NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2025

by | Feb 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2025

Will the Islanders trade Brock Nelson or Noah Dobson? Could the Blues trade captain Brayden Schenn? Will the Blue Jackets become buyers at the trade deadline? Should the Rangers trade Brennan Othmann? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports some teams would love to get into discussions with the New York Islanders about pending free-agent center Brock Nelson. However, there’s no certainty whether he’ll be available at the March 7 trade deadline.

LeBrun cites several factors for this uncertainty. The Islanders have played themselves back into wild-card contention. General manager Lou Lamoriello doesn’t always trade his pending UFA players. The Isles GM could also try and sign Nelson to a contract extension, though LeBrun believes the 33-year-old center will test the free-agent market on July 1.

The Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among Nelson’s suitors if the Islanders shop him by March 7.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source suggesting Nelson could remain with the Islanders on a three-year contract with a raise over his current average annual value of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has consistently said his team’s performance by the trade deadline will determine if he’ll be a buyer or a seller. He could become a buyer if they’re still in the race a month from now. That could also mean Nelson finishes this season with the Isles. Stay tuned.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reported a source claiming Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson is available for trade. The 25-year-old defenseman is the piece they’re supposedly willing to part with to bring in the scoring presence they’ve been lacking the last three seasons.

D’Amico cited a rumor from The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner suggesting the Islanders could be interested in Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Dobson could be part of the package to get Pettersson, though the Canucks might have to retain part of the center’s $11.6 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams could be reluctant to trade for Dobson this season. He’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury and on long-term injury reserve. The Isles’ recent additions of blueliners Scott Perunovich, Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo suggest he could be out for the remainder of the regular season.

Moving Dobson in a package deal for Pettersson could address the Isles’ need for a scoring presence up front. However, it leaves them searching for a puck-moving defenseman to fill that void on their blueline.

Pettersson might not be the ideal trade target. His offensive struggles continue despite the trading away of J.T. Miller a week ago. It’s been reported the Canucks have taken Pettersson off the trade block as they’re hoping to let the dust settle and give him time to regain his form.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias suggested Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras as a more affordable trade option for the Islanders than Elias Pettersson. He cited a rumor suggesting the Ducks would want a defenseman in exchange for the 23-year-old Zegras.

Macias wondered if the Isles could convince one of Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock or Adam Pelech to waive their no-trade clause. Failing that, he proposed a package of a rejuvenated Scott Perunovich and a second-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely Mayfield, Pulock or Pelech will waive their clauses to go to a rebuilding club. The Ducks probably won’t be tempted by an offer of Perunovich and a second-rounder. It’s believed they’ve set a high asking price for Zegras despite the decline in his production since last season due to injuries.

COULD THE BLUES PEDDLE BRAYDEN SCHENN?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports “there’s potential” for center Brayden Schenn to be traded by the St. Louis Blues. The 33-year-old Blues captain has a full no-trade clause this season. However, Dreger noted that Blues GM Doug Armstrong can be very aggressive in the trade market.

Dreger believes teams in the market for a center, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, could be interested in Schenn. However, the return would have to be mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn wouldn’t be a rental player. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6.5 million. Not many teams will be comfortable taking on that contract during this season. If the Blues are gauging Schenn’s trade value, they might find it easier to move him after July 1, when his NTC becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The projected rise in the salary cap to $95.5 million for next season could also make a summer trade more likely.

BLUE JACKETS COULD BE BUYERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be moderate buyers at the March 7 trade deadline. Despite being walloped by injuries, they’re still battling for a wild-card spot. GM Don Waddell believes he owes it to his team to try and add a top-nine forward as a rental player. He won’t sacrifice the Jackets’ long-term plans and won’t be pursuing the big-name players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jackets captain Boone Jenner is expected to make his season debut following the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. He’s been sidelined since preseason by a shoulder injury. His return to action could be as good as acquiring a comparable player via the trade market.

WILL THE RANGERS TRADE OTHMANN?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks recently expressed concern that the Rangers will trade promising winger Brennan Othmann for a rental player to help them reach the postseason. He believes it would be a mistake to do so, preferring they attempt to move pending free agents Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren for draft picks.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2025

by | Feb 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 6, 2025

The Canadiens are linked to Sabres center Dylan Cozens while the Avalanche are believed to be shopping Casey Mittelstadt. Check out the details on these and other notable speculations in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANADIENS INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Canadiens are among the teams looking into the availability of Dylan Cozens. Weekes indicated the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs were also interested in the 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres center.

