NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

by | Jun 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Jeremy Swayman, Brock Boeser, Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane, plus updates on the Rangers and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claimed the Edmonton Oilers were among the clubs looking into the availability of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman last summer.

The 26-year-old Swayman was in the midst of contentious contract negotiations before signing an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins last October.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images)

Swayman’s struggles this season had some teams wondering about his status as the March 7 trade deadline approached. However, the Bruins retained him and haven’t lost faith in their starting goaltender.

Murphy noted there is currently plenty of trade speculation building around the Oilers. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Swayman, who lacks no-trade protection until next July.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Murphy’s report, and isn’t surprised about the Oilers’ rumors given general manager Stan Bowman’s plans to address his goaltending. However, Staples pointed out the Oilers lack the cap space to acquire Swayman without making a major roster overhaul, something he doesn’t see them doing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins wouldn’t have signed Swayman to that eight-year deal if they didn’t intend to stick with him as their starting goalie. He’s a crucial part of what they hope will be a bounce-back performance next season.

Yes, anything’s possible, but it would take a substantial offer to convince the Bruins to part with Swayman. It would also leave them without a reliable starting goalie. Joonas Korpisalo is a solid backup, but he’s proven that he can’t handle the starter’s job full-time.

NESN: Kayla Gregoire cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Bruins could go after Brock Boeser when the free-agent market opens next Tuesday (July 1). The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks right wing is expected to go to market, but the Canucks haven’t ruled out bringing him back.

Gregoire noted that Boeser is projected to receive a six-year contract with an AAV of $8.46 million. She doesn’t rule out the Bruins pursuing him, citing their salary-cap space ($26.2 million) for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted earlier, the Bruins hope to rebound quickly from last season’s disappointing performance. They’ll be in the market for another scoring winger this summer. Boeser’s production was down last season, but he tallied a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24.

UPDATES ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers have yet to decide what they’ll do with their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall). They owe the Pittsburgh Penguins either this year’s pick or their 2026 first-rounder. They have until June 25 to decide.

If they keep this year’s pick, that will take them out of the offer-sheet game since they would need their 2026 pick as compensation for a major successful signing. They also lack their own 2026 second-rounder.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have been exploring the trade market for K’Andre Miller. If they move him, Baugh believes they must find a suitable replacement, potentially via free agency. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers are this summer’s top UFA blueliners.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming Gavrikov doesn’t have a long list of potential UFA destinations. Friedman believes that’s why so many observers have linked the 29-year-old defenseman to the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the 2025 NHL Draft weekend fast approaching, the trade market should kick into high gear this week. If Miller is moved, the Rangers could be poised to make Gavrikov a significant offer if he tests the market next Tuesday.

POTENTIAL SUITORS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson cited recent reports indicating contract extension talks didn’t go well between the Flames and Rasmus Andersson. That’s generated conjecture suggesting the Flames could trade the 28-year-old defenseman, who is a year away from UFA eligibility.

Gilbertson noted that Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, but speculates he could have more control than that. To maximize the return, the Flames could allow suitors to discuss a contract extension with the blueliner.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are mentioned as one destination, but the Stars face a salary-cap crunch. Some wonder if Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving (the former Flames GM) might try to bring Andersson to Toronto. Meanwhile, some Flames fans suggest offering Andersson to the Buffalo Sabres for winger JJ Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has shown a willingness to be patient to get the return he seeks. It’s no secret that he’s in the market for a second-line, right-shot center. A deal could be had if someone is willing to make that offer, but there aren’t a lot of those available.

BLUE JACKETS EXPECTED TO BE BUYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has been quietly working behind the scenes on deals big and small. He cited colleague Pierre LeBrun reported the Jackets GM spoke to the Dallas Stars about Mason Marchment before the gritty winger was shipped last week to the Seattle Kraken.

Portzline indicates the Jackets seek a top-six forward and a right-shot center, a right-shot, right-side top-four defenseman, and a goaltending upgrade.

Trade chips could include their 2025 first-round pick (14th overall), left winger Yegor Chinakhov, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the No. 20 pick in this year’s draft (originally from the Minnesota Wild), the rights to pending UFA defenseman Ivan Provorov, and perhaps gritty center Cole Sillinger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets possess over $40 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Expect them to make at least one big move this summer.

