Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

The Boston Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. The Bruins retained half of Marchand’s $6.13 million cap hit.  

Boston Bruins traded Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick. 

Toronto Maple Leafs trade Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar to the Pittsburgh Penguins. More to follow. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks for a 2025 fourth-rounder. 

The Ottawa Senators acquired Fabian Zetterlund, Tristen Robins and a fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Noah Gregor, Zack Ostapchuk and a second-round pick. 

Philadelphia Flyers trade Erik Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche for Givani Smith.

The Buffalo Sabres shipped Henri Jokiharju to the Boston Bruins. Details to follow.  

The Dallas Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks. The Stars sign Rantanen to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $12 million. More details to follow.

New Jersey Devils acquire Cody Glass from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round pick.

The Boston Bruins Trade Charlie Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, prospect Will Zellers and a second-round pick.

The Detroit Red Wings Acquire Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Joe Veleno.

The Philadelphia Flyers trade Scott Laughton, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to the Toronto Maple Leafs for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick.

The Buffalo Sabres trade Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The Winnipeg Jets acquire Luke Schenn from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Jets also acquire Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken for a 2027 second-round pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick in 2025.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded Andrei Kuzmenko to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. Flyers retain 50 percent of Kuzmenko’s $5.5 million cap hit. 










Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

by | Mar 8, 2024

Notable NHL Trades – March 8, 2024

The San Jose Sharks traded center Tomas Hertl and two third-round picks (2025 and 2027) to the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas’ 2025 first-rounder and prospect center David Edstrom.

New Jersey Devils trade winger Tyler Toffoli to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL Images).

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets have acquired winger Tyler Toffoli from the New Jersey Devils. TSN reports the return is a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder. 

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Washington Capitals traded center Evgeny Kuznetsov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick. The Capitals also retain 50 percent of Kuznetsov’s $7.8 million annual cap hit through 2024-25. 

Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Jake Allen to the New Jersey Devils in return for a conditional third-rounder in 2024. The Canadiens also retain half of Allen’s contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports the New Jersey Devils traded goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen. 

Buffalo Sabres traded winger Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers in exchange for minor-league defenseman Calle Sjalin and a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. 

Minnesota Wild traded forward Pat Maroon to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick and minor league winger Luke Toporowski.

New York Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional fourth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Matt Dumba and a 2025 seven-rounder to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2027 fifth-round pick. 

Arizona Coyotes trade winger Jason Zucker to the Nashville Predators for a 2024 sixth-round pick.

Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2024 fourth-rounder.

Boston Bruins trade defenseman Jakub Zboril to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Andrew Peeke. 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

by | Mar 3, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 3, 2024

Check out the latest on the Flames’ Noah Hanifin and Jacob Markstrom and the Penguins’ Jake Guentzel plus updates on the Hurricanes, Flyers and Sabres in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

HANIFIN FOCUSING ON FLORIDA TEAMS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports it’s believed that the Tampa Bay Lightning are the preferred trade destination for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin. He felt if it were easy to do, it would have been done by now. “Everyone continues to work at it,” he said, adding that it remains to be seen how Hanifin and the Flames proceed if they can’t get a deal done with the Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A significant hurdle will be landing a suitable return from the Lightning.

They have the cap space ($7.3 million) with Mikhail Sergachev on LTIR for the remainder of the regular season. However, they don’t have any first-round picks in 2024 or 2025 to draw on for trade bait plus they lack second and fourth-rounders in this year’s draft.

Meanwhile, their prospect pipeline is ranked 29th by The Athletic with Isaac Howard and Ethan Gauthier as their top young players. Trading one of them further depletes their prospect pool, which is a concern for an aging roster whose Stanley Cup window has likely closed.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reports he’s been told the Florida Panthers are making a push for Hanifin. He wondered how that could affect core defensemen Brandon Montour and Gustav Forsling. Both of them are slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Hanifin is willing to join the Panthers (currently in first place in the overall standings) and sign a contract extension it could affect Forsling. Like Hanifin, he’s a left-shot defenseman whereas Montour is a right-shot blueliner.

