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With less than three weeks remaining before free agency opens on July 1, the NHL rumor mill is churning at full speed. From Mitch Marner’s expected departure in Toronto to tension in Tampa Bay and uncertainty in Colorado and Vancouver, here’s a breakdown of some of the league’s most talked-about situations heading into the weekend.
Latest Maple Leafs rumors and trade talk
The biggest storyline continues to center around Mitch Marner, whose time with the Toronto Maple Leafs appears to be nearing its end. Andy Strickland reported definitively this week that Marner will not be returning to Toronto, with multiple sources indicating the 27-year-old winger is set to hit the open market.
The potential price tag he could command is shocking to many. There’s growing chatter that a team — possibly the Carolina Hurricanes — could offer Marner north of $14 million per year on a long-term deal. The Hurricanes are expected to take a “massive swing” if he becomes available July 1.
As much as the Hurricanes have been linked to this, he’s turned them down in the past, and insider Elliotte Friedman added that if Marner leaves, he expects the forward to sign with a Western Conference team. Anaheim, Vegas and Los Angeles have been connected to Marner rumors before. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are reportedly interested in Marner, but if they can’t land him — or targets like Sam Bennett or Nikolaj Ehlers — they might even explore offer sheets.
Toronto is also drawing headlines for other names. Chris Johnston mentioned that, on some level, Brad Marchand to the Leafs “makes sense,” but there’s been no confirmation of actual discussions. As for John Tavares, Friedman reports the Anaheim Ducks could emerge as a landing spot if the veteran captain and Toronto part ways.
Lightning and Isaac Howard splitting
Tampa Bay’s once-promising relationship with 2022 first-round pick Isaac Howard appears broken beyond repair. Frank Seravalli stated this week that the relationship is “over,” and there’s a strong belief Howard will be moved at or before the upcoming NHL Draft.
The Lightning do have the option of receiving a compensatory second-round pick in 2027 if they don’t sign Howard, but it would be the final pick of that round, making a trade the much more attractive option. With multiple teams reportedly interested, Tampa could use the upcoming draft to recoup value while they still can.
Avalanche offseason plans
The Colorado Avalanche may not be as eager to make a splash this offseason as some assume. Elliotte Friedman noted the Avs like how they look on paper and don’t feel forced to make moves, even with salary-cap concerns.
That hasn’t stopped speculation. Names like Martin Necas, Charlie Coyle and Samuel Girard have surfaced as potential trade pieces, but moving any of them would create significant gaps. Necas, in particular, could be on the move again after being acquired in the Mikko Rantanen deal. He’s one year away from free agency and reportedly wasn’t thrilled with his Colorado stint. If extension talks stall in July, expect his name to resurface.
Latest on Pettersson trade talk
Lastly, the Elias Pettersson situation in Vancouver remains complicated. Chris Johnston doesn’t expect a trade this summer, but Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks could move him if the return solves their center problem.
Pettersson, who had a disappointing 2024-25 season with 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games, enters a critical period. On July 1, a no-movement clause takes effect, giving the Canucks a limited window to trade him freely. Whether they wait for a bounce-back season or decide to cut bait now remains to be seen — but the next two weeks are pivotal.
More must-reads:
- Report: Mitch Marner will not return to Maple Leafs
- Hurricanes reportedly preparing seismic offer for Mitch Marner
- The 'NHL active points leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Oilers Could Land Alex Debrincat in Suggested Deadline Blockbuster With Red Wings
The Edmonton Oilers are going to be trying to make another deep playoff run next season after coming up short in the last two seasons, in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers, and are hoping their team is deep enough now to finally win their first championship with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their first franchise Stanley Cup victory since 1990. With that being said, the Oilers have shown they aren’t scared to make big moves if it means improving their team and being able to make a deep postseason run, which was evident when they acquired Jake Walman before the 2025 Trade Deadline from the San Jose Sharks, who has proved to be an incredible fit with the Oilers, and seems to be lined up for a long-term extension. If the Oilers are truly willing to spend big, they might fit a trade partner in the Detroit Red Wings, depending on how their 2025-26 season turns out. If they are in contention, they won’t sell and will look to make a strong playoff run after having missed the past several playoff campaigns, but if they are on the outside looking in, they could be willing to take advantage of increased value for some of their top players. One player who stands out as a potential trade target for the Oilers is superstar forward Alex Debrincat, who has solidified himself as a star in the NHL, and while it took him a while to get going after he departed from the Chicago Blackhawks a few seasons ago, he has found his footing again and could be someone contending teams want on their team for a playoff run. A deal like this would take a lot of moving parts, considering Debrincat has a 16-team no-trade list and has a $7,875,000 annual cap hit. He is also extended through the 2026-27 season, making him an even more valuable player, considering he wouldn’t just be a rental addition for the Oilers. Let me be clear: this idea is purely hypothetical, as there is no indication the Red Wings have even begun to consider trading Debrincat. They want to contend and will keep him around so he can help them do so. This idea stems purely from a “what if” standpoint, and shouldn’t be viewed as a report or a rumour. So, let’s assume Debrincat is open to a trade to the Oilers. What next? What Would a Trade Look Like? Debrincat has some connections to the Oilers already in Jeff Jackson, who currently works for the Oilers but used to be Debrincat’s agent, as well as McDavid, who used to be his teammate when they played together for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Realistically, a trade looks like the Oilers acquiring Debrincat in exchange for Mattias Ekholm, Beau Akey, their 2027 first-round pick, and their 2028 second-round pick. The Red Wings get a top prospect, two great draft picks, and a veteran defender who stabilizes their blue line and can keep their young guys in line. The Oilers bring in a superstar for their top-six forward group, and with deep defensive depth, they can afford to move on from Ekholm. They would create, arguably, the best forward lineup in recent NHL history, and likely become the favourite heading into the postseason. The Red Wings would also likely start to move out assets and bring in future pieces in hopes of retooling their lineup, and this move allows them to start doing that. If there is any world where the Red Wings consider moving Debrincat, the Oilers should be all over him, and should do whatever it takes to get a deal done. As the 2025-26 season approaches, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news from around the NHL and the hockey world. Salary cap data courtesy of PuckPedia.
