NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2025

by | Jun 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2025

The 2025 NHL Draft begins Friday evening. Check out the latest trade speculation on Noah Dobson, Bowen Byram, Rasmus Andersson, K’Andre Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov and more in today’s Rumor Mill.

ISLANDERS ENTERTAINING OFFERS FOR NOAH DOBSON

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the New York Islanders are listening to trade offers for Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights seeking a significant raise over the $4 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson could become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer if he gets a new contract via arbitration this summer. Rumor has it his camp wants an AAV between $10 million and $11 million. Any club interested in acquiring him will want assurances that he’ll sign an extension.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

Johnston claims the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues are among the teams that have spoken to the Islanders about Dobson. The blueliner is also eligible to sign an offer sheet if he’s still unsigned on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team signing Dobson to a deal with an AAV between $10 million and $11.7 million would have to part with two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a third-rounder as compensation to the Islanders. Anything over $11.7 million costs four first-rounders.

The Canadiens could use an experienced top-four, right-shot defenseman to take some pressure off Calder Memorial Trophy winner Lane Hutson. The Blues have Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk on the right side, but the former is 32 and the latter 33.

The Isles are gauging the market, but it doesn’t mean they’re actively shopping Dobson. If they don’t get any intriguing offers, they’ll continue negotiating a new contract with the blueliner.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias weighed in on the Dobson speculation. He believes Montreal makes little sense as a trade destination for the type of return the Isles would want for Dobson. He felt the Blues and San Jose Sharks might make the most sense, as could the Utah Mammoth if Sean Durzi and the 2025 fourth-overall picks were part of the return.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens executive VP of hockey ops Jeff Gorton maintained his club intends to stick with their rebuilding plan. “This is a big weekend for us, and it’s a big summer for us, but we’re not going to do anything that’s stupid.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Taking on Dobson at $11 million annually could be a stupid thing, especially when the priority remains adding a top-six forward, preferably a second-line center. Dobson is a talented puck-moving defenseman entering his playing prime, but he’s currently not an $11 million AAV player. 

IS BOWEN BYRAM NEXT ON THE SABRES’ TRADE BLOCK?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s a lot of interest in Bowen Byram. Like Dobson, the 24-year-old is an RFA defenseman with arbitration rights. The Sabres could look at avoiding a potential contract snarl by trading him, like they did earlier this week with winger JJ Peterka by sending him to the Utah Mammoth.

Dreger believes the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche and perhaps the Toronton Maple Leafs could be interested in Byram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A left-shot defenseman, Byram was acquired by the Sabres from the Avalanche. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams prefers player-for-player swaps because his club already has a well-stocked prospect pool. The asking price for Byram could be a top-six forward.

THE LATEST ON ANDERSSON, MILLER, GAVRIKOV AND ARVIDSSON

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Flames GM Craig Conroy confirmed he’d spoken with Rasmus Andersson, saying things were “all good” between them. The 28-year-old defenseman has been the subject of frequent trade rumors. “If he’s a Calgary Flame in September, he’s a Calgary Flame”, said Conroy.

However, Gilbertson believes there’s no guarantee that Andersson will still be around by then. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and there are contending teams interested in the right-shot rearguard.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes the rest of the Rangers’ offseason plans depend on what they do with K’Andre Miller. Like Dobson and Byram, the 25-year-old left-side defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights who has been the subject of trade conjecture for weeks.

TSN: Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said he increased the contract offer his predecessor made to pending UFA defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. So far, however, there’s still no deal in place. It’s projected he could get a long-term deal with an AAV of $7.5 million on the open market.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson speculates the Oilers could “sweeten the pot” to move Viktor Arvidsson in a cost-cutting trade. He proposed packaging the 32-year-old winger with the 2025 fourth-round pick they received from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this week in the Evander Kane trade.

LATEST ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell looked at some recent rumors regarding the Golden Knights.

