NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2025

by | Jul 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2025

The latest on Flames center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson, plus some recent speculation about the Red Wings’ defense corps in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon noted Nazem Kadri’s impressive offensive totals with the retooling Calgary Flames. The 35-year-old is a valuable commodity to the Flames, and to a club trying to find a second-line center in an offseason where the trade and free-agent markets are bereft of such players.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Dixon acknowledged the Flames aren’t in any hurry to trade Kadri. He has four years left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million and a full no-movement clause for this season. Nevertheless, he’s been a stubborn fixture in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri keeps appearing on trade boards because of the lack of skilled centers in the current trade and free-agent markets. That’s why some pundits continue to suggest that he’s a trade target.

The Flames could move Kadri if they receive a great offer and he’s willing to agree to the trade. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if he’s still in the Flames’ lineup when they open the regular season in October.

If Kadri is moved, Dixon listed the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche and Maple Leafs are Kadri’s former teams, and they would probably love to bring him back.

However, both clubs lack the cap space to take on his contract. They would still have to shed salary even if the Flames retained half of his AAV, which is unlikely because they aren’t under pressure to move him. The Avs and Leafs also have limited trade assets to tempt the Flames compared to the other three clubs.

Kadri’s age and contract length seem an unlikely fit with the Canadiens. They have been building their roster around young talent, and could be unwilling to part with tradeable assets for a 35-year-old center with an expensive contract.

Devils defenseman (and former Flame) Dougie Hamilton has surfaced in the rumor mill. However, a Kadri-for-Hamilton swap is doubtful as the Flames might not be on his 10-team list of preferred destinations.

The Hurricanes are in “win-now” mode with a creative general manager willing to make big moves. Kadri might be a fit there, provided he’s willing to go to Carolina.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports it seems increasingly likely Rasmus Andersson will start this season with the Flames. The 28-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his contract, becoming eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Austin considers it “almost inevitable” that Andersson will be moved at some point this season. However, with no move taking place around the draft last month, a trade doesn’t seem imminent.

Flames GM Craig Conroy has no problem with Andersson being in the lineup when this season begins. He has stated that he has no concerns about the blueliner’s attitude. His future isn’t expected to be much of a distraction for the Flames this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is far more likely to be traded by the Flames than Kadri. Conroy hasn’t received any suitable offers for him and is willing to wait until he does. Having him on the roster could also help them remain in the hunt for a playoff berth this season.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff recently reported the Red Wings might not be done adding to their blueline this season.

Duff noted that there are some “under-the-radar defensemen” who could be had in this summer’s trade market.

Jamie Oleksiak of the Seattle Kraken and Ryan McDonagh of the Tampa Bay Lightning are two possibilities. The Lightning traded McDonagh before and could do so again.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oleksiak and McDonagh are UFA-eligible next summer. The Kraken are under new management, which also explains why Oleksiak has surfaced in the rumor mill. The Lightning could attempt to move McDonagh to free up cap space for other additions, but they could be content to stick with their current roster for now.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 26, 2025

by | Jul 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 26, 2025

Corey Perry looks forward to returning to Southern California, the Islanders avoid arbitration with Maxim Tsyplakov, the Rangers sign Conor Sheary to a tryout offer, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Corey Perry is pumped about playing for a Southern California team again. The 40-year-old winger signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings earlier this month.

Former Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry (NHL Images).

Perry began his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks in 2005-06, spending 14 seasons with them. He helped the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2010-11.

“It’s another new chapter, and I’m excited,” Perry said. “And it’s an area I know very well.” He acknowledged his time with the Ducks, saying it was a significant part of his career and life, and would always be.

“Going back to California, we know it’s not the exact same place, but it’s still exciting to go back to Southern California. We’re looking forward to it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perry is still searching for that elusive second Stanley Cup title. At this stage of Perry’s career, this season with the Kings could be his last.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders avoided salary arbitration with Maxim Tsyplakov as the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $2.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tsyplakov’s arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 29. He was the Isles’ last remaining restricted free agent.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers signed Conor Sheary to a professional tryout offer (PTO). The 33-year-old winger spent most of last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s AHL affiliate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning terminated the final season of Sheary’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA). He won two Stanley Cups with Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan during their tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Speaking of the Rangers, forward Brett Berard revealed he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder last November. The injury lingered throughout the 2024-25 season. Berard, 22, said he didn’t require surgery and is now healthy as he prepares for training camp in September.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche made a minor trade with the San Jose Sharks, shipping winger Oskar Olausson to the Sharks for winger Danil Gushchin.

