NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2025

by | Aug 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 25, 2025

The latest speculation about Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco was asked by a reader which UFA-eligible players might test the market next summer.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

Di Marco replied that he doesn’t think it’s a slam dunk that Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov will re-sign with their respective teams.

Having paid big bucks to land Mitch Marner this summer, Di Marco wonders if they can afford another high-salaried forward. The rising salary cap for next season could see the average annual value on Eichel’s next contract soar above $12.6 million.

Kaprizov is poised to become the league’s highest-paid winger next season, but Di Marco wonders if Wild general manager Bill Guerin is willing to make him that. Guerin played hardball this summer with Marco Rossi before signing the 23-year-old restricted free-agent center to a three-year contract.

Di Marco believes Kaprizov has the opportunity to change the market for NHL wingers in the largest way since Artemi Panarin signed with the New York Rangers in 2019. He might not want to turn that down.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of Eichel and Kaprizov testing next summer’s UFA market. Nevertheless, both are likely to remain with their current teams beyond this season.

Eichel’s role as a first-line center makes him invaluable to the Golden Knights. They also have a projected $20.3 million in cap space for 2026-27, and we can add another $8.8 million to that with Alex Pietrangelo on permanent long-term injury reserve. They shouldn’t have much difficulty hanging onto him.

Meanwhile, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated last October that re-signing Kaprizov was their focus. “We plan to re-sign him,” said Leipold. “I will tell you nobody will offer more money than us, or longer years, so all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.”.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2025

by | Aug 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 25, 2025

Check out the latest on Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Stars center Roope Hintz, Canadiens winger Patrik Laine, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TORONTO SUN: Matthew Knies is keen to find out who will be joining him and center Auston Matthews at right wing on the Maple Leafs’ top line. That role was filled by Mitch Marner, who has since departed for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies (NHL Images).

“It’ll be a bit different without Mitch, but the acquisitions we’ve made have been looking good,” Knies said, referring to forwards Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua. “I don’t know what we’ll put together at the start of the season, but we have a lot of great players on our team.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whoever replaces Marner won’t replace his offence, but the hope is that the winger will be able to offset enough that the position doesn’t become a weakness. They’ll have to establish chemistry with Knies and Matthews starting in training camp next month.

The Leafs could move William Nylander into the first-line right wing position, but that could affect their second-line production.

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz said he’s fully healthy with training camp approaching next month. The 28-year-old Hintz suffered a broken foot during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but he didn’t require surgery.

“I’m feeling good. My foot is fine, and I’ve been able to train normally this summer,” Hintz said. “So everything is good.”

Hintz suffered the injury when Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse slashed him in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. He missed Game 3, but returned for the final two games of the series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicated the problem was a bleeding issue that forced him to miss one game following the injury. Hintz said they found a solution that made him feel like normal, enabling him to return to action for the rest of the Conference Final.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Patrik Laine and his wife joined several Montreal athletes and their partners in the “From Us To You” fashion show last week. From Us To You is the foundation founded by the Laines to promote mental health initiatives.

“I didn’t see myself walking down the runway, but here we are,” Laine said. “I think it’s cool to combine fashion and sports and mental health.”

Laine also stated that his reputation as one of the NHL’s more fashionable players came about by accident. He said he wore something different before a game a few years ago, creating an expectation for him to dress up. “I don’t mind it. I hadn’t been super into fashion until a few years ago. It’s pretty fun. You show off your personality”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most NHL players tend to dress conservatively before games. That might change now that the pre-game dress code will be abolished under the new collective bargaining agreement, which takes effect in 2026-27.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders’ 2025-26 season will depend on the performances of forward Mathew Barzal and goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

Barzal is coming off an injury-hampered season, limiting him to 20 points in 30 games. Meanwhile, Sorokin’s workload increased over the past two seasons, especially in 2024-25 as backup Semyon Varlamov was sidelined by injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barzal’s absence and an overworked Sorokin contributed to the Islanders missing the playoffs last season. A healthy season for the former and a reduction of the latter’s workload could help the club rebound in 2025-26.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: This season will be Logan Mailloux’s opportunity to earn meaningful NHL minutes. The 22-year-old defenseman was traded to the Blues by the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for winger Zack Bolduc.

