NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025
The latest on the Oilers and updates on Jack Roslovic and Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell wondered if the Edmonton Oilers could pull off a surprise late-summer contract signing.
Mitchell suggested pursuing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There are currently few suitable options to upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending in the trade or free-agent markets.
Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).
Fleury has retired, and attempts to change his mind have been fruitless. Nevertheless, Mitchell felt the Oilers should revisit that possibility as training camp approaches in September.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury agent, Allan Walsh, recently said five teams contacted him on July 1 asking if his client would reconsider retirement. Walsh didn’t say which teams they were, but the Oilers could’ve been among them.
Fleury might get the itch to suit up again as training camp draws near. However, he’s now 40, spent 21 years in the NHL and his best seasons are well behind him. He knows it’s time to move on to the next chapter in his life.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider signing Max Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.
Staples acknowledged the 36-year-old Pacioretty has slowed down and is no longer the reliable scorer he once was. Nevertheless, he could be effective as a power forward in small doses, as he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this year’s playoffs, netting eight points in 11 postseason games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but he could opt to move on in search of better opportunities. He’d be an affordable signing, but the cap-strapped Oilers would have to shed some salary to make room for him.
Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer predicting the club will re-sign Connor McDavid this offseason. Stauffer also anticipates new contracts for defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s status is the main concern for Oilers fans. The longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will suggest that he’ll depart next summer for his hometown Maple Leafs or hit the Wayne Gretzky trail and head to the Los Angeles Kings or New York Rangers.
UPDATES ON ROSLOVIC AND CHINAKHOV
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Vancouver Canucks are still talking with former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.
The 28-year-old Roslovic is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after completing a one-year contract with the Hurricanes.
Dhaliwal reported that Roslovic isn’t a lock to join the Canucks. However, the club continues to talk with the winger’s representatives.
Johnston stated that the Canucks seek a second-line center, hence their discussions with the Roslovic camp. They’re also reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Mason McTavish. However, the cost of acquiring McTavish in terms of salary and trade return could be more than the Canucks could afford.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic would be much more affordable than McTavish, whom the Ducks have shown no indication of any willingness to trade.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov could be a great fit with the Devils.
Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade citing “misunderstandings” with Blue Jackets coach Dean Evanson. He’s under contract for this season with a cap hit of $2.1 million.
Nichols thinks Chinakhov would be a perfect “buy-low” trade candidate to address their ongoing need for a scoring winger to replace Tyler Toffoli.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli was, and still is, a reliable, durable two-way scoring winger. Chinakhov has potential, but also an injury history that has limited him to 175 games.
I have suggested the Oilers sign Ilya Samsonov and Alexander Georgiev to PTO”s. Something has to give on the Oilers goaltending front.
Alan, Oilers could use a better tender, but why those 2 guys other than they are available?
Both guys were worse than both Oiler tenders, not just last year, but the year before that.
Pickard isn’t a bad backup goalie, in fact he has been better than average for a backup. And the players luv the guy and play their ass off for him.
Skinner has was below average for a starter last year, middle of the pack the year before. His problem is the consistency. He is either on a heater, or in a slump. Not many just plain solid games. He is only 26 and has a bunch of NHL experience for a young tender. It isn’t ridiculous to think he will improve as many tenders take a while. Can’t see them giving up on him yet. But we’ll see, it’s goaltending, so who the F knows. Maybe the new goalie coach will help.
Bottom line is their isn’t options out there for a 1A or 1B type guys, so we get to watch and find out until at least the TDL.
I think it has been a mistake for the Oilers to not address their goaltending this off season. A decision that may indirectly impact their negotiations with McDavid.
While MAFs best days are certainly in the rear view I can certainly see the allure for Edm.
Skinner had a somewhat unfortunate start to his NHL career in that he never had a seasoned legit NHL starter to be his mentor. He had 13 games when Smith was on the roster but his first full season was in tandem with Jack dumpster fire Campbell. And then paired with Pickard.