Olausson, 22, was a first-round pick (28th overall) by the Avalanche in 2021. He appeared in only four games with the Avalanche since 2022-23. Gushchin appeared in 18 NHL games with the Sharks over the same period.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2025

by | Jul 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 25, 2025

The latest on Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell, and potential trade targets for the Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva recently listed five potential trade destinations for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson.

The Penguins carry $10 million of the 35-year-old Karlsson’s $11.5 million cap hit. Sachdeva noted that Karlsson was paid his $5 million signing bonus on July 1, meaning he’s owed $11.5 million in actual salary over the remaining two years of his contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson has a full no-movement clause, but he could be open to waiving it to join a contender. The Penguins also have a logjam of right-shot defensemen after acquiring Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars earlier this month.

The Vegas Golden Knights topped Sachdeva’s list, followed by the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All five teams have been previously mentioned as trade destinations for Karlsson if he agrees to waive his NMC. Whether any of them are interested remains to be seen.

Any deal involving Karlsson could mean the Penguins retain part of his annual salary-cap hit to facilitate a trade. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas could be keen to get as much of Karlsson’s cap hit off his books, but he won’t just give him away. He’ll want a return that also helps with the rebuilding of his roster.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes trading a forward like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell will sting for the Penguins, but it’s the right move for this rebuilding club to make.

Yohe commends Dubas for not rushing into trading either player, especially when the offers weren’t that great. However, he thinks both forwards could command a first-round pick or a top prospect. Moving them would also clear considerable cap space for the next three seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lot of clubs remain flush with cap space this summer. Some of them could use experienced top-six wingers like Rust and Rakell.

Nevertheless, they might still be with the Penguins when their season opens in October. Interested parties could also remain patient, assessing their early-season roster needs before pulling the trigger.

They could also prefer waiting to see how well the 33-year-old Rust and 32-year-old Rakell perform this season. Any decline in their play could scare off potential suitors, especially considering they’re each averaging at least $5 million annually through 2027-28.

Speaking of Rust, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal recently reported on some speculation tying him to the Oilers. However, they lack the cap space to take on his contract even if the Penguins retained half of his $5.125 million AAV.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently looked at a couple of trade targets for the Penguins.

The first is winger Yegor Chinakhov, who has requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kingerski suggested the 24-year-old could be a reclamation project akin to their acquisition of Philip Tomasino last season from the Nashville Predators.

Kingerski also suggested acquiring the contract of permanently sidelined goaltender Carey Price from the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins have the cap space to take on his full $10.5 million cap hit, while only paying $2.5 million actual salary once his $5 million bonus is paid on September 1.

The Canadiens would like to move Price off their books, enabling them to accrue cap space this season. Kingerski suggests the Habs might be willing to include a second-round pick in the deal, if not more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season is the final one for Price’s contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 25, 2025

by | Jul 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 25, 2025

Five members of Canada’s WJC team found not guilty in sexual assault trial, the Florida Panthers could be on the verge of a dynasty, and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team were found not guilty of sexual assault in a London, Ontario courtroom on Thursday.

Former NHL players Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton were each acquitted of a sexual assault charge. McLeod was also found not guilty of a second charge of being a party to an offense.

In her ruling, Justice Maria Carroccia said she didn’t find the evidence of the complainant to be credible or reliable. She also stated that the Crown didn’t meet its burden to prove the five men’s guilt on any of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

SPORTSNET: The NHL released a statement indicating the five players remained ineligible to play in the league while it reviews the judge’s findings. The league stated that the allegations in the case were “very disturbing”, even if not deemed criminal. The league also described the players’ actions as “unacceptable.”

The NHL Players Association responded that the five players should “have the opportunity to return to work,” claiming the NHL’s decision doesn’t align with the terms of their collective bargaining agreement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A court of law found the players not guilty, but the court of public opinion could impede their return to the NHL. The league is handling this issue very carefully. Even if the players are allowed to return, teams could be reluctant to sign them.

Critics of the NHLPA’s position must realize that they’re doing their job by looking out for their members’ employment rights as per the CBA.

Since the allegations of sexual assault were revealed in 2022, Hockey Canada came under intense criticism for its handling of the situation, including a civil settlement paid in part from players’ registration fees. It led to changes within the organization’s leadership, a series of reforms regarding player conduct, and a loss of sponsors, though some of the latter have since returned.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake (NHL Images).