Mailloux had difficulty cracking the rebuilding Canadiens’ defense corps last season and was limited to just seven games. The 22-year-old could start the season on the Blues’ third defense pairing alongside Tyler Tucker, and could challenge for a spot on one of their power-play units.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mailloux could have a better opportunity in St. Louis to earn more NHL playing time than he had in Montreal. It’ll be interesting to see how the move to the Blues affects his trajectory.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 24, 2025

by | Aug 24, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 24, 2025

A suggested trade for the Maple Leafs and Penguins, and speculation the Kings considered shopping Brandt Clarke in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LEAFS NATION: cited former Toronto Maple Leafs player Jay Rosehill saying he’d welcome a trade that would have the Leafs ship defenseman Morgan Rielly and winger Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for puck-moving blueliner Erik Karlsson.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Rosehill made his comments about the mock trade during his Aug. 21 appearance on the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast. He believes they’re trying to move Nick Robertson because he doesn’t think there’s a fit for the winger on their roster. Rosehill also noted that Rielly’s performance has stalled, and he no longer produces as he used to.

Despite the 35-year-old Karlsson’s age, Rosehill believes the former Norris Trophy winner would still have upside quarterbacking the Leafs’ power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can tell we’re still mired in the dog days of a quiet offseason when a mock trade starts making the rounds in the rumor mill.

Thankfully, September is fast approaching, and so is the start of training camp. We should soon start seeing some movement in the trade market, and hopefully some more realistic trade rumors once the pundits all return from their vacations.

As for this mock trade, Pittsburgh would have to retain $3 million of their $10 million share of Karlsson’s $11.5 million average annual value through 2026-27 to make the dollars fit for the Leafs. Regardless, the Penguins likely won’t take on the remaining four years of Rielly’s contract ($7.5 million AAV) just to get the final two years of Karlsson’s deal off their books, especially when it appears Rielly’s performance is declining.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jesse Courville-Lynch cited Michael Russo of The Athletic saying the Los Angeles Kings considered trading defenseman Brandt Clarke.

Russo made those comments during a recent appearance on the “DFO Rundown” podcast. The 22-year-old Clarke had 33 points last season, which was his first full NHL campaign. According to Russo, there were points during this offseason when it felt like the Kings would consider moving Clarke. However, he believes general manager Ken Holland wants to “get his eyes on him” before making a major move like that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers through free agency and traded blueliner Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators. They added Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin via free agency, two moves that were greeted with criticism.

Some observers suggest that Clarke could be traded for a return that bolsters their forward depth. However, moving him could further deplete their blueline, making life miserable for their goaltenders.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2025

by | Aug 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2025

The top remaining unrestricted free agents, plus the latest on Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Forward Jack Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, and winger Max Pacioretty are among the notable players still available in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market.

Goaltenders James Reimer, Ilya Samsonov, and Alexandar Georgiev, and center Evgeny Kuznetsov are among the other noteworthy UFAs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic was linked to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this summer, but recent reports indicate he’s no longer on their radar. It’s also rumored that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in signing him once they free up sufficient cap space.

The Leafs have reportedly left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but that could depend on whether they land Roslovic.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports a source claims Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson was excluded from Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp partly because he skipped playing in the 2025 World Championships. However, the 21-year-old Calder Trophy winner could still make their Olympic roster if he has a strong start to this season.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was passed over for Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off team for the same reason.

The main reason why Hutson didn’t get an invite is likely the depth of the USA’s defense. Zach Werenski, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy, Jaccob Slavin, Noah Hanifin, and Jake Sanderson were on their 4 Nations team. Quinn Hughes was also part of that roster, but was sidelined by an injury.

