NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

by | Sep 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 9, 2025

The latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Avalanche winger Martin Necas, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman talked about Mason McTavish’s contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks.

Friedman pointed out that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has shown a willingness to let talks carry on into training camp and preseason to get the contract they want. While they have a lot of salary-cap space, they want to ensure they have enough to re-sign promising players like Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Owen Zellweger going forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (NHL Images)

Verbeek could attempt to sign McTavish to a bridge contract. However, Friedman said he has heard that Ducks management isn’t keen on doing that, preferring to sign him to a long-term contract.

Friedman also said he doesn’t believe the Ducks want to trade McTavish.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: Conor Ryan believes the Bruins will need more depth at center. He suggested they look into acquiring McTavish if the Ducks make him available in the trade market.

Ryan anticipated that the Ducks’ asking price for McTavish could be one or two first-round draft picks and a prospect or young NHL player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has been a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. The Bruins won’t be the only team that might pursue the 22-year-old center if the Ducks put him on the trade block.

Despite the frequent trade conjecture (most of which originates from everywhere except Anaheim), there is no indication that the Ducks intend to trade McTavish. Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported two weeks ago that they want to re-sign him. He’s just as important to them as a second-line center as he would be to the clubs that would be interested in acquiring him.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak has winger Martin Necas’ contract situation atop his list of the 10 biggest questions facing the Colorado Avalanche as training camp approaches.

The Avalanche must get Necas, 26, signed to a deal that works for them now and after Cale Makar’s mega-deal is in place.

If not, a trade would be a significant pivot point after trading away Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in the deal that brought Necas to Colorado. The return would have to be significant.

THE DENVER GAZETTE: Evan Rawal was asked if Necas would sign with the Avalanche before Kirill Kaprizov signs with the Minnesota Wild. Like Necas, the 28-year-old Kaprizov is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Rawal doesn’t dismiss the possibility of Necas signing first, but speculated the Avs winger could wait to see how much Kaprizov gets on his new contract with the Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kaprizov will set the market for scoring wingers. It’s anticipated that the average annual value of his next contract could reach $16 million.

Necas won’t get anywhere near that much because he’s not at the same skill level as Kaprizov. Nevertheless, a strong performance during his contract year could push his asking price to at least $10 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets winger Yegor Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request. General manager Don Waddell remains open to moving the 24-year-old for the right offer.

However, it hasn’t reached the point of no return. Chinakhov was among the first players to return to Columbus and appears to be in excellent shape. Waddell considers his early return to be a positive sign.

Nevertheless, there must be a face-to-face conversation between Chinakhov and head coach Dean Evason before training camp to discuss the “misunderstandings” between the two that led to the winger’s trade request.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov’s unhappiness stems from his usage under Evason last season, especially following his return from a back injury in March. His performance declined, and he was made a healthy scratch toward the end of the season. Chinakhov could drop his request if he and Evason resolve their differences.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

by | Sep 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 8, 2025

A roundup of takes on the latest scuttlebutt involving the five notable remaining restricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET’s Luke Fox looked at the latest rumors regarding the remaining notable RFAs.

Fox believes New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is still trying to get defenseman Luke Hughes signed to a team-friendly contract. A good comparable would be Brock Faber’s $8 million average annual value (AAV) on his eight-year contract.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes reportedly prefers a five-year contract taking him up to unrestricted free-agent status by July 2030, the same time as teammate and brother Jack’s contract expires. The Devils prefer locking up Luke to a three-year bridge contract or an eight-year deal.

The Devils have roughly $7 million in cap space remaining, which is why veterans like winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Dougie Hamilton have surfaced in recent trade rumors.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting Hughes could get $8.386 million on a six-year contract or $5.786 million on a three-year deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau believes the Devils are under considerable pressure to get Hughes signed before the start of the season. His absence could make the difference between them securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs and being a wild-card team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils must shed salary if they can’t get Hughes signed within their current cap constraints. If he gets over $8 million, expect a cost-cutting trade to follow.

