In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest trade speculation about Devils defenseman Simon Nemec and Bruins blueliner Mason Lohrei, plus some proposed backup goalie candidates for the Senators.
TRADE RUMORS PERSIST ABOUT DEVILS DEFENSEMAN SIMON NEMEC
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report from overseas, claiming Simon Nemec had requested a trade from the Devils. Nichols reported the 22-year-old defenseman’s agent was unavailable for comment.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’s been the subject of trade rumors this season, with some reports suggesting he could seek a new deal equivalent to that of fellow Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, who inked a seven-year contract last fall worth an average annual value of $9 million.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (NHL Images).
The report also claimed that the club’s new general manager, Sunny Mehta, had not reached out to the 22-year-old defenseman or his agent about a new contract. However, a source told Nichols that wasn’t the case.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols reported that the Devils had yet to comment on this situation. However, Slovak hockey insider Tomas Prokop claimed Nemec has not requested a trade. Hopefully, we’ll have more clarity on this issue soon.
Speaking of the Devils, Nichols believes they face a real threat of at least one of their restricted free agents being targeted with an offer sheet during the offseason.
Nemec, winger Arseny Gritsyuk, and forward Paul Cotter are eligible to sign offer sheets on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have $11.875 million in projected salary cap space for 2026-27 with 18 roster players under contract. Matching an expensive offer for Nemec (for example) wouldn’t leave much to fill out the rest of the roster, and would require a cost-cutting trade or two to address the issue.
Bear in mind that a player must be willing to sign an offer sheet from a rival club. If they’re not interested, the Devils have nothing to worry about. Gritsyuk and Cotter have arbitration rights. If they file by the July 5 deadline, they will be ineligible to receive an offer sheet.
Nemec is the most likely target, but it’s unlikely he’ll receive an unmatchable offer. He has plenty of potential as a puck-moving blueliner, but his defensive issues could make him a less attractive offer-sheet candidate.
WILL THE BRUINS PEDDLE MASON LOHREI THIS SUMMER?
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins should use defenseman Mason Lohrei as a trade chip to acquire more skill and speed.
The 25-year-old Lohrei is the youngest player on the Bruins roster. General manager Don Sweeney spoke highly of the puck-moving blueliner, but he was the subject of trade rumors this season. He was also a healthy scratch for the Bruins final three playoff games.
Studley believes Lohrei remains a valuable trade asset with offensive upside, who has also improved his defensive game this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei remains the Bruin most likely to be traded this summer. He could be packaged with a draft pick or a prospect if they intend to pursue a top-six forward.
BACKUP GOALIE OPTIONS FOR THE SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently examined potential backup goaltending targets for the Senators.
They included Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. They could also turn to Leevi Merilainen from their AHL affiliate in Belleville.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram might be the easier fit as a backup option. Skinner will likely want to play for a club where he’ll be the starter.
Garrioch also mentioned pending UFA Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, but his performance in this year’s playoffs could raise his value in the free-agent market. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild could be a trade option, but the asking price will be high.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could retain Andersen for another season. Wallstedt would be too costly to acquire, plus he won’t be available until the Wild knows if starter Filip Gustavsson has fully recovered from offseason hip surgery.