NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2025

by | Jan 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 16, 2025

Check out the latest on Brock Nelson, Dylan Cozens and Taylor Hall plus updates on the Penguins and Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON BROCK NELSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Dallas Stars have an interest in Brock Nelson. However, it’s unclear if the New York Islanders will move the 33-year-old center.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin included the Stars on his list of five trade destinations to watch for Nelson. The others included the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said last week that he wasn’t thinking about the March 7 trade deadline, focussing on his club’s performance instead. He’s indicated his club’s performance over the next couple of months will determine what he does by the deadline.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently included Nelson among the players he considers “high-rent districts” for the Leafs. He believes they’ll look at inexpensive rental options at center. The Leafs can’t afford a center like Nelson unless one of their expensive forwards goes on long-term injury reserve for the remainder of the regular season.

FLAMES INTERESTED IN DYLAN COZENS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun indicated the Calgary Flames are among “a very long list” of teams who have contacted the Buffalo Sabres about Dylan Cozens. He said the Flames have been scouring the trade market in search of a right-shot center who is 25 or younger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Calgary Sun’s Kent Wilson recently examined the pros and cons of acquiring Cozens. He thinks that move could be a bad bet for the Flames, citing his mediocre production, $7.1 million average annual value, and the Sabres’ asking price.

TAYLOR HALL IS PREPARED TO BE TRADED

NHL.COM: Tracey Myers reports Taylor Hall knows he could be playing with another team by the March 7 trade deadline. The 33-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer. He’d like to remain with the Blackhawks but doesn’t know if that’s the case anymore.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks could move Hall if they get a suitable offer that benefits them now or over the long term. They’re stuck at the bottom of the standings again and must bring in players this summer who can immediately boost their roster.

TRADES ARE COMING FOR THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported the Pittsburgh Penguins’ improved performance since late November hasn’t changed GM Kyle Dubas’ plans to be a seller at the trade deadline.

Yohe cited league sources expecting Dubas to make multiple deals. Pending free-agent defenseman Marcus Pettersson is as good as gone. One source told Yohe that the only safe players are those with no-trade clauses like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Rickard Rakell could be an exception as they don’t feel any rush to move him, though Yohe believes everyone has a price.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This piece was published before the Penguins placed goaltender Tristan Jarry on waivers. Given his struggles between the pipes and his $5.375 million AAV through 2027-28, it’ll be surprising if another club claims him. I also don’t see him getting traded. A contract buyout in June appears more likely

The most likely trade candidates are UFA-eligible players like Pettersson, Matt Nieto, Anthony Beauvillier and Matt Grzelcyk. Players with a year or two left on their contracts, like Noel Acciari, Blake Lizotte and Michael Bunting, could also be shopped by the deadline.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks speculated earlier this week that the Rangers’ recent improvement likely won’t turn them from sellers into renters at the trade deadline.

Brooks believes GM Chris Drury won’t sacrifice future assets for quick fixes to gain the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. He wonders if recently acquired Will Borgen will have more value as a trade chip or on the Rangers blueline. The 28-year-old defenseman is coming up on free agency this summer. Brooks also isn’t sure how long the Rangers can keep going forward with oft-injured center Filip Chytil.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating whether Ryan Lindgren would be a good fit with the Detroit Red Wings. The gritty 26-year-old defenseman is on a one-year, $4.5 million contract and is eligible for UFA status on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury has been busy in this season’s trade market, shipping Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. He’s also believed to have permitted blueliner Zac Jones to speak to other clubs about a trade.

Barring a substantial rally in the standings, expect the Rangers to be sellers by March 7.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2025

by | Jan 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 15, 2025

Check out the latest on the Canucks, Stars and Canadiens plus the latest on Ryan O’Reilly, Rasmus Andersson and John Klingberg in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there’s a sense that the situation between Vancouver Canucks centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller is holding up the trade market.

As the Canucks work through their options, sources tell Johnston there’s a sense league-wide that Miller is the most likely to be moved. The 31-year-old center has a no-movement clause and none of this has been his idea. Nevertheless, there’s a belief that he’s more likely to move on if it’s the right situation.

It could take some time for this to occur, meaning there might not be much action in the trade market until it does.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could eventually decide they’re keeping both players. That will also end the delay in activity in the trade market. It’s simply a matter of how long this plays out.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

102.5 THE GAME’s Nick Keiser reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz expects teams to call him to express an interest in Ryan O’Reilly. Trotz indicated he’ll speak with the 33-year-old center before making a deal. “If we do anything we have to do it with respect,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly has two years remaining on his contract and lacks no-trade protection. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday that the Predators intend to treat him like he has a no-movement clause.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty believes the struggling Nashville Predators have no hope of reaching the playoffs this season. He thinks Trotz should be a seller at the trade deadline, suggesting Gustav Nyquist, Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon as trade candidates.

