NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2026
Check out the latest on Jason Robertson, Connor Hellebuyck, Claude Giroux, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
PENGUINS INTERESTED IN JASON ROBERTSON
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Pittsburgh Penguins “still absolutely want to trade for Jason Robertson.” He believes they have the assets to acquire the 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger.
Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).
The Stars still want to re-sign Robertson. However, the money that the winger is demanding makes it more likely that he will be traded.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins acquired Robertson’s brother, Nick, from the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday. Maybe that’s an additional enticement for Jason to accept a trade to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have the cap space ($25.4 million) to sign Robertson to a lucrative long-term deal (perhaps $15 million annually). Whether he’s willing to sign an extension with the Penguins if they make an offer remains to be seen. He had the chance to join the Seattle Kraken, but his unwillingness to accept their contract offer killed the deal.
THE HELLEBUYCK TRADE WATCH IS STILL ON
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates believes the Winnipeg Jets’ signing of goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract leaves the questions about Connor Hellebuyck’s future unanswered.
The 33-year-old Hellebuyck has been the subject of recent trade speculation. It was reported that a deal that would’ve sent the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender to the Buffalo Sabres last Friday fell through before the opening day of the NHL Draft.
Ates pointed out that signing Skinner doesn’t transform the Jets’ defense or upgrade the second line. He thinks it means the Hellebuyck trade watch is still on, even if their trade options are limited.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner’s signing is insurance if they end up trading Hellebuyck. In the meantime, he’ll split the goalie duties with the Jets’ long-time starter as his understudy.
COULD CLAUDE GIROUX RETURN TO THE FLYERS?
THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie and Kevin Kurz report the Ottawa Senators have left the door open for Claude Giroux to return. However, the 38-year-old forward could reunite with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Giroux began his NHL career with the Flyers, spending 15 seasons with them before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022. He spent the past four seasons with the Senators.
Flyers GM Daniel Briere, a former teammate of Giroux’s, confirmed there have been ongoing contract talks with the veteran forward. It’s rumored he could sign a one-year contract with the Flyers as a right-shot center who could help them on the power play.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giroux is coming off a one-year, $2 million contract. He remains a versatile, well-respected two-way forward. However, his production has steadily declined, from 79 points in 2022-23 to 49 points last season.
ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE BRUINS?
THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes more moves could be coming for the Boston Bruins. He observed that they have $4.5 million in salary-cap space, leaving GM Don Sweeney with flexibility to continue exploring trade options, especially if he moves the salaries of Mason Lohrei ($3.2 million AAV) or Henri Jokiharju ($3 million).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t have enough space or tradeable assets to make a big acquisition, but Sweeney might be able to add one or two affordable depth players.
That is Sweeney problem-spending money on “depth” pieces and then having no cap space to sign top players. He does this over and over. Because other teams in their division improved by signing top players (Carlson to Toronto today) they on paper are a last place team.
Tb improved. Leafs did not. Wings did not sens did not habs did not bruins did Washington a lot. Philly did not buff did not nj did nyr nope canes no. Nyi no.
Leafs improved drastically.!! The bottom 6 looks a lot better and that’s what we were striving for as well as the crease and with Bobrovskys work ethic and the way he takes serious care of his body I love the signing.!
How so? Bob is a coin flip. Who else “drastically” improved the leafs?
Have to agree there on Bobrosvky, Chrisms.
As I posted in response to PaJaDa on one of yesterday’s threads, it’s still to be determined as to whether the “down” season he just experienced was solely a manifestation of the overall roster problems of the Panthers, or a sign that age could becatching up – as it has done to the vast majority of goaltenders over the years. I mean, he does turn 38 just before the season opener, and will turning 40 in the final year of the deal.
Looking at it as pure outsiders – we won’t know until they drop the puck in October. But if he DOES perform as he did in the seasons before last, the Leaf s should move well back up in the volatile Atlantic, at least as far as this coming season is concerned.
In short, that was likely THE biggest calculated risk of the entire day.
George, there’s no such thing as an “outsider” (I assume you meant un-bias) when it comes to the Leafs.
With 31 NHL teams, there are fans, haters, and 8 levels in between. But when it comes to the Leafs, if you are not a fan, you are a hater. Many try to remain neutral, but it seeps through in their speech and opinions, like the opposite of rose-coloured glasses.
