NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2025

by | Feb 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 26, 2025

Check out the game recaps from a busy Tuesday night in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs overcame 3-0 and 4-3 deficits for a 5-4 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. Mitch Marner scored twice, including the game-winner, and Morgan Rielly had a goal and three assists to surpass the 500-point plateau (502). Bruins winger David Pastrnak had two goals and an assist, extending his points streak to 15 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have won three straight and hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. However, they lost forward William Nylander and defenseman Chris Tanev to injuries. The Bruins (62 points) are 0-2-2 in their last four games and sit two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

Florida Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov had two points each to defeat the Nashville Predators 4-1. Bennett had a goal and an assist and Barkov two assists as the Panthers remain one point behind the Leafs in the Atlantic Division. Michael McCarron replied for the Predators, who lost team captain Roman Josi to an upper-body injury following a heavy hit from Bennett in the second period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he’s talked to his players about his plans for the team over the next several years. If anyone isn’t interested in buying in, he said he’d try to move them. It’s something to keep an eye on as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

The Tampa Bay Lightning pushed their win streak to six games with a 4-1 win over the slumping Edmonton Oilers. Brandon Hagel netted the game-winning goal, Nikita Kucherov picked up two assists, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 23 shots as the Lightning sit three points back of the Panthers in third place in the Atlantic Division. Leon Draisaitl scored his league-leading 43rd goal for the Oilers, who hold second place in the Pacific Division but have lost four straight games.

Calgary Flames forwards Martin Pospisil, Matt Coronato and Jonathan Huberdeau scored to beat the Washington Capitals 3-1. Alex Ovechkin scored his 883rd regular-season goal for the Capitals (84 points), who remain one point behind the first-overall Winnipeg Jets. The Flames (64 points) vaulted over the Vancouver Canucks into the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin needs 12 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. He joins Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk and Teemu Selanne as the only NHL players to score 30 goals in a season at age 39 or older. Ovechkin is the only player with nineteen 30-goal seasons. Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl returned to action after missing nine games due to illness and an upper-body injury.

The Detroit Red Wings got two goals from defenseman Simon Edvinsson to tame the Minnesota Wild 3-2. Marco Rossi and Jakub Lauko opened the scoring for the Wild before Vladimir Tarasenko scored, setting the stage for Edvinsson’s two goals. The Wings hold the first Eastern wild card with 66 points, while the Wild are third in the Central Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings announced before this game that forward Andrew Copp is out for the season following surgery on his left pectoral tendon. His recovery period is four to six months. Meanwhile, Minnesota center Joel Eriksson Ek is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Wild also placed defenseman Travis Dermott on waivers.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko scored two goals and set up another in a 6-4 victory over the Dallas Stars. Adam Fantilli, Ivan Provorov and Dmitri Voronkov each collected two points as the Blues Jackets hold the final Eastern wild card with 64 points. Jason Robertson and Mikael Granlund each had two points for the Stars, who sit second in the Central with 76 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel missed this game as he remains in concussion protocol after being hit in the head by New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas on Sunday. He’s expected to be sidelined for at least a week.

The Montreal Canadiens got a 20-save shutout from Sam Montembeault in a 4-0 upset of the Carolina Hurricanes. Nick Suzuki and Patrik Laine each had a goal and two assists as the Canadiens (59 points) remain five points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. The Hurricanes are in second place in the Metropolitan Division (70 points) but have lost five of their last six games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens winger Josh Anderson left the game with an upper-body injury after slamming into the boards in the third period. There was no post-game update on his status.

New York Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski scored two goals and collected an assist in a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen had a goal and two assists, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin kicked out 36 shots as the Rangers (62 points) are two points behind the Blue Jackets. Alexander Romanov replied for the slumping Islanders as they dropped their fourth straight game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sitting seven points behind the Blue Jackets, the Islanders’ playoff hopes are fading and could push GM Lou Lamoriello into sell mode. Isles forward Matt Martin (lower body) missed the game as he was placed on injured reserve.

Meanwhile, Rangers winger Chris Kreider missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. Defensemen Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller left the game with injuries late in the third period. Both were being evaluated following the game.

Utah Hockey Club forward Lawson Crouse scored the game-winner to nip the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1. Seth Jones opened the scoring in the first period for Chicago but Clayton Keller tied it for Utah in the second period. The win moves Utah (61 points) within three points of the Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones vented his frustration after the game over the Blackhawks’ performance, saying they haven’t improved since the start of the season. The 30-year-old defenseman went public last week about his desire to play for a contender, but his hefty contract and full no-movement clause remain significant obstacles in the path to a trade.

