NHL Rumor Mill – August 16, 2025

by | Aug 16, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – August 16, 2025

I’m back from vacation and catching up on some of the notable trade and free-agent speculation involving the Oilers, Canadiens, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Dan Powers of the “Empty Netters” podcast raising the scenario of another “King’s Ransom”, in which Oilers captain Connor McDavid followed the path of Wayne Gretzky by getting traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

If that were to happen, Powers believes it would be “the greatest thing to happen to the NHL in 50 years. It would be the greatest story of all time.”

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Two things. First, the Gretzky trade was the biggest thing to happen to the NHL since the 1967 expansion. Trading McDavid to the Kings today wouldn’t eclipse the Gretzky trade.

Second, and most importantly, with all due respect to the Kings, the Gretzky trade occurred during different times and circumstances. History will not repeat itself.

BLEACHER REPORT: Frank Seravalli reported on Aug. 12 that it’s still early in the negotiation process between McDavid and the Oilers. While numbers haven’t been exchanged yet, neither side is expressing nerves, fear, or panic about this situation. Servalli anticipates the process will pick up in the coming weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation abounded at this time last August about Leon Draisaitl’s contract status with the Oilers. He signed an eight-year extension in September, and McDavid could do the same this year.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Staples cited Oilers insider Bob Stauffer suggesting the Oilers could make a cost-cutting trade before the start of the regular season, accrue salary cap space, and use that cap room to acquire a top-nine forward at the March trade deadline.

Stauffer mentioned forward Mattias Janmark as a trade candidate. Staples pointed out he carries a $1.45 million cap hit through 2026-27 with a 10-team no-trade list.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell listed Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro and St. Louis Blues netminder Colten Ellis as possible trade targets for the Oilers.

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Montreal Canadiens are playing the waiting game when it comes to adding talent during this offseason.

He cited an NHL source saying Canadiens management isn’t interested in parting with top prospects like defenseman David Reinbacher and center Michael Hage, seeing both players as key pieces in their long-term plans.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers believe the Canadiens could be interested in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. If so, Reinbacher and/or Hage would be part of the Ducks’ asking price. If the Habs aren’t willing to part with them, it’s doubtful they can come up with a more enticing offer for McTavish.

Meanwhile, there’s ongoing speculation that the Canadiens could attempt to trade Carey Price’s contract on September 1, after he’s been paid his $5.5 million signing bonus. He has a $10.5 million average annual value, but in actual salary, he’ll be $2 million after he receives that signing bonus.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Canadiens could try to ship Price’s contract to a rebuilding team, enabling the latter to remain cap-compliant should they dump salary by the March trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks have been mentioned as possible trade partners, but it remains to be seen if either club has an interest in taking on that contract.

D’Amico also reported that contract talks between the Canadiens and defenseman Lane Hutson are in the early stages. Thus far, the discussions have been “amicable”.

Hutson, 21, won the Calder Memorial Trophy last season, becoming the first Canadien to do so since Ken Dryden in 1971-72. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent next summer and is ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival club.

Noah Dobson’s new eight-year contract with the Canadiens(with a $9.5 million AAV) has been cited by some as a comparable. However, D’Amico suggested that Luke Hughes’ next contract with the New Jersey Devils could be more of a determining factor in Hutson’s negotiations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Luke Hughes…

SOME RECENT DEVILS CONJECTURE

SPORTSNET: During a recent appearance on the Halford & Brough radio show, Luke Fox said that Luke Hughes and the Devils have agreed to negotiate a long-term deal.

The 21-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He is ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers wonder if the rising salary cap would result in Hughes getting a deal with an AAV that exceeds his brother Jack’s $8 million. That could be the sticking point in their negotiations.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has more work to do during what remains of this offseason.

Nichols pointed out that the Devils have over $6.1 million in cap space, meaning they’ll have to shed some salary to make room for Luke Hughes’ new contract.

The Devils still need to add a second-line winger and a third-line center. Nichols believes they should attempt to reacquire Tyler Toffoli from the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli might not be willing to leave the lowly Sharks. He’s slated to skate on their top line with Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund this season. The 33-year-old winger is signed through 2027-28 with an AAV of $6 million and a full no-trade clause until the final season of the deal, when it becomes a 15-team approved trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2024

by | Jul 1, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – July 1, 2024

The annual free-agent signing frenzy begins at noon ET today. Check out the latest notable free agent and trade rumors in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believing part of the reason the Tampa Bay Lightning haven’t officially announced their signing of Jake Guentzel is they still have some hope of working something out with Steven Stamkos.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Guentzel could use up half of the Lightning’s cap space. Stamkos would have to accept a major pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay. His agent said he’s heading to market today and it’s doubtful that his situation has changed.

