NHL Rumor Mill – December 10, 2025

by | Dec 10, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 10, 2025

Check out the latest Quinn Hughes speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reports the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils have had contact regarding Quinn Hughes going back to last summer, but he wonders how far they are in actual trade talks.

Kypreos claimed New Jersey defenseman Simon Nemec is “out there”, along with center Dawson Mercer, and any of the Devils’ first-round draft picks over the next three years have to be in play.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

According to Kypreos, the Canucks believe there are teams open to the idea of acquiring Hughes without any assurances of signing him to a contract extension once his current deal expires in 2027. He wondered if the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks might get involved in the bidding.

The Canucks seek four or five pieces for Hughes, including roster players, prospects, and draft picks. They want the first-round picks to be unprotected.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek wondered if Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would attempt to make a major move by acquiring Hughes.

Marek noted that Yzerman has a reputation for being patient, but pointed out that they have lots of salary cap space and won’t have a franchise player to spend it on in next summer’s unrestricted free-agent market. He argued that it might be time for Yzerman to start drawing on some of his promising prospects as trade bait to add an impact player now.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted the Devils aren’t believed to be the only team to have called the Canucks about Hughes. He noted the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins have also been linked to the superstar defenseman.

Nichols considers the Red Wings as the only real threat to the Devils’ chances of landing Hughes. He noted that they have more assets to tempt the Canucks, including at center with Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson as players of potential interest.

However, Nichols questioned whether the Wings and other clubs would trade away assets if Hughes isn’t interested in signing an extension with them. He pointed out that the opportunity for Hughes to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey gives the Devils an edge.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Kypreos, some teams might not have an issue with trading away assets to get Hughes as a two-year playoff rental. Nevertheless, Nichols makes a good point that not everyone will want to give up a king’s ransom for a player they’ll lose to free agency in 2027.

The Red Wings have another advantage over the Devils, and that is in salary-cap space.

For this season, the Wings currently have over $17 million in available cap space, while the Devils are pressed for cap room. If the Devils intend to acquire Hughes this season, they must shed considerable salary to make room for his $7.85 million average annual value

For 2026-27, the final season of Hughes’ contract, the Red Wings have a projected $41.8 million, while the Devils have $10.35 million. Even if we factor in the cost of re-signing players, the Wings would still have a significant edge.

For the 2027-28 season, the Devils have over $47 million, but we can expect that number to drop significantly by next season as players are re-signed and new ones are added via trades and free agency. The same applies to the Red Wings and their projected $77.2 million, but even then, they still have the advantage.

Hughes could accept a trade to another club like the Wings, decline to sign an extension, and hit the UFA market in 2027. However, the Devils must still clear considerable cap space if they want to reunite Quinn with Jack and Luke.










NHL Rumor Mill – December 8, 2025

by | Dec 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – December 8, 2025

The latest trade speculation about Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and Kings center Phillip Danault has become a trade target.

THE LATEST QUINN HUGHES CONJECTURE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes trade speculation about superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes will ramp up as the Vancouver Canucks face the Detroit Red Wings on Monday and the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 14. Trade rumors linked both clubs to the 26-year-old Canucks captain.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Kuzma noted that the Canucks need a center in a possible trade package for Hughes. He spotlighted Red Wings rookie Nate Danielson and indicated that the Canucks also like Marco Kasper. As for the Devils, Kuzma suggested center Dawson Mercer and young blueliner Simon Nemec as possible trade options.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal believes the Canucks have considerable leverage in a Hughes trade situation.

Hughes lacks no-trade protection, giving the Canucks a broad field of possible trade partners. They’re also under no obligation to ship him to any of his preferred destinations. Their priority will be maximizing his trade value.

The Canucks superstar has another season left on his contract at an affordable $7.85 million. Whoever owns his rights next summer will have a better chance of signing him to a long-term deal for significantly more money than he’d get elsewhere.

Citing former Florida Panthers assistant general manager Steve Werier, Hayal stated that there is a window that runs through Sept. 15, 2026, allowing players to sign extensions under the old CBA rules. That means Hughes could ink an eight-year deal next summer instead of a seven-year one as per the new rules.

