NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2025
Could the Oilers make a big addition to their roster this season? Will the Flyers end up trading Christian Dvorak? Are the Hurricanes seeking a goalie? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples noted that the rising salary cap and the presence of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have prompted some Oilers fans to speculate about the club pursuing star players from struggling teams, such as Buffalo’s Alex Tuch.
Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)
However, Staples doesn’t see the Oilers acquiring a top-line forward like Tuch or a No.1 goaltender during this season. He pointed out that the club is up against the $95.5 million salary cap, and they have little to trade other than their 2027 first-round pick.
The only players the Oilers have earning more than $2 million annually who lack no-trade protection are defensemen Evan Bouchard and Brett Kulak, and goaltender Stuart Skinner. Bouchard isn’t going anywhere; the Oilers won’t move Skinner if he performs well this season, leaving only Kulak.
Staples believes the earliest the Oilers can make a significant addition to their roster is next summer, when they’ll have more salary cap space to use in the unrestricted free agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could surprise by making a move by the March trade deadline. However, Kulak won’t fetch much in return, and their 2027 first-rounder is likely to be a low pick in that round, which also affects its trade value.
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently wondered how long Christian Dvorak will be with the Philadelphia Flyers this season. The 29-year-old center signed a one-year, $5.4 million contract this summer as a free agent.
Kurz said the Flyers plan to remain competitive at least through the March 6 trade deadline. If they can’t, Dvorak could become a trade candidate. He’s the type of forward a playoff team covets because of his two-way game and his ability to play center or wing.
BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli reported the Carolina Hurricanes are monitoring the waiver wire for a goaltender after Pyotr Kochetkov was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes got a win from call-up Brandon Bussi against the San Jose Sharks earlier this week. They could stick with him and starting goalie Frederik Andersen until Kotchetkov is healthy.
The oilers have made moves that were a bit under the radar at past deadlines that worked well that year and beyond. I expect similar style moves. Won’t be names insiders are throwing around if past years are any indication.
As for cap I can see a few ways to free up some cap depending how the season breaks and we have an idea of where they need to improve the most. Also I doubt they carry all 5 rookies into the playoffs so they will be active enough from now til deadline.
I don’t see Buffalo moving Tuch this early and after Eichel trade it was reported that Sabres didn’t want him going to Rangers, but boy could they use some scoring at RW. With Zibanejad back at center due to Trochek injury, RW is again biggest need. Currently playing a guy in top 6 who was out of nhl and made team on a pto. Offense took a hit with Kreider and KAndre Miller trades.