NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 19, 2025

by | Nov 19, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 19, 2025

Hat trick performances by the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard, the Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini, and the Lightning’s Jake Guentzel, a milestone game for the Jets’ Mark Scheifele, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard tallied his second career hat trick (and his second of the season) in a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Rookie forward Oliver Moore had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks (10-5-4) are 5-0-1 in their last six games. Rasmus Andersson had a goal and an assist for the 5-13-2 Flames, who’ve lost five of their last six.

Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bedard is on a roll, with 11 goals in as many games. His 13 goals tied him with six other players for second among NHL scorers, and is tied for second in points with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini.

Before this game, the Flames claimed center John Beecher off waivers from the Boston Bruins.

Speaking of Macklin Celebrini, his overtime goal completed a hat trick to nip the Utah Mammoth 3-2. Will Smith collected two assists, and Yaroslav Askarov made 24 saves as the Sharks improved to 9-8-3 on the season. JJ Peterka scored both goals for the Mammoth (10-7-3), leaving them with a record of 2-5-3 in their last 10 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was also Celebrini’s second hat trick of the season, making it the second time in NHL history that multiple hat tricks were scored by two players age 20 or younger. The last time was on Feb. 19, 1944, by Jack Hamilton and Bud Poile of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Tampa Bay Lightning got a hat trick from Jake Guentzel in a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Darren Raddysh had a goal and two assists while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 31 shots for the 10-7-2 Lightning. Nico Hischier replied for the Devils (13-5-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele collected three assists and became the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (898) in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Neal Pionk each had a goal and an assist as the Jets improved to 12-7-0. Zach Werenski scored to become the first defenseman in Blue Jackets history to reach 400 career points. His club’s record slipped to 10-8-2 as its five-game points streak (3-0-2) ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko’s points streak ended at 12 games.

Detroit Red Wings rookie Nate Danielson had a goal and an assist for his first two NHL points to double up the Seattle Kraken 4-2. Lucas Raymond also had a goal and an assist,and team captain Dylan Larkin scored for his 600th career NHL regular-season point as the Red Wings moved into first place in the Atlantic Division. Jordan Eberle and Ryker Evans tallied for the Kraken, who dropped to 9-5-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord returned to action after being sidelined by a lower-body injury since Nov. 5.

The New York Islanders got their fifth win in six games by holding off the Dallas Stars 3-2. Kyle Palmieri got the game-winning goal and picked up an assist for the 11-7-2 Islanders. Jason Robertson scored both goals for the Stars (12-5-3) as their five-game win streak ended.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars winger Mikko Rantanen received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for hitting Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov from behind late in the third period. Romanov had to be helped off the ice, but did not require off-site treatment. Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom missed this game due to illness.

William Nylander’s overtime goal lifted the Toronto Maple Leafs over the St. Louis Blues 3-2, snapping a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Jake McCabe and Steven Lorentz also scored, and Joseph Woll made 28 saves for the 9-9-2 Maple Leafs. Nathan Walker and Dalibor Dvorsky replied for the Blues, who have dropped three straight and fallen to 6-9-5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the New York Rangers 3-2, ending the latter’s six-game road win streak. Tomas Hertl collected two assists, and Shea Theodore tallied the winning goal as the Golden Knights improved to 9-4-6. Vincent Trocheck and Jonny Brodzinski replied for the 10-9-2 Rangers.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Penn State University forward Gavin McKenna has struggled thus far in his first season in the NCAA.

Ranked as the early top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 17-year-old left wing has four goals and 15 points in 14 games, but his performance hasn’t been as dominant as expected. He’s struggled at even strength and with the physical style of the NCAA game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna wanted to test himself against NCAA competition, and he’s finding that it’s more challenging than he expected. How he responds and adjusts over the rest of this season could determine whether he remains the top prospect in next year’s draft.

DAILY FACEOFF/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the club placed winger Philip Tomasino on waivers.

DAILY FACEOFF: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring is expected to be sidelined for an extended period with a lower-body injury.

NHL.COM: The department of player safety fined Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins $2,000.00 for embellishment during a Nov. 9 game against the Utah Mammoth.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2025

by | Nov 18, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 18, 2025

The Panthers defeat the Canucks in a high-scoring contest, another goal milestone is in reach for Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, the three stars of the week are revealed, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Florida Panthers blew a 5-2 lead, but recovered to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 8-5. Seth Jones scored two power-play goals, Sam Reinhart had three assists, and Brad Marchand had a goal and an assist to extend his points streak to 11 games for the 10-8-1 Panthers, who’ve won three of their last four games. Center Elias Pettersson tallied twice, and captain Quinn Hughes collected three assists as the Canucks dropped to 9-10-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky collected his 438th career regular-season NHL win, passing Jacques Plante for ninth on the all-time wins list. Bobrovsky is eight wins away from Terry Sawchuk for eighth place. He’s also within range of Curtis Joseph (454 wins) and Henrik Lundqvist (459).

Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Charlie Lindgren stopped 30 shots and Matt Roy netted his first goal of the season for the 9-8-2 Capitals. Anze Kopitar replied for the 10-6-4 Kings as their four-game win streak ended, dropping them into second place in the Pacific Division with 24 points

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin’s goal was his 903rd career regular-season tally and was his 150th game-winning goal (regular-season and playoffs combined), putting him one back of Jaromir Jagr’s record of 151.

Earlier in the day, the Kings announced that defenseman Drew Doughty is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

The Anaheim Ducks regained first place in the Pacific Division (25 points) with a 3-2 overtime win over the Utah Mammoth. Olen Zellweger scored the winning goal after teammate Troy Terry tied the game with five seconds left in the third period for the 12-6-1 Ducks, snapping their three-game losing skid. Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley scored for the Mammoth (10-7-2), who have two wins in their last nine games (2-5-2).

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov made 29 saves to backstop his club to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins. Taylor Hall had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes, who are 6-1-1 in their last eight games and improved to 13-5-1. Riley Tufte scored his first of the season for the 12-9-0 Bruins, who remain in first place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins placed center John Beecher on waivers. A first-round pick (30th overall) in 2019, the 24-year-old Beecher has struggled since his promising 2023-24 rookie campaign. He could prove enticing to clubs seeking depth at center.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (10-7-2) blew a 3-1 lead but managed to nip the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on a shootout goal on a shootout goal by Kirill Marchenko, who extended his points streak to 12 games by collecting two assists in regulation. Lane Hutson scored the tying goal and picked up an assist for the Canadiens (10-6-3), who have dropped six of their last seven games (1-3-3).

Buffalo Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund had his first NHL multipoint game with two goals in a 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Colten Ellis kicked out 32 shots and Rasmus Dahlin picked up two assists for the 7-8-4 Sabres. Jack Roslovic scored to extend his point streak to five games as the Oilers slipped to 9-8-4.

HEADLINE

NHL.COM: Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, and Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes are the league’s three stars for the week ending Nov. 16, 2025.

TSN/DAILY FACEOFF/SPORTSNET/TORONTO SUN: Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has not resumed skating since being sidelined by a lower-body injury on Nov. 11. The Maple Leafs also placed sidelined defenseman Chris Tanev on long-term injury reserve, and placed center Nicolas Roy (upper body) and defenseman Brandon Carlo (lower body) on injured reserve.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could return from an injured thumb during the club’s upcoming seven-game Western road trip. They also reacquired defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for blueliner Maxence Guenette.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars placed center Matt Duchene (undisclosed) and forward Adam Erne (lower body) on LTIR.

CBS SPORTS: Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno (hand) was moved to injured reserve.

NEW YORK POST: Former Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is remaining with the club as an advisor to team owner Scott Malkin.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2025

by | Nov 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 17, 2025

Check out the latest on the Maple Leafs and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau noted the recent report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t willing to trade their core players.

He also believes they won’t part with defensemen Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and forwards Nicolas Roy, Scott Laughton, and Steven Lorentz. “They all possess the combination of skill and snot that coach Craig Berube is looking for.”

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

Proteau can see the Maple Leafs attempting to peddle defenseman Morgan Rielly, even if he controls his exit with his full no-movement clause. “Would Toronto move Rielly to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Erik Karlsson? Or what about a Rielly to the New Jersey Devils swap in exchange for Dougie Hamilton?” Proteau asked, suggesting those moves could be sold to Rielly as going to a playoff contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming Rielly would waive his NMC, it would take Karlsson to waive his, or for the Maple Leafs to be on Hamilton’s 10-team trade list. That’s assuming the Penguins or Devils would be interested in Rielly in the first place.

Max Domi could be a trade candidate. The 30-year-old forward has a 13-team no-trade list. Defenseman Brandon Carlo has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, Domi or Carlo could be trade candidates, but they likely won’t fetch returns that help the Leafs.

The Leafs have a glut of forwards to draw on for trade bait. They include Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Dakota Joshua. Proteau noted that Robertson is on a hot streak, but it may be time to sell high on him as an asset.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s been touted as a decent trade chip before, but it doesn’t appear as though anyone’s knocking down the door trying to get him. During the summer, the Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly rejected a swap of Robertson for Yegor Chinakhov.

