NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2025

by | Oct 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 28, 2025

The latest on Flames center Nazem Kadri, Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov, and Sharks center Alex Wennberg in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KADRI ISN’T CONCERNED ABOUT TRADE RUMORS

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports Nazem Kadri is brushing off recent trade rumors that arose during the Calgary Flames’ poor start to this season. The 35-year-old center acknowledged there would be questions about it, but he’s putting his focus on winning hockey games.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Kadri is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list. Some pundits have mentioned him as a trade candidate if the Flames become sellers at some point before the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s far too early in the season for the Flames to go into sell mode. They need players like Kadri if they hope to turn things around in the coming weeks. However, that could change if they’re still mired in the basement by the New Year.

THE LATEST ON YEGOR CHINAKHOV

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Yegor Chinakhov has been a “good soldier” for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite seeing limited playing time on their fourth line, the 24-year-old forward is still working hard in practice and staying involved in team charity functions.

Chinakhov has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill since making his trade request in July, something he has not rescinded. Portzline noted the difficulty he faces moving up in the Blue Jackets’ lineup. The Jackets aren’t moving Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov from the first line. Boone Jenner and Kent Johnson aren’t easy to move from the second line, while third-liners Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Joseph work better as penalty killers than Chinakhov.

The Jackets prefer a return for Chinakhov that addresses their immediate needs. Portzline wondered if struggling clubs, such as the New York Rangers or Calgary Flames, might become trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets will eventually find a suitable trade destination for Chinakhov. For now, it’s difficult to find a team willing to do a player-for-player deal that addresses their needs.

SHOULD THE CANUCKS PURSUE WENNBERG?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Kierszenblat cited reports claiming Alex Wennberg could be available in the trade market. The 31-year-old San Jose Sharks forward can play center or wing, and is in the final season of a two-year contract with a cap hit of $5 million. He also has a 15-team approved trade list.

Kierszenblat wondered if Wennberg could become a trade target for the Vancouver Canucks to help address their center depth. He wouldn’t be surprised if the Sharks forward wound up in Vancouver before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks won’t be moving Wennberg right now unless someone like the Canucks is willing to overpay for his services. They could peddle him later in the season, but that could come too late to help the Canucks.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2025

by | Oct 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 27, 2025

The latest on the Flames, plus updates on the Leafs’ Nick Robertson, the Blue Jackets’ Yegor Chinakhov, and the Rangers’ Brennan Othmann in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox reports the trade market is stagnant right now because so many teams began this season targeting a playoff berth.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

It’s become a seller’s market, with the Calgary Flames being the only club in the cellar. They possess what Fox considers “two of hockey’s most moveable assets”: minute-munching defenseman Rasmus Andersson and two-way center Nazem Kadri

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames are off to a rough start with just two wins in their first 10 games. Nevertheless, general manager Craig Conroy is reportedly shopping around for additional scoring for his offensively anemic team.

Andersson and Kadri have frequently appeared in early-season trade rumors, but Conroy isn’t moving either guy at this stage unless he gets a mind-blowing offer, which isn’t likely. He’ll hang onto both of them and see how the season unfolds.

If the Flames remain bottom-feeders when the calendar flips to January, that’s when Conroy will likely go into sell mode.

The Chicago Blackhawks got a fourth-round pick when they shipped winger Lukas Reichel to the Vancouver Canucks last week.

Fox believes that’s set the trade market for Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov. A fourth-round pick doesn’t help either club when they’re trying to ice a better product now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That means Robertson and Chinakhov will likely be sticking with their current clubs for the time being.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano reports Brennan Othmann is aware his name recently surfaced in trade rumors. It’s believed New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury is willing to move the 22-year-old left winger for another young player with upside.

