NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – July 24, 2025
The latest on the Oilers and updates on Jack Roslovic and Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell wondered if the Edmonton Oilers could pull off a surprise late-summer contract signing.
Mitchell suggested pursuing former Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. There are currently few suitable options to upgrade the Oilers’ goaltending in the trade or free-agent markets.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).
Fleury has retired, and attempts to change his mind have been fruitless. Nevertheless, Mitchell felt the Oilers should revisit that possibility as training camp approaches in September.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fleury agent, Allan Walsh, recently said five teams contacted him on July 1 asking if his client would reconsider retirement. Walsh didn’t say which teams they were, but the Oilers could’ve been among them.
Fleury might get the itch to suit up again as training camp draws near. However, he’s now 40, spent 21 years in the NHL and his best seasons are well behind him. He knows it’s time to move on to the next chapter in his life.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider signing Max Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.
Staples acknowledged the 36-year-old Pacioretty has slowed down and is no longer the reliable scorer he once was. Nevertheless, he could be effective as a power forward in small doses, as he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this year’s playoffs, netting eight points in 11 postseason games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but he could opt to move on in search of better opportunities. He’d be an affordable signing, but the cap-strapped Oilers would have to shed some salary to make room for him.
Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer predicting the club will re-sign Connor McDavid this offseason. Stauffer also anticipates new contracts for defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s status is the main concern for Oilers fans. The longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will suggest that he’ll depart next summer for his hometown Maple Leafs or hit the Wayne Gretzky trail and head to the Los Angeles Kings or New York Rangers.
UPDATES ON ROSLOVIC AND CHINAKHOV
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal claiming the Vancouver Canucks are still talking with former Carolina Hurricanes forward Jack Roslovic.
The 28-year-old Roslovic is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after completing a one-year contract with the Hurricanes.
Dhaliwal reported that Roslovic isn’t a lock to join the Canucks. However, the club continues to talk with the winger’s representatives.
Johnston stated that the Canucks seek a second-line center, hence their discussions with the Roslovic camp. They’re also reportedly interested in Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Mason McTavish. However, the cost of acquiring McTavish in terms of salary and trade return could be more than the Canucks could afford.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic would be much more affordable than McTavish, whom the Ducks have shown no indication of any willingness to trade.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov could be a great fit with the Devils.
Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade citing “misunderstandings” with Blue Jackets coach Dean Evanson. He’s under contract for this season with a cap hit of $2.1 million.
Nichols thinks Chinakhov would be a perfect “buy-low” trade candidate to address their ongoing need for a scoring winger to replace Tyler Toffoli.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli was, and still is, a reliable, durable two-way scoring winger. Chinakhov has potential, but also an injury history that has limited him to 175 games.



