Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

by | Mar 7, 2025

Notable NHL Trades – March 7, 2025

The Boston Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. The Bruins retained half of Marchand’s $6.13 million cap hit.  

Boston Bruins traded Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick. 

Toronto Maple Leafs trade Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar to the Pittsburgh Penguins. More to follow. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquire Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks for a 2025 fourth-rounder. 

The Ottawa Senators acquired Fabian Zetterlund, Tristen Robins and a fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Noah Gregor, Zack Ostapchuk and a second-round pick. 

Philadelphia Flyers trade Erik Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche for Givani Smith.

The Buffalo Sabres shipped Henri Jokiharju to the Boston Bruins. Details to follow.  

The Dallas Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks. The Stars sign Rantanen to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $12 million. More details to follow.

New Jersey Devils acquire Cody Glass from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round pick.

The Boston Bruins Trade Charlie Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, prospect Will Zellers and a second-round pick.

The Detroit Red Wings Acquire Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Joe Veleno.

The Philadelphia Flyers trade Scott Laughton, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to the Toronto Maple Leafs for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round pick.

The Buffalo Sabres trade Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The Winnipeg Jets acquire Luke Schenn from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Jets also acquire Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken for a 2027 second-round pick.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick in 2025.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded Andrei Kuzmenko to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. Flyers retain 50 percent of Kuzmenko’s $5.5 million cap hit. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

by | Mar 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 6, 2025

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

HURRICANES

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

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

Carolina Hurricanes winger Mikko Rantanen (NHL Images).

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

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

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

DEVILS

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

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

ISLANDERS

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

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

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

PENGUINS

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

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

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

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

MAPLE LEAFS

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

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

FLYERS

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

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

BRUINS

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

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

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

CANUCKS

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

CANADIENS

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

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

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

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

JETS

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

OILERS

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

FLAMES AND SENATORS

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

BLUE JACKETS

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

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

DUCKS

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

by | Mar 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 1, 2025

Check out the latest on Brock Boeser, JJ Peterka, Scott Laughton, Ryan O’Reilly, Rickard Rakell, Brandon Tanev and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BOESER REJECTS CANUCKS’ CONTRACT OFFER

CANUCKS ARMY: David Quadrelli cites Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reporting the Vancouver Canucks offered Brock Boeser a five-year, $40-million contract ($8 million annually). However, the 28-year-old winger is seeking a long-term deal.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Seravalli wrote that the Canucks intend to make one more offer to Boeser before the March 7 trade deadline. If he rejects it, they’ll explore trade options ahead of the deadline. They could also keep him as an “own rental” to help them secure playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are the only team that can offer Boeser the maximum eight-year contract. He will get at most seven years on the open market but that’s still longer than what the Canucks are reportedly offering him. Boeser could get a bigger average annual value if he tests the market on July 1.

TEAMS CALLING SABRES ABOUT PETERKA

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli added JJ Peterka to his latest trade board. He claims sources are saying the Buffalo Sabres are rejecting calls for the 23-year-old winger, but the volume of calls has increased, and the amount of chatter around the league is growing.

Seravalli added Peterka to his board for several reasons. First, the Sabres haven’t done anything yet to shake up their roster. Second, Peterka has value in the trade market. Third, he’s a restricted free agent this summer who could become an offer-sheet target.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising the Sabres are rejecting offers for Peterka. He has 44 points in 55 games this season, putting him on pace to exceed his career-best 50 points in 82 games in 2023-24.

If they were to trade him (and that’s a big “if” right now), general manager Kevyn Adams will want a return that helps his club right away, like last season’s swap of Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado for Bowen Byram. He won’t want draft picks and prospects because his club has plenty of those.

Peterka is completing his entry-level contract and is in line for a significant raise. With over $33 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, they can afford to re-sign him, even with Byram and Jack Quinn also RFA-eligible this summer. That cap space also blunts the threat of an offer sheet.