Nyquist is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He could fetch a third or fourth-round pick. Sissons has an affordable $2.8 million average annual value through next season and could bring in a prospect and a second-round pick.

Lauzon is currently sidelined but would be a solid addition to a playoff contender’s defense corps once he’s healthy. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an affordable AAV of $2 million and might bring in a first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nyquist is the most likely of this trio to be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline because of his UFA status. Sissons and Lauzon could also move if Trotz can get the type of returns suggested by Daugherty.

FLAMES AREN’T PEDDLING RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames aren’t shopping Rasmus Andersson. They’re confused as to why teams are calling about the 28-year-old defenseman. He been telling them that Andersson isn’t available.

The Flames are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Andersson isn’t on an expiring contract and they hope to sign him to an extension starting this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I noted yesterday that Andersson recently told the Calgary media that he loves living and playing in the Stampede City and doesn’t want to be traded. It seems he’s going to get his wish.

MORE ANTICIPATION THAT THE STARS WILL BE MAJOR DEADLINE BUYERS

TSN: LeBrun believes the Dallas Stars will attempt to add a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman by the March 7 trade deadline. They’re trying to be patient because certain needs could develop that they haven’t identified yet based on injuries.

Tyler Seguin remains sidelined but they haven’t put him on long-term injury reserve yet. They’re trying to accrue cap space and then put his $9.85 million on LTIR, which gives them more cap flexibility to make additions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Dallas suggest Seguin could be sidelined for five to six months. It’s only a matter of time until they put him on LTIR and use the savings to stock up in the trade market.

TEAMS ARE INTERESTED IN KLINGBERG

TSN: Darren Dreger reported NHL defenseman John Klingberg is attempting to resume his NHL career. He’s been sidelined for 14 months following hip resurfacing in 2023 but has ramped up his training lately and feels good.

Dreger claims there are five to seven teams that Klingberg must decide on. He lists the Toronto Maple Leafs as the front-runners, with the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg must sign by the March 7 trade deadline to be eligible to play in the postseason.

CANADIENS NOT SEEKING RENTAL PLAYERS

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes isn’t going to sacrifice his club’s future for immediate help to make the playoffs this season. He’s not interested in acquiring pending UFA players.

Hughes isn’t ruling out making trades but suggests he’d prefer to acquire players with term remaining on their contracts, pointing to his recent acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier as an example.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2025

by | Jan 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 14, 2025

What type of player could the Leafs target at the trade deadline? Are the Kraken ready to become sellers in the trade market? What’s the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LEAFS SEEKING DEPTH AT CENTER

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said his club would like to improve their depth at the center position.

“We, probably along with 15 or 18 other teams, are looking at center depth,” said Treliving, calling it “the position du jour” around the league this season.

The Leafs are using Max Domi as their third-line center but he’s better suited for the wing. They’ve also tried Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf and Fraser Minten at that position.

Could the Toronto Maple Leafs target Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton in the trade market? (NHL Images).

McGran speculated possible trade targets could include Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club. He also said Treliving doesn’t sound keen to move a prospect like Minten or Easton Cowan to address that need.

THE ATHLETIC: Joshua Kloke also included Laughton, O’Reilly and Bjugstad among his list of possible Leafs trade targets. He also mentioned Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken.

Kloke observed the Leafs lack a first-round pick in his year’s draft to use as trade barter. They have their second-rounder in this year’s draft plus their first-rounders for 2026 and 2027. He agrees that Minten and Cowan probably aren’t going anywhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are in “win-now” mode but not at the expense of the youngsters within their system. Treliving could part with his second-rounders and his future firsts for the right center, preferably one with term remaining on their contract.

KRAKEN COULD BECOME TRADE-DEADLINE SELLERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman speculates the Seattle Kraken could make some roster changes by the trade deadline as the losses mount. That could include moving some players other than their pending UFAs by the deadline.

Friedman said he’s heard forwards Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand are “out there” in the trade market. The 29-year-old Burakovsky is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.5 million. Bjorkstrand (also 29) is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $5.4 million. Both players have 10-team no-trade lists.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman mentioned the Kraken’s prospect pool isn’t deep enough because the franchise hasn’t been around long enough. They could seek draft picks and prospects if they move Burakovsky and Bjorkstrand.

ANDERSSON WANTS TO REMAIN WITH THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports Rasmus Andersson has been the subject of debate among Flames fans. Some believe the 28-year-old defenseman is a key piece of the club’s future while others think he could command a significant return in this season’s trade market.

Andersson said he hopes he stays in Calgary. He acknowledged he has little say apart from his six-team no-trade list. However, no one in management has indicated yet that he won’t be with the club after March 7.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson would draw plenty of attention if he becomes available in the trade market.

Flames GM Craig Conroy showed a willingness last season to make bold moves even if it cost his club a playoff berth. He’s also proven willing to retain players who want to stay and be part of the club’s future.

Conroy could listen if a rival GM makes an incredible offer, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he keeps Andersson and signs him to a contract extension in July.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2025

by | Jan 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 13, 2025

Could the Avalanche peddle Mikko Rantanen if he remains unsigned by the trade deadline? Are the Blue Jackets interested in Canucks center Elias Pettersson? Should the Maple Leafs target Flyers center Scott Laughton? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE AVALANCHE TRADE RANTANEN?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau cited TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reporting last week that Mikko Rantanen would likely be traded if the Colorado Avalanche fail to re-sign him before the March 7 trade deadline.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Proteau suggests the Avalanche would be better off re-signing Rantanen. The 28-year-old forward is enjoying a banner year offensively, sitting fourth among NHL scorers with 60 points in 44 games. Proteau doubts the Avs would get equal value in return.

Rantanen is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Considering all he’s done for the Avs, his current average annual value of $9.25 million has been a bargain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Limited cap space could hamper the Avs’ attempts to re-sign Rantanen. If the cap rises to $92.5 million, they’ll have around $12.5 million with 17 active roster players under contract.

A new contract for Rantanen could use up that cap space unless they can shed salary. They could continue getting $7 million in cap relief if captain Gabriel Landeskog’s comeback attempt fails. Otherwise, they’ll have to make a cost-cutting move or two.

The Avs could trade Rantanen by March 7 but they’re more likely to retain him as an “own rental” and deal with his contract negotiations in the offseason. They’ll need him if they hope to stage a Stanley Cup run this spring.

BLUE JACKETS LINKED TO PETTERSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports of recent speculation linking the Columbus Blue Jackets to center Elias Pettersson. The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly gauging the trade market for Pettersson and fellow center J.T. Miller. 

“The internet buzz suggested that a Pettersson trade has been discussed with the Blue Jackets, but a team source told The Athletic on Friday that no such trade talks have taken place.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets’ depth at center was an issue but they’ve recently addressed that with the addition of Sean Monahan and the ongoing development of Adam Fantilli.

That doesn’t mean general manager Don Waddell wouldn’t be interested in further upgrades. He was GM of the Hurricanes last season when they reportedly discussed a Pettersson trade with the Canucks before the 26-year-old center signed his contract extension. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s among the suitors now.

If Waddell were interested in Pettersson the Canucks will likely want the promising Fantilli as part of the return. That could be a deal breaker for the Blue Jackets.

SHOULD THE LEAFS PURSUE LAUGHTON?

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle noted that Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers tends to be atop the lists of proposed trade targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs want to add more talent down the middle. and Mirtle believes his “versatility, feistiness, and grit” would make him a perfect fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mirtle goes through the pros and cons of pursuing Laughton. However, it doesn’t appear that the Flyers will trade him. Mirtle’s colleague Kevin Kurz reported last week that a team source said they don’t have much interest in moving Laughton.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

by | Jan 12, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 12, 2025

Check out the latest on Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Dylan Cozens, Ryan O’Reilly, Josh Norris and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND J.T. MILLER

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks aren’t shutting off Western Conference teams interested in centers Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Western clubs that have reached out haven’t been told that the Canucks aren’t interested in dealing with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It makes sense for the Canucks to consider all options when listening to offers for Pettersson and Miller. This could also mean the offers they’re not getting suitable offers from Eastern Conference clubs. It’ll likely take a substantial offer to tempt the Canucks into moving one of those players.

UPDATE ON DYLAN COZENS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings were scouting each other heavily before the holidays. It got out that the Red Wings were looking at Dylan Cozens.

