NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2025
Check out the latest on Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson, and free-agent forward Jack Roslovic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: In the latest episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he expects Matthew Tkachuk will miss considerable time this season. The Florida Panthers winger revealed he played with a torn adductor muscle during his club’s run to the Stanley Cup this spring.
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).
Friedman anticipates that Tkachuk will miss the start of this season, but believes he’ll return in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. Playing for Team USA with his brother, Brady, is “a huge deal” for Tkachuk.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a trade or free-agent rumor, but it ties into speculation over how the Panthers will become cap-compliant to start their season.
Based on Friedman’s remarks, Tkachuk could undergo surgery that sidelines him until the New Year. The Panthers currently sit $3.725 million above the $95.5 million salary cap for 2025-26. Teams are permitted to be above the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be compliant when their regular season begins in October.
The Panthers will likely wait until just before their season opener to put Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve. That’ll put them under the cap when the season begins.
However, they’ll have to shed salary before Tkachuk returns to action. Forward Evan Rodrigues has been mentioned as a cost-cutting option for the Panthers.
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston speculates Nick Robertson could become a trade candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Robertson, 23, avoided arbitration with the Leafs by agreeing to a one-year, $1.85 million contract for 2025-26.
Johnston observed that the Leafs are currently carrying 14 forwards. He believes they “could still ship out one or more of David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, or Robertson before the season begins.” However, he noted they’ve been reluctant to move him in the past because of his age and scoring ability.
SPORTSNET: During Sunday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman was asked if a Nick Robertson-for-Yegor Chinakhov trade would make sense for both clubs. Friedman believes the Leafs would want a better return.
Friedman also wondered if the Pittsburgh Penguins might have an interest in Robertson. He pointed out that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas drafted the young winger during his tenure as GM of the Maple Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Johnston, Friedman believes the Leafs must move out one or two forwards before the start of the season. Kampf and Jarnkrok seem the more likely trade candidates, but clubs might prefer the younger, affordable Robertson.
Friedman also reported that “five or six teams” are believed to be interested in Jack Roslovic, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 28-year-old forward remains the best player available in the depleted unrestricted free-agent market. He’s said to be still evaluating his options.
Friedman thinks the remaining UFAs, like Roslovic, aren’t willing to sign yet because they don’t want to accept deals that could be considered too much of a bargain.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs were linked to Roslovic last month, but their acquisition of winger Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks and their re-signing of Nick Robertson leaves them with just over $1.9 million. That’s another reason why they must move out a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok.
Robertson and Carlo for Karlsson at $6M cap hit. add a 3rd for EK at $5M cap hit.
Johnny Z. Not bad i kinda of like it for both teams.
The most Pittsburgh can retain is 35% which would b $ 6.5 million that works
No, they can retain 50% of the current Karlsson hit. SJ retaining some of his salary has NO bearing on what PP can retain.
You guys are into the kool-aide early today
Tkachuk will start the season on LTIR. Then recover for the Olympics. Then get “injured” again during the Olympics. Then have a miraculous recovery when the playoffs start.
You will have to give Kampf away. Likely would even clear waivers . Unless deep into the season when injuries occur or Unless part of a trade involving multiple assets.
Tkachuk knew he needed surgery when he hoisted the cup. There should be a timeline mandate In the CBA E Kane did it last year
SilverSeven & Howard… do you really think a professional athlete WANTS to sit out for an entire season? They’re paid for their skill and desire to play the game, no one wants to sit, They’re not built that way. Plus in Tkahuck’s case, he sells tickets, so it’s not management wanting this.
I am pretty sure that you were both being sarcastic, but in today’s, conspiracy theory, world… who knows
Starsfan I was being sarcastic but I understand your uncertainty.
A timeline for someone to get multiple opinions and mull over the options before someone cuts into them with a knife? They are human beings not cattle.
Starsfan and Chrisms, I have to agree there.
I think the basic issue with some – in his case – is that he and the doctors and the GM all pretty much knew that the adductor muscle tear and sports hernia would need corrective surgery as far back as the 4 Nations tournament, and that, in their opinion, the procedure should have taken place as soon as possible after the playoffs in order to have him ready for the new season sooner rather than later.
But, to be fair, his marriage was taking place in that time frame and, at the same time, early on there was likely some hope – in his mind – that surgery could be avoided.
And I have to admit I was among those seeing “cap-finagling conspiracy” early on.
I was wrong there.
“Friedman believes the Leafs would want a better return.” Of course he does. Toronto player always better! Just because.
Tkachuk: plays in 4nations. Goes on LTIR for 2 months. Plays every playoff game. Last game was June 17. Has until October 7th to get better. Will play Olympics? Nothing to see here.
Agree Slick. Of course Toronto woud WANT a better return.
What would lead them to believe they deserve that
Chinakhov is 7 months older but was drafted in 1st rd a year after Robertson taken in 2nd. Listed at 6’1. 201lb career atoi: 13:59
Games175. 34g. 71 pts
Robertson 5’9 178 lb. Atoi:11:28
Games 156. 32g 56 pts.
I see SportsNet no longer allows comments on their articles.
Probably got complaints about being shredded by readers from resident windbags Kypreos, Freidman and Jukebox Fox.
Montreal can help TML save money, Veleno for Kampf, saves $1.4m.
Both have 1 yr
Puckpedia shows Kampf has this year and next left on his contract.
Why would the Habs help the Leafs, particularly as Kampf’s stats are as underwhelming as Velano’s, for more money, and acquiring him would take a developmental spot away from their prospects especially in the second year?
LJ,
Kampf is L center with a pretty good faceoff % and is a penalty killer.
Fills a Hab hole this year.
I thought he only had this year but you’re right.
I don’t worry about holding back kids, it’s up to them to take a spot from a vet and next year is a long time away.
Amen habsfan. About time to see one of you take the the time is now approach.
Not saying the injury is legit .
I believe it is 100%
What I am saying is when “they” decide to perform the procedure is suspect.
Agree. Apparently not bad enough to keep him out of playoffs. But bad enough to need surgery now? As I stated above, nearly 4 months between end of and start of season. How is that allowed and no repercussions. We used to argue here that owners did nothing cause they all wanted to use loopholes, but now rules are changing after this season. They should go after Florida.
There are no advantages when it comes to the CBA.
The rules apply to ALL teams equally.
I’m sure Florida, as well as any other team, would prefer their star players remain healthy throughout the entire season.
Where certain teams MAY have an advantage is the taxes in their respective State/Province.
The bigger advantage in Florida is likely the weather, winning mentality, and relative anonymity the players can live in after leaving the rink.
The Leafs had them on the brink, but lacked the killer instinct to finish them off.
I don’t understand their interest in Roslovic. He’s not going to get them over the hump.