NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2025

by | Jun 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2025

The latest on Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Marco Rossi in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS INTERESTED IN MITCH MARNER

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports the Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams eyeing Mitch Marner. The 28-year-old Maple Leafs winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

The Golden Knights have around $10 million in cap space this summer. Simmons believes they’ll need much more than that to sign Marner. Nevertheless, he doesn’t dismiss the possibility, pointing out they found a way to get Alex Pietrangelo and Jack Eichel.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell listed winger Ivan Barbashev, defenseman Zach Whitecloud, and forward Nicolas Roy as potential cost-cutting trade candidates for the Golden Knights.

Barbashev made $5 million annually for the next three seasons. Whitecloud had three years left and $2.75 million annually, while Roy has two years left with an average annual value of $3 million.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have projected cap space of $9.6 million with 18 active roster players under contract next season. Shedding one or two players would free up room to sign Marner if he’s interested in coming to Vegas. However, it won’t leave enough to complete their 23-man roster sufficiently.

THE LATEST ON THE PANTHERS

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons claims the word out of Florida is that pending UFA center Sam Bennett would like to remain with the Panthers, and they’d like to keep him if they can make the dollars fit. He also indicated that they don’t have a lot of interest in re-signing UFA-eligible defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

If Bennett’s available, Simmons believes the Maple Leafs will be among his suitors, but they won’t have any interest in Ekblad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A year ago, Simmons claimed the Panthers wanted to trade Ekblad and use the savings to re-sign Brandon Montour, who went on to join the Seattle Kraken. It’s believed he wants to stay and could accept a pay cut, but the extent of the cut remains to be seen.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos wrote last week that the feeling is the Panthers want to re-sign Bennett and Ekblad. They would let Brad Marchand depart via free agency as he’ll be too expensive to retain.

THE WILD AND MARCO ROSSI ARE AT AN IMPASSE IN CONTRACT TALKS

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports teams are calling the Minnesota Wild about Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old center is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Contract negotiations are currently at an impasse, but Wild general manager Bill Guerin isn’t in a hurry to trade Rossi. Sources claim the Wild offered up a five-year, $25 million contract last winter and a shorter-term deal last week. Rossi’s camp rejected the five-year deal but reportedly hasn’t made a counteroffer to the latest proposal.

Guerin is downplaying the situation, saying sometimes it takes a little longer for negotiations to work their way through. He dismissed the notion that the Wild don’t like Rossi and want to move him, and denied a Daily Faceoff report claiming he asked the Philadelphia Flyers for Tyson Foerster or one of the Flyers’ late first-round picks for Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo’s colleague, Joe Smith, recently pointed out that trading Rossi would leave a big hole at center that the goal-starved Wild would have to fill. That would be difficult in this year’s trade market, where several teams are seeking second-line centers but few to go around.

Rossi’s lack of arbitration rights gives Guerin leverage in these negotiations. An offer sheet from another club is a possibility, but the Wild have sufficient cap space ($16.5 million) to match.

Guerin must ensure he has sufficient long-term cap space to sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov to a lucrative extension. That would explain why he’s trying to keep Rossi’s AAV at around $5 million.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 2, 2025

by | Jun 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 2, 2025

The latest on the Panthers and Oilers ahead of the Stanley Cup Final, an update on Alex Ovechkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: The Florida Panthers will tie an NHL record in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. They will be playing their 309th game (regular-season and playoffs) over the past three seasons, tying the record for the most games played over that period. They’ll break the record in Game 2.

The Dallas Stars (1997-98 to 1999-2000) and Detroit Red Wings (2006-07 to 2008-09) hold the current record.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Led by Matthew Tkachuk, the entire Panthers team (including the front office, coaching staff, medical trainers, and equipment managers) took part in the first Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Fun Day virtually from Ft Lauderdale on Saturday.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Several players and staff also brought their families to the event. This was done without fanfare. The media was not informed that the team would be participating in the event after their practice on Saturday.

Tkachuk was a former teammate and close friend of Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed along with his brother Matthew by an alleged drunk driver last August.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid left the ice early during practice on Sunday. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said there was no major issue, and the superstar will be ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers forward Connor Brown rejoined his teammates for practice on Sunday. He’d been sidelined since Game 3 of the Western Conference Final following a hard hit by Dallas Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic. Knoblauch is confident Brown will be ready for Game 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is Wednesday, June 4, in Edmonton at 8 pm ET.

