NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.

Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.

Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.

PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.

Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.

MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.

BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.

CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.

CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.

Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.

JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.

OILERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.

FLAMES AND SENATORS

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.

BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.

DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

Alex Ovechkin moves within 10 goals of breaking the league goals record, injuries sideline Devils stars Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, the Utah Hockey Club re-sign three players, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for analysis of Wednesday’s trades.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 885th regular-season goal as his club nipped the New York Rangers 3-2. Ovechkin scored the tying goal that set the stage for Tom Wilson’s overtime winner for the Capitals (88 points). Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who sit just outside the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 10 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

Washington is tied with the league-leading Winnipeg Jets but the latter has 42 regulation wins to the Capitals’ 40.

An overtime goal by Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Josh Norris had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who moved into the final Eastern Conference wild card with 67 points. Ryan Donato tallied his 23rd goal of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold that wild card spot with a game in hand over the Rangers. Donato is having a career-best performance (46 points in 60 games) in his contract season. He’s expected to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Adin Hill made 29 saves while Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin and Tanner Pearson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 80 points. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner replied for the Leafs, who remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs and Florida Panthers have the same number of points, but the latter holds first place in the division with 32 regulation wins. Before the game, Matthews told reporters that he hopes management provides a boost to the roster at the trade deadline.

A three-goal second period enabled the Vancouver Canucks to hold off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, and Carson Soucy scored for the Canucks, who sit just outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Sam Colangelo and Brian Dumoulin scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are tied with the Calgary Flames in points but the latter holds that wild card with 29 regulations wins. Ducks goaltender John Gibson left this game following a collision with Canucks forward Drew O’Connor.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas scored the tying goal and the shootout winner in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Thomas extended his points streak to 11 games as the Blues sit one point behind the Flames with 66 points. Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in Vail, Colorado. He’s expected to be recovered in time for training camp in September.

B/R OPEN ICE: cites TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000.00 by the league for unprofessional conduct toward on-ice officials during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yesterday was a very bad day for the Devils. The loss of Hughes and Hamilton threatens their playoff chances. They’re third in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points but only five points ahead of the Rangers, who are just outside the Eastern wild-card berth.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was expected to be a buyer before Friday’s trade deadline. He’s placed Hughes on long-term injury reserve, giving the Devils $8 million in salary-cap wiggle room to make a significant addition or two. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Hockey Club signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah HC also signed defenseman Ian Cole and forward Alex Kerfoot to one-year extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong is signalling that he’s not a seller this year. Vejmelka would’ve drawn plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking a goaltending upgrade before Friday’s trade deadline. Utah sits four points out of the final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Mathieu Olivier to a six-year extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. GM Don Waddell said he’s under no pressure to move out his pending UFAs like Ivan Provorov, even at the risk of their departure on July 1. If Waddell makes a move or two, it’ll likely be a hockey trade that involves player-for-player swaps that will help the Jackets now and in the future.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed winger Jordan Greenway to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Greenway would’ve attracted plenty of suitors if he’d become available in the trade market. The Sabres valued his two-way play more.










NHL Trades – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Trades – March 5, 2025

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Michael Eyssimont, first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, and a 2025 second-round pick formerly belonging to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Detroit Red Wings are also involved in the deal. Gourde was traded to the Red Wings for unsigned defenseman Kyle Aucoin. The Wings traded him to the Lightning for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025.

Seattle Kraken trade Yanni Gourde to the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning load up again near the trade deadline, bolstering their forward depth and taking pressure off their top-six forwards.

As per Puckpedia, the Kraken retained half of Gourde’s $5.166 million cap hit ($2.583 million). With the Wings retaining half, the Lightning bring him back to Tampa Bay at a cap hit of $1.291 million.

Gourde, 33, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which explains the Kraken’s willingness to retain salary. There was no salary retention for Bjorkstrand, who has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

It’s a homecoming for Gourde. The versatile two-way center began his NHL career in Tampa Bay, helping the Lightning win two Stanley Cups in his first six seasons.

The Kraken selected Gourde in the 2021 expansion draft. He played well in Seattle, reaching a career-high 76 points in 2022-23 as they reached the playoffs for the first time. Gourde returned to action recently after missing two months due to sports hernia surgery.

Bjorkstrand has reached or exceeded 20 goals in five of the last six seasons with the Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets. With 16 goals in 61 games, he’s on pace to reach that plateau again.

The Kraken are retooling, moving out some veterans to make room for younger talent. Brandon Tanev could be next to hit the trade block. The 33-year-old winger is also UFA-eligible and the Kraken are reportedly willing to retain up to half of his $3.5 million AAV to facilitate a trade.

**UPDATE** The Pittsburgh Penguins traded winger Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak.

The Penguins also traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bunting was acquired by the Penguins from the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He had 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season and is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $4.5 million.