Dumont noted that Cozens’ contract ($7.1 million average annual value through 2029-30) and his inconsistent offense are areas of concern. With several other teams looking at the young center, the Canadiens would have to part with two or three good assets to get him.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico also weighed in on the Canadiens’ rumored interest in Cozens.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

He believes Cozens wouldn’t be a good fit for the Habs at this stage, citing a source suggesting the Sabres could seek a first-round pick and a good young roster player as part of the return.

The source said the Canadiens won’t part with their two first-rounders in this year’s draft until they’ve got more clarity on where they’ll be in the standings by the March 7 trade deadline. He wondered if the Habs would have more interest in Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most general managers, Kent Hughes of the Canadiens will conduct due diligence regarding players believed to be available. He has the assets to acquire Cozens but could prefer waiting to see if the asking price goes down.

Hughes could try packaging struggling center Kirby Dach with a first-rounder. However, that’s unlikely to entice the Sabres, especially when a number of teams are said to be interested in Cozens.

As for Byram, the Sabres probably don’t want to part with him unless they’re getting a significant return. That’s why he and Cozens were suggested as a trade package to Vancouver for Elias Pettersson.

AVALANCHE SHOPPING MITTELSTADT

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Colorado Avalanche attempted to acquire center J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks before he was traded to the New York Rangers. However, they never came close enough to threaten the Rangers’ deal.

“That’s why Casey Mittelstadt’s name is out there,” writes Friedman. “Believe New Jersey, Ottawa and Toronto poked around, but not with much traction.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin observed Mittelstadt has fallen back into underachiever mode after showing promise last season as a second-line center with the Avs. Nevertheless, he believes the 26-year-old is a good playmaker who could benefit a club seeking help at center for a couple of seasons.

Larkin suggests the Avalanche could be willing to move Mittelstadt, citing their aggressiveness in this year’s trade market by shipping Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. Possible destinations include the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak made no mention of Mittelstadt as a trade candidate in his examination of the Avalanche’s trade deadline plans.

Masisak suggested they could maybe (emphasis on “maybe”) use a center with some size but believes shoring up the depth among their bottom three defensemen is their biggest need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt could be used as a trade chip to address that blueline issue. His stock is down from last season when Buffalo shipped him to Colorado for Bowen Byram, which has worked out well for the Sabres. Mittelstadt could become an option for teams that come up short in the bidding for Dylan Cozens.

TRADE RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs attempted to sign Brandon Saad before he joined the Vegas Golden Knights last week.

Friedman wonders if the Pittsburgh Penguins keep the top-13 protected pick they received from the Vancouver Canucks in last week’s trade. That was the pick the Canucks received from the New York Rangers in the J.T. Miller deal. He believes the Penguins would want “controllable young talent, preferably in the NHL or close” in return.

The Carolina Hurricanes won’t wait until the last minute to sign Mikko Rantanen as they did last year with their failed effort to re-sign Jake Guentzel. They’re eager to get it done but Friedman wonders what happens if there is no contract in place for Rantanen by the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ll retain Rantanen and keep working on a deal. They’re all-in for the Stanley Cup this season, even at the risk of losing him to free agency on July 1.

The Dallas Stars aren’t done adding to their roster. Depending on how they handle Miro Heiskanen’s knee injury (and they aren’t rushing him back for the regular season), they still have around $5 million in LTIR space. They could add another right-shot defenseman.

Friedman believes the Tampa Bay Lightning would be interested in Alex Tuch if the Sabres make him available. “They wouldn’t be the only ones”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has a five-team no-trade list. There’s no indication the Sabres are attempting to move him or that he’s asked to be traded.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell would be a perfect fit for the Winnipeg Jets. However, Friedman doesn’t believe he’s available.

Teams seeking defensemen should monitor the Utah Hockey Club. They’ll soon have extra.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2025

by | Feb 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2025

The Flames are reportedly interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens plus the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES INTERESTED IN COZENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames remain willing to add to their roster after acquiring Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee last week from the Philadelphia Flyers.

LeBrun said Calgary is interested in Dylan Cozens but they’re not the only ones, adding that two-thirds of the league have checked with the Buffalo Sabres about the 23-year-old center. The Flames are in the market for a right-shot center.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

It would have to be a hockey trade to pry Cozens away from the Sabres. They’re not interested in futures. Meanwhile, the Flames aren’t interested in trading for a rental player. Cozens is signed through 2029-30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are also likely concerned about Cozens following in the skates of other notable players like Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart. Those three became bigger stars and Stanley Cup champions after leaving Buffalo.

