NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2025

by | May 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2025

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, and Lightning coach Jon Cooper in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD MITCH MARNER LEAVE THE MAPLE LEAFS THIS SUMMER?

TORONTO SUN: Dan Bilicki cited NHL commentator Paul Bissonnette suggesting “a little hostility” between Maple Leafs management and Mitch Marner could see the 27-year-old winger depart this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Bissonnette explained the “hostility” was based on the fact that the Leafs attempted to trade Marner to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Mikko Rantanen at the March 7 trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Bissonnette noted that the book remains open on Marner’s playoff performance, but he believes he could garner $14 million per season on his next contract. He also cited Marner’s connection with former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, who is now the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports at the time had Leafs GM Brad Treliving telling Marner they wanted to re-sign him, but if the winger didn’t think they could agree to a new contract, there was the opportunity to send him to Carolina for Rantanen. Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause, indicating that he wanted to stay in Toronto. 

The Leafs’ performance (including Marner’s) in this postseason could determine his future. Another early postseason exit could lead to his departure on July 1.

MATHEW BARZAL TRADE RUMOR DEBUNKED

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted a recent rumor making the rounds claiming Mathew Barzal wanted a trade from the Islanders because he was upset over the dismissal of GM Lou Lamoriello.

The rumor stated Barzal wanted out because he didn’t want to be part of a roster rebuild. However, Macias points out the Isles will be retooling rather than rebuilding.

They possess a top-five goaltender in Ilya Sorokin, a talented young defenseman in Noah Dobson, and emerging talent like Simon Holmstrom, Maxim Tsyplakov, Alexander Romanov and recently-acquired prospect forward Calum Ritchie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whoever replaces Lamoriello will be tasked with building around Barzal and the players mentioned by Macias. Indeed, Barzal will likely be among the first people the new general manager contacts to discuss his plans for the future.

LIGHTNING COACH PLANNING A MOVE TO UTAH?

YARDBARKER: Cited Larry Brooks of the New York Post reporting on social media that a “plugged-in individual has told me not to be surprised” if Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper departs to “take over the operation” of the Utah Hockey club.

Brooks noted that Cooper signed an extension last year, taking him through 2025-26, finding it odd that it was only one year. He cited Cooper’s friendship with Utah owner Ryan Smyth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the saying goes, “Huge if true”.

Don’t be surprised if pundits ask Cooper whether there’s any truth to Brooks’ report during the Lightning’s upcoming end-of-season press conference. It’ll be interesting to hear his response.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2025

by | Apr 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2025

Check out the latest on the Red Wings and the latest on coaches Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE RED WINGS’ OFFSEASON PLANS.

THE ATHLETIC: Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman addressed team captain Dylan Larkin’s recent comments about his unhappiness with the club’s lack of significant moves at the March 7 trade deadline. He explained that he tried to address the club’s needs but there were “no good options.”

Yzerman claimed his team is willing to use premium assets (like draft picks, prospects and players) to get better, pointing out he did so when he acquired Alex DeBrincat in 2023. He added that he expected his best players to give the club a bit of a morale boost. Yzerman said he spoke with Larkin, but didn’t elaborate on that conversation.

The Red Wings GM acknowledged his club needed more production from their bottom-six forwards and more 5-on-5 scoring from their top six. He made it clear that he’s willing to make trades to address those issues, but doesn’t expect to go the offer-sheet route.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reported Larkin’s comment raised speculation that the Red Wings captain could end up on the trade block.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Duff dismissed that chatter, pointing out Larkin is the face of the franchise who carries a full no-movement clause in his contract. He also noted the Red Wings captain remains determined to get the team into the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin doesn’t sound like he wants to be traded. He could waive his NMC if Yzerman asked him to, but that’s unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, Duff believes Vladimir Tarasenko could be a buyout candidate following a disappointing performance this season. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson could be a trade candidate.

Forward J.T. Compher and defenseman Justin Holl are expected back next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Yzerman said there was mutual interest in bringing back Patrick Kane for another season. He admits he and his staff hope to sign the 36-year-old winger to a contract extension.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANUCKS AFTER RICK TOCCHET’S DEPARTURE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma listed former former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, former New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, former NHL coach Gerard Gallant, and coach Manny Maholtra of the Canucks’ AHL affilate in Abbotsford as possible replacement for Rick Tocchet, who decided not to return behind the Canucks bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre believes replacing Tocchet is the offseason priority for the Canucks. He also thinks team captain Quinn Hughes will have a say in the hiring process. Finding someone who works well with Hughes will be a significant step toward ensuring the latter’s long-term future in Vancouver.