Othmann was sent down to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford before the start of the season. However, his recent recall suggests the club still sees value in him and won’t give him away.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Tony Ferrari pointed out that the aging Rangers have wasted a lot of their young talent of late, due to poor development or players not panning out. He believes they don’t have the luxury of wasting more young talent and need players like Othmann and other prospects to pan out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ferrari believes a trade is the most likely option trending right now for Otthman. A lot will depend on how he performs during this call-up with the Rangers. However, the best they might get is a return comparable to what the Blackhawks got for Reichel.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2025

by | Oct 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 25, 2025

Check out the latest on the Flames and Penguins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE FLAMES SOON PEDDLE KADRI AND ANDERSSON?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco looked at whether Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson would be trade casualties if the Calgary Flames fail to turn their season around.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Di Marco cited TSN’s Chris Johnston indicating Andersson was open to an eight-year contract extension with the Flames. However, management wanted to see how the season unfolded before committing.

The 28-year-old defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors since the summer. He was linked to the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson sits atop Johnston’s list of early NHL trade candidates. He believes the blueliner is the Flames’ biggest trade chip.

The Golden Knights could squeeze the remainder of Andersson’s $4.55 million cap hit within their limited cap payroll by the March 6 trade deadline. However, they have limited trade capital, which could hurt their efforts to outbid rival clubs.

Kadri, meanwhile, is signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $7 million. The 35-year-old center also had a 13-team no-trade list. Di Marco targeted the Montreal Canadiens as a landing spot, but two NHL executives he spoke with felt that the Vancouver Canucks were an ideal fit given their need for a reliable No. 2 center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming Montreal and Vancouver aren’t on his no-trade list.

THE LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that the Penguins’ surprisingly strong start to this season puts them in a more powerful position when it comes to their trade chips. The Penguins are considered a confirmed seller, with forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell and defenseman Erik Karlsson considered the players most likely to be moved.

Kingerski listed the Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential trade partners for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski’s column appeared before the Canucks acquired forward Luka Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Nevertheless, they could return to the trade market if Reichel fails to pan out.

The Hurricanes are believed to be interested in making a big addition this season. A few observers wondered if they might take a swing at acquiring Karlsson, but Kingerski suggested that Rust or Rakell might be more enticing to them.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have been auditioning Easton Cowan, Nick Robertson, and Max Domi as first-line wingers with little success. However, the Leafs lack sufficient trade capital in draft picks and prospects, and are unlikely to part with the promising Cowan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes are in a much better position than the Leafs in terms of cap space and trade assets to make a big addition to their roster. Whether they’ll pursue Rust or Rakell remains to be seen.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they’ve been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov. He’d be a more affordable option than Rust or Rakell, but his inconsistent play suggests he wouldn’t be much of an upgrade.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted Justin Brazeau’s strong start to this season. He has 5 goals and 8 points in his first eight games.

Proteau wondered if the Penguins view the 27-year-old forward as a long-term fit or if general manager Kyle Dubas might try to capitalize on his improving trade value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brazeau had 22 points in 76 games last season between the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He’s in the first year of a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Dubas probably isn’t in any rush to shop Brazeau, but he could be open to offers if he continues playing well. Given his age, however, he could be a player that the Penguins GM prefers to retain.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2025

by | Oct 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 24, 2025

The Flames are seeking more offense, teams are calling about Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, plus updates on the Canucks’ search for a center, the asking price for Rangers winger Brennan Othmann, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FLAMES SHOPPING FOR SCORING PUNCH

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Calgary Flames are frustrated over their lack of production. They’re currently last in the league, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

General manager Craig Conroy is exploring the trade market in search of offensive help. However, it’s still very early in the season, and teams typically don’t make those kinds of moves yet.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also believes the Flames could become sellers if they don’t reverse their fortunes soon.

Rasmus Andersson would be their biggest trade chip. The 28-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and there’s no indication he and the Flames are any closer to a contract extension.

Nazem Kadri could also be in demand. However, the 35-year-old center has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a 13-team no-trade list. So far, there’s no evidence that Kadri wants out of Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless Conroy can find a worthwhile deal to bolster his club’s scoring, he’ll become a seller later in the season. It won’t happen now because it’s unlikely he’ll find suitable returns for Andersson and Kadri (if he’s willing to move) at this point in the season.

