Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 9, 2025

by | Nov 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 9, 2025

The latest on the Oilers’ goaltending situation, David Kampf’s standoff with the Maple Leafs, and the Senators’ trade options in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Edmonton Oilers are done with Stuart Skinner as their starting goaltender after watching the Oilers fall 9-1 to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

“Either they quit on him or they quit on themselves, but either way, what we saw Saturday tells us they are done with this netminder as their unchallenged No. 1,” wrote Spector.

Spector acknowledged the number of opposition goals scored by undefended players right in front of Skinner. Nevertheless, he believes Oilers general manager Stan Bowman must stage a full-court press in the trade market to find a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I understand cousin Mark’s frustration over the current status of the Oilers’ goaltending. However, finding someone who will do a better job than Skinner in this trade market is easier said than done. The pickings are slim and aren’t likely to improve as the season progresses.

That’s why Bowman acquired Connor Ingram last month from the Utah Mammoth, who is now toiling with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. The fact that he’s still there speaks volumes about his readiness to supplant Skinner.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports David Kampf has made it clear to the Toronto Maple Leafs that he doesn’t want to play in the AHL anymore.

There’s been talk of contract termination, but one of the issues is the 30-year-old center’s signing bonus for this season. If his contract is terminated, the question is whether he has to return some of his signing bonus. It’s hoped that this issue will be resolved by Monday.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Kampf and his agent are exploring their options and will decide by Monday. Technically, he remains suspended by the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If they agree to a contract termination, Kampf will be a free agent and can sign with another NHL team or perhaps a European club.

SPORTSNET: Alex Adams was asked if he thought the Ottawa Senators were calling around for help. He’s heard and seen reports that they’re aggressively seeking to bolster their roster, but they don’t have a first-round pick and limited prospects outside of Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler.

Adams believes Senators GM Steve Staios would like to add another winger and a right-side defenseman. He felt the Pittsburgh Penguins might have been a possible trade partner, but their strong start to this season may dash any trade chances for now.

Asked about possible trade candidates for the Senators, Adams thinks Fabian Zetterlund, Nick Jensen, or Dylan Cozens would make sense in a hockey trade to improve the team.

Zetterlund is in the first season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $4.275 million. He has one goal and three points in 15 games and isn’t a fit in Ottawa playing on the fourth line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A roster player like Zetterlund seems a more likely trade candidate than Cozens, Jensen, or one of the Senators’ top prospects. He’s a former 20-goal scorer who might flourish in a second-line role elsewhere. Whether he’d fetch something in a hockey trade to provide the Senators with immediate help remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2025

by | Nov 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 8, 2025

Could the Blues put Brayden Schenn on the trade block? Are Owen Tippett’s days with the Flyers coming to an end? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary cited a report by NHL insider Frank Seravalli claiming the St. Louis Blues are “open for business” in the trade market.

The Blues are off to a rough start to this season, sitting 15th overall in the Western Conference standings. Head coach Jim Montgomery recently sent a message to his players by scratching Jordan Kyrou, the club’s highest-paid player, from their 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn (NHL Images)

Seravalli said Blues captain Brayden Schenn was drawing some interest. The 34-year-old center was the subject of trade speculation going back to last season. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $6.5 million. His no-movement clause reverted to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn will have value to clubs seeking two-way depth and leadership among their middle-six forward lines. His contract isn’t as big a sticking point as it was last season with a full NMC, but his age and his slow start could be concerning.

Scratching Kyrou raised eyebrows and conjecture over whether he might be a trade candidate. Like Schenn, he was the subject of trade speculation late last season and during the offseason, with some reports linking him to the Montreal Canadiens. However, he wouldn’t address their need for a reliable second-line center, and they’re already set at right wing with emerging power forward Juraj Slafkovsky and budding superstar Ivan Demidov.

Kyrou, however, has a full no-trade clause, and there’s no indication that the Blues are shopping him or fielding offers. That might change as the season progresses, but his contract (with its $8.15 million AAV) won’t be easy to move, and the Blues will seek a significant return.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently wondered if Owen Tippett’s days are numbered with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 26-year-old winger has become a polarizing player for the Flyers. He’s gone goalless since scoring five times in his first six games and has one assist. Di Marco cited team sources claiming there are internal questions where the streaky winger will fit long term with the Flyers.

