NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 13, 2025

by | Jun 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 13, 2025

The Oilers rally to defeat the Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck wins the Hart and Vezina trophies, Kings captain Anze Kopitar wins the Lady Byng Trophy, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OILERS RALLY, DEFEAT THE PANTHERS IN GAME 4 OF THE STANLEY CUP FINAL

NHL.COM: Leon Draisaitl’s overtime goal gave the Edmonton Oilers a 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, tying the series at two games apiece.

The Panthers dominated the first period, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring twice and Anton Lundell tallying to take a 3-0 lead, putting the Oilers on the verge of collapsing as they did in Game 3. After swapping out starting goalie Stuart Skinner for Calvin Pickard, the Oilers tied it on goals by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse, and Vasily Podkolzin.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Edmonton took the lead with just over six minutes remaining in the third period on a slapshot by Jake Walman. However, Florida pulled goalie Sergei Bobrovsky for an extra attacker and cashed in as Sam Reinhart tied it with 20 seconds remaining in the period.

The Panthers nearly won it in overtime when Sam Bennett hit the crossbar. Moments later, Draisaitl hopped onto the ice, skated into the Panthers’ zone, and shoveled a one-handed backhander that deflected off Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola past Bobrovsky.

This series returns to Edmonton for Game 4 on Saturday, June 14, at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was one of the greatest Stanley Cup Final games I’ve ever seen. Edmonton seemed done like dinner after the first period, and Florida appeared on the verge of taking a 3-1 stranglehold on the series.

The Panthers completely controlled the first period, outplaying Edmonton to take what seemed an insurmountable three-goal lead. Skinner couldn’t be faulted for those goals, which were the result of his teammates’ sloppy play. Swapping him for Pickard felt like a desperation move, but it helped to settle the Oilers down. He was steady throughout the rest of the game, stopping 22 of 23 shots.

Draisaitl set an NHL record for the most overtime goals (four) in a single postseason. The Oilers shook up their lineup before the game, sitting forward Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman John Klingberg in favor of Jeff Skinner and Troy Stecher.

After the game, Draisaitl praised teammate Corey Perry for rallying his teammates following the first period. “Corey spoke up. When he speaks up, you listen, and you do what he says. We did a great job of grabbing it, grabbing some momentum and keeping it.”

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is the winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy for 2024-25. He’s the first goalie to win both awards since Carey Price in 2014-15, and the only active three-time winner of the Vezina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here, as a photo of Hellebuyck with both trophies was recently leaked on social media. Nevertheless, he was a deserving winner. He was the best goaltender in the league this season and was considered the front-runner for the Hart Trophy.

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career, taking only two minor penalties this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hockey followers often deride the Lady Byng Trophy because it rewards “gentlemanly play”, which is a quaint early 20th-century way of saying the winners play a strong, disciplined game. The 37-year-old Kopitar remains among the most respected two-way players in the game, whose play remains worthy of recognition.

Hellebuyck and Jets winger Kyle Connor were named to the 2024-25 First All-Star Team, joining Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar, Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov, and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, defenseman Victor Hedman, and winger Brandon Hagel were part of the Second All-Star Team. Joining them were Oilers center Leon Draisaitl, Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak, and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Calder Memorial Trophy winner Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens and 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks were among the players named to the 2024-25 NHL All-Rookie Team. They joined Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov, Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk.

Former NHL star and future Hall-of-Famer Jaromir Jagr won a regional Emmy Award for his work as a producer and writer on last year’s broadcast of his jersey retirement ceremony by the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2025

by | Jun 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2025

Could Alex Pietrangelo’s injury concerns spark big changes for the Golden Knights? What’s the latest on Kris Letang, Marco Rossi, and Rasmus Andersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS ALEX PIETRANGELO HEADED TO LTIR?

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent remarks implying Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo might not be healthy enough to start the 2025-26 season.

If Pietrangelo is put on long-term injury reserve, it’s rumored the Golden Knights could use the salary cap space to pursue a big-name player like Mitch Marner via free agency.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).

However, Kirkell suggests pumping the brakes on that speculation. She points out they’re already stretched thin on their blueline as they’re shopping restricted free agent defenseman Nicolas Hague. Even if they keep Hague, he’s a left-shot blueliner, and finding a suitable replacement for the right-shot Pietrangelo won’t be easy.