Cowboys fans won't like Jerry Jones' update on Micah Parsons standoff
With the regular season approaching, the Dallas Cowboys should be aiming to extend EDGE Micah Parsons promptly. But they're still in no rush to do that. Parsons is set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2025 and has requested a trade. Dallas insists it has no plans to move the 26-year-old pass-rusher but hasn't clarified when it will extend him. Giving him a new deal before the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock) seems wise. Dallas owner Jerry Jones, however, said that's not the team's deadline, nor does it need one. "No, not at all," Jones said Wednesday, via Jonah Javad of WFAA-TV in Dallas. "You don't have deadlines when you're playing under contract." Parsons is under contract, but that doesn't mean he must suit up. The EDGE could hold out of regular-season games, like former Cowboys star running back Emmitt Smith did in 1993. The Pro Football Hall of Famer missed the first two games of the season before becoming the league's highest-paid RB at that time. Parsons hasn't said whether he would hold out of regular-season games, but it's apparent he's unhappy with where things stand. "My mouth is closed," Parsons said Wednesday while leaving the practice field in Oxnard, California, via Field Level Media. Jones didn't say if talks with Parsons would resume when the Cowboys return to Texas for their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The owner still seems confident Parsons will play on the fifth-year option if Dallas doesn't sign him before the start of the regular season. "Again, all you've got to go on are contracts," Jones said. "We are negotiating for a contract. When you do a contract, you would hope that after a negotiation, that's what both the team and player look to see what our obligations are. I have a lot of respect for the contract." Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb played the last years of their rookie contracts. Perhaps Jones wants Parsons to do the same. Still, that would be silly. Paying the four-time Pro Bowler should be a no-brainer for the Cowboys, so they should stop wasting time and show him the money.
'He's different': Vikings' J.J. McCarthy gets compared to future Hall of Famer
Before Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones shared a locker room with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Jones and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2017 through the 2022 season. Jones recently claimed that he sees some of Rodgers in McCarthy heading into what could become a franchise-altering campaign for the Vikings. "[McCarthy] is a very, very hungry and driven player, but also a leader," Jones explained, Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame shared. "He’s different. In terms of the smarts, I put him in that category with Aaron Rodgers, in terms of how smart he is and really having an understanding for the game." That's high praise considering Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl MVP who is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. That said, nobody knows what McCarthy will be as a pro after the 2024 first-round draft pick spent his first NFL season recovering from a meniscus repair. McCarthy returned to the playing field when he completed four of seven pass attempts for 30 yards in Minnesota's 20-10 preseason win over the Houston Texans on Saturday. He also tested his surgically-repaired knee when he used his legs to pick up a first down on a fourth-and-4 situation in the game's first quarter. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell could've pushed for the club to re-sign Sam Darnold after he guided Minnesota to a 14-3 record last season. O'Connell and Co. had "conversations" about possibly signing Rodgers before McCarthy received the keys to the Minnesota offense ahead of training camp. Jones seems to believe O'Connell and Co. made the right call. "He’s been amazing," Jones added about McCarthy. "I’m honestly confident in what we have here. I feel like we have everything we need, all the pieces we need here. I feel like J.J. is going to surprise a lot of people." As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Vikings seventh among the betting favorites at +1100 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. It will be interesting to see how McCarthy handles the pressure when Minnesota opens the regular season with a "Monday Night Football" matchup at the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur makes a telling comment about Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers always had a vision for Jordan Love. That's why they shocked the world by taking him in the first round, even if that meant infuriating Aaron Rodgers. Fast forward to today, and Love has proved to be up to the task of being a starter, and he's even looked like a potential star at times. That's why, despite some inconsistencies and questionable decision-making, head coach Matt LaFleur still has the utmost confidence in him. "I’d hate to put a ceiling on him because I think he can be one of the elites in this league," LaFleur told The Athletic. Love took some pages out of Rodgers' book. He's been great at making the most of free plays, and his sidearm throws are just too similar to No. 12. What he didn't get from his mentor, however, was the consistency and the ability to take care of the football. Even so, Love knows he has what it takes to be among the best of the best. "What those guys do at such a high level is just consistency with everything," Love said. "I know I’m just as good as those guys and can be even better, so I think it comes down to going out there and making those plays on Sunday." Love is currently out with an injury that will most likely keep him sidelined until Week 1. The Packers wide receiver corps has been the most decimated in the league, and with sky-high expectations for the season, all eyes will be on Love in 2025.
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