NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

by | Jun 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2025

What’s next for the Sabres following the Peterka trade and the Oilers after the Kane trade? What’s the latest on Erik Karlsson, Jordan Kyrou, Rasmus Andersson, Aaron Ekblad and more? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES AND OILERS

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington believes the Sabres must have bigger moves in store after the “flimsy return” they received in the JJ Peterka trade. They shipped Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan.

With defenseman Bowen Byram expected to be the next trade candidate, Harrington thinks they have to be getting back a top-six forward to replace Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll have our answer in the next several days as trade activity picks up before the start of the unrestricted free-agent market on July 1. Byram’s been a fixture in trade rumors for months, with the expectation that he’d fetch a top-six forward.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making cost-cutting moves after trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks. They must re-sign restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl’s new contract kicks in on July 1.

LeBrun believes Viktor Arvidsson will be next on the trade block. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.4 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, but he met with Oilers management and both sides agree it would be best if he moved on. His agent is working with the Oilers to find a suitable trade partner, and LeBrun thinks a deal could occur within the next two to three weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Kane leaves the Oilers with $16.2 million in cap space with 19 active roster players under contract. That’ll go up to $20.6 million if Arvidsson is traded, leaving enough room to re-sign Bouchard and address other roster needs.

THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is believed to be open to waiving his no-movement clause to go to a contender. However, the Penguins might have to retain some salary to reduce his cap hit to $7.5 million per season.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson, 35, is signed through 2026-27 with the Penguins carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual value (AAV). He’s also entitled to a $5 million bonus on July 1. Other teams could prefer waiting until that’s paid, but the Penguins could be less inclined to trade him after that date unless they get an extra asset in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s contract, coupled with his declining performance, will make it difficult for the Penguins to find a trade partner this summer. It’s not impossible, but those factors will make it difficult.

Meanwhile, LeBrun’s colleague Scott Wheeler reports the Penguins are aggressively trying to move up in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. They spoke to the Chicago Blackhawks about the third-overall pick. He believes they really like prospect winger Porter Martone and centers James Hagens and Roger McQueen.

ARE THE BLUES PEDDLING JORDAN KYROU?

STLTODAY.COM: Matthew DeFranks was asked about the recent trade speculation involving Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. He cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli placing the 27-year-old winger at No. 2 on his latest trade targets list.

DeFranks said he hasn’t heard much on the Blues’ end, but they’re usually tight-lipped about these things. He noted that Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors in the past. He’s a young, cost-controlled scorer who has improved his defensive deficiencies.

However, Kyrou’s trade value has never been higher. The Blues are deep in wingers and need help at center. They could also use another young defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou completed the second season of his eight-year contract. His salary-cap hit is expensive ($8.125 million), and he has a no-trade clause that begins on July 1. If the Blues are shopping him, they could be eyeing a trade before next Tuesday; otherwise, they’ll need Kyrou’s approval.

UPDATE ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Calgary Flames are taking trade calls on Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. Contract extension talks last week reportedly didn’t go well.

D’Amico cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins have looked into Andersson. One source believed the Blue Jackets make a lot of sense, given their $40.4 million in cap space and depth in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico cited another source claiming the Ottawa Senators were pursuing Andersson. However, recent reports claim they’re on his six-team no-trade list.

IS AARON EKBLAD HEADED TO THE UFA MARKET?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun considers Aaron Ekblad likely headed to the UFA market next Tuesday. The long-time Florida Panthers defenseman reportedly hasn’t had any contract extension talks with management since last summer, though he expects the Panthers will make an offer before July 1.

Contract term was the issue in last summer’s discussion. LeBrun thinks that will still be a factor as the Panthers could be reluctant to invest too long in the 29-year-old Ekblad.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekblad has repeatedly said he wants to stay with the Panthers. It’s believed he’ll take a pay cut from his current $7.5 million. If the term remains the issue, he might have to accept a three-year deal to remain in Florida. We’ll know for sure by July 1.

COULD THE KINGS PART WITH ALEX TURCOTTE?

MAYOR’S MANOR: There’s plenty of chatter suggesting the Los Angeles Kings could move Jordan Spence and/or Trevor Moore this week. However, Alex Turcotte could also be worth watching. Multiple teams are said to be interested in the 24-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Turcotte is entering the second season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $775,000. He’s battled injuries in recent years but played a career-high 65 games this season, netting 23 points. The former first-round pick (fifth overall, 2019) could be part of a bigger trade package.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2025

Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, updates on Connor McDavid and Jonathan Marchessault, the Islanders won’t part with the 2025 first-overall draft pick, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Hockey Hall of Fame will induct former NHL stars Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton in a ceremony in November.

