NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

by | Feb 2, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 2, 2025

The latest on Elias Pettersson and the Canucks, the Rangers’ plans after acquiring J.T. Miller, and the latest on the Flames, Blues and Stars in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

LATEST ON ELIAS PETTERSSON AND THE CANUCKS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the speculation around Elias Pettersson can calm down after the Vancouver Canucks traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on Friday. The Canucks are determined to see how things go for the 26-year-old center and hope that he returns to his high-scoring form.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Friedman also noted that the Canucks are eager to sign Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to contract extensions. The pair were acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance believes Pettersson is now off the trade block. However, he speculates the Canucks could revisit this in the offseason if Pettersson continues to struggle. His no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.

Drance also reports the Canucks are confident they can re-sign Pettersson and O’Connor and intend to open contract talks as soon as possible.

Following the Canucks moves on Friday, Drance believes their biggest priority is finding another credible first-line or top-six caliber center. He anticipates they’ll be shopping for an upgrade at center leading up to the March 7 trade deadline. Drance also thinks the club’s performance in the coming weeks will determine what they do by the deadline.

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington doubts the Sabres will end their pursuit of Pettersson following the Miller trade. He speculates the Canucks could hang onto him as they push for a playoff berth and look to move him around the draft in June.

Trade rumors linked Sabres center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram to the Canucks as a potential return for Pettersson. Harrington thinks Cozens might jump at the chance to play in Vancouver as it would be closer to his family in Whitehorse, Yukon. Trading BC native Bowen Byram would be more troublesome for the Sabres given his chemistry with defense partner Rasmus Dahlin.

Harrington also believes the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Pettersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s performance and that of the Canucks over the remainder of this season will determine if he pops up as an offseason trade candidate.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RANGERS AFTER ACQUIRING MILLER?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the Rangers are projected to have $16.5 million of trade deadline cap space following Friday’s acquisition of J.T. Miller.

Brooks believes Rangers GM Chris Drury isn’t done making roster changes. He believes those moves will be “of the short-term variety” and will be dictated by the club’s performance before the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament and leading up to the March 7 trade deadline.

FLAMES NOT SHOPPING ANDERSSON, KADRI AND WEEGAR

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Calgary Flames are jockeying for a playoff spot, meaning they aren’t listening to trade offers for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar and center Nazem Kadri.

Kadri and Weegar are on long-term contracts but Andersson has a year left on his deal and will be eligible for UFA status at the end of 2025-26. The Flames are telling teams that they’re confident they can re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 while Weegar has a full no-trade clause until 2027-28. Both maintained that they want to stay in Calgary and help the retooling Flames become a playoff contender.

Andersson has spent his entire NHL career with the Flames, but he has also said he wants to stay in the Stampede City.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford looked at which members of the St. Louis Blues could be on the move after terminating Brandon Saad’s contract last week.

Blueliners Justin Faulk and Ryan Suter appear to be the most likely trade candidates. Rutherford doesn’t see them moving defenseman Cam Fowler and checking-line center Radek Faksa as he believes their current value to the Blues is higher than whatever return they might fetch in the trade market.

STARS COULD ATTEMPT TO RE-SIGN GRANLUND AND CECI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill intends to speak with forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci about contract extensions. The duo were acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday and are UFA-eligible in July.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 11, 2024

by | Jul 11, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 11, 2024

The Blues sign Ryan Suter, Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale resumes skating, former Predators captain Greg Johnson posthumously diagnosed with CTE, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

STLTODAY.COM: The Blues signed defenseman Ryan Suter to a one-year contract. Suter, 39, will earn a base salary of $775K but with bonuses could earn up to $3 million. He spent the past three seasons with the Dallas Stars.

St. Louis Blues sign Ryan Suter (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suter’s best seasons when he was among the league’s elite defensemen are behind him. He’ll be skating as a third-pairing blueliner in St. Louis.

DAILY FACEOFF: Suter’s signing leaves Tyson Barrie, Tony DeAngelo and Oliver Kylington as the top defensemen remaining in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market. James van Riemsdyk, Daniel Sprong and Tyler Johnson are the top available forwards.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale has resumed skating and claims to be back to 100 percent healthy following sports hernia surgery in April. The 22-year-old indicated he’d been hampered by the core muscle injury since the start of last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Drysdale was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in January. He’ll be expected to play a key role on the Flyers’ blueline in 2024-25. When healthy, he’s projected to be a skillful, big-minute defenseman. Injuries have hampered Drysdale’s performance over the past two seasons.

