NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2025

The latest on Brock Boeser plus updates on the Islanders, Oilers and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS, SENATORS AMONG CLUBS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN BROCK BOESER

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that an NHL source claims the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger is expected to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Boeser has been on the radar of Bruins general manager Don Sweeney going back to last summer. The Bruins made it clear that they want a scoring winger if they can’t find a top-six center.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

The Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, Utah Mammoth, Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens are also believed among the other possible suitors for Boeser.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators could also get into the bidding for Boeser. They were 18th in the league in goals last season (243) and want to address that issue.

The Senators have roughly $10.75 million in cap space for 2025-26, which doesn’t leave much room unless they shed some salary. They’re also in the market for a right-shot defenseman.

Garrioch also believes the Bruins, Wild and Kings could be interested in Boeser, and included the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres on his list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser has a bit of an injury history and can be a streaky scorer, but he has netted 20-plus goals six times (including a career-best 40 in 2023-24) and reached or exceeded 45 points in each of his eight NHL seasons.

Boeser might have to wait until Mitch Marner signs his new contract. The soon-to-be former Toronto Maple Leafs winger is expected to take several days fielding offers before reaching a decision.

THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports that the recent report of Noah Dobson seeking $11 million annually in contract talks with the Islanders has made the 25-year-old defenseman the subject of rampant trade speculation. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Sears pointed out that Mathieu Darche, the Islanders’ new general manager, has indicated he wants to re-sign Dobson. It’s believed Darche isn’t actively shopping the blueliner, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t calling or that option isn’t closed off.

Defenseman Alexander Romanov is in the same situation as Dobson and his situation appears equally volatile. The possibility they could select Matthew Schaefer in the upcoming draft would create a logjam of left-shot defensemen, which could result in Romanov or Adam Pelech being considered expendable.

Meanwhile, center Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a year away from UFA eligibility and could become a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The threat of an offer sheet is also stoking speculation of Dobson or Romanov getting traded. If that happens, Dobson seems the least likely to get one. Any club willing to pay him $11 million annually would have to cough up two first-rounders, a second and a third. Anything over $11.7 million costs four first-rounders.

CAN THE OILERS FIND A GOALTENDER THIS SUMMER?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited ESPN’s Ray Ferraro pointing out that the Oilers are in a difficult spot in their efforts this summer to find a goaltender.

Jake Allen is available via free agency, but a few teams are competing to sign him. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is mentioned in trade rumors, but it would be an expensive trade for both clubs in terms of dollars and assets.

Staples doesn’t want to see the Oilers trade away Skinner, but acknowledged his inconsistency and declining stats. He also pointed out that the Oilers have limited cap space and there are few goalies available this summer.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports it doesn’t appear the Montreal Canadiens will use one or both of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft to bolster their top-six forwards.

The problem is that there is only one genuine seller (the Pittsburgh Penguins) in the trade market, with most clubs now hoping to be buyers.

An executive told Engels that nearly every team wants to acquire players this summer, but none really want to sell the ones they have. The executive believes there will be some trades now, “some hockey deals”, but the trade market could be quieter than expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market this summer, meaning the Canadiens will have difficulty acquiring a good, established NHL center or winger from a rebuilding club looking to stock up on draft picks and prospects. The reference to “hockey deals” usually means a player-for-player swap.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka speculated over the possibility of the San Jose Sharks using their salary-cap leverage to pick up an asset.

He suggested a scenario where the Canadiens trade the contract of permanently sidelined goalie Carey Price ($10.5 million AAV for 2025-26) to the Sharks. The move would increase the Canadiens’ cap space to over $16.5 million for next season, while enabling the Sharks to reach the $70.6 million salary-cap floor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could be the most notable trade the Canadiens make this summer if the Sharks are willing to do it. The Habs would have to include a draft pick or a prospect in the deal, but it would give them sufficient cap room for other possible additions throughout the offseason or leading up to next year’s trade deadline. It would also allow them to accrue cap space throughout the season, something they usually can’t do with Price on LTIR.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

Reaction to the Ducks trading Trevor Zegras to the Flyers, Blues GM Doug Armstrong on the possibility of an offer sheet for Joel Hofer, the latest notable contract extensions, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS/NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras on Monday to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (45th overall), and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras, 24, was the subject of frequent trade speculation over the past two seasons. Chosen ninth overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was once considered a foundation player for the rebuilding Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL Images).

Zegras was runner-up for the 2022 Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, earned a spot at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game skills competition, and shared the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 23 videogame with Sarah Nurse.

