NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

by | Mar 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 5, 2026

The trade deadline is Friday. Check out the latest on the Bruins, Devils, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Senators, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS EYEING JUSTIN FAULK AND ROBERT THOMAS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins continue to monitor the St. Louis Blues as that club attempts to move out several veterans before the trade deadline.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

One source said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remained interested in right-shot defenseman Justin Faulk. He was also believed to have been looking at Colton Parayko, who will be heading to the Buffalo Sabres if he waives his no-trade clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sweeney tipped his hand regarding his intentions when he attempted to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in January. Adding a right-shot defenseman (such as Faulk) remains his priority.

Sweeney was also believed to have gauged the Blues’ asking price for Robert Thomas. Murphy’s source believes the asking price would be young forward Fraser Minten, top prospect James Hagens, and the Bruins’ 2026 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely Sweeney will meet that asking price for Thomas.

COULD THE DEVILS MOVE NEMEC FOR A FORWARD?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols weighed in on yesterday’s report from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, indicating the Devils are willing to entertain offers for Simon Nemec. They’re reportedly happy to keep him, but could be open to moving him for a return that significantly improves their forward lines.

A source told James that he considers the 22-year-old Nemec to be a solid No. 2 defenseman. He believes that the blueliner would have to be part of a package to fetch the return the Devils seek.

James wondered if the Philadelphia Flyers would be interested in Nemec as a potential replacement for Rasmus Ristolainen, suggesting winger Owen Tippett as a return. He also proposed dangling Nemec in a package deal for Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reported the Boston Bruins had spoken with the Devils about Nemec and fellow blueliner Johnathan Kovacevic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins might not be able to spare a player who would significantly improve the Devils’ forward lines.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS CONJECTURE

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Colorado Avalanche could be looking at center Scott Laughton. The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings have been linked to defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, while “a whole bunch of teams” could be eyeing winger Bobby McMann.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those three were held out of Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils for “roster management reasons.” They’re also unlikely to play in Thursday’s contest with the New York Rangers.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at how yesterday’s trades involving defensemen Tyler Myers to Dallas, MacKenzie Weegar to Utah, Nick Blankenburg to Colorado, and Colton Parayko potentially to Buffalo could affect the trade market for Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen.

Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues and Zach Whitecloud of the Calgary Flames are the most notable defensemen besides Ristolainen in the trade market. Clubs that are seeking defensemen include the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and possibly the Tampa Bay Lightning.

James believes the proposed return to the Blues for Parayko (a first-round pick and prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka) bodes well for the Flyers’ hopes of getting at least a first-rounder for Ristolainen.

NHL NETWORK: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Lightning might be interested in Flyers winger Bobby Brink. He’s a right-hand shot and doesn’t carry an expensive contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 24-year-old Brink carries a cap hit of $3 million this season. He’s in the final year of a two-year deal and is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.

SENATORS STILL SHOPPING FOR A RIGHT-SHOT DEFENSEMAN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators remain in the market for a right-shot defenseman. They were among the clubs interested in MacKenzie Weegar before the Calgary Flames shipped him to the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Options include Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers, and Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils are also believed to be available.

Teams have inquired about Senators forward Ridly Greig, but the Senators aren’t interested in moving him. Trade chips could include Fabian Zetterlund, Stephen Halliday, and Nick Jensen.

The Senators have also received some calls about UFA-eligible players such as Claude Giroux, David Perron, and Lars Eller. Perron isn’t expected to move because he’s recovering from sports hernia surgery.

COULD THE DUCKS GO SHOPPING FOR A BLUELINER?

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens believes the Anaheim Ducks could attempt to shore up their defense corps as they attempt to secure their first postseason berth in eight years.

Stephens indicated the Ducks are open to adding an older defenseman, and they won’t mind if he’s a rental player. However, they’d prefer one in his twenties with term remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks are my dark horse in this trade deadline. They have the cap space and tradable assets to address this need on their blueline.

NO GARLAND FOR THE ISLANDERS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports trade talks between the New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks regarding Canucks winger Conor Garland have stalled. The Isles are apparently balking at Vancouver’s asking price.

COULD ERIK HAULA BE THE NEXT PREDATOR ON THE TRADE BLOCK?

