NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

Penguins star Sidney Crosby addresses the trade rumors swirling around him, the Devils’ Jack Hughes would love to play alongside brother Quinn, and the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CROSBY ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby is aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, now that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

“I understand it,” Crosby said to reporters during the NHL player media tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “That’s the hard part about losing. Everybody thinks that the losing is the buzzer goes (off), you lose a game and that sucks, but there’s so much more than that. It’s the turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that’s tough.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is starting a two-year contract with a full no-movement clause. However, rumors have linked the 38-year-old center to the Colorado Avalanche (where close friend Nathan MacKinnon plays) and his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

“I get it, trust me,” Crosby said, recalling being in Montreal in June early in his NHL career and marveling about how the broadcasts were already projecting the training camp lineups for September.

“They’re so into it, and I get it as to why that would come up and that sort of thing. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing, for sure, to hear those things, but at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. I just think that’s part of it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun asked Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, if he thought it possible that his client might be traded before his contract expires in 2027.

“I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?,” Brisson said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is doing. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

LeBrun writes that Crosby only sees himself as a Penguin for life. However, he wondered if that could change with another losing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits have been stumping for Crosby to accept a trade to Colorado, Montreal, or another major hockey market where he’ll get a chance to chase the Stanley Cup once more, “for the good of the game,” as some have intoned.

Another year of losing might change Crosby’s mind. However, the decision rests with him. His camp won’t pressure him into it, and the Penguins aren’t going to push him out if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby will do what he thinks is best for himself. He won’t do it because of what others want him to do. Whatever he decides when the time comes, we should respect that decision.

JACK HUGHES HOPES TO PLAY ALONGSIDE BROTHER QUINN

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited an interview that Jack Hughes had with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, in which the Devils center admitted he’d love to play alongside his brother Quinn one day.

Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The 25-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27. Speculation over his future in Vancouver arose earlier this year after Canucks president Jim Rutherford said Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke.

“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to – eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it in Vancouver, you know? But yeah, I’d love to play with Quinn at some point.”

Johnston assumed that Rutherford and Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin would love to one day acquire Jack and Luke and have the Hughes’ reunite in Vancouver. However, that would be incredibly hard to pull off, making Quinn’s departure to New Jersey seem the more likely route.

According to Johnston, some might argue that if the Canucks don’t have a clearer view on Quinn’s future before the end of this season, they should consider trading him earlier when he’ll have more value with a year left on his contract.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Devils still have to sign younger brother Luke to a new contract. “Perhaps the term of that contract will indicate if the Hughes brothers plan to play together in New Jersey, or elsewhere.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance could play a significant role in determining Quinn’s future in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Luke reportedly seeks a five-year contract taking him up to 2030, when Jack’s current contract is due to expire.

THE LATEST ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Rasmus Andersson is eager to start this season with the Flames, despite being in the final season of his contract.

The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, making him the subject of trade speculation this summer.

Andersson denied a rumor claiming he’d only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. “The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” he said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team and this and that and it’s the furthest from the truth.”

The blueliner also dismissed the notion that his contract status would be a distraction for the team.

Austin believes the most likely scenario is that Andersson gets traded at some point this season. However, GM Craig Conroy isn’t closing the door on a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good season for Andersson and the Flames might be a step toward a new deal. However, he could seek more in dollars and years than they’re willing to invest.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 10, 2025

The Flames sign goalie Dustin Wolf to a seven-year contract extension, plus the latest on Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Kings winger Adrian Kempe, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed goaltender Dustin Wolf to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension on Tuesday. Wolf, 24, is in the final season of his entry-level contract. The average annual value of his new deal is $7.5 million.

Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wolf got this contract because of his performance last season. Thanks to his stellar goaltending, the retooling Flames exceeded expectations, coming within a whisker of reaching the 2025 postseason. His efforts made him the runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

NHL.COM: Connor Bedard said his contract extension talks with the Chicago Blackhawks are going well. The 20-year-old center is in the final season of his entry-level deal.

“It’s nothing crazy,” Bedard told reporters during the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday. “We’re both comfortable with where we’re at. They know I want to be there; I know they want me. So, it’s really not on my mind that much, and I just think when it happens, it happens.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard played coy when asked if the deal could come before the start of the upcoming season. “We’ll see,” he said.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports Adrian Kempe wants to stay with the Los Angeles Kings. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Kempe told reporters that there is no rush on either side for a contract extension. However, he expects talks will pick up over the next several weeks or months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kempe is in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. He was their leading scorer in each of the last two seasons and their leading goal scorer in 2022-23 with a career-high 41 goals.

