The New York Islanders may consider bringing back pending UFA goaltender David Rittich, whose one-year, $1 million contract is expiring. While monitoring Semyon Varlamov’s recovery, the Islanders haven’t ruled out re-signing Rittich for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild face decisions on eight free agents with approximately $15 million in salary cap space. Their top priorities include re-signing defenseman Quinn Hughes, which would provide clarity on their cap situation beyond next season. Michael McCarron and Mats Zuccarello are also key figures. The Wild may need to choose between Marcus Johansson and Vladimir Tarasenko, and Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian would likely require significant pay cuts to return. Jeff Petry, Robby Fabbri, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Ben Jones, Ben Gleason, and Cal Petersen are likely to move on.
The Athletic has released its Top 25 NHL trade board heading into the offseason. The list features prominent players and draft picks, including Vincent Trocheck (Rangers), the San Jose Sharks’ No. 2 pick, Jordan Kyrou (Blues), Mason McTavish (Ducks), Morgan Rielly (Maple Leafs), and Darnell Nurse (Oilers).
Other notable players on the board include:
- Simon Nemec (Devils)
- Jordan Binnington (Blues)
- Adin Hill (Golden Knights)
- Elias Pettersson (Canucks)
- Shane Wright (Kraken)
- Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs)
- Blake Coleman (Flames)
- Jake DeBrusk (Canucks)
- Robert Thomas (Blues)
- Colton Parayko (Blues)
- Mason Lohrei (Bruins)
- Michael Kesselring (Sabres)
- Devon Levi (Sabres)
- Sebastian Cossa (Red Wings)
- Chicago Blackhawks’ No. 4 pick
- Ross Colton (Avalanche)
- Ryan Hartman (Wild)
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Hurricanes)
- Jason Robertson (Stars)
