NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2025

by | Mar 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2025

The Canucks keep Brock Boeser, the Devils’ attempts to bolster their roster, an update on Ryan O’Reilly, the Leafs attempted to acquire Mikko Rantanen and more fallout from Friday’s trade deadline in the NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS KEEP BOESER

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin claimed he received mediocre trade offers for Brock Boeser leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. Allvin claimed the offers were so weak that he’d have been chased out of the news conference if he revealed them.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports contract talks will continue between the Canucks and the Boeser camp. He also indicated they received some interest in forward Pius Suter, but not enough to convince them to part with him.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston wondered if Allvin was trying to grind down on Boeser’s negotiating position. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old winger is only a year away from a career-best 40-goal performance. He could get a significant raise if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

DEVILS FELL SHORT AT THE DEADLINE

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald tried to take a big swing in the trade market but came up short by the deadline. It’s believed he expressed interest in Mikko Rantanen and Brock Nelson, but both wound up being shipped elsewhere.

The Devils settled for forwards Daniel Sprong and Cody Glass.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Devils were interested in St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn. However, they were uncomfortable with the asking price. Friedman speculates the Blues probably asked for players like Simon Nemec that the Devils didn’t want to move.

O’REIILY WASN’T INTERESTED IN RETURNING TO TORONTO

THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Emma Lingan reported before the trade deadline that there was no chance that Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly would return to the Toronto Maple Leafs. She indicated they tried to extend him in 2023, offering more money than the Predators, but he had no interest. “Can confirm that hasn’t changed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly was linked to the Leafs in the lead-up to the trade deadline. They ultimately acquired center Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers.

LEAFS MADE AN OFFER FOR RANTANEN

TORONTO STAR: cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claiming the Maple Leafs made “the best offer” for Mikko Rantanen, However, it was refused by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kypreos wrote that the Leafs’ offer was top prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan and two first-round picks. They were also willing to offer him an eight-year contract extension worth between $105 million and $110 million.

The Hurricanes preferred trading Rantane to a Western Conference team. They shipped him to the Dallas Stars for rookie forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks and two third-rounders. They also signed him to an eight-year, $96 million extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d argue the return to the Hurricanes was slightly better because Stankoven is among this season’s top rookies. Cowan and Minten haven’t proven themselves yet at the NHL level. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes’ intent to send Rantanen to a Western club won out.

UTAH HC WELL SET FOR THE SUMMER

KSLS SPORTS: Cole Bagley reports Utah Hockey Club will have around $22 million to go shopping this summer. They didn’t bother making moves at the deadline because they made their big moves last summer and didn’t have much to offer other teams at this deadline. They also didn’t need any rental players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bagley believes Utah HC is “arguably the most well-constructed team for the future”. He’s not wrong in that opinion. They’re in the wild-card race in the Western Conference with a roster filled with rising young talent. Expect them to make a couple of significant additions via the trade and free-agent markets this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.

Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.

Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.

PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.

Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.

MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.

BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.

CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.

CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.

Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.

JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.

OILERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.

FLAMES AND SENATORS

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.

BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.

DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

by | Mar 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2025

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 PM ET on March 7. Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Brock Boeser, Drake Batherson and Brandon Tanev, plus updates on the Devils, Bruins Jets, Lightning, Oilers and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE BLUES MOVE BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is “on the fence” about moving team captain Brayden Schenn. The Blues remain in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card berth. The 33-year-old center has a full no-trade clause, giving him full control of this situation.

Armstrong has set a high asking price for his captain. The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn also has three more years remaining on his contract, so there’s no pressure on Armstrong to trade him now. Unless someone meets the Blues’ asking price, Schenn finishes this season in St. Louis. The offseason could become interesting as his no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. 

ARE CANUCKS FORWARDS BROCK BOSER AND PIUS SUTER AVAILABLE?

