Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 14, 2025

by | Sep 14, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 14, 2025

More Sidney Crosby trade speculation plus the latest on the Canucks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Mark Madden believes that, for the first time in Sidney Crosby’s NHL career, the prospect of the Penguins’ superstar finishing his playing days with another team seems real.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Madden based this on comments made by Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, who suggested last week that a trade was “always a possibility.” He doesn’t expect the Penguins captain to be moved if the club winds up sold this season. If they remain in the hands of the current ownership, they won’t trade their biggest asset during this season.

If Crosby ends up traded, Madden believes it’ll happen following the 2025-26 campaign. He considers a move at the trade deadline to be a long shot. “Crosby’s addiction to routine makes a midseason move squeamish.”

Crosby would have one season left on his contract after 2025-26. That might hurt his trade value, but a Stanley Cup contender might be willing to pay big to get him.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu believes if Crosby wants to be traded, the Montreal Canadiens can offer exactly what he wants.

The Canadiens have the young players and draft picks to meet the Penguins’ asking price in a trade. Certain core players, including Ivan Demidov, would be untouchable.

Other clubs, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers, might give Crosby a better chance to win the Stanley Cup. However, the Canadiens exceeded expectations last season and reached the playoffs. They’re a team on the rise, and Crosby could accelerate that ascension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only one person can decide if Crosby will be traded, and that’s Crosby. He has a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his situation. Given his status as the Penguins’ franchise player and one of the game’s greatest stars, the Penguins aren’t going to push him out the door. The decision is his alone.

Basu also noted that the Canadiens were Crosby’s favorite team when he was growing up, and he has always been treated well by Montreal fans whenever he plays there.

As for trade assets, Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now included center Michael Hage and goaltender Jacob Fowler among those promising young players who would be the most enticing. Whether the Canadiens would actually part with either one for one year of Sidney Crosby seems unlikely, but not impossible.

Still, it’s more likely that the Canadiens resolve their second-line center needs internally or with a more affordable option from a different team before the March trade deadline.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks’ management will be on the hot seat this season.

If the Canucks fail to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance, Johnston believes there will be changes in the front office. That will put plenty of pressure on Jim Rutherford, the president of hockey operations, and general manager Patrik Allvin.

A source who is a “close observer” of the situation told Johnston that those management changes could come by Christmas if the Canucks stumble out of the gate.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 11, 2025

Could Penguins captain Sidney Crosby end up traded to the Avalanche or Canadiens? Could the Canucks land Ducks center Mason McTavish? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup

CROSBY TO THE AVALANCHE OR CANADIENS?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wonders if this is the beginning of the end of Sidney Crosby’s long tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins after his agent didn’t dismiss the idea of a trade.

Pat Brisson, Crosby’s agent, told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun earlier this week that a trade was “always a possibility.”. Deen suggests that opens the door a crack to Crosby’s potential departure from Pittsburgh, even if the chances are remote that he gets traded.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Brisson pointed out the Penguins have missed the playoffs the past three years. He indicated that it would depend on how Crosby is going to be and how the Penguins are doing. It’s Brisson’s personal opinion that his client should be playing in the postseason every year.

Deen noted that Crosby’s long friendship with Avalanche star (and fellow Cole Harbour, NS native) Nathan MacKinnon has generated speculation that the Penguins star would end up in Colorado. However, Deen thinks Crosby would be a better fit with his boyhood team, the up-and-coming Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Crosby to the Avalanche is a long shot. They lack the cap space to take on his $8.7 million cap hit for this season, even if the Penguins retain half. The Avs don’t have their first-round pick in 2026, which is likely to be part of the asking price from any team interested in acquiring Crosby. Their prospect pool is ranked 32nd by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman, and they don’t have the type of young NHL-ready players that would tempt the Penguins.