Scratch Sullivan from Kuzma’s list. Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said his friend wants a coaching job in the East.

It remains to be seen where Tocchet ends up. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jordan Hall noted the recent speculation linking him to the Flyers, examining the pros and cons of bringing Tocchet to Philadelphia.

If the Flyers are interested in Tocchet, they could face competition from several other clubs seeking a coaching upgrade. The 2024 Jack Adams Award winner won’t be out of work for long.

MIKE SULLIVAN DRAWING INTEREST FROM SEVERAL TEAMS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports five NHL teams have expressed interest in coach Mike Sullivan, who parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday. He claims there are varying degrees of interest in Sullivan, with some clubs simply curious and others very serious.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun didn’t indicate the identity of those clubs. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and the Flyers are among the teams linked to Sullivan in the rumor mill.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

by | Apr 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

Who are potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as the Penguins’ head coach? Which clubs could be suitors for Sullivan? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Bill Hartlep included former NHL coaches Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella on his list of potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sullivan and the Penguins mutually agreed to part ways after 10 seasons, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.

Hartlep also mentioned Rick Tocchet, David Quinn and Mike Vellucci, who all served at one time or another as assistant coaches under Sullivan. He included University of Denver coach David Carle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet is currently the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and is reportedly in contract extension talks with that club.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel had Tocchet, Carle and Quinn among his list of coaching candidates.

Other options included former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, PWHL coach Kori Cheverie, Western Michigan coach Pat Ferschweiler, Rickard Gronberg of Tappara in Finnish Liga, Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love, Manny Malhotra of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, Boston University’s Jay Pandolfo, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Mike Van Ryn, and former Edmonton Oilers’ coach Jay Woodcroft.

THE ATHLETIC: Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe included Kirk MacDonald of the club’s AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on his list of candidates. Todd Nelson of the AHL’s Hershey Bears was another suggested option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time will tell if one of those candidates get the job. The Penguins could be interested in bringing back Tocchet if he becomes available, but they won’t be the only suitors for the 2024 Jack Adams Award winner.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR MIKE SULLIVAN

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers’ vacant head-coaching job is there for Mike Sullivan if he wants it, but questions remain.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (NHL Images).

Sullivan might be the best choice to get the most out of veteran core players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, the latter four of whom played for him on Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

However, his handling of younger players like Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, Brennan Othmann, Braden Schneider and more would determine his success as the Blueshirts’ bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars might be interested in Sullivan.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James pondered whether Sullivan would be a good fit coaching the rebuilding Flyers.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen makes the case for the Blackhawks to pursue Sullivan.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW‘s Andrew Fantucchio and THE ATHLETIC‘s Fluto Shinzawa believe Sullivan should be the top choice as the Bruins’ potential head coach.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Bruins have already reached out to Sullivan. However, the former Penguins coach wants to take some time to decompress before deciding on his next move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan remained a well-respected coach around the league despite the rebuilding Penguins’ struggles over the past three seasons. He won’t be unemployed for long.

OTHER PENGUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked which restricted free agents he sees the Penguins targeting this summer. He suggested defenseman Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe stressed that Byram would be his choice and wasn’t basing it on anything he’d heard.

He didn’t indicate if he meant targeting Byram for a trade or an offer sheet. Assuming the latter, the Sabres have over $21 million in cap space to match any offer for the 23-year-old blueliners.

Yohe doesn’t see the Penguins attempting to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. “It looks like a disaster of a contract, and he’s not very well respected around the league.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson has seven years left on his contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Assuming Vancouver retained some of his cap hit, that contract remains burdensome. If the Canucks try to move him they’ll have to move quickly because his no-movement clause begins on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

by | Apr 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad and what could be next for the Islanders after parting ways with Lou Lamoriello.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported that Mika Zibanejad knows his disappointing performance this season has put him at a crossroads with the Rangers.

