NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2025

by | Apr 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a look at possible options for the Maple Leafs if they don’t re-sign Mitch Marner and the latest on the Kraken.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle look at the Plan B options for the Toronto Maple Leafs if Mitch Marner departs on July 1st as a free agent.

They believe the likelihood of re-signing John Tavares increases if Marner leaves. The Leafs will be reluctant to part with two core players in the same offseason. There also aren’t many suitable options available to replace him.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Marner’s departure would promote William Nylander to the first-line, leaving the Leafs searching for another top-six winger like Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers or Vancouver’s Brock Boeser if they’re available in this summer’s free-agent market. They could also wait until next summer when better options (Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid) might be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs will likely re-sign Marner unless his asking price goes ridiculously high. They’re better off with him than without because there’s no one in this summer’s UFA or trade markets to replace him, and as Siegel and Mirtle acknowledged, most of the best players in next summer’s free-agent market will be re-signed by their current clubs.

If Marner proves too expensive or another early playoff exit leads to big roster changes, they’ll definitely search for a reasonable replacement this summer. They could also use the money they intended to pay Marner to add two good, affordable players to boost their roster depth.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte looks at what the offseason could hold for the Kraken after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. She cited team CEO Tod Leiweke maintaining that ownership still has faith in general manager Ron Francis. “I don’t think this is a rebuild,” he said.

The Kraken’s goals-per-game average improved over last season’s 2.61 (currently 2.97, sitting 16th overall). However, the goals allowed increased (3.23, sitting as the tenth-highest) while their special teams rank among the league’s bottom third.

Shefte expects the Kraken will have an active summer. They’re set to land a top-five draft pick and they have trade capital to acquire proven scorers – “really do it right this time.”

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton looked ahead at the Kraken’s possible offseason plans. Hutton points out they lack a superstar, making it difficult to succeed in today’s NHL. He acknowledged the difficulty of finding one via free agency as they tend to be homegrown.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect the Kraken to pursue someone like Mitch Marner this summer via free agency. They’ll have to draft and develop a superstar.

Seattle has a projected cap space of $20.8 million next season with 15 active roster players under contract. Notable restricted free agents include Kaapo Kakko, Tye Kartye and Ryker Evans but they should be affordable re-signings. They have no core players eligible for UFA status.

The Kraken have two second-round picks and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft, two first-rounders, two fourth-rounders and two seventh-round picks in 2026, and two first-round picks and two second-rounders in 2027. They have the cap space and draft capital to draw on for trade bait to add a scorer or an all-around defenseman this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2025

by | Mar 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 25, 2025

What position is a priority offseason for the Flyers? What players should the Senators pursue this summer via free agency? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers head coach John Tortorella isn’t sugarcoating his club’s goaltending situation. He said the departure of Carter Hart last season left the position in turmoil and must be fixed.

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella (NHL.com).

Tortorella acknowledged the Flyers’ inexperience between the pipes. They are using Samuel Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, and Aleksei Kolosov this season, with Ersson tasked as a starter for the first time in his young NHL career. They have a league-low .873 save percentage this season.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz believes Fedotov’s future with the Flyers is in doubt despite being signed through next season with an annual cap hit of $3.275 million. In 24 games, Fedotov had a 5-13-3 record with a save percentage of .877 and a goals-against average of 3.20.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers will be hard-pressed to find a suitable solution in the offseason.

The pickings are slim for goaltenders in this summer’s free-agent market. The notables include New Jersey’s Jake Allen, Carolina’s Frederik Andersen, Florida’s Vitek Vanecek, Calgary’s Dan Vladar and Los Angeles’ David Rittich.

Anaheim’s John Gibson was the notable goaltender in this season’s trade rumors. However, he has a 10-team no-trade list which could put the Flyers out of the running.

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie believes the Ottawa Senators’ biggest offseason need is finding a top-scoring right wing.

Given the Senators’ cap situation, he considers Toronto’s Mitch Marner too expensive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: But what a delicious heel turn that would be. It would take The Battle of Ontario to heights not seen in two decades.

McKenzie believes Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers and Dallas’ Mikael Granlund would be better options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Go with the 29-year-old Ehlers if you want decent long-term value. Granlund has played well the past two years but the 33-year-old is getting uncomfortably close to his “best before” date.

McKenzie doesn’t see the Senators (or anyone else) successfully signing away Toronto’s Matthew Knies with an offer sheet. He pointed to the Leafs $27 million in cap space this summer, especially if Marner signs elsewhere on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It won’t happen but Knies signing with the Senators would be another fun heel turn. McKenzie cites AFP Analytics projecting a cap hit for Knies’ next contract as high as $6.625 million annually. The Leafs can afford that.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2025

by | Mar 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2025

A look at the potential offseason plans for the Hurricanes, Flyers and Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES TO BE AGGRESSIVE IN THIS SUMMER’S FREE-AGENT MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: In an interview with Pierre LeBrun, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky indicated that his club intends to use its salary-cap space to be aggressive in this summer’s free-agent market.