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported Nashville Predators forward Erik Haula is drawing interest from teams that may miss out on Predators center Ryan O’Reilly and New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

by | Feb 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 5, 2026

​What’s next for the Predators after Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping down as GM? Could the Red Wings pursue Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? What’s the latest on the Canucks? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s Olympic trade freeze began on Feb. 4 and lasts until 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill. Follow along for the latest.

HOW WILL THE PREDATORS NAVIGATE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Josh Beneteau looked at what’s next for the Nashville Predators after Barry Trotz announced earlier this week that he was stepping down as general manager.

Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (NHL Images).

Trotz is remaining in the role until a suitable replacement can be found. In the meantime, he must decide if he’ll be a buyer or a seller by the March 6 trade deadline. While his club is close to a playoff berth, Trotz still intends to listen to offers.

Beneteau’s colleague Elliotte Friedman has reported that teams are making pitches for forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Steven Stamkos. Other trade candidates could include Jonathan Marchessault, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he has. Trotz recently said he hasn’t received any offers yet that would convince him to approach O’Reilly about a trade.

Stamkos is well ahead of last season’s disappointing offensive numbers, which could improve his value in the trade market. However, he’s got a full no-movement clause, making it unlikely that he’ll be playing for another club anytime soon.

COULD JUSTIN FAULK BE A FIT WITH THE RED WINGS?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings’ most pressing need is for a second-pairing defenseman. He believes Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues could address that issue.

Faulk, 33, has one more season left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Khan pointed out that Faulk no longer fits within the Blues’ long-range plans. A right-shot defenseman, he could replace rookie Alex Sandin-Pellikka alongside Ben Chiarot on their second pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have plenty of cap space to take on Faulk’s remaining contract, and lots of promising young players and prospects to use as trade bait to entice the Blues. However, it could come down to whether Detroit is on his no-trade list, and if so, whether he’d be willing to waive it.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes that the Vancouver Canucks didn’t make any trades before the Olympic roster freeze because the players’ mothers were on their recent road trip.

Canucks forwards Evander Kane and Teddy Blueger are UFA-eligible and thus considered trade candidates. Management must also decide whether to retain or trade winger Conor Garland, whose new contract begins on July 1. He lacks no-trade protection on his current deal.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2025

by | Nov 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 18, 2025

Are changes coming for the struggling Predators? Could the Canadiens go shopping for a center? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty wondered if changes are coming for the fading Nashville Predators. They have a record of 6-10-4, sitting eighth in the Central Division. He pointed out that they were 6-11-3 after 20 games last year, going on to finish that season with the third-worst record in the league.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Daugherty believes there are only so many changes that general manager Barry Trotz can make. Most of his big contracts, including Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, have no-movement clauses. He frequently supported head coach Andrew Brunette.

Minor changes, such as trading players on expiring contracts (Erik Haula, Michael Bunting), would exacerbate the situation, even if they’re necessary in the long term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daugherty doesn’t expect to see any improvement from the Predators with their current roster this season.

Stamkos and Marchessault have surfaced in the rumor mill. Still, even if they agree to waive their movement clauses, the decline in their production combined with the remaining term of their contracts could make them difficult to move and won’t fetch significant returns.

Ryan O’Reilly has also been mentioned recently as a trade target. The 34-year-old center is second among Predators scorers with 13 points and is still well-regarded for his two-way play. He also carries an affordable $4.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection.

O’Reilly might draw more interest. However, like Stamkos and Marchessault, he won’t have the same value in the trade market that he might have had a couple of years ago.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is scouring the trade market for a center. Canadiens center Kirby Dach and versatile forward Alex Newhook are both sidelined by injuries.

Friedman indicated that Hughes was among the suitors for former Toronto Maple Leafs center David Kampf before the latter signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman didn’t mention any other potential targets for Hughes. One option could be John Beecher of the Boston Bruins, who was placed on waivers on Monday.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2025

by | Jun 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2025

The league continues to examine the Oilers’ use of LTIR with Evander Kane, the Blackhawks re-sign Ryan Donato, the Devils trade Erik Haula to the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli cited sources claiming the NHL plans to continue examining the Edmonton Oilers’ use of long-term injury reserve salary-cap relief (LTIR) with winger Evander Kane.

