NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

Reaction to the Ducks trading Trevor Zegras to the Flyers, Blues GM Doug Armstrong on the possibility of an offer sheet for Joel Hofer, the latest notable contract extensions, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS/NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras on Monday to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick (45th overall), and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras, 24, was the subject of frequent trade speculation over the past two seasons. Chosen ninth overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft, he was once considered a foundation player for the rebuilding Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks traded forward Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL Images).

Zegras was runner-up for the 2022 Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, earned a spot at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game skills competition, and shared the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 23 videogame with Sarah Nurse.

After back-to-back 60-plus point performances in 2021-22 and 2022-23, Zegras underwent contentious contract negotiations with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, missing training camp before agreeing to a three-year contract in October 2023. Injuries limited him to 31 games in 2023-24 and 57 games last season.

Zegras’ critics cited his one-dimensional offensive game and weakness in the faceoff circle. He first surfaced in trade speculation in January 2024 and was a fixture in the rumor mill.

Verbeek said the move was made to retool his roster for the 2025-26 season. He also noted that Zegras wanted to play center and thinks the young forward will get that opportunity in Philadelphia.

Moving Zegras ($5.75 million average annual value for 2025-26) for Poehling ($1.9 million) freed up $3.85 million in cap space for the Ducks, leaving them with $36.03 million available and 17 active roster players under contract.

The reaction from Philadelphia suggests this is a low-risk move with high-reward potential if Zegras stays healthy and establishes himself as a reliable first or second-line center. The Flyers didn’t give up any of their three first-rounders in this year’s draft, and they didn’t part with a top prospect or a good young NHL player.

If Zegras doesn’t pan out, he’s only under contract for this season. If he pans out, the Flyers can extend him. Otherwise, they could let him walk next summer.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Blues GM Doug Armstrong isn’t concerned about the possibility of a rival club thinking of signing Joel Hofer to an offer sheet. The 24-year-old goaltender is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year, $1.55 million contract.

Armstrong made it clear that the Blues have the cap space to match an offer from a rival club. “I guess this is my shot across the bow,” he said. “You can go after him. You’re not going to get him.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hofer came up as a possible offer-sheet target because the Blues successfully signed away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers last summer. Some observers suggested that the Oilers might make a retaliatory signing, or another club seeking goalie depth could target Hofer.

Armstrong isn’t bluffing. The Blues have over $5 million in projected cap space for next season with 22 active roster players under contract. They could get an additional $6.5 million in cap flexibility by placing sidelined defenseman Torey Krug on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

Armstrong also said he’s spoken with pending unrestricted free-agent (UFA) defenseman Ryan Suter. The Blues GM said he’d told Suter about the seven blueliners they already have and Suter understood the situation. NHL.com’s Lou Korac believes Suter won’t return unless the Blues move one of their current defensemen.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.2 million. He had a career-best 33 points but still has room to grow defensively, finishing with a league-worst plus-minus of minus-43.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins’ injury-ravaged roster and the shaky performance of starting goalie Jeremy Swayman contributed to Lohrei’s poor plus-minus. His defensive game should improve with another season of NHL experience, healthier linemates and a better effort from Swayman.

SPORTSNET: The New York Rangers signed center Adam Edstrom to a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed forward Justin Kirkland to a one-year, one-way contract worth $900,000.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the NHL has a Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday. The hope was to have the framework of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) extension in place for Board approval. However, a few outstanding issues remain to be resolved.

LeBrun says the NHL and the NHLPA are inching closer to an agreement, and the league will provide a CBA update to the owners on Wednesday.

THE PROVINCE: The Abbotsford Canucks are the 2024-25 AHL champions, defeating the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Final. Abbotsford goaltender Arturs Silovs was named the playoffs’ most valuable player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Silovs was the Vancouver Canucks’ postseason hero last year when he replaced sidelined goalies Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith during their first-round series with the Nashville Predators. Silovs isn’t waiver-exempt next season, which could lead to a logjam in the Vancouver crease with Demko and Kevin Lankinen also under contract for 2025-26.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders named Rocky Thompson as the new head coach of their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Thompson spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Flyers.

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

by | Jun 23, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2025

Check out the latest on Jeremy Swayman, Brock Boeser, Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane, plus updates on the Rangers and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claimed the Edmonton Oilers were among the clubs looking into the availability of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman last summer.

The 26-year-old Swayman was in the midst of contentious contract negotiations before signing an eight-year, $66-million deal with the Bruins last October.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (NHL Images)

Swayman’s struggles this season had some teams wondering about his status as the March 7 trade deadline approached. However, the Bruins retained him and haven’t lost faith in their starting goaltender.

