NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

Check out the latest on Brock Boeser, JJ Peterka, Scott Laughton, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, Brandon Tanev and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BOESER REJECTS CANUCKS’ CONTRACT OFFER

CANUCKS ARMY: David Quadrelli cites Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reporting the Vancouver Canucks offered Brock Boeser a five-year, $40-million contract ($8 million annually). However, the 28-year-old winger is seeking a long-term deal.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Seravalli wrote that the Canucks intend to make one more offer to Boeser before the March 7 trade deadline. If he rejects it, they’ll explore trade options ahead of the deadline. They could also keep him as an “own rental” to help them secure playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the only team that can offer Boeser the maximum eight-year contract. He will get at most seven years on the open market but that’s still longer than what the Canucks are reportedly offering him. Boeser could get a bigger average annual value if he tests the market on July 1.

TEAMS CALLING SABRES ABOUT PETERKA

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli added JJ Peterka to his latest trade board. He claims sources are saying the Buffalo Sabres are rejecting calls for the 23-year-old winger, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing.

Seravalli added Peterka to his board for several reasons. First, the Sabres haven’t done anything yet to shake up their roster. Second, Peterka has value in the trade market. Third, he’s a restricted free agent this summer who could become an offer-sheet target.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising the Sabres are rejecting offers for Peterka. He has 44 points in 55 games this season, putting him on pace to exceed his career-best 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24.

If they were to trade him (and that’s a big “if” right now), general manager Kevyn Adams will want a return that helps his club right away, like last season’s swap of Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for Bowen Byram. He won’t want draft picks and prospects because his club has plenty of those.

Peterka is completing his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant raise. With over $33 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, they can afford to re-sign him, even with Byram and Jack Quinn also RFA-eligible this summer. That cap space also blunts the threat of an offer sheet.

FLYERS STILL RELUCTANT TO MOVE LAUGHTON

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Friday that the Philadelphia Flyers’ asking price for Scott Laughton is a first-round pick, or the prospect equivalent of one.

However, multiple team sources claim the Flyers remain wary of moving the popular 30-year-old forward. They’re concerned about what his departure might do to the culture and morale among the players.

If the Flyers decide to move Laughton, Kurz believes it’ll be to a team of his choosing despite his lack of no-trade protection. He speculated that the Maple Leafs would make the most sense since Laughton is from the Toronto area.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would have to offer up their 2026 first-rounder because they traded away this year’s pick. Failing that, they’ll have to offer a prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, but they might not be to the Flyers’ liking. Minten was a second-round pick. Cowan was a first-rounder, but he went 28th overall.

UPDATE ON O’REILLY

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are still getting calls about Ryan O’Reilly, but they’re not getting offers that would convince them to move the 34-year-old center. They’re not shopping O’Reilly but remain willing to entertain offers. The asking price must include a good young NHL player who can step into the Predators’ lineup right away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly is signed through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection. However, the Predators are treating him like he has full no-movement protection, giving him complete control over this situation.

LeBrun believes the Predators are more likely to move UFA-eligible forward Gustav Nyquist. He wondered if the Los Angeles Kings might be interested.

LATEST ON RAKELL

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel downplays the recent speculation swirling around Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. He believes forward Rickard Rakell remains their most valuable trade chip if GM Kyle Dubas is willing to part with him.

Karlsson’s hefty annual cap hit and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles. Meanwhile, the more affordable Rakell would fetch the best return. He leads the team with 25 goals and is second in points with 49.

The Penguins are open to offers but aren’t rushing to trade Rakell. He’s got three more years left on his contract, plus they could be reluctant to move another of Sidney Crosby’s linemates.

Nevertheless, his trade value probably won’t get any higher than it is right now. If a team makes an offer that tops what the Penguins got in the Marcus Pettersson trade, Dubas will listen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some general managers could be unwilling to meet that asking price because Rakell’s stats are directly tied to being Crosby’s linemate. He may get moved at the deadline but Dubas could wait until the offseason for better offers.

