NHL Rumor Mill – September 13, 2025

by | Sep 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 13, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: how Flames goalie Dustin Wolf’s new contract could affect the Oilers’ Stuart Skinner’s next deal, the latest on netminder Carter Hart, and winger Lukas Reichel’s uncertain future with the Blackhawks.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson believes Dustin Wolf’s new contract with the Calgary Flames could affect the next contract of Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner.

Wolf, 24, signed a seven-year deal earlier this week with an average annual value of $7.5 million, making him the 10th highest-salaried goalie in the league. Skinner, 26, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

Skinner has played 50 playoff games over the past three seasons, backstopping the Oilers to two straight Stanley Cup Finals. He’s played three times more NHL games (including playoffs) than Wolf. His current AAV is a bargain-basement $2.6 million.

Matheson believes a strong season from Skinner in 2025-26 will determine what his next contract looks like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson pointed out that Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning are the only goalies among the 10 highest-paid that have Stanley Cup rings.

Skinner is also UFA-eligible at the same time as teammate Connor McDavid. How much the Oilers pony up to keep McDavid in the fold could determine if they have enough to retain their starting goaltender.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston cited NHL sources claiming Carter Hart is expected to reach terms on a new two or three-year contract on Oct. 1, though it can’t be officially registered with the league until Oct. 15.

Hart was among the five former Hockey Canada players recently acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. Johnston indicated the 27-year-old goalie is seeking a job where he can get a meaningful number of starts with a team that can win.

Johnston reports Hart seeks a fresh start, which rules out returning to his former NHL club, the Philadelphia Flyers. Sources believe he’s almost certain to sign with an American team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hart was the most notable of those five players, having spent several seasons as a starter with the Flyers. He could be the only one who finds an NHL club to sign with, as teams could shy away from the lesser-talented.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope recently reported that Blackhawks forward Lukas Reichel thought at one point during this offseason that he was going to be traded to the Edmonton Oilers.

“I heard from guys in Germany that I didn’t know knew hockey,” Reichel said. “They came up to me and said, ‘You’re going to go to Edmonton.’ I can’t do anything about it.”

Reichel, 23, acknowledged he had an inconsistent performance last season. Chosen 17th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, he’s struggled to establish himself as a top-six forward.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Reichel’s name remains “out there” in the rumor mill. He thinks it’s understood that the Blackhawks could move the young forward if they find a suitable trade partner. Friedman also thinks Reichel understands it might be time for a change.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A suitable trade partner would be one willing to meet the Blackhawks’ asking price. Whatever that might be for a struggling first-rounder who has yet to meet expectations remains to be seen, but it’s unlikely to be very high.

The best scenario could be moving Reichel for another struggling young forward and hoping the change of scenery works out for both players.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2025

by | Sep 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2025

Check out the latest speculation about Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and Bruins forward Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON KIRILL KAPRIZOV

SPORTSNET: During yesterday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Minnesota Wild were surprised that Kirill Kaprizov rejected their offer of an eight-year, $128 million contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The average annual value (AAV) of his current contract is $9 million, and he carries a full no-movement clause. The Wild’s offer had an AAV of $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player, or at least, the highest-paid until Connor McDavid signs his new contract, but that’s another story.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

The Wild must now assess different options to address this situation. One could be increasing their offer. Another could be attempting a sign-and-trade scenario with another team. They could ask Kaprizov which teams he’d be willing to waive his NMC for.

Friedman believes the Kaprizov camp rejected the Wild’s offer because there could be a rival club willing to make him a more expensive proposal. “There’s somebody out there sending up smoke signals, saying ‘We can do better,” Friedman said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any team that might be signaling a more lucrative offer to the Kaprizov camp had better tread carefully. Under the CBA, making contract offers to a rival player already under contract is considered tampering.

