NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

Why has Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson changed agents? Could the Red Wings be interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOBSON CHANGES AGENTS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported Noah Dobson changed agents from Andrew Maloney to Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. Moldaver represents some of the NHL’s top players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias looks at two reasons why Dobson made this move. He’s either unhappy with the Islanders and wants a trade (which Macias considers unlikely) or it’s a business decision to garner better terms on his next contract.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias that the second reason is the most likely. Dobson, 25, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Macias pointed out that Fortier was the agent who got Alexis Lafreniere his new seven-year contract (with an average annual value of $7.45 million) with the New York Rangers.

COULD THE RED WINGS BE INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan speculated the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s rumored the Sabres could move the 23-year-old Cozens by the trade deadline.

Khan suggested Cozens could fill the second-line center role on the Wings, a position that’s been difficult to fill. They also have the cap space to accommodate the remaining three years on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.1 million.

The Sabres would want a good young player but Khan doesn’t believe the Wings would part with Marco Kasper or Simon Edvinsson. The Wings could see Kasper as eventually filling the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains patient with his young players. If he’s unwilling to part with Kasper or Edvinsson, the notion of a Cozens trade falls flat. The Sabres won’t be interested in draft picks and prospects, they want a player in return who can help their roster now.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: If New York Rangers GM Chris Drury becomes a seller by the March 7 trade deadline, Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh believe there will a be market for defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Lindgren would draw the best return. Despite a down season, he remains an attractive player for contenders seeking a physical shutdown defenseman. Vesey and Smith could fetch mid-range draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple and Bough point out Drury’s been a buyer and a seller this season. He could follow the same path at the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson recently speculated the Flames could use the 4 Nations Face-Off break to consider ways to address a couple of roster issues before the trade deadline.

They could seek a permanent defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar, suggesting Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option. Gilbertson also wondered if they’ll stick with backup Dan Vladar or seek a more experienced second-stringer to support and mentor rookie starter Dustin Wolf.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

by | Feb 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

Could there be some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off? What’s the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Nelson, Brad Marchand, Jeff Skinner and Jared McCann? Who are the Senators’ trade targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THERE BE SOME TRADES DURING THE 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman isn’t ruling out the possibility of some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The league has paused its schedule from Feb. 10-21 to accommodate the tournament.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said he believes some players have been told by their teams or their agents that they think there could be some action. The players don’t return to practice until Feb. 18, and there’s a feeling that “some guys will not return to where they are.”

Friedman cited the lack of a roster freeze during this period. He also pointed out that Linus Ullmark was traded last year on the same day as Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. He doesn’t believe there’s been any direction from the league against making trades, but they might prefer that those moves be kept away from game days during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently reported a sense around the league that no one wanted to take the spotlight off the tournament by making trades. We’ll find out soon enough.

BRAYDEN SCHENN LINKED TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman earlier this week suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Brayden Schenn.

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t happy with his club’s performance and is unafraid to make big moves. He noted there would be a lot of interest in the 33-year-old Schenn but the Blues would set a big asking price for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season. Assuming he’d accept a trade to Vegas, the Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to acquire him.

That hasn’t stopped Golden Knights management from making bold moves in the past. However, their salary cap constraints and limited trade capital could make it difficult to win a bidding war for Schenn.

BROCK NELSON UNDECIDED ABOUT CONTRACT EXTENSION

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson’s comments about a potential contract extension with the Islanders will do little to dampen trade speculation swirling around him. The 33-year-old center is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Nelson is interested in an extension but said there are many factors to consider, such as what’s best for him, his family, and the team. He praised Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, adding his agent has a great relationship with him.

Sears cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported Nelson’s agent will continue contract discussions with Lamoriello during the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, there’s a risk Nelson will depart as a free agent on July 1 if there isn’t an extension in place by the March 7 trade deadline.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias suggested several contract-extension scenarios for Nelson. One is a two-year, $14 million offer, another is three years at $21 million and four years at $24 million. There’s also a seven-year, $35 million paying him $5 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson sits atop most pundits’ trade boards as the player most likely to be moved by March 7. Lamoriello declined to discuss his plans for the trade deadline with the media, saying his focus was on his team’s efforts to make the playoffs.

A lot will depend on the Isles’ performance in the two weeks between the resumption of the regular-season schedule on Feb. 22 and the deadline on March 7.

The long-term option suggested by Macias would provide the Isles with the most salary-cap flexibility while providing Nelson with the most security. However, it will become a cap headache in the final years when his performance inevitably declines.

