NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2025

by | Aug 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2025

Could the Canadiens have an interest in Ducks center Mason McTavish? Will the Oilers re-sign Jake Walman to a long-term extension? What kind of extension could Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli receive? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: In a recent mailbag segment, Anthony Di Marco indicated he’s curious about what happens with Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

Di Marco said he can’t imagine McTavish wanting to remain with the Ducks after they traded Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers. If there is an eventual path to the 23-year-old center getting moved, he believes there will be no shortage of clubs lining up to acquire him.

The Montreal Canadiens could be among the suitors. They have questionable depth at center beyond Nick Suzuki, and Di Marco thinks they’re keeping close tabs on McTavish.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plenty of speculation coming from pundits outside Anaheim suggests McTavish might want a change of scenery because he might be tired of the constant losing in Anaheim or a perceived unhappiness over the Zegras trade.

However, there has been no comment from the McTavish camp or the Ducks regarding his status or future with the club. That silence is providing fodder for trade and offer sheet conjecture, but there hasn’t been anything from the player, team, or local media to substantiate it.

McTavish is a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights. A club like the Canadiens could attempt to sign him to an offer sheet, but the Ducks have over $21 million in cap space and would easily match it. He’s a very good second-line center, but it’ll be shocking if a rival club signed him to a deal with a cap hit of over $7 million, especially given the hefty compensation prices.

The Canadiens have depth in draft picks and prospects (especially defensemen) to make an enticing trade offer to the Ducks, but the latter hopes to become a playoff contender this season. They’ll likely want a good, young roster forward in return, meaning the asking price could be Juraj Slafkovsky or Ivan Demidov, which will be non-starters for Montreal.

For all we know, McTavish has spurned offer sheets from rival clubs as his representatives continue to negotiate a new contract with the Ducks, who may have no interest in trading him. Until we hear something different from either side, the expectation is he’ll be re-signed before training camp opens in mid-September.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer speculating the club could be eyeing an eight-year contract extension for Jake Walman. The 29-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his three-year contract ($3.4 million annual cap hit) and will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Stauffer suggested Walman might receive an eight-year extension, as that’s something no other club can give him, especially with contract lengths shortening in the next CBA, which goes into effect for the 2026-27 season.

Staples considered it a stretch that the Oilers would offer Walman an eight-year deal, given his age and the fact that performances tend to drop off quickly for defensemen in their mid-30s. He anticipates something in the range of four or five years.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline examined what Adam Fantilli’s next contract might look like. The 20-year-old center is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He enjoyed a solid sophomore season with 31 goals and 54 points in 82 games.

An eight-year offer from the Blue Jackets could be attractive to Fantilli, especially since contract terms will be shortened under the next CBA. However, he could be unwilling to lock himself into a lengthy deal when the salary cap is projected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Portzline suggests a short-term deal, one that ensures Fantilli will be a restricted free agent on completion, might make the most sense. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell indicated he’s open to a bridge contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2025

by | Aug 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 4, 2025

Check out the latest on Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk, Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson, and free-agent forward Jack Roslovic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: In the latest episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said he expects Matthew Tkachuk will miss considerable time this season. The Florida Panthers winger revealed he played with a torn adductor muscle during his club’s run to the Stanley Cup this spring.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Friedman anticipates that Tkachuk will miss the start of this season, but believes he’ll return in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. Playing for Team USA with his brother, Brady, is “a huge deal” for Tkachuk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a trade or free-agent rumor, but it ties into speculation over how the Panthers will become cap-compliant to start their season.

Based on Friedman’s remarks, Tkachuk could undergo surgery that sidelines him until the New Year. The Panthers currently sit $3.725 million above the $95.5 million salary cap for 2025-26. Teams are permitted to be above the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be compliant when their regular season begins in October.

The Panthers will likely wait until just before their season opener to put Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve. That’ll put them under the cap when the season begins.

However, they’ll have to shed salary before Tkachuk returns to action. Forward Evan Rodrigues has been mentioned as a cost-cutting option for the Panthers.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston speculates Nick Robertson could become a trade candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Robertson, 23, avoided arbitration with the Leafs by agreeing to a one-year, $1.85 million contract for 2025-26.

Johnston observed that the Leafs are currently carrying 14 forwards. He believes they “could still ship out one or more of David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, or Robertson before the season begins.” However, he noted they’ve been reluctant to move him in the past because of his age and scoring ability.

SPORTSNET: During Sunday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman was asked if a Nick Robertson-for-Yegor Chinakhov trade would make sense for both clubs. Friedman believes the Leafs would want a better return.

