NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

by | Sep 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

Check out the latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, and Bruins center Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold is remaining patient as his club attempts to sign Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension, expressing full confidence in general manager Bill Guerin and his staff.

“Billy’s the guy. He’s the one that does the negotiating, no matter who it is, and that’s his responsibility and role,” Leipold said. “We’ve got a great relationship.”

At his annual preseason media address last year, Leipold confidently said that no other team could offer Kaprizov a longer or richer contract than the Wild. At the start of the offseason, Guein also expressed confidence in getting a deal done. However, that hasn’t happened yet, as the Kaprizov camp reportedly rejected an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $16 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Leipold noted that hockey is a team sport, but some players are special and tend to stand out. “So we’d love to have a player of his caliber on our team.” He also indicated that the rising salary cap is a factor. “So, it changes things, but we have to change with it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe negotiations are currently at a standstill. The Wild aren’t inclined to negotiate against themselves and keep offering more money.

It’s uncertain if Kaprizov’s agent is trying to squeeze the Wild for more money, if the winger is waiting to see what notable UFA-eligible players might get, or if he wants out of Minnesota.

For his part, Kaprizov said he considers Minnesota his second home. He believes there’s plenty of time to get a deal done.

THE FAN HOCKEY SHOW: Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman offered up his opinion of the Kaprizov situation.

“I do believe there’s been tampering slash whispering going on. I’ll never be able to prove it, but I believe it,” Friedman said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leipold’s comments about no team offering more years or dollars than the Wild have spurred Kaprizov’s agent into testing that theory.

Let this be a lesson for other NHL team owners. When asked about re-signing a star player, simply say you’re confident that your general manager can get a deal done, and leave it at that. Being outspoken makes good copy for reporters, but those remarks can haunt you when those contract talks begin.

Friedman seems to suggest that another team has quietly told Kaprizov’s agent that they’ll offer up more than the Wild. It’s easy to make that suggestion, but difficult to prove it. Besides, there’s no need for tampering from a rival team to prompt the Kaprizov camp to take this stance. They know their superstar client could get more on the open market than what the Wild is currently offering.

The Wild already made a monster bid for Kaprizov. You can’t blame his agent for wanting to see how much higher they’re willing to go. And for those of you calling the Kaprizov camp greedy, this is how a free market works. You offer your services to the highest bidder. Blame the game, not the player.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has heard the trade rumors swirling around him recently, even as he tries to ignore them.

The Devils are deep on defense and have other roster issues to address. They’re also trying to re-sign restricted free agent blueliner Luke Hughes, but are pressed for cap space.

Hamilton, 32, said he’s not concerned about the speculation. He acknowledged that it’s a business, and trades sometimes happen. However, he wants to remain with the Devils because he believes he can win a Stanley Cup with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s contract wouldn’t be easy to move. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team trade list, as well as a no-movement clause that prevents demotion to the minors.

THE ATHLETIC’s Vince Z. Mercogliano cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report claiming the New York Rangers approached Artemi Panarin about a short-term, team-friendly contract extension. However, the 33-year-old winger didn’t bite.

Mercogliano stated that this jibes with what he recently wrote about the Rangers wanting to maintain salary-cap flexibility and not wanting to rush into a big commitment. Their priority is to wait and see what happens with next year’s UFA class.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if Kirill Kaprizov becomes available, the Rangers want to ensure they have sufficient cap room to make the highest bid.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy doesn’t understand why Bruins center Pavel Zacha is being bandied about in trade rumors right now.

Conroy cited Zacha’s solid all-around play and reasonable cap hit ($4.75 million) through next season as good reasons for the Bruins to hang onto him. He admits the 28-year-old forward would have good value in the trade market, but also thinks he’d be worthwhile to keep around even if the Bruins continue to rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha might force the issue if he feels his chances of playing for a contender are better elsewhere.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2025

by | Sep 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 26, 2025

Stars captain Jamie Benn undergoes surgery, Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov injured at practice, Mitch Marner makes his preseason debut with the Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn will undergo surgery for a collapsed lung suffered during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Wild.

Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (NHL Images).

Stars general manager Jim Nill said Benn didn’t feel well after taking a hit late in the third period. The 36-year-old forward was x-rayed at the arena, where a hole was found in his lung. He went to Parkland Hospital for observation, where the decision was made that he should undergo surgery.

Benn is expected to make a full recovery and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn was initially listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury following that game against the Wild. The earliest he could return to action is in late October.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov had to be helped from the ice during the club’s first main preseason practice with their regular squad on Thursday.