KRAKEN’S TANEV GARNERING INTEREST

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Seattle Kraken left winger Brandon Tanev is drawing some interest from playoff contenders and bubble teams.

The 33-year-old Tanev is UFA-eligible this summer. He carries a $3.5 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. LeBrun claims Tanev prefers joining an upper-echelon contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s energetic, gritty style of play is well-suited for postseason action.

WHO COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TARGET AT THE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster cited Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon recently saying he doesn’t anticipate his team will be a big spender at the trade deadline.

Webster noted the Golden Knights have limited trade capital in draft picks, prospects and available players. They made a recent significant addition by signing Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Nevertheless, the Golden Knights could target an affordable forward like Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Montreal’s Jake Evans or Chicago’s Ryan Donato.

Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins are long-shot options. Webster doesn’t see them pursuing Anaheim’s John Gibson to shore up their goaltending.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 28, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Dylan Cozens, Jake Evans and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE HURRICANES TRADE OR RETAIN MIKKO RANTANEN?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli cited sources saying the Carolina Hurricanes remain in active conversation with the representatives for Mikko Rantanen. The 28-year-old winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Seravalli said the Hurricanes put a “franchise-record” deal on the table for Rantanen. He indicated they had permission from the Colorado Avalanche to speak with the winger before acquiring him and knew what he was seeking in his next contract.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

The Hurricanes haven’t gotten an answer from Rantanen yet. If the answer is a hard no, they will very much consider keeping him for the remainder of the season. To deal him, they’d have to get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Rantanen camp is expected to let Hurricanes management know where they stand within the next several days, possibly by the end of this weekend. The Canes have also spoken with several teams, telling them they don’t intend to trade Rantanen but will circle back if that changes.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that if Rantanen remains on the Hurricanes roster after the trade deadline, they’re the only team that can offer him an eight-year contract. He doesn’t believe they’ve offered the winger $14 million annually or close to it. He thinks the total amount is slightly over $100 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slightly over $100 million could put the average annual value between $12.5 million and $13 million.

Friedman wouldn’t say the Rantanen situation is holding up the trade market, but he thinks some teams would regret missing the opportunity to acquire him because they’d already traded away their best assets. He also wondered if a non-contender, like the Anaheim Ducks, might try to acquire him if they could speak to him beforehand to find out if they could sign him.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos points out that Carolina’s offer falls far short of the deal Leon Draisaitl signed last year with the Edmonton Oilers ($14 million AAV over eight years) that reset the market. He also speculates the offer was heavily back-loaded with deferred payments, something most players and agents aren’t comfortable with.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky gave up a scoring forward (Martin Necas), a checking-line forward (Jack Drury) and two draft picks for Rantanen, confident that he could re-sign him. Instead, he’s facing the possibility of Rantanen becoming another costly rental player who departs on July 1.

Tulsky could listen to offers before the March 7 trade deadline if Rantanen doesn’t want to re-sign. However, it’s doubtful he’ll get a return that improves the Hurricanes’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup. He’ll probably keep him and hope for the best in the postseason.

If the Hurricanes win the Cup, it’ll be a worthwhile move by Tulsky. If they don’t, it will be poor asset management on his part, which might not sit well with team owner Tom Dundon.

Kypreos believes the Maple Leafs could be among the suitors if Rantanen becomes available in the trade market. He noted that the Hurricanes only carry half of the winger’s $9.25 million AAV ($4.625 million), making it possible for the Hurricanes or another team to do the same again if he hits the trade block before the March 7 deadline.