After back-to-back 60-plus point performances in 2021-22 and 2022-23, Zegras underwent contentious contract negotiations with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, missing training camp before agreeing to a three-year contract in October 2023. Injuries limited him to 31 games in 2023-24 and 57 games last season.

Zegras’ critics cited his one-dimensional offensive game and weakness in the faceoff circle. He first surfaced in trade speculation in January 2024 and was a fixture in the rumor mill.

Verbeek said the move was made to retool his roster for the 2025-26 season. He also noted that Zegras wanted to play center and thinks the young forward will get that opportunity in Philadelphia.

Moving Zegras ($5.75 million average annual value for 2025-26) for Poehling ($1.9 million) freed up $3.85 million in cap space for the Ducks, leaving them with $36.03 million available and 17 active roster players under contract.

The reaction from Philadelphia suggests this is a low-risk move with high-reward potential if Zegras stays healthy and establishes himself as a reliable first or second-line center. The Flyers didn’t give up any of their three first-rounders in this year’s draft, and they didn’t part with a top prospect or a good young NHL player.

If Zegras doesn’t pan out, he’s only under contract for this season. If he pans out, the Flyers can extend him. Otherwise, they could let him walk next summer.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t concerned about the possibility of a rival club thinking of signing Joel Hofer to an offer sheet. The 24-year-old goaltender is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

Armstrong made it clear that the Blues have the cap space to match an offer from a rival club. “I guess this is my shot across the bow,” he said. “You can go after him. You’re not going to get him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hofer came up as a possible offer-sheet target because the Blues successfully signed away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers last summer. Some observers suggested that the Oilers might make a retaliatory signing, or another club seeking goalie depth could target Hofer.

Armstrong isn’t bluffing. The Blues have over $5 million in projected cap space for next season with 22 active roster players under contract. They could get an additional $6.5 million in cap flexibility by placing sidelined defenseman Torey Krug on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

Armstrong also said he’s spoken with pending unrestricted free-agent (UFA) defenseman Ryan Suter. The Blues GM said he’d told Suter about the seven blueliners they already have and Suter understood the situation. NHL.com’s Lou Korac believes Suter won’t return unless the Blues move one of their current defensemen.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.2 million. He had a career-best 33 points but still has room to grow defensively, finishing with a league-worst plus-minus of minus-43.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins’ injury-ravaged roster and the shaky performance of starting goalie Jeremy Swayman contributed to Lohrei’s poor plus-minus. His defensive game should improve with another season of NHL experience, healthier linemates and a better effort from Swayman.

SPORTSNET: The New York Rangers signed center Adam Edstrom to a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Justin Kirkland to a one-year, one-way contract worth $900,000.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the NHL has a Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday. The hope was to have the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) extension in place for Board approval. However, a few outstanding issues remain to be resolved.

LeBrun says the NHL and the NHLPA are inching closer to an agreement, and the league will provide a CBA update to the owners on Wednesday.

THE PROVINCE: The Abbotsford Canucks are the 2024-25 AHL champions, defeating the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Final. Abbotsford goaltender Arturs Silovs was named the playoffs’ most valuable player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs was the Vancouver Canucks’ postseason hero last year when he replaced sidelined goalies Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith during their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. Silovs isn’t waiver-exempt next season, which could lead to a logjam in the Vancouver crease with Demko and Kevin Lankinen also under contract for 2025-26.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders named Rocky Thompson as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Thompson spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Flyers.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

by | Jun 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Jeremy Swayman, Brock Boeser, Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane, plus updates on the Rangers and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claimed the Edmonton Oilers were among the clubs looking into the availability of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman last summer.

The 26-year-old Swayman was in the midst of contentious contract negotiations before signing an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins last October.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images)

Swayman’s struggles this season had some teams wondering about his status as the March 7 trade deadline approached. However, the Bruins retained him and haven’t lost faith in their starting goaltender.

Murphy noted there is currently plenty of trade speculation building around the Oilers. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Swayman, who lacks no-trade protection until next July.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Murphy’s report, and isn’t surprised about the Oilers’ rumors given general manager Stan Bowman’s plans to address his goaltending. However, Staples pointed out the Oilers lack the cap space to acquire Swayman without making a major roster overhaul, something he doesn’t see them doing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins wouldn’t have signed Swayman to that eight-year deal if they didn’t intend to stick with him as their starting goalie. He’s a crucial part of what they hope will be a bounce-back performance next season.

Yes, anything’s possible, but it would take a substantial offer to convince the Bruins to part with Swayman. It would also leave them without a reliable starting goalie. Joonas Korpisalo is a solid backup, but he’s proven that he can’t handle the starter’s job full-time.

