NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2025

by | Jun 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand and Claude Giroux, plus an update on the Blues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS OR BLUE JACKETS PURSUE MITCH MARNER?

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons believes the Vegas Golden Knights will be the landing spot for Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger goes to free agency on July 1.

Simmons noted that the Golden Knights have been watching Marner closely for years and have a history of making major acquisitions. He acknowledged their lack of salary-cap space, but claimed there are some around the league who think defenseman Alex Pietrangelo could end up on permanent long-term injury reserve. That would free up his $8.8 million annual average value through 2026-27 to put toward signing Marner.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo skipped the 4 Nations Face Off in February, reportedly using that time to heal up for the playoffs. That raised questions about his availability for Canada’s 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey team, but this is the first speculation suggesting Pietrangelo’s playing days could be over.

If Pietrangelo ends up on LTIR for next season, it will provide the Golden Knights with over $18 million in cap room. That’s enough to sign Marner, but it won’t replace Pietrangelo’s absence on the Golden Knights’ blueline.

It’s been suggested the Golden Knights could trade center William Karlsson and his $5.9 million AAV through 2026-27 to free up cap room to pursue Marner. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said what he’s heard around the league is that Karlsson isn’t available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported the Columbus Blue Jackets considered signing Marner to an offer sheet in 2019. It’s uncertain how far those discussions with Jackets then-general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Marner’s agent went before the latter re-signed with the Leafs.

Portzline wondered if current Jackets GM Don Waddell might pursue Marner in this summer’s UFA market. Columbus would provide a less harsh spotlight, proximity to his Toronto family, and the chance to play for a rising young team. They also have the cap space ($40.4 million) to sign him to a lucrative long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be entertaining to see where Marner goes on the open market. My guess is the Carolina Hurricanes, who are an established contender with cap space that had a prior interest in acquiring him.

COULD BRAD MARCHAND SIGN WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS?

YARDBARKER: cited TSN’s Chris Johnston speculating that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a destination for Brad Marchand if the Florida Panthers winger wants to maximize his earnings on his next contract.

Marchand, 37, is slated to become a UFA on July 1. Johnston acknowledged that endorsement money could factor into where he goes, which could make Toronto part of the Leafs’ sales pitch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This wouldn’t be the first time endorsement money could be used as a selling point by the Leafs. It’s rumored that it was part of their pitch to Steven Stamkos in 2016 before he decided to re-sign with the Lightning. They might have better luck with Marchand if he ends up hitting the open market on July 1.

SENATORS CONTINUE CONTRACT TALKS WITH GIROUX

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators have resumed contract extension talks with Claude Giroux. The versatile 37-year-old forward is UFA-eligible on July 1. He’s completing a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million.

Garrioch believes the Senators want to sign Giroux to a one-year, “plus-35” contract. The veteran forward is willing to accept a pay reduction, but the main issues are how much of a pay cut he’ll take and the structure of the contract.

The two sides had cordial discussions last week, but there remains a gap to bridge to keep him from testing the market.

BLUES COULD PURSUE A CENTER THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reported the St. Louis Blues are looking for a “200-foot offensive player” this summer. He acknowledged big names like Toronto’s Mitch Marner and Florida’s Sam Bennett could be available in the UFA market, but he doubted GM Doug Armstrong would get into the bidding for either one.

Rutherford indicated depth at center is the Blues’ biggest need. If they can land a top-six center via trade or free agency, they could shift team captain Brayden Schenn down to the third line. If they can land a top-nine center, they could move Oskar Sundqvist out of the third-line center role.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac believes Bennett could address that issue for the Blues. However, he doesn’t think they should overpay to do so. He recommended a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million AAV) with a no-trade clause as a sweetener.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s a growing sense around the league that Bennett will re-sign with the Panthers. If he doesn’t, he could command over $8.5 million annually on a long-term deal.

Schenn frequently surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to the March trade deadline. However, they’re unlikely to part with him if their concern is bolstering their depth at the center position.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 1, 2025

by | Jun 1, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 1, 2025

Questions about Connor McDavid’s future, the latest on Mitch Marner, the Blues’ salary-cap situation, trade targets for the Canucks, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD CONNOR MCDAVID BECOME A RANGER OR LEAF NEXT SUMMER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks wondered if Connor McDavid would be “more or less incentivized” to leave the Edmonton Oilers next summer as a free agent, “and follow the (Mark) Messier Route to Broadway with or without a championship.” He also speculated that McDavid could instead sign an extension with the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers of today aren’t facing the same constraints as they did when Messier left town in 1991. They’re a contender with stable ownership and a state-of-the-art arena, playing in an expanded league with a three-tier salary cap system and revenue sharing. This version of the Oilers can afford to keep McDavid in Edmonton, and there’s nothing to suggest that he won’t stay.