Assuming they place Pietrangelo on LTIR and use the $8.8 million in savings to sign Marner, they’ll have to free up cap room if the blueliner returns to action during next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way this works for the Golden Knights is if Pietrangelo is sidelined throughout the 2025-26 regular season. However, there is no word from the defenseman or the Golden Knights that he will be going on LTIR.

If Pietrangelo is out for the season, the Golden Knights could use the savings to add a top-line forward like Marner. However, they would be left with a depleted defense corps, especially if Hague is traded, and that could prove fatal to their Stanley Cup hopes for next season.

COULD THE PENGUINS ATTEMPT TO TRADE KRIS LETANG?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe cited sources on the Pittsburgh Penguins claiming Kris Letang’s play last season was a source of frustration for former head coach Mike Sullivan. The 38-year-old defenseman’s performance deteriorated during the second half of last season.

Yohe examined the possibility of trading Letang, but it won’t be easy. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and carries a full no-trade clause. He hasn’t expressed an unwillingness to waive it, but team sources say he’s “unmovable” even if they wanted to trade him.

Letang’s health, salary, contract length, and declining performance are the reasons why no NHL club has expressed interest in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe acknowledged previous rumors suggesting Letang might welcome a trade to his hometown of Montreal or Southern California, where he and his wife have a home. However, he pointed out those teams aren’t interested.

UPDATE ON MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are among the teams interested in Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center is an RFA lacking arbitration rights coming off his entry-level contract.

LeBrun believes the Canucks have the most interest in Rossi. He thinks the Flames have mild interest, but that they would prefer a center with more size.

The Montreal Canadiens are another Canadian team in the market for a second-line center. However, LeBrun believes they don’t have much interest in Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believed Rossi could be a good fit in Calgary. However, Flames GM Craig Conroy has said he’s looking for a right-shot center with size. Rossi is a left-handed shot.

Some Canadiens fans could be upset over their club’s apparent lack of interest in Rossi. During their end-of-season press conference, management honchos Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes indicated that they wanted a physical center with size.

Rossi’s rumored contract demands could also be behind the lukewarm interest from the Flames and Canadiens. He reportedly wants a deal comparable to Wild teammate Matt Boldy (seven years, $49 million, $7 million AAV).

COULD THE FLAMES TRADE RASMUS ANDERSSON BEFORE THE DRAFT?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli considers it possible that the Calgary Flames trade Rasmus Andersson by the 2025 NHL Draft (June 27-28). He thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be “too expensive and too long-term for their liking”.

Anderson is UFA-eligible next July. The Flames can sign him to a contract extension on July 1. He has a cap hit of $4.55 million on his current contract with a six-team no-trade list.

Seravalli also suggested the possibility of hanging onto Andersson for next season and peddling him at the trade deadline when his value could be higher. He also reported that the two sides are expected to commence contract extension talks this week, but believes the Flames have no problem hanging onto him for next season if negotiations stall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem with trading Andersson at the trade deadline is that it puts the Flames in the same situation they were in two years ago with Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin. Their uncertain status was an unwelcome distraction for the team.

If the Flames are in the middle of the playoff race next season, trading Andersson at the deadline could be devastating to their blueline depth and team morale. There’s also the risk of a season-ending injury taking him out of the trade market.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 12, 2025

by | Jun 12, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 12, 2025

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar wins the Norris Trophy, an update on the Rangers’ efforts to trade Chris Kreider to the Ducks, the latest on the Panthers and Oilers on the eve of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Cale Makar is the winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman for 2024-25. It’s the second time the 26-year-old Colorado Avalanche blueliner has taken home this award, having won in 2021-22.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar has been the NHL’s dominant defenseman since 2020-21. In addition to winning the Norris twice, he’s been a finalist three times (2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24). He joins Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as the only active multiple Norris Trophy winner.

Since Makar’s NHL debut in 2019-20, he leads all defensemen with 428 points and 24 game-winning goals, sits fourth in takeaways (295) and sixth in 5v5 puck possession (55.5 percent shot attempt percentage) among defensemen with 300-plus games played.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers have an agreement in principle on a trade that would send winger Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. Now, they await his blessing.

Anaheim is on Kreider’s 15-team no-trade list, but his camp permitted the Rangers to hold trade discussions with the Ducks. As of Tuesday night, the 33-year-old winger hadn’t signed off on the deal, but Brooks cited an Anaheim source saying it was a fait accompli.

