NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2025

by | Jun 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2025

The latest on the Oilers and Panthers as they await Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, updates on the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Edmonton Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson spoke about the club’s return to the Stanley Cup Final and Connor McDavid’s next contract.

McDavid, 28, is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He and the Oilers can agree to a contract extension starting this July 1.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“Look, Connor knows what he means to this organization and the city of Edmonton,” said Jackson. “And this organization and the city certainly know what Connor means to them. We’re very cognizant of that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The approaching end to McDavid’s contract has some fans and pundits wondering if he’ll re-sign with the Oilers or test next summer’s UFA market. I believe that he will sign an extension this summer that’ll make him the highest-paid player in the league starting in 2026-27.

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers forwards Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell and AJ Greer missed practice on Saturday. Luostarinen and Greer were injured in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Head coach Paul Maurice indicated Luostarinen and Lundell are fine, but Greer is considered day-to-day.

THE SCORE: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn doesn’t plan on leaving the only NHL team he’s ever played for. The 35-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but he hopes to work something out with management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benn is completing an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million. He’s been the Stars’ captain for years, but his performance declined noticeably over the past two seasons.

The Stars’ front office has indicated a desire for Benn to finish his career in Dallas. However, they have less than $5 million in cap space this summer. He must accept a significant pay cut to stay in Dallas.

Matt Duchene is also UFA-eligible on July 1 after finishing the second of the one-year contracts he’s had with the Stars. The 34-year-old center wants to stay in Dallas, but indicated he’ll be seeking term on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duchene is unlikely to get more than a year from the Stars. They must ensure sufficient long-term cap room to re-sign winger Jason Robertson and defenseman Thomas Harley. Both players are restricted free agents next summer with arbitration rights.

SPORTSNET: Stars head coach Pete DeBoer and goaltender Jake Oettinger aren’t concerned about their working relationship going forward.

Eyebrows were raised when DeBoer pulled Oettinger early in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final after the latter gave up two goals on two shots. Following the game, the Stars coach didn’t exactly give a glowing review of his starter’s performance in that series.

Two days later, DeBoer insisted he is a big fan of Oettinger as a player and a person, calling him “the best young goaltender in the league,” suggesting he still has room to grow and improve. He also revealed that Oettinger was battling an upper respiratory illness, leading the coaching staff to debate whether to start backup Casey DeSmith in Game 4.

Meanwhile, Oettinger refused to use the illness as an excuse. He dismissed the idea that DeBoer’s comments following Game 5 had hurt their relationship. “I think for me, just the whole experience, I’m going to learn from it and it’s going to help me grow and be a better person and better goalie.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Stars center Roope Hintz said his foot was fractured by a slash from Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. Hintz missed Game 3 but returned for the final two games of the series. Nurse was initially given a five-minute major penalty but it was reduced on review to two minutes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nurse should’ve received supplemental discipline for his actions, but that’s not how things work in the erratic world of the NHL’s department of “player safety.”

STLTODAY.COM: Blues winger Dylan Holloway was heartbroken to miss the playoffs due to a lower-body injury that required season-ending surgery. He’s coming off a career-best 26 goals and 37 assists in 77 games this season.

Holloway completed the first season of a two-year contract and is eligible to sign an extension with the Blues on July 1. The 23-year-old could earn an average annual value of $7 million on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holloway and teammate Philip Broberg were signed away from the Edmonton Oilers last summer via offer sheets. Their additions played a key role in the Blues reaching the playoffs this season, suggesting they could soon become core players for this club.

ESPN.COM: Thousands attended the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day on Saturday at Washington Lake Park in southern New Jersey. Roughly 1,110 people participated in person, along with more than 1,300 virtually in the United States, Canada, and around the world.

The event honored the memory of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who died last August after being struck by an alleged drunk driver. The goal was to raise money for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where their mother, Jane, and her daughter Kristen work.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

An update on JJ Peterka, the latest Canadiens speculation, what’s next for the Stars and Hurricanes, and an update on Morgan Rielly in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston included JJ Peterka among his list of offseason trade targets. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’d draw plenty of interest if the Sabres decide to peddle him.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

In March, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka one of his core players. However, Johnston considers it unclear whether the winger is willing to make that kind of commitment to the club. He thinks Peterka could be an offer sheet candidate if he’s not traded before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s trade targets list have frequently appeared in media rumors in recent weeks, which have been duly noted on this site. However, his comments about Peterka potentially getting an offer sheet echoed Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.

