NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2025
Did the Islanders attempt to trade Ilya Sorokin at the draft? What’s the latest on Dougie Hamilton and Marco Rossi? Will the Capitals explore the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
ARE THE ISLANDERS CONSIDERING TRADING ILYA SOROKIN?
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Frank Servalli of Daily Faceoff claiming the New York Islanders considered the possibility of trading Ilya Sorokin. Seravalli made the remarks during an appearance on the Kevin Karius Show.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (NHL Images).
The 29-year-old goaltender is in the second year of his eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million. Seravalli said he’d heard of speculation that the Isles had discussed a deal with the Utah Mammoth for the fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No reaction yet from those who cover the Islanders regarding this report. Any attempt to trade Sorokin would need the goaltender’s blessing. He has a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.
THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON
B/R OPEN ICE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also believes the New Jersey Devils explored the trade market for Dougie Hamilton.
The 32-year-old defenseman is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $9 million. He carries a 10-team trade list for the remainder of his deal.
Seravalli doesn’t believe the Devils are intent on trading Hamilton. However, they’ll need to find some flexibility with their blueline going forward. If not, they’ll have to make some tough decisions with some of their younger defensemen, like Simon Nemec.
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth and Dallas Stars were believed to be among the clubs interested in Hamilton. While the Devils are getting trade calls for the puck-moving blueliner, he’s not expected to be moved anytime soon.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s cap hit and trade list will limit the potential suitors, in turn meaning few options for the Devils to get a suitable return.
The signing bonuses in his contract will also be a factor. Murphy pointed out Hamilton will receive a base salary of $1 million for this season and next, with a $7.4 million signing bonus due on July 1, 2026, and $5.25 million in actual salary for the final season with no bonus payments.
Interested clubs may have been waiting for the Devils to pay Hamilton his signing bonus for this season before expressing interest. Some might prefer waiting until next summer after his final bonus payment is made.
AN UPDATE ON MARCO ROSSI
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report that there were teams interested in acquiring Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. However, they were offering up futures or top-six forwards, which the Wild didn’t want.
The Vancouver Canucks offered the 15th overall pick in this year’s draft, but Russo and Smith aren’t sure there was a player the Wild would’ve wanted with that pick. “If you look at Carolina, who would the Hurricanes offer other than Jesperi Kotkaniemi?”
As for Rossi’s stalled contract negotiations, they could stretch into training camp and beyond unless he signs an offer sheet. Wild general manager Bill Guerin has said he would match any offer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Until a rival club steps up with a significant trade offer, it seems Rossi won’t be going anywhere this summer. If no one’s pitching an offer sheet, the 23-year-old center could have little choice but to re-sign rather than risk missing training camp and regular-season playing time that will adversely affect his performance after he inevitably re-signs with the Wild.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?
NHL.COM: Tom Gulitti recently reported Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick indicated he intends to explore the trade market after plans to make a significant addition in free agency fell through.
Gulitti indicated the Capitals hope to add a top-six forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Capitals were among the clubs bidding for Nikolaj Ehlers before the UFA winger signed with the Hurricanes last week.