Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 30, 2025

by | Mar 30, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 30, 2025

Check out the latest on the Rangers and the Blackhawks in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury made a mistake by letting last summer’s drama regarding his efforts to trade Jacob Trouba carry over into the regular season.

Brooks believes Trouba’s resentment over that situation adversely affected his performance and ability to lead as team captain. He thinks Drury should’ve known having a lame-duck captain would become toxic. The Rangers GM eventually traded Trouba to Anaheim in December.

New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

According to Brooks, there “certainly is the chance Drury will ask Mika Zibanejad to waive his no-movement clause that extends through the 2029-30 duration of his contract.” If that request is made, the Rangers cannot have a senior player on the team who knows he’s no longer wanted. The situation must be resolved in the offseason and not be allowed to bleed into the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving Trouba was easier last year after July 1 because he only had two years left on his contract and his full no-movement clause was reduced to a 15-team no-trade list. Zibanejad has five more seasons left with full no-move protection and an average annual value of $8.5 million.

Zibanejad was rumored to have declined to waive his NMC to be part of the return to the Vancouver Canucks in the J.T. Miller trade. He could be more open to a trade this summer, especially if he feels he’s no longer wanted in New York. Zibanejad could also dig in his heels, creating a distracting standoff between himself and Drury.

Chris Kreider could become the more likely offseason trade candidate. He’s got two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million and a 15-team no-trade list. His production declined this season partly due to injuries but a playoff contender seeking a scoring left wing might take the chance on a bounce-back performance.

Artemi Panarin could be another option given he only has a year left on his deal. He might be willing to waive his NMC if Drury asks him but his $11.6 million AAV would be a sticking point. The Rangers would have to retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers thinks some teams might be kicking themselves for not offering the Chicago Blackhawks a first-round pick for Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old center continued to take his career-best season to another level by netting his first NHL hat trick in a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights last week.

Donato has 28 goals this season, 12 more than his previous best. Time will tell if this is a one-off performance or the start of a new trend for him.

Powers report Donato is sitting on a three-year contract extension offer worth $4 million annually from the Blackhawks. They’re hoping he recognizes that the top-six minutes and power-play time he’s getting wouldn’t be available to him on most teams, especially Stanley Cup contenders.

It’s believed Donato could be intrigued by the Boston Bruins if he goes to free agency on July 1. The Bruins have fallen off this season but still have some pieces.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is a Boston native and began his NHL career with the Bruins. They’re retooling and could seek out younger veterans who can help them stage a quick turnaround.

Powers is right about how Donato’s usage with the Blackhawks has led to his improved stats. He’s said that he’d like to stay in Chicago. It’s believed he’s seeking stability after bouncing from the Bruins to the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken before coming to Chicago two years ago.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

by | Mar 24, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 24, 2025

A look at possible offseason moves for the Blackhawks and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS RE-SIGN DONATO & BUY OUT BERTUZZI AND BRODIE?

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus recently reported there’s a good chance the Chicago Blackhawks will re-sign Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old two-way forward is enjoying a career-best performance with 25 goals and 53 points in 69 games.

Scott Powers subsequently reported that Donato’s had an offer on the table from the Blackhawks since the March 7 trade deadline. It’s believed to be a three-year extension worth an average annual value of $4 million. However, it doesn’t sound like contract discussions are ongoing but that could change between now and the start of free agency on July 1.

The Blackhawks want to keep Donato but don’t want to be tied to any veteran for too long. For his part, Donato is seeking stability.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato is finishing a two-year contract with an AAV of $2 million. His performance this season could draw plenty of interest in the free-agent market, though his value will be tempered by the fact that he’s never before had the kind of production he’s enjoying this season.

The Blackhawks’ offer doubles his salary and would allow him to go into free agency in three years when he would still have value on the open market, especially if he continues playing well.

Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi (NHL Images).

Lazerus also speculated about buying out winger Tyler Bertuzzi and defenseman T.J. Brodie. Both players have been disappointments this season for the Blackhawks. Bertuzzi has three years left on his contract ($5.5 million AAV) while Brodie carries an annual cap hit of $3.75 million.

