NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2026

by | Jun 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2026

Check out the latest from the opening day of the Draft, including the latest on Zach Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, Drew Doughty, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

MCKENNA CHOSEN FIRST OVERALL IN 2026 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State University winger Gavin McKenna with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday evening in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here, as it was widely anticipated that the Maple Leafs would take McKenna with this pick. The 18-year-old winger is projected to become an elite scoring forward and could be a future franchise player for the Leafs.

The San Jose Sharks chose forward Ivar Stenberg of SHL club Frolunda with the second-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he received an “interesting offer” for that pick, but it evidently wasn’t a strong enough pitch to pry this pick away. Stenberg could go on to become a key piece of the rebuilding Sharks, who are building what could be one of the best teams in the league by 2030.

The Sharks had two other picks in this round, selecting defensemen Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9 and Ryan Lin at No. 21.

The Vancouver Canucks chose center Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is the son of Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, but that’s not the main reason why they chose him. He’s projected to become a first-line center because of his skills and hockey sense.

The Canucks had a second pick in this round, choosing winger Adam Novotny at No. 24.

The Sharks and Canucks weren’t the only teams with multiple picks in this round.

The St. Louis Blues chose centers Tynan Lawrence at No. 11 and Maddox Dagenais at No. 16.

The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and center Ilya Morozov at No. 20.

The Calgary Flames picked defenseman Carson Carels at No. 6 and center Jack Hextall at No. 30.

The Nashville Predators chose forward Wyatt Cullen (No. 10) and defenseman Tommy Bleyl (No. 31).

The Anaheim Ducks selected forwards Nikita Klepov (No. 15) and Marcus Nordmark (No. 28).

The Ottawa Senators picked forwards Jonas Lagerberg Hoen (No. 25) and Jaxon Cover (No. 32).

Follow the link above for the entire list of the first round and analysis of each selection.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis has Vancouver Giants winger Mathis Preston, Medicine Hat Tigers center Markus Ruck, and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman Xavier Villeneuve among his top-30 prospects available heading into the second day of the NHL Draft.

The second day of the draft begins Saturday at 11 AM ET.

THE LATEST ON ZACH WERENSKI, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, DREW DOUGHTY, AND JORDAN BINNINGTON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday evening that the Columbus Blue Jackets have started fielding calls from other clubs interested in defenseman Zach Werenski. The 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner is not expected to extend his contract, which expires in 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: During the draft, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko is not going to sign a contract extension.

These reports about Werenski and Marchenko are a double whammy for the Blue Jackets at a time when they were hoping to build on two promising seasons in which they narrowly missed the playoffs. I’ll have more about these two players in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said his club is listening to calls about goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, he wouldn’t confirm if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has been a fixture in the rumor mill over the past two weeks. I’ll have more in today’s Rumor Mill.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said his club will not be signing long-time defenseman Drew Doughty to a contract extension this summer. The 36-year-old Doughty has a year remaining on his contract.

Holland said Doughty loves it in Los Angeles and wants to remain with the Kings. They have agreed to wait and see how this season plays out. He also said he told the veteran blueliner not to bother submitting a no-trade list, adding that nothing was going to happen unless he and Doughty decide that it’s something that needs to happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty has spent his entire 18-season NHL career with the Kings, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. He won the Norris Trophy in 2016.

Holland is leaving the door open for Doughty to remain with the Kings beyond next season. Based on his comments, he’s not shopping Doughty, nor has the blueliner requested a trade.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford believes Jordan Binnington will start next season with the St. Louis Blues. The 32-year-old goaltender has a year left on his contract and is unlikely to get an extension with the Blues.

Nevertheless, Binnington is motivated for a bounce-back performance, which will help the Blues next season. Rutherford also believes that he wouldn’t yield a return that would make it worth breaking up the Blues’ goalie tandem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington’s been mentioned a lot this season as a trade candidate. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers were among the clubs he’s been linked to in the rumor mill, but it sounds like any team that’s interested in him would have to overpay to get him.

OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild is the 2026 winner of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forwards Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson underwent successful surgeries. Both will be sidelined for significant periods. Jarvis will require four to six months to recover from shoulder surgery, while Robinson will need six to eight weeks to recover from knee surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robinson should be ready for training camp in September, but Jarvis is going to miss at least the first month of the regular season.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: The Kings signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.4 million starting in 2026-27. Clarke, 23, is completing his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clarke had a career-best performance this season, finishing with 32 points in 81 games to sit fourth among the Kings’ leading scorers. He was third in the league with 185 blocked shots.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed Brent Burns to a one-year, bonus-laden contract with a base salary of $850,000 and $3 million in bonuses. They also re-signed blueliner Brett Kulak to a five-year deal worth an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Burns’ signing was a sensible one for a 41-year-old defenseman. Kulak’s, on the other hand, is a risky move for a 32-year-old depth blueliner. That deal probably won’t age well.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed defenseman Jordan Spence to a four-year contract worth an AVV of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a good move by the Senators. Spence, 25, is coming off a career-best 31-point performance and will provide them with invaluable depth and skill on the right side of their blueline. He’s coming into his own as a top-four defenseman.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a two-year extension worth an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo had 35 points last season with the Isles. He’ll remain on the second-pairing right-side role with Adam Pelech.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens Hall of Famer Yvan Cournoyer has been appointed to the Order of Canada. It is the country’s highest civilian honor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Roadrunner!










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

by | Jun 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: The latest noise about Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the Flyers could be interested in landing one of the Senators’ centers, and updates on Flames winger Blake Coleman and Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

“A LOT OF NOISE” AROUND JET GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos believes Connor Hellebuyck could be the player we hear the most about in trade rumors this summer. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender publicly expressed his frustration about the club’s direction at the end of this season.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Kypreos claims there’s “a lot of noise” about Hellebuyck, saying other teams are watching his situation closely. He’s not sure how this will end up, but he’s an intriguing name

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos’ colleague, Elliotte Friedman, said the same thing recently about “a lot of noise” around Hellebuyck.

This speculation is based on Hellebuyck’s end-of-season comments. With his Team USA teammate Dylan Larkin requesting a trade, some observers wonder if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner will do the same.

However, there’s a big difference between Hellebuyck’s situation and Larkin’s. The latter’s request was the result of the Wings’ decade-long postseason drought with no end in sight amid growing tension between Larkin and general manager Steve Yzerman.

The Jets, meanwhile, are a year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time. It’s understandable why Hellebuyck would be frustrated about their struggles this season, and his public remarks were likely no different than his private comments to Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that he wants out of Winnipeg, though he was likely putting Cheveldayoff on notice that he could go that route if things don’t improve down the road. So far, there’s no indication that he wants a trade or that the Jets intend to move him.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources claim the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Ottawa Senators centers Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens, and Ridly Grieg, in that order. The two clubs have had off-and-on trade discussions going back to the 2024-25 season.

Senators GM Steve Staios is in the market for a right-shot defenseman. He’s reportedly shown on-and-off interest in Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen.

At this point, it’s uncertain if the Senators are willing to move one of their centers. Nevertheless, Di Marco believes the Flyers will be circling if they do.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are interested in adding a top-six winger for Tim Stutzle’s line and a backup goaltender, as well as a top-four, right-shot blueliner.

They’re open to offers for defenseman Jordan Spence, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Winger Fabian Zetterlund is also out there in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators move a center, it could be Cozens, who hasn’t fully met expectations as a second-line center. However, it would likely be for that elusive scoring winger.

UPDATES ON BLAKE COLEMAN AND PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames will be gauging the trade market for Blake Coleman. However, they are open to re-signing the 34-year-old winger to a contract extension. If they move him this summer, they prefer a hockey trade over a return of draft picks and prospects.

LeBrun also reports there’s a decent amount of interest in Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and isn’t expected to be re-signed by the Canadiens. A team can sign him to a low-risk, performance-bonus-based contract with a low AAV because he spent over 100 days on injured reserve this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

by | Jun 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and Senators blueliner Jordan Spence.

