NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2025

by | Aug 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 19, 2025

How Jeremy Swayman’s contract dispute last summer may be affecting this summer’s RFAs, and the Oilers might be interested in a Bruins winger. Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy recently reported that an NHL executive believes Jeremy Swayman’s contract dispute with the Boston Bruins last summer might be affecting current restricted free agents as the market remains quiet.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

The 26-year-old goaltender missed all of training camp and the preseason before signing a new contract in October. He struggled throughout the 2024-25 campaign, which contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs.

This summer’s notable unsigned RFAs include Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi, New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary, and Nashville Predators winger Luke Evangelista.

McTavish and Rossi have become the focus of trade rumors, with recent speculation suggesting Rossi could follow Swayman’s example and sit out training camp until the Wild meet his contract demands or compromise more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A contract standoff that carries over into training camp and preseason rarely ends well. Once an agreement is reached, the player tends to struggle after missing the opportunity to prepare for the coming season with his teammates in practice and in game situations. Depending on that player’s importance, it can adversely affect the club’s performance.

For now, there’s no indication that Rossi, McTavish, Hughes, Zary or Evangelista will end up going that route. Training camps open in mid-September, leaving plenty of time for them to be signed to new deals.

Some of them could receive offer sheets, except for Hughes, as he’s ineligible. However, the Ducks, Wild, Flames, and Predators have sufficient cap space to match, making such an attempt pointless.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited a rumor suggesting “the Boston Bruins and Edmonton may be cooking up a deal” that would send winger Fabian Lysell to the Oilers.

Staples noted that Lysell, whom the Bruins chose 21st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, has struggled to crack their roster. He dismissed the possibility that the Oilers would part with promising Matt Savoie or winger Vasily Podkolzin to get him. Staples doesn’t see Lysell as a fit with the Oilers unless he’s a ferocious backchecker and forechecker like Savoie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way this makes sense for the Oilers is if the cap-strapped club is trying to shed salary by moving out Podkolzin’s $1 million cap hit. However, acquiring Lysell and his $863K cap hit isn’t much of a savings.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2025

by | Aug 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 19, 2025

How the acquisition of JJ Peterka will affect the Mammoth’s offense, a new potential buyer emerges for the Penguins, former NHL coach Gerard Gallant heads to the KHL, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Belle Fraser considers the Utah Mammoth’s acquisition of winger JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres to be their best roster addition of this offseason. She pointed out that the Mammoth lost 13 overtime games last season because of an offense that ranked 21st overall.

Utah Mammoth winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

Peterka had 68 points last season, including 27 goals. At 23, his ceiling could be much higher, and if he gels with Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther, it could really change things for the Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth made significant improvement during their first season in their new home, finishing with 89 points. They missed the playoffs by seven points, which is why management sought to improve their scoring punch with the addition of Peterka, who should fit in well with their promising young forwards like Cooley and Guenther.

Fraser also indicated that there is nothing new to report on a contract extension for Cooley. However, she isn’t concerned, given the steep rise in the salary cap this season, suggesting that players are likely pushing for more money.

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston could be a potential comparable for Cooley. In March, the 22-year-old center signed a five-year, $42 million contract extension with an average annual value of $8.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With $6.6 million in cap space for this season, the Mammoth’s ownership has shown a willingness to spend near the ceiling. They have a projected $38.6 million available for 2026-27. That’s more than enough to re-sign a rising young star like Cooley and still have enough to re-sign or replace UFA-eligible forward Nick Schmaltz and RFA-eligible forward Barrett Hayton, and to add more talent to their roster.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: cites Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that another buyer has emerged for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hoffman Family of Companies, which owns the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, is the new suitor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Former Penguins owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle are currently attempting to repurchase the franchise. However, recent reports suggest their offer is well below what Fenway Sports Group is presently seeking for the franchise.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL coach Gerard Gallant was recently named the new bench boss of the KHL’s Shanghai Dragons. However, he’s frustrated about being snubbed for NHL coaching jobs.

“I’ve been out for two seasons and nothing has happened yet. Am I a little pissed off? Yes, but that’s the way it goes, you wait for your turn and your opportunities,” Gallant said.

Gallant indicated that his contract has an out clause after the first year. For now, he’s focused on heading to St. Petersburg and helping his new club reach the playoffs.