The Sabres have over $23 million in cap space with Peterka, Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod becoming RFAs on July 1. They’re reportedly gauging Byram’s value in the trade market, which would provide them with enough cap room to match an offer sheet for Peterka and still have enough to re-sign Quinn and McLeod.

However, Peterka could be worth watching over the next four weeks if he doesn’t see his long-term future in Buffalo. That could force the Sabres to put him on the trade block by the NHL Draft weekend (June 27-28)

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Johnston suggesting it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens peddled one of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft for more immediate roster help, like a center. Johnston also included defense prospect Logan Mailloux as a trade candidate, noting that the Canadiens’ prospect cupboard is overflowing with defensemen.

TVA SPORTS: noted the Canadiens reportedly had a chance to trade Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks last year for Trevor Zegras. However, everything fell through when they selected Ivan Demidov fifth overall at the 2024 Draft.

Dumont doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a rush to move Mailloux, but they’re also not going to rush him or prospect blueliners David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom into their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens could be willing to part with one or both of their 2025 first-rounders, or a first and Mailloux, if it’ll fetch a reliable second-line center, preferably one in his mid-to-late twenties.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STARS AND HURRICANES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at the notable offseason storylines for the Stars following their third straight elimination from the Western Conference Final.

Team captain Jamie Benn can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The front office has indicated there’s a place for the 35-year-old winger on their roster as long as he wants it, but his performance in this year’s playoffs (three points in 18 games) suggests he’s nearing the end of his playing career. If he does re-sign, it’ll be on a cheap one-year deal.

Other forwards to be re-signed or replaced include Matt Duchene, Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, Colin Blackwell and Mavrik Bourque.

Stars GM Jim Nill must address the right side of his defense corps. Cody Ceci, Nils Lundkvist, Brendan Smith and Ilya Lyubushkin are free agents this summer. Matt Dumba is under contract for another year but could become a trade or buyout candidate.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk pointed out that the Stars only have $4.9 million in cap space for 2025-26. Frank Seravalli observed that their prospect pipeline has grown thinner because they’ve traded away a lot of draft picks for immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill has done a fine job building the Stars into a perennial playoff team, winning the Jim Gregory GM of the Year award in each of the last two seasons, and becoming a finalist this year. However, his management skills will be put to the test in addressing his club’s weaknesses, given his team’s limited cap space and few tradeable assets among their draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette looked at what could be in store for the Carolina Hurricanes after their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

The Hurricanes could move on from veteran defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov unless they’re willing to accept pay cuts and reduced roles to stay.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky will have over $28 million in cap space this summer and not many holes to fill on his roster. He could pursue a big-name player via free agency or trade. Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a good fit. Tulsky could also pursue a defenseman to skate alongside Jaccob Slavin on their top blueline pairing.

Lavalette doesn’t rule out the unexpected, suggesting they could move out a goalie like Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov if an upgrade emerges.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes attempted to acquire Marner from the Leafs at the trade deadline. While he declined to waive his no-movement clause, he might find the Hurricanes an acceptable destination as a free agent.

UPDATE ON MORGAN RIELLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has no intention of asking Morgan Rielly to waive his no-movement clause. LeBrun said the 31-year-old defenseman loves being a Leaf. “I don’t think that needs to be a talking point going forward here,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly surfaced in the rumor mill following the Leafs’ second-round elimination by the Florida Panthers. That sparked plenty of speculation about big changes, especially after the club parted ways with team president Brendan Shanahan.

The decline in Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman prompted some pundits to suggest trading him or buying out his contract. However, Treliving’s comments indicate neither option is on the table.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 31, 2025

The Oilers and Panthers prepare for their upcoming Stanley Cup Final rematch, the Senators will begin contract talks with Claude Giroux, the Sabres add Jarmo Kekalainen to their front office, the Islanders make two signings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said his club spent seven months preparing for this return to the Stanley Cup Final. While they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished thus far, Knoblauch indicated they’re focused on the ultimate goal of winning hockey’s greatest prize.

“We said last year right after Game 7 that we’d be back,” said winger Corey Perry. “And we’re back.”

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (NHL Images).

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl knows what his club has to deal with facing the defending champion Florida Panthers again. “We know what they’re about, we played them seven times,” he said. “They’re a good team. We’re a really good team, as well. It’s nice to get a shot at getting some revenge, but we’re a long way from that.”

