NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2025
Check out the latest on Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers, plus a look at the Golden Knights’ possible offseason plans in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST MARNER SPECULATION
TSN: Pierre LeBrun noted the contrast between Toronto Maple Leafs forwards John Tavares and Mitch Marner when discussing their futures during Tuesday’s media availability.
Tavares was optimistic about returning with the Leafs next season. However, Marner spoke in the past tense about loving being a Leaf, and his intention to take time with his family to discuss his future.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
Chris Johnston believes Marner intends to test the free-agent market on July 1. He noted that the 28-year-old winger didn’t want to discuss a contract during this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s situation has reached the point of no return. He’s a goner to the highest bidder on July 1.
TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons also believes it’s time for the Leafs and Marner to part ways. He believes the winger’s rights can be traded for next to nothing before July 1 or he leaves in free agency.
Simmons noted the Leafs will have around $22 million in cap space to work with if they don’t re-sign Marner and Tavares. He suggested using that money to get into the bidding for forward Sam Bennett if he doesn’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers before July 1. Simmons also noted that Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad could also be available.
Other free-agent options could include Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets, Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks, Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings and the Panthers’ Brad Marchand.
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Leafs finding a trade destination for Marner where he wants to pre-negotiate before July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs won’t get a big return for Marner if they trade his rights before July 1. The Carolina Hurricanes got a 2025 third-round pick for Jake Guentzel when they traded his rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning last June.
WILL NIKOLAJ EHLERS STAY WITH THE JETS OR TEST THE MARKET?
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates looked at what the Winnipeg Jets must address during the offseason.
Sorting out their contract signings is a priority, with Nikolaj Ehlers being the biggest question mark. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and might be inclined to test the market after 10 years in Winnipeg. He wasn’t available at the Jets’ media availability on Tuesday as he departed for the World Championships to play for his native Denmark.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers’ teammates praised him during the media availability, expressing their hope that he’ll re-sign with the Jets. If he hits the open market, he won’t lack for suitors. The Province’s Ben Kuzma believes the Vancouver Canucks will be among the bidders.
UPDATE ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS
VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell doesn’t expect Golden Knights management to blow up the roster after their elimination from the second round of the 2025 playoffs.
She acknowledged the Golden Knights’ inability to score against the Edmonton Oilers led to their elimination. Their shallow prospect pool means they don’t have many tradeable assets, meaning they’ll have to turn to free agency to bolster their offense.
The Golden Knights will have over $9.6 million in cap space next season. That’s not enough to add someone like Mitch Marner via free agency. Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers could be just out of their price range, and there will be plenty of suitors for Vancouver’s Brock Boeser.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon will have to get creative. Jack Eichel is the only untouchable on the Golden Knights’ roster. Five of their nine forwards and three of their five defensemen signed through next season have some form of no-trade protection.
Kirkell suggested winger Ivan Barbashev as a trade candidate because he only has an eight-team no-trade list. Their depth at center could allow them to dangle Nicolas Roy as trade bait for a scoring winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McCrimmon and the Golden Knights’ front office have a reputation for making surprising moves to improve their roster. It won’t be shocking if they swing a major deal this summer to improve their offense.