Another season with 30 goals and 70 points could put him in line to earn between $9 million and $10 million annually on his next contract.

THE BOSTON GLOBE’s Conor Ryan reports Bruins general manager Don Sweeney confirmed his club will start this season without a captain. “I think somebody will eventually emerge as the guy that should be the next captain,” Sweeney said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The last Bruins captain was Brad Marchand until he was traded to the Florida Panthers on March 7. Winger David Pastrnak and defenseman Charlie McAvoy are the likely front-runners for the role.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said there’s been no contract extension talks with center Adam Fantilli.

Like Chicago’s Connor Bedard, the 20-year-old Fantilli is in the final season of his entry-level deal. Waddell stated a new contract won’t happen before the season begins, adding that the center’s camp isn’t in any hurry to get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We shouldn’t read too much into that. Both sides could be waiting to see how this season unfolds before opening contract talks.

Fantilli had a solid sophomore campaign last season, tallying a career-best 30 goals and 54 points. If he builds on that performance, he’ll be in line for a substantial raise on his next contract.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Florida Panthers have invited forward Noah Gregor to training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO). Gregor, 27, split last season between the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks, collecting seven points in 52 games.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports St. Louis Blues prospect Justin Carbonneau hopes to crack the Blues’ roster and earn an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old right wing was chosen in the first round (19th overall) by St. Louis.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens will hold an “Andrei Markov Night” on Dec. 3 to honor the former Habs defenseman. Markov spent the entirety of his 16-season NHL career with the Canadiens, playing 990 regular-season games between 2000 and 2017 before ending his playing career in the KHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markov was the linchpin of the Canadiens’ blueline for most of his career. He’s sixth all-time among their franchise leaders in games played.

ESPN.COM: NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league is waiting for a “fully baked plan” from an ownership group in Atlanta before having its Board of Governors consider bringing an expansion team to the city.

Daly indicated the league met with multiple groups in July that are seeking to bring a franchise back to the city. Atlanta hosted an NHL team from 1972-73 to 1979-80, and another from 1999-2000 to 2010-11.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some wonder why the NHL would consider returning to Atlanta when the Flames and Thrashers failed in that market. The short answer is because it’s the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States. A better-run franchise could become a significant money maker there.

TSN: Daly also said the league has closed its investigation into Evander Kane spending last season on long-term injury reserve before joining the Edmonton Oilers for the playoffs. He indicated the Oilers will not face discipline as a result.

The deputy commissioner also expects a decision soon from the league on the status of five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault in a high-profile case earlier this year.

Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote were acquitted on July 24. Following the decision, the NHL indicated the players were ineligible to return to the league until it had reviewed the findings.

Meanwhile, the NHL and NHLPA announced that they will contribute $4 million annually to the newly established Retired Players Emergency Healthcare and Wellness Fund.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

The latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Avalanche winger Martin Necas, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mason McTavish’s contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks.

Friedman pointed out that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has shown a willingness to let talks carry on into training camp and preseason to get the contract they want. While they have a lot of salary-cap space, they want to ensure they have enough to re-sign promising players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Owen Zellweger going forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

Verbeek could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge contract. However, Friedman said he has heard that Ducks management isn’t keen on doing that, preferring to sign him to a long-term contract.

Friedman also said he doesn’t believe the Ducks want to trade McTavish.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Conor Ryan believes the Bruins will need more depth at center. He suggested they look into acquiring McTavish if the Ducks make him available in the trade market.

Ryan anticipated that the Ducks’ asking price for McTavish could be one or two first-round draft picks and a prospect or young NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has been a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. The Bruins won’t be the only team that might pursue the 22-year-old center if the Ducks put him on the trade block.

Despite the frequent trade conjecture (most of which originates from everywhere except Anaheim), there is no indication that the Ducks intend to trade McTavish. Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that they want to re-sign him. He’s just as important to them as a second-line center as he would be to the clubs that would be interested in acquiring him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak has winger Martin Necas’ contract situation atop his list of the 10 biggest questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp approaches.

The Avalanche must get Necas, 26, signed to a deal that works for them now and after Cale Makar’s mega-deal is in place.

If not, a trade would be a significant pivot point after trading away Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in the deal that brought Necas to Colorado. The return would have to be significant.