The Canadiens would be a better fit, especially given their depth in 2026 draft picks, their prospect pool, and their young NHL talent. However, Crosby is the type of player a team acquires if they’re poised to be serious Stanley Cup contenders. The Canadiens aren’t there yet.

Jim Parson of The Hockey Writers cited the hosts of TSN’s Overdrive show discussing what a hypothetical trade of Crosby to the Canadiens would look like. Habs fans were overwhelmingly against the idea of parting with winger Ivan Demidov or defenseman Lane Hutson. Parsons believes moving Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, or Juraj Slafkovsky would also be non-starters for the Canadiens.

Giving up any of those young players for a 38-year-old Crosby would go against everything the Canadiens have been doing for the past three years. It could delay or derail their efforts to build into a perennial Stanley Cup contender.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Joe Starkey wonders if Crosby might be softening his stance on being a Penguin for life as a power play to bring back Mario Lemieux as team owner.

If the Crosby trade talk heats up, Starkey suggests that might make the club less attractive to a potential owner other than the Lemieux group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an interesting theory, but if Crosby decides to move on, it’ll likely be for one more opportunity to play for a Stanley Cup contender than to help Lemieux regain control of the Penguins.

NO MCTAVISH FOR THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish would be a great fit as a second-line center for the Vancouver Canucks. However, the Ducks aren’t interested in moving on from the 22-year-old restricted free agent.

If McTavish became available, Johnston pointed out that the Canucks lack the blue-chip trade prospect to pry him away from the Ducks. Meanwhile, there’s a growing consensus among the pundits that the Ducks will get the young center re-signed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other clubs with more depth in draft picks and prospects have been linked to McTavish in the rumor mill. However, as much as those teams need a second-line center like him, so do the Ducks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

by | Sep 11, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025

Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects a $128 million contract offer, plus the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, and more in today’s NHL morning Coffee Headlines.

REACTION TO KAPRIZOV REPORTEDLY REJECTING $128 MILLION OFFER

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith cited a report from Bleacher Report’s Frank Servalli claiming that Kirill Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild.

Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The average annual value of the proposed contract is $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player. His current AAV is $9 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo and Smith subsequently reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin claimed talks were ongoing. “We love Kirill. We want to keep him here. I have a good relationship with his agent (Paul Theofanus), and we are still in talks. We are not panicking or anything. This is just part of negotiations.”

Guerin declined to go into detail about the offer. “My job as general manager is to protect my players, and I don’t want this in the public eye. That’s the way we’d like to keep it, so I’m not commenting any further on this.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Appearing on the “10,000 Takes” podcast, Guerin said he didn’t know where the rumors about Kaprizov rejecting a historic offer came from. “I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent.” Nevertheless, Guerin didn’t appear to deny that the offer had been made or that Kaprizov rejected it.

Russo and Smith wondered what the reported rejection of the offer meant. They feel the Wild must determine if Theofanus thinks his client could get more than $16 million on the open market next summer, or if it’s the beginning of the end for Kaprizov in Minnesota.

Signing Kaprizov to a larger deal will impact their future salary-cap situation as they attempt to build a contender. However, if Kaprizov intends to go to market, the Wild will have to find out from the winger (who has a full no-movement clause) which team he’s willing to get moved to before the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that the Kaprizov camp was fine with the money but wanted a shorter term. We’ll see if that’s the case as we advance.

This could become a nightmare for the Wild. Re-signing Kaprizov for more than their reported offer will hamper their effort to build and maintain a potential Stanley Cup champion. If he intends to become a UFA next summer, they won’t get fair value in a trade, and his departure will be a significant blow to their offense.

Ultimately, the Wild prefers re-signing Kaprizov. Better to keep their superstar at a higher price than to trade him for below market value or lose him for nothing to free agency next July.

CANUCKS CAPTAIN QUINN HUGHES RESPONDS TO BROTHER JACK’S COMMENTS

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes responded to his brother Jack’s comments about wanting to play together someday.

