the most down to earth professional athletes. Enjoy your time off.
A well deserved vacation for sure Lyle, all the best to you and the family.
Enjoy your time off Lyle. Something tells me we’ll be discussing the same players when you get back.
Enjoy your much deserved time off Lyle! Thank you for all you do!
My top 5 predictions for 25-26
1- Leafs will make playoffs and get a$$ kicked in first round
2- Florida will win cup and Bob will win Conn Smythe
3- Bruins will lead NHL in penalty minutes
4- Connor Bédard will ask for a trade
5- McDavid will go to UFA
OBJ…I don’t disagree with your 2,3,4 and 5.
I’m not a Toronto fan but– But I do think Toronto is better positioned and more balanced with grit and physicality for the playoffs this season.
I think Florida missing Tkachuk until February will be lower in the standings and they have played a lot of hockey over the last three years.
I think Toronto is better under Berube…
Enjoy your time off Lyle.
Off the board crazy maybe the Hughes brothers end up in Van ? Luke signs there and them a trade .
Continue Rumor Mill. Heard possible trade rumors or predictions now through next trade deadline.
Flames trade Rasmus Andersson to Golden Knights for ?
Kraken trade Jared McCann to Senators for ?
Devils trade Simon Nemec to Predators for Luke Evangelista and ?
Canadians trade Carey Price contract to either Sharks or Penguins for ?
Penguins trade Bryan Rust to Oilers for ?
Penguins trade Rikard Rakell to Maple Leafs for Nick Robertson and ?
Three team trade: Penguins trade Erik Karlsson to Stars. Stars trade Jason Robertson to Hurricanes. Hurricanes trade picks / prospects to Penguins.
Three team trade: Wild trade Marco Rossi to Sabres. Sabres trade Josh Norris to Canucks. Canucks trade Chytil Filip to Wild.
Rangers send Lafreniere, Schneider, and Carolina 1st to Ottawa for Brad Tkachuk.
Send Panarin to Anaheim for McTavish
Might you be a Ranger fan?
Hoo boy … too bad we can’t post in technicolour
Here’s some cold water
https://ottawasun.com/ottawa-senators/tkachuk-family-deluxe-edition-cover-nhl-26?itm_source=sports
“Brady is in his fifth full season wearing the ‘C’ with the Senators. A four-time NHL all-star, Tkachuk has emerged as one of the league’s top players. In a lengthy interview with ESPN.com’s Greg Whyshnski, Keith threw cold water on any speculation that Brady isn’t happy with the Senators.
“I wouldn’t believe everything you hear. I think after what happened with Matthew in Calgary, everyone just assumes that’s going to happen with Brady,” Keith said. “But Brady loves it there. Brady has cemented himself in the community. They’re a team on the rise. They got a great bunch of young players. They’re core players. The fans and the city itself treat him so well. He wants to be a big part of that moving forward. So I don’t think he’s going anywhere.”
Well, George, for perspective a while ago someone here suggested the Habs trade Slavkovski for some 4th liner.
Don’t get me wrong – I like Schneider … but combined with a F who has a $7,450,000 cap hit to 2032 and who, for his career, has 82-game averages of 20g 21a 41 pts, along with a 1st that figures to be somewhere deep in the bottom 3rd of a 1st round isn’t gong to get Tkachuk – even if he was open to being dealt.
And Schneider, coming off a $2,200,000 cap hit, is an RFA next year and he could be looking at a stiff hike.
Well, I’ve been critical of Laf in past but, he’s still 23 and I don’t include him in just any trade. He’s not up there with Brady, who’s a little over 2 years older but, his ATOI isn’t same either. Maybe if he went to Ottawa and immediately got top 6 minutes and PP1 time, his per 82 numbers would be better. Adding Schneider, who’s also 23 and could easily be top pair for Sens plus a 1st isn’t too off. And yeah, some nice quotes from dad about him being happy and mentioning 4 nations, can’t deny that there’s some preference to play in US. Let’s revisit at deadline, after Olympics. There is a recent interview discussing how the brothers had group chat with JT Miller were they planned fights. And they weren’t against the Swedes or the Finns.
