NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2025

by | Jul 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 9, 2025

Did the Islanders attempt to trade Ilya Sorokin at the draft? What’s the latest on Dougie Hamilton and Marco Rossi? Will the Capitals explore the trade market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE THE ISLANDERS CONSIDERING TRADING ILYA SOROKIN?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski cited Frank Servalli of Daily Faceoff claiming the New York Islanders considered the possibility of trading Ilya Sorokin. Seravalli made the remarks during an appearance on the Kevin Karius Show.

New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (NHL Images).

The 29-year-old goaltender is in the second year of his eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million. Seravalli said he’d heard of speculation that the Isles had discussed a deal with the Utah Mammoth for the fourth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No reaction yet from those who cover the Islanders regarding this report. Any attempt to trade Sorokin would need the goaltender’s blessing. He has a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

B/R OPEN ICE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also believes the New Jersey Devils explored the trade market for Dougie Hamilton.

The 32-year-old defenseman is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $9 million. He carries a 10-team trade list for the remainder of his deal.

Seravalli doesn’t believe the Devils are intent on trading Hamilton. However, they’ll need to find some flexibility with their blueline going forward. If not, they’ll have to make some tough decisions with some of their younger defensemen, like Simon Nemec.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth and Dallas Stars were believed to be among the clubs interested in Hamilton. While the Devils are getting trade calls for the puck-moving blueliner, he’s not expected to be moved anytime soon.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s cap hit and trade list will limit the potential suitors, in turn meaning few options for the Devils to get a suitable return.

The signing bonuses in his contract will also be a factor. Murphy pointed out Hamilton will receive a base salary of $1 million for this season and next, with a $7.4 million signing bonus due on July 1, 2026, and $5.25 million in actual salary for the final season with no bonus payments.

Interested clubs may have been waiting for the Devils to pay Hamilton his signing bonus for this season before expressing interest. Some might prefer waiting until next summer after his final bonus payment is made.

AN UPDATE ON MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report that there were teams interested in acquiring Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. However, they were offering up futures or top-six forwards, which the Wild didn’t want.

The Vancouver Canucks offered the 15th overall pick in this year’s draft, but Russo and Smith aren’t sure there was a player the Wild would’ve wanted with that pick. “If you look at Carolina, who would the Hurricanes offer other than Jesperi Kotkaniemi?”

As for Rossi’s stalled contract negotiations, they could stretch into training camp and beyond unless he signs an offer sheet. Wild general manager Bill Guerin has said he would match any offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Until a rival club steps up with a significant trade offer, it seems Rossi won’t be going anywhere this summer. If no one’s pitching an offer sheet, the 23-year-old center could have little choice but to re-sign rather than risk missing training camp and regular-season playing time that will adversely affect his performance after he inevitably re-signs with the Wild.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CAPITALS?

NHL.COM: Tom Gulitti recently reported Washington Capitals GM Chris Patrick indicated he intends to explore the trade market after plans to make a significant addition in free agency fell through.

Gulitti indicated the Capitals hope to add a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Capitals were among the clubs bidding for Nikolaj Ehlers before the UFA winger signed with the Hurricanes last week.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2025

by | Jul 4, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – July 4, 2025

What’s the latest on Bowen Byram? What will teams do that missed out in the free-agent market? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST BOWEN BYRAM SPECULATION

TSN: cited the Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford reporting the St. Louis Blues have been trying hard to acquire Bowen Byram. He also speculated that the 24-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman could receive an offer sheet.

The Blues made headlines last summer by using offer sheets to successfully sign away defenseman Philip Broberg and winger Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reminded us that Byram is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. However, he’s yet to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Sabres.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Earlier this week, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams indicated that he would match any offer sheet for Byram, pointing out they saved cap space ($12 million) to address that possibility.

If Adams decides to trade Byram, his preference is for a return that immediately helps the Sabres. Fairburn speculated that it could contain multiple players, like the recent JJ Peterka deal with the Utah Mammoth. It could also involve packaging Byram with a pick or prospect for a better player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues have just over $625,000 in cap space, but they can free up $6.5 million by placing Torey Krug on long-term injury reserve (LTIR). Nevertheless, that won’t be enough for an unmatchable offer sheet for Byram.

