NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2025

by | Sep 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2025

Updates on the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov, the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin, and the Jets’ Kyle Connor, plus the latest Maple Leafs’ speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON KAPRIZOV’S CONTRACT SITUATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Minnesota Wild’s eight-year, $128 million contract offer to Kirill Kaprizov remains on the table despite the winger rejecting the proposal last week.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

He also indicated that the Wild are definitely not engaged in trade discussions with other teams regarding Kaprizov. Their only focus is re-signing him as they believe the winger wants to stay in Minnesota.

Kaprizov has not been heard from since rejecting the offer. He will meet the media when training camp opens on Thursday, as will general manager Bill Guerin.

LeBrun also mentioned that the vibes in these negotiations are not cordial compared to those with the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid. “This is a little more edgy, let’s just say, between Kaprizov’s agent and Guerin,” Lebrun said. “I think last week was very emotional, and it’s not clear what the endgame here is.”

The Wild believe they made an “unbelievable offer” of eight years with an average annual value of $16 million. LeBrun isn’t certain how far they might have to move off that, but they may have to to get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli noted that there’s been some speculation linking Kaprizov to the New York Rangers or the Chicago Blackhawks. However, he indicated that there hasn’t been as much trade talk about the winger as some suggest. Seravalli stated that he’s seen little indication from the Kaprizov camp that the superstar winger wants to play elsewhere.

WILL THE RANGERS RE-SIGN PANARIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered what’s next for Artemi Panarin in his contract year. The 33-year-old New York Rangers winger’s point-per-game rate dipped to its lowest since 2018-19, his last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It’s believed Rangers GM Chris Drury is in no rush to decide how aggressively he’ll pursue an extension for Panarin. The club has cap flexibility, but they’re closely monitoring some of the big-name players who could become UFAs next summer, like the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano recently speculated about the possibility of the Rangers pursuing Kaprizov if he becomes available by the March 2026 trade deadline. He suggested including winger Alexis Lafreniere in the deal, clearing his $7.45 million cap hit from their books. It would give the Rangers over $37 million in cap space, more than enough to sign Kaprizov and perhaps retain Panarin on a reduced salary.

KYLE CONNOR AND THE JETS ARE TALKING ABOUT AN EXTENSION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there is an open line of communication between Kyle Connor and the Winnipeg Jets, who have made re-signing the 28-year-old winger a priority.

“I don’t doubt for a second that they will extend Kyle Connor,” Dreger said. He went on to say that the winger has been an important part of the club’s past, present, and future. There is no timeline for getting a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Kaprizov, Connor is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Some folks wondered if the Jets risk losing Connor after Nikolaj Ehlers departed for the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent in July. However, they re-signed core players Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele in 2023.

Connor is just as important as Hellebuyck and Scheifele, so don’t be surprised if he’s re-signed to a lucrative new contract.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes re-signing goaltender Anthony Stolarz should be the Maple Leafs’ priority. He anticipates the 31-year-old will get a nice raise over his current $2.5 million AAV after leading the league in save percentage last year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the two sides are working on a multi-year extension. He considers Kevin Lankinen’s contract with the Vancouver Canucks (five years, $4.5 million AAV) as a comparable.

Koshan anticipates Leafs GM Brad Treliving could move a depth forward in a cost-cutting trade before the start of the regular season. Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, or Nick Robertson are the likely candidates.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

How much could Kirill Kaprizov receive in his next contract? What moves could the Red Wings make? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WORST SEATS IN THE HOUSE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo believes the Minnesota Wild have offered Kirill Kaprizov “a ton of money,” perhaps more than Russo thought on an eight-year contract.

Kaprizov, 28, is in the final season of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. The high-scoring winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July 1.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo believes the Wild are willing to pay Kaprizov “in the 16 (million) range”. He indicates that the deal hasn’t been done yet, but general manager Bill Guerin remains confident it will get done.

Nevertheless, the next month could be telling. The longer Kaprizov goes without signing an extension, the more questions about whether he wants to stay in Minnesota, especially if the Wild offers him $128 million on an eight-year contract.

Russo believes whatever Kaprizov wants from the Wild, he’ll get it, even if he seeks a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated that no other team could offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. If Kaprizov wants to be well paid, $16 million annually would make him the second-highest paid player in the league for 2026-27. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is also UFA-eligible next summer and will get much more from the Oilers or another club if he goes to market on July 1.

However, if Kaprizov is hesitant to sign, it will suggest that he doesn’t believe the Wild will be winners over the term of that contract. If so, they would face the prospect of trading him before the March deadline or losing him to free agency for nothing next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman was asked recently if the Detroit Red Wings might make a trade for a top-four defenseman or a top-six winger.

Bultman listed Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as the most realistic to address the Red Wings’ needs.

