Winnipeg Jets Re-sign Kyle Connor

by | Oct 8, 2025

Winnipeg Jets Re-sign Kyle Connor

The Winnipeg Jets signed left wing Kyle Connor to an eight-year, $96 million contract extension. Connor, 28, will receive a team-leading average annual value of $12 million.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Connor is in the final season of a seven-year, $50 million contract ($7.142 million AAV). He was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He’s the third notable star from that UFA class to re-sign with his current team in recent weeks, joining Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov.

Once again, the Jets have retained one of their top core players. Two years ago, they inked goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele to identical seven-year, $59.5 million contracts.

Connor has earned that significant pay raise. Entering this season, he’s eighth among NHL scorers with 282 goals since his breakout season of 2017-18. That includes two 40-plus goal campaigns and two 90-plus point performances, including a career-high 97 points in 2024-25.

The Jets have been a better team since re-signing Hellebuyck and Scheifele, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history last season. That likely contributed to Connor’s decision to stay put.

Connor’s new contract leaves the Jets with over $27.5 million in projected cap space for 2026-27, with 16 active roster players already signed. Their most notable free agents next summer include forward Cole Perfetti (restricted free agent) and team captain Adam Lowry, who is UFA-eligible.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2025

by | Oct 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 8, 2025

The potential effect of Connor McDavid’s new contract on the UFA market, the latest on Jack Eichel’s contract talks with the Golden Knights, Lane Hutson’s negotiations with the Canadiens, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HOW MCDAVID’S CONTRACT COULD AFFECT THE UFA MARKET

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the Los Angeles Kings would’ve attempted to sign Connor McDavid had he gone to free agency next July. He also thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars would’ve been among the suitors for the 28-year-old center, who signed a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes all eyes will be on Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar as the next big contract explosion. He claims the Avalanche have prepared for it and could just hand him a blank check. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks could be another.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2027. The earliest their teams can attempt to re-sign them is July 1, 2026.

The recent signings of McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov convinced Friedman that there will be more players earning eight-figure salaries. He singled out Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor, Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe, Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas, and Buffalo Sabres power forward Alex Tuch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been speculation suggesting that some NHL teams might point to McDavid accepting well below market value to stay with the Oilers to get their own superstars to do the same. However, most player agents will simply say that McDavid’s case was a unique one that has no bearing on their clients’ contract situations.

For example, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been underpaid for years, partly because of his superstition about his No. 87, and partly because his previous contract was an extremely long one (12 years). Those deals no longer exist due to the implementation of contract term limits since 2013.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

Today, 45 players carry a higher AAV than Crosby. Not all of them are superstars.

UPDATE ON JACK EICHEL’S CONTRACT TALKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports contract negotiations are ongoing between the Vegas Golden Knights and Jack Eichel. The 28-year-old center doesn’t want to go anywhere, and both sides are focused on an eight-year deal. LeBrun also said that Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million average annual value with the Wild isn’t much of a factor in these negotiations.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also noted it’s a happy marriage between Eichel and the Golden Knights, and he expects they’ll get a new deal done. He claimed the club would prefer to get Eichel and Mitch Marner for a combined $25 million. Marner is already earning $12 million annually on an eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is earning $10 million annually on his current contract. The Golden Knights might be offering $13 million, but he could be seeking something between $14 and $15 million.

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens made an eight-year contract extension offer to Lane Hutson. He believes it had some salary deferral, which the Hutson camp wasn’t interested in. Both sides are taking some time now to let things cool down before resuming discussions.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman felt that Hutson was hoping to sign an extension before the start of this season. He cited several sources claiming it was “slightly below 8 x $9 million”, including some deferral to lower the cap hit. The Canadiens also pitched a Canadian retirement compensation arrangement (RCA), which many players use to soften the tax burden. Hutson’s representatives were slightly above the $9 million AAV but weren’t interested in salary deferral or the RCA.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated that the Canadiens still want to keep Hutson, and he still wants to stay. General manager Kent Hughes said the club’s fans shouldn’t be worried, pointing out that the 21-year-old defenseman isn’t eligible for unrestricted free-agent status until July 2031.

Hughes also acknowledged the recent new contracts for New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes and Anaheim Ducks blueliner Jackson Lacombe. He considers Hughes a better comparable for Hutson than Lacombe.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico believes the Canadiens are preparing to make a big trade during this season.

Instead of icing a 23-man roster to start this season, the Canadiens are using 22 players. In this way, they save about $775K in early-season salary obligations, which could compound into several million dollars by the trade deadline.

The Canadiens could be targeting a move before the December trade freeze (Dec. 20-27), as some teams could be pushed into becoming early sellers in the trade market. They’ll have around $14.5 million in prorated cap space by then, giving them a potential advantage over other teams.

