NHL Rumor Mill – November 1, 2025

by | Nov 1, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – November 1, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on Predators forward Steven Stamkos and Sabres goaltender Devon Levi, and updates on the Wild and Blues.

COULD THE PREDATORS TRADE STEVEN STAMKOS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested trade speculation could arise about Steven Stamkos if the Nashville Predators don’t improve. They’ve started the season 4-6-2, and the 35-year-old forward has just two points in those 12 games.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Proteau noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently said he could see a scenario where both sides meet to consider their options. Stamkos is in the second season of a four-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

If Stamkos is willing to accept a trade, Proteau believes it’ll be to a veteran-laden Stanley Cup contender. He suggested the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Toronto Maple Leafs as possible trade destinations.

THE PROVINCE: Paul Chapman referenced a report by CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal, where the latter claimed the Canucks had poked around on Stamkos.

Chapman observed that Stamkos is a shell of his former self. Given the Canucks injury status, however, it makes sense to kick tires on everyone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos’ production has declined noticeably since his final season with the Tampa Bay Lightning two years ago. He’s getting plenty of playing time among the Predators’ top lines, but his scoring touch is no longer there.

A move to a better club might help Stamkos regain his form, but his contract makes him an expensive gamble. Interested teams could insist that the Predators retain up to half of his cap hit to facilitate a trade.

As for the proposed destinations, Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky is expected to make a big swing for a superstar this season. However, he has pursued superstars in their late-20s who are in the prime of their careers, such as Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner. Tulsky is unlikely to go after a declining star in his mid-thirties with an expensive contract.

Stamkos might welcome a trade to the Kings or the Maple Leafs, but they don’t look like Stanley Cup contenders. They lack salary-cap space, which is also an issue for the Canucks.

THE WILD ARE SHOPPING FOR HELP

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports a team source claiming that Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin is in the market to bolster his club’s middle-six forward group.

Injuries to Mats Zuccarello and Nico Sturm have hurt the Wild’s depth among those forwards. Guerin’s priority is to add offensive depth to their middle six regardless of the position.

Di Marco suggested Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri and Boston Bruins centers Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt as possible trade targets.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith and Michael Russo also weighed in on the Wild’s early-season struggles. They don’t see an impact trade available that could provide immediate help.

Smith and Russo pointed out that it’s difficult to make in-season trades, especially with the salary cap rising and most teams wanting to improve, not sell. They also don’t see acquiring fourth-line players, such as Toronto’s Nick Robertson, as providing a jolt to their lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem is that the few players mentioned as trade candidates aren’t being moved yet, if at all. The Flames and Bruins haven’t given up yet on their seasons.

By the time the trade market improves, it could be too late to help the Wild. Smith and Russo believe it’s up to the current Wild players to get themselves out of the hole they’ve dug.

IS SABRES GOALIE DEVON LEVI AVAILABLE?

SABRES NOISE: Tim Daniels linked to a report from the Sabres podcast “After The Whistle” (hosted by former Sabres Craig Rivet and Andrew Peters) claiming that goaltender Devon Levi requested a trade.

“Rumor has it that Devon Levi asked to be moved prior to returning to Rochester,” Rivet and Peters reported.

RATINGS: James Murphy reported that requests from the Sabres and Levi’s agent to confirm the report were not returned. Nevertheless, he cited a source claiming the 23-year-old goalie’s name was out there in the trade market after he failed to crack the Sabres lineup following training camp.

Murphy’s source mentioned the Utah Mammoth, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes as clubs seeking goalie depth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are overloaded at the goalie position right now. Levi was once seen as their future starter, but his inability to secure a place among their goalie tandem is one reason why they loaded up with more experienced options.

Levi won’t fetch much of a return if the Sabres peddle him. He could bring in at most a third-round pick.

LATEST ON THE BLUES

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently pondered what St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong would do to help his struggling team. They have a 3-6-2 record after 11 games, and as of Oct. 31, they were winless in their last six contests (0-4-2).