FLYERS STILL RELUCTANT TO MOVE LAUGHTON

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz cited TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting Friday that the Philadelphia Flyers’ asking price for Scott Laughton is a first-round pick, or the prospect equivalent of one.

However, multiple team sources claim the Flyers remain wary of moving the popular 30-year-old forward. They’re concerned about what his departure might do to the culture and morale among the players.

If the Flyers decide to move Laughton, Kurz believes it’ll be to a team of his choosing despite his lack of no-trade protection. He speculated that the Maple Leafs would make the most sense since Laughton is from the Toronto area.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs would have to offer up their 2026 first-rounder because they traded away this year’s pick. Failing that, they’ll have to offer a prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan, but they might not be to the Flyers’ liking. Minten was a second-round pick. Cowan was a first-rounder, but he went 28th overall.

UPDATE ON O’REILLY

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are still getting calls about Ryan O’Reilly, but they’re not getting offers that would convince them to move the 34-year-old center. They’re not shopping O’Reilly but remain willing to entertain offers. The asking price must include a good young NHL player who can step into the Predators’ lineup right away.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly is signed through 2026-27 and lacks no-trade protection. However, the Predators are treating him like he has full no-movement protection, giving him complete control over this situation.

LeBrun believes the Predators are more likely to move UFA-eligible forward Gustav Nyquist. He wondered if the Los Angeles Kings might be interested.

LATEST ON RAKELL

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel downplays the recent speculation swirling around Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson. He believes forward Rickard Rakell remains their most valuable trade chip if GM Kyle Dubas is willing to part with him.

Karlsson’s hefty annual cap hit and full no-movement clause are significant obstacles. Meanwhile, the more affordable Rakell would fetch the best return. He leads the team with 25 goals and is second in points with 49.

The Penguins are open to offers but aren’t rushing to trade Rakell. He’s got three more years left on his contract, plus they could be reluctant to move another of Sidney Crosby’s linemates.

Nevertheless, his trade value probably won’t get any higher than it is right now. If a team makes an offer that tops what the Penguins got in the Marcus Pettersson trade, Dubas will listen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some general managers could be unwilling to meet that asking price because Rakell’s stats are directly tied to being Crosby’s linemate. He may get moved at the deadline but Dubas could wait until the offseason for better offers.

KRAKEN’S TANEV GARNERING INTEREST

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Seattle Kraken left winger Brandon Tanev is drawing some interest from playoff contenders and bubble teams.

The 33-year-old Tanev is UFA-eligible this summer. He carries a $3.5 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. LeBrun claims Tanev prefers joining an upper-echelon contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tanev’s energetic, gritty style of play is well-suited for postseason action.

WHO COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS TARGET AT THE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster cited Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon recently saying he doesn’t anticipate his team will be a big spender at the trade deadline.

Webster noted the Golden Knights have limited trade capital in draft picks, prospects and available players. They made a recent significant addition by signing Brandon Saad to a one-year, $1.5 million contract.

Nevertheless, the Golden Knights could target an affordable forward like Seattle’s Brandon Tanev, Montreal’s Jake Evans or Chicago’s Ryan Donato.

Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Mikko Rantanen of the Carolina Hurricanes and Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins are long-shot options. Webster doesn’t see them pursuing Anaheim’s John Gibson to shore up their goaltending.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

by | Feb 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 27, 2025

Could the Kings trade Quinton Byfield? Is Brayden Schenn a fit with the Maple Leafs? What’s the latest on the Islanders and Flyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS BYFIELD A TRADE CANDIDATE?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos included Quinton Byfield in his updated trade board. He thinks the 22-year-old forward could be in play if the Los Angeles Kings hope to “change their look for an opening round playoff.”

Kypreos suggested trading Byfield to a seller would be necessary to obtain the type of return the Kings need to counter the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers in the postseason. The young center had 20 goals and 55 points in 2023-24, but his stats are down this season.

Los Angeles Kings forward Quinton Byfield (NHL Images).