Murphy noted there is currently plenty of trade speculation building around the Oilers. He wondered if they might revisit their interest in Swayman, who lacks no-trade protection until next July.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Murphy’s report, and isn’t surprised about the Oilers’ rumors given general manager Stan Bowman’s plans to address his goaltending. However, Staples pointed out the Oilers lack the cap space to acquire Swayman without making a major roster overhaul, something he doesn’t see them doing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins wouldn’t have signed Swayman to that eight-year deal if they didn’t intend to stick with him as their starting goalie. He’s a crucial part of what they hope will be a bounce-back performance next season.

Yes, anything’s possible, but it would take a substantial offer to convince the Bruins to part with Swayman. It would also leave them without a reliable starting goalie. Joonas Korpisalo is a solid backup, but he’s proven that he can’t handle the starter’s job full-time.

NESN: Kayla Gregoire cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli speculating the Bruins could go after Brock Boeser when the free-agent market opens next Tuesday (July 1). The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks right wing is expected to go to market, but the Canucks haven’t ruled out bringing him back.

Gregoire noted that Boeser is projected to receive a six-year contract with an AAV of $8.46 million. She doesn’t rule out the Bruins pursuing him, citing their salary-cap space ($26.2 million) for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted earlier, the Bruins hope to rebound quickly from last season’s disappointing performance. They’ll be in the market for another scoring winger this summer. Boeser’s production was down last season, but he tallied a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24.

UPDATES ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers have yet to decide what they’ll do with their 2025 first-round pick (12th overall). They owe the Pittsburgh Penguins either this year’s pick or their 2026 first-rounder. They have until June 25 to decide.

If they keep this year’s pick, that will take them out of the offer-sheet game since they would need their 2026 pick as compensation for a major successful signing. They also lack their own 2026 second-rounder.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have been exploring the trade market for K’Andre Miller. If they move him, Baugh believes they must find a suitable replacement, potentially via free agency. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings, Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers are this summer’s top UFA blueliners.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming Gavrikov doesn’t have a long list of potential UFA destinations. Friedman believes that’s why so many observers have linked the 29-year-old defenseman to the Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the 2025 NHL Draft weekend fast approaching, the trade market should kick into high gear this week. If Miller is moved, the Rangers could be poised to make Gavrikov a significant offer if he tests the market next Tuesday.

POTENTIAL SUITORS FOR RASMUS ANDERSSON

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson cited recent reports indicating contract extension talks didn’t go well between the Flames and Rasmus Andersson. That’s generated conjecture suggesting the Flames could trade the 28-year-old defenseman, who is a year away from UFA eligibility.

Gilbertson noted that Andersson has a six-team no-trade list, but speculates he could have more control than that. To maximize the return, the Flames could allow suitors to discuss a contract extension with the blueliner.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars are mentioned as one destination, but the Stars face a salary-cap crunch. Some wonder if Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving (the former Flames GM) might try to bring Andersson to Toronto. Meanwhile, some Flames fans suggest offering Andersson to the Buffalo Sabres for winger JJ Peterka.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has shown a willingness to be patient to get the return he seeks. It’s no secret that he’s in the market for a second-line, right-shot center. A deal could be had if someone is willing to make that offer, but there aren’t a lot of those available.

BLUE JACKETS EXPECTED TO BE BUYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has been quietly working behind the scenes on deals big and small. He cited colleague Pierre LeBrun reported the Jackets GM spoke to the Dallas Stars about Mason Marchment before the gritty winger was shipped last week to the Seattle Kraken.

Portzline indicates the Jackets seek a top-six forward and a right-shot center, a right-shot, right-side top-four defenseman, and a goaltending upgrade.

Trade chips could include their 2025 first-round pick (14th overall), left winger Yegor Chinakhov, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the No. 20 pick in this year’s draft (originally from the Minnesota Wild), the rights to pending UFA defenseman Ivan Provorov, and perhaps gritty center Cole Sillinger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets possess over $40 million in cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Expect them to make at least one big move this summer.

MANGIAPANE TO TORONTO?

