NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

More Connor McDavid contract speculation, the latest on Evgeni Malkin, a report on the Devils contract talks with Jacob Markstrom, an update on Evgeny Kuznetsov, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD CONNOR MCDAVID’S NEXT CONTRACT BE LESS EXPENSIVE THAN EXPECTED?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated that Connor McDavid’s next contract could be less expensive than originally believed.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Friedman said that there was talk during the summer that the average annual value of McDavid’s next deal would be $16 million. “It’s gonna be lower than we thought,” he said.

“I think there are teams hoping McDavid does sign so they can say, ‘Hey, if he comes in, say for argument’s sake at $15.5 million, nobody’s getting more than Connor McDavid.’”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be surprising if McDavid’s AAV is less than $16 million. The Edmonton Oilers will be thrilled to get him signed for that amount. If it is lower than expected, it could be because he’ll be on a one or two-year extension with an eye on a substantial raise in the near future.

However, I expect that number will be between $17 million and $18 million. McDavid remains the NHL’s top player, and he’ll want to be paid accordingly.

THE LATEST EVGENI MALKIN SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski debunked “the bubbling trade rumors” that the Florida Panthers should look carefully at acquiring Penguins center Evgeni Malkin as a replacement for sidelined Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.

The rumors are based on misunderstood comments made by Malkin recently when asked whether he’d consider a trade to a contender. He mentioned Brad Marchand going to the Panthers last season as a good story, but said he didn’t know how he would feel if the Penguins wanted to trade him.

Nevertheless, Kingerski wondered if Marc-Andre Fleury’s return to Pittsburgh to say goodbye on his own terms might affect Malkin’s thinking about waiving his no-movement clause. The Panthers might be a good short-term fit, but they don’t have much trade bait in terms of prospects. Kingerski believes young Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich would have to be part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin and the Penguins will let this season unfold and see how things shake out. General manager Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break in February to discuss his future.

As for Malkin going to the Panthers, they could have other targets in mind besides an aging future Hall of Famer whose best seasons are behind him and whose style of play is different from Barkov’s.

EVGENY KUZNETSOV IS STILL HOPING TO SIGN WITH AN NHL TEAM

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva reports Evgeny Kuznetsov hasn’t given up on his desire to return to the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are reportedly considering the possibility of signing the 33-year-old center.

“Evgeny wants to play in the NHL,” a source told Tuboltseva. “Right now he’s waiting on Toronto’s decision, though Florida is also an option.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Toronto claimed the Maple Leafs could move a forward because they have a logjam up front. Unless there has been a change in those plans, Kuznetsov doesn’t appear to be a fit there.

Meanwhile, the Panthers are reportedly looking within their ranks to offset Barkov’s absence for now. They could consider making additions later in the season, but it could take months before they reach that point.

LATEST ON JACOB MARKSTROM’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes claiming the Devils offered goaltender Jacob Markstrom an extension with an AAV of around $5 million. It’s unknown what the term would be, or if Markstrom rejected the offer.

Markstrom, 35, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $6 million.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports the Calgary Flames are still determining whether Devin Cooley or Ivan Prosvetov will become their backup goaltender this season.

One of them will end up on waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate. It’s doubtful they would clear, as several teams have expressed an interest in Cooley, and a handful were bidding to sign Prosvetov before he joined the Flames.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 29, 2025

The Maple Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz to an extension, Sharks center Macklin Celebrini provides an update on his status, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Anthony Stolarz to a four-year, $15 million contract extension with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some mixed reaction to this signing in the Toronto media.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (NHL Images).

Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun believes it’s a good deal for both sides. Stolarz (who led the league with a .926 save percentage last season) gets a decent term, while the Leafs didn’t break the bank to sign him. If Stolarz can build on last season’s performance, this deal will look even better.

However, Damien Cox of the Toronto Star pointed out that Stolarz and fellow Leafs netminder Joseph Woll have injury histories, and neither is a bona fide starting goaltender. He believes they have the ability to play at the level of a seasoned starter, but not at the level of Sergei Bobrovsky, Connor Hellebuyck, Andrei Vasilevskiy, or Jordan Binnington.

So what do you think, Leafs fans? Give us your thoughts on this signing in the comments section below.

THE MERCURY NEWS: San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini said he’s “right on schedule” to return to the lineup in time for the season opener on Oct. 9 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Celebrini, 19, didn’t provide details regarding the illness that has sidelined him from preseason play and kept him out of practice drills that involve a significant amount of contact. He did strength and conditioning work on Sunday while his teammates did small ice drills.