THE DENVER GAZETTE: Evan Rawal was asked if Necas would sign with the Avalanche before Kirill Kaprizov signs with the Minnesota Wild. Like Necas, the 28-year-old Kaprizov is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Rawal doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Necas signing first, but speculated the Avs winger could wait to see how much Kaprizov gets on his new contract with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov will set the market for scoring wingers. It’s anticipated that the average annual value of his next contract could reach $16 million.

Necas won’t get anywhere near that much because he’s not at the same skill level as Kaprizov. Nevertheless, a strong performance during his contract year could push his asking price to at least $10 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request. General manager Don Waddell remains open to moving the 24-year-old for the right offer.

However, it hasn’t reached the point of no return. Chinakhov was among the first players to return to Columbus and appears to be in excellent shape. Waddell considers his early return to be a positive sign.

Nevertheless, there must be a face-to-face conversation between Chinakhov and head coach Dean Evason before training camp to discuss the “misunderstandings” between the two that led to the winger’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov’s unhappiness stems from his usage under Evason last season, especially following his return from a back injury in March. His performance declined, and he was made a healthy scratch toward the end of the season. Chinakhov could drop his request if he and Evason resolve their differences.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

The latest on Canucks forwards Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: After a solid offseason of training, a healthy Elias Pettersson has returned to Vancouver eager to reunite with his Canucks teammates and keen to start the upcoming season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old center is coming off the worst season of his NHL career, managing 45 points in 64 games in a tumultuous, injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign. He said he and his teammates have put last season’s woes behind them and are focusing on bouncing back in 2025-26.

Winger Brock Boeser is among the Canucks hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance. The 28-year-old has contract stability after signing a long-term deal in July, and is happy that he won’t have to face trade rumors that dogged him last season.

Boeser seems likely to skate alongside Pettersson on the Canucks’ top line this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks need Pettersson and Boeser to regain their high-scoring ways if they hope to contend for a playoff berth this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis said the offseason rehab for his shoulder injury went well, leaving him confident for the coming season. “I can rip out some pushups right now if you want,” he told reporters.

The 23-year-old decided not to undergo surgery on his right shoulder for the second straight year, saying it wasn’t an injury that inhibited his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis’ versatile play has moved him up the Hurricanes’ depth chart. A healthy, productive performance this season will be crucial to their Stanley Cup hopes.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was passed over for selection to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp. The 23-year-old Calder Trophy finalist is using the snub as motivation for the upcoming season.

“You want to prove people wrong,” Wolf said. “Myself, our group, are continuing to prove people wrong on a daily basis in Calgary. That’s just another side of it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team USA has considerable goaltending depth with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas’ Jake Oettinger, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, and Seattle’s Joey Daccord. However, a strong performance by Wolf in the first half of this season could earn him a nod if Swayman or Daccord struggle.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced they have hired former player Blake Wheeler as hockey operations advisor and Ryane Clowe as assistant general manager.

Wheeler, 38, retired in July after 16 NHL seasons, spending his final season (2023-24) with the Rangers. Clowe recently resigned as assistant GM of the San Jose Sharks.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators signed forward Dylan Gambrell to a professional tryout offer. Gambrell, 29, spent last season on a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, spending the season with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Grizzlies will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, after this season. They are the Colorado Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

by | Sep 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

A roundup of takes on the latest scuttlebutt involving the five notable remaining restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET’s Luke Fox looked at the latest rumors regarding the remaining notable RFAs.

Fox believes New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is still trying to get defenseman Luke Hughes signed to a team-friendly contract. A good comparable would be Brock Faber’s $8 million average annual value (AAV) on his eight-year contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes reportedly prefers a five-year contract taking him up to unrestricted free-agent status by July 2030, the same time as teammate and brother Jack’s contract expires. The Devils prefer locking up Luke to a three-year bridge contract or an eight-year deal.

The Devils have roughly $7 million in cap space remaining, which is why veterans like winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton have surfaced in recent trade rumors.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting Hughes could get $8.386 million on a six-year contract or $5.786 million on a three-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Devils are under considerable pressure to get Hughes signed before the start of the season. His absence could make the difference between them securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs and being a wild-card team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils must shed salary if they can’t get Hughes signed within their current cap constraints. If he gets over $8 million, expect a cost-cutting trade to follow.

Turning to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, Fox noted that there has been trade interest from rival teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks. However, it’s believed Ducks GM Pat Verbeek wants to sign him beyond a bridge deal. One comparable could be Quinton Byfield’s five-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings, which carries an AAV of $6.25 million.

Ellis considers the 22-year-old McTavish to be the premier forward still chasing a contract this summer. AFP Analytics projects he’ll get $6.772 million on a six-year contract or $3.983 million on a three-year deal.

