NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

How much could Kirill Kaprizov receive in his next contract? What moves could the Red Wings make? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WORST SEATS IN THE HOUSE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo believes the Minnesota Wild have offered Kirill Kaprizov “a ton of money,” perhaps more than Russo thought on an eight-year contract.

Kaprizov, 28, is in the final season of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. The high-scoring winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July 1.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo believes the Wild are willing to pay Kaprizov “in the 16 (million) range”. He indicates that the deal hasn’t been done yet, but general manager Bill Guerin remains confident it will get done.

Nevertheless, the next month could be telling. The longer Kaprizov goes without signing an extension, the more questions about whether he wants to stay in Minnesota, especially if the Wild offers him $128 million on an eight-year contract.

Russo believes whatever Kaprizov wants from the Wild, he’ll get it, even if he seeks a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated that no other team could offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. If Kaprizov wants to be well paid, $16 million annually would make him the second-highest paid player in the league for 2026-27. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is also UFA-eligible next summer and will get much more from the Oilers or another club if he goes to market on July 1.

However, if Kaprizov is hesitant to sign, it will suggest that he doesn’t believe the Wild will be winners over the term of that contract. If so, they would face the prospect of trading him before the March deadline or losing him to free agency for nothing next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman was asked recently if the Detroit Red Wings might make a trade for a top-four defenseman or a top-six winger.

Bultman listed Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as the most realistic to address the Red Wings’ needs.

However, Bultman’s not holding his breath waiting for any of those players to land in Detroit, citing the high asking price for Rust or Rakell (a first-round pick) and the aging Karlsson’s expensive contract.

Bultman also acknowledged rumors linking the Red Wings to Mason McTavish, but doubts the Anaheim Ducks will part with the 22-year-old center.

Winnipeg Jets winger (and Michigan native) Kyle Connor is UFA-eligible next summer. Bultman doesn’t see the Jets attempting to move him this far out if he remains unsigned. If they do decide to move him, the Red Wings should be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings might make another move or two to improve their roster before the start of the season in October. Based on Bultman’s comments, don’t expect to see Karlsson, Rust, Rakell, McTavish, or Connor donning the Winged Wheel jersey anytime soon.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 30, 2025

Check out the latest on Oilers winger Zach Hyman, Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, Canadiens center Nick Suzuki, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Zach Hyman isn’t sure if he’ll be ready for the start of the Edmonton Oilers’ regular season on Oct. 8.

The 33-year-old Edmonton Oilers winger suffered a dislocated wrist in Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference Final. He underwent surgery in May, spending the past three months recovering.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (NHL Images).

“Will I be ready for the start of the season? I don’t know. But I’m on the right track, which is good,” Hyman said. He indicated he’ll have one more meeting soon with his surgeon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hyman is among the Oilers’ scoring leaders. Having him healthy and productive will be key to their Stanley Cup hopes this season.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports the New Jersey Devils and Luke Hughes remain apart on a new contract. The 21-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival team.

The Devils seek an eight-year contract or a two-year bridge deal. Hughes’ representatives want a five-year contract, ending the same time as Jack Hughes, his brother and teammate, ensuring both would be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status at the end of the 2029-30 season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could also seek an average annual value of over $8 million on his new contract. The Devils currently have just over $6 million in cap space, which would require a cost-cutting trade before the start of the regular season. That would explain why veteran Dougie Hamilton surfaced in the rumor mill this summer.

TVA SPORTS: Team Canada assistant general manager Julien BriseBois explained why Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki wasn’t chosen for Canada’s roster in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

It was speculated that Suzuki was passed over because he didn’t play for Canada in the 2024 World Championship. BriseBois denied this, saying they knew he was a good player and had followed his performance closely last fall.

“We’re here to win, not to play politics,” BriseBois said. “We’re going to select the players who give us the best chance of winning the gold medal.”

Suzuki was among the 42 players invited to attend Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, held last week in Calgary. BriseBois stated that it was because he’s a player whose performance will be highly scrutinized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Their roster decisions panned out in the 4 Nations. Canada won that tournament with a thrilling overtime victory over the United States in the gold medal game.

