NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 27, 2025
The top remaining unrestricted free agents, the Blackhawks avoid arbitration with Arvid Soderblom, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin listed the notable players remaining on his list of the top unrestricted free agents.
Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic (NHL Images).
Forward Jack Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and winger Max Pacioretty are the top three, followed by winger Victor Olofsson, goaltender James Reimer, winger Luke Kunin, goalie Ilya Samsonov, and center Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Other noteworthy players include goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, winger Robby Fabbri, defenseman Jan Rutta, and winger Conor Sheary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sheary signed a professional tryout offer with the New York Rangers last week. Nevertheless, he’s still a UFA and can sign a contract with another team.
Sheary is the first player in this summer’s UFA class to ink a PTO contract. Several of the players on this list could follow his lead before training camps open in September.
CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks avoided salary arbitration with Arvid Soderblom, as the two sides agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract. The average annual value (AAV) is $2.75 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Soderblom’s arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 28.
As of July 6, 11 players had filed for arbitration, and two (Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres and Jack McBain of the Utah Mammoth) were to be taken to arbitration by their teams.
Entering this week, nine of the players and their teams avoided arbitration by reaching agreements on new contracts. Four – Dylan Samberg of the Winnipeg Jets, Conor Timmins of the Sabres, Nicholas Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Jayden Struble of the Montreal Canadiens – remain scheduled for hearings.
Don’t be surprised if the remaining four end up re-signing with their teams before their scheduled hearings.
DAILY FACEOFF: Michael Remis of Winnipeg Sports Talk doesn’t expect the Winnipeg Jets to make any significant additions over the rest of this summer.
Remis believes the Jets will take a step back this season without Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this month. They added center Jonathan Toews and forward Gustav Nyquist on one-year contracts.
Toews is attempting a comeback after missing the last two seasons with health issues. Nyquist’s production declined with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild last season.
The Jets have lots of salary-cap space, but Remis said he’s heard that they’re not planning to add to the roster over the remainder of the offseason. They’ve set aside money for Toews’ bonuses and a new contract for Dylan Samberg, which could leave them with $4 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could prefer letting that cap space accrue during the season to address any roster issues that arise before the March trade deadline.
The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy last season. Losing Ehlers will hurt their offense, but the rest of the roster is mostly intact. They should remain among the top teams in the Western Conference this season.
With reference to Lyle’s UFA summary above, here are thumbnail details for quick concise reference of the so-called “best of what’s left” which, now that they have been acquitted, includes the London 5 (shown with an asterisk). However, given Bettman’s recent statement making it clear there is a distinction between a court of law and the court of public opinion as to what constitutes common decency, there may yet be a specified ban on their NHL participation:
C
Luke Kunin – last played with Columbus GP75 (SJ & Clb) G11 A7 18PTS coming off a cap hit of $2,750,000 – 27y/o 6’ 196lbs
*Michael McLeod – last played 2023-24 w. NJ 45gp 10g 9a 19pts coming off a cap hit of $1,400,000 – 27 y/o 6’ 2” 190lbs
Robby Fabbri – last played for Anaheim 44gp 8g 8a 16pts coming off a cap hit of $4,000,000 – 29 y/o 5’ 11” 185lbs
Kevin Rooney – last played for Calgary 70gp 5g 5a 10pts coming off a cap hit of $1,300,000 – 32y/o 6’ 2” 200lbs
Evgeny Kuznetsov – last played for Carolina in 2023-24 20gp 2g 4a 6 pts for a combined cap hit of $7.8 mil (Washington held 50%) – 33 y/o 6’ 1” 200lbs
*Dillon Dubé – last played 2023-24 Cgy 43gp 3g 4a 7pts coming off a cap hit of $2,300,000 – 27y/o 5’ 11” 185lbs –
Jakub Lauko – last played for Boston 38gp 3g 3a 6pts – coming off a cap hit of $787,500 – 25y/o 6’ 196lbs
LW
*Alex Formenton – last played 2021-22 Ott 79gp 18g 14a 32pts coming off a cap hit of $747,500 – 25y/o 6’ 3” 195lbs
