NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

by | Oct 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation, possible moves by the Devils after re-signing Luke Hughes, and the latest on Carter Hart in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST PENGUINS SPECULATION

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli suggested the Florida Panthers as a trade destination for Evgeni Malkin if the long-time Pittsburgh Penguins center is willing to move by the March trade deadline.

Malkin, 39, is in the final season of his contract and has a full no-movement clause. Seravalli noted that the Panthers are among the league’s most successful teams, and Malkin makes his offseason home in the Miami area.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he intends to wait until the Olympic break in February before talking with Malkin about his future. That will depend on his performance this season.

The Panthers are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding how they’ll replace sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov. They could have younger trade options in mind.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes Dubas isn’t against moving veterans like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson.

Some observers felt that may have changed based on recent comments made by Sidney Crosby’s agent, suggesting his client wouldn’t be happy if Rust and Rakell were moved. However, Yohe felt that Dubas would pull the trigger if he received a significant offer that made sense for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, the Penguins haven’t received any offers that would tempt Dubas to move any of those players. That could change over the course of the upcoming regular season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEVILS AFTER RE-SIGNING LUKE HUGHES?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at the short and long-term questions facing the Devils in the wake of their re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes on Wednesday.

Hughes, 22, inked a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $9 million. That AAV ties him with fellow blueliner Dougie Hamilton as the highest on the team this season.

The Devils are nearly $4 million over the $95.5 million salary cap ($3.983 million) and must become cap-compliant when their regular-season schedule begins next week.

One option is placing sidelined defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic and his $4 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). They could also put forward Stefan Noesen ($2.75 million) on LTIR for additional cap flexibility. However, the Devils will have to free up cap room when they’re ready to return to action.

Nichols also wondered about Hamilton’s future, pointing to trade speculation that surfaced during the offseason. He recently said that he loves being with the Devils and wants to help them win the Stanley Cup. However, his full no-trade protection has been downgraded to a 10-team trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Chris Johnston also wondered about Hamilton’s future with the Devils in the aftermath of Hughes signing his new contract. They don’t need to trade him now, but could reach the point where they no longer need to carry two $9 million AAV defensemen, especially when only one can run the power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton is signed through 2027-28, and his cap hit could be difficult to move despite the rising salary cap. Having a 10-team trade list significantly narrows the number of potential trade partners. His age (32), performance, and injury history are other factors that could hurt his trade value.

CARTER HART COULD JOIN THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston reports it is “almost certain” that Carter Hart will be signing with the Vegas Golden Knights. He believes the former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender is close to signing a contract with them.

Hart is among the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in London, Ontario, in 2018. They are now eligible to sign NHL contracts, effective Oct. 15, and can participate in games once their league suspensions expire on Dec. 1.

Johnston also noted recent reports suggesting forward Michael McLeod could sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, a league source claimed that’s no longer certain given the pushback the organization has received since word of their interest leaked to the media.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

More Connor McDavid contract speculation, the latest on Evgeni Malkin, a report on the Devils contract talks with Jacob Markstrom, an update on Evgeny Kuznetsov, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD CONNOR MCDAVID’S NEXT CONTRACT BE LESS EXPENSIVE THAN EXPECTED?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated that Connor McDavid’s next contract could be less expensive than originally believed.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Friedman said that there was talk during the summer that the average annual value of McDavid’s next deal would be $16 million. “It’s gonna be lower than we thought,” he said.

“I think there are teams hoping McDavid does sign so they can say, ‘Hey, if he comes in, say for argument’s sake at $15.5 million, nobody’s getting more than Connor McDavid.’”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be surprising if McDavid’s AAV is less than $16 million. The Edmonton Oilers will be thrilled to get him signed for that amount. If it is lower than expected, it could be because he’ll be on a one or two-year extension with an eye on a substantial raise in the near future.

However, I expect that number will be between $17 million and $18 million. McDavid remains the NHL’s top player, and he’ll want to be paid accordingly.

THE LATEST EVGENI MALKIN SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski debunked “the bubbling trade rumors” that the Florida Panthers should look carefully at acquiring Penguins center Evgeni Malkin as a replacement for sidelined Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.

The rumors are based on misunderstood comments made by Malkin recently when asked whether he’d consider a trade to a contender. He mentioned Brad Marchand going to the Panthers last season as a good story, but said he didn’t know how he would feel if the Penguins wanted to trade him.

Nevertheless, Kingerski wondered if Marc-Andre Fleury’s return to Pittsburgh to say goodbye on his own terms might affect Malkin’s thinking about waiving his no-movement clause. The Panthers might be a good short-term fit, but they don’t have much trade bait in terms of prospects. Kingerski believes young Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich would have to be part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin and the Penguins will let this season unfold and see how things shake out. General manager Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break in February to discuss his future.