McMann might have some value. He had a 20-goal performance last season.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports that an injury to Thomas Chabot and the departure of Donovan Sebrango have left the Senators shorthanded on the left side of their blueline. It’s forced general manager Steve Staios to scour the trade market for depth on defense.

The Senators aren’t seeking someone who can skate in their top six. At this point, they’d be happy to land a left-shot blueliner to help their AHL affiliate in Belleville, and be available for call-up should more injuries strike.

Garrioch suggested Ville Heinola of the Winnipeg Jets. He’s skating with the Jets’ AHL affiliate and has indicated he wouldn’t mind a fresh start.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 16, 2025

Could the Devils shop for a short-term replacement for sidelined center Jack Hughes? What type of trade do the Maple Leafs want to make? What’s the Rangers’ biggest need? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE DEVILS MAKE A TRADE FOR A SHORT-TERM REPLACEMENT FOR JACK HUGHES?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh looked at the New Jersey Devils’ options as they face the next eight weeks without leading scorer Jack Hughes. The 24-year-old center injured a finger in a freak accident during a recent team dinner, requiring surgery to repair the damage.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (NHL Images).

One option could be making a trade as a stopgap. However, centers are scarce, and many teams are currently searching for them. Trade targets could include Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames.

Baugh suggested acquiring a winger if finding a suitable center isn’t feasible. He suggested Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks as trade candidates.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils cannot let their strong start to this season go to waste in Hughes’ absence. He recommends going the trade route, suggesting O’Reilly, Kadri, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders as possible options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly lacks no-trade protection, but the Predators are treating him like he does. For now, there’s no indication that he wants out of Nashville or that management is shopping him. Kadri’s been the focus of media trade chatter for weeks, but Flames ownership isn’t keen on moving him.

As for Pageau, it’s unlikely the Islanders will move him this early in the season, especially when they’re currently in a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. If they stay in that position or higher in the standings as the season progresses, Pageau won’t be going anywhere.

MAPLE LEAFS SEEK “ROSTER FOR ROSTER” DEAL

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t interested in trading futures or prospects (such as Easton Cowan) for immediate help.

Instead, they want to make a hockey trade, “roster for roster”, in which they’re exploring what’s on their roster that might have value in the trade market. Friedman stressed that the core players wouldn’t be part of that.

Friedman spoke about a recent rumor linking the Maple Leafs to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. He claimed they tried to do it last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s a match for Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs’ prospect pool isn’t that deep. Depleting it further will only hurt them in the long run. As for “roster for roster”, there isn’t much there that would bring in any upgrades. Nick Robertson, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, but it’s doubtful they’d fetch much of an upgrade.

RANGERS NEED A PUCK-MOVING DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes the need for a puck-moving defenseman has become a priority for the New York Rangers. Adam Fox is off to a strong start this season, but there’s no one else on their blueline who ranks above average in the skills department.

Baugh wouldn’t quibble with anyone suggesting the Rangers also need a top-six winger. However, he’s withholding judgment until he sees what top prospect Gabe Perreault can do.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

by | Nov 16, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 16, 2025

Multi-point games by the Stars’ Jason Robertson and Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl highlight a busy Saturday in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: A natural hat trick by Jason Robertson powered the Dallas Stars to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Roope Hintz collected three assists as the Stars (12-4-3) won their fifth straight game. Christian Dvorak scored for the 9-6-3 Flyers.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stars defenseman Thomas Harley missed this game as he’s out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored twice and collected an assist, and Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists (including the winning goal in overtime) to nip the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3. Stuart Skinner made 33 saves as the Oilers improved to 9-7-4. Eric Robinson, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jordan Staal scored for the 12-5-1 Hurricanes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis returned to action after being clipped in the eye by a stick in Friday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Teammate Jesperi Kotkaniemi remains sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in the same game. Oilers winger Zach Hyman collected an assist in his season debut after recovering from a dislocated wrist.

The Buffalo Sabres overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 5-4, snapping a five-game losing skid. Tage Thompson and Josh Doan had a goal and an assist for the 6-8-4 Sabres. Alex DeBrincat tallied twice and Lucas Raymond picked up three assists for the Red Wings (10-7-1), who’ve dropped four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had two assists as he rejoined his teammates after returning from a leave of absence to spend time with his fiancee, who is recovering from a heart transplant during the summer. Sabres blueliner Michael Kesselring left this game at the end of the second period with a lower-body injury.

Minnesota Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 28 shots for his second straight shutout in a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist for the Wild, who improved to 8-7-4. Petr Mrazek made 28 saves for the Ducks (11-6-1), who’ve lost three straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko missed this game with a lower-body injury.