She doesn’t believe they have any intention of moving forwards William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. Kirkell also doesn’t buy into the rumors linking them to Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram because he doesn’t fit their preference for physical blueliners.

Kirkell also pointed out the Golden Knights’ limited cap space has shrunk with the re-signing of Reilly Smith (one year, $2 million) and could deplete further with the anticipated re-signing of Brandon Saad.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Vancouver Canucks hope to make more moves this week. Acquiring a center is on their priority list. One move that could be off the table is trading Thatcher Demko. The 29-year-old goaltender is a year away from UFA eligibility.

SEVERAL FIRST-ROUND PICKS IN PLAY

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins hold picks No. 11 and 12 in the first round. They’re willing to move one of them for a good, young NHL player. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens could move the No. 16 or 17 pick for a top-six forward.

The Philadelphia Flyers are holding onto their first-rounder (sixth overall) but are willing to entertain offers for picks No. 22 and 31. The Nashville Predators hold picks 5, 23 and 26 and are considering their options.

With the seventh-overall pick, the Boston Bruins haven’t ruled out moving that selection for a return that would provide immediate improvement to their roster.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2025

by | Jun 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2025

The NHL and NHLPA are expected to announce a new CBA extension, the first round of the 2025 draft begins Friday, the latest on pending free agents Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers, the Stars re-sign Jamie Benn, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports sources indicate the NHL and NHL Players’ Association could announce the framework of a four-year extension to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the NHL Draft on Friday.

The two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), followed by a formal ratification that isn’t expected to face any obstacles. Once ratified, the extension would take effect for 2026-27 and expire at the end of the 2029-30 season.

Among the notable potential changes:

The NHL will move to an 84-game regular-season schedule starting in 2026-27. The preseason would be shortened to four games per team. Players with 100-plus games of NHL experience can play a maximum of two preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL veteran players should be happy with that change. Most find the preseason too long or a waste of time.

Player contracts will be term-limited from eight years to seven for players re-signing with their current clubs, and from seven years to six for unrestricted free agents starting in 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Many players won’t have an issue with this change. The average length of an NHL contract is three years. The longest contract most can expect to see is four years.

A comprehensive playoff salary-cap mechanism will be implemented to remove the long-term injury reserve loophole that allowed teams to pad their playoff rosters by using injury relief cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the biggest problem in the current CBA that drew criticism from teams, players, and fans around the league. It’ll be interesting to see the details of this mechanism.

Other notable changes include outlawing deferred salary in player contracts to reduce the salary cap hit, signing bonuses capped at 60 percent, significant increases in the playoff bonus pool, establishment of a full-time emergency backup goalie for each team, improved player benefits such as health insurance and post-playing career insurance stipends, and the elimination of a mandated player dress code for arriving and departing games.

The next three seasons of the salary cap will be $95.5 million for 2025-26, $104 million for 2026-27, and $113 million for 2027-28.

NHL.COM: The New York Islanders are looking forward to the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles on Friday. They hold the first-overall pick and are expected to select defensemen Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters. The 17-year-old Schaefer is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft class.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I conducted an updated mock draft of the first round for Bleacher Report earlier this week. It’ll be fun to see how things shake out because there are always surprises. Some players go higher or lower than expected, and there might even be a trade or two involving first-round picks.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving anticipates Mitch Marner will test the unrestricted free-agent market on July 1. The 28-year-old left winger spent nine seasons with the Leafs and will be the top player among this year’s UFA class.

WINNIPEG SUN: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff intends to continue contract talks with Nikolaj Ehlers. However, recent reports indicated the 29-year-old winger intends to head to the UFA market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprises here. There’s been no contract discussions between Marner and the Leafs, and there’s been an expectation that this season could be Ehlers’ last with the Jets. Both will land lucrative contracts with new clubs next month.

