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 Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

Alex Ovechkin moves within 10 goals of breaking the league goals record, injuries sideline Devils stars Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, the Utah Hockey Club re-sign three players, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for analysis of Wednesday’s trades.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 885th regular-season goal as his club nipped the New York Rangers 3-2. Ovechkin scored the tying goal that set the stage for Tom Wilson’s overtime winner for the Capitals (88 points). Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who sit just outside the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 10 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

Washington is tied with the league-leading Winnipeg Jets but the latter has 42 regulation wins to the Capitals’ 40.

An overtime goal by Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Josh Norris had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who moved into the final Eastern Conference wild card with 67 points. Ryan Donato tallied his 23rd goal of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold that wild card spot with a game in hand over the Rangers. Donato is having a career-best performance (46 points in 60 games) in his contract season. He’s expected to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Adin Hill made 29 saves while Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin and Tanner Pearson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 80 points. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner replied for the Leafs, who remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs and Florida Panthers have the same number of points, but the latter holds first place in the division with 32 regulation wins. Before the game, Matthews told reporters that he hopes management provides a boost to the roster at the trade deadline.

A three-goal second period enabled the Vancouver Canucks to hold off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, and Carson Soucy scored for the Canucks, who sit just outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Sam Colangelo and Brian Dumoulin scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are tied with the Calgary Flames in points but the latter holds that wild card with 29 regulations wins. Ducks goaltender John Gibson left this game following a collision with Canucks forward Drew O’Connor.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas scored the tying goal and the shootout winner in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Thomas extended his points streak to 11 games as the Blues sit one point behind the Flames with 66 points. Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in Vail, Colorado. He’s expected to be recovered in time for training camp in September.

B/R OPEN ICE: cites TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000.00 by the league for unprofessional conduct toward on-ice officials during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yesterday was a very bad day for the Devils. The loss of Hughes and Hamilton threatens their playoff chances. They’re third in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points but only five points ahead of the Rangers, who are just outside the Eastern wild-card berth.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was expected to be a buyer before Friday’s trade deadline. He’s placed Hughes on long-term injury reserve, giving the Devils $8 million in salary-cap wiggle room to make a significant addition or two. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Hockey Club signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah HC also signed defenseman Ian Cole and forward Alex Kerfoot to one-year extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong is signalling that he’s not a seller this year. Vejmelka would’ve drawn plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking a goaltending upgrade before Friday’s trade deadline. Utah sits four points out of the final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Mathieu Olivier to a six-year extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. GM Don Waddell said he’s under no pressure to move out his pending UFAs like Ivan Provorov, even at the risk of their departure on July 1. If Waddell makes a move or two, it’ll likely be a hockey trade that involves player-for-player swaps that will help the Jackets now and in the future.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed winger Jordan Greenway to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Greenway would’ve attracted plenty of suitors if he’d become available in the trade market. The Sabres valued his two-way play more.










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 4, 2025

by | Mar 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest on the Flames, Panthers, Predators, Islanders, Penguins, Kraken, Leafs, Canucks and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor mill.

FLAMES

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports it sounds like the Calgary Flames have reached out to the Boston Bruins about Brandon Carlo. “Teams have yet to dive into the details, but CGY is interested.”

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun report Flames general manager Craig Conroy would love to add a young center and has shown interest in Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Conroy is a buyer this season. He’s established a reputation for making bold moves, with the most recent being his acquisition of forwards Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee from the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 31. We’ll learn by Friday if he has another up his sleeve.

PANTHERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito may not be done making trades. Over the weekend, he acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Panthers have placed winger Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to call up goaltender Chris Driedger. Zito hopes Tkachuk will return for the playoffs but it sounds like he’ll be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. He has over $8 million in projected trade deadline cap room to make further acquisitions by the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun speculates Zito could attempt to add a forward. The Panthers GM also said he might consider adding a No. 3 goaltender.

PREDATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun report the Nashville Predators are listening to proposals for center Ryan O’Reilly. It’ll take an offer of a promising young player to compel them to move O’Reilly.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty listed defenseman Luke Schenn and forwards Michael McCarron and Colton Sissons as the Predators’ most likely trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn, McCarron and Sissons seem more likely to move than O’Reilly. Still, never say never.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple cited a league source saying all options remain on the table for Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. The 33-year-old center could sign a contract extension, get traded before the deadline, or remain with the Islanders without a new contract for the rest of the season.

New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (NHL Images).

Johnson and LeBrun report that no one knows for sure whether Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will become a seller by the deadline. He could hang onto Nelson and fellow UFA-eligible forward Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could be trying to keep everyone guessing in the hope that it elevates the trade value of Nelson and Palmieri. Of course, that’s a guess on my part. We’ll just have to wait and see what unfolds for the Isles leading up to Friday.

PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe expects Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could attempt to make multiple trades but will not stage a fire sale. He anticipates that Dubas’ main moves could come a day or two ahead of the deadline to ensure he has a full roster for Friday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Penguins are willing to move Erik Karlsson, but his hefty contract means a summer deal seems more likely. Winger Rickard Rakell is available, but the asking price is steep and Dubas feels no pressure to move him. Yohe claims some Western Conference teams are interested in Rakell. He also said there’s no indication that Dubas has asked Kris Letang and Bryan Rust to waive their no-movement clauses.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade clause.

KRAKEN

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte listed Brandon Tanev, Jamie Oleksiak, Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand as Kraken trade candidates. Tanev has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. As of Monday, he hadn’t been linked to any specific teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators could be interested in Tanev. Whether they’ve made inquiries or offers is another matter.

MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun report the Toronto Maple Leafs have been attempting to find a suitable third-line center. They’ve looked at St. Louis’ Brayden Schenn and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton while keeping tabs on fall-back options like Montreal’s Jake Evans, Seattle’s Yanni Gourde and Utah’s Nick Bjugstad. They’re also hoping to add a depth defenseman.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran listed the Leafs’ potential trade chips, including prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, and roster players Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs are also pressed for cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed salary to acquire a center and a defenseman. The Blues are listening on Schenn, as are the Flyers with Laughton, but they’re in no hurry to move those players and have set high prices for them.

CANUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun believe the Vancouver Canucks’ most pressing decision surrounds Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old winger could depart as a free agent this summer unless he’s re-signed or traded by Friday. Management would also like to find an upgrade at center.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Canucks continue to evaluate all their options with Boeser. They made a contract extension offer earlier in the season, but it’s no longer on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vancouver shipped J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Jan. 31. It’s looking like Boeser will be the next notable Canuck to be traded this season.

JETS

THE ATHLETIC: Johnston and LeBrun believed Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff seeks a bottom-six forward and a depth defenseman. They’re among the teams linked to Montreal Canadiens forwards Jake Evans and Joel Armia and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato.

Murat Ates wonders what the Jets will do with Nikolaj Ehlers. If they keep the UFA-eligible winger, they risk his departure on July 1. If they trade him, they remove a big piece of their power play and second line. Ates believes they’ll retain him and rely on their existing team chemistry.










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 – March 2, 2025

by | Mar 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 2, 2025

The Blue Jackets defeat the Red Wings in Ohio Stadium, Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of the all-time goal record, a milestone game for Connor McDavid, and more from a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for details and analysis of the three March 1 trades headlined by the Chicago Blackhawks sending Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series before 94,751 fans at Ohio Stadium. Justin Danforth snapped a 3-3 tie late in the third period, Elvis Merzlikins kicked out 43 shots, and Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner each had two assists for the Blues Jackets. Alex DeBrincat tallied twice and Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the second-highest-attended outdoor game in NHL history, sitting behind the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium (105,491). The fans witnessed an entertaining contest between two teams jockeying for wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets sit in the first wild card with 68 points, while the Red Wings hold the second berth with 66 points.

The ceremonial faceoff between the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2025 Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium (NHL.com).