Should the deal go through as expected, it will be a straightforward salary dump by the Rangers. The Ducks will take on Kreider’s full $6.5 million average annual value through 2026-27, while the Rangers would receive prospect Carey Terrance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Rangers could also receive a third or fourth-round pick in the deal.

**UPDATE**

Kreider approved the trade. The Rangers send him and a 2025 third-round pick to the Ducks for Terrance and a 2025 fourth-rounder.

Brooks believes Rangers forward Miko Zibanejad could be amenable to waiving his no-movement clause if Kreider is traded, pointing out that the pair are close friends.

Moving Zibanejad might not be as easy as trading Kreider. He has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Florida Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Leading the best-of-seven series 2-1, the Panthers have an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead with a win.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t expected to reveal his starting goaltender for Game 4 until Thursday morning. Starter Stuart Skinner has a perfect 6-0 record in his previous Game 4s, while backup Calvin Pickard is a perfect 6-0 in this postseason.

NHL.COM: The Oilers could replace defenseman John Klingberg with Troy Stecher for Game 4. Center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains a game-time decision with an undisclosed injury. He had the same status in Game 3, but played 15:34 in that contest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Game 4 is the pivotal contest. An Edmonton win ties the series, turning it into a best-of-three with the Oilers holding home-ice advantage if it goes the distance. A Panthers victory puts them in a position to win their second straight Stanley Cup in Game 5.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the NHL and NHL Players’ Association are getting closer to a CBA extension.

They’ve been meeting in Florida during the Stanley Cup Final and, while issues remain, it’s expected a deal could be completed soon. LeBrun speculates it could be done in time to present to the Board of Governors meeting on June 25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If it reaches that stage, the CBA extension could supersede the current agreement, slated to expire in September 2026. James Mirtle of The Athletic suggested the deal would run to September 2030.

Reports suggest there would be few significant changes in the next CBA. The most notable would be adjusting the long-term injury reserve (LTIR) rules to address the issue of playoff contenders using LTIR to bolster their rosters at the trade deadline.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Former Penguins owners Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle and David Morehouse are reportedly interested in purchasing a minority stake in the franchise. They sold the club to Fenway Sports Group in 2021 for $900 million.

It was initially reported that the Lemieux group was investigating the possibility of buying back the Penguins. Still, FSG reiterated that they’re only interested in selling a minority share to raise capital as they develop the property around PPG Paints Arena.

THE SCORE: An Atlanta group eyeing NHL expansion has received agreements from the Forsyth County Commission for a $3 billion project that includes the construction of an NHL-ready arena.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rumors have swirled suggesting the NHL could soon return to Atlanta. The league has played coy on the matter, and building a new arena doesn’t guarantee the arrival of an NHL franchise. Nevertheless, it’s only a matter of time.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators revealed a new-look third jersey for 2025-26. It will be themed in red with metallic black and gold striping.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2025

by | Jun 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand and Claude Giroux, plus an update on the Blues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS OR BLUE JACKETS PURSUE MITCH MARNER?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Vegas Golden Knights will be the landing spot for Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger goes to free agency on July 1.

Simmons noted that the Golden Knights have been watching Marner closely for years and have a history of making major acquisitions. He acknowledged their lack of salary-cap space, but claimed there are some around the league who think defenseman Alex Pietrangelo could end up on permanent long-term injury reserve. That would free up his $8.8 million annual average value through 2026-27 to put toward signing Marner.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo skipped the 4 Nations Face Off in February, reportedly using that time to heal up for the playoffs. That raised questions about his availability for Canada’s 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey team, but this is the first speculation suggesting Pietrangelo’s playing days could be over.

If Pietrangelo ends up on LTIR for next season, it will provide the Golden Knights with over $18 million in cap room. That’s enough to sign Marner, but it won’t replace Pietrangelo’s absence on the Golden Knights’ blueline.

It’s been suggested the Golden Knights could trade center William Karlsson and his $5.9 million AAV through 2026-27 to free up cap room to pursue Marner. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said what he’s heard around the league is that Karlsson isn’t available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported the Columbus Blue Jackets considered signing Marner to an offer sheet in 2019. It’s uncertain how far those discussions with Jackets then-general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Marner’s agent went before the latter re-signed with the Leafs.