All seven have more NHL experience and international experience involving pro talent. That matters more. If healthy, all of them will likely be part of their Olympic roster.

THE ATHLETIC: Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson is open to contract extension talks with management. The two sides have yet to begin those discussions, but that could change once the calendar flips to September and training camp draws near.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gustavsson is entering the final season of his three-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million. The Athletic’s Michael Russo noted that promising netminder Jesper Wallstedt’s future is murky following a disappointing 2024-25 performance. He speculated that might prompt Wild management to get a jump on re-signing the 27-year-old Gustavsson.

TSN: Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong recently indicated there will be an open competition to fill the goaltending positions for their Olympic squad.

Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens were the only goalies invited to Canada’s orientation camp. The trio served as Canada’s netminders in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

Other potential goalie options include Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals, Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings, and Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington appears to be a lock for the starter’s role after backstopping Canada to gold in the 4 Nations tournament. However, strong early-season performances by Thompson, Kuemper, or Skinner could earn them a place on Canada’s Olympic team if Hill or Montembeault struggle.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: With the Red Wings finally retiring Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91, Bob Duff looked at other Wings greats who could receive a similar honor by the club.

Hall-of-Famer Pavel Datsyuk (No. 13) tops the list. He won two Stanley Cups (2002, 2008) with the Red Wings, along with multiple Selke and Lady Byng trophies.

Henrik Zetterberg (No. 40) could be another. He had 960 points in 1,082 games with the Wings and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008, leading them to their last Stanley Cup.

Chris Osgood (No. 30) was a three-time Cup champion with the Wings. The underappreciated goaltender was twice their go-to starter for two Cup runs. He’s 13th all-time in regular-season wins with 401, ninth in playoff wins (74), and tied for fifth in postseason shutouts with 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Datsyuk is the favorite among those three, given his Hall-of-Fame credentials. He was the top defensive forward in the league from 2007-08 to 2009-10 and one of the dazzling puckhandlers in NHL history.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2025

by | Aug 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 23, 2025

Could the Kraken trade Jared McCann? Are the Bruins peddling Fabian Lysell? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SEATTLE HOCKEY INSIDER: Rob Simpson recently reported that the New Jersey Devils were at least one team to express an interest in Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken. The Montreal Canadiens were also rumored to have a strong interest in the 29-year-old forward.

However, the Kraken informed Devils management that McCann wasn’t available. He’s led that club in scoring in every season since their expansion campaign in 2021-22. He also carries a reasonable $5 million average annual value on his contract through 2026-27 with a 10-team no-trade list.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann (NHL Images).

Simpson believes it would take a hefty offer to tempt the Kraken into trading McCann. The trade talk could increase if they’re out of playoff contention following the American Thanksgiving long weekend in late November.

RG. Org’s Jim Biringer believes the asking price for the Devils could be a first-round pick. If Dawson Mercer is part of the deal, they’ll have to add a top prospect as well. If the Kraken need defense, Biringer suggested they might have to offer up Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann’s been a good, reliable scorer for the Kraken, but he could be surpassed on their depth chart by younger forwards like Shane Wright or Kaapo Kakko. That could make it easier for the Kraken to peddle him if necessary later this season.

The Kraken would understandably want to get the best return possible if they decide to trade McCann. However, the suggested asking price of a first-rounder or a top prospect like Nemec or Casey, plus Mercer, would probably be too expensive for the Devils.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio reports the Bruins’ recent influx of youth reportedly has management entertaining the idea of trading Fabian Lysell, whom they chose in the first round (21st overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft.

The 22-year-old Lysell made his NHL debut last season, netting three points in 12 games. Fantucchio singled out the lack of consistency in his defensive game. Entering his fourth professional season, this could be a make-or-break campaign for Lysell.