Some observers are concerned that the trial’s outcome could stall those changes to address sexual abuse, as well as hazing, racism, discrimination, and homophobia. It will be up to the current leadership of Hockey Canada to determine how far they will continue on their path of reforms.

SPORTSNET: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension.

The listed average annual value is $5.65 million, but Elliotte Friedman reports the actual AAV is $5.1 million due to deferred money.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The son of former NHL forward Jason Blake, Jackson had a promising debut last season, finishing with 17 goals and 34 points in 80 games, and six points in 15 playoff contests. The 21-year-old is a speedy, hardworking, energetic forward whose play made an obvious positive impression on Hurricanes management.

Blake is the third member of the Hurricanes to have deferred salary in their contracts, joining Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis. This tactic remains allowable under the current CBA but will be banned when the new agreement takes effect next September. It’ll be interesting to see if other players end up with similar contracts before then.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg believes the Panthers could be on the verge of creating something once considered impossible: creating a Stanley Cup dynasty in the salary-cap era.

The last true Cup dynasty was the New York Islanders of the early 1980s. They were the last team to win three straight championships, going on to capture four straight Cups from 1980 to 1983.

Greenberg thinks the Panthers could pull it off, citing their ability to keep most of their roster core intact. The significant increases in the salary cap for 2025-26 and the following two seasons improve their chances of maintaining a championship roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Betting against the Panthers winning three in a row could be hazardous to your pocketbook. However, two factors could derail their dynasty dreams.

The first is the amount of hockey they’ve played. They’ve been to three straight Stanley Cup Finals since 2023, meaning they’ve had less recovery time than other teams. Many of their core players will also be participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics next February.

It’s impressive that they’ve been able to maintain their current pace, but it could catch up with them next spring.

Age is another factor. The Panthers enter 2025-26 with the fourth-oldest roster (29.49) in the league. Granted, that’s skewed with greybeards like the 37-year-old Brad Marchand and 36-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky in the lineup, but it’s still a reason for concern.

DAILY FACEOFF: Scott Maxwell recently examined the 10 worst moves the Buffalo Sabres have made during their NHL-record 14-year playoff drought.

Trading away Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis in 2018, Sam Reinhart to Florida, and Jack Eichel to Vegas were among those moves. They went on to bigger and better things (including Stanley Cup championships) with their new clubs.

Their first-round draft record was another significant factor. Apart from Eichel, Reinhart, and Rasmus Dahlin, they’ve done poorly between 2011 and 2022, with most of their choices being middle-of-the-road players or fringe NHLers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the draft record that’s the most surprising. While the Sabres have had some good picks in the later rounds (Linus Ullmark, Brandon Hagel, JJ Peterka), they eventually traded them away.

TORONTO SUN: The Rosedale, Ontario home of former Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan is up for sale. If you have around $14 million, the property can be yours.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Damn, it’s just out of my price range.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

by | Jul 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025

The latest on the Oilers and updates on Jack Roslovic and Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell wondered if the Edmonton Oilers could pull off a surprise late-summer contract signing.

Mitchell suggested pursuing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There are currently few suitable options to upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending in the trade or free-agent markets.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

Fleury has retired, and attempts to change his mind have been fruitless. Nevertheless, Mitchell felt the Oilers should revisit that possibility as training camp approaches in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury agent, Allan Walsh, recently said five teams contacted him on July 1 asking if his client would reconsider retirement. Walsh didn’t say which teams they were, but the Oilers could’ve been among them.

Fleury might get the itch to suit up again as training camp draws near. However, he’s now 40, spent 21 years in the NHL and his best seasons are well behind him. He knows it’s time to move on to the next chapter in his life.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider signing Max Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.

Staples acknowledged the 36-year-old Pacioretty has slowed down and is no longer the reliable scorer he once was. Nevertheless, he could be effective as a power forward in small doses, as he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this year’s playoffs, netting eight points in 11 postseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but he could opt to move on in search of better opportunities. He’d be an affordable signing, but the cap-strapped Oilers would have to shed some salary to make room for him.

Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer predicting the club will re-sign Connor McDavid this offseason. Stauffer also anticipates new contracts for defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s status is the main concern for Oilers fans. The longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will suggest that he’ll depart next summer for his hometown Maple Leafs or hit the Wayne Gretzky trail and head to the Los Angeles Kings or New York Rangers.