MARCHAND DISMISSES TRADE RUMORS

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas reports Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand isn’t worried about his name popping up in recent trade rumors. “That’s just fans having fun with it all,” he said during an appearance on the “What Chaos!” podcast.

Marchand acknowledged his pending UFA status and the Bruins’ struggles this season have stoked speculation about his future in Boston. He said he tries not to pay attention to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The conjecture will increase if Marchand remains unsigned when the calendar flips to March.

OILERS NOT SHOPPING JEFF SKINNER

THE ATHLETIC: Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman told Daniel Nugent-Bowman that he doesn’t intend to trade Jeff Skinner. The 32-year-old winger signed a one-year, $3 million contract last summer with the Oilers.

Skinner has struggled at times this season with 10 goals and 20 points in 49 games. Bowman cited the winger’s positive attitude and willingness to work through his difficulties, adding that he’s shown improvement in recent games.

KRAKEN COULD MAKE MCCANN AVAILABLE

SPORTSNET: Jacob Stoller reported hearing the Seattle Kraken could make Jared McCann available at the trade deadline. He noted the 28-year-old is a versatile scoring forward who can also play center and kill penalties.

McCann is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5 million. Stoller believes he’d make a lot of sense for the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann has 42 points in 57 games this season, leading the Kraken in scoring as he’s done in their three previous seasons. Shopping him would be a big move by GM Ron Francis, signaling he’s starting a major roster overhaul. He would draw plenty of interest around the league, increasing the likelihood of fetching a significant return for the Kraken.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are believed to be interested in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Kraken forward Brandon Tanev. Another trade option could be Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

by | Feb 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Rickard Rakell, John Gibson, Jake Evans, Ryan Donato and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT BRAD MARCHAND

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an “NHL executive source” said the Boston Bruins are getting calls on captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, raising speculation about whether he’ll be re-signed or moved by the March 7 trade deadline.

Murphy’s source claimed teams were wondering what the Bruins intended to do with Marchand. For now, they appear to be just listening rather than actively shopping him. He also noted that the Bruins haven’t squashed the rumors as they’ve done in the past. Another source close to the situation indicated they’re not shopping Marchand.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

The sources’ opinions vary on the price the Bruins could offer Marchand. One speculates it could be a first-round pick and a top prospect. Another believes it depends on which team is asking. The sources mentioned the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand carries a cap hit of $6.125 million and an eight-team no-trade list. Interested clubs could ask the Bruins to retain some salary, which could raise their asking price. The Oilers and Wild are pressed against the $88 million cap, making them the least likely to land him. All five teams lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

BROCK NELSON BECOMES THE TOP TARGET IN THE RUMOR MILL

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias has a roundup of speculation from several insiders suggesting Islanders center Brock Nelson is the most coveted player in the trade market. Like Marchand, the 33-year-old is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a $6 million cap hit.

Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, and TSN’s Chris Johnston reporting the 33-year-old Nelson is garnering attention around the league. He claimed the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are “very interested” in the veteran Isles center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The points I raised about the lack of a 2025 first-rounder for the Avalanche and Wild also apply here. The Wild currently have Kirill Kaprizov and his $9 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but he’s expected to return from surgery in a few weeks. Like the Wild and Avs, the Leafs and Lightning don’t have first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Jets have the advantage over those clubs, provided they’re not on his 16-team no-trade list. They’re first overall in the standings and in “win-now” mode, have over $12 million in projected trade-deadline cap space and a first-round pick in this year’s draft, and they can also draw on their prospect pipeline for trade bait.

RICKARD RAKELL COULD BE AVAILABLE BUT EXPENSIVE

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t in a hurry to trade Rickard Rakell. The 31-year-old winger is playing well alongside team captain Sidney Crosby. He’s also signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million.

Nevertheless, Yohe believes the Penguins would listen if a team made a truly significant package offer containing a first-rounder and a blue-chip prospect close to NHL-ready. He claims GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t told teams that Rakell is untouchable, only that the asking price is high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell’s trade value is very high right now. If a suitable offer isn’t possible at the trade deadline, they might wait for the offseason when the rising cap could entice teams to spend more than they currently would.

COULD JOHN GIBSON BE A FIT WITH THE OILERS?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting he’d heard the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are the preferred trade destinations for John Gibson.

The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for some time.

Friedman said he’d heard Gibson wants to go where he’d be “the guy”, as in the starting goaltender. However, he doesn’t know if partnering with Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner will work for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples doesn’t think Gibson would be a good fit for the Oilers. Even if the Ducks retained half his cap hit, he believes it would still take a hefty chunk out of their cap space. Meanwhile, Staples colleague Kurt Leavins doesn’t see Gibson as an improvement over Skinner, saying he’s been “very mediocre” over the past five years.