HOW WILL THE DEVILS REPLACE JACOB MARKSTROM IF THEY TRADE HIM?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at how trading Jacob Markstrom would impact the Devils’ goaltending. Earlier this week, it was reported Devils GM Sunny Mehta is gauging the trade market for the 36-year-old netminder.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Shipping out Markstrom would clear his $6 million AAV through 2027-28 from the Devils’ books, creating more cap space to sign center Nico Hischier to a contract extension. It will also leave them seeking a new starting goaltender.

Mehta could attempt to land Sergei Bobrovsky if the Florida Panthers starter goes to market on July 1. He could pursue a promising youngster such as Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings or Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps Connor Hellebuyck would be available if the Winnipeg Jets decide to rebuild after missing the playoffs this year.

Possible trade destinations for Markstrom could include the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Utah Mammoth, or the Jets if they peddle Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s age (36), cap hit, and struggles last season could hurt his trade value. Nevertheless, some clubs could take the chance because of the lack of quality goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

Bobrovsky could be an option for the Devils given Mehta’s recent ties to the Panthers. Cossa and Levi are trade possibilities, but they’ve yet to prove themselves as NHL starting goaltenders. As for Hellebuyck, he’s unlikely to be available unless he asks for a trade, and there’s no indication that’s the case.

PENGUINS WILLING TO MOVE RAKELL AND RUST

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t itching to move Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. However, like last summer, the two veteran forwards are available.

Yohe claimed there is more interest in Rust than Rakell. The 34-year-old Rust tallied 29 goals and a career-high 65 points in 72 games this season. His age and injury history are concerns, but he’s a well-respected two-way forward.

Rust is also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which is another reason why Dubas isn’t shopping him. Nevertheless, Yohe believes he’s available for the right price.

Rakell, 33, had a slow start last season and missed time with a broken hand. However, he had a strong second half, finishing the season with 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games. It was expected he would be moved at the March trade deadline, but the Penguins didn’t receive suitable offers.

Rust ($5.25 million average annual value) and Rakell ($5 million AAV) each have two seasons left on their contracts. The former lacks no-trade protection while the latter has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe indicated that Dubas prefers getting young players in return for Rust or Rakell.

Veteran defenseman Kris Letang is also available, but Yohe stated that no teams have expressed interest in him yet.

NOTHING BREWING YET FOR MORGAN RIELLY

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. There were discussions between Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, and Leafs GM John Chayka, but things haven’t gone beyond that.

Koshan claimed the Maple Leafs haven’t presented the Rielly camp with any trade proposals, nor has Rielly offered up a list of preferred destinations.

Recent speculation suggested the Maple Leafs ship Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers for Darnell Nurse, but that move doesn’t make salary-cap sense for the Leafs. Nurse carries an AAV of $9.25 million while Rielly’s AAV is $7.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance over the past two seasons could explain why there aren’t any teams calling about him. That might change as this offseason progresses and teams looking for experienced blueline depth can’t find other options through trades and free agency.

THE LATEST CANADIENS CONJECTURE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma looked at options for the Vancouver Canucks to acquire veteran winger Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens.

Gallagher, 34, has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million. He said he was open to a trade to Vancouver. His agent, Gerry Johansson, was permitted to speak with other teams, and he indicated that the Canucks were interested in his client.

The Canadiens aren’t expected to buy out Gallagher’s final season, preferring to move him in a cost-cutting trade to free up salary-cap space to pursue a second-line center. Kuzma pointed out that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wondered if the Canadiens might take a gamble on Canucks center Filip Chytil in return for Gallagher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil, 26, is younger and bigger than Gallagher. The 6’3”, 209-pounder is also more affordable with a $4.437 million cap hit for next season. He would be a good option as a second-line center for the Canadiens if it weren’t for his concussion history, which is why the Habs are unlikely to take that gamble.

Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette was asked if the Canadiens could get winger Jake DeBrusk from the Canucks for Gallagher. However, he believes it would take more than Gallagher to land DeBrusk, and he sees the Canadiens focusing more on landing a center.

TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette looked at whether the Canadiens should pursue Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old center became the subject of trade rumors after his production and playing time dropped this season. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games and two postseason contests.

The Canadiens are reportedly among the teams to have called the Ducks about McTavish.