Earlier this year, Canucks president Jim Rutherford mentioned that Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes, who both play for the New Jersey Devils. That generated speculation that the Canucks’ defenseman could end up traded to New Jersey or sign with the Devils as a free agent when his contract expires in 2027.

“What’s (Jack) supposed to say, first of all? Like, ‘I don’t want to play with him,’ you know?”, Quinn said. “We have contracts and whatnot. He’s on a different team. Would it be fun to play with those guys at some point? Of course.”

Hughes said that he’s excited to be in Vancouver and hopes to help the team rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. “I’ve been fortunate to play in Vancouver because of the fans and what a special place it is, and how well you’re taken care of, because they love their hockey so much and care about their hockey. It’s normal in a Canadian market.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn has been downplaying the speculation, but it’s not going to go away, especially if the Canucks struggle again this season. Another year out of the playoff picture will only fan the trade rumor flames.

THE LATEST ON JACK EICHEL AND MIKE MATHESON

ESPN.COM: Jack Eichel hopes to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights for the long term. The 28-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July.

“I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans,” Eichel said. “It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there’s a lot of things to love and I’m just really happy here.

Talks between Eichel and the Golden Knights’ management are in the early stages, but the star center is optimistic about the process. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon recently said getting Eichel re-signed was “an important order of business.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is the Golden Knights’ first-line center and top offensive player. It’s expected he’ll be re-signed to a long-term deal worth between $13 million and $14 million annually.

LA PRESSE: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has had discussions with management about a contract extension, although those talks are not recent.

Matheson is UFA-eligible and is earning an AAV of $4.8 million on his current contract. His agent said the 31-year-old blueliner wants to stay in Montreal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson catches some flak from Canadiens fans for his defensive play, but management has praised his skills, experience, and leadership. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a four or five-year extension.

IN OTHER NEWS…

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed prospect forward Michael Misa to a three-year entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was chosen second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.

If Misa makes the team this season, the Sharks could end up moving a contract to be within the mandated 50-contract limit.

DAILY FACEOFF: Veteran NHL forward Adam Erne is among four players signed to professional tryout offers by the Dallas Stars. He’s appeared in 382 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers since 2016-17.

Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers signed defenseman Ben Harpur and forward Tyler Motte to PTO contracts.

Blues forward Zach Dean has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed prospect forward Justin Carbonneau to a three-year entry-level deal. He was selected 19th overall in this year’s draft.

FULL PRESS MEDIA: Steve Mayer, President of NHL Content and Events, believes the outdoor games involving the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning this season could become the talk of the sports world.

The Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the NHL’s annual Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026, while the Lightning hosts the Boston Bruins in the annual Stadium Series on Feb. 1.

SCOTTY WAZZ: presents the latest in his “Meh Rushmore” of players who just existed on their respective NHL teams. This week: The Central Division.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

by | Sep 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 10, 2025

Penguins star Sidney Crosby addresses the trade rumors swirling around him, the Devils’ Jack Hughes would love to play alongside brother Quinn, and the latest on Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CROSBY ADDRESSES TRADE RUMORS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby is aware of the trade rumors swirling around him, now that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins have missed the playoffs for the last three years.

“I understand it,” Crosby said to reporters during the NHL player media tour in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “That’s the hard part about losing. Everybody thinks that the losing is the buzzer goes (off), you lose a game and that sucks, but there’s so much more than that. It’s the turnover. It’s the unknown, the uncertainty, the question marks. That’s the stuff that’s tough.”

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is starting a two-year contract with a full no-movement clause. However, rumors have linked the 38-year-old center to the Colorado Avalanche (where close friend Nathan MacKinnon plays) and his childhood team, the Montreal Canadiens.

“I get it, trust me,” Crosby said, recalling being in Montreal in June early in his NHL career and marveling about how the broadcasts were already projecting the training camp lineups for September.