The 32-year-old center was among several notable underperforming Rangers. He also reportedly didn’t like how general manager Chris Drury handled “certain business” this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be Drury waiving popular checking-line forward Barclay Goodrow last June, his attempts to peddle Jacob Trouba last summer before trading him to Anaheim in December, and the league-wide memo last November indicating veteran leaders like Trouba and Chris Kreider were available.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Walker indicates there is speculation about Zibanejad’s future in New York. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause. She wondered if Zibanejad and the Rangers could put this season aside and trust each other going forward, or would Drury sit down with him and convince him to accept a trade.

“I know what my contract says,” Zibanejad said the day before the Rangers’ final game of the season. “Both parties agreed to it, and like I said, I think I’ve earned it. Until it’s time to adjust it, I have no plans of going anywhere. I’ve invested a lot of years here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad saying “until it’s time to adjust it” suggests he could be open to waiving his no-movement clause for the right team. He was rumored to be part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller but was said to have refused to waive his clause. The Rangers part with Filip Chytil instead.

Zibanejad could be difficult to move even if he agreed to be traded. He turned 32 earlier this month, his production has steadily declined since his career-best 91-point performance in 2022-23, and few teams will be willing to take on his cap hit for the next five years.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at what lies ahead for the New York Islanders after parting ways with general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Certain players will want to know what the future holds. Kyle Palmieri was said to be close to a contract extension with Lamoriello before the latter was fired last week. Restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Simon Holmstrom and Alexander Romanov will also want to know where they stand.

There’s also the possibility of contract buyouts when the two-week window opens in late June. Winger Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield could be buyout candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson, Holmstrom and Romanov will likely be re-signed. Palmieri’s future is less certain if the next GM believes the money would be better invested in pursuing a younger player.

Engvall has five years left on his contract with an AAV of $3 million. Buying him out would count as $1 million annually against the Isles’ cap until 2034-35. Mayfield also has five years left with a $3.5 million AAV. His buyout would run through 2034-35 with an annual cap hit of $1.166 million.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 27, 2025

by | Apr 27, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 27, 2025

Could Joel Quenneville become the next coach of the Ducks? What’s the latest on Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

QUENNEVILLE THE NEXT DUCKS COACH?

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a well-connected NHL source claiming the Anaheim Ducks have offered their open head-coaching job to Joel Quenneville.

“The job is his if he wants it, and I’ll be stunned if he doesn’t take it,” said Murphy’s source, who believes it is all but certain Quenneville will become the next coach of the Ducks.

Former NHL head coach Joel Quenneville (NHL.com).

Quenneville hasn’t coached since Oct. 2021 when he abruptly stepped down as the bench boss of the Florida Panthers. The move came two days following an independent investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks’ handling of sexual assault allegations against their former video coach by prospect Kyle Beach in 2010.

Quenneville was the head coach of the Blackhawks at the time. The investigation’s report indicated he and others who knew what happened were instructed by then-Blackhawks CEO John McDonough to keep silent and focus on the club’s Stanley Cup run.

The source added that Quenneville is an old friend of Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, going back to their days as teammates with the New Jersey Devils in 1982-83. He won three Stanley Cups with Chicago (2010, 2013, 2015) and sits second among NHL coaches with 969 regular-season wins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quenneville had a well-deserved reputation as one of the league’s best coaches before the Blackhawks scandal broke in 2021. Soon after he resigned from the Panthers, he was banned by league commissioner Gary Bettman. However, he was cleared to return to the NHL coaching ranks last July.

Former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman was among those involved in that scandal. He received clearance from the league to return to management and was hired as GM of the Edmonton Oilers last summer.

WHAT CAN THE CANUCKS DO TO ENSURE QUINN HUGHES’ LONG-TERM FUTURE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently looked at what it would take for the Vancouver Canucks to ensure Quinn Hughes’ long-term future. He believes they’re facing a pivotal offseason, suggesting next season could determine the 25-year-old defenseman’s career direction.

Getting Rick Tocchet signed to a contract extension is one way. The rumor mill has linked the Canucks head coach to the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. The 2024 Jack Adams Award winner earned $2.75 million this season and is in line for a hefty raise.