LEAFS NATION’s Nick Alberga confirmed a report by The Fourth Period claiming the Maple Leafs are expected to pursue Andrew Mangiapane when the Washington Capitals winger hits the UFA market next Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Mangiapane played for Leafs GM Brad Treliving during their days with the Calgary Flames. Alberga claims he’s on the Leafs’ list of free-agent targets.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

by | Jun 19, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2025

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Bruins, Islanders, Flyers, and Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Justin Tasch reports Connor McDavid’s future could hang over this NHL offseason. The 28-year-old Edmonton Oilers captain is a year away from unrestricted free-agent (UFA) eligibility.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

If McDavid remains committed to the Oilers, Tasch believes a massive contract extension awaits in the coming weeks. If he has doubts about the club’s future as a Stanley Cup contender, it could result in a potential trade because the Oilers wouldn’t want to lose him to free agency.

TSN: Darren Dreger believes McDavid will want to take some time to decompress from another disappointing Stanley Cup Final. He believes the Oilers’ superstar will stay put, but wondered if he would want a shorter-term (three or four years) instead of the maximum eight-year commitment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Dreger that McDavid will remain an Oiler. It could take a little time for the two sides to get a deal done, perhaps stretching through the summer. Ultimately, they’ll get it done.

Dreger mentioned that McDavid is close friends with teammate Leon Draisaitl, who signed an eight-year extension last September. I doubt Draisaitl would’ve done that if he felt McDavid didn’t intend to stick around.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at what additions the Edmonton Oilers could attempt to make during this offseason.

It seems unlikely the Oilers will maintain the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. There are no upgrades to be found via free agency. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks could be a trade possibility. Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets is a less likely trade option.

Mitchell mentioned Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, but he carries a no-movement clause and an $8.25 million average annual value (AAV). Finding a suitable trade package to offer up to the Bruins could also be an issue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pickings are indeed slim for goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets. Forget about Swayman; the Bruins believe he’ll have a bounce-back performance in 2025-26. Gibson might be the Oilers’ best bet, but the Ducks might have to retain some of his salary to make it work.

Daniel Nugent-Bowman considers Oilers forwards Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson as trade candidates. The 33-year-old Kane has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million and a 16-team trade list. Arvidsson also has one year remaining on his deal. He carries an AAV of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems the easiest of the two to move, but his abrasive personality and personal baggage could adversely affect his value in the trade market.

BRUINS REPORTEDLY IN TRADE TALKS WITH THE ISLANDERS

RG.ORG: James Murphy cited a report claiming the Boston Bruins are interested in New York Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He also claims the two sides are discussing a larger deal that would include the Bruins’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in this year’s draft.

A source suggested to Murphy that the Islanders could be trying to get creative by keeping the first-overall pick to draft Matthew Schaefer and perhaps use the seventh pick to select Long Island native James Hagens.

The source also mused about the Bruins perhaps trying to acquire the first-overall pick from the Islanders. However, the asking price would have to include one of their current top-six forwards or top-four defensemen as part of the return.

Meanwhile, Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner reports the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers have inquired into the availability of Alexander Romanov. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights who could command between $5 million and $6 million annually on his next contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The last time the first-overall pick was traded occurred at the 2003 NHL Draft, when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired it from the Florida Panthers. Looking at the Bruins’ current roster depth chart on PuckPedia, I’m not seeing any tradeable assets that would convince the Islanders to part with that pick.

COULD BROCK BOESER REUNITE WITH JT MILLER IN NEW YORK?

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma wondered if winger Brock Boeser might reunite with his former Vancouver Canucks teammate JT Miller in New York with the Rangers.

Boeser, 28, is expected to hit the open market on July 1. Kuzma noted they freed up salary-cap space last week by trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, and speculated they could seek a replacement. Boeser could seek a six-year deal worth around $8.5 million annually on his next contract.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks pointed out the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space for 2025-26 after re-signing Matt Rempe on Wednesday. He dismissed rumors suggesting general manager Chris Drury could use some of it to go the offer-sheet route this summer.

Brooks believes Drury intends to use some of that cap space to re-sign RFAs Will Cuylle and K’Andre Miller, or Miller’s replacement if the 25-year-old defenseman is traded this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Cuylle and Miller (or the latter’s replacement) could take up around $10 million of the Blueshirts’ cap space. That won’t leave enough for someone like Boeser unless the Rangers make another cost-cutting move this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2025

by | Jun 17, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2025

Updates on Rangers forward Mika Zibenejad and Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, plus the latest on the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ZIBANEJAD STAYING PUT?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Mika Zibenjad’s wife revealed some telling information amid speculation the Rangers are looking to move on from him.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Irma Zibenajad told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that Mike Sullivan, the Rangers’ new head coach, recently flew to Sweden to meet with Mika. She also pointed out they have a new home in New York, expressing shock over how newspapers were spreading rumors without considering the source.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The speculation picked up recently following the trade of Zibanejad’s friend and now-former teammate Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. The 32-year-old center has a full no-movement clause and there’s no indication he has any intention of waiving it.