UPDATE ON ROSLOVIC

TSN: Chris Johnston believed free-agent forward Jack Roslovic might not have to wait too long to land with an NHL team. He indicated that the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets are among several clubs already looking for forwards.

OTHER NOTABLE RUMORS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Philadelphia Flyers are “definitely checking” to see what’s available on defense in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: William James of Philly Hockey Now pointed out that defenseman Cam York is joining fellow Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen on injured reserve to start the season. They have over $6.6 million in cap space after trading away Ryan Ellis’ contract to San Jose earlier this week, giving them cap flexibility to add a defenseman.

The Vancouver Canucks are continuing their search for a center. The Toronto Maple Leafs want to add a top-six forward, while the Carolina Hurricanes are “always lurking.” The Ottawa Senators could attempt to make a big move this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of the Hurricanes, Friedman reported they attempted to sign Evan Bouchard to an offer sheet this summer before he eventually re-signed with the Oilers. They instead acquired blueliner K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2025

by | Oct 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2025

Check out the latest on Flames center Nazem Kadri, Mammoth center Logan Cooley, Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro, and Capitals goalie Clay Stevenson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES NATION: TSN’s NHL insider Darren Dreger recently said it feels like a long shot that the Calgary Flames will trade center Nazem Kadri.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Dreger believes several teams around the league could benefit from Kadri’s presence. He pointed out that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens are among the clubs that could use some help at center.

The Flames could consider it if they’re out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline, but not before then. Dreger said it would take “a tremendous overpay” to get him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri, 35, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million through the 2028-29 season. He has a full no-movement clause for this season, but it becomes a 13-team no-trade list on July 1.

The Flames could listen to offers for Kadri if they’re out of the playoff chase by the trade deadline. However, it would be easier to wait until July 1 when he’ll have less control over where he can be traded.

THE SCORE: cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli reporting that sources said Logan Cooley rejected an eight-year contract extension offer worth an AAV of $9.6 million from the Utah Mammoth.

That offer would’ve made Cooley the Mammoth’s highest-paid player. He’s coming off a solid sophomore season with 65 points in 75 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley is in the final season of his entry-level contract.

No reason was given for Cooley’s reported rejection of that offer. However, it’s likely because the salary cap is expected to rise substantially over the next two seasons, and he wants to get the best deal possible.

Cooley is likely betting on himself entering this season. If he builds on his sophomore performance, he could justify seeking between $10 million and $11 million annually.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/RUSSIAN MACHINE NEVER BREAKS: Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro and Washington Capitals netminder Clay Stevenson cleared waivers on Monday. They will report to their respective team’s AHL affiliates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DiPietro and Stevenson were rumored to be potential waiver targets. They could still draw interest in the trade market from teams seeking goaltending depth, especially since they’ve already cleared waivers. They could be worth monitoring over the next couple of weeks.










The Oilers and Connor McDavid Agree to a Two-Year Extension

by | Oct 6, 2025

The Oilers and Connor McDavid Agree to a Two-Year Extension

The Edmonton Oilers announced they have reached an agreement with Connor McDavid on a two-year, $25 million contract extension, with an average annual value of $12.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising that McDavid agreed to a two-year contract. Recent reports indicated he was interested in a short-term deal with the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

What’s surprising is how much money McDavid left on the table. He’ll be earning the same AAV as his current contract, which is well below the league-leading $17 million AAV that Kirill Kaprizov will be getting from the Minnesota Wild starting next season.

McDavid is the NHL’s top player in the prime of his career. It was assumed he’d get over $18 million annually, though a few observers suggested he might accept $14.5 million, which would’ve put him slightly ahead of teammate Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million AAV.

By maintaining the same AAV through 2027-28, McDavid is putting the Oilers ahead of himself. He could’ve sought the league maximum, which for next season would’ve been $20.8 million. Instead, he is taking far less than market value to give the Oilers the cap flexibility necessary to maintain a Stanley Cup contender throughout his new deal.

This contract will expire in 2028, when McDavid will be 31 and still in his prime. He’ll likely seek a substantial raise at that time, especially if he’s still among the league’s superstars at that time.