Tulsky also said that he’d be willing to gamble again on acquiring a big-name rental player without assurances of a contract extension. He made a splash two months ago in the trade market by acquiring Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche, only to trade him to the Dallas Stars before the March 7 trade deadline because he wouldn’t commit to an extension.

TSN: LeBrun said he expects the Hurricanes will pursue Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger heads to the free-agent market on July 1.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Before trading Rantanen to Dallas, the Hurricanes offered him to the Leafs straight up for Marner. Leafs management took the offer to Marner, stressing their priority was to re-sign him but there was an opportunity to send him to the Hurricanes if he wasn’t sure about staying with the Leafs. Marner decided not to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes won’t be the only team to pursue Marner this summer if he tests the market. However, they could be the only playoff contender with deep enough pockets to land him.

WHICH PLAYERS SHOULD THE FLYERS TARGET THIS SUMMER?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: A reader recently asked William James which players he believes the Philadelphia Flyers should target in free agency this summer.

James believes they need a reliable backup goaltender, suggesting Alex Lyon of the Detroit Red Wings as an option. He also thinks they should consider signing Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun to upgrade their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What do you think, Flyers fans? Which players would you like to see your club add via free agency or trades this summer? Let me know in the comments section below.

WILL THE CANUCKS USE TRADE OR FREE AGENCY TO ADD A FORWARD?

THE PROVINCE: A reader asked Patrick Johnston if he felt the Vancouver Canucks would use this summer’s free-agent market to add a top-tier or second-tier forward to their roster.

Johnston cited Mitch Marner as the top potential unrestricted free agent but wondered if he’ll even make it to market. Nikolaj Ehlers is the next most exciting player out there but questioned if the Canucks need to add another small forward.

Ultimately, Johnston thinks they’ll go the trade route this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks have a projected cap space of $14 million for next season with 20 active players under contract. Brock Boeser and Pius Suter are their notable pending UFAs this summer. They won’t have enough to land Marner and could consider more affordable options besides Ehlers.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 16, 2025

by | Mar 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 16, 2025

Recent updates regarding this summer’s top unrestricted free agents in this Sunday’s NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently examined the status of this summer’s top unrestricted free agents

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner tops the list. If he goes to market, he could become the highest-paid player in the league. The 28-year-old winger has previously expressed a desire to re-sign with the Leafs but has rebuffed the club’s attempts to negotiate during the season.

Fox noted that the Carolina Hurricanes offered Mikko Rantanen for Marner before the trade deadline. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving took the idea to Marner, who declined to waive his no-movement clause.

“So, here we are: A team unsure if its star wants to stay, and an in-demand talent who holds all the power over his future.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The longer Marner remains unsigned, the more his future will be the subject of growing media speculation leading up to July 1.

All is quiet regarding contract talks between the Winnipeg Jets and Nikolaj Ehlers. The 29-year-old winger was the subject of trade speculation last summer, with one report suggesting he’d welcome a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers popped up a few times in the rumor mill this season as some pundits speculated whether the Jets would move him before the trade deadline. Don’t expect to hear anything more about his contract situation until after the Jets’ playoff run is over.

Defenseman Jakob Chychrun has been a good fit with the Washington Capitals since his acquisition last summer from the Ottawa Senators. Both sides are reportedly willing to keep the relationship going.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if the 27-year-old Chychrun doesn’t re-sign with the Capitals. He’s recently bounced around a bit and is keen to settle down with a winning club.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (NHL Images).

The Maple Leafs have had preliminary contract discussions with John Tavares. The 34-year-old center wants to stay in Toronto, but the Leafs are letting things play out for now because they’re focused on other priorities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tavares knows he must accept a pay cut, but there might not be enough cap space left after they’ve addressed their “other priorities” (Marner). The cost of keeping him will be determined by the cost of re-signing Marner or replacing him.

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has been working hard to get Sam Bennett signed to a contract extension. Fox believes it’ll come down to whether the 29-year-old center prefers life in South Florida over earning top dollar.

Fox’s colleague Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that Zito has re-opened contract extension talks with the Bennett camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers have $19 million in projected cap space for 2025-26. They must re-sign or replace Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, Nate Schmidt and Vitek Vanecek. They have enough to re-sign Bennett, but how much of a raise he seeks will determine whether he has a future in Florida beyond this season.

The Vancouver Canucks tried and failed to trade Brock Boeser for a decent return. The Carolina Hurricanes were one club with a measure of interest in the 28-year-old winger. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin claimed the offers he received were underwhelming.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could bend and re-sign Boeser, but he seems destined to depart as a UFA on July 1.

