NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2025

by | Oct 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE FLAMES SOON PEDDLE KADRI AND ANDERSSON?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco looked at whether Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson would be trade casualties if the Calgary Flames fail to turn their season around.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Di Marco cited TSN’s Chris Johnston indicating Andersson was open to an eight-year contract extension with the Flames. However, management wanted to see how the season unfolded before committing.

The 28-year-old defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors since the summer. He was linked to the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson sits atop Johnston’s list of early NHL trade candidates. He believes the blueliner is the Flames’ biggest trade chip.

The Golden Knights could squeeze the remainder of Andersson’s $4.55 million cap hit within their limited cap payroll by the March 6 trade deadline. However, they have limited trade capital, which could hurt their efforts to outbid rival clubs.

Kadri, meanwhile, is signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million. The 35-year-old center also had a 13-team no-trade list. Di Marco targeted the Montreal Canadiens as a landing spot, but two NHL executives he spoke with felt that the Vancouver Canucks were an ideal fit given their need for a reliable No. 2 center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Montreal and Vancouver aren’t on his no-trade list.

THE LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that the Penguins’ surprisingly strong start to this season puts them in a more powerful position when it comes to their trade chips. The Penguins are considered a confirmed seller, with forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell and defenseman Erik Karlsson considered the players most likely to be moved.

Kingerski listed the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential trade partners for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski’s column appeared before the Canucks acquired forward Luka Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Nevertheless, they could return to the trade market if Reichel fails to pan out.

The Hurricanes are believed to be interested in making a big addition this season. A few observers wondered if they might take a swing at acquiring Karlsson, but Kingerski suggested that Rust or Rakell might be more enticing to them.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have been auditioning Easton Cowan, Nick Robertson, and Max Domi as first-line wingers with little success. However, the Leafs lack sufficient trade capital in draft picks and prospects, and are unlikely to part with the promising Cowan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are in a much better position than the Leafs in terms of cap space and trade assets to make a big addition to their roster. Whether they’ll pursue Rust or Rakell remains to be seen.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they’ve been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov. He’d be a more affordable option than Rust or Rakell, but his inconsistent play suggests he wouldn’t be much of an upgrade.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted Justin Brazeau’s strong start to this season. He has 5 goals and 8 points in his first eight games.

Proteau wondered if the Penguins view the 27-year-old forward as a long-term fit or if general manager Kyle Dubas might try to capitalize on his improving trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brazeau had 22 points in 76 games last season between the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He’s in the first year of a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Dubas probably isn’t in any rush to shop Brazeau, but he could be open to offers if he continues playing well. Given his age, however, he could be a player that the Penguins GM prefers to retain.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2025

by | Oct 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2025

The Flames are seeking more offense, teams are calling about Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, plus updates on the Canucks’ search for a center, the asking price for Rangers winger Brennan Othmann, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES SHOPPING FOR SCORING PUNCH

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames are frustrated over their lack of production. They’re currently last in the league, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

General manager Craig Conroy is exploring the trade market in search of offensive help. However, it’s still very early in the season, and teams typically don’t make those kinds of moves yet.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also believes the Flames could become sellers if they don’t reverse their fortunes soon.

Rasmus Andersson would be their biggest trade chip. The 28-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and there’s no indication he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension.

Nazem Kadri could also be in demand. However, the 35-year-old center has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a 13-team no-trade list. So far, there’s no evidence that Kadri wants out of Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless Conroy can find a worthwhile deal to bolster his club’s scoring, he’ll become a seller later in the season. It won’t happen now because it’s unlikely he’ll find suitable returns for Andersson and Kadri (if he’s willing to move) at this point in the season.

BLUE JACKETS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YEGOR CHINAKHOV

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting more calls about Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward has played only three games this season, all of those on their fourth line.

Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded the trade request that he made this summer after being a healthy scratch for most of the Blue Jackets’ stretch run last season.

LeBrun said the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, and Calgary Flames are among the clubs believed to have called or expected to check in. However, the Jackets are seeking a player in return rather than draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun noted the Maple Leafs are still trying to sort out Nick Robertson’s role, while New York Rangers winger Brennan Othmann is out there in the trade market. He believes the Jackets, Leafs, and Rangers could help each other out at some point.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Maple Leafs are investigating options for Robertson. He claimed they made a pitch for Chinkhov this summer, but it wasn’t to the Blue Jackets’ liking.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How about a three-way deal involving those teams and players? Which club should get Chinakhov? Feel free to weigh in on this one in the comments section below.

TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes contract extension talks between the Los Angeles Kings and Adrian Kempe will resume soon…The Vancouver Canucks are searching for a center, but they don’t want to part with their 2026 first-round pick.

