NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2025

by | Jul 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 1, 2025

Alex Pietrangelo to step away from hockey, an update on Evgeni Malkin, Brad Marchand re-signs with the Panthers, Ivan Provorov re-ups with the Blue Jackets, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL’s annual free-agent period begins at noon ET on July 1.

PIETRANGELO STEPS AWAY FROM HOCKEY FOR HEALTH REASONS

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Alex Pietrangelo released a statement on Monday indicating he was stepping away from hockey for health reasons. In an additional statement, Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the 35-year-old defenseman is dealing with hip injuries that would require bilateral femur reconstruction, with no guarantee of success.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).

Pietrangelo said doctors advised him to remove the intensity of hockey to see if his body improves so that he can enjoy a normal quality of life. He didn’t indicate that he was retiring, but admitted there was a low likelihood of resuming his playing career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pietrangelo’s condition likely means he’s played his final game. He is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $8.8 million. It’s expected the Golden Knights will place him on long-term injury reserve to free up salary-cap space to accommodate their recent acquisition of Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pietrangelo’s absence leaves a big hole on the Golden Knights’ blueline. He was their best all-around defenseman, playing a key role in their march to the 2023 Stanley Cup.

EVGENI MALKIN TO REMAIN WITH THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports sources close to Evgeni Malkin and within the Penguins organization confirm the 38-year-old center will play with the club for 2025-26. Beyond that, nothing has been decided positively or negatively.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said he told Malkin and his agent that they’ll see how the season goes and will meet again at the Olympic break next February. They’ll see where the veteran center is at that point, and then meet after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin was the recent subject of speculation suggesting he could agree to be traded this summer. Barring the unforeseen, he’ll be back in a Penguins jersey to start this season.

LATEST NOTABLE NHL SIGNINGS

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Analysis of Mitch Marner being signed by the Maple Leafs and traded to the Golden Knights, and the new contracts for Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard, Florida’s Aaron Ekblad, the Islanders’ Alexander Romanov, and more can be found at this link.

THE SCORE: The Florida Panthers re-signed winger Brad Marchand to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito is ensuring his roster core remains intact as he attempts to keep his club’s Stanley Cup window open for the foreseeable future. As with the new contracts for Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, Marchand’s deal should help the Panthers remain competitive in the short term, but it won’t age well as the 37-year-old winger’s performance inevitably declines.

Those contracts will eventually become burdensome, even under a rising salary cap. Zito could shed them via trades, buyouts or LTIR, but there’s no certainty those moves will be easy to pull off.

Potential trade partners will insist on some salary retention or sweeteners like draft picks and prospects. Buyouts count against the cap as two-thirds of the remaining value over twice the remaining term (and in Marchand’s case, as a “plus-35” player, the full value would still count against the cap). LTIR means they cannot accrue cap space during the season.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets are finalizing a new seven-year contract with defenseman Ivan Provorov. The deal would be worth an AAV of $8.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets attempted to acquire Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, but they lost out to the Montreal Canadiens. That left Provorov with considerable leverage to land this deal.

The 28-year-old is a good second-pairing blueliner, but this contract would pay him like a first-pairing rearguard. It would be a significant raise over the $6.75 million of his previous contract.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: The Red Wings re-signed forward Patrick Kane to a one-year contract with a cap hit of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here. Both sides wanted this done. The 36-year-old finished fifth among the Wings last season with 59 points in 72 games as a second-line right wing.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Los Angeles Kings signed winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $4.3 million contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 29-year-old Kuzmenko struggled last season with the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. However, he regained his scoring touch following a trade to the Kings, tallying 17 points in 22 regular-season games and six points in six postseason contests. A solid performance this season could earn him an extension with more term.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE PROVINCE: Thatcher Demko is reportedly close to signing a contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks. The 29-year-old goaltender is in the final season of his five-year contract with an AAV of $5 million.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames hired Brent Seabrook as a player development coach.

RG.ORG: Evgeny Kuznetsov is hoping to return to the NHL this season. The 33-year-old center spent last season with KHL team SKA St. Petersburg. His agent claims that around 10 NHL clubs have expressed some interest in his client.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: The Canadiens traded goaltender Cayden Primeau to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

Could Evan Bouchard get an offer sheet? Is Tomas Hertl getting traded to the Hurricanes? What’s the latest on the Islanders, Rangers, Wild, Red Wings and Lightning? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton suggesting defenseman Evan Bouchard could become an offer-sheet target if his negotiations with the Oilers drag on.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Bouchard, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He completed a two-year contract and is due a significant raise over the $3.9 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth remembering that Bouchard recently said he loves being an Oiler, admitting that the desire to win the Stanley Cup with this team is his motivation for staying. He has to be receptive to an offer sheet. If he’s not, then there’s nothing to worry about.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it will take a significant offer that the Oilers cannot hope to match. It’s rumored he could get $10 million annually on a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton. In that case, a rival club will have to pitch around $12 million annually to tempt him. Few teams can afford the cap hit and the four first-round picks in compensation. Those that can are clubs that aren’t anywhere close to Cup contention.