NESN: Kayla Gregoire cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Bruins could go after Brock Boeser when the free-agent market opens next Tuesday (July 1). The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks right wing is expected to go to market, but the Canucks haven’t ruled out bringing him back.

Gregoire noted that Boeser is projected to receive a six-year contract with an AAV of $8.46 million. She doesn’t rule out the Bruins pursuing him, citing their salary-cap space ($26.2 million) for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted earlier, the Bruins hope to rebound quickly from last season’s disappointing performance. They’ll be in the market for another scoring winger this summer. Boeser’s production was down last season, but he tallied a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24.

UPDATES ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers have yet to decide what they’ll do with their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall). They owe the Pittsburgh Penguins either this year’s pick or their 2026 first-rounder. They have until June 25 to decide.

If they keep this year’s pick, that will take them out of the offer-sheet game since they would need their 2026 pick as compensation for a major successful signing. They also lack their own 2026 second-rounder.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have been exploring the trade market for K’Andre Miller. If they move him, Baugh believes they must find a suitable replacement, potentially via free agency. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers are this summer’s top UFA blueliners.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming Gavrikov doesn’t have a long list of potential UFA destinations. Friedman believes that’s why so many observers have linked the 29-year-old defenseman to the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the 2025 NHL Draft weekend fast approaching, the trade market should kick into high gear this week. If Miller is moved, the Rangers could be poised to make Gavrikov a significant offer if he tests the market next Tuesday.

POTENTIAL SUITORS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson cited recent reports indicating contract extension talks didn’t go well between the Flames and Rasmus Andersson. That’s generated conjecture suggesting the Flames could trade the 28-year-old defenseman, who is a year away from UFA eligibility.

Gilbertson noted that Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, but speculates he could have more control than that. To maximize the return, the Flames could allow suitors to discuss a contract extension with the blueliner.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are mentioned as one destination, but the Stars face a salary-cap crunch. Some wonder if Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving (the former Flames GM) might try to bring Andersson to Toronto. Meanwhile, some Flames fans suggest offering Andersson to the Buffalo Sabres for winger JJ Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has shown a willingness to be patient to get the return he seeks. It’s no secret that he’s in the market for a second-line, right-shot center. A deal could be had if someone is willing to make that offer, but there aren’t a lot of those available.

BLUE JACKETS EXPECTED TO BE BUYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has been quietly working behind the scenes on deals big and small. He cited colleague Pierre LeBrun reported the Jackets GM spoke to the Dallas Stars about Mason Marchment before the gritty winger was shipped last week to the Seattle Kraken.

Portzline indicates the Jackets seek a top-six forward and a right-shot center, a right-shot, right-side top-four defenseman, and a goaltending upgrade.

Trade chips could include their 2025 first-round pick (14th overall), left winger Yegor Chinakhov, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the No. 20 pick in this year’s draft (originally from the Minnesota Wild), the rights to pending UFA defenseman Ivan Provorov, and perhaps gritty center Cole Sillinger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets possess over $40 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Expect them to make at least one big move this summer.

MANGIAPANE TO TORONTO?

LEAFS NATION’s Nick Alberga confirmed a report by The Fourth Period claiming the Maple Leafs are expected to pursue Andrew Mangiapane when the Washington Capitals winger hits the UFA market next Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Mangiapane played for Leafs GM Brad Treliving during their days with the Calgary Flames. Alberga claims he’s on the Leafs’ list of free-agent targets.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2025

by | Jun 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2025

The Panthers stage their Stanley Cup parade, the possibility of stars signing shorter-term contracts, an update on Claude Giroux, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers celebrated their second straight Stanley Cup championship with a beachfront parade culminating with a rally at Ft Lauderdale Beach Park.

They were also unapologetic toward those critical of their style of play and their hearty partying following Tuesday’s 5-1 series-clinching win on Tuesday over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Panthers also thanked their fans for their support throughout the season and expressed their hope for another parade at the same time next year.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle explored the possibility of NHL stars like winger Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and center Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers accepting shorter-term contracts.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Marner, 28, is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old McDavid is a year away from UFA eligibility.

With the salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming years, those players could prefer short-term deals of two to four years, enabling them to return to the UFA market when the salary cap is much higher while still in their playing prime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors are already rampant suggesting Marner and McDavid could consider short-term contracts rather than the maximum of seven years on the open market or eight years if they re-sign with their current clubs before their UFA eligibility.

Marner will be the one worth watching if he goes to market as expected next Tuesday. His camp is expected to take several days evaluating offers and meeting with interested clubs before reaching a decision by mid-July.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators continue their contract negotiations with Claude Giroux. The 37-year-old forward is UFA-eligible next Tuesday and has been in daily discussions with Senators management.