Rantanen could become the perfect rental player for the Leafs if they can meet the Hurricanes’ asking price. Kypreos suggested a package of a top prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, winger Bobby McMann, and a draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Rantanen won’t address the Leafs’ pressing need for a third-line center. That’s why Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues is reportedly their primary trade target. If Rantanen did become available, Kypreos’ trade proposal wouldn’t be enough to land him.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports multiple NHL sources claim Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney isn’t shopping captain Brad Marchand, but he’s keeping his options open. He’s telling interested teams that his first choice is to re-sign the 36-year-old winger, but he’s not ruling anything out.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos dismissed the notion of the Bruins trading Marchand. He’s indicated that his focus is to stay in Boston and believes everything will work itself out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides stated they intend to get a deal done. Even if it’s not completed by March 7, they’ll likely keeping negotiating for something that ensures Marchand finishes his career as a Bruin.

TSN: Chris Johnston noted Bruins forward Trent Frederic is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old is UFA-eligible and garnered interest in the trade market before his injury. Some teams want to know how many weeks Frederic could be out. It’s not believed to be a season-ending injury and the Bruins believe he’s a player they could still move if it comes to that by next Friday.

ISLANDERS STILL HOPE TO RE-SIGN BROCK NELSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there’s still no indication that the New York Islanders will make Brock Nelson available in the trade market. He believes they’re still hoping to re-sign the 33-year-old center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s clear to everyone except Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello that it’s time to rebuild. If Nelson remain uncertain about staying, then it’s time to open the phone lines and entertain serious offers.

UPDATES ON THE SABRES

TSN: Chris Johnston reports there remains interest in Buffalo Sabres forwards Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram. However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams hasn’t received any suitable offers for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those offers are likely lowballs hoping to steal one of them away for pennies on the dollar. Adams is interested in a hockey trade, similar to the one he made last year when he sent Casey Mittelstadt to the Avalanche for Byram. If you’re not offering something comparable to that, he won’t take your calls.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Sabres are trying to re-sign Jordan Greenway.

CANADIENS SEEK MORE THAN DRAFT PICKS FOR THEIR TRADE BAIT

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that a sizeable gap remains in contract talks between Montreal Canadiens management and center Jake Evans. He and linemate Joel Armia are the two Canadiens gaining the most traction in the trade market.

LeBrun believes Winnipeg, Toronto, Edmonton, New Jersey and Minnesota are among the clubs calling about Evans and/or Armia. However, the Canadiens are telling teams that they’re prepared to keep both players if they don’t receive serious offers, saying they’ve got plenty of draft picks already.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Canadiens are holding out for at least a second-rounder for Evans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It sounds like Canadiens GM Kent Hughes would like a good young prospect or an NHL player who fits within their rebuilding plans. There’s speculation that Hughes could bundle Evans and Armia with a draft pick if it would fetch a return that helps them now and in the future.

RUMORS OF NOTE FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman cited FanDuel Sports Network’s Andy Strickland reporting the Hurricanes will work to retain pending UFA winger Taylor Hall.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich’s full no-trade clause, which was negotiated into his extension that begins on July 1, is already in effect. As per the CBA (Section 11.8b), a player eligible for this clause can have it added to a current contract.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov recently changed agents. However, the Kings remain optimistic they can re-sign him and aren’t setting March 7 as the deadline to get a contract done.

The New Jersey Devils’ priority is to acquire a center.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

Could the Kings trade Quinton Byfield? Is Brayden Schenn a fit with the Maple Leafs? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Flyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS BYFIELD A TRADE CANDIDATE?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos included Quinton Byfield in his updated trade board. He thinks the 22-year-old forward could be in play if the Los Angeles Kings hope to “change their look for an opening round playoff.”

Kypreos suggested trading Byfield to a seller would be necessary to obtain the type of return the Kings need to counter the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers in the postseason. The young center had 20 goals and 55 points in 2023-24, but his stats are down this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

He claimed the Kings organization is wondering how high Byfield’s ceiling is and whether they should focus on the present by flipping Byfield for a more seasoned roster upgrade. There are rumblings that the Kings and Buffalo Sabres “have held talks and both sides might be interested in a package that includes top assets coming from Buffalo.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield’s stats are down this season, but so are Anze Kopitar’s, Adrian Kempe’s and Kevin Fiala’s. That could be attributable to the Kings’ overall style of play this season. The absence of puck-moving defenseman Drew Doughty for most of the season could be another factor.

