NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2025

by | Apr 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2025

Check out the latest speculation regarding the offseason plans for the Canucks, Penguins and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston wondered what the future holds for Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet and first-line center Elias Pettersson.

Tocchet’s contract expires at the end of this season but the Canucks hold a club option for another year. It’s believed they offered a contract extension, but Tocchet has strong bargaining power given his reputation around the league and his 2024 Jack Adams Award.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Management’s plans for next season and beyond will also factor into whether Tocchet stays or goes.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Pettersson had an awful season, prompting Johnston to ponder if management still believes signing him to his long-term contract last year was a good idea. If they decide to move him, they must find a trade partner and a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson has seven seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million. If the Canucks intend to move him their best opportunity is before his no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

Pettersson’s performance this season makes him difficult to move unless the Canucks retain up to half of that cap hit, which they won’t do. They’ll likely hang onto him and hope he has a bounce-back effort next season.

Johnston believes the Canucks must find a suitable second-line center. Filip Chytil is talented but not a full-fledged second-line center, plus he’s frequently sidelined. Pius Suter has shown potential in that role, but Johnston wonders if he can truly fill that spot next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suter can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Canucks could scour the trade and free-agent markets before then to see if there are obtainable options. They have over $16.7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract for next season.

The Canucks might have to find a scoring right wing if Brock Boeser departs as a free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser recently expressed doubt that he’ll be back with the Canucks. If they don’t re-sign him, it’ll give them more cap space to add that second-line center, likely the more pressing need in management’s eyes.

Team captain (and reigning Norris Trophy winner) Quinn Hughes has two years left on his contract. They can sign him to an extension next summer, but Johnston believes he’ll want to see improvement before he commits to a long-term deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hughes isn’t going anywhere this summer but the Canucks’ performance next season could determine his future in Vancouver. That will play a role in management’s moves this summer.

PENGUINS

POST-GAZETTE.COM: Matt Vensel had nine questions that will define the offseason for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

One was whether it would be the status quo for next season. Vensel doesn’t think so, suggesting defensemen Erik Karlsson and winger Rickard Rakell as trade candidates this summer.

Winger Bryan Rust’s no-movement clause expires at the end of this season but it would take a significant offer to convince management to part with him. Much-maligned defenseman Ryan Graves and goaltender Tristan Jarry could be shopped this summer, though the latter is no sure thing if they can’t find a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Josh Yohe of The Athletic believes there’s a real chance Karlsson could be moved if a suitable offer from a team he’s willing to join should emerge, but it would take the Penguins retaining part of his annual cap hit.

As for Jarry, Yohe believes he’ll be back next season, citing his improved performance following his stint in the minors. Of course, the Penguins will listen to offers if a rival club expresses interest in him.

Vensel wondered if the Penguins would make a splash in the trade or free-agent markets this summer. If they do, improving the blueline is the priority. Vladislav Gavrikov and Ivan Provorov are the top left-handed defensemen potentially available in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vensel also mentioned that Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner will be the player we hear the most between now and the start of free agency on July 1. He cited Marner’s relationship with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas during the latter’s tenure as Leafs GM. However, that relationship might not be enough for the rebuilding Penguins to win a bidding war for his services.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple addressed questions over how the New York Islanders intend to address their crowded blueline during the offseason.

He believes restricted free agents Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov will be re-signed. Dobson’s difficult season could land him a four or five-year contract with an AAV between $7.5 million and $8 million. He suggested a six or seven-year deal for Romanov for between $6.5 million and $7 million.

Dobson and Romanov would receive lots of interest in the trade market, but it would be difficult getting equal value for either guy.

Scott Mayfield seems the main candidate to be moved. He’s got five years left on his contract with a full no-trade clause, but they could attempt to buy him out. Ryan Pulock has five years left with a full NTC for the next two years.

Adam Pelech had four years left on his contract with a 16-team no-trade list. Of those three, he’s the one they could prefer to keep.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2025

by | Apr 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 12, 2025

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, here’s the latest on the Rangers and Islanders in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun recently looked at what could be in store for the New York Rangers if they miss the playoffs.

The club is staying tight-lipped about its offseason plans. However, there is speculation around the league that head coach Peter Laviolette could get fired. He has a year left on his contract, but the body language and performance of the players over the past month suggest a change could be required.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larry Brooks of the New York Post shares that opinion. He believes Laviolette didn’t do enough to keep his players focused and motivated, which could cost him his job.

LeBrun and Brooks don’t solely blame Laviolette for the Rangers’ collapse this season, pointing out that management deserves its fair share. They also believe several core players bear some responsibility. Nevertheless, a coaching change seems more likely than a shakeup in the front office.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes distinct changes are necessary as the Rangers bury this lost season. She believes everything about the club’s “epic implosion” must be analyzed and action taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere (NHL Images).

