NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2025

by | Jul 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2025

The latest on Nazem Kadri and Jared McCann, plus updates on the Canucks and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NAZEM KADRI ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports that Nazem Kadri addressed his name floating around in recent trade rumors linking him to his former club, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kadri called the speculation “a little bit bizarre”. The 34-year-old center has four years left on his contract, he’s the Calgary Flames’ leading scorer, and there’s no indication they want to move him.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, there has been persistent speculation out of Southern Ontario suggesting Kadri reunite with the Leafs. They are reportedly seeking a top-six forward to offset some of the offense they lost following Mitch Marner’s departure.

During an appearance on the “Knight Shift” podcast, Kadri maintained he and his family were happy in Calgary. He also acknowledged the trade rumors, calling them part of the business.

“I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” he said. “I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about. And hey, why not talk about it?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks took Kadri’s comment as a suggestion that he’d be willing to waive his no-movement clause to get traded to Toronto. That’s not the case, but when it comes to trade options for the Leafs, some fans will engage in wishful thinking during the dog days of summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claimed Kadri would waive his no-movement clause for the Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.

Marc Dumont shoots down the possibility of the Canadiens pursuing Kadri, suggesting general manager Kent Hughes wouldn’t be keen to part with valuable assets to acquire a player on the wrong side of 30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal needs a second-line center and has the trade assets to swing that deal. Nevertheless, Hughes prefers acquiring players in their twenties who could be part of the Canadiens’ long-term future.

KRAKEN WILLING TO SHOP MCCANN

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: The host suggested the Seattle Kraken might be willing to move forward Jared McCann.

McCann, 29, has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann has spent the past four years with the Kraken and has led them in scoring each season, including a career-high 40-goal performance in 2022-23.

It seems odd that the Kraken would be willing to trade their leading scorer. There has been nothing in the Seattle media verifying his availability.

However, the Kraken have a new GM in Jason Botterill. He could be gauging the market value of some of his veterans with an eye on bringing in younger talent.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports Vancouver Canucks management is eyeing several players in the unrestricted free-agent market. However, they lack the salary-cap space to add to their roster.

Teams are allowed to be over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be cap-compliant before their season-opening game.

Drance indicates the Canucks are attempting to shed salary to make room for further additions. He suggested Teddy Blueger ($1.85 million AAV on an expiring contract) and Dakota Joshua ($3.25 million AAV for the next three seasons) as possible trade candidates.

BLUE JACKETS SHOPPING FOR A GOALTENDER

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is in the market for a goaltender, perhaps two. He’s seeking a No. 3 netminder with AHL experience who wouldn’t look out of place in the NHL.

If Waddell cannot find that goalie in the trade market, he’s willing to wait out the waiver wire during training camp. He indicated a willingness to carry three goalies on his roster to start the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2025

by | Jul 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2025

Will the Penguins trade Erik Karlsson or Tristan Jarry this summer? What does the future hold for Canadiens winger Patrik Laine and defenseman Mike Matheson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden believes the Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent acquisition of right-shot defenseman Matt Dumba “indicates that Erik Karlsson’s exit is pending and promising 19-year-old prospect Harrison Brunicke won’t make the team.”

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Madden thinks landing Dumba is the first domino. He believes Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is primed to make a flurry of trades.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since dealing for Dumba last Thursday, Dubas acquired promising goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday. Other moves could be in the works, but whether they involve Karlsson remains to be seen.

TSN: Travis Yost wonders if Karlsson might land with a Canadian team like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers or reunite with his first NHL team, the Ottawa Senators. He believes the 35-year-old puck-moving defenseman would benefit under “the right structure, defense partner, and deployment insulation to reestablish himself as a difference-maker.”

Yost acknowledged Karlsson’s defensive shortcomings, but believes his offensive contributions remain significant at even strength and on the power play that he’s still a valuable contributor.

The Maple Leafs need to restore some of the offensive pop they lost by trading Mitch Marner. There are questions about defenseman Morgan Rielly’s long-term status in Toronto. Yost thinks Karlsson could be a fit there if the Penguins retain a big piece of their $10 million share of his $11.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.

Yost suggested that Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can only benefit from adding another blueline playmaker. He also proposed the possibility of the Oilers moving Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million cap hit as part of a bigger trade.

As for the Senators, Karlsson might be willing to return to Ottawa now that the club has new ownership. Their core players are no longer young, their window to contend is now, they have over $4 million in cap space, and Nick Jensen’s contract comes off their books at the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but it seems unlikely that Karlsson will join one of those three clubs.