Whatever Armstrong has in mind, it’s unlikely to involve the roster core. That includes Jordan Kyrou, Richard Thomas, Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich, and Colton Parayko. He observed they’re all under long-term contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would mean peddling depth players on short-term deals, but such moves likely won’t do much to change their fortunes.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2025

by | Oct 31, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 31, 2025

Updates on where contract talks sit for the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin and the Stars’ Jason Robertson, a look at several centers drawing interest in the trade market, and the latest on the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

UPDATES ON PANARIN AND ROBERTSON

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes the New York Rangers want to see how this season unfolds before opening contract extension discussions with Artemi Panarin. The 34-year-old winger is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

Contract term could be the issue in those talks. LeBrun doubts that Panarin will be interested in a short-term deal, which would probably be the Rangers’ preference. The Panarin camp will seek the longest term possible, because this will be their client’s last big contract in his NHL career.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ performance this season, and that includes Panarin’s, will determine whether he has a future in New York beyond this season. Given his age, the Blueshirts could be reluctant to sign him for longer than three years. They could consider it if he’s willing to accept a substantial pay cut, but he was reportedly unwilling to do so this summer.

LeBrun reports the Dallas Stars’ focus has shifted to Jason Robertson after signing defenseman Thomas Harley to an extension earlier this week. The 26-year-old winger is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and will be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Robertson surfaced in the offseason rumor mill. The Stars weren’t shopping him, but wanted to see what teams were offering when they came calling.

The two sides decided to wait to open contract talks. LeBrun speculated they might begin in January, or they could wait until the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is no longer on the top line following the Stars’ acquisition of Mikko Rantanen at the March 2025 trade deadline. However, he’s settling in on the second line, scoring nine points in 11 games.

The Stars want to keep Robertson, but it’ll depend on his asking price. His arbitration rights and his UFA eligibility the following year give him leverage whenever the two sides finally begin negotiating.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the trade market for centers appears to be heating up ahead of the American Thanksgiving (Nov. 27).

The Calgary Flames’ poor start to this season has made Nazem Kadri the subject of growing trade conjecture. However, his status reflects the Flames’ uncertain direction. They’re trying to right the ship but face mounting pressure to rebuild if things don’t improve by December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri no longer has full no-trade protection, but he does have a 13-team no-trade list. His age (35) and average annual value ($7 million) through 2028-29 could make him difficult to move if he wants to be traded. So far, all reports claim he loves living in Calgary.

Meanwhile, teams are eyeing Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks. He’s UFA-eligible next July, and multiple clubs see him as a good middle-six trade option.

In Boston, the Bruins remain undecided on Pavel Zacha’s future as they consider competing and retooling. The 28-year-old forward has a year remaining on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the Bruins believe Zacha fits into their long-term plans. He suggested it wouldn’t be surprising if the versatile forward signs a contract extension next summer.

Bo Horvat has also surfaced in recent trade speculation. However, Murphy claims the 30-year-old New York Islanders center is untouchable unless the club collapses in the standings. Even then, it would take a significant offer to pry him away from the Isles.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Horvat is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $8.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause. If, and that’s a big if, he’s willing to waive that clause, it’s unlikely that sort of trade takes place during the season. That seems more like an offseason move.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore the idea of trading forwards David Kampf and Nick Robertson.

Kampf is now with the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, and they’d like to move his contract. The 30-year-old center is signed through 2026-27 with an average annual value of $2.4 million and a 10-team no-trade clause for this season.

The Leafs have time for the 24-year-old Robertson, but he’s been up and down the Leafs’ lineup. They’d move him if they could get back a player of a similar age, but that’s what makes moving him so difficult, so they’re not in a rush to move him out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s been a fixture in the rumor mill since the summer of 2024, and yet he remains with the Maple Leafs. As I’ve mentioned before, either the Leafs have set a ridiculously high asking price, or he’s not as valuable a trade chip as some observers seem to believe.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 30, 2025

by | Oct 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 30, 2025

Evaluating possible trade targets for the Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont weighed in on recent rumors linking the Canadiens to Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently indicated that Canadiens management has compiled a list of centers who might become available between now and the March 6 trade deadline, and Kadri is among them. He thinks the Canadiens might be interested because of their ongoing need for a second-line center.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Dumont noted the 35-year-old Kadri is signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade list. He’s done a good job of bucking the usual decline for athletes in his age group, and his underlying numbers remain good despite the Flames’ poor performance this season.