Schenn, 35, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $2.75 million. Novak is in the first season of a three-year deal with an annual cap hit of $3.5 million.

Desharnais is signed through next season with an AAV of $2 million.

The Penguins added depth at center in Novak, who can provide immediate help as they continue to retool their roster. Acquiring Schenn was an interesting move, suggesting he could be used as a trade chip to pry away a draft pick from a playoff contender.

Bunting is an energetic forward who will bring experienced depth at left wing on the Predators’ third line.

The San Jose Sharks traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league forward Patrick Giles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vanecek will replace Spencer Knight as the Panthers’ backup goaltender. They traded Knight to Chicago on Saturday as part of the return for Seth Jones.

Vanecek is in the final season of a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.4 million. The Panthers recently placed winger Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR, giving them the wiggle room necessary to acquire him.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on March 7. Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Boeser, Drake Batherson and Brandon Tanev, plus updates on the Devils, Bruins Jets, Lightning, Oilers and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE BLUES MOVE BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is “on the fence” about moving team captain Brayden Schenn. The Blues remain in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card berth. The 33-year-old center has a full no-trade clause, giving him full control of this situation.

Armstrong has set a high asking price for his captain. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn also has three more years remaining on his contract, so there’s no pressure on Armstrong to trade him now. Unless someone meets the Blues’ asking price, Schenn finishes this season in St. Louis. The offseason could become interesting as his no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. 

ARE CANUCKS FORWARDS BROCK BOSER AND PIUS SUTER AVAILABLE?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports the Vancouver Canucks are positioning themselves to be a buyer and a seller at the trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

They’re open to moving their pending unrestricted free agents if the returns are sufficiently enticing. Contract extension talks between the Canucks and Brock Boeser remain stalemated, but a league source told Drance that interest in the 28-year-old winger was lukewarm. They’re not about to move Boeser at below market value, especially when they’re still in the playoff race.

The Canucks won’t move any impact players with term remaining on their contracts, and that includes struggling center Elias Pettersson. Carson Soucy is the only realistic expectation. They would like to acquire young players in their mid-twenties with term remaining on their contracts.

TSN.CA: Farhan Laji reports it’s very unlikely Boeser will get an extension from the Canucks before the trade deadline. It’s possible they could attempt to sign him after March 7.

Laji also noted Canucks forward Pius Suter surfaced in the rumor mill. However, there is nothing imminent, and Suter will be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly offered Boeser a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. He rejected the offer, preferring a longer-term deal. It appears both sides want to work toward an agreement, but uncertainty persists as the deadline approaches.

DEVILS SHOPPING FOR CENTERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were already in the market for a center before Jack Hughes was injured over the weekend. They’re awaiting word on whether he’ll require surgery and how long he could be sidelined.

If Hughes is out for the regular season, it would free up over $8 million in cap space to put toward acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches. LeBrun said they’ve inquired into the availability of New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The update on Hughes’ condition could come as early as today. If he’s out for the rest of the regular season, they won’t waste time stashing him on long-term injury reserve to clear cap room for the trade deadline.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS AFTER THE FREDERIC TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looks at other possible Bruins trade candidates following their trade of forward Trent Frederic on Tuesday to the Edmonton Oilers. He speculates that move signals they’re getting an early start on selling.

Goss suggested Charlie Coyle as a trade option, citing the interest in centers in this year’s trade market. Coyle has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.25 million.

Forward Morgan Geekie could be another. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. Forward Justin Brazeau is UFA-eligible on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team captain Brad Marchand had popped up recently in the rumor mill, but it seemed a long shot at best that he’d be moved. Sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury, he’s less likely to be moved now.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT BATHERSON

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports teams are calling the Senators about Drake Batherson. They’re not in a hurry to move the 26-year-old forward, but he’s an attractive option for teams seeking younger, affordable talent. Garrioch said Batherson’s struggles this season have rival clubs thinking he might benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are buyers, not sellers. They’ll want a return that helps them make the playoffs now and keep them a contender after this season. Teams looking into Batherson are probably offering draft picks and prospects, which won’t help the Senators right now.

UPDATE ON BRANDON TANEV

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Seattle Kraken are willing to retain 50 percent of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade. There are high-end Stanley Cup contenders and playoff bubble teams interested in the gritty 33-year-old winger. LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators could be suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is UFA-eligible after this season. His physical, energetic style of game is well-suited for postseason competition.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS, JETS, LIGHTNING, OILERS AND AVALANCHE

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports all eyes are on Islanders forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri leading up to the trade deadline. However, they’re not the only potential trade candidates if GM Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller.

Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and winger Anders Lee each have a year remaining on their contracts. They could fetch quality returns, especially if the Isles agree to retain some salary. They could also attempt to flip defensemen Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo. The Isles aren’t interested in moving Noah Dobson unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are willing to spend to add to their roster by the deadline. “Everything from Brock Nelson to a depth forward up front to a quality, experienced defenseman.” He said there’s a strong appetite to bolster their roster for a run at the Stanley Cup.

Chris Johnston believes it would be a massive mistake to overlook the Tampa Bay Lightning at the deadline. They’ve accrued over $6 million in cap space, so there is plenty of room to acquire a forward. GM Julien BriseBois has a trade record for swinging deadline deals to help his club in the playoffs.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making acquisitions in the trade market following their trade for Trent Frederic yesterday. He thinks they’ll pursue a defenseman next.

LeBrun also expects the Colorado Avalanche will add a forward. The “home-run swing” would be Brock Nelson, but they can’t afford it. LeBrun expects they’ll go after a depth forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Avs will be among the suitors for Brandon Tanev.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 5, 2025

Recaps of Tuesday’s games, the Bruins ship Trent Frederic to the Oilers in a three-team trade, the Canadiens re-sign Jake Evans, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov became the third player to reach the 90-point plateau in a 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kucherov had a goal and two assists, while Jake Guentzel and Victor Hedman each scored two goals and collected an assist for the Lightning, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 76 points. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski scored twice as his club clings to the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov is third among the scoring leaders. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon leads the pack with 93 points, while Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl is second with 92 points. Werenski reached the 20-goal plateau for the second time and sits second in goals and points behind Colorado’s Cale Makar among defensemen.

Earlier in the day, the Lightning placed forwards Cam Atkinson and Logan Brown on waivers.

Speaking of MacKinnon and the Avalanche, he collected two assists in a 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Artturi Lehkonen scored twice for Colorado, who have won three straight games and hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 74 points. Rickard Rakell replied for the Penguins, who’ve dropped seven of their last eight contests.

The Anaheim Ducks upset the Edmonton Oilers 6-2, handing the latter their sixth loss in their last seven outings. Mason McTavish tallied twice for the Ducks, while Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid each had a goal and an assist for the slumping Oilers.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 upset of the Winnipeg Jets. Kyle Palmieri netted his 20th goal of the season and Ilya Sorokin stopped 26 shots as the Islanders (63 points) sit three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern wild-card berth. Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Jets, who remain in first place in the overall standings with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson was named the game’s first start. He gave an emotional postgame interview about what it meant to him to have spent his career with the Islanders. Trade rumors continue to swirl around the 33-year-old center. He’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Speaking of the Red Wings, they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes. Jordan Martinook led the way with a goal and an assist and Frederik Andersen turned aside 24 shots for the Hurricanes, who’ve won three of their last four and sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points. Elmer Soderblom replied for the Wings.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley scored with five seconds remaining in the third period to nip the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Roope Hintz had a goal and two assists as the Stars have won 11 of their last 14 games, sitting second in the Central Division with 82 points. Nico Hischier and Timo Meier each had a goal and an assist for the Devils, who are in third place in the Metro Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton left this game with a lower-body injury. There was no postgame update on his condition. The Devils were playing without Jack Hughes, as he’s still being evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary tallied twice in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Dustin Wolf made 26 saves while Morgan Frost collected two assists against his former team as the Flames (67 points) moved two points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks in the final Western wild-card berth. Former Flame Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (62 points), who remain four points out of the final Eastern wild card.

The Minnesota Wild held off the Seattle Kraken 4-3. Mats Zuccarello, Frederick Gaudreau and Jared Spurgeon each had a goal and an assist as the Wild sit third in the Central Division with 76 points. Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko collected two assists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken center Yanni Gourde returned to the lineup after spending the past two months recovering from sports hernia surgery. He’s frequently appeared in the rumor mill as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly scored two goals and had an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, snapping a six-game road losing skid. Predators forward Steven Stamkos had a goal and two assists, including his 600th regular-season assist. Charlie Coyle, Jordan Oesterle and Morgan Geekie replied for the Bruins (64 points), who remain two points out of the final Eastern wild card.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The San Jose Sharks beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2. Sharks rookies Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini each scored, with Smith also collecting an assist. JJ Peterka and Tage Thompson scored for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: San Jose defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic become the NHL’s all-time leader with 2,165 blocked shots. The Sharks held goaltender Vitek Vanecek out of the lineup for trade purposes.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Boston Bruins traded forward Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers in a three-team deal involving the New Jersey Devils.

The Bruins sent Frederic to the Devils for unsigned forward Petr Hauser and retained 50 percent of his $2.3 million cap hit. The Devils flipped him to the Oilers for unsigned forward Shane Lachance while retaining 50 percent of their share of his cap hit ($575K). The Bruins traded Hauser and forward Max Jones to the Oilers for defenseman Maximus Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury but is expected to return to action in two weeks. Frederic and Jones will provide some affordable depth to their checking lines for the postseason.

