Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 4, 2025

by | May 4, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 4, 2025

What’s next for the Wild and Avalanche heading into the offseason? Has Patrik Laine played his final game with the Canadiens? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WILD?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith looked at the offseason “to-do” list for Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin.

Topping the list is signing Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension. He has one season left on his five-year, $45 million contract. Russo and Smith speculate they’ll re-sign the 28-year-old superstar winger to an eight-year deal worth between $120 million and $128 million (between $15 million and $16 million annually).

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Shipley of The Pioneer Press acknowledged Kaprizov’s love of playing in Minnesota. However, he suggests money won’t be the critical factor. He raised the possibility that the winger might prefer playing in a bigger city, a bigger market, a warmer climate, a club better-situated to win the Stanley Cup, or one with more Russian players.

Shipley, Russo and Smith all believe the Wild must improve the roster around Kaprizov to show him they’re serious about building and maintaining a winner. They’ll have the salary-cap space this summer to do so ($20.5 million), but must ensure they leave enough long-term cap room for their superstar’s next contract.

Determining Marco Rossi’s future will also be on Guerin’s list. The 23-year-old center finished second among Wild scorers this season with 60 points, but he was buried on the fourth line during the playoffs.

Rossi rejected a contract offer from the Wild earlier this season. He’s a pending restricted free agent eligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi was the subject of trade speculation until December, when Guerin indicated he wasn’t trading the young center. The decline in his playing time in the postseason will only stoke the trade chatter this summer, especially with the threat of an offer sheet hanging in the air.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE AVALANCHE?

THE DENVER POST: Sean Keeler believes the Colorado Avalanche should part ways with head coach Jared Bednar and replace him with David Carle, the head coach of the University of Denver.

He believes Bednar has served the Avalanche well, but he’s been outcoached by Dallas Stars bench boss Peter DeBoer, going 0-4 in series against teams coached by DeBoer.

Keeler noted the Avalanche “maxed out their credit card” trying to buy a second championship for superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The club lacks a first-round pick until 2027, when Bednar’s contract expires. The return of Gabriel Landeskog is inspiring but also adds $7 million to their salary cap, while Makar is due for a significant pay raise when his contract ends in 2027.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered what the consequences will be for the Colorado Avalanche after suffering an early playoff exit for the second straight year at the hands of the Dallas Stars.

He considers it unlikely that Bednar or general manager Chris McFarland won’t be back.

Bednar is the second-longest-tenured coach in the league and is well-respected. McFarland was praised for his midseason makeover of the roster, but he mortgaged part of the farm for Brock Nelson, who was an awkward fit and likely to depart as a free agent this summer. The Mikko Rantanen trade will hang around his neck for good or bad, fair or not.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have $8.7 million in projected cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Nelson, Jonathan Drouin, Ryan Lindgren and Erik Johnson are among their notable UFAs and are unlikely to return.

Lazerus pointed out that Nelson’s expected departure will leave the Avalanche still searching for a reliable second-line center. They don’t have many tradeable assets to work with, and peddling a roster player like defenseman Samuel Girard or Martin Necas will only weaken their current roster.

A coaching change might help, but it’s not guaranteed to change things. Carle is seemingly on everyone’s dance card, but he wants to find the right fit, as was apparent when he took himself out of the running for the Chicago Blackhawks’ coaching job. A veteran-laden club under pressure to keep its Stanley Cup window open might not suit his needs.

COULD THE CANADIENS PART WAYS WITH LAINE?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey suggests Patrik Laine has reached a crossroads with the Canadiens.

A broken finger sidelined Laine from the Habs’ final three playoff games, but Hickey indicated they were a better team without him. He noted that Laine didn’t seem to be suffering as he practiced before the Canadiens departed for Washington for Game 5.

Hickey considers Laine as “a one-trick pony”, saying teams have to hope this big shot will compensate for his lack of effort in the defensive zone. He believes the winger doesn’t fit head coach Martin St. Louis’ system and he has to go.

Laine’s track record and $8.7 million cap hit for next season make him an unlikely trade candidate unless the Canadiens retain salary or add a draft pick in the deal. A contract buyout is another option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s power-play goals helped power the Canadiens into a playoff berth by mid-January. However, his production noticeably declined following the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he wasn’t missed on their power play during those final games against the Capitals.

The Canadiens have a projected $8.6 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. However, they’ll garner $10.5 million in additional cap flexibility with Carey Price on permanent long-term injury reserve.