The league may require more information to confirm that Edmonton complied with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) when Kane returned for the second game of the Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. The 33-year-old winger missed the entire 2024-25 regular season due to injuries.

Edmonton Oilers winger Evander Kane (NHL Images).

Seravalli indicated that no NHL team has been punished for LTIR usage. The Oilers could face retroactive punishment if the league finds they violated the spirit of the CBA. He indicated that sources say the Oilers have complied with the league’s requests for information and medical opinions.

Kane is under contract through 2025-26 with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.125 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reports that Seravalli’s report sparked outrage in Edmonton, citing several local pundits and broadcasters questioning why this is happening now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It is puzzling why the league continues to monitor this nearly two months after Kane returned to action. They could simply be conducting due diligence and nothing further may come of it.

We saw a similar situation with Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber in 2021, when the league kept an eye on his status after being placed on LTIR for 2021-22. In Weber’s case, the severity of his injuries ended his playing career.

THE SCORE: Speaking of the Oilers, they’re expected to sign forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of between $3.5 million and $4 million. John Matisz indicated the deal also comes with a modified no-movement clause.

Seravalli stated the deal isn’t expected to be officially announced just yet as they’re engaged in contract talks with other players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Frederic, 27, is a checking line power forward who can play center or wing. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.3 million.

Frederic would likely get a similar AAV elsewhere in the free-agent market on July 1. However, inking him for eight years seems excessive. Given his style of play, that deal might not age well.

The Oilers currently have $11.9 million of salary-cap space for 2025-26. Frederic’s new contract would reduce it to between $8.4 million and $8.9 million. That leaves no room to re-sign or replace their other free agents.

That includes Evan Bouchard. The 25-year-old defenseman is slated to become a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights on July 1. It could cost over $9 million annually to re-sign him.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks re-signed forward Ryan Donato to a four-year, $16-million contract with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato was among the few bright spots this season for the rebuilding Blackhawks. The versatile 29-year-old forward had a career-best performance with 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points, putting him among their leading scorers. He’s coming off a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators acquired forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and minor-league defenseman Jeremy Hanzel.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now indicates this move cleared $3.15 million from the Devils’ salary-cap payroll for 2025-26. They now have over $14.3 million in cap space with RFAs Luke Hughes and Cody Glass and UFA Jake Allen to re-sign. This could also give them some flexibility to make an addition via trade or free agency.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed forward Matt Rempe to a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks re-signed winger Nikita Nesterenko to a two-year, one-way contract with an AAV of $775,000.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Nick Bonino has ended his playing career and is joining the Penguins as an assistant coach.

Bonino, 37, spent 15 seasons in the NHL from 2009-10 to 2023-24 with the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins (helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017), Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers. He had 159 goals and 199 points in 358 regular-season games and 19 goals and 48 points in 105 postseason contests.

SAN JOSE SHARKS: announced former TV and radio color analyst Chris Collins passed away. Collins covered the team from 1992 to 1997.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Collins’ family, friends, broadcast colleagues and the Sharks’ organization.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2025

by | May 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2025

Potential free-agent destinations for Mitch Marner, plus the latest on the Mammoth, Flyers, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PROPOSED DESTINATIONS FOR MARNER

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed what he believes are the top landing spots for Mitch Marner in free agency this summer. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dixon suggested the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals as destinations for Marner.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some teams on this list (Ducks, Mammoth, Blackhawks) are rebuilding teams with plenty of cap space to sign Marner to a lucrative long-term contract. That won’t be enough to entice him if he wants to play for a contender.

Some (Kings, Islanders) are under new management and might make a big splash in the free-agent pool. The Kings have the cap space but new GM Ken Holland could prefer more affordable options. The Isles can’t afford Marner unless they shed a lot of salary, especially with restricted free agents like Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, Maxim Tsyplakov and Simon Holmstrom to re-sign.

The Penguins are rebuilding, but general manager Kyle Dubas has a connection with Marner from his days as the Leafs GM. They have the cap room to pull it off, but Dubas seems unwilling to pursue a big-ticket free agent this summer.