MANGIAPANE TO TORONTO?

LEAFS NATION’s Nick Alberga confirmed a report by The Fourth Period claiming the Maple Leafs are expected to pursue Andrew Mangiapane when the Washington Capitals winger hits the UFA market next Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Mangiapane played for Leafs GM Brad Treliving during their days with the Calgary Flames. Alberga claims he’s on the Leafs’ list of free-agent targets.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

by | Jun 22, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 22, 2025

In the latest Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Jason Robertson, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Rasmus Andersson and Noah Dobson, plus an update on the Flyers.

STARS ENTERTAINING OFFERS FOR JASON ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars aren’t actively shopping Jason Robertson, but they are listening to offers for the 25-year-old winger.

Robertson carries an average annual value (AAV) of $7.75 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. LeBrun expects the Stars will take their time with this situation, whether he’s re-signed or traded at some point this summer.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars general manager Jim Nill isn’t wasting time taking care of business this offseason. He re-signed Matt Duchene, Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist, and traded Mason Marchment to Seattle in a cost-cutting move.

The Stars have $2.75 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract. Nill is expected to re-sign team captain Jamie Benn to a short-term, cost-effective deal. However, he must clear more cap space to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) Mikael Granlund, Evgenii Dadonov, Brendan Smith, Cody Ceci and Colin Blackwell.

Robertson lacks no-trade protection. Moving him would free up a significant chunk of cap space, but it would also remove one of the top scorers from their lineup. It’ll be interesting to see what Nill has in store over the next several weeks.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER AND JOHN TAVARES

LeBrun reports the “rumor de jour” is winger Mitch Marner could be considering a two-year contract for between $12 million and $13 million annually. He wasn’t able to confirm it, but said he’s heard it from a couple of teams now.

That would put the 28-year-old pending UFA in a position to hit the open market in two years, when the salary cap could reach $113 million or higher.

The Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams LeBrun believes are high on Marner’s list. The cap-strapped Stars are a long shot, but “never say never”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We could see some of this summer’s top UFAs accepting short-term contracts, hoping to cash in again in two, three or four years from now should the salary cap keep rising significantly.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares still aren’t close in contract extension talks. LeBrun still thinks they could get this done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Score’s Josh Wegman cited LeBrun telling TSN’s Overdrive that there’s no way Tavares will sign for $5 million per season with the Leafs unless they’re willing to add term to the deal. That could mean four or five years instead of two to three.

Given the lack of quality centers in this summer’s UFA market, Wegman believes Tavares could be in high demand if he becomes available on July 1.

FLAMES ARE WILLING TO TAKE CALLS ABOUT RASMUS ANDERSSON

TSN: LeBrun cited sources indicating contract extension talks between the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson didn’t go well this week. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA status. He carries a cap hit of $4.55 million for 2025-26 and a six-team no-trade list.

LeBrun said the Flames are now ready to entertain trade offers for Andersson, suggesting there will be no shortage of interest in the right-shot blueliner. He could be a good fit with the Dallas Stars, but they’ve got salary-cap issues to sort out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames can afford to wait until next year’s trade deadline if they don’t get any suitable offers this summer for Andersson. Nevertheless, the limited number of available right-shot rearguards in this summer’s free-agent market could improve the chance of someone meeting the Flames’ asking price, which could be a right-shot, second-line center.

RED WINGS INTERESTED IN NOAH DOBSON?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the Red Wings are showing interest in Noah Dobson. The 25-year-old New York Islanders defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1.

According to Duff, Friedman said forwards JT Compher and Jonatan Berggren were being offered as part of the return. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman could also part with draft picks in the deal to make it happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Compher and Berggren are third-line forwards. That would be a lowball trade offer for a skilled puck-moving defenseman like Dobson, who is rumored to be seeking a long-term contract with an AAV of $11 million.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reported last week that the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t in a position to make a major addition to their roster this summer. They have roughly $13 million in dead cap space, and while they could put Ryan Ellis ($6.25 million) on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), they prefer not to do that if possible, to accrue cap space during the season.