Portzline wondered if current Jackets GM Don Waddell might pursue Marner in this summer’s UFA market. Columbus would provide a less harsh spotlight, proximity to his Toronto family, and the chance to play for a rising young team. They also have the cap space ($40.4 million) to sign him to a lucrative long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be entertaining to see where Marner goes on the open market. My guess is the Carolina Hurricanes, who are an established contender with cap space that had a prior interest in acquiring him.

COULD BRAD MARCHAND SIGN WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS?

YARDBARKER: cited TSN’s Chris Johnston speculating that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a destination for Brad Marchand if the Florida Panthers winger wants to maximize his earnings on his next contract.

Marchand, 37, is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Johnston acknowledged that endorsement money could factor into where he goes, which could make Toronto part of the Leafs’ sales pitch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This wouldn’t be the first time endorsement money could be used as a selling point by the Leafs. It’s rumored that it was part of their pitch to Steven Stamkos in 2016 before he decided to re-sign with the Lightning. They might have better luck with Marchand if he ends up hitting the open market on July 1.

SENATORS CONTINUE CONTRACT TALKS WITH GIROUX

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators have resumed contract extension talks with Claude Giroux. The versatile 37-year-old forward is UFA-eligible on July 1. He’s completing a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million.

Garrioch believes the Senators want to sign Giroux to a one-year, “plus-35” contract. The veteran forward is willing to accept a pay reduction, but the main issues are how much of a pay cut he’ll take and the structure of the contract.

The two sides had cordial discussions last week, but there remains a gap to bridge to keep him from testing the market.

BLUES COULD PURSUE A CENTER THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reported the St. Louis Blues are looking for a “200-foot offensive player” this summer. He acknowledged big names like Toronto’s Mitch Marner and Florida’s Sam Bennett could be available in the UFA market, but he doubted GM Doug Armstrong would get into the bidding for either one.

Rutherford indicated depth at center is the Blues’ biggest need. If they can land a top-six center via trade or free agency, they could shift team captain Brayden Schenn down to the third line. If they can land a top-nine center, they could move Oskar Sundqvist out of the third-line center role.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac believes Bennett could address that issue for the Blues. However, he doesn’t think they should overpay to do so. He recommended a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million AAV) with a no-trade clause as a sweetener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s a growing sense around the league that Bennett will re-sign with the Panthers. If he doesn’t, he could command over $8.5 million annually on a long-term deal.

Schenn frequently surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to the March trade deadline. However, they’re unlikely to part with him if their concern is bolstering their depth at the center position.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 11, 2025

by | Jun 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 11, 2025

The Ducks and Rangers are discussing a Chris Kreider trade, Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson wins the Calder Trophy, the fallout from Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RANGERS, DUCKS REPORTEDLY DISCUSSING A TRADE INVOLVING CHRIS KREIDER

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports sources indicate the New York Rangers are in discussions with the Anaheim Ducks regarding a trade that would send Chris Kreider to the Ducks.

New York Rangers winger Chris Kreider (NHL Images).

Kreider, 34, has two years remaining on his contract. The Rangers winger carries an average annual value of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list.

The two clubs intend to continue discussions on Wednesday. There is mutual interest between the parties, and a framework for a deal is in place. The recent talks involved Ducks prospect Carey Terrance being part of a return that would send Kreider to the Ducks.

NEW YORK POST: Andrew Battifarano cited a report claiming the Rangers would receive a prospect and a draft pick in return for the Ducks acquiring Kreider and his entire $6.5 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This deal could become the first involving an NHL player since the March trade deadline.

Kreider has been a fixture in the rumor mill since the Rangers included him on a list of available players that was sent around the league last November. This proposed trade would reunite him with Jacob Trouba, who was shipped to the Ducks last December.

The Rangers have been among the busiest teams in this season’s trade market as general manager Chris Drury attempts to retool his roster. His club currently has over $8.4 million in cap space, with 19 active roster players under contract for the 2025-26 season and restricted free agents Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller to re-sign. However, the latter is also considered a trade candidate.

Trading Kreider for futures would increase the Rangers’ cap space to almost $15 million. That gives them the wiggle room to re-sign Cuylle for sure and Miller if they wish. It also leaves enough to make a significant acquisition via trade or free agency.

