NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

by | Jun 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2025

Big changes could be coming for the Rangers, the latest on the Penguins, and a list of potential buyout candidates in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RUMBLINGS OF BIG CHANGES FOR THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC’s Arthur Staple reported that the word at the NHL Draft Combine was that the New York Rangers are among the teams looking to shake up their rosters this summer. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth, and Seattle Kraken.

Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Artemi Panarin are considered the only untouchables on the Rangers roster. Staple believes general manager Chris Drury could attempt to sign Vladislav Gavrikov if the Los Angeles Kings’ defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks considers it inevitable that the Rangers will trade K’Andre Miller. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and is coming off a disappointing 2024-25 performance.

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (NHL Images).

Several sources told Brooks that they believe Miller will be targeted with an offer sheet if he isn’t moved by July 1. He believes the offer would be around five years with an average annual value between $6 million and $7.012 million, which the Rangers “all but certainly would not match.” They would receive a first and third-round pick as compensation.

Parting with Miller would leave the Rangers without a left-shot defenseman who can skate alongside Fox on their top defenseman pairing. Unless such a blueliner is part of the return in a trade involving Miller, Brooks believes they’ll have to overpay for a UFA like Gavrikov if he’s available.

Brooks also indicated that Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere is “surely available” and was the topic of several conversations at the draft combine, “though it is unclear whether the majority of inquiries were outgoing or incoming.”

If the Rangers can’t move Miller for a defenseman and instead move him for a forward, Brooks believes Drury could use Lafreniere as a trade chip to add a left-shot blueliner.

Brooks pointed out that Vincent Trocheck’s no-trade clause becomes a 12-team no-trade list on July 1. If next season goes sideways, he believes Trocheck could become one of the Rangers’ most attractive trade chips.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drury was among the busiest general managers in this season’s trade market. He began tinkering with his roster in December, hoping to stage what would be a quick turnaround in their fortunes within a season or two.

If he’s peddling Miller and Lafreniere, he’ll want good NHL players in their prime in return, not draft picks and prospects, unless he intends to use those as trade bait as well.

PENGUINS COULD SPURN FREE AGENCY FOR THE TRADE MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reported Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said he’s probably not going to be as aggressive in the free-agent market, unless it’s for a younger player “who maybe deserves a little more term.”

Dubas said he’s been getting trade inquiries from other clubs, indicating that some of them are rebuilding clubs looking to take the next step in their development.

Yohe stated the Penguins have “a bushel of draft picks and several veterans they’re willing to trade.” In return, Dubas wants young, talented players who no longer fit with their current teams. He’ll also be watching cap-strapped clubs looking to offload some salary.

Penguins fans could want Dubas to target restricted free agents with offer sheets, like the St. Louis Blues did last summer when they signed Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers. However, he doesn’t think that’s going to happen much this summer because of the rising salary cap.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins could have two first-rounders in this year’s draft if the Rangers agree to send them their 2025 pick as part of the terms of the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks, who included that pick as part of the return to the Penguins for Marcus Pettersson.

They also have three third-rounders and two fifth-rounders in this year’s draft, three second-rounders and two third-rounders in 2026, and two second-rounders, three third-rounders and two fourth-rounders in 2027.

The veterans who they are willing to move could include defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves, goaltender Tristan Jarry, and forward Kevin Hayes. However, rival clubs are likely more interested in top-six forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

POTENTIAL BUYOUT CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli recently published his list of seven players he believes could be bought out of their contracts this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first buyout window opens the later of June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30. A team can get a second, 48-hour buyout window if a player files for arbitration and is settled or awarded, beginning three days following the settlement or award.

Defenseman T.J. Brodie of the Chicago Blackhawks tops Seravalli’s list, with forward Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders and blueliner Matt Dumba of the Dallas Stars sitting second and third, respectively.

Chicago forward Joe Veleno, St. Louis Blues winger Mathieu Joseph, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, and San Jose Sharks blueliner Marc-Edouard Vlasic round out the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All but Veleno are over the age of 26, meaning their buyouts are calculated at two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining term. The 25-year-old Veleno’s buyout would be calculated at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining term.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

by | Apr 28, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 28, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad and what could be next for the Islanders after parting ways with Lou Lamoriello.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported that Mika Zibanejad knows his disappointing performance this season has put him at a crossroads with the Rangers.

