NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2025

by | Feb 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 17, 2025

Check out the latest on Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko and Flyers forward Scott Laughton plus updates on the Penguins and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON TARASENKO AND LAUGHTON

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Detroit Red Wings are unlikely to be sellers at the March 7 trade deadline. However, if they get an opportunity to make a “hockey trade”, acquiring a player who can help them now in exchange for a roster player, it’s worth exploring.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently said he’d heard Vladimir Tarasenko had come up in the rumor mill. The 33-year-old winger signed a two-year deal last summer with the Red Wings worth an average annual value of $4.5 million. He’s been the club’s biggest disappointment this season with seven goals and 15 assists in 53 games.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Friedman said he’d heard the Florida Panthers as a possible destination as Tarasenko won the Stanley Cup with them last season. The Panthers would have to trim some salary to reacquire him. Tarasenko has a full no-trade clause but could waive it to return to Florida.

Khan believes the Wings must retain half of Tarasenko’s salary to move him. He also doesn’t see them packaging him with a first-round pick or a prospect to get it done. If the Wings can’t find any takers by the trade deadline, Tarasenko could become a buyout candidate in June. It would cost the Wings $1.583 million per season against their cap for the next two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ priority should be shoring up their defense corps. It wouldn’t be shocking if Tarasenko finishes the season in Detroit and is bought out in the offseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying the Washington Capitals are in the market for a third-line center. He suggested Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers could be a good fit.

Laughton, 30, is a versatile two-way forward signed through next season with an annual cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers management is reluctant to part with Laughton and reportedly set a first-round pick as an asking price. Nevertheless, he’s believed to be drawing interest from playoff contenders seeking depth at center, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning.

UPDATES ON THE PENGUINS AND CANADIENS

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Venzel recently looked at every player on the Penguins to determine their availability by the March 7 trade deadline.

Pending unrestricted free agents like Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier could draw some interest. However, the Penguins could retain Grzecyk after trading away left-shot blueliner Marcus Pettersson.

They could also move players with a year left on their contracts. Noel Acciari, Blake Lizotte, Kevin Hayes and the recently acquired Danton Heinen and Vincent Desharnais would fall into that category.

Vensel believes it will take significant offers to pry away Rickard Rakell or Michael Bunting.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan believes the Canadiens 1-7-1 slump in their last nine games puts them into “hard sell” position for the trade deadline.

Cowan expects UFA-eligible players like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard and Christian Dvorak will be traded by March 7. There might be some interest in winger Josh Anderson but they won’t give him away. The 30-year-old Anderson has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.5 million.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

by | Feb 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 16, 2025

Should the Rangers trade Alexis Lafreniere for Trevor Zegras? Could Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off improve his trade value? Are a couple of Western clubs looking at Islanders forward Jean Gabriel Pageau? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury should look into trading winger Alexis Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Trevor Zegras. He thinks the two 23-year-olds haven’t met expectations and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Brooks called Lafreniere’s unwillingness to backcheck in each of the Rangers’ last two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break “a bad look”. He believes the young winger hasn’t built off the promising 2023-24 performance that earned him a seven-year, $52.15 contract extension.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Zegras has been hampered by injuries and playing for a bad team in Anaheim for the past two seasons. He’s considered a one-dimensional player whose skills haven’t translated well into the NHL but Brooks doesn’t buy that assessment, suggesting Zegras might thrive playing close to family and friends in New York.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks sees Lafreniere and Zegras as centerpieces of a larger deal with the Rangers perhaps including defenseman Zac Jones and the Ducks including a promising blueliner like Drew Helleson or Tyson Hinds.

Swapping Lafreniere for Zegras would be a bold move by Drury. He’s already made his share of them since December, shipping Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, sending Kaapo Kakko to Seattle for Will Borgen, and acquiring J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks in a multi-asset deal.

However, Brooks isn’t saying that he’s hearing rumors of a Lafreniere-for-Zegras swap. He’s merely spitballing here.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh answered trade questions from several Rangers fans in a recent mailbag segment.

He doesn’t see Mika Zibanejad getting traded this summer partly because of his hefty contract, and his no-movement clause. The same factors apply to Artemi Panarin, including the difficulty in replacing his production.

Winger Chris Kreider faces an uncertain future with the Rangers. However, it’s doubtful that anyone will take on his contract in midseason. He’s also complained about back spasms, which have affected his performance and trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Drury goes into sell mode by March 7 it’ll be pending free-agents like Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren who get moved.