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports the Vancouver Canucks are positioning themselves to be a buyer and a seller at the trade deadline.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

They’re open to moving their pending unrestricted free agents if the returns are sufficiently enticing. Contract extension talks between the Canucks and Brock Boeser remain stalemated, but a league source told Drance that interest in the 28-year-old winger was lukewarm. They’re not about to move Boeser at below market value, especially when they’re still in the playoff race.

The Canucks won’t move any impact players with term remaining on their contracts, and that includes struggling center Elias Pettersson. Carson Soucy is the only realistic expectation. They would like to acquire young players in their mid-twenties with term remaining on their contracts.

TSN.CA: Farhan Laji reports it’s very unlikely Boeser will get an extension from the Canucks before the trade deadline. It’s possible they could attempt to sign him after March 7.

Laji also noted Canucks forward Pius Suter surfaced in the rumor mill. However, there is nothing imminent, and Suter will be in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks reportedly offered Boeser a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. He rejected the offer, preferring a longer-term deal. It appears both sides want to work toward an agreement, but uncertainty persists as the deadline approaches.

DEVILS SHOPPING FOR CENTERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils were already in the market for a center before Jack Hughes was injured over the weekend. They’re awaiting word on whether he’ll require surgery and how long he could be sidelined.

If Hughes is out for the regular season, it would free up over $8 million in cap space to put toward acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches. LeBrun said they’ve inquired into the availability of New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The update on Hughes’ condition could come as early as today. If he’s out for the rest of the regular season, they won’t waste time stashing him on long-term injury reserve to clear cap room for the trade deadline.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE BRUINS AFTER THE FREDERIC TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss looks at other possible Bruins trade candidates following their trade of forward Trent Frederic on Tuesday to the Edmonton Oilers. He speculates that move signals they’re getting an early start on selling.

Goss suggested Charlie Coyle as a trade option, citing the interest in centers in this year’s trade market. Coyle has two years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5.25 million.

Forward Morgan Geekie could be another. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. Forward Justin Brazeau is UFA-eligible on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team captain Brad Marchand had popped up recently in the rumor mill, but it seemed a long shot at best that he’d be moved. Sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury, he’s less likely to be moved now.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT BATHERSON

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports teams are calling the Senators about Drake Batherson. They’re not in a hurry to move the 26-year-old forward, but he’s an attractive option for teams seeking younger, affordable talent. Garrioch said Batherson’s struggles this season have rival clubs thinking he might benefit from a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are buyers, not sellers. They’ll want a return that helps them make the playoffs now and keep them a contender after this season. Teams looking into Batherson are probably offering draft picks and prospects, which won’t help the Senators right now.

UPDATE ON BRANDON TANEV

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Seattle Kraken are willing to retain 50 percent of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade. There are high-end Stanley Cup contenders and playoff bubble teams interested in the gritty 33-year-old winger. LeBrun believes the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators could be suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev is UFA-eligible after this season. His physical, energetic style of game is well-suited for postseason competition.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS, JETS, LIGHTNING, OILERS AND AVALANCHE

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports all eyes are on Islanders forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri leading up to the trade deadline. However, they’re not the only potential trade candidates if GM Lou Lamoriello becomes a seller.

Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and winger Anders Lee each have a year remaining on their contracts. They could fetch quality returns, especially if the Isles agree to retain some salary. They could also attempt to flip defensemen Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo. The Isles aren’t interested in moving Noah Dobson unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are willing to spend to add to their roster by the deadline. “Everything from Brock Nelson to a depth forward up front to a quality, experienced defenseman.” He said there’s a strong appetite to bolster their roster for a run at the Stanley Cup.

Chris Johnston believes it would be a massive mistake to overlook the Tampa Bay Lightning at the deadline. They’ve accrued over $6 million in cap space, so there is plenty of room to acquire a forward. GM Julien BriseBois has a trade record for swinging deadline deals to help his club in the playoffs.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Edmonton Oilers aren’t done making acquisitions in the trade market following their trade for Trent Frederic yesterday. He thinks they’ll pursue a defenseman next.

