NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2025

by | Sep 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 25, 2025

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano believe the New York Rangers will attempt to take a big swing in next summer’s free-agent market.

By that point, the Rangers are projected to have more salary-cap space and roster flexibility than they’ve had for some time. Several high-end stars, including Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, and Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, could be available.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

That’s why they’re not in a rush to re-sign Artemi Panarin, who is UFA-eligible next July. They want to keep their options open for as long as possible to size up the market.

The Rangers could have over $20 million available after re-signing restricted free agents like Brendan Schneider and adding a couple of depth pieces and a backup goalie. They could free up more cap room by peddling Alexis Lafreniere or Vincent Trocheck.

If those potential big-name UFAs become unavailable, the Rangers could use that cap flexibility to spread it out among multiple impact players in the market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baugh and Mercogliano aren’t saying Lafreniere or Trocheck will be traded. They’re suggesting they could be moved if the Rangers need more cap room to sign a UFA superstar. Those players could also stay put if they play well this season.

Pursuing multiple players via free agency doesn’t guarantee success. The Rangers attempted to spend their way into Stanley Cup contention between 1997-98 and 2003-04, but missed the playoffs for seven straight years.

The Nashville Predators recently learned that lesson the hard way. They made a big splash in last year’s free-agent market, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. Projected by some observers to be a possible Stanley Cup contender, they finished near the bottom of the standings.

LEAFS NATION: Michael Mazzei cited NHL insider Chris Johnston saying the Toronto Maple Leafs are no longer as interested in free-agent forward Jack Roslovic as they once were.

Johnston no longer considers the 28-year-old Roslovic a fit for the Leafs, citing the depth among their forward lines.

According to Johnston, Roslovic received a couple of contract offers between two and three years in length with average annual values between $3.5 million and $3.75 million. He rejected those offers in the hope that he’d receive better ones, but they never materialized. He may have to pivot toward a one-year “prove it” contract and hope to set himself up for a better payday next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Being the best player still available in what was a thin unrestricted free-agent market didn’t pan out so well for Roslovic.

Unrestricted free agency can be lucrative for some players due to their exceptional talent or impressive body of work. However, waiting too long for better offers can backfire, leaving a player scrambling to find a contract worth much less than what they could’ve had earlier in the summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined three possible paths for Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson. The most likely is a trade.

Robertson, 24, isn’t especially thrilled to be back with the Leafs in his current situation. It’s uncertain if he’ll receive regular playing time, and Siegel argues it wouldn’t make sense for the player or the team to keep him around in that situation.

Siegel wondered if there’s a team out there willing to take on Robertson and his $1.85 million cap hit for this season, with restricted free agency and possible arbitration ahead next summer.

“If that team is out there, though, why wasn’t Robertson dealt already?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Probably for the same reason Robertson wasn’t dealt last year around this time after requesting a trade early in the 2024 offseason: he’s not as valuable as some observers think he is.

Robertson has a decent scoring touch, and he’s worked to improve his overall game, but he hasn’t elevated his performance to the level where he’s a reliable top-six forward. And if he were a dependable scoring winger, there wouldn’t be any question about his role or his future with the Leafs.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

by | Sep 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Jets winger Kyle Connor, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Devils blueliner Luke Hughes, and Predators winger Luke Evangelista in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Winnipeg Jets chairman Mark Chipman doesn’t envision Kyle Connor moving on to another club after this season. The 28-year-old left winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Chipman said he’s not directly involved in contract talks, as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff handles that issue. Nevertheless, he pointed out that Connor is part of their roster core, and those players are very close.

“I think it would be my expectation that we’ll get something done sooner rather than later,” Chipman said. “My instincts are telling me that this is likely going to get done.”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor on Connor’s contract situation, but it’s worthwhile including here because he’s bound to come up in media chatter the longer he remains unsigned this season.

Connor’s offensive skills would make him a highly-prized player in next summer’s free-agent market, especially if Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, and the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin end up re-signing with their current clubs.

Some observers might question whether the small-market Jets can afford to retain Connor, especially after losing Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. However, they were able to re-sign Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele two years ago despite speculation that they might test the open market. It wouldn’t be surprising if they keep Connor in the fold.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes there’s a chance the Calgary Flames might be able to re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson, but he still considers it unlikely.

Andersson, 28, is UFA-eligible on July 1. The Flames are happy to have him back, and he’s willing to play his best for them this season. Neither side wants to totally close the door on contract talks.

LeBrun said Andersson was nearly traded to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer, but it failed to materialize. He thinks the blueliner might listen if an eight-year offer is on the table, but it doesn’t seem like the Flames are willing to go there.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson turns 29 next month, which explains why the Flames are reluctant to offer up an eight-year deal. Unless he’s willing to accept a shorter term, he’s likely to be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that New Jersey Devils’ management and representatives for Luke Hughes met on Monday to try to find some leeway in contract talks.

