Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 7, 2025

by | Sep 7, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 7, 2025

Why shouldn’t we expect a reunion of the Hughes brothers to happen with the Devils anytime soon? Why haven’t the Islanders pursued a contract extension with team captain Anders Lee? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at why we shouldn’t expect a Devils trade for Quinn Hughes to happen sooner.

Speculation persists linking the Vancouver Canucks captain to the Devils and a reunion with brothers Jack and Luke Hughes. In a recent interview with Sportsnet, Quinn left more questions than answers about a contract extension with the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“Who knows what we can do and who knows how I’ll be feeling this time next year? It’s still a year away,” Hughes said.

Nichols believes if the Canucks were to trade Hughes now, it would have to mean they’re trading everyone of significance. However, that’s unlikely to happen at this point, as the Canucks re-sign Brock Boeser, Thatcher Demko, and Conor Garland. They have several defensemen signed through 2030, and center Elias Pettersson is in the second season of an eight-year contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last season was a disappointment for the Canucks after their strong showing in 2023-24. Despite their inconsistent play, the turmoil between Pettersson and J.T. Miller that led to the latter’s trade to New York, and injuries to key players like Demko, the Canucks remained in the playoff race until late in the season.

Management is hoping for a bounce-back performance with a healthier roster this season. They’re also hoping that things go well enough that Hughes will commit to a long-term extension next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche doesn’t plan to pursue a contract extension with team captain Anders Lee just yet.

The 35-year-old left wing is entering the final season of his seven-year contract and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He’s earned an annual cap hit of $7 million.

Darche told LeBrun that he and Lee have agreed to see how this season plays out. He indicated there is no urgency on either side.

“He’s the captain of our team, and I really like the individual,” Darche said. “But I’m new to the team, right? There’s no one on an expiring contract, that has one year left, that I’ve re-signed. It’s not because I don’t want to, I had enough on my plate this summer. I’ve got a great relationship with Anders.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A sensible decision by Darche. He wants to evaluate his roster before making any decisions on new contracts. Given Lee’s age, he’ll likely get a short-term deal of two or three seasons if Darche decides to re-sign him. The annual cap hit is likely to be lower than his current one. How much lower will depend on his play this season. Nevertheless, the longer Lee goes without a contract, the more speculation about his future with the Islanders. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

by | Sep 4, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 4, 2025

General managers react to the implementation of new CBA rules, Quinn Hughes talks about his future with the Canucks, Blues winger Dylan Holloway on his departure from the Oilers last year, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports on the reaction from several NHL general managers regarding the implementation of new CBA rules regarding a playoff salary cap starting this season.

Teams will no longer be able to stash injured players on long-term injury reserve to use the cap savings to acquire talent for the playoffs. Teams will be limited to a 20-man roster that is cap-compliant for each game.

LeBrun also indicated that changes to the LTIR exception will be applied to salary-cap accounting before the playoffs. “That part needs to be figured out fully before puck drop next month,” he wrote.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman believes the changes could result in fewer moves because teams are always looking ahead. However, he understands why there was concern among fans and media regarding how some teams used LTIR to bolster their rosters for the playoffs.

Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes teams will have to learn as they go and start developing new strategies. Brad Treliving of the Toronto Maple Leafs acknowledged the logic behind the change, and Kent Hughes of the Montreal Canadiens believes it ensures all teams are on an equal footing.

Ken Holland of the Los Angeles Kings was at the forefront of those suggesting a playoff cap several years ago. “I think it’s great for the league, great for the fans, great for the players,” Holland said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the general managers adjust to the changes. Player movement could be affected during the season, especially in the weeks leading up to the annual trade deadline.

LeBrun also reported that the 2026-27 regular season will begin in late September, and the Stanley Cup will be awarded no later than mid-June. The preseason will be shortened, while the regular-season schedule will be expanded to 84 games.

SPORTSNET: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said Tuesday that he hasn’t made any decisions yet about his long-term future with the team.

The 25-year-old defenseman has two years remaining on his contract. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension starting next July. He said he’s focused on helping the Canucks rebound from a disappointing performance last season.