LeBrun also expects the Colorado Avalanche will add a forward. The “home-run swing” would be Brock Nelson, but they can’t afford it. LeBrun expects they’ll go after a depth forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe the Avs will be among the suitors for Brandon Tanev.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Erik Karlsson and John Gibson, plus updates on the Flyers, Blue Jackets, Senators, and Wild in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS STILL CALLING ABOUT MIKKO RANTANEN

TSN: Darren Dreger considers it “not very realistic” that the Carolina Hurricanes will trade Mikko Rantanen. Nevertheless, he thinks “there’s always the potential” that they’ll move the 28-year-old winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Dreger believes it would “take something silly,” like an offer that Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Eric Tulsky weren’t expecting. He thinks they’ll hang onto Rantanen, hope for a deep playoff run, and convince him that Carolina is a good long-term fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We didn’t expect Rantanen to be traded by the Avalanche, but Tulsky swung a creative three-way deal to get him. It’s unlikely another club will swoop in with a mind-blowing offer, but we can’t dismiss that possibility.

UPDATE ON BRAYDEN SCHENN

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Dreger also said that it looks unlikely that Brayden Schenn will be traded with the St. Louis Blues in the mix for a Western Conference wild-card berth. He noted that they don’t have to trade the 33-year-old center this season because he’s got three more years left on his deal. They could revisit this in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been reported that the Blues set a high asking price for Schenn, making a move by the trade deadline unlikely.

PENGUINS HAVEN’T ASKED ERIK KARLSSON TO WAIVE HIS NMC

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Seth Rorabaugh reports that Erik Karlsson said he hasn’t been approached by Penguins management about waiving his no-movement clause.

Karlsson acknowledged it’s been a stressful time for his teammates with the trade deadline approaching and the Penguins considered to be sellers. “As for my situation, like I said, I’ll deal with that if it, and when it, comes. Until then, I’m not.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden in last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off prompted some observers to suggest rival general managers could take an interest in him. However, his contract remains a big hurdle in the path to a trade.

The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual salary through 2026-27, plus his NMC gives him complete control over the situation. A rival team could pitch an offer to the Penguins’ liking that would make Karlsson agree to waive his clubs. However, it will take a creative proposal to do so.

THE FLYERS COULD HAVE A QUIET TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen remain with the Philadelphia Flyers after the March 7 trade deadline. The Flyers aren’t in any rush to move two players considered integral parts of their roster. Their asking price for Laughton could be too expensive for most suitors, while Ristolainen hasn’t generated much interest in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is signed through next season and Ristolainen through 2026-27. There’s no need to move them to cut costs because they already did that by trading Joel Farabee to Calgary in January. Laughton and Ristolainen will remain in Philadelphia unless someone makes a significant offer this week. 

THE LATEST ON JOHN GIBSON

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens noted recent reports indicating John Gibson is open to being traded by the Anaheim Ducks, but he wants to go to a team where he’d have a clear path to being the starting goaltender. It’s believed the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are among the clubs on his list of trade destinations.

The Ducks prefer not retaining any portion of Gibson’s $6.4 million average annual cap hit, but they aren’t ruling it out completely. They also have the cap space to take on an expiring contract if it’ll enable them to move Gibson’s full contract. That would keep cap space clear down the road to re-sign their promising young players when they are due for new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s been in the rumor mill for a while now with no indication that a trade is in sight. A move seems more likely in the offseason unless a contender with goaltending issues steps up with a suitable offer by March 7.

BLUE JACKETS BECOME TRADE DEADLINE BUYERS

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Columbus Blue Jackets’ push for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference makes them increasingly look like buyers as the trade deadline approaches.