Dayal also looked at the potential cost for the Devils to acquire Hughes. They’re already pressed for cap space and have over $37 million invested in their blueline. He noted that some mock trade proposals suggest the Devils include Dougie Hamilton in the return to the Canucks. However, he has a 10-team trade list and might not want to go to Vancouver, plus the Canucks would be taking on a 32-year-old blueliner with an AAV of $9 million through 2027-28.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If it’s between the Red Wings and the Devils for Hughes, the former is in a better position, cap-wise.

The Red Wings currently have over $17 million in available cap space, with a projected $52.7 million in trade deadline cap space. The Wings also have over $41.8 million in projected cap room for 2026-27 with 15 active roster players under contract.

Meanwhile, the Devils are already over the cap with defenseman Brett Pesce ($5.5 million) on long-term injury reserve, with just over $2.8 million in potential trade deadline cap room. They have a projected $10.9 million in cap space 2026-27 with 18 active roster players under contract.

IS PHILLIP DANAULT AVAILABLE?

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Saturday that sources said trade chatter was picking up around Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault. He said that multiple teams have contacted the King about Danault’s availability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seravalli cited the thin trade market for centers as the reason behind the interest in Danault. The 32-year-old center is seeing third-line duty with the Kings. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $5.5 million and has a 10-team no-trade list.

Danault reached a career-high 54 points in 2022-23, followed by 47 points in 2023-24 and 43 points last season. He has only five points in 28 games this season.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2025

by | Nov 13, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 13, 2025

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec sets a league record, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin has a four-point performance, injury updates, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec became the youngest blueliner in league history to tally a hat trick and an overtime goal in the same game in a 4-3 overtime victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Nemec netted the winning goal on a heads-up play by goaltender Jacob Markstrom, as he caught Chicago on a line change with a long pass to his 21-year-old teammate. Blackhawks center Connor Bedard scored to extend his points streak to nine games.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the win, the Devils (12-4-1) widened their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings with 25 points, three more than the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blackhawks (8-5-4) picked up a point and hold the final Western Conference wild-card berth with 20 points.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin collected four assists as his club defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-3. Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle each tallied twice, and Igor Shesterkin made 33 saves for the Rangers as they improved to 9-7-2. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got the hook after giving up five goals on 13 shots as his club dropped to 8-6-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: After netting seven points in his first 14 games of the season, Panarin has nine points in his last four contests. Meanwhile, the Rangers signed goaltender Spencer Martin to a two-year contract. He must pass through waivers before joining the team.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jack Roslovic scored in overtime for the second straight game in a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Evan Bouchard also scored, and Stuart Skinner turned aside 20 shots for the Oilers, who improved their record to 8-6-4. Matvei Michkov scored, and teammate Dan Vladar stopped 30 shots for the Flyers (8-5-3) as they extended their points streak to four games (2-0-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flyers winger Tyson Foerster returned to action after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury.

The Utah Mammoth overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 5-2. Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, and JJ Peterka each had a goal and an assist as the Mammoth (10-7-0) ended a three-game losing skid. Isak Rosen tallied both goals for the 5-7-4 Sabres, who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1).

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will be out two to three weeks with a lower-body injury. It is unrelated to his previous injury that sidelined him for three games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given Demko’s injury history, signing goalie Kevin Lankinen to a five-year contract extension in February remains a shrewd move by Canucks management.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Canucks also activated rookie forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki (undisclosed) off injured reserve, and have assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is expected to miss some games after suffering a lower-body injury against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin missed 21 games last season with a lower-body injury.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot is being evaluated for an upper-body injury suffered during Tuesday’s game with the Dallas Stars. He won’t be suiting up for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are hoping Chabot won’t be sidelined for long. They’re already missing winger and team captain Brady Tkachuk, who is sidelined due to surgery last month on his right thumb.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Vegas Golden Knights placed center William Karlsson (lower body) on injured reserve.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars forward Adam Erne will be sidelined for multiple weeks with a lower-body injury.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Washington Capitals promoted Patrick Wellar to assistant coach on a full-time basis. He replaced Mitch Love, who was relieved of his duties following a league investigation into past allegations regarding his conduct and behavior.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2025

by | May 2, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2025

The latest coaching rumors, the Devils attempted to acquire Ryan O’Reilly at the trade deadline, and the latest on Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST COACHING RUMORS

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported sources told her and Kevin Weekes that the New York Rangers are in advanced contract talks with former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. It’s expected to be one of the richest coaching contracts in NHL history.