Bertuzzi’s buyout would count as $3.7 million against the Blackhawks cap for 2025-26, $2.9 million for 2026-27, and $2.5 million for 2027-28, dropping to $1.22 million annually for each of the remaining three seasons. Brodie’s cap hit would be $3.2 million next season, dropping to $258K in 2026-27.

With the salary cap expected to rise significantly, the Blackhawks could afford to absorb those buyout costs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have a projected cap space of $31.9 million for 2025-26 with 19 roster players under contract. They don’t have to worry about buying out players if they spend to the cap. They’ll have more than enough to re-sign a key player like Donato and have enough room to add to their roster in the offseason.

Nevertheless, buyouts are a possibility. Brodie seems the most likely candidate. Lazerus noted he’s been a frequent healthy scratch this season. He’s been benched for their last dozen games.

They can afford to hang onto Bertuzzi for at least another season. He’s got 19 goals and 40 points in 71 games with the Blackhawks.

WHAT COULD THE RED WINGS DO IN THE OFFSEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at what the Detroit Red Wings’ recent losing skid says about their offseason needs.

The Red Wings could use a difference-maker among their top-six scorers. Some could be available in this summer’s free-agent market. They include Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser and Florida’s Brad Marchand. They could also go shopping for one via the trade market.

Bultman also believes the Wings need stability in goal and depth on defense. Possible UFA options include Washington’s Jakob Chychrun and Los Angeles’ Vladislav Gavrikov. He also suggested restricted free agents like Vegas’ Nicolas Hague and the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are poised to extend their postseason drought to nine seasons, with the last six under general manager Steve Yzerman. He could start feeling the pressure to make moves to improve the roster.

This summer could be the most crucial of Yzerman’s tenure as GM. The Wings have a projected cap space of $21 million next season with 18 roster players under contract. He can draw on his prospect pool and draft picks as trade bait.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2025

by | Mar 14, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2025

The latest on Brock Boeser, Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Donato plus a look at the Wild’s potential free-agent targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES HAD INTEREST IN BOESER

CHEK TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently reported the Carolina Hurricanes were believed to have made a pitch for Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser in the hours before last Friday’s trade deadline.

Boeser, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. There’s been no sign of progress in contract extension talks with the Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Dhaliwal said the Hurricanes attempted to flip one of the two first-round picks they received from the Dallas Stars in the Mikko Rantanen trade to the Canucks as part of their offer for Boeser. He also indicated the Canucks made another contract offer to Boeser but it was unclear how much it differed from their original pitch of five years at $8 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser could be heading to free agency on July 1, where the Hurricanes might be willing to sign him after losing out on Mikko Rantanen.

There’s plenty of time for Boeser and the Canucks to reach an agreement and things can change quickly. However, Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin saying Boeser didn’t draw attractive offers in the trade market before last Friday’s deadline might not have sat well with the winger’s camp.

WHO WILL THE WILD TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo looked at which free agents might be on the Minnesota Wild’s radar this summer. The buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter drop from a combined $14.7 million to $1.7 million next season, freeing up valuable cap space for general manager Bill Guerin to bolster the roster.

The upcoming UFA class doesn’t contain many game changers. Minnesota native Brock Nelson could extend with the Colorado Avalanche, Mitch Marner will be too expensive, while the rest (John Tavares, Jamie Benn, Claude Giroux) are in their mid-to-late thirties.

Minnesota native Brock Boeser could be available, but Smith and Russo question if it’s worth overpaying for a winger whose value at the recent trade deadline was underwhelming.

Whatever Guerin has in mind must account for Kirill Kaprizov’s future with the Wild. Kaprizov can sign a contract extension on July 1 but Wild management must sell him on their seriousness of building a contender around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild will be worth monitoring in the offseason. Guerin would make a foray or two into this summer’s UFA market, but he’ll also look at the trade market for suitable additions.

THE LATEST ON PALMIERI AND DONATO

TSN: Pierre LeBrun provided an update on contract extension talks between the New York Islanders and Kyle Palmieri, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Ryan Donato. On July 1, both players are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status.