TSN: Former Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE. The news was released by Johnson’s family and the Concussion Legacy Foundation in a joint statement on Wednesday, five years following his death by suicide

Johnson played 785 games with the Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings.

According to public records, 17 of the 18 brains of deceased NHL players were found to have CTE. They include Ralph Backstrom, Henri Richard, Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, Steve Montador and Bob Murdoch. The NHL continues to deny the link between repeated head trauma and long-term neurological disorders, claiming that the evidence is not conclusive.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect this news to change the league’s stance. Nevertheless, Johnson won’t be the last NHL player to receive this posthumous diagnosis. At some point, the NHL will face a reckoning on this issue. Meanwhile, they appear content to live in denial.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carl Hagelin is still adjusting to life away from the ice two years after a career-ending eye injury during a practice with the Washington Capitals, requiring 30 stitches to repair the left eyeball after being accidentally struck by a teammate’s stick.

Hagelin now requires sunglasses more often than not to cope with the challenges brought on by the injury. He remains grateful that the eyeball was saved. The former NHL winger works with the Minnesota Wild in player development and scouting.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche officially named former players Andrew Cogliano and Pavel Francouz to new positions within the organization. Cogliano was named Special Assistant to the General Manager while Francouz is a Goaltending Scout.

SPORTSNET: Alex Meruelo has reportedly signed all the necessary agreements and paperwork that officially terminates his rights to the Arizona Coyotes franchise.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman last month announced Meruelo would no longer pursue a reactivation of the Coyotes after its hockey operations relocated to Utah. That decision was made after a bid to construct a new arena fell apart.

SPORTSNET: The popular salary-cap site CapFriendly shut down to the public on Wednesday. The Washington Capitals reached an agreement last month to purchase the site, which operated independently until the sale was officially confirmed on July 10.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston profiled PuckPedia and its creator Hart Levine. The site has been around since 2018 and has seen its traffic increase following the news of Cap Friendly’s sale.

The site does much of the same things as CapFriendly did. They relaunched its roster management tool last week. It also contains some things Cap Friendly lacked, like listing player agents and providing a pick-value calculator.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: CapFriendly was an invaluable tool for tracking team and player salary information. They were also helpful with any salary-cap questions I raised with them. I wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors.

I’ve linked to PuckPedia on my Rumors page for over two years, providing team and player links. They have done an excellent job compiling salary-cap information and fine-tuning their site. I highly recommend it as a reliable source.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 7, 2024

by | Jul 7, 2024

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 7, 2024

The Sharks signed first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini while the Blackhawks inked second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov. Check out the latest today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks signed Macklin Celebrini to a three-year entry-level contract.

San Jose Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini (NHL.com).

The 18-year-old Boston University center was selected first overall by the Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft. He decided to forego the rest of his college career and jump to the NHL shortly after participating in last week’s Sharks’ development camp.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sharks general manager Mike Grier was impressed by Celebrini’s on-ice play. However, his interview and dinner with the young center at the Draft Combine convinced him to select the young center first overall. Grier praised Celebrini’s maturity, drive, and passion to become a great player.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Ticket sales for the Sharks’ Oct. 31 game against the Chicago Blackhawks and sale of No. 71 jerseys are soaring following Celebrini’s signing. That game features Celebrini facing off against Connor Bedard, the 2023 first-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Celebrini will need all of his maturity, strength, and passion for the game heading into his first NHL campaign. Like Bedard with the Blackhawks, he must deal with the pressure of being the foundation piece for a rebuilding club. How well he copes with that pressure and adapts to the NHL game will play a significant role in their rebuilding process.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Blackhawks, they signed Arytom Levshunov to an entry-level contract. The 18-year-old Michigan State defenseman was chosen second overall in this year’s draft.

NHL.COM: Celebrini and Levshunov are the latest 2024 NHL Draft class to sign entry-level contracts. Jett Luchanko (13th overall, Philadelphia Flyers) signed his ELC on July 6.