Barkov appeared to be favoring his right leg. Head coach Paul Maurice didn’t provide much of an update on the 30-year-old center, saying he’ll give an update on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barkov won the Frank J. Selke Trophy last season as the league’s top defensive forward for the second straight year and the third time since 2020-21. It will be a big loss for the Panthers if he misses significant time, especially with winger Matthew Tkachuk out until January recovering from offseason surgeries and center Tomas Nosek sidelined by a knee injury.

RDS.CA: Mitch Marner made his preseason debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. He collected an assist on one of Jack Eichel’s two goals in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Utah Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner was the biggest name to be moved during the offseason. He was shipped to the Golden Knights by the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.

DAILY FACEOFF: Montreal Canadiens defensemen Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and David Reinbacher left Thursday’s 7-2 preseason loss to the Maple Leafs.

Dobson and Guhle are listed as day-to-day with groin injuries, while Reinbacher was still being evaluated following the game. Dobson and Reinbacher suffered their injuries during the game, while Guhle was withheld from the contest for maintenance reasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said he didn’t think that the injuries were serious and wasn’t too worried about it.

NEW YORK POST: An upper-body injury kept Islanders winger Anthony Duclair out of the lineup as his club defeated the New York Rangers 5-4 in preseason action on Thursday. He’s listed as day-to-day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair rushed back too soon from a groin injury last season, which affected his performance. They’re taking a more cautious approach this season.

SPORTSNET: The Utah Mammoth placed goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Followers of the Edmonton Oilers are stumping for their club to claim Ingram to bolster their goaltending depth. However, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal pointed out that one of the clubs ahead of the Oilers in the waiver claim order will likely get him first. Staples also pointed out that the Oilers lack the cap space to pick up Ingram’s $1.95 million cap hit.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins have brought back former captain Zdeno Chara in a front office role. They announced on Thursday that he will serve as their Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders will induct former forward Pat LaFontaine into their Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony on Dec. 13. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates that this will end a long-standing rift between LaFontaine and the organization, dating back to a contract dispute in 1991-92. In 2006, he was brought in as an advisor to then-owner Charles Wang, but resigned six weeks later after Neil Smith was fired as general manager.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus reports the return of Carter Hart and Michael McLeod to the NHL seems imminent. Both were among five former Hockey Canada members who were acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this month.

Both players have been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. Lazerus reports the two teams handled questions about them differently.

According to Lazerus, the Hurricanes “acknowledged the gravity of the situation and were open to talking about it, even in somewhat awkward hypotheticals.” However, the Golden Knights declined to let head coach Bruce Cassidy speak to The Athletic one-on-one after learning of the topic. Before Cassidy’s press conference, a spokesperson pulled the reporter from the room, told them to leave the facility immediately, and revoked their press pass for that night’s game.

The spokesperson claimed the reporter “ambushed” Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin during routine locker-room media interviews that morning, and the team wasn’t comfortable allowing the reporter to cover the game. Lazerus claimed that Hanifin showed no irritation about the questions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Golden Knights aren’t comfortable with a reporter asking questions about rumors linking them to a controversial player, how will they react if they sign that player?










NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2025

by | Sep 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2025

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano believe the New York Rangers will attempt to take a big swing in next summer’s free-agent market.

By that point, the Rangers are projected to have more salary-cap space and roster flexibility than they’ve had for some time. Several high-end stars, including Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, and Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, could be available.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

That’s why they’re not in a rush to re-sign Artemi Panarin, who is UFA-eligible next July. They want to keep their options open for as long as possible to size up the market.

The Rangers could have over $20 million available after re-signing restricted free agents like Brendan Schneider and adding a couple of depth pieces and a backup goalie. They could free up more cap room by peddling Alexis Lafreniere or Vincent Trocheck.

If those potential big-name UFAs become unavailable, the Rangers could use that cap flexibility to spread it out among multiple impact players in the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baugh and Mercogliano aren’t saying Lafreniere or Trocheck will be traded. They’re suggesting they could be moved if the Rangers need more cap room to sign a UFA superstar. Those players could also stay put if they play well this season.

Pursuing multiple players via free agency doesn’t guarantee success. The Rangers attempted to spend their way into Stanley Cup contention between 1997-98 and 2003-04, but missed the playoffs for seven straight years.

The Nashville Predators recently learned that lesson the hard way. They made a big splash in last year’s free-agent market, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. Projected by some observers to be a possible Stanley Cup contender, they finished near the bottom of the standings.