They’re attempting to agree on a base salary and a bonus structure. The Giroux camp is believed to be using teammate David Perron’s $4 million average annual value as a comparable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s still enough time for the two sides to work this out. It could take until next Tuesday to get this done.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the Colorado Avalanche must improve their late-round draft record if they hope to extend their Stanley Cup window. They haven’t drafted a player after the first round who reached 300 career NHL games since 2009, when they chose Ryan O’Reilly (33rd overall) and Tyson Barrie (64th overall).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Masisak points out, the Avs’ draft record beyond the first round hasn’t been great. They also haven’t had much recent success with their first-rounders. Bowen Byram (fourth overall, 2019) was their last notable selection, and he was traded last year to the Buffalo Sabres. Calum Ritchie (27th overall, 2023) shows potential, but they shipped him to the New York Islanders at the March trade deadline for Brock Nelson.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng cites speculation suggesting the Sharks could opt for center Anton Frondell of SHL club Djurgardens IF with the second-overall pick over Michael Misa of the Erie Otters.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be a surprising development. Misa is considered the second-best prospect in this year’s draft class, with most mock drafts (including mine) having him going to the Sharks. We’ll find out for sure during the opening round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday (June 27) in Los Angeles.

NHL.COM: The Avalanche, Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights released their preseason schedules.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 2025 NHL preseason begins on Sept. 21 and concludes on Oct. 4.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

by | Jun 22, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

In the latest Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Jason Robertson, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Rasmus Andersson and Noah Dobson, plus an update on the Flyers.

STARS ENTERTAINING OFFERS FOR JASON ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars aren’t actively shopping Jason Robertson, but they are listening to offers for the 25-year-old winger.

Robertson carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7.75 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. LeBrun expects the Stars will take their time with this situation, whether he’s re-signed or traded at some point this summer.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars general manager Jim Nill isn’t wasting time taking care of business this offseason. He re-signed Matt Duchene, Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist, and traded Mason Marchment to Seattle in a cost-cutting move.

The Stars have $2.75 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract. Nill is expected to re-sign team captain Jamie Benn to a short-term, cost-effective deal. However, he must clear more cap space to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Mikael Granlund, Evgenii Dadonov, Brendan Smith, Cody Ceci and Colin Blackwell.

Robertson lacks no-trade protection. Moving him would free up a significant chunk of cap space, but it would also remove one of the top scorers from their lineup. It’ll be interesting to see what Nill has in store over the next several weeks.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER AND JOHN TAVARES

LeBrun reports the “rumor de jour” is winger Mitch Marner could be considering a two-year contract for between $12 million and $13 million annually. He wasn’t able to confirm it, but said he’s heard it from a couple of teams now.

That would put the 28-year-old pending UFA in a position to hit the open market in two years, when the salary cap could reach $113 million or higher.

The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams LeBrun believes are high on Marner’s list. The cap-strapped Stars are a long shot, but “never say never”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could see some of this summer’s top UFAs accepting short-term contracts, hoping to cash in again in two, three or four years from now should the salary cap keep rising significantly.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares still aren’t close in contract extension talks. LeBrun still thinks they could get this done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman cited LeBrun telling TSN’s Overdrive that there’s no way Tavares will sign for $5 million per season with the Leafs unless they’re willing to add term to the deal. That could mean four or five years instead of two to three.

Given the lack of quality centers in this summer’s UFA market, Wegman believes Tavares could be in high demand if he becomes available on July 1.

FLAMES ARE WILLING TO TAKE CALLS ABOUT RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: LeBrun cited sources indicating contract extension talks between the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson didn’t go well this week. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA status. He carries a cap hit of $4.55 million for 2025-26 and a six-team no-trade list.

LeBrun said the Flames are now ready to entertain trade offers for Andersson, suggesting there will be no shortage of interest in the right-shot blueliner. He could be a good fit with the Dallas Stars, but they’ve got salary-cap issues to sort out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames can afford to wait until next year’s trade deadline if they don’t get any suitable offers this summer for Andersson. Nevertheless, the limited number of available right-shot rearguards in this summer’s free-agent market could improve the chance of someone meeting the Flames’ asking price, which could be a right-shot, second-line center.

RED WINGS INTERESTED IN NOAH DOBSON?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Red Wings are showing interest in Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old New York Islanders defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1.