The Palmieri negotiations are continuing and could be close to an agreement, though there’s no timeline for announcing the deal. Meanwhile, Donato and the Blackhawks have taken a breather on their extension discussions, but talks could resume soon.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

by | Feb 21, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 21, 2025

Check out the latest on Seth Jones, Nick Robertson, and potential Rangers trade-deadline targets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli took note of the news out of Chicago indicating Seth Jones and his agent were discussing trade possibilities with Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t requested a trade but appears open to moving to a winner if the right opportunity arises.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (NHL Images).

Seravalli doesn’t believe Davidson’s phone is ringing off the hook with calls about Jones. He also pointed out the blueliner’s contract is difficult to move. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause.

The biggest question for interested teams is how much of Jones’ cap hit would the Blackhawks retain. Jones must present Davidson with a list of trade destinations. Since he wants to go to a winner, those teams usually have the most salary-cap issues.

Seravalli believes the Blackhawks could afford to carry half of Jones’ cap hit over the next five seasons if it’ll fetch them a significant return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The significant projected increases in the salary cap over the next three seasons could make it easier for the Blackhawks to retain part of Jones’ cap hit. PuckPedia shows them carrying over $36 million of cap space for 2025-26 with 17 roster players under contract. There’s enough room to retain $4.75 million annually going forward.

The Blackhawks could find a trade partner for Jones by the March 7 deadline but it might take a three-team swap to pull it off. They should have better luck in the offseason when more clubs are flush with cap room.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, James Mirtle was asked about Nick Robertson’s trade value. The 23-year-old forward is on a one-year, $875K contract and becomes a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

Mirtle observed that Robertson is a small offensive winger with 12 points in 47 games seeing sheltered minutes. He could become a salary-cap casualty at the trade deadline to create room if the Leafs attempt to add players at the trade deadline. Mirtle doesn’t see him fetching more than a fourth-rounder in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson was a hot topic for trade speculation last summer when he tried to force a trade by refusing to sign with the Leafs. He eventually inked his current deal before training camp opened last fall.

THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Arthur Staple if he thinks the New York Rangers will try to add a third-line center or top-six winger by the March 7 trade deadline.

Staple doesn’t see Rangers GM Chris Drury going after a rental player like Ryan Donato. However, he thinks Drury would prefer adding a player who can be part of their future beyond this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staple mentioned Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres as an example if he becomes available. The 25-year-old center is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights carrying an AAV of $2.1 million on his current contract. He could also see the Rangers GM adding a pending UFA like Boston’s Trent Frederic if he can re-sign him.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

by | Feb 11, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2025

Check out the latest on Brad Marchand, Brock Nelson, Rickard Rakell, John Gibson, Jake Evans, Ryan Donato and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS ARE GETTING CALLS ABOUT BRAD MARCHAND

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports an “NHL executive source” said the Boston Bruins are getting calls on captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, raising speculation about whether he’ll be re-signed or moved by the March 7 trade deadline.

Murphy’s source claimed teams were wondering what the Bruins intended to do with Marchand. For now, they appear to be just listening rather than actively shopping him. He also noted that the Bruins haven’t squashed the rumors as they’ve done in the past. Another source close to the situation indicated they’re not shopping Marchand.

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).

The sources’ opinions vary on the price the Bruins could offer Marchand. One speculates it could be a first-round pick and a top prospect. Another believes it depends on which team is asking. The sources mentioned the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild as possible suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchand carries a cap hit of $6.125 million and an eight-team no-trade list. Interested clubs could ask the Bruins to retain some salary, which could raise their asking price. The Oilers and Wild are pressed against the $88 million cap, making them the least likely to land him. All five teams lack a first-round pick in this year’s draft.

BROCK NELSON BECOMES THE TOP TARGET IN THE RUMOR MILL

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias has a roundup of speculation from several insiders suggesting Islanders center Brock Nelson is the most coveted player in the trade market. Like Marchand, the 33-year-old is UFA-eligible on July 1. He carries a $6 million cap hit.

Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, and TSN’s Chris Johnston reporting the 33-year-old Nelson is garnering attention around the league. He claimed the Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are “very interested” in the veteran Isles center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The points I raised about the lack of a 2025 first-rounder for the Avalanche and Wild also apply here. The Wild currently have Kirill Kaprizov and his $9 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve but he’s expected to return from surgery in a few weeks. Like the Wild and Avs, the Leafs and Lightning don’t have first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Jets have the advantage over those clubs, provided they’re not on his 16-team no-trade list. They’re first overall in the standings and in “win-now” mode, have over $12 million in projected trade-deadline cap space and a first-round pick in this year’s draft, and they can also draw on their prospect pipeline for trade bait.

RICKARD RAKELL COULD BE AVAILABLE BUT EXPENSIVE

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe recently reported the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t in a hurry to trade Rickard Rakell. The 31-year-old winger is playing well alongside team captain Sidney Crosby. He’s also signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million.

Nevertheless, Yohe believes the Penguins would listen if a team made a truly significant package offer containing a first-rounder and a blue-chip prospect close to NHL-ready. He claims GM Kyle Dubas hasn’t told teams that Rakell is untouchable, only that the asking price is high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell’s trade value is very high right now. If a suitable offer isn’t possible at the trade deadline, they might wait for the offseason when the rising cap could entice teams to spend more than they currently would.

COULD JOHN GIBSON BE A FIT WITH THE OILERS?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting he’d heard the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are the preferred trade destinations for John Gibson.

The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list. He’s been the subject of trade rumors for some time.

Friedman said he’d heard Gibson wants to go where he’d be “the guy”, as in the starting goaltender. However, he doesn’t know if partnering with Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner will work for him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Staples doesn’t think Gibson would be a good fit for the Oilers. Even if the Ducks retained half his cap hit, he believes it would still take a hefty chunk out of their cap space. Meanwhile, Staples colleague Kurt Leavins doesn’t see Gibson as an improvement over Skinner, saying he’s been “very mediocre” over the past five years.

WILL JAKE EVANS STAY IN MONTREAL OR MOVE ON?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan reports Canadiens center Jake Evans knows he’s facing a murky future. The 28-year-old is due to become a UFA this summer and could be shopped by the March 7 trade deadline.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Sunday that the Canadiens and the Evans camp exchanged contract numbers. However, the two sides remain far apart, suggesting he’ll be traded by March 7.

TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie claims Evans’s re-signing with the Canadiens is a real possibility despite the reported gaps in their contract negotiations. However, he didn’t go so far as to guarantee his signing.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports it’s “common knowledge” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is in the market for a third-line center. He believes Evans would fit the bill.

However, the Canadiens’ asking price would be at least a second-rounder and there are plenty of suitors. Nichols noted the Devils have three second-rounders but lack a first-rounder, which would put them out of the bidding if the price goes up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Evans is the Canadiens’ best trade chip and could fetch a first-round pick if enough teams are interested leading up to March 7. They won’t hesitate to trade him if the two sides don’t agree to a new contract by then.

UPDATES ON RYAN DONATO AND PAT MAROON

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently reported that it is expected the Chicago Blackhawks could trade pending UFA forward Ryan Donato by March 7. However, it’s not a certainty that he’ll be moved as management hasn’t ruled out re-signing him.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek reports Blackhawks forward Pat Maroon is drawing some attention in the trade market. Marek suggests the Florida Panthers and Maroon’s former club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, as possible fits.

LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports injuries to forwards Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko has GM Don Waddell shopping for a top-six forward. “We had some irons in the fire,” Waddell told Portzline. “But no action yet.”

Waddell is willing to move one of his club’s two first-rounders in this year’s draft but it would only be for a player with term on their contract. He also wouldn’t rule out moving one of his extra mid-round picks for a player on an expiring contract.

The Blue Jackets GM also said talks continue with pending UFAs Ivan Provorov and Mathieu Olivier. He also wants to re-sign defenseman Dante Fabbro.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline noted the Blue Jackets have two second-round picks in the 2027 draft, two third-rounders in 2026 and two in the 2027 draft, and two fourth-rounders in this year’s draft and three in 2026.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 9, 2025

by | Feb 9, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 9, 2025

Check out all the latest speculation on Vladimir Tarasenko, Brock Nelson, Brayden Schenn, Brad Marchand, Scott Laughton, Alex Tuch, and more in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE LATEST ON TARASENKO, NELSON, SCHENN AND DONATO

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Vladimir Tarasenko has recently surfaced in the rumor mill. The 33-year-old Detroit Red Wings forward is in the first year of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.75 million and has a full no-trade clause for this season.

