NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2025

by | Oct 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 18, 2025

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Maple Leafs, and Flames in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco examined who stays or goes if the Buffalo Sabres end up rebuilding their roster, should they extend their league-record playoff drought, currently at 14 seasons.

Among their forwards, Di Marco believes there isn’t much outside of Tage Thompson and winger Alex Tuch that would fetch a major return. Young forwards Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Jack Quinn have potential, but they aren’t proven commodities.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images)

The defense is a different story, where Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram would garner plenty of interest in the trade market. Of the three, Dahlin would fetch a king’s ransom given his status among the league’s elite blueliners.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Zach Berman suggested the Devils target Thompson, citing speculation that the 27-year-old forward could be leaning toward asking out of Buffalo.

If Thompson becomes available, Berman believes Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald should go all-in to land him. He suggested that no one, other than the Hughes brothers, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, should be considered untouchable.

SPORTSNET: Player agent Brian Bartlett said his client, Alex Tuch, has paused contract negotiations with the Sabres. Bartlett indicated they weren’t able to get a deal done during the offseason, and that things are on the back burner for now.

Tuch, 29, is among the notable forwards eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. Bartlett indicated that there had been good, consistent communication with Sabres management, adding that his client informed them that he was happy to stay in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ 1-3-0 start has already made them a hot topic for trade conjecture. If they don’t snap out of this early-season funk, it would lead to significant changes in the front office and behind the bench, subsequently leading to roster changes if things don’t improve.

Thompson, Tuch, Dahlin, Power, and Byram will definitely draw the most attention if the Sabres decide to tear down the roster and rebuild again.

Tuch’s UFA status for next summer makes him the most obvious trade candidate, which is why he’s already surfaced in media trade chatter. However, he could be joined by one or more of the other core players if any of them finally reach the limit of their patience with the club’s current direction.

UPDATE ON LEAFS WINGER NICK ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston noted the recent trade speculation swirling around Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson.

Siegel and Johnston believe the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential trade destinations.

The Penguins are rebuilding and targeting players in Robertson’s age group, plus there’s his connection with Penguins general manager (and former Leafs GM) Kyle Dubas. Columbus doesn’t have the same apparent need for a scoring winger, but they believe the Blue Jackets should still call.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan also noted Robertson’s return to the rumor mill. However, he believes the Leafs are better off hanging onto him, citing his goal-scoring potential despite his early-season drought. Trading him for a draft pick would free up his $1.85 million salary for this season, but Koshan feels that money is better spent on keeping him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs likely see Robertson as a depth forward worth retaining in case injuries strike the lineup. Unless they go into a tailspin and drop out of playoff contention, which is unlikely, trading him for a draft pick doesn’t improve their roster.

The Blue Jackets aren’t a suitable destination for Robertson unless injuries deplete the ranks of their wingers this season. Seigel and Johnston noted that Yegor Chinakhov can’t crack the Jackets roster, so it’s unlikely Robertson would fare better.

FLAMES SEEK BLUELINE HELP

DAILY FACEOFF‘s Anthony Di Marco stated that the Calgary Flames are looking for “a young, left-shot defenseman with size.” He pointed out that they have “too many bodies on 1-way deals and want to move some out.”

Di Marco heard that the Flames would like to move Jake Bean and Daniil Miromanov. He’s heard they like Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Egor Zamula, who played his junior hockey in Calgary.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2025

by | Oct 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 9, 2025

The Flyers are monitoring the trade market, an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, and the latest on the Oilers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLYERS SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating that the Philadelphia Flyers are monitoring the trade market for a defenseman.

The Flyers are short two top-four defensemen with Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen on injured reserve to open the season. James also pointed out that their third pairing is a serious weak spot.

James noted that the Flyers have $6.6 million in salary-cap flexibility after trading permanently sidelined blueliner Ryan Ellis to the San Jose Sharks earlier this week.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco also believes that the Flyers intend to use their newfound cap space to bolster their blueline. He cited sources who felt they would use it to improve their top-four defense positions.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

The Flyers had an interest in Bowen Byram before he signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Byram by dangling forward Owen Tippett and young defenseman Emil Andrae. Di Marco also mused about the possibility of pursuing Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, citing Hughes’ good relationship with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet.

Di Marco stated that he was merely spitballing with those suggested trade targets, adding that the Flyers have nothing imminent in the works to address their defense issues. However, if or when they do, it’ll be for an impact player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers might not get Byram or Hughes during this season. They might become available at the trade deadline at the earliest if their respective clubs are out of playoff contention by March 6. However, by that point, other options may become available that prove more realistic.

CHINAKHOV A HEALTH SCRATCH FOR THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Yegor Chinakhov is expected to be a healthy scratch when the Columbus Blue Jackets open their season in Nashville on Thursday.

Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade in July, citing a lack of opportunity under head coach Dean Evason. The two sides seemed to have smoothed things over after having a meeting at the start of training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov recently changed agents, but he hasn’t rescinded his trade request. His situation will continue to be worth monitoring as the season progresses.

