NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2025

by | Sep 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2025

The latest on the Panthers, an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, the Blackhawks are shopping winger Lukas Reichel, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers will have ample salary-cap flexibility once they place sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injury reserve to start this season. He expects they’ll look at every option to replace Barkov between now and the March 6 trade deadline.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

Barkov underwent knee surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for seven to nine months. The earliest he could return to action is late April.

Panthers general manager Bill Zito is known for his aggressive moves. “You do your projections, and so that just continues,” Zito said. “And if there’s something that we think makes us better as a team, we’ll do it. And if not, we don’t. It’s really no different.”

If Barkov returns sooner than expected, the new postseason salary cap means the Panthers can’t use up his entire $10 million cap hit and then bring him back after the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zito and his staff understand they won’t find anyone available who can suitably replace a leader and three-time Selke Trophy winner like Barkov. Nevertheless, they have a proven record over the last five years for making acquisitions that bolster their club. Even with the new postseason cap constraints, they could land someone who helps their chances for a Stanley Cup three-peat.

UPDATE ON BLUE JACKETS FORWARD YEGOR CHINAKHOV

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on “X” that Yegor Chinakhov skated on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ fourth line the last two days, and he hadn’t been part of their power-play practices.

The 24-year-old forward refused to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, head coach Dean Evason said they are still evaluating their forward line, noting that Chinakhov worked hard and did the right things during his three preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov requested a trade through his agent in July, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason. He seemed happy with how things were going with the club after speaking with Evason on the eve of training camp, but he hasn’t rescinded his request.

BLACKHAWKS SHOPPING LUKAS REICHEL

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers reports the Chicago Blackhawks explored trading Lukas Reichel during the offseason. In the last few days, they’ve let teams know that the 23-year-old winger is available.

Powers believes it’s anyone’s guess where Reichel starts this season. He could be traded, claimed off waivers by another club, demoted to the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, or start the season on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks chose Reichel in the first round (17th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was expected to become a scoring winger, but has struggled to meet expectations. With younger players already in the lineup and others within the Blackhawks’ prospect pool pushing for NHL jobs, Reichel could be running out of time to establish himself.

Earlier this month, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Reichel believed that he was going to be traded to the Edmonton Oilers at one point during this summer. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes they could move the young forward, who might welcome the change.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said there will be teams looking at the waiver wire for goaltending depth.

Friedman observed that Michael DiPietro of the Boston Bruins and Clay Stevenson of the Washington Capitals could hit the waiver wire this week. He said he’s “really curious” to see if they pass through waivers or get traded beforehand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DiPietro is expected to be the starting goalie for the Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence, while Stevenson is supposed to fill the starter’s job for the Capitals’ AHL team in Hershey. Neither player is waiver-exempt this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

by | Sep 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen looked at some notable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs as preseason play gets underway.

Among them is Mason McTavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent center has missed training camp thus far. He is a key part of their playoff hopes this season.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens recently reported that it’s believed the McTavish camp isn’t seeking something comparable to the $8.4 million annual average value (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston got from the Dallas Stars on a five-year extension. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Knies’ $7.7 million AAV on his six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point this season. The Calgary Flames defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides might work out an extension, but the odds are slim at this point. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche face a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is UFA-eligible next summer. He averaged just under a point per game last season, and another performance like that could see him seek around $10 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when asked about it last week. Both sides seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, it was reported that Chinakhov might have a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that prompted the trade request.

Jason Robertson has an interesting contract situation. He’s eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights next summer, but a one-year deal would take him to UFA status in 2027. The Stars are still eyeing a Stanley Cup this season with their current group, but Boylen doesn’t rule out a Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill last week denied offseason reports claiming he’d looked into moving Robertson. He seems willing to see how this season pans out with Robertson.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s UFA status next summer and his willingness to sign an extension have dominated headlines. Boylen suggests the play of rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie could be a factor in whether he opts to re-sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen points out the play of those two rookies won’t be the deciding factor, but solid performances by both of them could convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is UFA-eligible next July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract the 37-year-old could get from the Panthers, and what their succession plan is between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact as they chase multiple Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they’ll work something out to keep him in the fold while buying time to find a proper successor.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is another UFA-eligible goalie next summer. He turns 36 in January, and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract extension talks have reportedly started between the two sides.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is another player eligible for UFA status next summer. He turns 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer throughout the club’s tumultuous 2024-25 campaign. Boylen wonders what number might make sense for both sides now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s AAV is $11.642 million on his current deal. The two sides are keeping mum regarding contract talks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a wait-and-see approach to the coming season.