The San Jose Sharks are carrying nine defensemen and could move one of them. The Edmonton Oilers could also move a blueliner. The Detroit Red Wings have rearguard Erik Gustafsson in the AHL, and have some forwards who might need a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, the Sharks aren’t at the stage yet where they will move UFA-eligible defenseman Mario Ferraro…If the Oilers move a defenseman, it will be Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, or Alec Regula…The forwards Friedman was referring to could be those with less than two years left on their contract. They included Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom.

The Blackhawks remain open to trade offers for winger Lukas Reichel…The Rangers have requested good AHL prospects in exchange for Brennan Othmann…Friedman believes that if the Ottawa Senators and Shane Pinto agree to a contract extension, it’ll likely be a three-year deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2025

by | Oct 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest on Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Flyers winger Owen Tippett, plus the difficulty facing the Canucks in finding a second-line center.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald downplayed the effect of defenseman Luke Hughes’ new contract on blueliner Dougie Hamilton’s future with the club.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Hughes recently signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. With the rising salary cap, it’s not a big deal to have two defensemen earning $9 million annually. However, there is only one top power-play unit on a team, and both Hughes and Hamilton are suited for it.

LeBrun noted that NHL clubs are keeping a close eye on this situation in case Hamilton becomes available. He carries a 10-team trade list in his contract through 2027-28.

Fitzgerald pointed out that the Devils are running a power play where the strategy is based on the opposing team’s penalty kill, adding that Hughes and Hamilton play different styles. He also said that Hamilton is on a long-term contract and insisted that Hughes’ contract had nothing with the other Devils defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils are riding high in the standings right now. If they remain there throughout the season, they will have no reason to part with Hamilton. However, if things get rocky and they start tumbling down the standings, Hamilton’s name could resurface in the rumor mill.

Some have pointed to rumors suggesting Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes would like to one day join his brothers in New Jersey. For that to happen means shopping Hamilton to free up the cap space.

For now, there is no indication that such a move will take place. The earliest that it could be would be next summer, depending on how things shake out for Quinn in Vancouver.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma pointed out the difficulty the Vancouver Canucks face in finding a suitable second-line center if Filip Chytil remains sidelined for a lengthy period.

He believes Canucks GM Patrik Allvin will have to get creative to address the issue. That could mean parting with a good prospect and draft picks because that’s what it would take to swing a suitable deal.

The Canucks were linked to Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi and Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish during the summer. However, the duo re-signed with their respective clubs.

Kuzma pointed out that the struggling Calgary Flames need to do something. He wondered if the Canucks should pursue Flames captain Mikael Backlund. The 36-year-old center is struggling offensively this season, but he’s strong in the faceoff circle and is capable of more on a better team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are among several clubs that were in the market for a second-line center this summer. However, there were no suitable options available then, and none are now. By the time the market for centers improves, it could be too late to save the Canucks’ season.

Backlund is unlikely to be available if the Canucks were interested in him. He’s in the final season of his current contract with a full no-movement clause. He signed a two-year extension in September with the intention of finishing his career with the Flames.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman telling the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast that he doesn’t see the Flyers shopping Owen Tippett.

The 26-year-old Flyers winger was the recent subject of trade speculation as some observers suggested he could be a trade chip to address other roster needs. However, Friedman hasn’t heard Tippett’s name out there in the trade market, adding that he’s a player the Flyers aren’t really looking to move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett is under contract through 2031-32 and is off to a sizzling start with a team-leading five goals in six games. He’s not going anywhere.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2025

by | Oct 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 22, 2025

What’s the latest on Sabres winger Alex Tuch? Could the Hurricanes and Canucks make moves in the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE BRUINS AND OILERS ARE LINKED TO ALEX TUCH

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claims the Buffalo Sabres are listening to trade offers for Alex Tuch.

The 29-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His agent claimed they recently paused contract extension talks with the Sabres.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Murphy’s source stated that the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers have inquired about Tuch, along with a few other clubs. Another source believes the Toronto Maple Leafs would be at the front of the line to sign Tuch if he goes to market next July.

Another source doubted the Sabres would trade Tuch by the American Thanksgiving weekend in late November or by the New Year. Instead, he believes it would happen close to the Olympic break in February or the March 6 trade deadline.

The pressure is on Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams to make the playoffs this season, so he’s not going to trade one of his best players this early in the season. Tuch has also indicated his willingness to re-sign with the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch and the Sabres seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach to this season. If they’re in the playoff hunt by the trade deadline, they’ll hang onto him and try to sort out the contract issue afterward. Otherwise, a trade seems more likely around the timeframes mentioned by Murphy’s sources.

However, that could come too late for the Bruins if they continue to struggle this season. Meanwhile, the Oilers lack the cap space and trade capital to pull it off unless they’re giving up a substantial player in return.