Despite speculation suggesting Kaprizov prefers a short-term deal, Friedman thinks the winger wants to get as many years as possible because of his injury history.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports rumors claiming that the Wild asked Kaprizov for a list of trade destinations are unfounded. “The Wild have not and will not be asking Kaprizov for a trade list,” a source close to the Wild told D’Amico.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michael Russo, the Wild beat writer for The Athletic, also shot down that rumor.

Contract negotiations between the two sides are ongoing. A source close to the situation claims the Kaprizov camp is pushing for a deal closer to the league maximum of 20 percent of the salary cap, preferring something between $18 million and $19 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first season of Kaprizov’s new contract is 2026-27. With the salary cap reaching $104 million next season, the maximum average annual salary he can get is $20.8 million.

A source also told D’Amico that Kaprizov and his representatives are waiting to see what Connor McDavid’s next contract will be. The Edmonton Oilers superstar is also UFA-eligible next summer. It’s expected that McDavid’s next contract will reset the market, giving Kaprizov leverage for a record-breaking deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid would get the league maximum if he asks for it, but he could also accept a little less than market value to give the Oilers some cap flexibility to add players to the roster. His camp could also be waiting to see what Kaprizov gets, which could lead to both players spending months waiting to see what the other one gets.

SHOULD THE SENATORS PURSUE SIDNEY CROSBY?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch wondered if adding Sidney Crosby might make sense for the Senators should the Pittsburgh Penguins captain become available in the trade market.

Garrioch cited the analysts at TSN’s “Overdrive” afternoon radio show, naming the Senators as one of the teams that might consider the possibility, suggesting they’ll be trying to win the Stanley Cup within the next two or three years.

Jeff O’Neill believes Penguins GM Kyle Dubas would want a talented young player (like defenseman Jake Sanderson) or top prospects for the 38-year-old Crosby, who is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $8.7 million and a full no-movement clause.

The Montreal Canadiens have been mentioned as a destination because they were Crosby’s favorite team growing up. O’Neill upset Canadiens fans by suggesting the Penguins would demand promising winger Ivan Demidov or Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Lane Hutson as part of the return.

Garrioch also noted the Colorado Avalanche are also considered a potential destination, in part because of Crosby’s friendship with Avs star Nathan MacKinnon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby will draw plenty of interest if he’s willing to be traded before his contract expires. The Senators will likely look into it. Whether they have the assets that would tempt the Penguins, or the willingness to meet the asking price, is another matter.

As for the Canadiens, trading a top prospect like Demidov or a rising star like Hutson would go against everything that their management has been building over the past three years. They seek success over the long term, not short-term gains that could delay or derail their goal of perennial Stanley Cup contention.

CANADIENS AND FLAMES SAID TO BE INTERESTED IN PAVEL ZACHA

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an NHL source claims the Canadiens and the Calgary Flames are among the teams to have inquired about the availability of Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha, 28, is in the third season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million. The versatile forward also has an eight-team no-trade list.

No deal is imminent, but different trade scenarios have been discussed. No names are confirmed, but Murphy’s source said Canadiens forward prospects Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen, and defenseman Jayden Struble, have been mentioned as trade candidates as the club continues its search for a second-line center. The Canadiens are reportedly reluctant to mess with their young core for any center.

Multiple sources said that the trade chatter surrounding Zacha this summer hasn’t been coming from the Bruins, but from the teams interested in acquiring him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins hope to bounce back from last season’s poor performance. Trading Zacha would weaken their depth among their top-six forwards. However, the likelihood of his availability will increase if the Bruins struggle during the opening weeks of this season.

Prospects like Roy and Kapanen and roster players like Struble are the kind of players the Canadiens would be willing to dangle in their quest to shore up their depth at center. Depending on the center, they could also include a draft pick in the deal.

As for the Flames, they would prefer a center with a right-hand shot. Zacha shoots left, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be interested if he becomes available.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

Could Penguins captain Sidney Crosby end up traded to the Avalanche or Canadiens? Could the Canucks land Ducks center Mason McTavish? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup

CROSBY TO THE AVALANCHE OR CANADIENS?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wonders if this is the beginning of the end of Sidney Crosby’s long tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins after his agent didn’t dismiss the idea of a trade.