Adam Jiricek (16th overall, St. Louis Blues) was the first, signing his deal on July 2. Beckett Sennecke (third overall, Anaheim Ducks), Berkly Catton (eighth overall, Seattle Kraken), Zayne Parekh (ninth overall, Calgary Flames), Terik Parascak (17th overall, Washington Capitals), Stian Solberg (23rd overall, Anaheim Ducks), and Matvei Gridin (28th overall, Flames) signed theirs on July 5.

TSN: The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations. They also signed restricted free agents David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley to two-year contract extensions.

Gustafsson, 24, will earn an average annual value of $835K while Stanlhttps://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-remaining-free-agents-the-best-2024-ufas-still-on-the-boardey’s AAV is $1.25 million.

DAILY FACEOFF: No change on the top remaining unrestricted free agents listing.

Winger James van Riemsdyk, defenseman Ryan Suter, blueliner Tyson Barrie, and wingers Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty are the most notable still available. Others include winger Daniel Sprong and defenseman Oliver Kylington.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market slowed following its initial frenzy of signings from July 1 and 2 heading into the July 4th American holiday weekend. There could be an uptick this week.

Many of these players could be waiting weeks for new contracts. Some will sign professional tryout offers hoping to secure jobs in training camp and preseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

by | Jul 3, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 3, 2024

The top remaining UFAs plus the latest on the Oilers, Islanders, Predators, and Red Wings in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TOP REMAINING UFAS

DAILY FACEOFF: Forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and James van Riemsdyk lead the list of the top players still available in the unrestricted free-agent market. The other notables are Ryan Suter, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson and Max Pacioretty.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I indicated yesterday, most notable UFA players are past their prime.

Winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).

A handful will likely sign cheap, one-year contracts in the coming days. Many will be forced to earn new contracts on professional tryout offers during training camp in September.

Some will face the reality that their NHL careers are over, though they will probably continue their playing days in Europe.

OILERS FACING COST-CUTTING MOVES

THE ATHLETIC: Daniel Nugent-Bowman believes the Edmonton Oilers must find a way to shed salary. They’re sitting $2.5 million over the $88 million salary cap with restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to re-sign. Teams can exceed the salary cap during the offseason but must be cap-compliant when the regular season begins.

Nugent-Bowman suggested winger Evander Kane ($5.125 million average annual value), defenseman Cody Ceci ($3.25 million), blueliner Brett Kulak ($2.75 million) and forward Ryan McLeod ($2.1 million) as trade candidates. Kane, however, carries a full no-movement clause until March 1, when it becomes a partial no-trade clause.

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited TSN’s Darren Dreger also indicating that the Oilers must cut costs, suggesting Ceci, McLeod or Kane as trade candidates.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported on July 1 that Kane had not been asked to waive his NMC at any point.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane’s not going anywhere. As Nugent-Bowman pointed out, he holds all the cards with his NMC. That means Ceci, Kulak or McLeod could be traded before the Oilers’ season opener in October.

ARE MORE MOVES COMING FOR THE ISLANDERS

NEW YORK POST: Ethan Sears noted the Islanders’ recent foray into the free-agent market by signing winger Anthony Declair. With limited salary-cap space, any additional efforts to bolster their offense must come in a trade market with few suitable options.

Sears noted the trade rumors still swirling about Winnipeg Jets wingers Nikolaj Ehlers and Rutger McGroarty, suggesting they would fill the Islanders’ needs. However, the Jets are in no rush to move either player. Ehlers is signed through next season and the Jets still control McGroarty’s rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers carries an average annual value of $6 million for 2024-25. It’ll have to be dollar-in, dollar-out to pull that off. McGroarty must sign an entry-level contract if the Isles acquire him. The Jets will want at least a first-round pick for their top prospect.

PREDATORS ARE NOT DONE MAKING ROSTER CHANGES

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz isn’t done making moves after adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei to his roster via free agency.

Trotz told the media on Monday that he’s looking at moving at least one player. They’re sitting over the $88 million cap by $179K and must be cap-compliant when their season opens in October.

Daugherty suggests Cody Glass as a trade candidate. The 25-year-old forward carries a $2.5 million cap hit and is now the club’s 13th forward. He was a healthy scratch during their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.

Defenseman Dante Fabbro, 26, could be another. He also carries a $2.5 million cap hit and was a healthy scratch in three of their six games against the Canucks.