TSN: The Dallas Stars re-signed captain Jamie Benn to a one-year, bonus-heavy contract. The deal has a base salary of $1 million, with $3 million in bonuses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn completed an eight-year contract with an AAV of $9.5 million. The 35-year-old center has spent his entire career with the Stars and took a significant pay cut to stay in Dallas. The reduction also reflects the recent decline in his play. He had 16 goals and 49 points during the 2024-25 regular season, but only three points in 18 playoff games.

THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks placed defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on unconditional waivers to buy out the final season of his eight-year contract. Vlasic, 38, spent his entire 19-season NHL career with the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buyout counts as $4.66 million against the Sharks’ cap for 2025-26, dropping to 1.16 million for 2026-27.

During his playing prime (2008-09 to 2017-18), Vlasic was among the league’s best shutdown defensemen. However, his performance steadily declined, and injuries limited him to 27 games this season.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly set to sign winger Conor Garland to a six-year, $36-million contract. The average annual value is $6 million, and would begin in 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland currently earns an AAV of $4.95 million. He’s a fast and hardworking forward whose energetic style has made him a fan favorite among Canucks fans. Garland will be 30 when this deal begins, which could become burdensome if his play declines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Panthers acquired goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Tarasov will back up starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be another instance of Florida GM Bill Zito acquiring a struggling player who goes on to shine with the Panthers. Zito was assistant GM with the Blue Jackets when they drafted Tarasov in 2017.

This move opens the opportunity for promising goalie Jet Greaves to earn a full-time roster spot with the Blue Jackets. He played well in call-up situations over the past couple of seasons.

Meanwhile, the Jackets’ intentions for struggling starter Elvis Merzlikins remain uncertain. He has two seasons remaining on his contract. There’s speculation he could be traded or bought out. It’s also believed that they might not be done making other moves in this summer’s trade market.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken acquired center Frederick Gaudreau from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL center Evgeny Kuznetsov will attempt a comeback next season. The 33-year-old had 37 points in 39 games in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

by | Jun 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

What’s next for the Sabres following the Peterka trade and the Oilers after the Kane trade? What’s the latest on Erik Karlsson, Jordan Kyrou, Rasmus Andersson, Aaron Ekblad and more? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES AND OILERS

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington believes the Sabres must have bigger moves in store after the “flimsy return” they received in the JJ Peterka trade. They shipped Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan.

With defenseman Bowen Byram expected to be the next trade candidate, Harrington thinks they have to be getting back a top-six forward to replace Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll have our answer in the next several days as trade activity picks up before the start of the unrestricted free-agent market on July 1. Byram’s been a fixture in trade rumors for months, with the expectation that he’d fetch a top-six forward.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making cost-cutting moves after trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. They must re-sign restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl’s new contract kicks in on July 1.

LeBrun believes Viktor Arvidsson will be next on the trade block. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.4 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, but he met with Oilers management and both sides agree it would be best if he moved on. His agent is working with the Oilers to find a suitable trade partner, and LeBrun thinks a deal could occur within the next two to three weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kane leaves the Oilers with $16.2 million in cap space with 19 active roster players under contract. That’ll go up to $20.6 million if Arvidsson is traded, leaving enough room to re-sign Bouchard and address other roster needs.

THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is believed to be open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to a contender. However, the Penguins might have to retain some salary to reduce his cap hit to $7.5 million per season.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson, 35, is signed through 2026-27 with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value (AAV). He’s also entitled to a $5 million bonus on July 1. Other teams could prefer waiting until that’s paid, but the Penguins could be less inclined to trade him after that date unless they get an extra asset in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s contract, coupled with his declining performance, will make it difficult for the Penguins to find a trade partner this summer. It’s not impossible, but those factors will make it difficult.

Meanwhile, LeBrun’s colleague Scott Wheeler reports the Penguins are aggressively trying to move up in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. They spoke to the Chicago Blackhawks about the third-overall pick. He believes they really like prospect winger Porter Martone and centers James Hagens and Roger McQueen.

ARE THE BLUES PEDDLING JORDAN KYROU?