The 2024 first-overall pick isn’t expected to suit up for Monday’s preseason game, but it’s hoped that he’ll suit up for one of the Sharks’ other two remaining games.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland missed Sunday’s preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers for precautionary reasons with a minor injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Garland’s teammate, Guillaume Brisebois, is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings forward James van Riemsdyk has missed training camp and preseason thus far. He’s on a team-approved leave of absence dealing with a personal matter.

CBS SPORTS: Chicago Blackhawks winger Landon Slaggert is set to return to practice on Tuesday following treatment for an undisclosed injury. He is on track for the start of the regular season next week.

DAILY FACEOFF: 23 players were placed on waivers on Sept. 28.

NEW YORK POST: Former New York Islanders trainer Ron Waske died on Sunday at age 77. He was the team trainer from 1974 to 1984, and was also the team trainer for Canada in the 1984 Canada Cup. He went on to work at St. Lawrence University for 26 years, including a two-year stint coaching their women’s hockey team.

Waske was elected to the Professional Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame in 2006 and has a plaque in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s section for trainers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Waske’s family, friends, colleagues, and the Islanders’ organization.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 28, 2025

by | Sep 28, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 28, 2025

Which NHL superstar is most likely to play for a new team? What’s the latest on Jake Walman’s contract talks with the Oilers? Will the Maple Leafs trade David Kampf this season? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato recently looked at which four NHL superstars are most likely to be on a new team next season.

Amato noted the trade rumors swirling around Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, and Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

The rumors about McDavid and Kaprizov are mostly based on their eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July and the lack of progress in contract extension negotiations with their respective teams.

Crosby is in the first season of a two-year contract with the rebuilding Penguins. Speculation suggests he could grow weary of another lost season and request a trade to a contender.

Hughes entered the rumor mill after Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations, said in May that the 25-year-old defenseman would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, who both play for the New Jersey Devils.

Of the four, Amato considers Hughes the most likely to be playing elsewhere next season. McDavid isn’t likely to find a better opportunity to win the Stanley Cup elsewhere. Kaprizov is the Wild’s franchise player, and they don’t want to lose him. Crosby remains determined to stay in Pittsburgh.

The Canucks will want to know next summer if Hughes intends to sign a contract extension. Last season was a nightmare for the club, and they face an uphill climb to create an environment and situation that will make him want to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lot can happen for all four players that could convince them to move on. Nevertheless, Hughes’ situation makes him the most likely of the group to be playing elsewhere next season. It will take a significant bounce-back performance by the Canucks this season to convince him that this team can be a serious contender.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes contract extension talks between the Oilers and defenseman Jake Walman have gone well, and that the two sides are close on a long-term deal. He thinks an eight-year contract has been discussed, but a six-year deal is more likely.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walman, 29, is in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.4 million.

The Oilers have a projected $42 million in cap space for 2026-27. Taking into account the high cost of re-signing Connor McDavid, they will have enough to sign Walman to a lucrative extension worth up to $5.5 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel reports David Kampf’s days with the Toronto Maple Leafs may be numbered. The 30-year-old forward spent the offseason expecting to be traded, but it never happened.

Kampf has been replaced as fourth-line center by Scott Laughton. He said it’s up to management if he’s still a fit with the Leafs. His spot on the club is in further jeopardy with promising forward Easton Cowan in line to make the team.

Siegel speculates Kampf could end up clearing waivers and getting demoted rather than traded. He pointed to his $2.4 million AAV as being “just large enough to be unattractive”.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2025

by | Sep 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 28, 2025

Marc-Andre Fleury’s farewell to Penguins fans, Mason McTavish finally re-signs with the Ducks, the Blues ink Cam Fowler to a contract extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Marc-Andre Fleury made eight saves during his third-period appearance with the Penguins in a 4-1 preseason victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 40-year-old goaltender officially retired at the end of last season, but returned to the Penguins on a training camp tryout contract for a final farewell to the team with which he spent most of his NHL career. A soldout crowd of 18,333 fans gave him a standing ovation when he took to the ice, chanted his name on every save, and called for “One More Year!”.

Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

“A little surreal, a little crazy, but still also comfortable, “ Fleury said of the experience. He explained that it always felt “a little bit weird” whenever he played at PPG Arena with other teams, but this time, “it felt normal.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury’s preseason farewell stint with the Penguins prompted TSN’s Pierre LeBrun to suggest that he might be coaxed back into action by some NHL clubs looking to bolster their goaltending depth.

