NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025
The latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson, Ducks center Mason McTavish and Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NHL.COM: Dan Rosen reports trade speculation persists about Jason Robertson.
The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million and will become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. He also lacks no-trade protection.
Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).
Rosen considers it a 50-50 possibility that Robertson gets traded, indicating it depends on if the two sides can or want to try to get an extension done sooner rather than later. He believes the Stars have enough cap space to make it work. However, they must ensure they have sufficient space to re-sign defenseman Thomas Harley, who is also RFA-eligible next summer with arbitration rights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have $27.9 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 with 15 active roster players under contract. They have enough room to re-sign Robertson and Harley to lucrative long-term deals, but it could cost a combined $18 million, with Robertson getting $10 million annually. That wouldn’t leave much to fill out the remaining depth of their roster.
SPORTSNET: If the Stars decide to trade Robertson, Ryan Dixon has a list of seven potential destinations.
The Los Angeles Kings top that list, partly because they’re Robertson’s hometown team. The Carolina Hurricanes are in “go-for-it mode”, while the Washington Capitals need a scorer for when Alex Ovechkin eventually retires.
Bubble teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings could use a scorer like Robertson. So could the struggling Seattle Kraken. The Utah Mammoth needs a premier young player as they establish themselves in their new market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars aren’t under pressure to move Robertson this summer. They’re cap-compliant after shipping Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They also hold Robertson’s rights until July 1, 2027, when he’ll be UFA-eligible if he hasn’t signed an extension before then.
Robertson has been the Stars’ top scorer since his full-time NHL debut in 2020-21. Moving him would be a significant move on their part, and they won’t want just draft picks and prospects in return.
Given Robertson’s on-ice value to the Stars, they could hang onto him for this season and see how things pan out. Unless they get a comparable player back in a trade, their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season are better with him in the lineup.
THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors if the Anaheim Ducks put Mason McTavish on the trade block. The 22-year-old center has the potential to become a prime playoff performer.
McTavish is an RFA without arbitration rights this summer. He’s yet to sign a new contract with the Ducks, which has made him the subject of considerable trade and offer-sheet speculation.
Kuzma believes it would cost the Canucks a roster player, a prime prospect, and a pair of high draft picks to pry McTavish from the Ducks. He cited AFP Analytics projecting the young center receiving a six-year contract with an AAV of $6.67 million. However, Kuzma claimed his camp is pushing for between $7 million and $8 million annually, hence the impasse.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen explaining the lack of progress in McTavish’s contract negotiations. Others have merely speculated about his availability and what it might cost to get him.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, as former Duck Trevor Zegras learned the hard way. He’s also warned rival GMs that he’ll match any offer for McTavish, assuming the latter is open to signing with another team.
This standoff might not be resolved until training camp opens in September. The longer this goes on this summer, the more we’ll hear McTavish mentioned in the rumor mill.
NHL.COM: Dan Rosen believes Evan Rodrigues could become a trade candidate for the Florida Panthers to become cap-compliant when their regular season begins in October.
Rosen anticipates they’ll start the season with winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). However, that’ll only be a short-term fix as they must be under the cap when he returns to action later in the season.
Rodrigues is a versatile forward with an affordable $3 million AAV who the Panthers value, but they could have no choice but to move him once Tkachuk returns. Rosen does not doubt that teams have already inquired about his availability.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks to repair injuries he suffered last season. Those procedures were likely delayed given his recent nuptials.
Rodrigues will probably still be with the Panthers when they begin their regular season. However, his days in Florida could be numbered if he becomes their likely cost-cutting candidate.
I don’t know Claude Lemieux as a player agent but what is taking so long with his players?
it’s end of July, things don’t really get “heated” up for these negotiations, especially RFA’s, until just before camp opens. so probably all quiet until early September
mikep, of the remaining RFAs still needing new deals, you can bet most – if not all – of these 6 with scheduled arbitration hearings will be settled before the hearings take place: Arvid Soderblom Chicago July 28; Maksim Tsyplakov NYI July 29; Dylan Samberg Winnipeg July 30; Conor Timmins Buffalo August 2; Nicholas Robertson Toronto August 3; Jayden Struble Montreal August 3.
Some among the rest, however, could drag on until the point of being regarded as “holdouts” well into the season: LD Wyatt Kaiser Chicago; C Mason McTavish and RW/C Sam Colangelo Anaheim; RW/LW Danil Gushchin San Jose; RW Mikael Pyyhtia Columbus; C Connor Zary Calgary; C Marco Rossi; RW Luke Evangelista Nashville; G Devon Levi Buffalo; LD Luke Hughes and C/W Thomas Bordeleau New Jersey; RW Alex Laferriere Los Angeles; LD Ryker Evans Seattle; LD Donovan Sebrango Ottawa; RW Alexander Holtz Vegas.