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks was asked about the recent trade speculation involving Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli placing the 27-year-old winger at No. 2 on his latest trade targets list.

DeFranks said he hasn’t heard much on the Blues’ end, but they’re usually tight-lipped about these things. He noted that Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors in the past. He’s a young, cost-controlled scorer who has improved his defensive deficiencies.

However, Kyrou’s trade value has never been higher. The Blues are deep in wingers and need help at center. They could also use another young defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou completed the second season of his eight-year contract. His salary-cap hit is expensive ($8.125 million), and he has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. If the Blues are shopping him, they could be eyeing a trade before next Tuesday; otherwise, they’ll need Kyrou’s approval.

UPDATE ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Calgary Flames are taking trade calls on Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. Contract extension talks last week reportedly didn’t go well.

D’Amico cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins have looked into Andersson. One source believed the Blue Jackets make a lot of sense, given their $40.4 million in cap space and depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico cited another source claiming the Ottawa Senators were pursuing Andersson. However, recent reports claim they’re on his six-team no-trade list.

IS AARON EKBLAD HEADED TO THE UFA MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun considers Aaron Ekblad likely headed to the UFA market next Tuesday. The long-time Florida Panthers defenseman reportedly hasn’t had any contract extension talks with management since last summer, though he expects the Panthers will make an offer before July 1.

Contract term was the issue in last summer’s discussion. LeBrun thinks that will still be a factor as the Panthers could be reluctant to invest too long in the 29-year-old Ekblad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Panthers. It’s believed he’ll take a pay cut from his current $7.5 million. If the term remains the issue, he might have to accept a three-year deal to remain in Florida. We’ll know for sure by July 1.

COULD THE KINGS PART WITH ALEX TURCOTTE?

MAYOR’S MANOR: There’s plenty of chatter suggesting the Los Angeles Kings could move Jordan Spence and/or Trevor Moore this week. However, Alex Turcotte could also be worth watching. Multiple teams are said to be interested in the 24-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Turcotte is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $775,000. He’s battled injuries in recent years but played a career-high 65 games this season, netting 23 points. The former first-round pick (fifth overall, 2019) could be part of a bigger trade package.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2025

by | Jun 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2025

The Mammoth acquire JJ Peterka from the Sabres, the Oilers trade Evander Kane to the Canucks, the Golden Knights re-sign Reilly Smith and are close to re-signing Brandon Saad, the latest CBA news, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE BUFFALO NEWS/THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Buffalo Sabres traded winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. The Mammoth also signed Peterka to a five-year, $38.5-million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.7 million.

Buffalo Sabres trade winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka, 23, completed his three-year, entry-level contract. The up-and-coming winger finished second among Sabres scorers this season with a career-best 68-point performance. However, he was reportedly unhappy in Buffalo and wanted to move on.

This is the second significant June trade made by Utah general manager Bill Armstrong. Last year, he acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to improve the depth on his blueline. This time, he’s bolstered the offense among his top-six forwards with a player who fits well within his club’s young roster core.

Kesselring, 25, should address the Sabres’ need for an experienced right-shot defenseman to skate alongside Owen Power. Doan, 21, is a promising power forward with middle-six forward potential.

The Sabres might not be done dealing. I’ll have more in today’s Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL/THE PROVINCE: The Oilers traded winger Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a straightforward salary dump by the cap-strapped Oilers, clearing Kane’s $5.125 million cap hit from their books for next season. The move removes some toughness and speed from the Oilers’ scoring lines, but it was necessary to free up cap room to re-sign restricted free agent Evan Bouchard and to address other roster needs.

The Canucks are betting that Kane can replace the toughness and physical leadership they lost when they traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in January. The 33-year-old winger is a Vancouver native who is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

It’s assumed Kane will be motivated to play well for his hometown club in the final year of his contract. Canucks management downplayed his history as a toxic dressing-room presence earlier in his career. Nevertheless, Kane is entering a fragile Vancouver dressing room. Divisions between Miller and Elias Pettersson before the former’s departure contributed to the Canucks’ missing the playoffs.

