NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2025

by | Aug 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 5, 2025

Could the Canadiens have an interest in Ducks center Mason McTavish? Will the Oilers re-sign Jake Walman to a long-term extension? What kind of extension could Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli receive? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: In a recent mailbag segment, Anthony Di Marco indicated he’s curious about what happens with Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

Di Marco said he can’t imagine McTavish wanting to remain with the Ducks after they traded Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers. If there is an eventual path to the 23-year-old center getting moved, he believes there will be no shortage of clubs lining up to acquire him.

The Montreal Canadiens could be among the suitors. They have questionable depth at center beyond Nick Suzuki, and Di Marco thinks they’re keeping close tabs on McTavish.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plenty of speculation coming from pundits outside Anaheim suggests McTavish might want a change of scenery because he might be tired of the constant losing in Anaheim or a perceived unhappiness over the Zegras trade.

However, there has been no comment from the McTavish camp or the Ducks regarding his status or future with the club. That silence is providing fodder for trade and offer sheet conjecture, but there hasn’t been anything from the player, team, or local media to substantiate it.

McTavish is a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights. A club like the Canadiens could attempt to sign him to an offer sheet, but the Ducks have over $21 million in cap space and would easily match it. He’s a very good second-line center, but it’ll be shocking if a rival club signed him to a deal with a cap hit of over $7 million, especially given the hefty compensation prices.

The Canadiens have depth in draft picks and prospects (especially defensemen) to make an enticing trade offer to the Ducks, but the latter hopes to become a playoff contender this season. They’ll likely want a good, young roster forward in return, meaning the asking price could be Juraj Slafkovsky or Ivan Demidov, which will be non-starters for Montreal.

For all we know, McTavish has spurned offer sheets from rival clubs as his representatives continue to negotiate a new contract with the Ducks, who may have no interest in trading him. Until we hear something different from either side, the expectation is he’ll be re-signed before training camp opens in mid-September.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer speculating the club could be eyeing an eight-year contract extension for Jake Walman. The 29-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his three-year contract ($3.4 million annual cap hit) and will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Stauffer suggested Walman might receive an eight-year extension, as that’s something no other club can give him, especially with contract lengths shortening in the next CBA, which goes into effect for the 2026-27 season.

Staples considered it a stretch that the Oilers would offer Walman an eight-year deal, given his age and the fact that performances tend to drop off quickly for defensemen in their mid-30s. He anticipates something in the range of four or five years.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline examined what Adam Fantilli’s next contract might look like. The 20-year-old center is in the final season of his entry-level contract. He enjoyed a solid sophomore season with 31 goals and 54 points in 82 games.

An eight-year offer from the Blue Jackets could be attractive to Fantilli, especially since contract terms will be shortened under the next CBA. However, he could be unwilling to lock himself into a lengthy deal when the salary cap is projected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Portzline suggests a short-term deal, one that ensures Fantilli will be a restricted free agent on completion, might make the most sense. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell indicated he’s open to a bridge contract.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

by | Aug 3, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 3, 2025

Check out the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva recently examined potential trade destinations for Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Sachdeva believes the two wingers remain very much in play. He pointed out that they could become trade chips given that the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. There are also few game-changing forwards in this summer’s trade market.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell (NHL Images)

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t rushing to move Rakell or Rust. However, he could be willing to move one or both if the return improves his club down the line.

Sachdeva suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible trade partners.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell carries an average annual value of $5 million through 2027-28. He also has an eight-team no-trade list. Rust has an AAV of $5.125 million over the same period, but he lacks no-trade protection.

Sachdeva cited the Leafs having cap space to work with this summer ($1.9 million), and how they could move a forward like David Kampf ($2.4 million) to facilitate a trade. However, they’ll have to shed more salary or convince the Penguins to retain part of Rakell’s or Rust’s AAV to make the dollars fit.

The Avalanche ($3.348 million) is in a better cap position than the Leafs, but they must also free up some cap room or have the Penguins retain some salary to make it work. There’s speculation suggesting Avs defenseman Samuel Girard ($5 million AAV) could be moved, but it’s not a certainty, plus the Penguins could be on his nine-team no-trade list.

