NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2025

Check out the latest on Quinn Hughes, Mason McTavish and Jack Roslovic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently cited Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers shot down speculation linking his teammate, Quinn Hughes, to the Devils.

Myers made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast. He was referring to rumors that arose after Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations, said that Hughes would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, both of whom play for the Devils. Rutherford quickly said that the Canucks would do all they could to keep Hughes in Vancouver.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“He (Hughes) doesn’t like all that speculation and stuff,” Myers said. “He loves his brothers, loves his family, like everybody else, but he’s not going around the room saying he wants to play with his brothers. I know it’s a big, big story around the hockey world, but everyone makes it a lot more than it is.”

Nevertheless, Nichols wonders if Rutherford was trying to brace Canucks fans for an eventual trade of Hughes, perhaps already gauging the defenseman’s value in the trade market to reel in the best possible return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford hasn’t said anything more about this. Whatever his intention, his comments generated turmoil for a team that had its fair share last season.

Hughes hasn’t spoken about it, but he will face questions from the Vancouver media when he reports to training camp in September.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal took note of the Vancouver Canucks trading forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. He noted that the Canucks are interested in unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic and have had discussions with his representatives.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs were also linked to Roslovic, but there’s no indication that their addition of Joshua means they’re no longer pursuing the UFA forward.

By shedding Joshua’s $3.25 million cap hit, the Canucks have $3.72 million in cap space to add to their roster. Dhaliwal speculates they could go the trade route if they fail to land what they want in the UFA market.

COULD MASON MCTAVISH RECEIVE AN OFFER SHEET?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman believes there are still some suitable offer-sheet targets available this summer, starting with center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

Goldman acknowledged the Ducks have the salary-cap space to match any offer for McTavish. However, she suggested an expensive offer (“at least to the tune of $7.02 million”) might stump the Ducks.

The rebuilding Ducks don’t need the compensatory draft picks; they have a well-stocked prospect pipeline, and keeping McTavish makes the most sense after trading away Trevor Zegras to Philadelphia.

However, they might be unwilling to make an expensive commitment to McTavish. She suggested it might be worthwhile for a club like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames or Detroit Red Wings to take a chance.

SEKERES & PRICE: Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wonders if McTavish might be available. If he is, teams in the market for a second-line center (like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens or Vancouver Canucks) will line up for his services.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek reportedly told rival teams not to waste their time with an offer sheet because of his club’s plentiful cap space. He also indicated in June that his focus this summer was on re-signing McTavish and goalie Lukas Dostal.

Dostal was re-signed on Thursday, which should encourage Ducks fans about the state of McTavish’s negotiations. However, Dostal filed for arbitration, which set a deadline for the Ducks to sign him. McTavish lacked arbitration rights, meaning an offer sheet would be his only leverage if negotiations stall with the Ducks.

It’s rumored that McTavish isn’t happy with his role or is growing weary of the constant losing since joining the Ducks. However, there has been nothing to confirm the speculation, which originated from hockey markets far from Anaheim.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2025

by | Jul 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2025

Some recent speculation about Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SDPN: On Monday, TSN insider Chris Johnston was a guest on the Steve Dangle Podcast Network. Among the topics discussed was possible landing spots for Connor McDavid if he tests the open market next summer.

Johnston believes Connor McDavid will most likely re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers. Nevertheless, he thinks that there could be 10 teams in the running to sign the 28-year-old superstar if he becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

“I’m sure it has occurred to the Kings, I’m sure it has occurred to the Rangers, you don’t think Julien BriseBois down in Tampa Bay is looking at his long-term roster?” said Johnston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If McDavid goes to market next July, he will likely want to become the highest-paid player in the league.

The salary cap for 2026-27 will be $104 million. A team can invest no more than 20 percent of its salary-cap payroll on one player. McDavid could seek between $18 million and $20 million per season on his next contract.

PuckPedia indicates that the Rangers have a projected $29.6 million in cap space for 2026-27. The Kings have $37.8 million, and the Lightning $27.7 million. All have the cap space to sign McDavid.

However, the Rangers would be bidding farewell to Artemi Panarin as they can’t afford to retain him and still sign McDavid. The Kings could afford to retain aging captain Anze Kopitar on a cheaper contract, but could have a difficult time keeping a UFA-eligible Adrian Kempe and defenseman Brandt Clarke, who will be a restricted free agent (RFA).

The Lightning could be the most enticing. All their core players are under contract for 2026-27, with defenseman JJ Moser an RFA with arbitration rights and winger Oliver Bjorkstrand and defenseman Ryan McDonagh as their notable UFAs. However, signing McDavid to even a reduced rate of, say, $17 million (because the Lightning are in a no-tax state), could make it difficult to re-sign Moser and re-sign or replace Bjorkstrand and McDonagh.

McDavid also stressed that winning the Stanley Cup means the most to him. Given their recent records, those three clubs might not be the best options to answer that need.

Johnston also joined the pundits who believe Sidney Crosby probably won’t finish his playing career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He acknowledged that no one knows Crosby’s intentions, but claimed that the possibility of his availability is a topic of discussion around the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL analyst Pierre McGuire recently talked about the speculation linking Crosby to the Montreal Canadiens. He believes it would take a first-round pick, a top prospect, and an NHL player (“and a great one at that”) to land him. So, Habs fans, Suzuki for Crosby? Maybe Demidov? Lane Hutson? How bad do you want to see Sid in a Canadiens jersey?

A Crosby trade is possible. As the old saying goes, if Wayne Gretzky could be traded, anyone could be traded. Whenever I mention his two-year extension, some believe that it enhances his trade value because any playoff club acquiring him before the March 2026 trade deadline would have him for two postseason runs.

Nevertheless, I remain skeptical. There’s nothing to suggest Crosby wants out, and most of the trade talk thus far sounds like wishful thinking. Unless something changes, he seems intent on finishing his playing career with the Penguins.

Turning to the Minnesota Wild, Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they re-sign Kirill Kaprizov this summer. He thinks the winger’s new AAV could be higher than that of Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets something like $15 million”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild owner Craig Leipold last year indicated that his club intends to open the vault for Kaprizov. Draisaitl currently has the NHL’s highest annual average value at $14 million.

Johnston noted that Carey Price will receive $5.5 million of the $7.5 million in actual salary that he’s owed for this season as a signing bonus on September 1. Once that’s paid out, Johnston thinks there’s a high probability that the Canadiens will trade Price’s contract.

TVA SPORTS: explained why the Canadiens would do that. With Price permanently sidelined, the Canadiens could put him on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to become cap-compliant when the season begins. However, they won’t be able to accrue cap space throughout the season.

Trading Price’s contract ($10.5 million AAV) before the season begins makes them cap-compliant and allows them to accrue cap space. It would also allow a rebuilding team to remain above the salary-cap minimum if they shed salary leading up to the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports listed clubs like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins as possible trade partners. Hey, maybe Price’s contract can be part of the return when the Canadiens acquire Sidney Crosby (insert wink here).










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.