COULD ERIK KARLSSON’S 4-NATIONS PERFORMANCE IMPROVE HIS VALUE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked by a reader if Erik Karlsson’s play in the 4 Nations Face-Off would make rival general managers look at the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman more closely.

Yohe believes it does, pointing out that Karlsson was Sweden’s best player in their 4-3 overtime loss to Canada on Wednesday. “Karlsson playing well in this series only helps Dubas, I assure you.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s age and contract remain two sticking points. He turns 35 in May and has two seasons left on his contract with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value. He still has his full no-movement clause.

OILERS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS INTERESTED IN PAGEAU?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner recently reported hearing several Western Conference teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

The versatile Pageau, 32, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. He’s enjoying a bounce-back season with 27 points in 52 games, winning nearly 60 percent of his faceoffs, which would be a new career high. Pageau is also the Isles’ top penalty killer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello could become a seller if his club hasn’t gained ground in the standings by March 7. He’ll more likely peddle pending UFAs like Brock Nelson or Kyle Palmieri but could entertain offers for aging veterans like Pageau who were signed past this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2025

by | Feb 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2025

Check out the latest on the Kraken, Oilers, Jets, Kings and Utah HC in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH PLAYERS COULD THE KRAKEN TRADE BY MARCH 7?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman cited a rumor claiming Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann could be available at the March 7 trade deadline.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann (NHL Images).

Friedman said teams were calling the Kraken to inquire about the availability of the 28-year-old McCann. However, the club had not informed teams that the winger was available. He believes it would take a sizable offer to pry McCann away from the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann is the Kraken’s franchise scoring leader. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

McCann’s 14 goals in 57 games is well off his career-best 40-goal performance in 2022-23 but his team-leading 42 points puts him within reach of his third straight season with at least 60 points.

The Kraken isn’t facing pressure to move McCann but maybe they’ll consider it if they receive a substantial offer.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte looked at several Kraken players who could become trade bait by March 7.

Topping her list are forwards Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde, who are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jaden Schwartz and Jamie Oleksiak are a year away from UFA eligibility but they’re also still playing important roles.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen’s solid play and reasonable $3.48 million AAV through next season are enticing. However, he re-signed with the Kraken last summer and is a young, multifaceted player they can build around. Struggling winger Andre Burakovsky might benefit from a change of scenery but he carries an AAV of $5.5 million for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev and Gourde will probably be playing elsewhere by March 7. Gourde is recovering from sports hernia surgery but is expected to return to action by late March.

LATEST ON THE OILERS GOALTENDING

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson was recently asked by some readers if the Oilers will attempt to upgrade their goaltending by the trade deadline. One mentioned Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson while another suggested Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club.

Matheson dismissed those suggestions. While admitting he’d like to see more consistency from Oilers starter Stuart Skinner, he doesn’t see Gibson or Vejmelka as an upgrade. He also indicated that general manager Stan Bowman was happy with Skinner’s play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard backstopped the Oilers to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup last year. They’re not Vezina Trophy candidates but they’ve come through when their team needed them most. No one in the trade market could be an improvement over either of them.

POTENTIAL JETS TRADE BAIT

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at what the first-overall Winnipeg Jets might offer up at the trade deadline to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run.

The Jets’ 2025 first-round pick is available along with their second-rounders in 2026 and beyond. They might be willing to part with their 2026 first-rounder and prospect winger Colby Barlow for the right price.

Ates considers forward Cole Perfetti and prospects Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert and Brayden Yager as untouchable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are in “win-now” mode but not to the point where they’ll sacrifice too much of their future for rental players. They’ll need most of their top prospects as eventual replacements for veteran stars like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey.

KINGS SHOPPING FOR RIGHT-SHOT FORWARDS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Los Angeles Kings were in the market for right-shot forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings will likely seek wingers who can skate on the top two lines alongside centers Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield. They need the offensive boost, sitting 20th in goals per game average (2.83) while their power-play percentage (14.6) is 29th overall.

A LOOK AT FOUR UTAH HC TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: If the Utah Hockey Club becomes sellers at the deadline, Spencer Lazary recently listed forwards Alex Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad, defenseman Ian Cole and goaltender Karel Vejmelka as trade candidates All four are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Lazary believes Kerfoot could draw interest from the Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils. The Oilers could also revisit their interest in Bjugstad, who might be enticing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild.

The Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings could have Cole on their radar. Vejmelka could draw interest from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazary also suggested the Oilers could look at Vejmelka as a rental but that’s unlikely as I noted above.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2025

by | Feb 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 14, 2025

What’s the latest Bruins buzz? Could the Canucks or Capitals pursue Kraken winger Jared McCann? Check it out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE BRUINS

NHL.COM: Amalie Benjamin reports Brad Marchand doesn’t expect to be moved by the March 7 trade deadline. The 37-year-old Boston Bruins winger and captain is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1 unless he signs a new contract with the Bruins.

Marchand indicated he has a close relationship with Bruins management going back to when he was a prospect and general manager Don Sweeney was in player development. “At the end of the day, if they wanted to trade me, that’s obviously well within their right,” he said. “But I feel like that’s something that we would have a conversation about. I don’t think that’s something they would do on a whim.”

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All reports I’ve seen or heard about Marchand indicate the Bruins aren’t shopping him or entertaining calls about his availability. That could change before the March 7 trade deadline but there’s a sense that the two sides will work out a new deal that enables him to finish his career in Boston.

WEEI.COM’s Scott McLaughlin recently cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan saying the Bruins are “listening a lot right now, both adding and subtracting”. She said other teams don’t believe they’ll trade Marchand, but they’re getting “a bunch of calls” about Trent Frederic, Morgan Geekie and Brandon Carlo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Geekie is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights while Carlo is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $4.1 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

If the Bruins fail to improve in the standings by March 7, Frederic is the most likely to be moved by the trade deadline. Geekie could also go if the Bruins think they face an arbitration fight with him. Carlo’s contract could make it difficult to move him at the deadline, making him a more likely off-season trade candidate.

COULD THE CANUCKS OR CAPITALS PURSUE JARED MCCANN?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Jared McCann is reportedly available and there are several suitors. The 28-year-old Seattle Kraken winger is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5 million.

McCann’s goal output is down this season (14 in 57 games)but Kuzma thinks he’d draw interest from clubs who think that drop is an anomaly rather than an aging concern. He began his NHL career with the Canucks in 2015-16 but was traded to the Florida Panthers in May 2016.

Kuzma suggests McCann would bring cost certainty. A lot would be tied to the roster fit and salary cap space. There’s also uncertainty over whether the Canucks can re-sign UFA-eligible winger Brock Boeser.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber suggests McCann could be an interesting name for the Capitals to pursue leading up to the trade deadline.

The Capitals are reportedly searching for middle-six forwards to bolster their five-on-five offense and bring stability to their third line. Their power-play could also use some help.

McCann could address those issues for the Capitals but he won’t be cheap. In addition to his contract, the Kraken could set a high price such as prospect defensemen or up-and-coming forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken appears to be entertaining offers for McCann but won’t give him away. They’re not under pressure to move him at the trade deadline. If they don’t get suitable offers by March 7, they can wait and try again during the offseason.

McCann also has a 10-team no-trade list. That could complicate efforts to move him to a team that will provide a suitable return to the Kraken.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

Why has Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson changed agents? Could the Red Wings be interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOBSON CHANGES AGENTS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported Noah Dobson changed agents from Andrew Maloney to Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. Moldaver represents some of the NHL’s top players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias looks at two reasons why Dobson made this move. He’s either unhappy with the Islanders and wants a trade (which Macias considers unlikely) or it’s a business decision to garner better terms on his next contract.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias that the second reason is the most likely. Dobson, 25, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Macias pointed out that Fortier was the agent who got Alexis Lafreniere his new seven-year contract (with an average annual value of $7.45 million) with the New York Rangers.

COULD THE RED WINGS BE INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan speculated the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s rumored the Sabres could move the 23-year-old Cozens by the trade deadline.

Khan suggested Cozens could fill the second-line center role on the Wings, a position that’s been difficult to fill. They also have the cap space to accommodate the remaining three years on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.1 million.

The Sabres would want a good young player but Khan doesn’t believe the Wings would part with Marco Kasper or Simon Edvinsson. The Wings could see Kasper as eventually filling the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains patient with his young players. If he’s unwilling to part with Kasper or Edvinsson, the notion of a Cozens trade falls flat. The Sabres won’t be interested in draft picks and prospects, they want a player in return who can help their roster now.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: If New York Rangers GM Chris Drury becomes a seller by the March 7 trade deadline, Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh believe there will a be market for defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Lindgren would draw the best return. Despite a down season, he remains an attractive player for contenders seeking a physical shutdown defenseman. Vesey and Smith could fetch mid-range draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple and Bough point out Drury’s been a buyer and a seller this season. He could follow the same path at the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson recently speculated the Flames could use the 4 Nations Face-Off break to consider ways to address a couple of roster issues before the trade deadline.