Knoblauch pointed out that his team must play its best hockey to achieve a different result from last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zach Hyman was the first player following Game 7 to guarantee they would return to the Final this season. His prophecy came true, but an injury suffered in the Western Conference Final has sidelined him from the Cup Final.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk praised the Oilers during his appearance on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show, calling them “a hell of a team”. He believes the rematch between his two clubs will make for “an incredible series”, calling the two clubs the best in the NHL.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We have to wait several days for that series to begin. Game 1 is Wednesday, June 4, in Edmonton. Game 7 (if necessary) will be in Edmonton on Friday, June 20.

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will sit for face-to-face contract discussions next week with Claude Giroux.

The versatile 37-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Both sides have already found common ground because he wants to stay in Ottawa and the Senators are interested in keeping him.

Garrioch cited insiders suggesting Giroux’s next contract should have a base salary of $3 million with achievable performance bonuses that could take him up to between $4.5 million and $5 million. The biggest decision could be whether he gets a one or two-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll be surprised if they don’t get a deal done. Giroux is eager to complete his career in Ottawa, and the Senators appreciate his skills, experience and leadership.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres hired former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor to GM Kevyn Adams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kekalainen has the most experience of anyone in the Sabres front office. He should be a valuable addition as they attempt to improve their roster and bring an end to their 14-year playoff drought next season.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Mathieu Darche made his first two contract signings as Islanders general manager, inking winger Kyle Palmieri to a two-year extension and defenseman Adam Boqvist to a one-year deal.

Palmieri will earn an average annual value of $4.75 million. He also has a full no-trade clause for 2025-26 and a 16-team no-trade clause for 2026-27. Boqvist will earn $850K next season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis revealed he reaggravated the right labrum/rotator cuff injury he suffered last season. He’s leaning toward another summer of rehabbing the injury rather than undergoing surgery, explaining that the procedure wouldn’t do much for his game. It would also sideline him for an extensive period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis played through the injury this season, scoring a team-leading 32 goals.

Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield confirmed he suffered a hip injury midway through the second-round series with the Washington Capitals. He won’t require surgery and will be ready for the start of the season. Blueliner Sean Walker reaggravated a shoulder injury in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

SPORTSNET: The Seattle Kraken signed defenseman Josh Mahura to a two-year, one-way contract extension with an AAV of $907,500.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed blueliner Helge Grans to a two-year, $1.575 million contract.

TSN: Francois Gagnon will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism. Daryl Reaugh will receive the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. They will accept their awards at the Hockey Hall of Fame NHL Media Awards Luncheon in Toronto on Nov. 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Gagnon and Reaugh for their well-deserved awards.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2025

by | May 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2025

The latest on the Devils, plus updates on Bryan Rust, Marco Rossi and Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE DEVILS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald isn’t expected to move out any of his big-name players this summer. If he wants to shed some salary, he could explore deals for someone like middle-six forward Dawson Mercer, who carries an average annual value of $4 million.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils were close to signing Jonathan Marchessault before he opted to join the Nashville Predators. With the 34-year-old winger believed to be open to a trade, Nichols wondered if the Devils might revisit their interest.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton believe Jake Allen will be among the most coveted unrestricted free agent goaltenders. The market is thin on quality goalies, putting the 34-year-old Devils netminder in a good position.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald wasn’t happy with his club’s offensive depth this season. It’s expected he’ll attempt to remedy that through a trade or a free-agent signing. Mercer could have value as a trade chip to address that issue.

Fitzgerald might revisit his interest in Marchessault, but he could insist the Predators retain part of his $5.5 million AAV in the deal.

BRYAN RUST DRAWING INTEREST IN THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports teams are calling the Pittsburgh Penguins about a potential trade for Bryan Rust. The 33-year-old winger’s no-movement clause expires on July 1.

Yohe would be surprised if the Penguins move Rust. He’s an alternate captain, Sidney Crosby’s favorite winger, and a terrific player on a very good contract. Rust also has a good reputation for working well with younger players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million. He’s consistently exceeded 20 goals and 40 points in each season since 2019-20.

On the one hand, it would make sense for the rebuilding Penguins to move Rust while his value remains high. On the other hand, they’re still trying to be a competitive club by rebuilding on the fly. Unless they get a terrific offer, they’ll likely hang onto him for another season.

THE LATEST ON MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports the Penguins are a potential suitor for Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center fits the young profile they want. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t appear interested in adding players over 30.