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports a source close to Alex Ovechkin said the Washington Capitals captain has not decided to retire from the NHL following the completion of his contract at the end of the 2025-26 season.

On Friday, a Russian media outlet quoted Ovechkin’s wife, Nastasyia, suggesting her husband would return to Russia in 2026. However, the source claims the Capitals superstar intends to complete the final season of his NHL contract, after which he’ll decide whether to remain in Washington. His final decision will be based on his health and performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin set the all-time goal record this season (897) and will surpass the 900-goal plateau next season. He also exceeded the 40-goal plateau (44) for the league-leading 14th time in his 20-season NHL career. The Capitals captain turns 40 in September.

EISHOCKEY NEWS: Contrary to reports last week, the Boston Bruins’ head-coach position remains vacant, though a decision on who fills that role is likely imminent.

Marco Sturm of the AHL’s Ontario Reign was in Boston last week for interviews, but the Bruins have also invited other candidates.

THE PROVINCE: Former Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin is in the Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers. Ben Kuzma believes drafting Podkolzin 10th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft was a “big miss” by the Canucks.

Kuzma points out they could’ve had Matt Boldy, who was chosen two picks later by the Minnesota Wild. Boldy has gone on to become a first-line forward with the Wild, netting a career-best 73 points this season.

Podkolzin struggled in his three season with the Canucks, who traded him to the Oilers last summer. The 23-year-old winger had 24 points in 82 games as a depth forward this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reviewing NHL Central Scouting’s final 2019 rankings, Boldy was ninth among North American skaters while Podkolzin was second among International skaters. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman had Boldy eighth overall among his top prospects and Podkolzin 12th. The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy had Podkolzin eighth and Boldy 11th, and McKeen’s Hockey and Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino had Podkolzin 11th and Boldy 12th.

Hindsight is 20-20. The NHL Draft is often a crapshoot, with some players meeting or exceeding expectations while most fail to do so.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan won the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as MVP of the 2025 Memorial Cup after his London Knights defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1.

Cowan scored a goal in the final games, finishing with a tournament-leading seven points in five games.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 1, 2025

by | Jun 1, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 1, 2025

Questions about Connor McDavid’s future, the latest on Mitch Marner, the Blues’ salary-cap situation, trade targets for the Canucks, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD CONNOR MCDAVID BECOME A RANGER OR LEAF NEXT SUMMER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if Connor McDavid would be “more or less incentivized” to leave the Edmonton Oilers next summer as a free agent, “and follow the (Mark) Messier Route to Broadway with or without a championship.” He also speculated that McDavid could instead sign an extension with the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers of today aren’t facing the same constraints as they did when Messier left town in 1991. They’re a contender with stable ownership and a state-of-the-art arena, playing in an expanded league with a three-tier salary cap system and revenue sharing. This version of the Oilers can afford to keep McDavid in Edmonton, and there’s nothing to suggest that he won’t stay.

TORONTO STAR: Bruce Arthur reports the dream of McDavid coming home to play for the Maple Leafs hasn’t died for some of the club’s followers.

Arthur suggests the only way that happens is if McDavid wins the Cup this year and decides he needs a bigger challenge by helping the Leafs end their long championship drought. However, that’s at best a long shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid will most likely sign an eight-year extension with the Oilers this summer, making him the NHL’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER

TORONTO STAR: Damien Cox believes the Leafs must re-sign Mitch Marner. Despite the playoff disappointment, the 28-year-old two-way winger is irreplaceable. While they can use the cap dollars they would’ve invested in Marner on other players, their immense offensive and special teams capability will be lost.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

If Marner stays, the Leafs will retain the key components that saw them finish first in the Atlantic Division. Cox suggested following the example of the Vegas Golden Knights and keep on trading futures that can help them win the Stanley Cup next season or the season after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights’ efforts built a better-balanced team, one with the offensive and defensive depth necessary to be a contender and, in 2023, a champion. However, there is no certainty that the Leafs can successfully follow that strategy given the way they’re currently built.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Golden Knights, Hannah Kirkell cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claimed they and the Leafs discussed a deal last summer that would’ve sent Marner to Vegas.

Friedman thinks it fell through for two reasons. First, the Leafs wanted defenseman Shea Theodore as part of the return. Second, there was no guarantee that Marner would agree to anything at that time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman was likely referring to Marner’s no-movement clause. The Golden Knights are rumored to be among the clubs that might pursue the Leafs winger if he goes to market on July 1, but they’ll have to free up a lot of cap space to make it happen.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUES

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks reports the Blues won’t have much cap space to work with for next season, indicating they’ll have $5.912 available.

