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Samuel Ersson, Philadelphia Flyers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

NHL Rumors: Capitals, Flyers, Shanahan, Maple Leafs

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 2:40 PM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Washington Capitals have extended defenseman Jakob Chychrun to a huge extension. Is this a solid deal, and does the contract hint at plans for the team’s blue line? Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to make a goaltending upgrade this summer. Is there a chance Brendan Shanahan doesn’t return to the Toronto Maple Leafs next season, and is Houston the first legitimate option for NHL expansion?

Chychrun Given Top Dollar in Washington

The Washington Capitals signed Jakob Chychrun to an eight-year, $72 million extension on Monday. The $9 million per season contract is a big investment in a player who joined the team this season but is on pace for a career year. Part of the deal might be the team positioning Chychrun to take over the top spot on the blue line from John Carlson.

Carlson is making $8 million per season and has two seasons remaining on his deal. The 35-year-old isn’t someone the Capitals will be extending on a long-term deal when his contract comes up, so they needed someone to take his spot as the highest-paid defenseman.

Flyers’ Goaltending Woes a Major Concern for Tortorella

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella isn’t mincing words when it comes to his team’s goaltending issues. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that there has been uncertainty at the position since Carter Hart’s departure last season. He believes it needs to be addressed.

This season, the Flyers have relied on a trio of young and unproven goaltenders—Samuel Ersson, Ivan Fedotov, and Aleksei Kolosov. Ersson, in his first full season as a starter, has had mixed results, while the team as a whole has posted a league-worst .873 save percentage.

Ivan Fedotov’s future with the team is also in question. Despite being under contract for another season with a $3.275 million cap hit, in 24 games, he has a 5-13-3 record, a .877 save percentage, and a 3.20 goals-against average.

Tortorella made it clear that goaltending must be fixed if the Flyers hope to compete moving forward. It’s not clear who they’ll turn to, as there aren’t a lot of options available this summer in free agency. Would they try to trade one of their current goalies for an upgrade in net?

Is Shanahan On the Hot Seat in Toronto?

Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star reported that Brendan Shanahan’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is not guaranteed. He’s in the final year of his contract, and if the Leafs don’t perform well, ownership may elect to make a change. Kypreos believes Shanahan could find a new home without much trouble if he’s not extended, and he pegs the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres as teams that would be interested in a conversation.

Questions may also surround Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake‘s future. The Kings have a good team, but if they fail to get past the first round again, the organization might have little choice but to try something else.

The Maple Leafs also signed center Luke Haymes to a two-year contract beginning in the 2025-26 season. He will join the Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the 2024-25 season on an amateur tryout.

NHL Expansion into Houston a Real Thing

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the NHL has met with The Friedkin Group, led by American billionaire Dan Friedkin, about owning an NHL franchise in Houston. Kaplan writes, “According to reports, the TFG was also considering a bid for the Boston Celtics of the NBA, which sold on Thursday for a record $6.1 billion.”

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the NHL has met with a group out of Houston “on a number of occasions about potential interest in a Houston expansion franchise.”

Atlanta is believed to be another strong candidate for potential expansion and Kevin Weekes reported last week that the NHL has enough interest that they could realistically expand to 36 teams.