Sachedeva cited Rust’s Michigan roots, suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings. They have a dire need for scoring forwards and have the cap space ($12 million) to take on his full contract. The question is whether they’d part with the promising young assets the Penguins seek.

The Kings also need more scoring punch up front. Sachdeva felt Rakell might welcome a return to Southern California after beginning his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. Since this piece appeared on July 30, the Kings re-signed forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million, leaving them with $2.66 million in cap space. Unless they cut salary or get the Penguins to retain half of Rakell’s cap hit, he’s not a fit in Los Angeles.

Sachedeva pointed out that the Sabres’ interest in Rust goes back to before the NHL Draft in June. The Sabres have just enough cap space ($5.19 million) and the young assets to tempt the Penguins. Rust lacks no-trade protection, but Pittsburgh management could prefer to allow him to choose his trade destinations.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently made the case for the Edmonton Oilers to sign Mattias Ekholm to a contract extension. The 35-year-old defenseman is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Ekholm’s play declined after he was injured last season, but Mitchell pointed out that his defensive play remained solid before he got hurt. He noted that the Oilers are vulnerable on the left side of their blueline with Ekholm, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak UFA-eligible next summer.

Mitchell believes the Oilers should sign Ekholm to a two or three-year contract extension. He acknowledged the risk in doing so, given the blueliner’s age and injury history. However, they could have no choice if they intend to remain a Stanley Cup contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ekholm’s current AAV is $6.25 million, with the Oilers carrying $6 million and his former club, the Nashville Predators, picking up the rest. He might accept a pay cut to around $5 million annually to stick with the Oilers.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

by | Aug 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 1, 2025

Could the Canadiens trade a defenseman this season? Are the Oilers interested in signing Carter Hart? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE SICK PODCAST WITH TONY MARINARO: Eric Engels of Sportsnet believes the Montreal Canadiens could end up moving a defenseman at some point during this season.

Engels singled out Mike Matheson, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj.

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (NHL Images).

“Between those three guys, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, there’s a good chance that between now and this time next year, one of those guys is not here,” Engels said.

Promising blueliner David Reinbacher is a vital part of Montreal’s long-term plans, and he could get some NHL games this season. Adam Engstrom is another rearguard who has real value with the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson, Struble, and Xhekaj will stay put if Reinbacher and Engstrom need more development with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval. If one or both improve significantly, management must move someone to free up a blueline spot.

Matheson seems the most likely trade candidate. He’ll turn 32 in February, he’s eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July, and at times, his defensive breakdowns incurred the wrath of the Canadiens’ faithful.

Nevertheless, Canadiens management thinks highly of Matheson’s puck-moving skills, his efforts to improve his defensive play, and the experience and leadership he brings to their blueline. They could attempt to sign him to a contract extension before next July.

Struble, 23, just signed an affordable two-year contract. He started last season in Laval but worked his way into the Canadiens’ lineup, becoming a reliable part of their blueline by the end of the season. Whether he can build on that to maintain a regular roster spot remains to be seen.

Xhekaj’s size, his physical game, and his scrappy style make him a fan favorite in Montreal. However, the 24-year-old was a frequent healthy scratch down the stretch last season, raising questions about his future with the Canadiens.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey cited a report by Frank Seravalli of Bleacher Report indicating the Edmonton Oilers aren’t expected to target goaltender Carter Hart.

Hart, 26, was recently found not guilty of sexual assault in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial. The former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender remains an unrestricted free agent, though the NHL has deemed him and the four other defendants in that trial to be ineligible to return at this time.

The Oilers are in the market to upgrade their goaltending. However, Seravalli said he was told Hart is “a non-starter” for them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jason Gregor reported on July 12 that the Oilers won’t be approaching Hart about signing with them even if he were found not guilty.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

by | Jul 31, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 31, 2025

Oilers GM Stan Bowman begins contract discussions with Connor McDavid’s camp, possible adjustments for the Maple Leafs and Rangers for 2025-26, the Jets avoid arbitration with Dylan Samberg, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said he’s “very encouraged” by the early discussions he’s had with Connor McDavid’s agent about a contract extension.