The move signaled that the Bruins are sellers as the March 7 trade deadline draws near. They’re expected to entertain offers for UFA-eligible players like Justin Brazeau but not for team captain Brad Marchand. They could also listen on Morgan Geekie, a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

SPORTSNET: The Montreal Canadiens signed Jake Evans to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $2.85 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s completing a three-year contract with an AAV of $1.7 million. The 28-year-old center has become an effective checking-line center for the rebuilding Canadiens. His name surfaced in the rumor mill, but they see him as an important part of their roster moving forward.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers signed center Jesper Boqvist to a two-year contract extension worth $1.5 million annually. He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2025

by | Mar 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest on the Flames, Panthers, Predators, Islanders, Penguins, Kraken, Leafs, Canucks and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor mill.

FLAMES

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports it sounds like the Calgary Flames have reached out to the Boston Bruins about Brandon Carlo. “Teams have yet to dive into the details, but CGY is interested.”

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report Flames general manager Craig Conroy would love to add a young center and has shown interest in Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy is a buyer this season. He’s established a reputation for making bold moves, with the most recent being his acquisition of forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee from the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 31. We’ll learn by Friday if he has another up his sleeve.

PANTHERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito may not be done making trades. Over the weekend, he acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Panthers have placed winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to call up goaltender Chris Driedger. Zito hopes Tkachuk will return for the playoffs but it sounds like he’ll be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. He has over $8 million in projected trade deadline cap room to make further acquisitions by the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun speculates Zito could attempt to add a forward. The Panthers GM also said he might consider adding a No. 3 goaltender.

PREDATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun report the Nashville Predators are listening to proposals for center Ryan O’Reilly. It’ll take an offer of a promising young player to compel them to move O’Reilly.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty listed defenseman Luke Schenn and forwards Michael McCarron and Colton Sissons as the Predators’ most likely trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn, McCarron and Sissons seem more likely to move than O’Reilly. Still, never say never.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple cited a league source saying all options remain on the table for Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. The 33-year-old center could sign a contract extension, get traded before the deadline, or remain with the Islanders without a new contract for the rest of the season.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

Johnson and LeBrun report that no one knows for sure whether Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will become a seller by the deadline. He could hang onto Nelson and fellow UFA-eligible forward Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could be trying to keep everyone guessing in the hope that it elevates the trade value of Nelson and Palmieri. Of course, that’s a guess on my part. We’ll just have to wait and see what unfolds for the Isles leading up to Friday.

PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe expects Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could attempt to make multiple trades but will not stage a fire sale. He anticipates that Dubas’ main moves could come a day or two ahead of the deadline to ensure he has a full roster for Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Penguins are willing to move Erik Karlsson, but his hefty contract means a summer deal seems more likely. Winger Rickard Rakell is available, but the asking price is steep and Dubas feels no pressure to move him. Yohe claims some Western Conference teams are interested in Rakell. He also said there’s no indication that Dubas has asked Kris Letang and Bryan Rust to waive their no-movement clauses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade clause.

KRAKEN

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte listed Brandon Tanev, Jamie Oleksiak, Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand as Kraken trade candidates. Tanev has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. As of Monday, he hadn’t been linked to any specific teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators could be interested in Tanev. Whether they’ve made inquiries or offers is another matter.

MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun report the Toronto Maple Leafs have been attempting to find a suitable third-line center. They’ve looked at St. Louis’ Brayden Schenn and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton while keeping tabs on fall-back options like Montreal’s Jake Evans, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde and Utah’s Nick Bjugstad. They’re also hoping to add a depth defenseman.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran listed the Leafs’ potential trade chips, including prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, and roster players Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are also pressed for cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed salary to acquire a center and a defenseman. The Blues are listening on Schenn, as are the Flyers with Laughton, but they’re in no hurry to move those players and have set high prices for them.

CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun believe the Vancouver Canucks’ most pressing decision surrounds Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old winger could depart as a free agent this summer unless he’s re-signed or traded by Friday. Management would also like to find an upgrade at center.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Canucks continue to evaluate all their options with Boeser. They made a contract extension offer earlier in the season, but it’s no longer on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vancouver shipped J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Jan. 31. It’s looking like Boeser will be the next notable Canuck to be traded this season.

JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun believed Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff seeks a bottom-six forward and a depth defenseman. They’re among the teams linked to Montreal Canadiens forwards Jake Evans and Joel Armia and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato.

Murat Ates wonders what the Jets will do with Nikolaj Ehlers. If they keep the UFA-eligible winger, they risk his departure on July 1. If they trade him, they remove a big piece of their power play and second line. Ates believes they’ll retain him and rely on their existing team chemistry.