NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026
A list of RFA players ineligible for offer sheets, an update on the Predators’ search for a new general manager, and the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LIST OF RFAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE OFFER SHEETS THIS SUMMER.
PUCKPEDIA: recently released their list of Group 2 restricted free agents classified as 10.2(C) players, making them ineligible for offer sheets or arbitration rights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article linked above explains the criteria players must meet to avoid becoming 10.2(C) RFAs.
Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).
The notable players this year include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Nikita Grebenkin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m linking to this because a few readers have mentioned Gauthier, Nikishin, and Graf as potential offer sheet targets.
There are two ways these players change teams this summer. One is if their respective teams don’t qualify their rights, and they become unrestricted free agents. The other is trading them. I don’t foresee either situation occurring for Gauthier, Nikishin, Graf, and Grebenkin.
PREDATORS
THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently reported on the Nashville Predators’ search for a new general manager to replace Barry Trotz, who intends to step down as soon as his replacement is found.
The Predators sought permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak with assistant general manager Brandon Pridham. Former Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has also been linked to the Predators.
Florida Panthers assistant general manager Brett Peterson and Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott are believed to be on the Predators’ search list. Former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has also been mentioned as a candidate.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Predators could be about to begin in-person interviews with the candidates. He believes that Peterson and Scott are among them, along with Dallas Stars assistant general manager Scott White and possibly former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka.
Friedman believes Predators current assistant GM Jeff Kealty could be in the mix. He also thinks they reached out to player agent Matt Kater. Friedman brought up Tom Fitzgerald, given the uncertainty about the New Jersey Devils general manager this season.
CANUCKS
TSN: Darren Dreger addressed recent rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could make a management shakeup, saying that Patrik Allvin has no intention of leaving as general manager. Dreger said Allvin remains “highly regarded” as GM of the team.
Allvin hasnt been a disaster, but the team is worse than when he came and he has been there 4 years with mediocre to bad results. Time for a change
Mind boggling how Rutherford and Alvin are still employed.
Am I the only one that is shocked when you see John Chayka’s name associated with any GM hockey job. I don’t know a ton about the guy, but the little that I do, he just seems like someone I would distance my from.
Chiarelli is the name that gave me a WTF moment. The guy who traded away both Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall. What say you Oiler fans?
Whoever signed Pettersson to 11 and change caused the disaster. I think Quinn was gone regardless unless they had won the cup. Quit banging your head with Demko .Retire Rutherford
Ironic their odds of June draft slot is greatest at the third hole . They will be forced to draft a defence-man and be in a similar position this time next year
I think Alvin rating is a D-
For the GM job I would beat the bushes for Asst. GM in the best organizations. Learning from guys like Jim Nill can t be bad.Somewhere out there guys like Lou Lamoriello probably think they can still do the job. Is Stevie Y in trouble if RW Don t make the playoffs?
GM’s, like coaches, seem to be on a merry-go-round; once you are in the club you’ll likely serve in the administration of several teams. Being in the fraternity probably makes a big trust difference as you make deals with your fellow frat boys over the years and establish and follow the conventional way of doing things. In truth, there is a lot of pressure towards the mean in that everyone has to keep there building full in a sport where gate matters more than TV and there isn’t much revenue sharing. Still, one wonders….is there a way to break the mold and do something different, and what might that look like?