Former Canadian women’s national team forward Jennifer Botterill and former United States women’s national team forward Brianna Decker will also be inducted into the players’ category.

Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith & Alexander Mogilny are part of the HHoF Class of 2025.(NHL.com)

Former Boston University coach Jack Parker and former Canadian women’s hockey coach, general manager and consultant Daniele Sauvageau will be inducted into the builders’ category.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the inductees for this well-deserved honor.

Regarding the NHLers, Chara was one of the dominant defensemen of his era. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2008-09 and was a six-time finalist. Chara captained the Boston Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup. He is seventh all-time in games played (1,608) with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals.

Keith was one of the greatest players in Chicago Blackhawks history, helping them win three Stanley Cups between 2009-10 and 2014-15. He was a two-time Norris Trophy winner (2009-10, 2013-14), took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015, and won Olympic gold playing for Canada in 2010 and 2014.

Mogilny was finally inducted after 16 years of eligibility. Defecting from the Soviet Union in 1989 to play in the NHL, he had 1,032 points in 990 regular-season games (including a career-high 76 goals in 1992-93) with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 1999-2000 and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2002-03.

Thornton was among the greatest playmakers in NHL history, sitting seventh overall with 1,109 assists and 14th with 1,539 points. He’s also sixth in games-played (1,714) with the Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. Thornton won the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2005-06.

TSN: Former Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron and former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price are among those who could be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame next year. It will be Bergeron’s first year of eligibility and Price’s second.

It will also be the first year of eligibility for forwards Phil Kessel and Eric Staal. Patrick Marleau, Henrik Zetterberg and Ryan Getzlaf join Price among the recently eligible. Other potential candidates include Rod Brind’Amour, Sergei Gonchar, Jason Spezza, Curtis Joseph, Keith Tkachuk and Ryan Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans were surprised that Price wasn’t inducted into this year’s class. In my opinion, Chara, Keith, and Thornton were more deserving candidates, and Mogilny had been passed over for far too long.

Price stands a good chance of induction in 2026. Given the longstanding rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, it would be fitting if he and Bergeron joined the Hall in the same year.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman and CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson travelled to Ontario to meet with Connor McDavid’s agent, Jeff Moldaver, on Tuesday. The meeting was intended to discuss the broader directions of the organization rather than focusing on contract numbers.

McDavid has a year left on his contract with a salary-cap hit of $12.5 million and will become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have understandably made signing McDavid to an extension their top issue this summer. They’re also giving their captain some time to decide when he wants to start those discussions.

McDavid made it clear following the 2025 Stanley Cup Final that winning the Cup is his priority. He’ll want to know how the Oilers intend to remain a Cup contender before agreeing to an extension. The fact that management is already meeting with his agent is a positive step.

NASHVILLE POST: Predators GM Barry Trotz said there is no substance to recent rumors suggesting he’s trying to trade Jonathan Marchessault. He confirmed that all was good with the winger’s camp, saying the veteran winger will return with the Predators next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchessault was one of three major free-agent signings by Trotz last summer. His production dropped with the struggling Predators this season, prompting speculation that he might welcome a trade.

THE TENNESSEAN: Speaking of the Predators, they hired former Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant coach. He replaces Todd Richards, who won’t be returning with the organization.

THE SCORE: New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche said he has no intention of trading the first-overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the OHL’s Erie Otters is considered the top prospect in this year’s draft, but Darche declined to tip his hand on who he’ll select.

NEW YORK POST: Darche admitted that trading for a second first-rounder in this draft is a possibility. The dream scenario for Islanders fans is their club selects Schaefer and somehow acquires another high first-round pick to use toward drafting center (and Long Island native) James Hagens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be quite the coup if Darche can pull that off.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Islanders, long-time forward Matt Martin hung up his skates and moved into the front office as a special assistant to Darche. He played in 987 regular-season games over 15 seasons with the Islanders and the Maple Leafs, 13 of those with the Isles, finishing with 178 points.

NEW YORK POST: The New York Rangers will send their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall) to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They had included that pick (top-13 protected) as part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. The Canucks subsequenty flipped it to the Penguins as part of the return for defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

Mollie Walker reports that next year’s draft class is considered to have a much deeper pool of talent. It would also have more value in the 2026 trade deadline if the Rangers attempt to upgrade for next year’s playoffs.