However, it appears Fleury has hung up his pads for good. He was appreciative of the chants from Penguins fans for one more year, but explained he was tired and his hip was sore. While his competitive desire may not have diminished, Fleury knows that he cannot physically do it anymore.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The contract standoff between the Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish ended Saturday with an agreement on a six-year, $42-million deal. The average annual value is $7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia indicates McTavish will have a 15-team no-trade list for the final two seasons of his new contract. It was rumored that the Ducks offered $5.5 million annually while the McTavish camp sought $7.5 million.

The Ducks hope to emerge from their long rebuilding phase into a playoff contender this season. They need McTavish in the fold to center their second line. And no, this isn’t a sign-and-trade situation. While some NHL teams expressed interest in McTavish, the Ducks need him more than they do.

McTavish will return to the Ducks for the remainder of training camp and perhaps get into one of their three remaining preseason games. It’s unlikely he’ll be in the lineup for Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, but he could return for Wednesday’s game against the Sharks or Saturday’s tilt against the Los Angeles Kings.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: The Blues signed defenseman Cam Fowler to a three-year contract extension. Fowler, 33, will earn an average annual value of $6.1 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia indicates Fowler will have a full no-trade clause for the first two years of the deal and a 15-team no-trade list starting on Jan. 1, 2029.

This is a slight pay cut from Fowler’s $6.5 million AAV on his current contract, but he was willing to accept it to remain with the Blues. Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks last December, he quickly fit in well with his new club, tallying 36 points with the Blues as they exceeded expectations to clinch a playoff berth.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Changes to the NHL-NHLPA collective bargaining agreement could prevent Alex Pietrangelo from returning to the Golden Knights’ lineup in time for the 2026 playoffs.

The 35-year-old defenseman is expected to miss the regular season as he rehabs a nagging hip injury and will be placed on long-term injury reserve when the season begins next month. However, he recently said that he hoped to return to the lineup later in the season.

However, teams must now be salary-cap compliant during the postseason. That means the Golden Knights would have to sit one or two players to free up sufficient cap space to enable Pietrangelo to return to the lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights could do it by sitting an overpaid, unproductive player. Looking at their current roster, however, there doesn’t appear to be anyone who fits that profile. They could also do it if another player carrying a comparable or more expensive contract ends up on LTIR, but that would mean losing a key player like Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, or Mark Stone.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko suffered a broken hand and will be sidelined for roughly six weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kakko was rejuvenated after being acquired from the New York Rangers last December, tallying 30 points in 49 games with the Kraken. He is expected to play on their first line when he returns from injury in late October or early November.

CBS SPORTS: Anaheim Ducks center Jansen Harkins will miss the next eight weeks with an upper-body injury.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres are extending their lease at KeyBank Center for five more years. That will buy them time to negotiate a long-term deal that includes public funding for much-needed arena renovations.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled last week that the Pennsylvania Usage Fee, also known as the Facility Tax, is unconstitutional.

The fee, also known as a jock tax, led to visiting athletes and entertainers performing at any of the city of Pittsburgh’s publicly funded sports stadiums being taxed at the rate of three percent of their income.

The NHLPA and New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri were among the appellees.

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FOUNDATION: Brett McKay reports financial audits reveal the Edmonton Oilers’ 50/50 raffle has been paying part of the charitable proceeds to a private company called “Win50”, which is owned by the Oilers ownership group.

The report claims “Win50” received $81 million in “licensing and rights fees” between 2021 and 2024, with less than 20 percent of the total fundraising actually going to charities.

McKay reports the Oilers Foundation replied that “Win50” pays all the expenses of running the raffle, explaining it was the cost of doing business.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

by | Sep 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is still drawing interest from other clubs, a theory as to why Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils remain stalled, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

R.ORG: James Murphy reports Rasmus Andersson hasn’t closed the door on a possible contract extension with the Calgary Flames. However, that hasn’t stopped some insiders from suggesting that the 28-year-old defenseman will likely be moved by the March trade deadline.

According to an NHL source, the Flames have been taking calls from teams looking into Andersson’s availability. They include the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

The Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Boston Bruins were also interested in Andersson around the draft. Murphy’s source isn’t sure how much they’re still pushing, but thinks it makes sense if they were.

