Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 9, 2025

by | Nov 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 9, 2025

The latest on the Oilers’ goaltending situation, David Kampf’s standoff with the Maple Leafs, and the Senators’ trade options in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Edmonton Oilers are done with Stuart Skinner as their starting goaltender after watching the Oilers fall 9-1 to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

“Either they quit on him or they quit on themselves, but either way, what we saw Saturday tells us they are done with this netminder as their unchallenged No. 1,” wrote Spector.

Spector acknowledged the number of opposition goals scored by undefended players right in front of Skinner. Nevertheless, he believes Oilers general manager Stan Bowman must stage a full-court press in the trade market to find a suitable replacement.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I understand cousin Mark’s frustration over the current status of the Oilers’ goaltending. However, finding someone who will do a better job than Skinner in this trade market is easier said than done. The pickings are slim and aren’t likely to improve as the season progresses.

That’s why Bowman acquired Connor Ingram last month from the Utah Mammoth, who is now toiling with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. The fact that he’s still there speaks volumes about his readiness to supplant Skinner.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports David Kampf has made it clear to the Toronto Maple Leafs that he doesn’t want to play in the AHL anymore.

There’s been talk of contract termination, but one of the issues is the 30-year-old center’s signing bonus for this season. If his contract is terminated, the question is whether he has to return some of his signing bonus. It’s hoped that this issue will be resolved by Monday.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Kampf and his agent are exploring their options and will decide by Monday. Technically, he remains suspended by the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If they agree to a contract termination, Kampf will be a free agent and can sign with another NHL team or perhaps a European club.

SPORTSNET: Alex Adams was asked if he thought the Ottawa Senators were calling around for help. He’s heard and seen reports that they’re aggressively seeking to bolster their roster, but they don’t have a first-round pick and limited prospects outside of Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler.

Adams believes Senators GM Steve Staios would like to add another winger and a right-side defenseman. He felt the Pittsburgh Penguins might have been a possible trade partner, but their strong start to this season may dash any trade chances for now.

Asked about possible trade candidates for the Senators, Adams thinks Fabian Zetterlund, Nick Jensen, or Dylan Cozens would make sense in a hockey trade to improve the team.

Zetterlund is in the first season of his three-year contract with an AAV of $4.275 million. He has one goal and three points in 15 games and isn’t a fit in Ottawa playing on the fourth line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A roster player like Zetterlund seems a more likely trade candidate than Cozens, Jensen, or one of the Senators’ top prospects. He’s a former 20-goal scorer who might flourish in a second-line role elsewhere. Whether he’d fetch something in a hockey trade to provide the Senators with immediate help remains to be seen.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2025

by | Nov 6, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 6, 2025

Check out the latest on Predators forward Steven Stamkos, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS

DAILY FACEOFF: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman appeared on the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast on Wednesday, where one of the topics discussed was Steven Stamkos’s slow start with the Nashville Predators, and the possibility that the two sides might consider a trade.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Friedman was asked if the Predators might be willing to retain part of Stamkos’ $8 million average annual value through 2027-28 to facilitate a trade. He believes if they can get an offer that makes sense, it will be considered.

Stamkos’ scoring has declined since leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning to head to Nashville in July 2024. Friedman believes that may be due in part to the Predators lacking a set-up man comparable to the one Stamkos had in Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos has had a career worthy of the Hockey Hall of Fame, but his performance has declined noticeably since leaving the Lightning. The 35-year-old forward’s age is also a contributing factor.

A rival club could take a chance on Stamkos if they believe they have a suitable passer who can set him up in the offensive zone. However, the Predators could end up having to retain up to half of his remaining cap hit to make it happen. If such a trade were to occur, it would be during the offseason.

AN UPDATE ON ARTEMI PANARIN

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli weighed in on recent speculation over Artemi Panarin’s future with the New York Rangers.

The 34-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July, and there is no sign of progress in contract extension talks between the two sides. That’s prompted rumors suggesting he could be traded.