The 28-year-old Oilers captain is in the final season of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent next July. Bowman indicated that they haven’t had detailed talks yet, but expects to have further conversations soon.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid is in the prime of his NHL career. If he and the Oilers fail to agree to a new contract, he would become the biggest name in next summer’s UFA market. However, most observers believe McDavid will sign an extension with the Oilers, making him the league’s highest-paid player starting in 2026-27.

TSN: Travis Yost recently examined the potential effect of Mitch Marner’s departure on the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially team captain Auston Matthews.

Yost believes the Maple Leafs remain a very good team despite Marner’s absence. Matthews is a superstar who should continue to produce with just about anyone as his linemates.

Matthews will have power forward Matthew Knies at left wing. Finding a suitable fit on right wing could be challenging, but Max Domi and recently acquired Matias Maccelli should get significant opportunities.

The Leafs should continue doing well at even strength. However, their power play suffered a downturn midway through last season and into the playoffs. If it persists, it could become a problem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner’s departure will put the Maple Leafs under a brighter spotlight this season. They could attempt to address any offensive concerns via the trade market, but they have few expendable assets to use as bait.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears looked at the issues the Rangers must address before the start of the regular season.

How well players like Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Alexis Lafreniere rebound from their disappointing performances last season is among the crucial factors. Their depth at center could be another, especially if Zibanejad remains on the wing. Fox’s season will depend on how quickly he and recent addition Vladislav Gavrikov can establish chemistry on the top defense pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Leafs, the Rangers will be among the more closely scrutinized teams this season. General manager Chris Drury has been retooling his roster since December, and he could end up on the hot seat if his efforts fail to pan out.

THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: The Jets avoided salary arbitration with Dylan Samberg, as the two sides agreed to a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a big raise from the $1.4 million AAV of Samberg’s previous contract. It’s also much closer to the $6 million cap hit he was seeking when he filed for arbitration, and well above the $2.5 million the Jets originally sought.

The Jets, however, had little choice. Samberg emerged last season as a solid top-four defenseman. Had this gone to arbitration, he would’ve become eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. They want to keep this roster intact as much as possible as they pursue the Stanley Cup.

This agreement leaves Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson as the only restricted free agent still scheduled for arbitration. His hearing will take place on August 3 unless he and the Leafs agree to a contract before that date.

CALGARY SUN: The Calgary Flames signed forward Martin Pospisil to a three-year contract extension beginning in 2026-27. PuckPedia indicates the 26-year-old will earn an AAV of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pospisil is currently in the final season of a two-year deal with an AAV of $1 million. A versatile physical forward who can play center or left wing, his hard-hitting style has made him a fan favorite in Calgary.

RG.ORG: Jimmy Vesey is considering offers from KHL teams. SKA St. Petersburg is viewed as the front-runner for the 32-year-old forward’s services.

Vesey’s future in the NHL is uncertain after the Colorado Avalanche declined to re-sign him. He’s spent nine seasons with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and the Avalanche.

THE ATHLETIC: Carter Yakemchuk is hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators’ roster this season. The Senators need depth among their right-side defensemen, something the 19-year-old Yakemchuk hopes to address. A skilled puck-mover, he’s been working on improving his defensive game since last season.

KARPAT.FI: Former NHL defenseman Markus Nutivaara is staging a comeback with Finnish team Karpat, signing a one-year contract with his hometown club. The 31-year-old retired two years ago due to hip surgeries. His last game was with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 30, 2025

Who could be traded this season by the Oilers? What could it cost the Sabres to pursue Penguins winger Rickard Rakell? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at some Edmonton Oilers players who could become trade candidates this season.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (NHL Images).