Nevertheless, Kadri’s age is a concern, and the Canadiens tend to focus on youth to maximize their asset value in trades. They would also have to pay a premium for Kadri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dumont believes acquiring Kadri would fly in the face of most of the decisions they’ve made during their rebuild. The Canadiens are likely to pursue younger options to address their second-line center needs.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston was recently asked which of the following players could be realistic trade targets for the Canadiens: Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken, Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, or Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins.

Johnston considered Zacha as the most likely candidate, but he doesn’t see the Bruins moving him to a long-time rival like the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports suggest the Bruins aren’t in any hurry to move Zacha, who is signed through next season. He may sign a contract extension next summer.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at four early-season trade targets for the Devils.

Nichols believes the Devils will need reinforcements if they intend to stage a deep playoff run this season. He listed Zacha, Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks, and Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres as potential options.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: All four are on teams that are struggling early in this season. However, none of them are sellers yet. That could change in the coming weeks if they don’t soon turn their fortunes around. By that point, the Devils might find other options elsewhere.

Tuch and Wennberg are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Zacha and Coleman are signed beyond this season. Tuch has indicated his willingness to stay in Buffalo, but he’s paused his contract extension talks.










NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2025

by | Oct 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2025

More updates on Bruins center Pavel Zacha and Flames center Nazem Kadri, plus the latest on the Hurricanes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports sources confirming that the Vancouver Canucks reached out to the Boston Bruins during the summer about the availability of Pavel Zacha.

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (NHL Images).

LeBrun said the Bruins still see the 28-year-old center as a long-term fit. He’s signed through 2026-27, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he signs an extension next summer.

RG.ORG: James Murphy also noted the recent reports linking Zacha to the Canucks, and that the Bruins have told their players that they haven’t given up on this season. If the Bruins’ season goes south, their asking price for Zacha from the Canucks could be young defenseman Victor Mancini.

Murphy also reported that the Calgary Flames were also interested in Zacha during the offseason. The Edmonton Oilers could also be a good fit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams will keep an eye on the Bruins in the coming weeks. They could be sellers if they haven’t gained ground in the standings by midseason. Zacha will draw plenty of interest, but LeBrun’s report suggests it could take a significant offer to pry him away from the Bruins. If he’s willing to sign an extension, they’re unlikely to peddle him.

THE LATEST ON NAZEM KADRI

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that there is plenty of media-driven speculation regarding Nazem Kadri based on the Calgary Flames playing well below expectations to start the season. There are other Canadian teams (Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs) that can envision the 35-year-old center in their lineup.

However, Kadri loves playing in Calgary. Unless the Flames decide to reconstruct their roster, any talk of moving him is premature.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Flames are still wallowing in the basement by the Christmas roster freeze, then it’s likely they’ll start exploring trade options for Kadri. However, they’re under no pressure to move him this season. He’s signed through 2027-28 with an annual average value of $7 million and a 13-team no-trade clause. They can afford to wait until next summer if necessary if they don’t get any suitable offers for him during this season.

WILL THE HURRICANES ATTEMPT ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER MOVE?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo believes Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky will attempt to acquire a superstar for the long term.

League sources said the Hurricanes reached out to the Minnesota Wild to express an interest in Kirill Kaprizov if they were to consider trading him. This was before Kaprizov signed his eight-year extension with the Wild.

Russo also noted that the Hurricanes are often rumored to be looking to upgrade their goaltending. However, Tulsky said that doesn’t mean they’re unhappy with the current tandem of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen last January, but moved him six weeks later to the Dallas Stars when he wouldn’t sign a contract extension. They also attempted to acquire Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. So yes, Tulsky will likely attempt another big move in the trade market.