However, Bultman’s not holding his breath waiting for any of those players to land in Detroit, citing the high asking price for Rust or Rakell (a first-round pick) and the aging Karlsson’s expensive contract.

Bultman also acknowledged rumors linking the Red Wings to Mason McTavish, but doubts the Anaheim Ducks will part with the 22-year-old center.

Winnipeg Jets winger (and Michigan native) Kyle Connor is UFA-eligible next summer. Bultman doesn’t see the Jets attempting to move him this far out if he remains unsigned. If they do decide to move him, the Red Wings should be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings might make another move or two to improve their roster before the start of the season in October. Based on Bultman’s comments, don’t expect to see Karlsson, Rust, Rakell, McTavish, or Connor donning the Winged Wheel jersey anytime soon.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

by | Aug 17, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

Catching up on the recent speculation regarding Jets center Kyle Connor and Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, plus the latest Bruins conjecture in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Servalli recently speculated over where Kyle Connor might go if he doesn’t re-sign with the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Seravalli wondered if the Detroit Red Wings might be a fit for Connor. He thinks it would make a lot of sense for the Wings, as they could use the additional scoring punch that the Michigan native would provide.

However, Seravalli doesn’t discount the Jets re-signing Connor. Despite their early playoff exit last spring, they’ve got a good thing going, and he’d be part of the solution to their championship puzzle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were unable to re-sign Nikolaj Ehlers, who headed to the Carolina Hurricanes as a UFA last month. However, they confounded the experts by re-signing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele two years ago, so we can’t discount Connor signing an extension before next July.

EXPRESSEN: On August 8, Rasmus Andersson denied reports claiming he told the Calgary Flames he would only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights.

A report from TSN’s Darren Dreger earlier this summer claimed the Flames received a significant offer from the Los Angeles Kings for Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman said he knew what the proposal was, but wouldn’t say if it was from the Kings or another team. He rejected the trade because he didn’t want to move his family during his contract year.

Andersson also said that contract talks with the Flames have paused, adding they haven’t spoken in a month and a half.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The team in question was likely on Andersson’s six-team no-trade list. No word as to which clubs are on that list.

Reports out of Calgary earlier this summer indicated contract talks had stalled, sparking speculation that Andersson could be traded. However, Flames general manager Craig Conroy recently indicated that he had no problem with the blueliner being on the roster when the regular season opens in October.

It’s expected that Andersson will start the season with the Flames and could be shopped by the March trade deadline.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo have been fixtures in the rumor mill since the 2025 NHL Draft in late June. However, an NHL executive told Murphy that he heard Casey Mittelstadt could be on the move again.

Mittelstadt, 26, was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche along with prospect winger William Zellers before the 2025 March trade deadline. However, the common feeling among observers is that Zellers was the real target for the Bruins, who were restocking their prospect pool, leaving some to wonder if they intend to flip Mittelstadt to another club at some point.

Meanwhile, Korpisalo’s agent last month denied rumors claiming his client wanted a trade. Zacha’s agent dismissed the chatter about his client as “just rumors”.

SEKERES & PRICE: Matt Sekeres noted the trade rumors circulating in Boston about Zacha and Mittelstadt. Cam Robinson believes either player would be an upgrade at center for the Vancouver Canucks, particularly Mittelstadt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Zacha or Mittelstadt makes sense if the Bruins were rebuilding. However, that isn’t the case as management is retooling for a bounce-back season. We’ll see what unfolds leading up to the start of the regular season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 30, 2025

The effect of Kyle Connor’s next contract on the Jets, the latest on Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, the wild cards on the Canadiens’ roster, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau observed that the Winnipeg Jets have had little difficulty getting core players like Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey to accept less money to stay in Winnipeg. However, Kyle Connor could become an exception.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Connor is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The 28-year-old winger currently earns an average annual value (AAV) of $7.14 million. Over five of the NHL’s last five full seasons, he’s never had less than 31 goals. Last season, he netted 41 goals and set career highs with 56 assists and 97 points.

If Connor is willing to accept between $9 million and $9.5 million on his next contract, it would be a significant win for the Jets. However, there’s no guarantee he will accept such a deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Connor has been a bargain for the Jets on his current contract. He’ll be seeking a substantial raise that will exceed $10 million, especially if he has another 40-goal campaign.

The salary cap will rise to $104 million for 2025-26, the first season of Connor’s next contract. Winnipeg has a projected $47.8 million in cap space, though that could shrink by around $5 million if they manage to re-sign Dylan Samberg to a contract. Nevertheless, they’ll have enough to re-sign Connor to a substantial raise if they want to.

Winnipeg lost Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency this summer. They’ll do what they can to avoid the same fate with Connor, but that depends on his asking price.