Seravalli pointed out that there is still a lot of time between now and the March 6 trade deadline. He believes Rangers management is still determining what kind of team they have before making any drastic decisions, such as trading Panarin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Rangers are in playoff contention and Panarin remains their offensive sparkplug by March, they’ll hang onto him for the rest of the season and hope to reach some common ground contract-wise before July. If not, then they could be open to trading him if he seems intent on testing the market or unwilling to accept a shorter, less-expensive contract.

KINGS GETTING OFFERS FOR BRANDT CLARKE

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports there are teams interested in Brandt Clarke, but the Los Angeles Kings aren’t interested in moving the 22-year-old defenseman.

Clarke is a right-shot defenseman with top-four upside who has seven points in 14 games thus far in this season. He’s due to become a restricted free agent next summer. The fact that he hasn’t signed an extension yet has prompted some speculation about his future.

Murphy believes the Kings’ focus on re-signing UFA-eligible winger Adrian Kempe has delayed contract extensions for other players, such as Clarke. Once the Kempe issue is resolved, management’s focus will shift toward re-signing Clarke.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would be foolish to part ways with Clarke. He’s coming out of his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights, so they hold all the leverage in contract discussions. Regardless, he’s a promising part of their defense corps. It wouldn’t make any sense to move him unless they’re getting someone better to take his place, and that doesn’t seem likely.

TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST “32 THOUGHTS” COLUMN

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman doesn’t know if there’s anything going on trade-wise with Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei. However, he believes other teams may be calling after the talented youngster was benched for four straight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei’s had his difficulties defensively this season, but it’s unlikely the Bruins will part with the 24-year-old unless someone makes an eye-popping trade pitch. He’s also in the first season of an affordable two-year contract. The Bruins will continue to work with him to improve his overall game.

The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues were the most active in the trade market last week. Friedman believes they wanted to ensure that they weren’t missing out on any trade possibilities.

Friedman pointed out that the Seattle Kraken are still having trouble offensively. They have five first-round picks and four second-rounders in the next three drafts to draw on for trade bait if they want to add an impactful player.

The Edmonton Oilers could send players to the minors and through waivers to make room for players returning from injuries. Friedman said they’re trying to get Troy Stecher “a new opportunity”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, they’re trying to find a trade partner for Stecher.

The Carolina Hurricanes are carrying three goaltenders as Brandon Bussi has played his way into the rotation. Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov aren’t waiver exempt. Friedman said they were looking for defensemen, but some of their injured blueliners are close to returning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have little choice right now but to hang onto all three goaltenders, given veteran Frederik Andersen’s injury history.

The Buffalo Sabres are trying to find a new home for Alexandar Georgiev. They’re hanging onto Colten Ellis. Friedman would be surprised if they traded Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, as he’s still their best goalie when healthy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devon Levi recently surfaced in the rumor mill, but Friedman pointed out that the 23-year-old netminder is getting the bulk of the starts with their AHL affiliate in Rochester.

Friedman claims the word on Adin Hill is that the Vegas Golden Knights netminder will be sidelined for a few months.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would also explain why the Golden Knights moved so quickly to sign Carter Hart.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2025

by | Nov 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 4, 2025

The Canadiens remain linked to Bruins center Pavel Zacha, the Penguins need a left-shot defenseman, and the latest on the Oilers. Get the details in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CANADIENS INTERESTED IN ZACHA

TVA SPORTS: According to Nicolas Clouthier, one of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes “adores” Pavel Zacha. He pointed out that Hughes was the Boston Bruins center’s former agent.

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (NHL Images).

Cloutier cited “trustworthy sources” within the Canadiens claiming the club is not on Zacha’s list of teams he doesn’t want to be traded to.

The Canadiens need an experienced second-line center. Discussions took place over the summer, including one about Zacha. Cloutier believes follow-up talks are planned when teams decide to sell.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cloutier acknowledged the rarity of trades between the Bruins and Canadiens. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be ruled out.

