NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2026

by | Mar 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2026

The Penguins have no intention of trading Erik Karlsson, plus the latest on Rangers center Mika Zibanejad in today’s NHL Rumor Mill

THE PENGUINS WON’T PEDDLE ERIK KARLSSON THIS SUMMER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has no intention of trading Erik Karlsson this summer.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images).

The 35-year-old defenseman has one year remaining on his contract. The Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million annual cap hit. He is owed a $6 million signing bonus on July 1, and just $1.5 million in remaining salary after that.

That’s partly why Karlsson recently surfaced in trade rumors regarding the Penguins’ offseason plans. His improved performance this season has LeBrun believing there would be clubs interested in the puck-moving rearguard this summer.

However, Dubas told LeBrun that he’s not happy that Karlsson’s name is out there. He praised the veteran blueliner’s performance this season, saying the Penguins consider him part of their retooling process, and they don’t want to trade him this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why Dubas wants to retain Karlsson. His performance this season is among the reasons the Penguins have exceeded expectations and are currently jockeying for a playoff berth in the Metropolitan Division.

If Karlsson’s play drops off next season, they can try to shop him at next year’s trade deadline or let him depart as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

COULD THE RANGERS ATTEMPT TO MOVE MIKA ZIBANEJAD THIS SUMMER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted that Mika Zibanejad was honored by the New York Rangers earlier this week for playing in his 1,000th career NHL regular-season game. He wonders if the 32-year-old center’s next milestone will be celebrated with another team.

Proteau pointed out that Zibanejad has improved this season, with 30 goals and 67 points in 70 games. He’s still an effective top-six forward, but in the second half of his career, he’ll have to be traded from the rebuilding Rangers if he hopes to win the Stanley Cup.

Rangers GM Chris Drury didn’t attempt to move Zibanejad at the March trade deadline. However, Proteau suspects he could revisit that matter during the offseason. He has a full no-movement clause, but perhaps he’d consider waiving it to join a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad is signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $8.5 million. His full NMC remains until that season, when it becomes a no-movement clause for waivers and a modified no-trade clause.

The market for Zibanejad probably wasn’t that good last summer because of his age, the drop-off in his production, and the remaining years of his contract. However, his turnaround this season on a much-worse Rangers club might improve his value now.

It was rumored last year that Drury wanted to move Zibanejad, but he refused to waive his NMC. Maybe it’ll be different this year after the Rangers failed to bounce back from last season’s disappointing performance.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2026

by | Mar 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2026

Check out the latest speculation on the Canucks and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS FACE A BUSY SUMMER

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston looked at what’s ahead for the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks in the off-season.

Johnston wondered what they would do with Elias Pettersson. He believes the Canucks would be smart to try to trade the 27-year-old center this summer and try to get something of value for him. Johnston felt that Pettersson himself would be smart to ask for a trade, as it’s clear he thinks he needs a fresh start.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s a market for Pettersson. Some general managers seeking offensive depth at center will look at his 102-point performance in 2022-23 and believe he can reach those numbers again in a different market with a better roster.

However, Petersson’s $11.6 million average annual value through 2031-32 is the main stumbling block in the path to a trade. Interested clubs will want salary retention as part of the deal, which the Canucks could be unwilling to do.

Pettersson also has a full no-movement clause, which will also hinder the Canucks efforts to get a decent return. The fewer his preferred destinations, the less likely they’ll get something back that can help their rebuild.

Johnston also pointed out that the Canucks’ biggest needs are a No. 1 center, a top-flight winger, and a big-time defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t get immediate help for those issues in the trade market. The best they’ll get there are promising youngsters and draft picks that might one day blossom into stars, especially if they win the draft lottery in May.

Johnston’s colleague, Paul Chapman, noted that the Canucks won’t find much help in this summer’s shallow unrestricted free-agent pool. The top centers are an aging Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins and 34-year-old Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh. If he becomes available, he’s not going to a rebuilding team. The Blue Jackets hope to re-sign Coyle, and he’s likely to stay with them given their impressive improvement this season. 

THE RED WINGS’ UNWILLINGNESS TO MOVE PROSPECTS COULD COST THEM A PLAYOFF SPOT.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports a source told him that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was unwilling to move any of his top prospects in a prospective trade before the March 6 deadline.

The Red Wings were rumored to have been among the clubs with an interest in St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. It’s believed the Blues set a high asking price for the 26-year-old Thomas, but the Red Wings’ depth in prospects put them in a good position to meet that price.