WILL JAKE EVANS STAY IN MONTREAL OR MOVE ON?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens center Jake Evans knows he’s facing a murky future. The 28-year-old is due to become a UFA this summer and could be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Sunday that the Canadiens and the Evans camp exchanged contract numbers. However, the two sides remain far apart, suggesting he’ll be traded by March 7.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie claims Evans’s re-signing with the Canadiens is a real possibility despite the reported gaps in their contract negotiations. However, he didn’t go so far as to guarantee his signing.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports it’s “common knowledge” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is in the market for a third-line center. He believes Evans would fit the bill.

However, the Canadiens’ asking price would be at least a second-rounder and there are plenty of suitors. Nichols noted the Devils have three second-rounders but lack a first-rounder, which would put them out of the bidding if the price goes up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is the Canadiens’ best trade chip and could fetch a first-round pick if enough teams are interested leading up to March 7. They won’t hesitate to trade him if the two sides don’t agree to a new contract by then.

UPDATES ON RYAN DONATO AND PAT MAROON

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently reported that it is expected the Chicago Blackhawks could trade pending UFA forward Ryan Donato by March 7. However, it’s not a certainty that he’ll be moved as management hasn’t ruled out re-signing him.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek reports Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon is drawing some attention in the trade market. Marek suggests the Florida Panthers and Maroon’s former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, as possible fits.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports injuries to forwards Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko has GM Don Waddell shopping for a top-six forward. “We had some irons in the fire,” Waddell told Portzline. “But no action yet.”

Waddell is willing to move one of his club’s two first-rounders in this year’s draft but it would only be for a player with term on their contract. He also wouldn’t rule out moving one of his extra mid-round picks for a player on an expiring contract.

The Blue Jackets GM also said talks continue with pending UFAs Ivan Provorov and Mathieu Olivier. He also wants to re-sign defenseman Dante Fabbro.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline noted the Blue Jackets have two second-round picks in the 2027 draft, two third-rounders in 2026 and two in the 2027 draft, and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft and three in 2026.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2025

by | Feb 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canadiens and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE CANADIENS BECOME TRADE DEADLINE SELLERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu recently wondered what type of return the Montreal Canadiens would receive if they package checking-line forward Jake Evans and Joel Armia. They are considered the best penalty-killing duo in the league this season.

Basu also cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting Evans and the Canadiens are not close to an agreement on the new contract. LeBrun believes it’s more likely that he will be moved by

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans (NHL Images).

the March 7 trade deadline, adding that the Canadiens are getting an increasing number of calls from rival clubs about the 29-year-old center.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico also reported on the increasing interest in Evans and Armia. A source told D’Amico that he doesn’t believe the Canadiens will hang onto Evans if he’s unsigned by the trade deadline. Habs defensemen David Savard and Mike Matheson are also garnering interest. Savard is UFA-eligible on July 1 while Matheson has a year left on his contract.

D’Amico also cited sources saying Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes will be looking for young NHL players over draft picks and prospects. They’ve reportedly had interest in Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s believed they’re also keeping tabs on New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Two weeks ago, when the Canadiens had won 13 of their previous 17 games and moved briefly into a wild-card spot, there was talk they might hang onto their pending UFAs as “own rentals” for a playoff run. Some observers suggested they might be modest buyers in the trade market.

Those ideas vanished after their 1-7-1 slump sent them sliding down the standings heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off. Hughes will be a seller by March 7 with Evans, Armia and Savard the most likely to be moved.

The combination of Evans and Armia could be enticing for a contender seeking penalty-killing depth. They might fetch a promising NHL player but no certainty that will happen. Hughes could end up having to accept draft picks and prospects but he can add those to his stockpile and draw on them for trade capital in the offseason.

WHAT WILL THE ISLANDERS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports the Islanders are still stuck in limbo as the trade deadline nears. They’re four points from a playoff berth, leading Sears to conclude GM Lou Lamoriello won’t be a seller unless the club slides further out of contention.

Lamoriello remains focused on his club’s performance, which explains the defensemen he’s brought in. Sears also believes the Isles GM could attempt to re-sign pending UFA center Brock Nelson, saying any thought of moving him before the trade deadline has gone by the wayside.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also reports Nelson isn’t on the trade block yet, citing sources who say Lamoriello is trying to extend the 33-year-old center.

