NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2025

by | Oct 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest on Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Flyers winger Owen Tippett, plus the difficulty facing the Canucks in finding a second-line center.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald downplayed the effect of defenseman Luke Hughes’ new contract on blueliner Dougie Hamilton’s future with the club.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Hughes recently signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. With the rising salary cap, it’s not a big deal to have two defensemen earning $9 million annually. However, there is only one top power-play unit on a team, and both Hughes and Hamilton are suited for it.

LeBrun noted that NHL clubs are keeping a close eye on this situation in case Hamilton becomes available. He carries a 10-team trade list in his contract through 2027-28.

Fitzgerald pointed out that the Devils are running a power play where the strategy is based on the opposing team’s penalty kill, adding that Hughes and Hamilton play different styles. He also said that Hamilton is on a long-term contract and insisted that Hughes’ contract had nothing with the other Devils defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils are riding high in the standings right now. If they remain there throughout the season, they will have no reason to part with Hamilton. However, if things get rocky and they start tumbling down the standings, Hamilton’s name could resurface in the rumor mill.

Some have pointed to rumors suggesting Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes would like to one day join his brothers in New Jersey. For that to happen means shopping Hamilton to free up the cap space.

For now, there is no indication that such a move will take place. The earliest that it could be would be next summer, depending on how things shake out for Quinn in Vancouver.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma pointed out the difficulty the Vancouver Canucks face in finding a suitable second-line center if Filip Chytil remains sidelined for a lengthy period.

He believes Canucks GM Patrik Allvin will have to get creative to address the issue. That could mean parting with a good prospect and draft picks because that’s what it would take to swing a suitable deal.

The Canucks were linked to Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi and Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish during the summer. However, the duo re-signed with their respective clubs.

Kuzma pointed out that the struggling Calgary Flames need to do something. He wondered if the Canucks should pursue Flames captain Mikael Backlund. The 36-year-old center is struggling offensively this season, but he’s strong in the faceoff circle and is capable of more on a better team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are among several clubs that were in the market for a second-line center this summer. However, there were no suitable options available then, and none are now. By the time the market for centers improves, it could be too late to save the Canucks’ season.

Backlund is unlikely to be available if the Canucks were interested in him. He’s in the final season of his current contract with a full no-movement clause. He signed a two-year extension in September with the intention of finishing his career with the Flames.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman telling the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast that he doesn’t see the Flyers shopping Owen Tippett.

The 26-year-old Flyers winger was the recent subject of trade speculation as some observers suggested he could be a trade chip to address other roster needs. However, Friedman hasn’t heard Tippett’s name out there in the trade market, adding that he’s a player the Flyers aren’t really looking to move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett is under contract through 2031-32 and is off to a sizzling start with a team-leading five goals in six games. He’s not going anywhere.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 23, 2025

by | Oct 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 23, 2025

Recaps of Wednesday’s action, the latest injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis stopped 27 shots in his NHL debut as his club doubled up the Detroit Red Wings 4-2, snapping the latter’s five-game win streak. Jack Quinn had a goal and two assists for the Sabres (3-4-0), who’ve won three of their last four contests. J.T. Compher and Emmitt Finnie replied for the 5-2-0 Red Wings.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Quinn (NHL Images).

The Montreal Canadiens (6-2-0) picked up their sixth win in their last seven games by nipping the Calgary Flames 2-1. Mike Matheson tallied the winner in overtime on a beautiful set-up from rookie winger Ivan Demidov. Zack Bolduc also scored, and Jakub Dobes kicked out 37 shots for the win. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves and Adam Klapka tied the game for the Flames, who have lost seven straight (0-6-1) since their season-opening win over the Edmonton Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lighting issues in the aging Scotiabank Saddledome delayed the start of the game by 10 minutes. With the win, the Canadiens sit atop the Atlantic Division with 12 points.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that sidelined Canadiens winger Patrik Laine was seeking a second opinion for a lower-body injury, raising questions over whether he reinjured the knee that sidelined him for over two months early last season.

New Jersey Devils goalie Nico Daws turned aside 29 shots, and teammate Dawson Mercer collected two assists in a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Brenden Dillon scored what proved to be the game-winning goal as the Devils extended their win streak to six games (6-0-1). Matt Boldy scored for the 3-4-1 Wild, who have dropped four of their last five contests (1-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 12 points. Devils forward Stefan Noesen made his season debut after undergoing a procedure for a groin injury that he re-injured during the offseason.