Some of this falls on management and the coaching staff for doing a poor job navigating through the issues that derailed this season. Nevertheless, there could be roster decisions that otherwise wouldn’t have been made if the season had gone the other way.

Walker believes that means determining if restricted free-agent defenseman K’Andre Miller has a future with the Rangers. They could have a conversation with center Mika Zibanejad about waiving his no-movement clause. It could also mean attempting to move Chris Kreider or Alexis Lafreniere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller, Zibanejad and Kreider frequently surfaced in the rumor mill as general manager Chris Drury attempted to remake his roster in this season’s trade market. Lafreniere didn’t pop up as much in the media trade chatter but his disappointing play could have Drury rethinking his long-term commitment to the 23-year-old winger.

At least one of those players mentioned by Walker probably won’t be in the Rangers starting lineup for next season. Kreider and Miller seem the more likely to be moved.

Kreider has two years left on his contract with a 15-team no-trade list and could still be enticing for clubs seeking an experienced scoring winger. Miller struggled this season but he’s still young and his potential upside will draw interest in the trade market.

Zibanejad reportedly declined to waive his NMC to go to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the J.T. Miller trade in January. He could agree to accept a trade elsewhere this summer but he’ll likely have a short list of destinations. His age (31), cap hit ($8.5 million through 2029-30) and declining production could also hurt his value in the trade market.

Lafreniere would also draw lots of attention if he hit the trade block. However, Drury could keep him in the hope he’d regain his form and meet his full potential on a retooled roster.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examined the plethora of options facing the Islanders and Noah Dobson during their contract negotiations after this season.

The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He’s completing a three-year deal with an average annual value of $4 million.

He could go for long-term stability or pursue a shorter deal bringing him up to unrestricted free-agent eligibility and the opportunity for a more lucrative contract as the salary cap keeps rising. Meanwhile, the Islanders could try to lock him up long-term as a core piece of their roster or prefer a shorter term after his production dropped this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sears also pointed out that the threat of a possible offer sheet for Dobson hangs over his negotiations. The blueliner hasn’t revealed if he’s willing to entertain that option but it should be kept in mind if his negotiations stall should he forego arbitration.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

by | Mar 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 22, 2025

The latest speculation on this summer’s top restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest rumors and reports regarding this summer’s top 12 NHL restricted free agents.

It could cost the Edmonton Oilers around $10 million annually to re-sign defenseman Evan Bouchard. Fox wonders if the decline in his production this season might knock that average annual value down a tad.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could but not by much. Bouchard’s agent will point to his client’s career-best 82-point performance last season as justification for $10 million or close to it. His 54 points this season currently puts him fourth among NHL defensemen. Finishing with over 60 points could get him something between $9 million and $9.5 million.

In January, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said he would begin contract negotiations with Luke Hughes, but so far there’s no indication they’ve started. Bridging the young defenseman at $5.1 million annually would save money now but would mean a monster contract when Hughes approaches UFA eligibility and the salary cap has gone through the roof.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald could attempt a long-term extension, but Hughes’ camp might take a page from the Auston Matthews playbook and go for a four or five-year contract, setting him up for a much bigger payday down the road while he’s in his playing prime.

Fox believes another cautious bridge deal for Noah Dobson would push the New York Islanders defenseman straight into unrestricted free-agent territory. He speculates an eight-year deal would cost $8 million annually, making Dobson the highest-paid defenseman on the Isles’ blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could depend on who’s handling the negotiations for the Islanders. It’s rumored GM Lou Lamoriello could retire or move on to a different position within the organization where he’s less hands-on.

Another two-year bridge deal for Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi would walk him straight to unrestricted free agency. Fox suspects Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will push for term here.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vilardi is 25, completing a career-best performance (61 points and counting), and has arbitration rights this summer. Cheveldayoff could push for at least five years.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving rebuffed offers for Matthew Knies at the trade deadline. The Leafs have big decisions to make regarding UFA-eligible forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares, but with Knies’ stock rising along with the salary cap, Fox believes they’ll try to lock him up for as long as possible.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed, the longer the better.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams recently denied winger JJ Peterka was part of any discussions leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. He remains open to signing Peterka to term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox observed that Adams tends to sign players who show promise to long-term contracts. Peterka could be next in line.

A qualifying offer for K’Andre Miller will cost the New York Rangers $4.65 million to retain his rights this summer. A long-term deal could push him to between $6 million and $6.5 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Miller’s struggles this season made him the subject of frequent trade speculation. Rangers GM Chris Drury has been shaking up his roster since December with more changes expected this summer. Miller could become an offseason trade candidate.

