NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

Check out the latest on Brock Boeser, JJ Peterka, Scott Laughton, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, Brandon Tanev and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BOESER REJECTS CANUCKS’ CONTRACT OFFER

CANUCKS ARMY: David Quadrelli cites Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reporting the Vancouver Canucks offered Brock Boeser a five-year, $40-million contract ($8 million annually). However, the 28-year-old winger is seeking a long-term deal.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Seravalli wrote that the Canucks intend to make one more offer to Boeser before the March 7 trade deadline. If he rejects it, they’ll explore trade options ahead of the deadline. They could also keep him as an “own rental” to help them secure playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the only team that can offer Boeser the maximum eight-year contract. He will get at most seven years on the open market but that’s still longer than what the Canucks are reportedly offering him. Boeser could get a bigger average annual value if he tests the market on July 1.

TEAMS CALLING SABRES ABOUT PETERKA

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli added JJ Peterka to his latest trade board. He claims sources are saying the Buffalo Sabres are rejecting calls for the 23-year-old winger, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing.

Seravalli added Peterka to his board for several reasons. First, the Sabres haven’t done anything yet to shake up their roster. Second, Peterka has value in the trade market. Third, he’s a restricted free agent this summer who could become an offer-sheet target.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising the Sabres are rejecting offers for Peterka. He has 44 points in 55 games this season, putting him on pace to exceed his career-best 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24.

If they were to trade him (and that’s a big “if” right now), general manager Kevyn Adams will want a return that helps his club right away, like last season’s swap of Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for Bowen Byram. He won’t want draft picks and prospects because his club has plenty of those.

Peterka is completing his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant raise. With over $33 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, they can afford to re-sign him, even with Byram and Jack Quinn also RFA-eligible this summer. That cap space also blunts the threat of an offer sheet.

FLYERS STILL RELUCTANT TO MOVE LAUGHTON

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Friday that the Philadelphia Flyers’ asking price for Scott Laughton is a first-round pick, or the prospect equivalent of one.

However, multiple team sources claim the Flyers remain wary of moving the popular 30-year-old forward. They’re concerned about what his departure might do to the culture and morale among the players.

If the Flyers decide to move Laughton, Kurz believes it’ll be to a team of his choosing despite his lack of no-trade protection. He speculated that the Maple Leafs would make the most sense since Laughton is from the Toronto area.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would have to offer up their 2026 first-rounder because they traded away this year’s pick. Failing that, they’ll have to offer a prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, but they might not be to the Flyers’ liking. Minten was a second-round pick. Cowan was a first-rounder, but he went 28th overall.

UPDATE ON O’REILLY

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are still getting calls about Ryan O’Reilly, but they’re not getting offers that would convince them to move the 34-year-old center. They’re not shopping O’Reilly but remain willing to entertain offers. The asking price must include a good young NHL player who can step into the Predators’ lineup right away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly is signed through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection. However, the Predators are treating him like he has full no-movement protection, giving him complete control over this situation.

LeBrun believes the Predators are more likely to move UFA-eligible forward Gustav Nyquist. He wondered if the Los Angeles Kings might be interested.

LATEST ON RAKELL

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel downplays the recent speculation swirling around Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. He believes forward Rickard Rakell remains their most valuable trade chip if GM Kyle Dubas is willing to part with him.

Karlsson’s hefty annual cap hit and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles. Meanwhile, the more affordable Rakell would fetch the best return. He leads the team with 25 goals and is second in points with 49.

The Penguins are open to offers but aren’t rushing to trade Rakell. He’s got three more years left on his contract, plus they could be reluctant to move another of Sidney Crosby’s linemates.

Nevertheless, his trade value probably won’t get any higher than it is right now. If a team makes an offer that tops what the Penguins got in the Marcus Pettersson trade, Dubas will listen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some general managers could be unwilling to meet that asking price because Rakell’s stats are directly tied to being Crosby’s linemate. He may get moved at the deadline but Dubas could wait until the offseason for better offers.

KRAKEN’S TANEV GARNERING INTEREST

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Seattle Kraken left winger Brandon Tanev is drawing some interest from playoff contenders and bubble teams.