A source told Biringer that the Jackets are looking at adding depth to their forward lines. They were active in talks with the Nashville Predators about forward Gustav Nyquist before he was shipped to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After overcoming front-office turmoil and the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau last summer, the Blue Jackets are the feel-good story of the season. General manager Don Waddell has no reason to be a seller now. He’ll likely keep an eye open for a player in the trade market who can help the Jackets maintain their current momentum.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE WILD?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild don’t have much cap space after acquiring forward Gustav Nyquist from the Nashville Predators on Saturday. GM Bill Guerin is keeping an open mind leading up to the trade deadline. However, it would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move and the Wild don’t have many tradeable pieces on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest such a move would require salary retention or a three-team deal.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie reports Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios continues working the phones but we shouldn’t expect his club to be a big player in the trade market. They lack sufficient cap space to make a major move.

If Staios makes a trade, it’ll likely be for an affordable veteran forward. Options could include Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Chicago’s Ryan Donato, and Boston’s Trent Frederic.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 2, 2025

by | Mar 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 2, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, Evander Kane and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON MIKKO RANTANEN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes it’s unlikely Mikko Rantanen will decide about re-signing with the Carolina Hurricanes by the March 7 trade deadline. He doesn’t think it has anything to do with the Hurricanes’ contract offer to the 28-year-old winger. Instead, he’s found it’s been “too much of a whirlwind” adjusting to getting traded and the lack of time he’s spent in Carolina.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

Friedman said it’s now up to Hurricanes management to decide if they’ll retain Rantanen for the rest of the season or flip him to another club before Friday. That decision could come within the next couple of days. He also indicated that the Hurricanes are the only team that can offer him the maximum eight-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated that only the team that has Rantanen at the trade deadline can offer up the maximum term. If the Hurricanes trade him before then, the acquiring team will become the only club that can give him an eight-year deal.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a source claiming the Vancouver Canucks were interested in Rantanen, while another source doubted the Hurricanes will move him.

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a source suggesting the Los Angeles Kings as a suitor for Rantanen. Another source noted the Hurricanes are building up their defense corps and could be interested in Kings blueliner Jordan Spence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent speculation suggested the Hurricanes could hang onto Rantanen for a run at the Stanley Cup this season. It would also buy more time to allow him to become acclimated to his new teammates and surroundings.

Rantanen could be moved again, especially if the Hurricanes are willing to retain half of their share ($4.625 million) of his cap hit. However, if he’s having difficulty dealing with “the whirlwind” since getting traded on Jan. 24, how well will he adjust to another move?

MAPLE LEAFS LOOKING AT CENTERS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have a list of centers they’re looking at in the trade market. One player they’re considering is Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues, but they’re not the only club interested in the 33-year-old center. Friedman suggested the Vegas Golden Knights could also be looking at him.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving isn’t tipping his hand about his trade deadline plans. However, he downplayed speculation suggesting that he could attempt a major acquisition like Schenn or Rantanen.

“It’s not, to me, about taking big swings”, said Treliving. “It’s where do you think you can help your team the most. Historically, these attention-grabbing deadline deals, look back at how many really pay dividends.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Treliving sounds like he’s trying to temper the expectations of Leafs fans. He might take a big swing and acquire someone like Schenn or Rantanen. However, he could also make more affordable depth additions based on his cap space and available trade assets.

UPDATE ON THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Canucks are looking to add to their forward group either now or later. He doesn’t expect they’ll attempt to move struggling center Elias Pettersson.

Brock Boeser’s situation remains up in the air. A report last week claimed he’d been offered a five-year contract with an AAV of $8 million. Friedman believes that pitch was made earlier in the season. He thinks Boeser and the Canucks are expecting all options to be open.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Canucks haven’t given up on Pettersson. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide he needs a fresh start elsewhere and trade him at the deadline or during the draft in Los Angeles in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything can happen but it will take a significant offer to tempt the Canucks into moving Pettersson. His $11.6 million cap hit through 2031-32 is a hefty amount to absorb, even with the salary cap rising significantly in the coming years.