The Anaheim Ducks’ recent acquisition of goaltender Ville Husso suggests they could move out John Gibson this summer. That would free up more cap space to re-sign netminder Lukas Dostal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, it could, although the Ducks shouldn’t have any issue re-signing Dostal if Gibson’s $6.4 million remains on their books for next season. They have a projected $39 million of cap space and 15 active roster players under contract.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi’s next contract could be affected by the club’s need to sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension before his UFA eligibility next summer. Things could get tricky here because of their tight budget and with promising prospects like Danila Yurov and Riley Heidt waiting in the wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox suggests a short-term bridge deal for Rossi until the more immediate cap issues are resolved. However, that would risk paying him much more when this contract expires, which could make him a trade candidate.

Fox doesn’t expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to have any issue re-signing forward Dmitri Voronkov. They’re flush with cap space and Voronkov, at 23, is the perfect age to grow with their flourishing young core.

The Ducks could attempt to sign Mason McTavish to a deal similar to the five-year extension that Quinton Byfield received from the Los Angeles Kings, which carries a $6.25 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek is a tough negotiator. He holds the hammer here given McTavish’s lack of arbitration rights.

A strong postseason performance could help Fabian Zetterlund in contract talks with the Ottawa Senators, who acquired him from the San Jose Sharks before the recent trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

by | Mar 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 12, 2025

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin denies requesting a trade plus the latest on the Islanders and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAHLIN DENIES REQUESTING A TRADE

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Rasmus Dahlin angrily denied comments by TNT hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette claiming the Sabres captain indicated he wanted a trade during a meeting last week with general manager Kevyn Adams.

“I want to be moved? I don’t know what he’s talking about,” said Dahlin. He admitted he’s unhappy with the team’s performance but never told Adams he wanted out.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images).

Bissonnette made the remarks on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, claiming the story was given to him “by the people who really matter and who move the needle as far as the insiders.” He claimed Dahlin told Adams that “he was gonezos” if things didn’t turn around fast.

“That bugs me, actually,” said Dahlin. “I get pissed off by that. I haven’t even mentioned the word ‘leave”. So yeah, that’s just how it is.”

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn acknowledged Dahlin’s comments. However, he believes Adams and Sabres owner Terry Pegula can’t be naive about the potential for other players getting discouraged with losing so often, especially restricted free agents like JJ Peterka, Bowen Byram, Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fairburn pointed out that Dahlin didn’t hide his frustration with the club’s lack of progress. That should worry the front office. Dahlin might not want out now but that could change if this moribund franchise doesn’t snap out of its long playoff drought. Other Sabres could also run out of patience if the losing continues.

LATEST ON THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports the Islanders weren’t believed to be shopping Noah Dobson, nor was the 25-year-old defenseman looking to leave. His name appeared in the rumor mill last month after it was reported that he had changed agents.

Dobson indicated he wasn’t concerned about the speculation. He declined to get into the reasons behind the move but pointed out it happened well before it was reported. The blueliner is a restricted free agent on July 1.

Sears also speculated that Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee could surface in this summer’s rumor mill as Islanders’ management attempts to make the roster younger.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports Pageau’s name was never out in the trade market before the deadline. GM Lou Lamoriello said he didn’t want to completely bail on the current roster, preferring to give them a chance to continue competing for a playoff spot.

Pageau and Lee may be shopped during the offseason. They both have a year remaining in their contracts, which could make it easier to move them.

Staple speculated that Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield could be bought out of their contracts. Both have five years left on their contracts but Engall would count as $1 million against the cap if bought out while Mayfield would be $1.66 million. That would give the Isles a combined $4.33 million in cap savings per season over the next five years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Changes will be coming this summer for the Islanders. It remains to be seen whether Lamoriello will be the one making them.

COULD THE CANADIENS SHOP FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes didn’t make a move at the trade deadline to add a second-line center, claiming the trade deadline wasn’t necessarily the best time to fill that spot. He indicated he called other GMs to spitball ideas on several things, including players who didn’t appear in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline.

Hughes has put the futures of pending UFA players David Savard, Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak on the back-burner. He’s not worried about the possibility of losing them to free agency in July, adding he felt it was more important to keep them so the younger players can lean on them down the stretch as the club pushes for a playoff spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kirby Dach’s season-ending knee surgery left the Canadiens needing a reliable second-line center. Hughes has plenty of trade capital to draw on with draft picks and prospects to swing a deal for a center this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 27, 2025

The Jets extend their win streak to 11 games, Nathan MacKinnon regains the lead in the scoring race, and updates on Roman Josi, Miro Heiskanen, Adam Fox and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

GAME RECAPS

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets extended their franchise-record win streak to 11 games by defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Kyle Connor had a goal and an assist, Mark Scheifele tallied his team-leading 33rd of the season, and Connor Hellebucyk made 24 saves for his league-leading 36th win. The Jets opened a three-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the overall standings with 87 points. Thomas Chabot scored and Linus Ullmark made 36 saves for the Senators as their losing skid reached five games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 62 points, the Senators remain two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. They’re feeling the absence of forwards Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Shane Pinto, who remain sidelined by injuries.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in the third period in a 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. MacKinnon also collected an assist to finish with three points, regaining the lead in the NHL scoring race with 90 points. Martin Necas had three assists and Cale Makar collected two as the Avalanche snapped a two-game losing skid. They hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 70 points. Jack Hughes replied for the Devils as they remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacKinnon holds a three-point lead over Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. Necas has quickly developed a strong offensive chemistry with MacKinnon since being acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 24, collecting 12 points in 11 games since the trade. The Avs also welcomed back Valeri Nichushkin. He’d been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Dec. 31.