Had Yzerman been willing to move a couple of his top prospects for Thomas, Di Marco felt the Blues might’ve been open to a return of a first-round pick, center Nate Danielson, and either Trey Augustine or Sebastian Cossa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Di Marco pointed out that the Red Wings did make a significant addition by adding right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk. However, they failed to acquire a reliable first or second-line center. Thomas would’ve been an excellent fit given his age (26) and offensive talent.

The Red Wings are struggling down the stretch again, dropping out of the final wild-card berth over the weekend. If they miss the playoffs again, critics will point to their inability (or unwillingness) to make a major move when they had the assets and the salary-cap space to do so.

Di Marco wonders if that could cost Yzerman his job. Missing the playoffs for 10 straight years, with the last seven seasons on Yzerman’s watch, could force ownership to consider a shake-up in the front office.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 23, 2026

by | Mar 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 23, 2026

Check out the latest on notable pending unrestricted free agents such as the Sabres Alex Tuch, the Golden Knights’ Rasmus Andersson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently examined the rumors involving some of the notable players in this year’s thin unrestricted free-agent market.

Topping the list is Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch. The 29-year-old Tuch earned an average annual value of $4.75 million on his current deal, and could reportedly seek a deal comparable to Adrian Kempe’s new eight-year contract ($10.625 million AAV) with the Los Angeles Kings. The Sabres’ opening bid was reportedly $8 million annually.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Talks between the two sides have cooled, but Fox indicated they remain in contact and there’s mutual interest in getting a deal done. Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen remains hopeful of getting an extension in place before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has been an invaluable part of the Sabres’ rise this season. They have over $13 million in cap space for 2026-27 with 21 active roster players under contract, so there’s room to sign him to a big raise. Perhaps a compromise between $9.5 million and $10.2 million might be found before July 1.

The Vegas Golden Knights want to re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson, whom they acquired from the Calgary Flames in January. He carries an AAV of $4.55 million on his current deal.

Fox pointed out that the Golden Knights only have $3.78 million in projected cap space for next season with 17 active roster players under contract. They’ll have to perform some “roster surgery” to free up the cap space. Hanging over this situation is the status of sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. He’s on long-term injury reserve this season, but has one more season left on his contract with an AAV of $8.8 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo could end up on permanent LTIR if he’s unable to return from his season-ending injuries. Even then, as Fox noted, they still might have to move another player to free up sufficient cap space to re-sign Andersson and fill out the rest of their roster.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh’s career year will put him in line for a big raise over his current cap hit of $970,000. Fox speculates the 30-year-old blueliner could seek something comparable to defense partner JJ Moser’s eight-year deal with an AAV of $6.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have $15.23 million in projected cap space for next season and 21 active roster players under contract. They could afford that raise for Raddysh, but Fox also observed they’ll need as much cap space as possible kept free to sign superstar Nikita Kucherov to a new deal before his UFA eligibility next summer.

Fox also weighed in on several aging superstars, such as Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and John Carlson of the Anaheim Ducks.

The greatest goal scorer of all time, Ovechkin could retire from the NHL after this season and return to Moscow to finish his playing career. However, if the 40-year-old winger wants to return for another season, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis will make it happen.

Malkin has met multiple times with Penguins management. The 39-year-old center has improved this season, and he’s indicated a willingness to return for another season or two. Both sides have agreed to wait until the offseason to continue talks. A one-year contract would take Malkin through the final season of long-time teammate Sidney Crosby’s contract.

The Ducks acquired Carlson from the Capitals at the trade deadline. Fox wondered if a two-year contract, perhaps with performance bonuses, might keep the 36-year-old defenseman in Anaheim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wasn’t that long ago when having Ovechkin, Malkin, and Carlson in the same UFA class would’ve generated considerable excitement about where they might land and how expensive their new contracts might be. However, they’re all past their playing prime with retirement on the horizon. Their days of landing lucrative long-term deals are over.

Ovechkin and Malkin are more likely to return with their current clubs next season. It’s not a certainty, but at this stage of their careers, playing for other NHL teams isn’t the ending they (or their fans) want to see. Carlson could test the UFA market, but that will depend on how the remainder of this season with the Ducks plays out.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping to re-sign forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment. They must also make decisions on team captain Boone Jenner and defenseman Erik Gudbranson. Cap space isn’t an issue, and Coyle has fit in well with the Blue Jackets, but it remains to be seen if he’ll stick with them or test his luck in free agency.

