NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

The trade deadline is 3 PM ET on Friday, March 7. Check out the latest speculation on the notable trade candidates and the status of the notable buyers and sellers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reported the Carolina Hurricanes are conducting due diligence on Mikko Rantanen, checking out potential returns as a rental player or if he signs a contract extension with the acquiring team before July 1.

Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are among a long list of suitors. If the Hurricanes agree to retain half of their share of Rantanen’s $9.25 million cap hit ($4.625 million), the acquiring team would get him at the bargain rate of just over $2.3 million.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

If the Hurricanes don’t like the offers, they can retain Rantanen for the rest of the season and make a run for the Stanley Cup.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the New Jersey Devils could kick tires on Rantanen. They reported yesterday that superstar center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out a Rantanen trade because of his offensive skills. However, the Hurricanes probably won’t move him if they don’t get a return that improves their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils contacted the Hurricanes about Rantanen. He expects they could also be in the mix for notable trade candidates like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, among others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have Jack Hughes and Jonas Siegenthaler on LTIR, giving them over $11 million in salary cap flexibility to pursue one or two of this season’s notable trade candidates.

ISLANDERS

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports sources said New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was still trying to hammer out a contract extension for Brock Nelson. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll remain an Islander, as some teams interested in acquiring him could also want to sign him.

Staple lists the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings as clubs that would make pitches to Nelson if he doesn’t re-sign with the Isles. Some of those clubs could also be interested in Isles winger Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lamoriello could take this situation with Nelson up to Friday before deciding whether to sign or trade him. It could increase Nelson’s trade value, but there’s also a risk of waiting too long and finding out that other clubs have moved on.

PENGUINS

TSN: Darren Dreger doesn’t rule out the Pittsburgh Penguins trading Rickard Rakell. However, he thinks it will take a significant offer to tempt them into moving the 31-year-old scoring winger.

Chris Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they flip recently acquired defenseman Luke Schenn to another club by the trade deadline.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Rakell has been made available in the trade market. He also believes it would take a substantial return to pry him away from the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell leads the Penguins with 29 goals and is second in points with 53. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $5 million. Pens GM Kyle Dubas will want a return that includes a first-round pick and a good young player who can join the roster immediately.

MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs trade targets include St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders center Brock Nelson, and perhaps Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are too expensive for the cap-strapped Leafs unless GM Brad Treliving can free up salary or swing a three-team deal to make the dollars work. They could pursue Rantanen if the Hurricanes agree to retain half his remaining cap hit but he won’t address their need for a third line center and another defenseman.

FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited a report on Tuesday claiming as many as eight teams have called the Philadelphia Flyers about Scott Laughton. However, only a handful may have engaged in serious trade discussions. He speculates they could include the Maple Leafs, Devils and Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers remain reluctant about moving Laughton because of what he brings to the team in experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they could trade him if someone agrees to meet their high asking price, which could include a first-round draft pick.

BRUINS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports hearing that Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo’s name is out there in the trade market.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that teams talking trade with the Bruins have shifted their focus from sidelined captain Brad Marchand to players like Carlo and Morgan Geekie. However, they won’t be moved unless the Bruins receive offers that “knock their socks off.” It’s expected they’ll be peddling pending UFAs like Justin Brazeau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand was unlikely to be moved by the deadline, given his leadership role with the Bruins and his close relationship with GM Don Sweeney. His upper-body injury should silence that trade chatter.

CANUCKS

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Vancouver Canucks have gauged the market on pending UFA winger Brock Boeser. They could also elect to hang onto him. He also indicated that any moves the Canucks make will be with an eye on next season.

CANADIENS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are willing to trade pending UFAs David Savard or Joel Armia but not both. They don’t want to take away too much from their roster as they push for a wild-card spot. They could attempt a hockey trade to bring in a player who can help them for the long term. So far, nothing is imminent.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie doesn’t expect Armia to be traded. He believes the checking-line forward might fetch a second-round pick but he’d be more effective to the Canadiens now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have played their way back into playoff contention since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended two weeks ago. GM Kent Hughes could prefer keeping his roster intact to allow them to battle for a wild-card berth.

Lavoie was the only pundit insisting the Canadiens had a path to signing Jake Evans to a contract extension, which they did earlier this week.

