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.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

by | Feb 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Rickard Rakell, John Gibson, Jake Evans, Ryan Donato and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT BRAD MARCHAND

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an “NHL executive source” said the Boston Bruins are getting calls on captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, raising speculation about whether he’ll be re-signed or moved by the March 7 trade deadline.

Murphy’s source claimed teams were wondering what the Bruins intended to do with Marchand. For now, they appear to be just listening rather than actively shopping him. He also noted that the Bruins haven’t squashed the rumors as they’ve done in the past. Another source close to the situation indicated they’re not shopping Marchand.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

The sources’ opinions vary on the price the Bruins could offer Marchand. One speculates it could be a first-round pick and a top prospect. Another believes it depends on which team is asking. The sources mentioned the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand carries a cap hit of $6.125 million and an eight-team no-trade list. Interested clubs could ask the Bruins to retain some salary, which could raise their asking price. The Oilers and Wild are pressed against the $88 million cap, making them the least likely to land him. All five teams lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

BROCK NELSON BECOMES THE TOP TARGET IN THE RUMOR MILL

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias has a roundup of speculation from several insiders suggesting Islanders center Brock Nelson is the most coveted player in the trade market. Like Marchand, the 33-year-old is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a $6 million cap hit.

Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, and TSN’s Chris Johnston reporting the 33-year-old Nelson is garnering attention around the league. He claimed the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are “very interested” in the veteran Isles center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The points I raised about the lack of a 2025 first-rounder for the Avalanche and Wild also apply here. The Wild currently have Kirill Kaprizov and his $9 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but he’s expected to return from surgery in a few weeks. Like the Wild and Avs, the Leafs and Lightning don’t have first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Jets have the advantage over those clubs, provided they’re not on his 16-team no-trade list. They’re first overall in the standings and in “win-now” mode, have over $12 million in projected trade-deadline cap space and a first-round pick in this year’s draft, and they can also draw on their prospect pipeline for trade bait.

RICKARD RAKELL COULD BE AVAILABLE BUT EXPENSIVE

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t in a hurry to trade Rickard Rakell. The 31-year-old winger is playing well alongside team captain Sidney Crosby. He’s also signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million.

Nevertheless, Yohe believes the Penguins would listen if a team made a truly significant package offer containing a first-rounder and a blue-chip prospect close to NHL-ready. He claims GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t told teams that Rakell is untouchable, only that the asking price is high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell’s trade value is very high right now. If a suitable offer isn’t possible at the trade deadline, they might wait for the offseason when the rising cap could entice teams to spend more than they currently would.

COULD JOHN GIBSON BE A FIT WITH THE OILERS?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting he’d heard the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are the preferred trade destinations for John Gibson.

The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for some time.

Friedman said he’d heard Gibson wants to go where he’d be “the guy”, as in the starting goaltender. However, he doesn’t know if partnering with Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner will work for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples doesn’t think Gibson would be a good fit for the Oilers. Even if the Ducks retained half his cap hit, he believes it would still take a hefty chunk out of their cap space. Meanwhile, Staples colleague Kurt Leavins doesn’t see Gibson as an improvement over Skinner, saying he’s been “very mediocre” over the past five years.

WILL JAKE EVANS STAY IN MONTREAL OR MOVE ON?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens center Jake Evans knows he’s facing a murky future. The 28-year-old is due to become a UFA this summer and could be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Sunday that the Canadiens and the Evans camp exchanged contract numbers. However, the two sides remain far apart, suggesting he’ll be traded by March 7.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie claims Evans’s re-signing with the Canadiens is a real possibility despite the reported gaps in their contract negotiations. However, he didn’t go so far as to guarantee his signing.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports it’s “common knowledge” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is in the market for a third-line center. He believes Evans would fit the bill.

However, the Canadiens’ asking price would be at least a second-rounder and there are plenty of suitors. Nichols noted the Devils have three second-rounders but lack a first-rounder, which would put them out of the bidding if the price goes up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is the Canadiens’ best trade chip and could fetch a first-round pick if enough teams are interested leading up to March 7. They won’t hesitate to trade him if the two sides don’t agree to a new contract by then.

UPDATES ON RYAN DONATO AND PAT MAROON

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently reported that it is expected the Chicago Blackhawks could trade pending UFA forward Ryan Donato by March 7. However, it’s not a certainty that he’ll be moved as management hasn’t ruled out re-signing him.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek reports Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon is drawing some attention in the trade market. Marek suggests the Florida Panthers and Maroon’s former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, as possible fits.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports injuries to forwards Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko has GM Don Waddell shopping for a top-six forward. “We had some irons in the fire,” Waddell told Portzline. “But no action yet.”

Waddell is willing to move one of his club’s two first-rounders in this year’s draft but it would only be for a player with term on their contract. He also wouldn’t rule out moving one of his extra mid-round picks for a player on an expiring contract.

The Blue Jackets GM also said talks continue with pending UFAs Ivan Provorov and Mathieu Olivier. He also wants to re-sign defenseman Dante Fabbro.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline noted the Blue Jackets have two second-round picks in the 2027 draft, two third-rounders in 2026 and two in the 2027 draft, and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft and three in 2026.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 26, 2025

by | Jan 26, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 26, 2025

The Avalanche and Hurricanes play their first games since the blockbuster trade involving Mikko Rantanen, the Senators reveal their Quarter-Century Team, and more from a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall were held scoreless in their debuts with the Carolina Hurricanes as they dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime to the New York Islanders. Brock Nelson tallied the winning goal as the Isles overcame a 2-0 deficit. Jack Roslovic and Sebastian Aho scored for the Hurricanes, who remain second in the Metropolitan Division with 64 points. The Islanders (49 points) have won four straight and sit six points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you missed it, Rantanan and Hall were traded to the Hurricanes on Friday evening in a three-team deal involving the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks. Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg left this game in the third period with an upper-body injury while teammate Ryan Pulock (upper body) departed in the first period.

Meanwhile, former Hurricanes Martin Necas and Jack Drury didn’t fare any better in their debuts with the Colorado Avalanche as they fell 3-1 to the Boston Bruins. Morgan Geekie scored two goals while David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists for the Bruins, who moved into third place in the Atlantic Division with 56 points. Artturi Lekhonen replied for the Avalanche (58 points) as they hold the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas and Drury were shipped from the Hurricanes to the Avalanche in the Rantanen trade. Colorado general manager Chris MacFarland acknowledged the move was a tough business decision. He wanted to re-sign Rantanen and improve his roster depth but couldn’t do both, so he chose the latter.

Rantanen’s departure saddened Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon. “I never thought in a million years he’d leave. So yeah, it just sucks,” he said, calling Rantanen a great friend and teammate. “I’m gonna miss him”.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (NHL Images).

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift his club over the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. Stuart Skinner stopped 39 shots as the Oilers took over first place in the Pacific Division with 65 points. Alex Tuch and Jiri Kulich scored for the Sabres, who’ve dropped four of their last five games.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko scored in overtime to lift his club to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski scored to extend his home points streak to 19 games as his club holds the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 55 points. Kevin Fiala had two assists and Quinton Byfield scored the tying goal for the Kings, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 58 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sidelined Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan will miss an additional six to eight weeks as he suffered a setback in his recovery from a wrist injury.

The Seattle Kraken got a 28-save performance from goaltender Joey Daccord in a 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jared McCann and Chandler Stephenson each collected two assists as the Kraken got their third win in their last four contests. Sidney Crosby tallied for the Penguins, who’ve lost three of their last four and sit seven points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Matt Nieto left this game with injuries. There was no postgame update on their conditions.

An overtime goal by Jack Hughes lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. Jesper Bratt had a goal and an assist and Jake Allen made 29 saves against his former club. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes kicked out 40 shots while Nick Suzuki had a goal and two assists for the Canadiens (53 points), who sit two points out of the final Eastern wild-card spot. The Devils (62 points) moved within two points of the second-place Hurricanes in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was a costly victory for the Devils as captain Nico Hischier left the game in the third period after receiving an unpenalized cross-check to the mid-section from Suzuki in the previous period.

The Ottawa Senators nipped the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1. Shane Pinto broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period while Anton Forsberg made 28 saves for the win, moving the Senators (54 points) within one point of the final Eastern wild card position. Bobby McMann scored for the Leafs (62 points), who’ve dropped two in a row but remain in first place in the Atlantic Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Leafs placed forward Connor Dewar (upper body) on injured reserve and called up Nikita Grebenkin. They placed sidelined netminder Anthony Stolarz on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to clear cap space for Grebenkin.

Meanwhile, Senators forward Nick Cousins is expected to miss some time after a knee-on-knee collision with Leafs rookie Jacob Quillan in the first period. His teammate, Nick Jensen, missed this game as he’s listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot made 28 saves for his 33rd career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Marco Kasper and Michael Rasmussen were the goal scorers as the Red Wings (51 points) are four points out of the final Eastern wild card spot. Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 29 shots for the Lightning (55 points), who’ve lost three of their last four and dropped into the first Eastern wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning and Blue Jackets are tied in points but the Bolts have more wins (26 to 24) and hold two games in hand over the Jackets.

The Dallas Stars got a 33-save shutout from Casey DeSmith to blank the St. Louis Blues 2-0. Evgenii Dadonov and Esa Lindell scored as the Stars picked up their third win in their last four games and sit second in the Central Division with 63 points. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made 17 saves as his club sits five points out of the final Western wild card with 50 points.

Calgary Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko tallied twice and added an assist in a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild, handing the latter their fifth defeat in their last six contests. The Flames hold the final Western wild card with 55 points. Marco Rossi had three assists for the Wild as they cling to third place in the Central Division with 60 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl left this game after being boarded by Wild forward Jakub Lauko. There was no postgame update on his status.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes scored both goals in his club’s 2-1 win over the league-leading Washington Capitals. Kevin Lankinen stopped 32 shots for the Canucks (52 points) for their third win in their last 11 games (3-6-2) as they sit three points behind the Flames. Pierre-Luc Dubois replied for the Capitals as their 12-game points streak ended (9-0-3).

The Anaheim Ducks beat the Nashville Predators 5-2. Mason McTavish scored twice while Trevor Zegras had a goal and an assist for the Ducks. Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O’Reilly tallied for the Predators as their five-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson left this game following the first period with an upper-body injury.

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad had a goal and an assist in his return from injury as his club cruised to a 7-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and two assists as the Panthers (61 points) sit one point behind the Atlantic Division-leading Maple Leafs. Cody Ceci and Will Smith tallied for the Sharks, who’ve lost six straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Sharks placed forward Ty Dellandrea (upper body) on injured reserve.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators unveiled their Quarter-Century Team on Saturday.

Forwards Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley, defensemen Erik Karlsson and Wade Redden, and goaltender Craig Anderson comprised the First Team.

The Second Team featured forwards Marian Hossa, Mark Stone and Brady Tkachuk, defensemen Zdeno Chara and Chris Phillips, and goaltender Patrick Lalime.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers signed defenseman Will Borgen to a five-year, $20.5 million contract extension. Borgen, 28, was acquired from the Seattle Kraken last month in exchange for winger Kaapo Kakko. The average annual value of his new deal is $4.1 million.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – January 6, 2025

Could the Senators shop for a goaltender or claim Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers? Should the Leafs trade prospect Easton Cowan? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators should be scouring the trade market for a goaltender with starter Linus Ullmark sidelined indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

Ullmark departed during the Senators’ 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 22. There is no timetable for his return. The Senators are currently using backup Anton Forsberg and call-up Leevi Merilainen.

Garrioch cited sources claiming the market for goaltenders isn’t great. Those who could be available include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, Cayden Primeau of the Montreal Canadiens, and James Reimer of the Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. If the Ducks were willing to retain part of his salary he might not accept a trade to Ottawa. It’s rumored the seven Canadian teams are on his no-trade list.

Primeau passed unclaimed through waivers last week. The Sabres claimed Reimer off waivers from the Ducks in November and will likely hang onto him for insurance.

A source told Garrioch the Detroit Red Wings would be willing to move Ville Husso. However, he carries a $4.75 million cap hit and the Wings aren’t willing to retain salary.

Garrioch also wondered if the Senators might claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He pointed out that general manager Steve Staios has a long history with the 23-year-old winger as they won the 2018 OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out after the noon ET deadline on Monday. Kaliyev had a promising rookie season with the Kings in 2021-22 but struggled afterward to maintain a regular roster spot. He fractured his clavicle on Oct. 6 and only recently came off injured reserve.

SHOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE EASTON COWAN?

YARDBARKER: Nick Matthews of Maple Leafs Daily cited former Sportsnet personality Sid Seixeiro suggesting the Leafs should trade top prospect Easton Cowan following his disappointing performance for Canada at the 2025 World Juniors.

“Contrary to what a lot of folks are saying, (Cowan) still has a lot of value. But Toronto might have to cash that chip sooner rather than later.”

Meanwhile, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe the Leafs should give up on Cowan because of a couple of bad weeks at the WJC.

“I see people saying, oh, they should trade him. Number one, his value will never be lower than it is now. “Number two, I think it’s bananas to give up on someone you really think highly of based on two bad weeks.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Friedman. The Leafs are already near the bottom third with their prospect pipeline. Cowan is among the few prospects they have with the skills to become an NHL player. They’re in win-now mode but must maintain an eye on the future.