The St. Louis Blues crushed the Seattle Kraken 7-2. Robert Thomas extended his points streak to seven games with a goal and an assist, Zack Bolduc tallied twice, and Cam Fowler and Oskar Sundqvist each had a goal and two assists for the Blues, who moved within four points of the Western wild-card spot with 60 points. Vince Dunn and Jaden Schwartz replied for the Kraken.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Brink had a goal and three assists in a 6-1 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster each collected three points as the Flyers (59 points) got their third straight win to move within five points of the Blue Jackets. Philip Tomasino had the Penguins’ only goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forward Bryan Rust was activated off injured reserve before this game.

Three unanswered third-period goals by JJ Peterka, Alex Tuch and Henri Jokiharju lifted the Buffalo Sabres over the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Sabres center Dylan Cozens collected three assists. Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson tallied for the Ducks.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

by | Feb 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 24, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones plus updates on the Bruins and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON SETH JONES

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believed Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson must do right by his club if he trades Seth Jones. The 30-year-old defenseman said last week that he’d spoken with Davidson about the possibility of a trade to a contender.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Jones’ contract will be a significant obstacle. Few contenders can absorb his $9.5 million annual average value for the next five seasons while his full no-movement clause further limits Davidson’s trade option.

Lazerus claims Davidson has “absolutely no interest” in retaining up to half of Jones’ AAV. He also pointed out the Blackhawks need the blueliner’s cap hit on their books for at least the next couple of seasons to help them reach the cap minimum.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline mused about a possible reunion between Jones and the Blue Jackets, who trade the blueliner to the Blackhawks in the summer of 2021. Jones and Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski remain close, with Werenski saying he’d be open to his friend’s return to Columbus.

Portzline pointed out the Blue Jackets have plenty of salary cap room. He thinks the move could make sense if the Blackhawks were willing to retain a portion of Jones’ cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Lazerus, salary cap retention could be out of the question, especially if interested teams want Chicago to eat half ($4.75 million) of Jones’ AAV.

With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, Davidson will likely give preference to contenders with the cap room to take on Jones’ full salary. However, the blueliner’s NMC is an additional complication.

A three-team swap is out if the Blackhawks don’t want to retain salary unless it involves moving Jones to another club that retains half his cap hit after flipping him to a third club. That leaves the possibility of the Blackhawks taking back salary in a Jones trade.

UPDATES ON THE BRUINS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney intends to take “a more cautious approach” as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.

Sweeney was a consistent buyer in previous trade deadlines. However, the Bruins are sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot but they’ve already played more games than the teams they’re chasing.

Goss believes it makes no sense for the Bruins to acquire rental players. If Sweeney decides to buy, it should be for those with term remaining on their contracts. It would also make sense to entertain trade offers for UFA-eligible players like Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau and pending restricted free agent Morgan Geekie.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic and Brazeau could be goners by March 7. There’s no rush to move Geekie because the Bruins still control his rights beyond this season.

Geekie has played well on the top line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha and recently indicated he wants to remain a Bruin. That’ll depend on what he’s seeking in his next contract and if the Bruins are willing to pay it.

STURM EXPECTS A TRADE

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Felicia Keller reports Sharks forward Nico Sturm doesn’t expect to be with the club after March 7. “You’re a 29-year-old UFA with no extension in place,” he said. “You got to be realistic about it.”

Sturm said he’s spoken with Sharks GM Mike Grier, who said the team might be able to pick up a solid return for him. However, the possibility exists that Sturm could return to the Sharks this summer as an unrestricted free agent.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

by | Feb 23, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 23, 2025

The NHL regular season returned from its 4 Nations Face-Off break with 14 games on Saturday. Check out the recaps and more in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines

NHL.COM: The league-leading Winnipeg Jets got two goals by Gabe Vilardi and a shootout winner from Kyle Connor to nip the St. Louis Blues 4-3, extending their win streak to a season-best nine games. Vilardi scored the tying goal with 28 seconds left in the third period. Robert Thomas scored twice and collected an assist for the Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets sit first overall with 83 points and are the first team to reach 40 wins this season. They went with backup goalie Eric Comrie to give starter Connor Hellebuyck a break after he played three games for Team USA in the 4 Nations tournament. Blues starter Jordan Binnington was in the lineup for the Blues but served as backup for Joel Hofer. Binnington appeared in four games for Canada at the 4 Nations.

