Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 19, 2025

by | Oct 19, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 19, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: an update on Shane Pinto’s contract talks with the Senators, and the latest on the Oilers.

SENATORS OFFER PINTO AN EIGHT-YEAR EXTENSION

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Ottawa Senators have made an eight-year contract extension offer to Shane Pinto.

Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).

The 24-year-old center will become a restricted free agent next July with arbitration rights. He’s in the second year of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

Friedman said a deal isn’t imminent, and it’s unknown how much money the Senators are offering Pinto.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Pinto’s performance this season could raise the cost of re-signing him. He became the first player in franchise history to score six goals in the first five games of a season.

Senators general manager Steve Staios said he had positive discussions with the Pinto camp during the offseason. However, Garrioch observed that they weren’t positive enough to get a deal done. Staios indicated that Pinto’s agent, Lewis Gross, wanted to let the season start without any distractions.

Garrioch claimed the talk in league circles is that the discussions were shelved because of a large gap between what the Senators were offering and what the Pinto camp considers fair market value. A league executive told Garrioch that the young center’s next contract could come in between $7.1 million and $8.35 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto’s situation will be worth watching. He leads the league in goals right now, and it’s going to strengthen his hand in negotiations. If this ends up going to arbitration next summer, it could hasten his departure from Ottawa.

Pinto would provide the Senators with long-term depth at center with Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens. As Garrioch observed, he must decide if he wants to be part of the Senators over the long term.

Garrioch wondered if Pinto would accept a four-year deal to 2029-30. That would be when the contracts of Stutzle and Cozens will expire.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli reporting that the Oilers have a “pecking order” of players who could be moved via demotion or trade to make room for sidelined players such as Jake Walman, Zach Hyman, Mattias Janmark, and Alec Regula.

Seravalli believes Isaac Howard will be the first to be demoted because he’s waiver-exempt. Next would be forward Curtis Lazar. He thinks the Oilers want to avoid putting center Noah Philp on waivers because a rival club would claim him.

Defenseman Ty Emberson could become the odd man out, leading Seravalli to ponder whether the Oilers will make a trade and move Emberson. He also thinks they would trade Janmark if an opportunity presented itself.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2025

by | Oct 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2025

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

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco examined who stays or goes if the Buffalo Sabres end up rebuilding their roster, should they extend their league-record playoff drought, currently at 14 seasons.

Among their forwards, Di Marco believes there isn’t much outside of Tage Thompson and winger Alex Tuch that would fetch a major return. Young forwards Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Jack Quinn have potential, but they aren’t proven commodities.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images)

The defense is a different story, where Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram would garner plenty of interest in the trade market. Of the three, Dahlin would fetch a king’s ransom given his status among the league’s elite blueliners.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Zach Berman suggested the Devils target Thompson, citing speculation that the 27-year-old forward could be leaning toward asking out of Buffalo.

If Thompson becomes available, Berman believes Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald should go all-in to land him. He suggested that no one, other than the Hughes brothers, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, should be considered untouchable.

SPORTSNET: Player agent Brian Bartlett said his client, Alex Tuch, has paused contract negotiations with the Sabres. Bartlett indicated they weren’t able to get a deal done during the offseason, and that things are on the back burner for now.

Tuch, 29, is among the notable forwards eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. Bartlett indicated that there had been good, consistent communication with Sabres management, adding that his client informed them that he was happy to stay in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ 1-3-0 start has already made them a hot topic for trade conjecture. If they don’t snap out of this early-season funk, it would lead to significant changes in the front office and behind the bench, subsequently leading to roster changes if things don’t improve.

Thompson, Tuch, Dahlin, Power, and Byram will definitely draw the most attention if the Sabres decide to tear down the roster and rebuild again.

Tuch’s UFA status for next summer makes him the most obvious trade candidate, which is why he’s already surfaced in media trade chatter. However, he could be joined by one or more of the other core players if any of them finally reach the limit of their patience with the club’s current direction.

UPDATE ON LEAFS WINGER NICK ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston noted the recent trade speculation swirling around Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson.

Siegel and Johnston believe the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential trade destinations.

The Penguins are rebuilding and targeting players in Robertson’s age group, plus there’s his connection with Penguins general manager (and former Leafs GM) Kyle Dubas. Columbus doesn’t have the same apparent need for a scoring winger, but they believe the Blue Jackets should still call.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan also noted Robertson’s return to the rumor mill. However, he believes the Leafs are better off hanging onto him, citing his goal-scoring potential despite his early-season drought. Trading him for a draft pick would free up his $1.85 million salary for this season, but Koshan feels that money is better spent on keeping him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs likely see Robertson as a depth forward worth retaining in case injuries strike the lineup. Unless they go into a tailspin and drop out of playoff contention, which is unlikely, trading him for a draft pick doesn’t improve their roster.

The Blue Jackets aren’t a suitable destination for Robertson unless injuries deplete the ranks of their wingers this season. Seigel and Johnston noted that Yegor Chinakhov can’t crack the Jackets roster, so it’s unlikely Robertson would fare better.

FLAMES SEEK BLUELINE HELP

DAILY FACEOFF‘s Anthony Di Marco stated that the Calgary Flames are looking for “a young, left-shot defenseman with size.” He pointed out that they have “too many bodies on 1-way deals and want to move some out.”

Di Marco heard that the Flames would like to move Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov. He’s heard they like Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula, who played his junior hockey in Calgary.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2025

by | Oct 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 17, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the Devils hope to re-sign Jacob Markstrom, Rangers winger Brennan Othmann is drawing some interest, and the latest on the Maple Leafs.

DEVILS TALKING CONTRACT WITH MARKSTROM

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the New Jersey Devils have had contract extension talks with the representatives for goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

The 35-year-old goaltender is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Dreger indicated the discussions were “healthy”, adding that negotiations are expected to continue. There is a mutual interest from both sides to get something done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was a recent rumor claiming the Devils offered Markstrom an extension with a slightly lower AAV of $5 million. However, there’s been no confirmation about that.

Markstrom could draw a lot of attention if he goes to market next summer. Apart from himself, there aren’t many experienced starting goalies who could be available. They include Florida’s aging Sergei Bobrovsky, Carolina’s oft-injured Frederik Andersen, and Edmonton’s inconsistent Stuart Skinner.

RANGERS COULD CONSIDER MOVING OTHMANN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports New York Rangers prospect winger Brennan Othmann is garnering some interest in the trade market. The 22-year-old was sent down to their AHL affiliate in Hartford, and there have been conversations with other clubs about his future.

Friedman indicates the Rangers have a lot of wingers. Othmann might benefit from a change of scenery.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano cited a league source claiming the Rangers are open to moving Othmann. There’s been no trade request from the young winger, but both sides feel he might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury is believed to be gauging interest in Othmann, but he’s not in a rush to move him. It’s uncertain what type of return Drury would want.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Othmann was the Rangers’ first-round pick (16th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft. He’s had 25 games with the Blueshirts since 2023-24, collecting two assists.

Drury has been steadily reshaping the Rangers’ roster since last December. Othmann would be the latest of several players to be shipped out in recent months. Given the young winger’s struggles, he might not fetch much of a return unless he’s included in a package deal.

LEAFS MANAGEMENT HAS THE GREEN LIGHT TO MAKE A MAJOR MOVE IF POSSIBLE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that Keith Pelley, the CEO and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), feels that it’s “go time” for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the salary cap rising and the Maple Leafs having some cap flexibility, LeBrun believes Pelley has given the green light to general manager Brad Treliving to “take a swing” at a deal sometime before the March 6 trade deadline.

Treliving remains in the market for a top-six forward. Given the average age of the Leafs roster, there’s a sense of urgency to get over the hump this season.

LeBrun believes they’ll have to get creative given their limited trade assets. They don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 or 2027 NHL Drafts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how creative Treliving can get to land that elusive top-six forward before the trade deadline. And no, shopping Nick Robertson won’t be enough to get it done.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2025

by | Oct 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 16, 2025

Could the Oilers make a big addition to their roster this season? Will the Flyers end up trading Christian Dvorak? Are the Hurricanes seeking a goalie? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples noted that the rising salary cap and the presence of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have prompted some Oilers fans to speculate about the club pursuing star players from struggling teams, such as Buffalo’s Alex Tuch.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

However, Staples doesn’t see the Oilers acquiring a top-line forward like Tuch or a No.1 goaltender during this season. He pointed out that the club is up against the $95.5 million salary cap, and they have little to trade other than their 2027 first-round pick.

The only players the Oilers have earning more than $2 million annually who lack no-trade protection are defensemen Evan Bouchard and Brett Kulak, and goaltender Stuart Skinner. Bouchard isn’t going anywhere; the Oilers won’t move Skinner if he performs well this season, leaving only Kulak.

Staples believes the earliest the Oilers can make a significant addition to their roster is next summer, when they’ll have more salary cap space to use in the unrestricted free agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers could surprise by making a move by the March trade deadline. However, Kulak won’t fetch much in return, and their 2027 first-rounder is likely to be a low pick in that round, which also affects its trade value.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently wondered how long Christian Dvorak will be with the Philadelphia Flyers this season. The 29-year-old center signed a one-year, $5.4 million contract this summer as a free agent.

Kurz said the Flyers plan to remain competitive at least through the March 6 trade deadline. If they can’t, Dvorak could become a trade candidate. He’s the type of forward a playoff team covets because of his two-way game and his ability to play center or wing.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli reported the Carolina Hurricanes are monitoring the waiver wire for a goaltender after Pyotr Kochetkov was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes got a win from call-up Brandon Bussi against the San Jose Sharks earlier this week. They could stick with him and starting goalie Frederik Andersen until Kotchetkov is healthy.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2025

by | Oct 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 15, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Adrian Kempe’s contract talks with the Kings, a suggested trade target for the Sabres, what’s next for the Canadiens, and the Nick Robertson trade rumors return.

THE LATEST ON ADRIAN KEMPE’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Adrian Kempe wants to remain with the Los Angeles Kings. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Friedman said that initial contract discussions between the Kings and Kempe’s camp had been about an average annual salary between $9 million and $10 million. However, the recent signings of notable stars like Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov and Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor could push that price higher.

Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings will have to pony up if they want to keep Kempe in the fold, perhaps between $10.5 million and $11.5 million on a long-term deal. Unless they intend to rebuild, they can’t risk losing their leading scorer, especially with Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season.

SHOULD THE SABRES PURSUE RICKARD RAKELL?

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently looked at several options for the Buffalo Sabres to replace sidelined center Josh Norris.

The trade route is one option. Fairburn suggested Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins as a trade target. The 32-year-old has spent much of his career as a winger but can play center and could be a decent middle-six addition.

Rakell is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. He also carries an eight-team no-trade list, which could be a problem for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell doesn’t appear to be in any hurry to leave the Penguins. Given the Sabres’ long-time woes, they’re likely among the teams on his no-trade list.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS AFTER RE-SIGNING LANE HUTSON?

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens’ next priority is re-signing Mike Matheson. The 31-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July.

LeBrun said Canadiens management wants to re-sign Matheson, and the veteran blueliner and his agent are interested in having that discussion. The contract term will be the issue, as he doesn’t want a short-term deal. LeBrun speculates the sweet spot could be a four or five-year contract. Finding the right AAV will also be a factor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Eric Engels reports Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis and several Habs, including team captain Nick Suzuki, think highly of Matheson’s play. He’s become more comfortable in his role as a big-minute blueliner, especially now that he’s paired with offseason addition Noah Dobson.

Matheson is finishing an eight-year contract with an AAV of $4.875 million. The Canadiens have the cap space to sign him to a four or five-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million to $7 million. Given his value to the Habs, it won’t be surprising if that’s what he gets from them.

THE NICK ROBERTSON TRADE RUMORS HAVE RETURNED

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Nick Robertson has resurfaced in the rumor mill. He said that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has recently spoken with clubs that may have some interest in the 24-year-old forward.

Dreger said Robertson is pushing for a larger role with the Maple Leafs. However, the club’s depth has put him in a tough spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ve heard the same thing about Robertson for the past two years. Either the Maple Leafs have set an unreasonably high asking price, or the interest in him from some other clubs is lukewarm. We’ll see what happens as the season unfolds.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2025

by | Oct 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 14, 2025

Could the Canucks or Oilers pursue Sabres forward Alex Tuch? Will the Canadiens trade Brendan Gallagher or Jayden Struble? Are the Flames considering adding a backup goaltender? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE CANUCKS OR OILERS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?

SEKERES & PRICE PODCAST: Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek believes the Buffalo Sabres could be an early seller if they have another poor start. He wondered how many players could be asking out by American Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Marek noted that Alex Tuch hasn’t signed a contract extension. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He pointed out that Tuch’s wife is from British Columbia and mused about a possible fit with the Vancouver Canucks, even though he wouldn’t address that club’s need for a second-line center.

The Edmonton Oilers might be another possibility given their cap space after Connor McDavid agreed to accept a discount on a two-year extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has a five-team no-trade list, and one or both teams may be on it. Assuming they’re not, the Canucks and Oilers don’t have a lot of tradeable assets to give up for Tuch. If the Sabres become sellers, they could find better offers from other clubs.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked if the Canadiens would let Brendan Gallagher finish his contract in Montreal, when it is at the detriment of younger players who deserve to be on the roster.

Cowan doesn’t see Gallagher going anywhere. He pointed out the value the gritty 33-year-old winger continues to have for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher also brings a measure of veteran leadership and gritty two-way play to the up-and-coming Canadiens. His contract expires in 2027, so there’s no need to push him out the door or move him out for cap relief.

Cowan was also asked if Jayden Struble might be a trade chip to address the Canadiens’ roster needs.

While it’s a possibility, they have already traded away three young defensemen. There’s also the big question mark about David Reinbacher after suffering another injury, and the uncertainty over Mike Matheson’s contract situation. He doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a hurry to peddle Struble.

COULD THE FLAMES SEEK ANOTHER BACKUP GOALIE?

SPORTSNET: During the latest episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Calgary Flames were talking to other teams about a backup goaltender.

They intend to give Devin Cooley a shot at securing the backup role to starter Dustin Wolf. If they do add another netminder, they would have four on one-way contracts. Friedman said the teams the Flames are talking to want an enticement to take on one of those extra goalies in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cooley is expected to get the start for Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. It’ll be a big test for the 28-year-old netminder, who has six games of NHL experience.