Fantucchio believes Lysell’s trade stock remains relatively high, but that could change if he has another poor showing this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That might explain the recent speculation suggesting Lysell’s availability in the trade market. The Bruins could attempt to cash in while his stock remains high.

The latest on Lysell linked him to the Edmonton Oilers for Matthew Savoie or Vasily Podkolzin, but David Staples of the Edmonton Journal doesn’t see him as a fit with the Oilers.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2025

by | Aug 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 23, 2025

Matthew Tkachuk undergoes surgery, William Nylander talks about former teammate Mitch Marner, Marco Rossi’s contract standoff is over, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RDS.CA: cited David Pagnotta of the NHL Network reporting Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk underwent surgery several weeks ago.

Tkachuk, 27, was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February. He sat out the remainder of the regular season before returning for the playoffs.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Pagnotta claimed Tkachuk will be sidelined until January, making it likely that he’ll be able to play for Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy in February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After the Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup in June, Tkachuk admitted he might have to undergo surgery after suffering a torn adductor and a sports hernia.

The Panthers currently sit above the $95.5 million salary cap by $4.5 million. Teams are allowed to be above the cap by 10 percent but must be cap-compliant when they begin the regular season.

Tkachuk earns an average annual value of $9.5 million. The Panthers will likely place him on long-term injury reserve at the start of their regular-season schedule. However, they’ll have to shed salary to get under the cap when Tkachuk returns to action in January.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs winger William Nylander said former teammate Mitch Marner had no premeditated plans to leave the club as a free agent at the end of last season.

“Not sure where that stuff comes from, but I don’t think he was ever thinking of leaving ahead of time,” said Nylander. “I actually asked him during the season, and he said he was concentrating on Toronto. I didn’t want to press him on that and let him be because it was obviously on his mind, but his play was focused on helping us.”

Nylander said he asked Marner again after the season, and he said he wasn’t sure.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander addressed this because there was some media chatter suggesting Marner had made up his mind to leave the Leafs and head to the Vegas Golden Knights months in advance.

THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: The contract standoff between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi ended on Friday with the 23-year-old center signing a three-year, $15 million deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The average annual value (AAV) is $5 million, but Rossi will receive $4 million in actual salary this season, $5 million next season, and $6 million in 2027-28. He lacks no-trade protection because he’s ineligible at this stage of his career to have it included in this contract.

The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports sources claim Rossi rejected a five-year, $25 million contract, countering with a three-year proposal worth more than the $5 million AAV that the two sides ultimately agreed to. He was coming off his entry-level contract, had little leverage in negotiations, and didn’t want to miss training camp or the start of the season.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin told Russo that the Rossi camp re-engaged with them about a month ago. The young center said he’s happy to have a deal done and is looking forward to the coming season.

The Wild got Rossi at their price, but it could cost them considerably more to re-sign him if his performance improves over the next three years.

RDS.CA: A year after being traded to the Washington Capitals, Pierre-Luc Dubois said the entire organization made him feel welcome and comfortable from the start. He responded with a career-best 66-point performance last season.

Dubois said the opportunities he received with the Capitals weren’t the same as those with his previous teams. He claimed that they made him feel like they wanted him to succeed, would give him the chance to do so, and told him to be himself.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubois’ performance last season played a substantial role in the Capitals exceeding expectations by finishing first in the Eastern Conference.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers signed forward Luke Kunin to a one-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: PuckPedia indicates Kunin will earn $775K for 2025-26. That contract is also easy to bury in the minors as a cost-cutting measure to make room for Matthew Tkachuk’s return to the lineup in January if necessary.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on “X” that it appears the NHL will move ahead with preparations for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey without the International Ice Hockey Federation. “The league has informed the IIHF it intends on working directly with each Hockey Federation in planning the 2028 event.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could clear the way for Russia to participate in the NHL-sanctioned World Cup. That nation is banned from IIHF-sanctioned events because it invaded Ukraine.