Tippett’s name surfaced in trade speculation earlier this season. Di Marco noted that Marc Bergevin of the Los Angeles Kings’ front office recently watched some Flyers games. That sparked conjecture that the Kings might be scouting Tippett.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz also noted Tippett’s streaky performance, suggesting that the winger could score 30 goals in a season. He’s also signed through 2031-32 with an AAV of $6.2 million.

Kurz acknowledged that Tippett could become the odd man out at some point, suggesting he might be a trade chip if the Flyers were to pursue a star player in the trade market.

However, it’s far too early in the season to make those prognostications. Flyers coach Rick Tocchet remains optimistic about Tippett’s performance and wants to help him improve his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t sound as though the Flyers are in any rush to move Tippett. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point, maybe by the March 6 trade deadline. For now, however, they seem keen to help him improve his consistency and all-around play.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

by | Nov 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: we have updates on Flames center Nazem Kadri and Predators forward Steven Stamkos, plus the latest on the Mammoth and Devils.

THE FLAMES AREN’T INTERESTED IN MOVING NAZEM KADRI

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Calgary Flames ownership is telling people that they’re not interested in trading Nazem Kadri.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

The 35-year-old center has been the focus of trade speculation since the summer. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million. Multiple teams are seeking a second-line center who covets Kadri’s experience. However, he loves living in Calgary and wants to help the Flames win.

Dreger admits that things could change between now and the March 6 trade deadline. For now, the position of ownership is that Kadri is unavailable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The struggling Flames aren’t giving up on the season. Ownership’s unwillingness to move Kadri could put a damper on the media speculation for now. However, he’ll continue to be a trade target if the Flames remain mired near the bottom of the standings, especially if they’re still in that position when the calendar flips to January.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun considers the recent trade chatter swirling around Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos to be premature. He indicated that there haven’t been any conversations between management and the player, or the Predators, with other teams, about a trade.

However, LeBrun thinks the Predators could field calls about Stamkos if they’re out of the playoff hunt by the March trade deadline. However, the 35-year-old forward has a full no-movement clause. He would have a short list of acceptable destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’s age, movement clause, declining production, and his $8 million annual cap hit through 2027-28 will make him difficult to move during the season. This could be a deal that takes place during the offseason.

THE MAMMOTH COULD BE AGGRESSIVE BUYERS

TSN: Chris Johnston thinks the Utah Mammoth will be “extremely aggressive” as buyers by the March trade deadline. They’ve made no secret of their intent to reach the playoffs this season. Johnston points out they have plenty of trade capital in draft picks, prospects, and in salary-cap space if they wish to pursue high-ticket players, such as a top-four defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The patient rebuilding strategy of Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong is paying dividends this season. Even if they have a firm grip on a postseason berth by March, Armstrong could use his cap space and trade capital to bolster his roster for a deep playoff run.

COULD THE DEVILS PURSUE A DEFENSEMAN?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently expressed concern over the blueline depth of the Devils. He speculated that an early-season trade might be necessary if things don’t improve soon.

The Devils are missing sidelined defenseman Brett Pesce, who was recently placed on injured reserve. They’re also waiting for Johnathan Kovacevic to return from offseason knee surgery. Simon Nemec has been inconsistent, and Jonas Siegenthaler hasn’t had a strong start to this season.

Nichols believes that the Devils need another defensive-minded blueliner. He suggested Nick Perbix of the Nashville Predators, Vincent Desharnais of the San Jose Sharks, and Andrew Peeke of the Boston Bruins are potential trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils also lost Dougie Hamilton in their 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. That might prompt management to seek help if he’s out for a long time.

If Hamilton isn’t out for a lengthy period, the Devils might be willing to remain patient and wait for their sidelined blueliners to return. They’re currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, so there is no urgency to address their defense issues right now. However, that could change if those absences start adversely affecting their performance.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2025

by | Nov 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2025

Check out the latest on Predators forward Steven Stamkos, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS

DAILY FACEOFF: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman appeared on the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast on Wednesday, where one of the topics discussed was Steven Stamkos’s slow start with the Nashville Predators, and the possibility that the two sides might consider a trade.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Friedman was asked if the Predators might be willing to retain part of Stamkos’ $8 million average annual value through 2027-28 to facilitate a trade. He believes if they can get an offer that makes sense, it will be considered.

