Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

by | Aug 3, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva recently examined potential trade destinations for Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Sachdeva believes the two wingers remain very much in play. He pointed out that they could become trade chips given that the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. There are also few game-changing forwards in this summer’s trade market.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t rushing to move Rakell or Rust. However, he could be willing to move one or both if the return improves his club down the line.

Sachdeva suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. Rust has an AAV of $5.125 million over the same period, but he lacks no-trade protection.

Sachdeva cited the Leafs having cap space to work with this summer ($1.9 million), and how they could move a forward like David Kampf ($2.4 million) to facilitate a trade. However, they’ll have to shed more salary or convince the Penguins to retain part of Rakell’s or Rust’s AAV to make the dollars fit.

The Avalanche ($3.348 million) is in a better cap position than the Leafs, but they must also free up some cap room or have the Penguins retain some salary to make it work. There’s speculation suggesting Avs defenseman Samuel Girard ($5 million AAV) could be moved, but it’s not a certainty, plus the Penguins could be on his nine-team no-trade list.

Sachedeva cited Rust’s Michigan roots, suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings. They have a dire need for scoring forwards and have the cap space ($12 million) to take on his full contract. The question is whether they’d part with the promising young assets the Penguins seek.

The Kings also need more scoring punch up front. Sachdeva felt Rakell might welcome a return to Southern California after beginning his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. Since this piece appeared on July 30, the Kings re-signed forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million, leaving them with $2.66 million in cap space. Unless they cut salary or get the Penguins to retain half of Rakell’s cap hit, he’s not a fit in Los Angeles.

Sachedeva pointed out that the Sabres’ interest in Rust goes back to before the NHL Draft in June. The Sabres have just enough cap space ($5.19 million) and the young assets to tempt the Penguins. Rust lacks no-trade protection, but Pittsburgh management could prefer to allow him to choose his trade destinations.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently made the case for the Edmonton Oilers to sign Mattias Ekholm to a contract extension. The 35-year-old defenseman is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Ekholm’s play declined after he was injured last season, but Mitchell pointed out that his defensive play remained solid before he got hurt. He noted that the Oilers are vulnerable on the left side of their blueline with Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak UFA-eligible next summer.

Mitchell believes the Oilers should sign Ekholm to a two or three-year contract extension. He acknowledged the risk in doing so, given the blueliner’s age and injury history. However, they could have no choice if they intend to remain a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm’s current AAV is $6.25 million, with the Oilers carrying $6 million and his former club, the Nashville Predators, picking up the rest. He might accept a pay cut to around $5 million annually to stick with the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2025

by | Aug 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, Samuel Girard’s role on the Avalanche blueline and three bargain UFA goaltending options.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wondered where the Avalanche intends to play Samuel Girard this season.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (NHL Images).

Deen believes the Avalanche could trade Girard at some point. He noted their failed attempt to re-sign Ryan Lindgren before his UFA eligibility on July 1, and their subsequent signing of Brent Burns.

Girard was the only other Avalanche defenseman besides Cale Makar and Devon Toews to average over 20 minutes per game during the regular season. However, that changed in the playoffs, when he was fifth in ice time (17:38).

Deen doesn’t see the Avalanche keeping Girard at $5 million per season playing third-pairing minutes. He believes they see less of a role for the 27-year-old blueliner than in years past, which is why he thinks they’re still trying to trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Girard has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two seasons, but the speculation was often shut down quickly.

The Avalanche currently have over $3.3 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract, so they’re not in any hurry to make a cost-cutting deal. However, that could change if Girard sees third-pairing minutes this season.

Girard is signed through 2026-27 and has a nine-time no-trade list. He could be a player to monitor in the rumor mill this season, especially if the Avalanche struggles to remain among the top teams in the Western Conference.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted that goaltenders Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer remain unsigned. They’re at different points in their careers, but Proteau suggests they have the potential to become bargain options for teams seeking goalie depth.

Samsonov isn’t far removed from his stellar 2022-23 performance with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Among goalies who played at least 15 games last season, there were 28 goalies with a worse goals saved above expected rating, according to MoneyPuck.