THE LATEST ON THE HURRICANES AND CANUCKS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes could make another attempt at landing a big-name player. They acquired Mikko Rantanen last January but traded him six weeks later to the Dallas Stars when he wouldn’t agree to a contract extension. The Hurricanes also attempted to acquire Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the March trade deadline.

LeBrun said the Hurricanes also contacted the Minnesota Wild after Kirill Kaprizov rejected the latter’s first contract proposal. However, there was no trade opportunity there as Kaprizov eventually re-signed with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have plenty of cap dollars available to acquire more depth. They currently have over $10 million in salary cap space. By the March trade deadline, it will be over $44 million if they haven’t used any of it to make additions to their roster before then.

Darren Dreger reports the Vancouver Canucks are in the market for a center. They’ve been seeking a second-line center for some time. Recent injuries to Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger have amplified the issue. They’re looking at all options, including third and fourth-line centers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could be searching for a while for a depth center. There aren’t many that are currently available. They could target teams with centers that are UFA-eligible next summer, but most of them won’t be available in the trade market this early in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2025

by | Oct 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 21, 2025

Could the Rangers part ways with Artemi Panarin before the March trade deadline? What’s the latest on the Oilers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wonders if Artemi Panarin’s time with the New York Rangers is coming to an end.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

The 33-year-old left winger is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Parsons cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming the Rangers offered Panarin a contract extension similar to Anze Kopitar’s recent deal with the Los Angeles Kings, which was a short-term proposal with a reduced salary cap hit. Kopitar agreed to a two-year contract with an AAV of $7 million.

Friedman said the Rangers asked Panarin if he would take a “Kopitar kind of deal”, and the winger said no.

Parsons also stated that Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was claiming that the Rangers could peddle Panarin if they’re a playoff bubble team and there’s no sign that he will stay beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s age ensures he won’t get a lengthy deal like his current one. His production dropped from 120 points in 2023-24 to 89 points last season, and at his current pace, he could finish with less than 80 points. That will affect how much he’ll get from the Rangers or another club if he tests the market next summer.

If the Rangers are a bubble team by February, they could approach Panarin about trade destinations. He has a full no-movement clause, but he could waive it for the right club.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman pointed out that the Edmonton Oilers have a logjam on defense. They’re carrying eight defenseman, prompting Friedman to suggest they could consider moving one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Oilers do trade a defenseman, it will likely be Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, or Alex Regula. The latter is on a two-way contract with an AAV of $775,000, Stecher has a one-way deal with a $787,500 cap hit, and Emberson has a year remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $1.3 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 20, 2025

by | Oct 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 20, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Flyers winger Owen Tippett in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie recently joined Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne to discuss the possibility of the Montreal Canadiens making a pitch for Sidney Crosby if the Pittsburgh Penguins captain decides he wants to chase another Stanley Cup.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Lavoie noted the Canadiens would like to add a second-line center at some point. He believes they and a couple of other clubs are keeping an eye on Crosby, and felt that they must be ready for that possibility by ensuring they have sufficient salary-cap space to acquire him.

The Canadiens aren’t in a rush and are willing to be patient to address that second-line center position. If they were to land Crosby, Lavoie believes team captain Nick Suzuki would have no problem with dropping down as the second-line center and allowing Crosby to center the top line.

As for what the Canadiens could offer in a trade package, Lavoie believes it’ll take a couple of picks and a couple of really good young players. He suggested a first-round pick, prospect defenseman David Reinbacher, and young center Oliver Kapanen as part of the return. Lavoie dismissed the idea of parting with Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, or Kaiden Guhle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby could decide at some point that he wants to chase the Stanley Cup one last time. The Canadiens would be among the interested parties if they were on his list of preferred destinations.

However, don’t expect that possibility to occur anytime soon, if ever. The Penguins captain has been insistent that he doesn’t want to leave Pittsburgh. He may change his mind, but the chances of that happening appear slim at the moment.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James noticed the recent speculation suggesting that Flyers winger Owen Tippett could be a trade candidate. The club has plenty of depth on the wings (including within their prospect pipeline), and they could draw on that for trade bait to address other roster needs.

James doesn’t put much stock into early-to-mid October trade rumors, but doesn’t rule out the possibility. Tippett is in the second season of an eight-year contract and under pressure to produce for the rebuilding Flyers.

Tippett’s trade value is high right now, and he’d probably fetch a solid return for the Flyers. However, just because his name is floating around in the early-season rumor mill doesn’t mean he’ll be moved at some point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: James believes that much will depend on Tippett’s performance and that of the Flyers this season. If he’s playing well, it will boost his value in the trade market, but it could also increase his value to the Flyers’ roster.