RG.ORG: Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell indicated earlier this week that he would be meeting soon with Adam Fantelli’s agent to discuss a contract extension. The 20-year-old center is slated to become a restricted free agent without arbitration rights next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fantelli is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He had a promising sophomore campaign in 2024-25, scoring 31 goals and accumulating 54 points. Fantilli also filled in as the Jackets’ first-line center after a wrist injury sidelined Sean Monahan.

Speaking of Monahan, Waddell indicated that he and captain Boone Jenner had fully recovered from last season’s injuries and are ready to go this season.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW/NESN: Panthers CEO Matt Caldwell is leaving the team to become the new CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ chief revenue officer, Shawn Thornton, is departing to join the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks as senior vice president and chief partnership officer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, that’s the same Shawn Thornton who spent 14 seasons in the NHL (2002-03 to 2016-17) as a physical checking-line forward and enforcer.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2025

by | Aug 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 29, 2025

More reaction to Connor McDavid’s comments about his contract status in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston noted how the hockey world sat up and took notice this week when Connor McDavid spoke with so little urgency about signing a new contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

McDavid indicated he’s committed to winning the Stanley Cup this season with the Oilers. However, he said that all options were on the table regarding his contract situation. He intends to take his time evaluating everything, indicating that he is fine either way, whether he signs before this season or not.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Johnston believes the Oilers would re-sign McDavid in an instant for whatever he wants. Nevertheless, the fact that he’s willing to let those discussions drift into the regular season is significant. He thinks the longer it goes, the more interesting the situation becomes.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau took note of McDavid saying he wants the group (referring to himself and his Oilers teammates) to be as dialed in as possible on winning the Cup this season, adding they don’t want distractions.

Proteau believes signing an extension with the Oilers before the start of the upcoming season will remove that distraction. He pointed out how Mitch Marner’s contract status was the subject of speculation throughout last season, and how Igor Shesterkin’s was also the subject of media chatter before he re-signed in December.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Anthony Fantucchio believes Bruins fans shouldn’t get their hopes up about the possibility of signing McDavid if he goes to market next summer. They lack the salary cap space to do so, plus they’re no longer Stanley Cup contenders.

Fantucchio pointed out that only a handful of clubs will be able to provide him with the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup. They include Toronto, Florida, Dallas, Colorado, Tampa Bay, and Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston and Proteau are correct. The longer it takes McDavid to re-sign with the Oilers, the more speculation over his future. Even if he and the club refuse to discuss the situation with the media, it will remain a topic of growing conjecture among fans and pundits.

Fantucchio is right about the Bruins having no shot at landing McDavid if he becomes a UFA next summer. Of his list of potential destinations, the most likely are the ones that can afford to pay him top dollar while giving him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Of the teams listed by Fantucchio, Dallas has over $27.9 million in projected cap space (depending on what they do with RFAs Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley). Tampa Bay will have $27.75 million with Ryan McDonagh their most notable UFA and JJ Moser an RFA.

Colorado will have $26.85 million, with Martin Necas UFA-eligible in 2026 and Cale Makar due a significant raise in 2027-28. Toronto will have $24.845 million, but they’re not a realistic Stanley Cup contender given their questionable depth in goal, on defense, and on their checking lines.

Florida will have $23.1 million to re-sign or replace goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov. As for Vegas, they’ll have $20.375 million plus an extra $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR, but Jack Eichel is UFA-eligible next July, and they’re paying Mitch Marner $12 million annually for eight years.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 29, 2025

by | Aug 29, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 29, 2025

Remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Mitch Marner talks about leaving the Maple Leafs for the Golden Knights, Kings captain Anze Kopitar talks about the possibility of retirement, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/CALGARY HERALD: The hockey world is remembering NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver one year ago today.

Johnny Gaudreau 1993-2024 (NHL Images).

Johnny, 31, was preparing for his 12th NHL season at the time of his death. He spent nine seasons with the Calgary Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22 before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.

NHL.COM: The Gaudreaus are being remembered by Team USA during its Olympic orientation camp. Defenseman Zach Werenski, Johnny’s teammate with the Blue Jackets, admitted it had been an emotional year, saying he’s learned a lot about himself, about his teammates, friendship, and family.

THE ATHLETIC: The brothers’ parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, were briefly hospitalized after learning their sons had been killed. Guy had elevated heart and blood pressure levels, while Jane was in what family members described as a catatonic-like state.