Georgiev could provide some value and support for a younger goalie tandem. Despite his recent struggles, he has demonstrated his ability to bounce back. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Reimer proved he still had something left in the tank with the Buffalo Sabres last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the three, Reimer has a proven record as a reliable backup, but his age could hamper his efforts to land a new NHL contract. Samsonov and Georgiev are younger, but their inconsistencies over the past two seasons have hurt their value.

Nevertheless, the lack of quality goalie depth in the free-agent and trade markets could see this trio become affordable short-term options for teams in need of depth between the pipes.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

by | Aug 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

Could the Canadiens trade a defenseman this season? Are the Oilers interested in signing Carter Hart? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SICK PODCAST WITH TONY MARINARO: Eric Engels of Sportsnet believes the Montreal Canadiens could end up moving a defenseman at some point during this season.

Engels singled out Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).

“Between those three guys, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here,” Engels said.

Promising blueliner David Reinbacher is a vital part of Montreal’s long-term plans, and he could get some NHL games this season. Adam Engstrom is another rearguard who has real value with the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson, Struble, and Xhekaj will stay put if Reinbacher and Engstrom need more development with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. If one or both improve significantly, management must move someone to free up a blueline spot.

Matheson seems the most likely trade candidate. He’ll turn 32 in February, he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, and at times, his defensive breakdowns incurred the wrath of the Canadiens’ faithful.

Nevertheless, Canadiens management thinks highly of Matheson’s puck-moving skills, his efforts to improve his defensive play, and the experience and leadership he brings to their blueline. They could attempt to sign him to a contract extension before next July.

Struble, 23, just signed an affordable two-year contract. He started last season in Laval but worked his way into the Canadiens’ lineup, becoming a reliable part of their blueline by the end of the season. Whether he can build on that to maintain a regular roster spot remains to be seen.

Xhekaj’s size, his physical game, and his scrappy style make him a fan favorite in Montreal. However, the 24-year-old was a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch last season, raising questions about his future with the Canadiens.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey cited a report by Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report indicating the Edmonton Oilers aren’t expected to target goaltender Carter Hart.

Hart, 26, was recently found not guilty of sexual assault in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial. The former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender remains an unrestricted free agent, though the NHL has deemed him and the four other defendants in that trial to be ineligible to return at this time.

The Oilers are in the market to upgrade their goaltending. However, Seravalli said he was told Hart is “a non-starter” for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jason Gregor reported on July 12 that the Oilers won’t be approaching Hart about signing with them even if he were found not guilty.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

Check out the latest on Wild center Marco Rossi and Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: cited a report by The Athletic indicating the contract negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi remain at a stalemate.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Joe Smith and Michael Russo claimed the two sides haven’t spoken since early June. With no sign of an offer sheet from a rival team, the impasse could drag on into the start of training camp in mid-September.

Rossi appeared in trade rumors before the 2025 NHL Draft, with the Vancouver Canucks reportedly offering the 15th overall pick in the draft for the 23-year-old center.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a trade. However, he’s also not pushing to move Rossi, who reportedly rejected a five-year, $25 million offer last season.

Smith and Russo report that the Rossi camp seeks between $6 million and $7 million on a long-term contract. They suggest that a short-term deal at $5 million annually might be the best solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant trade offer or an offer sheet from a rival club, this situation could drag on throughout the rest of the offseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello believes the Buffalo Sabres must find a top-six winger to replace JJ Peterka, who was traded last month to the Utah Mammoth.

Yegor Chinakhov could be an option. The 24-year-old forward recently requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, citing a series of misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason.

Augello doubts the Sabres would offer up someone from their roster, and doesn’t think the Blue Jackets have much leverage to seek a player of comparable age. He suggested the Sabres offer up prospect Isak Rosen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Augello suggests Chinakhov’s presence could be a distraction for the Blue Jackets this season. They might have to wait until training camp and preseason to find a suitable trade partner. Whether the Sabres will be among them remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2025

Who could be traded this season by the Oilers? What could it cost the Sabres to pursue Penguins winger Rickard Rakell? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at some Edmonton Oilers players who could become trade candidates this season.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

Mitchell suggested Stuart Skinner as one option. The 26-year-old netminder carries an affordable $2.6 million cap hit and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Skinner has big-game experience (50 playoff games, two Stanley Cup Finals). His performance during this season could silence any questions about his reliability as a starting goaltender. However, he could also be a key piece in any deal for a goaltending upgrade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitchell cited Oilers general manager Stan Bowman mentioning that his club’s goaltending would be an area of evaluation. A strong, consistent effort by Skinner would silence his critics, but could also improve his trade value.