The Leafs could be the better fit, but it’ll still require some complicated salary-cap juggling to make it happen, something that might have to wait until closer to the trade deadline. They don’t have many tradeable assets (draft picks, prospects, young players) to use as trade bait.

Nurse was reportedly asked if he would waive his no-movement clause, but he declined. As for the Senators, they might not be among the teams Karlsson would accept being traded to. His career is winding down, and so are his chances of winning the Stanley Cup. It’s rumored he would waive his NMC to join a contender.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek noted the Penguins’ acquisition of Silovs from the Canucks earlier this week. With Joel Blomqvist poised to take on a significant role this season, Marek wondered where starting goalie Tristan Jarry might end up and how much the Penguins will have to pay to move him.

“Could this be a deal for the Edmonton Oilers?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No. No, it couldn’t. Jarry is more inconsistent than Skinner, and he’s signed through 2027-28.

Granted, there aren’t many palatable options that could be considered upgrades for the Oilers’ goaltending position, but Jarry’s record over the last three years and his limited playoff experience don’t inspire confidence.

By the way, some fans have wondered if the Oilers might pursue former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart if he is found not guilty in the sexual assault trial involving members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team.

Daily Faceoff’s Jason Gregor stated that any report linking the Oilers to Hart is incorrect. They won’t be approaching him even if he’s found not guilty.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered about the status of Patrik Laine. The 28-year-old Montreal Canadiens winger is in the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $8.7 million.

GM Kent Hughes must decide if he’ll re-sign Laine for the same amount or less than market value, move him before the March deadline, or let him depart via free agency next July.

Proteau observed Hughes isn’t under pressure to move Laine imminently, but the longer he goes without a contract extension, the more likely his time with the Canadiens will come to an end.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine surfaced briefly in trade rumors this spring, but Hughes and Jeff Gorton (the Canadiens’ executive VP of hockey operations) shot them down.

Laine missed the first two months of the season with a knee injury. He scored 20 goals in 53 games, with a team-leading 15 power-play goals, but struggled at even strength and was banged up down the stretch.

His future in Montreal will be determined by his performance this season.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that Gorton believes Mike Matheson remains a key cog on the Canadiens’ blueline.

The 31-year-old defenseman was the subject of trade speculation after they acquired Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders last month. Like Laine, he’s a year away from UFA status.

However, Gorton praised Matheson’s overall play, experience and leadership. Murphy speculates he could end up on the top pairing alongside Dobson this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson’s occasional defensive gaffes made him the target of criticism from Canadiens fans, prompting some to suggest he be used as trade bait for a second-line center. However, the limited options in the trade market to address that need suggest they’ll hang onto him for this season. It wouldn’t be surprising if they sign him to an extension.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2025

by | Jul 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2025

The latest on the top remaining unrestricted free agents and suggested destinations for several of them in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest buzz on some of the top remaining unrestricted free agents.

Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic (NHL Images).

Forward Jack Roslovic tops the list as the best player available. He enjoyed a productive 2024-25 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, netting 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. Fox cited colleague Elliotte Friedman indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in signing the versatile 28-year-old forward. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals could also take a long look at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rising salary cap means most NHL clubs remain flush with cap space this summer. However, many of the remaining UFAs (like Roslovic) will likely get low-cost, short-term contracts that are easy to shed if they don’t pan out.

The Score’s Josh Wegman recently suggested the Leafs could be the best fit for Roslovic. While defensively inconsistent and a healthy scratch during the playoffs, he played alongside Leafs captain Auston Matthews in 2014-15 with the US National Team Development Program.

Winger Victor Olofsson is No. 2 on Fox’s list. He’s a power-play specialist with three 20-plus goal seasons on his resume.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman thinks the Boston Bruins would be a good landing spot for Olofsson. Their power play was among the league’s worst last season, finishing 29th overall.

Matt Grzelcyk is an undersized (5’10”, 180 pounds), left-shot defenseman who had a career-best 40 points last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Wegman, the Colorado Avalanche could use a puck-mover like Grzelcyk. They need an experienced No.3 left-shot defenseman.

Ilya Samsonov could be an intriguing option in a thin goalie market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman suggested the Pittsburgh Penguins as a destination. Since he published this piece four days ago, the Penguins acquired Arturs Silovs, making it unlikely that they’ll add a UFA netminder.

Oft-sidelined winger Max Pacioretty is still weighing all his options, including retirement. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving recently said the door remains open for the 35-year-old winger’s return.

Forward Luke Kunin recently changed agents and the physical forward reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams.