Pat Brisson, Crosby’s agent, told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun earlier this week that a trade was “always a possibility.”. Deen suggests that opens the door a crack to Crosby’s potential departure from Pittsburgh, even if the chances are remote that he gets traded.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Brisson pointed out the Penguins have missed the playoffs the past three years. He indicated that it would depend on how Crosby is going to be and how the Penguins are doing. It’s Brisson’s personal opinion that his client should be playing in the postseason every year.

Deen noted that Crosby’s long friendship with Avalanche star (and fellow Cole Harbour, NS native) Nathan MacKinnon has generated speculation that the Penguins star would end up in Colorado. However, Deen thinks Crosby would be a better fit with his boyhood team, the up-and-coming Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Crosby to the Avalanche is a long shot. They lack the cap space to take on his $8.7 million cap hit for this season, even if the Penguins retain half. The Avs don’t have their first-round pick in 2026, which is likely to be part of the asking price from any team interested in acquiring Crosby. Their prospect pool is ranked 32nd by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, and they don’t have the type of young NHL-ready players that would tempt the Penguins.

The Canadiens would be a better fit, especially given their depth in 2026 draft picks, their prospect pool, and their young NHL talent. However, Crosby is the type of player a team acquires if they’re poised to be serious Stanley Cup contenders. The Canadiens aren’t there yet.

Jim Parson of The Hockey Writers cited the hosts of TSN’s Overdrive show discussing what a hypothetical trade of Crosby to the Canadiens would look like. Habs fans were overwhelmingly against the idea of parting with winger Ivan Demidov or defenseman Lane Hutson. Parsons believes moving Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, or Juraj Slafkovsky would also be non-starters for the Canadiens.

Giving up any of those young players for a 38-year-old Crosby would go against everything the Canadiens have been doing for the past three years. It could delay or derail their efforts to build into a perennial Stanley Cup contender.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Joe Starkey wonders if Crosby might be softening his stance on being a Penguin for life as a power play to bring back Mario Lemieux as team owner.

If the Crosby trade talk heats up, Starkey suggests that might make the club less attractive to a potential owner other than the Lemieux group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an interesting theory, but if Crosby decides to move on, it’ll likely be for one more opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender than to help Lemieux regain control of the Penguins.

NO MCTAVISH FOR THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish would be a great fit as a second-line center for the Vancouver Canucks. However, the Ducks aren’t interested in moving on from the 22-year-old restricted free agent.

If McTavish became available, Johnston pointed out that the Canucks lack the blue-chip trade prospect to pry him away from the Ducks. Meanwhile, there’s a growing consensus among the pundits that the Ducks will get the young center re-signed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other clubs with more depth in draft picks and prospects have been linked to McTavish in the rumor mill. However, as much as those teams need a second-line center like him, so do the Ducks.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

Penguins star Sidney Crosby addresses the trade rumors swirling around him, the Devils’ Jack Hughes would love to play alongside brother Quinn, and the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CROSBY ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby is aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, now that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

“I understand it,” Crosby said to reporters during the NHL player media tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “That’s the hard part about losing. Everybody thinks that the losing is the buzzer goes (off), you lose a game and that sucks, but there’s so much more than that. It’s the turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that’s tough.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is starting a two-year contract with a full no-movement clause. However, rumors have linked the 38-year-old center to the Colorado Avalanche (where close friend Nathan MacKinnon plays) and his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

“I get it, trust me,” Crosby said, recalling being in Montreal in June early in his NHL career and marveling about how the broadcasts were already projecting the training camp lineups for September.

“They’re so into it, and I get it as to why that would come up and that sort of thing. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing, for sure, to hear those things, but at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. I just think that’s part of it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun asked Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, if he thought it possible that his client might be traded before his contract expires in 2027.