Stu has openly admired Bobrovsky and I believe said he would like to learn from Bobrovsky’s experience and mental game. It screams of younger player wanting to have a mentor of sorts.
Have MAF on the roster would do wonders for Skinner I feel. Having Duncan Keith and then Corey Perry did wonders for the rest of the roster.
But doubt it happens lol
Once upon a time, Kenny tried to lure Jimy Howard outta retirement to tend goal for the Oil. 😏
Sure, Chinakhov might be a nice piece for NJ. But what makes Nicholls think that Jackets will trade in their division at a discounted price? That would be a shock.
Nothing lost by reaching out to the Flower.
Just a phone call.
If it’s s flat no (I suspect right now it is); then move on
Can always do s follow up call to him in Setember
Patches on Oilers? That would be a mistake IMO
Patches tank is running on empty right now
Maybe Marc skips the grind of the regular season and starts working out after the holidays for a spring signing?
I don’t see Fleury as being helpful other than as alluded to by 1Oilerfan helping Skinner between the ears.
The allure of a Stanley Cup with McJesus bookmarking a Stanley Cup with Crosby just might squeeze another year out of him.
Have to ask Veronique.
My interest has been peaked, by some local rumors about a Pitt/St. Louis Deal. Rust, Pickering, and picks, to St. Louis for Kyrou. Not sure on Pickering, seems like he has struggled to play at the NHL level, but he is only 21. Rust is a downgrade on the offensive side, but plays a very good 2 way game, which is what the Monty wants out of his forwards. Really looking forward to a full year of the Schenn, Holloway, Kyrou line. Depending on the picks, it could be a pretty solid move for the Blues.
Hockey Canada live updates: Judge finds complainant’s evidence neither ‘credible or reliable’
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial-verdict-live-updates-reactions/
Hence Johnny Z, the reason when it was investigated the first time, there were no charges. No one in that hotel room behaved appropriately and all should be ashamed. Difference is EM got around $3 million to settle with Hockey Canada and the 5 players lost millions of $$ in earning potential.
EM didn’t get $3 M
The overall total claims payments (all of thr many lawsuits) by hockey canada for that entire year was in the $3 M range
The amount EM got was (per agreement) not made public
The players were not told about the settlement until after
At the time this investigation was all made public , if memory serves, there was media speculation that the settlement with EM was between $100 K to $200 K
Unfortunately signing any of these guys is going to be a PR nightmare for whom ever does sign them. Guessing the Blackhawks PR staff is rooting against signing any of these guys…..
As Judge Carroccia said this afternoon, “It’s not up to the judge to look at “the morality or propriety of the conduct of any of the persons involved in these events.”
The “Court Of Public Opinion” however, is something else entirely.
Five guys and one girl, I dont think she woke up that morning and decided she wanted to be manhandled. I think MOST people have a mom, maybe an aunt or a sister or daughter. We are all not perfect but morals, honour and respect is something we all should have.
Mark, 100%, and well said.
Ask any woman you know well, about what they think about what those 5 guys did. It’s been consistent, basically they are scum.
What would they do in that situation and would they be very afraid? Yep they would be. Would they be afraid it could get worse if they tried to fight it? Yes they would. So what do you do? She said she did what they wanted to get it over with and get out without it being worse. We don’t know for sure, but I know what I would bet on. Impossible situation for her.
Also impossible to prove without reasonable doubt. Her word against 5 of them.
Her father said he found her a few hours later in the morning crying in the bathtub. He took her to the police station.
Amen Mark. Wouldn’t the entire world be a better place if we could just respect one another. And that applies to EM as well. By her own account she went to the bar with some work friends. She is 20 years old. She has a boyfriend. She consumes 12 alcoholic beverages. She sees a guy who she says looks cute and dances with him (I’m sure the boyfriend is ok with this). Then she decides to go back to his room for consensual sex (boyfriend must be ok with this too?) Whatever happened after this is he says/she says but her morality should be questioned as well. Also Mark, I am inferring from your last names that we were brought up in similar fashion. Do you know any 20 year old girls who are allowed to stay out all night and the parents have no idea where she is at?