Adding Kane could be like pouring gasoline on a fire. If that happens, the ensuing drama could have significant consequences for the Canucks’ hopes of rebounding from this season’s disappointing performance.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The Golden Knights re-signed winger Reilly Smith to a one-year, $2 million contract. They are also reportedly close to signing winger Brandon Saad to a new contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Smith signing leaves the Golden Knights with $7.6 million in cap space with 18 active roster players under contract for 2025-26. Saad is coming off a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Vegas after his previous contract with the St. Louis Blues was terminated earlier this season.

Vegas is rumored to be among the favorites to sign Mitch Marner when the Toronto Maple Leafs winger becomes a UFA on July 1. Assuming Saad gets a deal similar to Smith, the Golden Knights will have to shed considerable cap space to create room to make a competitive bid for Marner.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL and NHL Players’ Association are believed to be getting close on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Details haven’t been revealed, but Friedman listed several items believed to be under consideration. They include reducing maximum length contracts from eight years to seven for re-signing players and from seven years to six for free agents from another team (UFAs).

Draft rights could be extended to age 22, and deferred salaries could be eliminated. There could be the implementation of a “permanent” emergency backup goalie (EBUG) to practice and travel with their NHL team. Revenue sharing could be tweaked to help some of the more middle-class teams.

The league will poll teams this summer for feedback on the decentralized draft. If the format proves unpopular, the league could revert to the previous format.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The players might not kick up much of a fuss over a one-year reduction of contract lengths. Seven and eight-year deals can be cumbersome for a player who might prefer a trade, but the remaining term of their contract hampers efforts to move them. Besides, we could see fewer of those lengthy deals if more players sign shorter-term deals with an eye on cashing in under a higher salary cap down the road.

Moving from an 82-game regular season to an 84-game schedule has also been discussed. It could go into effect in 2026-27, reducing the preseason by four games. Changes to long-term injury reserve rules have also been part of the talks.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers’ 2025 Stanley Cup playoff run raked in over $266 million for the city of Edmonton.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports the New Jersey Devils remain in contract talks with Jake Allen. The pending UFA goalie is seeking at least a two-year term with an AAV of around $5 million, depending on the market and term. Allen is the top player in a shallow UFA goalie market.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

Could Evan Bouchard get an offer sheet? Is Tomas Hertl getting traded to the Hurricanes? What’s the latest on the Islanders, Rangers, Wild, Red Wings and Lightning? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton suggesting defenseman Evan Bouchard could become an offer-sheet target if his negotiations with the Oilers drag on.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Bouchard, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He completed a two-year contract and is due a significant raise over the $3.9 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth remembering that Bouchard recently said he loves being an Oiler, admitting that the desire to win the Stanley Cup with this team is his motivation for staying. He has to be receptive to an offer sheet. If he’s not, then there’s nothing to worry about.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it will take a significant offer that the Oilers cannot hope to match. It’s rumored he could get $10 million annually on a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton. In that case, a rival club will have to pitch around $12 million annually to tempt him. Few teams can afford the cap hit and the four first-round picks in compensation. Those that can are clubs that aren’t anywhere close to Cup contention.

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Viktor Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a new home. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things didn’t work out as both sides hoped when Arvidsson signed last summer. The Oilers could use the cap relief to free up room to re-sign Bouchard. They also reportedly have a contract in place with Trent Frederic but are believed to be waiting until July 1 to make it official.

SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE TO “HERTL TO THE HURRICANES” SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects claiming he’d heard the Carolina Hurricanes were pursuing a deal for Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.

The Golden Knights have been linked to pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, but they must create salary-cap space to sign him. Moving Hertl would free up their share ($6.75 million) of his $8.135 million AAV through 2029-30.