UPDATE ON MARKSTROM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman talked about Jacob Markstrom’s remarks on Friday where he said he felt the Flames could’ve handled his situation better regarding a rumored trade to the New Jersey Devils.

Friedman believes Markstrom is upset that Flames management approached him about the possibility of a deal with the Devils. He indicated he would be willing to consider going to New Jersey but then the plans changed and the trade didn’t happen. Then at some point, management informed Markstrom that they preferred to keep him because he’s playing great and the team is doing so well.

The Devils have identified Markstrom as their top target. Friedman has heard they’re prepared to revisit their interest in the Flames goalie this summer if they don’t acquire a goalie with term by the March 8 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The sticking point in that deal was the Devils wanted the Flames to retain a portion of Markstrom’s $6 million average annual value through 2025-26. It fell apart because the Flames refused.

On Friday, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils are now willing to take on Markstrom’s entire cap hit. Whether that prompts a change of heart for Flames GM Craig Conroy remains to be seen, especially with his club continuing to remain in the playoff hunt. If Markstrom is bothered by all of this he’s not letting it affect his performance.

PENGUINS SEEKING PROSPECTS OVER DRAFT PICKS FOR GUENTZEL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have told teams they’re more interested in acquiring two prospects as part of the return for Jake Guentzel over a prospect and a draft pick. If they must take back a contract in the deal, that could change the dynamic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins GM Kyle Dubas wants his roster to get younger as soon as possible without going into a full-scale rebuild. Prospects could get into the lineup quicker than draft picks.

Speaking of the Penguins, Friedman believes they’ve told sidelined winger Bryan Rust that they won’t ask him to waive his no-movement clause.

LATEST ON THE HURRICANES, FLYERS AND SABRES

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke DeCock reports Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell could move one of his four goaltenders once starter Frederik Andersen returns to action. Andersen has been sidelined for most of this season with a blood-clotting issue.

The Hurricanes were once thought to be in the market for a goalie. However, that has quieted with the solid play of rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, Antti Raanta’s recovery from injury and the addition of Spencer Martin off waivers. One could be moved to free up salary cap space for the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raanta or Martin seems likely to hit the trade block or get placed on waivers.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella said his team isn’t actively shopping defenseman Nick Seeler. Tortorella praised the 30-year-old Seeler, calling him “one of the true competitors that I’ve ever coached as far as he handles himself.”

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports the Sabres are getting more calls about Erik Johnson as the market for defensemen thins out following Chris Tanev’s trade to Dallas and Toronto’s acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin.

Like those two, Johnston is a right-shot blueliner. He’s also respected for his penalty-killing, shot-blocking and leadership. He’s also two years removed from winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2024

by | Feb 20, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2024

Check out the latest on the Hurricanes, Sharks, Sabres and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HURRICANES AREN’T INTERESTED IN RENTAL PLAYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the Carolina Hurricanes will be buyers by the March 8 trade deadline. However, general manager Don Waddell said he’s not interested in adding players on expiring contracts.

“Our first priority, if we’re giving up premium picks or top prospects, we want to make sure that we get a player for more than a few months”, Waddell told LeBrun. He added that they’re aren’t many non-rental players in the market as most trade candidates are slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

Contrary to popular belief, Waddell said he’s not looking to add a goaltender. He pointed out that sidelined netminder Frederik Andersen will be returning soon while Pyotr Kochetkov’s performance has been solid this season. He’s also comfortable with his blueline depth.

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell (NHL.com).

Waddell would like to add a top-nine forward or two. LeBrun speculates it might be a forward with term remaining on their contract whose name hasn’t yet surfaced in the rumor mill. He suspects that the Hurricanes GM has inquired about winger Travis Konecny but doesn’t think the Philadelphia Flyers intend to move him, especially after recently naming him an alternate captain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes currently have over $6.6 million in trade deadline cap space so they’ve got the room to add a forward or two. They also have all their picks in this year’s draft along with the Flyers’ second-rounder to draw on for trade bait if necessary.

