NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

by | Jul 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 23, 2025

The latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson, Ducks center Mason McTavish and Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen reports trade speculation persists about Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger has a year left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million and will become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July. He also lacks no-trade protection.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Rosen considers it a 50-50 possibility that Robertson gets traded, indicating it depends on if the two sides can or want to try to get an extension done sooner rather than later. He believes the Stars have enough cap space to make it work. However, they must ensure they have sufficient space to re-sign defenseman Thomas Harley, who is also RFA-eligible next summer with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have $27.9 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 with 15 active roster players under contract. They have enough room to re-sign Robertson and Harley to lucrative long-term deals, but it could cost a combined $18 million, with Robertson getting $10 million annually. That wouldn’t leave much to fill out the remaining depth of their roster.

SPORTSNET: If the Stars decide to trade Robertson, Ryan Dixon has a list of seven potential destinations.

The Los Angeles Kings top that list, partly because they’re Robertson’s hometown team. The Carolina Hurricanes are in “go-for-it mode”, while the Washington Capitals need a scorer for when Alex Ovechkin eventually retires.

Bubble teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings could use a scorer like Robertson. So could the struggling Seattle Kraken. The Utah Mammoth needs a premier young player as they establish themselves in their new market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars aren’t under pressure to move Robertson this summer. They’re cap-compliant after shipping Matt Dumba to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They also hold Robertson’s rights until July 1, 2027, when he’ll be UFA-eligible if he hasn’t signed an extension before then.

Robertson has been the Stars’ top scorer since his full-time NHL debut in 2020-21. Moving him would be a significant move on their part, and they won’t want just draft picks and prospects in return.

Given Robertson’s on-ice value to the Stars, they could hang onto him for this season and see how things pan out. Unless they get a comparable player back in a trade, their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this season are better with him in the lineup.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors if the Anaheim Ducks put Mason McTavish on the trade block. The 22-year-old center has the potential to become a prime playoff performer.

McTavish is an RFA without arbitration rights this summer. He’s yet to sign a new contract with the Ducks, which has made him the subject of considerable trade and offer-sheet speculation.

Kuzma believes it would cost the Canucks a roster player, a prime prospect, and a pair of high draft picks to pry McTavish from the Ducks. He cited AFP Analytics projecting the young center receiving a six-year contract with an AAV of $6.67 million. However, Kuzma claimed his camp is pushing for between $7 million and $8 million annually, hence the impasse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen explaining the lack of progress in McTavish’s contract negotiations. Others have merely speculated about his availability and what it might cost to get him.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, as former Duck Trevor Zegras learned the hard way. He’s also warned rival GMs that he’ll match any offer for McTavish, assuming the latter is open to signing with another team.

This standoff might not be resolved until training camp opens in September. The longer this goes on this summer, the more we’ll hear McTavish mentioned in the rumor mill.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen believes Evan Rodrigues could become a trade candidate for the Florida Panthers to become cap-compliant when their regular season begins in October.

Rosen anticipates they’ll start the season with winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). However, that’ll only be a short-term fix as they must be under the cap when he returns to action later in the season.

Rodrigues is a versatile forward with an affordable $3 million AAV who the Panthers value, but they could have no choice but to move him once Tkachuk returns. Rosen does not doubt that teams have already inquired about his availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks to repair injuries he suffered last season. Those procedures were likely delayed given his recent nuptials.

Rodrigues will probably still be with the Panthers when they begin their regular season. However, his days in Florida could be numbered if he becomes their likely cost-cutting candidate.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 21, 2025

by | Jul 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 21, 2025

What’s the latest on the Oilers and Devils goaltending? What kind of return could the Blue Jackets get for Yegor Chinakhov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes Oilers starting goaltender Stuart Skinner could be in line for a lucrative new deal when his contract expires at the end of this season.

The 26-year-old netminder is in the final year of a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.6 million. Leavins points to the five-year deal ($6.25 million AAV) that Lukas Dostal recently signed with the Anaheim Ducks as a blueprint for Skinner’s next contract.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I can hear the eyerolls of Skinner’s critics, but backstopping the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals matters. If he has a solid performance this season, he won’t have any problem landing a deal comparable to Dostal’s, either with the Oilers or another team via free agency.

Leavins also examined the Oilers’ current goaltending conundrum, particularly Skinner’s inconsistency. If he’s a “1B” goalie, they must find someone to be their “1A”.