Former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If Stamkos goes to market, Seravalli believes the Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, and New Jersey Devils could be among the suitors.

Seravalli also reported Tyler Bertuzzi has come to terms with a Western Conference team. It’s expected to be a four-year deal with an average annual value of $5 million.

The Daily Faceoff pundit believes Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to a contract extension. He doesn’t know if the deal will be announced on July 1.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the Rangers shouldn’t overreact after Patrick Kane opted to re-sign with the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Unless they can land Steven Stamkos, he doesn’t believe the forwards available in the UFA market would make a difference against a team like the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Brooks acknowledged Jonathan Marchessault’s MVP performance against the Panthers in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. However, he believes the Rangers need a bigger physical forward.

Today is the day Jacob Trouba’s no-movement clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The 31-year-old defenseman’s feelings are hurt over the way the Rangers have handled his situation. However, Brooks believes he shouldn’t stand in the way of the Rangers’ efforts to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings. If he does, the Rangers will trade him somewhere else or place him on waivers.

Mollie Walker also noted the Rangers’ rumored efforts to trade Trouba to Motown. She feels it’s best he returns to the state where he grew up and began playing hockey rather than stay with a team that doesn’t want him.

Walker anticipates the Rangers could be interested in adding a forward via free agency. They could be interested in Stamkos, Bertuzzi or Jake DeBrusk. They could also pursue a defenseman like Nikita Zadorov.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: cited ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reporting the Rangers are taking family considerations into account in their efforts to move Trouba. They want to ensure the defenseman ends up in a place that’s best for him and his family.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Trouba trade could come as early as today based on the recent reporting. It would certainly add some extra spice to what will be a busy day for player movement.

THE BOSTON GLOBE: The Bruins could start free agency with a bang by signing former Vancouver Canucks Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. The 29-year-old Lindholm could give the Bruins a reliable two-way center. Zadorov, 29, enjoyed a solid postseason performance on the Canucks blueline, logging over 20 minutes per game and collecting eight points in 13 playoff games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm was linked to the Bruins for months last season before he was traded to the Canucks. There was talk leading up to the deadline of a three-way trade that would’ve sent him to Boston.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Trade talk has linked the Kraken to Patrik Laine. The 26-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger has yet to be released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Despite his injury history, he could be a high-upside gamble for the low-scoring Kraken without tying them up in a long-term contract. He’s signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets can trade Laine while he’s in the player assistance program. However, it was reported over the weekend that interested clubs want to speak with him first.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators and Shane Pinto aren’t close to a long-term contract extension. They were exploring the option of a short-term deal to try to get something done. Pinto’s agent, Lewis Gross, could be looking for an offer sheet from a rival club but that could be a long shot. His client also lacks arbitration rights because he lacks the accrued seasons necessary to qualify.

The Senators could make a pitch for Jake DeBrusk, Tyler Toffoli or Matt Roy via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted a team that successfully signs Pinto to an offer sheet would have to part with a first-round pick and a third-rounder as compensation if the offer is between $4.57 million and $6.7 million. He also noted on “X” that the Senators would match it.

THE ATHLETIC: The Vancouver Canucks could be shopping for a veteran backup goaltender when free agency begins. They had contract extension discussions last week with Casey DeSmith but it appears he’d headed to market. They’ll also be shopping for a top-six forward, a speedy bottom-six forward and a left-shot defenseman.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

by | Jun 29, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 29, 2024

Entering Day 2 of the 2024 Draft, check out the latest on Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel, Jacob Trouba, Patrick Kane, Tyler Toffoli, Jakob Chychrun, Nazem Kadri and more in the NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON STEVEN STAMKOS AND JAKE GUENTZEL

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Tampa Bay Lightning’s limited salary-cap space could lead to the departure of long-time star Steven Stamkos. His agent said his client will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but LeBrun cautions things could change between now and then.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

If he goes to market, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are potential options for Stamkos. LeBrun wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights might come calling if they fail to re-sign Jonathan Marchessault.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Carolina Hurricanes’ latest offer to Jake Guentzel is eight years with an average annual value of $8 million. Meanwhile, it’s rumored the Vancouver Canucks could be willing to offer the 29-year-old winger a seven-year deal ($9 million annually) if he tests the free-agent market on July 1.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, LeBrun believes there’s a chance they re-sign defenseman Brady Skjei. However, blueliner Brett Pesce is heading to market.