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is the second-longest-serving Florida Panther player. However, the recent addition of right-shot blueliner Seth Jones raises an eyebrow. Fox also wondered if the recent 20-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy could affect the 29-year-old Ekblad’s efforts to remain with the Panthers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Jones provides more right-side depth on the Panthers’ blueline. He’s also an insurance policy if Ekblad heads to market on July 1.

Brad Marchand’s future with the Panthers appears to be in wait-and-see mode. They acquired the 36-year-old winger from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. “How does Marchand fit? And how far can Florida’s repeat bid go?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This seems like a rental situation. The Panthers had the opportunity to bolster their roster with Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injury reserve for the rest of the regular season. Marchand will likely end up as a UFA on July 1, even if he helps the Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Brock Nelson at the trade deadline. The 33-year-old’s future with the club could depend on how well he fits as their second-line center over the remainder of this season and into the playoffs. The Avs have the cap space to extend him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Nelson’s age, he’ll have to accept a short-term deal for around his current AAV ($6 million) to stay with the Avalanche.

There is no indication of contract extension talks between the Jets and defenseman Neal Pionk.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The latter expressed little concern about that situation, recently telling Daily Faceoff he was comfortable with how things were going. The Jets could end up re-signing the 29-year-old blueliner.

Matt Duchene is completing his second straight one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Stars. Given how well he fits with them, the 34-year-old center could accept another one-year deal to stay in Dallas.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 25, 2025

by | Jan 25, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 25, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s games, how the three-team trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes went down, the Islanders unveiled their Quarter-Century Team, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: A hat trick by Cole Perfetti powered the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club, snapping the latter’s three-game win streak. Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and two assists as the Jets (69 points) moved within three points of the league-leading Washington Capitals. Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton scored for Utah with team captain Clayton Keller picking up two assists.

Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a milestone game for Ehlers, becoming the first Dane in NHL history to reach the 500-point plateau.

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov scored in overtime and collected two assists in regulation play to down the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. Nick Paul and Jake Guentzel scored two unanswered goals as the Lightning overcame a 3-1 deficit. Frank Nazar and Louis Crevier each had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Kucherov’s 100th career multi-point game. The win moved the Lightning into third place in the Atlantic Division with 55 points.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson tallied twice in a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene and Evgenii Dadonov each collected two assists for the Stars, who moved ahead of the Minnesota Wild into second place in the Central Division with 61 points. Jack Eichel scored two goals for the Golden Knights, who’ve lost five of their last six games and cling to first place in the Pacific Division with 64 points.

The New York Islanders picked up their third straight win by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1. Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist while Ilya Sorokin made 29 saves for the Islanders (47 points), who sit six points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Tyson Foerster replied for the Flyers (50 points), who remain three points behind the Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders announced yesterday the signing of Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of this season. This move suggests Isles blueliner Noah Dobson will be sidelined for the rest of the season. DeAngelo must first clear waivers before he can join the Islanders.

HEADLINES

The NHL world is still buzzing over Friday night’s blockbuster trade that saw the Colorado Avalanche ship Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for trade details and my reaction. The Hurricanes also acquired prospect forward Nils Juntrop from the Blackhawks in the deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports the Hurricanes may have been the only suitor for Rantanen given the Avalanche’s asking price. He revealed Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky was involved in trade talks with the Vancouver Canucks involving Elias Pettersson earlier this month and J.T. Miller earlier this week before shifting to Rantanen.

According to Johnston, the origins of this trade go back to last June when the Hurricanes were at an impasse in contract talks with Martin Necas. The Avalanche raised the issue at the time but a deal didn’t take place. The discussions resumed two months ago and eventually grew more serious.

League sources told Johnston that there were no advanced discussions with the Rantanen camp about a contract extension before the deal went down. The 28-year-old forward is UFA-eligible on July 1. Johnston claims Rantanen was blindsided by this move by the Avalanche.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Blackhawks brokered this deal between the Avalanche and Hurricanes. If Rantanen hits the open market on July 1, Friedman wouldn’t be surprised if the Blackhawks pursued him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak believes the Avalanche replaced Rantanen in the short term with a very good player in Necas. However, he noted that the 26-year-old lacks Rantanen’s track record of success, especially in the postseason.

Masisak also observed the move gave the Avalanche some salary-cap wiggle room for the rest of the regular season and possibly much more in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rantanen deal was the biggest in-season NHL trade in the salary-cap era since the Boston Bruins shipped Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks 20 years ago. It could open the floodgates to more creative moves involving big-name talent before the March 7 trade deadline. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill update.