The 33-year-old Tanev is UFA-eligible this summer. He carries a $3.5 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. LeBrun claims Tanev prefers joining an upper-echelon contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s energetic, gritty style of play is well-suited for postseason action.

WHO COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TARGET AT THE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster cited Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon recently saying he doesn’t anticipate his team will be a big spender at the trade deadline.

Webster noted the Golden Knights have limited trade capital in draft picks, prospects and available players. They made a recent significant addition by signing Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Nevertheless, the Golden Knights could target an affordable forward like Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Montreal’s Jake Evans or Chicago’s Ryan Donato.

Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins are long-shot options. Webster doesn’t see them pursuing Anaheim’s John Gibson to shore up their goaltending.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 1, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s games plus the latest on Brady Tkachuk, Kirby Dach, Nick Foligno and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Dallas Stars rolled to a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Roope Hintz collected a career-best four assists, Jason Robertson had three points, Logan Stankoven tallied twice, and Wyatt Johnston scored to extend his home points streak to 11 games for the Stars, who sit second in the Central Division with 78 points. Warren Foegele and Trevor Moore replied for the Kings as they remain in third place in the Pacific Division with 70 points.

Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz. (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton scored twice and set up another as his club overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Minnesota Wild 5-2. Oliver Kylington picked up two assists for the Avalanche as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 72 points. Mats Zuccarello and Vinnie Hinostroza scored for the slumping Wild as they dropped their third straight game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their fourth straight win by nipping the New York Rangers 3-2. Matthew Knies broke a 2-2 tie in the third period, William Nylander netted his 34th goal of the season, and Anthony Stolarz made 33 saves as the Leafs regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 76 points. Mika Zibanejad had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who remain four points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 62 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Leafs announced they had placed winger Max Pacioretty on injured reserve. 

HEADLINES

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is confirmed to return to action when his club faces the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Tkachuk has been sidelined since the 4 Nations Face-Off with a lower-body injury. Sidelined forwards Josh Norris and Shane Pinto took part in practice on Friday and appear poised to return to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators need a boost to get them out of their five-game losing skid. Like the Rangers, they’re four points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens center Kirby Dach underwent successful surgery on his right knee in Montreal earlier this week. He will miss the remainder of this season but is expected to be fully recovered for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the same knee Dach had surgically repaired in October 2023. This latest injury raises questions over his once-promising future with the Canadiens.

DAILY FACEOFF: Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly has been cleared for contact as he continues his recovery from last November’s heart surgery.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues signed defenseman Tyler Tucker to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $925K.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Dylan Cozens, Jake Evans and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE HURRICANES TRADE OR RETAIN MIKKO RANTANEN?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli cited sources saying the Carolina Hurricanes remain in active conversation with the representatives for Mikko Rantanen. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Seravalli said the Hurricanes put a “franchise-record” deal on the table for Rantanen. He indicated they had permission from the Colorado Avalanche to speak with the winger before acquiring him and knew what he was seeking in his next contract.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

The Hurricanes haven’t gotten an answer from Rantanen yet. If the answer is a hard no, they will very much consider keeping him for the remainder of the season. To deal him, they’d have to get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Rantanen camp is expected to let Hurricanes management know where they stand within the next several days, possibly by the end of this weekend. The Canes have also spoken with several teams, telling them they don’t intend to trade Rantanen but will circle back if that changes.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that if Rantanen remains on the Hurricanes roster after the trade deadline, they’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract. He doesn’t believe they’ve offered the winger $14 million annually or close to it. He thinks the total amount is slightly over $100 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slightly over $100 million could put the average annual value between $12.5 million and $13 million.

Friedman wouldn’t say the Rantanen situation is holding up the trade market, but he thinks some teams would regret missing the opportunity to acquire him because they’d already traded away their best assets. He also wondered if a non-contender, like the Anaheim Ducks, might try to acquire him if they could speak to him beforehand to find out if they could sign him.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos points out that Carolina’s offer falls far short of the deal Leon Draisaitl signed last year with the Edmonton Oilers ($14 million AAV over eight years) that reset the market. He also speculates the offer was heavily back-loaded with deferred payments, something most players and agents aren’t comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky gave up a scoring forward (Martin Necas), a checking-line forward (Jack Drury) and two draft picks for Rantanen, confident that he could re-sign him. Instead, he’s facing the possibility of Rantanen becoming another costly rental player who departs on July 1.

Tulsky could listen to offers before the March 7 trade deadline if Rantanen doesn’t want to re-sign. However, it’s doubtful he’ll get a return that improves the Hurricanes’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup. He’ll probably keep him and hope for the best in the postseason.

If the Hurricanes win the Cup, it’ll be a worthwhile move by Tulsky. If they don’t, it will be poor asset management on his part, which might not sit well with team owner Tom Dundon.

Kypreos believes the Maple Leafs could be among the suitors if Rantanen becomes available in the trade market. He noted that the Hurricanes only carry half of the winger’s $9.25 million AAV ($4.625 million), making it possible for the Hurricanes or another team to do the same again if he hits the trade block before the March 7 deadline.

Rantanen could become the perfect rental player for the Leafs if they can meet the Hurricanes’ asking price. Kypreos suggested a package of a top prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, winger Bobby McMann, and a draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Rantanen won’t address the Leafs’ pressing need for a third-line center. That’s why Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues is reportedly their primary trade target. If Rantanen did become available, Kypreos’ trade proposal wouldn’t be enough to land him.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney isn’t shopping captain Brad Marchand, but he’s keeping his options open. He’s telling interested teams that his first choice is to re-sign the 36-year-old winger, but he’s not ruling anything out.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading Marchand. He’s indicated that his focus is to stay in Boston and believes everything will work itself out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides stated they intend to get a deal done. Even if it’s not completed by March 7, they’ll likely keeping negotiating for something that ensures Marchand finishes his career as a Bruin.

TSN: Chris Johnston noted Bruins forward Trent Frederic is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old is UFA-eligible and garnered interest in the trade market before his injury. Some teams want to know how many weeks Frederic could be out. It’s not believed to be a season-ending injury and the Bruins believe he’s a player they could still move if it comes to that by next Friday.

ISLANDERS STILL HOPE TO RE-SIGN BROCK NELSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s still no indication that the New York Islanders will make Brock Nelson available in the trade market. He believes they’re still hoping to re-sign the 33-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s clear to everyone except Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello that it’s time to rebuild. If Nelson remain uncertain about staying, then it’s time to open the phone lines and entertain serious offers.

UPDATES ON THE SABRES

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there remains interest in Buffalo Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram. However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams hasn’t received any suitable offers for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those offers are likely lowballs hoping to steal one of them away for pennies on the dollar. Adams is interested in a hockey trade, similar to the one he made last year when he sent Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche for Byram. If you’re not offering something comparable to that, he won’t take your calls.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Sabres are trying to re-sign Jordan Greenway.

CANADIENS SEEK MORE THAN DRAFT PICKS FOR THEIR TRADE BAIT

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that a sizeable gap remains in contract talks between Montreal Canadiens management and center Jake Evans. He and linemate Joel Armia are the two Canadiens gaining the most traction in the trade market.

LeBrun believes Winnipeg, Toronto, Edmonton, New Jersey and Minnesota are among the clubs calling about Evans and/or Armia. However, the Canadiens are telling teams that they’re prepared to keep both players if they don’t receive serious offers, saying they’ve got plenty of draft picks already.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Canadiens are holding out for at least a second-rounder for Evans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Canadiens GM Kent Hughes would like a good young prospect or an NHL player who fits within their rebuilding plans. There’s speculation that Hughes could bundle Evans and Armia with a draft pick if it would fetch a return that helps them now and in the future.

RUMORS OF NOTE FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman cited FanDuel Sports Network’s Andy Strickland reporting the Hurricanes will work to retain pending UFA winger Taylor Hall.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich’s full no-trade clause, which was negotiated into his extension that begins on July 1, is already in effect. As per the CBA (Section 11.8b), a player eligible for this clause can have it added to a current contract.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov recently changed agents. However, the Kings remain optimistic they can re-sign him and aren’t setting March 7 as the deadline to get a contract done.

The New Jersey Devils’ priority is to acquire a center.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

A five-point game for Utah’s Clayton Keller, the Predators end the Jets’ win streak, the Oilers drop their fifth straight, the Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings ahead of Saturday’s Stadium Series game, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller had a career-high five points (one goal, four assists) in a 6-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Nick Schmaltz had a goal and two assists for Utah (63 points) as they moved within two points of the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Frederick Gaudreau scored for the Wild, who sit third in the Central Division with 72 points.

Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller (NHL Images).

The Nashville Predators ended the Winnipeg Jets’ franchise-record win streak at 11 games with a 2-1 victory. Juuse Saros made 24 saves, while Filip Forsberg and Tommy Novak scored for the Predators. Neal Pionk replied for the Jets, who remain first overall in the standings with 87 points.

Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell had a goal and two assists to hold off the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, handing the latter their fifth straight loss. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers as they vaulted over the Toronto Maple Leafs into first place in the Atlantic Division with 75 points. Leon Drasaitl tallied his league-leading 44th goal and Zach Hyman netted his 20th as the Oilers sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton captain Connor McDavid has been struggling since scoring the tournament-winning goal for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He admits he hasn’t played up to his usual standard, managing three assists in his club’s last four games. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, sidelined Oilers winger Evander Kane’s full no-trade clause reverts to a 16-team no-trade list on Feb. 28.

The Columbus Blue Jackets scored four second-period goals en route to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings ahead of their Stadium Series game on Saturday in Columbus. James van Riemsdyk scored two goals and Boone Jenner collected three assists as the Jackets picked up their third straight win. They hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 66 points and 29 regulation wins. J.T. Compher had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings (66 points), who hold the first wild-card spot with 30 regulation wins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two teams will face off on Saturday before an estimated 90,000 fans at Ohio Stadium. Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan wasn’t pleased with the performance of several of his core players, singling out team captain Dylan Larkin among the no-shows.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg scored twice as his club defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2. Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist while teammate Brayden Schenn played in his 1,000th regular-season NHL game as the Blues (62 points) sit three points behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who’ve lost two straight games but remain first overall in the Eastern Conference with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brayden Schenn joined his brother, Predators defenseman Luke Schenn, as the 10th siblings in NHL history to play 1,000 games. Luke played his 1,000th game on Oct. 17th against the Oilers.

Anaheim Ducks forwards Ryan Strome and Troy Terry each had a goal and two assists in a 5-2 upset of the Vancouver Canucks. Tyler Myers had a goal and an assist for the Canucks as they cling to the final Western wild-card berth with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen is set to undergo season-ending hernia surgery. He’s been out since Feb. 2. The Ducks added winger Robby Fabbri (upper body) to their injured reserve list.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a 27-save shutout from Andrei Vasilevskiy to blank the Calgary Flames 3-0. Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman each had two points as the Lightning picked up their seventh straight win (72 points), moving within two points of the second-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division. The Flames remain one point behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning learned that backup goaltender Jonas Johansson will be ready for action by as early as next Tuesday. He’s been sidelined since Jan. 28 with a knee injury.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Taylor Hall scored his first goal with the Hurricanes since he and Rantanen joined the team on Feb. 24. Carolina sits second in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points. Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for the Sabres.

The Vegas Golden Knights scored five first-period goals on their way to a 7-5 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. Ivan Barbashev scored twice and collected two assists, Keegan Kolesar tallied two goals, and Jack Eichel collected an assist to set the Golden Knights’ single-season franchise record with 51 assists. Vegas holds first place in the Pacific Division with 76 points. Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy had three assists and forward Frank Nazar had two helpers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left the game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. There was no post-game update on his status.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin kicked out 38 shots to nip the Boston Bruins 2-1. Alexander Romanov and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Isles. Boston winger David Pastrnak scored, extending his points streak to 16 games while reaching the 800-point plateau. However, the loss left the Bruins (62 points) four points behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins announced that forward Trent Frederic is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. They also placed forward Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers.

The Montreal Canadiens kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks. Cole Caufield tallied the winning goal, while Nick Suzuki scored twice and collected an assist as the Canadiens (61 points) won their third straight game and sit five points back of the Blue Jackets. Will Smith and Alexander Wennberg each had two points for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson collected his 40th assist in this game, becoming the first rookie defenseman to reach that milestone in less than 60 games since Hall-of-Famer Nicklas Lidstrom in 1991-92.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin scored the tying and winning goals as his club overcame 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in overtime. Malkin also had two assists on the night, while Erik Karlsson scored two goals and picked up an assist. Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov also had two goals and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins came to life after goalie Alex Nedeljkovic ripped into his teammates and coaches after he was pulled from the game with the Flyers leading 3-0. Penguins forward Michael Bunting missed this game after undergoing appendix surgery and is sidelined indefinitely.

Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway was helped from the ice in the second period after receiving a blindside hit from Penguins forward Bokondji Imama, who was penalized for interference.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

Could the Kings trade Quinton Byfield? Is Brayden Schenn a fit with the Maple Leafs? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Flyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS BYFIELD A TRADE CANDIDATE?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos included Quinton Byfield in his updated trade board. He thinks the 22-year-old forward could be in play if the Los Angeles Kings hope to “change their look for an opening round playoff.”

Kypreos suggested trading Byfield to a seller would be necessary to obtain the type of return the Kings need to counter the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers in the postseason. The young center had 20 goals and 55 points in 2023-24, but his stats are down this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

He claimed the Kings organization is wondering how high Byfield’s ceiling is and whether they should focus on the present by flipping Byfield for a more seasoned roster upgrade. There are rumblings that the Kings and Buffalo Sabres “have held talks and both sides might be interested in a package that includes top assets coming from Buffalo.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield’s stats are down this season, but so are Anze Kopitar’s, Adrian Kempe’s and Kevin Fiala’s. That could be attributable to the Kings’ overall style of play this season. The absence of puck-moving defenseman Drew Doughty for most of the season could be another factor.

Trading Byfield would be a bold move by the Kings but it could blow up in their face if he achieves stardom elsewhere. As for those top assets from Buffalo, I don’t see a suitable seasoned roster upgrade coming to the Kings in that deal.

It’ll be interesting to see what the reaction will be to this speculation of Byfield as a trade candidate, especially from those who cover the Kings. I’m hoping to hear back from one of them shortly. Stay tuned…

**UPDATE***

I received the following response from John Hoven of the influential LA Kings blog Mayor’s Manor: “There are three people that are not being traded… Byfield, (Brandt) Clarke, Laffy (Alex Laferriere). That’s from the best sources I have…LA certainly can’t control outside teams calling and asking about players. However, that does not mean a player is available. As you know, two totally different things. The Kings have zero interest in trading the three I mentioned. They view them as three of the core they’re building around.”

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS LAND BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford and Joshua Kloke took note of recent speculation linking St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They noted a recent report claiming the 33-year-old center was considered the Leafs’ primary target.

This could be a situation where teams are inquiring into Schenn’s availability rather than Blues general manager Doug Armstrong shopping his captain. Nevertheless, they feel that Armstrong has to be listening, suggesting the possibility of removing the remaining three years of Schenn’s contract from the Blues’ books while acquiring a valuable asset.

Schenn played for Leafs head coach Craig Berube during the latter’s tenure as the Blues’ bench boss. He would fit in well centering their third line, though Berube could shuffle him up to the second line.

The Leafs’ 2026 first-rounder would have to be the centerpiece of the return. One of their goalie prospects could also be included. A forward prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan might have to be included if the Leafs expect the Blues to retain part of Schenn’s $6.5 million average annual value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This assumes that Schenn would waive his no-trade clause to go to Toronto. He told the media last week that management hasn’t approached him about waiving his clause. That could happen leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if the Blues get a suitable trade offer.

Toronto probably isn’t the only contender interested in Schenn. A bidding war could drive up the asking price and put him out of reach for the Leafs. The Blues also aren’t in a rush to move Schenn because he’s signed through 2027-28. If they don’t receive any suitable offers by the deadline, they can wait and try again in the offseason.

It might be better for the Blues to wait until the summer. Schenn’s full no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Teams that lose out on landing the best available centers in this summer’s free-agent market could set their sights on the Blues captain.

TIME FOR THE ISLANDERS TO SELL

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is waving the white flag on the New York Islanders’ season following their 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. They’re seven points out of a playoff spot and four points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Staple believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will stretch his trade deadline decisions as long as he can, possibly up to March 7. He’s skeptical that pending free agent Brock Nelson intends to re-sign before then, suggesting Lamoriello should field trade offers up to March 7 and trade him then or field offers over the next several days, take the best one and set the market for the final deadline stretch.