The Hurricanes currently have over $9 million in cap space, which accrues to over $36 million by the March 6 trade deadline. Tulsky won’t let that cap space go to waste if he can find a suitable trade target and meet the asking price.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 26, 2025

by | Oct 26, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – October 26, 2025

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on Flames center Nazem Kadri, Bruins center Pavel Zacha, and Canadiens winger Patrik Laine, plus some proposed goalie trade targets for the Oilers.

THE LATEST ON NAZEM KADRI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said there is a lot of attention lately on Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. There is “zero chance” that he will be going anywhere before he plays his 1,000th career regular-season game. He is currently on 994 games.

Friedman also pointed out that Kadri no longer has a no-movement clause, as it has reverted to a 13-team no-trade list. Interested teams will want to know if they’re on that list, and if so, what it will take to sell him if the Flames decide to put him on the trade block.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s unlikely he’ll be going anywhere until at least January if the Flames decide to become sellers. It’s been a terrible month, but they still have time to turn things around. They could try to move Kadri in late November or December, but they might find better options if they wait until the New Year.

CANUCKS ARE INTERESTED IN PAVEL ZACHA

Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (NHL Images).

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman cited a report from Rick Dhaliwal, claiming the Vancouver Canucks contacted the Boston Bruins about Pavel Zacha. Friedman believes the Canucks’ interest in the versatile 28-year-old forward goes back to the summer.

Zacha is signed through 2026-27. Teams are looking for centers, and Boston doesn’t have to do anything they don’t want to do. However, the Canucks and some other teams have been trying to pry Zacha away from the Bruins. The Canucks don’t believe that they’re on Zacha’s no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks probably aren’t the only club to contact the Bruins about Zacha’s availability. The Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and Philadelphia Flyers were among the clubs that were reportedly shopping around for a second-line center.

However, the Bruins are trying to rebound from their disappointing performance last season. Trading away Zacha this early in the season won’t help. If they become sellers, it’ll be in the New Year unless someone makes a ridiculously lopsided offer. 

PATRIK LAINE’S FUTURE WITH THE CANADIENS IS UNCERTAIN

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes Patrik Laine faces an uncertain future with the Montreal Canadiens. The 28-year-old winger is currently sidelined after surgery to repair an injury core muscle and is expected to be out for three to four months.

Laine is in the final season of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Injuries have hobbled his effectiveness as a scoring forward, and Engels believes he could have difficulty getting back into the Canadiens’ lineup if they remain fully healthy or add more forwards before the March 6 trade deadline.

Engels also speculated that Laine could be moved before the March trade deadline. Given his UFA eligibility, that was a possibility before he was sidelined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another tough break for Laine, who was hoping to put his injury woes behind him and prove to the Canadiens that he was willing to make the changes in his game that they wanted.

A year ago, losing Laine was devastating to the Canadiens’ offense. They struggled through the first two months of the season, and started to rally back after he rejoined the lineup in December. Montreal general manager Kent Hughes said earlier this year that Laine’s performance last season played a key role in the club reaching the playoffs.

This season is a different story. His injury is unfortunate news for the Canadiens. Still, the additions of Ivan Demidov, Zach Bolduc, and puck-moving defenseman Noah Dobson, along with the full-time promotion of Oliver Kapanen, have given this club some much-needed scoring depth. Meanwhile, Laine had one point in eight games, seeing fourth-line minutes while seeing duty on the second power-play unit.

POTENTIAL GOALTENDING TRADE CANDIDATES FOR THE OILERS

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed some potential trade options for the Edmonton Oilers to upgrade their goaltending.

Low-ceiling veteran stopgaps include Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres and David Rittich or Semyon Varlamov of the New York Islanders.

Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Sabres’ Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are “buy lows with upside.”

The Penguins’ Arturs Silovs and Arvid Soderblom of the Chicago Blackhawks are in the “betting on youth” category.

“Realistic” starter targets are John Gibson or Cam Talbot of the Detroit Red Wings, and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators, and Ilya Sorokin of the Islanders are in the “pipe dream” category.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s far too early in the season for any of these goaltenders to be available. That could change for some of them later this season if their teams fail to maintain their promising early performances. Some of them have no-trade protection, and the Oilers might not be on their preferred lists of destinations.