Mitchell suggested Stuart Skinner as one option. The 26-year-old netminder carries an affordable $2.6 million cap hit and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Skinner has big-game experience (50 playoff games, two Stanley Cup Finals). His performance during this season could silence any questions about his reliability as a starting goaltender. However, he could also be a key piece in any deal for a goaltending upgrade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitchell cited Oilers general manager Stan Bowman mentioning that his club’s goaltending would be an area of evaluation. A strong, consistent effort by Skinner would silence his critics, but could also improve his trade value.

Promising forward Matt Savoie will get an opportunity to earn a regular spot on the Oilers’ top-two forward lines. If he struggles, Mitchell thinks he could become a trade chip for a more established veteran, preferably one with an affordable contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savoie will be an interesting player to monitor this season. The 21-year-old forward had 54 points in 66 games with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield last season. If he doesn’t fit with Edmonton, he’s still young enough to entice rival clubs with his potential in the trade market.

Mitchell also suggested Vasily Podkolzin as a trade option. The 24-year-old winger has been inconsistent and could be shopped if he struggles this season.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Michael Augello observes that the Buffalo Sabres still haven’t replaced the offense they lost when they traded winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth last month. He believes GM Kevyn Adams might have to address that in the trade market by using young players, prospects, and draft picks as trade bait.

Augello suggested Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins as a trade target. The 32-year-old winger has been mentioned in the rumor mill as the Penguins are rebuilding their roster. He’s coming off a career-high performance of 35 goals and 70 points.

Rakell has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $5 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Sabres were interested in Rakell, they have the suitable trade assets to tempt the Penguins. However, Augello acknowledged the Sabres could be on the winger’s no-trade list. Rakell could prefer joining a contender rather than bouncing from one rebuilding team to another.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2025

by | Jul 28, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 28, 2025

The latest on Nicklas Backstrom, Oilers GM Stan Bowman defends his lengthy contract for Trent Frederic, the Sabres avoid arbitration with Conor Timmins, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is expected to resume his playing career where it began in Sweden.

Swedish Hockey League (SHL) club Brynas IF is expected to hold a press conference on July 28 to announce the signing of the 37-year-old Backstrom to a one-year contract.

Former Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (NHL Images).

Backstrom stepped away from the NHL eight games into the 2023-24 season amid complications arising from hip resurfacing surgery he underwent in 2022.

A first-round pick (fourth overall) by Washington in the 2006 NHL Draft, Backstrom played three seasons with Brynas IF from 2004-05 to 2006-07. He headed to the NHL in 2007-08, amassing 271 goals and 762 assists for 1,033 points over 17 seasons with the Capitals, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2018.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely that this will lead to a return to the NHL for Backstrom. It’s more of an opportunity to finish his career with his hometown team.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman defended his signing of forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million.

Bowman acquired the 6’3”, 220-pound Frederic before the March 2025 trade deadline. He praised the 27-year-old’s character, physical play, and scoring touch, citing in part his 18-goal, 40-point performance with the Boston Bruins in 2023-24.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The AAV in Frederic’s contract is affordable, especially with the salary cap rising significantly. However, the length of the deal still raised eyebrows.

As long as Frederic remains a decent checking-line forward, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. However, it could still become a burden for their salary cap payroll as his performance declines during the latter half of the deal.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres avoided salary arbitration with Conor Timmins, signing the 26-year-old defenseman to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.2 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Timmins’ arbitration hearing was scheduled for Aug. 2. Three players – Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson, and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Jayden Struble – are slated for hearings.

Samberg’s is July 30, Robertson’s is August 2, and Struble’s is August 3. Like the other players who filed for arbitration, those three will likely sign new contracts with their respective clubs before those dates.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL defenseman Chris Chelios was named to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He spent nearly 10 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, helping win the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A 26-season NHL veteran and a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy, Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Former NHL forward Peter Mueller announced his retirement at age 37.

Chosen sixth overall in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Mueller had a promising rookie season in 2007-08 with 22 goals and 54 points in 82 games.

However, injuries would hamper his performance during his five-season NHL career with the Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers until 2012-13. He finished with 63 goals and 160 points in 297 games.

Apart from one season in the AHL, Mueller spent the remainder of his professional playing career in Europe. He won a championship with Brno Kometa in Czechia last season.