UPDATES ON ROSLOVIC AND CHINAKHOV

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Vancouver Canucks are still talking with former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.

The 28-year-old Roslovic is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after completing a one-year contract with the Hurricanes.

Dhaliwal reported that Roslovic isn’t a lock to join the Canucks. However, the club continues to talk with the winger’s representatives.

Johnston stated that the Canucks seek a second-line center, hence their discussions with the Roslovic camp. They’re also reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Mason McTavish. However, the cost of acquiring McTavish in terms of salary and trade return could be more than the Canucks could afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic would be much more affordable than McTavish, whom the Ducks have shown no indication of any willingness to trade.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov could be a great fit with the Devils.

Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade citing “misunderstandings” with Blue Jackets coach Dean Evanson. He’s under contract for this season with a cap hit of $2.1 million.

Nichols thinks Chinakhov would be a perfect “buy-low” trade candidate to address their ongoing need for a scoring winger to replace Tyler Toffoli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli was, and still is, a reliable, durable two-way scoring winger. Chinakhov has potential, but also an injury history that has limited him to 175 games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2025

by | Jul 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 24, 2025

Updates on the Wild’s contract negotiations with Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi, Flyers winger Matvei Michkov weighs in on dump-and-chase hockey, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli was asked about the contract extension negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and winger Kirill Kaprizov.

Seravalli believes the 28-year-old superstar winger will get “north of what Leon Draisaitl got from the Edmonton Oilers.” Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million contract with an average annual value of $14 million last September.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

“I would ballpark somewhere in the neighborhood of eight years times $15 million,” Seravalli said. “That’s just a guess. No matter what, it’s going to be a significant, significant deal. The richest in Minnesota Wild history.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli’s not alone in making that assessment. Kaprizov is the most exciting player in Wild history. They’re not going to risk losing him to free agency next July.

With the salary cap reaching $104 million for 2026-27, the Wild have a projected cap space of $45.1 million with 14 active roster players under contract. They will open the vault to re-sign Kaprizov.

DAILY FACEOFF: On Monday, Michael Russo of The Athletic said the Wild are in a “major contract dispute” with Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old center is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract.

Russo observed that comparable players, like Matt Coronato of the Calgary Flames and Gabriel Vilardi of the Winnipeg Jets, have signed deals in the $7 million AAV range. He indicated that Rossi turned down a five-year offer from the Wild worth $5 million annually during the winter.

According to Russo, the Wild don’t want to offer Rossi more than the $7 million AAV that teammate Matt Boldy is earning. He also doubts that they want to go into the $6 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo believes the two sides haven’t held talks in three or four weeks. Wild general manager Bill Guerin could reopen discussions in mid-August or early September as training camp approaches.

Russo also mentioned the possibility of Rossi signing an offer sheet, but so far that hasn’t happened. Guerin has said he would match any offer for the young center, which could be having the desired effect of discouraging a rival club from trying their luck. It’s doubtful anyone will offer Rossi over $7 million.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers sophomore winger Matvei Michkov is no fan of dump-and-chase hockey. He prefers to “carry the puck in under control, make a clean pass and enter the zone with possession.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is a proponent of the dump-and-chase style. However, it’s unlikely he’ll rein in Michkov to the point where he stifles the youngster’s creativity. During his tenure coaching the Vancouver Canucks, his system allowed skilled players like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller to carry the puck into the opposing zone.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars will induct Joe Nieuwendyk and Ralph Strangis into the team’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 16.

Nieuwendyk spent seven seasons with the Stars from 1995-96 to 2001-02, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1999 as he led them to the Stanley Cup. Following his playing career, he served as their general manager from 2009 to 2013.

Strangis was the longest-tenured play-by-play broadcaster in Stars history. He spent 25 years with the organization, including 22 years in Dallas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nieuwendyk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.

CSKA MOSCOW: signed Daniel Sprong to a one-year contract. The 28-year-old winger spent nine seasons in the NHL with seven teams. He had 87 goals and 79 assists for 166 points in 374 regular-season games.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Nathan Beaulieu announced his retirement on Wednesday at age 32.

A first-round pick (17th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 2011, Beaulieu spent 11 seasons in the NHL from 2012-13 to 2022-23 with the Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks. He had 12 goals and 86 assists for 98 points in 471 regular-season games and 5 points in 21 playoff contests.