It had also been reported that the Vegas Golden Knights had a deal in place for Andersson before the draft, but it ultimately fell through. Murphy’s source doesn’t know if they may have circled back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams may be calling about Andersson, but it’s obvious that the Flames haven’t received any tempting offers thus far. That could change once the calendar flips to January and the trade deadline approaches. Some of those teams mentioned by Murphy could be among the suitors by then.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the overlooked factor in Luke Hughes’ stalled contract talks with the Devils is the defenseman’s agent, Pat Brisson.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are two of Brisson’s clients. MacKinnon was once considered to have one of the best value contracts in the league, and his current one (with a $12.6 million annual cap hit) could make that list again as the salary cap rises. Meanwhile, Crosby’s contract is also a little light on his wallet, with a $2 million surplus value.

Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother and teammate, is another Brisson client. His contract is considered the No. 1 bargain deal in the league today ($8 million AAV).

Luke’s next contract could be an eight-year deal, but the AAV is the sticking point. His camp could seek a figure starting at $9 million or more to ensure he remains well-paid throughout the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s $8.7 million AAV is based on his superstition over his No. 87. Nevertheless, Nichols does raise an interesting point.

The Hughes camp sees their client as a future No. 1 defenseman. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, they want to ensure he’ll be compensated as one throughout the tenure of his next contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes recently reported that Washington Capitals goaltender Clay Stevenson’s impressive play during training camp and preseason action has drawn interest from several teams. He could become a potential waiver claim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren are locks as the Capitals’ goalie tandem this season. Stevenson has to pass through waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate in Hershey. They could avoid that by carrying all three goalies, but that creates difficulty in finding suitable playing time for everyone.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2025

by | Sep 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 27, 2025

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is sidelined for the season, Marc-Andre Fleury returns to the Penguins for a special weekend, an update on Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov underwent surgery to repair injuries to ligaments in his right knee suffered during practice on Thursday. He is expected to be sidelined for seven to nine months.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said Barkov’s absence leaves a big hole in their roster. “He is such an important piece in that locker room,” Maurice said. “What we’ll get to know now is some of the other leaders in the room.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers were already dealing with winger Matthew Tkachuk recovering from offseason surgeries, but they knew that he would return by January. Barkov’s absence is a much bigger blow to their hopes for a Stanley Cup “three-peat.”

Barkov is one of the key reasons why the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final three straight times, winning the Cup twice in a row since 2024. They will miss his leadership and elite two-way play.

Depending on Barkov’s recovery, it’s unlikely that he will return later in the regular season. The earliest he could be back is for the first round of the 2025 playoffs, and even that’s not a certainty.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Marc-Andre Fleury joined the Penguins’ practice on Friday as part of a special weekend for the 40-year-old goaltender.

Fleury began his NHL career with the Penguins, spending 13 of his 21 seasons in Pittsburgh. He retired at the end of last season, but signed a tryout contract to practice with the Penguins on Friday and play one period of Saturday’s preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was a special reunion for Fleury with his former teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust. It felt like old times as he good-naturedly chirped his teammates and played some pranks on them, including putting decals of his jersey number (29) on their vehicles.

Fleury also clarified that he wants it to be known that he’s retiring as a member of the Minnesota Wild, with whom he spent his last four NHL seasons. He’s grateful to finish in Pittsburgh, where everything started for the future Hall of Famer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The usually buttoned-down Crosby couldn’t hide his joy over having his old teammate back for a final practice. Wearing his throwback yellow pads, Fleury made several saves that drew cheers from the fans in attendance, including a windmill save on a Crosby one-timer.

Speaking of the Penguins, goalie Joel Blomqvist will be sidelined for four weeks with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to be ready for their season opener on Oct. 9. Vasilevskiy has been absent since Sept. 19 with an undisclosed injury.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers winger Artemi Panarin returned to practice with his teammates on Friday. He’d spent the past week nursing a lower-body injury.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres winger Alex Tuch will be in the lineup when they face the Detroit Red Wings in preseason play on Saturday. He missed their first three preseason contests with an undisclosed injury.

Sabres starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) could return to play their final two preseason games.

TORONTO STAR: The Maple Leafs signed James Reimer to a professional tryout offer. The 37-year-old goaltender began his NHL career with the Leafs in 2010-11, becoming a fan favorite during his six seasons with the franchise.

The Leafs have brought back Reimer as insurance with Joseph Woll on a leave of absence for personal reasons and Dennis Hildeby an unproven rookie.

TSN: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, defenseman Marshall Rifai requires wrist surgery after suffering an injury during Thursday’s preseason win over the Montreal Canadiens.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander is listed as week-to-week with a sprained ankle.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher suffered a broken bone in his hand and will be sidelined for four weeks.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Ivan Fedotov, forward Liam Foudy, and defenseman Kevin Connauton are the notable players placed on waivers on Friday.