JACOB TROUBA TO THE RED WINGS?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports growing speculation the Rangers could trade captain Jacob Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings. The 31-year-old defenseman has a full no-movement clause until July 1, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Michigan would presumably accept that deal.

Trouba carries an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, the Rangers would reportedly retain $2.5 million per season. Trading him would leave them searching for a new captain and someone to replace Trouba’s physical presence on the blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This would be quite a shakeup for the Rangers. The move would free up $5.5. million in cap room that management can put toward making some roster additions.

LATEST ON PATRICK KANE AND TYLER TOFFOLI

NEW YORK POST: Brooks reports the Rangers remain interested in a reunion with Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old winger had a brief, injury-hampered tenure with the Blueshirts in 2022-23. The Red Wings remain interested in bringing back Kane. There’s also talk both clubs could be interested in Steven Stamkos if he becomes available on Monday.

ESPN: Emily Kaplan also reports the Red Wings and Rangers are in the mix for Kane. She doesn’t rule the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible replacement for Jonathan Marchessault.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports hearing Tyler Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar. The 32-year-old pending UFA winger began his career with the Kings, spending nearly eight seasons with them. The Rangers and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be interested in Toffoli.

PANTHERS INTERESTED IN JAKOB CHYCHRUN

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Florida Panthers are among the teams interested in Jakob Chychrun. The 26-year-old Ottawa Senators defenseman has a year remaining on his contract. It’s unknown if that deal will get done during Day 2 of the draft.

The Senators seek a draft pick for winger Mathieu Joseph.

TEAMS ARE CALLING THE FLAMES ABOUT NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports teams contacted the Calgary Flames about Nazem Kadri. However, they’re not engaged in a full roster teardown but are trying to reset their roster. The 32-year-old center is a big part of that. He also has a full no-movement clause and likes Calgary.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some speculation earlier this week wondering if Kadri would prefer to move on after seeing so many veteran teammates getting traded this year. It sounds like that isn’t an issue to him.

AVALANCHE NOT INTERESTED IN TRADING JOSH MANSON

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Evan Rawal cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting teams are calling the Avalanche to express interest in defenseman Josh Manson. However, the Avs aren’t keen to move their most physical blueliner.

PREDATORS GETTING CALLS ABOUT YAROSLAV ASKAROV

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators are getting plenty of calls about promising goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. This comes following the news they’re poised to sign starting goalie Juuse Saros to a contract extension. The Predators have set a high price for Askarov.

DEVILS SHOPPING JOHN MARINO

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reporting the Devils are shopping John Marino. The 27-year-old defenseman is signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $4.4 million and an eight-team no-trade list starting on July 1.

Seravalli speculates the Vancouver Canucks could be a suitor for Marino if Nikita Zadorov heads to free agency on July 1.

LATEST ON JETS PROSPECT RUTGER MCGROARTY

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates reports the Winnipeg Jets worked hard to trade Rutger McGroarty during the first round of the 2024 NHL draft. The 20-year-old prospect has indicated he’s returning to Michigan for his junior year amid reports of a disagreement between him and the Jets over their development plan for him.

The Minnesota Wild offered up the 13th overall pick but withdrew that offer once Zeev Buium became available. Trade talks took place with multiple clubs. The Jets aren’t in any rush to move McGroarty but his stock remains high despite his desire to play elsewhere.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NYI Hockey Now’s Russ Macias reported before the first round that the Islanders were among the clubs interested in McGroarty. They’ve also been linked to Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

by | Jun 23, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 23, 2024

Updates on Linus Ullmark, Tyler Toffoli, Igor Shesterkin, and Tristan Jarry in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S HOLDING UP TRADING LINUS ULLMARK?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Boston Bruins are in a good position to move Linus Ullmark now that Jacob Markstrom is off the trade market. However, the 30-year-old Bruins goaltender’s modified no-trade clause remains a hurdle.

Friedman noted the Ottawa Senators’ rumored interest in Ullmark. However, they’re believed to be on his no-trade list. He also thinks that interested clubs might prefer signing the netminder to a contract extension if they’re to pay the Bruins’ expensive asking price.

Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).