They could seek a permanent defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar, suggesting Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option. Gilbertson also wondered if they’ll stick with backup Dan Vladar or seek a more experienced second-stringer to support and mentor rookie starter Dustin Wolf.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

by | Feb 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2025

Could there be some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off? What’s the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Nelson, Brad Marchand, Jeff Skinner and Jared McCann? Who are the Senators’ trade targets? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THERE BE SOME TRADES DURING THE 4 NATIONS FACE-OFF

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman isn’t ruling out the possibility of some trade activity during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The league has paused its schedule from Feb. 10-21 to accommodate the tournament.

During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Friedman said he believes some players have been told by their teams or their agents that they think there could be some action. The players don’t return to practice until Feb. 18, and there’s a feeling that “some guys will not return to where they are.”

Friedman cited the lack of a roster freeze during this period. He also pointed out that Linus Ullmark was traded last year on the same day as Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. He doesn’t believe there’s been any direction from the league against making trades, but they might prefer that those moves be kept away from game days during the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently reported a sense around the league that no one wanted to take the spotlight off the tournament by making trades. We’ll find out soon enough.

BRAYDEN SCHENN LINKED TO THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman earlier this week suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Brayden Schenn.

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t happy with his club’s performance and is unafraid to make big moves. He noted there would be a lot of interest in the 33-year-old Schenn but the Blues would set a big asking price for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $6.5 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season. Assuming he’d accept a trade to Vegas, the Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to acquire him.

That hasn’t stopped Golden Knights management from making bold moves in the past. However, their salary cap constraints and limited trade capital could make it difficult to win a bidding war for Schenn.

BROCK NELSON UNDECIDED ABOUT CONTRACT EXTENSION

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Brock Nelson’s comments about a potential contract extension with the Islanders will do little to dampen trade speculation swirling around him. The 33-year-old center is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Nelson is interested in an extension but said there are many factors to consider, such as what’s best for him, his family, and the team. He praised Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, adding his agent has a great relationship with him.

Sears cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported Nelson’s agent will continue contract discussions with Lamoriello during the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, there’s a risk Nelson will depart as a free agent on July 1 if there isn’t an extension in place by the March 7 trade deadline.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias suggested several contract-extension scenarios for Nelson. One is a two-year, $14 million offer, another is three years at $21 million and four years at $24 million. There’s also a seven-year, $35 million paying him $5 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nelson sits atop most pundits’ trade boards as the player most likely to be moved by March 7. Lamoriello declined to discuss his plans for the trade deadline with the media, saying his focus was on his team’s efforts to make the playoffs.

A lot will depend on the Isles’ performance in the two weeks between the resumption of the regular-season schedule on Feb. 22 and the deadline on March 7.

The long-term option suggested by Macias would provide the Isles with the most salary-cap flexibility while providing Nelson with the most security. However, it will become a cap headache in the final years when his performance inevitably declines.

MARCHAND DISMISSES TRADE RUMORS

THE SCORE: Kayla Douglas reports Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand isn’t worried about his name popping up in recent trade rumors. “That’s just fans having fun with it all,” he said during an appearance on the “What Chaos!” podcast.

Marchand acknowledged his pending UFA status and the Bruins’ struggles this season have stoked speculation about his future in Boston. He said he tries not to pay attention to it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The conjecture will increase if Marchand remains unsigned when the calendar flips to March.

OILERS NOT SHOPPING JEFF SKINNER

THE ATHLETIC: Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman told Daniel Nugent-Bowman that he doesn’t intend to trade Jeff Skinner. The 32-year-old winger signed a one-year, $3 million contract last summer with the Oilers.

Skinner has struggled at times this season with 10 goals and 20 points in 49 games. Bowman cited the winger’s positive attitude and willingness to work through his difficulties, adding that he’s shown improvement in recent games.

KRAKEN COULD MAKE MCCANN AVAILABLE

SPORTSNET: Jacob Stoller reported hearing the Seattle Kraken could make Jared McCann available at the trade deadline. He noted the 28-year-old is a versatile scoring forward who can also play center and kill penalties.

McCann is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5 million. Stoller believes he’d make a lot of sense for the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann has 42 points in 57 games this season, leading the Kraken in scoring as he’s done in their three previous seasons. Shopping him would be a big move by GM Ron Francis, signaling he’s starting a major roster overhaul. He would draw plenty of interest around the league, increasing the likelihood of fetching a significant return for the Kraken.

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are believed to be interested in Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato and Kraken forward Brandon Tanev. Another trade option could be Gustav Nyquist of the Nashville Predators.