Kuzma noted that Hughes has close friendships with Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, Josh Norris of the Buffalo Sabres, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Bringing one of them to Vancouver could make him happy, but that’s unlikely to happen. Tkachuk and Larkin are captains of their respective teams and are under lucrative long-term contracts. Norris was recently acquired by the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Tocchet should be the easy part but that depends on whether he wants to return to the Canucks and if they’re willing to offer up a significant pay hike for his services.

Tkachuk, Norris and Larkin aren’t going anywhere. Meanwhile, the Canucks need to find a reliable second-line center and a first-line right wing if Brock Boeser departs via free agency on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2025

by | Apr 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2025

What’s the latest Blue Jackets speculation? Are the Bruins about to part ways with Joonas Korpisalo? Why haven’t the Hurricanes signed prospect defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a contract? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline expects to see the Columbus Blue Jackets make changes to their goaltending and defense corps this summer.

Goaltending demands the most attention. Starter Elvis Merzlikins improved over last season, but the temperamental netminder struggled down the stretch. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million. Meanwhile, the coaching staff has lost confidence in backup Daniil Tarasov, who is a restricted free agent.

General manager Don Waddell goes into the offseason with a projected $41 million in salary cap space. He also has two first-round picks in this year’s draft, one of which could be used as a trade chip.

Waddell has been willing to pursue other clubs’ RFAs with offer sheets. However, his club doesn’t have its second-round pick in this year’s draft, which limits what kind of offer he could make, as he’d need that pick as compensation for a successful signing.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (NHL Images).

Portzline asked Waddell if he might consider buying out Merzlikins or defenseman Damon Severson, who was a healthy scratch 10 times this season. The Blue Jackets GM said he couldn’t say how the summer will play out, but it wasn’t something they were looking at.

Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He seeks a seven or eight-year contract but the Jackets could be unwilling to go that far. They’d also like to re-sign pending UFA blueliner Dante Fabbro.

Forward Yegor Chinakhov was sidelined by an injury for most of this season. Given Waddell’s tendency to ship out oft-injured players, Portzline wondered if he might become a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs this year. They’re loaded with young talent up front but they must improve between the pipes and on the blueliner. Expect Waddell to be among this summer’s busiest general managers attempting to bolster his roster.

Fixing the goaltending will be a challenge. The best potential UFA options are Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils and Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson’s been a fixture in trade rumors over the last two years, but injuries, inconsistent play and his $6.4 million AAV through 2026-27 have kept him in Anaheim.

COULD THE BRUINS SHOP JOONAS KORPISALO?

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that numerous sources said the agent for Boston Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo told the club’s management that his client would welcome a trade this summer if he doesn’t get more starts next season.

Korpisalo started 27 games this season, with 11 wins, a 2.90 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .893. Agent Markus Lehto was unavailable for comment, and there was no official confirmation that a trade request was made.

“He’s not happy and thinks he’s earned more playing time,” one source told Murphy. “He’s more than open to exploring trade options.”

Teams reportedly checked on Korpisalo’s availability before the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo was traded to the Bruins by the Ottawa Senators last summer in exchange for Linus Ullmark. He has three more seasons remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4 million, of which the Bruins carry $3 million annually and the Senators $1 million.

Korpisalo had starter opportunities with the Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, his inconsistency has made it difficult to remain in those roles. He’s the backup for Jeremy Swayman in Boston and might not get more playing time next season if the latter rebounds from his disappointing performance this season.

HURRICANES HAVING DIFFICULTIES SIGNING ALEXANDER NIKISHIN?

RG.ORG’s Sergey Demidov cited the agent for Carolina Hurricanes prospect defenseman Alexander Nikishin had harsh words for the club’s efforts to sign his client to an NHL contract.

Earlier this month, Nikishin was released from his KHL contract with SKA St. Petersburg, enabling him to sign his entry-level deal with the Hurricanes. His agent, Alexander Chernykh, called the Hurricanes “one of the most complicated teams to deal with regarding management.” He added that his client would return home or request a trade if this issue wasn’t resolved.

Demidov believes Chernykh is trying to justify himself. “It seems he wasn’t able to bring Nikishin to Carolina before the end of the season, as the Canes’ coaches wanted.”

SPORTSNET’s Elliotte Friedman reports Ryan Barnes, Nikishin’s North American agent, said they continue working on his client’s status with the Hurricanes. “Our Russian partners are simply excited to see Alexander play for the Hurricanes and so are we.”