If he has ever been quoted as saying that, I could certainly see his being accommodated …
But he hasn’t and I also haven’t heard anything of that nature from any of Austin Matthews, Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Sanderson, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Matthew Knies, Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes, Joseph Woll, Dustin Wolf, Thather Demko, Matt Coronato, Kyle Connor, Dylan Samberg, Joel Farabee.
All of them, of course, are proud to represent the U.S. in international tournaments like the Olympics. Same as any top Canada-born players currently on U.S.-based teams.
Let’s face it George, Brady could sign a 20 year extension run for prime minister and there’d still be people south of the border convinced he wants out of Ottawa. Just like Karlsson to Toronto. They don’t care if there’s no fit or if players have NMC. No thought behind it just Brady wants out or Karlsson going to Toronto, even if he doesn’t want to go, he’s going.
Heh. Yeah Yogi.
While I can understand the concept of “wishful-thinking” – have found myself unrealistically thinking along those lines myself over the years but so far, anyway, I’ve been able to quickly separate that from reality.
But I doubt any player would come out and openly say something like that … that would be pretty shallow. No doubt there are some who think that way who manage to get around it to some degree by utilizing the NMC or specific NTC by listing all 7 Canada sites, or if they’re already on a Canada-based team, make sure they list the other 6.
That’s their prerogative, I guess. I can only hope we never see a similar feature creep into the draft in the form of a “DNDM” clause (Do Not Draft Me). LOL.
Yeah I know what you mean on the wishful thinking George. Mine is the Leafs signing McDavid next July 1, but I’m betting he resigns in Edmonton before the end of the year
Yeaaah … except that is much more within the realm of possibility, Yogi.
One thing is sure … if he doesn’t re-sign by the end of the year it’s a clear signal that his thinking might become “let’s wait and see how this season’s playoffs unfold before I sign anything.”
I mean, how many kicks at the can is that collection going to get … and if they come up short again, and he’s looking at some monumental increase that will likely eat up whatever amount the cap rises … and maybe more … how do they make “significant” improvements?
Of course that same huge contract will necessitate some changes for the Leafs as well if they did sign him as a UFA.
All that unfolding – at both ends – could be mesmerizing for us fans! 🙂
Lafreniere as the cornerstone of any trade is a non~starter. Only 23, still mediocre, at best, and only 7.45 million per season. A bargain every team should pass on…except the Rangers, of course.
Do the name Alexander Daigle ring a bell? Or Nail Yakopov?
Quinn Hughes to NJ
Bowen Byram, Dawson Mercer, NJ 2026 1st and Casey Semus to Van
Simon Nemec Van’s 2026 2nd, Paul Cotter To Buffalo
Elvis, Chinakhov, and Isaac Lundestrom for Grubauer and McCann
Elvis and Grubbey could use a geographic relocation and 2 younger good NHL players for McCann.
Hab fans how about this one Zacha, Bostons 2nd rd pick in 26 or 27 for Slavosky?Remember he has only reached 20 goals once in 3 years and your group is deep with wingers.
AI answers the question of what is Zacha’s trade value with what to me are surprising results and shocking to you Sr.
Potential Return: If the Bruins retain some salary, they could potentially get a second-round pick or a prospect for him.
So, no to Slafkovsky and a 2nd.
I’d give a 2nd for Zacha with nothing retained.
Maybe Zacha for Laine
Laine is ramping up his summer training program, but is he really gonna regain his skating and scoring touch?
Boston might as well hold out to next years trading deadline and maximize the return.
Why do posters here think the Habs have an interest in trading Slavkovski? If you were Kent Hughes would you?
Here, from the internet is how he has done in Montreal:
“In his second season, he broke the record for most points by a teenager in a single season, surpassing Mario Tremblay’s 39 points with 40 (21 goals, 18 assists) in 63 games, according to NHL.com. He also became the first player in Canadiens history to record 40 points before the age of 20. Additionally, he was the first teenager to have point streaks of eight and nine games with the team.” This despite losing 43 games to injury in his first season.
So Hughes would trade a 21 year old with this growth who is 6’3″ and 225 pounds, about to enter is third full season? And specific to the suggestion, for Zacha and a second round pick?
It would take a lot more than Zacha and a second to acquire Slavkovski.
