NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2025
Check out the latest on the Canucks and Sabres in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION
TSN: Darren Dreger believes acquiring a second-line center will be among the Vancouver Canucks’ priorities this summer.
The free-agent market is thin for such players. However, the Canucks aren’t afraid to spend some draft capital or prospects in the trade market.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (NHL Images).
Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has a year left on his contract. Dreger wondered what a contract extension might look like. He also thinks a trade could be an option.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: When healthy, Demko’s among the best goalies in the league. His stellar play last season made him a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and played a big role in the Canucks’ 109-point performance.
However, Demko’s absences due to injury create uncertainty about his effectiveness as a starter. The Canucks have also received solid goaltending from Kevin Lankinen, who signed a five-year extension in February.
Despite Demko’s injury history, the lack of quality goalies in the trade and free-agent markets could make him an enticing trade chip for the Canucks if the two sides fail to agree to terms for an extension.
THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Thomas Drance what his top center trade targets would be for the Canucks this summer.
One option could be pursuing an older center on a risky contract like Steven Stamkos. Drance acknowledged the 34-year-old Stamkos’ no-movement clause but noted that he’s had a rough season with the Nashville Predators.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks will probably have to look elsewhere for that type of center. Besides, Stamkos is more effective at left wing at this stage in his career.
Another option would be a promising young center who hasn’t broken out yet like Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals or Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets. Drance admits both would be expensive to acquire, but if the Canucks intend to make a big swing in this summer’s trade market, those would be the two to pursue.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMichael has become part of the Capitals’ core this season with a 55-point performance. He’s signed through next season with an average annual value of $2.1 million. He’s not going anywhere.
Drance observed Perfetti had an acrimonious negotiation with the Jets last summer before agreeing to a two-year deal (at an AAV of $3.25 million). Perfetti would be the most likely to be available, but that doesn’t mean the Jets will move him.
The final option is a reliable veteran in his prime with some term left on his contract. Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes fall into that category. Drance pointed out that the Bruins are rebuilding, which could make Zacha available. He also noted the Canucks were linked to Kotkaniemi in the past.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha is the better of the two. He had a career-high 59 points last season and has 45 points this season. However, he might not be available if the Bruins are retooling for a quick turnaround rather than staging a rebuild.
The 24-year-old Kotkaniemi is younger than Zacha and has more contract certainty with five years remaining. However, he’s been inconsistent during his tenure with the Hurricanes and usually sees third-line center duty.
MORE CHANGE IN STORE FOR THE SABRES?
THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn examined why the Buffalo Sabres missed the playoff for the 14th straight season, and what might be in store during the offseason.
Fairburn noted the Sabres trading Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline. He believes more changes could be coming this season, citing their goals-against (fourth highest in the league) and woeful special-teams play (25th-ranked power play, 23rd-ranked penalty kill).
General manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff each have a year left on their contracts. Fairburn wondered if team owner Terry Pegula would make more changes in the front office and behind the bench.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres’ woes begin with Pegula. He’s provided the financial stability that ensures this club won’t be moved, but as Fairburn observes, the constant losing is taking a toll on its fanbase.
If Adams remains as general manager he’ll emphasize improving the Sabres goaltending and defensive game.