NHL Rumor Mill – November 27, 2025

by | Nov 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 27, 2025

Are the Oilers interested in the Blues’ Jordan Binnington or the Penguins’ Tristan Jarry? What’s the latest on the Canucks, Predators, Flames, Stars, and Mammoth? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

OILERS LINKED TO BINNINGTON AND JARRY

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples referred to a recent list of trade targets by Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, where the latter claimed the “strongest speculation” tied the Oilers to St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington.

Kypreos observed that the 32-year-old Binnington has one season remaining on his contract, and he’s unlikely to be part of any roster retooling by the Blues. He speculated the deal would see the Oilers ship their current starter, Stuart Skinner, to St. Louis in the deal. Kypreos said that they’re also seeing if they can pry a defenseman away from the Blues.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images).

Staples pointed out that Binnington carries an average annual value of $6 million, while Skinner is on an expiring contract with an AAV of $2.6 million. He thinks they will have to include a significant sweetener in the deal to convince the Blues to retain part of Binnington’s cap hit.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman noted that Kypreos’ rumor about Binnington to the Oilers “stirred up a hornet’s nest”. He pointed out the Oilers can’t trade for the veteran netminder without his permission, even if the Blues were willing to do it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington has a 14-team no-trade list, and the Oilers could be on it. Even if he were willing to go to Edmonton, the cap-strapped Oilers can’t afford him without either moving out a lot of salary in the deal or giving up what few decent assets they have among their promising young players to make it happen.

Staples pointed out that Binnington’s stats are worse than Skinner’s this season. What’s also worth noting is that the Oilers’ sloppy defensive play this season has contributed to Skinner’s struggles, so Binnington probably wouldn’t fare much better.

Meanwhile, Staples noted that ESPN’s Kevin Weekes is claiming the Oilers might be interested in acquiring netminder Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Weekes reminded everyone that Jarry played in Edmonton for the WHL’s Oil Kings during his junior days.

Friedman and Oilers insider Bob Stauffer believe the Jarry rumor makes more sense. The Penguins are carrying four goaltenders and are dealing from a position of strength. However, Stauffer noted the difficulty the capped-out Oilers would face trying to add to their roster.

Staples indicated that Jarry carries an AAV of $5.375 million through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarry’s cap hit isn’t as hefty as Binnington’s but has more term left on his contract. He also has a history of inconsistent play, spending several weeks playing for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate last season. He got off to a good start to this season before suffering an injury, but he picked up the win in his first game back last night against the Buffalo Sabres.

The same cap issues apply, not to mention Jarry’s 12-team no-trade list could also complicate things.

Trading for Binnington or Jarry would be risky for the Oilers. It could work out better than expected, or it could only make things worse. Given the few options available, they risk overpaying for either guy.

RUMOR TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: In addition to the Binnington rumor, Elliotte Friedman touched on the Vancouver Canucks becoming sellers in the trade market.

He indicated that Quinn Hughes isn’t available, stating that several sources have pushed back hard on the notion that the 26-year-old superstar defenseman has already decided he won’t re-sign with the Canucks. Still, at some point, the Canucks and Hughes will have to discuss his future.

Pending UFA winger Kiefer Sherwood will garner plenty of interest. There is probably little desire by the Canucks to trade blueliner Filip Hronek, and Friedman doesn’t think Tyler Myers will waive his no-movement clause during this season. They also prefer to retain winger Conor Garland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The current theory regarding Hughes is that he could seek a trade as early as the March trade deadline if the Canucks haven’t improved by then.

The real issue is whether he’s willing to sign an extension. If he doesn’t, the Canucks will entertain trade offers. They could wait until the offseason, when teams will have more cap space and a willingness to make a big trade for a superstar such as Hughes.

Like the Canucks, the Nashville Predators are exploring the trade market. There are teams interested in Ryan O’Reilly, but he’s got a big say in any move. Friedman also dismissed the Filip Forsberg trade theories and doesn’t see the Predators being willing to retain salary in any deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him as though he does. They’re not trading Forsberg unless he wants out, and there’s no indication that he does. He has a full no-movement clause.

The Calgary Flames won’t make any short-term moves to save their season. “If it’s a high pick, they will take it.”