Yohe believes the draft picks the Penguins have accumulated give them plenty of ammunition to pursue a trade for Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild could prefer a player-for-player swap where they get another young forward in return. Then again, they could use whatever draft picks they acquire from the Penguins (or whoever they might send Rossi to) as trade bait to pry a forward away from another club.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco doesn’t think the Philadelphia Flyers would be a fit for Rossi. His sources claim the Wild would want forward Tyson Foerster or one of the Flyers’ late first-round picks in this year’s draft. The Flyers have no interest in either scenario.

Di Marco also reports that Rossi’s contract demands are said to be too expensive for both teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers re-signed the 23-year-old Foerster yesterday to a two-year bridge deal. It doesn’t appear to be a “sign-and-trade” situation, as they very much want to keep him.

Rossi reportedly rejected a contract offer from the Wild earlier this season. There’s no indication yet what type of deal he’s seeking. His situation will be worth monitoring as the calendar flips to June and activity in the trade market resumes.

SENATORS REPORTEDLY ON RASMUS ANDERSSON’S “NO-TRADE” LIST

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco cited a rumor linking the Ottawa Senators to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. However, a Flames source told Di Marco that the Senators are on the 28-year-old defenseman’s six-team “no-trade” list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Di Marco noted there was speculation suggesting the Flames were gauging the trade market for Andersson. However, he added that a source claimed they’re now considering keeping him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2025

by | May 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2025

The Oilers return to the Stanley Cup Final, the Islanders introduce Mathieu Darche as their new GM, the Kraken hire Lane Lambert as their new coach, plus the latest on Alex Ovechkin, Jonathan Toews, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OILERS RETURN TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL

NHL.COM: The Edmonton Oilers are going back to the Stanley Cup Final after defeating the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the best-of-seven Western Conference Final.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored what proved to be the winning goal on a breakaway in the third period and collected an assist on Corey Perry’s game-opening goal. Leon Draisaitl and Jake Walman each had two assists, and Jeff Skinner scored his first-ever Stanley Cup playoff goal.

Jake Robertson scored two goals while Wyatt Johnston and Thomas Harley each had two assists for the Stars. Goaltender Jake Oettinger was pulled early in the first period after giving up two goals on the only two shots he faced. Backup Casey DeSmith finished the game, making 20 saves.

The Oilers will face the Florida Panthers in the first Stanley Cup Final rematch since the 2009 Final between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid picked up his 100th career NHL playoff assist, becoming the second-fastest player to reach that milestone. Wayne Gretzky did it in 70 games while McDavid needed 90 games.

Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm made his debut in this postseason after being sidelined by an undisclosed injury since Apr. 11. He played 15:52 minutes, collecting an assist and blocking two shots.

Stars coach Pete DeBoer’s decision to pull Oettinger bewildered many observers, including the goalie himself. DeBoer explained he was trying to give his club a spark after a slow start, adding that Oettinger had lost six of his last seven playoff games against the Oilers going back to last season.

Some pundits felt DeBoer overreacted or panicked. Meanwhile, Oettinger’s teammates blamed themselves for playing poorly in front of him.

Oettinger didn’t have a good series, but he wasn’t the sole reason why the Stars were eliminated from the Western Conference Final for the third straight year. This was on the entire team. They gave up the first goal in 15 of their 18 postseason games, their penalty-killing was ineffective, and they struggled to produce in five-on-five situations.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and Oilers is Wednesday, June 4, in Edmonton at 8 pm ET. Game 7 (if necessary) will be Friday, June 20, in Edmonton.

HEADLINES

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders formally introduced Mathieu Darche as their new general manager and executive vice president. Darche confirmed Patrick Roy will return as head coach, but assistant coaches John MacLean and Tommy Albelin were let go.

Darche confirmed that center Bo Horvat recently injured a minor ankle playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. He’s already rehabbing the injury and will need four to six weeks to recover.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken named Lane Lambert as their third head coach in franchise history. Lambert was an associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. He spent two seasons as head coach of the Islanders.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals stated that an alleged e-mail sent to season ticket holders claiming that 2025-26 would be Alex Ovechkin’s last in the NHL is not accurate. The team claimed no decision has been made on Ovechkin’s future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Next season is the last one of Ovechkin’s current contract. It’s rumored he intends to finish his career in Russia, but that doesn’t mean he won’t sign an extension with the Capitals. That could depend on his performance and willingness to continue his NHL career.

TSN: Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is committed to returning to the NHL next season. His agent will begin taking calls from interested teams leading up to July 1.