The Oilers had “active interest” in Arturs Silovs. However, the Vancouver Canucks refused to trade him to Edmonton, shipping him instead to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They’re also rumored to have an interest in Boston Bruins third-stringer Michael DiPietro.

Landing one of those goalies might’ve been an upgrade over current Oilers backup Calvin Pickard, but their limited NHL experience doesn’t address the need of bringing in a “1A” goalie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The goalie market is thin right now. If the Oilers seek an upgrade, they’ll have to wait for the coming season to unfold and hope that better options become available.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols wonders what the Devils will do with goaltender Nico Daws after they brought back Jake Allen as Jacob Markstrom’s backup.

Daws, 24, is in the final season of a two-year contract with a cap hit of $812,500. He’s eligible for restricted free-agent status next summer with arbitration rights and is no longer exempt from waivers.

It’s unlikely Daws would pass unclaimed through waivers. Nichols suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets or Chicago Blackhawks might pluck him off the wire. He proposed trying to trade Daws, either on his own or packaged with defenseman Dougie Hamilton or center Dawson Mercer in a larger deal.

Nichols included the Oilers among his list of potential trade partners for Daws. He also mentioned the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights as possible landing spots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Silovs and DiPietro, Daws has potential but also a limited NHL resume, so it’s debatable if he can be considered an upgrade over Pickard for the Oilers.

The Flames could use a replacement for Dan Vladar after he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this month. Vegas Hockey Now’s Hannah Kirkell indicates the Golden Knights need a clear-cut backup for starter Adin Hill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger examines what type of return Yegor Chinkhov might fetch in the trade market. The 24-year-old forward recently requested a trade from the Blue Jackets, citing misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason.

Hedger considers Chinakhov “largely undefined as a player.” A first-round pick in 2020, he’s been hampered by injuries, limiting him to 175 NHL games.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell could seek an established NHL player in return. However, trading him creates an additional hole in their forward lines, having let James van Riemsdyk, Sean Kuraly and Justin Danforth depart via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hedger noted that Chinakhov has one more year remaining on his contract. Staying in Columbus could help him improve his trade value. It could also give the forward and the Jackets time to sort out their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

by | Jul 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

Updates on Bowen Byram and Yegor Chinakhov plus the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Following the Sabres’ signing Bowen Byram to a two-year bridge contract earlier this week, Mike Harrington looked at whether the 24-year-old defenseman remains a trade candidate.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Byram will become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status when the deal expires in 2027.

Harrington suggested Byram could still have plenty of value at the March 2026 trade deadline because he’ll have another year remaining on his contract. That would provide the Sabres with the opportunity to move him in a “hockey trade” for another player, rather than for draft picks and prospects.

However, Harrington cited three NHL sources who confirmed that Byram never requested a trade before signing his contract and the Sabres aren’t shopping him. General manager Kevyn Adams could listen to calls about the defenseman now that he’s signed through 2027, but he’s not initiating those discussions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram’s new contract immediately ended all the trade speculation that swirled around him for months. Nevertheless, his name will likely resurface in the rumor mill if the Sabres get off to a poor start this season, or if they’re out of playoff contention as the trade deadline approaches.

THE PROVINCE: Steve Ewen wondered if the Vancouver Canucks will use the salary-cap space created by trading Dakota Joshua to Toronto to pursue UFA forward Jack Roslovic.

The Canucks now have $3.27 million in cap room and must boost their depth among their top-six forwards. They’ve been linked to the 28-year-old Roslovic in the rumor mill.

Roslovic earned $2.8 million on a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. The Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs are also rumored to have an interest in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Canucks can’t land Roslovic, they could turn to the trade market. They were recently suggested as a potential suitor for Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann if he becomes available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Yegor Chinakhov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, doubts there’s any way his client can stay with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Earlier this week, Chinakhov requested a trade. Babaev said the 24-year-old winger is comfortable with the team and the city but not with head coach Dean Evason. Babaev isn’t confident that the relationship between the two can be repaired.

Portzline indicated that Evason had conversations last season with Chinakhov, and there were conversations between the player and the assistant coaches. Through a spokesman, Evanson stated that the lines of communication were open and would remain so.

Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is open to trading Chinakhov, but only if he gets the right offer. The expectation is that the winger will report to training camp in September, which Babaev confirmed his client will do.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Chinakhov gets traded before training camp. Several teams still have forward depth issues to address.

NESN’s Jay Pritchard believes Chinakhov could be a “smart gamble” for the Boston Bruins. Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski suggested the winger’s youth and potential could be a good fit with the rebuilding Penguins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 18, 2025

The Ducks avoid arbitration with Lukas Dostal, the Canucks trade Dakota Joshua to the Maple Leafs, Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Anaheim Ducks avoided salary arbitration with Lukas Dostal, signing the 25-year-old goaltender to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a significant increase for Dostal, who earned an annual cap hit of $812,500 on his previous deal. It raised some eyebrows on social media, but he earned it by outplaying John Gibson for the starter’s job, resulting in the latter’s recent trade to the Detroit Red Wings.

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (NHL Images).

Dostal is a good goalie on a rebuilding team. Eric Stephens of The Athletic pointed out that his analytics are better than his traditional stats, with 14.3 goals saved above expectation. He backstopped the Ducks to their first 80-point season since 2018-19.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek considers Dostal to be a proven No. 1 goaltender. “He is just entering the prime of his career, with his best hockey ahead of him.”

THE PROVINCE/TORONTO SUN: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Joshua was popular among Canucks fans for his physical, energetic style. Diagnosed last summer with testicular cancer, he missed most of his offseason training, training camp, and the first 14 games of the 2024-25 season. He admitted that he spent most of the season playing catch-up.

When healthy, Joshua is a solid checking-line forward with a decent scoring touch, netting a career-best 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games during the 2023-24 season. That earned him a three-year contract with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Joshua won’t replace the offense the Leafs lost when they traded Mitch Marner to Vegas on the eve of free agency, but the hardworking 29-year-old will bring a solid physical presence to their third line.

By clearing Joshua’s cap hit from their books, the Canucks have $3.27 million in cap space with 22 active roster players under contract for this season. It’s expected they will add another player via trade or free agency. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. In a post on social media by his agent, the 24-year-old winger cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason last season.

Chinakhov, 24, was chosen 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Draft. He missed nearly half of last season with a back injury.

TSN: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell expressed surprise that the Chinakhov camp took the trade request public. He said he had spoken with Chinakhov previously about it, indicating the winger didn’t play well upon his return from injury, leading to him and Evanson falling out of favor.

Waddell indicated that he told Chinakhov’s agent that his client has value in the trade market. “I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not going to trade him because you said to trade him.” He added that the winger couldn’t handle being a healthy scratch near the end of the season.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline cited Waddell saying if the trade market isn’t good for Chinakhov, he’ll remain a Blue Jacket. In that case, he’ll be in training camp because he’s under contract for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell also indicated that he’s not worried about this situation. He believes it won’t be an issue if Chinakhov shows up with the right attitude in training camp. That will also be the best way for the winger to improve his value in the trade market.

RG.ORG: Dmitry Orlov said his reduced role last season with the Carolina Hurricanes left him feeling isolated and mentally drained. The 33-year-old defenseman admitted the hardest part was knowing he no longer fit into their long-term plans.

A free agent on July 1, Orlov signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. He’s hoping to find stability in a leadership role with the rebuilding club.

TSN: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is heading to Russia to coach a team in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). An official announcement is expected soon.

Winner of the Jack Adams Trophy in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was with the New York Rangers until 2023. He also previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl took to the ice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday as they took part in a beer-league game. The pair stood out with their speed and skill, but made sure not to show up their teammates or opponents.

Their team lost 6-2, which sparked some ribbing toward the two on social media. However, the on-ice officials credited the goaltender’s performance for blanking McDavid and Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl got to get in some summer on-ice work while having some fun at the same time.

They’re not the only notable players to take part in a beer-league game as part of their offseason training this summer.

Evgeny Kuznetsov made a recent appearance at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The former Washington Capitals center hopes to stage an NHL comeback after spending last season in the KHL.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2025

by | Jul 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2025

The latest on Nazem Kadri and Jared McCann, plus updates on the Canucks and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NAZEM KADRI ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports that Nazem Kadri addressed his name floating around in recent trade rumors linking him to his former club, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kadri called the speculation “a little bit bizarre”. The 34-year-old center has four years left on his contract, he’s the Calgary Flames’ leading scorer, and there’s no indication they want to move him.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Nevertheless, there has been persistent speculation out of Southern Ontario suggesting Kadri reunite with the Leafs. They are reportedly seeking a top-six forward to offset some of the offense they lost following Mitch Marner’s departure.