Di Marco believes the Flyers will look for stopgap measures to address their depth at center. They could look at someone like Adam Gaudette of the Ottawa Senators in free agency. The Flyers are well-stocked with wingers, making it unlikely they’ll pursue someone like JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2025

by | Jun 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Rasmus Andersson, JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Noah Dobson and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT COULD CONNOR MCDAVID’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman speculated on what Connor McDavid’s next contract will look like. The 28-year-old Edmonton Oilers superstar is a year away from unrestricted free-agent (UFA) eligibility, with an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Friedman doesn’t believe McDavid intends to leave Edmonton, but he thinks the Oilers captain might pursue a two-year contract instead of the maximum eight years. That would ensure the Oilers remain sharpest in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. He also thinks the AAV could be between $15 million and $17 million, but not as high as it could be.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman stressed that this is only his opinion as to what McDavid might do. I agree with him that McDavid is unlikely to leave the Oilers, but could opt for a short-term deal to give himself some wiggle room in case the club falls out of contention over the next several years.

COULD RASMUS ANDERSON LEAVE THE FLAMES?

Friedman reports that the feeling around the league is that Rasmus Andersson is ready for something new. The 28-year-old Calgary Flames defenseman is a year away from UFA status. The Flames are willing to move him, but only at the right price.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames general manager Craig Conroy said he’s had talks with Andersson’s agent. He indicated they have some clarity on where things are headed, but didn’t elaborate about the direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could still re-sign Andersson. If not, they could hang onto him for the coming season and perhaps shop him at the trade deadline if they’re out of playoff contention by then. They could trade him this summer and avoid the unnecessary distraction of speculation about his future hanging over him and the club next season.

NO SHORT-TERM DEAL FOR MITCH MARNER?

Friedman said he received pushback on his suggestion that Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner could opt for a four-year contract via free agency. However, he said a few teams had heard about it.

The Marner camp is expected to meet with teams (probably virtually unless they come to Toronto) on July 1, and then he could meet with a team or two before reaching a decision. However, that plan could backfire if he takes too long, as interested clubs could become impatient and make other plans.

Friedman thinks the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights will be among Marner’s suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are better-positioned cap-wise than the Golden Knights to make a lucrative offer. Vegas will have to shed considerable salary to make it happen, and that could hurt their overall depth.

Friedman again mentioned the possibility of Alex Pietrangelo starting the season on long-term injury reserve (LTIR), which would free up the cap room to pursue Marner. However, the Golden Knights already have an elite playmaker (Jack Eichel). What they need is a sniper, something Marner isn’t.

THE LATEST ON THE PANTHERS

Friedman reports the brakes are being pumped on the Sam Bennett extension talk. The 29-year-old Conn Smythe Trophy winner raised eyebrows by telling partygoers on Thursday that he wasn’t leaving the Florida Panthers. Friedman thinks Bennett wouldn’t have made that public declaration without knowing where the talks are going, but there hasn’t been an agreement yet.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards cited Panthers GM Bill Zito saying he’d like to bring everybody back, referring to his UFAs like Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand and Nate Schmidt.

Bennett is the priority, with Richards speculating his next contract could be in the range of $7.5 million and $8 million annually. He might get more on the open market, but he wants to remain with the Panthers.

The Panthers have $19 million in cap space for 2025-26. Richards considers it unlikely that Zito can pull it off without making some cost-cutting moves.

SPORTSNET: Brad Marchand is open to re-signing with the Panthers. “Give me a contract,” he said with a laugh when talking to reporters.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett will be re-signed. Ekblad could be if he agrees to a pay cut. Schmidt should also be an affordable re-signing.

Marchand reportedly wants a raise on a short-term deal, which is understandable because he was underpaid throughout his current contract. Unless he has a change of mind or Zito makes a cost-cutting trade, he’ll hit the open market on July 1

UPDATE ON THE SABRES

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported that trade rumors are getting louder regarding JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week that the 23-year-old winger isn’t happy in Buffalo and the Sabres are fielding calls from other clubs.

Peterka is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights. Fairburn said the Sabres aren’t keen on trading him. However, given the interest and demand, they need to hear what’s out there. Any return for Peterka must include pieces that can help the Sabres end their playoff drought next season.

Fairburn and colleague Shayna Goldman pondered the possibility of the Sabres trading Bowen Byram. They acquired the 24-year-old defenseman before the 2024 trade deadline. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights seeking a raise over his current AAV of $3.85 million.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks were interested in Peterka.