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Viktor Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a new home. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things didn’t work out as both sides hoped when Arvidsson signed last summer. The Oilers could use the cap relief to free up room to re-sign Bouchard. They also reportedly have a contract in place with Trent Frederic but are believed to be waiting until July 1 to make it official.

SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE TO “HERTL TO THE HURRICANES” SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects claiming he’d heard the Carolina Hurricanes were pursuing a deal for Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.

The Golden Knights have been linked to pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, but they must create salary-cap space to sign him. Moving Hertl would free up their share ($6.75 million) of his $8.135 million AAV through 2029-30.

However, Robinson subsequently reported that it doesn’t appear the Hurricanes have any deals in place or closing in on anything at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a three-team trade list. He waived the clause at the 2024 trade deadline to facilitate the trade to Vegas from the San Jose Sharks.

The Golden Knights must shed some cap space if they want to sign Marner or another notable player in this summer’s UFA market. Recent speculation suggests they could get some cap flexibility if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve next season. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding his status.

ISLANDERS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN DOBSON

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t pivoted from trying to sign Noah Dobson to trading the 25-year-old defenseman.

It’s rumored the Dobson camp seeks an AAV of $11 million on his next contract. Sears was unable to confirm that number, but it’s obvious the blueliner seeks a substantial raise, and it’s less certain if the two sides will find a number they’re both comfortable with.

Trading Dobson doesn’t sound like the Isles’ preferred path. However, Sears indicated teams have called to express interest and will likely continue to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin listed six clubs that could become trade destinations if the Isles decide to move Dobson. They include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s doubtful any of them would be more receptive to paying Dobson $11 million annually on a long-term contract.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers didn’t decide to retain their 2026 first-round pick to put toward signing a rival team’s player with an offer sheet. He pointed out that they lack the cap space to make a successful signing, and doing so will put them at risk of losing restricted free-agent forward Will Cuylle to an offer sheet.

The Rangers’ limited cap space means they’re not in any position to pursue Buffalo Sabres RFA winger JJ Peterka or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.

Brooks also shot down suggestions that the Rangers should consider trading Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin or Will Borgen before their no-trade/no-movement protection kicks in on July 1. He pointed out that each of their clauses went into effect the day they signed their contract extensions.

Brooks believes the Rangers would listen to offers for Alexis Lafreniere. However, they are not shopping the 23-year-old winger.

Teams have expressed an interest in Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, but very few of the discussions have evolved into serious offers. The Blueshirts are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Dmitri Voronkov, prompting Brooks to ponder whether there could be a framework of a deal involving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could need a top-four, left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Trading Voronkov, however, would then leave them having to find a suitable top-six left winger to replace him.

WILD NOT PEDDLING ROSSI

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dylan Loucks cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling a local TV network that he’s not shopping Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old center is an RFA without arbitration rights. Negotiations with the Wild have reached a stalemate, resulting in rumors that he could be traded.

Guerin said there’s a perception the Wild are dying to trade Rossi, but that’s not the case. He considers the young center an important part of the team, but wants to sign him within a certain price range.

WILL THE RED WINGS MAKE A BIG TRADE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes if Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman intends to make a big trade, this is the week to do it.

The 2025 NHL Draft is on Friday and Saturday, and this is usually the time of year when significant offseason trades are made. Yzerman has limited trade assets, with his first-round pick (13th overall) his best trade chip. The Wings have roughly $21 million in cap space and could target cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary.

Khan believes the Wings need a top-six forward and an upgrade among their top-four defensemen.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina suggests it might make sense for the Lightning to shop prospect Isaac Howard ahead of the upcoming draft if the two sides haven’t mended fences.

Howard is the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner. He wants to choose the team he intends to sign with, which could limit his trade value and the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2025

by | Jun 21, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 21, 2025

An update on the Oilers’ offseason plans, Jonathan Toews signs with the Jets, the latest on Joe Pavelski, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said Friday that signing team captain Connor McDavid to a contract extension is the team’s top offseason priority.

Bowman said McDavid has earned the right to determine the timeline for negotiations, but said the Oilers will be ready once he’s ready to begin. The Oilers superstar is eligible for unrestricted free-agent (UFA) status next July, but he can sign an extension as early as this July 1.