Goalie-hungry teams will be watching Laurent Brossoit’s return from knee and hip surgeries that have sidelined him since April 2024. There’s no room for him with the Chicago Blackhawks now.

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill remains confident he can afford to re-sign Jason Robertson when they already have an expensive Mikko Rantanen on their roster.

The Utah Mammoth would like to add to its roster. They have plenty of draft picks and prospects to draw on for trade capital.

Friedman believes free-agent forward Robby Fabbri could land with a new NHL club soon. The Ottawa Senators were among the rumored teams, but it won’t be with them.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2025

by | Nov 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2025

The Panthers defeat the Canucks in a high-scoring contest, another goal milestone is in reach for Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the three stars of the week are revealed, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers blew a 5-2 lead, but recovered to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 8-5. Seth Jones scored two power-play goals, Sam Reinhart had three assists, and Brad Marchand had a goal and an assist to extend his points streak to 11 games for the 10-8-1 Panthers, who’ve won three of their last four games. Center Elias Pettersson tallied twice, and captain Quinn Hughes collected three assists as the Canucks dropped to 9-10-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky collected his 438th career regular-season NHL win, passing Jacques Plante for ninth on the all-time wins list. Bobrovsky is eight wins away from Terry Sawchuk for eighth place. He’s also within range of Curtis Joseph (454 wins) and Henrik Lundqvist (459).

Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Charlie Lindgren stopped 30 shots and Matt Roy netted his first goal of the season for the 9-8-2 Capitals. Anze Kopitar replied for the 10-6-4 Kings as their four-game win streak ended, dropping them into second place in the Pacific Division with 24 points

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin’s goal was his 903rd career regular-season tally and was his 150th game-winning goal (regular-season and playoffs combined), putting him one back of Jaromir Jagr’s record of 151.

Earlier in the day, the Kings announced that defenseman Drew Doughty is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Anaheim Ducks regained first place in the Pacific Division (25 points) with a 3-2 overtime win over the Utah Mammoth. Olen Zellweger scored the winning goal after teammate Troy Terry tied the game with five seconds left in the third period for the 12-6-1 Ducks, snapping their three-game losing skid. Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley scored for the Mammoth (10-7-2), who have two wins in their last nine games (2-5-2).

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made 29 saves to backstop his club to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Taylor Hall had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes, who are 6-1-1 in their last eight games and improved to 13-5-1. Riley Tufte scored his first of the season for the 12-9-0 Bruins, who remain in first place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins placed center John Beecher on waivers. A first-round pick (30th overall) in 2019, the 24-year-old Beecher has struggled since his promising 2023-24 rookie campaign. He could prove enticing to clubs seeking depth at center.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (10-7-2) blew a 3-1 lead but managed to nip the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on a shootout goal on a shootout goal by Kirill Marchenko, who extended his points streak to 12 games by collecting two assists in regulation. Lane Hutson scored the tying goal and picked up an assist for the Canadiens (10-6-3), who have dropped six of their last seven games (1-3-3).

Buffalo Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund had his first NHL multipoint game with two goals in a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Colten Ellis kicked out 32 shots and Rasmus Dahlin picked up two assists for the 7-8-4 Sabres. Jack Roslovic scored to extend his point streak to five games as the Oilers slipped to 9-8-4.

HEADLINE

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, and Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes are the league’s three stars for the week ending Nov. 16, 2025.

TSN/DAILY FACEOFF/SPORTSNET/TORONTO SUN: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has not resumed skating since being sidelined by a lower-body injury on Nov. 11. The Maple Leafs also placed sidelined defenseman Chris Tanev on long-term injury reserve, and placed center Nicolas Roy (upper body) and defenseman Brandon Carlo (lower body) on injured reserve.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could return from an injured thumb during the club’s upcoming seven-game Western road trip. They also reacquired defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for blueliner Maxence Guenette.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars placed center Matt Duchene (undisclosed) and forward Adam Erne (lower body) on LTIR.

CBS SPORTS: Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno (hand) was moved to injured reserve.

