NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2025

by | Apr 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a look at possible options for the Maple Leafs if they don’t re-sign Mitch Marner and the latest on the Kraken.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle look at the Plan B options for the Toronto Maple Leafs if Mitch Marner departs on July 1st as a free agent.

They believe the likelihood of re-signing John Tavares increases if Marner leaves. The Leafs will be reluctant to part with two core players in the same offseason. There also aren’t many suitable options available to replace him.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Marner’s departure would promote William Nylander to the first-line, leaving the Leafs searching for another top-six winger like Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers or Vancouver’s Brock Boeser if they’re available in this summer’s free-agent market. They could also wait until next summer when better options (Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid) might be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs will likely re-sign Marner unless his asking price goes ridiculously high. They’re better off with him than without because there’s no one in this summer’s UFA or trade markets to replace him, and as Siegel and Mirtle acknowledged, most of the best players in next summer’s free-agent market will be re-signed by their current clubs.

If Marner proves too expensive or another early playoff exit leads to big roster changes, they’ll definitely search for a reasonable replacement this summer. They could also use the money they intended to pay Marner to add two good, affordable players to boost their roster depth.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte looks at what the offseason could hold for the Kraken after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. She cited team CEO Tod Leiweke maintaining that ownership still has faith in general manager Ron Francis. “I don’t think this is a rebuild,” he said.

The Kraken’s goals-per-game average improved over last season’s 2.61 (currently 2.97, sitting 16th overall). However, the goals allowed increased (3.23, sitting as the tenth-highest) while their special teams rank among the league’s bottom third.

Shefte expects the Kraken will have an active summer. They’re set to land a top-five draft pick and they have trade capital to acquire proven scorers – “really do it right this time.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton looked ahead at the Kraken’s possible offseason plans. Hutton points out they lack a superstar, making it difficult to succeed in today’s NHL. He acknowledged the difficulty of finding one via free agency as they tend to be homegrown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect the Kraken to pursue someone like Mitch Marner this summer via free agency. They’ll have to draft and develop a superstar.

Seattle has a projected cap space of $20.8 million next season with 15 active roster players under contract. Notable restricted free agents include Kaapo Kakko, Tye Kartye and Ryker Evans but they should be affordable re-signings. They have no core players eligible for UFA status.

The Kraken have two second-round picks and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft, two first-rounders, two fourth-rounders and two seventh-round picks in 2026, and two first-round picks and two second-rounders in 2027. They have the cap space and draft capital to draw on for trade bait to add a scorer or an all-around defenseman this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2025

by | Apr 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2025

The latest Predators speculation, a Sabres forward is suggested as an offer-sheet target, and Cam York’s future with the Flyers in today’s (no foolin’) edition of the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHO SHOULD THE PREDATORS MOVE THIS SUMMER?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli asked Carter Hutton which veteran player he would pick to trade this summer.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault (NHL Images).

Hutton thinks it should be Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault. Both players were signed to four-year contracts last summer. He doesn’t think they can move away from long-time Predators like Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Hutton also sees them sticking with goaltender Juuse Saros now that Yaroslav Askarov is gone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hutton acknowledged moving either player would be tricky.

Stamkos, 35, has a full no-movement clause and an average annual value of $8.5 million on his contract. The 34-year-old Marchessault has a more affordable AAV ($5.5 million) and a 15-team no-trade list. He also carries a no-movement clause that prevents him from being sent to the minors.

The Predators will likely hang onto both players and hope for a bounce-back performance next season. If they attempt to trade one of them, interested clubs could squeeze them to retain some salary in the deal.

COULD SABRES FORWARD JJ PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton discussed which player they would target with an offer sheet this summer.

Seravalli believes JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres would be a prime candidate. The 23-year-old forward is completing a three-year entry-level contract.

Hutton believes Peterka is someone the Sabres will have to pay a significant raise to prevent him from becoming an offer-sheet target.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Peterka has steadily improved since his 2022-23 rookie campaign. He had 32 points in 77 games that season, 28 goals and 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24, and 23 goals and 59 points in 68 games this season.