As evidence, look at the McKenna pick. He was hands-down the best pick available, with scouts watching him since the age of 15. Then Toronto won the draft lottery, and suddenly “He isn’t really that good.” “Stenberg is probably a better pick then McKenna.” “McKenna struggled in College hockey while Stenberg tore it up in the SHL.”
And look at the draft in Buffalo. Toronto is booed, and loudly. But Montreal and Boston aren’t, so you can’t say it’s divisional. People LOVE to hate Toronto.
I kinda get it, because I feel that way about the Yankees, but what hurts is that a lot of the Toronto media secretly hate the Leafs which I don’t think you’d see in any of the other 31 markets.
WestBrantKid, from an unbiased outsider, seems like Leaf fans are more sensitive than other fans on here. Not all of them, just some.
Your post kind of reinforced that opinion, as it seems you see “Leaf hater” and how it seeps through in their speech and opinions. I would suggest it does if that’s what your looking for.
I’m a B’s fan, so rooted against the Leafs when both teams were contenders, now neither is IMO, so don’t care as much about the Leafs.
I live in Edmonton, so pay attention to the Oilers and root for them as well when they don’t play Boston.
Stenberg is a very good prospect, as is McKenna. Most prefer McKenna. They’re different players, and in reality we don’t know which 18 yr old will be better at the NHL level, and won’t for 3 or 4 years. Minimum.
Bob will be 38 when the season starts and struggled last year. Of course there is risk. I said it before July 1 and before I knew where he was going, as did many others. That doesn’t make us Leaf haters when we say the exact same thing again.
Chill.
At least those teams made or tried to make moves which would improve their teams. Sweeney made a good move acquiring Peterka and trading Korposalo for cap space but then wasting the savings on “depth” players instead of taking a Patterson chance or vying for a Trocheck type player.
And Ray, I thought I was being balanced when I said “But if he (Bobrovsky) DOES perform as he did in the seasons before last, the Leafs should move well back up in the volatile Atlantic, at least as far as this coming season is concerned.”
Nor do I think I’m alone in calling the move “THE biggest calculated risk of the entire day.”
Given his age, the length of the deal, his performance this past season, and the cap hit, how else could you describe it?
Was it a calculated risk that could work in their favour if he plays back to form this coming season? You bet. We’ll start to get an idea which it could be come October.
But as you correctly pointed out, a lot of us were voicing some doubts about him LONG before Chayka made the move, and why should we go in the opposite direction now that he’s a Leaf?
Tb improved. Leafs did not. Wings did not sens did not habs did not bruins did on paper Washington a lot. Philly did not buff did not nj did nyr nope canes no. Nyi no.
The Rangers definitely improved, especially the defense. The signing of Dorofeyev is a major boost to their top 6 and they still have enough cap space to add another decent piece. The B’s did nothing to improve and are running low on options to change that.
Well they added a scoring winger Nhlblueshirt94. Peterka has scored 25 or more in 3 straight seasons. Has his warts as doesn’t show up every game.
Dumped a higher priced backup tender salary to keep Dipietro, which may or may not be an improvement. Saved some money in the process.
So are they better on paper, yes. Enough to get one of the top 3 spots in the Atlantic, probably not IMO.
WC again? Will be close.
West brandtkid
Do you need a tissue?
Have been hearing that leafs are much improved for the last 6 years –
You don’t win the cup in July or October, get over yourself.
Do you know why most people dislike the leafs, it because their fans think the league revolves around them – the funny thing they can’t past the first round
Yes they did
We all hate the leafs
Mckenna alone improves them
And say what you Radysh will be a good signing for a few years
And why would anyone against Bobo
It’s ok to hate them but they’re better than they were at the end of the year
Sure Mrb, you can think all that but you know you’ll still be wrong about every single thing you said. Well done!
Barry, sometimes those players just aren’t available. Teams either don’t want to give up the few good players they have or teams will try to force you into a mistake, like overpay. That’s why so many teams seem to always be “this player” away or constantly have holes in the roster need of filling. The talent pool is shallow and there’s only so much teams can do…add that to the cap, NTCs, “taxes”, market, etc make finding the perfect fit impossible and why GMs ultimately do what they can do to make the team better.
Ron. You will see. But all can change as should still be more movement across the league
I will serve you some crow later on
Geez Mrbruin4… you have issues here too just maybe it’s you
Watch out Mr b! Leafs fans circling the wagon!
And about to start firing inwards!
Ha
Which Carlson?
As of this morning, Ottawa has $5,295,000 in cap space with the only player left to sign being Giroux. He isn’t going to get anywhere near that with Ottawa or any other team – including the Flyers – so from an Ottawa perspective, his signing is still doable.