NEW YORK POST: Former Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is remaining with the club as an advisor to team owner Scott Malkin.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2025

by | Oct 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2025

Updates on where contract talks sit for the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin and the Stars’ Jason Robertson, a look at several centers drawing interest in the trade market, and the latest on the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON PANARIN AND ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the New York Rangers want to see how this season unfolds before opening contract extension discussions with Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Contract term could be the issue in those talks. LeBrun doubts that Panarin will be interested in a short-term deal, which would probably be the Rangers’ preference. The Panarin camp will seek the longest term possible, because this will be their client’s last big contract in his NHL career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ performance this season, and that includes Panarin’s, will determine whether he has a future in New York beyond this season. Given his age, the Blueshirts could be reluctant to sign him for longer than three years. They could consider it if he’s willing to accept a substantial pay cut, but he was reportedly unwilling to do so this summer.

LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars’ focus has shifted to Jason Robertson after signing defenseman Thomas Harley to an extension earlier this week. The 26-year-old winger is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and will be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Robertson surfaced in the offseason rumor mill. The Stars weren’t shopping him, but wanted to see what teams were offering when they came calling.

The two sides decided to wait to open contract talks. LeBrun speculated they might begin in January, or they could wait until the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is no longer on the top line following the Stars’ acquisition of Mikko Rantanen at the March 2025 trade deadline. However, he’s settling in on the second line, scoring nine points in 11 games.

The Stars want to keep Robertson, but it’ll depend on his asking price. His arbitration rights and his UFA eligibility the following year give him leverage whenever the two sides finally begin negotiating.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the trade market for centers appears to be heating up ahead of the American Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

The Calgary Flames’ poor start to this season has made Nazem Kadri the subject of growing trade conjecture. However, his status reflects the Flames’ uncertain direction. They’re trying to right the ship but face mounting pressure to rebuild if things don’t improve by December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri no longer has full no-trade protection, but he does have a 13-team no-trade list. His age (35) and average annual value ($7 million) through 2028-29 could make him difficult to move if he wants to be traded. So far, all reports claim he loves living in Calgary.

Meanwhile, teams are eyeing Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks. He’s UFA-eligible next July, and multiple clubs see him as a good middle-six trade option.

In Boston, the Bruins remain undecided on Pavel Zacha’s future as they consider competing and retooling. The 28-year-old forward has a year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the Bruins believe Zacha fits into their long-term plans. He suggested it wouldn’t be surprising if the versatile forward signs a contract extension next summer.

Bo Horvat has also surfaced in recent trade speculation. However, Murphy claims the 30-year-old New York Islanders center is untouchable unless the club collapses in the standings. Even then, it would take a significant offer to pry him away from the Isles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horvat is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $8.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause. If, and that’s a big if, he’s willing to waive that clause, it’s unlikely that sort of trade takes place during the season. That seems more like an offseason move.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore the idea of trading forwards David Kampf and Nick Robertson.

Kampf is now with the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, and they’d like to move his contract. The 30-year-old center is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $2.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause for this season.

The Leafs have time for the 24-year-old Robertson, but he’s been up and down the Leafs’ lineup. They’d move him if they could get back a player of a similar age, but that’s what makes moving him so difficult, so they’re not in a rush to move him out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill since the summer of 2024, and yet he remains with the Maple Leafs. As I’ve mentioned before, either the Leafs have set a ridiculously high asking price, or he’s not as valuable a trade chip as some observers seem to believe.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2025

by | Oct 1, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2025

The latest on Jason Robertson’s contract extension talks with the Stars, the Wild’s Mats Zuccarello and the Canucks’ Nils Hoglander will miss time due to injuries, Max Pacioretty officially retires, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Dallas Stars and winger Jason Robertson have decided to take a “wait-and-see” approach in contract extension talks as a new season opens.

Robertson, 26, is in the final season of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million. He’s eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if his next contract is awarded via arbitration.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

The plan is for Robertson to play the entire season with the Stars, and then the two sides will revisit their contract discussions after that.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson surfaced as a trade candidate after the Stars were eliminated from the 2025 Western Conference Final. Some teams reportedly inquired about his availability, but general manager Jim Nill said he never intended to move him.

THE MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE: Wild winger Mats Zuccarello will miss at least the next seven to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a lower-body injury that sidelined him throughout training camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Head coach John Hynes told reporters that Zuccarello’s ailment was a back injury. The 38-year-old winger usually skated on the Wild’s top line, so his absence will be felt during the opening weeks of the regular season.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander will be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks following ankle surgery.