A good read here to understand some of the ins/outs of utilizing LTIR. It’s not simple black and white math, but this does shed some light on the nuance of how/when to use it:
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/08/how-the-canadiens-golden-knights-and-panthers-will-use-ltir.html
Interesting. Thanks foleyd7.
In addition to Vegas, Florida and Montreal, I could also see Edmonton, Dallas, Philadelphia and St. Louis needing to explore that route – if they can – due to having less cap reserve than the basic ELC contract.
That article is exactly what I was saying a couple of days ago. Toronto did that with the Pacciorety contract last year. The downfall of using the LTIR is 1. You don’t accrue cap space during the season 2. You don’t get the luxjury of the pro rated dollars at the TDL. All deals are dollar in dollar out, that’s the killer. That’s why it’ll cost Montreal dearly to move Prices contract, now that every team is above the cap floor. Good thing it’s only 1 more year
And that is why it’s also important to try and have some “meaningful” cap wiggle room at the TDL.
Right now, Vegas, Montreal, Florida, Edmonton, Philadelphia and Dallas have virtually nothing in that regard, while St. Louis and NYR have marginal space. All TDL deals for those teams have to be pretty much equal dollars coming and going.
Colorado just re-signed 29 y/o UFA LW Joel Kiviranta to 1 year at $1,250,000.
Last season with the Avalanche he scored 16g 7a 23pts in 79gp under a cap hit of $775,000.
Colorado has now committed to the max 23 – 14F 7D 2G – and has a reserve of $2,098,333.
Full disclosure I don’t like Brady Tkachuk and I think he’s not the right type to be Captain.
He’s a really good player, leader,fights for every inch of ice etc.
Talk of him wanting to leave is ridiculous especially now. There is good ownership and management, the team is finally in the playoffs.
Holes on D and net have been filled, if ever there was a time to want to play on the Sens, now is that time.
There is renewed optimism in Ottawa now that they have reached the playoffs. Of the teams that finished behind them, only the Habs have – at this point – made meaningful improvements. So yes, Brady has reason for optimism and isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
But the Sens prospect pool is rated 27 by the Athletic. Their roster wants for goal scoring and their D is average with gusts of mediocre. It isn’t this season I’d worry about Brady wanting out. It’s the last year of his contract, 27/28.
George may see it differently, this is just my opinion.
Well, LJ, one reason they’re ranked that low .. as is pointed out in the Hockey Writers rating … is that almost all of their top prospects have been elevated – including most recently Merilainen and Kleven, and there’s a good chance RD Yakemchuk could jump right from Major Junio to Ottawa – although I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some early season “seasoning” in Belleville where he’d certainly log more ice time.
And while I can’t argue that their D did not show some flaws in stretches, I wouldn’t go so far as to describe it as mediocre. Their 234 ga was virtually as good as that of Florida, Toronto, Washington, Carolina & New Jersey and considerable better than that of Montreal.
Yes, they need to improve their offense, but part of that was the coaches determined to have them concentrate on the defensive aspects of the game first and foremost and live with a goals scored reduction as a consequence. Which was still good enough to finish them 1 point back of the Stanley Cup champions.
I think the playoff experience alone will make them exponentially better all around, as as HabFan30 says about the H abs, we’ll get a firmer handle on how things might unfold over the first 15 games.
Hmmm. I had a look at the goals against and as you pointed out George, the Sens did indeed finish with one of the better goals against totals. Their + 9 in goal differential explains their 7th place finish.
And for the record, the Habs – 20 goal differential was the worst of any playoff team last year.
Don’t you find it annoying when facts get in the way of opinions? Very inconvenient.
Rumor – Ducks asking price for Mason McTavish – Top 4 right shot defenseman and future Top Pairing defenseman.
Looks like he’ll remain with the Ducks.
It will be interesting to see how Montreal and Ottawa handle the pressure of being playoff teams. Making the playoffs is one step.Now you have to win a series.Just look at how tough that can be with talented teams like the TML
I can’t see why would it be any different for them than it was with others who had to handle it, Sr. It wasn’t that long ago that Florida was an annual joke.
This is where a team discovers if the drafting, trades and, where applicable, UFA signings by their GMs were the right ones, not to mention how they respond to the coaching systems.
You have to get there first as part of the learning process.