They could garner some cap flexibility by placing defenseman Torey Krug ($6.5 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve. However, if they do so during the offseason, it would leave them no cap space to start the season. If they put him on LTIR during the season, they won’t be able to use it this summer to make additions to their roster.

One option could be trading Krug’s contract, shedding his entire cap hit and allowing them to operate without the constraints of LTIR. They could also trade or buy out Alexandre Texier. They can attempt to move Nick Leddy ($4 million, 16-team no-trade list) or Mathieu Joseph ($2.95 million). Trade protections for Justin Faulk and Brayden Schenn ($6.5 million each) are lowered this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues GM Doug Armstrong will likely attempt to shed some salary to give himself more cap space for next season. Putting Krug on LTIR or trading his contract seems the most likely option, followed by moving Texier or Joseph.

SUGGESTED OFFSEASON TARGETS FOR THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently looked at some free-agent targets to improve their defense, and some trade targets to bolster their forward lines.

All the UFA targets are affordable options, with the most notable being Columbus’ Dante Fabbro and Tampa Bay’s Nick Perbix. The trade targets include Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers, Mason Marchment of the Dallas Stars, Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators and Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks probably have better odds of signing Fabbro or Perbix than they have of acquiring Lafreniere, Marchment, Marchessault and Zegras. Most of those trade targets would be expensive to obtain (Lafreniere), too old (Marchessault) or too risky (Zegras).

Marchment would be an interesting option. The Stars are cap-strapped and face some cost-cutting measures this summer. The 31-year-old is a versatile forward who can skate on the wing or at center and plays with an edge. However, he’s a year away from UFA eligiblity, and the Canucks might want assurances of an extension before agreeing to a deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2025

by | Jun 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2025

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they await Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, updates on the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson spoke about the club’s return to the Stanley Cup Final and Connor McDavid’s next contract.

McDavid, 28, is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He and the Oilers can agree to a contract extension starting this July 1.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“Look, Connor knows what he means to this organization and the city of Edmonton,” said Jackson. “And this organization and the city certainly know what Connor means to them. We’re very cognizant of that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The approaching end to McDavid’s contract has some fans and pundits wondering if he’ll re-sign with the Oilers or test next summer’s UFA market. I believe that he will sign an extension this summer that’ll make him the highest-paid player in the league starting in 2026-27.

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers forwards Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell and AJ Greer missed practice on Saturday. Luostarinen and Greer were injured in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Head coach Paul Maurice indicated Luostarinen and Lundell are fine, but Greer is considered day-to-day.

THE SCORE: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn doesn’t plan on leaving the only NHL team he’s ever played for. The 35-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but he hopes to work something out with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million. He’s been the Stars’ captain for years, but his performance declined noticeably over the past two seasons.

The Stars’ front office has indicated a desire for Benn to finish his career in Dallas. However, they have less than $5 million in cap space this summer. He must accept a significant pay cut to stay in Dallas.

Matt Duchene is also UFA-eligible on July 1 after finishing the second of the one-year contracts he’s had with the Stars. The 34-year-old center wants to stay in Dallas, but indicated he’ll be seeking term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene is unlikely to get more than a year from the Stars. They must ensure sufficient long-term cap room to re-sign winger Jason Robertson and defenseman Thomas Harley. Both players are restricted free agents next summer with arbitration rights.

SPORTSNET: Stars head coach Pete DeBoer and goaltender Jake Oettinger aren’t concerned about their working relationship going forward.

Eyebrows were raised when DeBoer pulled Oettinger early in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final after the latter gave up two goals on two shots. Following the game, the Stars coach didn’t exactly give a glowing review of his starter’s performance in that series.

Two days later, DeBoer insisted he is a big fan of Oettinger as a player and a person, calling him “the best young goaltender in the league,” suggesting he still has room to grow and improve. He also revealed that Oettinger was battling an upper respiratory illness, leading the coaching staff to debate whether to start backup Casey DeSmith in Game 4.

