NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2025

The Flyers are monitoring the trade market, an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, and the latest on the Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating that the Philadelphia Flyers are monitoring the trade market for a defenseman.

The Flyers are short two top-four defensemen with Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen on injured reserve to open the season. James also pointed out that their third pairing is a serious weak spot.

James noted that the Flyers have $6.6 million in salary-cap flexibility after trading permanently sidelined blueliner Ryan Ellis to the San Jose Sharks earlier this week.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco also believes that the Flyers intend to use their newfound cap space to bolster their blueline. He cited sources who felt they would use it to improve their top-four defense positions.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

The Flyers had an interest in Bowen Byram before he signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Byram by dangling forward Owen Tippett and young defenseman Emil Andrae. Di Marco also mused about the possibility of pursuing Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, citing Hughes’ good relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet.

Di Marco stated that he was merely spitballing with those suggested trade targets, adding that the Flyers have nothing imminent in the works to address their defense issues. However, if or when they do, it’ll be for an impact player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers might not get Byram or Hughes during this season. They might become available at the trade deadline at the earliest if their respective clubs are out of playoff contention by March 6. However, by that point, other options may become available that prove more realistic.

CHINAKHOV A HEALTH SCRATCH FOR THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Yegor Chinakhov is expected to be a healthy scratch when the Columbus Blue Jackets open their season in Nashville on Thursday.

Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade in July, citing a lack of opportunity under head coach Dean Evason. The two sides seemed to have smoothed things over after having a meeting at the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov recently changed agents, but he hasn’t rescinded his trade request. His situation will continue to be worth monitoring as the season progresses.

OILERS TALKING CONTRACT WITH KULAK

TSN: Ryan Rishaug reports the Edmonton Oilers have had some contract extension talks with defenseman Brett Kulak, but nothing is imminent.

Kulak, 31, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He’s in the final season of a four-year, $11 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since signing superstar Connor McDavid to a short-term extension at a considerable bargain, the Oilers have wasted little time re-upping other key players, such as defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman. They also inked UFA forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year deal.