Victor Olofsson – last played for Vegas 56gp 15g 14a 29pts – coming off a cap hit of $1,075,000 – 29y/o 5’ 11” 183lbs
Joel Kiviranta – last played for Colorado 79gp 16g 7a 23pts – coming off a cap hit of $775,000 – 29y/o 5’ 11” 185lbs
Nikolai Kovalenko – last played for San Jose 57gp (Col & SJ) 7g 13a 20pts coming off a cap hit of $896,250 – turns 26 in Oct 5’ 10” 180lbs
Max Pacioretty – last played for Toronto GP37 G5 A8 13PTS coming off a cap hit of $873,770 – 36y/o 6’ 2” 216lbs
Noah Gregor – last played for San Jose GP52 (Ott & SJ) G4 A3 7PTS coming off a cap hit of $800,000 – 26y/o – 6’ 190lbs
Connor Sheary – last played for Tampa GP5 0pts – 59gp w. Syracuse AHL 2-g 41a 61pts coming off a cap hit of $2,000,000 – 33y/o 5’ 8” 182lbs (P.T.O. invite from NYR)
RW
Jack Roslovic – last played for Carolina 81gp 22g 17a 39pts coming off a cap hit of $2,800,000 – 28y/o – 6’ 1” 195lbs
Brett Leason – last played for Anaheim 62gp 5g 12a 17pts coming off a cap hit of $1,050,000 – 26y/o – 6’ 5” 220lbs
LD
Matt Grzelcyk – last played for Pittsburgh 82gp 1g 39a 40pts – coming off a cap hit of $2,750,000 – 31 y/o 5′ 10″ 180lbs
RD
Jan Rutta – last played for San Jose 54gp 3g 6a 9pts coming off a cap hit of $2,750,000 – 34y/o 6’ 3” 205lbs
*Cal Foote – last played 2023-24 w. NJ 4gp 0g 1a 1pt coming off a cap hit of $800,000 – 26 y/o 6’ 3” 225lbs
G
* Carter Hart – last played 2023-24 w. Pha 26gp 2.88gaa 0.906 save % coming off a cap hit of $3,979,000 – 6’ 2” 200lbs
Ilya Samsonov – last played for Vegas 29gp 2.82gaa 0.891 save % coming off a cap hit of $1,800,000 – 28y/o 6’ 3” 205lbs
Alexander Georgiev – last played for San Jose 49gp (Col & SJ) 3.85gaa 0.875 save % coming off a cap hit of $3,400,000 – 29y/o 6’ 1” 180lbs
Georgii Romanov – last played for San Jose 8gp 3.80gaa 0.877 save % coming off a cap hit of $910,000 – 25y/o 6’ 5” 207lbs
George both Puckpedia and Capwages show that Ottawa retained the rights to Formenton. Capwages says Ottawa has his rights until Sept 13/26. Any chance that’s true George
I think RFA rights, still owned by Sens:
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/senators-alex-formenton-fail-to-agree-to-contract-before-rfa-deadline/
Sure looks that way Yogi, although I seriously doubt Staios has any intention of ever seeing him play here again. So, in effect, any team interested could probably approach him, and if he and a team are mutually interested, his official rights could be transferred with minimal – if any – return. However, it’s worth noting that he did indicate, some months ago, that his pursuit of a hockey career is over, although I suppose he could change his mind.
General wind of what transpired in London first really surfaced in February of 2019 when the local police informed Hockey Canada that a criminal investigation had been closed, at which point Hockey Canada claimed the woman had declined to speak with authorities, and that no charges had been filed (at that stage). In September 2020 Hockey Canada closed their own third-party investigation. No doubt the team, with the Melnyks still owners and Dorion the GM, were well aware of the incident when the 2021-22 season began, during which, in 79gp, Formenton scored 18g 14a 32pts as he approached RFA status.
Then things really hit the fan in April 2022 when the young woman filed, with the Ontario Superior Court Of Justice, her statement of claim seeking $3.55 million in damages from Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League and 8 players “including but not limited to members of the Canada U20 Men’s Junior Hockey Team from the 2018 World Junior team.”
That no doubt led to some serious misgivings within Ottawa management, and when RFA talks stalled leading up to the December 2022 deadline date for RFA signing, Formenton left for Europe to play with HC Ambrì-Piotta in the Swiss league in 2022-23. Then came the real details and the public naming of the 5 eventually charged. Through all that process, and unlike the others who became UFAs when not extended qualifying offers, he has remained Ottawa’s “property.”
The key here is that Formenton signed in Europe, which means Ottawa keeps his rights till he turns 27. But you’re right can’t see him returning to Ottawa. Looked up Formenton in the NHLPA data base and got nothing, makes one wonder just how far the NHLPA will go with their support
George, where did you see Bettman’s statement, as my quick google search brought up nothing.
Not “specifically” Bettman, but for the “NHL” he is the ultimate decision maker on this
From article below
“A few hours after the judge’s decision, the NHL said Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote would be ineligible to play while the league reviews the findings.”