Trading Byfield would be a bold move by the Kings but it could blow up in their face if he achieves stardom elsewhere. As for those top assets from Buffalo, I don’t see a suitable seasoned roster upgrade coming to the Kings in that deal.

It’ll be interesting to see what the reaction will be to this speculation of Byfield as a trade candidate, especially from those who cover the Kings. I’m hoping to hear back from one of them shortly. Stay tuned…

**UPDATE***

I received the following response from John Hoven of the influential LA Kings blog Mayor’s Manor: “There are three people that are not being traded… Byfield, (Brandt) Clarke, Laffy (Alex Laferriere). That’s from the best sources I have…LA certainly can’t control outside teams calling and asking about players. However, that does not mean a player is available. As you know, two totally different things. The Kings have zero interest in trading the three I mentioned. They view them as three of the core they’re building around.”

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS LAND BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford and Joshua Kloke took note of recent speculation linking St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They noted a recent report claiming the 33-year-old center was considered the Leafs’ primary target.

This could be a situation where teams are inquiring into Schenn’s availability rather than Blues general manager Doug Armstrong shopping his captain. Nevertheless, they feel that Armstrong has to be listening, suggesting the possibility of removing the remaining three years of Schenn’s contract from the Blues’ books while acquiring a valuable asset.

Schenn played for Leafs head coach Craig Berube during the latter’s tenure as the Blues’ bench boss. He would fit in well centering their third line, though Berube could shuffle him up to the second line.

The Leafs’ 2026 first-rounder would have to be the centerpiece of the return. One of their goalie prospects could also be included. A forward prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan might have to be included if the Leafs expect the Blues to retain part of Schenn’s $6.5 million average annual value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This assumes that Schenn would waive his no-trade clause to go to Toronto. He told the media last week that management hasn’t approached him about waiving his clause. That could happen leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if the Blues get a suitable trade offer.

Toronto probably isn’t the only contender interested in Schenn. A bidding war could drive up the asking price and put him out of reach for the Leafs. The Blues also aren’t in a rush to move Schenn because he’s signed through 2027-28. If they don’t receive any suitable offers by the deadline, they can wait and try again in the offseason.

It might be better for the Blues to wait until the summer. Schenn’s full no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Teams that lose out on landing the best available centers in this summer’s free-agent market could set their sights on the Blues captain.

TIME FOR THE ISLANDERS TO SELL

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is waving the white flag on the New York Islanders’ season following their 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. They’re seven points out of a playoff spot and four points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Staple believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will stretch his trade deadline decisions as long as he can, possibly up to March 7. He’s skeptical that pending free agent Brock Nelson intends to re-sign before then, suggesting Lamoriello should field trade offers up to March 7 and trade him then or field offers over the next several days, take the best one and set the market for the final deadline stretch.

Other moves could include peddling UFA-eligible winger Kyle Palmieri and center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract. Staple also doesn’t rule out moving captain Anders Lee and one of their over-30 defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There can be no more delaying the inevitable. The Islanders’ rebuild must start now. Nelson, Palmieri and Pageau should fetch solid returns for the future at the trade deadline. They can peddle the other older veterans with term remaining on their contracts during the offseason.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers head coach John Tortorella admits there could be trade deadline casualties as part of his club’s rebuilding process. “We have to get better,” said Tortorella. “And when you try to get better, there’s going to be some casualties.”

Hall noted that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. Teams covet Ristolainen because he’s a big, physical, right-shot defenseman. However, Flyers GM Daniel Briere has said he’s not in a rush to move him because he still has term on his contract. Hall believes the Flyers have set a high asking price.