As for Malkin going to the Panthers, they could have other targets in mind besides an aging future Hall of Famer whose best seasons are behind him and whose style of play is different from Barkov’s.

EVGENY KUZNETSOV IS STILL HOPING TO SIGN WITH AN NHL TEAM

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva reports Evgeny Kuznetsov hasn’t given up on his desire to return to the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are reportedly considering the possibility of signing the 33-year-old center.

“Evgeny wants to play in the NHL,” a source told Tuboltseva. “Right now he’s waiting on Toronto’s decision, though Florida is also an option.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Toronto claimed the Maple Leafs could move a forward because they have a logjam up front. Unless there has been a change in those plans, Kuznetsov doesn’t appear to be a fit there.

Meanwhile, the Panthers are reportedly looking within their ranks to offset Barkov’s absence for now. They could consider making additions later in the season, but it could take months before they reach that point.

LATEST ON JACOB MARKSTROM’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes claiming the Devils offered goaltender Jacob Markstrom an extension with an AAV of around $5 million. It’s unknown what the term would be, or if Markstrom rejected the offer.

Markstrom, 35, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $6 million.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports the Calgary Flames are still determining whether Devin Cooley or Ivan Prosvetov will become their backup goaltender this season.

One of them will end up on waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate. It’s doubtful they would clear, as several teams have expressed an interest in Cooley, and a handful were bidding to sign Prosvetov before he joined the Flames.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

by | Sep 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Stars winger Jason Robertson, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen looked at some notable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs as preseason play gets underway.

Among them is Mason McTavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old restricted free-agent center has missed training camp thus far. He is a key part of their playoff hopes this season.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens recently reported that it’s believed the McTavish camp isn’t seeking something comparable to the $8.4 million annual average value (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston got from the Dallas Stars on a five-year extension. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Knies’ $7.7 million AAV on his six-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved at some point this season. The Calgary Flames defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The two sides might work out an extension, but the odds are slim at this point. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

The Colorado Avalanche face a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the return in the Mikko Rantanen trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is UFA-eligible next summer. He averaged just under a point per game last season, and another performance like that could see him seek around $10 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when asked about it last week. Both sides seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Over the weekend, it was reported that Chinakhov might have a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that prompted the trade request.

Jason Robertson has an interesting contract situation. He’s eligible for RFA status with arbitration rights next summer, but a one-year deal would take him to UFA status in 2027. The Stars are still eyeing a Stanley Cup this season with their current group, but Boylen doesn’t rule out a Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars GM Jim Nill last week denied offseason reports claiming he’d looked into moving Robertson. He seems willing to see how this season pans out with Robertson.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid’s UFA status next summer and his willingness to sign an extension have dominated headlines. Boylen suggests the play of rookies Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie could be a factor in whether he opts to re-sign.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boylen points out the play of those two rookies won’t be the deciding factor, but solid performances by both of them could convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is UFA-eligible next July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract the 37-year-old could get from the Panthers, and what their succession plan is between the pipes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact as they chase multiple Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they’ll work something out to keep him in the fold while buying time to find a proper successor.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils is another UFA-eligible goalie next summer. He turns 36 in January, and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Contract extension talks have reportedly started between the two sides.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin is another player eligible for UFA status next summer. He turns 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer throughout the club’s tumultuous 2024-25 campaign. Boylen wonders what number might make sense for both sides now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s AAV is $11.642 million on his current deal. The two sides are keeping mum regarding contract talks, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they take a wait-and-see approach to the coming season.

This may be the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the final season of his contract, and at age 39, he may not remain with the Penguins after this season, given the team is in rebuild mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin recently surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports that several clubs inquired about his availability since the 2024 offseason. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t know what he’d do if asked to waive his no-movement clause. GM Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

Elias Pettersson’s performance could be a determining factor in whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has two years left on his contract, but the club will want clarity on his future by next summer. If Pettersson can regain the form that made him a 102-point performer in 2022-23, it could go a long way toward convincing Hughes to sign an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Pettersson, combined with Hughes’ usual brilliance, could propel the Canucks up the standings and into the playoffs again.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel is also eligible for UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit in alongside Mitch Marner’s $12 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s current AAV is $10 million. He loves living and playing in Vegas and doesn’t appear too concerned about getting a deal done. The Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, and will get another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on LTIR. That will give them enough room to sign Eichel.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

by | Sep 21, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 21, 2025

Are teams calling about Penguins center Evgeni Malkin? Are the Oilers interested in Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? What’s the latest on the Red Wings and Avalanche? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

RG.ORG: An NHL executive source told James Murphy that the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers looked into the availability of Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin since the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

The answer from Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was always “a hard no.” He’s letting Malkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dictate their futures. “They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled out asking out either.”