THE PROVINCE: The Dallas Stars could be eyeing Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra to fill their vacant head-coaching position. Malhotra guided the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate to the 2025 Calder Cup.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Inspired by their previous Winter Classic jerseys, the Blues unveiled their new uniforms and primary logo.

THE ATHLETIC: Nationwide Arena owners are planning $400 million in upgrades to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 25-year-old home.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

Reaction to the Ducks trading Trevor Zegras to the Flyers, Blues GM Doug Armstrong on the possibility of an offer sheet for Joel Hofer, the latest notable contract extensions, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS/NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras on Monday to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (45th overall), and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras, 24, was the subject of frequent trade speculation over the past two seasons. Chosen ninth overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was once considered a foundation player for the rebuilding Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL Images).

Zegras was runner-up for the 2022 Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, earned a spot at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game skills competition, and shared the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 23 videogame with Sarah Nurse.

After back-to-back 60-plus point performances in 2021-22 and 2022-23, Zegras underwent contentious contract negotiations with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, missing training camp before agreeing to a three-year contract in October 2023. Injuries limited him to 31 games in 2023-24 and 57 games last season.

Zegras’ critics cited his one-dimensional offensive game and weakness in the faceoff circle. He first surfaced in trade speculation in January 2024 and was a fixture in the rumor mill.

Verbeek said the move was made to retool his roster for the 2025-26 season. He also noted that Zegras wanted to play center and thinks the young forward will get that opportunity in Philadelphia.

Moving Zegras ($5.75 million average annual value for 2025-26) for Poehling ($1.9 million) freed up $3.85 million in cap space for the Ducks, leaving them with $36.03 million available and 17 active roster players under contract.

The reaction from Philadelphia suggests this is a low-risk move with high-reward potential if Zegras stays healthy and establishes himself as a reliable first or second-line center. The Flyers didn’t give up any of their three first-rounders in this year’s draft, and they didn’t part with a top prospect or a good young NHL player.

If Zegras doesn’t pan out, he’s only under contract for this season. If he pans out, the Flyers can extend him. Otherwise, they could let him walk next summer.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t concerned about the possibility of a rival club thinking of signing Joel Hofer to an offer sheet. The 24-year-old goaltender is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

Armstrong made it clear that the Blues have the cap space to match an offer from a rival club. “I guess this is my shot across the bow,” he said. “You can go after him. You’re not going to get him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hofer came up as a possible offer-sheet target because the Blues successfully signed away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers last summer. Some observers suggested that the Oilers might make a retaliatory signing, or another club seeking goalie depth could target Hofer.

Armstrong isn’t bluffing. The Blues have over $5 million in projected cap space for next season with 22 active roster players under contract. They could get an additional $6.5 million in cap flexibility by placing sidelined defenseman Torey Krug on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

Armstrong also said he’s spoken with pending unrestricted free-agent (UFA) defenseman Ryan Suter. The Blues GM said he’d told Suter about the seven blueliners they already have and Suter understood the situation. NHL.com’s Lou Korac believes Suter won’t return unless the Blues move one of their current defensemen.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.2 million. He had a career-best 33 points but still has room to grow defensively, finishing with a league-worst plus-minus of minus-43.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins’ injury-ravaged roster and the shaky performance of starting goalie Jeremy Swayman contributed to Lohrei’s poor plus-minus. His defensive game should improve with another season of NHL experience, healthier linemates and a better effort from Swayman.

SPORTSNET: The New York Rangers signed center Adam Edstrom to a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Justin Kirkland to a one-year, one-way contract worth $900,000.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the NHL has a Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday. The hope was to have the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) extension in place for Board approval. However, a few outstanding issues remain to be resolved.

LeBrun says the NHL and the NHLPA are inching closer to an agreement, and the league will provide a CBA update to the owners on Wednesday.

THE PROVINCE: The Abbotsford Canucks are the 2024-25 AHL champions, defeating the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Final. Abbotsford goaltender Arturs Silovs was named the playoffs’ most valuable player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs was the Vancouver Canucks’ postseason hero last year when he replaced sidelined goalies Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith during their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. Silovs isn’t waiver-exempt next season, which could lead to a logjam in the Vancouver crease with Demko and Kevin Lankinen also under contract for 2025-26.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders named Rocky Thompson as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Thompson spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Flyers.

 










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.