HUTSON WINS THE CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is the 2024-25 winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s Rookie of the Year. He learned of his win during a surprise party arranged with his family.

Hutson, 21, is the seventh player in franchise history to win the Calder, and the first since Ken Dryden in 1971-72. Dryden congratulated the young blueliner via video.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutson led all rookies this season with 66 points, tying Hall-of-Famer Larry Murphy’s single-season rookie assist record (60). Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf finished second among the voters, while San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini was third.

STANLEY CUP FINAL NOTEBOOK

THE ATHLETIC: The Florida Panthers aren’t getting ahead of themselves following their lopsided 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. They expect a stronger response from the Oilers in Game 4 on Thursday in Florida at 8 pm ET. Florida holds a 2-1 lead in the series. 

TSN: Oilers defenseman Jake Walman was fined $10,000 by the NHL department of player safety for roughing Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk and unsportsmanlike conduct during Game 3.

IN OTHER NEWS…

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed winger Adam Klapka to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.25 million.

RG.ORG: Reports claiming KHL free-agent forward Maxim Shabanov signed with the Philadelphia Flyers are premature. His agent said his client will make his decision which NHL team he will sign with after the NHL Draft (June 27-28) and when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

Shabonov had 23 goals and 67 points in 65 games with Chelyabinsk Traktor and was a finalist for the KHL’s MVP award. Due to his age, his first NHL contract would be a one-year, two-way deal.

TSN: The verdicts in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team will be announced on July 24.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The five (Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, and Callan Foote) went on to become NHL players, but have not played in the league or anywhere else since charges were filed against them in January 2024. They all pleaded not guilty.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2025

by | Jun 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2025

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Max Pacioretty, Sam Bennett and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: James Mirtle of The Athletic cited sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs discussed a three-team deal to send Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights at the March trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

The deal would’ve involved the Carolina Hurricanes, who would’ve sent winger Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs. Mirtle said it was unclear how far the negotiations went and whether Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause, but it’s believed it fell through because the Hurricanes couldn’t reach terms on compensation from the Golden Knights.

Following the trade deadline, it was reported that the Leafs and Hurricanes talked about a swap of Marner for Rantanen, but the Leafs winger declined to waive his NMC.

Mirtle noted the Golden Knights lack the cap space to pursue Marner if he becomes a free agent on July 1. However, he suggested they could free up room by peddling center William Karlsson, who carries an average annual value of $5.9 million for two more seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mirtle also noted that the Golden Knights have been after Marner since last summer. They could attempt to sign the 28-year-old winger on July 1, but they’ll have to do more than move out Karlsson to achieve sufficient cap flexibility.

The Golden Knights currently have a projected cap space of $9.6 million with 18 active roster players under contract for 2025-26. Moving Karlsson to a club not on his 10-team no-trade list would give them $15.5 million. Assuming they sign Marner to a deal with an AAV of $14 million, that would leave them with $1.5 million to fill out the rest of their roster.

Marner may have rejected a move to Carolina at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean he won’t sign with the Hurricanes as a free agent. They have considerably more cap space than Vegas to make a competitive bid. Given their overall roster depth, they appear in a better position as a potential Cup contender than the Golden Knights.

THE SCORE: Speaking of the Leafs, Mirtle reports a source said Max Pacioretty is leaning toward returning to the club next season. The 36-year-old completed a one-year, $873K contract this season. Leafs management indicated their interest in bringing back Pacioretty following his productive postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll likely be another low-cost one-year contract.

THE ATHLETIC: Mirtle indicated that most of the people he’s spoken with around the NHL believe Sam Bennett won’t be available this summer. The versatile, agitating 28-year-old Florida Panthers center is due to become a UFA on July 1.

Bennett wants to stay with the Panthers and the feeling is mutual. Mirtle speculates it could cost an AAV of $8 million to keep him in the fold.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is among the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as this year’s playoff MVP. It’s doubtful the Panthers will let him walk, and unlikely that he will price himself out of their market.

Mirtle also reported that collective bargaining between the league and the NHL Players’ Association has been going well. It sounds to him like an announcement could come as soon as the Stanley Cup Final wraps up.

The new CBA could run to 2030. Mirtle expects no major changes apart from salary-cap accounting during the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what the league and the PA come up with to address that thorny issue.