COULD THE SHARKS ATTEMPT TO TRADE LOGAN COUTURE THIS SUMMER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller noted there is speculation suggesting if the San Jose Sharks are going to trade Logan Couture, it won’t happen until the offseason. Couture, 34, is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury that has plagued him since last summer, limiting him to just six games.

With the Sharks near the bottom of the NHL standings, they are expected to be sellers by the March 8 trade deadline. Couture is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8 million and a three-team trade list.

Miller cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claiming Couture could be sidelined for the rest of the season. “If a move happens, it’s more likely to occur in the off-season,” he writes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Couture would be almost impossible to move in-season under normal circumstances because of his contract. If he’s out for the rest of this season there will be a genuine concern that his condition could end his career. That will make it more difficult to trade Couture during this summer.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: In a recent mailbag segment, Lance Lysowski was asked if the Sabres can expect any changes before the upcoming trade deadline. He believed contenders would ask about pending free agents such as Erik Johnson, Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. Lysowski also felt that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will try to get a head start on finding players for next season like he did last year by acquiring Jordan Greenway from the Minnesota Wild.

If Johnson is traded, Lysowski speculated Adams will try to add another defenseman who could be part of the roster for next season, preferably a top-four blueliner. He also thinks the Sabres GM will open contract extension talks with Casey Mittelstadt’s agent. Lysowski doesn’t see them trading Mittelstadt or forwards Dylan Cozens, Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson or Alex Tuch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mittelstadt recently surfaced as a trade candidate in the rumor mill. However, Adams was insistent in an interview last week that he wasn’t shopping the 25-year-old center and intends to re-sign him.

COULD THE CANADIENS TRADE DAVID SAVARD?

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted that Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes recently said he’s not shopping David Savard. However, Basu believes he’s listening to offers. He believes the market for a shot-blocking, right-shot defenseman like Savard will open up once the Calgary Flames trade Chris Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard, 33, is signed through next season with an AAV of $3.5 million. He also lacks no-trade protection.

I don’t doubt that Hughes will listen to trade offers for Savard. As we’ve seen, however, he sets a high price for his players and usually won’t budge until someone meets it. With Savard under contract for next season, he’s under no pressure to trade him now. If no one meets his price, he’ll wait until the summer or next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

by | Feb 7, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – February 7, 2024

The latest on Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, David Savard and Erik Johnson plus the latest on the Red Wings, Rangers, Flyers and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON NOAH HANIFIN AND CHRIS TANEV

TSN: Chris Johnston reports a resolution in the Calgary Flames’ contract negotiations with Noah Hanifin could be coming soon. The agents for the 27-year-old defenseman are expected to meet soon with Flames management to present their final position. Johnston speculated that Hanifin could be moved before the March 8 trade deadline if the two sides fail to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun said Hanifin’s teammate Chris Tanev is considered the top defenseman in the trade market because he is available. Where the 34-year-old Flames blueliner ends up could dictate the direction of the market for defensemen.

The asking price for most teams is expected to be a second-round pick plus another asset. However, for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs who lack a second-rounder, the price is a first-round pick. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving might be unwilling to do that.

THE ATHLETIC: Speaking of Tanev, the Leafs are Julian McKenzie and Shayna Goldman’s list of potential trade destinations for the Flames’ rearguard. Others include the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev may be the top defenseman currently available but that will change if Hanifin ends up on the trade block. However, the Flames will set a higher asking price for Hanifin because he plays a more complete game. I daresay that teams who express an interest in him will also want to know if he’ll be willing to sign a contract extension.

LATEST ON DAVID SAVARD AND ERIK JOHNSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged David Savard doesn’t want to be traded. The Montreal Canadiens could move the 33-year-old defenseman if they receive a suitable offer but they’re not committed to trading him and haven’t brought him up in trade talks with other clubs.

Speaking of veteran defensemen, LeBrun said there’s a chance that the Buffalo Sabres move Erik Johnson. However, they haven’t committed to that yet and want to speak with the 35-year-old rearguard and his agent before reaching a decision.