If Byram wants out of Buffalo, signing an offer sheet could backfire on him if the Sabres match. A trade seems the only way he gets moved this summer, and that’s not a certainty if Adams doesn’t get the return he wants.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TEAMS THAT MISSED OUT ON FREE AGENCY?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Tovell cited TSN’s Chris Johnston speculating that teams that lost out on the best available talent in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market (UFA) could turn to the trade market to address their roster needs.

Potential trade options include Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, or Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins are open to offers for Rust and Rakell but they aren’t shopping them. The asking price will include a good young NHL player in the return.

The Stars are roughly $1.8 million over the salary cap. They can be over the cap by 10 percent during the offseason but must be cap-compliant at the start of the regular season.

Robertson surfaced in the rumor mill following the Stars’ third-straight elimination from the Western Conference Final. He’s a year away from restricted free-agent status (RFA) with arbitration rights and a year away from UFA eligibility after that.

Shedding Robertson’s $7.75 million AAV for this season would not only make them cap-compliant but also provide invaluable wiggle room for other moves during the season. Given his value to their offense, however, they could opt for a more affordable move to shed salary.

As for Marchessault, Nashville general manager Barry Trotz said there was no truth to the recent trade rumors, indicating the veteran winger will return with the Predators this season.

Tovell also mentioned the possibility of some teams targeting RFAs on other clubs with offer sheets. Possible targets include Kaapo Kakko of the Seattle Kraken, Alex Laferriere of the Los Angeles Kings, Gabriel Vilardi of the Winnipeg Jets, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

However, those players must be willing to entertain those offer sheets. If they do, their current clubs have the option to match them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be a waste of time for clubs to target most of those players as their current teams have over $10 million in salary-cap space, more than enough to match.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

by | Jun 25, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2025

Could Evan Bouchard get an offer sheet? Is Tomas Hertl getting traded to the Hurricanes? What’s the latest on the Islanders, Rangers, Wild, Red Wings and Lightning? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton suggesting defenseman Evan Bouchard could become an offer-sheet target if his negotiations with the Oilers drag on.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (NHL Images).

Bouchard, 25, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He completed a two-year contract and is due a significant raise over the $3.9 million average annual value (AAV) of his previous deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s worth remembering that Bouchard recently said he loves being an Oiler, admitting that the desire to win the Stanley Cup with this team is his motivation for staying. He has to be receptive to an offer sheet. If he’s not, then there’s nothing to worry about.

The other thing to keep in mind is that it will take a significant offer that the Oilers cannot hope to match. It’s rumored he could get $10 million annually on a long-term deal to remain in Edmonton. In that case, a rival club will have to pitch around $12 million annually to tempt him. Few teams can afford the cap hit and the four first-round picks in compensation. Those that can are clubs that aren’t anywhere close to Cup contention.

OILERS NATION: Zach Laing cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting Viktor Arvidsson is willing to work with the Oilers on finding a new home. The 32-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million and a full no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Things didn’t work out as both sides hoped when Arvidsson signed last summer. The Oilers could use the cap relief to free up room to re-sign Bouchard. They also reportedly have a contract in place with Trent Frederic but are believed to be waiting until July 1 to make it official.

SMOKE, BUT NO FIRE TO “HERTL TO THE HURRICANES” SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects claiming he’d heard the Carolina Hurricanes were pursuing a deal for Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl.

The Golden Knights have been linked to pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, but they must create salary-cap space to sign him. Moving Hertl would free up their share ($6.75 million) of his $8.135 million AAV through 2029-30.

However, Robinson subsequently reported that it doesn’t appear the Hurricanes have any deals in place or closing in on anything at this time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hertl has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it reverts to a three-team trade list. He waived the clause at the 2024 trade deadline to facilitate the trade to Vegas from the San Jose Sharks.

The Golden Knights must shed some cap space if they want to sign Marner or another notable player in this summer’s UFA market. Recent speculation suggests they could get some cap flexibility if defenseman Alex Pietrangelo goes on long-term injury reserve next season. So far, there’s no confirmation regarding his status.