“They’re so into it, and I get it as to why that would come up and that sort of thing. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re losing, for sure, to hear those things, but at the same time, to know that a team like that wants you, it’s not the end of the world. It could be worse. I just think that’s part of it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun asked Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, if he thought it possible that his client might be traded before his contract expires in 2027.

“I mean, I’m answering something that…let’s put it this way, it’s always a possibility, you know?,” Brisson said. “It’s been three years they haven’t made the playoffs. It all depends on how Sid is going to be and how the team is doing. I maintain the same position that I do believe that he should be playing playoff hockey every year. In my opinion.”

LeBrun writes that Crosby only sees himself as a Penguin for life. However, he wondered if that could change with another losing season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits have been stumping for Crosby to accept a trade to Colorado, Montreal, or another major hockey market where he’ll get a chance to chase the Stanley Cup once more, “for the good of the game,” as some have intoned.

Another year of losing might change Crosby’s mind. However, the decision rests with him. His camp won’t pressure him into it, and the Penguins aren’t going to push him out if he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby will do what he thinks is best for himself. He won’t do it because of what others want him to do. Whatever he decides when the time comes, we should respect that decision.

JACK HUGHES HOPES TO PLAY ALONGSIDE BROTHER QUINN

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited an interview that Jack Hughes had with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, in which the Devils center admitted he’d love to play alongside his brother Quinn one day.

Quinn Hughes is the captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The 25-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27. Speculation over his future in Vancouver arose earlier this year after Canucks president Jim Rutherford said Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke.

“Honestly, I’m not afraid to say it,” Jack said. “Yeah, I would love for Quinn to – eventually I’d love to play with him. And whether that’s in New Jersey or at what time that takes, at some point, I want to play with Quinn. But yeah, that’s the question going around. They talk all day about it in Vancouver, you know? But yeah, I’d love to play with Quinn at some point.”

Johnston assumed that Rutherford and Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin would love to one day acquire Jack and Luke and have the Hughes’ reunite in Vancouver. However, that would be incredibly hard to pull off, making Quinn’s departure to New Jersey seem the more likely route.

According to Johnston, some might argue that if the Canucks don’t have a clearer view on Quinn’s future before the end of this season, they should consider trading him earlier when he’ll have more value with a year left on his contract.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Devils still have to sign younger brother Luke to a new contract. “Perhaps the term of that contract will indicate if the Hughes brothers plan to play together in New Jersey, or elsewhere.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks’ efforts to rebound from last season’s disappointing performance could play a significant role in determining Quinn’s future in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Luke reportedly seeks a five-year contract taking him up to 2030, when Jack’s current contract is due to expire.

THE LATEST ON RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Rasmus Andersson is eager to start this season with the Flames, despite being in the final season of his contract.

The 28-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July, making him the subject of trade speculation this summer.

Andersson denied a rumor claiming he’d only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. “The thing that bothers you is fake information that comes out,” he said. “I saw some reports that I would only sign with one team and this and that and it’s the furthest from the truth.”

The blueliner also dismissed the notion that his contract status would be a distraction for the team.

Austin believes the most likely scenario is that Andersson gets traded at some point this season. However, GM Craig Conroy isn’t closing the door on a contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good season for Andersson and the Flames might be a step toward a new deal. However, he could seek more in dollars and years than they’re willing to invest.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 9, 2025

The latest on Canucks forwards Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: After a solid offseason of training, a healthy Elias Pettersson has returned to Vancouver eager to reunite with his Canucks teammates and keen to start the upcoming season.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old center is coming off the worst season of his NHL career, managing 45 points in 64 games in a tumultuous, injury-shortened 2024-25 campaign. He said he and his teammates have put last season’s woes behind them and are focusing on bouncing back in 2025-26.

Winger Brock Boeser is among the Canucks hoping to rebound from a disappointing performance. The 28-year-old has contract stability after signing a long-term deal in July, and is happy that he won’t have to face trade rumors that dogged him last season.