Speaking of the Jets, they signed forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year contract extension. The average annual value is $3 million.

Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored two of five second-period goals in an 8-3 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Penguins, extending their points streak to seven games (4-0-3). Pierre-Luc Dubois had three assists for the Capitals, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference and sit one point behind the Jets in the overall standings. Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Danton Heinen replied for the Penguins.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images).

The Minnesota Wild overcame a 3-1 deficit to squeak past the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 on an overtime goal by Marco Rossi. Wild forwards Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno scored in the third period to force the extra frame. Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin each had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 62 points. The Wild hold third place in the Central Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was another milestone game for Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. He passed Roberto Luongo for the second-most games played by an NHL goaltender with 1,045. Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur holds the record with 1,266. Red Wings forward Andrew Copp left the game late in the second period with an apparent shoulder injury following a melee behind the Minnesota net following a thunderous bodycheck by DeBrincat on Wild defenseman Brock Faber.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin and center Tage Thompson each had two goals and an assist as their club thumped the New York Rangers 8-2. Jason Zucker picked up three assists and Ryan McLeod tallied twice as the Sabres erupted for five first-period goals, chasing Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin from the net before the end of the period. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad scored for the Blueshirts (58 points) as they remain four points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres rinkside commentator Rob Ray was struck in the face by a puck early in the first period. Sabres training staff attended to the former NHL enforcer, who finished the game. Sabres forward Jordan Greenway and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson were activated off injured reserve.

The Philadelphia Flyers got two goals from Owen Tippett in a 6-3 upset of the Edmonton Oilers. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov each had a goal and two assists for the Flyers (57 points) as they sit five points behind the Red Wings in the Eastern standings. Leon Draisaitl and John Klingberg each had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord stopped 26 shots to beat the Florida Panthers 2-1. Kaapo Kakko and Jared McCann scored for the Kraken while Eetu Luostarinen tallied for the Panthers, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 71 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk missed this game with a lower-body injury suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Kraken captain Jordan Eberle returned to action after missing 40 games following pelvic surgery in mid-November.

The Dallas Stars got a 31-save performance from Casey DeSmith in a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Matt Duchene and Wyatt Johnston each had a goal and an assist as the Stars (74 points) remain two points ahead of the Wild for second place in the Central Division. Jack Hughes had both goals for the Devils (68 points) as they sit two points behind the second-place Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils captain Nico Hischier returned to the lineup after missing six games with an oblique injury.

Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault broke a 1-1 tie in the third period to lift his club past the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Juuse Saros made 31 saves and Justin Barron also scored for the Predators. Sam Malinski had the lone goal for the Avalanche, who hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 68 points.

An overtime goal by Leo Carlsson gave the Anaheim Ducks a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Carlsson and Jackson Lacombe each finished with two points as the Ducks have won seven of their last eight games. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins (61 points) as they sit one point behind the Senators for the final Eastern wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins winger David Pastrnak collected an assist to extend his points streak to 14 games. Ducks goalie John Gibson left the game following the second period with an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. Auston Matthews scored his 389th regular-season goal, tying Darryl Sittler for second-most in Leafs history. Pontus Holmberg scored twice and set up another while rookie Alex Steeves scored his first NHL goal as the Leafs (70 points) moved within a point of the first-place Panthers in the Atlantic Division. Andrei Svechnikov had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes (70 points) as they sit second in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs winger Max Pacioretty missed this game with an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined for Sunday’s match with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators to snap a three-game losing skid. Nick Suzuki picked up two assists and Sam Montembault turned aside 25 shots as the Canadiens (57 points) moved within five points of the Senators in the Eastern wild-card race. Tim Stutzle had a goal and an assist for the Senators as their losing streak reached four games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montreal winger Juraj Slafkovsky was a physical presence in this game, scoring a goal, fighting with Senators center Ridly Greig, and making a team-leading eight hits. Canadiens forward Emil Heineman returned to action after a 14-game absence with a lower-body injury after being struck by a car in Salt Lake City last month. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed injury suffered during the 4 Nations tournament.