The Oilers GM indicated that the Oilers’ defense corps will remain largely intact. That includes Evan Bouchard, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Bowman will focus on making modifications to the forward lines and the goaltending. He said he’s not singling out the goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but the club will explore changes to that position.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Based on Bowman’s comments, Robert Tychkowski believes the Oilers GM plans a mid-level change or two to his roster.

Tychkowski expressed concern over the Oilers’ aging roster and its thin prospect cupboard. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that their priority is winning the Stanley Cup next season.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson wondered if Skinner returns next season as the Oilers’ starting goalie, or will he be sharing the crease in a “1 and 1A scenario” without Pickard.

Matheson wondered if the Oilers might target Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues with an offer sheet. If they sign him to no more than an average annual value (AAV) of $4,680,076, it’ll only cost them a second-round pick in 2026 as compensation, which is a pick they have.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming Hofer is open to signing an offer sheet, the Blues are in a good position to match it. They have roughly $5 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 22 active roster players under contract. They could get $6.5 million in additional cap flexibility if Torey Krug (ankle) remains on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) next season.

Bigger names that have surfaced in the rumor mill include Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, Jordan Binnington of the Blues, and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman will play a key role in the Bruins’ plans for a bounce-back performance next season. Trading him would leave them with Joonas Korpisalo as their full-time starter, and history has shown he’s best suited as a backup.

Binnington’s fortunes have rebounded following a strong performance in the 4 Nations Face Off tournament and the Blues’ memorable first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets this spring. He’s not going anywhere.

Saros struggled along with his Predators teammates last season. They could trade him before his new contract (with its full no-movement clause) begins on July 1, but it’s doubtful the Oilers would be comfortable with his $7.7 million AAV through 2032-33.

Besides, Predators GM Barry Trotz signed Saros to that hefty contract. It’s unlikely he’ll put the netminder on the trade block this summer.

Smaller names that could be available via trade or free agency include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils, and Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not much to choose from there, but Gibson might be worth the risk. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.5 million, but the Ducks might be willing to retain some salary to facilitate a trade for the right return. Allen is a reliable backup while Jarry’s inconsistency is a significant concern.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has agreed to a one-year contract with the Jets. The 37-year-old center is staging a comeback after being sidelined for the last two seasons by long COVID symptoms and chronic immune response issues.

Toews will earn a base salary of $2 million. With bonuses for games played, that number will more than double if he suits up for at least 50 games in 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is a low-cost gamble by the Jets. If it pays off, Toews could fill their second center position. If it doesn’t, they’ll have sufficient cap space to address that position later in the season.

RG.ORG: Former San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski admitted he had a moment where he felt the itch to return to the NHL during this season. However, it passed quickly as he confirmed that he is retired for good.

Pavelski played 18 seasons in the NHL, establishing himself among the greatest American-born players in league history.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Eric Robinson to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.7 million. Robinson, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

TSN: The Dallas Stars signed restricted free agents Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist to one-year contracts. Bourque will earn $950,000 while Lundkvist will earn $1.25 million.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed depth forward Dryden Hunt to a two-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $825,000 at the NHL level.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken inked defenseman Cale Fleury to a two-year contract with an AAV of $890,000.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Devils are reportedly not qualifying the rights of restricted free agent Cody Glass, making him a UFA on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2025

by | Jun 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 10, 2025

Check out the latest on Mitch Marner, Max Pacioretty, Sam Bennett and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: James Mirtle of The Athletic cited sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs discussed a three-team deal to send Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights at the March trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

The deal would’ve involved the Carolina Hurricanes, who would’ve sent winger Mikko Rantanen to the Leafs. Mirtle said it was unclear how far the negotiations went and whether Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause, but it’s believed it fell through because the Hurricanes couldn’t reach terms on compensation from the Golden Knights.

Following the trade deadline, it was reported that the Leafs and Hurricanes talked about a swap of Marner for Rantanen, but the Leafs winger declined to waive his NMC.

Mirtle noted the Golden Knights lack the cap space to pursue Marner if he becomes a free agent on July 1. However, he suggested they could free up room by peddling center William Karlsson, who carries an average annual value of $5.9 million for two more seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mirtle also noted that the Golden Knights have been after Marner since last summer. They could attempt to sign the 28-year-old winger on July 1, but they’ll have to do more than move out Karlsson to achieve sufficient cap flexibility.

The Golden Knights currently have a projected cap space of $9.6 million with 18 active roster players under contract for 2025-26. Moving Karlsson to a club not on his 10-team no-trade list would give them $15.5 million. Assuming they sign Marner to a deal with an AAV of $14 million, that would leave them with $1.5 million to fill out the rest of their roster.