That’s why they’d want a player-for-player swap like the deal they did last year when they shipped Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for Bowen Byram. That move worked out well for the Sabres.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks’ priority is finding help at center after trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers last Friday.

LeBrun acknowledged the Canucks got Filip Chytil in the Miller trade but they’d like to add more depth there. They’re taking the long view and are thinking beyond the March 7 trade deadline to make that acquisition.

The Canucks are among the teams interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens. They had discussions with the Sabres but that had more to do with Elias Pettersson, who is off the trade market for now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been speculated the Canucks could shop Pettersson before his no-movement clause kicks in on July 1 if he continues to struggle this season. However, his expensive contract ($11.6 million annually through 2031-32) could be tough to move under those circumstances even with the salary cap projected to increase significantly over the next three years.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Canucks have made Carson Soucy available in the trade market. The 30-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch against Detroit on Sunday.

Soucy had a full no-trade clause this year on his three-year, $9.75 million contract. However, Friedman doesn’t believe the Canucks will have difficulty finding him a new home.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2025

by | Feb 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 4, 2025

Will trades be allowed during the 4 Nations Face-Off? What’s the latest on the Stars, Panthers, Flyers, Penguins, Blue Jackets and Canadiens? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NO ROSTER RESTRICTIONS DURING 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports there won’t be a roster freeze on the NHL’s 32 teams during the upcoming break (Feb. 10-21) for the league’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Technically, that means the teams can still make trades. However, Johnston spoke with “multiple team executives” who expect any deals discussed during that period won’t occur until after the tournament.

This is the first international tournament involving active NHL players in eight years. No one wants to take the spotlight away from that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trade activity heated up recently with several trades involving notable stars like Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Miller. Similar moves could be made leading up to the 4 Nations break. Johnston believes there could be a flurry of moves in the two weeks between the end of the tournament and the March 7 trade deadline.

THE LATEST ON THE STARS, PANTHERS, FLYERS AND PENGUINS

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated the Dallas Stars could look to add to their defense corps. It’ll depend on how long it takes top defenseman Miro Heiskanen to recover from his knee injury.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars made a significant move over the weekend, acquiring center Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks.

Friedman also reported that teams are wary of the Florida Panthers. They don’t have much salary-cap room or trade capital but they could find a way to add a right-shot defenseman.

Turning to the Flyers, Friedman thinks they’re clearing cap room to go “big-game hunting” in the offseason after shipping out forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to Calgary last week. He suggested the significant rise in next season’s salary cap could have the Flyers angling for an offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The St. Louis Blues’ bold signings of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers last summer could motivate teams with a lot of cap room to target restricted free agents on cap-strapped clubs.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes the Pittsburgh Penguins might not be finished making moves after shipping Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

Yohe listed Anthony Beauvillier, Kevin Hayes, Blake Lizotte and Noel Acciari as depth forwards they could be willing to move by March 7.

There could also be interest in winger Rickard Rakell. However, Yohe writes the Penguins aren’t eager to move him.

UPDATES ON THE BLUE JACKETS AND CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline recently noted the Columbus Blue Jackets were linked to Elias Pettersson before the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday. However, they were never seriously involved in trade discussions for the 26-year-old Pettersson, who is likely staying put now that Miller has been traded. They don’t want to impede young centers like Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary speculates the Blue Jackets might hit the trade market for someone to replace Kirill Marchenko. The 24-year-old winger is sidelined indefinitely with a broken jaw.

Lazary suggested Scott Laughton of the Flyers and Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks as trade targets. He also acknowledged they might have to look within their organization for help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Losing Marchenko was a big blow to the Blue Jackets’ offense. He won’t be easy to replace.

The Flyers are reluctant to move Laughton, but if they peddle him, the Jackets will be bidding with several contenders for his services.

Strome is third among Ducks scorers with 30 points and has two years remaining on his contract. They’re rebuilding but they don’t seem in a rush to trade him.

TVA SPORTS: The Montreal Canadiens’ five-game losing skid (0-4-1) prompted Jean-Charlies Lajoie to call for management to become sellers in the trade market. He believes their playoff hopes are dashed and should start shopping pending UFAs like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and David Savard for the best possible returns.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will likely evaluate his club’s performance leading up to the 4 Nations break. If the Habs haven’t pulled out of their current tailspin by then, Lajoie could get his wish following the tournament.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2025

by | Feb 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 3, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Hurricanes, Oilers and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz suggests bottoming out this season could be the Philadelphia Flyers’ best path forward. He believes their recent trade of Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to Calgary last week indicated management has acknowledged that they won’t make the playoffs this season.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).