The memory of Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau was honored by both clubs before the game, with the Gaudreau family leading the Jackets onto the ice. Gaudreau and his brother were killed by an alleged drunk driver last August.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 884th regular-season NHL goal in a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mitchell Chaffee, Gage Goncalves and Brandon Hagel scored for the Lightning, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. The Capital remains first overall in the Eastern Conference (84 points), but they’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 11 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

The Edmonton Oilers snapped a five-game losing skid by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1. Leon Draisaitl collected two assists to extend his points streak to 11 games, while Connor McDavid collected his 700th career assist for the Oilers, who sit second in the Pacific Division with 74 points. The Hurricanes hold second place in the Metropolitan Division (72 points) but have won only twice in their last eight contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid joins Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as the only players in league history to reach 700 assists in less than 700 games.

Third-period goals by Timo Meier and Curtis Lazar lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Devils captain Nico Hischier scored to collect his 400th career point as the Devils sit third in the Metro Division with 72 points. Mikhail Sergachev replied for Utah (63 points) as they remain two points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes hold second place in the division because they hold a game in hand over the Devils.

Speaking of the Canucks, they dropped a 6-3 decision to the Seattle Kraken. Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals and Brandon Montour had a goal and an assist for the Kraken. Due to an undisclosed injury, Canucks captain Quinn Hughes didn’t play the final nine minutes of this game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet said Hughes tweaked something and would be reevaluated on Sunday. The Canucks have dropped four of their last five games.

The Florida Panthers got a 23-save shutout from Sergei Bobrovsky to blank the Calgary Flames 3-0, picking up their eighth win in their last 10 contests. Jonah Gadjovich, Evan Rodrigues and Mackie Samoskevich scored for the Panthers (77 points) as they reclaimed first place in the Atlantic Division. Daniel Vladar made 39 saves for the Flames (64 points), who remain one point behind the Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar kept the score respectable for the Flames. The Panthers dominated this game.

St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Robert Thomas collected an assist to extend his points streak to nine games as the Blues (64 points) picked up their fourth straight win. They sit one point back of the Canucks in the Western wild-card race. Kevin Fiala scored for the Kings as they’re 0-2-1 in their last three games to remain in third place in the Pacific Division with 70 points.

The Ottawa Senators snapped a five-game losing skid by defeating the San Jose Sharks 5-3. Tim Stutzle extended his points streak to 11 games with a goal and an assist, while Brady Tkachuk and Shane Pinto scored in their first games after returning from injuries. Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini each had two points for the Sharks as they’re 0-5-3 in their last eight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators (64 points) are two points behind the Red Wings for the final Eastern wild-card berth. Sharks defenseman Henry Thrun missed this game with an upper-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak pushed his points streak to 17 games with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, ending a five-game losing skid. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 31 shots for the Bruins as they sit two points behind the Red Wings. Anthony Beauvillier and Rickard Rakell replied for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins captain Brad Marchand left this game with an upper-body injury after being hit from behind into the boards by Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Marchand will be reevaluated on Sunday.

The Montreal Canadiens collected their fourth straight win by doubling up the Buffalo Sabres 4-2. Cole Caufield tallied a career-high 29th goal, while Lane Hutson and Christian Dvorak each collected two assists for the Canadiens (63 points) as they sit three back of the Wings in the Eastern wild-card chase. Alex Tuch and Jiri Kulich scored for the Sabres.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin was credited with a goal in a 7-4 win over the Nashville Predators. Brock Nelson tallied twice and had an assist as the Islanders (61 points) kept their playoff hopes alive, sitting five points behind the Red Wings. Cole Smith scored two goals for the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sorokin is the 20th goaltender in NHL history to be credited with a goal and joins Billy Smith as the only Islanders netminders to do so.

The Philadelphia Flyers also stayed in the Eastern Conference wild-card race by upsetting the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in a shootout. Ivan Fedotov stopped 29 shots, Jamie Drysdale scored the tying goal and Matvei Michkov netted the winner for the Flyers (62 points). Mark Scheifele scored his 34th of the season for the Jets, who remain first in the overall standings with 88 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheifele is on pace to eclipse his career-high of 42 goals in 2022-23.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato had two goals and an assist and Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and two assists to beat the Anaheim Ducks 6-3. Leo Carlsson tallied twice for the Ducks.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel, and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl are the NHL Players of the Month for February 2025. Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov is the Rookie of the Month for February.

ROTOWIRE: The New York Rangers moved winger Chris Kreider (upper body) to injured reserve.