By then, the Oilers could be in a better position to pay him more money if they’re still a Cup contender by that point. If not, he’ll get it on the open market with another contender.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 6, 2025

by | Oct 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 6, 2025

The latest on the Flames, a couple of teams could be interested in Bruins goalie Michael DiPietro, and an update on Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson looked at the option facing general manager Craig Conroy to whittle down his roster to 23 players by Monday’s 3 pm ET deadline.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

One option is to place sidelined winger Jonathan Huberdeau on injured reserve. He could send promising forward Matvei Gridin to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, or return defenseman Zayne Parekh to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

The final option would be a trade, especially if Conroy gets a suitable offer to free up his logjam of wingers. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been in the rumor mill for months, but it seems certain that the 28-year-old veteran will remain with the Flames to open the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Andersson seems the least likely of Conroy’s options. It’s expected the Flames will eventually move the pending UFA blueliner by the March 6 trade deadline.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Flames, James Murphy reports they and the Toronto Maple Leafs could be targeting Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro. He cited a source claiming the Flames and Maple Leafs attempted to acquire DiPietro earlier this year via trade.

The Bruins placed DiPietro on waivers Sunday. A source told Murphy that it would be surprising if he clears, given that several NHL clubs are seeking goaltending depth.

Following a brilliant season with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence, the 26-year-old Dipietro signed a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $812,500 in June. However, he’s become their third stringer behind Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also reported that the Carolina Hurricanes were closely watching DiPietro’s situation. However, the Hurricanes subsequently claimed former Bruins goalie Brandon Bussi off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline provided an update on forward Yegor Chinakhov, who requested a trade in July from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Chinakhov’s request seems to be on hold after the 24-year-old forward reported to training camp and met with head coach Dean Evason. He spent most of last week skating on their fourth line during practice, but was on their top line Saturday night against Washington.

Portzline reports that Chinakhov fired his long-time agent, replacing him with Rick Komarow, whose clients include Blue Jackets winger Dimitri Voronkov. It remains unclear how this situation will work out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on Chinakhov’s performance this season and his value in the trade market. An improved effort on his part will improve his trade stock, but could also boost his value to the Jackets’ lineup.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 5, 2025

by | Oct 5, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 5, 2025

Check out the latest on Kings winger Adrian Kempe and Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL IT COST THE KINGS TO RE-SIGN KEMPE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jesse Courville-Lynch cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that he’d heard Adrian Kempe was seeking an average annual value (AAV) of $10.5 million on his next contract. He wondered if it would remain there or go a little higher in the aftermath of Kirill Kaprizov’s contract extension with the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kempe, 29, is in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million. He is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (NHL Images).

Kempe has become the Kings’ leading goal scorer and is a solid two-way forward. He’s also a proven playoff performer with 29 points in 28 postseason contests. With team captain Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season, Courville-Lynch believes the Kings must do everything they can to keep Kempe in the fold. Otherwise, it will move them out of playoff contention and back into rebuilding.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports Kempe doesn’t expect to have a contract extension before the Kings open their regular season this week. A new contract for the 29-year-old winger remains a priority for Kings general manager Ken Holland, and the two sides continue to talk regularly.

Stephens believes the Kings winger should easily eclipse the $8.5 million AAV that Nikolaj Ehlers received when he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes this summer. His value to the Kings could push his next contract into the $10 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The rising salary cap and Kempe’s value mean the Kings must sign him to an AAV worth at least $10 million if they want to remain a competitive team over the next several years.

They have a projected $33.7 million in cap space for 2026-27, giving them plenty of cap room to retain him. If they’re unwilling to pay, other clubs will if he goes to market next July.

The contract might not age well if Kempe gets the maximum eight years. They could try to work out a deal where he gets a five-year deal worth around $10.5 million annually.

THE LATEST QUINN HUGHES SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston recently wondered what the future holds for Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. His younger brother, Luke, signed a seven-year deal with the New Jersey Devils last week, ensuring that he and his brother Jack will remain together with the Devils until 2030, when Jack’s contract expires.

Many observers believe Quinn will opt for free agency when his current contract expires in 2027 and join his brothers in New Jersey. The Canucks want to re-sign him, but the opportunity to join his brothers could be too enticing.

Whatever Quinn gets on his next contract will be massive, sparking Johnston to wonder if the Canucks will be in a position to afford him. He pointed out that the club is considered to be below average in franchise valuation. They are sitting 18th on Sportico’s recent list, dropping five spots from last year. The club has grown revenues more slowly than the league average, largely because it struggled to make the playoffs.

How this season goes will play a huge role in determining Quinn’s future with the Canucks. However, even if they regain their 2023-24 form, that might not be enough to keep him in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes could decide to go to market in 2027, which would force the Canucks to trade him before then. He should fetch a quality return that helps them rebuild. Hughes lacks no-trade protection, but interested teams will want assurances that he’ll re-sign with them before agreeing to a trade.

The Devils have a projected $53.1 million in cap space for 2027-28. A significant portion will be allocated to re-signing team captain Nico Hischier and re-signing or replacing goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Still, they should have enough to pull off a Hughes brothers reunion in two years, if not sooner, if they can land Quinn via trade with the Canucks.