JETS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports that finding a second-line center is the priority for the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders could be a really good addition here. They could also consider adding a bottom-six player who could play in the top six, like Montreal’s Joel Armia.

OILERS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun acknowledged the calls for the Edmonton Oilers to acquire a goaltender, but he doesn’t believe that’s their priority. He thinks they need another defenseman.

FLAMES AND SENATORS

TSN: Chris Johnston doesn’t see the Calgary Flames or Ottawa Senators making significant moves at the deadline. The Senators are hampered by salary-cap constraints. Meanwhile, the Flames seem intent on keeping their current group together as they try to nail down a playoff berth.

BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun doesn’t fully rule out the Columbus Blue Jackets trading Ivan Provorov. However, he thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be staying put. The two sides remain apart in their contract extension talks but they’ve agreed to resume the discussion after the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are jockeying for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Provorov is a key member of their blueline. Moving him could disrupt the solid team chemistry that has this club defying the odds this season.

DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes John Gibson will remain with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Edmonton Oilers need goaltending but they don’t see the 31-year-old Gibson as an improvement over their tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The Carolina Hurricanes had spoken with the Ducks about Gibson this season but Frederik Andersen’s return to action and the Ducks’ asking price likely rules out a possible deal there.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 6, 2025

Alex Ovechkin moves within 10 goals of breaking the league goals record, injuries sideline Devils stars Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, the Utah Hockey Club re-sign three players, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for analysis of Wednesday’s trades.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 885th regular-season goal as his club nipped the New York Rangers 3-2. Ovechkin scored the tying goal that set the stage for Tom Wilson’s overtime winner for the Capitals (88 points). Artemi Panarin and Sam Carrick scored for the Rangers, who sit just outside the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 67 points.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is 10 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

Washington is tied with the league-leading Winnipeg Jets but the latter has 42 regulation wins to the Capitals’ 40.

An overtime goal by Tim Stutzle lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Josh Norris had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who moved into the final Eastern Conference wild card with 67 points. Ryan Donato tallied his 23rd goal of the season for the Blackhawks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold that wild card spot with a game in hand over the Rangers. Donato is having a career-best performance (46 points in 60 games) in his contract season. He’s expected to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. Adin Hill made 29 saves while Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Noah Hanifin and Tanner Pearson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, who sit atop the Pacific Division with 80 points. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner replied for the Leafs, who remain in second place in the Atlantic Division with 79 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs and Florida Panthers have the same number of points, but the latter holds first place in the division with 32 regulation wins. Before the game, Matthews told reporters that he hopes management provides a boost to the roster at the trade deadline.

A three-goal second period enabled the Vancouver Canucks to hold off the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, and Carson Soucy scored for the Canucks, who sit just outside the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 67 points. Sam Colangelo and Brian Dumoulin scored for the Ducks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are tied with the Calgary Flames in points but the latter holds that wild card with 29 regulations wins. Ducks goaltender John Gibson left this game following a collision with Canucks forward Drew O’Connor.

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas scored the tying goal and the shootout winner in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Thomas extended his points streak to 11 games as the Blues sit one point behind the Flames with 66 points. Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore replied for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 71 points.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in Vail, Colorado. He’s expected to be recovered in time for training camp in September.

B/R OPEN ICE: cites TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

TSN: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000.00 by the league for unprofessional conduct toward on-ice officials during Sunday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yesterday was a very bad day for the Devils. The loss of Hughes and Hamilton threatens their playoff chances. They’re third in the Metropolitan Division with 72 points but only five points ahead of the Rangers, who are just outside the Eastern wild-card berth.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was expected to be a buyer before Friday’s trade deadline. He’s placed Hughes on long-term injury reserve, giving the Devils $8 million in salary-cap wiggle room to make a significant addition or two. Whether he can pull it off remains to be seen.

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: The Utah Hockey Club signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a five-year contract extension with an average annual value of $4.75 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: Utah HC also signed defenseman Ian Cole and forward Alex Kerfoot to one-year extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah GM Bill Armstrong is signalling that he’s not a seller this year. Vejmelka would’ve drawn plenty of interest from playoff contenders seeking a goaltending upgrade before Friday’s trade deadline. Utah sits four points out of the final Western wild-card spot.

SPORTSNET: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed forward Mathieu Olivier to a six-year extension with an AAV of $3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. GM Don Waddell said he’s under no pressure to move out his pending UFAs like Ivan Provorov, even at the risk of their departure on July 1. If Waddell makes a move or two, it’ll likely be a hockey trade that involves player-for-player swaps that will help the Jackets now and in the future.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres signed winger Jordan Greenway to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Greenway would’ve attracted plenty of suitors if he’d become available in the trade market. The Sabres valued his two-way play more.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

by | Mar 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Mikko Rantanen, Brayden Schenn, Erik Karlsson and John Gibson, plus updates on the Flyers, Blue Jackets, Senators, and Wild in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS STILL CALLING ABOUT MIKKO RANTANEN

TSN: Darren Dreger considers it “not very realistic” that the Carolina Hurricanes will trade Mikko Rantanen. Nevertheless, he thinks “there’s always the potential” that they’ll move the 28-year-old winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Dreger believes it would “take something silly,” like an offer that Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Eric Tulsky weren’t expecting. He thinks they’ll hang onto Rantanen, hope for a deep playoff run, and convince him that Carolina is a good long-term fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We didn’t expect Rantanen to be traded by the Avalanche, but Tulsky swung a creative three-way deal to get him. It’s unlikely another club will swoop in with a mind-blowing offer, but we can’t dismiss that possibility.

UPDATE ON BRAYDEN SCHENN

St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn (NHL Images).

Dreger also said that it looks unlikely that Brayden Schenn will be traded with the St. Louis Blues in the mix for a Western Conference wild-card berth. He noted that they don’t have to trade the 33-year-old center this season because he’s got three more years left on his deal. They could revisit this in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s also been reported that the Blues set a high asking price for Schenn, making a move by the trade deadline unlikely.

PENGUINS HAVEN’T ASKED ERIK KARLSSON TO WAIVE HIS NMC

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Seth Rorabaugh reports that Erik Karlsson said he hasn’t been approached by Penguins management about waiving his no-movement clause.

Karlsson acknowledged it’s been a stressful time for his teammates with the trade deadline approaching and the Penguins considered to be sellers. “As for my situation, like I said, I’ll deal with that if it, and when it, comes. Until then, I’m not.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s strong performance for Sweden in last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off prompted some observers to suggest rival general managers could take an interest in him. However, his contract remains a big hurdle in the path to a trade.

The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5 million average annual salary through 2026-27, plus his NMC gives him complete control over the situation. A rival team could pitch an offer to the Penguins’ liking that would make Karlsson agree to waive his clubs. However, it will take a creative proposal to do so.

THE FLYERS COULD HAVE A QUIET TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz wouldn’t be surprised if Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen remain with the Philadelphia Flyers after the March 7 trade deadline. The Flyers aren’t in any rush to move two players considered integral parts of their roster. Their asking price for Laughton could be too expensive for most suitors, while Ristolainen hasn’t generated much interest in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is signed through next season and Ristolainen through 2026-27. There’s no need to move them to cut costs because they already did that by trading Joel Farabee to Calgary in January. Laughton and Ristolainen will remain in Philadelphia unless someone makes a significant offer this week. 

THE LATEST ON JOHN GIBSON

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens noted recent reports indicating John Gibson is open to being traded by the Anaheim Ducks, but he wants to go to a team where he’d have a clear path to being the starting goaltender. It’s believed the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers are among the clubs on his list of trade destinations.

The Ducks prefer not retaining any portion of Gibson’s $6.4 million average annual cap hit, but they aren’t ruling it out completely. They also have the cap space to take on an expiring contract if it’ll enable them to move Gibson’s full contract. That would keep cap space clear down the road to re-sign their promising young players when they are due for new contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson’s been in the rumor mill for a while now with no indication that a trade is in sight. A move seems more likely in the offseason unless a contender with goaltending issues steps up with a suitable offer by March 7.

BLUE JACKETS BECOME TRADE DEADLINE BUYERS

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the Columbus Blue Jackets’ push for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference makes them increasingly look like buyers as the trade deadline approaches.