UPDATE ON PIETRANGELO

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell reports that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman expressed concern again about the health of Alex Pietrangelo. He recently speculated the 35-year-old Golden Knights defenseman might not be ready for the start of 2025-26.

Appearing on The Fan 590 in Toronto, Friedman said he felt the Golden Knights could be among the teams that attempt to sign winger Mitch Marner when he becomes UFA-eligible on July 1. He mentioned that a lot of teams are wondering what they’re going to do, especially with what might happen with Pietrangelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have less than $10 million in cap space for 2025-26. However, if Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve, it frees up another $8.8 million, which could give them enough room to make a competitive bid for Marner on July 1.

So far, there’s no word from Pietrangelo or the Golden Knights regarding his status for next season.

LATEST ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently reported a team source rejected a recent rumor claiming the Philadelphia Flyers were interested in acquiring Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague. He also cited multiple sources saying they had no knowledge of the Flyers having any deal in place with Russian forward prospect Maxim Shabanov.

Kurz cited a team source reiterating the Flyers won’t be pursuing any big-money free agents this summer. He thinks they might have been interested in Sam Bennett, but his recent playoff run will likely put him out of their price range.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2025

by | Jun 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Mitch Marner appears headed to market, the Sabres are entertaining offers for JJ Peterka, and the latest on the Rangers

NO TALKS BETWEEN MITCH MARNER AND THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs appear headed for a breakup.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

The 28-year-old right wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Friedman claimed the Marner camp has not engaged in contract discussions with the Leafs. He believes the winger will head to market and sign with a new team.

FanDuel Sports Network’s Andy Strickland reported on Friday that Marner wouldn’t return with the Maple Leafs. Friedman didn’t contradict Strickland’s claim, suggesting the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights could be interested in talking to the winger.

Friedman believes Marner could take his time deciding where to sign. He could also decide on a shorter-term deal (perhaps four years) rather than the full seven-year term, enabling him to return to the UFA market while still in his playing prime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No one should be surprised that Marner and the Maple Leafs will part company. It’s been expected for some time. He’s probably had enough of being the scapegoat in Leafs Nation for the club’s recent postseason failures.

The Ducks, Hurricanes and Kings have the cap space to sign Marner this summer to a short-term contract with an average annual value of what could be $14 million. However, the Golden Knights cannot afford him without shedding salary through a cost-cutting trade or if one of their high-salaried players ends up on long-term injury reserve for next season.

How long it takes for Marner to decide where he’ll sign will affect the market for other notable UFA forwards like Nikolaj Ehlers, Brock Boeser and perhaps Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand if those two don’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers.

SABRES ENTERTAINING TRADE OFFERS FOR JJ PETERKA

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Buffalo Sabres winger JJ Peterka could be on the trade block. The 23-year-old winger is coming off a career-best 68-point performance. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

The Sabres had been rejecting the interest that rival clubs have in Peterka, but they’ve lately begun listening to offers. Friedman believes the young forward is unhappy and wants to play elsewhere. He thinks the Sabres still don’t want to move Peterka, but are now at least considering it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They won’t give away Peterka or trade him just for the sake of it. They’re well-stocked with prospects, so they don’t want a return of draft picks and prospects. The Sabres will prefer a player-for-player swap, like when they shipped Dylan Cozens to Ottawa for Josh Norris at the March trade deadline, or when they sent Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado in 2024 for Bowen Byram.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported the Rangers shipping Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks last week cleared his $6.5 million average annual value through 2026-27 from their salary-cap payroll. It ensures that general manager Chris Drury has cap flexibility and cost certainty heading into the NHL Draft (June 27-28) and the start of free agency on July 1.

The trade left the Rangers with nearly $15 million in cap space for 2025-26. It ensures they can match any offer sheets from rival clubs, and gives Drury the freedom to explore different options to improve the Rangers for next season.

Walker believes K’Andre Miller won’t be playing for the Rangers next season. He’s an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1. Drury will have to find someone who can replace the minute-munching defenseman.

Walker’s colleague, Larry Brooks, shares her take that Miller could be traded. He also thinks there’s no guarantee Alexis Lafreniere will still be a Ranger when next season begins, as Drury seeks to make multiple moves that change the mix on the ice under new head coach Mike Sullivan.

THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple believes Drury could consider offer sheets among his offseason options to shake up his roster.