They could afford to retain salary if they want to move Laine to one of the teams not on his 10-team no-trade list. A contract buyout of his final season will count as $3.966 million against their cap for 2025-26 and $2.366 million for 2026-27.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2025

by | May 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 3, 2025

The Sabres could shop for a defense partner for Owen Power, plus the latest on the Kings and Lightning in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SABRES TO SHOP FOR A DEFENSE PARTNER FOR OWEN POWER

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski believes the Sabres must find a steady, veteran right-hand defenseman to partner with Owen Power. The 22-year-old blueliner was the first-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He had 242 NHL games under his belt, but his defensive play remains inconsistent.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Lysowski listed several potential options in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market, including Brent Burns, Aaron Ekblad, Cody Ceci and Dante Fabbro. However, he also suggested using left-shot defenseman Bowen Byram as a trade chip to acquire a right-shot rearguard to mentor Power.

Byram, 23, is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. He’ll be expensive to re-sign, and the Sabres would prefer using their salary-cap space elsewhere, with forwards Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka and Ryan McLeod being candidates for contract extensions.

Trade targets could including Rasmus Andersson of the Calgary Flames, Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders, Zach Whitecloud of the Vegas Golden Knights, Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets, Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Sam Malinski of the Colorado Avalanche.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres would have to part with Byram to acquire Dobson or Andersson, provided those two are available. They wouldn’t have to part with him to land Whitecloud, Schenn, Gudbranson or Malinski.

Byram could also be used as trade bait to add scoring forward like a second-line center.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE KINGS AND LIGHTNING?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens wondered where the Los Angeles Kings go from here following an inexcusable early playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

The Kings entered that series as the favorites, finishing this season ahead of the Oilers in the regular-season standings. However, blown leads and bad coaching decisions proved to be their undoing.

Stephens wondered if there could be a front-office shakeup. General manager Rob Blake’s contract is up and he has no playoff series wins to show for it. Team president Luc Robitaille also deserves his share of the blame.

The Kings responded well to head coach Jim Hiller this season, tying franchise bests with 48 wins and 105 points. However, he made questionable decisions during the playoffs, including stubbornly leaning on nine forwards and four defensemen that ultimately took their toll as the series went on.

Tearing down the core and rebuilding isn’t an option with veterans Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty signed for next season and are uninterested in being part of a rebuild. They also have several other key players under long-term commitments.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes in the front office and perhaps behind the bench appear more likely than any significant roster changes.

Stephens also observed that more roster tinkering around their core doesn’t feel like the answer. If they’re unwilling to tear things down and rebuild, tinkering could be the only option.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina listed the three biggest topics facing the Lightning that came out of GM Julien BriseBois’ end-of-season press conference.

The first was BriseBois squashing a rumor claiming head coach Jon Cooper was heading to the Utah Hockey Club, which is owned by Cooper’s good friend Ryan Smyth. He confirmed the long-time Lightning bench boss will return next season.

BriseBois admitted the odds are small that all his pending unrestricted free agents will return next season. They include centers Yanni Gourde and Luke Glendening, defenseman Nick Perbix, winger Cam Atkinson and goaltender Jonas Johansson.

Promising prospect Isaac Howard’s NHL future might not be with the Lightning. BriseBois said he appreciated the young forward’s honesty. He pointed out that the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner values the opportunity to choose where he wants to sign.

BriseBois said he won’t speak for Howard, but feels that it’s unlikely they’ll sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have until next August to sign Howard. That gives them time to try to convince the promising youngster to sign with them. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if BriseBois uses Howard as a trade chip this summer to acquire another high-quality prospect or to add a good young NHL player to his roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2025

by | May 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2025

The latest coaching rumors, the Devils attempted to acquire Ryan O’Reilly at the trade deadline, and the latest on Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST COACHING RUMORS

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported sources told her and Kevin Weekes that the New York Rangers are in advanced contract talks with former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. It’s expected to be one of the richest coaching contracts in NHL history.

Kaplan also reported former Rangers coach John Tortorella is expected to rejoin the organization. She also indicated that Penguins assistant coach David Quinn is not expected to follow Sullivan to New York, but he will be a head coaching candidate, including in Pittsburgh.

**UPDATE***

New York Rangers hire Mike Sullivan as their new head coach (NHL Images).

The Rangers announced this morning that they’ve hired Sullivan as their new head coach. There was no word yet as to the contract terms or who would be on his staff.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was widely assumed that Sullivan would join the Rangers if he left the Penguins. No word from Kaplan as to what role Tortorella would have with the Blueshirts.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting the Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their next head coach. LeBrun said they’ve interviewed former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, met with David Carle of the University of Denver, and contacted Mike Sullivan. They also reportedly interviewed former NHL coach Joel Quenneville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scratch Sullivan from that list. Carle recently took himself out of the running for the head coach position with the Chicago Blackhawks.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Flyers interviewed Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler for their head coaching job. Ferschweiler guided Western Michigan to a National Championship this season.

DEVILS TRIED TO ACQUIRE RYAN O’REILLY AT THE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the New Jersey Devils attempted to acquire Ryan O’Reilly from the Nashville Predators at the March trade deadline. However, the club didn’t want to pay a premium to get him.