Zacha would tick a lot of boxes for the Canadiens, but there is no certainty that the Bruins will move him. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reported that they see him as an important part of their plans, adding that it wouldn’t be surprising if he signs a contract extension next summer.

Still, a lot can happen over the course of a season. The Bruins could consider trading Zacha if he shows little interest in an extension.

PENGUINS SEEK A DEFENSEMAN

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported last week that the Penguins require a left-shot defenseman. They’ve lost Caleb Jones to a lower-body injury for eight weeks and need a suitable replacement.

Kingerski said sources claimed that general manager Kyle Dubas is “kicking tires” on spare left-shot blueliners. One of them is Erik Gustafsson of the Detroit Red Wings, who is currently with their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

LATEST ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli telling Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer that the Oilers are considering multiple player movements. That includes possible trades involving defensemen Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson, and forward Mattias Janmark.

This news comes with Janmark, winger Zach Hyman, and blueliner Alec Regula poised to return from injuries. There is “zero chance” that the Oilers will place Regula on waivers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In case you’re wondering, Stecher, Emberson, and Regula are right-hand shots. They won’t be of interest to the Penguins.










NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2025

by | Nov 3, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2025

Is Flames center Nazem Kadri not the right fit for the Canadiens? Could the Maple Leafs try to trade David Kampf? Will the Oilers attempt to move Troy Stecher? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jack Todd isn’t buying into the recent media speculation linking Nazem Kadri to the Canadiens. While acknowledging that the 35-year-old Calgary Flames center could be on their list of potential trade targets, he doesn’t believe they’ll pursue him.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Todd cited Kadri’s lengthy suspension history for undisciplined play as one reason. He hasn’t been suspended since 2021, but his yearly penalty minutes remain at the same level.

Based on the way the Canadiens operate, Kadri is too old and too expensive to fit their need for a second-line center. Todd also pointed out that rookie Oliver Kapanen is currently filling that position, with promising Michael Hage on the way.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree that Kadri isn’t a fit for the Canadiens. Nearly every move that Canadiens management has made has been aimed at acquiring younger talent that will complement their young roster core.

Kadri is playing well now, but a decline is inevitable at his age. He’ll be poised for retirement by the time his contract expires in 2029.

The Canadiens prefer to add players who will perform well over the long term. If they’re going to part with assets for someone with an expensive contract, they want to ensure they will get their money’s worth.

Kapanen has done well thus far in the second-line center role, sitting fifth among this season’s leading rookie scorers with seven points in 12 games. If he can maintain or improve on that performance, the Canadiens won’t need to go shopping for a center by the March trade deadline.

Hage, meanwhile, sits fourth among NCAA scorers with 14 points in eight games. The 19-year-old center could crack the Canadiens’ lineup within the next two years.

SPORTSNET: On Saturday, Elliotte Friedman said David Kampf is taking a few days to consider his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization.

The 30-year-old center was sent down to their AHL affiliate before the start of this season because the Maple Leafs had a roster and salary-cap crunch.

Friedman mentioned that some observers brought up the possibility of Kampf seeking a mutual contract termination with the Leafs. That would enable him to sign with another NHL club. However, he’s still owed over $4 million by the Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs could try to trade Kampf. However, there isn’t much of a market for him at the moment.

Friedman also said that the Edmonton Oilers could try to move defenseman Troy Stecher. With sidelined players like Zach Hyman, Mattias Janmark, and Alec Regula returning soon, they must free up some roster and salary-cap room.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 2, 2025

by | Nov 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – November 2, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, Senators center Shane Pinto, and Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

COULD THE PENGUINS MOVE MALKIN AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox believes Evgeni Malkin could be a hot commodity by the March 6 trade deadline. The 39-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins center is among the league’s leading scorers with 18 points, and is among the biggest reasons why his club is off to a surprisingly strong start.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Fox observed that there were rumblings that this season could be Malkin’s last. He also had a good start to last season before his production declined.