Friedman indicated he didn’t know where things stand or where it will go. However, he said a couple of sources told him they thought a deal had been close.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski cited Friedman reporting the Red Wings interest in Cozens. However, he cites a source close to the Sabres saying they’re not shopping the 23-year-old center but his name is circulating because they’re getting so many calls about him from rival clubs.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Cozens’ struggles this season prompted Lysowski to suggest it wouldn’t be wise for the Sabres to sell low, pointing out their depth at center suffered a hit when they traded Casey Mittlestadt to Colorado last season. He doubts the Sabres would get equal value for Cozens right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been said for months that the Sabres want to add to their roster instead of subtracting. They’re also under no pressure to move Cozens because he’s under contract for five more years whereas Mittlestadt was a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights last year.

Cozens could be moved if the Sabres get a good young NHL player in return who can provide immediate help to their roster. Otherwise, he’s probably not going anywhere this season.

COULD THE PREDATORS SHOP RYAN O’REILLY?

Friedman pointed out Ryan O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection in his contract with the Nashville Predators. Teams are calling the Predators about the availability of the 33-year-old two-way center.

According to Friedman, the Predators are treating O’Reilly as if he has a no-movement clause. They want to keep the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, seeing him as a leader on and off the ice.

However, the Predators would consider moving O’Reilly under two conditions: the trade offer has to be something that excites them, and it has to be something O’Reilly would accept. The veteran center has not indicated he wants to move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out the possibility of O’Reilly getting traded by the March 7 deadline or during the offseason. However, the conditions mentioned by Friedman suggest it’s a remote possibility.

SENATORS SHOPPING NORRIS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports league executives say the Senators want to get center Josh Norris and his $7.95 million cap hit through 2029-30 off their books. However, not many teams can afford his contract without giving something back to the Senators in return.

Garrioch also indicated general manager Steve Staios has been working the phones trying to find help for his struggling club, especially on defense. He hasn’t been able to find a suitable deal thus far.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The salary cap for next season is expected to rise by at least $4.5 million to $92.5 million, though some have estimated it could reach $95 million. That would make it easier for interested clubs to take on Norris’ contract but it would likely be an offseason trade instead of a trade-deadline deal.

SOMETHING BREWING WITH THE KRAKEN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke traveled to Buffalo to watch his team defeat the Sabres 6-2 yesterday. It was an unusual move by Leiweke and came after his club lost nine of its last 11 games. His presence at that game raises questions over the reason for his attendance.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2025

by | Jan 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 11, 2025

Could Evander Kane’s knee surgery turn the Oilers into a major buyer at the March 7 trade deadline? What’s the latest on the Islanders? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

OILERS COULD BE MAJOR BUYERS IF EVANDER KANE GOES ON LTIR

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples wonders if Evander Kane’s knee surgery could signal a major move by the Edmonton Oilers before the March 7 trade deadline.

Kane’s recovery period is four to eight weeks, postponing his rehab for last fall’s abdominal surgery. PuckPedia noted if the 33-year-old winger is sidelined for the rest of the regular season, the Oilers can put him on long-term injury reserve, enabling them to exceed the salary cap by $5.1 million.

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said the club will wait and see how things go with Kane’s recovery and rehab. They’re not yet certain when he’ll be able to return.

The Oilers’ depleted prospect and draft pick pools leave them with limited trade capital. However, they do have second and third-round picks from the St. Louis Blues as compensation for signing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets last August.

Staples also examined where the Oilers should spend that windfall if Kane goes on LTIR to the end of the regular season. He believes they need a forward and a defenseman capable of making players and throwing hits. They could go after a second-pairing blueliner and a third-line winger.

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson reports the Oilers are among several teams interested in Pittsburgh Penguins rearguard Marcus Pettersson. He doesn’t see the Oilers parting with prospect forwards Matthew Savoie and Sam O’Reilly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could attempt a big splash in the trade pool if Kane goes on LTIR. However, their lack of tradeable assets will make it difficult to use that cap flexibility to address those needs raised by Staple.

Waiting a month to determine Kane’s fate is for the best as that could also increase the number of suitable options in the trade market. That could improve the Oilers’ chances of finding a couple of decent targets despite their limited trade chips.

ISLANDERS ARE NOT SELLERS YET

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello isn’t waving the white flag on the season yet.

Pending free agents like Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri would be logical trade candidates if the Isles become sellers. However, Lamoriello hasn’t reached that point yet with the deadline about two months away.

“Where we are in the season and where we are in the standings, where everything’s in reach, that’s the focus,” said Lamoriello. The Islanders are five points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. He refused to get into questions about hypothetical trade scenarios or the risk of Nelson and Palmieri departing as free agents in July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello sounds like he’ll only sell if the Isles drop far behind in the playoff race by March 7. It’ll be interesting to see what he does once the calendar flips to March.