Tom, which of the foregoing are represented by Lemieux?
Re Verbeek and : “also warned rival GMs that he’ll match any offer for McTavish, assuming the latter is open to signing with another team.”
There is no reason that he wouldn’t make this public affirmation. If this statement wards off just one potential rival GM’s OS; it’s served its purpose in lowering the cumulative outside pressure of a potential OS (which in turn raises McTavish’s value snd therefore his strength in negotiations)
I would be shocked if there have been no “reach out” calls to his agent to test the temperature/interest in an OS.
I personally believe he’s got a bright future in the NHL
Penguins are in rebuild; he’d be a great asset to have now and in future (@ 2C for 26/27 for sure when Gino is gone)
Re Kuzma’s assed value : “Kuzma believes it would cost the Canucks a roster player, a prime prospect, and a pair of high draft picks to pry McTavish from the Ducks”
For Pens is that?: Rust, PLUS McGroarty, PLUS either (A) 1st (‘28), 2nd (‘27) OR (B) TWO 2nds (both in ‘26)
If so, the offer should be made
For 25/26 that either has McTavish playing with Sid and Rackell OR Gino moving to wing (with Sid/Rackell) and McTavish doing 2C
Long term; McTavish as top 6 C
That is a reasonable trade for the hear and now AND for the future
Rust, McTavish, McGroarty don’t have trade protection; so no players could block that trade
Warning off other teams, saying he’ll match any offer also affects how McTavish and his agent set his value to the team.
My take in their place would be stop low balling me and pay me.
You said you’d match any offer so cut the bs.
I don’t see Dallas trading Robertson but one team not mentioned who’d want him is Buffalo.
Can’t see ANA trading McTavish, who will likely be their 2C this season, for that. Some decent players in the offer, but it doesn’t help ANA. No room at the inn for Rust after getting Kreider.
Then ANA will need to find a 2C, and it sure seems to be hard to find those doesn’t it?
Unless McTavish has a hissy fit and demands a trade (maybe he has privately, but that would be a poor decision) and sits until he gets one, he isn’t getting traded.
He’s in a good spot with the Ducks on an up and coming team, seems like a good place to stick around for a while and see how it works out. He should get ample opportunity to produce.
Hey Ray I think the difficulty in finding a 2nd line center is predicated on ones definition of a 2nd line center including its role.
I think many teams have players that either by points, points/60, or ice time would classify them one. It all depends on your definition or standards, right? What do you think constitutes who is 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc line players?
Ya HF30, BUF could use him for sure. The “for who” question tough though. The area of quality depth/strength for BUF is on D, specifically left shot. BUF has Dahlin, Byram, Power leading the Sabres in ice time with Byram playing his off side.
Dallas is similar for left shot D, they have Heiskanen, Harley and Lindell with Harley playing his off side. They are the top 3 in ice time on the Stars.
Just seems bigger name trades usually happen when teams trade to address positional weakness from a position that is a strength.
If Dallas trades Robertson they have a hole up front that would need filling.
So you would be willing to overpay for McTavish just because another team might? What’s the hurry? It’s August and as noted McTavish has no arbitration rights.
McTavish is a star on the rise but the Ducks are chock full of centers, two of least (Granlund and Strome) are overpaid. No reason for Verbeek to pay more than he has to for another one.
You might be over thinking this Ron.
They are offensive & defensive roles IMO. Every C position on a team has important defensive responsibilities, so if you want to be a 2C on a good team/contender you need to produce offense and beat the guy you are lined up against in a best of 7 series, or most nights during the regular season. Teams don’t contend for championships without 2 very good C’s. You don’t make the playoffs without at least 1 really good one. Most important skaters on a team.
The 2 teams I know best are the Bruins and Oilers. Oilers 2C is Draisaitl who does it all, scores and can defend. He usually wins the battle against his opposition. 2 straight cup finals. On the B’s its Zacha or Lindholm, depending which one you think is the #1.
Are Zacha and Lindholm 2C’s? Yep, on Boston they are. Are you winning anything if they are yours? Or are you finishing with the 5th worst record in the NHL?
Is that an answer?
@ LJ, Granlund is a wing. Has been for a while now and will be in Anaheim.
Strome is 3C and at $5M might be a little overpaid in today’s market.
The top 2 centers are Carlsson and McT, and based on games played and performance, you can argue that McT is the better center TODAY. Carlsson may grow into 1C better, but he still has to prove it.
I don’t think there is any chance Anaheim lets McT leave.
My guess is that McT’s camp is using Coronato’s new $6.5M deal in Calgary for a minimum. They are the same age, but McT plays a tougher position, had a better season, and has done it for longer. I thought McT would come in around $6M, but not after that Coronato deal now.
If Verbeek keeps throwing out “we’ll match anything” then maybe McT’s agent needs to drum up a real offer sheet and sign it. Put up up shut up, if you will for Verbeek.