Winger Joel Kiviranta reached career highs in games played (79) and goals (16) last season. He could be a good addition to a team seeking depth among their bottom-six forwards.

Former Utah Mammoth Michael Carcone’s speed and edge could make him a cost-effective bottom-six forward.

Jan Rutta’s playoff experience and defensively responsible game could make the blueliner a good addition on a one-year contract.

Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev suffered a precipitous decline last season. However, Fox believes the workhorse netminder is better than his recent performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wegman suggests the Edmonton Oilers, who are beating the bushes in search of a goaltending upgrade. However, Georgiev would likely be a desperate last choice for them at this stage.

Wegman’s suggested destinations for other notable UFAs include Joe Veleno to the New York Rangers and James Reimer to the Calgary Flames.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

by | Jul 13, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

The latest on Marco Rossi and updates on the Flames and Jets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports the contract stalemate persists between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old center is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract, giving Wild general manager Bill Guerin the hammer in their negotiations.

The two sides have traded contract offers, with the Wild making short and long-term proposals.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Rossi is eligible to sign an offer sheet with a rival club. However, Guerin said his club is prepared for that, saying they’ll match any offer. “We’d rather make a deal with Marco,” he said.

McLellan observed that recent contracts for comparable players have run the gamut. New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle received a two-year, $7.8 million contract, while William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks signed a three-year, $16.8 million deal. Meanwhile, Logan Stankoven got a maximum-term eight-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $48 million, while Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies landed a six-year, $46.5 million deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s been the subject of trade speculation since last year. His current contract impasse continues to make him a fixture in this summer’s rumor mill.

It’s doubtful Rossi will receive an offer sheet. The Wild have over $10 million in cap space, and it’s unlikely a rival club will exceed that amount to pry him away, let alone having to part with four first-round picks as compensation for a successful signing.

A trade is possible if this standoff carries on through training camp and the start of the regular season. However, the Rossi camp could settle for a short-term bridge deal and look to use his arbitration rights to land a more lucrative contract down the road.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the Calgary Flames would prefer trading Rasmus Andersson before the fall and avoid the risk of injury. However, general manager Craig Conroy has pledged to retain the 28-year-old defenseman for as long as possible to maximize the potential return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, making him the frequent subject of trade rumors since the end of last season.

Conroy could move Andersson before training camp opens in September or the start of the regular season in October. If he doesn’t receive a suitable offer by then, he could wait until the March trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon cited that the Winnipeg Jets’ priority is signing wingers Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor to a new contract. Vilardi is currently a restricted free agent, while Connor is UFA-eligible next July.

The Jets must also re-sign defenseman Dylan Samberg and center Morgan Barron. Like Vilardi, they are restricted free agents. The trio is ineligible to receive offer sheets because they filed for arbitration.

Team captain Adam Lowry is also a year away from UFA status. The 32-year-old forward will miss the first two months of the season recovering from hip surgery.

Dixon also believes Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will monitor the trade market for a potential replacement for departed winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers’ departure could make some Jets fans nervous about Connor’s future in Winnipeg. However, Cheveldayoff convinced goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele to forego the riches of free agency and buy into his plan to make the Jets a contender. He could do the same with Connor.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

by | Jul 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 12, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Erik Karlsson, and what the Oilers, Canucks and Senators have left to do this summer.

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is willing to waive his no-movement clause to accept a trade. However, there are only a few teams he’d consider as acceptable destinations.

Johnston thinks Karlsson’s contract is easier to move now because there are only two years left. The 35-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

If the Penguins move Karlsson, Johnston doesn’t think it’ll be strictly to shed salary. They view him as an asset that should fetch a reasonable return, especially if they were to retain part of his salary to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston believes Karlsson could be tradeable, but he also thinks that it might not happen this summer. He didn’t say which teams the three-time Norris Trophy winner would agree to, but they could be those that he thinks would give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.

Karlsson agreed to sign his contract with the Sharks in 2019 because he thought they were Cup contenders after reaching the Western Conference Final that year. He accepted a trade to the Penguins because he felt that joining Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang would give him a shot at hockey’s holy grail.

Of course, Karlsson was wrong on both counts, but as the old saying goes, the third time’s a charm.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman will continue to explore the goaltender market in the hope of finding an upgrade between the pipes.