BOSTON HERALD: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is eager to return to action after his 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

McAvoy said he’s focused his offseason training on getting healthy and regaining his form. He indicated that he has accomplished a lot with his off-ice training and is starting to ramp things up on the ice.

The 27-year-old defenseman anticipates he’ll be ready for training camp in September. It’s expected he’ll be taking on a larger leadership role with the Bruins, along with teammate David Pastrnak.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins hope for a bounce-back performance in 2025-26 after an injury-ravaged season knocked them out of playoff contention last season. A healthy McAvoy will be crucial to their postseason hopes.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Brendan Kelly believes questions surround Canadiens forwards Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine for 2025-26.

The oft-injured Dach is trying to get his career back on track as he’ll again try to nail down the second-line center position. Newhook must bring more than speed to his game to improve the dynamic of the Canadiens’ forward group. As for Laine, Kelly believes the Habs will be almost guaranteed to become a playoff contender if the big Finnish winger can regain his high-scoring ways.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ core of young talent should be a contender if they continue improving and stay healthy. Nevertheless, getting better performances from Dach, Newhook ,and Laine will also be crucial to nailing down another postseason berth.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes promising Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki would benefit from another season with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

The 21-year-old right winger had 29 points in 36 AHL regular-season games and seven points in 16 Calder Cup playoff games. At times, however, the 5’11”, 172-pounder struggled and looked tired down the stretch as he adjusted to the North American pace.

Kuzma pointed out the Canucks are currently well-stocked on the right wing this season with Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, and Kiefer Sherwood. He believes it wouldn’t do Lekkerimaki any good to be skating on their fourth line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lekkerimaki could force the issue if he has a strong training camp. Still, it wouldn’t hurt him to spend another season in Abbotsford. He’s waiver-exempt so there’s no fear of losing him to waivers this season.

CALGARY SUN: Flames prospect Zayne Parekh will skip the rest of Team Canada’s mid-summer camp for precautionary reasons related to a lower-body injury.

The 19-year-old defenseman has returned to Calgary to follow up with the Flames’ medical staff. He’s expected to be a full participant at their training camp in September.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Former Sabres head coach Ted Nolan is being recognized for his work in hockey and with Canada’s Indigenous communities. On Oct. 29, Nolan will receive Canada’s Order of Sport Award, marking his induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Nolan coached the Sabres from 1995 to 1997, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1996-97 as NHL Coach of the Year. He coached them again from 2013 to 2015.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

by | Jul 13, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 13, 2025

The latest on Marco Rossi and updates on the Flames and Jets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports the contract stalemate persists between the Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old center is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract, giving Wild general manager Bill Guerin the hammer in their negotiations.

The two sides have traded contract offers, with the Wild making short and long-term proposals.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Rossi is eligible to sign an offer sheet with a rival club. However, Guerin said his club is prepared for that, saying they’ll match any offer. “We’d rather make a deal with Marco,” he said.

McLellan observed that recent contracts for comparable players have run the gamut. New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle received a two-year, $7.8 million contract, while William Eklund of the San Jose Sharks signed a three-year, $16.8 million deal. Meanwhile, Logan Stankoven got a maximum-term eight-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $48 million, while Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies landed a six-year, $46.5 million deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s been the subject of trade speculation since last year. His current contract impasse continues to make him a fixture in this summer’s rumor mill.

It’s doubtful Rossi will receive an offer sheet. The Wild have over $10 million in cap space, and it’s unlikely a rival club will exceed that amount to pry him away, let alone having to part with four first-round picks as compensation for a successful signing.

A trade is possible if this standoff carries on through training camp and the start of the regular season. However, the Rossi camp could settle for a short-term bridge deal and look to use his arbitration rights to land a more lucrative contract down the road.

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the Calgary Flames would prefer trading Rasmus Andersson before the fall and avoid the risk of injury. However, general manager Craig Conroy has pledged to retain the 28-year-old defenseman for as long as possible to maximize the potential return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, making him the frequent subject of trade rumors since the end of last season.

Conroy could move Andersson before training camp opens in September or the start of the regular season in October. If he doesn’t receive a suitable offer by then, he could wait until the March trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon cited that the Winnipeg Jets’ priority is signing wingers Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor to a new contract. Vilardi is currently a restricted free agent, while Connor is UFA-eligible next July.

The Jets must also re-sign defenseman Dylan Samberg and center Morgan Barron. Like Vilardi, they are restricted free agents. The trio is ineligible to receive offer sheets because they filed for arbitration.

Team captain Adam Lowry is also a year away from UFA status. The 32-year-old forward will miss the first two months of the season recovering from hip surgery.