They also have RFA goalie Leevi Merilainen to re-up, but that should be no problem since, whatever he gets will be on a 2-way deal as he is still completely waiver-exempt.
If they are outbid by the Flyers on Giroux, Staios will have that full cap reserve to facilitate a move later in the season, and in the meantime – again assuming they move Cozens to RW – their lines could look something like this to start the season:
Eklund – Stutzle – Cozens
Burakovsky – Pinto – Batherson
Foegele – Greig – Zetterlund
Cousins – Halliday – Amadio
McDermid
Sanderson – Zub
Chabot – Spence
Kleven – Matinpalo
Yakemchuk
Ullmark – Ersson
While he didn’t get into any UFA bidding wars, Staios didn’t forget about his AHL affiliate in Belleville, adding some notable veteran help that should make the team more competitive in the AHL As Bruce Garrioch reports in the Ottawa Sun today, the organization has signed these 4 off the UFA market to 2-way deals, along with re-upping Philippe Daoust, 24 who was a 6th-round pick in 2020 and who compiled 50 points in 63 games with Belleville this past season – good for 3rd best on the team:
“• Samuel Blais, 30, is heading into his 11th pro season. He spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto organizations. He finished with 38 points in 35 games with the Laval Rocket.
• Ryan Suzuki, 25, was the Chicago Wolves’ leading scorer during the Calder Cup playoffs. He posted 18 points in 21 games and helped the Wolves reach the finals.
• Philip Tomasino, 24, split the 2025–26 season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers organizations. He posted 41 points in 52 AHL games.
• Christian Kyrou, a right-shot blueliner, spent last season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He finished with 10 goals and 34 points in 59 games.”
What are the Rangers doing? Top 2 draft picks this year were defencemen. Fox, Gavrikov, Durzi, Pettersson, Vaakanainen, Cholowski, and Robertson under contract. Braden Schneider unsigned RFA with arbitration. $5m in remaining cap space.
Meanwhile, their forward group looks a little thin. Could they be a dark horse in the Jason Robertson drama? Surely, Dallas has to figure out a way to keep Robertson after moving Bourque. If Robertson is still too expensive, they’ll need a nice return to save face.
Coleman to Minny for Middleton and picks
Defense was their biggest problem, and they have addressed that more than adequately this off season. I think Vaakanainen gets traded or sent down, Robertson looked decent in his callup last season and will get a good look during camp to make the opening night roster. Schneider is probably still going to be moved, if not, he should flourish on the 3rd pairing.
A lot of the young forwards who were called up last season looked really good and will have an opportunity to make the team out of camp. Perrault, Laba, Kartye, Sykora and Chmelar should all take another stepped forward in their development and with the other additions Drury has made should give the Ranger’s a decent bottom 6.
Zibanejad, Dorofeyev, Lafreniere, Miller and Cuylle make a decent top 6 and if Perrault returns to the line with Z and Laffy and builds on the chemistry from last year, the Rangers will be just fine. This team is already looking much better than last year, and Sullivan is getting the pieces he needs to implement the system he wants to use.
I’m glad to hear it. If they can score goals, they look pretty nasty.
Rangers wasted their cap on Korpisalo at $4M for 2 years. Did not understand that move at all. Garand looked good last year in the little time he had in the NHL and Shaiikov looks like a solid future G. Having 8 D-men who can play is not a bad thing.
I didn’t understand the Korpisalo move either, might just be insurance in case Igor is injured again. If that happens, they can’t expect Garand to shoulder the load as a #1 goalie with only 3 games of NHL experience. Korpisalo #’s aren’t terrible and he will only be expected to play 25-30 games tops; he should be able to handle that no problem. If he is needed to fill in for Igor if injured, he has alot more NHL experience to fall back on. Getting Boston to retain salary would have been nice, but I think Drury made up for it with the Borgen trade. Boston overpaid for that one.
Finally, he’s on the move. On Thursday, the Calgary Flames traded the veteran center to the Minnesota Wild.
The deal was reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who adds that Olli Maatta is also going to Minnesota while Jake Middleton and picks go to Calgary.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan adds that the Flames are retaining half of Coleman’s salary.