Stamkos’ scoring has declined since leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning to head to Nashville in July 2024. Friedman believes that may be due in part to the Predators lacking a set-up man comparable to the one Stamkos had in Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos has had a career worthy of the Hockey Hall of Fame, but his performance has declined noticeably since leaving the Lightning. The 35-year-old forward’s age is also a contributing factor.

A rival club could take a chance on Stamkos if they believe they have a suitable passer who can set him up in the offensive zone. However, the Predators could end up having to retain up to half of his remaining cap hit to make it happen. If such a trade were to occur, it would be during the offseason.

AN UPDATE ON ARTEMI PANARIN

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli weighed in on recent speculation over Artemi Panarin’s future with the New York Rangers.

The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, and there is no sign of progress in contract extension talks between the two sides. That’s prompted rumors suggesting he could be traded.

Seravalli pointed out that there is still a lot of time between now and the March 6 trade deadline. He believes Rangers management is still determining what kind of team they have before making any drastic decisions, such as trading Panarin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers are in playoff contention and Panarin remains their offensive sparkplug by March, they’ll hang onto him for the rest of the season and hope to reach some common ground contract-wise before July. If not, then they could be open to trading him if he seems intent on testing the market or unwilling to accept a shorter, less-expensive contract.

KINGS GETTING OFFERS FOR BRANDT CLARKE

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports there are teams interested in Brandt Clarke, but the Los Angeles Kings aren’t interested in moving the 22-year-old defenseman.

Clarke is a right-shot defenseman with top-four upside who has seven points in 14 games thus far in this season. He’s due to become a restricted free agent next summer. The fact that he hasn’t signed an extension yet has prompted some speculation about his future.

Murphy believes the Kings’ focus on re-signing UFA-eligible winger Adrian Kempe has delayed contract extensions for other players, such as Clarke. Once the Kempe issue is resolved, management’s focus will shift toward re-signing Clarke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would be foolish to part ways with Clarke. He’s coming out of his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights, so they hold all the leverage in contract discussions. Regardless, he’s a promising part of their defense corps. It wouldn’t make any sense to move him unless they’re getting someone better to take his place, and that doesn’t seem likely.

TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman doesn’t know if there’s anything going on trade-wise with Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei. However, he believes other teams may be calling after the talented youngster was benched for four straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei’s had his difficulties defensively this season, but it’s unlikely the Bruins will part with the 24-year-old unless someone makes an eye-popping trade pitch. He’s also in the first season of an affordable two-year contract. The Bruins will continue to work with him to improve his overall game.

The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues were the most active in the trade market last week. Friedman believes they wanted to ensure that they weren’t missing out on any trade possibilities.

Friedman pointed out that the Seattle Kraken are still having trouble offensively. They have five first-round picks and four second-rounders in the next three drafts to draw on for trade bait if they want to add an impactful player.

The Edmonton Oilers could send players to the minors and through waivers to make room for players returning from injuries. Friedman said they’re trying to get Troy Stecher “a new opportunity”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’re trying to find a trade partner for Stecher.

The Carolina Hurricanes are carrying three goaltenders as Brandon Bussi has played his way into the rotation. Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov aren’t waiver exempt. Friedman said they were looking for defensemen, but some of their injured blueliners are close to returning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have little choice right now but to hang onto all three goaltenders, given veteran Frederik Andersen’s injury history.

The Buffalo Sabres are trying to find a new home for Alexandar Georgiev. They’re hanging onto Colten Ellis. Friedman would be surprised if they traded Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, as he’s still their best goalie when healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devon Levi recently surfaced in the rumor mill, but Friedman pointed out that the 23-year-old netminder is getting the bulk of the starts with their AHL affiliate in Rochester.

Friedman claims the word on Adin Hill is that the Vegas Golden Knights netminder will be sidelined for a few months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would also explain why the Golden Knights moved so quickly to sign Carter Hart.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2025

by | Nov 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 5, 2025

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Flames, Hurricanes, Capitals, Sabres, and Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RUMOR MILL GOES QUIET ON SIDNEY CROSBY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the trade rumors about Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby have quieted down since the start of the regular season. Their surprisingly strong start to the season is largely responsible for that.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

General manager Kyle Dubas said he had “very clear communications” since the end of last season with Crosby and his agent about the club’s plans going forward. While attempting to build for the long term, the Penguins also intended to be competitive this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun wonders whether the Penguins can maintain that strong start throughout the season, but for now, it has stopped the media chatter about possible trade destinations for Crosby.