The Columbus Blue Jackets ended a four-game winless skid by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1. Zach Werenski had a goal and two assists to extend his home points streak to 22 games while Kent Johnson scored twice for the Jackets (62 points). They’re just behind the Senators, who have two more regulation wins. Craig Smith scored for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets fans sang Happy Birthday to Johnny Gaudreau Jr on his first birthday. His father was killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the Kings as they hold third place in the Pacific Division with 67 points. Barrett Hayton tallied the first hat trick in Utah’s short franchise history.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson returned to the lineup after missing four games with an injured finger.

The Vegas Golden Knights got 33 saves from Adin Hill to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. Brandon Saad snapped a 1-1 tie with his first goal for Vegas since signing with them on Jan. 31. The Golden Knights have won three straight and hold first place in the Pacific Division with 74 points. Jake DeBrusk scored for the Canucks, who hold the final Western wild-card spot with 63 points.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

by | Feb 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 22, 2025

The 4 Nations Face-Off championship draws big ratings in North America, top storylines for the remainder of the regular season, the Canucks sign Kevin Lankinen to a contract extension, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

THE SCORE: The 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the United States drew 16.1 million viewers across North America

It was the second-most-watched hockey game on the continent in a decade. Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers drew more viewers (16.3 million).

ESPN averaged 9.3 million viewers in the United States, peaking at 10.4 million, making it the network’s largest-ever hockey audience.

Sportsnet averaged 10.7 million Canadians tuning in for the championship game, peaking at 7.3 million viewers and averaging 5.7 million. It was the second-most-watched game for that network, with Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final reaching 15 million Canadians.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nearly a decade without a best-on-best tournament involving most of the NHL’s top talent whetted the fans’ appetite for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The players bought in and performed at their best. It also helped that the championship game was a closely contested match between the world’s biggest hockey nations as they resumed their ongoing rivalry.

NHL.COM: Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, the playoff race, and the March 7 trade deadline are among the top storylines for the remainder of the NHL regular season.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension. The 29-year-old goaltender is currently on a one-year, $875K deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Starter Thatcher Demko’s knee injury and backup Arturs Silovs’ disappointing performance landed Lankinen his current contract. His efforts kept this struggling team in the Western Conference playoff race, earning him the long-term contract security he’d sought last summer.

Lankinen’s new contract raises questions about Demko’s future as he battles with injuries and inconsistency. The latter is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Speaking of the Canucks, center Elias Pettersson is dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is listed as day-to-day. Team captain Quinn Hughes (oblique injury) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (lower-body) isn’t expected to play in Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck won’t be playing in Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Morrissey is dealing with an illness that prevented him from playing for Canada in the 4 Nations championship game.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils captain Nico Hischier could return for Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars. He missed their last six games with an upper-body injury.

THE ATHLETIC: New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck suffered a broken finger playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The injury reportedly occurred during Monday’s game against Sweden. A source claims he’s not expected to miss any games.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery) will make his season debut on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Forward Kirill Marchenko (fractured jaw) and defenseman Dante Fabbro (concussion) will also return to action against the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This trio’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Blue Jackets. They’re one point behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

DAILY FACEOFF: Nashville Predators defenseman Adam Wilsby will miss the remainder of the regular season with an upper-body injury. Left winger Zach L’Heureux (upper body) is week-to-week.

Seattle Kraken defensemen Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans are expected to return to action in Saturday’s game against the Panthers. Team captain Jordan Eberle was upgraded to day-to-day. He’s been out since mid-November following pelvic surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken also moved center Yanni Gourde to long-term injury reserve retroactive to Jan. 4. He’ll be sidelined for another two weeks recovering from sports hernia surgery. It’s believed they’re putting him on LTIR to free up cap space for Eberle’s imminent return.

CALGARY SUN: Flames defenseman Tyson Barrie cleared waivers on Friday and was sent to their AHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

by | Feb 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Rickard Rakell, John Gibson, Jake Evans, Ryan Donato and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT BRAD MARCHAND

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an “NHL executive source” said the Boston Bruins are getting calls on captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, raising speculation about whether he’ll be re-signed or moved by the March 7 trade deadline.