Golden Knights management is renowned for making bold moves, but their limited cap room would hamper efforts to land Marner. Cap space is also an issue for the Avalanche, whose most pressing need is a second-line center if Brock Nelson departs as a UFA. The Capitals have all their core players under contract but lack enough cap dollars to win a bidding war for Marner.

The Hurricanes seem the more likely destination. They’re a perennial playoff team with over $29 million in cap space and 19 active roster players under contract for next season. In March, GM Eric Tulsky said he’d have around $20 million available even if he re-signed all his free agents. If Marner wants a hefty long-term contract and to play for a contender, the Hurricanes are his best option.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary also looked at potential destinations for Marner.

If the winger is only interested in the money, Chicago and Pittsburgh would be the best destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: See my previous comments about Chicago and Pittsburgh.

O’Leary listed the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and the Mammoth among the suitors for teams looking to take the next step.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Buffalo and Detroit could be intriguing options for Marner if he wants to stay close to home. Signing with the Sabres would provide extra spice to their long-time rivalry with the Maple Leafs.

O’Leary thinks the Hurricanes, Avalanche and the Florida Panthers are contenders who could make it work.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have the cap room to make it work. The Avalanche and Panthers don’t. The latter will likely try to keep pending UFAs Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and perhaps Brad Marchand in the fold. The Panthers have $19 million available with 16 active roster players under contract. Signing Marner would hinder their efforts to restock their roster depth if Bennett, Ekblad and Marchand depart.

THE MAMMOTH COULD LAND A NOTABLE FREE AGENT

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Quentin Carney wondered if the Utah Mammoth would pursue Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger tests the open market on July 1.

The Mammoth would offer Marner a change of scenery and expectations away from the harsh spotlight in Toronto. They also have the cap space to add a major talent this summer.

Spencer Lazary suggested Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser as an UFA option for the Mammoth. He could thrive away from the Vancouver spotlight. Given the good word of mouth about the franchise, Lazary thinks they have good odds of landing Boeser.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong patiently stockpiled draft picks and prospects during his early years on the job. He made a significant move by acquiring defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning last summer. With over $22 million in cap room and 19 active roster players under contract, Armstrong has the room to land one of this summer’s top free agents.

LATEST ON THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols proposed three offseason trade targets for the Devils to improve their offense. They were Drake Batherson of the Ottawa Senators, Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, and Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch recently mentioned Batherson as a trade candidate. However, The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie doesn’t see them moving the affordable winger unless it’s for a better forward.

Tuch might be available if he and the Sabres can’t agree to an extension. Dorofeyev is coming into his own as a scoring forward, so the Golden Knights won’t move him unless they get a more established scorer in return.

Nichols also recently noted that there will be changes in the trade protection for Devils forwards Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat. Haula’s shifts from a full no-trade clause to a six-team no-trade list, while Palat moves from a full no-movement clause to a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Haula and Palat could be peddled to free up cap space for other moves. Haula would be the easiest to move, carrying a $3.125 million AAV through next season. Palat has two more seasons left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James listed three possible trade candidates if the Philadelphia Flyers wish to free up some cap space this summer.

Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.1 million. Goaltender Ivan Fedotov has a year remaining with a cap hit of $3.275 million. Winger Owen Tippett has seven years left with an AAV of $6.25 million.

James believes trading Tippett would be the hardest decision of the three, citing his youth, potential and leadership after Scott Laughton was traded to Toronto. However, the Flyers have a surplus of wingers and need depth at center. Tippett could be an enticing trade chip to address that need.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NJ Hockey Now’s James Nichols thinks Tippett would be a worthwhile trade target for the Devils. He suggested they offer up center Dawson Mercer. However, it remains to be seen if Tippett would be available and if the Devils would be interested.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

by | Jan 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 18, 2025

A historic game for Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, the Hurricanes unveil their Quarter-Century Team, the league reportedly intends to cancel escrow payments for the remainder of the season, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S NHL ACTION

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic became the first netminder in league history to score a goal and collect an assist in a single game in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Nedeljkovic picked up the secondary assist on Cody Glass’ game-winning goal and sealed the victory with an unassisted empty-netter. He also made 40 saves.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (NHL Images).