RG.ORG: Alexander Nikishin is looking forward to his first NHL regular season after debuting with the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 playoffs. He said that his main goal will be to contribute effectively without being the weak link on the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nikishin is the Hurricanes’ top prospect and has considerable upside as a top-four defenseman. He’s likely to fill the left-side second-pairing role this season.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed former New York Islanders winger Hudson Fasching to a one-year, two-way contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 18, 2025

by | Aug 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 18, 2025

Could the Red Wings and Ducks swing a trade involving Mason McTavish? What’s the latest on the Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy recently reported that an NHL executive claimed that the Detroit Red Wings were among the teams with an interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

The 22-year-old McTavish is a restricted free agent who has yet to re-sign with the Ducks. Murphy indicated the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens are among the teams keeping tabs on the young center.

Murphy’s source suggested the longstanding relationship between Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman could help to facilitate a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek and Yzerman worked together for years with the Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nevertheless, the Ducks GM isn’t under pressure to trade McTavish, and he also has the cap space to match any offer sheet from a rival club.

Verbeek will set a high price for McTavish if he decides to trade him. The asking price will likely include a good young roster player and perhaps a top prospect.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes there is still much left undone in Pittsburgh and around the league during this offseason. Penguins fans are still waiting for general manager Kyle Dubas to make the trade that reshapes the roster and allows him to plant his flag on a rebuild.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers cannot continue with their goaltender malaise, the Detroit Red Wings still need to get over the playoff hump, and the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have replaced the departed Mitch Marner with Nick Robertson.

In Boston, the Bruins need more talent to rebound from a disappointing season, while the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders are “stuck amongst the junior varsity in the East, but have much bigger hopes.”

Speaking of the Penguins, Kingerski recently cited Dubas telling the “Cam & Strick” podcast that teams are calling him to reacquire their second and third-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. “And you know why,” said Dubas. “So that’s their business. If they want to pay a fair price, we probably talk about it.”

Kingerski pointed out the Penguins own the St. Louis Blues’ and Winnipeg Jets’ second-rounders, and the San Jose Sharks’ third rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those clubs could want those picks back because next year’s draft is considered a deep one talent-wise. However, they could also want them back because it would enable them to pursue one of the few remaining notable restricted free agents with offer sheets. Let your imagination run wild in the comments section below.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2025

by | Aug 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 18, 2025

Mark Scheifele on Jonathan Toews joining the Jets, the Red Wings face a crucial season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE SCORE: Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele is excited that center Jonathan Toews has chosen his club for his comeback attempt. The 37-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks star hasn’t played since 2022-23 as health issues have sidelined him for the past two seasons.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

Scheifele acknowledged that the Winnipeg-born Toews is a legend in the city and the province of Manitoba. He said he was hoping the Jets would be the front-runners to sign him, and is looking forward to playing with Toews after speaking with him several times during this summer.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen observed that the Red Wings’ current playoff drought is the worst in franchise history, eclipsing that of the “Dead Things” era of the late-1970s and early-1980s.

The Wings have missed the postseason for nine straight seasons. If they fail to qualify this season, they’ll become only the fourth team in NHL history to do so in 10 consecutive seasons, joining the Buffalo Sabres (2012 to present), the Florida Panthers (2001-11), and the Edmonton Oilers (2007 to 2016).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be make or break for Steve Yzerman’s tenure as general manager of the Red Wings. While their postseason drought began three seasons before he became GM, the past six seasons have been under his watch.

During the last two seasons, the Red Wings entered March holding a playoff berth, only to collapse down the stretch. Yzerman must find a way to prevent a third straight late-season stumble, or he could be out of a job by the end of April 2026.

NHL.COM: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas recently said he doesn’t require surgery to address a nagging knee injury. The 35-year-old blueliner stated that he was able to address the issue through rehabilitation.

TORONTO SUN: Former NHL center Mark Kirton died at age 67 of ALS. He spent six seasons in the NHL with the Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks, netting 57 goals and 56 assists for 113 points in 266 games from 1979-80 to 1984-85. He became a spokesman for expanded treatment for ALS patients and their families.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Kirton’s family, friends, former teammates, and coaches.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

by | Aug 17, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

Catching up on the recent speculation regarding Jets center Kyle Connor and Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, plus the latest Bruins conjecture in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Servalli recently speculated over where Kyle Connor might go if he doesn’t re-sign with the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Seravalli wondered if the Detroit Red Wings might be a fit for Connor. He thinks it would make a lot of sense for the Wings, as they could use the additional scoring punch that the Michigan native would provide.

However, Seravalli doesn’t discount the Jets re-signing Connor. Despite their early playoff exit last spring, they’ve got a good thing going, and he’d be part of the solution to their championship puzzle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were unable to re-sign Nikolaj Ehlers, who headed to the Carolina Hurricanes as a UFA last month. However, they confounded the experts by re-signing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele two years ago, so we can’t discount Connor signing an extension before next July.