Spector doubts Bowman will find a suitable solution, but he also doesn’t see “a Jack Campbell-type acquisition by a desperate GM.” He suggests that something could emerge during the season, perhaps by the trade deadline, that could address this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s little available via free agency or trade right now to improve the Oilers’ goaltending. However, that could change during the regular season as teams that fall out of playoff contention seek to shake up their rosters.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Iain MacIntyre believes the Canucks must remain patient and continue looking for depth at center. To create cap space to do so, he suggested winger Dakota Joshua (three years, $3.25 million AAV) and center Teddy Blueger (one year, $1.8 million).

MacIntyre also suggested looking at the market for third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs. The 24-year-old was the MVP of the AHL playoffs by backstopping the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Abbotsford to the Calder Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a seller’s market for centers right now. The Canucks have little choice but to bide their time and hope that it improves during the season.

In Ottawa, Alex Adams believes the Senators are short of an elite top-six winger who can score. He thinks GM Steve Staios is perusing the league despite the limited options, the club’s lack of salary-cap space and assets at his disposal.

Adams suggested Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish as a possible trade target. He claims there’ve been rumblings out of Anaheim that McTavish and the Ducks aren’t a happy family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There have also been reports dismissing the speculation about McTavish’s supposed unhappiness in Anaheim. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is coming off his entry-level contract and has little leverage in contract negotiations, but no reports suggest talks have become stalled or contentious.

One rumor this spring speculated the Ducks could move winger Cutter Gauthier off the top line and into the second-line center position, pushing McTavish down to the third line. However, there has been no indication that the Ducks are considering that option.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2025

by | Jul 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 11, 2025

The latest on the Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Bruins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes the Toronto Maple Leafs still have some moves to make this summer.

Fox thinks general manager Brad Treliving must add a top-six winger, noting that they have salary-cap space to work with in the trade market. However, the Leafs lack the tradeable assets (first-round picks, desirable prospects) needed to make a major trade.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving (NHL.com).

That’s why there’s speculation suggesting Treliving might peddle a defenseman like Brandon Carlo or Morgan Rielly (if he’ll waive his no-movement clause) instead. It’s also rumored Treliving could settle for a free agent like Jack Roslovic.

Fox also suggested waiting for better options to appear during the regular season, pointing out the Vancouver Canucks weren’t shopping J.T. Miller last summer.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle also weighed in on what the Maple Leafs might do with their extra salary-cap space this summer.

Mirtle also noted the Leafs have been linked to Roslovic. He suggested they could free up more cap room by trading forwards Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf. Mirtle shared Fox’s suggestion that remaining patient could be the best option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving remains busy trying to improve the Leafs’ roster. On Thursday, he sent little-used enforcer Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks for young defenseman Henry Thrun. Nevertheless, finding a suitable top-six winger will be challenging.

There aren’t many decent players still available via free agency, certainly not of the caliber that would bring in the type of top-six production they need. Finding them in the trade market won’t be easy given their limited trade resources. And no, Rielly won’t waive his NMC.

Turning to the Montreal Canadiens, Fox believes they must still address their need for a second-line center. However, GM Kent Hughes admits the limited options in the trade and free-agent markets mean it might not be fulfilled during the offseason.

One suggestion was signing Evgeny Kuznetsov as a placeholder. However, the 33-year-old’s performance has declined to the point where he’s probably incapable of filling that role. They could resort to trying oft-injured Kirby Dach in that position.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports Canadiens vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton believes there could be more movement in this summer’s trade market. He cited that several teams were left unsatisfied thus far with the changes they’ve made, especially those with salary-cap dollars to spend.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have already made two significant additions, acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and promising middle-six forward Zack Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues.

Addressing the second-line center position, however, remains a difficult task. It’s a seller’s market for that type of player. Like the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens could be forced to wait and see if the market improves during the regular season.

NESN: Jay Pritchard observed Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent speculation suggesting the Boston Bruins seem to be setting up for something major.

Friedman was referring to the 2026 unrestricted free-agent class. He thinks the Bruins want a shot at signing one of those players.

Pritchard suggested the Bruins’ moves this summer support that theory. They added Viktor Arvidsson, who is in the final season of his contract with an affordable cap hit. Signing Tanner Jeannot to a five-year contract raised eyebrows for its term, not its $3.4 million AAV.

Next year’s UFA class could include Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Vegas’ Jack Eichel, Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin, Colorado’s Martin Necas, and Montreal’s Patrik Laine.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of those players could re-sign with their current teams before next July. Nevertheless, a few could be available, giving the Bruins a shot at landing one of them.

The Bruins have over $19 million in projected space for 2026-27 with 18 active roster players (including their core players) under contract. Their notable free agents are RFAs Matthew Poitras and John Beecher, who won’t put a significant dent into their cap room. They could have enough to win a bidding war for one of those top UFAs.