Jacob Trouba has been a good fit with the Anaheim Ducks. His performance, and that of his teammates, will determine if he has a future in Anaheim beyond this season.

Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the best option for goalies 30-and-under in this year’s UFA market. His inconsistencies have been well-documented, but his career save percentage above the league average and back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals will ensure he won’t have difficulty landing elsewhere if he goes to market on July 1.

Others worth watching include Penguins winger Anthony Mantha, and Seattle Kraken forwards Bobby McMann and Jaden Schwartz.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Fox indicated, this summer’s UFA pool is very shallow. That’s why there’s an expectation that teams will put more focus on the trade market to address their roster needs. Still, some of the players on this list could end up cashing in, though Tuch and maybe Andersson are the only ones who’ll get anything close to expensive long-term deals.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

by | Mar 22, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation about Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and some suggested offseason trade targets for the Flyers.

MORE SPECULATION OVER AUSTON MATTHEWS FUTURE WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston raised the possibility that the knee-on-knee hit that ended Auston Matthews’ season, and the lack of reaction from his Maple Leafs teammates, might be “the final act in Toronto” for arguably the greatest player in franchise history.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Leafs management was bound to have a discussion with Matthews during the offseason about his future before the 28-year-old center was sidelined. The club has suffered the biggest year-over-year points decline in franchise history, forcing management to become sellers at the recent trade deadline.

The Maple Leafs face an offseason of uncertainty in the front office and among the coaching staff. More changes could be coming to the roster. Johnston speculated that it might not be until June before Matthews and the Maple Leafs have a clearer picture of the club’s direction.

Matthews has two more seasons remaining on his contract. His full no-movement clause would severely limit the Maple Leafs’ efforts to get full value if they attempt to trade him. Punting next season is out of the question because they have already traded their 2027 first-round pick, and potentially their 2028 first-rounder, depending on trade conditions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Matthews camp spoke with Leafs management before the Olympic break. Everything seemed fine then despite the club’s sagging fortunes. Following Matthews’ injury, Friedman speculated the two sides could revisit those discussions within the next couple of months.

Matthews could decide to see how next season turns out before getting into more serious talks about his future.

A bounce-back performance by himself and the Maple Leafs could make him amenable to another short-term contract extension. Another season like this one, and he could decide to test the free-agent market in 2028, forcing the Leafs to start shopping him in the summer of 2027.

WHO COULD THE FLYERS TARGET IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently looked at what centermen the Philadelphia Flyers might target in this summer’s trade market.

The Flyers were rumored to have made an offer to the Boston Bruins for prospect centers Dean Letourneau and Matthew Poitras. Neither has established themselves as NHL players yet, but they have the potential to become middle-six pivots.

Di Marco noted that the Seattle Kraken were open to trading Shane Wright, but couldn’t find any takers. He wondered if they might consider moving Matty Beniers, noting they have Chandler Stephenson signed long-term and that promising Jake O’Brien is on the way.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be available. However, the asking price is rumored to be the equivalent of four first-round picks, which may scare off the Flyers. However, they might get into it if the Blues lowered the price a little.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring a center is a priority for the Flyers this summer. Of Di Marco’s suggested options, landing Letourneau and/or Poitras seems the more likely.

The Kraken aren’t likely to move Beniers despite his offensive difficulties. He’s their first-line center and is in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.142 million. At 23, he still has time to improve, especially if they find a suitable scoring winger for his line.

Thomas might be an option if the Blues lower their price. However, he has a full no-movement clause and might not waive it to go to Philadelphia.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 21, 2026

by | Mar 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 21, 2026

Check out the latest about Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, Ducks center Mason McTavish, and Avalanche center Jack Drury in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES INQUIRED ABOUT JORDAN BINNINGTON BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports sources suggested the Carolina Hurricanes checked in with the St. Louis Blues about goaltender Jordan Binnington before the March 6 trade deadline. However, that’s all it was, as the talks never got serious.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images).

LeBrun’s report was part of his interview with Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky, which included a discussion about the club’s limited activity at the trade deadline. He noted that Tulsky wouldn’t comment about the Binnington-to-Carolina rumors leading up to the deadline. The Hurricanes GM indicated they tried everywhere to upgrade the roster.