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/nhl-says-five-players-acquitted-of-sexual-assault-ineligible-to-play-1.2338930
Thanks, 8787. Not quite what George is reporting as I would be extremely surprised if the NHL’s position was based on common decency.
And I believe you were the one that pointed out that the league re-instated Virtanen after he was found not guilty.
LJ, there are multiple sources, including this one from the BBC – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxv71v5lq2o
where it says, in part, “NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman did not say whether the players would be allowed to return to play in the league if they were acquitted.
“We have said continuously we are not making any comments while the judicial process is taking place. We respect that,” Mr Bettman said earlier this year.
“I want to be clear. What has been alleged is abhorrent and disgusting and should not be allowed,” he added.”
Thanks, George.
It is important to note that Bettman said that what is “alleged” is abhorrent and disgusting.
That is a significant difference to your phrasing, which I am not picking on.
It means to me that as the allegations have been found unproven, and the players have been found not guilty, there is not basis for their continued ban from playing in the NHL.
It will indeed be difficult for any NHL team to sign any of the players. Whatever anyone feels about this particular verdict, it should trouble us that even when found not guilty people in this country can effectively lose their ability to pursue their chosen field.
I agree, LJ, the whole issue is as clear as mud. For now, however, their potential return any time soon is “under review.” Who knows how long that’ll take?
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-says-players-acquitted-of-sexual-assault-ineligible-for-return-while-under-review/
The above says, in part, “The NHL stated the allegations in the case were “very disturbing,” even if not deemed criminal. The league also called the behaviour of the players “unacceptable.” “We will be reviewing and considering the judge’s findings,” the statement read. “While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the league.”
Of course, the NHLPA sees it differently – as expected. If and when they are officially declared free to resume their NHL careers, I suppose it will then become a question of which GMs view a potential impact player as more important in the greater scheme of things than the general reactions of their fans.
League treading the appropriate line right now
Immediate reinstatement prior to the expiry of 30 day window to appeal by prosecution; could backfire with an appeal.
I watched as several “legal experts” gave their analysis of the likelihood of appeal.
All of those legal experts said that the prosecution will take time to review the details of the judge’s written summation/rationale/judgement for gaps/errors/omissions that may possibly lead to a successful prosecution via appeal to decide IF they will apeal.
All those “experts” on TV seemed to believe that an appeal was not impossible but was very unlikely to happen.
Two actually said that it was pretty well impossible for a successful appeal with the judge “emphatically” stating EM was NOT credible, her testimony NOT reliable; and more significantly , that the Judge ruled EM HAD provided consent (instead of a weaker wording “prosecution failed to prove that consent was was not granted”); and most significantly that the “independent” evidence (video) repeatedly contradicted EM’s claims. They went through many of them).
So, NHL can safely wait until (1) an appeal is launched (per above unlikely); or (2) the appeal window closes (August 23rd—30 days from ruling)
If (1) happens; ban stays
If (2) happens (much more likely); I feel (my opinion) that it is nigh impossible for NHL to successfully uphold the ban; after that it is down to 32 team decisions on the 4 UFAs re contract offers or PTO’s or passes on them; and down to Sens re Formenton
One other point, LJ, is that the use of “alleged” is always prevalent when discussing a criminal case publicly … it’s a cover-your ass necessity until a verdict is reached.
8787, good summary.
George, oh you bet there will be ass covering (no pun intended, too serious a topic for frivolity). And I suspect that any path to the NHL for these players would likely come through Europe or the KHL.
Looking very much forward to a more enjoyable topic to comment on in the coming days.
Yes LJ
Virtanen’s return to NHL , post aquittal was allowed
Oilers signed him to a PTO (he didn’t make team, but could have signed with any team without any pushback/block from NHL)
With that Virtanen decision (allowed to return post acquittal), NHL (read effectively Bettman) set s precedence.
Barring an extreme long-shot appeal; how can NHL (read Bettman) realistically maintain the “ineligible” stance on the 5 AFTER August 23rd (last day an appeal can happen)?
The judge’s detailed summation/judgement/rationale leaves basically zero room
Going against that (keeping ban in effect after August 23rd) is almost like saying the judge has no credibility on her ruling.
Re : Nick Robertson
I believe that Leafs are a bit vulnerable here. I would expect that an Arb hearing may very well have them hit with a Cap hit higher than they (Leafs) would be comfortable negotiating
IF he’d signed an OS (can’t now due to Arb hearing) ; comp would have been:
<$1.5 M — Nothing
$1.5 M – $2.3 M —-3rd
My gut feeling is that he would be awarded in Arb; somewhere in the $1.5 M – $2.3 M range.