ISLANDERS STILL TRYING TO RE-SIGN DOBSON

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears reports Islanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t pivoted from trying to sign Noah Dobson to trading the 25-year-old defenseman.

It’s rumored the Dobson camp seeks an AAV of $11 million on his next contract. Sears was unable to confirm that number, but it’s obvious the blueliner seeks a substantial raise, and it’s less certain if the two sides will find a number they’re both comfortable with.

Trading Dobson doesn’t sound like the Isles’ preferred path. However, Sears indicated teams have called to express interest and will likely continue to do so.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin listed six clubs that could become trade destinations if the Isles decide to move Dobson. They include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. However, it’s doubtful any of them would be more receptive to paying Dobson $11 million annually on a long-term contract.

UPDATE ON THE RANGERS

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers didn’t decide to retain their 2026 first-round pick to put toward signing a rival team’s player with an offer sheet. He pointed out that they lack the cap space to make a successful signing, and doing so will put them at risk of losing restricted free-agent forward Will Cuylle to an offer sheet.

The Rangers’ limited cap space means they’re not in any position to pursue Buffalo Sabres RFA winger JJ Peterka or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $7.75 million.

Brooks also shot down suggestions that the Rangers should consider trading Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin or Will Borgen before their no-trade/no-movement protection kicks in on July 1. He pointed out that each of their clauses went into effect the day they signed their contract extensions.

Brooks believes the Rangers would listen to offers for Alexis Lafreniere. However, they are not shopping the 23-year-old winger.

Teams have expressed an interest in Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, but very few of the discussions have evolved into serious offers. The Blueshirts are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Dmitri Voronkov, prompting Brooks to ponder whether there could be a framework of a deal involving Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets could need a top-four, left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Trading Voronkov, however, would then leave them having to find a suitable top-six left winger to replace him.

WILD NOT PEDDLING ROSSI

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Dylan Loucks cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin telling a local TV network that he’s not shopping Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old center is an RFA without arbitration rights. Negotiations with the Wild have reached a stalemate, resulting in rumors that he could be traded.

Guerin said there’s a perception the Wild are dying to trade Rossi, but that’s not the case. He considers the young center an important part of the team, but wants to sign him within a certain price range.

WILL THE RED WINGS MAKE A BIG TRADE?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes if Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman intends to make a big trade, this is the week to do it.

The 2025 NHL Draft is on Friday and Saturday, and this is usually the time of year when significant offseason trades are made. Yzerman has limited trade assets, with his first-round pick (13th overall) his best trade chip. The Wings have roughly $21 million in cap space and could target cap-strapped clubs looking to shed salary.

Khan believes the Wings need a top-six forward and an upgrade among their top-four defensemen.

LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Eduardo A. Encina suggests it might make sense for the Lightning to shop prospect Isaac Howard ahead of the upcoming draft if the two sides haven’t mended fences.

Howard is the 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner. He wants to choose the team he intends to sign with, which could limit his trade value and the number of potential trade partners.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2025

by | Jun 20, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sam Bennett’s future with the Panthers, the Canucks made a trade offer for Marco Rossi, the latest on Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, and update on the Islanders.

THE LATEST ON SAM BENNETT

BARDOWN: Sam Bennett told partygoers last night that he’s not leaving the Florida Panthers.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 29-year-old Panthers center and 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He would become among the most coveted players in the market if he and the Panthers fail to agree to a contract extension.

It would be surprising if Bennett and the Panthers part ways on July 1. It’s doubtful he would’ve made those comments last night if he lacked confidence in a deal getting done.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Alter cited a report by Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports claiming that the Toronto Maple Leafs are not on Sam Bennett’s list of possible destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on Bennett’s remarks, there’s only one destination for him.

CANUCKS MADE A TRADE OFFER FOR MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Vancouver Canucks likely offered their first-round pick (15th overall) in this year’s draft to the Minnesota Wild for center Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old Rossi is in a contract stalemate with the Wild, making him a fixture in the offseason rumor mill. He’s seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $49-million contract signed by teammate Matt Boldy. Rossi’s camp rejected a five-year, $25-million offer earlier this season and a two-year offer worth less than $5 million annually.