NHL.COM: Max Pacioretty has officially retired after 17 NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has joined the University of Michigan as a special assistant to the head coach.

Pacioretty, 37, had six 30-plus goal seasons and finished with 335 goals and 346 assists for 681 points in 939 regular-season games, and 28 goals and 58 points in 89 playoff contests. In 2011-12, he was the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pacioretty spent 10 of his 17 seasons with the Canadiens and was their team captain from 2015-16 to 2017-18. Traded to the Golden Knights in Sept. 2018, the Canadiens received a future captain in Nick Suzuki as part of the return.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jets forwards Jonathan Toews and Vladislav Namestnikov left Tuesday’s preseason 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild with undisclosed injuries. Head coach Scott Arniel said Toews “tweaked something” and will be reevaluated when the club returns to Winnipeg. There was no postgame update about Namestnikov’s status.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck played in this game after leaving practice with an undisclosed ailment on Monday. Arniel said he will play in the final game of the preseason on Friday against the Calgary Flames.

DAILY FACEOFF: Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators combined for 152 penalty minutes as the Canadiens blanked the Senators 5-0 during their preseason game in Quebec City on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That was a rough game, prompting speculation that both teams could sit their best players during their next preseason game on Saturday.

Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov left the game in the third period after being slashed on his right wrist by Senators forward Nick Cousins, but Habs head coach Martin St. Louis doesn’t think Demidov was seriously hurt.

Twenty-two players were placed on waivers on Tuesday. Carolina Hurricanes forward Tyson Jost and Calgary Flames forward Dryden Hunt were among the players hitting the waiver wire.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

by | Sep 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen looked at some notable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs as preseason play gets underway.

Among them is Mason McTavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent center has missed training camp thus far. He is a key part of their playoff hopes this season.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens recently reported that it’s believed the McTavish camp isn’t seeking something comparable to the $8.4 million annual average value (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston got from the Dallas Stars on a five-year extension. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Knies’ $7.7 million AAV on his six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point this season. The Calgary Flames defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides might work out an extension, but the odds are slim at this point. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche face a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is UFA-eligible next summer. He averaged just under a point per game last season, and another performance like that could see him seek around $10 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when asked about it last week. Both sides seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, it was reported that Chinakhov might have a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that prompted the trade request.

Jason Robertson has an interesting contract situation. He’s eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights next summer, but a one-year deal would take him to UFA status in 2027. The Stars are still eyeing a Stanley Cup this season with their current group, but Boylen doesn’t rule out a Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill last week denied offseason reports claiming he’d looked into moving Robertson. He seems willing to see how this season pans out with Robertson.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s UFA status next summer and his willingness to sign an extension have dominated headlines. Boylen suggests the play of rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie could be a factor in whether he opts to re-sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen points out the play of those two rookies won’t be the deciding factor, but solid performances by both of them could convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is UFA-eligible next July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract the 37-year-old could get from the Panthers, and what their succession plan is between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact as they chase multiple Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they’ll work something out to keep him in the fold while buying time to find a proper successor.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is another UFA-eligible goalie next summer. He turns 36 in January, and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract extension talks have reportedly started between the two sides.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is another player eligible for UFA status next summer. He turns 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer throughout the club’s tumultuous 2024-25 campaign. Boylen wonders what number might make sense for both sides now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s AAV is $11.642 million on his current deal. The two sides are keeping mum regarding contract talks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a wait-and-see approach to the coming season.

This may be the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and at age 39, he may not remain with the Penguins after this season, given the team is in rebuild mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports that several clubs inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t know what he’d do if asked to waive his no-movement clause. GM Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

Elias Pettersson’s performance could be a determining factor in whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has two years left on his contract, but the club will want clarity on his future by next summer. If Pettersson can regain the form that made him a 102-point performer in 2022-23, it could go a long way toward convincing Hughes to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Pettersson, combined with Hughes’ usual brilliance, could propel the Canucks up the standings and into the playoffs again.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is also eligible for UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit in alongside Mitch Marner’s $12 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s current AAV is $10 million. He loves living and playing in Vegas and doesn’t appear too concerned about getting a deal done. The Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, and will get another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR. That will give them enough room to sign Eichel.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

by | Sep 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 18, 2025

Check out the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the uncertainty over defenseman Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks has several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, keeping an eye on his situation.

