NHL Rumor Mill – September 22, 2025

Updates at Duck Center Mason McTavishFlames defender Rasmus AnderssonAvalanche Martin NecasStars -wing player Jason RobertsonAnd more in the current NHL rumor mill.

Sportsnet: Rory Boylen looked at some remarkable things to keep in mind for all 32 NHL clubs when the preseason game starts.

Among them is Mason Mctavish’s contract impasse with the Anaheim Duck. The 23-year-old limited Free agent center has missed the training camp so far. He is an important part of their Playoff -Hoop this season.

Spector’s note: Eric Stephens’ athletics Recently reported This is believed that the MCTAVish camp is not looking for something that is comparable to the annual average value of $ 8.4 million (AAV) that Wyatt Johnston came from the Dallas Stars on an extension of five years. Stephens thinks they might be receptive to something similar to Matthew Byies’ $ 7.7 million AAV for his six -year -old deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rasmus Andersson will be moved this season at a certain moment. The Calgary Flames Defenseman is planned to become an unlimited free agent next summer.

Note from the Spector: the two parties can result in an extension, but the opportunities are currently slim. The expectation is that Andersson will be moved against the trade deadline of 6 March.

The Colorado Avalanche confronted with a big decision with Martin Necas. They acquired him from the Carolina Hurricanes As part of the return to the Mikko Rantans Trade last January. The 28-year-old Necas is eligible next summer. He on average just below a point per match last season, and a different achievement would see him find around $ 10 million on his next contract annually.

Note from the Spector: Necas didn’t have much to say about the situation when they were asked last week. Both parties seem willing to see how this season unfolds.

Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Yegor Chinakhov asked for a profession this summer.

The Spector’s remark: It was reported during the weekend that Chinakhov can have a change of heart after a meeting with head coach Dean Evason to discuss the “misunderstandings” that cause the trade request.

Jason Robertson Has an interesting contract situation. He is eligible for the RFA status with arbitration feet next summer, but a one-year-old deal would take him to the UFA status in 2027. The stars are still looking at a Stanley Cup with their current group this season, but Boylen does not exclude Robertson trade at some point, depending on how the season goes.

Note from Spector: Stars GM Jim Nill denied reports last week from the outdoor season that claimed that he had looked at Robertson. He seems willing to see how Robertson varies this season.

Edmonton Oilers The UFA status of Captain Connor McDavid next summer and are willingness to sign an extension, have dominated the headlines. Boylen suggests the game of Rookies Isaac Howard And Matt Savoie can be a factor in the question of whether he chooses to sign again.

Note from Spector: Boylen points out that the game of those two rookies will not be the decisive factor, but solid performance of both can convince McDavid that the club has a bright future.

Florida Panthers goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky UFA is eligible in July. Boylen wonders what kind of contract could get the 37-year-old from the Panthers, and what their follow-up plan is between the pipes.

Spector’s Note: Panthers GM Bill Zito prefers to keep his core intact while having several Stanley Cup championships. If Bobrovsky plays well, they will work out something to keep it in the fold while buying time to find a good successor.

Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils Is another UFA-considerable keeper next summer. He will be 36 in January and losing him would be a setback for the Devils.

Note from the Spector: reportedly his contract extensions started between the two parties.

New York Rangers wing Artemi Panarin Another player is eligible for the UFA status next summer. He will be 34 in October, but remained their leading scorer during the tumultuous 2024-25 campaign of the club. Boylen wonders which number is now useful for both parties.

Note from the Spector: Panarin’s AAV is $ 11.642 million for its current deal. The two parties hold Mama with regard to contract interviews, but it would not be surprising if they will use a wait -and -see approach for the coming season in the coming season.

This is perhaps the last season of the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era in Pittsburgh. Malkin is in the last season of his contract and at the age of 39 he cannot stay with the Penguins after this season, since the team is in rebuilding mode.

Note from the Spector: Malkin recently emerged in the rumor mill in the midst of reports that different clubs asked about his availability since the low season of 2024. He said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but does not know what he would do if he was asked to refrain from his clause without movement. GM Kyle Dubas said he would meet Malkin during the Olympic break to discuss his future.

The performance of Elias Pettersson can be a determining factor in the question of whether Quinn Hughes stays with the Vancouver Canucks. Hughes has left his contract for two more years, but the club will want clarity about his future in the following summer. If Pettersson can regain the shape that made him to 102-point performer in 2022-23, it can be a long way to convince Hughes to sign an extension.

Note from the Spector: a strong season of Pettersson, combined with the usual sparkle of Hughes, the Canucks could push the rankings and again in the play -offs.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel Also eligible for the UFA status next summer. Boylen wonders how his contract extension would fit alongside Mitch Marner’s $ 12 million AAV.

Note from the Spector: The current AAV from Eichel is $ 10 million. He likes living and playing in Vegas and does not seem to worry too much about making a deal. The Golden Knights have a projected $ 20.375 million in CAP space for 2026-27, and receive another $ 8.8 million in CAP exemption as Alex Pietrangelo Stays on LTIR. That gives them enough space to sign Eichel.