Dixon also believes Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will monitor the trade market for a potential replacement for departed winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers’ departure could make some Jets fans nervous about Connor’s future in Winnipeg. However, Cheveldayoff convinced goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele to forego the riches of free agency and buy into his plan to make the Jets a contender. He could do the same with Connor.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 21, 2025

Canada defeated the United States in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off. Check out the details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Connor McDavid scored at 8:18 of overtime as Canada defeated the United States 3-2 to win the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Team Canada center Connor McDavid celebrates his winning goal in the 4 Nations Face-Off (NHL.com).

Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored in regulation while Mitch Marner assisted on Bennett’s game-tying goal and McDavid’s OT winner. Jordan Binnington made 31 saves, including six in overtime, twice thwarting Team USA captain Auston Matthews on point-blank scoring chances.

Matthews finished with two assists, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson scored, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 shots for the United States.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid’s goal occurred because Matthews left him uncovered in the slot. Marner quickly fired a pass to the Edmonton Oilers superstar, who beat Hellebuyck high to the glove side.

On Bennett’s goal, Marner drew two defenders toward him as he entered the American zone, leaving the Florida Panthers forward open to snipe a top-shelf shot over Hellebuyck’s right shoulder.

All three Canadian goals were the result of shooting high on Hellebuyck. MacKinnon beat him on the stick side with a deflected shot through traffic to open the scoring.

MacKinnon was named tournament MVP, leading all scorers with four goals. Team USA defenseman Zach Werenski led the tournament with six points, followed by McDavid and Canadian captain Sidney Crosby with five points each.

Crosby joined Wayne Gretzky as the second player to captain two championship teams in NHL international tournament play. He also captained Canada to gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits believe this game was the passing of the leadership torch from Crosby to McDavid. The Oilers captain dismissed that notion, predicting Crosby would be leading Canada’s Olympic team next February.

THE ATHLETIC: Binnington silenced his doubters with his performance in this game, particularly in overtime. “He saved his best for last,” said Canadian head coach Jon Cooper. “That’s what winners do, and there wasn’t a chance I was not going to back the winner.”

Binnington was the only goalie play to every game for his country in this tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington had plenty of doubters (myself included) going into this tournament. He rose to the occasion and came through when Team Canada needed him most.

TSN: Canadian defenseman Josh Morrissey missed this game due to illness. He was replaced by Thomas Harley, who saw nearly 22 minutes of ice time and had the primary assist on MacKinnon’s game-opening goal.

SPORTSNET: Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy was released from hospital on Thursday following a procedure to treat an infection stemming from an upper-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emotional McAvoy read out the starting lineup for his teammates in their dressing room before the game and was in attendance cheering them on.

THE SCORE: Winger Kyle Connor was a healthy scratch from this game, replaced by Chris Kreider. Connor leads all Americans in NHL scoring this season with 30 goals in 56 games but was held to one assist and one shot in three games in this tournament.

Canadian winger Mark Stone said he and his teammates felt the energy of their countrymen in this game. “Yeah, we wanted this one,” he said. “Forty million Canadians sitting at home, you feel that energy rooting us on. The pride we have to play for our country every time we get (the chance to wear) the flag on our chest, it’s a special feeling.”

Head coach Jon Cooper shared Stone’s sentiment. “I just hope Canada’s proud, because every player in that room is proud to be a Canadian,” he said. “Did we need a win? Not only our team, but Canada needed a win. And the players (carried) that on their shoulders and they took it seriously.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Canadian winger Brad Marchand shared his thoughts on American forwards Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, who took several verbal shots at Team Canada through the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you,” said Marchand after the game. “You can do that during the season, but when it’s best-on-best, it’s different. They got a little ahead of themselves, but they’re great players. There’s not many guys who can do what they can do, and they’re very effective.”

“But when you start giving teams ammo, it can work against you as well,” he said. “They’re going to have long, great careers, and I think we saw how effective they can be at every level.”

ESPN.COM: Several United States players believe this tournament sent a message that Team USA has arrived and they’re just as good as Canada.

“I think I’d say it’s a pretty even playing field in my opinion,” said Auston Matthews. “It could have gone either way.” Zach Werenski shared that view. “We’ve proved tonight and to everyone that we’re right there with Canada,” he said. “It’s anyone’s game.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The United States has made tremendous strides over the past 25 years. In my opinion, their development program is the best in the world, tying them with Canada for the most World Junior Championships (five) since 2013, including their back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025.

Canada can justifiably savor this 4 Nations victory but they cannot take it for granted. A determined American team will be ready them at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

IN OTHER NEWS…

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon provided an update on Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights defenseman suffered an upper-body injury during Canada’s opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Theodore is listed as week-to-week. McCrimmon indicated the blueliner could meet with the team’s medical staff this weekend to determine how long he’ll be sidelined.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames placed little-used defenseman Tyson Barrie on waivers. He’s appeared in only 13 games this season.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: The Islanders placed defenseman Dennis Cholowski on waivers to free up a roster spot for the returning Ryan Pulock.