The media is calling Coleman a center, but he is listed as a winger at PuckPedia. 🤔
I guess Conroy did favour for Coleman. Instead of waiting until the trade deadline to try & extract a late first Coleman wanted to be traded during summer so he could move during summer & set up family. Flames are definitely paving way for the young guys this year. Middleton might be there to play with Parekh & give him a rugged partner. Carels wont arrive until the end of his College season. Development Camp Wyttenbach, Reschney & even Iginla looked good. They think Reschny, Wytt & Potter & Carels will be joining the Flames late in the season. Conroy needs the contract spots to fit the new wave of young players coming.
The “w8” is over. According to a team announcement, the Washington Capitals have signed Alex Ovechkin to a one-year, $4.25MM contract for the 2026-27 season. Next season will be Ovechkin’s 22nd in the NHL, and likely his last.
They’ve certainly improved to the point where they could do well in the playoffs. It would be kind of neat to see the greatest scorer in the history of the league go out as a Cup winner.
Not sure what to make of the Capitals, but one thing is for sure, they’re big up front. Many of whom have skill.
Seems to have hit it out of the park with Protas in the 3rd round, and now his kid brother lit up the AHL last year, and wouldn’t be shocked if he gets real minutes in Washington next season. Also a 3rd RD pick. Maybe even a shot at 2C. Both 6’6″ and not of the skinny variety.
Both late bloomers, kinds proves the big guys take a while theory again.
Plenty of interesting teams, on paper anyway.
Ovechkin is back
What about Lafrenière and Smitts for Robinson.
I like Middleton tough and solid and a vet .
Another good to great move by Conroy 4 assets for one for a year of money held. Matt’a was a previous throw in
Rangers will be making some trades.
Hey Bruins let’s call the Rangers again and ask about Braden Schneider ( RFA ) for a riding partner for Charlie … move out a couple of the depth Dmen and a forward
Joe they have McAvoy,Borgen,Clifton,Jokiharu as RD. You need a LHD to ride with Charley. Would honestly like them to trade Hampus Lindholm or Zadorov and get younger there. Even if they have to get their permission to trade them! Make a decision on Lohrei also.
Sr, I think they have made their decision on Lohrei, they’re keeping him for now.
Or just my guess.
The skills are there, so they don’t want to give up on him and see him become a solid, #4 type D with length. He is still just an RFA at the end of the season.
Clifton, Hokiharu? They get you excited? Maybe Peeke? Cmon! Lohrei will walk at end of contract just like everyone else and Sweeney gets nothing in return! Lohrei sucks, Peeke sucks, Jokiharu sucks, Harris sucks, Clifton sucks. It’s a joke! St round, Jacobs makes money and bruins are playing golf! And I live 7 mins from Boston! Still better than the Leafs though. I would never want to be a leafs fan!!!! 🤣
Ray Bark with Mcavoy out the first 6 games next year I think they will mix and match all their D see who are the best 6 and then look to trade. Have to give Brunet a shot. Interesting that Zadorov supposedly nixed the trade to Edmonton for Nurse! I think Lindholm did too!
Joe, like Lohrei???? Can he please go? Cape sucking the backend but nasty up front. Leafs are still “Meh” and gave Raddysh a long expensive deal with 1 year of output only under his belt. He’s never had points like that anywhere he played. Leafs problem is the room is lost! They need a shake up. Sweeney and Neely have to go! Jacobs loves the 1st round exit because he makes money and that’s all they care about. Clifton and talking about Peeke coming back???? Awful! The Canes are still good and I would guess that Robertson ends up there
Great move by the Wild, Coleman still what it takes
Does Leaf nation regret losing Marner? As a Bruins fan, they missed the boat (on not getting Mitch) on that one. How long before Matthews wants out? One year, maybe two. TO bet on the wrong horse, Marner is a wizard with the puck.
How many D men do the Bruins have now? Brunet and Poitras need waivers to be waved, both are good enough for the NHL. I’m happy for Dipietro, until Sweeney brings in another backup for competition at training camp and takes the job…then all three will be waved….sorry but I have a lack of faith in Sweeney.
Just watched Marty Biron’s take on the Atlantic division..very interesting that as a goalie he gives Florida 1st even though Markstrom could be the very Achilles heel they can not afford. Toronto 2nd with Bob as a huge ???. Montreal 3rd a rookie goalie in a sophomore year.
4 Buffalo, same goaltending…big drop?
5 TB..only one that should be exactly where we expect?
6 Ottawa, holds Ulmark to a different standard then the top 3 teams?
7 Boston..I guess Swayman can only hold the goaltending together for so long
8 Detroit..pretty much same team, older goalie
I just don’t get why some teams in the exact same situation goaltending-wise get different expectations because why?