HEADLINES

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb last week. He was non-commital about when he’ll return to action, but remains confident he’ll be back within the six to eight-week recovery period.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill is week-to-week after suffering an injury to his left leg during Monday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The club also placed defenseman Noah Hanifin on injured reserve. He has been out since October 8 with an undisclosed injury. Sidelined forward Brett Howden (upper-body injury) will travel with the team and could return to action on Saturday.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser returned to the team after missing their last two games for personal reasons.

TSN/ESPN: New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery. The Islanders also announced they fired goaltending coach Piero Greco, promoting Sergei Naumovs from their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Naumovs worked with Isles starter Ilya Sorokin during their years with KHL club CSKA Moscow.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins placed defenseman Jordan Harris (lower body) on injured reserve.

TSN: The Nashville Predators returned forward Brady Martin to the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. The 18-year-old center was chosen fifth overall by the Predators in the 2025 NHL Draft. He had one assist in three games.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2025

by | Oct 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2025

What’s the latest on Sabres winger Alex Tuch? Could the Hurricanes and Canucks make moves in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE BRUINS AND OILERS ARE LINKED TO ALEX TUCH

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claims the Buffalo Sabres are listening to trade offers for Alex Tuch.

The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His agent claimed they recently paused contract extension talks with the Sabres.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Murphy’s source stated that the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers have inquired about Tuch, along with a few other clubs. Another source believes the Toronto Maple Leafs would be at the front of the line to sign Tuch if he goes to market next July.

Another source doubted the Sabres would trade Tuch by the American Thanksgiving weekend in late November or by the New Year. Instead, he believes it would happen close to the Olympic break in February or the March 6 trade deadline.

The pressure is on Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams to make the playoffs this season, so he’s not going to trade one of his best players this early in the season. Tuch has also indicated his willingness to re-sign with the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch and the Sabres seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach to this season. If they’re in the playoff hunt by the trade deadline, they’ll hang onto him and try to sort out the contract issue afterward. Otherwise, a trade seems more likely around the timeframes mentioned by Murphy’s sources.

However, that could come too late for the Bruins if they continue to struggle this season. Meanwhile, the Oilers lack the cap space and trade capital to pull it off unless they’re giving up a substantial player in return.

THE LATEST ON THE HURRICANES AND CANUCKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes could make another attempt at landing a big-name player. They acquired Mikko Rantanen last January but traded him six weeks later to the Dallas Stars when he wouldn’t agree to a contract extension. The Hurricanes also attempted to acquire Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the March trade deadline.

LeBrun said the Hurricanes also contacted the Minnesota Wild after Kirill Kaprizov rejected the latter’s first contract proposal. However, there was no trade opportunity there as Kaprizov eventually re-signed with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have plenty of cap dollars available to acquire more depth. They currently have over $10 million in salary cap space. By the March trade deadline, it will be over $44 million if they haven’t used any of it to make additions to their roster before then.

Darren Dreger reports the Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a center. They’ve been seeking a second-line center for some time. Recent injuries to Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger have amplified the issue. They’re looking at all options, including third and fourth-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could be searching for a while for a depth center. There aren’t many that are currently available. They could target teams with centers that are UFA-eligible next summer, but most of them won’t be available in the trade market this early in the season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2025

by | Oct 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 22, 2025

Milestone games for the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, and Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Panthers winger Brad Marchand returns to Boston, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING TUESDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored to pass Mario Lemieux for the most regular-season and playoff points (1,896) in franchise history in a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Kris Letang collected two assists to reach 600 for his career, and Justin Brazeau had a goal and two assists for the 5-2-0 Penguins. Conor Garland replied for the injury-depleted Canucks, who are 4-3-0 in their first seven games.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks were missing Filip Chytil, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Teddy Blueger, and Derek Forbort. The four remain sidelined by injuries. Winger Brock Boeser also missed this game as he’s on a leave of absence for personal reasons.

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer scored and collected an assist as his club nipped the San Jose Sharks 4-3, handing the latter their sixth straight loss (0-4-2). Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score a game-winning goal, and tied the record for the longest points streak to begin a career for a defenseman (six games). The Islanders have won three straight after losing their first three games. Collin Graf had a goal and an assist, and rookie forward Michael Misa picked up an assist for his first NHL point.