Meanwhile, Oettinger refused to use the illness as an excuse. He dismissed the idea that DeBoer’s comments following Game 5 had hurt their relationship. “I think for me, just the whole experience, I’m going to learn from it and it’s going to help me grow and be a better person and better goalie.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Stars center Roope Hintz said his foot was fractured by a slash from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. Hintz missed Game 3 but returned for the final two games of the series. Nurse was initially given a five-minute major penalty but it was reduced on review to two minutes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nurse should’ve received supplemental discipline for his actions, but that’s not how things work in the erratic world of the NHL’s department of “player safety.”

STLTODAY.COM: Blues winger Dylan Holloway was heartbroken to miss the playoffs due to a lower-body injury that required season-ending surgery. He’s coming off a career-best 26 goals and 37 assists in 77 games this season.

Holloway completed the first season of a two-year contract and is eligible to sign an extension with the Blues on July 1. The 23-year-old could earn an average annual value of $7 million on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and teammate Philip Broberg were signed away from the Edmonton Oilers last summer via offer sheets. Their additions played a key role in the Blues reaching the playoffs this season, suggesting they could soon become core players for this club.

ESPN.COM: Thousands attended the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day on Saturday at Washington Lake Park in southern New Jersey. Roughly 1,110 people participated in person, along with more than 1,300 virtually in the United States, Canada, and around the world.

The event honored the memory of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who died last August after being struck by an alleged drunk driver. The goal was to raise money for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where their mother, Jane, and her daughter Kristen work.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

An update on JJ Peterka, the latest Canadiens speculation, what’s next for the Stars and Hurricanes, and an update on Morgan Rielly in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston included JJ Peterka among his list of offseason trade targets. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’d draw plenty of interest if the Sabres decide to peddle him.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

In March, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka one of his core players. However, Johnston considers it unclear whether the winger is willing to make that kind of commitment to the club. He thinks Peterka could be an offer sheet candidate if he’s not traded before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s trade targets list have frequently appeared in media rumors in recent weeks, which have been duly noted on this site. However, his comments about Peterka potentially getting an offer sheet echoed Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.

The Sabres have over $23 million in cap space with Peterka, Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod becoming RFAs on July 1. They’re reportedly gauging Byram’s value in the trade market, which would provide them with enough cap room to match an offer sheet for Peterka and still have enough to re-sign Quinn and McLeod.

However, Peterka could be worth watching over the next four weeks if he doesn’t see his long-term future in Buffalo. That could force the Sabres to put him on the trade block by the NHL Draft weekend (June 27-28)

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Johnston suggesting it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens peddled one of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft for more immediate roster help, like a center. Johnston also included defense prospect Logan Mailloux as a trade candidate, noting that the Canadiens’ prospect cupboard is overflowing with defensemen.

TVA SPORTS: noted the Canadiens reportedly had a chance to trade Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks last year for Trevor Zegras. However, everything fell through when they selected Ivan Demidov fifth overall at the 2024 Draft.

Dumont doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a rush to move Mailloux, but they’re also not going to rush him or prospect blueliners David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom into their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens could be willing to part with one or both of their 2025 first-rounders, or a first and Mailloux, if it’ll fetch a reliable second-line center, preferably one in his mid-to-late twenties.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STARS AND HURRICANES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at the notable offseason storylines for the Stars following their third straight elimination from the Western Conference Final.

Team captain Jamie Benn can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The front office has indicated there’s a place for the 35-year-old winger on their roster as long as he wants it, but his performance in this year’s playoffs (three points in 18 games) suggests he’s nearing the end of his playing career. If he does re-sign, it’ll be on a cheap one-year deal.

Other forwards to be re-signed or replaced include Matt Duchene, Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, Colin Blackwell and Mavrik Bourque.

Stars GM Jim Nill must address the right side of his defense corps. Cody Ceci, Nils Lundkvist, Brendan Smith and Ilya Lyubushkin are free agents this summer. Matt Dumba is under contract for another year but could become a trade or buyout candidate.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk pointed out that the Stars only have $4.9 million in cap space for 2025-26. Frank Seravalli observed that their prospect pipeline has grown thinner because they’ve traded away a lot of draft picks for immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill has done a fine job building the Stars into a perennial playoff team, winning the Jim Gregory GM of the Year award in each of the last two seasons, and becoming a finalist this year. However, his management skills will be put to the test in addressing his club’s weaknesses, given his team’s limited cap space and few tradeable assets among their draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette looked at what could be in store for the Carolina Hurricanes after their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

The Hurricanes could move on from veteran defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov unless they’re willing to accept pay cuts and reduced roles to stay.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky will have over $28 million in cap space this summer and not many holes to fill on his roster. He could pursue a big-name player via free agency or trade. Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a good fit. Tulsky could also pursue a defenseman to skate alongside Jaccob Slavin on their top blueline pairing.