LEAFS NATION: Michael Mazzei cited NHL insider Chris Johnston saying the Toronto Maple Leafs are no longer as interested in free-agent forward Jack Roslovic as they once were.

Johnston no longer considers the 28-year-old Roslovic a fit for the Leafs, citing the depth among their forward lines.

According to Johnston, Roslovic received a couple of contract offers between two and three years in length with average annual values between $3.5 million and $3.75 million. He rejected those offers in the hope that he’d receive better ones, but they never materialized. He may have to pivot toward a one-year “prove it” contract and hope to set himself up for a better payday next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Being the best player still available in what was a thin unrestricted free-agent market didn’t pan out so well for Roslovic.

Unrestricted free agency can be lucrative for some players due to their exceptional talent or impressive body of work. However, waiting too long for better offers can backfire, leaving a player scrambling to find a contract worth much less than what they could’ve had earlier in the summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined three possible paths for Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson. The most likely is a trade.

Robertson, 24, isn’t especially thrilled to be back with the Leafs in his current situation. It’s uncertain if he’ll receive regular playing time, and Siegel argues it wouldn’t make sense for the player or the team to keep him around in that situation.

Siegel wondered if there’s a team out there willing to take on Robertson and his $1.85 million cap hit for this season, with restricted free agency and possible arbitration ahead next summer.

“If that team is out there, though, why wasn’t Robertson dealt already?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Probably for the same reason Robertson wasn’t dealt last year around this time after requesting a trade early in the 2024 offseason: he’s not as valuable as some observers think he is.

Robertson has a decent scoring touch, and he’s worked to improve his overall game, but he hasn’t elevated his performance to the level where he’s a reliable top-six forward. And if he were a dependable scoring winger, there wouldn’t be any question about his role or his future with the Leafs.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2025

by | Sep 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 25, 2025

The latest on Islanders captain Anders Lee, Stars captain Jamie Benn, Senators winger Drake Batherson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders captain Anders Lee will be sidelined for one to two weeks with an upper-body injury. The timeline is precautionary, and there’s little concern that he’ll miss their season opener on Oct. 9.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Islanders, goaltender Semyon Varlamov is not close to rejoining his teammates. His last game was in November 2024, and he underwent knee surgery in December. He’s been skating individually during training camp.

New York Islanders captain Anders Lee (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders signed goalie David Rittich this summer to a one-year contract as insurance in case Varlamov remained out of the lineup.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars captain Jamie Benn is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was held out of practice on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, but there’s no indication that the injury is serious.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators winger Drake Batherson has been ruled out for two weeks after pulling an upper-body muscle. He could miss their season-opening game on Oct. 9.

TSN: Milan Lucic is day-to-day with a suspected groin injury. He’s attending the St. Louis Blues training camp on a professional tryout offer. Head coach Jim Montgomery suggested the 37-year-old winger could get into a couple of preseason games next week if he returns to the lineup by then.

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague will miss the next four to six weeks with an upper-body injury. He left the second game of a doubleheader against the Florida Panthers on Sept. 21 and didn’t return. The Predators acquired the 26-year-old Hague in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and signed him to a four-year contract on July 1.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander left Wednesday’s game with the Calgary Flames after suffering a lower-body injury. He was wearing a walking boot after the game and will be evaluated on Thursday.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins goalie Joel Blomqvist is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin is taking a leave of absence after his father, Alexander, died suddenly on Tuesday. Earlier this week, Podkolzin signed a three-year contract extension with the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Podkolzin on the passing of his father.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

by | Sep 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Jets winger Kyle Connor, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Devils blueliner Luke Hughes, and Predators winger Luke Evangelista in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Winnipeg Jets chairman Mark Chipman doesn’t envision Kyle Connor moving on to another club after this season. The 28-year-old left winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Chipman said he’s not directly involved in contract talks, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff handles that issue. Nevertheless, he pointed out that Connor is part of their roster core, and those players are very close.

“I think it would be my expectation that we’ll get something done sooner rather than later,” Chipman said. “My instincts are telling me that this is likely going to get done.”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor on Connor’s contract situation, but it’s worthwhile including here because he’s bound to come up in media chatter the longer he remains unsigned this season.

Connor’s offensive skills would make him a highly-prized player in next summer’s free-agent market, especially if Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin end up re-signing with their current clubs.

Some observers might question whether the small-market Jets can afford to retain Connor, especially after losing Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. However, they were able to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele two years ago despite speculation that they might test the open market. It wouldn’t be surprising if they keep Connor in the fold.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a chance the Calgary Flames might be able to re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but he still considers it unlikely.