Malkin, 39, is entering his 20th NHL season, all of them with the Penguins. He’s in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His contract also has a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas recently said he intended to meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss the future Hall of Famer’s future. If a trade takes place, it will likely occur between February 25 (when the regular season resumes following the Olympic break) and the March 6 trade deadline.

Malkin and Crosby have expressed their wish to stay in Pittsburgh, and that might be fulfilled. Still, we can’t rule out the possibility of a change of heart from either player if things don’t go well for the Penguins this season. Time will tell if the Canadiens, Panthers, or Lightning will revisit their rumored interest in Malkin. 

If Malkin becomes available, it remains to be seen how much interest he’ll draw. His performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff believes the Red Wings would part with promising defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka to acquire Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes if the opportunity arose.

Duff pointed out that the Canucks aren’t shopping Hughes. “Not yet.” But the situation could change before the end of this season. While it’s believed he’d want to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, with the New Jersey Devils, Quinn has ties to Michigan, having played with the USNTDP in Plymouth and for the Michigan Wolverines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If a reunion with his brothers in New Jersey isn’t possible, Hughes could prefer going to a contender, which the Red Wings haven’t been for a long time. He lacks no-trade protection, so the Canucks could ship him to Detroit if the Wings made the best offer, but whether he’d re-sign with them is another matter.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun claiming Matt Grzelcyk rejected a one-year, $1 million contract offer from a Western Conference team.

Deen indicated it’s unclear if the offer came from the Avalanche. He pointed out that LeBrun stated the Avalanche is among four teams that could be an option for Grzelcyk, who is on a professional tryout offer (PTO) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard is currently nursing a lower-body injury. If he remains out when the regular season begins, Deen speculated that Grzelcyk might be an option for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche has over $1.3 million in cap space for the coming season. There’s enough to squeeze in Grzelcyk if he doesn’t land a contract with the Blackhawks or another team. LeBrun also mentioned the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Anaheim Ducks as possible destinations for the veteran defenseman.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins reports on speculation linking the Oilers to Yegor Chinakhov. The 24-year-old forward requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets last month.

Chinakhov is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.1 million. However, the Oilers are pressed against the salary cap, Chinkhov has injury issues, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell isn’t giving away a former first-round pick for free.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but he recently sounded like he might be having a change of heart after meeting with head coach Dean Evason to address their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

by | Sep 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 20, 2025

The latest Penguins speculation and an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TRIBLIVE.COM: Mark Madden wondered what Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would do if the opportunity to trade Sidney Crosby presented itself.

It would have to be the deal of a lifetime to trade the Penguins captain, but Madden thinks Dubas would do it. He thinks the 38-year-old Penguins captain would fetch a king’s ransom of at least a first-round draft pick, a top prospect, and an NHL-ready top-six forward or top-four defenseman.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Madden claims the Montreal Canadiens would reportedly overpay to get him, believing the asking price must include promising winger Ivan Demidov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas would set a high asking price. Whether he’d get that full king’s ransom is another story. Crosby at 38 doesn’t hold the same value as he would’ve if he were five years younger and had more than two years left on his contract.

The Penguins would still get a significant return for Crosby. However, finding one that would match what Madden suggests would be difficult, especially with Crosby’s no-movement clause giving him full control over where he could be dealt.

As for the Canadiens overpaying to get Crosby, most of that speculation flies in the face of what they have been building over the past three years. If the Habs were to make a pitch for Crosby, Demidov won’t be part of it. And if Dubas said no, they’d have no problem moving on to other trade targets.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Evgeni Malkin doesn’t want to leave the Penguins and isn’t anxious to be traded to a Stanley Cup contender. Nevertheless, he said he didn’t know how he’d react if he were asked to waive his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin has said he prefers to retire as a Penguin, but that would depend on whether the club wants to keep him. Maybe he would consider it if Dubas approaches him, saying a Cup contender is interested in acquiring him. Maybe not.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports Bryan Rust laughed off questions about hearing his name in trade rumors during the offseason. However, he realizes there’s a real possibility that he could be moved this season.