Lavalette doesn’t rule out the unexpected, suggesting they could move out a goalie like Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov if an upgrade emerges.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes attempted to acquire Marner from the Leafs at the trade deadline. While he declined to waive his no-movement clause, he might find the Hurricanes an acceptable destination as a free agent.

UPDATE ON MORGAN RIELLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has no intention of asking Morgan Rielly to waive his no-movement clause. LeBrun said the 31-year-old defenseman loves being a Leaf. “I don’t think that needs to be a talking point going forward here,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly surfaced in the rumor mill following the Leafs’ second-round elimination by the Florida Panthers. That sparked plenty of speculation about big changes, especially after the club parted ways with team president Brendan Shanahan.

The decline in Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman prompted some pundits to suggest trading him or buying out his contract. However, Treliving’s comments indicate neither option is on the table.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 31, 2025

The Oilers and Panthers prepare for their upcoming Stanley Cup Final rematch, the Senators will begin contract talks with Claude Giroux, the Sabres add Jarmo Kekalainen to their front office, the Islanders make two signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said his club spent seven months preparing for this return to the Stanley Cup Final. While they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished thus far, Knoblauch indicated they’re focused on the ultimate goal of winning hockey’s greatest prize.

“We said last year right after Game 7 that we’d be back,” said winger Corey Perry. “And we’re back.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl knows what his club has to deal with facing the defending champion Florida Panthers again. “We know what they’re about, we played them seven times,” he said. “They’re a good team. We’re a really good team, as well. It’s nice to get a shot at getting some revenge, but we’re a long way from that.”

Knoblauch pointed out that his team must play its best hockey to achieve a different result from last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zach Hyman was the first player following Game 7 to guarantee they would return to the Final this season. His prophecy came true, but an injury suffered in the Western Conference Final has sidelined him from the Cup Final.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk praised the Oilers during his appearance on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, calling them “a hell of a team”. He believes the rematch between his two clubs will make for “an incredible series”, calling the two clubs the best in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We have to wait several days for that series to begin. Game 1 is Wednesday, June 4, in Edmonton. Game 7 (if necessary) will be in Edmonton on Friday, June 20.

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will sit for face-to-face contract discussions next week with Claude Giroux.

The versatile 37-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Both sides have already found common ground because he wants to stay in Ottawa and the Senators are interested in keeping him.

Garrioch cited insiders suggesting Giroux’s next contract should have a base salary of $3 million with achievable performance bonuses that could take him up to between $4.5 million and $5 million. The biggest decision could be whether he gets a one or two-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be surprised if they don’t get a deal done. Giroux is eager to complete his career in Ottawa, and the Senators appreciate his skills, experience and leadership.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres hired former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor to GM Kevyn Adams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kekalainen has the most experience of anyone in the Sabres front office. He should be a valuable addition as they attempt to improve their roster and bring an end to their 14-year playoff drought next season.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Mathieu Darche made his first two contract signings as Islanders general manager, inking winger Kyle Palmieri to a two-year extension and defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal.

Palmieri will earn an average annual value of $4.75 million. He also has a full no-trade clause for 2025-26 and a 16-team no-trade clause for 2026-27. Boqvist will earn $850K next season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis revealed he reaggravated the right labrum/rotator cuff injury he suffered last season. He’s leaning toward another summer of rehabbing the injury rather than undergoing surgery, explaining that the procedure wouldn’t do much for his game. It would also sideline him for an extensive period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis played through the injury this season, scoring a team-leading 32 goals.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield confirmed he suffered a hip injury midway through the second-round series with the Washington Capitals. He won’t require surgery and will be ready for the start of the season. Blueliner Sean Walker reaggravated a shoulder injury in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

SPORTSNET: The Seattle Kraken signed defenseman Josh Mahura to a two-year, one-way contract extension with an AAV of $907,500.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed blueliner Helge Grans to a two-year, $1.575 million contract.

TSN: Francois Gagnon will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism. Daryl Reaugh will receive the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. They will accept their awards at the Hockey Hall of Fame NHL Media Awards Luncheon in Toronto on Nov. 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Gagnon and Reaugh for their well-deserved awards.