A source told Biringer that the Jackets are looking at adding depth to their forward lines. They were active in talks with the Nashville Predators about forward Gustav Nyquist before he was shipped to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After overcoming front-office turmoil and the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau last summer, the Blue Jackets are the feel-good story of the season. General manager Don Waddell has no reason to be a seller now. He’ll likely keep an eye open for a player in the trade market who can help the Jackets maintain their current momentum.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE WILD?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild don’t have much cap space after acquiring forward Gustav Nyquist from the Nashville Predators on Saturday. GM Bill Guerin is keeping an open mind leading up to the trade deadline. However, it would have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move and the Wild don’t have many tradeable pieces on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest such a move would require salary retention or a three-team deal.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie reports Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios continues working the phones but we shouldn’t expect his club to be a big player in the trade market. They lack sufficient cap space to make a major move.

If Staios makes a trade, it’ll likely be for an affordable veteran forward. Options could include Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Chicago’s Ryan Donato, and Boston’s Trent Frederic.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

by | Feb 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 26, 2025

Check out the latest on Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton, Seth Jones, and Erik Karlsson, plus updates on the Oilers, Utah HC, Blue Jackets, Flames and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger believes St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn would be a great fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another would be Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton.

Dreger thinks the Leafs have the assets to acquire Schenn, citing prospects such as Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. The asking price for Laughton is a little less, with the Flyers seeking a first-round pick or an equal prospect, unless they have to retain part of Laughton’s salary in the deal, then it’s a first-rounder and more.

Pierre LeBrun mentioned Yanni Gourde is expected to return to action by March 4 after recovering from sports hernia surgery on Jan. 31. LeBrun suggested the Seattle Kraken center as another fit for the Leafs as they attempt to boost their depth at center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re also great options for other clubs who might have more cap space or tradeable assets to win any bidding war for their services. Schenn has a full no-trade clause and hasn’t been asked yet by Blues management to waive it.

COULD SETH JONES BE A FIT WITH THE STARS?

TSN: Chris Johnston suggested the Stars as a trade destination for Seth Jones. The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman spent part of his childhood in Dallas and would love to play there. The Stars attempted to acquire him in 2021 but weren’t going to give him the contract that he signed with Chicago. It would depend on how much of Jones’ AAV the Blackhawks would be willing to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reported earlier this week that the Blackhawks don’t want to retain part of Jones’ salary to facilitate a trade. That would rule out a trade to Dallas unless the Stars can shed some salary in the deal or a separate cost-cutting trade.

THE LATEST ON ERIK KARLSSON

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports that a Pittsburgh Penguins source told him GM Kyle Dubas would trade Erik Karlsson in a heartbeat if he could. An Eastern Conference executive said the 34-year-old defenseman’s name is out there in the trade market, but the Penguins would have to retain salary.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (NHL Images)

Karlsson’s contract is a significant obstacle. The Penguins are carrying $10 million of his $11.5 million AAV through 2026-27. His former club, the San Jose Sharks, carries the remaining $1.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Yohe cited an NHL executive suggesting that a Karlsson trade seems more likely in the offseason when the salary cap rises significantly. That could make teams more willing to take on the majority of his bulky contract.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman suggested the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings as possible trade destinations for Karlsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Stars aren’t willing to take on Seth Jones’ $9.5 million, they won’t be interested in acquiring the full amount of the Penguins’ share of Karlsson’s AAV. The same goes for the Panthers, who have just over $2.4 million in projected trade deadline cap space.

The Red Wings have the cap room and the depth in tradeable assets like draft picks and prospects to make an enticing offer. Whether general manager Steve Yzerman is willing to make that move is another matter. Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff believes the priority has shifted to adding a center as Andrew Copp is out for the season following pectoral tendon surgery.

THE OILERS ARE NOT LOOKING TO ADD A GOALTENDER

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Edmonton Oilers do not consider adding a goaltender to be a priority. They’ve been linked to John Gibson because the Anaheim Ducks netminder listed the Oilers as one of his preferred trade destinations. However, they don’t consider him to be an upgrade over starter Stuart Skinner. Gibson’s contract ($6.4 million average annual value through 2026-27) is also an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun also said the Oilers don’t see anyone available who can be considered better than Skinner. Until that changes, they’re not pursuing a netminder.

UPDATES ON THE UTAH HC AND THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Utah Hockey Club is reluctant to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They’re already loaded with draft picks, plus they’re trying to make a splash in their new market by playing meaningful games late in the season.

GM Bill Armstrong could be open to packaging some of his draft picks with a player or two in return for something more dynamic in a real hockey deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, a player who can help Utah now and in the future, not a rental veteran whose best seasons are behind him.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and pending free-agent defenseman Ivan Provorov remain apart in their contract negotiations. The next few games leading up to the deadline will determine whether they trade Provorov or hang onto him as an “own rental” for a playoff push.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have two first-rounders in this year’s draft, a roster filled with rising young talent, and a deep prospect pool. They don’t need to add more futures.

Replacing Provorov with a good young defenseman would be a better option. They could attempt to move him for a blueliner with term remaining on his contract.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES AND SENATORS

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy isn’t looking for rental players at the trade deadline. He’s not interested in sacrificing draft picks and prospects for a quick fix.

Conroy hasn’t ruled out adding young players with term remaining on their contracts, such as recent acquisitions Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. He’s also reportedly told other teams that he’s not a seller this year.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the clock is ticking on Senators GM Steve Staios as the March 7 deadline approaches. He’s been scouring the trade market for a forward but his limited salary cap space and reluctance to move a first-round pick hampers those efforts.

Staios is believed to be interested in Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev and Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. Garrioch cited two sources claiming Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker is available, and they’re seeking a prospect in return. It’s believed the Nashville Predators could have some interest.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2025

by | Feb 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2025

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Ducks and Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRADE DEADLINE AMONG SABRES STORYLINES WORTH WATCHING

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports the upcoming March 7 trade deadline is one of the storylines worth watching for the Sabres.

Center Dylan Cozens, winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram were frequently the subject of trade speculation this season. It’s unclear if either player fits into the Sabres’ long-term plans.

Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens (NHL Images).

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is trying to make a trade similar to the one that brought Byram to Buffalo last season. That was a one-for-one swap with Casey Mittelstadt going to the Colorado Avalanche.

The Sabres aren’t interested in more draft picks or prospects. However, they might have to accept such offers for Jordan Greenway and Jason Zucker if the pending unrestricted free agents aren’t re-signed by March 7. Right-shot defenseman Henri Jokiharju could also draw interest in the trade market.

Lysowski and Mike Harrington believe the Sabres should re-sign Byram. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. Harrington thinks the 25-year-old defenseman’s next contract could carry an average annual value in the $9 million range.

As for Cozens, Lysowski felt he should be moved only if the return was significant given their lack of depth at center. Harrington thinks he should be retained, pointing out that the high number of calls they’re getting from rival teams speaks to Cozens’ value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adams has been trying to add to his roster since last summer. He claims part of the difficulty in doing so is that teams with no-trade protection aren’t interested in coming to Buffalo. Finding a suitable return of a talented player lacking no-trade protection also isn’t easy.

Some pundits linked Cozens and Byram to Elias Pettersson. The Vancouver Canucks center lacks no-trade protection until July 1 but he carries an expensive long-term contract. His production has significantly declined this season, making him a risky acquisition.

WILL THE DUCKS BUY OR SELL?

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Andrew Knoll reports the Anaheim Ducks’ recent surge in the standings might move them from being abject sellers to a club that could look at adding to their roster to accelerate their rebuild.

Pending UFAs like defenseman Brian Dumoulin could be shopped by the trade deadline. Mason McTavish, Drew Helleson, Isac Lundstrom and Brett Leason are restricted free agents but it seems likely they’ll stay put.

Knoll noted the recent trade buzz around forward Trevor Zegras and goaltender John Gibson. The Ducks have no urgency to move Zegras and would set a high asking price. However, his struggles since last season mean the odds are low of someone meeting that price. Recent rumors claim Gibson would be open to getting traded to a contender like Edmonton or Carolina.

Knoll doesn’t see the Ducks pursuing rental players at the trade deadline. They have salary-cap flexibility and some attractive futures to use as trade bait if longer-term opportunities present themselves.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kelsey Surmacz observed the Ducks had several scouts at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate) during the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has indicated an openness to moving the conditional 2025 first-rounder received from the Vancouver Canucks in the Marcus Pettersson trade. Surmacz noted the Ducks have several young NHLers (Zegras, McTavish, Pavel Mintyukov) who could fit within Dubas’ plan of adding young talent to his aging roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if the Ducks parted with McTavish or Mintyukov. They aren’t under pressure to move Zegras but they could listen if Dubas dangled a first-round pick, though it would likely have to be bundled with a good young player who fits into their long-term plans.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS SPEND BIG AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the Toronto Maple Leafs must throw caution to the wind as the March 7 trade deadline approaches. They need a third-line center, depth scoring (which could be addressed by filling that third-line center role) and another right-shot defenseman.

Siegel points out the Eastern Conference is wide open and the Leafs stars (including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander) aren’t getting any younger. He pointed out that the boldest teams in the trade market in recent years (Tampa Bay, Vegas, Colorado and Florida) were all rewarded for their efforts. Siegel wondered how willing the Leafs are to part with their top prospects and their 2026 first-round pick to acquire impactful help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether Leafs general manager Brad Treliving shares Siegel’s viewpoint remains to be seen. If he does, it’ll depend on whether the Leafs’ future assets are good enough to outbid other teams for the best available talent.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2025

by | Feb 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 15, 2025

Check out the latest on the Kraken, Oilers, Jets, Kings and Utah HC in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH PLAYERS COULD THE KRAKEN TRADE BY MARCH 7?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman cited a rumor claiming Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann could be available at the March 7 trade deadline.

Seattle Kraken winger Jared McCann (NHL Images).

Friedman said teams were calling the Kraken to inquire about the availability of the 28-year-old McCann. However, the club had not informed teams that the winger was available. He believes it would take a sizable offer to pry McCann away from the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCann is the Kraken’s franchise scoring leader. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

McCann’s 14 goals in 57 games is well off his career-best 40-goal performance in 2022-23 but his team-leading 42 points puts him within reach of his third straight season with at least 60 points.

The Kraken isn’t facing pressure to move McCann but maybe they’ll consider it if they receive a substantial offer.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kate Shefte looked at several Kraken players who could become trade bait by March 7.

Topping her list are forwards Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde, who are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand, Jaden Schwartz and Jamie Oleksiak are a year away from UFA eligibility but they’re also still playing important roles.

Winger Eeli Tolvanen’s solid play and reasonable $3.48 million AAV through next season are enticing. However, he re-signed with the Kraken last summer and is a young, multifaceted player they can build around. Struggling winger Andre Burakovsky might benefit from a change of scenery but he carries an AAV of $5.5 million for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev and Gourde will probably be playing elsewhere by March 7. Gourde is recovering from sports hernia surgery but is expected to return to action by late March.

LATEST ON THE OILERS GOALTENDING

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson was recently asked by some readers if the Oilers will attempt to upgrade their goaltending by the trade deadline. One mentioned Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson while another suggested Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Hockey Club.

Matheson dismissed those suggestions. While admitting he’d like to see more consistency from Oilers starter Stuart Skinner, he doesn’t see Gibson or Vejmelka as an upgrade. He also indicated that general manager Stan Bowman was happy with Skinner’s play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard backstopped the Oilers to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup last year. They’re not Vezina Trophy candidates but they’ve come through when their team needed them most. No one in the trade market could be an improvement over either of them.

POTENTIAL JETS TRADE BAIT

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at what the first-overall Winnipeg Jets might offer up at the trade deadline to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run.

The Jets’ 2025 first-round pick is available along with their second-rounders in 2026 and beyond. They might be willing to part with their 2026 first-rounder and prospect winger Colby Barlow for the right price.

Ates considers forward Cole Perfetti and prospects Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert and Brayden Yager as untouchable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are in “win-now” mode but not to the point where they’ll sacrifice too much of their future for rental players. They’ll need most of their top prospects as eventual replacements for veteran stars like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey.

KINGS SHOPPING FOR RIGHT-SHOT FORWARDS

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said the Los Angeles Kings were in the market for right-shot forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings will likely seek wingers who can skate on the top two lines alongside centers Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield. They need the offensive boost, sitting 20th in goals per game average (2.83) while their power-play percentage (14.6) is 29th overall.

A LOOK AT FOUR UTAH HC TRADE CANDIDATES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: If the Utah Hockey Club becomes sellers at the deadline, Spencer Lazary recently listed forwards Alex Kerfoot, Nick Bjugstad, defenseman Ian Cole and goaltender Karel Vejmelka as trade candidates All four are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Lazary believes Kerfoot could draw interest from the Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils. The Oilers could also revisit their interest in Bjugstad, who might be enticing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild.

The Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings could have Cole on their radar. Vejmelka could draw interest from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazary also suggested the Oilers could look at Vejmelka as a rental but that’s unlikely as I noted above.