The 32-year-old center was among several notable underperforming Rangers. He also reportedly didn’t like how general manager Chris Drury handled “certain business” this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would be Drury waiving popular checking-line forward Barclay Goodrow last June, his attempts to peddle Jacob Trouba last summer before trading him to Anaheim in December, and the league-wide memo last November indicating veteran leaders like Trouba and Chris Kreider were available.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Walker indicates there is speculation about Zibanejad’s future in New York. He has five years left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million and a full no-movement clause. She wondered if Zibanejad and the Rangers could put this season aside and trust each other going forward, or would Drury sit down with him and convince him to accept a trade.

“I know what my contract says,” Zibanejad said the day before the Rangers’ final game of the season. “Both parties agreed to it, and like I said, I think I’ve earned it. Until it’s time to adjust it, I have no plans of going anywhere. I’ve invested a lot of years here.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zibanejad saying “until it’s time to adjust it” suggests he could be open to waiving his no-movement clause for the right team. He was rumored to be part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks for J.T. Miller but was said to have refused to waive his clause. The Rangers part with Filip Chytil instead.

Zibanejad could be difficult to move even if he agreed to be traded. He turned 32 earlier this month, his production has steadily declined since his career-best 91-point performance in 2022-23, and few teams will be willing to take on his cap hit for the next five years.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently looked at what lies ahead for the New York Islanders after parting ways with general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Certain players will want to know what the future holds. Kyle Palmieri was said to be close to a contract extension with Lamoriello before the latter was fired last week. Restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Simon Holmstrom and Alexander Romanov will also want to know where they stand.

There’s also the possibility of contract buyouts when the two-week window opens in late June. Winger Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield could be buyout candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson, Holmstrom and Romanov will likely be re-signed. Palmieri’s future is less certain if the next GM believes the money would be better invested in pursuing a younger player.

Engvall has five years left on his contract with an AAV of $3 million. Buying him out would count as $1 million annually against the Isles’ cap until 2034-35. Mayfield also has five years left with a $3.5 million AAV. His buyout would run through 2034-35 with an annual cap hit of $1.166 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2025

by | Apr 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2025

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

ISLANDERS’ NEW GM MUST ADDRESS SOME BIG QUESTIONS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears looked at the critical questions facing the Islanders after parting ways with now-former general manager Lou Lamoriello earlier this week.

Head coach Patrick Roy and his staff are in limbo until Lamoriello’s replacement is found. His future behind the Islanders’ bench could depend on whether he has a rapport with the new GM.

Lamoriello was working on a contract extension for veteran winger Kyle Palmieri. That is likely on hold until the new general manager is in place. The 34-year-old is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson (NHL Images).

Sears also wondered if the new Isles GM will entertain trade offers for veteran forwards Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Both are a year away from UFA eligibility. He also brought up the possibility of contract buyouts for forward Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield.

The new GM must also decide if he sees Noah Dobson as a true No. 1 defenseman. The 25-year-old is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights starting on July 1. They must also decide if they trust aging Semyon Varlamov as their backup goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Islanders are expected to conduct a thorough search for Lamoriello’s replacement. They should have someone in place by the end of May to suitably address these issues, as well as prepare for the draft at the end of June.

Dobson and Palmieri’s free-agent eligibility makes them a priority. There’s no rush to move Lee and Pageau, but it would be worthwhile to have that new GM in place before the draft to at least gauge their value in the trade market.

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported earlier this week that Penguins GM Kyle Dubas called out defenseman Erik Karlsson over his performance and his comments about his disappointment with the club’s play this season.

“Erik, I think, is and will forever be a polarizing figure. While I don’t know his exact comments, my view would be that we expect him to be one of the people who pulls us from where we’re at and into contention,” Dubas said. “I had a long meeting with Erik on Friday. My push to him would be that his actions have to match his ambitions. That’s in consistency, preparation, and training, like every other player on the team.”