The Sabres have a projected cap space for next season of over $22 million with 17 active roster players under contract. Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod and Jacob Bernard-Docker are also restricted free agents.

They should have enough space to sign everyone if they spend to the cap ceiling. Otherwise, things could get interesting if a rival club makes Peterka a tempting offer.

DOES CAM YORK STILL HAVE A FUTURE WITH THE FLYERS?

SPORTSNET: Last week, Elliotte Friedman talked about Cam York’s future with the Philadelphia Flyers following the firing of head coach John Tortorella.

Friedman said Flyers management and York’s representatives discussed a contract extension earlier this season but it didn’t happen. There were times this season when the 24-year-old defenseman came up in trade talks, but Friedman doesn’t believe the Flyers made him available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: York was benched for part of last Tuesday’s loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was Tortorella’s final game with the Flyers. He was also benched for Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Interim coach Brad Shaw said the benching for the Canadiens game was for “disciplinary reasons”. It was subsequently reported that there was a heated exchange between York and Tortorella during the Leafs game. The blueliner declined to discuss it, saying he took full responsibility for his actions.

York is part of a young core of players who were supposed to play significant roles for the rebuilding Flyers. However, two of them (Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee) were traded to the Calgary Flames in January, raising questions about his place with the club.

A restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer, York has struggled this season with 15 points in 60 games, down significantly from last season’s career-high of 30 points. His situation could be worth monitoring during the offseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

by | Mar 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2025

Should the Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette and re-sign K’Andre Miller? What should the next contract for Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko look like? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at the case for and against replacing Peter Laviolette as head coach of the New York Rangers.

If the Rangers decide to replace Laviolette, Staple doubts they’ll hire a coach from the amateur ranks like David Carle of the University of Colorado or Cam Abbott of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette (NHL.com).

Staple observed that Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan was on the Rangers’ shortlist two years ago. However, Sullivan said he isn’t ready to leave the Penguins and there’s no certainty he’d want to join the Rangers if he became available.

The league has cleared Joel Quenneville to return to the NHL coaching ranks. However, he comes with considerable baggage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laviolette’s status will come under scrutiny after this season, especially if the Rangers miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year.

LOHUD.COM: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes the Rangers are reaching a crossroads with K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1

Miller struggled through injury and inconsistency during the first half of this season. His performance improved after being paired with Will Borgen but his name still surfaced in trade rumors. Despite his inconsistencies, he remains the best left-shot defenseman in the organization.

Finding a suitable replacement for Miller if they trade him won’t be easy. There are limited options in the unrestricted free-agent market. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings and Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets are older and would cost more to sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano suggests the Rangers sign Miller to a two-year deal to take him up to his UFA eligibility. A better option could be available by then or Miller’s performance might improve enough to earn him a lucrative long-term deal with the Rangers.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Should your club trade Miller or sign him? Should they replace Laviolette or give him another season? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT COULD THATCHER DEMKO’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma recently observed that Thatcher Demko has a year remaining on his contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Demko’s average annual value of $5 million is below what comparable goalies are making. Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators will earn $8.25 million annually on his new four-year contract starting next season.

The 29-year-old Demko’s strong performance last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. However, he also has an injury history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuzma believes Demko should seek a deal similar to Ullmark’s. The Canucks could lock him up this summer on a four or five-year contract extension. However, his injury concerns could have them wait and see how he performs next season.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 30, 2025

by | Mar 30, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 30, 2025

Check out the latest on the Rangers and the Blackhawks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury made a mistake by letting last summer’s drama regarding his efforts to trade Jacob Trouba carry over into the regular season.

Brooks believes Trouba’s resentment over that situation adversely affected his performance and ability to lead as team captain. He thinks Drury should’ve known having a lame-duck captain would become toxic. The Rangers GM eventually traded Trouba to Anaheim in December.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

According to Brooks, there “certainly is the chance Drury will ask Mika Zibanejad to waive his no-movement clause that extends through the 2029-30 duration of his contract.” If that request is made, the Rangers cannot have a senior player on the team who knows he’s no longer wanted. The situation must be resolved in the offseason and not be allowed to bleed into the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Trouba was easier last year after July 1 because he only had two years left on his contract and his full no-movement clause was reduced to a 15-team no-trade list. Zibanejad has five more seasons left with full no-move protection and an average annual value of $8.5 million.