Staple also cited people around the league saying Nelson doesn’t appear ready to commit to a deal making him an Islander for life. “While it may not truly be the worst-kept secret in hockey that Nelson and the (Minnesota) Wild would have mutual interest, it’s an obvious fit.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple thinks Lamoriello will move Nelson by the trade deadline if the center isn’t interested in a contract extension. If that happens, he’ll be among the most coveted players in the trade market.

Staple also touched on recent rumors regarding Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson. While he doesn’t fully dismiss the possibility, he thinks trading Dobson would set the Isles up for further mediocrity.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out Dobson getting traded but it seems like a long shot. He’s struggled this season but so have most of his teammates. The 26-year-old remains their best puck-moving defenseman. Trading him would leave a big hole on their blueline that will be difficult to fill.

Dobson is currently listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Some see the Isles recently loading up on defensemen is seen by some as an indication he could miss the remainder of the regular season. He’s also a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 9, 2025

by | Feb 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 9, 2025

Check out all the latest speculation on Vladimir Tarasenko, Brock Nelson, Brayden Schenn, Brad Marchand, Scott Laughton, Alex Tuch, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON TARASENKO, NELSON, SCHENN AND DONATO

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Vladimir Tarasenko has recently surfaced in the rumor mill. The 33-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward is in the first year of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Friedman said he’s heard “some noise” around Tarasenko. He also pointed out the Red Wings are playing better and are in the race for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Most of their players are performing well of late but he’s “kind of struggled to be a fit.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko is no longer the perennial 30-goal scorer he was during his long tenure with the St. Louis Blues. However, he reached 55 points last season split between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, and 50 points in 2022-23 between the Blues and New York Rangers. He’s managed just 22 points in 53 games with the Wings.

Friedman also indicated that a lot of people are waiting to see what happens with New York Islanders center Brock Nelson. He believes the Isles will attempt to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello could peddle the 33-year-old Nelson if they fail to agree to a new contract. Then again, he could hang onto him if they’re holding onto a wild-card spot by March 7. He has done that sort of thing before.

The St. Louis Blues are willing to talk about a lot of their players with other teams. However, they’ve set “a very, very high price” for team captain Brayden Schenn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn’s versatility, leadership, playoff experience, and physical two-way play would make him enticing for any playoff contender. The 33-year-old forward signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6.5 million and he has a full no-trade clause for this season.

Friedman’s colleague Luke Fox noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to Schenn and Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. Their limited salary-cap space makes acquiring either player difficult without some salary retention by the Blues or Sabres. Fox believes they’ll have to part with their 2026 first-rounder and a promising youngster like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan as part of the return.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato could draw plenty of interest. He’s UFA-eligible this summer and carries a $2 million cap hit. The 28-year-old center is playing well in his contract year, with a career-high 19 goals and 37 points. Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers are looking at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato’s performance this season and his low cap hit could make him a valuable trade chip this season for the Blackhawks.

The Athletic’s Scott Powers is interested to see what the Blackhawks do with Donato. He expects they’ll move him closer to March 7 to maximize his trade value.

Powers doesn’t expect pending UFAs Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon to ask to be traded. He considers defensemen Seth Jones and Connor Murphy to be long shots as trade candidates.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports teams are watching the Boston Bruins closely to see what they intend to do by the March 7 trade deadline. Last month, team president Cam Neely said they would be buyers or retool a bit depending on where they were in the standings by deadline day. GM Don Sweeney recently reiterated Neely’s comments.

Murphy cited an NHL source suggesting Bruins captain Brad Marchand could be in play but doesn’t think they’ve reached that stage yet. The 36-year-old winger is eligible for UFA status on July 1. Teams could also inquire about defenseman Brandon Carlo but the Bruins aren’t currently shopping him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. A lot could depend on whether they can gain ground in games leading up to March 7.

LEAFS AND JETS REPORTEDLY INTEREST IN LAUGHTON

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports trade talks are “heating up” around Scott Laughton. The 30-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward is signed through next season with an AAV of $3 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Di Marco cited sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are interested in Laughton. He added they are among several teams in the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is a feisty, hard-working two-way forward with leadership skills who can play center or wing. The Flyers were reportedly reluctant to part with him because of what he brings to their team. Nevertheless, he’s slated to become a UFA at the end of next season. It’s rumored the Flyers seek a first-round pick as part of their asking price.

SHOULD THE DEVILS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the New Jersey Devils should look into acquiring Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, provided they’re not on the 28-year-old’s five-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams wants to add to his team rather than subtract. That’s why he hasn’t shipped out Dylan Cozens as he wants a hockey trade if he were to part with him. The same thing would apply to Tuch, who is UFA-eligible at the end of next season.