Based on Dubas’ comments, Kingerski believes trade possibilities for Karlsson have “greatly diminished.” He suggested it might not be Karlsson’s choice if he remains with the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson has a full no-movement clause and an expensive contract that runs through 2026-27. Nevertheless, he surfaced frequently in the rumor mill in recent weeks, with some reports suggesting the Penguins might find a suitor for the expensive, inconsistent blueliner if they retained part of his cap hit.

The Penguins carry nearly $10 million of his average annual value while his former club (San Jose Sharks) carries the remaining $1.5 million.

Based on Dubas’ remarks, it sounds like Karlsson will return with the Penguins next season.

Meanwhile, Dave Molinari doesn’t expect the Penguins to part ways with head coach Mike Sullivan. Dubas indicated Sullivan is under contract for next season and intends to return behind the Penguins’ bench.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

by | Oct 11, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 11, 2024

The latest on Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Sam Bennett and Alexis Lafreniere, an update on the Islanders, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Darren Dreger provided updates on the contract negotiations between Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.

Dreger said Shesterkin is just focusing on playing his game now that the season has begun. The recent report claiming he rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer hasn’t fazed him at all. Some believe his range is $11.5 million and $11.7 million, which would make him the highest-paid Ranger.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a source who believes Shesterkin wants to set the market for goaltenders so high that no one will top him for a while. He knows that the Rangers need him and have to sign him.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (NHL Images).

D’Amico’s source said the Rangers don’t have an issue making him the NHL’s highest-paid goaltender. “Where the number starts with an 11 or 12, he will be the standard.

Both sides are still negotiating. Shesterkin wants to stay in New York and the Rangers want to keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’re not even a week into this season and Shesterkin’s contract situation is dominating the rumor mill. This risks becoming an unnecessary distraction for the Rangers this season.

Turning to Mikko Rantanen, Pierre LeBrun doesn’t think anything’s imminent regarding his contract talks with the Colorado Avalanche. He believes Rantanen’s agent will factor in the rise of the salary cap and the percentage of the cap.

LeBrun thinks Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million average annual value is a bit of an internal cap for the Avalanche. This could get done but not everyone knows for sure if it will.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: $12.5 million annually for eight years could do it but the Avs could be trying to keep it in the $11 million range.

The Florida Panthers signing Carter Verhaeghe to a long-term extension earlier this week prompted Dreger to wonder whether they’ll re-sign versatile two-way forward Sam Bennett.

Dreger believes the Panthers want to keep Bennett. However, he could become a big-ticket player in next summer’s free-agent market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is that guy you hate to play against but love to have on your team. He’s making over $4.4 million annually on his current contract and could seek an average annual value of around $7 million.

THE SCORE: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Rangers have been working on a new contract with Alexis Lafreniere since the summer. Different options are on the table, including an eight-year deal with an AAV of $8 million.

Lafreniere, 23, is in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.33 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere’s breakout performance last season signals better things to come for the 2020 first-overall pick. Getting him locked into a new long-term deal as soon as possible could pay significant dividends against the salary cap down the road.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jonathan Bailey believes New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall could be a great trade target for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Engvall, 28, cleared waivers earlier this week and was sent to the Isles’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He’s in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

Bailey believes Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall, whose inconsistent play with the Isles led to his demotion. He pointed to the winger’s size, speed and solid puck possession numbers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of you might suggest that if the Flyers wanted him they could’ve claimed him off waivers without giving up anything in return. However, trading for him now means he doesn’t have to pass through waivers again if the Flyers decide to demote him to their AHL affiliate.

Nevertheless, I doubt the Flyers will be interested. Engvall may be an analytics darling but his overall game needs improvement. He failed to produce more offense as a middle-six forward. The length of his contract is also a concern.

TSN: Chris Johnston reports Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The four defensemen are unrestricted free agents still hoping to land NHL jobs. Johnston indicated Schultz turned down some NHL offers and could play in Europe if he doesn’t find the right fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They could still land jobs if injuries strike early in the season or if cap-strapped clubs find themselves seeking affordable blueline depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – October 7, 2024

Check out the latest on the Islanders, Bruins and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears examines the Islanders’ stunning decision to place Pierre Engvall on waivers Sunday. The 28-year-old forward is entering the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.