CANUCKS ARMY: Tyler Kuehl cited Seravalli also saying the Canucks had some interest in Byram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s also speculation Peterka and/or Byram could become offer-sheet targets if the Sabres fail to sign one or both before July 1. However, the Sabres have over $23 million in cap space, giving them plenty of room to match any offers.

The Sabres could trade one of them, but it won’t be for picks and prospects. As with the deal that brought Byram to Buffalo last year, it could be a player-for-player swap.

ISLANDERS LISTENING TO OFFERS FOR NOAH DOBSON

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias cited Elliotte Friedman, saying that the Islanders are quietly testing the trade market for Noah Dobson during his Friday podcast. The 25-year-old defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights.

This comes in the wake of Frank Seravalli claiming the Dobson camp sought a long-term deal with an $11 million AAV. Friedman indicated nothing’s set in stone, suggesting three options. They could sign him long term and perhaps trade him later if it doesn’t work out, risk a potentially contentious arbitration process, or trade him now.

Macias believes the Islanders will want a significant return. He noted Seravalli linked them to Buffalo’s JJ Peterka.

Friedman also mentioned the trade rumors about Isles blueliner Alexander Romanov, but he thinks they’ve set a high asking price for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Dobson camp is seeking far more than what their client is worth. He deserves a raise over the $4 million AAV he earned this season, and has a promising 70-point season in 2023-24 on his resume. However, the decline in his production this season to 39 points makes it difficult to justify $11 million annually. A raise to between $8 million and $9 million would be reasonable.

This situation is an interesting early test for new GM Mathieu Darche. How he handles it will be a significant indicator of which direction he intends to take the Islanders in the coming years.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2025

by | Jun 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sam Bennett’s future with the Panthers, the Canucks made a trade offer for Marco Rossi, the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, and update on the Islanders.

THE LATEST ON SAM BENNETT

BARDOWN: Sam Bennett told partygoers last night that he’s not leaving the Florida Panthers.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 29-year-old Panthers center and 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He would become among the most coveted players in the market if he and the Panthers fail to agree to a contract extension.

It would be surprising if Bennett and the Panthers part ways on July 1. It’s doubtful he would’ve made those comments last night if he lacked confidence in a deal getting done.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Alter cited a report by Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports claiming that the Toronto Maple Leafs are not on Sam Bennett’s list of possible destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on Bennett’s remarks, there’s only one destination for him.

CANUCKS MADE A TRADE OFFER FOR MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Vancouver Canucks likely offered their first-round pick (15th overall) in this year’s draft to the Minnesota Wild for center Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old Rossi is in a contract stalemate with the Wild, making him a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. He’s seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $49-million contract signed by teammate Matt Boldy. Rossi’s camp rejected a five-year, $25-million offer earlier this season and a two-year offer worth less than $5 million annually.

To trade Rossi, Wild general manager Bill Guerin wants a player who can replace the 60 points he’d be trading away. He’d prefer a center but would also accept a scoring winger. The Wild have had a lot of interest in winger JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. So far, however, Guerin has only been offered futures for Rossi.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a source confirming the Canucks have been trying to acquire Rossi. He indicated they offered up their 2025 first-rounder plus a player, though it’s uncertain if it was a roster player or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t appear like the Canucks have the trade assets to meet Guerin’s asking price. The Sabres could be a fit if they’re willing to part with Peterka for Rossi straight up.

ARE RICKARD RAKELL AND BRYAN RUST TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Earlier this week, Josh Yohe reported Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust may become trade candidates this summer.

Yohe indicated there wasn’t as much interest in Rakell at the March trade deadline as some believed. There was no truth to rumors of GM Kyle Dubas rejecting massive offers for the 32-year-old winger. Rakell has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million.

Dubas doesn’t want to trade Rakell, but every player has his price. Yohe expects the winger attracts more interest in this summer’s trade market.

Bryan Rust is another player Dubas doesn’t want to move, for the same reasons as Rakell. The 33-year-old winger also has three years left on his deal ($5.125 million AAV), but his no-movement clause expires on June 30 and there is heavy interest in him.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports there is plenty of buzz about teams being interested in Rust. However, he believes the Penguins will set a high asking price for him. Rakell reached a career-high 35 goals in 2024-25, but that doesn’t make him untouchable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A club that misses out on the slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market could come calling on Dubas about Rust or Rakell. Whether any of them are willing to meet his asking price is another matter.