Laughton has been the subject of trade chatter for some time. He said he’s going to continue going about his business. “If they make a move, they make a move,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports it appears Ristolainen could remain with the Flyers past the March 7 trade deadline. He cited a team source saying they haven’t received many calls about him. That could change quickly if interested clubs miss out on other trade targets, but for now, it seems less likely that Ristolainen will be dealt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers have set a high asking price for Ristolainen and Laughton. The big defenseman’s contract could be an issue, carrying an AAV of $5.1 million through 2026-27. Interested parties could want Briere to retain part of that cap hit, which he seems unwilling to do.

Laughton has a more affordable $3 million AAV but his leadership and experience have been invaluable for the rebuilding Flyers. It sounds like he won’t be moved unless someone is willing to overpay for his services.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

by | Feb 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton, Seth Jones, and Erik Karlsson, plus updates on the Oilers, Utah HC, Blue Jackets, Flames and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn would be a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another would be Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

Dreger thinks the Leafs have the assets to acquire Schenn, citing prospects such as Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. The asking price for Laughton is a little less, with the Flyers seeking a first-round pick or an equal prospect, unless they have to retain part of Laughton’s salary in the deal, then it’s a first-rounder and more.

Pierre LeBrun mentioned Yanni Gourde is expected to return to action by March 4 after recovering from sports hernia surgery on Jan. 31. LeBrun suggested the Seattle Kraken center as another fit for the Leafs as they attempt to boost their depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re also great options for other clubs who might have more cap space or tradeable assets to win any bidding war for their services. Schenn has a full no-trade clause and hasn’t been asked yet by Blues management to waive it.

COULD SETH JONES BE A FIT WITH THE STARS?

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested the Stars as a trade destination for Seth Jones. The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman spent part of his childhood in Dallas and would love to play there. The Stars attempted to acquire him in 2021 but weren’t going to give him the contract that he signed with Chicago. It would depend on how much of Jones’ AAV the Blackhawks would be willing to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported earlier this week that the Blackhawks don’t want to retain part of Jones’ salary to facilitate a trade. That would rule out a trade to Dallas unless the Stars can shed some salary in the deal or a separate cost-cutting trade.

THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a Pittsburgh Penguins source told him GM Kyle Dubas would trade Erik Karlsson in a heartbeat if he could. An Eastern Conference executive said the 34-year-old defenseman’s name is out there in the trade market, but the Penguins would have to retain salary.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson’s contract is a significant obstacle. The Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27. His former club, the San Jose Sharks, carries the remaining $1.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Yohe cited an NHL executive suggesting that a Karlsson trade seems more likely in the offseason when the salary cap rises significantly. That could make teams more willing to take on the majority of his bulky contract.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman suggested the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings as possible trade destinations for Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars aren’t willing to take on Seth Jones’ $9.5 million, they won’t be interested in acquiring the full amount of the Penguins’ share of Karlsson’s AAV. The same goes for the Panthers, who have just over $2.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

The Red Wings have the cap room and the depth in tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects to make an enticing offer. Whether general manager Steve Yzerman is willing to make that move is another matter. Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff believes the priority has shifted to adding a center as Andrew Copp is out for the season following pectoral tendon surgery.

THE OILERS ARE NOT LOOKING TO ADD A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers do not consider adding a goaltender to be a priority. They’ve been linked to John Gibson because the Anaheim Ducks netminder listed the Oilers as one of his preferred trade destinations. However, they don’t consider him to be an upgrade over starter Stuart Skinner. Gibson’s contract ($6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27) is also an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also said the Oilers don’t see anyone available who can be considered better than Skinner. Until that changes, they’re not pursuing a netminder.

UPDATES ON THE UTAH HC AND THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Utah Hockey Club is reluctant to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They’re already loaded with draft picks, plus they’re trying to make a splash in their new market by playing meaningful games late in the season.

GM Bill Armstrong could be open to packaging some of his draft picks with a player or two in return for something more dynamic in a real hockey deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, a player who can help Utah now and in the future, not a rental veteran whose best seasons are behind him.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and pending free-agent defenseman Ivan Provorov remain apart in their contract negotiations. The next few games leading up to the deadline will determine whether they trade Provorov or hang onto him as an “own rental” for a playoff push.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have two first-rounders in this year’s draft, a roster filled with rising young talent, and a deep prospect pool. They don’t need to add more futures.