According to Duff, Friedman said forwards JT Compher and Jonatan Berggren were being offered as part of the return. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman could also part with draft picks in the deal to make it happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Compher and Berggren are third-line forwards. That would be a lowball trade offer for a skilled puck-moving defenseman like Dobson, who is rumored to be seeking a long-term contract with an AAV of $11 million.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported last week that the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t in a position to make a major addition to their roster this summer. They have roughly $13 million in dead cap space, and while they could put Ryan Ellis ($6.25 million) on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), they prefer not to do that if possible, to accrue cap space during the season.

Di Marco believes the Flyers will look for stopgap measures to address their depth at center. They could look at someone like Adam Gaudette of the Ottawa Senators in free agency. The Flyers are well-stocked with wingers, making it unlikely they’ll pursue someone like JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2025

by | Jun 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2025

Check out the latest on Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and Zach Werenski, the Kraken trade Andre Burakovsky to the Blackhawks, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk said he will decide over the next several weeks if he’ll require surgery to repair the injuries that sidelined him for the final 25 games of the regular season.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Following the Stanley Cup Final, Tkachuk admitted he suffered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Surgery could sideline him for the entire training camp period in September and the start of the regular season in October.

“It’s going to take a few weeks to determine if I need it or not,” said Tkachuk. “It’s probably 50-50 right now. I don’t know if I’ll have a normal summer or not. I hope so. I’m not just going to jump into surgery without talking to everybody and going through everything. I have a few weeks here when I can figure it out.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers would miss Tkachuk’s offense and agitating style if he’s sidelined to start next season. They were 13-11-1 during his absence down the stretch in 2024-25.

TSN: Speaking of the Panthers, Aaron Ekblad said contract extension talks with the club have begun. “Conversations have been had,” he said. “Obviously, nothing material yet, but they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”

The 29-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1. He has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Panthers. “It’s home and I expect it to be home,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad is coming off an eight-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million. His performance has declined over the past couple of seasons.

The Panthers have $19 million in cap space, with Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett, winger Brad Marchand, and blueliner Nate Schmidt also UFA-eligible on July 1. Ekblad might have to accept a pay cut on a shorter-term deal to stay in Florida.

THE ATHLETIC: Coming off a career-best performance, Zach Werenski is hoping to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to bigger and better things.

The 29-year-old joined the league’s elite defensemen this season with an 82-point performance. He was runner-up for the James Norris Memorial Trophy and named to this season’s Second All-Star Team.

Werenski’s efforts helped the Blue Jackets overcome the tragic death of winger Johnny Gaudreau. They exceeded expectations this season, narrowly missing the playoffs. He wants to be part of a winning culture in Columbus and is optimistic about their future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have a core of rising young forwards like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Dmitry Voronkov, and Kent Johnson. They also have up-and-coming defenseman Denton Mateychuk and a promising goaltender in Jet Greaves. With Werenski now at an elite level, his skills and leadership will be invaluable in helping this club take the next step.

The Jackets also have over $40 million in salary-cap space for 2025-26. Management has the room to make a couple of significant additions that could pay long-term dividends.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW/THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired winger Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for center Joe Veleno.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a salary dump by the Kraken, exchanging Burakovsky’s $5.5 million AAV through 2026-27 for Veleno’s $2.75 million for 2025-26. They have $18.6 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 active roster players under contract.

The rebuilding Blackhawks continue to add experienced short-term depth to take pressure off their promising young players.

Injuries hampered Burakovsky during his first two seasons with the Kraken. He played in 79 games this season but managed 39 points, which was a far cry from the career-best 61 points he had with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, which earned him his current contract.

The Kraken now have sufficient room to re-sign restricted free agents (RFAs) Kaapo Kakko and Tye Kartye. They acquired winger Mason Marchment last week from the Dallas Stars and should still have enough cap space to make another substantial addition to their roster.

This is the second time this season that Veleno’s been traded. The Blackhawks acquired him from the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline. He could provide the Kraken with short-term depth at center for the coming season.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: The Blackhawks placed defenseman TJ Brodie on unconditional waivers to buy out his contract.

They signed the 35-year-old defenseman last summer to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million. However, Brodie’s performance noticeably declined and he was a healthy scratch during the final 22 games of the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks won’t get much cap relief for 2025-26. This buyout counts as $3.233 million against their cap next season, dropping to $258,333 for the 2026-27 season.

THE ATHLETIC’s Michael Russo reports the Minnesota Wild are closing in on hiring former Anaheim Ducks head coach Greg Cronin as the new bench boss of their AHL affiliate in Iowa.

RDS: Jesse Puljujarvi scored the overtime winner for the Charlotte Checkers to defeat the Abbotsford Canucks 4-3 in Game 5 of the AHL’s Calder Cup Final. This was the third game in this series that required overtime. Abbotsford holds a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.