TORONTO STAR: Bruce Arthur reports the dream of McDavid coming home to play for the Maple Leafs hasn’t died for some of the club’s followers.

Arthur suggests the only way that happens is if McDavid wins the Cup this year and decides he needs a bigger challenge by helping the Leafs end their long championship drought. However, that’s at best a long shot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid will most likely sign an eight-year extension with the Oilers this summer, making him the NHL’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

THE LATEST ON MITCH MARNER

TORONTO STAR: Damien Cox believes the Leafs must re-sign Mitch Marner. Despite the playoff disappointment, the 28-year-old two-way winger is irreplaceable. While they can use the cap dollars they would’ve invested in Marner on other players, their immense offensive and special teams capability will be lost.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

If Marner stays, the Leafs will retain the key components that saw them finish first in the Atlantic Division. Cox suggested following the example of the Vegas Golden Knights and keep on trading futures that can help them win the Stanley Cup next season or the season after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights’ efforts built a better-balanced team, one with the offensive and defensive depth necessary to be a contender and, in 2023, a champion. However, there is no certainty that the Leafs can successfully follow that strategy given the way they’re currently built.

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Golden Knights, Hannah Kirkell cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claimed they and the Leafs discussed a deal last summer that would’ve sent Marner to Vegas.

Friedman thinks it fell through for two reasons. First, the Leafs wanted defenseman Shea Theodore as part of the return. Second, there was no guarantee that Marner would agree to anything at that time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman was likely referring to Marner’s no-movement clause. The Golden Knights are rumored to be among the clubs that might pursue the Leafs winger if he goes to market on July 1, but they’ll have to free up a lot of cap space to make it happen.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUES

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks reports the Blues won’t have much cap space to work with for next season, indicating they’ll have $5.912 available.

They could garner some cap flexibility by placing defenseman Torey Krug ($6.5 million AAV) on long-term injury reserve. However, if they do so during the offseason, it would leave them no cap space to start the season. If they put him on LTIR during the season, they won’t be able to use it this summer to make additions to their roster.

One option could be trading Krug’s contract, shedding his entire cap hit and allowing them to operate without the constraints of LTIR. They could also trade or buy out Alexandre Texier. They can attempt to move Nick Leddy ($4 million, 16-team no-trade list) or Mathieu Joseph ($2.95 million). Trade protections for Justin Faulk and Brayden Schenn ($6.5 million each) are lowered this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues GM Doug Armstrong will likely attempt to shed some salary to give himself more cap space for next season. Putting Krug on LTIR or trading his contract seems the most likely option, followed by moving Texier or Joseph.

SUGGESTED OFFSEASON TARGETS FOR THE CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and Thomas Drance recently looked at some free-agent targets to improve their defense, and some trade targets to bolster their forward lines.

All the UFA targets are affordable options, with the most notable being Columbus’ Dante Fabbro and Tampa Bay’s Nick Perbix. The trade targets include Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers, Mason Marchment of the Dallas Stars, Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators and Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks probably have better odds of signing Fabbro or Perbix than they have of acquiring Lafreniere, Marchment, Marchessault and Zegras. Most of those trade targets would be expensive to obtain (Lafreniere), too old (Marchessault) or too risky (Zegras).

Marchment would be an interesting option. The Stars are cap-strapped and face some cost-cutting measures this summer. The 31-year-old is a versatile forward who can skate on the wing or at center and plays with an edge. However, he’s a year away from UFA eligiblity, and the Canucks might want assurances of an extension before agreeing to a deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 24, 2025

by | May 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 24, 2025

What’s the latest on the Blues and Kings? Which teams might be willing to part with their 2025 first-round picks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BLUES COULD SEEK A CENTER THIS SUMMER

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford believes the St. Louis Blues must address their depth at center and right-side defense this summer, with the second-line center position being the priority.

Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers would be the best option in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market. John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs would be another, but he’s optimistic about staying in Toronto. Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche is another option, but consistency is an issue.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

Former Blues center Ryan O’Reilly, now with the Nashville Predators, has been mentioned in trade rumors. Others include Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild, and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Rutherford doubted some of them would be available and believes the Blues should avoid Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett will be the most-pursued center in this summer’s UFA market if he doesn’t re-sign with the Panthers. He could prove too expensive for the Blues in a bidding war. Recent rumors suggest Rossi as the most likely to be available of those trade candidates, but he could also draw a lot of interest.

KINGS COULD BE AGGRESSIVE IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE & UFA MARKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Los Angeles Kings will try to be aggressive this summer under new general manager Ken Holland.

LeBrun believes Holland intends to go “big-game hunting”. He wouldn’t be surprised if the Kings get into the Mitch Marner sweepstakes if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger heads to the open market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have a projected cap space of $21.7 million for 2025-26 with 21 active roster players under contract. Re-signing pending UFA defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and RFA forward Alex Laferriere will take up a significant chunk, but they should have enough to make a big splash this summer.

BLUE JACKETS, SHARKS, AND CAPITALS OPEN TO MOVING FIRST-ROUNDERS

SI.COM: Nick Horwat reports the Columbus Blue Jackets hold two picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. GM Don Waddell indicated he’s willing to use both picks as trade chips for more immediate roster help.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier will keep his options open with the second-overall pick in this year’s draft. That could include moving down from No. 2 in the first-round order if the return fetches an additional player who can help the Sharks improve now.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick isn’t ruling out moving his first-round pick, which is 27th overall. “I think you have to be open to all options,” said Patrick.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2025

by | May 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2025

What’s in store for the Blues and Avalanche in the offseason? What’s the latest on the Islanders’ search for a new general manager? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BLUES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford wondered if Jordan Kyrou fits into the long-term plans of the St. Louis Blues. The 26-year-old winger had his best all-around season, but only scored three goals in seven playoff games and was on the ice for three five-on-five goals for and five against.

St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou (NHL Images).

If the Blues intend to move Kyrou, they’ll have to do it quickly because his full no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. His performance during this regular season might improve his value in this summer’s trade market.

Rutherford mused over whether the Blues will re-engage with center Brayden Schenn about the possibility of accepting a trade. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators were interested in the Blues captain at the trade deadline, but he made it clear he wanted to stay in St. Louis.

Schenn will be 34 at the start of next season and has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. His no-movement clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Management believed the speedy Kyrou had a higher ceiling but he’s yet to reach it. Nevertheless, he would draw plenty of interest in this summer’s trade market. Shipping him out would rob the Blues of a reliable 30-goal scorer. Depending on what they’d want in return, moving Kyrou’s $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31 would provide cap relief for the Blues.

Attempting to move Schenn is understandable given his age and contract. However, the projections for a rising salary cap over the next three seasons could alleviate some of that payroll burden. Playoff contenders seeking experienced two-way depth at center will come calling if the Blues peddle him after July 1.

UPDATE ON THE AVALANCHE

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak wondered who would fill the second-line center role for the Colorado Avalanche.

Trade-deadline acquisition Brock Nelson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Avs have the cap space to re-sign him and could move another player to create additional room if necessary. Free-agent options could include Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers and John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They could also move Charlie Coyle into that No. 2 center position and go shopping for a center at next year’s trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche must ensure they have sufficient long-term cap room to re-sign Cale Makar, whose contract expires in 2027. That could complicate efforts to retain Nelson or find a suitable replacement.

Masisak suggested Miles Wood or Ross Colton as cost-cutting trade candidates if necessary. However, Wood’s difficult season could make it difficult to move him, while Colton has a no-trade clause.

The Avalanche could peddle Martin Necas if they wish to really shake up their roster. He has a year remaining on his contract and will seek a significant raise after scoring 27 goals and 83 points this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Masisak believes Necas likely has the highest trade value of any player that isn’t among the Avs’ untouchables. Still, shipping him out after he was part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade wouldn’t be a good look for management, especially if they don’t get a decent return.

THE LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS’ SEARCH FOR A NEW GM

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports the New York Islanders’ search for a new general manager has been ongoing for a couple of weeks and could wrap up sooner rather than later.

Whoever gets the job has several issues to address. The Isles have a stagnant roster with several immovable contracts. They must decide if head coach Patrick Roy fits into their plans, and they should consider expanding their front office.