OILERS LOOKING AT MARKET FOR EVANDER KANE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said Evander Kane’s full no-trade clause reverted to a 16-team approved trade list. He indicated the Edmonton Oilers are going through those teams to see what the market could be for the 33-year-old winger.

Kane remains sidelined as he rehabs from recent surgery and there’s not a firm timetable for his return. However, they could open up more cap space if they decide to move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane won’t be easy to move. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.125 million. He’s missed the entire season due to injury and it will take him time to return to game shape once he’s cleared for action.

The Oilers have few tradeable assets to bundle with Kane to make him more enticing. They might have to retain half his cap hit to make him palatable in the trade market.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes any deal made by the Rangers between now and the trade deadline will not involve making a run for a wild-card berth at the expense of acquiring future assets in exchange for expiring contracts. Brooks suggests impending free-agent winger Reilly Smith could fetch tangible value from a Stanley Cup contender.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple also believes Smith is the next likely to be moved. Larger trade options on the roster, like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, probably won’t be happening this week, given Zibanejad’s recent improvement and Kreider’s ongoing injury issues.

K’Andre Miller has been the subject of trade speculation but doesn’t seem to be on the trade block. Staple also believes the Rangers will be targeted buyers seeking players with term on their contracts

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All of GM Chris Drury’s trades this season brought back returns that can help the team now and in the future.

DEVILS EXPECTED TO BE “ALL-IN” AT THE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited an NHL executive suggesting the New Jersey Devils could attempt to make an impact move by March 7. They’d like to add a rugged, scoring playoff-type performer into their top-six forwards and bring more depth to their defense corps.

The Devils would also like to add a middle-six forward. They’ve been linked to Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens. The Devils have $1.4 million in cap space, so any deal would involve moving a player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dawson Mercer recently surfaced as a trade candidate. He’s struggled this season under head coach Sheldon Keefe. The 23-year-old forward carries an AAV of $4 million through 2026-27.

WHAT ARE THE LIGHTNING’S TRADE TARGETS?

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina reports the Lightning have just over $6 million in projected trade deadline cap space. He’s expected to target forward depth to take some pressure off his top scorers. Encina suggested that Montreal’s Jake Evans or Buffalo’s Alex Tuch are players who’ve stood out to them over the years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have some trade capital, including two second-rounders and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft. They also have all their 2026 draft picks. The Bolts also have prospects like Conor Geekie, Isaac Howard, and Ethan Gauthier to draw on for trade bait.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 28, 2025

A five-point game for Utah’s Clayton Keller, the Predators end the Jets’ win streak, the Oilers drop their fifth straight, the Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings ahead of Saturday’s Stadium Series game, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller had a career-high five points (one goal, four assists) in a 6-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Nick Schmaltz had a goal and two assists for Utah (63 points) as they moved within two points of the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card berth. Frederick Gaudreau scored for the Wild, who sit third in the Central Division with 72 points.

Utah Hockey Club winger Clayton Keller (NHL Images).

The Nashville Predators ended the Winnipeg Jets’ franchise-record win streak at 11 games with a 2-1 victory. Juuse Saros made 24 saves, while Filip Forsberg and Tommy Novak scored for the Predators. Neal Pionk replied for the Jets, who remain first overall in the standings with 87 points.

Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell had a goal and two assists to hold off the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, handing the latter their fifth straight loss. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 24 shots for the Panthers as they vaulted over the Toronto Maple Leafs into first place in the Atlantic Division with 75 points. Leon Drasaitl tallied his league-leading 44th goal and Zach Hyman netted his 20th as the Oilers sit second in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Edmonton captain Connor McDavid has been struggling since scoring the tournament-winning goal for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off. He admits he hasn’t played up to his usual standard, managing three assists in his club’s last four games. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, sidelined Oilers winger Evander Kane’s full no-trade clause reverts to a 16-team no-trade list on Feb. 28.