Other moves could include peddling UFA-eligible winger Kyle Palmieri and center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract. Staple also doesn’t rule out moving captain Anders Lee and one of their over-30 defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There can be no more delaying the inevitable. The Islanders’ rebuild must start now. Nelson, Palmieri and Pageau should fetch solid returns for the future at the trade deadline. They can peddle the other older veterans with term remaining on their contracts during the offseason.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers head coach John Tortorella admits there could be trade deadline casualties as part of his club’s rebuilding process. “We have to get better,” said Tortorella. “And when you try to get better, there’s going to be some casualties.”

Hall noted that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. Teams covet Ristolainen because he’s a big, physical, right-shot defenseman. However, Flyers GM Daniel Briere has said he’s not in a rush to move him because he still has term on his contract. Hall believes the Flyers have set a high asking price.

Laughton has been the subject of trade chatter for some time. He said he’s going to continue going about his business. “If they make a move, they make a move,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports it appears Ristolainen could remain with the Flyers past the March 7 trade deadline. He cited a team source saying they haven’t received many calls about him. That could change quickly if interested clubs miss out on other trade targets, but for now, it seems less likely that Ristolainen will be dealt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers have set a high asking price for Ristolainen and Laughton. The big defenseman’s contract could be an issue, carrying an AAV of $5.1 million through 2026-27. Interested parties could want Briere to retain part of that cap hit, which he seems unwilling to do.

Laughton has a more affordable $3 million AAV but his leadership and experience have been invaluable for the rebuilding Flyers. It sounds like he won’t be moved unless someone is willing to overpay for his services.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

The Jets extend their win streak to 11 games, Nathan MacKinnon regains the lead in the scoring race, and updates on Roman Josi, Miro Heiskanen, Adam Fox and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets extended their franchise-record win streak to 11 games by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist, Mark Scheifele tallied his team-leading 33rd of the season, and Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves for his league-leading 36th win. The Jets opened a three-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the overall standings with 87 points. Thomas Chabot scored and Linus Ullmark made 36 saves for the Senators as their losing skid reached five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 62 points, the Senators remain two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. They’re feeling the absence of forwards Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto, who remain sidelined by injuries.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in the third period in a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. MacKinnon also collected an assist to finish with three points, regaining the lead in the NHL scoring race with 90 points. Martin Necas had three assists and Cale Makar collected two as the Avalanche snapped a two-game losing skid. They hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 70 points. Jack Hughes replied for the Devils as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. Necas has quickly developed a strong offensive chemistry with MacKinnon since being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, collecting 12 points in 11 games since the trade. The Avs also welcomed back Valeri Nichushkin. He’d been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Dec. 31.

The Vancouver Canucks nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Forward Conor Garland tallied twice, including the winner in overtime. Nils Hoglander also scored, Filip Chytil had two assists and Quinn Hughes picked up an assist in his return to the Canucks lineup after missing six games with an undisclosed injury. Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele scored as the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Canucks over the Calgary Flames into the final Western wild-card spot with 65 points, while the Kings are third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. Meanwhile, Vancouver winger Brock Boeser is frustrated over the lack of progress in contract extension talks with management, prompting speculation that he could be traded if the Canucks stumble in the playoff race.

HEADLINES

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi is listed as day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

TSN: The Predators made a minor trade on Wednesday, acquiring forward Jesse Ylonen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Anthony Angello. Both are playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill said his club will probably get a clearer timeline on defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s recovery from knee surgery by mid-to-late March. Heiskanen underwent surgery on Feb. 4 and was listed as month-to-month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed the Stars could place Heiskanen on long-term injury reserve, freeing up his $8.45 million cap hit to put toward adding players before the March 7 trade deadline. However, that only works if they know for certain that he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise, they would have to free up space to be cap-compliant when he returned to action.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’ll be out for at least seven days but is expected to return before the end of the regular season.

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson will return to action on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. He’s been out since Jan. 20 with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He will remain with the team but isn’t expected to suit up for Friday’s game against the Rangers.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild, who claimed him from the Oilers on Dec. 13.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Wild acquired forward Tyler Madden from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Joseph Cecconi. Both players will report to their new teams’ respective AHL affiliates.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed forward Matt Nieto on waivers.