“I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?,” Brisson said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is doing. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

LeBrun writes that Crosby only sees himself as a Penguin for life. However, he wondered if that could change with another losing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits have been stumping for Crosby to accept a trade to Colorado, Montreal, or another major hockey market where he’ll get a chance to chase the Stanley Cup once more, “for the good of the game,” as some have intoned.

Another year of losing might change Crosby’s mind. However, the decision rests with him. His camp won’t pressure him into it, and the Penguins aren’t going to push him out if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby will do what he thinks is best for himself. He won’t do it because of what others want him to do. Whatever he decides when the time comes, we should respect that decision.

JACK HUGHES HOPES TO PLAY ALONGSIDE BROTHER QUINN

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited an interview that Jack Hughes had with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, in which the Devils center admitted he’d love to play alongside his brother Quinn one day.

Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The 25-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27. Speculation over his future in Vancouver arose earlier this year after Canucks president Jim Rutherford said Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke.

“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to – eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it in Vancouver, you know? But yeah, I’d love to play with Quinn at some point.”

Johnston assumed that Rutherford and Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin would love to one day acquire Jack and Luke and have the Hughes’ reunite in Vancouver. However, that would be incredibly hard to pull off, making Quinn’s departure to New Jersey seem the more likely route.

According to Johnston, some might argue that if the Canucks don’t have a clearer view on Quinn’s future before the end of this season, they should consider trading him earlier when he’ll have more value with a year left on his contract.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Devils still have to sign younger brother Luke to a new contract. “Perhaps the term of that contract will indicate if the Hughes brothers plan to play together in New Jersey, or elsewhere.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance could play a significant role in determining Quinn’s future in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Luke reportedly seeks a five-year contract taking him up to 2030, when Jack’s current contract is due to expire.

THE LATEST ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Rasmus Andersson is eager to start this season with the Flames, despite being in the final season of his contract.

The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, making him the subject of trade speculation this summer.

Andersson denied a rumor claiming he’d only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. “The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” he said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team and this and that and it’s the furthest from the truth.”

The blueliner also dismissed the notion that his contract status would be a distraction for the team.

Austin believes the most likely scenario is that Andersson gets traded at some point this season. However, GM Craig Conroy isn’t closing the door on a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good season for Andersson and the Flames might be a step toward a new deal. However, he could seek more in dollars and years than they’re willing to invest.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

The latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Avalanche winger Martin Necas, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mason McTavish’s contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks.

Friedman pointed out that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has shown a willingness to let talks carry on into training camp and preseason to get the contract they want. While they have a lot of salary-cap space, they want to ensure they have enough to re-sign promising players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Owen Zellweger going forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

Verbeek could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge contract. However, Friedman said he has heard that Ducks management isn’t keen on doing that, preferring to sign him to a long-term contract.

Friedman also said he doesn’t believe the Ducks want to trade McTavish.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Conor Ryan believes the Bruins will need more depth at center. He suggested they look into acquiring McTavish if the Ducks make him available in the trade market.

Ryan anticipated that the Ducks’ asking price for McTavish could be one or two first-round draft picks and a prospect or young NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has been a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. The Bruins won’t be the only team that might pursue the 22-year-old center if the Ducks put him on the trade block.

Despite the frequent trade conjecture (most of which originates from everywhere except Anaheim), there is no indication that the Ducks intend to trade McTavish. Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that they want to re-sign him. He’s just as important to them as a second-line center as he would be to the clubs that would be interested in acquiring him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak has winger Martin Necas’ contract situation atop his list of the 10 biggest questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp approaches.

The Avalanche must get Necas, 26, signed to a deal that works for them now and after Cale Makar’s mega-deal is in place.

If not, a trade would be a significant pivot point after trading away Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in the deal that brought Necas to Colorado. The return would have to be significant.

THE DENVER GAZETTE: Evan Rawal was asked if Necas would sign with the Avalanche before Kirill Kaprizov signs with the Minnesota Wild. Like Necas, the 28-year-old Kaprizov is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Rawal doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Necas signing first, but speculated the Avs winger could wait to see how much Kaprizov gets on his new contract with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov will set the market for scoring wingers. It’s anticipated that the average annual value of his next contract could reach $16 million.