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. LeBrun stated that the two sides remain far apart and still must find more common ground. They are both focused on a long-term contract but can’t agree on the average annual value. He indicated the tone remains amicable, but a deal isn’t imminent.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: provided an update on Luke Evangelista’s contract talks with the Nashville Predators. Johnston indicated the Predators are offering up a two-year deal worth an AAV of $2 million. Meanwhile, the Evangelista camp seeks around $3.25 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

by | Sep 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 23, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils, potential suitors for free-agent goalie Carter Hart, and Alex Wennberg’s future with the Sharks. 

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the wedge between the Devils and Luke Hughes is growing more concerning as training camp continues. 

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 22, is a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract. He’s missed nearly the entire first week of Devils training camp. Both sides seek a long-term deal, but cannot find common ground on the dollars. 

Nichols cited recent speculation by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggesting general managers around the league are doing their best to hold their ground so as not to be taken advantage of with the rising salary cap. 

Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, sees his client as a future No. 1 defenseman and believes he should be paid accordingly. He also doesn’t want to see Luke’s contract land on the “best bargain” list, like his brother, Jack Hughes. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also have $5.2 million in cap space, which would also explain why negotiations have stalled over money. 

They could get some short-term cap relief if sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovecevic ($4 million average annual value) lands on LTIR to start the season. However, they must be cap-compliant when the season begins, which could lead to a cost-cutting trade if the AAV on Hughes’ new contract exceeds their current cap hit. 

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports sources are claiming the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights are among several teams still in the mix for free-agent goaltender Carter Hart. 

Hart won’t be returning to his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. He seeks a destination where he’ll have a clear path to playing time on a team built for success. 

It’s expected he’ll sign a two-year contract and could play some tune-up games in the AHL in mid-November before his first NHL start in early December. 

The Utah Mammoth had internal discussions about bidding for Hart, but is out of the process. The Edmonton Oilers have decided not to pursue him. 

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports Alex Wennberg faces an uncertain future with the San Jose Sharks. 

The 31-year-old center is in the second season of a two-year contract with the rebuilding Sharks. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Pashelka noted that the Sharks have promising centers such as Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Filip Bystedt on their roster or within their system.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

by | Sep 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen looked at some notable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs as preseason play gets underway.

Among them is Mason McTavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent center has missed training camp thus far. He is a key part of their playoff hopes this season.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens recently reported that it’s believed the McTavish camp isn’t seeking something comparable to the $8.4 million annual average value (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston got from the Dallas Stars on a five-year extension. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Knies’ $7.7 million AAV on his six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point this season. The Calgary Flames defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides might work out an extension, but the odds are slim at this point. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche face a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is UFA-eligible next summer. He averaged just under a point per game last season, and another performance like that could see him seek around $10 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when asked about it last week. Both sides seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, it was reported that Chinakhov might have a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that prompted the trade request.

Jason Robertson has an interesting contract situation. He’s eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights next summer, but a one-year deal would take him to UFA status in 2027. The Stars are still eyeing a Stanley Cup this season with their current group, but Boylen doesn’t rule out a Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill last week denied offseason reports claiming he’d looked into moving Robertson. He seems willing to see how this season pans out with Robertson.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s UFA status next summer and his willingness to sign an extension have dominated headlines. Boylen suggests the play of rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie could be a factor in whether he opts to re-sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen points out the play of those two rookies won’t be the deciding factor, but solid performances by both of them could convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is UFA-eligible next July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract the 37-year-old could get from the Panthers, and what their succession plan is between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact as they chase multiple Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they’ll work something out to keep him in the fold while buying time to find a proper successor.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is another UFA-eligible goalie next summer. He turns 36 in January, and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract extension talks have reportedly started between the two sides.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is another player eligible for UFA status next summer. He turns 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer throughout the club’s tumultuous 2024-25 campaign. Boylen wonders what number might make sense for both sides now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s AAV is $11.642 million on his current deal. The two sides are keeping mum regarding contract talks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a wait-and-see approach to the coming season.

This may be the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and at age 39, he may not remain with the Penguins after this season, given the team is in rebuild mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports that several clubs inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t know what he’d do if asked to waive his no-movement clause. GM Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

Elias Pettersson’s performance could be a determining factor in whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has two years left on his contract, but the club will want clarity on his future by next summer. If Pettersson can regain the form that made him a 102-point performer in 2022-23, it could go a long way toward convincing Hughes to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Pettersson, combined with Hughes’ usual brilliance, could propel the Canucks up the standings and into the playoffs again.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is also eligible for UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit in alongside Mitch Marner’s $12 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s current AAV is $10 million. He loves living and playing in Vegas and doesn’t appear too concerned about getting a deal done. The Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, and will get another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR. That will give them enough room to sign Eichel.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

by | Sep 21, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

Are teams calling about Penguins center Evgeni Malkin? Are the Oilers interested in Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? What’s the latest on the Red Wings and Avalanche? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RG.ORG: An NHL executive source told James Murphy that the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers looked into the availability of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin since the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

The answer from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was always “a hard no.” He’s letting Malkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dictate their futures. “They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled out asking out either.”