He claimed the Kings organization is wondering how high Byfield’s ceiling is and whether they should focus on the present by flipping Byfield for a more seasoned roster upgrade. There are rumblings that the Kings and Buffalo Sabres “have held talks and both sides might be interested in a package that includes top assets coming from Buffalo.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byfield’s stats are down this season, but so are Anze Kopitar’s, Adrian Kempe’s and Kevin Fiala’s. That could be attributable to the Kings’ overall style of play this season. The absence of puck-moving defenseman Drew Doughty for most of the season could be another factor.

Trading Byfield would be a bold move by the Kings but it could blow up in their face if he achieves stardom elsewhere. As for those top assets from Buffalo, I don’t see a suitable seasoned roster upgrade coming to the Kings in that deal.

It’ll be interesting to see what the reaction will be to this speculation of Byfield as a trade candidate, especially from those who cover the Kings. I’m hoping to hear back from one of them shortly. Stay tuned…

**UPDATE***

I received the following response from John Hoven of the influential LA Kings blog Mayor’s Manor: “There are three people that are not being traded… Byfield, (Brandt) Clarke, Laffy (Alex Laferriere). That’s from the best sources I have…LA certainly can’t control outside teams calling and asking about players. However, that does not mean a player is available. As you know, two totally different things. The Kings have zero interest in trading the three I mentioned. They view them as three of the core they’re building around.”

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS LAND BRAYDEN SCHENN?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford and Joshua Kloke took note of recent speculation linking St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They noted a recent report claiming the 33-year-old center was considered the Leafs’ primary target.

This could be a situation where teams are inquiring into Schenn’s availability rather than Blues general manager Doug Armstrong shopping his captain. Nevertheless, they feel that Armstrong has to be listening, suggesting the possibility of removing the remaining three years of Schenn’s contract from the Blues’ books while acquiring a valuable asset.

Schenn played for Leafs head coach Craig Berube during the latter’s tenure as the Blues’ bench boss. He would fit in well centering their third line, though Berube could shuffle him up to the second line.

The Leafs’ 2026 first-rounder would have to be the centerpiece of the return. One of their goalie prospects could also be included. A forward prospect like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan might have to be included if the Leafs expect the Blues to retain part of Schenn’s $6.5 million average annual value.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This assumes that Schenn would waive his no-trade clause to go to Toronto. He told the media last week that management hasn’t approached him about waiving his clause. That could happen leading up to the March 7 trade deadline if the Blues get a suitable trade offer.

Toronto probably isn’t the only contender interested in Schenn. A bidding war could drive up the asking price and put him out of reach for the Leafs. The Blues also aren’t in a rush to move Schenn because he’s signed through 2027-28. If they don’t receive any suitable offers by the deadline, they can wait and try again in the offseason.

It might be better for the Blues to wait until the summer. Schenn’s full no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. Teams that lose out on landing the best available centers in this summer’s free-agent market could set their sights on the Blues captain.

TIME FOR THE ISLANDERS TO SELL

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple is waving the white flag on the New York Islanders’ season following their 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers. They’re seven points out of a playoff spot and four points from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Staple believes Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello will stretch his trade deadline decisions as long as he can, possibly up to March 7. He’s skeptical that pending free agent Brock Nelson intends to re-sign before then, suggesting Lamoriello should field trade offers up to March 7 and trade him then or field offers over the next several days, take the best one and set the market for the final deadline stretch.

Other moves could include peddling UFA-eligible winger Kyle Palmieri and center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has a year left on his contract. Staple also doesn’t rule out moving captain Anders Lee and one of their over-30 defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There can be no more delaying the inevitable. The Islanders’ rebuild must start now. Nelson, Palmieri and Pageau should fetch solid returns for the future at the trade deadline. They can peddle the other older veterans with term remaining on their contracts during the offseason.

ARE MORE MOVES IN STORE FOR THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall reports Flyers head coach John Tortorella admits there could be trade deadline casualties as part of his club’s rebuilding process. “We have to get better,” said Tortorella. “And when you try to get better, there’s going to be some casualties.”