Staple took to social media, indicating former Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland is considered the top candidate. The Isles sought permission from the Montreal Canadiens to speak with Jeff Gorton, the Habs’ executive VP of hockey operations.

Marc Bergevin, the senior advisor to former Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake, is in the mix for the Kings and Isles’ GM jobs.

Staple said he hasn’t heard much about former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen or former Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, reports the Canadiens have informed the Isles that Gorton is “here to stay”. He also reported the Isles intend to interview Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM Mathieu Darche.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears wondered if the Islanders might reach out to Rob Blake following his departure from the Kings on Monday. It’s unclear if Blake is seeking another front office job immediately. Sears observed that Blake and Roy were teammates with the Colorado Avalanche.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias believes Bergevin and Kekalainen make sense as the leading candidates for the Isles’ GM position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Darche might be the best option for the Islanders if he’s looking to move on. LeBrun indicates he’s been a hot candidate in recent years. He also said the Isles are hoping to speak to potential candidates currently among teams still active in the postseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2025

by | May 7, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 7, 2025

The Oilers and Hurricanes win the opening games of their second-round series, plus the latest on Sam Bennett, Mark Scheifele, Torey Krug and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS ACTION

NHL.COM: The Edmonton Oilers overcame a 2-0 deficit to double up the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven second-round series.

Corey Perry, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman and Connor Brown scored while Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard collected two assists apiece. Mark Stone scored both goals for the Golden Knights.

Game 2 is Thursday, May 8, in Las Vegas at 9:30 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers are the first team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history with five straight comeback wins in a single postseason. Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo missed this game with an illness and winger Pavel Dorofeyev was sidelined by an undisclosed injury.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin (NHL Images).

An overtime goal by Jaccob Slavin lifted the Carolina Hurricanes to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals in the opening game of their second-round series.

The Capitals opened the scoring in the second period as Aliaksei Protas netted his first goal of this postseason. Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven tied it in the third period.

Game 2 is Thursday in Washington at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the close score, the Hurricanes controlled most of the play, outshooting Washington 33-14, out-hitting them 44-31 and winning 55.6 percent of the faceoffs. Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson kept his club in this one.

HEADLINES

TORONTO SUN: Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett avoided supplemental discipline for elbowing Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz in the head during Game 1 of their second-round series. Stolarz left the game and was hospitalized overnight for observation. He was released yesterday and the Leafs aren’t ruling him out for Game 2.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Bennett said he wasn’t attempting to injure Stolarz, claiming he was taking the puck to the net and inadvertently bumped the Leafs netminder. He cited his friendship with Stolarz, who played for the Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning team last season, adding he reached out to the goalie after learning he’d been hospitalized.

THE ATHLETIC: The Leafs and Panthers are trying to dial down the heat from this incident. Panthers coach Paul Maurice attempted to downplay it while blaming the Toronto media for fanning the flames. Meanwhile, Leafs coach Craig Berube said he wants his players to focus on the game rather than retribution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett plays a hard, physical two-way style, but he has a history of questionable hits, with the most infamous among Leafs followers being his takedown of Matthew Knies during the second-round series between the two clubs in 2023.

Bennett isn’t the only Panther to draw the ire of opponents. Matthew Tkachuk has a well-deserved reputation as an agitator. Aaron Ekblad concussed Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel during their first-round series with a forearm to the head.

Every team has players who use such tactics to distract their opponents, but the Panthers have taken it to a higher level. It makes them the team you love to hate, but there’s no denying that it’s been successful for them.

Florida has taken a page from the Philadelphia Flyers of the mid-1970s, who combined talent with brawling to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. The mayhem of the “Broad Street Bullies” era has been long eradicated, but it’s been replaced with sneaky hits and chippy play that often goes uncalled in the postseason.

The Panthers are an undeniably talented team. However, their “in-your-face” style has garnered them a reputation around the league as cheap-shot artists, tarnishing their success since 2022-23.

TSN: Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey and Logan Stanley are all considered day-to-day after skating in non-contract jerseys during the Winnipeg Jets’ optional skate on Monday. They’re considered day-to-day and will be game-time decisions for Game 1 of their second-round series with the Dallas Stars.