Moving both players would create sufficient space to operate during the season while leaving room for roster call-ups as required.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz has the entire offseason and training camp to make these moves. Glass and Fabbro could be skating with other clubs by October.

COULD THE RED WINGS TRADE A GOALIE?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen wonders if the Red Wings intend to shop a goaltender after signing Cam Talbot and Jack Campbell on Monday. The move leaves them with four netminders as Talbot and Campbel join Alex Lyon and Ville Husso.

Allen wondered if they could attempt to move Husso. He thinks that’s unlikely unless they retain part of his $4.75 million cap hit.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

by | Jul 2, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 2, 2024

A list of the remaining notable UFAs, the latest on Jacob Trouba, plus updates on the Leafs, Senators and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

REMAINING NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

DAILY FACEOFF: Vladimir Tarasenko, James van Riemsdyk, Ryan Suter and Max Pacioretty are the notable players on Frank Seravalli’s list of the top remaining unrestricted free agents. Others include Nate Schmidt, Tyson Barrie, Tyler Johnson, Mike Hoffman and Tony DeAngelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these players are past their prime. Some of them might land with new clubs on inexpensive one-year contracts.

THE LATEST ON JACOB TROUBA

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh reports the New York Rangers’ biggest move yesterday was the one they didn’t make: trading Jacob Trouba and his $8 million cap hit.

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (NHL Images).

The Rangers explored trading the 30-year-old defenseman, whose no-movement clause shifted to a 15-team no-trade list on Monday. They requested his list early to trade and expedite the situation.

Arthur Staple reports Trouba refused to submit his list until it was due on early Monday, which may have scuttled some of general manager Chris Drury’s plans for the day. A rumored deal with the Detroit Red Wings might not be on the front burner following the Wings’ re-signing of Patrick Kane and other free-agent additions yesterday.

Staple also believes there’s a chance Trouba, knowing the Rangers are trying to send him to Detroit, could include the Wings on his no-trade list.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Trouba’s wife’s hospital residency is among the factors keeping him with the Rangers.

Dr. Kelly Tyson-Trouba’s three-year residency at a New York hospital was to be completed this year when her husband’s no-movement clause expired. However, her residency was deferred by a year so the program she is required to complete will instead end on July 1, 2025.

Brooks reports sources claim the discussions between the Trouba camp and Rangers management have been professional without animosity. He also said the rumor that Trouba rejected a trade to Detroit was untrue.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As this story unfolds, it seems increasingly unlikely that Trouba will be traded this summer. The Ranger’s inability to clear his $8 million from their payroll will complicate efforts to improve their roster depth and to re-sign RFA defensemen Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving wants to make it work with Nick Robertson. He wouldn’t confirm if the 22-year-old winger made a trade request but admitted there was some frustration from Robertson last season.

Treliving had no update on whether contract extension talks have started with Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger is a year away from UFA eligibility. He said he wouldn’t address it, adding that Marner is training and preparing for the season.

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reported Treliving also had no update on a contract extension for captain John Tavares. “I’m not going to get into any contract discussions that we may or may not be having,” said Treliving. “We do our business behind closed doors.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Here’s how I see the Leafs’ summer unfolding. Robertson will be traded only if the Leafs can get a comparable player in return. Marner won’t be traded. He and Tavares won’t get contract extensions this summer. Both players and management will adopt a wait-and-see approach to the 2024-25 season.

NO TRUTH TO SHANE PINTO TRADE REQUEST

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios denied Shane Pinto had requested a trade.

League sources claim contract talks between Staios and the Pinto camp are at an impasse. However, Staios said the 23-year-old center didn’t ask to be traded. He added that negotiations take time and they’re still pressing on.

Garrioch also mentioned hearing Pinto’s agent is calling around seeking an offer sheet. The Senators only have $4.4 million in cap space but would match an offer for the young center. It would also be a long shot as the compensation for an offer between $4.57 million and $6.7 million is a first and third-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto will probably end up with a two-year deal worth around $3 million annually. He lacks arbitration rights because he didn’t accrue sufficient years to qualify.

THE LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty remains in play in the trade market.

The Jets were close to moving the 20-year-old forward to the Minnesota Wild at the recent NHL Draft. They also received interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McGroarty won’t attend the Jets development camp this week. Ates indicates they are still trying to move him.