Would Leafs be comfortable with that? They don’t seem to use him much.
Certainly there must be other teams willing to give a 3rd rounder (what OS would have cost) for a speedy (albeit small) 23 year old forward who just had an 82 game pace of 18-8-26 playing mostly bottom line minutes and getting less than 11 mins a game?
Would Leafs accept a third rather than tying up more Cap space than they would like?
8787, of the 7 RFAs originally scheduled for arbitration, four (Kaapo Kakko, Maxim Tsyplakov, Arvid Soderblom and, this morning, Connor Timmins, have avoided that dreaded session by agreeing to deals.
There leaves these three – LD Dylan Samberg of Winnipeg on July 30 and, in August 3, LW/RW Nicholas Robertson of Toronto and LD Jayden Struble of Montreal.
I get the feeling that, while both Samberg and Struble will do likewise, Robertson could be the exception and actually test an arbitrator’s decision, likely citing what you have lined out, i.e., decent production given his limited ice-time.
What will be interesting, and depending upon the award, is if Treleving accepts the decision, or walks away from the settlement. The Leafs, with $2,932,222, are now committed to a full 23-man roster of 14F 7D and 2G.
Yogi, Ron, Ken? How do you see that unfolding? Any chance in your view that he goes to the hearing?
George, Treliving won’t have the option to walk away, Robertson would have to be awarded over 4.538 for Toronto to walk away. So if they can’t reach a settlement before the hearing, Toronto’s stuck with what the arbitrator awards. Makes for a bad situation if it’s a high number and it ties Trelivings hands
Actually the walk away number for 2025 is up to 4.85. They don’t reveal what Robertson’s demands are, but suggestions are Robertson could get about 1.38 on a 2 year deal. That award would be fair and I could see Toronto being Ok with it
Thanks for the clarification, Yogi. That does make a difference indeed.
I agree that in that $1.25 M -$1.35 M range (absolute minimum IMO, that Arb would award) would have Treliving amenable
The numbers that Robertson put up with low minutes; to me; says risk of $2 M or more award is not out of the possibility realm
Leafs now at 23/23 with $2.9 M to spare
If $2 M awarded; Pezzetta down (to get to 23) then Leafs at $1.7 M space and not enough room for top 6 improvement (that they seem to still be seeking)
With that risk; why not stay at $2.9 M space now; and gain a 3rd by moving Robertson. 3rd can be used with other assets in a future trade for top 6 help.
As you’ve pointed out; Leafs have no walk away option from a higher Arb decision (Robertson will not be awarded near that walkaway threshold)
I’m surprised that Chicago (with 22/23 ; loads of room; and 6 players that are waiver exempt; and still trying to build up from the deep valley they are in) hasn’t offered up a 3rd for Robertson
Yogi
An offer (note this needs to happen AFTER Dubas moves EK, which needs to be done first and foremost)
Leafs still looking for top 6; only $2.9 M in space; Robertson Arb pending
To Leafs: Rust (50% retained)
To Pens: Robertson and Cowan
Leafs then move Pezzetta down (Rust then makes 23 on roster)
Result: Leafs now have top 6 they were seeking (and basically at a very cheap $2.5 M Cap hit) ;have no worry about Arb hearing; have $1.2 M in space to use at TDL if they want
Pens get a young NHLer and an NHL ready prospect for their rebuild; slightly less cap space
Thoughts
8787 a flat no, Rust at 32 with 3 more years, plus he doesn’t fill a need on the top 2 lines in Toronto. He isn’t a passer the Matthews line might be looking for, nor is he RHC the Tavares line might look at. Maccelli at 24 looks to be a better fit for the Matthews line and he only costs a 3rd. Aside of Sid don’t see any fits coming out of Pittsburgh. Plus I don’t see Rust scoring 30 again, nevermind Rakell. Try Pittsburgh, they’re in dire need of warm bodies
A reclamation project is a better fit than a true top 6 forward? That was a foolish statement yogi. Now if you argued the health risks of rust it would be legit. But to argue he wouldn’t immediately improve the top 6 is ridiculous. Problem is Toronto has no assets that would be attractive to the pens.