Murphy’s source claimed teams were wondering what the Bruins intended to do with Marchand. For now, they appear to be just listening rather than actively shopping him. He also noted that the Bruins haven’t squashed the rumors as they’ve done in the past. Another source close to the situation indicated they’re not shopping Marchand.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

The sources’ opinions vary on the price the Bruins could offer Marchand. One speculates it could be a first-round pick and a top prospect. Another believes it depends on which team is asking. The sources mentioned the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand carries a cap hit of $6.125 million and an eight-team no-trade list. Interested clubs could ask the Bruins to retain some salary, which could raise their asking price. The Oilers and Wild are pressed against the $88 million cap, making them the least likely to land him. All five teams lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

BROCK NELSON BECOMES THE TOP TARGET IN THE RUMOR MILL

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias has a roundup of speculation from several insiders suggesting Islanders center Brock Nelson is the most coveted player in the trade market. Like Marchand, the 33-year-old is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a $6 million cap hit.

Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, and TSN’s Chris Johnston reporting the 33-year-old Nelson is garnering attention around the league. He claimed the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are “very interested” in the veteran Isles center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The points I raised about the lack of a 2025 first-rounder for the Avalanche and Wild also apply here. The Wild currently have Kirill Kaprizov and his $9 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but he’s expected to return from surgery in a few weeks. Like the Wild and Avs, the Leafs and Lightning don’t have first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Jets have the advantage over those clubs, provided they’re not on his 16-team no-trade list. They’re first overall in the standings and in “win-now” mode, have over $12 million in projected trade-deadline cap space and a first-round pick in this year’s draft, and they can also draw on their prospect pipeline for trade bait.

RICKARD RAKELL COULD BE AVAILABLE BUT EXPENSIVE

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t in a hurry to trade Rickard Rakell. The 31-year-old winger is playing well alongside team captain Sidney Crosby. He’s also signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million.

Nevertheless, Yohe believes the Penguins would listen if a team made a truly significant package offer containing a first-rounder and a blue-chip prospect close to NHL-ready. He claims GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t told teams that Rakell is untouchable, only that the asking price is high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell’s trade value is very high right now. If a suitable offer isn’t possible at the trade deadline, they might wait for the offseason when the rising cap could entice teams to spend more than they currently would.

COULD JOHN GIBSON BE A FIT WITH THE OILERS?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting he’d heard the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are the preferred trade destinations for John Gibson.

The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for some time.

Friedman said he’d heard Gibson wants to go where he’d be “the guy”, as in the starting goaltender. However, he doesn’t know if partnering with Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner will work for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples doesn’t think Gibson would be a good fit for the Oilers. Even if the Ducks retained half his cap hit, he believes it would still take a hefty chunk out of their cap space. Meanwhile, Staples colleague Kurt Leavins doesn’t see Gibson as an improvement over Skinner, saying he’s been “very mediocre” over the past five years.

WILL JAKE EVANS STAY IN MONTREAL OR MOVE ON?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens center Jake Evans knows he’s facing a murky future. The 28-year-old is due to become a UFA this summer and could be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Sunday that the Canadiens and the Evans camp exchanged contract numbers. However, the two sides remain far apart, suggesting he’ll be traded by March 7.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie claims Evans’s re-signing with the Canadiens is a real possibility despite the reported gaps in their contract negotiations. However, he didn’t go so far as to guarantee his signing.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports it’s “common knowledge” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is in the market for a third-line center. He believes Evans would fit the bill.

However, the Canadiens’ asking price would be at least a second-rounder and there are plenty of suitors. Nichols noted the Devils have three second-rounders but lack a first-rounder, which would put them out of the bidding if the price goes up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is the Canadiens’ best trade chip and could fetch a first-round pick if enough teams are interested leading up to March 7. They won’t hesitate to trade him if the two sides don’t agree to a new contract by then.

UPDATES ON RYAN DONATO AND PAT MAROON

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently reported that it is expected the Chicago Blackhawks could trade pending UFA forward Ryan Donato by March 7. However, it’s not a certainty that he’ll be moved as management hasn’t ruled out re-signing him.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek reports Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon is drawing some attention in the trade market. Marek suggests the Florida Panthers and Maroon’s former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, as possible fits.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports injuries to forwards Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko has GM Don Waddell shopping for a top-six forward. “We had some irons in the fire,” Waddell told Portzline. “But no action yet.”

Waddell is willing to move one of his club’s two first-rounders in this year’s draft but it would only be for a player with term on their contract. He also wouldn’t rule out moving one of his extra mid-round picks for a player on an expiring contract.