Duquette noted that the 6’1”, 219-pound McTavish is capable of scoring 20 goals per season and is only 23 years old. However, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his young career and was a healthy scratch in the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has a terrific shot and was offensively consistent during his first three seasons with the rebuilding Ducks. The decline in his play this season was due in part to missing training camp and preseason play because of contract negotiations.

However, McTavish’s skating has been cited as a concern, and a contributing factor to his poor defensive stats even before this season.

McTavish is the right age to fit within the Canadiens’ young core, and maybe a trade will help him improve his game. The concern here is he’s earning an AAV of $7 million for five more seasons. If he doesn’t improve, the Habs would have an expensive mistake on their roster, eating up valuable cap space.

SENATORS ARE GAUGING JORDAN SPENCE’S TRADE VALUE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports three league executives claim the Senators are gauging the trade market for Jordan Spence. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Garrioch indicated that this doesn’t mean GM Steve Staios is trying to move Spence. However, all options are on the table with all 32 teams trying to improve their rosters. This could also be part of Staios’ negotiations with the Spence camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Staios could be conducting due diligence in case contract extension talks with Spence go sideways. It wouldn’t be surprising if the blueliner is back with the Senators next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2026

by | May 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 2, 2026

Check out the latest on the Senators, Penguins, and Blues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE SENATORS

SPORTSNET: Alex Adams looked at what Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios must do to take his club to the next level.

Whatever moves Staios makes this summer will either hamper or improve his efforts to sign Brady Tkachuk to an extension next year.

Adams believes Staios must re-sign winger Drake Batherson and defenseman Artem Zub to long-term contract extensions. Both are a year away from UFA eligibility.

Batherson set an NHL record by improving his point tally in each of his first eight NHL seasons, finishing this season with 33 goals and 71 points. That could earn him between $8 million and $9 million annually on the open market. Meanwhile, Zub has formed a solid chemistry with defense partner Jake Sanderson. He’s open to staying in Ottawa, prompting Adams to suggest a six-year extension with an AAV of $6 million.

Blueline Jordan Spence is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, completing a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.5 million. Adams speculated a five-year deal worth $5 million annually might make sense for both sides.

Adams also noted the Senators need a scoring forward, an experienced left-shot defenseman, a backup goaltender, and a fourth-line center. They also need to determine if Claude Giroux intends to return or retire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Batherson, Zub, and Spence are necessities. They have the cap space for 2027-28 to sign the first two to contract extensions. They have $17.3 million in cap space for next season, giving them enough to re-sign Spence and still have enough left for a scoring forward, though it won’t leave much to address their other needs.

Adams believes the Senators have plenty of really good players on their roster, so maybe they can make a quality-for-quality move. That could mean peddling Dylan Cozens or Shane Pinto. Both players lack no-trade protection and carry AAV in excess of $7 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano noted that Tkachuk and Staios denied the trade rumors linking the Senators captain to the New York Rangers. However, until Tkachuk signs a contract extension, the speculation will likely persist.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

If the Senators trade Tkachuk, Mercogliano believes the Rangers, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild could be among the suitors. However, the substantial cost of acquiring Tkachuk might not turn the Rangers back into contenders. He believes it’s not worth the cost of selling what’s left of a failing farm system for a quick fix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what happens with Tkachuk next summer when he’s eligible to sign a contract extension. If he’s reluctant to sign, the Senators will likely shop him for the best deal available rather than lose him to free agency for nothing in 2028.

A trade to the Rangers could be possible if they’re the only club Tkachuk would waive his no-movement clause for, but that’s not a certainty. And as Mercogliano points out, acquiring Tkachuk could come at the cost of short-circuiting their efforts to retool the roster.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio noted the trade rumors that popped up about Tkachuk. Due to his ties to the St. Louis Blues and the trade speculation about Blues center Robert Thomas, some fans have proposed trading the latter for Tkachuk.

Gaudio doesn’t see that happening. For the Blues to get the most out of Tkachuk, they need a playmaking center like Thomas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those fans are also forgetting that Thomas has a full no-trade clause and has stated his desire to stay in St. Louis. The Blues also set a high asking price, which may have been designed to scare off interested clubs. If Tkachuk joins the Blues, it could be as a free agent in 2028.