UPDATE ON THE ISLANDERS

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying that Noah Dobson seeks a long-term contract with an $11 million annual cap hit from the Islanders. It would be the most expensive AAV in franchise history.

Macias believes the two sides could eventually agree to an AAV between $9 million and $10 million. He also indicated that Seravalli said there have been no trade talks involving Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias also noted that Dobson is an RFA at the same time as Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Dobson camp could wait for Bouchard to set the market and negotiate from there.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes Jean-Gabriel Pageau is the Islanders’ most likely trade candidate. The 32-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July, carries a $5 million cap hit, and a 16-team no-trade list.

The Isles can compensate for Pageau’s departure by moving Mathew Barzal to center. Trading him would free up much-needed cap space for free agency.

Sears also weighed in on a report suggesting the Islanders use Pageau in a package offer to the Boston Bruins for the seventh-overall pick and take Long Island native James Hagens. However, he believes there’s no reason to make that trade unless they know for certain that Hagens would be available at that pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

by | Jun 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Bruins, Islanders, Flyers, and Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Justin Tasch reports Connor McDavid’s future could hang over this NHL offseason. The 28-year-old Edmonton Oilers captain is a year away from unrestricted free-agent (UFA) eligibility.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

If McDavid remains committed to the Oilers, Tasch believes a massive contract extension awaits in the coming weeks. If he has doubts about the club’s future as a Stanley Cup contender, it could result in a potential trade because the Oilers wouldn’t want to lose him to free agency.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes McDavid will want to take some time to decompress from another disappointing Stanley Cup Final. He believes the Oilers’ superstar will stay put, but wondered if he would want a shorter-term (three or four years) instead of the maximum eight-year commitment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Dreger that McDavid will remain an Oiler. It could take a little time for the two sides to get a deal done, perhaps stretching through the summer. Ultimately, they’ll get it done.

Dreger mentioned that McDavid is close friends with teammate Leon Draisaitl, who signed an eight-year extension last September. I doubt Draisaitl would’ve done that if he felt McDavid didn’t intend to stick around.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at what additions the Edmonton Oilers could attempt to make during this offseason.

It seems unlikely the Oilers will maintain the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. There are no upgrades to be found via free agency. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks could be a trade possibility. Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets is a less likely trade option.

Mitchell mentioned Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, but he carries a no-movement clause and an $8.25 million average annual value (AAV). Finding a suitable trade package to offer up to the Bruins could also be an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pickings are indeed slim for goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. Forget about Swayman; the Bruins believe he’ll have a bounce-back performance in 2025-26. Gibson might be the Oilers’ best bet, but the Ducks might have to retain some of his salary to make it work.

Daniel Nugent-Bowman considers Oilers forwards Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson as trade candidates. The 33-year-old Kane has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million and a 16-team trade list. Arvidsson also has one year remaining on his deal. He carries an AAV of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems the easiest of the two to move, but his abrasive personality and personal baggage could adversely affect his value in the trade market.

BRUINS REPORTEDLY IN TRADE TALKS WITH THE ISLANDERS

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a report claiming the Boston Bruins are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He also claims the two sides are discussing a larger deal that would include the Bruins’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in this year’s draft.

A source suggested to Murphy that the Islanders could be trying to get creative by keeping the first-overall pick to draft Matthew Schaefer and perhaps use the seventh pick to select Long Island native James Hagens.

The source also mused about the Bruins perhaps trying to acquire the first-overall pick from the Islanders. However, the asking price would have to include one of their current top-six forwards or top-four defensemen as part of the return.

Meanwhile, Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner reports the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers have inquired into the availability of Alexander Romanov. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights who could command between $5 million and $6 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The last time the first-overall pick was traded occurred at the 2003 NHL Draft, when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired it from the Florida Panthers. Looking at the Bruins’ current roster depth chart on PuckPedia, I’m not seeing any tradeable assets that would convince the Islanders to part with that pick.

COULD BROCK BOESER REUNITE WITH JT MILLER IN NEW YORK?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma wondered if winger Brock Boeser might reunite with his former Vancouver Canucks teammate JT Miller in New York with the Rangers.