Other factors include whether the Bruins might feel pressure to lower their price and if they’d be comfortable trading within their division.

Friedman took note of Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman saying he’s not interested in acquiring an older goaltender who might be a short-term fix. If Yzerman were interested in Ullmark, Friedman thinks he’d want him signed to an extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is speculation suggesting Ullmark might accept a trade to Ottawa if the Senators and Bruins can finalize a deal. We could find out later this week if that’s the case. The Bruins would likely prefer moving Ullmark before the draft opens on Friday.

COULD TYLER TOFFOLI RETURN TO THE CANUCKS?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Vancouver Canucks could have Tyler Toffoli in their sights as a backup option if they fail to sign Jake Guentzel when free agency begins on July 1.

Toffoli, 32, split last season with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, finishing with 34 goals and 55 points. He was acquired by the Canucks before the 2020 trade deadline, collecting 10 points in as many regular-season games and four points in seven postseason contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toffoli will be a more affordable free-agent target for the Canucks. Guentzel is hitting the UFA market for the first time and could seek around $9 million annually on a long-term deal.

LATEST SPECULATION ON IGOR SHESTERKIN’S NEXT CONTRACT

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks noted the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup last year with Adin Hill as their starting goalie while the Edmonton Oilers could do the same with Stuart Skinner. He wondered if the Rangers must invest $12 million annually in Igor Shesterkin’s next contract when other clubs are winning the Cup without Vezina Trophy winners in their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks pointed out that the 2011 Boston Bruins are the only team in the salary-cap era to win the Cup with a goaltender who won the Vezina, that being Tim Thomas. However, I doubt the Rangers play hardball with Shesterkin for a lesser deal or shop him in place of more affordable options.

ARE THE PENGUINS PREPARING TO TRADE TRISTAN JARRY?

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Mark Madden makes the case for the Penguins to put Tristan Jarry on this summer’s trade block. He believes their recent re-signing of Alex Nedeljkovic with promising Joel Blomqvist waiting in the wings makes no sense unless they intend to move Jarry.

Moving Jarry won’t be easy. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5.375 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is preparing to move Jarry. However, it’s more likely he feels Blomqvist needs another year in the minors and intends to return with a tandem of Jarry and Nedeljkovic.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

by | Jun 19, 2024

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2024

Check out the latest on Jacob Markstrom, Jake Guentzel, Jeff Skinner, and Tyler Toffoli plus an update on the Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MARKSTROM NEVER ASKED FOR A TRADE, SAYS CONROY

SPORTSNET: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy told Eric Francis that Jacob Markstrom has not asked to be traded.

“He’s never come out and said he wants out,” said Conroy. “That’s never been mentioned. He’s never said that.”

Markstrom has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

Conroy also claimed that he’s bothered by the constant trade speculation about Markstrom. “It’s part of the game, but it does bother me because there’s always something about there.” He went on to say he felt it wasn’t fair to Markstrom.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Francis believes Markstrom would like to end up with the New Jersey Devils. Without options, however, it’s clear the Flames won’t part with their starting goalie for what the Devils are willing to offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom may not have requested a trade but there were plenty of reports in February that he was willing to waive his NMC to join the Devils. A deal that would’ve sent him to New Jersey before the March trade deadline reportedly fell through.

Francis believes the trade speculation about Markstrom will continue leading up to the NHL draft next weekend. He’s also been linked to the Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

CANUCKS TO PURSUE JAKE GUENTZEL VIA FREE AGENCY?

DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli expects the Vancouver Canucks will make a strong play for Jake Guentzel when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

Seravalli cited sources that believe the Canucks could offer Guentzel the best mix of money and opportunity. There’s also a familiarity the 29-year-old winger has with Canucks management and head coach Rick Tocchet. President of hockey ops Jim Rutherford, GM Patrik Allvin and Tocchet were part of the Pittsburgh Penguins during Guentzel’s early years with that franchise.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This story appears to have been published before the Canucks signed Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract extension with an AAV of $7.25 million. Allvin admitted Hronek’s new deal meant the Canucks wouldn’t be able to re-sign all of their remaining free agents.

The Canucks have $17.7 million in cap space and 15 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Signing Guentzel could run between $8.5 million and $9.5 million annually on a long-term deal. They can’t comfortably afford that unless they free up additional cap space.