Despite the Penguins’ early-season performance, it’s unlikely they can maintain their current pace. Even Malkin could regress again. Nevertheless, he could remain in high demand at the trade deadline if he’s willing to accept a move to a contender.

Fox suggested the Florida Panthers could be a suitor for Malkin. They could be in the market by the deadline for a replacement for Aleksander Barkov, who is out for the season recovering from knee surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin was the subject of similar trade speculation during training camp and preseason. When asked about it, he said he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh, but wasn’t sure how he’d react if management asked him to waive his no-movement clause.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he would meet with Malkin during the Olympic break in February to discuss his future. He won’t be going anywhere if his club remains in playoff contention, but it’ll be interesting to see how many suitors he attracts if the Penguins are out of the playoff race by the deadline.

AN UPDATE ON PINTO’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch wondered if Shane Pinto and the Senators are at a crossroads in their contract extension talks. The 24-year-old center’s hot start to this season has raised speculation about how much he might get on his next contract.

Pinto is in the final season of a two-year deal with a cap hit of $3.75 million. He will be eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1.

Senators GM Steve Staios hopes to sign Pinto to a long-term extension. Sources told Garrioch that the club offered the young forward an eight-year contract worth $52 million back in September.

That offer has an AAV of $6.5 million. However, the Pinto camp could be holding out for something between teammate Dylan Cozen’s $7.1 million AAV and Tim Stutzle’s $8.35 million. The center also has to decide if he wants to stay in Ottawa for eight years or on a shorter deal between three-to-six years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: These negotiations could drag on throughout the season. Staios could be waiting to see if Pinto can maintain his current rate of production before deciding on his next step.

COULD SHERWOOD INTEREST THE OILERS?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer suggesting that power forward Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks would be a good fit with the Oilers.

Sherwood, 30, is in the second season of a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $1.5 million. He had a career-best 19 goals and 40 points in 2024-25 and has nine goals in his first 12 games of this season.

Stauffer suggested the Oilers target Sherwood as a middle-six forward if the Canucks are unable to sign him to an extension. He believes the gritty winger will attract plenty of interest if he becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples pointed out that this was speculation by Stauffer as the Oilers could have different ideas on which possible trade targets would fit well within their roster.

It’s too early to determine what the Canucks’ intentions are for Sherwood or other pending UFAs on their roster. Nevertheless, he could be a player worth watching once the calendar flips to 2026, especially if the Canucks are outside the playoff picture as the trade deadline approaches.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 2, 2025

by | Nov 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 2, 2025

In today’s NHL Morning Coffee, we recap a busy Saturday schedule, plus the three stars and the Rookie of the Month for October are revealed.

RECAPPING SATURDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets got two goals from Kyle Connor to down the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2. Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi each had two points for the 9-3-0 Jets as they picked up their third straight win. Sidney Crosby and Blake Lizotte replied for the 8-3-2 Penguins as their points streak ended at eight games (6-0-2).

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheifele took over the scoring lead, becoming the first player to reach 20 points this season. Penguins winger Justin Brazeau missed this contest with an upper-body injury.

A shootout goal by Brad Marchand lifted the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars. Marchand also scored in regulation, as did teammates Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett for the Panthers, who improved to 6-5-1. Mikko Rantanen had a goal and an assist, and Sam Steel had three assists for the 6-3-3 Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand returned to the Panthers’ lineup after taking a leave of absence to be with his friend and trainer, J.P. MacCallum, following the death of his daughter. Marchand immediately pointed skyward after he opened the scoring. Reinhart’s goal was the 300th regular-season goal of his NHL career.

San Jose Sharks forward Philipp Kurashev tallied twice, including the winner in overtime, in a 3-2 upset of the Colorado Avalanche. Macklin Celebrini scored to extend his points streak to seven games while Yaroslav Askarov kicked out 37 shots for the 4-6-2 Sharks, who’ve won three of their last four contests. Nathan MacKinnon netted his 10th goal of the season for the 7-1-5 Avalanche, who picked up a point to sit atop the overall standings with 19 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren left this game with an upper-body injury after being struck by a puck while sitting on the bench. Avalanche call-up Taylor Makar made his debut, marking the first time he and older brother Cale Makar played together in the NHL. Taylor was returned to Colorado’s AHL affiliate after this game.