Replacing Provorov with a good young defenseman would be a better option. They could attempt to move him for a blueliner with term remaining on his contract.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND SENATORS

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy isn’t looking for rental players at the trade deadline. He’s not interested in sacrificing draft picks and prospects for a quick fix.

Conroy hasn’t ruled out adding young players with term remaining on their contracts, such as recent acquisitions Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. He’s also reportedly told other teams that he’s not a seller this year.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the clock is ticking on Senators GM Steve Staios as the March 7 deadline approaches. He’s been scouring the trade market for a forward but his limited salary cap space and reluctance to move a first-round pick hampers those efforts.

Staios is believed to be interested in Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. Garrioch cited two sources claiming Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker is available, and they’re seeking a prospect in return. It’s believed the Nashville Predators could have some interest.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

by | Feb 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 25, 2025

The latest on Mikko Rantanen, Jordan Binnington, Brock Boeser, Erik Karlsson, Matias Maccelli and Jake Evans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON MIKKO RANTANEN

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun isn’t buying into the recent speculation suggesting the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Mikko Rantanen if he hasn’t re-signed by the March 7 trade deadline.

He acknowledged that the Hurricanes still hope to re-sign Rantanen and didn’t rule out the possibility of him getting shopped if he doesn’t sign. However, he believes they could keep him as a rental player to take their shot this season in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

LeBrun doesn’t believe the Hurricanes are telling teams that Rantanen could become available by the deadline. He thinks some teams are calling to inquire what they might do if he doesn’t sign.

YARDBARKER: cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Hurricanes made an offer north of $13 million annually to the Rantanen camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rantanen is reportedly taking time to think things over following a hectic several weeks settling in and adjusting to his new teammates and surroundings. Money isn’t the issue. Instead, he’s trying to determine if a long-term commitment with the Hurricanes is the best thing for his future.

WILL THE BLUES SHOP JORDAN BINNINGTON?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jeremy Rutherford examined whether the St. Louis Blues should try to capitalize on goaltender Jordan Binnington’s success at the 4 Nations Face-Off by trading him.

The Blues are retooling their roster and could consider shopping Binnington if his trade value improved because of his 4 Nations performance. He has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and an 18-team no-trade list.

St. Louis Blue goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images)

Binnington’s inconsistent play with the Blues and his contract could make it difficult to move him. Goldman and Rutherford suggest that long-shot playoff teams like the Utah Hockey Club and Philadelphia Flyers could consider a change in net.

They also mentioned contenders like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers. There are concerns over the durability of Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen and backup Pyotr Kochetkov’s playoff experience and the reliability of the Oilers’ tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited TSN’s Darren Dreger musing over whether Binnington might be a fit with the Oilers. However, he also cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming they’re not planning to change their goaltending amid uncertainty over whether Evander Kane will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly open to exploring the trade value of some of his core players. Binnington’s 4 Nations play may have improved his trade value but he’s unlikely to draw as much interest as two-way center Brayden Schenn and scoring forwards Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich.

TRADE RUMORS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” PODCAST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said contract term remains a big issue between the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser. However, he pointed out how their contracts for J.T. Miller and Kevin Lankinen came out of nowhere, so he doesn’t rule out a new deal for Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman’s colleague Courtney Jacobsen listed the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings and the Utah Hockey Club as potential trade destinations for Boeser. With the trade deadline fast approaching, we won’t have to wait long to find out the Canucks’ intentions.

Friedman cited Erik Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He thinks the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman would be a great fit with the Dallas Stars but stressed that was just a theory, adding he wasn’t sure if it could happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson turns 35 on May 31 and is signed through 2026-27, with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV. He also still has a full no-movement clause.

Karlsson might be receptive to a trade to the Stars if they were interested. However, a lot will depend on whether top blueliner Miro Heiskanen goes on long-term injury reserve for the rest of the regular season.