Friedman also wondered if the Pittsburgh Penguins might have an interest in Robertson. He pointed out that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas drafted the young winger during his tenure as GM of the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Johnston, Friedman believes the Leafs must move out one or two forwards before the start of the season. Kampf and Jarnkrok seem the more likely trade candidates, but clubs might prefer the younger, affordable Robertson.

Friedman also reported that “five or six teams” are believed to be interested in Jack Roslovic, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 28-year-old forward remains the best player available in the depleted unrestricted free-agent market. He’s said to be still evaluating his options.

Friedman thinks the remaining UFAs, like Roslovic, aren’t willing to sign yet because they don’t want to accept deals that could be considered too much of a bargain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs were linked to Roslovic last month, but their acquisition of winger Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks and their re-signing of Nick Robertson leaves them with just over $1.9 million. That’s another reason why they must move out a forward like Kampf or Jarnkrok.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

by | Aug 3, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva recently examined potential trade destinations for Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Sachdeva believes the two wingers remain very much in play. He pointed out that they could become trade chips given that the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. There are also few game-changing forwards in this summer’s trade market.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t rushing to move Rakell or Rust. However, he could be willing to move one or both if the return improves his club down the line.

Sachdeva suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. Rust has an AAV of $5.125 million over the same period, but he lacks no-trade protection.

Sachdeva cited the Leafs having cap space to work with this summer ($1.9 million), and how they could move a forward like David Kampf ($2.4 million) to facilitate a trade. However, they’ll have to shed more salary or convince the Penguins to retain part of Rakell’s or Rust’s AAV to make the dollars fit.

The Avalanche ($3.348 million) is in a better cap position than the Leafs, but they must also free up some cap room or have the Penguins retain some salary to make it work. There’s speculation suggesting Avs defenseman Samuel Girard ($5 million AAV) could be moved, but it’s not a certainty, plus the Penguins could be on his nine-team no-trade list.

Sachedeva cited Rust’s Michigan roots, suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings. They have a dire need for scoring forwards and have the cap space ($12 million) to take on his full contract. The question is whether they’d part with the promising young assets the Penguins seek.

The Kings also need more scoring punch up front. Sachdeva felt Rakell might welcome a return to Southern California after beginning his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. Since this piece appeared on July 30, the Kings re-signed forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million, leaving them with $2.66 million in cap space. Unless they cut salary or get the Penguins to retain half of Rakell’s cap hit, he’s not a fit in Los Angeles.

Sachedeva pointed out that the Sabres’ interest in Rust goes back to before the NHL Draft in June. The Sabres have just enough cap space ($5.19 million) and the young assets to tempt the Penguins. Rust lacks no-trade protection, but Pittsburgh management could prefer to allow him to choose his trade destinations.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently made the case for the Edmonton Oilers to sign Mattias Ekholm to a contract extension. The 35-year-old defenseman is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Ekholm’s play declined after he was injured last season, but Mitchell pointed out that his defensive play remained solid before he got hurt. He noted that the Oilers are vulnerable on the left side of their blueline with Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak UFA-eligible next summer.

Mitchell believes the Oilers should sign Ekholm to a two or three-year contract extension. He acknowledged the risk in doing so, given the blueliner’s age and injury history. However, they could have no choice if they intend to remain a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm’s current AAV is $6.25 million, with the Oilers carrying $6 million and his former club, the Nashville Predators, picking up the rest. He might accept a pay cut to around $5 million annually to stick with the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2025

by | Aug 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 2, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, Samuel Girard’s role on the Avalanche blueline and three bargain UFA goaltending options.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wondered where the Avalanche intends to play Samuel Girard this season.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (NHL Images).

Deen believes the Avalanche could trade Girard at some point. He noted their failed attempt to re-sign Ryan Lindgren before his UFA eligibility on July 1, and their subsequent signing of Brent Burns.

Girard was the only other Avalanche defenseman besides Cale Makar and Devon Toews to average over 20 minutes per game during the regular season. However, that changed in the playoffs, when he was fifth in ice time (17:38).

Deen doesn’t see the Avalanche keeping Girard at $5 million per season playing third-pairing minutes. He believes they see less of a role for the 27-year-old blueliner than in years past, which is why he thinks they’re still trying to trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Girard has occasionally surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two seasons, but the speculation was often shut down quickly.

The Avalanche currently have over $3.3 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract, so they’re not in any hurry to make a cost-cutting deal. However, that could change if Girard sees third-pairing minutes this season.