Detroit Red Wings forward Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

Friedman said he’s heard “some noise” around Tarasenko. He also pointed out the Red Wings are playing better and are in the race for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Most of their players are performing well of late but he’s “kind of struggled to be a fit.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko is no longer the perennial 30-goal scorer he was during his long tenure with the St. Louis Blues. However, he reached 55 points last season split between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, and 50 points in 2022-23 between the Blues and New York Rangers. He’s managed just 22 points in 53 games with the Wings.

Friedman also indicated that a lot of people are waiting to see what happens with New York Islanders center Brock Nelson. He believes the Isles will attempt to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello could peddle the 33-year-old Nelson if they fail to agree to a new contract. Then again, he could hang onto him if they’re holding onto a wild-card spot by March 7. He has done that sort of thing before.

The St. Louis Blues are willing to talk about a lot of their players with other teams. However, they’ve set “a very, very high price” for team captain Brayden Schenn.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn’s versatility, leadership, playoff experience, and physical two-way play would make him enticing for any playoff contender. The 33-year-old forward signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6.5 million and he has a full no-trade clause for this season.

Friedman’s colleague Luke Fox noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs were linked to Schenn and Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. Their limited salary-cap space makes acquiring either player difficult without some salary retention by the Blues or Sabres. Fox believes they’ll have to part with their 2026 first-rounder and a promising youngster like Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan as part of the return.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato could draw plenty of interest. He’s UFA-eligible this summer and carries a $2 million cap hit. The 28-year-old center is playing well in his contract year, with a career-high 19 goals and 37 points. Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers are looking at him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donato’s performance this season and his low cap hit could make him a valuable trade chip this season for the Blackhawks.

The Athletic’s Scott Powers is interested to see what the Blackhawks do with Donato. He expects they’ll move him closer to March 7 to maximize his trade value.

Powers doesn’t expect pending UFAs Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon to ask to be traded. He considers defensemen Seth Jones and Connor Murphy to be long shots as trade candidates.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports teams are watching the Boston Bruins closely to see what they intend to do by the March 7 trade deadline. Last month, team president Cam Neely said they would be buyers or retool a bit depending on where they were in the standings by deadline day. GM Don Sweeney recently reiterated Neely’s comments.

Murphy cited an NHL source suggesting Bruins captain Brad Marchand could be in play but doesn’t think they’ve reached that stage yet. The 36-year-old winger is eligible for UFA status on July 1. Teams could also inquire about defenseman Brandon Carlo but the Bruins aren’t currently shopping him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins head into the 4 Nations Face-Off break sitting one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. A lot could depend on whether they can gain ground in games leading up to March 7.

LEAFS AND JETS REPORTEDLY INTEREST IN LAUGHTON

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports trade talks are “heating up” around Scott Laughton. The 30-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward is signed through next season with an AAV of $3 million and lacks no-trade protection.

Di Marco cited sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are interested in Laughton. He added they are among several teams in the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laughton is a feisty, hard-working two-way forward with leadership skills who can play center or wing. The Flyers were reportedly reluctant to part with him because of what he brings to their team. Nevertheless, he’s slated to become a UFA at the end of next season. It’s rumored the Flyers seek a first-round pick as part of their asking price.

SHOULD THE DEVILS PURSUE ALEX TUCH?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the New Jersey Devils should look into acquiring Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, provided they’re not on the 28-year-old’s five-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams wants to add to his team rather than subtract. That’s why he hasn’t shipped out Dylan Cozens as he wants a hockey trade if he were to part with him. The same thing would apply to Tuch, who is UFA-eligible at the end of next season.

Brooks mentioned Devils forward Dawson Mercer is struggling this season. Maybe they’d pitch the 23-year-old forward to the Sabres if they take an interest in Tuch.