Andersson, 28, is UFA-eligible on July 1. The Flames are happy to have him back, and he’s willing to play his best for them this season. Neither side wants to totally close the door on contract talks.

LeBrun said Andersson was nearly traded to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer, but it failed to materialize. He thinks the blueliner might listen if an eight-year offer is on the table, but it doesn’t seem like the Flames are willing to go there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson turns 29 next month, which explains why the Flames are reluctant to offer up an eight-year deal. Unless he’s willing to accept a shorter term, he’s likely to be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that New Jersey Devils’ management and representatives for Luke Hughes met on Monday to try to find some leeway in contract talks.

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. LeBrun stated that the two sides remain far apart and still must find more common ground. They are both focused on a long-term contract but can’t agree on the average annual value. He indicated the tone remains amicable, but a deal isn’t imminent.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: provided an update on Luke Evangelista’s contract talks with the Nashville Predators. Johnston indicated the Predators are offering up a two-year deal worth an AAV of $2 million. Meanwhile, the Evangelista camp seeks around $3.25 million.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2025

by | Sep 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, Jets center Jonathan Toews, Blues defenseman Torey Krug, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s recent comments about a possible return with the Vegas Golden Knights were met with “too much optimism”.

Pietrangelo, 35, is expected to be placed on long-term injury reserve this season with a lingering hip injury. Earlier this week, he left the door open for a possible return with the Golden Knights later in the season.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).

Dreger stated that those close to Pietrangelo claim it was difficult for him to play last season. “Now, he’s just trying to get a place, lifestyle-wise, where he is a healthy and happy husband and father. He is not playing this year, and as we know, he’s got two years remaining on his contract.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo mused about possibly returning in time for the 2026 playoffs. Dreger’s report suggests that could be wishful thinking.

SPORTSNET: Jonathan Toews made his debut with the Winnipeg Jets in preseason action against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The 37-year-old center played 18:36 and finished minus-one with no shots on goal.

It was Toews’ first game since Apr. 23, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks. “I felt like I made some plays and, as the game went on, just relaxed a little bit,” Toews said. He admitted he was still getting used to playing with a different team and getting his conditioning and timing back, but he’s happy to be back in action again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely that Toews will regain the form that made him one of the best two-way centers in the league. Nevertheless, the Jets hope that he’ll play well enough to fill the second-line center position.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford did a feature on Torey Krug, who underwent career-ending ankle surgery last year. The 34-year-old defenseman is now at peace and getting on with his life.

A 13-year NHL veteran with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues, Krug had to adjust to no longer being a player over the course of last season as he recovered from surgery. He is considering coaching, but for now, he’s easing into retirement and enjoying time with his family as his health improves.

Krug has two years remaining on his contract. He will be placed on long-term injury reserve this season. He thanked the Blues’ organization for their support and their belief in him when they signed him in 2020.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed winger Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.95 million.

Podkolzin’s offensive numbers aren’t great (eight goals and 16 assists last season), but head coach Kris Knoblauch and center Leon Draisaitl praised his versatility, his defensive play, forechecking, and physical style.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll has taken a leave of absence to attend to a personal family matter. There is no timetable for his return.

Dennis Hildeby is expected to fill in for Woll during his absence.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood engaged in a light workout on his own with some of the coaches on Tuesday. He’s week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, and it’s uncertain if he’ll return in time for their season opener on Oct. 9.

Defenseman Samuel Girard remains sidelined but is expected to be in the lineup for their first game of the season.

TSN: Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson left practice early on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Travis Green said that he “pulled something” and provided no update on his status.

DAILY FACEOFF: San Jose Sharks forward Colin White will be out “a couple of weeks” with an upper-body injury. Defenseman John Klingberg (upper body) is listed as day-to-day.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins will enshrine Scotty Bowman, Ron Francis, Kevin Stevens, and Eddie Johnston in their restarted Hall of Fame on Oct. 25.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle looked at possible loopholes in the NHL’s new playoff salary-cap system.

One could be replacing the backup goaltender with a more affordable third-string netminder. Mirtle doubted that this move would cost a team a playoff game, since second goalies are rarely used in those games, and when they are, it’s in a game that’s already lost.

Another option could be sitting an overpaid player who is underperforming. He cited New Jersey Devils forward Ondrej Palat as an example, noting that his AAV is $6 million but the aging winger’s performance is well below that pay level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL general managers and capologists have always found ways to circumvent salary-cap rules legally. Don’t be surprised if they employ some of the potential tactics mentioned by Mirtle.