@ RayBark, using Leon as a “2C” comp is a little unfair. Edmonton has two 1C’s, like Pitt did in the past years with a younger Crosby and Malkin.
Very few teams have a pair of top-line centers (and some don’t even have 1, like Boston).
Ray Bark,
Dallas doesn’t seem to mind playing defensemen on their off side so if I was Buffalo and wanted Robertson as an upgrade to Peterka, I’d start by offering Bowen Byram.
That would surely begin some serious discussion.
foleyd7, I get your point, but was trying to make one too. Probably the best top 2 C’s in the league on a single team. The biggest reason the are successful IMO.
I could use FLA as an example as they are the class of the league as a complete & balanced team. Barkov is a top 5 C in the NHL. The best 2 way guy for sure. And Bennett who gets tough assignments, doesn’t score a ton in regular season, but has been consistently dominant in the post season.
Top shelf again, 3 straight cup finals.
Byram and Quin for Robertson and Lyubushkin
Dallas gets a very mobile D that can play the RS and a younger scorer, as well as about $1.5M cap relief and 2 yrs on their contracts.
Buffalo improves their top 6 greatly, and gets a proven tough and physical defender.
Fully agree Habfan30
If Ducks had offered at least s reasonable amount by now , we would have heard vis media, “talks are progressing” or “the gap has narrowed” etc
Agree Ray that Kreider acquisition does crimp need/want for Rust ; I was just filling in what was posted for the expected return: Roster, good prospect, 2 high picks
If that in fact IS what Ducks would take ; then Rust, McGroarty and the two picks I suggested ; fits the bill.
I could have put in Rackell instead of Rust (both are righties, both can and have played both wings).
Lizotte could be added to the deal as a sweetener/finalizer
Ducks with the above offer could go:
Granlund or Strome and Terry/Kreider
Granlund or Strome or Carllson and Rust/Vatrano
Strome or Carllson and Gautier/Mcroarty
Lizotte OR Poehling/ Killorn/ and Johnston OR Harkins
Pens with that trade should (IMO) go
Sid/Gino/Rackell
McTavish/Mantha/Heinen
Tomassino/Brazeau/Dewar
Novak/Ponaromov , AND
one of Howe OR Ilyin OR Poulin OR Koivinen OR Puustinen OR Hallander etc etc
87, I get it, you just threw it out there the first time. But, if ANA decides to replace McT as their 2C with Strome or Granlund I will eat my shoes.
PIT isn’t getting a 22 yr old 2C for a 33 yr old W and a unproven prospect and a couple picks. They are a team nearing end of rebuild, it makes no sense sense to trade one of their best young players just when he should start to come into his own at the NHL level.
RayBark,it looks like Boston is going to give Middlestadt an opportunity as their 2nd line center.This makes Zacha a middle six winger.Middlestadt makes over 5 million and Boston needs to see if he s worth it.Potential 3rd line centers could be Poitras,Minton,Locmelis and a host of other players. This is one of the worst forward groups in the NHL.,
Well might as well find out what Mittelstadt is capable of Sr. After watching his brief time in Boston last year, my expectations aren’t that high. But hey, let’s see what happens. He will definitely get an opportunity, including PP time.
I’ve just never been a fan of players like him; darting around, looking all shifty and dangerous, and accomplishing sweet FA. He best be scoring, or it won’t be pretty. If he starts tapping his stick loudly for a pass in the slot I’ll throw my beer at the TV.
And yes, our forward group is weak.
Which I’m fine with! I’m a rebuild guy, go ahead and suck. They won’t be finishing with the best lottery chance in the NHL unless McAvoy and Pasta have bad injuries, but the worse their record the better IMO. Please don’t finish 9th or 10th in the east.
with matthew tkachuk wedding most likely the reason for delayed surgery i believe the Panthers cap situation resolves itself
we should expect an august announcement of how long he is out
ds. No matter how you slice this, there’s no way Florida can get away with this. Injuries were bad enough to keep him out of regular season, but not playoffs. Bad enough to need surgery now, but not at end of season? A wedding is 1 day plus honeymoon? Not sure surgery, if needed, can be that serious.
you can tape, shoot it up, wrap it etc and push thru some injuries that you cant make worse
some go the PT strengthening route first to see if surgery can be avoided.
Florida can say all the above too.
Waiting 2 months for surgery is not that unusual
As a Rangers fan I wish Fox fixed whatever is up with his knee…..
I think he DOES get surgery
Honeymoon, then surgery
Absolutely no rush for the Einstein of Hockey (King Zito)
Tkachuck gets his op; recovery/rehab for sure knocks out all of October for sure; and I’d guess as well a large chunk of Nov
At THAT time if nobody else (earning $3 M or more) is on LTIR (injuries happen all the time); then the King can make a trade
The King can (and will) find a way to make things work.