Boeser seems likely to skate alongside Pettersson on the Canucks’ top line this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks need Pettersson and Boeser to regain their high-scoring ways if they hope to contend for a playoff berth this season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis said the offseason rehab for his shoulder injury went well, leaving him confident for the coming season. “I can rip out some pushups right now if you want,” he told reporters.

The 23-year-old decided not to undergo surgery on his right shoulder for the second straight year, saying it wasn’t an injury that inhibited his play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis’ versatile play has moved him up the Hurricanes’ depth chart. A healthy, productive performance this season will be crucial to their Stanley Cup hopes.

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf was passed over for selection to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp. The 23-year-old Calder Trophy finalist is using the snub as motivation for the upcoming season.

“You want to prove people wrong,” Wolf said. “Myself, our group, are continuing to prove people wrong on a daily basis in Calgary. That’s just another side of it.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Team USA has considerable goaltending depth with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas’ Jake Oettinger, Boston’s Jeremy Swayman, and Seattle’s Joey Daccord. However, a strong performance by Wolf in the first half of this season could earn him a nod if Swayman or Daccord struggle.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers announced they have hired former player Blake Wheeler as hockey operations advisor and Ryane Clowe as assistant general manager.

Wheeler, 38, retired in July after 16 NHL seasons, spending his final season (2023-24) with the Rangers. Clowe recently resigned as assistant GM of the San Jose Sharks.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Nashville Predators signed forward Dylan Gambrell to a professional tryout offer. Gambrell, 29, spent last season on a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, spending the season with their AHL affiliate in Cleveland.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Grizzlies will relocate to Trenton, New Jersey, after this season. They are the Colorado Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 7, 2025

by | Sep 7, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 7, 2025

Why shouldn’t we expect a reunion of the Hughes brothers to happen with the Devils anytime soon? Why haven’t the Islanders pursued a contract extension with team captain Anders Lee? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at why we shouldn’t expect a Devils trade for Quinn Hughes to happen sooner.

Speculation persists linking the Vancouver Canucks captain to the Devils and a reunion with brothers Jack and Luke Hughes. In a recent interview with Sportsnet, Quinn left more questions than answers about a contract extension with the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“Who knows what we can do and who knows how I’ll be feeling this time next year? It’s still a year away,” Hughes said.

Nichols believes if the Canucks were to trade Hughes now, it would have to mean they’re trading everyone of significance. However, that’s unlikely to happen at this point, as the Canucks re-sign Brock Boeser, Thatcher Demko, and Conor Garland. They have several defensemen signed through 2030, and center Elias Pettersson is in the second season of an eight-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last season was a disappointment for the Canucks after their strong showing in 2023-24. Despite their inconsistent play, the turmoil between Pettersson and J.T. Miller that led to the latter’s trade to New York, and injuries to key players like Demko, the Canucks remained in the playoff race until late in the season.

Management is hoping for a bounce-back performance with a healthier roster this season. They’re also hoping that things go well enough that Hughes will commit to a long-term extension next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche doesn’t plan to pursue a contract extension with team captain Anders Lee just yet.

The 35-year-old left wing is entering the final season of his seven-year contract and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He’s earned an annual cap hit of $7 million.

Darche told LeBrun that he and Lee have agreed to see how this season plays out. He indicated there is no urgency on either side.

“He’s the captain of our team, and I really like the individual,” Darche said. “But I’m new to the team, right? There’s no one on an expiring contract, that has one year left, that I’ve re-signed. It’s not because I don’t want to, I had enough on my plate this summer. I’ve got a great relationship with Anders.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A sensible decision by Darche. He wants to evaluate his roster before making any decisions on new contracts. Given Lee’s age, he’ll likely get a short-term deal of two or three seasons if Darche decides to re-sign him. The annual cap hit is likely to be lower than his current one. How much lower will depend on his play this season. Nevertheless, the longer Lee goes without a contract, the more speculation about his future with the Islanders.