Hall noted that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. Teams covet Ristolainen because he’s a big, physical, right-shot defenseman. However, Flyers GM Daniel Briere has said he’s not in a rush to move him because he still has term on his contract. Hall believes the Flyers have set a high asking price.

Laughton has been the subject of trade chatter for some time. He said he’s going to continue going about his business. “If they make a move, they make a move,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports it appears Ristolainen could remain with the Flyers past the March 7 trade deadline. He cited a team source saying they haven’t received many calls about him. That could change quickly if interested clubs miss out on other trade targets, but for now, it seems less likely that Ristolainen will be dealt.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers have set a high asking price for Ristolainen and Laughton. The big defenseman’s contract could be an issue, carrying an AAV of $5.1 million through 2026-27. Interested parties could want Briere to retain part of that cap hit, which he seems unwilling to do.

Laughton has a more affordable $3 million AAV but his leadership and experience have been invaluable for the rebuilding Flyers. It sounds like he won’t be moved unless someone is willing to overpay for his services.










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 19, 2025

by | Feb 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 19, 2025

Check out the latest on Blues captain Brayden Schenn, Flyers forward Scott Laughton, and Bruins forward Morgan Geekie in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford weighed in on the trade speculation surrounding St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.

Rutherford believes the well-respected Schenn would be the Blues player drawing the most attention in the trade market. The 33-year-old center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but that might not hurt his value given the projected rise in the salary cap over the next three seasons.

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

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong plays things close to the vest. However, TSN’s Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger have reported he’s sent out feelers to gauge Schenn’s trade value. He has a full no-trade clause for this season but it becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1, prompting Rutherford to wonder if he’d waive it to join a contender.

Rutherford thinks the Blues would trade Schenn if they can get a first-round pick and move the remainder of his contract. However, he doesn’t think they’d move him just for the sake of doing so. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the only team he’s heard of thus far that could be interested in Schenn.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports Schenn said he hasn’t been approached by Blues management about waiving his no-trade clause nor is there any indication that they will.

The Blues captain admitted being surprised to hear his name is in the rumor mill. He maintained he loves living and playing in St. Louis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Armstrong might be willing to consider offers for Schenn but it could take a significant offer to tempt him. He’s under no pressure to move his captain by the trade deadline because he’s under contract beyond this season.

If Armstrong doesn’t get any suitable offers for Schenn by March 7 he can wait until the offseason, especially with the veteran center’s no-trade protection being reduced to 15 teams on July 1. By that point, there could be more willingness from teams that miss out on the best free-agent talent to meet Armstrong’s asking price.

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere wasn’t lying when he said he’s not shopping Scott Laughton. He’s set a high asking price for the 30-year-old forward because he remains more important to them than to any team that acquires him.

Kurz thinks Briere might consider moving Laughton if a team like the Maple Leafs offered its 2026 first-round pick and a decent prospect. He singled out the Leafs as the only club that makes sense as a trade destination for the Toronto-area native. Kurz also doesn’t see them moving Laughton to another city without his approval because they want to do right by their players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton lacks no-trade protection but the Flyers could leave the trade destinations to him. His $3 million AAV through next season makes him a more affordable target for the Leafs than Schenn. Whether they would pay the Flyers’ asking price is another matter.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Boston Bruins are still trying to figure out what to do with Morgan Geekie. The 26-year-old forward is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights. He’s in the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million.

Murphy cited a source claiming there’s growing interest in Geekie from playoff contenders and clubs not likely to qualify for the postseason. He’s young enough to interest rebuilding or retooling teams. Geekie’s value has risen since being placed on a line with superstar David Pastrnak and center Pavel Zacha.

The Bruins would like to re-sign Geekie but he could price himself out of their market depending on their offseason plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Geekie’s matched his career-best for goals (17) and is only 10 points away from breaking his career-high 39 points set last season.