Turning to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish, Fox noted that there has been trade interest from rival teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks. However, it’s believed Ducks GM Pat Verbeek wants to sign him beyond a bridge deal. One comparable could be Quinton Byfield’s five-year extension with the Los Angeles Kings, which carries an AAV of $6.25 million.

Ellis considers the 22-year-old McTavish to be the premier forward still chasing a contract this summer. AFP Analytics projects he’ll get $6.772 million on a six-year contract or $3.983 million on a three-year deal.

Proteau believes the Ducks are under a lot of pressure to get McTavish signed. The rebuilding club needs all hands on deck if they’re to push for a playoff berth this season. They can’t afford to have a dynamic young player like McTavish on the sidelines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a well-deserved reputation as a tough negotiator who isn’t afraid to let contract negotiations carry over into training camp and preseason. He also won’t trade McTavish if this turns into a standoff unless he gets a comparable player in return.

Fox indicated contract negotiations continue between the Nashville Predators and winger Luke Evangelista. He thinks the approach of training camp will be the true pressure point, suggesting a bridge deal as the path toward a solution.

Ellis cited AFP Analytics projecting a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.513 million for Evangelista. Proteau believes the Predators don’t have to rush into getting the young forward re-signed, noting the clock isn’t ticking as loudly for them as it is for the Devils with Hughes and the Ducks with McTavish.

Turning to Alexander Holtz of the Vegas Golden Knights, Fox cited Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon expressing his belief that his club can help the young forward unlock his untapped potential. A bridge deal or a trade could be the outcome.

Ellis indicated a one-year deal worth $874,125 was projected for Holtz by AFP Analytics. Proteau concurs that he’ll get an affordable short-term deal and believes the Golden Knights are feeling pressured to sign him.

The last RFA on Fox’s list is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser. He cited Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times indicating that a deal should be worked out before training camp. Fox projected his contract will be three years with an AAV of $2.5 million.

According to Ellis, AFP Analytics projected Kaiser receiving $3.208 million annually on a three-year contract or $5.479 million on a six-year deal. Proteau believes the Blackhawks can afford to take their time getting him under contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 4, 2025

Check out the latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish and Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy wondered if the NHL trade market for a second-line center would pick up with all general managers and coaches gathered in Detroit for meetings this week.

An NHL executive told Murphy he’s not sure, but he indicated that talks are picking up again. “I just think there are more buyers than sellers still,” he said.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

The biggest name remains center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. A restricted free agent, McTavish remains unsigned with training camp two weeks away. However, an NHL executive told Murphy that there is no indication of an impasse between the 22-year-old center and Ducks management.

According to Murphy’s sources, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has not yet signaled to his peers that he’s shopping McTavish.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek and the McTavish camp have kept their contract talks out of the media for the most part. Nevertheless, Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported last month that the club wants to sign McTavish, claiming the two sides had exchanged several different contract proposals.

Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild (who recently signed a three-year contract), Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken, Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha have been mentioned as possible trade candidates. However, the executive told Murphy that he wondered which ones were really available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild didn’t sign Rossi with the intention of trading him. McCann has spent most of his tenure with the Kraken as a winger. Kadri has a full no-movement clause and hasn’t requested a trade, nor are the Flames interested in moving him.

Mittelstadt and/or Zacha could be available later this season if the Bruins fail to rebound from their disappointing 2024-25 campaign. For now, it’s unlikely either one will be moved.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold said his club wasn’t that far off from getting winger Kirill Kaprizov signed to a contract extension.

The 28-year-old superstar is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. His average annual value on his current contract is $9 million.

Contract extension talks have been ongoing during the summer, but the lack of a deal thus far has raised some speculation about his future with the Wild.

“I kind of think we’re there,” Leipold said. “I like to believe when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and the love of the city, I think we’ll be moving in a good direction”.

Leipold is prepared to open the vault for Kaprizov. “This will be a huge deal, likely the biggest in the NHL ever,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli believes the AAV for Kaprizov’s next contract will be in the $15 million range. Smith’s colleague, Michael Russo, said he’s heard it could go as high as $16 million. The only question is whether he’ll want the maximum deal or a shorter term.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2025

by | Sep 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 1, 2025

Will the Canadiens trade Carey Price’s contract soon? Which teams could they send it to? Find out in the Labor Day edition of the NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports sources claim the Montreal Canadiens could trade Carey Price’s contract in the coming days.

