NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2025

by | Apr 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – April 26, 2025

What’s the latest Blue Jackets speculation? Are the Bruins about to part ways with Joonas Korpisalo? Why haven’t the Hurricanes signed prospect defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a contract? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline expects to see the Columbus Blue Jackets make changes to their goaltending and defense corps this summer.

Goaltending demands the most attention. Starter Elvis Merzlikins improved over last season, but the temperamental netminder struggled down the stretch. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $5.4 million. Meanwhile, the coaching staff has lost confidence in backup Daniil Tarasov, who is a restricted free agent.

General manager Don Waddell goes into the offseason with a projected $41 million in salary cap space. He also has two first-round picks in this year’s draft, one of which could be used as a trade chip.

Waddell has been willing to pursue other clubs’ RFAs with offer sheets. However, his club doesn’t have its second-round pick in this year’s draft, which limits what kind of offer he could make, as he’d need that pick as compensation for a successful signing.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov (NHL Images).

Portzline asked Waddell if he might consider buying out Merzlikins or defenseman Damon Severson, who was a healthy scratch 10 times this season. The Blue Jackets GM said he couldn’t say how the summer will play out, but it wasn’t something they were looking at.

Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He seeks a seven or eight-year contract but the Jackets could be unwilling to go that far. They’d also like to re-sign pending UFA blueliner Dante Fabbro.

Forward Yegor Chinakhov was sidelined by an injury for most of this season. Given Waddell’s tendency to ship out oft-injured players, Portzline wondered if he might become a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs this year. They’re loaded with young talent up front but they must improve between the pipes and on the blueliner. Expect Waddell to be among this summer’s busiest general managers attempting to bolster his roster.

Fixing the goaltending will be a challenge. The best potential UFA options are Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils and Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Anaheim Ducks netminder John Gibson’s been a fixture in trade rumors over the last two years, but injuries, inconsistent play and his $6.4 million AAV through 2026-27 have kept him in Anaheim.

COULD THE BRUINS SHOP JOONAS KORPISALO?

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that numerous sources said the agent for Boston Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo told the club’s management that his client would welcome a trade this summer if he doesn’t get more starts next season.

Korpisalo started 27 games this season, with 11 wins, a 2.90 goals-against average, and a save percentage of .893. Agent Markus Lehto was unavailable for comment, and there was no official confirmation that a trade request was made.

“He’s not happy and thinks he’s earned more playing time,” one source told Murphy. “He’s more than open to exploring trade options.”

Teams reportedly checked on Korpisalo’s availability before the March 7 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo was traded to the Bruins by the Ottawa Senators last summer in exchange for Linus Ullmark. He has three more seasons remaining on his contract with an AAV of $4 million, of which the Bruins carry $3 million annually and the Senators $1 million.

Korpisalo had starter opportunities with the Senators, Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, his inconsistency has made it difficult to remain in those roles. He’s the backup for Jeremy Swayman in Boston and might not get more playing time next season if the latter rebounds from his disappointing performance this season.

HURRICANES HAVING DIFFICULTIES SIGNING ALEXANDER NIKISHIN?

RG.ORG’s Sergey Demidov cited the agent for Carolina Hurricanes prospect defenseman Alexander Nikishin had harsh words for the club’s efforts to sign his client to an NHL contract.

Earlier this month, Nikishin was released from his KHL contract with SKA St. Petersburg, enabling him to sign his entry-level deal with the Hurricanes. His agent, Alexander Chernykh, called the Hurricanes “one of the most complicated teams to deal with regarding management.” He added that his client would return home or request a trade if this issue wasn’t resolved.

Demidov believes Chernykh is trying to justify himself. “It seems he wasn’t able to bring Nikishin to Carolina before the end of the season, as the Canes’ coaches wanted.”

SPORTSNET’s Elliotte Friedman reports Ryan Barnes, Nikishin’s North American agent, said they continue working on his client’s status with the Hurricanes. “Our Russian partners are simply excited to see Alexander play for the Hurricanes and so are we.”










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – October 1, 2024

by | Oct 1, 2024

Recapping Monday’s preseason action, the Canadiens awaiting word on Laine and Reinbacher, the Bruins indicate who their starting goalie will be in their season-opener, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We are experiencing technical difficulties today affecting the site’s layout and comments section. We hope to have these issues rectified today and appreciate your patience as we deal with this matter. 

GAME RECAPS (PRESEASON EDITION)

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 in split-squad action for the Wings. Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Joel Blomqvist stopped 20 of 21 shots for the Penguins.