Girard is signed through 2026-27 and has a nine-time no-trade list. He could be a player to monitor in the rumor mill this season, especially if the Avalanche struggles to remain among the top teams in the Western Conference.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted that goaltenders Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer remain unsigned. They’re at different points in their careers, but Proteau suggests they have the potential to become bargain options for teams seeking goalie depth.

Samsonov isn’t far removed from his stellar 2022-23 performance with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Among goalies who played at least 15 games last season, there were 28 goalies with a worse goals saved above expected rating, according to MoneyPuck.

Georgiev could provide some value and support for a younger goalie tandem. Despite his recent struggles, he has demonstrated his ability to bounce back. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Reimer proved he still had something left in the tank with the Buffalo Sabres last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the three, Reimer has a proven record as a reliable backup, but his age could hamper his efforts to land a new NHL contract. Samsonov and Georgiev are younger, but their inconsistencies over the past two seasons have hurt their value.

Nevertheless, the lack of quality goalie depth in the free-agent and trade markets could see this trio become affordable short-term options for teams in need of depth between the pipes.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

by | Aug 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

Could the Canadiens trade a defenseman this season? Are the Oilers interested in signing Carter Hart? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SICK PODCAST WITH TONY MARINARO: Eric Engels of Sportsnet believes the Montreal Canadiens could end up moving a defenseman at some point during this season.

Engels singled out Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).

“Between those three guys, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here,” Engels said.

Promising blueliner David Reinbacher is a vital part of Montreal’s long-term plans, and he could get some NHL games this season. Adam Engstrom is another rearguard who has real value with the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson, Struble, and Xhekaj will stay put if Reinbacher and Engstrom need more development with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. If one or both improve significantly, management must move someone to free up a blueline spot.

Matheson seems the most likely trade candidate. He’ll turn 32 in February, he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, and at times, his defensive breakdowns incurred the wrath of the Canadiens’ faithful.

Nevertheless, Canadiens management thinks highly of Matheson’s puck-moving skills, his efforts to improve his defensive play, and the experience and leadership he brings to their blueline. They could attempt to sign him to a contract extension before next July.

Struble, 23, just signed an affordable two-year contract. He started last season in Laval but worked his way into the Canadiens’ lineup, becoming a reliable part of their blueline by the end of the season. Whether he can build on that to maintain a regular roster spot remains to be seen.

Xhekaj’s size, his physical game, and his scrappy style make him a fan favorite in Montreal. However, the 24-year-old was a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch last season, raising questions about his future with the Canadiens.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey cited a report by Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report indicating the Edmonton Oilers aren’t expected to target goaltender Carter Hart.

Hart, 26, was recently found not guilty of sexual assault in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial. The former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender remains an unrestricted free agent, though the NHL has deemed him and the four other defendants in that trial to be ineligible to return at this time.

The Oilers are in the market to upgrade their goaltending. However, Seravalli said he was told Hart is “a non-starter” for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jason Gregor reported on July 12 that the Oilers won’t be approaching Hart about signing with them even if he were found not guilty.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

Check out the latest on Wild center Marco Rossi and Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: cited a report by The Athletic indicating the contract negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi remain at a stalemate.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Joe Smith and Michael Russo claimed the two sides haven’t spoken since early June. With no sign of an offer sheet from a rival team, the impasse could drag on into the start of training camp in mid-September.

Rossi appeared in trade rumors before the 2025 NHL Draft, with the Vancouver Canucks reportedly offering the 15th overall pick in the draft for the 23-year-old center.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a trade. However, he’s also not pushing to move Rossi, who reportedly rejected a five-year, $25 million offer last season.

Smith and Russo report that the Rossi camp seeks between $6 million and $7 million on a long-term contract. They suggest that a short-term deal at $5 million annually might be the best solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant trade offer or an offer sheet from a rival club, this situation could drag on throughout the rest of the offseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello believes the Buffalo Sabres must find a top-six winger to replace JJ Peterka, who was traded last month to the Utah Mammoth.

Yegor Chinakhov could be an option. The 24-year-old forward recently requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, citing a series of misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason.

Augello doubts the Sabres would offer up someone from their roster, and doesn’t think the Blue Jackets have much leverage to seek a player of comparable age. He suggested the Sabres offer up prospect Isak Rosen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Augello suggests Chinakhov’s presence could be a distraction for the Blue Jackets this season. They might have to wait until training camp and preseason to find a suitable trade partner. Whether the Sabres will be among them remains to be seen.