Price, 38, has been on LTIR since 2022 as a knee injury ended his career. He’s in the final season of his contract, which carries an average annual value of $10.5 million. However, in actual salary, he’s owed $7.5 million, with $5.5 million paid as a signing bonus on Sept. 1.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (NHL Images).

The Canadiens are over the salary cap by $6 million for this season. They can remain above the cap with Price on LTIR, but they won’t be able to accrue cap space during the season. Trading his contract would give them that flexibility, making it easier to acquire talent if necessary before the March trade deadline.

One source told D’Amico that he has heard Price’s contract has been in play for a while, with speculation that things could shake loose on Sept. 1 or soon afterward.

The Canadiens could attempt to peddle Price’s contract to rebuilding clubs. It would enable one of those teams to remain salary-cap compliant if they ship out veteran players by the trade deadline. With Price now only owed $2 million in actual salary, his contract for this season becomes much more affordable.

Sources claim the San Jose Sharks have been mentioned most as a destination. They’re currently sitting just $5 million over the $70.6 million salary-cap minimum for this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation that the Canadiens could trade Price’s contract to a rebuilding club has been percolating in the rumor mill for weeks. Now that his bonus has been paid, we’ll find out soon enough if there is anything to that conjecture.

The Canadiens might have to bundle a mid-range draft pick, perhaps a third-rounder, as a sweetener. Price has a full no-movement clause, but he’s not going to block a move if it happens.

TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie also speculated that Price’s contract could be moved as early as Sept. 1. He also suggested it could be part of a larger deal.

Lajoie claimed Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes could be inclined to part with draft picks, particularly in the first round, to acquire a natural center.

The Canadiens have been linked to Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks and Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken. So far, nothing has materialized.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The main thing for the Canadiens is clearing Price’s cap hit from their books this season. It will give them greater cap flexibility to pursue a second-line center at any point in the season, though the longer they wait, the more cap space they’ll have by the trade deadline.

It would be a significant move by Hughes if he could land McTavish, but a recent report by Eric Stephens of The Athletic indicated the Ducks intend to re-sign the 22-year-old center.

As for McCann, the Kraken reportedly aren’t moving him. Besides, he’s played on the wing for most of his tenure in Seattle.

RDS.CA: Rebuilding clubs like the Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins could use Price’s contract to ensure they remain cap-compliant if they stage a sell-off before the trade deadline.

For example, the Penguins might be tempted to trade players like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell. They could also attempt to trade Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, but they would have a say if any of them were to leave Pittsburgh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks are over the cap floor by roughly $6.2 million. Trade candidates would include pending unrestricted free agents such as Nick Foligno ($4.5 million), Jason Dickinson ($4.5 million), Ilya Mikheyev ($4.03 million), Connor Murphy ($4.4 million), and Laurent Brossoit ($3.3 million).

The Sharks could shop UFA-eligible players such as Alexander Wennberg ($5 million), Jeff Skinner ($3 million), Nick Leddy ($4 million), John Klingberg ($4 million), Mario Ferraro ($3.25 million), Timothy Liljegren ($3 million), and Alex Nedeljkovic ($2.5 million).

As for the Penguins, they’re above the cap floor by over $12 million. They could also try to move Kevin Hayes ($3.571 million), Anthony Mantha ($2.5 million), Matt Dumba ($3.5 million), and Connor Clifton ($3.333 million).

It’s unlikely Letang, Malkin, and Crosby will hit the trade block, especially as this season is Malkin’s last with the Penguins and possibly the last of his playing career.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

by | Aug 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 30, 2025

How much could Kirill Kaprizov receive in his next contract? What moves could the Red Wings make? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WORST SEATS IN THE HOUSE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo believes the Minnesota Wild have offered Kirill Kaprizov “a ton of money,” perhaps more than Russo thought on an eight-year contract.