Promising forward Matt Savoie will get an opportunity to earn a regular spot on the Oilers’ top-two forward lines. If he struggles, Mitchell thinks he could become a trade chip for a more established veteran, preferably one with an affordable contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savoie will be an interesting player to monitor this season. The 21-year-old forward had 54 points in 66 games with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield last season. If he doesn’t fit with Edmonton, he’s still young enough to entice rival clubs with his potential in the trade market.

Mitchell also suggested Vasily Podkolzin as a trade option. The 24-year-old winger has been inconsistent and could be shopped if he struggles this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello observes that the Buffalo Sabres still haven’t replaced the offense they lost when they traded winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth last month. He believes GM Kevyn Adams might have to address that in the trade market by using young players, prospects, and draft picks as trade bait.

Augello suggested Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins as a trade target. The 32-year-old winger has been mentioned in the rumor mill as the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. He’s coming off a career-high performance of 35 goals and 70 points.

Rakell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Sabres were interested in Rakell, they have the suitable trade assets to tempt the Penguins. However, Augello acknowledged the Sabres could be on the winger’s no-trade list. Rakell could prefer joining a contender rather than bouncing from one rebuilding team to another.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2025

by | Jul 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 29, 2025

Check out the latest on Kirill Kaprizov, plus suggested destinations for free-agent winger Max Pacioretty in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo noted the Minnesota Wild have yet to accomplish their main offseason goals of re-signing winger Kirill Kaprizov and center Marco Rossi.

The Wild and Kaprizov camps are taking a breather, with general manager Bill Guerin expected to have a face-to-face meeting with the winger when he returns to the Twin Cities in August.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Kaprizov has stated that he enjoys playing for the Wild. Guerin and team owner Craig Leipold have expressed confidence that they’ll get a deal done. An eight-year contract with an average annual value of $15 million isn’t something that would be out of the question.

Nevertheless, several burning questions could determine the outcome of this situation. They include Kaprizov’s willingness to stay in Minnesota, what happens if he prefers a short-term contract, and whether he seeks an AAV that proves too expensive for the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith and Russo suggest that the most important factor is convincing Kaprizov that the Wild intend to build and maintain a winner. They also pointed out that his previous contract negotiations weren’t resolved until days before the start of training camp.

Something could happen that derails the Wild’s plans. For example, Kaprizov could seek the maximum salary that an NHL player can make in one season. A player can earn no more than 20 percent of the salary cap.

Kaprizov’s new contract would begin in 2026-27. With that season’s cap set at $104 million, his AAV would be $20.8 million.

However, it seems more likely that the two sides will agree to a long-term deal around $15 million annually. It could take some time to get there, perhaps before training camp opens in September.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello looked at five possible destinations for Max Pacioretty. The 35-year-old winger remains an unrestricted free agent.

One option could be the Montreal Canadiens. However, he’d likely be a part-time player as he has been in recent years, while the Canadiens need someone who can be in the lineup more often.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens acquired promising Zack Bolduc earlier this month, so they do not need an aging winger with an injury history, even if he is a former Hab. Their priority remains adding a second-line center, which Pacioretty doesn’t address.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal suggested Pacioretty as a replacement for Corey Perry. However, they’d have to shed salary to do so as they’re pressed against the cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Because of their limited cap space, the Oilers are probably done adding to their roster.

Augello suggested one of the New York area teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers are retooling, and the Islanders could be rebuilding soon. They’re unlikely to be interested in Pacioretty. The Devils need another top-six winger, but Pacioretty can no longer fill that role.

The Detroit Red Wings are a possibility as Pacioretty makes his offseason home in Michigan. However, there’s no indication that Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is interested.

Augello rounds out his list with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pacioretty played for them last season, and they have left the door open for his return. However, that will depend on the outcome of Nick Robertson’s upcoming arbitration hearing and whether they can shed some salary.