Kaplan also reported former Rangers coach John Tortorella is expected to rejoin the organization. She also indicated that Penguins assistant coach David Quinn is not expected to follow Sullivan to New York, but he will be a head coaching candidate, including in Pittsburgh.

**UPDATE***

New York Rangers hire Mike Sullivan as their new head coach (NHL Images).

The Rangers announced this morning that they’ve hired Sullivan as their new head coach. There was no word yet as to the contract terms or who would be on his staff.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was widely assumed that Sullivan would join the Rangers if he left the Penguins. No word from Kaplan as to what role Tortorella would have with the Blueshirts.

THE SCORE: Josh Wegman cited TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reporting the Anaheim Ducks are casting a wide net for their next head coach. LeBrun said they’ve interviewed former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, met with David Carle of the University of Denver, and contacted Mike Sullivan. They also reportedly interviewed former NHL coach Joel Quenneville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scratch Sullivan from that list. Carle recently took himself out of the running for the head coach position with the Chicago Blackhawks.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reporting the Flyers interviewed Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler for their head coaching job. Ferschweiler guided Western Michigan to a National Championship this season.

DEVILS TRIED TO ACQUIRE RYAN O’REILLY AT THE DEADLINE

RG.ORG: Jim Biringer reports the New Jersey Devils attempted to acquire Ryan O’Reilly from the Nashville Predators at the March trade deadline. However, the club didn’t want to pay a premium to get him.

O’Reilly lacked no-trade protection, but the Predators treated the 34-year-old center as though he had one. He didn’t want to leave Nashville, preferring to stay and help the Predators. That’s why the Predators set a high asking price for him, believed to be three young assets.

Speaking of the Devils, Biringer’s source believes they could move a young player like Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer this summer to upgrade a roster need. The Predators will listen to calls for O’Reilly but the high asking price remains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Biringer wrote that the Preds’ asking price was similar to what they sought for goaltender Juuse Saros last season before they re-signed him. That was a high draft pick, a top prospect, and a good young NHL player. The Predators re-signed Saros.

UPDATE ON VLADIMIR TARASENKO

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen reported the Red Wings could be willing to give Vladimir Tarasenko another chance.

The 34-year-old winger managed only 11 goals this season, prompting speculation he could be traded or bought out this summer. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.75 million.

However, Allen noted that Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman didn’t sound like he was considering parting ways with Tarasenko. During his recent end-of-season press conference, he said he felt the winger’s performance was better than his production. Yzerman thinks the veteran winger is capable of giving them more than what he did this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2025

by | Mar 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 13, 2025

The latest on the Penguins, Devils, and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON RICKARD RAKELL, ERIK KARLSSON AND BRYAN RUST

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported there was “heavy interest” in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell, but they never came close to moving him. They set a high asking price, which no one met.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)

Yohe believes general manager Kyle Dubas never expected anyone to match that price. “Truth be told, the Penguins never wanted to trade Rakell.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expect that high price to remain in effect during the offseason.

Yohe believes the Penguins would like to trade Erik Karlsson this summer. He doesn’t sense any urgency but believes it will be discussed with other teams. The 34-year-old puck-moving defenseman still has great value. On a good team, his defensive flaws could be protected while his strengths could be a difference-maker.

Two league sources told Yohe that Dubas could trade Karlsson this summer if he’s willing to retain $3 million of his $10 million annual cap hit through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That $10 million is the Penguins’ share of his $11.5 million cap hit, with the San Jose Sharks carrying the remaining $1.5 million. With the cap rising significantly, Dubas could try to find a trade without having to retain salary, but it’s more likely he’ll have to retain some of it to move Karlsson.

Teams could contact the Penguins on July 1 when Bryan Rust’s no-movement clause expires. Yohe cited a source claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings are fans of the 32-year-old winger, but Yohe doesn’t believe the Penguins want to move him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust lacks no-trade protection after June 30.

COULD THE DEVILS SHOP ONE OR TWO PROMISING DEFENSEMEN?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the futures of prospect defensemen Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey are in question after the Devils signed Johnathan Kovacevic to a five-year contract extension. Brett Pesce has five years remaining on his contract, while Dougie Hamilton has three years.

That doesn’t leave much room on the right side for Nemec and Casey to earn regular roster minutes. In December, a report emerged claiming Nemec wanted a fresh start elsewhere, but the young Slovakian quickly squashed that speculation. However, that was before his path to become a roster regular became less certain.

Nichols noted the Devils were in the market for an impact scorer before the recent trade deadline. He speculated that they could dangle one or both young blueliners as bait to address that need this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This will be a situation worth monitoring this summer. Fitzgerald tried to swing a major deal before the deadline but came up short. He could find a better market this summer, especially if he’s willing to move one or both of those promising defensemen.

LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Montreal Canadiens are expected to address their need for a second-line center during the offseason.

Sources claim the market for centers was too expensive at the trade deadline, pointing out healthy scratches were going for third-round picks and borderline NHL players were going for mid-round picks.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has a track record for making calculated trades during the summer rather than overpaying at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s too early to speculate which centers could be available this summer. However, Hughes recently mentioned that he’d been speaking with general managers before the trade deadline about players who weren’t mentioned in media trade rumors.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2025

by | Mar 8, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 8, 2025

The Canucks keep Brock Boeser, the Devils’ attempts to bolster their roster, an update on Ryan O’Reilly, the Leafs attempted to acquire Mikko Rantanen and more fallout from Friday’s trade deadline in the NHL Rumor Mill.

CANUCKS KEEP BOESER

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin claimed he received mediocre trade offers for Brock Boeser leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. Allvin claimed the offers were so weak that he’d have been chased out of the news conference if he revealed them.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance reports contract talks will continue between the Canucks and the Boeser camp. He also indicated they received some interest in forward Pius Suter, but not enough to convince them to part with him.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston wondered if Allvin was trying to grind down on Boeser’s negotiating position. He’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 28-year-old winger is only a year away from a career-best 40-goal performance. He could get a significant raise if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

DEVILS FELL SHORT AT THE DEADLINE

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald tried to take a big swing in the trade market but came up short by the deadline. It’s believed he expressed interest in Mikko Rantanen and Brock Nelson, but both wound up being shipped elsewhere.

The Devils settled for forwards Daniel Sprong and Cody Glass.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Devils were interested in St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn. However, they were uncomfortable with the asking price. Friedman speculates the Blues probably asked for players like Simon Nemec that the Devils didn’t want to move.

O’REIILY WASN’T INTERESTED IN RETURNING TO TORONTO

THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Emma Lingan reported before the trade deadline that there was no chance that Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly would return to the Toronto Maple Leafs. She indicated they tried to extend him in 2023, offering more money than the Predators, but he had no interest. “Can confirm that hasn’t changed.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Reilly was linked to the Leafs in the lead-up to the trade deadline. They ultimately acquired center Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers.

LEAFS MADE AN OFFER FOR RANTANEN

TORONTO STAR: cited Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claiming the Maple Leafs made “the best offer” for Mikko Rantanen, However, it was refused by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kypreos wrote that the Leafs’ offer was top prospects Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan and two first-round picks. They were also willing to offer him an eight-year contract extension worth between $105 million and $110 million.

The Hurricanes preferred trading Rantane to a Western Conference team. They shipped him to the Dallas Stars for rookie forward Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks and two third-rounders. They also signed him to an eight-year, $96 million extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d argue the return to the Hurricanes was slightly better because Stankoven is among this season’s top rookies. Cowan and Minten haven’t proven themselves yet at the NHL level. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes’ intent to send Rantanen to a Western club won out.

UTAH HC WELL SET FOR THE SUMMER

KSLS SPORTS: Cole Bagley reports Utah Hockey Club will have around $22 million to go shopping this summer. They didn’t bother making moves at the deadline because they made their big moves last summer and didn’t have much to offer other teams at this deadline. They also didn’t need any rental players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bagley believes Utah HC is “arguably the most well-constructed team for the future”. He’s not wrong in that opinion. They’re in the wild-card race in the Western Conference with a roster filled with rising young talent. Expect them to make a couple of significant additions via the trade and free-agent markets this summer.