O’Reilly lacked no-trade protection, but the Predators treated the 34-year-old center as though he had one. He didn’t want to leave Nashville, preferring to stay and help the Predators. That’s why the Predators set a high asking price for him, believed to be three young assets.

Speaking of the Devils, Biringer’s source believes they could move a young player like Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer this summer to upgrade a roster need. The Predators will listen to calls for O’Reilly but the high asking price remains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Biringer wrote that the Preds’ asking price was similar to what they sought for goaltender Juuse Saros last season before they re-signed him. That was a high draft pick, a top prospect, and a good young NHL player. The Predators re-signed Saros.

UPDATE ON VLADIMIR TARASENKO

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reported the Red Wings could be willing to give Vladimir Tarasenko another chance.

The 34-year-old winger managed only 11 goals this season, prompting speculation he could be traded or bought out this summer. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.75 million.

However, Allen noted that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman didn’t sound like he was considering parting ways with Tarasenko. During his recent end-of-season press conference, he said he felt the winger’s performance was better than his production. Yzerman thinks the veteran winger is capable of giving them more than what he did this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2025

by | May 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2025

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner, Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, and Lightning coach Jon Cooper in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD MITCH MARNER LEAVE THE MAPLE LEAFS THIS SUMMER?

TORONTO SUN: Dan Bilicki cited NHL commentator Paul Bissonnette suggesting “a little hostility” between Maple Leafs management and Mitch Marner could see the 27-year-old winger depart this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Bissonnette explained the “hostility” was based on the fact that the Leafs attempted to trade Marner to the Carolina Hurricanes for winger Mikko Rantanen at the March 7 trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Bissonnette noted that the book remains open on Marner’s playoff performance, but he believes he could garner $14 million per season on his next contract. He also cited Marner’s connection with former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, who is now the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports at the time had Leafs GM Brad Treliving telling Marner they wanted to re-sign him, but if the winger didn’t think they could agree to a new contract, there was the opportunity to send him to Carolina for Rantanen. Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause, indicating that he wanted to stay in Toronto. 

The Leafs’ performance (including Marner’s) in this postseason could determine his future. Another early postseason exit could lead to his departure on July 1.

MATHEW BARZAL TRADE RUMOR DEBUNKED

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted a recent rumor making the rounds claiming Mathew Barzal wanted a trade from the Islanders because he was upset over the dismissal of GM Lou Lamoriello.

The rumor stated Barzal wanted out because he didn’t want to be part of a roster rebuild. However, Macias points out the Isles will be retooling rather than rebuilding.

They possess a top-five goaltender in Ilya Sorokin, a talented young defenseman in Noah Dobson, and emerging talent like Simon Holmstrom, Maxim Tsyplakov, Alexander Romanov and recently-acquired prospect forward Calum Ritchie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whoever replaces Lamoriello will be tasked with building around Barzal and the players mentioned by Macias. Indeed, Barzal will likely be among the first people the new general manager contacts to discuss his plans for the future.

LIGHTNING COACH PLANNING A MOVE TO UTAH?

YARDBARKER: Cited Larry Brooks of the New York Post reporting on social media that a “plugged-in individual has told me not to be surprised” if Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper departs to “take over the operation” of the Utah Hockey club.

Brooks noted that Cooper signed an extension last year, taking him through 2025-26, finding it odd that it was only one year. He cited Cooper’s friendship with Utah owner Ryan Smyth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the saying goes, “Huge if true”.

Don’t be surprised if pundits ask Cooper whether there’s any truth to Brooks’ report during the Lightning’s upcoming end-of-season press conference. It’ll be interesting to hear his response.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2025

by | Apr 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 30, 2025

Check out the latest on the Red Wings and the latest on coaches Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATE ON THE RED WINGS’ OFFSEASON PLANS.

THE ATHLETIC: Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman addressed team captain Dylan Larkin’s recent comments about his unhappiness with the club’s lack of significant moves at the March 7 trade deadline. He explained that he tried to address the club’s needs but there were “no good options.”

Yzerman claimed his team is willing to use premium assets (like draft picks, prospects and players) to get better, pointing out he did so when he acquired Alex DeBrincat in 2023. He added that he expected his best players to give the club a bit of a morale boost. Yzerman said he spoke with Larkin, but didn’t elaborate on that conversation.

The Red Wings GM acknowledged his club needed more production from their bottom-six forwards and more 5-on-5 scoring from their top six. He made it clear that he’s willing to make trades to address those issues, but doesn’t expect to go the offer-sheet route.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reported Larkin’s comment raised speculation that the Red Wings captain could end up on the trade block.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Duff dismissed that chatter, pointing out Larkin is the face of the franchise who carries a full no-movement clause in his contract. He also noted the Red Wings captain remains determined to get the team into the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin doesn’t sound like he wants to be traded. He could waive his NMC if Yzerman asked him to, but that’s unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, Duff believes Vladimir Tarasenko could be a buyout candidate following a disappointing performance this season. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson could be a trade candidate.