EXPRESSEN: On August 8, Rasmus Andersson denied reports claiming he told the Calgary Flames he would only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights.

A report from TSN’s Darren Dreger earlier this summer claimed the Flames received a significant offer from the Los Angeles Kings for Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman said he knew what the proposal was, but wouldn’t say if it was from the Kings or another team. He rejected the trade because he didn’t want to move his family during his contract year.

Andersson also said that contract talks with the Flames have paused, adding they haven’t spoken in a month and a half.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The team in question was likely on Andersson’s six-team no-trade list. No word as to which clubs are on that list.

Reports out of Calgary earlier this summer indicated contract talks had stalled, sparking speculation that Andersson could be traded. However, Flames general manager Craig Conroy recently indicated that he had no problem with the blueliner being on the roster when the regular season opens in October.

It’s expected that Andersson will start the season with the Flames and could be shopped by the March trade deadline.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo have been fixtures in the rumor mill since the 2025 NHL Draft in late June. However, an NHL executive told Murphy that he heard Casey Mittelstadt could be on the move again.

Mittelstadt, 26, was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche along with prospect winger William Zellers before the 2025 March trade deadline. However, the common feeling among observers is that Zellers was the real target for the Bruins, who were restocking their prospect pool, leaving some to wonder if they intend to flip Mittelstadt to another club at some point.

Meanwhile, Korpisalo’s agent last month denied rumors claiming his client wanted a trade. Zacha’s agent dismissed the chatter about his client as “just rumors”.

SEKERES & PRICE: Matt Sekeres noted the trade rumors circulating in Boston about Zacha and Mittelstadt. Cam Robinson believes either player would be an upgrade at center for the Vancouver Canucks, particularly Mittelstadt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Zacha or Mittelstadt makes sense if the Bruins were rebuilding. However, that isn’t the case as management is retooling for a bounce-back season. We’ll see what unfolds leading up to the start of the regular season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2025

by | Aug 17, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 17, 2025

Nazem Kadri believes he should have a chance to make Canada’s Olympic team, Marc-Edouard Vlasic isn’t happy over being bought out by the Sharks, an update on Flyers forward Tyson Foerster, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri recently told Julian McKenzie that he believes he deserves a chance to make Canada’s 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey team.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

“I think over the last few seasons I’ve certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree,” Kadri said. “I think it speaks for itself.”

Kadri was left off the 42-man orientation camp roster. The Olympic roster will be finalized in early 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong performance this season could earn Kadri a place on the team, especially if injuries strike before the tournament.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Marc-Eduoard Vlasic is displeased over how his 19-season tenure with the San Jose Sharks ended this year.

The 38-year-old defenseman was under the impression he would return for the final season of his contract in 2025-26 following what he claimed was a positive exit interview. Instead, they informed him at the end of June that they were buying him out.

Vlasic isn’t considering retirement. He’s hoping to land with another NHL team this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Age and injuries led to a decline in Vlasic’s performance and a reduction in his playing time over the past three seasons. At the time of the buyout, Sharks general manager Mike Grier acknowledged it was a difficult decision, but they needed to free up a roster spot to improve their defense corps. He claimed Vlasic handled the decision well.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Flyers general manager Daniel Briere last week said that winger Tyson Foerster should be ready for the start of the season. The 23-year-old was recovering from surgery to address an infection from an injury suffered during the 2025 World Championships.

“Everything looks good right now,” said Briere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A healthy Foerster will be crucial for the Flyers this season. He was second on the club with 25 goals as a sophomore in 2024-25.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers underwent wrist surgery last week and will be sidelined for 12 weeks. The 18-year-old forward was selected fourth overall by the Mammoth in the 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That will affect Desnoyers’ chances of cracking the Mammoth roster this season. In all likelihood, he was slated to return to the QMJHL before suffering the injury.

SPORTICO: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman joined his NFL, NBA, and MLB peers last week to meet with members of the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, specifically regarding blackout rules.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stick tap to “George O” for the link. Time will tell if this leads to any meaningful change to the SBA.

THE ATHLETIC: Billionaire financier Tom Dundon and a group of investors reached an agreement last week to buy the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers. Dundon is the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The sale of the Trailblazers is not yet final. There is some concern in Portland that the group could move the franchise to another city. Dundon and his Hurricanes’ spokesperson didn’t respond to questions about whether he intends to keep the team in Portland.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: The name of the Lightning’s home venue will change from Amalie Arena to Benchmark International Arena.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators announced last week that they will maintain their AHL affiliate in Belleville through the 2029-30 season.