The New York Islanders could bring back David Rittich
Stefen Rosner: New York Islanders pending UFA goaltender David Rittich is coming off a one-year, $1 million deal. The Islanders will continue to monitor Semyon Varlamov’s rehab, but get the sense that the Islanders haven’t ruled out bringing Rittich back next season.
Who stays and who goes for the Minnesota Wild free agents
Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic: The Minnesota Wild will do all they can to get defenseman Quinn Hughes extended this offseason. That would go a long way in knowing what they have to work with cap wise beyond next season.
They’ve got around $15 million in salary cap space for next season, and eight free agents to make decisions. A look at who could be back and who could be gone.
Minnesota Wild trade tiers, and the Buffalo Sabres may need to shed salary
The Top Priorities
Michael McCarron – Lack of centers on the market would make him in demand. Would be his first big contract.
Mats Zuccarello – They could offer a one or two-year deal in the $3 million range, or do a 35-plus bonus laden contract.
One or the other – Marcus Johansson or Vladimir Tarasenko.
Price has to be right – Nick Foligno (would need to take a big discount from the $4.5 million), Zach Bogosian (missed a total of 43 games this season – do they go younger and more durable? Guerin loves him).
Thank you for your service – Jeff Petry, Robby Fabbri, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Ben Jones, Ben Gleason, Cal Petersen.
NHL Trade Board – Top 25
Chris Johnston of The Athletic: Top 25 NHL trade board heading into the offseason.
1. Vincent Trocheck – New York Rangers – C – $5.625 million AAV through 2029; 12-team no-trade list becomes 10-team in 2026-27
2. San Jose Sharks’ No. 2 pick
3. Jordan Kyrou – St. Louis Blues – W – $8.125 million AAV through 2031; no-trade clause
4. Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks – C – $7 million AAV through 2031
5. Morgan Rielly – Toronto Maple Leafs – LHD – $7.5 million AAV through 2030; no-movement clause
6. Darnell Nurse – Edmonton Oilers – LHD – $9.25 million AAV through 2030; no-movement clause
7. Simon Nemec – New Jersey Devils – RHD – Restricted free agent
8. Jordan Binnington – St. Louis Blues – G – $6 million AAV through 2027; 14-team no-trade list becomes 10-team in 2026-27
9. Adin Hill – Vegas Golden Knights – G – $6.25 million through 2031; 10-team no-trade list
10. Elias Pettersson – Vancouver Canucks – C – $11.6 million AAV through 2032; no-movement clause
The Buffalo Sabres Could Play a Big Role in the Goalie Market
11. Shane Wright – Seattle Kraken – C – $886,666 AAV through 2027
12. Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs – W – $7.75 million AAV through 2031
13. Blake Coleman – Calgary Flames – W – $4.9 million AAV through 2027; 10-team approved trade list
14. Jake DeBrusk – Vancouver Canucks – W – $5.5 million AAV through 2031; no-movement clause
15. Robert Thomas – St. Louis Blues – C – $8.125 million AAV through 2031; no-trade clause
16. Colton Parayko – St. Louis Blues – RHD – $6.5 million AAV through 2030; no-trade clause
17. Mason Lohrei – Boston Bruins – LHD – $3.2 million AAV through 2027
18. Michael Kesselring – Buffalo Sabres – RHD – Restricted free agent
19. Devon Levi – Buffalo Sabres – G – $812,5000 AAV through 2027
20. Sebastian Cossa – Detroit Red Wings – G – Restricted free agent
21. Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 4 pick
22. Ross Colton – Colorado Avalanche – W – $4 million AAV through 2027; 12-team no-trade list
23. Ryan Hartman – Minnesota Wild – C – $4 million AAV through 2027; 15-team no-trade list becomes 10-team in 2026-27
Preliminary Extension Talks with Hischier, and Columbus Looking to Move in the First Round?
24. Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Carolina Hurricanes – C – $4.82 million AAV through 2030; modified no-trade list
25. Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars – W – Restricted free agent
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