Brooks mentioned Devils forward Dawson Mercer is struggling this season. Maybe they’d pitch the 23-year-old forward to the Sabres if they take an interest in Tuch.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2025

by | Feb 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 8, 2025

Could Mikko Rantanen hit the trade block again? Will the Blues consider moving Pavel Buchenvich, Jordan Kyrou or Brayden Schenn? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Sharks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD RANTANEN HIT THE TRADE BLOCK AGAIN?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos updated his trade board on Friday, featuring many of the names that frequently surfaced in the rumor mill and on other trade boards this season.

However, one interesting name is Mikko Rantanen, traded two weeks ago by the Colorado Avalanche in a blockbuster move to the Carolina Hurricanes.

According to Kypreos, Rantanen could hit the trade block again before the March 7 deadline if he and the Hurricanes haven’t agreed to a new contract. The 28-year-old winger slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and carries an annual average value of $9.25 million on his current contract.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Kypreos believes the Hurricanes will make offers to entice Rantanen to stay but claims some observers think they’ll fall short. They gave up a lot to get him (Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and two draft picks) and they don’t want to risk his departure via free agency on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t help that Rantanen has only two points in six games with the Hurricanes while Necas is tearing it up in Colorado with nine points in eight games. That could be attributed to Rantanen adjusting to the shock of getting traded while Necas thrives in a new environment.

Rantanen getting shopped again seems unlikely. However, we didn’t expect the Avalanche to trade him so we shouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility. It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds in Carolina over the next four weeks.

WILL THE BLUES PEDDLE BUCHNEVICH, KYROU OR SCHENN?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos claims St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong isn’t a happy camper given his club’s lack of improvement this season. He’s looking to change things up which could include Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, or team captain Brayden Schenn.

Kypreos writes that Armstrong wants to shed an $8 million salary and that could include Buchnevich or Kyrou. Buchenvich’s new six-year contract (with an $8 million AAV) begins on July 1, when he’ll be 30 years old. Kyrou, 26, is in the second season of an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8.125 million.

Armstrong isn’t ready yet to shock the Blues fans by trading Schenn but teams are calling about him. He’s 33, carries a $6.25 million AAV through 2027-28 and a full no-trade clause this season.

Kypreos also wonders whether Armstrong will move out one of his defensemen. He mentioned Justin Faulk or Colton Parayko but they and the sidelined Torey Krug all have full no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bunchnevich, Kyrou, and Schenn will draw more interest than Faulk and Parayko in the trade market. However, their expensive contracts could be deal breakers unless the Blues retain some salary or take back a hefty salary. Peddling any of them might have to wait for the offseason when teams have more cap space to work with because of the projected $7.5 million increase for 2025-26.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias dismissed a recent rumor claiming the Islanders are willing to entertain trade offers for defenseman Noah Dobson.

He pointed out that the 25-year-old Dobson is entering his playing prime and his departure would create a major hole on the Isles blueline. He also cited the risk of getting a poor return akin to what happened five years ago in the Devon Toews trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias’ take. It doesn’t mean the Islanders aren’t getting calls about Dobson but it would take a significant offer to tempt GM Lou Lamoriello to part with him. Dobson should be part of whatever the Islanders’ plans will be beyond this season.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes the Islanders face a tough decision with their impending logjam on defense heading toward the March trade deadline.

They recently added Tony DeAngelo, Scott Perunovich, and Adam Boqvist to offset the absence of sidelined blueliners like Dobson, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield. However, someone will have to move once those three return to action.

Sears believes moving Pulock or Mayfield “would drop a bomb into the dressing room”. Moving Dobson would be admitting they don’t consider him worthy of a long-term commitment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of the new guys seems more likely to leave via trade or demotion to the minors.

FERRARO RETURNS TO THE RUMOR MILL

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is resurfacing in the rumor mill ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed teams are calling the Sharks about the hardworking 26-year-old blueliner. 

Ferraro considers it a sign that he’s playing well but isn’t paying attention to the speculation. Pashelka pointed out that he’s UFA-eligible in July 2026, meaning the Sharks must decide whether to re-sign or trade him over the next 12-13 months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ferraro’s situation will be worth watching. He could be moved by March 7 if the Sharks get a fantastic offer for him. However, they could wait and see what they might get for him in the offseason, or they could try and re-sign him to a long-term deal to maintain blueline stability for their rebuilding plans.