The Blue Jackets GM also said talks continue with pending UFAs Ivan Provorov and Mathieu Olivier. He also wants to re-sign defenseman Dante Fabbro.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline noted the Blue Jackets have two second-round picks in the 2027 draft, two third-rounders in 2026 and two in the 2027 draft, and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft and three in 2026.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2025

by | Feb 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2025

Will the Islanders trade Brock Nelson or Noah Dobson? Could the Blues trade captain Brayden Schenn? Will the Blue Jackets become buyers at the trade deadline? Should the Rangers trade Brennan Othmann? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports some teams would love to get into discussions with the New York Islanders about pending free-agent center Brock Nelson. However, there’s no certainty whether he’ll be available at the March 7 trade deadline.

LeBrun cites several factors for this uncertainty. The Islanders have played themselves back into wild-card contention. General manager Lou Lamoriello doesn’t always trade his pending UFA players. The Isles GM could also try and sign Nelson to a contract extension, though LeBrun believes the 33-year-old center will test the free-agent market on July 1.

The Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among Nelson’s suitors if the Islanders shop him by March 7.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source suggesting Nelson could remain with the Islanders on a three-year contract with a raise over his current average annual value of $6 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello has consistently said his team’s performance by the trade deadline will determine if he’ll be a buyer or a seller. He could become a buyer if they’re still in the race a month from now. That could also mean Nelson finishes this season with the Isles. Stay tuned.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reported a source claiming Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson is available for trade. The 25-year-old defenseman is the piece they’re supposedly willing to part with to bring in the scoring presence they’ve been lacking the last three seasons.

D’Amico cited a rumor from The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner suggesting the Islanders could be interested in Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Dobson could be part of the package to get Pettersson, though the Canucks might have to retain part of the center’s $11.6 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams could be reluctant to trade for Dobson this season. He’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury and on long-term injury reserve. The Isles’ recent additions of blueliners Scott Perunovich, Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo suggest he could be out for the remainder of the regular season.

Moving Dobson in a package deal for Pettersson could address the Isles’ need for a scoring presence up front. However, it leaves them searching for a puck-moving defenseman to fill that void on their blueline.

Pettersson might not be the ideal trade target. His offensive struggles continue despite the trading away of J.T. Miller a week ago. It’s been reported the Canucks have taken Pettersson off the trade block as they’re hoping to let the dust settle and give him time to regain his form.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias suggested Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras as a more affordable trade option for the Islanders than Elias Pettersson. He cited a rumor suggesting the Ducks would want a defenseman in exchange for the 23-year-old Zegras.

Macias wondered if the Isles could convince one of Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock or Adam Pelech to waive their no-trade clause. Failing that, he proposed a package of a rejuvenated Scott Perunovich and a second-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely Mayfield, Pulock or Pelech will waive their clauses to go to a rebuilding club. The Ducks probably won’t be tempted by an offer of Perunovich and a second-rounder. It’s believed they’ve set a high asking price for Zegras despite the decline in his production since last season due to injuries.

COULD THE BLUES PEDDLE BRAYDEN SCHENN?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports “there’s potential” for center Brayden Schenn to be traded by the St. Louis Blues. The 33-year-old Blues captain has a full no-trade clause this season. However, Dreger noted that Blues GM Doug Armstrong can be very aggressive in the trade market.

Dreger believes teams in the market for a center, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, could be interested in Schenn. However, the return would have to be mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn wouldn’t be a rental player. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6.5 million. Not many teams will be comfortable taking on that contract during this season. If the Blues are gauging Schenn’s trade value, they might find it easier to move him after July 1, when his NTC becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The projected rise in the salary cap to $95.5 million for next season could also make a summer trade more likely.

BLUE JACKETS COULD BE BUYERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be moderate buyers at the March 7 trade deadline. Despite being walloped by injuries, they’re still battling for a wild-card spot. GM Don Waddell believes he owes it to his team to try and add a top-nine forward as a rental player. He won’t sacrifice the Jackets’ long-term plans and won’t be pursuing the big-name players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jackets captain Boone Jenner is expected to make his season debut following the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. He’s been sidelined since preseason by a shoulder injury. His return to action could be as good as acquiring a comparable player via the trade market.

WILL THE RANGERS TRADE OTHMANN?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks recently expressed concern that the Rangers will trade promising winger Brennan Othmann for a rental player to help them reach the postseason. He believes it would be a mistake to do so, preferring they attempt to move pending free agents Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren for draft picks.