The puck drops for that contest at 9:30 pm ET on Wednesday, May 7, in Winnipeg.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said sidelined defenseman Torey Krug’s playing career could be over. The 34-year-old Krug missed all of this season recovering from surgery to address pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle last September.

Krug is in the fifth season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug has not officially spoken about his condition or his future. He’s unlikely to retire if his playing career is over. Instead, he’ll go on long-term injury reserve for the remaining two years of his contract.

Armstrong also revealed that forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Tyler Tucker suffered undisclosed season-ending injuries. Holloway was sidelined on Apr. 3 and underwent surgery, while Tucker appeared to injure a knee in Game 4 of the Blues’ first-round series with the Jets.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche management indicated head coach Jared Bednar would return behind the bench next season. However, assistant coach Ray Bennett was relieved of his duties. Bennett ran their power play for eight seasons.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Kings president Luc Robitaille expects head coach Jim Hiller to return next season. The Kings tied franchise records for wins (48) and points (105) this season but suffered their fourth-straight first-round exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators parted ways with associate GM Ryan Bowness. It’s expected that director of player personnel Rob DiMaio will move into that role.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 5, 2025

by | May 5, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 5, 2025

The Jets eliminate the Blues, the second-round playoff schedule is released, the draft lottery will be held on Monday evening, and the latest on Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry scored the winning goal in double overtime of Game 7 to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-3, eliminating the latter in seven games.

Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry (NHL Images).

The Blues went into the third period holding a 3-1 lead on goals by Jordan Kyrou, Mathieu Joseph, and Radek Faksa. However, the Jets stormed back late in the period. With goaltender Connor Hellebuyck pulled for an extra attacker, Vladislav Namestnikov scored with 1:56 remaining and Cole Perfetti netted his second of the game with 2.2 seconds left.

Hellebuyck shook off a shaky start to finish with 26 saves, while Blues netminder Jordan Binnington kicked out 43 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was one of the most exciting playoff games I’ve ever seen.

The Blues were on the verge of victory until the Jets’ stunning comeback. What’s more, the Jets were playing with first-line center Mark Scheifele out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury, and top-pairing defenseman Josh Morrissey left the game in the first period with an injury. Neal Pionk logged 46:15 minutes of ice time, collecting three assists.

Winnipeg overcame a poor start, outshooting St. Louis 44-22. Binnington was solid between the pipes for the Blues, but the Jets beat him with three of their four goals coming on deflected or tipped-in shots.

The Jets advance to meet the Dallas Stars in the second round, with Game 1 in Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 7, at 9:30 pm ET. The Stars could have sidelined top-pairing defenseman Miro Heiskanen and first-line winger Jason Robertson back in their lineup at some point in this series. Both players are recovering from knee injuries.

The second round begins on Monday with Game 1 of the Toronto Maple Leafs facing the Florida Panthers in Toronto at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the full schedule of all four second-round series.

The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery will be held live at NHL Network studios at 7 pm ET.

Matthew Schaefer is considered the favorite to become the first-overall pick. The 18-year-old Erie Otters defenseman said he’s “pumped up” for the lottery. “I would be lucky to be selected by any of the teams,” said Schaefer. “I’m sure everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other notable prospects who could go first overall include center Michael Misa of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, center Anton Frondell of the Swedish Hockey League’s Djurgardens IF, and Boston College center James Hagens.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Hockey Canada announced Sunday that Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been added to their roster for the upcoming IIHF World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark from May 9 – 25.

SPORTSNET: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon will reportedly join his long-time friend Crosby on Canada’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canada’s roster will receive a considerable lift with the additions of Crosby and MacKinnon. It also allows those two to reacquaint themselves with the larger ice surface in European rinks ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

NHL.COM: Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk skipped practice on Sunday, but he is expected to be in the lineup for Game 1 of their second-round series with the Maple Leafs.

THE ATHLETIC: Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov believes everything regarding contract extension negotiations with management will work out. The 28-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract, and the Wild can re-sign him to a league-maximum eight-year deal as early as July 1.

“We’ll see,” said a smiling Kaprizov. “I love everything here. It should be all good.” The superstar has frequently said he loves Minnesota and playing for the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov is poised to become one of the highest-paid players in the league. Wild owner Craig Leipold has said his club is prepared to pay top dollar to keep him in Minnesota.

TSN: Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek played through a core muscle injury and will undergo surgery next week. He anticipates he’ll be recovered in plenty of time for the start of next season.