This may be the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and at age 39, he may not remain with the Penguins after this season, given the team is in rebuild mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports that several clubs inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t know what he’d do if asked to waive his no-movement clause. GM Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

Elias Pettersson’s performance could be a determining factor in whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has two years left on his contract, but the club will want clarity on his future by next summer. If Pettersson can regain the form that made him a 102-point performer in 2022-23, it could go a long way toward convincing Hughes to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Pettersson, combined with Hughes’ usual brilliance, could propel the Canucks up the standings and into the playoffs again.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is also eligible for UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit in alongside Mitch Marner’s $12 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s current AAV is $10 million. He loves living and playing in Vegas and doesn’t appear too concerned about getting a deal done. The Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, and will get another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR. That will give them enough room to sign Eichel.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

by | Sep 21, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

Are teams calling about Penguins center Evgeni Malkin? Are the Oilers interested in Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? What’s the latest on the Red Wings and Avalanche? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RG.ORG: An NHL executive source told James Murphy that the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers looked into the availability of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin since the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

The answer from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was always “a hard no.” He’s letting Malkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dictate their futures. “They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled out asking out either.”

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them with the Penguins. He’s in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His contract also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas recently said he intended to meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss the future Hall of Famer’s future. If a trade takes place, it will likely occur between February 25 (when the regular season resumes following the Olympic break) and the March 6 trade deadline.

Malkin and Crosby have expressed their wish to stay in Pittsburgh, and that might be fulfilled. Still, we can’t rule out the possibility of a change of heart from either player if things don’t go well for the Penguins this season. Time will tell if the Canadiens, Panthers, or Lightning will revisit their rumored interest in Malkin. 

If Malkin becomes available, it remains to be seen how much interest he’ll draw. His performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes the Red Wings would part with promising defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka to acquire Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes if the opportunity arose.

Duff pointed out that the Canucks aren’t shopping Hughes. “Not yet.” But the situation could change before the end of this season. While it’s believed he’d want to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, with the New Jersey Devils, Quinn has ties to Michigan, having played with the USNTDP in Plymouth and for the Michigan Wolverines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If a reunion with his brothers in New Jersey isn’t possible, Hughes could prefer going to a contender, which the Red Wings haven’t been for a long time. He lacks no-trade protection, so the Canucks could ship him to Detroit if the Wings made the best offer, but whether he’d re-sign with them is another matter.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun claiming Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year, $1 million contract offer from a Western Conference team.

Deen indicated it’s unclear if the offer came from the Avalanche. He pointed out that LeBrun stated the Avalanche is among four teams that could be an option for Grzelcyk, who is on a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is currently nursing a lower-body injury. If he remains out when the regular season begins, Deen speculated that Grzelcyk might be an option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche has over $1.3 million in cap space for the coming season. There’s enough to squeeze in Grzelcyk if he doesn’t land a contract with the Blackhawks or another team. LeBrun also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as possible destinations for the veteran defenseman.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins reports on speculation linking the Oilers to Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last month.

Chinakhov is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. However, the Oilers are pressed against the salary cap, Chinkhov has injury issues, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t giving away a former first-round pick for free.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but he recently sounded like he might be having a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to address their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation and an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden wondered what Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would do if the opportunity to trade Sidney Crosby presented itself.

It would have to be the deal of a lifetime to trade the Penguins captain, but Madden thinks Dubas would do it. He thinks the 38-year-old Penguins captain would fetch a king’s ransom of at least a first-round draft pick, a top prospect, and an NHL-ready top-six forward or top-four defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Madden claims the Montreal Canadiens would reportedly overpay to get him, believing the asking price must include promising winger Ivan Demidov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas would set a high asking price. Whether he’d get that full king’s ransom is another story. Crosby at 38 doesn’t hold the same value as he would’ve if he were five years younger and had more than two years left on his contract.

The Penguins would still get a significant return for Crosby. However, finding one that would match what Madden suggests would be difficult, especially with Crosby’s no-movement clause giving him full control over where he could be dealt.

As for the Canadiens overpaying to get Crosby, most of that speculation flies in the face of what they have been building over the past three years. If the Habs were to make a pitch for Crosby, Demidov won’t be part of it. And if Dubas said no, they’d have no problem moving on to other trade targets.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Evgeni Malkin doesn’t want to leave the Penguins and isn’t anxious to be traded to a Stanley Cup contender. Nevertheless, he said he didn’t know how he’d react if he were asked to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin has said he prefers to retire as a Penguin, but that would depend on whether the club wants to keep him. Maybe he would consider it if Dubas approaches him, saying a Cup contender is interested in acquiring him. Maybe not.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Bryan Rust laughed off questions about hearing his name in trade rumors during the offseason. However, he realizes there’s a real possibility that he could be moved this season.