Hughes, who turns 26 next month, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires in 2027. Media speculation suggests the Canucks could consider trading their captain if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, knows his club must improve this season to better its chances of re-signing Hughes. They attempted to acquire a second-line center during the offseason, but the asking prices were high. However, he might have to bite the bullet if he wants to hang onto his franchise player.

Rutherford acknowledged that Hughes might want to move on even if the Canucks improve, perhaps to join his brothers (Jack and Luke), who currently play for the New Jersey Devils. However, he said that’s not a certainty, and the Canucks will try to build the best team they can around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season is a crucial one for the Canucks. If they bounce back from last season’s disappointing performance, it could convince Hughes to sign an extension next summer. If they struggle again, it could set the stage for his departure, perhaps as early as the March 2026 trade deadline.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said contract talks with Jason Robertson are at a standstill.

The 26-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and he’ll be UFA-eligible by July 2027 unless he and the Stars agree to a long-term deal next summer. His current average annual value (AAV) is $7.75 million.

Rumors swirled this summer suggesting Robertson could price himself out of Dallas because of the club’s limited salary-cap space. Some wondered if he could be traded, but Nill believes things were blown out of proportion.

Nill said the Stars had to shed salary this summer. That prompted teams to contact them about certain players, including Robertson, before they eventually shipped out Mason Marchment to Seattle and Matt Dumba to Pittsburgh in cost-cutting moves.

However, Nill had no intention of trading Robertson. The goal is to reach an agreement on a long-term extension that works for both sides. The Stars GM said neither side is in a rush because plenty of time remains to get a deal done. He indicated that both sides want to see what the market looks like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It might be a different story if Robertson were UFA eligible next July. In this case, however, both sides can remain patient and see how things unfold this season. If it appears a deal isn’t possible, the Stars can peddle him next summer, where there won’t be a lack of suitors, especially if Robertson has another good season.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak reports Martin Necas had little to say about the possibility of a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The 26-year-old forward is UFA-eligible next summer.

“We’re talking, and we’ll see what’s going to happen,” Necas said. “I can’t really tell you. I don’t even know. It will be interesting. It’s more about my agent.”

Masisek believes everyone is waiting for Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov to reset the market, but neither of them is close to signing. Necas joined the Avalanche last season in the Mikko Rantanen trade, and the two sides haven’t had much time to determine if they’re a long-term fit.

Necas could be expensive to re-sign if he plays well this season. If a deal isn’t possible, the Avalanche might not be as lucky in replacing him as they were in replacing Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas’ situation has been overshadowed by all the attention on McDavid, Kaprizov, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor, and Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe. Nevertheless, he could become the top forward in next summer’s UFA market if those three end up re-signing with their current teams.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that the New Jersey Devils and restricted free-agent defenseman Luke Hughes continue to “grind away” in their contract talks.

Once Hughes is re-signed, LeBrun wonders what the future holds for Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton. “How many power-play quarterbacks do you need in the modern NHL?”, he asked.

Hamilton has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team list of teams that he can be traded to. LeBrun believes that’s something to file away until the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s name popped up frequently this summer in the rumor mill. The Devils have just over $6 million in cap space, and it could cost them over $8 million to get Hughes under contract. That could result in a cost-cutting trade, which is why Hamilton has surfaced in recent trade speculation.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger reports the Utah Mammoth will place goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers as the two sides have agreed to part ways.

Ingram recently completed the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The club is happy for him and his path to recovery. However, they are set in goal this season with Karel Vejmelka and offseason acquisition Vitek Vanecek, while Jaxson Stauber is under contract for the next two years.

Granger listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators as possible landing spots for Ingram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram, 28, is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $1.95 million.

TSN: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios said forward Alex Formenton will not be returning to the club. Both sides agree he’d be better off with a fresh start elsewhere, and the club is gauging the trade market.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames are not bringing back Dillon Dube. GM Craig Conroy felt the winger would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving remains in the market for a top-six forward. However, he dismissed recent speculation linking his club to Dube.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Formenton and Dube were among the five former Hockey Canada players found not guilty of sexual assault stemming from an incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario.