NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2025

by | Apr 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2025

Check out the latest on the Bruins and the Utah Hockey Club in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS FOCUSED ON A QUICK TURNAROUND FOR NEXT SEASON

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney intends to use “every mechanism possible” during the offseason to bolster his roster for a quick turnaround from a disappointing 2024-25 season.

That includes being active in this summer’s free-agent and trade markets.

The Bruins GM wants to improve the depth among his top-six wingers. They also need more depth at center, but could stand pat this summer, given how expensive it is to address that issue.

Sweeney expects better performance from underachievers like goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo, defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and center Elias Lindholm. He’s also hoping for healthy seasons from blueliners Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss also cited Sweeney saying he’d look to add scoring wingers this summer. Free-agent options could include Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets.

Goss acknowledged it’s unknown if Marner or Ehlers will be available on July 1, let alone if they’d sign with the Bruins. He believes that leaves the trade market for Sweeney to find that scoring winger, pointing out they have four first-round picks and five second-rounders over the next three drafts to draw up for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins have $28.8 million in projected cap space with 11 active roster players under contract next season.

Some of that money will go toward re-signing restricted free agents like Morgan Geekie, Mason Lohrei, John Beecher, Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko. Sweeney has already confirmed contract talks are underway with Geekie, and he’s expected to be in their lineup for next season.

Nevertheless, they should have enough left to make a significant signing or two in the free-agent market.

BOSTON SPORTS JOURNAL: Joe Haggerty wondered if the Bruins will make any surprising moves involving some of their veterans during the offseason.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images)

Haggerty noted that Jeremy Swayman is the Bruins’ only high-salaried player lacking no-trade protection. The no-movement clause in the 26-year-old goaltender’s contract doesn’t kick in until the 2026-27 season.

Swayman’s difficult season contributed to the Bruins missing the playoffs. It has some observers like Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondering if he could be moved this summer based on his performance this season, his ugly contract negotiations last summer, or some potentially conflicting personalities within the Bruins’ dressing room.

Friedman believes the Bruins should be patient with Swayman and look for a bounce-back performance next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Swayman would be a bold move by the Bruins and there would be no shortage of suitors among clubs seeking a goaltending upgrade. However, it would also leave the Bruins without a reliable starting netminder. There is no suitable replacement in their system or in the trade and free-agent markets.

The Bruins hope to make a quick turnaround from this disappointing season. They need a focused Swayman between the pipes to pull it off.

LATEST UTAH HOCKEY CLUB SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Spencer Lazary noted the Utah Hockey Club intends to be aggressive in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

They could use their 2025 first-round draft pick as a trade chip to improve the current roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah is among the 16 teams in this year’s upcoming NHL Draft Lottery. They’re currently sitting 14th overall in the draft order but could move up 10 spots if they win the lottery.

Utah already has a well-stocked prospect pipeline and several rising young stars like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther on their roster. They can afford to peddle that first-rounder if it’ll fetch a return that provides immediate help.

They might attempt to make a splash in this summer’s UFA pool.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah has $22.3 million in cap space with 19 active roster players signed for next season, including their core players. They have room for a significant signing if ownership is willing to spend to the cap.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: Belle Fraser reports Utah forward Matias Maccelli had a difficult season. After netting 57 points in 2023-24, his production dropped to 18 points in 55 games, becoming a regular healthy scratch during the second half.

Maccelli hopes for a bounce-back performance next season. Fraser indicates the club still has faith in him, but his role in Utah is now unclear. The 24-year-old left winger has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.425 million, but an offseason trade isn’t off the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli could become a trade chip this summer as part of the return for an impact player.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2025

by | Apr 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2025

The latest on the Canucks, Flyers and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BROCK BOESER HEADING TO FREE-AGENCY & QUESTIONS OVER QUINN HUGHES’ FUTURE

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser appears headed to free agency in July. However, management is willing to leave the door open if the 28-year-old winger doesn’t find any suitable offers from other clubs.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Finding a replacement for Boeser won’t be easy. The Canucks would not be dealing from a position of strength in the free-agent market.

Johnston also cited CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reporting Canucks president of hockey ops Jim Rutherford won’t be disciplined by the NHL for his quip on Monday about team captain Quinn Hughes hoping to one day play with brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Some observers wondered if Rutherford violated the league’s anti-tampering rules. According to Dhaliwal, the league believes Rutherford’s remark was made in jest.

DAILY FACEOFF: Rutherford may have been joking about Hughes’ desire to play with his brothers, but Frank Seravalli believes the possibility could be out of the Canucks’ hands.

Seravalli thinks Hughes’ future in Vancouver could be tied to whatever happens with head coach Rick Tocchet. The club hopes to sign him to a contract extension, as Tocchet is taking some time to consider his options.

Hughes has been vocal about Tocchet being the best coach he’s played for. If he doesn’t return, it could open the door for Hughes’ potential departure when his contract expires in 2027.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given all the drama the Canucks have endured this season, it’s hard to believe they were considered an emerging power in the Western Conference a year ago.

Since then, J.T. Miller has been traded, questions have arisen over Elias Pettersson’s role as their first-line center, Boeser and Tocchet could sign elsewhere, there are growing concerns about oft-injured goaltender Thatcher Demko, and now there are questions about Hughes’ future in Vancouver. 

WILL THE FLYERS MAKE BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at the potential offseason plans of Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere.

The Flyers GM wants to add a difference-maker (preferably a top-six center) to his lineup. It’s unlikely he’ll bring in a big-ticket free agent, meaning he’ll have to get creative.

They have seven picks in the first two rounds of this year’s draft to draw on for trade bait. Briere could also go the offer-sheet route.

A goaltending upgrade is also necessary. Barring some sort of blockbuster move, Samuel Ersson will return next season. They’re stuck with Ivan Fedotov, who has a year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $3.75 million.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James suggests Briere target Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks via trade or offer sheet, or attempt to acquire Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken or Elias Pettersson of the Canucks through the trade market.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco expects the Flyers will be moderate spenders during the offseason. He doesn’t expect they’ll get into the bidding for someone like Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers if he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Instead, he suggested signing Brock Nelson to a three-year contract as a stop-gap solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Briere has made bold moves in the past and could do so again this summer. However, if the intent is to be moderate spenders, that could put the kibosh on pursuing any of James’ suggested targets.

THE LATEST RED WINGS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported that Patrick Kane indicated that he believes there is mutual interest in returning with the Detroit Red Wings. He intends to discuss his situation with his family, his agents and Wings management, but he has enjoyed his time in Detroit.

Bultman also believes the Red Wings’ biggest offseason question is whether they can add a legit top-four defenseman to skate with Moritz Seider on the top pairing or to lead the second pairing if Simon Edvinsson moves up.

Another priority is finding a top-line winger to skate alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Mitch Marner could be the top player in this summer’s free-agent market, but Bultman doesn’t expect the Wings could win a bidding war for the Toronto Maple Leafs winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings could pursue a UFA winger like Brock Boeser or Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets.

Meanwhile, the market for UFA blueliners is thinner after the Jets re-signed Neal Pionk. Vladislav Gavrikov would be a good option but Bultman noted the Kings are confident they can re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2025

by | Apr 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2025

Could Quinn Hughes reunite with his brothers in Vancouver or New Jersey this summer? What’s next for the Kraken after making changes behind the bench and in the front office? What’s the latest on the Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE HUGHES BROTHERS REUNITE IN VANCOUVER OR NEW JERSEY?

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre thinks Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford was joking when he spoke about reuniting team captain Quinn Hughes with brothers Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Rutherford mentioned that Quinn had spoken of playing with his brothers one day. He said that was partly out of the club’s control, but it would be within the team’s control to bring Jack and Luke to Vancouver.

“We’ve got to be careful with tampering here, so we’ll just leave it at that,” said Rutherford. “I probably crossed the line anyways.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford was speaking about the importance of ensuring sufficient cap space to re-sign Quinn when his contract expires in two years. He suggested money might not be what matters most to him, mentioning the blueliner’s brothers.

Rutherford’s remarks raised eyebrows and will undoubtedly spark speculation about how such a reunion might happen. However, there is no indication Quinn intends to leave the Canucks, while the Devils aren’t parting with Jack and Luke.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes it would be easier for Quinn to head to New Jersey than for Jack and Luke to go to Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The path of least resistance is to wait for Quinn to become a UFA in 2027. It will only cost the Devils money to sign him rather than money plus a package of player assets to acquire him through a trade with the Canucks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Canucks must come up with a plan to ensure they keep Quinn in the lineup for a long time. One way would be getting aggressive in the trade and free-agent markets over the next two years to make the Canucks the best competitive option.

Another would be acquiring Jack and Luke. However, that would be very difficult to accomplish given their lack of trade assets to make such a blockbuster occur.

The Canucks could also trade Quinn if it appears unlikely that he’ll sign a long-term extension next summer. However, they would get equal value for Hughes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The best way is for the Canucks to convince Quinn that they want to build a winner around him. That means trying to stock up their roster over the next two years through trades and free agency. Their moves this summer will determine if Hughes has a long-term future in Vancouver.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE KRAKEN?

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Matt Calkins recently looked at what the Kraken must do this summer to regain relevance after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Calkins wrote this column on Apr. 17, before the Kraken fired head coach Dan Bylsma and replaced Ron Francis as general manager with Jason Botterill.

Team CEO Tod Leiweke said last week that Kraken fans should expect this offseason to be one of the most active and busy in the club’s short history.

Calkins believes the Kraken should leverage their draft capital to land one or two true scorers. He pointed out that they have five first-round picks and four second-rounders over the next three drafts. That’s ample ammunition to make some moves.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lack of scoring punch has been the Kraken’s weakness. They’ve never had a true scoring star on their roster. Landing one won’t be easy, even with that draft capital. It’ll be interesting to see what approach Botterill takes this summer to address that need.

Calkin’s colleague Kate Schefte listed several possible coaching candidates to replace Dan Bylsma.

Former Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, and former NHL coaches Bruce Boudreau and John Tortorella were among the notables.

RECENT BRUINS SPECULATION

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss recently looked at what the Bruins might do to fix their roster and bounce back as a playoff contender next season.

Finding a legitimate top-six center is one issue to be addressed. The best potential free-agent option would be Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. However, he’s not one the Bruins should spend major money on, especially if they want to take a crack at signing Mitch Marner if he parts ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent on July 1.

Goss believes the trade market is the best way for the Bruins to find a suitable top-six center. He points out they’ve got four first-round picks and five second-rounders over the next three drafts to draw on for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding suitable centers in the trade market won’t be easy. The Bruins could target cash-strapped clubs to address that need.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2025

by | Apr 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2025

Will the Penguins trade Erik Karlsson during the offseason? What’s next for the Ducks after firing their head coach? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE PENGUINS TRADE ERIK KARLSSON?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas should do himself a favor and trade Erik Karlsson this summer.

Acquiring the three-time Norris Trophy winner two years ago was a worthy experiment, but it’s clear that it has failed. He costs too much against their salary cap, his defensive play has been notoriously bad, he’s been ineffective on the power play, and his laid-back personality isn’t what they need.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Yohe cites multiple league sources claiming some teams might be intrigued if Dubas retained a portion (maybe $2.5 million) of his $10 million cap hit. Despite the flaws in Karlsson’s game with the Penguins, he would have more value in the trade market than the struggling Ryan Graves or the aging Kris Letang.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes Karlsson is frustrated over the Penguins’ underachieving in the last two seasons. He will soon turn 35 and carries a salary-cap hit just shy of $10 million with two years left on his contract.

Karlsson has been coy this season, never firmly stating he’s all in like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. However, Kingerski noted that few suitors for Karlsson have emerged in the trade market. He’s doubtful that a deal could be found if the blueliner asks for a trade. Still, if the right situation comes along, a trade could be made.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden believes the Penguins will trade Karlsson. He expects they’ll retain $3 million of his cap hit to facilitate the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s average annual value is $11.5 million, but the Penguins carry almost $10 million while the San Jose Sharks pay the rest.

Dubas will probably scour the trade market for a suitable trade partner for Karlsson. The Penguins will have to retain part of his AAV to make a deal happen, but at this stage, it’s better to move out most of it if it’ll result in moving him to another team.

A potential sticking point is Karlsson’s no-movement clause. His preference could be a playoff contender that plays a style best suited to his puck-moving skills.

THE LATEST DUCKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek made a bold step by firing head coach Greg Cronin. Now, the onus is on Verbeek to deliver a winner.

Verbeek must find a new head coach but also make moves to give that bench boss a better roster. The Ducks have plenty of promising young talent, but they were inconsistent and defensively deficient, relying too heavily on their goaltending.

The Ducks will have almost $39 million in salary-cap space next season, giving them financial muscle to flex this offseason. Verbeek was rebuffed in his efforts to land Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault last summer, but Stephens expects he’ll go big-game hunting again this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitch Marner could be the biggest name in this summer’s free-agent market if he doesn’t re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stephens said it isn’t clear if the 28-year-old two-way winger would be a target.

The Ducks could afford to make Marner one of the NHL’s highest-paid players. The question is, would he want to join a promising but unproven young team? Otherwise, Verbeek might have to turn to the trade market for an impact player.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

by | Apr 20, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 20, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames, Rangers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT WILL THE FLAMES DO THIS OFF-SEASON?

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin believes Rasmus Andersson’s future will be the biggest news for Flames fans to track this summer. The 28-year-old defenseman has a year remaining on his contract.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

Flames general manager Craig Conroy can sign Andersson to an extension starting on July 1. However, both sides admit there’s a little uncertainty right now, but they will meet at some point to discuss the blueliner’s future.

Wes Gilbertson observed that this is a familiar spot for Conroy. He faced a similar decision with Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin. Those three were traded last season when they couldn’t reach an agreement on new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames don’t have to trade Andersson this summer if they don’t get a new deal hammered out. However, moving him might be better than having the uncertainty over his future become an unnecessary distraction next season.

Andersson will have considerable value in this summer’s trade market, especially from teams that lose out in the bidding for the top free-agent defensemen.

Conroy didn’t rule out making a splash in this summer’s free-agent market but will continue to take a patient approach to building a contender. He also didn’t take the possibility of an offer sheet off the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames have two first-round picks and two third-round picks in next year’s draft. They also have over $32 million in cap space for 2025-26. Conroy can afford to sign one or two unrestricted free agents or sign a restricted free agent from a rival team to an offer sheet. However, just because he can doesn’t necessarily mean he will.

WHO ARE SOME POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at some early candidates to replace Peter Laviolette, who was fired as head coach of the Rangers on Friday.

If the opportunity arises, Rangers GM Chris Drury could try to pry away Mike Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan has said he’s with the Penguins for the long haul, but who knows what will happen after they missed the playoffs for the third straight year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan has two years remaining on his contract. Last week, he said he intends to remain with the Penguins.

Others on her proposed list include Boston Bruins assistant coach Jay Leach, Boston University coach Jay Pandolfo, former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet, University of Denver coach David Carle, Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Marc Savard, former Rangers coach John Tortorella, and former NHL coach Joel Quenneville. The Blueshirts weren’t interested in Quenneville the last time they went through the hiring process.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see who Drury brings in as Laviolette’s replacement.

There’s no indication that the Penguins will give Sullivan the axe, and it’s unlikely they’ll hire Quenneville (because of his baggage) or bring back the combative Tortorella.

Carle has frequently surfaced as a coaching candidate, but may be reluctant to leave his current position. If he does, it might be to join a team with young players that he can mold into a winning roster.

Winner of the Jack Adams Award last season, Tocchet could become the best choice if available. However, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only team interested in his services.

LATEST SABRE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at some offseason questions for the Sabres after another year outside the playoff picture.

What the path looked like for their restricted free agents was among those questions. Fairburn observed that the threat of an offer sheet looms for forward JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram. He thinks a long-term deal for Peterka could be worth at least $7 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That number for Peterka is close to the $6.6 million projected by Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

The Sabres have $21.4 million in cap space for next season, so they can afford to match offer sheets for Peterka and Bowen. That’s assuming they’ll spend to the cap. However, the cost of doing so could complicate efforts to bolster their roster.

Fairburn doesn’t rule out the possibility of another core player getting traded. If so, it could be one of their restricted free agents or a player under contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trade wouldn’t be for draft picks and prospects. Like the Byram-for-Mittelstadt and the Norris-for-Cozens swaps, they’ll want a comparable NHL player in return.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 19, 2025

by | Apr 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 19, 2025

What could be in store for the Red Wings this off-season? Could the Sharks trade the potential first-overall pick? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RED WINGS?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at some of the storylines facing the Detroit Red Wings following another disappointing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings’ postseason drought is at a team-record nine seasons, with the last six under general manager Steve Yzerman. The first three seasons were expected because they were rebuilding, but their struggles to break through as a playoff contender have some observers suggesting the “Yzerplan” is broken.

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).

The Red Wings’ offensive depth remains a concern beyond Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. They’ll have to find a way to get more out of the group they have, or shake things up this summer.

Bultman thinks the Wings should bring back Patrick Kane. The 36-year-old right wing developed a strong chemistry this season with linemates DeBrincat and Marco Kasper. He seemed to like playing in Detroit the past two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane is eligible for unrestricted free agent status but could be enticed to return for one or two more seasons. However, that could depend on management’s plans to improve the roster for next season.

The Red Wings could be aggressive this summer to improve their roster. Bultman doesn’t expect them to throw expensive contracts at as many big names as possible. He recommends adding a shutdown defenseman like Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings.

Bultman acknowledges there could be some free-agent forwards to consider like Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, Brock Boeser or Nikolaj Ehlers. He thinks they might only be able to make a big swing at one position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Defense seems the priority for the Wings. The depth at that position really drops beyond top blueliner Moritz Seider, though Simon Edvinsson showed promise this season.

SHARKS COULD BE OPEN TO TRADING THE FIRST-OVERALL PICK

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng reports San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier could be open to trading the first-overall pick if his club wins next month’s NHL Draft Lottery.

The Sharks won last year’s draft lottery and selected foundation player Macklin Celebrini. Finishing last overall, they have the best odds of winning the lottery again.

Grier noted the consensus first-overall pick is defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters, after which it’s more forward-heavy. He wouldn’t say no if he received a really good offer of young, established players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Every general manager holding the first-overall pick says they’re willing to listen to offers because they know it’s almost certain they won’t get any that’ll tempt them to part with that pick.

The last time that happened was in 2003, when the Florida Panthers traded it to the Pittsburgh Penguins. That pick turned into Marc-Andre Fleury. To be fair to the Panthers, they already had a future Hall-of-Fame goalie on their roster named Roberto Luongo.