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them with the Penguins. He’s in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His contract also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas recently said he intended to meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss the future Hall of Famer’s future. If a trade takes place, it will likely occur between February 25 (when the regular season resumes following the Olympic break) and the March 6 trade deadline.

Malkin and Crosby have expressed their wish to stay in Pittsburgh, and that might be fulfilled. Still, we can’t rule out the possibility of a change of heart from either player if things don’t go well for the Penguins this season. Time will tell if the Canadiens, Panthers, or Lightning will revisit their rumored interest in Malkin. 

If Malkin becomes available, it remains to be seen how much interest he’ll draw. His performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes the Red Wings would part with promising defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka to acquire Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes if the opportunity arose.

Duff pointed out that the Canucks aren’t shopping Hughes. “Not yet.” But the situation could change before the end of this season. While it’s believed he’d want to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, with the New Jersey Devils, Quinn has ties to Michigan, having played with the USNTDP in Plymouth and for the Michigan Wolverines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If a reunion with his brothers in New Jersey isn’t possible, Hughes could prefer going to a contender, which the Red Wings haven’t been for a long time. He lacks no-trade protection, so the Canucks could ship him to Detroit if the Wings made the best offer, but whether he’d re-sign with them is another matter.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun claiming Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year, $1 million contract offer from a Western Conference team.

Deen indicated it’s unclear if the offer came from the Avalanche. He pointed out that LeBrun stated the Avalanche is among four teams that could be an option for Grzelcyk, who is on a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is currently nursing a lower-body injury. If he remains out when the regular season begins, Deen speculated that Grzelcyk might be an option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche has over $1.3 million in cap space for the coming season. There’s enough to squeeze in Grzelcyk if he doesn’t land a contract with the Blackhawks or another team. LeBrun also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as possible destinations for the veteran defenseman.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins reports on speculation linking the Oilers to Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last month.

Chinakhov is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. However, the Oilers are pressed against the salary cap, Chinkhov has injury issues, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t giving away a former first-round pick for free.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but he recently sounded like he might be having a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to address their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation and an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden wondered what Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would do if the opportunity to trade Sidney Crosby presented itself.

It would have to be the deal of a lifetime to trade the Penguins captain, but Madden thinks Dubas would do it. He thinks the 38-year-old Penguins captain would fetch a king’s ransom of at least a first-round draft pick, a top prospect, and an NHL-ready top-six forward or top-four defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Madden claims the Montreal Canadiens would reportedly overpay to get him, believing the asking price must include promising winger Ivan Demidov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas would set a high asking price. Whether he’d get that full king’s ransom is another story. Crosby at 38 doesn’t hold the same value as he would’ve if he were five years younger and had more than two years left on his contract.

The Penguins would still get a significant return for Crosby. However, finding one that would match what Madden suggests would be difficult, especially with Crosby’s no-movement clause giving him full control over where he could be dealt.

As for the Canadiens overpaying to get Crosby, most of that speculation flies in the face of what they have been building over the past three years. If the Habs were to make a pitch for Crosby, Demidov won’t be part of it. And if Dubas said no, they’d have no problem moving on to other trade targets.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Evgeni Malkin doesn’t want to leave the Penguins and isn’t anxious to be traded to a Stanley Cup contender. Nevertheless, he said he didn’t know how he’d react if he were asked to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin has said he prefers to retire as a Penguin, but that would depend on whether the club wants to keep him. Maybe he would consider it if Dubas approaches him, saying a Cup contender is interested in acquiring him. Maybe not.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Bryan Rust laughed off questions about hearing his name in trade rumors during the offseason. However, he realizes there’s a real possibility that he could be moved this season.

Rust’s no-trade clause expired on July 1, meaning the Penguins can trade him anywhere. However, he’s hopeful they’ll hang onto him. “Yeah, I plan on playing here until I’m 40,” said the 33-year-old Rust.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust is also signed through 2027-28, which would also make him enticing for a contender seeking a top-six winger with cost certainty. Given his contributions to the Penguins, Dubas might give him a choice on where he could be traded. However, he’ll most likely move him to the club with the best offer.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig reports Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov is open to staying with the team. He reiterated his love of the city and the fans, adding that he and head coach Dean Evason “understand each other” after talking recently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade through his agent this summer, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason stemming from a reduction in playing time last season after returning from a back injury. It appears they’ve cleared the air, but this situation could still bear scrutiny depending on his performance to start the season.