Taking on Karlsson’s cap hit would bite deeply into their cap space over the next two years. It could complicate their efforts to re-sign Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston this summer and Jason Robertson, Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven in 2026.

Friedman also noted that Utah HC forward Matias Maccelli has been a frequent healthy scratch lately. He suggested the 24-year-old winger could be worth watching.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maccelli enjoyed a career-high performance last season, tallying 17 goals and 40 assists for 57 points for third in team scoring. He’s struggling this season, with 18 points in 52 games. Maccelli is in the second year of a three-year contract with an affordable AAV of $3.425 million. He could be a cost-effective gamble for clubs seeking a playmaking forward.

UPDATE ON JAKE EVANS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports that Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans continues to draw interest in the trade market. One source claims multiple teams are calling about the 28-year-old center.

D’Amico listed the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He carries an affordable $1.7 million cap hit this season. Evans would be an attractive rental option to cap-strapped playoff contenders and a potential long-term addition to rebuilding clubs with the cap space to re-sign him.

TVA SPORTS: cited a report in The Athletic suggesting the Canadiens could consider bundling Evans with linemate Joel Armia to garner a more attractive return. Meanwhile, Renaud Lavoie speculates the Evans camp wants a deal between three and five years from the Canadiens. Lavoie still believes there’s a pathway to a deal between the two sides.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones plus updates on the Bruins and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON SETH JONES

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believed Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson must do right by his club if he trades Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman said last week that he’d spoken with Davidson about the possibility of a trade to a contender.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Jones’ contract will be a significant obstacle. Few contenders can absorb his $9.5 million annual average value for the next five seasons while his full no-movement clause further limits Davidson’s trade option.

Lazerus claims Davidson has “absolutely no interest” in retaining up to half of Jones’ AAV. He also pointed out the Blackhawks need the blueliner’s cap hit on their books for at least the next couple of seasons to help them reach the cap minimum.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline mused about a possible reunion between Jones and the Blue Jackets, who trade the blueliner to the Blackhawks in the summer of 2021. Jones and Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski remain close, with Werenski saying he’d be open to his friend’s return to Columbus.

Portzline pointed out the Blue Jackets have plenty of salary cap room. He thinks the move could make sense if the Blackhawks were willing to retain a portion of Jones’ cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Lazerus, salary cap retention could be out of the question, especially if interested teams want Chicago to eat half ($4.75 million) of Jones’ AAV.

With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, Davidson will likely give preference to contenders with the cap room to take on Jones’ full salary. However, the blueliner’s NMC is an additional complication.

A three-team swap is out if the Blackhawks don’t want to retain salary unless it involves moving Jones to another club that retains half his cap hit after flipping him to a third club. That leaves the possibility of the Blackhawks taking back salary in a Jones trade.

UPDATES ON THE BRUINS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney intends to take “a more cautious approach” as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Sweeney was a consistent buyer in previous trade deadlines. However, the Bruins are sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot but they’ve already played more games than the teams they’re chasing.

Goss believes it makes no sense for the Bruins to acquire rental players. If Sweeney decides to buy, it should be for those with term remaining on their contracts. It would also make sense to entertain trade offers for UFA-eligible players like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau and pending restricted free agent Morgan Geekie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic and Brazeau could be goners by March 7. There’s no rush to move Geekie because the Bruins still control his rights beyond this season.

Geekie has played well on the top line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha and recently indicated he wants to remain a Bruin. That’ll depend on what he’s seeking in his next contract and if the Bruins are willing to pay it.

STURM EXPECTS A TRADE

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Felicia Keller reports Sharks forward Nico Sturm doesn’t expect to be with the club after March 7. “You’re a 29-year-old UFA with no extension in place,” he said. “You got to be realistic about it.”

Sturm said he’s spoken with Sharks GM Mike Grier, who said the team might be able to pick up a solid return for him. However, the possibility exists that Sturm could return to the Sharks this summer as an unrestricted free agent.