The Los Angeles Kings blanked the Ottawa Senators 1-0, picking up their fourth straight victory. Anton Forsberg made 17 saves for the shutout, and Alex Laferriere tallied the only goal as the 10-5-4 Kings picked up their fourth straight win and vaulted over the Ducks into first place in the Pacific Division with 24 points. Linus Ullmark turned aside 17 shots for the 9-6-4 Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty left this game in the second period with a lower-body injury.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak had two assists, and goalie Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves to hold off the Montreal Canadiens 3-2. Viktor Arvidsson scored what proved to be the game-winning goal as the Bruins (12-8-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 24 points. Cole Caufield netted his 13th goal of the season as the 10-6-2 Canadiens dropped their third straight game, slipping into second place behind the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boston went seven-for-seven on the penalty kill, including two 5-on-3 situations. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy left the game in the second period after being struck in the jaw by a shot from Montreal defenseman Noah Dobson.

Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Jack Finlay’s first NHL goal was the game-winner in a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the Lightning (9-6-2), who’ve won eight of their last 10 games. Brad Marchand scored to extend his points streak to 10 games for the 9-8-1 Panthers.

A shootout goal by Simon Nemec lifted the New Jersey Devils over the Washington Capitals 3-2. Luke Hughes had a goal and an assist for the 13-4-1 Devils, who hold first place in the Metropolitan Division with 27 points. Alex Ovechkin and Connor McMichael each had a goal and an assist as the Capitals (8-8-2) overcame a 2-0 deficit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier in the day, the Devils announced that center Jack Hughes will miss the next eight weeks following successful finger surgery. Hughes slipped and fell and cut himself on some glass during a recent team dinner. The Devils also announced that forward Cody Glass is week-to-week with an upper-body injury suffered against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 24 shots, and J.T. Miller scored in a shootout to squeak past the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. Mika Zibanejad scored in regulation for the Rangers, who have won four of their last five and improved to 10-7-2. Jet Greaves made 31 saves and Kirill Marchenko collected an assist to extend his points streak to 11 games for the Blue Jackets (9-7-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers defenseman Will Borgen missed this game with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Blue Jackets placed sidelined captain Boone Jenner (upper body) on injured reserve.

Third-period goals by Teuvo Teravainen and Colton Dach lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Spencer Knight kicked out 31 shots for the Blackhawks (9-5-4), who’ve won four of their last five contests. Joseph Woll made 29 saves in his season debut with the Maple Leafs, who slipped to 8-9-2 and are winless in their last five games (0-4-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno left this game in the second period after injuring his hand blocking a shot. He’s expected to be sidelined for four weeks. Earlier in the day, the Maple Leafs claimed defenseman Troy Stecher off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers and placed goaltender Anthony Stolarz (upper body) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, center David Kampf signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, one day after his contract with the Maple Leafs was terminated.

The Vegas Golden Knights downed the St. Louis Blues 4-1. Rookie Braeden Bowman’s first NHL goal was the game-winner while Pavel Dorofeyev and Reilly Smith each collected two assists for the 8-4-5 Golden Knights, snapping a four-game winless skid. Philip Broberg replied for the Blues, who’ve dropped three of their last four games and slipped to 6-9-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have assigned goaltender Carter Hart to their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Nevada, for a conditioning stint.

A shootout goal by Gabriel Vilardi gave the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 31 shots while Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey each collected two assists for the 11-7-0 Jets. Matt Coronato had a goal and an assist for the 5-12-3 Flames.

Seattle Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer stopped 19 shots in relief of an injured Matt Murray to beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1. Jaden Schwartz tallied two goals and Chandler Stephenson had three assists for the 9-4-5 Kraken. Alexander Wennberg replied for the 8-8-3 Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murray left the game toward the end of the first period with a lower-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Kraken placed winger Kaapo Kakko (lower body) on injured reserve and activated forward Frederick Gaudreau.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2025

by | Nov 15, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 15, 2025

Are the Maple Leafs attempting to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames? Read on for the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUING RASMUS ANDERSSON?

THE LEAFS NATION: Jay Rosehill recently told host Nick Alberga that a league source claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).

Andersson, 29, is in the final season of his contract and eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He carries an average annual value of $4.55 million and a six-team no-trade list.

Rosehill believes the only way the Maple Leafs acquire Andersson is if they can sign him to a contract extension. He also questioned whether they had sufficient tradeable assets to make this deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun, the two Leafs that other clubs covet the most are winger Matthew Knies and promising forward Easton Cowan. He believes those two must be kept to ensure the Leafs have substance for the future. He also questioned whether success would follow such a significant acquisition.

Unless the Leafs are willing to part with Knies or Cowan, I don’t see them outbidding other clubs for Andersson. They’d be foolish to make that trade. Koshan’s right, they must retain what few young assets they have.