Toews, 37, stepped away from the game in 2023 for health reasons. He indicated in March that he was unhappy with how his career ended and was working his way toward a comeback.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger believes Toews will have a long list of suitors, including the Winnipeg Jets.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was noncommittal about the club re-signing pending free agent Mitch Marner. He indicated that he spoke with the 28-year-old winger during the club’s recent exit interviews, saying they decided to take a step back briefly.

“We’re going to meet as a staff, I’m going to be in touch with Mitch’s representative,” said Treliving. “We’ll have to see how this all works…And he’s got a say in the process.”

HOCKEY SVERIGE: Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson played with a fracture in one leg during his final games of the regular season and at the recent World Championship. He said his leg is at 80-85 percent but won’t require surgery.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers signed winger Tyson Foerster to a two-year bridge contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov was named the 2025 KHL Rookie of the Year.

THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks re-signed defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to a one-year, $1 million contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2025

by | May 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2025

Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights? Jonathan Marchessault to the Canadiens or Golden Knights? Rangers shopping K’Andre Miller? Find the answers to these questions, plus the latest on Marco Rossi and Brock Nelson, in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TORONTO STAR: Gord Stellick believes the Vegas Golden Knights will aggressively pursue Mitch Marner if the Maple Leafs’ winger becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Stellick believes the Golden Knights weren’t pleased with their second-round elimination by the Edmonton Oilers. They could shed some of their aging players and add some younger talent. They have a history of acquiring big-name talent via trades and free agency.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have a projected salary-cap space of $9.6 million with 18 active roster players under contract next season. It could cost an average annual value between $13 million and $14 million to sign Marner. They’ll have to make a couple of significant cost-cutting trades to free up enough cap room for Marner and to fill out the rest of the roster.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying Jonathan Marchessault is open to a trade. The 34-year-old former Golden Knights winger signed a five-year contract ($5 million AAV) last summer with the Nashville Predators, but his production slipped as the Predators finished 28th overall this season.

Kirkell didn’t rule out a reunion, but she noted that Marchessault’s contract was a point of contention before he left Vegas. The Predators could retain part of his cap hit, but the rebuilding club wants to get younger and the Golden Knights lack suitable trade assets to help them.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Seravalli claiming the Quebec-born Marchessault might welcome a trade to the Canadiens. The Habs were among the finalists to sign Marchessault last season, but they offered a three-year deal while the Predators offered five.

Dumont doubts the Canadiens will be willing to acquire the remaining four years of the aging Marchessault’s contract. They’re seeking elite talent with size, which Marchessault cannot help them with this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault’s age, the remaining years on his contract, and his 15-team no-trade list are stumbling blocks in the path to a trade. The Predators could retain up to half of his salary and perhaps include a draft pick to sweeten the deal if they just want to get most of his cap hit off their books.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the New York Rangers are testing the trade market on K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Friedman said it’s no guarantee that Miller will be traded, but the Rangers want to see what his value will be. Mastey observed that this comes after a season in which the blueliner’s performance declined, sparking doubts about his ultimate potential.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no surprise that the Rangers are looking into Miller’s trade value. They were among the busiest teams in this season’s trade market as general manager Chris Drury attempts to retool the roster on the fly. This news confirms that Drury will continue to tinker during the offseason.

Miller could become an offer-sheet target. However, the drop in his play this season makes that an unlikely possibility. Rangers forward Will Cuylle is the more likely target, partly because of the Blueshirts’ limited cap space.

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an NHL executive speculating that Marco Rossi might not be back with the Minnesota Wild next season. The 23-year-old center is due to become an RFA without arbitration rights on July 1.

Rossi has been the topic of trade speculation throughout this season. Murphy cited sources claiming the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Seattle Kraken have expressed interest in the young center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy suggests Rossi could be shopped heading into the 2025 NHL Draft weekend (June 27-28). One of his sources believes the Wild won’t want this situation to carry over into the free-agency period (beginning July 1) when they can’t dictate terms as much.

Meanwhile, Marco D’Amico cited a source claiming the New York Islanders had a deal in place that would’ve sent Brock Nelson to the Winnipeg Jets before the March trade deadline. However, the 33-year-old center declined to waive his no-trade clause.

It’s believed one of the Jets’ top prospects (Brad Lambert, Colby Barlow, or Brayden Yager) would’ve been part of the deal, along with draft picks.

The Islanders instead shipped Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche.