Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 1, 2026

by | Jul 1, 2026

Notable NHL Free Agent Signings and Trades – July 1, 2026

The Edmonton Oilers sign goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary and $1.8 million performance bonus.

The Winnipeg Jets signed defenseman Mario Ferraro to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $4 million

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the New Jersey Devils have signed Utah Mammoth restricted free agent forward Barrett Hayton to a one-year offer sheet worth $4.775 million. The Mammoth will receive the Devils’ 2027 second-round pick as compensation if they don’t match the offer within seven days.

The Utah Mammoth signs winger Anders Lee to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $5.4 million.

The Edmonton Oilers sign defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $4 million.

The New York Rangers trade defenseman Will Borgen to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a conditional third-rounder in 2028.

The New York Rangers acquire defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2030 first-round pick (top-10 protected).

The Edmonton Oilers trade defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect blueliner Zack Sharp. The Oilers did not retain salary in this deal.

The New York Rangers trade center Vincent Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for defenseman Sean Durzi, prospect center Cole Beaudoin, and a 2027 third-round draft pick.

The Washington Capitals sign Boone Jenner to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.75 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs trade goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Nick Paul.

The Boston Bruins trade goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fourth-round pick in 2028.

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million contract.

The New York Rangers signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign center Colton Sissons to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.25 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal worth an average annual value of $7 million.

The San Jose Sharks sign defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $8.25 million.

Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

The Winnipeg Jets sign goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $3.75 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign forward Jack Roslovic to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4 million.

The Colorado Avalanche sign forward Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $3.25 million

The Florida Panthers re-sign forward Eetu Luostarinen to an eight-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights re-sign defenseman Rasmus Andersson to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

The San Jose Sharks signed winger Mason Marchment to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $7 million.

The Detroit Red Wings sign winger Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $5 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign winger Mats Zuccarello to a one-year contract worth $1 million in base salary, along with a $5.5 million performance bonus. 

The Montreal Canadiens sign winger Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $9.125 million.

The Chicago Blackhawks sign defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million contract extension with an average annual value of $12.5 million.

The New Jersey Devils sign center Nico Hischier to a five-year, $58.5 million contract extension with an average annual value of $11.7 million.

The Dallas Stars trade forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028.

The Florida Panthers sign Radko Gudas to a six-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs trade winger Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fourth-round draft pick (year TBD).

Buffalo Sabres re-sign defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year, $9 million contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign forward Erik Haula to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

Will the Penguins attempt to move one of their long-time veterans? What’s the latest speculation on the Bruins? Could the Kings make Darcy Kuemper a cost-cutting trade candidate? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS MOVE ON FROM THEIR AGING CORE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the time has come for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to make some decisions that could upset the fanbase, suggesting that it’s time to distance himself from nostalgia.

That means parting ways with Evgeni Malkin. Yohe believes the Penguins badly need young players to assert themselves. Giving Malkin a lesser role won’t solve the issue if he’s not good enough for his current one.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

If Dubas brings back Malkin and Kris Letang, then it makes no sense to support their “Big Three” (which includes Sidney Crosby, whose star continues to shine at age 38) with aging players. In that scenario, Yohe suggested shopping the 34-year-old forward Bryan Rust and the 33-year-old winger Rickard Rakell while their value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Malkin returns, Rust and/or Rakell could hit the trade block. Rust lacks no-trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list. Both would draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced depth among their top-six forwards.

In a recent mailbag segment, Yohe was asked if the Penguins could be in the sweepstakes for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews or Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid if they became available in the trade market.

Yohe doesn’t see either player landing in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins could have a chance given the allure of playing with Crosby. Their deep prospect pool could also help their cause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and McDavid have reached the point in their careers where they need to win the Stanley Cup to cement their legacies among the game’s elite superstars. They’ll want to join teams that give them the best opportunity to achieve that goal. Given where the Penguins are right now in their rebuilding process, they’re unlikely to be on either player’s list of preferred trade destinations.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could become the best player in this summer’s trade market if he and the Stars are unable to agree on a new contract. However, Stars management has made re-signing him a priority, making it unlikely that he’ll be available.

Svechnikov is also unlikely to be available. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million and a 10-team trade list. The 26-year-old winger is the Hurricanes’ first-line left winger. They have no reason to move him.

Kyrou and Boeser have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years and are on rebuilding teams. However, Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and Boeser a full no-move, giving them full control over their situations.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what a dream offseason would look like for the Boston Bruins.

They include signing Pavel Zacha to a contract extension; re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent winger Viktor Arvidsson; trading backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick; shipping Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, and Christopher Pelosi to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud, and signing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal if he becomes available in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Zacha and trading Korpisalo seem the more likely to occur, although the latter could end up with another team besides the Rangers. They could re-sign Arvidson, but perhaps they’ll explore other options first. The Flames appear intent on retaining Whitecloud, and Raddysh could prove far too expensive.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins face a decision with their backup goaltenders. Korpisalo isn’t a bad netminder, but his contract is. He has two more years left on his deal, with the Bruins paying him $3 million of his $4 million annual cap hit.

Meanwhile, promising Michael DiPietro was named the AHL’s MVP and the top goaltender. He carries an affordable $812,500 cap hit through 2026-27, but he’s UFA-eligible next July and must clear waivers to be sent back to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of goaltending depth in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could help the Bruins find a new home for Korpisalo this summer. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things a bit.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE DARCY KUEMPER?

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman recently observed that the Los Angeles Kings face a salary cap crunch this summer. While the salary cap is rising to $104 million for 2026-27, the Kings aren’t expected to spend to that ceiling.

The Kings need to re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Brandt Clarke, potentially re-sign UFA-eligible forward Scott Laughton, and find a legitimate second-line center via a trade or free agency.

Trading Darcy Kuemper could be one way to free up salary cap space to address those needs. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Backup Anton Forsberg played well this season, supplanting Kuemper as their starter in the playoffs. They also have Erik Portillo in their system, giving them three goalies under NHL contracts.

Demoting Portillo and his $833,333 would provide the least amount of cap relief. Trading Kuemper would free up $1.45 million after adding Portillo to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper’s inconsistency in recent years could affect attempts to trade him if the Kings wish to go that route. He also has a 10-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the limited number of quality goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could improve the Kings’ chances of finding a suitable trade partner.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

by | May 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Bruins, Blue Jackets, and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO WITH EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources with Evgeni Malkin’s management team say they have not yet spoken with Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas about a contract extension. Dubas is currently handling end-of-season interviews and focusing on their AHL affiliate during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin’s camp intends to reach out to Dubas later this week to set a date for an in-person meeting to discuss a new contract. Yohe believes the Penguins GM has not yet offered Malkin a new contract. Sources within the 39-year-old center’s camp say he’s not seeking a raise from his current $6.1 million average annual value.

Yohe cited sources with the Penguins last summer, claiming that Dubas had no intention of re-signing Malkin once his contract expired. However, the veteran star exceeded expectations this season, and team captain Sidney Crosby has said he’d like Malkin to return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Opinion seems divided among the Pittsburgh media regarding Malkin. Some, like Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, believe it’s time for the Penguins to part company with Malkin and focus on the future. Others, like Mark Madden of TribLive.com, see no problem with bringing back Malkin, though he acknowledged it would mean another year or two of being no better than they were this season.

Dubas seems reluctant to re-sign Malkin. It would surprise me if he inks the aging star to a new contract.

SOME OFF-SEASON PROPOSALS FOR THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa proposed several options for Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s off-season “to-do” list.

Checking into Brady Tkachuk’s trade availability is his most notable suggestion. He wondered if the Ottawa Senators might be concerned about whether their captain wants to stay after his contract expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios shot down the notion of Tkachuk getting traded this summer, while the 26-year-old left winger insisted that he wants to stay in Ottawa. Maybe that changes by this time next year if the Senators fail to improve in 2026-27. For now, he’s not going anywhere.

Other suggestions by Shinzawa include trading backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo, defenseman Mason Lohrei, and center Casey Mittelstadt. He also thinks Sweeney should keep an eye on New Jersey Devils restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Nemec and on Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA blueliner Darren Raddysh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo, Lohrei, and Mittelstadt have surfaced in trade rumors since last year. One of them could be used as a trade chip to add to their roster. Nemec would be an expensive addition via trade, while Raddysh could cost over $8 million annually on a long-term deal.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets’ management sees re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment as priorities. Losing both to free agency would be tough losses and could prompt other moves.

Portzline rules out the possibility of the Blue Jackets targeting a restricted free agent star from a rival club.

GM Don Waddell is likely to go the trade route to improve his club this summer. Waddell has indicated that the Blue Jackets’ 2026 first-round pick (14th overall) could be in play for the right offer.

The Blue Jackets could be in the market for a reliable backup goaltender. However, they would first have to attempt to move Elvis Merzlikins, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited number of decent goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could make Merzlikins easier to move, but there’s still no certainty the Jackets will find any takers. They might have to retain part of his salary or bundle him with a draft pick or prospect to make him more enticing.

SHARKS OPEN TO TRADING THEIR 2026 FIRST-ROUND PICK

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s open to trading his 2026 first-round pick, which sits second overall following Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

Grier said he’d consider moving that pick for the right offer. However, he also has no problem using it to add another promising youngster to his deep prospect pipeline.










NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

by | Jan 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – January 10, 2026

Check out the latest on Evgeni Malkin, Jason Robertson, Artemi Panarin, Jordan Kyrou, Blake Coleman, Jonathan Marchessault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Joonas Korpisalo, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS INTERESTED IN EVGENI MALKIN

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that some teams would love to acquire Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, but he carries a full no-movement clause. Any attempt to move him requires his consent.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

According to Kypreos, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin would be among the suitors, wondering if Russian winger Kirill Kaprizov might convince Malkin to join the Wild for a playoff run.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos acknowledged that Pittsburgh is in wildcard contention and under new ownership. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said earlier this season that he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss the remainder of this season. If the Penguins remain in the playoff hunt, Malkin will likely stay put.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUE STARS WINGER JASON ROBERTSON?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have limited assets to attempt a major trade. They used Easton Cowen as a trade chip last season in a failed attempt to acquire Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. However, Cowen’s performance this season makes it tough to part with him unless it’s for a significant return.

One idea involves the Maple Leafs making a pitch to the Dallas Stars for winger Jason Robertson. He could seek $12 million annually on his next contract, which is too expensive for the Stars. The Leafs could afford it, but the acquisition cost would be steep, involving Cowen, blueline prospect Ben Danford, and more. That could be more of an offseason move than a deadline one.

Kypreos touched on the possibility of moving Cowen and Danford in a package deal for a top-six forward or puck-moving defenseman in his latest Toronto Star column. He also suggested that Leafs forwards Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Nicolas Roy, Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, and defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Troy Stecher could be valuable trade commodities to stock up on futures while retooling the roster for the next two seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is tied with Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor as this season’s highest-scoring American player (52 points). The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Robertson could price himself out of Dallas, but the Stars won’t move him this season. They’re all-in for the Stanley Cup, and they need Robertson’s offense.

The Leafs could be hard-pressed to win a bidding war for Robertson this summer, but they have an advantage with his younger brother, Nick, on their roster.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS, RANGERS, FLAMES, BLUES, SABRES, AND JETS

The Nashville Predators are still expected to be sellers despite their recent surge in the standings. Winger Steven Stamkos’ $8 million annual cap hit makes him difficult to move. Winger Jonathan Marchessault could be a more likely trade candidate, but he has a full no-movement clause. He also didn’t rule out the possibility of goaltender Juuse Saros being part of a “bombshell deal”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible, but the Predators have clawed their way back into wildcard contention. They’re unlikely to sell if they’re still in contention by March 6. Stamkos, Marchessault, and Saros all have full no-movement clauses, and it’s unlikely that they’ll waive them.

Kypreos felt the New York Rangers could become sellers if sidelined goaltender Igor Shesterkin is out for a lengthy period. He mentioned pending UFA winger Artemi Panarin as the most likely trade candidate. He also suggested keeping an eye on center Vincent Trocheck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mollie Walker of the New York Post listed Panarin and Trocheck as trade candidates if the Rangers are sellers by March 6. She also included struggling young winger Brennan Othmann, defenseman Carson Soucy, and winger Alexis Lafreniere.

Blake Coleman is currently the player most in demand on the Calgary Flames. Teams are wary of center Nazem Kadri’s age and the remaining term of his contract. Kypreos still thinks the Vegas Golden Knights are still circling on defenseman Rasmus Andersson and could attempt to acquire him before the Olympic break.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson remains the most likely to be traded because of his UFA eligibility on July 1 and his status as the top defenseman in this summer’s free agent market. Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff recently listed the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and the Golden Knights as potential destinations.

The Flames aren’t facing the same pressure to trade Coleman because he has another year left on his contract, though they could ship him out if they get a good offer.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou has a full no-trade clause. However, Kypreos believes there’s a sense he may be softening on waiving it to go to a contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou was the frequent subject of trade chatter until last July, when his NTC kicked in and silenced that talk. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested at that time, but their current limited cap space makes it difficult for them to take on his $8.125 million AAV through 2030-31.

The Buffalo Sabres are aggressively shopping as buyers. They have some good young prospects and depth in their system to use as trade bait. Kypreos also believes they can afford to meet the salary demands of UFA-eligible winger Alex Tuch of around $10 million.

Kypreos doesn’t expect the struggling Winnipeg Jets to make a significant roster shake-up if they become sellers by the March 6 trade deadline. He anticipated they would make minor moves, such as peddling pending UFA defenseman Luke Schenn.

LATEST ON THE BRUINS

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins have been gauging the trade market for Joonas Korpisalo. However, the 31-year-old backup goaltender’s contract is a sticking point. He’s got two more years left on his deal with an AAV of $4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Murphy indicated that league sources believe the Bruins would have to attach a draft pick or prospect to unload Korpisalo in a deal.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently examined potential trade candidates for the Boston Bruins should they become sellers by March 6.

Korpisalo fell into the “Limited Market” category. Winger Viktor Arvidsson, defenseman Mason Lohrei, center Casey Mittelstadt, and defenseman Andrew Peeke were among those in the “Let’s Make A Deal” category.

Shinzawa thinks the biggest decision is whether to move Pavel Zacha. He’s a versatile forward who can play in all situations and carries an affordable $4.75 million AAV through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins could be buyers or sellers by the deadline, depending on where they are in the standings. Their performance over the rest of this month could determine which direction they go.

UPDATE ON JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

THE ATHLETIC: Cory Lavalette examined what’s gone wrong for Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 25-year-old Carolina Hurricanes center has been the subject of recent trade speculation. Lavalette believes he failed to establish an identity to his game. His lack of consistency resulted in head coach Rod Brind’Amour losing confidence in him.

Kotkaniemi still believes he can become a top-six forward. Another club could take him on as a reclamation project. His contract isn’t that bad, with four years remaining at an AAV of $4.82 million. There is also a market for centers right now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that there are teams interested in Kotkaniemi. The Hurricanes could seek a roster player in return, but they could settle for a return of draft picks, or a pick and a prospect, that they could use as trade bait to add a player by the trade deadline.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

by | Aug 17, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 17, 2025

Catching up on the recent speculation regarding Jets center Kyle Connor and Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, plus the latest Bruins conjecture in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Servalli recently speculated over where Kyle Connor might go if he doesn’t re-sign with the Winnipeg Jets. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor (NHL Images).

Seravalli wondered if the Detroit Red Wings might be a fit for Connor. He thinks it would make a lot of sense for the Wings, as they could use the additional scoring punch that the Michigan native would provide.

However, Seravalli doesn’t discount the Jets re-signing Connor. Despite their early playoff exit last spring, they’ve got a good thing going, and he’d be part of the solution to their championship puzzle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were unable to re-sign Nikolaj Ehlers, who headed to the Carolina Hurricanes as a UFA last month. However, they confounded the experts by re-signing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele two years ago, so we can’t discount Connor signing an extension before next July.

EXPRESSEN: On August 8, Rasmus Andersson denied reports claiming he told the Calgary Flames he would only accept a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights.

A report from TSN’s Darren Dreger earlier this summer claimed the Flames received a significant offer from the Los Angeles Kings for Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman said he knew what the proposal was, but wouldn’t say if it was from the Kings or another team. He rejected the trade because he didn’t want to move his family during his contract year.

Andersson also said that contract talks with the Flames have paused, adding they haven’t spoken in a month and a half.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The team in question was likely on Andersson’s six-team no-trade list. No word as to which clubs are on that list.

Reports out of Calgary earlier this summer indicated contract talks had stalled, sparking speculation that Andersson could be traded. However, Flames general manager Craig Conroy recently indicated that he had no problem with the blueliner being on the roster when the regular season opens in October.

It’s expected that Andersson will start the season with the Flames and could be shopped by the March trade deadline.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo have been fixtures in the rumor mill since the 2025 NHL Draft in late June. However, an NHL executive told Murphy that he heard Casey Mittelstadt could be on the move again.

Mittelstadt, 26, was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche along with prospect winger William Zellers before the 2025 March trade deadline. However, the common feeling among observers is that Zellers was the real target for the Bruins, who were restocking their prospect pool, leaving some to wonder if they intend to flip Mittelstadt to another club at some point.

Meanwhile, Korpisalo’s agent last month denied rumors claiming his client wanted a trade. Zacha’s agent dismissed the chatter about his client as “just rumors”.

SEKERES & PRICE: Matt Sekeres noted the trade rumors circulating in Boston about Zacha and Mittelstadt. Cam Robinson believes either player would be an upgrade at center for the Vancouver Canucks, particularly Mittelstadt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Zacha or Mittelstadt makes sense if the Bruins were rebuilding. However, that isn’t the case as management is retooling for a bounce-back season. We’ll see what unfolds leading up to the start of the regular season.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2025

by | Jul 7, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 7, 2025

Check out the latest on Dougie Hamilton, Darnell Nurse, Evan Rodrigues, Mario Ferraro, and Joonas Korpisalo in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During his season-ending “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” episodes, Elliotte Friedman wondered where defenseman Dougie Hamilton fits into the New Jersey Devils’ plans.

Hamilton, 32, is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million. Friedman noted that his full no-movement clause now contains a 10-team trade list. The Devils also paid Hamilton his bonus on July 1.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).

Friedman thinks there’s a low percentage chance of Hamilton getting traded this summer. However, he said the blueliner’s name was “out there” in the market, adding he’d heard the Devils spoke to a couple of teams about him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols pointed out that, at one point, promising Devils blueliners Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey were mentioned as trade candidates. He noted that moving Hamilton’s contract would free up the cap space needed to bolster their top-six forward lines and also add a third-line center.

Regarding the Edmonton Oilers, Friedman believes management checked with all their players who had a no-trade clause if they would waive them. Among them was Darnell Nurse, whom Friedman believes doesn’t want to leave Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes this is the first credible news about the Oilers having any interest in trading Nurse. The 30-year-old defenseman is signed through 2029-30 with a $9.25 million AAV and a full no-movement clause until 2027.

Staples thinks there could be a trade market for Nurse’s “brutally aggressive style of play.” However, he also suggests that this might push Nurse to address why his performance has suffered in the playoffs and what he can do to fix it.

The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are sitting over the salary cap by $2.95 million. Teams can be above the cap by 10 percent during the offseason but must be cap compliant for their season-opening game.

Friedman said there’s an assumption the Panthers could trade forward Evan Rodrigues, who carries a $3 million AAV through 2026-27. However, he indicated that he was told not to assume anything, as there are several options they could use to free up cap room. For example, they need to figure out if Matthew Tkachuk requires surgery and what his recovery timeline would be.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito surprised everyone by re-signing core players Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand. Much has been made about their advantage of playing in a no-tax state as a factor in retaining those players.

However, the cost of keeping the core intact remained steep even with their tax advantage. Unless Tkachuk is out of the season on long-term injury reserve, they could indeed face the possibility of giving up a popular, useful depth player like Rodrigues in a cost-cutting trade.

Meanwhile, Friedman reported the Toronto Maple Leafs are among several teams interested in Jack Roslovic. The 28-year-old unrestricted free-agent forward enjoyed a productive season with the Carolina Hurricanes, finishing with 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games.

Friedman suggests Roslovic could be waiting for the Maple Leafs to free up some cap space by moving out a player or two. He indicated the Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres could also be interested.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic’s inconsistency probably explains why he remains unsigned nearly a week into free agency.

Turning to the San Jose Sharks, Friedman confirmed a report by Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claiming they were looking to shop a defenseman. They recently added veterans Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy and John Klingberg, creating a logjam on the blueline.

Friedman suggested Mario Ferraro, Timothy Liljegren, Henry Thrun or Jack Thompson as trade candidates. Ferraro and Liljegren are UFA-eligible next summer, Thrun will be a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights next July, while Thompson is currently an RFA.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng reported last week that Sharks GM Mike Grier was hoping to add a top-nine forward this summer. One of those blueliners could be used as trade bait to address that issue. Ferraro would have the most value if he were unwilling to sign a contract extension with the Sharks.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports Markus Lehto, the agent for Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, said his client has not requested a trade.

The 31-year-old Korpisalo has been the subject of trade speculation since his end-of-season comments in which he expressed his unhappiness with his limited playing time. The Bruins’ recent signing of Michael DiPietro to a two-year, one-way contract fueled the conjecture.

Lehto stated there was no truth to a rumor that Korpisalo wanted to be traded, claiming his client loves it in Boston.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $4 million, though $1 million of that is carried by his former club, the Ottawa Senators. He also has a 10-team no-list.

DiPietro was a depth signing by the Bruins. His $812,500 AAV won’t count against their cap when he’s in the minors.