The Vancouver Canucks nipped the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. Forward Conor Garland tallied twice, including the winner in overtime. Nils Hoglander also scored, Filip Chytil had two assists and Quinn Hughes picked up an assist in his return to the Canucks lineup after missing six games with an undisclosed injury. Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele scored as the Kings overcame a 2-0 deficit to force the extra period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The win vaulted the Canucks over the Calgary Flames into the final Western wild-card spot with 65 points, while the Kings are third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. Meanwhile, Vancouver winger Brock Boeser is frustrated over the lack of progress in contract extension talks with management, prompting speculation that he could be traded if the Canucks stumble in the playoff race.

HEADLINES

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi is listed as day-to-day as he continues to be evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

TSN: The Predators made a minor trade on Wednesday, acquiring forward Jesse Ylonen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Anthony Angello. Both are playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars general manager Jim Nill said his club will probably get a clearer timeline on defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s recovery from knee surgery by mid-to-late March. Heiskanen underwent surgery on Feb. 4 and was listed as month-to-month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed the Stars could place Heiskanen on long-term injury reserve, freeing up his $8.45 million cap hit to put toward adding players before the March 7 trade deadline. However, that only works if they know for certain that he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise, they would have to free up space to be cap-compliant when he returned to action.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (upper body) was placed on injured reserve. He’ll be out for at least seven days but is expected to return before the end of the regular season.

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson will return to action on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. He’s been out since Jan. 20 with a lower-body injury.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He will remain with the team but isn’t expected to suit up for Friday’s game against the Rangers.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Minnesota Wild, who claimed him from the Oilers on Dec. 13.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Wild acquired forward Tyler Madden from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Joseph Cecconi. Both players will report to their new teams’ respective AHL affiliates.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins placed forward Matt Nieto on waivers.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

by | Feb 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 13, 2025

Why has Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson changed agents? Could the Red Wings be interested in Sabres center Dylan Cozens? What’s the latest on the Rangers and Flames? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOBSON CHANGES AGENTS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reported Noah Dobson changed agents from Andrew Maloney to Judd Moldaver and Olivier Fortier of Wasserman Hockey. Moldaver represents some of the NHL’s top players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias looks at two reasons why Dobson made this move. He’s either unhappy with the Islanders and wants a trade (which Macias considers unlikely) or it’s a business decision to garner better terms on his next contract.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Macias that the second reason is the most likely. Dobson, 25, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Macias pointed out that Fortier was the agent who got Alexis Lafreniere his new seven-year contract (with an average annual value of $7.45 million) with the New York Rangers.

COULD THE RED WINGS BE INTERESTED IN COZENS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan speculated the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. It’s rumored the Sabres could move the 23-year-old Cozens by the trade deadline.

Khan suggested Cozens could fill the second-line center role on the Wings, a position that’s been difficult to fill. They also have the cap space to accommodate the remaining three years on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.1 million.

The Sabres would want a good young player but Khan doesn’t believe the Wings would part with Marco Kasper or Simon Edvinsson. The Wings could see Kasper as eventually filling the second-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman remains patient with his young players. If he’s unwilling to part with Kasper or Edvinsson, the notion of a Cozens trade falls flat. The Sabres won’t be interested in draft picks and prospects, they want a player in return who can help their roster now.

LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: If New York Rangers GM Chris Drury becomes a seller by the March 7 trade deadline, Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh believe there will a be market for defenseman Ryan Lindgren and forwards Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith. They’re slated to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Lindgren would draw the best return. Despite a down season, he remains an attractive player for contenders seeking a physical shutdown defenseman. Vesey and Smith could fetch mid-range draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple and Bough point out Drury’s been a buyer and a seller this season. He could follow the same path at the trade deadline.

UPDATE ON THE FLAMES

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson recently speculated the Flames could use the 4 Nations Face-Off break to consider ways to address a couple of roster issues before the trade deadline.

They could seek a permanent defense partner for MacKenzie Weegar, suggesting Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option. Gilbertson also wondered if they’ll stick with backup Dan Vladar or seek a more experienced second-stringer to support and mentor rookie starter Dustin Wolf.