A kid that just turned 24, who had a bit of a down year, who didn’t seem to transition well with Arizona’s move to Utah over Rust, who at 32 is on the downhill slope of his career and has Sid to carry him all last season. Yeppers any day of the week. Maccilli is a passer and thats what Matthews needs. Another of your reclamation projects I’d like to see in a Leafs uniform, Lawson Crouse. Rust and Rakell might be top 6 wingers in Pittsburgh, that doen’t mean they get that title on every team
Name a team that either one is not a top six… both also perform well with an actual over the hill Malkin. The dudes 32. Not 35. That’s a very real difference. Barely out of the prime of his career. Taveres seems to be top 6 material. Serious cup contenders will go for the guy that’s a proven top 6 winger with cups.
Florida, Vegas, Dallas, Washington, Toronto and that’s just the clear cut ones. In Toronto Tavares is top 6, whether he will be on opening day is another matter. Players play certain roles, you can’t put 3 30+ goal scorers and expect that line to click. Whether guys like Rust, Rakell, Tavares fit in on the top 2 lines changes from team to team. Guys like Tavares, Ovie, Sid are top 6 material because of their reputations. Others like McDavid, McKinnon, they are. Rust, Rakell, are not in those groups
Connor Timmins today became yet another RFA awaiting an arbitration hearing to avoid his scheduled date by agreeing to a 2-year $2.2 mil per deal with Buffalo.
The Sabres are now down to $5,190,319 in cap reserve, with 23 signed (13F 8D 2G) and only G Devon Levi, coming off his $925,000 ELC, left to sign, He is not among the arbitration cases.
That AAV is a bit high for Timmins. He’s injured a lot. Stats are quite pedestrian and he’s far from a physical player,
I’m wondering how this affects Jayden Struble. He’s three years younger without as much game experience. Their stats this year were similar. But Struble is far more physical than Timmins. I was hoping the Habs could sign him for two years at $1.5m. AAV. Might come closer to $2m. if Timmins deal has any bearing.
All the foregoing brings up the question as to what transpires with the other 13 RFAs not involved with arbitration? I wonder which – if any – become the latest to miss training camp and the start of a season (which, in the past, hasn’t done anyone who went that route any good when they did return):
C Mason McTavish and RW/C Sam Colangelo – Anaheim; LD Wyatt Kaiser – Chicago; RW Mikael Pyyhtia – Columbus; C Connor Zary – Calgary; C Marco Rossi – Minnesota; RW Luke Evangelista – Nashville; RW Alex Laferriere – Los Angeles; LD Ryker Evans – Seattle; LD Luke Hughes – New Jersey; G Devon Levi – Buffalo; LD Donovan Sebrango – Ottawa; RW Alexander Holtz – Vegas
The two big “catches” in those are McTavish and Hughes
I realize each player and their agent make decisions independently of others (including sibs); but my gut feeling is that Hughes WILL be influenced somewhat by his brother; and will, IMO; sign pre season start
I’m not as confident re McTavish getting inked before October
I’d love to see an offer sheet.
Unlike many here, I DO like the gamesmanship of offer sheets.
Would it be matched; most likely; but still exciting
Ducks do have solid C’s on roster and “in the cupboard”; so a McTavish trade is not out of the question
Since an offer sheet up to $7 M gets a 1st & 3rd; and $7 M – $9.4 M gets s -st&2nd&3rd; a trade would start there
Would absolutely love to have McTavish on Pens
Pens definitely have current prospects and/or future picks abound and certainly enough to make a trade happen (IF picks and prospects alone would be acceptable).
I’d offer 2 firsts, a second , and a prospect for him: Kindel (9th OA in ‘25); Mcgroarty (14th OA ‘22); 2nd (‘26–Blues); AND EITHER Broz OR Koivunen (both were 2nd rounders in ‘21)
IF that isn’t enough; add Lizotte
Giving up those 2 firsts and effectively 2 seconds is worth it as the rebuild starts now ; working upward immediately
Acquiring McTavish allows an easier (for Pens overall) transition to the exiting of one of Rust OR Rackell (50% retained on EITHER gets a young NHLer; AND an NHL ready prospect
I’d suggested elsewhere here for Rust 50% retained for Robertson and Cowan
Aquiring McTavish above and Rust trade above; at cost of Kindel, McGroary, 2nd and one of Broz or Koivenen is definitely worth it
Forwards then ‘25/‘26
Sid centering Gino and Rackell
Mctavish centering Mantha and Heinen
Then bottom 6 of Tomassino, Brazeau, Novak, Robertson, Cowan,Dewar
With depth/13th/14th forwards from: Ponomorov, Poulin, Ilyin, Howe, Puustinen etc
* Note : Hayes and Accari to be buried and to never play a single game with Pens again
That forward roster is younger, bigger, faster, and overall better than last year; with youth being developed!!
Worth the futures offered up