Kaprizov, 28, is in the final season of his five-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. The high-scoring winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July 1.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Russo believes the Wild are willing to pay Kaprizov “in the 16 (million) range”. He indicates that the deal hasn’t been done yet, but general manager Bill Guerin remains confident it will get done.

Nevertheless, the next month could be telling. The longer Kaprizov goes without signing an extension, the more questions about whether he wants to stay in Minnesota, especially if the Wild offers him $128 million on an eight-year contract.

Russo believes whatever Kaprizov wants from the Wild, he’ll get it, even if he seeks a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold stated that no other team could offer Kaprizov more money or more years on his next contract. If Kaprizov wants to be well paid, $16 million annually would make him the second-highest paid player in the league for 2026-27. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid is also UFA-eligible next summer and will get much more from the Oilers or another club if he goes to market on July 1.

However, if Kaprizov is hesitant to sign, it will suggest that he doesn’t believe the Wild will be winners over the term of that contract. If so, they would face the prospect of trading him before the March deadline or losing him to free agency for nothing next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman was asked recently if the Detroit Red Wings might make a trade for a top-four defenseman or a top-six winger.

Bultman listed Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as the most realistic to address the Red Wings’ needs.

However, Bultman’s not holding his breath waiting for any of those players to land in Detroit, citing the high asking price for Rust or Rakell (a first-round pick) and the aging Karlsson’s expensive contract.

Bultman also acknowledged rumors linking the Red Wings to Mason McTavish, but doubts the Anaheim Ducks will part with the 22-year-old center.

Winnipeg Jets winger (and Michigan native) Kyle Connor is UFA-eligible next summer. Bultman doesn’t see the Jets attempting to move him this far out if he remains unsigned. If they do decide to move him, the Red Wings should be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings might make another move or two to improve their roster before the start of the season in October. Based on Bultman’s comments, don’t expect to see Karlsson, Rust, Rakell, McTavish, or Connor donning the Winged Wheel jersey anytime soon.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2025

by | Aug 22, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 22, 2025

Check out the latest on Marco Rossi and Mason McTavish in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: cited a report by Michael Russo of The Athletic claiming there’s been “significant progress” toward a potential new contract for Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

Russo speculates an agreement between Rossi and the Wild could be announced in the coming days. He believes it will be a bridge contract.

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited two NHL sources claiming the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken recently revisited their interest in Rossi to see where things stand in his contract talks with the Wild.

Neither source provided specifics as to the Wild’s asking price for Rossi. Both suggested one target could be Kraken winger Jared McCann, who is entering the fourth year of a five-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rossi’s been the subject of trade speculation since last season. It was reported that his camp sought a long-term deal between $6 million and $7 million annually, while the Wild reportedly weren’t willing to go much higher than $5 million on a short-term deal.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin never ruled out trading Rossi, but he consistently stated his preference is to sign the young center. Based on Russo’s report, the latter is more likely to happen.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports the Anaheim Ducks want to re-sign Mason McTavish. Like Rossi, the 22-year-old center is a restricted free agent coming off his ELC and has been the subject of growing trade speculation this summer.

Stephens claims the Ducks intend to keep McTavish, seeing him as an important part of their lineup. He indicated the two sides have gone back and forth on short and long-term proposals. The Ducks may not wish to go to the maximum eight-year deal, but they’re not just looking at a bridge deal.

There’s been lots of speculation about which teams need a second-line center and possible trade destinations for McTavish. Stephens believes teams have asked Ducks GM Verbeek about him.

“You know who else needs a second-line center? Anaheim,” replied Stephens. “And it has one that’s 22 and on the rise with a strong finishing kick to last season.” He believes Verbeek sees McTavish as a core player more than he did former Ducks Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the first report I’ve seen this summer from a Ducks beat writer on the status of McTavish’s contract negotiations. All the trade speculation about the young center has come from pundits in other NHL cities.

Stephens pointed out that Verbeek has a reputation as a tough negotiator, which would explain why this situation hasn’t been resolved yet. He also noted that there is still plenty of time for the two sides to get a deal done before training camp opens in mid-September.

We haven’t heard anything from the McTavish camp yet, but that could be because they’d prefer not to discuss those negotiations with the media.