Glass, Bryan Rust and Matt Grzelcyk each collected two points for the Penguins (46 points), who moved within three points of the Boston Bruins for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Owen Power and Zach Benson replied for the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nedeljkovic also became the first goaltender to score a goal in the NHL, AHL and ECHL.

The Carolina Hurricanes got two goals from Seth Jarvis to hold off the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, handing the latter their fourth loss in their last five contests. Pyotr Kochetkov made 29 saves as the Hurricanes sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. Tomas Hertl and Shea Theodore scored for the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vegas is tied with the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division with 61 points but maintains their hold on first place due to their 26 regulation wins compared to the Oilers’ 22.

The Hurricanes activated goaltender Frederik Andersen from injured reserve and sent Dustin Tokarski to their AHL affiliate in Chicago. Andersen had been out since Oct. 26 with a knee injury.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: The Hurricanes revealed their Quarter-Century Team on Friday.

Forwards Rod Brind’Amour, Eric Staal and Sebastian Aho, defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Glen Wesley, and goaltender Cam Ward comprised the First Team.

The Second Team comprised forwards Ron Francis, Jordan Staal and Justin Williams, defensemen Justin Faulk and Bret Hedican, and goaltender Arturs Irbe.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cited a well-informed NHL source claiming the league will drop the escrow withholding rate from players’ salaries from six percent to zero effective Jan. 30 for the remainder of the regular season.

The source also told D’Amico that, because profits are expected to be higher than previously projected, the players will receive between two and six percent in extra earnings.

This sets the stage for a substantial increase in the salary cap for 2025-26. It was projected to reach between $92 million and $93 million but could now rise higher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s good news for the players, especially those slated to become free agents on July 1. A higher-than-projected salary cap will also provide welcome help for teams with limited cap room for next season.

SPORTSNET: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently dismissed the theory that teams in low-tax states have an advantage over states and provinces with higher taxes. He pointed out that teams in California (with a tax rate comparable to Canadian teams) have won as many Stanley Cups as those in Florida.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with all Stanley Cup champions, the recent success of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning comes down to shrewd management and coaching.

The Panthers and Lightning have enjoyed low tax rates throughout their existence but that didn’t prevent them from spending years (in the Panthers’ case, decades) among the NHL’s worst teams. Improved management and coaching built them into champions.

Bettman also dispelled concern over the recent decline in the value of the Canadian dollar, pointing out that they do revenue-sharing in US dollars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s the biggest difference between now and the 1990s when a low Canadian dollar contributed to the relocation of clubs from Quebec City and Winnipeg and threatened the existence of several other Canadian franchises. Revenue-sharing was built into the CBA in 2005 to assist struggling teams.

The commissioner also said he doesn’t want to expand the playoff format as it diminishes the value of the postseason and regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed! The four-round postseason involving 16 teams is long enough. A play-in round is unnecessary.

Bettman hopes to sign a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players Association this year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We all want to see that.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Evgeni Malkin’s three Stanley Cup rings were found inside his house following an investigation into the recent burglary of his home. The rings were initially reported missing. The investigation remains active.

SPORTSNET: The Minnesota Wild placed forward Marcus Johansson (upper body) on injured reserve and moved winger Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) on long-term injury reserve retroactive to Dec. 23.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov is skating with his teammates and is expected to return to action soon. He was put on LTIR to allow the Wild to recall two forwards following Johansson’s injury.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers signed John Klingberg to a one-year, $1-million prorated contract. The 32-year-old defenseman is attempting to resume his NHL career after recovering from a hip resurfacing procedure in December 2023.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is an affordable gamble by the Oilers to add experienced depth to their roster.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: An instant on-ice chemistry between Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko has generated cautious optimism that the young Kraken forwards can elevate each other. Both were chosen second overall in their respective drafts (Beniers in 2021, Kakko in 2019) but struggled to meet expectations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Beniers won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2022-23 but has encountered difficulty regaining that promising form. Kakko struggled for several seasons with the Rangers but has been on a tear (10 points in 13 games) since being traded to the Kraken last month.

NHL.COM: New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov received a three-game suspension from the NHL department of player safety for an illegal hit to the head of Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling on Thursday.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New Jersey Devils placed forward Erik Haula (ankle sprain) on injured reserve and called up defenseman Colton White.