NHL.COM: The New York Islanders revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

The First Team comprises forwards Brock Nelson, John Tavares and Josh Bailey, defensemen Nick Leddy and Adam Pelech, and goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

The Second Team features forwards Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal and Frans Nielsen, defensemen Kenny Jonsson and Ryan Pulock, and goalie Semyon Varlamov.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Derek O’Brien cites reports from several Swedish media sources indicating Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson was defrauded by a Swedish real estate broker who is now in prison.

Pettersson lost the deposit on a luxury villa north of Stockholm that was revealed to have many flaws that required repairs. He successfully sued the broker to have the mortgage contract cancelled but it’s unlikely he’ll ever get the deposit back.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes winger William Carrier underwent surgery to repair a lower-body injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Carrier is out for the season the Hurricanes could place him on long-term injury reserve and use the salary-cap savings to add another player before the trade deadline. He’s in the first season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Avalanche. He missed the Bruins’ 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday with a minor upper-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Bryan Rust is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist was fined $2,000.00 for embellishment by the department of player safety.

TORONTO SUN: The Maple Leafs recalled goaltender Matt Murray and returned Dennis Hildeby to their AHL affiliate.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames assigned little-used defenseman Tyson Barrie to their AHL affiliate for conditioning. He’s appeared in nine games this season, the last being on Nov. 12.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Sabres center Ryan McLeod is expected back in the lineup when his club faces the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. He missed the last three games with a nagging injury.

DAILY FACEOFF: The San Jose Sharks signed center Colin White for the remainder of the season on a two-way contract. He began this season on a minor-league deal with their AHL affiliate.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 23, 2024

by | Dec 23, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – December 23, 2024

The holiday roster freeze remains in effect until Dec. 27 but that hasn’t stopped the trade and free-agent speculation. Check out the latest on the Canucks, Sabres and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MILLER DENIES RIFT WITH PETTERSSON

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller denies any rift with teammate Elias Pettersson, blaming the media for the speculation.

Vancouver Canucks center J.T. Miller (NHL Images)

“You guys in a sense of that outer world have created this thing,” said Miller. “This isn’t a thing. So, am I bothered? No. But you guys are just wasting your time. I don’t care. You can ask me all you want.”

Miller volunteered to bring in Pettersson so they could do the interview together if it would please the media. He said his focus was on improving his game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This story picked up last week, reaching the point where the media is questioning both players, their teammates and head coach Rick Tocchet.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday that the front office hopes the two players can resolve their differences but suggested the clock was ticking. Some observers suggest Miller or Pettersson could be traded if this continues.

The gossip about a rift between the Canucks’ top two centers coincides with the club struggling to meet expectations raised by last season’s 109-point performance. Instead of building on that, they’re clinging to a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with Miller and Pettersson playing well below their respective pay grades.

Improvement by the two players in question and the Canucks as a whole would bring the gossip to an end. Otherwise, it’ll continue to be an unnecessary distraction that could have consequences for the club’s playoff hopes and the futures of Miller or Pettersson in Vancouver.

THE LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington noted recent reports claiming Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams unsuccessfully pursued Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas in last summer’s trade market.

An NHL source told Harrington that Necas “never had a deal to ponder with Buffalo,” adding that his most likely destinations out of Carolina would’ve been Columbus or Winnipeg. The 25-year-old forward instead signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes.

Harrington wondered if Adams attempted to acquire Andrew Mangiapane before the Calgary Flames traded him to the Washington Capitals or Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers. He also indicated that his sources said the Sabres may have pursued Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers and Mangiapane are eligible to become unrestricted free agents in July. Whether they’d want to sign with the struggling Sabres is another matter.

Sharangovich’s 31-goal, 59-point performance last season earned him a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million starting this season. However, he has only six goals this season. The Flames might be open to offers but his new contract makes him a risky trade option for any club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Carchidi suggests the Philadelphia Flyers should aggressively pursue Sabres center Dylan Cozens.

Despite the 25-year-old forward’s struggles this season, Carchidi believes he can regain his scoring touch if he played at his natural position at center rather than the wing where he’s spent much of this season. He thinks Cozens could become a high-scoring center, something the Flyers lack.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cozens has been a fixture in the rumor mill as the Sabres continue to flounder in the standings. Mired in a 13-game winless skid (0-10-3), some sort of shakeup has to be coming for this team despite their owner’s assurances of patience.

Cozens could be part of that change but they’ll want a good young player in return.

SHARKS OPEN CONTRACT TALKS WITH ZETTERLUND

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng recently reported Fabian Zetterlund wants to remain with the Sharks and the team is interested in keeping him. The two sides have reportedly started contract discussions.

Zetterlund will become a restricted free agent next July. The 25-year-old winger has emerged among the rebuilding Sharks’ best players. He’s in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.45 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zetterlund led the Sharks last season with 24 goals and was third in points with 44. He’s tied for second in goals this season (11) with Mikael Granlund and Macklin Celebrini and is fifth with 23 points.