COULD THE SABRES BUY OUT JEFF SKINNER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Buffalo Sabres could consider buying out the remainder of Jeff Skinner’s contract. The 32-year-old winger carries an AAV of $9 million through 2026-27 and is coming off a down year. It would be at two-thirds the remaining value over twice the remaining term.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A buyout would be costly given how Skinner’s contract is structured. The first season would count as $1.444 million against the Sabres cap. However, it jumps to $4.444 million in 2025-26 and $6.444 million in 2026-27 before dropping to $2.444 million per season for the remaining three years.

The salary cap is expected to significantly rise. That could provide some relief for the two seasons where the cost of the buyout spikes.

The buyout window opens 48 hours after the completion of the Stanley Cup Final and closes at 5 pm ET on June 30.

COULD THE RANGERS HAVE AN INTEREST IN TYLER TOFFOLI?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently reported his belief that the New York Rangers looked at Tyler Toffoli before the March trade deadline. The New Jersey Devils traded the 32-year-old winger to the Winnipeg Jets.

Baugh expects Toffoli is looking for one last chance to win the Stanley Cup, suggesting he could fetch a four-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. “The Rangers could find a way to make that work, but they’d probably need to clear some cap space via trades.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could explain why the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout or a potential claim by the San Jose Sharks Stay tuned…

LATEST ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA CITIZEN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are exploring a two-year contract for Shane Pinto. The Sens would prefer signing him to a five- or six-year deal. Pinto’s agent reportedly seeks a long-term contract with an AAV of $5 million. The two sides could instead consider a lower cap hit on a shorter deal.

Garrioch also reports a league executive claims the Senators have had talks with the Seattle Kraken regarding Brandon Tanev. The 32-year-old Kraken forward could play a third or fourth-line role with the Senators. However, they’d have to move out Mathieu Joseph’s $2.95 million cap hit to make room for Tanev.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Brandon could entice his brother Chris to sign with the Senators. Before the Flames traded him to the Dallas Stars, they were reportedly interested in acquiring him.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 26, 2024

by | May 26, 2024

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 26, 2024

Check out the latest on Jake Guentzel, Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm, and the other top unrestricted free agents in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the latest speculation on some of this summer’s top NHL unrestricted free agents.

Jake Guentzel and the Carolina Hurricanes have a mutual interest in negotiating a new contract. LeBrun wonders if an eight-year contract at $8 million per season might keep him in Carolina.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel could seek a higher annual cap hit but the eight-year term offers greater long-term security.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).

Contract extension talks between the cap-strapped Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos continue even after reacquiring Ryan McDonagh (and his $6.75 million cap hit) from Nashville last week. LeBrun speculates this could go right up to when the free-agent market opens on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Lightning have just over $4.1 million of cap space for next season with 18 active roster players under contract. They’ll have to shed salary to re-sign Stamkos unless he’s taking the biggest pay cut in franchise history.

The Vancouver Canucks could make a strong push to re-sign Elias Lindholm. However, LeBrun believes he could be too expensive to retain.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lindholm is coming off a six-year deal earning an average annual value of $4.85 million. This is his best opportunity to land a big money deal. He’ll find it somewhere else on July 1 if he can’t get it from the Canucks.

The Vegas Golden Knights have made re-signing Jonathan Marchessault their priority. Both sides are expected to begin discussions soon and could get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights have $1.79 million of cap space with 18 roster players under contract for next season. They’ll get $5 million in cap relief if Robin Lehner remains on long-term injury reserve.

Marchessault is completing a six-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. Assuming he accepts a similar salary, there won’t be enough to fill out the rest of the roster. That’s prompted speculation suggesting Shea Theodore ($5.2 million cap hit for next season) could become a cost-cutting trade chip.

LeBrun believes Winnipeg Jets winger Tyler Toffoli will be heading to the free-agent market. He wondered if the Nashville Predators might be interested as they could use more offense.

LeBrun was surprised that the Hurricanes haven’t yet gotten Brady Skjei under contract. He reported contract talks have been ongoing since last summer and feels Skjei is their priority on defense to get re-signed. The 30-year-old blueliner could get a six or seven-year deal with an AAV of $6 million but LeBrun thinks he’d accept a little less to stay in Carolina.

Brett Pesce is likely heading to market. The 29-year-old Hurricanes defenseman could get a six-year contract at between $6 million and $6.5 million annually.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have held contract discussions with forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. No numbers have been discussed yet.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sean Walker is one of several right-shot defensemen who could draw plenty of interest in this summer’s free-agent market. LeBrun wondered if he might get a five-year deal at $5 million annually.