OILERS TALKING CONTRACT WITH KULAK

TSN: Ryan Rishaug reports the Edmonton Oilers have had some contract extension talks with defenseman Brett Kulak, but nothing is imminent.

Kulak, 31, is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He’s in the final season of a four-year, $11 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since signing superstar Connor McDavid to a short-term extension at a considerable bargain, the Oilers have wasted little time re-upping other key players, such as defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman. They also inked UFA forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year deal.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2025

by | Sep 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2025

Rangers captain J.T. Miller injured in practice, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck leaves practice and teammate Dylan Samberg is sidelined for weeks, an update on Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers captain J.T. Miller left practice on Monday after suffering a non-contact injury. He appeared to strain either a groin or a hamstring attempting to shoot a puck out of the zone while falling to his knees.

New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller (NHL Images).

It’s believed Miller’s injury is a minor one, and he could return to practice on Tuesday. If not, he’ll be listed as day-to-day.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears the injury looked worse than it was. Miller was hunched over in pain when he left the ice. We should learn more about his status later today.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck cut short practice on Monday and left the ice. “He didn’t feel quite right, so he just came off,” said head coach Scott Arniel, who didn’t provide any further update on Hellebuyck’s status.

Meanwhile, Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg suffered a broken wrist during Saturday’s preseason game against the Calgary Flames. He’s expected to miss six to eight weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck’s situation doesn’t appear to be serious. However, losing a top-four defenseman like Samberg for almost two months is a significant blow to the Jets’ blueline to start the season.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to return to practice on Tuesday. He’s been sidelined since Sept. 19 for what the club called “player management”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Vasilevskiy was dealing with an ailment or injury that the team didn’t want to disclose because they don’t want opponents to know the details.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury originally disclosed on Friday. Blueliner Bowen Byram is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury suffered during Saturday’s preseason contest with the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Samuelsson has been frequently injured since his full-time NHL debut in 2022-23. He appeared in 55 games this season, 41 games in 2023-24, and 62 games last season.

LEAFS NATION: Nick Alberga reports Max Pacioretty could be set to retire despite interest from multiple NHL clubs. The 36-year-old winger is working with the University of Michigan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No official word from the Pacioretty camp regarding his plans. He’d hoped to return with the Maple Leafs after last season, but it appears they are now overstocked at forward.

Pacioretty scored 30-plus goals six times in his 17-season NHL career, but spent the past four seasons battling injuries, including a twice-torn Achilles tendon.

If Pacioretty is retiring, he will finish his NHL career with 335 goals and 346 assists for 681 points in 939 regular-season games with the Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Carolina Hurricanes.

CBS SPORTS: Anaheim Ducks starting goalie Lukas Dostal is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic is also day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: 22 NHL players were placed on waivers on Monday. They include such notables as Minnesota Wild forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Carolina Hurricanes forward Skyler Brind’Amour, and Winnipeg Jets forward Phillip Di Giuseppe.

Meanwhile, former NHL enforcer Donald Brashear is returning to hockey at age 53. He is set to suit up with the Corner Brook Royals of the Central Western Senior Hockey League in Newfoundland.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2025

by | Jul 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 21, 2025

The latest on Alex Ovechkin and Bowen Byram, Blues GM Doug Armstrong on why his club failed to repeat as Stanley Cup champions in 2020, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Alex Ovechkin told Russian media outlet RIA Novosti that he hasn’t had contract extension talks yet with the Washington Capitals.

Ovechkin, who turns 40 in September, is in the final season of his contract with the Capitals. He recently dismissed speculation that he’ll retire from the NHL following this season.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

The Capitals captain isn’t concerned about the lack of extension talks. “A year will pass, we’ll think, we’ll wait, we’ll see,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is coming off a 44-goal performance despite missing 16 games with a fractured leg, setting the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record. Another productive season could lead to a short-term extension with the Capitals.

NHL.COM: Bowen Byram is happy with his new contract with the Buffalo Sabres and is focused on his preparations for the regular season.

“Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my time in Buffalo,” said the 24-year-old defenseman. “I think I’ve mentioned it before that I’ve got an opportunity to play a bigger role and play more minutes, whether it’s the offensive side, power play, penalty kill. So I’m happy with that.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram’s new contract silenced months of trade speculation. However, it could rekindle if the Sabres are once again out of playoff contention by the March trade deadline.

STLTODAY.COM: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong wonders if his team might’ve had a better chance at repeating as Stanley Cup champions if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t occurred in 2020.

The Blues were defending champions in 2019-20 and were second overall in the NHL standings when the pandemic forced the premature end of the regular season in March 2020. After months of uncertainty, an expanded version of the playoffs was held during the summer in quarantine conditions without fans in Edmonton and Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s understandable why Armstrong wonders what might have been. The pandemic forced a long layoff for all the teams eventually selected to participate in the 2020 postseason under unusual conditions. Some clubs adjusted better than others.

We’ll never know if the Blues might’ve repeated had it been a normal season. I think the Tampa Bay Lightning still would’ve won the Cup. The Bolts were determined to atone for getting swept from the opening round the year before after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. They were second overall in the Eastern Conference when the 2019-20 regular season ended.