During an appearance on the “Knight Shift” podcast, Kadri maintained he and his family were happy in Calgary. He also acknowledged the trade rumors, calling them part of the business.

“I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” he said. “I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about. And hey, why not talk about it?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some folks took Kadri’s comment as a suggestion that he’d be willing to waive his no-movement clause to get traded to Toronto. That’s not the case, but when it comes to trade options for the Leafs, some fans will engage in wishful thinking during the dog days of summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claimed Kadri would waive his no-movement clause for the Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.

Marc Dumont shoots down the possibility of the Canadiens pursuing Kadri, suggesting general manager Kent Hughes wouldn’t be keen to part with valuable assets to acquire a player on the wrong side of 30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal needs a second-line center and has the trade assets to swing that deal. Nevertheless, Hughes prefers acquiring players in their twenties who could be part of the Canadiens’ long-term future.

KRAKEN WILLING TO SHOP MCCANN

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: The host suggested the Seattle Kraken might be willing to move forward Jared McCann.

McCann, 29, has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann has spent the past four years with the Kraken and has led them in scoring each season, including a career-high 40-goal performance in 2022-23.

It seems odd that the Kraken would be willing to trade their leading scorer. There has been nothing in the Seattle media verifying his availability.

However, the Kraken have a new GM in Jason Botterill. He could be gauging the market value of some of his veterans with an eye on bringing in younger talent.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports Vancouver Canucks management is eyeing several players in the unrestricted free-agent market. However, they lack the salary-cap space to add to their roster.

Teams are allowed to be over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be cap-compliant before their season-opening game.

Drance indicates the Canucks are attempting to shed salary to make room for further additions. He suggested Teddy Blueger ($1.85 million AAV on an expiring contract) and Dakota Joshua ($3.25 million AAV for the next three seasons) as possible trade candidates.

BLUE JACKETS SHOPPING FOR A GOALTENDER

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is in the market for a goaltender, perhaps two. He’s seeking a No. 3 netminder with AHL experience who wouldn’t look out of place in the NHL.

If Waddell cannot find that goalie in the trade market, he’s willing to wait out the waiver wire during training camp. He indicated a willingness to carry three goalies on his roster to start the season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

by | Jul 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 16, 2025

The latest on Mika Zibanejad and Sidney Crosby, the Sharks hire Joe Thornton in a development role, and the latest contract signings in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Where Mika Zibanejad plays under new head coach Mike Sullivan could determine the outcome of the 2025-26 season for the Rangers.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Zibanejad struggled while playing at center for most of 2024-25. The 14-year NHL veteran’s performance improved when shifted to right wing alongside J.T. Miller late in the season. He was also employed as a right winger while playing for Sweden during the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant improvement by Zibanejad at center, it likely won’t take Sullivan long to determine which position the 32-year-old is best suited for in the coming season.

What do you think, Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments section below.

THE ATHLETIC: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a hand in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ hiring of their new head equipment manager.

Paul DeFazio spent over 25 years in the Penguins’ organization. Crosby’s endorsement helped him land the job with Columbus. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said Penguins GM Kyle Dubas also backed DeFazio’s application.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly doesn’t hurt to have Crosby and Dubas as recommendations on your job application. Classy move by the Penguins captain to help out his former equipment manager.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of hirings, the San Jose Sharks have brought in former star Joe Thornton as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thornton played 15 of his 24-season NHL career with the Sharks. He’s their single-season leader with 92 assists and 114 points, and their all-time leader with 804 assists. Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Utah Mammoth have brought back forward Michael Carcone, signing him to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

Speaking of the Sharks, they signed defenseman Jack Thompson earlier this week to a one-year, two-way deal worth $800,000 at the NHL level.

The Carolina Hurricanes inked forward Skyler Brind’Amour to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brind’Amour, 25, is the son of Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour. He played two games with the Hurricanes last season, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate in Chicago.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed center Anton Frondell to a three-year entry-level contract. Chosen third overall in this year’s draft, the 18-year-old Frondell is expected to spend this season with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed defenseman Radim Mrtka to a three-year entry-level deal. He was chosen ninth overall in this year’s draft.