They’re not the only Penguins who aren’t featuring as prominently in the rumor mill as they once did. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos pointed out that it’ll take Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell out of the trade-rumor talk if the Penguins can sustain their winning ways.

THE LATEST ON NAZEM KADRI

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reports Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy could move Nazem Kadri if he gets a suitable offer. The 35-year-old center has been linked to multiple teams, but Kypreos suggested the Carolina Hurricanes as a possible destination because they’ve been relentlessly pursuing a top player in the trade market. However, they’re believed to be on Kadri’s 13-team no-trade list.

The Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens have been mentioned as destinations for Kadri, and they’re not on his list. They’ve also been linked to the Bruins’ Pavel Zacha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams can ask for permission to speak to the player or his agent to see what it would take to convince them to waive their no-trade list.

The Canucks have a more pressing need for help at center than the Canadiens. It’s also been frequently pointed out that acquiring the aging Kadri would go against the Canadiens’ habit of acquiring younger talent.

Zacha would probably be more to the Canadiens’ liking. However, it’s rare for the Habs and Bruins to make deals together, given their longstanding rivalry.

BLEACHER REPORT: Speaking of the Hurricanes, Frank Seravalli reports they’re seeking stop-gap defensemen to replace their injured blueliners.

UPDATE ON THE CAPITALS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there is no quick fix for the Washington Capitals to replace sidelined center Pierre-Luc Dubois. He won’t be out for the season, but is expected to miss a significant period of time.

Dreger believes the Capitals will explore the trade market, but must be careful when moving out current or future assets, being mindful of when the post-Alex Ovechkin era begins.

For now, they’ll attempt to address Dubois’ absence internally. It’s expected that Connor McMichael will get a long look in the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals would be joining a long list of NHL clubs that are believed to be in the market for second-line center help. However, there isn’t much available, and they are either aging and expensive (hello there, Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames) or playing on struggling clubs that aren’t giving up on the season, like Pavel Zacha with the Boston Bruins.

THE LATEST ON THE SABRES AND MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos believes this season could be Lindy Ruff’s last as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. He’s in the final season of his contract, and could move to a different role within the organization if he doesn’t retire.

The Toronto Maple Leafs would like to add a scoring winger. However, they don’t have many assets that would entice rival clubs. Many teams are calling about Easton Cowan, but that suggestion is a non-starter for now.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2025

by | Nov 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2025

The Canadiens remain linked to Bruins center Pavel Zacha, the Penguins need a left-shot defenseman, and the latest on the Oilers. Get the details in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANADIENS INTERESTED IN ZACHA

TVA SPORTS: According to Nicolas Clouthier, one of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes “adores” Pavel Zacha. He pointed out that Hughes was the Boston Bruins center’s former agent.

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (NHL Images).

Cloutier cited “trustworthy sources” within the Canadiens claiming the club is not on Zacha’s list of teams he doesn’t want to be traded to.

The Canadiens need an experienced second-line center. Discussions took place over the summer, including one about Zacha. Cloutier believes follow-up talks are planned when teams decide to sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cloutier acknowledged the rarity of trades between the Bruins and Canadiens. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be ruled out.

Zacha would tick a lot of boxes for the Canadiens, but there is no certainty that the Bruins will move him. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reported that they see him as an important part of their plans, adding that it wouldn’t be surprising if he signs a contract extension next summer.

Still, a lot can happen over the course of a season. The Bruins could consider trading Zacha if he shows little interest in an extension.

PENGUINS SEEK A DEFENSEMAN

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported last week that the Penguins require a left-shot defenseman. They’ve lost Caleb Jones to a lower-body injury for eight weeks and need a suitable replacement.

Kingerski said sources claimed that general manager Kyle Dubas is “kicking tires” on spare left-shot blueliners. One of them is Erik Gustafsson of the Detroit Red Wings, who is currently with their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

LATEST ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli telling Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer that the Oilers are considering multiple player movements. That includes possible trades involving defensemen Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson, and forward Mattias Janmark.

This news comes with Janmark, winger Zach Hyman, and blueliner Alec Regula poised to return from injuries. There is “zero chance” that the Oilers will place Regula on waivers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering, Stecher, Emberson, and Regula are right-hand shots. They won’t be of interest to the Penguins.