Hughes had hoped that Rick Tocchet would remain as head coach and was disappointed by his departure to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he praised Adam Foote, who was promoted from defensive coach to replace Tocchet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation arose earlier this year suggesting Hughes would like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, one day. That prompted rumors that he could be traded to the New Jersey Devils if he’s unwilling to commit to the Canucks beyond 2026-27. The Canucks ability to bounce back from last season’s tumultuous campaign could determine whether Hughes sees his long-term future in Vancouver.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons cited Dylan Holloway telling “The Cam & Strick Podcast” that the Edmonton Oilers undervalued him and pushed him out when he wanted to stay.

Holloway, 23, signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues last summer, which the Oilers declined to match. He said it rubbed him the wrong way how little Oilers management thought of him.

“I wanted to go back to a team we went so far with, but as soon as Edmonton didn’t reciprocate that feeling, I was all in on St. Louis,” Holloway said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parsons wondered if Holloway’s departure affected team captain Connor McDavid, who is UFA-eligible next summer and whose contract extension status is making headlines. He believes the Oilers made “a monumental mistake” letting Holloway go, suggesting that decision could influence the level of trust McDavid has in management’s decisions for the future.

THE MINNESOTA STAR-TRIBUNE: Former NHL stars Zach Parise and Joe Pavelski head the 2025 class for the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Former NHL forward Scott Gomez, Team USA defender Tara Mounsey, and photographer Bruce Bennett are also among this year’s inductees.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the five members of the US HhoF Class of 2025 for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said contract extension talks are underway with Anthony Stolarz. The 31-year-old goaltender is UFA-eligible next July.

TSN: Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla is fully healthy after undergoing surgery on both hips last season. The 19-year-old forward appeared in only 21 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in 2024-25. He was chosen sixth overall by the Mammoth in the 2024 NHL Draft.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators’ ending their seven-year playoff drought last season has had a positive effect on the box office. Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO, said season tickets are up about 15-20 percent from last season.

DAILY FACEOFF: Goaltender Aaron Dell announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 31-year-old spent seven of his 13-season professional career in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils from 2016-17 to 2022-23.

In 130 regular-season games played, Dell had a record of 50 wins, 50 losses, and 13 overtime losses, with a 2.92 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and five shutouts. He saw action in four playoff games, finishing with a 2-2 record, a 3.08 GAA, and an SP of .898.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Former NHL forward Brandon Yip has retired. He spent five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and Arizona Coyotes from 2009-10 to 2013-14, finishing with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 174 regular-season games. Yip had six points in 16 postseason contests.

From 2014-15 to 2024-25, Yip spent most of his career playing in the KHL, as well as in Germany and Finland.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

by | Sep 2, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 2, 2025

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes could become a Hart Trophy candidate, three Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season, the latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal considered the possibility of Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes becoming the first defenseman in 26 years to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player to his team.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger was the last blueliner to win the Hart Trophy (1999-2000). Brent Burns came the closest to winning the award since then, finishing fourth in voting during the 2016-17 season with the San Jose Sharks.

The Canucks failed to make the playoffs last season, but have Hughes to thank for staying in the race until late in the season. Leal believes the 25-year-old blueliner could win the Hart this season if he leads the Canucks to the playoffs while producing at the same rate that he did in 2023-24, when he had a career-high 92 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong case could be made for Hughes as a Hart contender if the season unfolds like Leal’s scenario. The Canucks’ roster isn’t as deep as it was two years ago, so leading this current group in the postseason while producing over 90 points would be an MVP-worthy performance.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looks at three Philadelphia Flyers with the most to gain or lose this season.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov has the most to gain. The budding scoring star should flourish under new head coach Rick Tocchet this season, seeing more playing time and with better linemates than he had during his rookie campaign.

Veteran winger Travis Konecny has the most to lose. The 28-year-old is entering the first season of his eight-year contract and will face pressure to live up to it.

Trevor Zegras has the biggest opportunity this season. The 24-year-old forward joins the Flyers after struggling during the past two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. He has the chance to play top-six minutes at the center position with Michkov, Konecny, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett as his potential linemates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers are rebuilding, and the performance of those three will determine their potential improvement this season. Michkov’s stock as an offensive star should keep rising, while Konecny should remain a feisty first-line winger and leader. Zegras could face the most pressure as he attempts to get his career back on track.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is rising up a list on the Red Wings that no player wants to sit atop.