Trading Farabee removed his $5 million average annual value through 2027-28 from the Flyers’ books. Kurz speculates they could free up more by moving Rasmus Ristolainen and his $5.1 million AAV through 2026-27 by the trade deadline or the offseason. With the cap expected to rise significantly for next season, it’ll give the Flyers more flexibility to make a major addition to their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen’s been a fixture in the rumor mill since the fall. General manager Daniel Briere recently said he’s not in any hurry to trade the 30-year-old defenseman because of his value to their blueline. Nevertheless, we can’t rule out that possibility with the trade deadline on the horizon.

COULD THE HURRICANES OR OILERS SHOP FOR GOALTENDING DEPTH?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton recently discussed the goaltending depth of the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers.

Hutton believes the goaltending of both teams is an area of concern. He cited Frederik Andersen’s health and Pyotr Kochetkov’s inconsistency with the Hurricanes as well as the previous consistency issues of Oilers starter Stuart Skinner.

Hutton wondered if one or both clubs might shop for a rental goalie at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were reportedly in the market for a goalie when Andersen was sidelined last fall. However, one of TSN’s insiders claimed that’s not a pressing issue with Andersen’s return. Most of the speculation out of Edmonton suggests the Oilers need to shore up their blueline or add another forward.

THE LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators general manager Steve Staios has been scouring the trade market for another forward and depth on defense. However, he hasn’t found the right fit or is unwilling to pay the high asking prices.

The need for another forward could be addressed if winger David Perron gets back to speed after missing 27 games with a back injury. It’s believed the Senators are interested in Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks and Brandon Tanev of the Seattle Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staios could be a buyer if his club remains in a playoff spot by the March 7 trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

by | Feb 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and the Canucks, the Rangers’ plans after acquiring J.T. Miller, and the latest on the Flames, Blues and Stars in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the speculation around Elias Pettersson can calm down after the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday. The Canucks are determined to see how things go for the 26-year-old center and hope that he returns to his high-scoring form.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Friedman also noted that the Canucks are eager to sign Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to contract extensions. The pair were acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes Pettersson is now off the trade block. However, he speculates the Canucks could revisit this in the offseason if Pettersson continues to struggle. His no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

Drance also reports the Canucks are confident they can re-sign Pettersson and O’Connor and intend to open contract talks as soon as possible.

Following the Canucks moves on Friday, Drance believes their biggest priority is finding another credible first-line or top-six caliber center. He anticipates they’ll be shopping for an upgrade at center leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. Drance also thinks the club’s performance in the coming weeks will determine what they do by the deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington doubts the Sabres will end their pursuit of Pettersson following the Miller trade. He speculates the Canucks could hang onto him as they push for a playoff berth and look to move him around the draft in June.

Trade rumors linked Sabres center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram to the Canucks as a potential return for Pettersson. Harrington thinks Cozens might jump at the chance to play in Vancouver as it would be closer to his family in Whitehorse, Yukon. Trading BC native Bowen Byram would be more troublesome for the Sabres given his chemistry with defense partner Rasmus Dahlin.

Harrington also believes the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s performance and that of the Canucks over the remainder of this season will determine if he pops up as an offseason trade candidate.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AFTER ACQUIRING MILLER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are projected to have $16.5 million of trade deadline cap space following Friday’s acquisition of J.T. Miller.

Brooks believes Rangers GM Chris Drury isn’t done making roster changes. He believes those moves will be “of the short-term variety” and will be dictated by the club’s performance before the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament and leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

FLAMES NOT SHOPPING ANDERSSON, KADRI AND WEEGAR

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are jockeying for a playoff spot, meaning they aren’t listening to trade offers for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar and center Nazem Kadri.

Kadri and Weegar are on long-term contracts but Andersson has a year left on his deal and will be eligible for UFA status at the end of 2025-26. The Flames are telling teams that they’re confident they can re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 while Weegar has a full no-trade clause until 2027-28. Both maintained that they want to stay in Calgary and help the retooling Flames become a playoff contender.

Andersson has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames, but he has also said he wants to stay in the Stampede City.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at which members of the St. Louis Blues could be on the move after terminating Brandon Saad’s contract last week.

Blueliners Justin Faulk and Ryan Suter appear to be the most likely trade candidates. Rutherford doesn’t see them moving defenseman Cam Fowler and checking-line center Radek Faksa as he believes their current value to the Blues is higher than whatever return they might fetch in the trade market.

STARS COULD ATTEMPT TO RE-SIGN GRANLUND AND CECI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill intends to speak with forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci about contract extensions. The duo were acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and are UFA-eligible in July.