Brad Marchand collected two assists to help the Florida Panthers defeat his former club, the Boston Bruins, by a score of 4-3. During the first period, the Bruins honored Marchand with a video tribute, garnering a standing ovation from Boston fans that moved the winger to tears. Carter Verhaeghe scored with 26 seconds left for the Panthers, snapping a four-game losing skid. Pavel Zacha had a goal and an assist for the Bruins, who’ve lost five straight after winning their first three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins held defenseman Hampus Lindholm out of this game as he continues to be hampered by a nagging lower-body injury.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes’ hat trick powered his club to a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jesper Bratt collected three assists for the Devils, who have won five straight games after dropping their season-opener. John Tavares had a goal and an assist, and Matias Maccelli scored his first goal for the Leafs as their record dropped to 3-3-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes is off to a hot start, with six goals in his last three games. Meanwhile, Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Jake Walman lifted the Edmonton Oilers (3-3-1) over the Ottawa Senators by a score of 3-2, snapping a three-game losing skid. Oilers captain Connor McDavid and rookie forward Isaac Howard scored their first goals of the season. Dylan Cozens and Thomas Chabot replied for the 2-4-1 Senators, who have one win in their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers winger Kasperi Kapanen missed this game as he’s week-to-week with an undisclosed injury.

The Utah Mammoth got an overtime goal from Dylan Guenther to upset the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Karel Vejmelka stopped 30 shots and Mikhail Sergachev had a goal and two assists as the Mammoth (5-2-0) extended its win streak to four games. Cale Makar, Jack Drury, and Martin Necas scored for the Avalanche, whose points streak has reached seven games (5-0-2).

Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Boone Jenner, Adam Fantilli, and Kent Johnson each had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 upset of the Dallas Stars. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 22 shots for the Blue Jackets, improving their record to 3-3-0. Tyler Seguin replied for the Stars, who have lost three straight after winning their first three games of the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars center Matt Duchene missed this contest as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Washington Capitals forward Nic Dowd had a goal and an assist as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Aliaksei Protas collected two assists for the Capitals, who have won five of their last six and are 5-2-0 on the season. Jaden Schwartz scored for the Kraken, whose record dropped to 3-2-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken played with winger Mason Marchment, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

The Anaheim Ducks got a goal and two assists from winger Ross Johnston in a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist for the Ducks, who are 3-2-1 in their first six games. Tyson Jost and Filip Forsberg scored for the 2-3-2 Predators, who have dropped four straight (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault missed this game with a lower-body injury.

An overtime goal by Adrian Kempe lifted the Los Angeles Kings over the St. Louis Blues by a score of 2-1. Alex Laferriere also scored for the Kings as they ended a four-game winless streak (0-2-2). Justin Faulk replied for the 3-2-1 Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Kings placed captain Anze Kopitar (foot) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Corey Perry made his season debut with the Kings after being sidelined by knee surgery before training camp.

IN OTHER NEWS…

DAILY FACEOFF: Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane will miss his club’s next two games with a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild placed defenseman Zach Bogosian (lower body) on injured reserve.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres are sending goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to their AHL affiliate for conditioning.

DAILY FACEOFF: Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere will miss his team’s next two games with an undisclosed injury.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they and the Colorado Avalanche will wear Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques jerseys for two matchups this season.

THE SCORE: The NHL has cancelled an Olympic sendoff event scheduled for February at the New York Islanders’ arena (UBS Arena), and will instead hold All-Star Weekend festivities there in 2027.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2025

by | Oct 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2025

Could the Rangers part ways with Artemi Panarin before the March trade deadline? What’s the latest on the Oilers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wonders if Artemi Panarin’s time with the New York Rangers is coming to an end.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

The 33-year-old left winger is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Parsons cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming the Rangers offered Panarin a contract extension similar to Anze Kopitar’s recent deal with the Los Angeles Kings, which was a short-term proposal with a reduced salary cap hit. Kopitar agreed to a two-year contract with an AAV of $7 million.

Friedman said the Rangers asked Panarin if he would take a “Kopitar kind of deal”, and the winger said no.

Parsons also stated that Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was claiming that the Rangers could peddle Panarin if they’re a playoff bubble team and there’s no sign that he will stay beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s age ensures he won’t get a lengthy deal like his current one. His production dropped from 120 points in 2023-24 to 89 points last season, and at his current pace, he could finish with less than 80 points. That will affect how much he’ll get from the Rangers or another club if he tests the market next summer.

If the Rangers are a bubble team by February, they could approach Panarin about trade destinations. He has a full no-movement clause, but he could waive it for the right club.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman pointed out that the Edmonton Oilers have a logjam on defense. They’re carrying eight defenseman, prompting Friedman to suggest they could consider moving one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Oilers do trade a defenseman, it will likely be Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, or Alex Regula. The latter is on a two-way contract with an AAV of $775,000, Stecher has a one-way deal with a $787,500 cap hit, and Emberson has a year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $1.3 million.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 21, 2025

by | Oct 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 21, 2025

Jonathan Toews scores as the Jets win their fifth straight game, the Golden Knights extend their points streak, the three stars of the week, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Jonathan Toews scored his first goal with his hometown Winnipeg Jets in a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Mark Scheifele also scored for the Jets as they picked up their fifth straight win. Rasmus Andersson scored for the Flames, who’ve lost six straight (1-6-0) and sit last in the overall standings.

Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was Toews’ first goal since his final game with the Chicago Blackhawks on Apr. 13, 2023. The 37-year-old center has four points in his first six games of this season. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames placed little-used defenseman Daniil Miromanov on waivers earlier in the day.

The Vegas Golden Knights extended their points streak to seven games (5-0-2) by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1, snapping the latter’s five-game season-opening win streak. Akira Schmid made 22 saves in relief of Adin Hill after the latter was sidelined in the first period with an injured left leg. Ivan Barbashev had a goal and an assist, and Mitch Marner collected two assists for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the overall standings with 12 points. Nikolaj Ehlers collected his first point with the Hurricanes by assisting on Sebastian Aho’s goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before the game, the Golden Knights placed captain Mark Stone (wrist) on injured reserve. Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 30 shots in a 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres, snapping the latter’s two-game win streak. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki collected two assists to extend his points streak to six games, and Lane Hutson tallied the game-winner for the 5-2-0 Canadiens. Alex Lyon made 27 saves, and Jiri Kulich and Tyson Kozak scored for the 2-4-0 Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres defenseman Beck Malenstyn missed this game for personal reasons.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals from winger Owen Tippett to down the Seattle Kraken 5-2. Cam York had three assists and Sean Couturier collected two helpers for the Flyers, who improved their record to 3-2-1. Jordan Eberle and Jani Nyma replied for the Kraken as they suffered their first regulation loss (3-1-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken winger Jared McCann missed this contest with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Minnesota Wild rookie winger Danila Yurov scored his first NHL goal as his club beat the New York Rangers 3-1. Jonas Brodin and Kirill Kaprizov also scored for the 3-3-1 Wild. Artemi Panarin scored for the Rangers as their record dropped to 3-4-1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Marco Rossi and defenseman Zach Bogosian missed this game as they’re day-to-day with lower-body injuries. Meanwhile, Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy returned to action after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, and Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood were the three stars for the week ending Oct. 19, 2025.

RG.ORG: Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is happy to have put his protracted contract negotiations behind him. The 22-year-old center enjoys playing head coach Joel Quenneville’s up-tempo, aggressive system. He’s now focused on helping his club reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish missed training camp due to his contract negotiations, but it hasn’t adversely affected his performance thus far in this regular season. He’s tied for second among Ducks scorers with five points in as many games.

THE SCORE: Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno has rejoined his teammates after taking a leave of absence to be with his 12-year-old daughter as she underwent follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. She is now at home and doing well.

TSN: The Vancouver Canucks placed Filip Chytil and Jonathan Lekkerimaki on injured reserve after the two forwards were sidelined during Sunday’s game against the Washington Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil left the game following a high hit from Capitals winger Tom Wilson. He has a history of concussions and is still being evaluated.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Kasperi Kapanen is expected to miss several games after leaving Sunday’s contest with the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, Oilers anthem singer Robert Clark announced he has been diagnosed with leukemia. He’ll undergo treatment starting next month, and hopes not to miss too much time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Clark for a swift and full recovery.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (lower body) was placed on injured reserve.