RECENT RED WINGS SPECULATION

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman isn’t shopping promising winger Jonatan Berggren, who surfaced at No. 39 on TSN’s latest trade-bait board. However, he doesn’t rule out Yzerman moving him for the right offer.

Allen also mused about whether the Red Wings might attempt to pry another player away from the Ottawa Senators such as defenseman Jakob Chychrun…If the Red Wings fall out of playoff contention before the March 8 trade deadline they could approach Patrick Kane about waiving his no-movement clause…David Perron, Shayne Gostisbehere, Daniel Sprong and James Reimer could also become trade candidates if the Wings become sellers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are jockeying for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. Yzerman could be a buyer rather than a seller this year.

RANGERS NOT WILLING TO MOVE THEIR 2024 FIRST-ROUNDER

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the New York Rangers could be unwilling to part with their 2024 first-round pick in their efforts to acquire a forward. Team owner James Dolan is the owner of Sphere in Las Vegas where the 2024 NHL Draft will be held. He wants his club to be part of the spotlight in that draft. Dreger believes they could be willing to part with their 2025 first-rounder.

FLYERS AND DEVILS GET CAP RELIEF

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW/NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils will receive salary cap relief due to leave of absence by the Flyers’ Carter Hart and the Devils’ Michael McLeod and Cal Foote as they deal with charges of sexual assault in the 2018 World Junior Hockey Canada criminal proceedings.

That would provide both clubs the opportunity to free up cap space to put to use acquiring players leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Those three players are currently listed as non-roster players. Hart earns a cap hit of $3.979 million while McLeod and Foote earn a combined $2.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t a rumor but it could become a factor during any future trade speculation involving the Flyers or Devils leading up to the March 8 deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

by | Jan 28, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 28, 2024

Sean Monahan is linked to the Rangers, Chris Tanev could become a Senators trade target, and the Sabres’ Erik Johnson could become a trade candidate. Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE RANGERS PURSUE MONAHAN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported speculation over whether the New York Rangers might pitch for Sean Monahan.

The Montreal Canadiens center has garnered lots of respect around the league after overcoming injuries that threatened to derail his career two years ago. Monahan, 29, has 35 points in 49 games this season.

Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan (NHL Images).

Friedman believes the Canadiens’ asking price could be a first-rounder for Monahan. He noted that the Rangers were in the market for a center and could use a second one after Filip Chytil suffered a setback last week in his recovery from a concussion.

It could prove not very easy for the two clubs to swing a deal. Friedman believes there is little love lost between their front offices. Canadiens executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is the Rangers’ former general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think Gorton would have an issue if the Rangers offered up a first-round pick or a top prospect for Monahan. A bigger concern could be whether the Blueshirts could win a bidding war for the Canadiens center. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks could have an interest in him.

SENATORS EYEING CHRIS TANEV

SPORTSNET: Friedman reported that Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev could be on the Ottawa Senators’ radar as they look to add complete players and “pros” to their lineup.

Friedman thinks Tanev would make a lot of sense for the Senators. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations given their place in the standings. The 34-year-old blueliner could prefer going to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This only makes sense for the Senators if Tanev is willing to sign a contract extension with them. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, which is why he’s come up so often in trade rumors this season. If he’s not interested, they’ll be wasting assets on someone who could bolt this summer to greener pastures. It might be best to wait and see if he will test the free-agent market this summer and inquire about him then.

WILL THE SABRES SHOP ERIK JOHNSON?

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Jason Moser cited Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast episode in which Friedman said he’s starting to hear Erik Johnson’s name a little bit in the rumor mill. The 35-year-old defenseman signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Sabres last summer.

Friedman said he was told that Johnson could be a name to watch as there’s going to be interest in him. He thinks the veteran blueliner would prefer going to a contender if the Sabres attempt to move him. Moser speculated they might get a third-round pick for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnson lacks a no-trade clause but the Sabres could try to do right by him by prioritizing contenders. He’s on injured reserve but is expected to return to action following the upcoming All-Star break.