Zibanejad was rumored to have declined to waive his NMC to be part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. He could be more open to a trade this summer, especially if he feels he’s no longer wanted in New York. Zibanejad could also dig in his heels, creating a distracting standoff between himself and Drury.

Chris Kreider could become the more likely offseason trade candidate. He’s got two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. His production declined this season partly due to injuries but a playoff contender seeking a scoring left wing might take the chance on a bounce-back performance.

Artemi Panarin could be another option given he only has a year left on his deal. He might be willing to waive his NMC if Drury asks him but his $11.6 million AAV would be a sticking point. The Rangers would have to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers thinks some teams might be kicking themselves for not offering the Chicago Blackhawks a first-round pick for Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old center continued to take his career-best season to another level by netting his first NHL hat trick in a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last week.

Donato has 28 goals this season, 12 more than his previous best. Time will tell if this is a one-off performance or the start of a new trend for him.

Powers report Donato is sitting on a three-year contract extension offer worth $4 million annually from the Blackhawks. They’re hoping he recognizes that the top-six minutes and power-play time he’s getting wouldn’t be available to him on most teams, especially Stanley Cup contenders.

It’s believed Donato could be intrigued by the Boston Bruins if he goes to free agency on July 1. The Bruins have fallen off this season but still have some pieces.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is a Boston native and began his NHL career with the Bruins. They’re retooling and could seek out younger veterans who can help them stage a quick turnaround.

Powers is right about how Donato’s usage with the Blackhawks has led to his improved stats. He’s said that he’d like to stay in Chicago. It’s believed he’s seeking stability after bouncing from the Bruins to the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken before coming to Chicago two years ago.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 29, 2025

by | Mar 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 29, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look ahead at the potential offseason plans for the Red Wings and Predators and what Matthew Knies’ next contract with the Maple Leafs might look like.

MORE SPECULATION OVER THE RED WINGS’ OFFSEASON PLANS

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at general manager Steve Yzerman’s possible offseason plans as the Detroit Red Wings stumble down the stretch.

Bultman believes Yzerman must improve the Red Wings depth, but not by adding a third-line forward or third-pairing defenseman. He felt there must be more help for top forwards Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, more puck-movers among their defense, and more players who have a more consistent impact on the game.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman (NHL.com).

The Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues were fringe clubs in 2023-24 that made bold offseason moves that have improved their performance this season. The Capitals are jockeying with the Winnipeg Jets for first overall while the Blues have surged into a wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I’ve said before, this summer could be the most consequential of Yzerman’s tenure as general manager of the Red Wings. Another inconsistent season that extends their franchise-record postseason drought could cost him his job by this time next year.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes this season will be Alex Lyon’s last with the Red Wings. The 32-year-old is an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has dropped to No. 3 on their goaltending depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wings goalies Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot each have a year left on their contracts with promising Sebastian Cossa waiting in the wings. Lyon will be hitting the open market on July 1. 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE PREDATORS?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently interviewed Barry Trotz about his first season as Nashville Predators general manager and what comes next following his club’s disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

Trotz made a series of trades this season partly to ensure his cap situation is as tidy as possible entering the offseason. However, he also wants to leave enough space for some of the organization’s top prospects if they’re ready to make the jump next season.

The Predators’ recent moves left holes on the blueline. They also need depth at center, which was partly why Trotz didn’t move Ryan O’Reilly despite interest from other clubs.

LeBrun believes the Predators are trying to remain competitive while bridging the gap to their next wave of talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have over $18 million in projected salary cap space for 2025-26 with 20 active roster players under contract. Restricted free agent Luke Evangelista is their only notable player to be re-signed and he’ll likely receive an affordable bridge contract.

Trotz will have the cap room to address his roster issues this summer. However, it doesn’t sound like he’ll make big splashes like he did last summer when he signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei.