Necas won’t get anywhere near that much because he’s not at the same skill level as Kaprizov. Nevertheless, a strong performance during his contract year could push his asking price to at least $10 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request. General manager Don Waddell remains open to moving the 24-year-old for the right offer.

However, it hasn’t reached the point of no return. Chinakhov was among the first players to return to Columbus and appears to be in excellent shape. Waddell considers his early return to be a positive sign.

Nevertheless, there must be a face-to-face conversation between Chinakhov and head coach Dean Evason before training camp to discuss the “misunderstandings” between the two that led to the winger’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov’s unhappiness stems from his usage under Evason last season, especially following his return from a back injury in March. His performance declined, and he was made a healthy scratch toward the end of the season. Chinakhov could drop his request if he and Evason resolve their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

by | Sep 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

A roundup of takes on the latest scuttlebutt involving the five notable remaining restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET’s Luke Fox looked at the latest rumors regarding the remaining notable RFAs.

Fox believes New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is still trying to get defenseman Luke Hughes signed to a team-friendly contract. A good comparable would be Brock Faber’s $8 million average annual value (AAV) on his eight-year contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes reportedly prefers a five-year contract taking him up to unrestricted free-agent status by July 2030, the same time as teammate and brother Jack’s contract expires. The Devils prefer locking up Luke to a three-year bridge contract or an eight-year deal.

The Devils have roughly $7 million in cap space remaining, which is why veterans like winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton have surfaced in recent trade rumors.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting Hughes could get $8.386 million on a six-year contract or $5.786 million on a three-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Devils are under considerable pressure to get Hughes signed before the start of the season. His absence could make the difference between them securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs and being a wild-card team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils must shed salary if they can’t get Hughes signed within their current cap constraints. If he gets over $8 million, expect a cost-cutting trade to follow.

Turning to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, Fox noted that there has been trade interest from rival teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks. However, it’s believed Ducks GM Pat Verbeek wants to sign him beyond a bridge deal. One comparable could be Quinton Byfield’s five-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings, which carries an AAV of $6.25 million.

Ellis considers the 22-year-old McTavish to be the premier forward still chasing a contract this summer. AFP Analytics projects he’ll get $6.772 million on a six-year contract or $3.983 million on a three-year deal.

Proteau believes the Ducks are under a lot of pressure to get McTavish signed. The rebuilding club needs all hands on deck if they’re to push for a playoff berth this season. They can’t afford to have a dynamic young player like McTavish on the sidelines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-deserved reputation as a tough negotiator who isn’t afraid to let contract negotiations carry over into training camp and preseason. He also won’t trade McTavish if this turns into a standoff unless he gets a comparable player in return.

Fox indicated contract negotiations continue between the Nashville Predators and winger Luke Evangelista. He thinks the approach of training camp will be the true pressure point, suggesting a bridge deal as the path toward a solution.

Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.513 million for Evangelista. Proteau believes the Predators don’t have to rush into getting the young forward re-signed, noting the clock isn’t ticking as loudly for them as it is for the Devils with Hughes and the Ducks with McTavish.

Turning to Alexander Holtz of the Vegas Golden Knights, Fox cited Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon expressing his belief that his club can help the young forward unlock his untapped potential. A bridge deal or a trade could be the outcome.

Ellis indicated a one-year deal worth $874,125 was projected for Holtz by AFP Analytics. Proteau concurs that he’ll get an affordable short-term deal and believes the Golden Knights are feeling pressured to sign him.

The last RFA on Fox’s list is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser. He cited Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times indicating that a deal should be worked out before training camp. Fox projected his contract will be three years with an AAV of $2.5 million.

According to Ellis, AFP Analytics projected Kaiser receiving $3.208 million annually on a three-year contract or $5.479 million on a six-year deal. Proteau believes the Blackhawks can afford to take their time getting him under contract.