The Columbus Blue Jackets scored four second-period goals en route to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings ahead of their Stadium Series game on Saturday in Columbus. James van Riemsdyk scored two goals and Boone Jenner collected three assists as the Jackets picked up their third straight win. They hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 66 points and 29 regulation wins. J.T. Compher had a goal and an assist for the Red Wings (66 points), who hold the first wild-card spot with 30 regulation wins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two teams will face off on Saturday before an estimated 90,000 fans at Ohio Stadium. Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan wasn’t pleased with the performance of several of his core players, singling out team captain Dylan Larkin among the no-shows.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg scored twice as his club defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2. Jake Neighbours had a goal and an assist while teammate Brayden Schenn played in his 1,000th regular-season NHL game as the Blues (62 points) sit three points behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Connor McMichael had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, who’ve lost two straight games but remain first overall in the Eastern Conference with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brayden Schenn joined his brother, Predators defenseman Luke Schenn, as the 10th siblings in NHL history to play 1,000 games. Luke played his 1,000th game on Oct. 17th against the Oilers.

Anaheim Ducks forwards Ryan Strome and Troy Terry each had a goal and two assists in a 5-2 upset of the Vancouver Canucks. Tyler Myers had a goal and an assist for the Canucks as they cling to the final Western wild-card berth with 65 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen is set to undergo season-ending hernia surgery. He’s been out since Feb. 2. The Ducks added winger Robby Fabbri (upper body) to their injured reserve list.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a 27-save shutout from Andrei Vasilevskiy to blank the Calgary Flames 3-0. Brandon Hagel and Victor Hedman each had two points as the Lightning picked up their seventh straight win (72 points), moving within two points of the second-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division. The Flames remain one point behind the Canucks in the Western wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning learned that backup goaltender Jonas Johansson will be ready for action by as early as next Tuesday. He’s been sidelined since Jan. 28 with a knee injury.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Taylor Hall scored his first goal with the Hurricanes since he and Rantanen joined the team on Feb. 24. Carolina sits second in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points. Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for the Sabres.

The Vegas Golden Knights scored five first-period goals on their way to a 7-5 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. Ivan Barbashev scored twice and collected two assists, Keegan Kolesar tallied two goals, and Jack Eichel collected an assist to set the Golden Knights’ single-season franchise record with 51 assists. Vegas holds first place in the Pacific Division with 76 points. Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy had three assists and forward Frank Nazar had two helpers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left the game in the first period with an undisclosed injury. There was no post-game update on his status.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin kicked out 38 shots to nip the Boston Bruins 2-1. Alexander Romanov and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Isles. Boston winger David Pastrnak scored, extending his points streak to 16 games while reaching the 800-point plateau. However, the loss left the Bruins (62 points) four points behind the Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Bruins announced that forward Trent Frederic is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. They also placed forward Oliver Wahlstrom on waivers.

The Montreal Canadiens kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks. Cole Caufield tallied the winning goal, while Nick Suzuki scored twice and collected an assist as the Canadiens (61 points) won their third straight game and sit five points back of the Blue Jackets. Will Smith and Alexander Wennberg each had two points for the Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson collected his 40th assist in this game, becoming the first rookie defenseman to reach that milestone in less than 60 games since Hall-of-Famer Nicklas Lidstrom in 1991-92.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin scored the tying and winning goals as his club overcame 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 in overtime. Malkin also had two assists on the night, while Erik Karlsson scored two goals and picked up an assist. Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov also had two goals and an assist.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins came to life after goalie Alex Nedeljkovic ripped into his teammates and coaches after he was pulled from the game with the Flyers leading 3-0. Penguins forward Michael Bunting missed this game after undergoing appendix surgery and is sidelined indefinitely.

Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway was helped from the ice in the second period after receiving a blindside hit from Penguins forward Bokondji Imama, who was penalized for interference.