I still think , regardless, a 4th straight trip to the cup final is a pretty fair prognostication; and a 3-Peat NOT a long-shot bet
“The Utah Mammoth needs a premier young player (Robertson) as they establish themselves in their new market.”
Kind of funny since Robertson had 80 pts last year. Keller had 90 and is the same age. Plus Utah has Cooley (21 yo, 65 pts in 75 games), Guenther (22 yo, 60 pts in 70 games) and they picked up JJ Peterka.
Not that Robertson isn’t good, but implying that Utah needs a young scorer isn’t accurate.
Trade suggestion between Ottawa and Dallas
Ottawa trades – Perron, Zetterlund and a 2nd, 3rd
Dallas sends Robertson
Would they even entertain the offer? Im sure more tweaks could be made but as a starting point?
Hard pass for Dallas. They would be giving up a 1st line player for some 3rd line parts and picks.
It would have to start with Batherson plus something to get Robertson out of Dallas.
Agree foleyd7. I could see something more in line with
Robertson to Ottawa
Zetterlund and Cozens to Dalls
SendFan11
Note sure about that one
Perron is 37 at 4 mill – last 2 season before Ottawa had 56 points in 82 game and 47 points in 76 games
Zetterlund is 25 at 4.2 Mill – last 2 seasons before Ottawa had 44 points in 82 games and 41 points in 84 games.
For comparison sake
Roberston is 26 at 7.7 Mill and last 2 seasons had 80 points in 82 games and 80 points in 82 games.
I doubt Dallas makes this move. Perhaps trading
Zetterlund and Cozens would do it. Move Pinto to 2nd line center. Grieg takes over 3rd line center
As a a Sens season ticket holder and super fan. That offer is embarrassing.
you’re suggesting old overpaid (playoff guy apparently) that you’d like to get rid of……a beefy smurf 20 goal scorer who we probably overpaid as well….a 2nd round and a 3rd pick for essentially a big power forward kid who’s scored ……lets just call it 30 goals in the last four years….40 twice…a hundred point season in there too…..If I’m Dallas I’m not even picking up the phone.
You want Robertson….the call starts with Sanderson. And the Sens aren’t doing that. Maybe Chabbott and a 1st, and a 2nd. maybe. But even then Dallas realises we’re just trying to dump Thomas’ contract.
The Robertson rumours annoy me. I can’t even fathom a GM walking away from a player like that. You can’t teach people how to score.
I think the only way Dallas trades Robertson is if he won’t sign an extension that fits within their cap.
He’s under contract for $7.75m this year, so no rush to make a decision before the season starts.
He’s going to get a raise, but will it be closer to $10M? Or is he looking for $12M Rantanen money (as I’ve seen some internet chatter suggest).
If he’s going to push for $12M, it might not work in Dallas financially.
The idea of moving Robertson is to save on cap space for both today and tomorrow . That is why I think a Rasmus Andersson type plus a protected first plus a middle 6 younger forward. Offering a has been and draft picks ain’t doing it. Jim Nill is perennial GM of the year and makes very mistakes if any.
With a cap hit of $7.75 mil and an RFA next year, Robertson is also a potential UFA in 2026-27.
Agent Pat Brisson is not oblivious to the coming cap increases.
So, if Nill senses a reluctance on their part to conclude a long-term deal as an RFA next year, but rather a short term designed to get him to UFA status as quickly as possible, perhaps he might be examining the benefits of dealing him for a rich return that provides longer cap management capability.
…but wouldn’t all “buying” GM’s be equally wary of this maneuver?
No doubt … so it could boil down to a team seeing him as a one-year rental in a cup run … which, of course, would reduce the offers significantly.
It looks more and more like he stays in Dallas and goes through his RFA negotiations around this time next year.
Not an encouraging situation.
The way it was framed above was they might be forced to choose between Harley and Robertson. Not sure that’s true, unless like someone suggested he wants Rantanen money. He needs to be qualified at $9.3, but will get more than that. He might get $12 if he has a big year?
So for arguments sake, who is more valuable to the Stars; Harley or Robertson? Robertson puts up big points, but Harley is a really, really good young D-man. It’s why he was the call up for Canada in 4 Nations as a 23 year old. And looked really good doing it. 6’4″ and can totally wheel. 23 minutes a night, 50 pts including 16 goals, plus 32. Playing his off side for much of it.
Tough call, but I don’t think Nill will have to choose, he can find a way to keep both for 1 year before Seguin gets a pay cut.
Harley never plays on his off-side, only miro does
Probably a Ras Andersen + Zary + the later of one of our 2026 1sts would get Dallas attention. Some Flame fans think that would be way too much however.
The isles should trade Barzal, and both of nexts years no.1’s for McTavish. As McTavish fits into the future of the team.