To trade Rossi, Wild general manager Bill Guerin wants a player who can replace the 60 points he’d be trading away. He’d prefer a center but would also accept a scoring winger. The Wild have had a lot of interest in winger JJ Peterka of the Buffalo Sabres. So far, however, Guerin has only been offered futures for Rossi.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston cited a source confirming the Canucks have been trying to acquire Rossi. He indicated they offered up their 2025 first-rounder plus a player, though it’s uncertain if it was a roster player or a prospect.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t appear like the Canucks have the trade assets to meet Guerin’s asking price. The Sabres could be a fit if they’re willing to part with Peterka for Rossi straight up.

ARE RICKARD RAKELL AND BRYAN RUST TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Earlier this week, Josh Yohe reported Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust may become trade candidates this summer.

Yohe indicated there wasn’t as much interest in Rakell at the March trade deadline as some believed. There was no truth to rumors of GM Kyle Dubas rejecting massive offers for the 32-year-old winger. Rakell has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5 million.

Dubas doesn’t want to trade Rakell, but every player has his price. Yohe expects the winger attracts more interest in this summer’s trade market.

Bryan Rust is another player Dubas doesn’t want to move, for the same reasons as Rakell. The 33-year-old winger also has three years left on his deal ($5.125 million AAV), but his no-movement clause expires on June 30 and there is heavy interest in him.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Matt Vensel reports there is plenty of buzz about teams being interested in Rust. However, he believes the Penguins will set a high asking price for him. Rakell reached a career-high 35 goals in 2024-25, but that doesn’t make him untouchable.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A club that misses out on the slim pickings in this summer’s UFA market could come calling on Dubas about Rust or Rakell. Whether any of them are willing to meet his asking price is another matter.

UPDATE ON THE ISLANDERS

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli saying that Noah Dobson seeks a long-term contract with an $11 million annual cap hit from the Islanders. It would be the most expensive AAV in franchise history.

Macias believes the two sides could eventually agree to an AAV between $9 million and $10 million. He also indicated that Seravalli said there have been no trade talks involving Dobson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias also noted that Dobson is an RFA at the same time as Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Dobson camp could wait for Bouchard to set the market and negotiate from there.

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears believes Jean-Gabriel Pageau is the Islanders’ most likely trade candidate. The 32-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July, carries a $5 million cap hit, and a 16-team no-trade list.

The Isles can compensate for Pageau’s departure by moving Mathew Barzal to center. Trading him would free up much-needed cap space for free agency.

Sears also weighed in on a report suggesting the Islanders use Pageau in a package offer to the Boston Bruins for the seventh-overall pick and take Long Island native James Hagens. However, he believes there’s no reason to make that trade unless they know for certain that Hagens would be available at that pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2025

by | Jun 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 14, 2025

Which players could be traded this summer? Could Wild center Marco Rossi, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas and Kings defenseman Jordan Spence be among them? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH PLAYERS COULD BE TRADED THIS SUMMER?

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary recently listed 10 players he believes could be traded during the NHL off-season.

William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights topped his list, though he subsequently cited reports indicating they’re not shopping the 29-year-old center this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson made the list because of recent media speculation over which players the Golden Knights might trade in a cost-cutting deal.

Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues and Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild were next on O’Leary’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scheen seemed a potential trade candidate after he surfaced in the rumor mill leading up to the March deadline. His full no-trade clause drops to a modified NTC on July 1. However, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic recently indicated the Blues’ biggest need was adding depth at center. As a result, they could hang onto him for next season.

Rossi completed his entry-level contract, making him a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He and the Wild are believed to be at an impasse in negotiations. The 23-year-old center is reportedly seeking a contract comparable to teammate Matt Boldy’s seven-year, $49 million deal, putting him at risk of becoming a trade or offer-sheet candidate.

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi (NHL Images)

However, The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe trading Rossi wouldn’t be in the Wild’s best interest.

The best replacement for him via free agency was Brock Nelson, and he recently signed an extension with the Colorado Avalanche. Toronto’s John Tavares, Florida’s Sam Bennett, and Ottawa’s Claude Giroux all hope to re-sign with their current clubs. Jonathan Toews is 37 and mounting a comeback, while the Wild aren’t believed to be interested in Matt Duchene.