RG.ORG: Jeff Gorton, the Montreal Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations, expressed confidence in the quality of his club’s goaltending.

Gorton praised the performance of Sam Montembault, citing his solid play and consistency, especially down the stretch last season when every game was like a playoff game for the Canadiens. He also acknowledged the club’s plan is for backup Jakub Dobes or perhaps Kaapo Kahkonen to get more starts to give Montembeault more time to rest.

The Canadiens are also confident that prospect Jacob Fowler will earn more starts with their AHL affiliate in Laval this season. They were impressed with Fowler’s player after joining Laval late in the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault is a solid NHL starter, but was wearing down under a heavy workload by midseason until Dobes was called up. Having reliable goaltending depth will be crucial for the Canadiens if they intend to build on their promising effort from last season.

BOSTON HERALD: Defenseman Jordan Harris is hoping to catch on with the Bruins this season. The 25-year-old Massachusetts native became an unrestricted free agent after the Columbus Blue Jackets opted not to qualify his rights. He inked a one-year, $825,000 contract with the Bruins on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A once-promising blueliner with the Canadiens, Harris was shipped to the Blues Jackets last August in the trade that sent winger Patrik Laine to Montreal. He saw action in 33 games with the Jackets last season.

The ECHL’s Rapid City Rush agreed to terms on a multi-year extension of their affiliation deal with the Calgary Flames and the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

by | Jul 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 19, 2025

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

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

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2025

by | Jul 15, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 15, 2025

The 2025-26 season-opener is released, the Sabres avoid arbitration with Bowen Byram, an ownership group led by Mario Lemieux is interested in buying the Penguins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The 2025-26 regular season will kick off with a triple-header starting Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The first game of the season features the Florida Panthers raising their 2024-25 Stanley Cup banner at home as they host the Chicago Blackhawks.

The second game sees the New York Rangers hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the evening concludes with the Colorado Avalanche visiting the Los Angeles Kings.

The full regular-season schedule will be released on Wednesday, July 16.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres avoided arbitration with defenseman Bowen Byram as the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.25 million.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram, 24, will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status at the end of this contract. He was the subject of frequent trade speculation since last season. The Sabres could still move him, but for now, he’s part of their plans for this season.

The signing leaves the Sabres with over $7.3 million in cap space. Restricted free agents Devon Levi and Conor Timmins remain unsigned, with the latter awaiting the date for his arbitration hearing.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a group led by former NHL owner and superstar Mario Lemieux remains very interested in purchasing the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Lemieux spent his entire 17-season NHL career with the Penguins. He co-owned the club from 1999 to 2021.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) released a statement earlier this year indicating they have no interest in selling the Penguins. Nevertheless, the Lemieux group is considering its financial options and avenues to regain control of the club at some point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe’s source also stated that the Lemieux group expects the NHL will add two expansion teams over the next several years, resulting in a significant windfall for the existing 32 clubs.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: As the 2024-25 Panthers have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup (many for the second straight year), columnist Alan Greenberg reflected on his 17 seasons covering the team, and how far they’ve come from the first 12 years that he followed them.

During that period, they were among the league’s bottom feeders. Ownership didn’t provide the funds to add top free-agent talent, and the franchise was generally not a desirable place to play. The arena was less than half full for most games, media coverage was scarce, and there were rumors of relocating the franchise to Quebec City.

Things began to turn around when the Viola family took over in 2013. Former general manager Dale Tallon drafted core players like Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad, and signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bill Zito, Tallon’s successor, built up the franchise by acquiring notable players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe and Gustav Forsling, and hiring head coach Paul Maurice.

Today, the Panthers sell out their home arena, receive more local and national coverage, and merchandise sales are booming. The players form a close-knit group, fostering a positive atmosphere within the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From 1993-94 to 2019-20, the Panthers reached the playoffs six times over those 26 years. Since 2020-21, they’ve been a perennial playoff team, reaching the Stanley Cup Final three straight times and winning back-to-back championships since 2023-24.

The rise of the Panthers is primarily attributed to Zito’s appointment as general manager. In five years, he built upon the foundation left by Tallon, turning a laughingstock into a dominant franchise poised to become the first true Stanley Cup dynasty (three consecutive championships) since the 1980-82 New York Islanders.

THE ATHLETIC’s Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster continues to rehab an injured tendon near his elbow. He will undergo an MRI next week to check on the infection that developed following the injury.

The Flyers hope Foerster will be ready to start the season, but plenty of uncertainty remains.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: The Jets avoided arbitration with RFA forward Morgan Barron, signing him to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.85 million.

Negotiations continue between Jets management and winger Gabriel Vilardi and defenseman Dylan Samberg. Like Barron, they filed for salary arbitration on July 5.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders signed forward Victor Eklund to a three-year entry-level contract. Eklund was chosen 16th overall in last month’s NHL Draft and was one of three first-rounders by the Isles.

SPORTSNET: The Edmonton Oilers have shifted Paul Coffey from an assistant coach to an advisory role in the front office. They added Paul McFarland as power-play coach, Peter Aubry as their goaltending coach, and Connor Allen as a skills development coach.