Proteau believes the Ducks are under a lot of pressure to get McTavish signed. The rebuilding club needs all hands on deck if they’re to push for a playoff berth this season. They can’t afford to have a dynamic young player like McTavish on the sidelines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-deserved reputation as a tough negotiator who isn’t afraid to let contract negotiations carry over into training camp and preseason. He also won’t trade McTavish if this turns into a standoff unless he gets a comparable player in return.

Fox indicated contract negotiations continue between the Nashville Predators and winger Luke Evangelista. He thinks the approach of training camp will be the true pressure point, suggesting a bridge deal as the path toward a solution.

Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.513 million for Evangelista. Proteau believes the Predators don’t have to rush into getting the young forward re-signed, noting the clock isn’t ticking as loudly for them as it is for the Devils with Hughes and the Ducks with McTavish.

Turning to Alexander Holtz of the Vegas Golden Knights, Fox cited Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon expressing his belief that his club can help the young forward unlock his untapped potential. A bridge deal or a trade could be the outcome.

Ellis indicated a one-year deal worth $874,125 was projected for Holtz by AFP Analytics. Proteau concurs that he’ll get an affordable short-term deal and believes the Golden Knights are feeling pressured to sign him.

The last RFA on Fox’s list is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser. He cited Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times indicating that a deal should be worked out before training camp. Fox projected his contract will be three years with an AAV of $2.5 million.

According to Ellis, AFP Analytics projected Kaiser receiving $3.208 million annually on a three-year contract or $5.479 million on a six-year deal. Proteau believes the Blackhawks can afford to take their time getting him under contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 8, 2025

by | Sep 8, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 8, 2025

The latest on Kings forward Adrian Kempe and defenseman Brandt Clarke, Ryane Clowe resigns as Sharks assistant GM, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland considers re-signing Adrian Kempe to be a top priority for his club.

The 28-year-old winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. A recent report claimed the two sides were $1 million apart in negotiations.

Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (NHL Images).

Holland said he’s had several brief conversations with Kempe’s agent, but expects negotiations will begin soon. “I believe he wants to stay, and we’ll see if we can get the process started and hopefully find a solution.”

The Kings GM praised Kempe, who has scored 35 or more goals in three of the last four seasons and averaged more than 67 points per season. “He’s a shooter. He can play 200 feet. He kills penalties. He’s got a great shot. He can one-time pucks. He’s got a great release. He can be a one-shot scorer,” Holland said. He also cited Kempe’s skating, versatility, and importance to the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kempe is in the final season of a four-year contract with a team-friendly average annual value of $5.5 million. Holland should be prepared to pay a hefty price to keep Kempse because he’ll draw plenty of interest if he becomes available. Another 35-plus goal season could earn him over $9 million annually on the open market next summer, especially with the salary cap rising to $104 million for 2026-27.

Holland also indicated that he’s taking a wait-and-see approach with Brandt Clarke. The 22-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his entry-level contract.

“I think he’s a really talented guy with a bright future,” Holland said. “Now we’ve got to figure out where it’s going.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clarke surfaced in trade rumors during this summer. However, Holland isn’t in any hurry to move the promising blueliner. Having taken over as Kings general manager in May, Holland wants to take some time to evaluate his players and his team.

Holland already knows what Kempe is capable of because the winger has established himself as a reliable scorer. He hasn’t seen as much of Clarke, whose first full NHL campaign was last season.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Speaking of the Kings, prospect forward Liam Greentree’s recovery from offseason wrist surgery went well. He attended the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires’ training camp, played one preseason game, and will attend the Kings’ rookie camp this week.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Ryane Clowe has resigned as the San Jose Sharks’ assistant general manager. He’d been in the job for one season.

Clowe didn’t state a specific reason for the decision, but said in a statement released by the Sharks that the decision was best for his family.

SPORTSNET: Former Sharks winger Kevin Labanc has joined the Carolina Hurricanes on a professional tryout offer. In 2024-25, the 29-year-old winger has 12 points in 34 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in February.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc spent eight of his NHL seasons with the Sharks. He was considered a promising forward after a 40-point performance in 2017-18 and a career-high 57 points in 2018-19. However, his production declined in subsequent seasons.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former Edmonton Oilers forward Klim Kostin would like to play for the club again. The unrestricted free agent played for the Oilers in 2022-23, netting a career-high 11 goals and 21 points in 57 games, and five points in 12 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers won’t be making any additions to their roster anytime soon. They only have around $225K in cap space for the coming season.