An overtime goal by Konsta Helenius gave the Buffalo Sabres a 4-3 victory over the Red Wings in split-squad action.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jeremy Brodeur made 29 saves in a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers. Brodeur is the son of Hall-of-Fame netminder Martin Brodeur.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Rangers announced that forward Jimmy Vesey is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a lower-body injury suffered during practice on Sunday.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid collected two assists as his club nipped the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in a shootout.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers released winger Mike Hoffman from his professional tryout offer (PTO) earlier in the day. He had a goal and four points in four preseason contests. Meanwhile, the Canucks released forward Sammy Blais from his PTO contract.

The New York Islanders beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 as Kyle Palmieri scored the tiebreaker with 51 seconds remaining in the third period.

Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his first preseason goal with the Washington Capitals in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubois and Tom Wilson each had a goal and an assist and Logan Thompson turned aside 24 shots for the Capitals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a 26-save performance by goalie Jonas Johansson to beat the Florida Panthers 3-1.

An overtime goal by Nazem Kadri lifted the Calgary Flames to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken. Tyson Barrie had two assists and Dan Vladar kicked out 30 shots for the Flames.

Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper turned in a 23-save shutout to blank the Anaheim Ducks 4-0. Tanner Jeannot and Akil Thomas each had a goal and an assist.

HEADLINES

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens were still awaiting word on Monday of the severity of the lower-body injuries Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher suffered during Saturday’s preseason game against Toronto.

Laine was injured following a knee-on-knee collision with Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare. Reinbacher left the same game in the opening seconds following a check from Leafs forward Marshall Rifai.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine watched practice on crutches from the Canadiens’ bench yesterday. The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan reports hearing Laine could be sidelined for four-to-six months. There was no confirmation from the team. An update could be made on Tuesday.

DAILY FACEOFF: Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said Joonas Korpisalo will be the club’s starter for their season-opener on Oct. 8. The news comes amid the ongoing contract standoff between Bruins management and goalie Jeremy Swayman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swayman’s stalled negotiations got spicy yesterday when Bruins president Cam Neely seemed to reveal how much the club offered the 25-year-old netminder. I’ll have more details in today’s Rumor update.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The NHL will honor Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau with helmet stickers displaying their uniform numbers worn by all NHL players starting with games on Friday and Saturday in Czechia during the league’s Global Series.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning captain Victor Hedman and his wife, Sanna, have pledged to donate $150, 000 to charities helping those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Tampa community.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators released forward Nikolay Kulemin from his PTO contract.

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

by | Jun 25, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2024

What next for the Panthers and Oilers following the Stanley Cup Final? Do the Bruins and Senators have any more moves in store? What’s the latest on Predators goalie Juuse Saros? Find out in the NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS AND OILERS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton observed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have most of their core players under contract for next season. However, Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour head a list of 11 pending unrestricted free agents.

Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent media speculation suggests the Panthers will sign Reinhart to a long-term deal for slightly less than market value, possibly around $9 million annually. However, their re-signing of Gustav Forsling over Montour earlier this year suggests the latter will be going to market on July 1.

Turning to the Oilers, Ryan S. Clark believes the cap-strapped club will again attempt to round out their roster with players on team-friendly contracts. Warren Foegele, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark are among their seven pending UFAs.

Clark also wondered if they might seek a goalie upgrade. Stuart Skinner played well during the Stanley Cup Final but was shaky earlier in the postseason.

Leon Draisaitl is a year away from UFA eligibility. Clark believes the Oilers will do everything possible to turn its promise into a Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported that Oilers management has held preliminary contract extension discussions with the Draisaitl camp. The serious negotiations will soon begin.

The Oilers can afford to retain Foegele, Henrique, or Janmark but not all three. As for Skinner, they’ll stick with him. They could attempt to shed Jack Campbell’s contract via trade or buyout once that window opens Wednesday evening.

ARE THE BRUINS AND SENATORS DONE DEALING FOLLOWING THE ULLMARK TRADE?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss analyzed the pros and cons of the Bruins shipping Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators with Joonas Korpisalo heading to Boston as part of the return.

Goss noted Korpisalo was one of the NHL’s worst goalies this season. The Senators retained 25 percent of his annual cap hit but it still works out to $3 million per season with four years remaining on his contract.

The Bruins are likely to carry Korpisalo on their roster for next season. However, Goss speculated they could attempt to flip him this summer to another club by attaching a draft pick or offering to retain part of his cap hit. They could also buy out the remainder of his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could attempt to peddle Korpisalo this summer. However, he’s more likely to serve as Jeremy Swayman’s backup next season.

OTTAWA SUN: Tim Baines wondered if Senators general manager Steve Staios will attempt to trade left-shot defenseman Jakob Chychrun and what type of return he might fetch.

Chychrun, 26, had a good season with the Senators in 2023-24. He played all 82 games and netted 41 points. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.6 million and will be expensive to re-sign.

With left-shot blueliners Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson under long-term contracts, the Senators can’t afford to sign Chychrun to an extension. They could carry him on the roster for next season and attempt to move him at the trade deadline but Baines considers that unlikely. They’re also unlikely to trade Chabot and re-sign Chychrun.

Baines noted there’s been rumblings of a pending deal between the Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers. He wonders if Chychrun might be part of it.

Staios could attempt to recoup some of the draft capital used to acquire Chychrun last season. However, Baines believes it best to acquire young players who can bring more immediate roster help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the musings about this rumored swap between the Flyers and Senators suggest Chychrun will be part of it. The deal could occur before the upcoming NHL Draft, starting on Friday.

UPDATE ON JUUSE SAROS

102.5 THE GAME NASHVILLE: Predators GM Barry Trotz provided an update on contract extension talks with Juuse Saros. The 29-year-old goaltender has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Trotz claimed he’s had good dealings thus far with Saros’ agent, adding they’re hoping to find common ground on a win-win deal. He also confirmed the netminder has reached the stage of his career where he’s earned a no-move clause, something that’s not in his current deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has been open with the media regarding his negotiations with the Saros camp. The netminder has frequently surfaced in trade rumors, with the most recent having the Predators shipping him to the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Mitch Marner.

Trotz has swatted aside these rumors. It appears Saros will be staying in Nashville beyond next season.










Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

by | Jun 24, 2024

Boston Bruins Trade Linus Ullmark To The Ottawa Senators

​The Boston Bruins traded goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, center Mark Kastelic, and a 2024 first-round pick.

The Senators will also retain 25 percent of Korpisalo’s $4 million annual salary cap hit through 2027-28. The Bruins are receiving the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was speculated that Senators general manager Steve Staios had conversations with teams before the trade deadline that could lay the groundwork for offseason moves. It seems one of those lines of discussion paid off.

It was reported that the Senators attempted to acquire Ullmark before the March trade deadline by offering up Korpisalo. The Bruins declined because they couldn’t afford Korpisalo’s full cap hit.

The offseason and the rising salary cap changed the equation. The Senators still had to retain part of Korpisalo’s cap hit. However, it’s now easier for the Bruins to take him knowing the salary cap will rise significantly this summer and in the foreseeable future.

Staios wanted to improve the Senators goaltending. He’s picked up a big upgrade by landing the winner of the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy.

Ullmark won’t have the same caliber of defense in front of him in Ottawa as he did in Boston, If he can adjust (and if Staios can upgrade the blueline this summer) the Senators should be in good shape next season.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ullmark agrees to a contract extension with the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million.

Korpisalo struggled in his first season with the Senators. He’ll get a chance for a fresh start with the Bruins. He better be prepared for a backup role as Jeremy Swayman is now the undisputed starter in Boston.

The Bruins also get back the first-round pick they originally traded to the Detroit Red Wings last year in the Tyler Bertuzzi deal. The Wings subsequently shipped that pick to Ottawa last summer in the Alex DeBrincat trade.

Kastelic spent the past three seasons as a checking-line forward for the Senators. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of over $821K.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

by | Jun 16, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 16, 2024

A look at Daily Faceoff’s list of potential contract buyout candidates in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli has Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois atop his list of potential contract buyout candidates this summer.

Seravalli acknowledged Kings general manager Rob Blake indicating the club doesn’t plan on buying out the 25-year-old Dubois. However, he thinks it makes too much sense to do so if it can be done before the forward turns 26 on June 24. Until that date, they could buy him out at one-third of the remaining value over twice the remaining tenure of the contract. If he’s bought out at age 26 or older, it’s at two-thirds the remaining value.

Los Angeles Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The buyout period begins on June 15 or 48 hours following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final, whichever is later. The latest the current series runs is June 24.

Blake was firm when he said that Dubois wouldn’t be bought out. We’ve since seen or heard little indication he or his superiors will change their minds.

Seravalli’s other buyout candidates include Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell, New York Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow, Ottawa Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo, New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug, Philadelphia Flyers netminder Cal Petersen, Flyers winger Cam Atkinson, and Dallas Stars defenseman Ryan Suter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Petersen and Atkinson are the most likely to be bought out. On June 7, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said his club was examining its options, including buyouts for those two players.

Campbell was a free-agent bust for the Oilers. They’ve put their faith in Stuart Skinner as their starter this season, banishing Campbell to their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. A buyout wouldn’t be out of the question, especially if they want to free up cash to re-sign restricted free agent Evan Bouchard this summer.

Goodrow is another possibility as the cap-strapped Rangers consider their options this summer. However, there could be a trade market for him given his playoff experience. Suter could also become a cost-cutting casualty.

The Islanders could prefer to trade Pageau rather than go the buyout route to free up salary. He popped up in trade rumors earlier this season.

The Senators are rumored to be shopping for an upgrade between the pipes. That could require clearing Korpisalo from their books.

Most reports out of Ottawa thus far suggest they could return with the tandem of Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg and hope they improve next season. Still, if there’s a chance to add someone like Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom or Boston’s Linus Ullmark, buying out Korpisalo could become a realistic option.

Krug used his no-trade clause last summer to reject a trade with the Flyers. He could become a buyout candidate if the Blues become desperate to create cap space for next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

by | Jun 6, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2024

A look at the offseason market for goaltenders and the latest on Brady Tkachuk, Martin Necas and Chandler Stephenson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM IN THIS SUMMER’S GOALIE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen offered up an analysis of the goaltenders potentially available in this summer’s trade market and the teams who could be interested in them.

The big names include Nashville’s Juuse Saros, Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom, and Boston’s Linus Ullmark.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Saros seems the least likely of those three to be available. The Predators are reportedly planning to open contract extension talks soon, though they could listen to offers if those negotiations stall.

Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a full no-movement clause. The 34-year-old Flames goalie was reportedly close to getting traded to the New Jersey Devils in February but for some reason, the deal fell through. It’s assumed Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald could revisit his interest in Markstrom, who could waive his clause to go to New Jersey.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Ullmark seems the most likely to be traded. He’s got a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5 million and a 16-team no-trade list that becomes a 15-team list on July 1. It’s believed the Bruins intend to make Jeremy Swayman their full-time starter with promising Brandon Bussi as his backup. It was rumored the Bruins were close to moving Ullmark before the trade deadline to a team on his no-trade list but he rejected the deal.

Other trade options include Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, Ottawa’s Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins, and Washington’s Darcy Kuemper.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re all on this list because of their recent inconsistent performances.

Gustavsson is the odd man out among the Wild goalies with Marc-Andre Fleury returning for one more season and promising Jesper Wallstedt ready for promotion. Korpisalo has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.

Merzlikins raised eyebrows in January with a trade request that his agent subsequently walked back. He’s got three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. Kuemper’s performance has declined over the past two seasons. He’s also got three years left on his deal and a 10-team no-trade list. His AAV is $5.25 million.

The free-agent market is rather thin on reliable starters but has plenty of backups with varying abilities. They include Kaapo Kahkonen, Casey DeSmith, Anthony Stolarz, Ilya Samsonov, Laurent Brossoit, and Cam Talbot.

Boylen listed the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings as potential buyers.

SENATORS MUST IMPROVE TO MAKE TKACHUK TRADE RUMORS DISAPPEAR

SPORTSNET: Wayne Scanlan noted the recent trade speculation suggesting the Ottawa Senators might listen to trade offers for captain Brady Tkachuk, forcing GM Steve Staios to deny the rumors in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.

The trade conjecture about Tkachuk is baseless but it’s not going away. Scanlan believes the only way to nip it in the bud is for the Senators to finally improve into a playoff contender. Another missed postseason will only further stoke speculation about their captain’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are building around Tkachuk but the constant losing is wearing on him. The 24-year-old left winger has four years left on his contract. He’s already been in the NHL for six seasons without a sniff of the playoffs. This year’s disappointment had to be particularly bitter following such a promising buildup to this season.

If the Senators keep spinning their wheels, Tkachuk will run out of patience at some point. He’ll want to play for a winner while he’s still in his playing prime. Another lost season or two could force him into requesting a trade. He’ll get slammed in some quarters for bailing on the Sens but most folks won’t blame him for doing so.

Tkachuk is doing everything he can to lead the Senators into postseason contention. His performance on and off the ice back this up. He and his teammates have been let down by years of mismanagement by Staios’ predecessor.

LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS

THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: Marek spoke with colleague Elliotte Friedman about potential suitors for Carolina Hurricanes winger Martin Necas.

Friedman isn’t sure that some of the teams reportedly interested in Necas (Vancouver and Montreal) have what the Hurricanes want for the winger. The Boston Bruins could offer up goaltender Linus Ullmark, noting the two teams discussed the former Vezina Trophy winner before the March trade deadline.

Marek noted the Buffalo Sabres have a lot of prospects and draft capital to use as trade bait. However, he doesn’t think any of that works for the Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will set a high asking price for Necas, hoping his potential as a scoring winger will fetch a significant return. They can retain him if they don’t get any suitable offers, but there’s a sense among the punditry that they prefer to move him rather than face a potential arbitration hearing.

Earlier this week, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if Necas was traded by this Saturday. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.

UPDATE ON CHANDLER STEPHENSON

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently reported Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson could draw several suitors if he hits the open market on July 1. He’s coming off a four-year contract with an AAV of $2.75 million.

Allen cited reports suggesting the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nashville Predators could be among a growing list of teams that could come calling about Stephenson when free agency begins.