Forward J.T. Compher and defenseman Justin Holl are expected back next season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Yzerman said there was mutual interest in bringing back Patrick Kane for another season. He admits he and his staff hope to sign the 36-year-old winger to a contract extension.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CANUCKS AFTER RICK TOCCHET’S DEPARTURE?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma listed former former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, former New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, former NHL coach Gerard Gallant, and coach Manny Maholtra of the Canucks’ AHL affilate in Abbotsford as possible replacement for Rick Tocchet, who decided not to return behind the Canucks bench.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre believes replacing Tocchet is the offseason priority for the Canucks. He also thinks team captain Quinn Hughes will have a say in the hiring process. Finding someone who works well with Hughes will be a significant step toward ensuring the latter’s long-term future in Vancouver.

Scratch Sullivan from Kuzma’s list. Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said his friend wants a coaching job in the East.

It remains to be seen where Tocchet ends up. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jordan Hall noted the recent speculation linking him to the Flyers, examining the pros and cons of bringing Tocchet to Philadelphia.

If the Flyers are interested in Tocchet, they could face competition from several other clubs seeking a coaching upgrade. The 2024 Jack Adams Award winner won’t be out of work for long.

MIKE SULLIVAN DRAWING INTEREST FROM SEVERAL TEAMS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports five NHL teams have expressed interest in coach Mike Sullivan, who parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday. He claims there are varying degrees of interest in Sullivan, with some clubs simply curious and others very serious.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun didn’t indicate the identity of those clubs. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and the Flyers are among the teams linked to Sullivan in the rumor mill.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

by | Apr 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 29, 2025

Who are potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as the Penguins’ head coach? Which clubs could be suitors for Sullivan? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

POTENTIAL COACHING CANDIDATES FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Bill Hartlep included former NHL coaches Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette and John Tortorella on his list of potential candidates to replace Mike Sullivan as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sullivan and the Penguins mutually agreed to part ways after 10 seasons, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.

Hartlep also mentioned Rick Tocchet, David Quinn and Mike Vellucci, who all served at one time or another as assistant coaches under Sullivan. He included University of Denver coach David Carle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tocchet is currently the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and is reportedly in contract extension talks with that club.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel had Tocchet, Carle and Quinn among his list of coaching candidates.

Other options included former Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, PWHL coach Kori Cheverie, Western Michigan coach Pat Ferschweiler, Rickard Gronberg of Tappara in Finnish Liga, Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love, Manny Malhotra of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, Boston University’s Jay Pandolfo, Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Mike Van Ryn, and former Edmonton Oilers’ coach Jay Woodcroft.

THE ATHLETIC: Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe included Kirk MacDonald of the club’s AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on his list of candidates. Todd Nelson of the AHL’s Hershey Bears was another suggested option.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time will tell if one of those candidates get the job. The Penguins could be interested in bringing back Tocchet if he becomes available, but they won’t be the only suitors for the 2024 Jack Adams Award winner.

POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS FOR MIKE SULLIVAN

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers’ vacant head-coaching job is there for Mike Sullivan if he wants it, but questions remain.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (NHL Images).

Sullivan might be the best choice to get the most out of veteran core players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, the latter four of whom played for him on Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

However, his handling of younger players like Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, Brennan Othmann, Braden Schneider and more would determine his success as the Blueshirts’ bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks also wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars might be interested in Sullivan.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James pondered whether Sullivan would be a good fit coaching the rebuilding Flyers.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Greg Boysen makes the case for the Blackhawks to pursue Sullivan.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW‘s Andrew Fantucchio and THE ATHLETIC‘s Fluto Shinzawa believe Sullivan should be the top choice as the Bruins’ potential head coach.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Bruins have already reached out to Sullivan. However, the former Penguins coach wants to take some time to decompress before deciding on his next move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sullivan remained a well-respected coach around the league despite the rebuilding Penguins’ struggles over the past three seasons. He won’t be unemployed for long.

OTHER PENGUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe was asked which restricted free agents he sees the Penguins targeting this summer. He suggested defenseman Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe stressed that Byram would be his choice and wasn’t basing it on anything he’d heard.

He didn’t indicate if he meant targeting Byram for a trade or an offer sheet. Assuming the latter, the Sabres have over $21 million in cap space to match any offer for the 23-year-old blueliners.

Yohe doesn’t see the Penguins attempting to acquire Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. “It looks like a disaster of a contract, and he’s not very well respected around the league.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson has seven years left on his contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. Assuming Vancouver retained some of his cap hit, that contract remains burdensome. If the Canucks try to move him they’ll have to move quickly because his no-movement clause begins on July 1.