Of this group, Lyon, Soderblom, and Merzlikins are the most likely to become available. However, they’re not an upgrade over the current Oilers’ goaltenders.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

by | Sep 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

Check out the latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, and Bruins center Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold is remaining patient as his club attempts to sign Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension, expressing full confidence in general manager Bill Guerin and his staff.

“Billy’s the guy. He’s the one that does the negotiating, no matter who it is, and that’s his responsibility and role,” Leipold said. “We’ve got a great relationship.”

At his annual preseason media address last year, Leipold confidently said that no other team could offer Kaprizov a longer or richer contract than the Wild. At the start of the offseason, Guein also expressed confidence in getting a deal done. However, that hasn’t happened yet, as the Kaprizov camp reportedly rejected an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $16 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Leipold noted that hockey is a team sport, but some players are special and tend to stand out. “So we’d love to have a player of his caliber on our team.” He also indicated that the rising salary cap is a factor. “So, it changes things, but we have to change with it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe negotiations are currently at a standstill. The Wild aren’t inclined to negotiate against themselves and keep offering more money.

It’s uncertain if Kaprizov’s agent is trying to squeeze the Wild for more money, if the winger is waiting to see what notable UFA-eligible players might get, or if he wants out of Minnesota.

For his part, Kaprizov said he considers Minnesota his second home. He believes there’s plenty of time to get a deal done.

THE FAN HOCKEY SHOW: Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman offered up his opinion of the Kaprizov situation.

“I do believe there’s been tampering slash whispering going on. I’ll never be able to prove it, but I believe it,” Friedman said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leipold’s comments about no team offering more years or dollars than the Wild have spurred Kaprizov’s agent into testing that theory.

Let this be a lesson for other NHL team owners. When asked about re-signing a star player, simply say you’re confident that your general manager can get a deal done, and leave it at that. Being outspoken makes good copy for reporters, but those remarks can haunt you when those contract talks begin.

Friedman seems to suggest that another team has quietly told Kaprizov’s agent that they’ll offer up more than the Wild. It’s easy to make that suggestion, but difficult to prove it. Besides, there’s no need for tampering from a rival team to prompt the Kaprizov camp to take this stance. They know their superstar client could get more on the open market than what the Wild is currently offering.

The Wild already made a monster bid for Kaprizov. You can’t blame his agent for wanting to see how much higher they’re willing to go. And for those of you calling the Kaprizov camp greedy, this is how a free market works. You offer your services to the highest bidder. Blame the game, not the player.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has heard the trade rumors swirling around him recently, even as he tries to ignore them.

The Devils are deep on defense and have other roster issues to address. They’re also trying to re-sign restricted free agent blueliner Luke Hughes, but are pressed for cap space.

Hamilton, 32, said he’s not concerned about the speculation. He acknowledged that it’s a business, and trades sometimes happen. However, he wants to remain with the Devils because he believes he can win a Stanley Cup with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s contract wouldn’t be easy to move. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team trade list, as well as a no-movement clause that prevents demotion to the minors.

THE ATHLETIC’s Vince Z. Mercogliano cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report claiming the New York Rangers approached Artemi Panarin about a short-term, team-friendly contract extension. However, the 33-year-old winger didn’t bite.

Mercogliano stated that this jibes with what he recently wrote about the Rangers wanting to maintain salary-cap flexibility and not wanting to rush into a big commitment. Their priority is to wait and see what happens with next year’s UFA class.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if Kirill Kaprizov becomes available, the Rangers want to ensure they have sufficient cap room to make the highest bid.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy doesn’t understand why Bruins center Pavel Zacha is being bandied about in trade rumors right now.

Conroy cited Zacha’s solid all-around play and reasonable cap hit ($4.75 million) through next season as good reasons for the Bruins to hang onto him. He admits the 28-year-old forward would have good value in the trade market, but also thinks he’d be worthwhile to keep around even if the Bruins continue to rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha might force the issue if he feels his chances of playing for a contender are better elsewhere.