BLUE JACKETS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YEGOR CHINAKHOV

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting more calls about Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward has played only three games this season, all of those on their fourth line.

Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded the trade request that he made this summer after being a healthy scratch for most of the Blue Jackets’ stretch run last season.

LeBrun said the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, and Calgary Flames are among the clubs believed to have called or expected to check in. However, the Jackets are seeking a player in return rather than draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun noted the Maple Leafs are still trying to sort out Nick Robertson’s role, while New York Rangers winger Brennan Othmann is out there in the trade market. He believes the Jackets, Leafs, and Rangers could help each other out at some point.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Maple Leafs are investigating options for Robertson. He claimed they made a pitch for Chinkhov this summer, but it wasn’t to the Blue Jackets’ liking.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: How about a three-way deal involving those teams and players? Which club should get Chinakhov? Feel free to weigh in on this one in the comments section below.

TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes contract extension talks between the Los Angeles Kings and Adrian Kempe will resume soon…The Vancouver Canucks are searching for a center, but they don’t want to part with their 2026 first-round pick.

The San Jose Sharks are carrying nine defensemen and could move one of them. The Edmonton Oilers could also move a blueliner. The Detroit Red Wings have rearguard Erik Gustafsson in the AHL, and have some forwards who might need a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, the Sharks aren’t at the stage yet where they will move UFA-eligible defenseman Mario Ferraro…If the Oilers move a defenseman, it will be Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, or Alec Regula…The forwards Friedman was referring to could be those with less than two years left on their contract. They included Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom.

The Blackhawks remain open to trade offers for winger Lukas Reichel…The Rangers have requested good AHL prospects in exchange for Brennan Othmann…Friedman believes that if the Ottawa Senators and Shane Pinto agree to a contract extension, it’ll likely be a three-year deal.










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 Rumor Mill – October 6, 2025

by | Oct 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 6, 2025

The latest on the Flames, a couple of teams could be interested in Bruins goalie Michael DiPietro, and an update on Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson looked at the option facing general manager Craig Conroy to whittle down his roster to 23 players by Monday’s 3 pm ET deadline.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

One option is to place sidelined winger Jonathan Huberdeau on injured reserve. He could send promising forward Matvei Gridin to the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, or return defenseman Zayne Parekh to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

The final option would be a trade, especially if Conroy gets a suitable offer to free up his logjam of wingers. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been in the rumor mill for months, but it seems certain that the 28-year-old veteran will remain with the Flames to open the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Andersson seems the least likely of Conroy’s options. It’s expected the Flames will eventually move the pending UFA blueliner by the March 6 trade deadline.

RG.ORG: Speaking of the Flames, James Murphy reports they and the Toronto Maple Leafs could be targeting Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro. He cited a source claiming the Flames and Maple Leafs attempted to acquire DiPietro earlier this year via trade.

The Bruins placed DiPietro on waivers Sunday. A source told Murphy that it would be surprising if he clears, given that several NHL clubs are seeking goaltending depth.

Following a brilliant season with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence, the 26-year-old Dipietro signed a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $812,500 in June. However, he’s become their third stringer behind Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also reported that the Carolina Hurricanes were closely watching DiPietro’s situation. However, the Hurricanes subsequently claimed former Bruins goalie Brandon Bussi off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline provided an update on forward Yegor Chinakhov, who requested a trade in July from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Chinakhov’s request seems to be on hold after the 24-year-old forward reported to training camp and met with head coach Dean Evason. He spent most of last week skating on their fourth line during practice, but was on their top line Saturday night against Washington.

Portzline reports that Chinakhov fired his long-time agent, replacing him with Rick Komarow, whose clients include Blue Jackets winger Dimitri Voronkov. It remains unclear how this situation will work out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on Chinakhov’s performance this season and his value in the trade market. An improved effort on his part will improve his trade stock, but could also boost his value to the Jackets’ lineup.