Sabres winger JJ Peterka is among the offer-sheet options. However, the Rangers lack their own 2026 second-rounder, which would be required as part of the compensation to Buffalo if Peterka signed a deal with an annual cap hit between $7 million and $9.3 million.

Any significant offer-sheet signing by the Rangers would include their 2026 first-round pick. That would mean Drury would relinquish the conditional 2025 first-rounder sent to the Vancouver Canucks (and subsequently flipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins) in the JT Miller trade in January.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are in a position to match that type of offer sheet for Peterka, and no one’s going higher than $9.3 million to get him. Drury will have to swing a trade to get him, and the Sabres likely aren’t keen to send him to a nearby Eastern Conference rival.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2025

by | Jun 13, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2025

What’s next for the Rangers and Ducks following the Kreider trade? Should the Golden Knights pursue Mitch Marner? What’s the latest on the Sabres and Bruins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AND DUCKS?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli believes the New York Rangers will attempt to improve their roster by addition this summer after trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. He considers it very likely that they’ll trade defenseman K’Andre Miller, and also noted there is speculation they could pursue Vladislav Gavrikov if the Los Angeles Kings blueliner becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva reports a source claiming the Rangers are looking at the possibility of signing Ivan Provorov. The 28-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman is UFA-eligible on July 1.

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller (NHL Images).

It was reported that Provorov’s agent, Mark Gandler, met with Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell during the NHL Draft Combine last week. However, it’s unclear if any progress was made between the two sides.

Provorov is completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6.75 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens looked at what the Anaheim Ducks might have in store this summer following the acquisition of Kreider. He pointed out that general manager Pat Verbeek faces pressure from Ducks fans who’ve had their patience tested by poor seasons, trade-deadline selloffs, the slow development of prospects, and a general lack of material progress.

The Ducks have nearly $39 million in salary-cap space, and team owner Henry Samueli is willing to invest wisely to improve the roster this summer. It’s rumored they could get into the bidding for Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs winger hits the open market this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers and Ducks aren’t done making moves this summer.

Trading Kreider cleared his $6.5 million AAV through 2026-27 off the Rangers’ books. With nearly $15 million in cap space, GM Chris Drury has the room to re-sign Will Cuylle and have enough to make a significant addition via free agency, especially if they opt to trade Miller instead of re-signing him.

The Ducks showed signs of improvement last season, reaching 80 points for the first time since 2018-19. They’re loaded with good young talent that will only keep getting better, and the addition of Kreider brings another measure of veteran experience and leadership. Nevertheless, they must make an addition this summer via trade or free agency that will help them take the next step toward playoff contention.

WILL THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS PURSUE MITCH MARNER?

LAS VEGAS SUN: Case Keefer observed recent speculation around the league suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights could pursue Mitch Marner. However, Keefer believes they should think twice if they’re considering that option.

Keefer points out the Golden Knights have limited cap space (nearly $10 million) this season. Signing Marner would require shedding salary that would deplete their roster depth.

Daily Faceoff suggested a sign-and-trade scenario whereby Marner is shipped to Vegas in exchange for a combination of Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Shea Theodore. However, Stone has a full no-movement clause while Theodore and Karlsson are on team-friendly contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ve become accustomed to the Golden Knights making major acquisitions via the trade and free-agent markets. However, Keefer is correct that signing Marner would sacrifice any semblance of depth on their roster.

The only scenario in which this works for Vegas is if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and his $8.8 million AAV wind up on long-term injury reserve for the remaining two years of his contract. Some pundits wonder about the 35-year-old defenseman’s health after he skipped the 4 Nations Face Off tournament to prepare for the playoffs. There is no word from Pietrangelo or the Golden Knights regarding his status.

THE LATEST ON THE SABRES AND BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes that the idea of the Buffalo Sabres trading their first-round pick should be on the table. However, several other clubs are also willing to consider moving their first-rounders, plus there aren’t many teams committed to collecting draft picks and rebuilding.

Teams are continuing to call the Sabres about restricted free agent winger JJ Peterka, but he’s not a player they’re eager to trade. RFA defenseman Bowen Byram is also generating interest, but the Sabres remain high on him.

Fairburn noted the possibility of Peterka signing an offer sheet this summer. However, he pointed out that it could backfire on the winger if he wants out of Buffalo if the Sabres match, especially if it’s a long-term offer. They have the cap room to match any aggressive offer.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports that multiple sources claim the Boston Bruins are actively entertaining offers for their first-round pick (seventh overall) in this year’s draft. It’s believed GM Don Sweeney would like to move up into the top five in the draft order. Failing that, he could include that pick in a trade package for a player who could help their roster right away.