Marner may have rejected a move to Carolina at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean he won’t sign with the Hurricanes as a free agent. They have considerably more cap space than Vegas to make a competitive bid. Given their overall roster depth, they appear in a better position as a potential Cup contender than the Golden Knights.

THE SCORE: Speaking of the Leafs, Mirtle reports a source said Max Pacioretty is leaning toward returning to the club next season. The 36-year-old completed a one-year, $873K contract this season. Leafs management indicated their interest in bringing back Pacioretty following his productive postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll likely be another low-cost one-year contract.

THE ATHLETIC: Mirtle indicated that most of the people he’s spoken with around the NHL believe Sam Bennett won’t be available this summer. The versatile, agitating 28-year-old Florida Panthers center is due to become a UFA on July 1.

Bennett wants to stay with the Panthers and the feeling is mutual. Mirtle speculates it could cost an AAV of $8 million to keep him in the fold.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bennett is among the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as this year’s playoff MVP. It’s doubtful the Panthers will let him walk, and unlikely that he will price himself out of their market.

Mirtle also reported that collective bargaining between the league and the NHL Players’ Association has been going well. It sounds to him like an announcement could come as soon as the Stanley Cup Final wraps up.

The new CBA could run to 2030. Mirtle expects no major changes apart from salary-cap accounting during the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see what the league and the PA come up with to address that thorny issue.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 8, 2025

by | Jun 8, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 8, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest Bruins’ speculation, updates on Jason Robertson and Nikolaj Ehlers, and some potential free agent targets for the Rangers.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BRUINS AFTER HIRING A NEW HEAD COACH?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa reports Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney got the coach he wanted when he hired Marco Sturm last week as his new bench boss. Now, Sweeney must find suitable players to plug holes in his roster and fit within Sturm’s system.

Shinzawa doesn’t see Sweeney pursuing an expensive free agent like Mitch Marner. Instead, he expects the Bruins GM to fill those holes with second and third-line reinforcements.

NESN: Jay Pritchard believes Marco Rossi could make sense as a Bruins trade target. The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights this summer. His future with the Wild is murky amid a contract stalemate.

Pritchard believes Rossi isn’t yet a top-line center, but he’s coming off a 60-point season and would bring youth, skill and upside to the Bruins’ roster.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pritchard noted that Rossi is seeking a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. The Bruins have over $26 million in cap space and could afford that salary, but it would take up a significant chunk of their cap payroll when they have 14 active roster players under contract. Rossi’s asking price could be too expensive for Sweeney if he’s seeking the type of replacements mentioned by Shinzawa.

THE STARS AREN’T SHOPPING JASON ROBERTSON

TSN: cited a report by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, citing league executives claiming the Dallas Stars haven’t shown any interest in trading Jason Robertson. He added that there haven’t been any trade talks involving the 25-year-old winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars headed into the offseason with less than $5 million in cap space, needing to re-sign or replace pending UFAs like Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund. Some pundits suggested Robertson as a cost-cutting trade candidate.

The Stars may have other salary-reducing options in mind. They could peddle or buy out a defenseman like Matt Dumba ($3.75 million cap hit for 2025-26) or Ilya Lyubushkin ($3.25 million AAV through 2026-27).

THE LATEST ON NIKOLAJ EHLERS

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Murat Ates expect Nikolaj Ehlers will get a nice raise in the offseason with the Winnipeg Jets or another club via free agency. They cite Evolving Hockey projecting a seven-year deal worth $8.9 million annually on the open market, while their colleague Dom Luszczyszyn projected an AAV of $8.1 million.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings are among 11 clubs they believe could target Ehlers if he goes to market on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of those clubs, the Hurricanes are in the best salary-cap position to sign Ehlers. They have over $28 million in cap space, and GM Eric Tulsky said in March he’d have around $20 million in cap space if he re-signed all his free agents.

The Jets can also afford to pay Ehlers a big raise, sitting with over $26 million in cap room. Whether they want to or intend to sign a replacement remains to be seen. The Leafs ($25.7 million) and Kings ($21.7 million) also have sufficient room.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker recently looked at six pending UFAs who could be on the Rangers’ offseason radar.

Dallas Stars center Mikael Granlund topped her list, followed by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brian Dumoulin, Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato, Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin, Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic, and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gavrikov would be the best of the bunch. The 29-year-old left-shot defenseman was the Kings’ best blueliner last season. He’s completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $5.875 million.