Guy and Jane have since recovered, but continue to deal with the grief as they try to carry on with their lives. Guy is considering coming out of retirement to teach hockey to his sons’ children, while Jane has returned to work as a finance associate at Archbishop Damaino School.

Widows Meredith Gaudreau (Johnny’s wife) and Madeline Gaudreau (Matthew’s wife) formed a charitable foundation to honor their late husbands.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My thoughts are with the Gaudreau family today. A year later, I still cannot adequately put into words the sorrow I feel for their loss.

TSN: In an interview with Mark Masters, Mitch Marner opened up about his bittersweet departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. After nine seasons with the Leafs, he joined the Vegas Golden Knights on June 30 in a sign-and-trade situation.

Marner said the hardest goodbye was with Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Both joined the team in 2016-17 and spent most of their playing time as linemates. Defenseman Morgan Rielly and winger William Nylander were also Marner’s teammates throughout his tenure in Toronto.

“We really came in together and grew together and really leaned on each other for a lot of things,” Marner said. He admitted it was difficult calling those players to let them know what was happening, but both sides understood it was part of the business.

While Marner and his wife loved living in Toronto full-time and being close to family and friends, they felt it was time for a new chapter. He admitted it was tough sometimes because of the media scrutiny that surrounds the Maple Leafs.

Marner revealed that he hired a mental health coach to help him deal with the grind and the negative comments over the final three years of his Leafs tenure. That included dealing with threats that prompted him to have full-time security at his home for two weeks after the Leafs’ season ended last spring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s one thing for fans to boo players during the game or be critical of their performance. Heaping abuse on them away from the rink and making threats against them crosses the line.

Whatever you think of Marner as a player or a person, he didn’t deserve what he faced during his final years in Toronto. No player does, and stories like that won’t make it easier for the Leafs to attract talent.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar made his first public comment this week regarding retirement. The 38-year-old center told KCAL News that the coming season could be the last of his playing career.

Kopitar is the longest-serving player in Kings’ history, playing a team-leading 1,434 regular-season games. He’s also their leader in career assists (838) and is set to surpass Marcel Dionne’s record of 1,307 regular-season points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kopitar has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings. Entering his 20th season, he’s still their top-line center and their best two-way forward. Nevertheless, he’s in the final season of his contract and in the twilight of his playing career.

SPORTSNET: Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong won’t let the on-ice fistfight that occurred with Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February affect the roster construction of its Olympic roster.

“I’ve thought quite a bit about that tournament as a whole, and I think the Olympics are going to be played very similar to that, minus (nine) seconds,” said Armstrong. “If you win the front of your net and the front of their net, you have a chance to win the game. We’re going to build a team that can win in those areas, but we’re not going to build a team that can participate in those nine seconds.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the article points out, the Olympics will be played under IIHF rules, in which anyone who drops the gloves will be assessed a match penalty. It’s doubtful we’ll see the Tkachuk brothers and J.T. Miller trying to initiate a brawl against the Canadians in that tournament.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios confirmed having positive preliminary contract extension talks with Shane Pinto’s representatives. However, a deal won’t be signed before the start of the upcoming season. He indicated they’ll let the season begin and not have Pinto become distracted with contract talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is in the second season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million. The 24-year-old center will be eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July.

DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Senators, the Allen Americans have become their ECHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2025

by | Aug 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2025

Check out the latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin and Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli believes the New York Rangers will stage a bounce-back performance this season, leading him to assume that they will attempt to sign winger Artemi Panarin to a contract extension.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Panarin, 33, is in the final season of his eight-year contract with an annual average value of $11.642 million. He will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July 1.

Seravalli admits that might be a hot-button issue for Rangers fans given their inability to win the Stanley Cup with Panarin thus far. He acknowledged the possibility that they could shop the winger if they’re out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline.

Nevertheless, Seravalli thinks there could be a deal on the table that makes sense for both sides, depending on how this season pans out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will be an interesting season for the Rangers. General manager Chris Drury has made a series of moves since last December to shake up the roster core and try to get them back on track after last season’s disappointing performance. The outcome will determine Panarin’s future in New York City.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund believes the upcoming season will be the last for teammate Rasmus Andersson in the Stampede City. The 28-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his contract and UFA-eligible next July.

“Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious,” Backlund said during the NHL media tour in Europe. “But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play.”

Backlund indicated that he’s spoken to Andersson, saying the blueliner doesn’t want to be a distraction. He doesn’t think the two sides are close to an agreement on a new contract, but didn’t rule out the possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson’s been the subject of trade rumors since extension talks with the Flames broke down in June. He and Flames management have remained cordial, with both sides agreeing that there is no issue with him being in the Flames lineup for the upcoming season.

Andersson may be sincere about not wanting his contract status to become a distraction, but that won’t stop fans and pundits from speculating over where he might end up by the March trade deadline, especially if the Flames are out of playoff contention by then.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 28, 2025

by | Aug 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 28, 2025

Oilers captain Connor McDavid talks about his contract status, plus the latest on Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov, Bruins winger Viktor Arvidsson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Connor McDavid was asked about his contract status with the Edmonton Oilers during the opening day of Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old center didn’t reveal any details of those discussions, but stated his desire to win the Stanley Cup with the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“I have every intention to win in Edmonton,” McDavid said. “That’s my only focus, next to winning the gold medal with Canada.” He added that he was taking his time going through the contract talks, discussing it with his family, agent, and everyone involved.

McDavid didn’t rule out starting the season without an extension in place. “All options are on the table. I don’t have a preference either way. I want the group to be as focused and dialed in, and ready to roll as possible. We don’t need any distractions.”

TSN: Before McDavid spoke with the media, Ryan Rishaug reported that there hasn’t been any back-and-forth on dollars and terms between the Oilers captain and the team’s management. After taking time to regroup following last season, the McDavid camp is working through its options and what they’ll be seeking.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes McDavid is sincere about wanting to win the Cup with the Oilers after coming close during the last two years. He thinks everything the Oilers have done in recent years is about winning. “But, until McDavid signs, there’s something imperfect in his eyes, whether effective youth or strong enough goaltending or something else,” Friedman wrote.

Friedman takes McDavid at face value that he wants to win in Edmonton, but expressed surprise that the Oilers superstar had considered not signing before the start of this season. He doesn’t think this will be a distraction for McDavid, who is “laser-focused” on winning the Stanley Cup and Olympic gold this season. However, it could become a growing distraction for his teammates and the organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this week, Oilers CEO (and McDavid’s former agent) Jeff Jackson talked to Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek about how patiently the organization is handling this situation. “I think that when Connor is ready, we’ll have the discussion and we’ll get a deal done.”

Nevertheless, the fact that McDavid could start the upcoming season without an extension could make Oilers fans nervous. As much as he doesn’t want his contract status to be a distraction, it will stoke speculation among pundits and fans about his future.

RG.ORG: Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov spent this summer in Montreal training for his first full NHL season. The 19-year-old winger has been training twice a day, slimming down to between 86-87 kg (192 pounds), and has been bonding with teammate Lane Hutson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ hopes of building on last season’s surprise run to the playoffs will depend in part on Demidov’s performance. The youngster is considered the favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy after his brief but promising NHL debut last season. His training regimen while living in Montreal indicates that he wants to be prepared for the pressure he will face in the upcoming season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Veteran winger Viktor Arvidsson is looking forward to a fresh start with the Boston Bruins this season after being traded by the Oilers on July 1. While he and the club went to the Stanley Cup Final, the 32-year-old admitted his role with the club was not what he had in mind, nor was it what the Oilers envisioned when they signed him last summer.

Both sides agreed that a change was needed, leading to his trade to the Bruins. He believes their defensive style and reputation as a hardworking team will work to his advantage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Arvidsson underwent back surgery in 2023 while with the Los Angeles Kings, limiting him to 15 points in 18 games in 2023-24. He had 27 points in 67 regular-season games and seven points in 15 playoff contests with the Oilers last season. Arvidsson is in the final season of a two-year contract with a cap hit of $4 million.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Oliver Kylington and forward Givani Smith to professional tryout offers (PTO).

And now, for a bit of fun.

Hockey podcaster, blogger, and good friend Scotty Wazz has come up with an interesting version of a Mt. Rushmore for every NHL team called a “Meh Rushmore”, involving four players from each franchise who had less-than-memorable tenures with those clubs. Today, Scotty focused on the teams in the Pacific Division. Enjoy!