WILL THE PENGUINS SHED VETERANS TO ADD MORE YOUTH?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes sweeping changes are necessary for the Penguins despite reaching the playoffs this season. He felt that it wasn’t enough to make the postseason, pointing out that this team isn’t a Stanley Cup contender.

Kingerski felt they must break with their past and focus more on building for the future. He doesn’t see any reason to retain their core of veterans if this season’s performance is the best they can do.

Those forwards include long-time Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. Others include Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust.

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe noted the Penguins were largely carried by those veterans this season. He also noted that general manager Kyle Dubas’ efforts to add younger talent have been a mixed bag thus far. Some, such as Ben Kindel, Egor Chinakhov, Elmer Soderblom, and Avery Hayes, have given cause for optimism. Others, such as forward Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, and defenseman Harrison Brunicke, have yet to develop as hoped.

Malkin is UFA-eligible this summer, and there’s no certainty he’ll be back. Letang struggled through most of this season, but he has two more years left on his contract, and they won’t get any cap relief if they buy him out. Pending UFAs Kevin Hayes, Connor Clifton, and Noel Acciari almost certainly won’t be back.

Yohe expects Dubas could spend some money in this summer’s thin UFA market, but expects he’ll focus more on the trade market. The Penguins have interest in 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. Yohe noted that Dubas has a glut of draft picks, older veterans, and salary-cap space to use as trade bait to add younger talent if any becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It remains to be seen how much of a break with the past that Dubas is willing to make. He likely wants to retain the 38-year-old Crosby, who’s proven he still has plenty left in the tank. He has a year remaining on his contract and is taking a wait-and-see approach about an extension.

Dubas has seemed reluctant to re-sign Malkin, even though he had a bounce-back performance this season. The 39-year-old center has indicated he’ll sign with another NHL team if he ends up hitting the open market on July 1. Whatever happens to Malkin could affect Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford offered up some offseason predictions for the St. Louis Blues.

Rutherford doesn’t see Robert Thomas going anywhere this summer. He speculated that the Blues might revisit efforts to trade Colton Parayko, but wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in St. Louis.

Jordan Kyrou might be more willing to waive his no-trade clause than Thomas and Parayko. Rutherford believes there’s interest in moving the 27-year-old winger, but doesn’t see it happening unless they’re getting the value of a 40-goal scorer.

Goaltender Jordan Binnington was the subject of trade speculation this season. However, Rutherford believes he’ll play out the final season of his contract with the Blues.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio listed the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes as potential destinations for Binnington if the Blues attempt to move him this summer.

The Panthers and Hurricanes could need new starting goalies if their current starters (Sergei Bobrovsky and Frederik Andersen) hit the open market this summer. The Oilers will need someone to share the duties with struggling Tristan Jarry.










Notable NHL Trades and Signings – June 28, 2025

by | Jun 28, 2025

Notable NHL Trades and Signings – June 28, 2025

The Anaheim Ducks trade goaltender John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for goaltender Petr Mrazek, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Anaheim Ducks trade goaltender John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson, 31, had been a fixture in the trade-rumor mill for the past two seasons. The sticking point had been his contract with its $6.4 million average annual value. However, he has only two years remaining on his deal. With the salary cap rising significantly over that period, his contract became more palatable for a club like the Red Wings, which went through five goalies last season.

Gibson will be expected to help the Red Wings end their franchise-record nine-year playoff drought. He’s spent the past several seasons backstopping the rebuilding Ducks, but with a potentially more competitive team in front of him in Detroit, he has a chance to prove he’s still a reliable starting goalie.

This move solidifies Lukas Dostal as the Ducks’ starting goaltender. The 25-year-old had outplayed Gibson for the job last season. Mrazek will support him in the backup role.

The Ottawa Senators acquire defenseman Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators were in the market for a right-shot defenseman to replace Nick Jensen, who recently underwent hip surgery with no timeline for his return. Spence, 24, carries an affordable $1.5 million cap hit for 2025-26. He netted 28 points in 79 games last season with the Kings.

The Calgary Flames signed defenseman Kevin Bahl to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.35 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bahl was acquired from the New Jersey Devils as part of the return in the Jacob Markstrom trade. He quickly established himself among their top-four blueliners, logging over 21 minutes of ice time per game.










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.