Boeser, 28, is expected to hit the open market on July 1. Kuzma noted they freed up salary-cap space last week by trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, and speculated they could seek a replacement. Boeser could seek a six-year deal worth around $8.5 million annually on his next contract.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks pointed out the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space for 2025-26 after re-signing Matt Rempe on Wednesday. He dismissed rumors suggesting general manager Chris Drury could use some of it to go the offer-sheet route this summer.

Brooks believes Drury intends to use some of that cap space to re-sign RFAs Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, or Miller’s replacement if the 25-year-old defenseman is traded this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Cuylle and Miller (or the latter’s replacement) could take up around $10 million of the Blueshirts’ cap space. That won’t leave enough for someone like Boeser unless the Rangers make another cost-cutting move this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2025

by | Jun 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2025

What’s next for the Oilers after another Stanley Cup Final defeat? Has Aaron Ekblad played his final game for the Panthers? What’s the latest on Mitch Marner? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE OILERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman looks ahead at the Edmonton Oilers’ offseason after losing in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year.

Team captain Connor McDavid has a year left on his contract and is eligible to sign an extension on July 1. It’s assumed he’d re-sign since his longtime agent, Jeff Jackson, took over the Oilers’ hockey operations in 2023. Teammate and friend Leon Draisaitl’s contract extension last fall heightened those expectations, but nothing has been finalized yet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid will re-sign with the Oilers, either this summer or before his UFA eligibility next July. It’s doubtful Draisaitl would’ve re-signed if he felt McDavid wouldn’t do the same.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Defenseman Evan Bouchard is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who will seek a substantial raise over the $3.9 million average annual value of his recent contract. The Oilers have $12 million in salary cap space next season and Bouchard could take up three-quarters of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Oilers fans believe Bouchard should be traded given his defensive deficiencies. However, moving him would leave the Oilers lacking offense from the blueline. They’ll likely re-sign Bouchard for between $9 million and $10 million annually, and try to find a suitable stay-at-home defense partner for him.

The Oilers must free up cap space once Bouchard is re-signed. Nugent-Bowman noted that players who could be moved for performance or cap reasons have full no-movement protection (Adam Henrique, Viktor Arvidsson) or partial no-trade clauses (Evander Kane).

Goaltending remains a big question mark. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard each have a year left on their contracts with cheap salary cap hits. However, Nugent-Bowman wondered if management would bring them back. The pickings are slim for replacement goalies in this summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gerry Moddejonge of the Edmonton Journal also wondered about the Oilers’ goaltending, specifically Skinner. He suggested the possibility of an offseason trade exists, but Skinner’s consistency could make him a tough sell. There’s also the question of finding a suitable replacement in the trade market.

HAS AARON EKBLAD PLAYED HIS FINAL GAME WITH THE PANTHERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau observed the Florida Panthers have $19 million in salary cap space with Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad UFA-eligible on July 1. They also need a new backup goalie for Sergei Bobrovsky.

Proteau doubts the Panthers can afford to re-sign all three, leaving Ekblad as the odd man out. They acquired right-shot defenseman Seth Jones in March, and he’ll only cost $7 million annually against the Panthers’ cap. They also have blueliner Gustav Forsling, Niko Mikkola, and Dmitry Kulikov under contract next season, making Ekblad a luxury they cannot afford.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has frequently said he wants to stay with the Panthers. He might have to accept a pay cut from his current $7.5 million AAV to do so.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Mitch Marner could delay his signing a new contract this summer into the middle of July as he and his representatives review offers and meet with the interested teams.

The 28-year-old winger has not informed the Toronto Maple Leafs that he doesn’t intend to sign with them. They could still be part of the bidding once the UFA market opens on July 1.

Multiple teams appear set to make offers to Marner on July 1. The question remains how much he’ll earn and whether he’ll become the highest-paid player in the league. He’s coming off a six-year contract with an AAV of $10.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl is currently set to become the highest-paid player for 2025-26 when his contract extension begins on July 1. Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is second at $13.25 million.

It will be interesting to see how long the Marner camp takes before deciding on a suitable destination. I wouldn’t mind if he takes two or three weeks, as the speculation would help this site’s offseason traffic (hey, I gotta make a living), but I can understand why some fans would prefer he get it done and over with quickly.