The Predators have three first-round picks and two second-rounders in this year’s draft. He could use one or two picks as trade bait to add a young NHL-ready player to the roster.

HOW MUCH COULD MATTHEW KNIES GET ON HIS NEXT CONTRACT WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS?

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos recently looked at how much Matthew Knies could make on his next contract with the Maple Leafs. The 22-year-old left wing is completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. He’s having a solid sophomore season with a career-high 25 goals and 49 points in 68 games.

Kypreos noted that Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy is earning $7 million annually while Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes makes $7.42 million per season. Given the rising salary cap and Knies’ role as a power forward, he would see something north of $8 million per season.

It’s also unlikely that Knies will receive an offer sheet from another club. If it’s between $6 million and $9 million, the Leafs have the cap space to match. If someone wants to offer more than that, Kypreos recommends taking the four compensatory first-round draft picks and moving on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nobody will offer Knies over $9 million annually. Given the Leafs’ cap space, it’s a waste of time trying to sign him to an offer sheet.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2025

by | Mar 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2025

Check out the latest on the Oilers and Flames and a look at some potential new coaches for the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited NHL insider Brian Lawton speculating over what the next contract for Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard might look like.

Lawton mentioned some observers believe the eight-year, $72-million contract extension that Jakob Chychrun signed this week with the Washington Capitals could be a comparable. The average annual value is $9 million.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

According to Lawton, Bouchard ranks ahead of Chychrun. Given the huge points the Oilers blueliner has put him, he could gravitate toward the $11 million AAV of Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin.

Staple cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggesting last year that Bouchard could come in at $10 million annually. He thinks that number could still hold up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard’s production is down from last season’s 82-point career high but he’s still on pace for 60 points. He’s unlikely to get a deal similar to Dahlin because the latter is a better all-around defenseman and is in a leadership role.

The Oilers could use Chychrun as a comparable to keep the cost closer to $9 million annually. It’ll likely be around $10 million once the dust settles.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites sources claiming the Oilers attempted to acquire versatile two-way center Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the New York Islanders before the March 7 trade deadline.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman wanted to shore up his club’s depth at center with someone who would be more than a playoff rental player. Pageau, 33, has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

The Islanders had two reasons for rejecting the trade. They didn’t want to retain salary and weren’t interested in a return of draft picks.

FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Kent Wilson believes Flames GM Craig Conroy faces a crossroads in his rebuilding project.

The Flames have exceeded expectations this season partly because of the strong performance of rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf. His presence makes it difficult for Conroy to collect futures by leveraging veterans on expiring contracts in the trade market. By making them competitive in the short term, it could be tempting to pursue some short-term help via trades and free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy has stressed that he’s trying to retool the Flames roster and remain competitive rather than tearing it down and rebuilding. He’ll likely stick with that plan going forward. I doubt he’ll go chasing after aging talent.

Conroy’s next moves could be similar to his acquisitions this season of Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, players in their mid-twenties who can fit into the Flames’ long-term plans.

SPORTSNET: A reader asked Pat Steinberg if the Flames will keep pending free-agent backup Dan Vladar or go with promising Devin Cooley as Wolf’s backup next season.

Steinberg believes Vladar’s solid performance in the second half of this season as Wolf’s understudy has contributed to keeping the Flames in the playoff chase. He thinks they’ll retain Vladar if he’s comfortable filling the backup role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 27-year-old Vladar is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The market is thin for goalies this summer, which could work to his advantage if he wants a larger role with a bigger paycheck, something he’ll likely find with another club.

FLYERS COACHING OPTIONS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun proposed several options for the Philadelphia Flyers to replace John Tortorella, who was fired as head coach on Thursday. Brad Shaw is filling the role on an interim basis.

LeBrun pointed out that Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks is the only coach on an expiring contract. The Canucks do have an option year on his contract. Tocchet recently indicated he’s waiting until the end of this season before discussing an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before Tortorella was fired, Ben Kuzma of The Province suggested Tocchet could use the Flyers’ coaching job as leverage if it became available.

LeBrun also mentioned Shaw, former NHL coach Joel Quenneville, and University of Colorado bench boss David Carle as potential candidates.