However, Robinson subsequently reported that it doesn’t appear the Hurricanes have any deals in place or closing in on anything at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a three-team trade list. He waived the clause at the 2024 trade deadline to facilitate the trade to Vegas from the San Jose Sharks.

The Golden Knights must shed some cap space if they want to sign Marner or another notable player in this summer’s UFA market. Recent speculation suggests they could get some cap flexibility if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve next season. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding his status.

ISLANDERS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN DOBSON

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t pivoted from trying to sign Noah Dobson to trading the 25-year-old defenseman.

It’s rumored the Dobson camp seeks an AAV of $11 million on his next contract. Sears was unable to confirm that number, but it’s obvious the blueliner seeks a substantial raise, and it’s less certain if the two sides will find a number they’re both comfortable with.

Trading Dobson doesn’t sound like the Isles’ preferred path. However, Sears indicated teams have called to express interest and will likely continue to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin listed six clubs that could become trade destinations if the Isles decide to move Dobson. They include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s doubtful any of them would be more receptive to paying Dobson $11 million annually on a long-term contract.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers didn’t decide to retain their 2026 first-round pick to put toward signing a rival team’s player with an offer sheet. He pointed out that they lack the cap space to make a successful signing, and doing so will put them at risk of losing restricted free-agent forward Will Cuylle to an offer sheet.

The Rangers’ limited cap space means they’re not in any position to pursue Buffalo Sabres RFA winger JJ Peterka or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.

Brooks also shot down suggestions that the Rangers should consider trading Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin or Will Borgen before their no-trade/no-movement protection kicks in on July 1. He pointed out that each of their clauses went into effect the day they signed their contract extensions.

Brooks believes the Rangers would listen to offers for Alexis Lafreniere. However, they are not shopping the 23-year-old winger.

Teams have expressed an interest in Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, but very few of the discussions have evolved into serious offers. The Blueshirts are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Dmitri Voronkov, prompting Brooks to ponder whether there could be a framework of a deal involving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could need a top-four, left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Trading Voronkov, however, would then leave them having to find a suitable top-six left winger to replace him.

WILD NOT PEDDLING ROSSI

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dylan Loucks cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling a local TV network that he’s not shopping Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old center is an RFA without arbitration rights. Negotiations with the Wild have reached a stalemate, resulting in rumors that he could be traded.

Guerin said there’s a perception the Wild are dying to trade Rossi, but that’s not the case. He considers the young center an important part of the team, but wants to sign him within a certain price range.

WILL THE RED WINGS MAKE A BIG TRADE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes if Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman intends to make a big trade, this is the week to do it.

The 2025 NHL Draft is on Friday and Saturday, and this is usually the time of year when significant offseason trades are made. Yzerman has limited trade assets, with his first-round pick (13th overall) his best trade chip. The Wings have roughly $21 million in cap space and could target cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary.

Khan believes the Wings need a top-six forward and an upgrade among their top-four defensemen.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina suggests it might make sense for the Lightning to shop prospect Isaac Howard ahead of the upcoming draft if the two sides haven’t mended fences.

Howard is the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner. He wants to choose the team he intends to sign with, which could limit his trade value and the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, updates on Connor McDavid and Jonathan Marchessault, the Islanders won’t part with the 2025 first-overall draft pick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Hockey Hall of Fame will induct former NHL stars Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton in a ceremony in November.

Former Canadian women’s national team forward Jennifer Botterill and former United States women’s national team forward Brianna Decker will also be inducted into the players’ category.

Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith & Alexander Mogilny are part of the HHoF Class of 2025.(NHL.com)

Former Boston University coach Jack Parker and former Canadian women’s hockey coach, general manager and consultant Daniele Sauvageau will be inducted into the builders’ category.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the inductees for this well-deserved honor.

Regarding the NHLers, Chara was one of the dominant defensemen of his era. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and was a six-time finalist. Chara captained the Boston Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup. He is seventh all-time in games played (1,608) with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals.