Rust’s no-trade clause expired on July 1, meaning the Penguins can trade him anywhere. However, he’s hopeful they’ll hang onto him. “Yeah, I plan on playing here until I’m 40,” said the 33-year-old Rust.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust is also signed through 2027-28, which would also make him enticing for a contender seeking a top-six winger with cost certainty. Given his contributions to the Penguins, Dubas might give him a choice on where he could be traded. However, he’ll most likely move him to the club with the best offer.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig reports Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov is open to staying with the team. He reiterated his love of the city and the fans, adding that he and head coach Dean Evason “understand each other” after talking recently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade through his agent this summer, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason stemming from a reduction in playing time last season after returning from a back injury. It appears they’ve cleared the air, but this situation could still bear scrutiny depending on his performance to start the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

The latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Avalanche winger Martin Necas, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mason McTavish’s contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks.

Friedman pointed out that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has shown a willingness to let talks carry on into training camp and preseason to get the contract they want. While they have a lot of salary-cap space, they want to ensure they have enough to re-sign promising players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Owen Zellweger going forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

Verbeek could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge contract. However, Friedman said he has heard that Ducks management isn’t keen on doing that, preferring to sign him to a long-term contract.

Friedman also said he doesn’t believe the Ducks want to trade McTavish.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Conor Ryan believes the Bruins will need more depth at center. He suggested they look into acquiring McTavish if the Ducks make him available in the trade market.

Ryan anticipated that the Ducks’ asking price for McTavish could be one or two first-round draft picks and a prospect or young NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has been a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. The Bruins won’t be the only team that might pursue the 22-year-old center if the Ducks put him on the trade block.

Despite the frequent trade conjecture (most of which originates from everywhere except Anaheim), there is no indication that the Ducks intend to trade McTavish. Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that they want to re-sign him. He’s just as important to them as a second-line center as he would be to the clubs that would be interested in acquiring him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak has winger Martin Necas’ contract situation atop his list of the 10 biggest questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp approaches.

The Avalanche must get Necas, 26, signed to a deal that works for them now and after Cale Makar’s mega-deal is in place.

If not, a trade would be a significant pivot point after trading away Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in the deal that brought Necas to Colorado. The return would have to be significant.

THE DENVER GAZETTE: Evan Rawal was asked if Necas would sign with the Avalanche before Kirill Kaprizov signs with the Minnesota Wild. Like Necas, the 28-year-old Kaprizov is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Rawal doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Necas signing first, but speculated the Avs winger could wait to see how much Kaprizov gets on his new contract with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov will set the market for scoring wingers. It’s anticipated that the average annual value of his next contract could reach $16 million.

Necas won’t get anywhere near that much because he’s not at the same skill level as Kaprizov. Nevertheless, a strong performance during his contract year could push his asking price to at least $10 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request. General manager Don Waddell remains open to moving the 24-year-old for the right offer.

However, it hasn’t reached the point of no return. Chinakhov was among the first players to return to Columbus and appears to be in excellent shape. Waddell considers his early return to be a positive sign.

Nevertheless, there must be a face-to-face conversation between Chinakhov and head coach Dean Evason before training camp to discuss the “misunderstandings” between the two that led to the winger’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov’s unhappiness stems from his usage under Evason last season, especially following his return from a back injury in March. His performance declined, and he was made a healthy scratch toward the end of the season. Chinakhov could drop his request if he and Evason resolve their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 31, 2025

Check out the latest on Wild center Marco Rossi and Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: cited a report by The Athletic indicating the contract negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi remain at a stalemate.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Joe Smith and Michael Russo claimed the two sides haven’t spoken since early June. With no sign of an offer sheet from a rival team, the impasse could drag on into the start of training camp in mid-September.

Rossi appeared in trade rumors before the 2025 NHL Draft, with the Vancouver Canucks reportedly offering the 15th overall pick in the draft for the 23-year-old center.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a trade. However, he’s also not pushing to move Rossi, who reportedly rejected a five-year, $25 million offer last season.

Smith and Russo report that the Rossi camp seeks between $6 million and $7 million on a long-term contract. They suggest that a short-term deal at $5 million annually might be the best solution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a significant trade offer or an offer sheet from a rival club, this situation could drag on throughout the rest of the offseason.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello believes the Buffalo Sabres must find a top-six winger to replace JJ Peterka, who was traded last month to the Utah Mammoth.

Yegor Chinakhov could be an option. The 24-year-old forward recently requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, citing a series of misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason.

Augello doubts the Sabres would offer up someone from their roster, and doesn’t think the Blue Jackets have much leverage to seek a player of comparable age. He suggested the Sabres offer up prospect Isak Rosen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Augello suggests Chinakhov’s presence could be a distraction for the Blue Jackets this season. They might have to wait until training camp and preseason to find a suitable trade partner. Whether the Sabres will be among them remains to be seen.