Larkin has played 734 regular-season games with the Red Wings, putting him on track to play the most games for the franchise without winning the Stanley Cup. The franchise leader in that category is Norm Ullman (875), followed by Nick Libett (861) and Justin Abdelkader (739).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin’s only playoff appearance was in 2016, when he played five games. The Red Wings captain has endured nine years of a difficult roster rebuild that seems to have stalled over the past two seasons. Unless the Wings make significant improvement, Larkin will set the franchise record for most games without winning the Cup.

RG.ORG: Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant is embracing the challenge of coaching in the KHL. He was hired this summer as bench boss of the rebranded Shanghai Dragons, now based in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Gallant intends to run a North American “support-and-forecheck” style. The Dragons’ goal is to win now and build a fanbase for a possible return to China.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A good performance by the Dragons this season could be a springboard for Gallant to rejoin the NHL coaching ranks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber looked at where promising rookie winger Ryan Leonard will start in the Washington Capitals’ roster this season.

Leonard, 20, saw nine games of regular-season action and eight postseason contests last season. He could begin the season on the Capitals’ third line, though his potential linemates have yet to be determined.










NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2025

by | Aug 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 27, 2025

Some speculation over Quinn Hughes’ future with the Canucks, and potential destinations for Carey Price’s contract in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader recently asked James Mirtle if he saw the New Jersey Devils attempting to acquire Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes to reunite him with his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes is signed through 2026-27. Mirtle thinks it would be only natural for the 25-year-old defenseman to wonder about his future in Vancouver if the Canucks can’t break through and win.

The Canucks could surprise with a bounce-back performance this season that convinces Hughes to stay, but Mirtle considers it unlikely. If they don’t, he thinks management will have to consider a blockbuster trade and what the return might look like.

As for the Devils, Mirtle speculated that they might consider making that commitment next summer if Hughes really wants to join his brothers. He observed that they have over $62 million in cap space for 2027-28 before accounting for Luke’s upcoming new contract, leaving plenty of room to sign Quinn to a massive extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season will be crucial in determining Quinn Hughes’ future with the Canucks. If they struggle this season, it will only stoke the trade rumors. Even if a deal isn’t possible with the Devils, there will be potential contenders with salary-cap space willing to acquire him and sign him to an expensive long-term extension next summer.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont looked at possible trade partners for the Canadiens to move the contract of Carey Price, who has been on permanent long-term injury reserve since 2022.

The Canadiens could retain Price’s contract and use LTIR to exceed the salary cap for the coming season, but they wouldn’t be able to accrue salary-cap space during the season. It would provide them with more cap flexibility if they could find a trade partner to take that contract off their books.

There is a year remaining on Price’s contract. The average annual value is $10.5 million, but he will make $7.5 million in actual salary for 2025-26, with $5.5 million paid as a signing bonus on Sept. 1. That would make his contract palatable for rebuilding teams to remain cap compliant without paying much in actual salary if they move pending UFA players by the March trade deadline.

Dumont suggests the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and Pittsburgh Penguins as three potential trade partners. The Canadiens would likely have to add “a mediocre draft pick” to the deal to sweeten the pot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks have also been mentioned as a trade partner.

Price has a full no-movement clause, but he won’t use it to block the Canadiens from trading his contract.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2025

by | Jul 18, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 18, 2025

Check out the latest on Quinn Hughes, Mason McTavish and Jack Roslovic in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently cited Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers shot down speculation linking his teammate, Quinn Hughes, to the Devils.

Myers made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast. He was referring to rumors that arose after Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations, said that Hughes would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, both of whom play for the Devils. Rutherford quickly said that the Canucks would do all they could to keep Hughes in Vancouver.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“He (Hughes) doesn’t like all that speculation and stuff,” Myers said. “He loves his brothers, loves his family, like everybody else, but he’s not going around the room saying he wants to play with his brothers. I know it’s a big, big story around the hockey world, but everyone makes it a lot more than it is.”

Nevertheless, Nichols wonders if Rutherford was trying to brace Canucks fans for an eventual trade of Hughes, perhaps already gauging the defenseman’s value in the trade market to reel in the best possible return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford hasn’t said anything more about this. Whatever his intention, his comments generated turmoil for a team that had its fair share last season.

Hughes hasn’t spoken about it, but he will face questions from the Vancouver media when he reports to training camp in September.

CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal took note of the Vancouver Canucks trading forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. He noted that the Canucks are interested in unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic and have had discussions with his representatives.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs were also linked to Roslovic, but there’s no indication that their addition of Joshua means they’re no longer pursuing the UFA forward.

By shedding Joshua’s $3.25 million cap hit, the Canucks have $3.72 million in cap space to add to their roster. Dhaliwal speculates they could go the trade route if they fail to land what they want in the UFA market.

COULD MASON MCTAVISH RECEIVE AN OFFER SHEET?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman believes there are still some suitable offer-sheet targets available this summer, starting with center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

Goldman acknowledged the Ducks have the salary-cap space to match any offer for McTavish. However, she suggested an expensive offer (“at least to the tune of $7.02 million”) might stump the Ducks.

The rebuilding Ducks don’t need the compensatory draft picks; they have a well-stocked prospect pipeline, and keeping McTavish makes the most sense after trading away Trevor Zegras to Philadelphia.

However, they might be unwilling to make an expensive commitment to McTavish. She suggested it might be worthwhile for a club like the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames or Detroit Red Wings to take a chance.

SEKERES & PRICE: Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wonders if McTavish might be available. If he is, teams in the market for a second-line center (like the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens or Vancouver Canucks) will line up for his services.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek reportedly told rival teams not to waste their time with an offer sheet because of his club’s plentiful cap space. He also indicated in June that his focus this summer was on re-signing McTavish and goalie Lukas Dostal.

Dostal was re-signed on Thursday, which should encourage Ducks fans about the state of McTavish’s negotiations. However, Dostal filed for arbitration, which set a deadline for the Ducks to sign him. McTavish lacked arbitration rights, meaning an offer sheet would be his only leverage if negotiations stall with the Ducks.

It’s rumored that McTavish isn’t happy with his role or is growing weary of the constant losing since joining the Ducks. However, there has been nothing to confirm the speculation, which originated from hockey markets far from Anaheim.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2025

by | May 5, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: a pundit pitches a trade proposal that would send Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Devils, and the latest on the Penguins.

A PUNDIT’S PROPOSAL TO SEND QUINN HUGHES TO THE DEVILS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes it’s only a matter of time until Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes joins brothers Jack and Luke on the New Jersey Devils. He thinks it’s in the best interest of both teams to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Quinn has two years remaining on his contract and has made it clear he wants to reunite with his brothers. Brooks doesn’t see New Jersey shipping Jack and Luke to Vancouver. He felt the Canucks could get a considerable bounty for Quinn from the Devils.

Brooks proposed Quinn going to the Devils “for Vancouver’s choice of Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey; Vancouver’s choice of prospect defenseman Anton Silayev or forward prospect Arseni Gritsyuk; a first-round pick; and forward Dawson Mercer.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks’ proposal is not something that is being discussed by the Canucks and Devils. No reports indicate the two teams are talking about trading Quinn Hughes.

This came up because Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford mentioned Quinn had talked about one day playing with his brothers. However, Rutherford also said that his club would do everything it could to keep the Norris Trophy winner in Vancouver.

That could change by next summer if Quinn proves reluctant to sign a contract extension with the Canucks. If so, what Brooks is proposing could be close to the asking price they would seek from the Devils to stage a Hughes Brothers reunion in New Jersey.

THE LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas intends to take his time in conducting a thorough search for a new head coach. That will begin after he returns from Stockholm, where he’s the GM for Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championships.

Former Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet could be a candidate. He’s a former assistant coach with the Penguins. Yohe believes there’s a real chance Tocchet ends up with the Philadelphia Flyers, but he could seriously consider an offer from the Penguins.

Team sources told Yohe that the club has an interest in former St. Louis Blues coach Drew Bannister. He lasted less than a year with the Blues but Dubas likes him.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski suggests Isaac Howard should be a trade target for the Penguins. The 21-year-old left winger is a prospect of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the winner of the 2025 Hobey Baker Award.

On Friday, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois admitted his club is unlikely to sign Howard, who can become an unrestricted free agent next August. Kingerski believes the young, dynamic winger is everything the Penguins are seeking. Dubas acquired Rutger McGroarty when he was in the same situation with the Winnipeg Jets last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Lightning shop Howard, the Penguins will likely be among the suitors. Dubas parted with promising Brayden Yager for McGroarty. However, the asking price for the top US college player could be higher.