The Montreal Canadiens got an overtime goal from Alex Newhook for a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki extended his points streak to 11 games with two assists, and Cole Caufield scored his 10th goal of the season for the Canadiens (9-3-0), who sit first in the Atlantic Division with 18 points. Drake Batherson had a goal and an assist for the Senators, who dropped to 6-5-2.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Batherson ended up being the goat in this game, as his errant pass in overtime was picked off by Newhook, who made no mistake on the breakaway.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom turned in a 43-save performance to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Dawson Mercer has two goals for the 9-3-0 Devils as they move into first place in the Metropolitan Division with 18 points. Andrei Kuzmenko had the only goal for the Kings as they dropped to 5-4-4 on the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils winger Connor Brown was ruled out for this game with an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, the Kings placed winger Warren Foegele (upper body) on injured reserve.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson had a goal and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs got their first road victory of the season with a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Rookie Easton Cowan tallied his first career NHL goal, and John Tavares had two assists as the Maple Leafs improved to 6-5-1. Christian Dvorak and Tyson Foerster replied for the 6-4-1 Flyers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was stretchered off the ice with a suspected head injury in the third period after being inadvertently hit from behind by Flyers winger Matvei Michkov. After the game, Leafs coach Craig Berube said they will know more about Tanev’s condition after he undergoes more tests, but added that the defenseman was moving. Berube thinks Tanev will be okay.

An overtime goal by Evan Bouchard lifted the Edmonton Oilers (6-4-3) over the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 3-2. Leon Draisaitl extended his points streak to eight games with a goal and an assist, and Connor McDavid assisted on all three Oilers goals. Andre Burakovsky had a goal and an assist for the 5-4-3 Blackhawks.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman stopped 27 shots to backstop his club over the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1. Casey Mittelstadt had a goal and an assist as the Bruins improved to 7-7-0. Alexander Nikishin scored for the Hurricanes, who have lost three of their last four games and dropped to 7-4-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis returned to action in this game after leaving Thursday’s 6-2 win over the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist as his club nipped the St. Louis Blues 3-2. Jet Greaves made 37 saves for the Blue Jackets as they improved to 7-4-0. Justin Faulk and Nick Bjugstad scored for the Blues, who dropped to 3-7-2.

A shootout goal by Bowen Byram gave the Buffalo Sabres a 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals. Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch each netted their fifth goals of the season, and rookie Isak Rosen scored his first NHL goal for the 5-4-3 Sabres. Aliaksei Protas potted his fifth of the season for the Capitals (6-5-1), who are winless in their last four (0-3-1).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois missed this game as he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle scored in overtime to give his team a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. Cuylle finished with two points, and teammate Adam Fox collected two assists for the 6-5-2 Rangers as they picked up their third straight win. Chandler Stephenson had a goal and an assist as the 5-2-4 Kraken extended their points streak to four games (2-0-2).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken winger Kaapo Kakko was held scoreless against his former team in his season debut after suffering a broken hand in a preseason game.

Minnesota Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and two assists as his club snapped a five-game winless skid to beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. Filip Gustavsson stopped 26 shots for the 4-6-3 Wild. Drew O’Connor tallied twice as the Canucks slipped to 6-7-0.

The Nashville Predators ended a three-game losing skid by doubling up the Calgary Flames 4-2. Michael Bunting had a goal and two assists in the first period for the 5-6-2 Predators. Jonathan Huberdeau and Joel Farabee scored for the Flames, who sit last in the overall standings with a record of 2-9-2.

IN OTHER NEWS…

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele, and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes are the three stars for October 2025. New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named Rookie of the Month.