The limited options in this summer’s free-agent market could send Tulsky into this summer’s trade market. He indicated that his club will be “actively pursuing any means” to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were expected to take a big swing at a major deal before the deadline. Following the deadline, Tulsky noted that the asking prices were too high for his liking. Whether they’ll become more affordable this summer remains to be seen.

The Blues are expected to remain sellers this summer, with Binnington among the players they’re willing to move. Tulsky could revisit his interest if his current tandem of Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi fails to backstop the Hurricanes on a deep playoff run.

SHOULD THE FLYERS PURSUE DUCKS CENTER MASON MCTAVISH?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Dailey noted the Philadelphia Flyers have had a good trade history with the Anaheim Ducks, bringing in Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. He wondered if they should continue that streak by inquiring about the availability of center Mason McTavish in the offseason.

McTavish, 23, has struggled this season with 13 goals and 32 points in 62 games, and was a recent healthy scratch against the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. He’s in the first season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million, and lacks no-trade protection until 2029-30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is McTavish’s first season under head coach Joel Quenneville, which could explain his difficulties this season. He also missed part of training camp last fall due to his contract negotiations.

McTavish never came up in the rumor mill before the trade deadline. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean teams seeking depth at center (like the Flyers) won’t make inquiries about his availability this summer.

COULD THE AVALANCHE TRADE JACK DRURY THIS SUMMER?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen was asked if the Avalanche might trade Jack Drury. They acquired Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline, and could decide to move the 26-year-old Drury, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Deen thinks trading Drury this summer is a real possibility. It could allow them to recoup some of the assets they gave up to acquire Roy and Nazem Kadri. However, they could keep him if they could get him signed to a reasonable contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2026

by | Mar 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 20, 2026

Check out the latest on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, Sabres winger Alex Tuch, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” RUMOR TIDBITS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the lack of depth in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market could generate more activity in this summer’s trade market. That’s one of the reasons the New York Rangers didn’t move Vincent Trocheck at the March 6 trade deadline. Teams reluctant to meet the Rangers’ asking price at the deadline could be more open to doing so in the offseason.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers (including me) questioned the Rangers’ decision not to move Trocheck at the deadline when his trade value was perceived to be at its peak. A more active summer trade market would give them a good chance of finding a trade partner willing to meet their asking price. 

Friedman reports the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Mammoth showed serious interest in Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies before the recent trade deadline.

Everyone has denied that the Canadiens “went far down the road” pursuing Knies, but Friedman seems skeptical, saying “we’ll see”. There were rumors linking the Habs to a defenseman, or something else they could revisit this summer. He also noted that they “definitely explored moving money.” There were talks of shipping Patrik Laine to the Philadelphia Flyers or Toronto Maple Leafs, but nothing came of it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens and Mammoth were also believed to have been interested in St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. The Habs also had an interest in Blues winger Jordan Kyrou last summer.

As for the Canadiens attempting to move money, Laine was likely the player they were trying to move. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and he no longer fits into their plans.

It’s believed Sergei Bobrovsky’s camp at one point sought a contract comparable to what Brad Marchand signed with the Florida Panthers (six years, $5.25 million AAV). Bobrovsky is 37, the same age Marchand was when he inked that deal last year. However, the Panthers weren’t willing to do it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky is finishing a seven-year deal with an AAV of $10 million. He’s obviously not getting anything similar to that again. The Panthers are probably objecting to the length of the deal, but they could find the $5.25 million AAV acceptable. Maybe they get something done on a two or three-year contract.

A big playoff performance by Alex Tuch could force the Buffalo Sabres’ hand in contract negotiations with the 28-year-old power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch has put up good numbers during the last four seasons. The last time he was in the postseason was in 2020-21 with the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s rumored that he’s seeking a deal comparable to the eight-year, $85 million contract that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall ($10.625 million AAV). Helping the Sabres stage a deep playoff run would probably go a long way toward convincing management that he’s worthy of a similar deal.

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said he’ll discuss Rick Bowness’ future with the coach after this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets hired Bowness on an interim basis in mid-January, and the players have responded well. When the hiring was made on Jan. 12, they were last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-19-7 for 45 points. They’ve surged up the standings since then, moving into third place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 36-21-11 for 83 points.

If Bowness wants the job full-time, it’s his for the taking.

It wasn’t a certainty that the Minnesota Wild would include prospect forward Charlie Stramel in a package deal. That’s not to say they wouldn’t have done so, but the return would have to be significant. The same goes for the Carolina Hurricanes with young defenseman Alexander Nikishin.