New York Islanders winger Pierre Engvall (NHL Images).

Sears expects Engvall will clear waivers today and likely start the season with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The Isles will only get $1.15 million in cap relief.

The Isles would like to find a trade partner for Engvall. However, his 16-team no-trade list combined with the years remaining on his contract makes that unlikely. A club willing to trade for him could demand a draft pick be included in the deal, which the Isles would find unpalatable.

Sears suggests Engvall’s contract could go down as one of the worst in Islanders history, one they could be dealing with for a while. Buying him out next June would cost $1 million annually against their cap through 2035. If not, they’ll be dealing with his $3 million cap hit through 2030.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Engvall’s contract makes it unlikely another club will claim him off waivers.

The Isles could attempt to swap him for a player with an equally toxic contract in the trade market in the hope the change of scenery would improve the performance of the incoming player. However, that also seems unlikely.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Christopher Hurley observes the Bruins have just over $386K in cap space after signing Jeremy Swayman yesterday to an eight-year, $66 million contract.

Hurley believes the Bruins have more roster juggling in store with PTO invitee Tyler Johnson still unsigned and several other players on the bubble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could mean demotions to the minors or a cost-cutting trade. They could send John Beecher, Matthew Poitras or Mason Lohrei to their AHL affiliate. They’re on entry-level contracts and waiver-exempt.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes the Columbus Blue Jackets will be worth watching near the March 7 trade deadline depending on the club’s performance this season.

The Jackets have several players heading into the final season of their contracts. They include forwards Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Mathieu Olivier and James van Riemsdyk, plus defensemen Ivan Provorov and Jack Johnson.

Portzline isn’t suggesting all of them will be traded but some of them could, especially if younger players push those veterans for playing time.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 7, 2024

The Canucks re-sign Nils Hoglander and acquire Erik Brannstrom, several notable players land on waivers as teams make their final roster cuts for the regular season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks signed winger Nils Hoglander to a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3 million.

Vancouver Canucks winger Nils Hoglander (NHL Images).

Hoglander, 23, is in the final season of a two-year contract with a $1.1 million AAV. He scored a career-high 24 goals last season.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche traded defenseman Erik Brannstrom to the Canucks in exchange for blueliner Tucker Poolman and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche signed Brannstrom this summer but adding John Ludvig off waivers over the weekend made him expendable. The Canucks have put him on waivers to send him to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Poolman, 31, is in the final year of his contract. He’s suffered migraines since 2022 and is permanently sidelined. The Canucks retained 20 percent of his $2.5 million cap hit but it still provides them with much-needed cap room. It’s expected the Avs will place him on LTIR.

DAILY FACEOFF: Several notable players were placed on waivers Sunday. They include New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Justin Holl, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray, Buffalo Sabres netminder James Reimer, and Calgary Flames forward Jakob Pelletier.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles placing Engvall on waivers raises some eyebrows. The 28-year-old forward’s contract makes him unlikely to be claimed by another club. He’s entering the second season of a seven-year contract with a $3 million annual cap hit. I’ll have more about this situation in today’s Rumor Mill.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen believes Holl’s $3.4 million AAV through 2025-26 makes him unlikely to be claimed by a rival club.

The move leaves the Wings with seven defensemen, opening the door to add a 13th forward. It’s expected they’ll sign Austin Watson, who’s been in training camp on a professional tryout offer (PTO).

The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson examined why Pelletier is on waivers The 23-year-old winger was the Flames’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2019 draft. However, he’s struggled to nail down a full-time roster spot, bouncing between the Flames and their AHL affiliate over the past two seasons. Pelletier carries an affordable $800K cap hit and could become a tempting option for a rival club.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Hockey Club signed Kailer Yamamoto to a one-year, two-way contract after the 26-year-old forward played well during his professional tryout offer.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes released Sam Gagner from his professional tryout offer.

SPORTSNET: Monday’s preseason game between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning was canceled due to Hurricane Milton’s approach. This game was originally scheduled for Sept. 27 but was postponed because of the effects of Hurricane Helene.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The approach of Hurricane Milton forced the Panthers to cancel their public Stanley Cup ring presentation ceremony at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.