Rust’s no-trade clause expired on July 1, meaning the Penguins can trade him anywhere. However, he’s hopeful they’ll hang onto him. “Yeah, I plan on playing here until I’m 40,” said the 33-year-old Rust.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust is also signed through 2027-28, which would also make him enticing for a contender seeking a top-six winger with cost certainty. Given his contributions to the Penguins, Dubas might give him a choice on where he could be traded. However, he’ll most likely move him to the club with the best offer.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig reports Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov is open to staying with the team. He reiterated his love of the city and the fans, adding that he and head coach Dean Evason “understand each other” after talking recently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE Chinakhov, 24, requested a trade through his agent this summer, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason stemming from a reduction in playing time last season after returning from a back injury. It appears they’ve cleared the air, but this situation could still bear scrutiny depending on his performance to start the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

by | Sep 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 19, 2025

The latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, updates on the Penguins, the latest on Ducks winger Mason McTavish, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON KAPRIZOV’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Sarah McLellan reports Kirill Kaprizov is focusing on training camp as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the coming 2025-26 regular season.

Neither he nor Wild general manager Bill Guerin said much about the status of their contract negotiations. Guerin called the talks “private”, but added that things were going fine. “The most important thing is we want to sign Kirill,” Guerin said.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Kaprizov is leaving the contract issues to his agent, Paul Theofanous. He indicated that he wants to stay with the Wild. “You guys know I like Minny, and everyone knows this,” Kaprizov said. “We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025, and it’s one more year I have. I just want to play hockey and focus and win some games and go in playoffs and win from there. Just focus on this now.”

The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a five-year deal worth $45 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July if he and the Wild fail to agree to a new deal by then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov’s recent rejection of an eight-year, $128 million offer from the Wild raised eyebrows as well as questions about his future with the club.

Kaprizov’s remarks were the first he’s made on the subject. It’s apparent he doesn’t want this to be a distraction, but the longer he goes without an extension, the more speculation will grow.

UPDATE ON THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reports Penguins GM Kyle Dubas spoke with the media on Thursday about the club’s plans for the coming season.

Dubas indicated that the message to the veteran players is that the younger players are coming and will get every opportunity to make the roster. The veterans know what the expectation is if they want to retain their jobs. If a younger player earns a roster spot, Dubas will deal with the fallout regardless of the veteran’s salary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Dubas will trade or demote the veteran to make room for the younger player.

Dubas also downplayed a recent comment by Sidney Crosby’s agent suggesting there was always a possibility that his client could be traded. He expects a better performance from defenseman Erik Karlsson this season, and shrugged off a report claiming the Penguins had reached out to free-agent goaltender Carter Hart.

The Penguins GM said he’d had plenty of trade discussions during the offseason, but he wasn’t just going to offload key veterans. “So if the right return is there, we would look at anything, and in the meantime, we’re gonna do everything we can to get the most out of those guys.”

TSN: Dubas also said that there was no change in Evgeni Malkin’s contract status. Management will meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break to discuss his future. Malkin is in the final season of a four-year contract with a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season could be Malkin’s last in the NHL. A great player in his prime, his performance has declined in recent years as age and injuries have taken a toll. He’s said that he wants to retire as a Penguin, but that depends on his play this season and if he wants to continue his playing career.

Karlsson said he’s not surprised that he wasn’t traded this summer despite plenty of rumors about his future with the Penguins. “It was a quiet summer for me,” he said. “Didn’t really hear much other than what I read from you guys (reporters) and all the other people around the league, which is typical for the offseason.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson frequently surfaced in media trade chatter this summer. However, the decline in his performance over the last two years, combined with his hefty salary-cap hit through 2026-27, makes him a tough sell in the trade market.

THE LATEST FREE-AGENT CHATTER

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Mason McTavish is training with the OHL’s Ottawa 67s as contract negotiations continue with the Anaheim Ducks. The 23-year-old center hasn’t requested a trade and wants to stay in Anaheim. There hasn’t been any real offer-sheet talk.

LeBrun’s colleague, Eric Stephens, indicated both sides remain interested in getting a long-term deal done and remain in regular contact. However, this is starting to dredge up memories of the previous contract standoffs with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who are no longer with the club.

Stephens claims the Ducks have no interest in trading McTavish, who they see as an important part of their roster going forward. However, he believes GM Pat Verbeek needs to get this deal done soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-earned reputation as a tough negotiator with players coming off their entry-level contracts. The more training camp time McTavish misses, the more likely it is that it will adversely affect his performance this season.

LeBrun also touched on the contract standoff between the Nashville Predators and restricted free agent Luke Evangelista. He stated that GM Barry Trotz has no intention of trading the young forward. Contract talks are expected to resume on Friday.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an NHL executive said the Utah Mammoth and Carolina Hurricanes are among the teams showing an interest in goaltender Carter Hart.