Keith was one of the greatest players in Chicago Blackhawks history, helping them win three Stanley Cups between 2009-10 and 2014-15. He was a two-time Norris Trophy winner (2009-10, 2013-14), took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015, and won Olympic gold playing for Canada in 2010 and 2014.

Mogilny was finally inducted after 16 years of eligibility. Defecting from the Soviet Union in 1989 to play in the NHL, he had 1,032 points in 990 regular-season games (including a career-high 76 goals in 1992-93) with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 1999-2000 and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2002-03.

Thornton was among the greatest playmakers in NHL history, sitting seventh overall with 1,109 assists and 14th with 1,539 points. He’s also sixth in games-played (1,714) with the Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Thornton won the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2005-06.

TSN: Former Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron and former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price are among those who could be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame next year. It will be Bergeron’s first year of eligibility and Price’s second.

It will also be the first year of eligibility for forwards Phil Kessel and Eric Staal. Patrick Marleau, Henrik Zetterberg and Ryan Getzlaf join Price among the recently eligible. Other potential candidates include Rod Brind’Amour, Sergei Gonchar, Jason Spezza, Curtis Joseph, Keith Tkachuk and Ryan Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans were surprised that Price wasn’t inducted into this year’s class. In my opinion, Chara, Keith, and Thornton were more deserving candidates, and Mogilny had been passed over for far too long.

Price stands a good chance of induction in 2026. Given the longstanding rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, it would be fitting if he and Bergeron joined the Hall in the same year.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman and CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson travelled to Ontario to meet with Connor McDavid’s agent, Jeff Moldaver, on Tuesday. The meeting was intended to discuss the broader directions of the organization rather than focusing on contract numbers.

McDavid has a year left on his contract with a salary-cap hit of $12.5 million and will become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have understandably made signing McDavid to an extension their top issue this summer. They’re also giving their captain some time to decide when he wants to start those discussions.

McDavid made it clear following the 2025 Stanley Cup Final that winning the Cup is his priority. He’ll want to know how the Oilers intend to remain a Cup contender before agreeing to an extension. The fact that management is already meeting with his agent is a positive step.

NASHVILLE POST: Predators GM Barry Trotz said there is no substance to recent rumors suggesting he’s trying to trade Jonathan Marchessault. He confirmed that all was good with the winger’s camp, saying the veteran winger will return with the Predators next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was one of three major free-agent signings by Trotz last summer. His production dropped with the struggling Predators this season, prompting speculation that he might welcome a trade.

THE TENNESSEAN: Speaking of the Predators, they hired former Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant coach. He replaces Todd Richards, who won’t be returning with the organization.

THE SCORE: New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said he has no intention of trading the first-overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft, but Darche declined to tip his hand on who he’ll select.

NEW YORK POST: Darche admitted that trading for a second first-rounder in this draft is a possibility. The dream scenario for Islanders fans is their club selects Schaefer and somehow acquires another high first-round pick to use toward drafting center (and Long Island native) James Hagens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be quite the coup if Darche can pull that off.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Islanders, long-time forward Matt Martin hung up his skates and moved into the front office as a special assistant to Darche. He played in 987 regular-season games over 15 seasons with the Islanders and the Maple Leafs, 13 of those with the Isles, finishing with 178 points.

NEW YORK POST: The New York Rangers will send their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall) to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They had included that pick (top-13 protected) as part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. The Canucks subsequenty flipped it to the Penguins as part of the return for defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

Mollie Walker reports that next year’s draft class is considered to have a much deeper pool of talent. It would also have more value in the 2026 trade deadline if the Rangers attempt to upgrade for next year’s playoffs.

THE PROVINCE: The Dallas Stars could be eyeing Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra to fill their vacant head-coaching position. Malhotra guided the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate to the 2025 Calder Cup.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Inspired by their previous Winter Classic jerseys, the Blues unveiled their new uniforms and primary logo.

THE ATHLETIC: Nationwide Arena owners are planning $400 million in upgrades to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 25-year-old home.