Unsurprisingly, the Kings hope to retain him, and he wants to stay in Los Angeles. The Rangers would have to free up cap space for the $7 million AAV he’d seek on the open market.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

by | May 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 31, 2025

An update on JJ Peterka, the latest Canadiens speculation, what’s next for the Stars and Hurricanes, and an update on Morgan Rielly in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD PETERKA BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston included JJ Peterka among his list of offseason trade targets. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’d draw plenty of interest if the Sabres decide to peddle him.

Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka (NHL Images).

In March, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams called Peterka one of his core players. However, Johnston considers it unclear whether the winger is willing to make that kind of commitment to the club. He thinks Peterka could be an offer sheet candidate if he’s not traded before July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Johnston’s trade targets list have frequently appeared in media rumors in recent weeks, which have been duly noted on this site. However, his comments about Peterka potentially getting an offer sheet echoed Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.

The Sabres have over $23 million in cap space with Peterka, Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod becoming RFAs on July 1. They’re reportedly gauging Byram’s value in the trade market, which would provide them with enough cap room to match an offer sheet for Peterka and still have enough to re-sign Quinn and McLeod.

However, Peterka could be worth watching over the next four weeks if he doesn’t see his long-term future in Buffalo. That could force the Sabres to put him on the trade block by the NHL Draft weekend (June 27-28)

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited Johnston suggesting it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadiens peddled one of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in this year’s draft for more immediate roster help, like a center. Johnston also included defense prospect Logan Mailloux as a trade candidate, noting that the Canadiens’ prospect cupboard is overflowing with defensemen.

TVA SPORTS: noted the Canadiens reportedly had a chance to trade Mailloux to the Anaheim Ducks last year for Trevor Zegras. However, everything fell through when they selected Ivan Demidov fifth overall at the 2024 Draft.

Dumont doesn’t see the Canadiens being in a rush to move Mailloux, but they’re also not going to rush him or prospect blueliners David Reinbacher or Adam Engstrom into their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens could be willing to part with one or both of their 2025 first-rounders, or a first and Mailloux, if it’ll fetch a reliable second-line center, preferably one in his mid-to-late twenties.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STARS AND HURRICANES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at the notable offseason storylines for the Stars following their third straight elimination from the Western Conference Final.

Team captain Jamie Benn can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The front office has indicated there’s a place for the 35-year-old winger on their roster as long as he wants it, but his performance in this year’s playoffs (three points in 18 games) suggests he’s nearing the end of his playing career. If he does re-sign, it’ll be on a cheap one-year deal.

Other forwards to be re-signed or replaced include Matt Duchene, Evgenii Dadonov, Mikael Granlund, Colin Blackwell and Mavrik Bourque.

Stars GM Jim Nill must address the right side of his defense corps. Cody Ceci, Nils Lundkvist, Brendan Smith and Ilya Lyubushkin are free agents this summer. Matt Dumba is under contract for another year but could become a trade or buyout candidate.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk pointed out that the Stars only have $4.9 million in cap space for 2025-26. Frank Seravalli observed that their prospect pipeline has grown thinner because they’ve traded away a lot of draft picks for immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill has done a fine job building the Stars into a perennial playoff team, winning the Jim Gregory GM of the Year award in each of the last two seasons, and becoming a finalist this year. However, his management skills will be put to the test in addressing his club’s weaknesses, given his team’s limited cap space and few tradeable assets among their draft picks and prospects.

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette looked at what could be in store for the Carolina Hurricanes after their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

The Hurricanes could move on from veteran defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov unless they’re willing to accept pay cuts and reduced roles to stay.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky will have over $28 million in cap space this summer and not many holes to fill on his roster. He could pursue a big-name player via free agency or trade. Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a good fit. Tulsky could also pursue a defenseman to skate alongside Jaccob Slavin on their top blueline pairing.

Lavalette doesn’t rule out the unexpected, suggesting they could move out a goalie like Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov if an upgrade emerges.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes attempted to acquire Marner from the Leafs at the trade deadline. While he declined to waive his no-movement clause, he might find the Hurricanes an acceptable destination as a free agent.

UPDATE ON MORGAN RIELLY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has no intention of asking Morgan Rielly to waive his no-movement clause. LeBrun said the 31-year-old defenseman loves being a Leaf. “I don’t think that needs to be a talking point going forward here,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly surfaced in the rumor mill following the Leafs’ second-round elimination by the Florida Panthers. That sparked plenty of speculation about big changes, especially after the club parted ways with team president Brendan Shanahan.

The decline in Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman prompted some pundits to suggest trading him or buying out his contract. However, Treliving’s comments indicate neither option is on the table.