Yogi,
Above read your comment, “still be people south of the border he wants out of Ottawa, Just like Karlsson to Toronto”, and so many words with Karlsson not considering NMC and being fit?
Rumor – Erik Karlsson will waive his NMC play for Maple Leafs which solves NMC issue.
Penguins team consists of four right shot defensemen making at least 3.3 million, another right shot defenseman out of options, and another right shot defenseman age 19 knocking on the door play in the NHL as star potential – Total Six Right Shot defenseman. Logically Penguins looking trade at least one right shot defenseman and Erik Karlsson obvious choice.
Maple Leafs team consists of five defensemen making at least 3.4 million: three left shot defensemen and two right shot defensemen. Rumor – Maple Leafs asked LD Morgan Reilly waive his NMC. Reilly answered, Not at this time. Rumors – Maple Leafs want trade RD Brandon Carlo. Maple Leafs trade Carlo leaves RD Chris Tanev making 4.5 million. Sounds like Maple Leafs still want change their team and need for another right shot defenseman especially for power play? Karlsson could fill fit?
Right now Maple Leafs don’t have cap space. Few Maple Leafs could be traded for sufficient cap space for Karlsson (Penguins easily could retain portion of his contract). Could be separate trades or even three team trade like in 2023 Karlsson trade between Penguins, Sharks, and Canadians. Saying trade is possible.
Rumors – teams who could acquire Karlsson: Stars or Hurricanes followed by Maple Leafs or Senators?
Don’t know where you got the Reilly rumour from, but going by Reilly’s comments over the past year, I’m guessing his answer for waiving is “No f%^$king way”. Karlsson isn’t a fit in Toronto and I’m doubtful he enjoy playing Berube style of hockey. Toronto’s interest in Karlsson died when Dubas got fired and Treliving seems to have interests elsewhere according to the rumours. Penquin fans are just going to have to live with the fact, they’re stuck with Karlsson
Have to agree there Yogi.
What I can’t quite understand is, if 35 y/o Karlsson – as some Pittsburgh fans keep insisting – remains capable of producing 50+ points a season, why are they so intent on seeing him move?
As matters stand now, with a full 23-man roster committed to – 13F 8D 2G – they’re sitting on a cap reserve of $13,053,571so it’s not like they need the space? At this state – to do what with?
If it’s related to roster make-up and the fact that, of the 8D currently listed, 4 are RD, would they not be better served to to try and move 38 y/o (and fast fading) Kris Letang and part of his $6 mil per cap hit?
Or is it that he, too, must retire a “Penguin for life?”
You know George people like to think of trades and that’s fair, we all do it. But, somewhere a little logic has to apply. Your teams needs, the other teams needs are the usual reasons for a trade. With Karlsson all that goes out the window. In Toronto there’s no fit and in Ottawa’s case there’s no need for him. Them penquin fans keep trying to hammer that square peg into a round hole. I think Karlsson retires a penquin
Certainly, not one among Letang, Dumba or Clifton is ever going to produce 50 pts, and as for their prospect depth at RD, there is absolutely nothing in the backgrounds of none among 20y/o Finn Harding, 26 y/o Philip Kemp (both 7th Rd picks), 21 y/o Chase Pietila and 26 y/o Jack St. Ivany (both 4th Rid pick) to suggest they will develop into offensive threats.
The one exception might be 19 y/o 2nd Rd pick and South African-born Harrison Brunicke, a 2nd Rd pick, who did come up with 5g 25a 30pts in just 41gp with Kamloops in Major Junior last season … but that is a long, long way from pro action, and right now he remains a prospect .
Moving Karlsson would gut any production from the right-side D for quite some time to come.
Pen fans or supporters are intent on fitting a square peg into a round hole every time they conjure up an Erik Karlsson trade.
He obviously has some value but not to TML, not to the Sens. Not to any Cup contender.
He’s got two years left on his contract learn to live with him, Pens have plenty of cap space with contracts coming off the books next year.
Draft picks are being collected, you have to settle for some rebuilding.
This Pens fan couldn’t care less if Karlsson is trades or not. If he is, the the hope is they get decent assets in return. If he isn’t, then my hope is that Muse is the type of coach that will allow him to play to his strengths (his offense driven play…obviously) and not try to coach that out of him, like Sullivan