Pickings are also slim in the trade market. It’s believed the Vancouver Canucks want to retain Elias Pettersson, the New York Islanders aren’t interested in moving Bo Horvat or Mathew Barzal, and the Seattle Kraken will likely hang onto Jared McCann. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad and the Calgary Flames’ Nazem Kadri have full no-movement clauses.

Unless something changes in either market, the Wild will have to continue working with the Rossi camp to hammer out some kind of deal before July 1 to avoid a rival club tempting him with an offer sheet.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and winger JJ Peterka were fourth and fifth on the list. Both are restricted free agents, with Byram carrying arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabre management is reluctant to part with either player, but it’s believed they would trade Byram if he’d fetch a scoring forward or a top-four, right-shot defenseman.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and Nashville Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault are sixth and seventh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson and the Flames reportedly started contract talks this week. The 28-year-old blueliner is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, and can sign an extension with the Flames as early as July 1.

The Flames could move Andersson if he proves too expensive to retain. However, they don’t have to rush into doing so, and could retain him for next season if they don’t find any suitable trade offers during the summer.

Marchessault is said to be open to a trade after a disappointing season with the Predators. However, his age (34) and the remaining four years on his contract (with an average annual value of $5.5 million) could make him a tough sell.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, and Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Morgan Rielly round out this list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Karlsson’s production has dropped off over the past two seasons. The Penguins will have to retain a big chunk of their share ($10 million) of his $11.5 million AAV to facilitate a trade for the 34-year-old.

Gibson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill over the past two offseasons. He has two years left on his deal with an AAV of $6.4 million. Maybe the Ducks retain half of that cap hit to entice a rival club to take the 31-year-old netminder off their hands.

Rielly’s performance as a puck-moving defenseman noticeably declined this season. He’s got a full no-movement clause with five years left on his contract at an AAV of $7.5 million. Good luck moving him.

THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON, ELIAS PETTERSSON, MARTIN NECAS AND JORDAN SPENCE

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes everything that was reported about the possibility of the Dallas Stars being willing to listen to trade offers for Jason Robertson was true. However, a source recently told him that they were “dialing this back a little.”

Part of the reason for the trade speculation surrounding Robertson was attributable to the Stars’ shock over their loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, particularly in the final game. Friedman believes they let it be known that they would be considering some options.

If Robertson gets traded, Friedman thinks it’ll be for a “great player” or to recoup what they gave up to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Mikko Rantanen trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Dallas Morning News reports the Stars aren’t prioritizing trading Robertson, adding that the reports were “completely overblown”.

Friedman believed Robertson’s future with the Stars could depend on what he seeks in his next contract. The 25-year-old winger is a year away from becoming an RFA with arbitration rights, and would be UFA-eligible in 2027 unless signed to a long-term deal.

Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks will only trade Elias Pettersson if it addresses their problem at center. The 26-year-old Pettersson’s no-movement clause begins on July 1. He also noted that the center returned from Sweden to meet with new head coach Adam Foote, which was appreciated by Canucks management.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s hefty contract (signed through 2031-32, $11.6 million AAV) and the troubling decline in his performance last season will likely ensure he remains with the Canucks even if they were willing to move him.

Recent Colorado Avalanche speculation suggests they could consider trading Martin Necas to free up some cap space. However, Friedman dismissed the idea, saying he doesn’t believe they necessarily have to free up cap room, and isn’t sure the Avs feel they need to.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche have $1.2 million available for 2025-26 with 19 active roster players under contract. However, Logan O’Connor ($2.5 million AAV) is out for at least five months following hip surgery. He’s likely headed for long-term injury reserve to start the season.

Friedman speculated that Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence could be someone worth watching in the trade market. He thinks the Kings don’t feel that there is room for Spence and Brandt Clarke on the right side of their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Spence has a year left on his contract worth an affordable $1.2 million. Given the need for right-shot defensemen around the league, the 24-year-old could be a valuable trade chip for the Kings.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2025

by | Jun 12, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2025

Could Alex Pietrangelo’s injury concerns spark big changes for the Golden Knights? What’s the latest on Kris Letang, Marco Rossi, and Rasmus Andersson? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS ALEX PIETRANGELO HEADED TO LTIR?

VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: Hannah Kirkell cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s recent remarks implying Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo might not be healthy enough to start the 2025-26 season.

If Pietrangelo is put on long-term injury reserve, it’s rumored the Golden Knights could use the salary cap space to pursue a big-name player like Mitch Marner via free agency.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (NHL Images).

However, Kirkell suggests pumping the brakes on that speculation. She points out they’re already stretched thin on their blueline as they’re shopping restricted free agent defenseman Nicolas Hague. Even if they keep Hague, he’s a left-shot blueliner, and finding a suitable replacement for the right-shot Pietrangelo won’t be easy.

Assuming they place Pietrangelo on LTIR and use the $8.8 million in savings to sign Marner, they’ll have to free up cap room if the blueliner returns to action during next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only way this works for the Golden Knights is if Pietrangelo is sidelined throughout the 2025-26 regular season. However, there is no word from the defenseman or the Golden Knights that he will be going on LTIR.

If Pietrangelo is out for the season, the Golden Knights could use the savings to add a top-line forward like Marner. However, they would be left with a depleted defense corps, especially if Hague is traded, and that could prove fatal to their Stanley Cup hopes for next season.

COULD THE PENGUINS ATTEMPT TO TRADE KRIS LETANG?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe cited sources on the Pittsburgh Penguins claiming Kris Letang’s play last season was a source of frustration for former head coach Mike Sullivan. The 38-year-old defenseman’s performance deteriorated during the second half of last season.

Yohe examined the possibility of trading Letang, but it won’t be easy. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.1 million and carries a full no-trade clause. He hasn’t expressed an unwillingness to waive it, but team sources say he’s “unmovable” even if they wanted to trade him.

Letang’s health, salary, contract length, and declining performance are the reasons why no NHL club has expressed interest in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe acknowledged previous rumors suggesting Letang might welcome a trade to his hometown of Montreal or Southern California, where he and his wife have a home. However, he pointed out those teams aren’t interested.

UPDATE ON MARCO ROSSI

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are among the teams interested in Marco Rossi.

The 23-year-old Minnesota Wild center is an RFA lacking arbitration rights coming off his entry-level contract.

LeBrun believes the Canucks have the most interest in Rossi. He thinks the Flames have mild interest, but that they would prefer a center with more size.

The Montreal Canadiens are another Canadian team in the market for a second-line center. However, LeBrun believes they don’t have much interest in Rossi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believed Rossi could be a good fit in Calgary. However, Flames GM Craig Conroy has said he’s looking for a right-shot center with size. Rossi is a left-handed shot.

Some Canadiens fans could be upset over their club’s apparent lack of interest in Rossi. During their end-of-season press conference, management honchos Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes indicated that they wanted a physical center with size.

Rossi’s rumored contract demands could also be behind the lukewarm interest from the Flames and Canadiens. He reportedly wants a deal comparable to Wild teammate Matt Boldy (seven years, $49 million, $7 million AAV).

COULD THE FLAMES TRADE RASMUS ANDERSSON BEFORE THE DRAFT?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli considers it possible that the Calgary Flames trade Rasmus Andersson by the 2025 NHL Draft (June 27-28). He thinks the 28-year-old defenseman will be “too expensive and too long-term for their liking”.

Anderson is UFA-eligible next July. The Flames can sign him to a contract extension on July 1. He has a cap hit of $4.55 million on his current contract with a six-team no-trade list.

Seravalli also suggested the possibility of hanging onto Andersson for next season and peddling him at the trade deadline when his value could be higher. He also reported that the two sides are expected to commence contract extension talks this week, but believes the Flames have no problem hanging onto him for next season if negotiations stall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem with trading Andersson at the trade deadline is that it puts the Flames in the same situation they were in two years ago with Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin. Their uncertain status was an unwelcome distraction for the team.

If the Flames are in the middle of the playoff race next season, trading Andersson at the deadline could be devastating to their blueline depth and team morale. There’s also the risk of a season-ending injury taking him out of the trade market.