Shoutout to Maritimers here (Lyle, Caper etc)
Sorry, not hockey related , but We just got back from an excellent East Coast trip and wanted to through out a standing ovation.
Got all of the Maritimes in.
Wow
Had been to some of the Maritimes before but had never been to the Rock or Cape Breton Island. Both awesome!!👍🏻👍🏻
Gros Morne National Park is a must see for everybody
Pengy?
Heh. He likely never cleared his “history” and clicked on Pengy rather than 8787 … the e-mail addie would be the same in both cases.
Trust me Ray, it was beautiful.
Or are you saying you’ve been and didn’t like it?
Feels like it’s been eight thousand, seven hundred and eighty seven days since Pengy’s last post.
Yes been a while Brock
Thanks (and to you George) for your homage to Sid.
Been on Super L , LTIR.
Accident in November of ‘23. Had many surgeries, and extensive re-hab.
Only this spring finally walking without a cane.
Was finally feasible to take a vacation.
No Pengy, just wondering where you’ve been and if it’s really you vs a guy who sounded a lot like you, or sometimes I think is actually you.
Or just pretending to be you, for some other reason. Was a bit weird for a while and a running gag at the same time. All in good fun.
Glad you’re doing better.
Thanks Ray
survived and that’s all that’s important.
Not as “handsome” as I was. LOL. I say scars add character .
Walking now without a cane and not losing the sight in one eye is my miracle come true.
Yep, we take health for granted until it isn’t there, hope it keeps improving.
Like I tell my G kids when they get banged up, chicks dig scars!
This from the web:
“The amount of money E.M. received from Hockey Canada in the settlement related to the 2018 sexual assault allegations is undisclosed, but it is known to be up to $3.5 million. Hockey Canada’s board of directors agreed to pay the claimant up to this amount. The settlement also included a non-disclosure agreement.
Here’s a breakdown:
$3.5 million (maximum): The initial claim was for approximately $3.5 million, and Hockey Canada agreed to pay up to that amount.
Undisclosed: The exact amount paid in the settlement is not publicly known due to the non-disclosure agreement.
Investment liquidation: Hockey Canada liquidated investments to fund the settlement.”
So, which “media outlet” is privy to the non-disclosure agreement? Or was that more speculation with no foundation in fact?
This story came and went pretty quick. Money talks.
“The woman, who was not identified in the report, reached agreements with Panarin and MSG Sports, which included nondisclosure and no admission of wrongdoing clauses, and then left the company.”
One thing that has been solidified with today’s court decision … 5 players have now been added to the list of available UFAs … although more likely 4 as Formenton has already said he has moved on from hockey.
Be interesting to see if any are pursued and, if so, by which teams.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see some – if not all – sign somewhere in Europe to get out of the public glare that is sure to follow them on this side of the pond.
Believe ALL women! (and make millions)
Have trouble getting a date when you were young Johnny?
90 % of sexual assault cases never get reported because of what happens to the women when they do.
How did it go for EM when it did go to trial? How about when she and her father reported it to the police early the next day?
None of know for sure what happened in that hotel room other than there was 5 of them, and one of her.
Again, ask any woman if your life what they would have felt like at 20 yrs old, and in that situation. Don’t ask what they think of her, they don’t know her. Ask what they would feel like.
Wonder if Hockey Canada will be asking for their (our) money back?
They should ask for it back. She would have been better off moving to a different location and go into Hockey Canada witness protection.
You can bet they are not candidates for the Olympic team !
Dube already playing in the KHL . Hart may surface there as well. I hear Minsk is nice this time of year
The other 3 have to be done.
Still young and have time to make amends in the public arena which may get some of them a second chance in the NHL. However, I would not take that bet.