NHL Rumor Mill – May 12, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest on the Avalanche and Senators, plus an update on Matthew Knies’s status as a trade candidate.
THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak recently looked at the offseason decisions facing the Colorado Avalanche with the salary cap for next season set at $104 million.
The good news is that most of their core players are under contract for next season. They have 17 active roster players signed through 2026-27. The bad news is they have less than $3 million in salary cap space, with four players eligible to become unrestricted free agents (including Brent Burns and Brent Kulak) and two players (including Jack Drury) becoming restricted free agents.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images)
Masisak wondered what kind of megadeal Cale Makar will get to re-sign with the Avalanche. The 27-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from UFA status. He can sign an extension as early as July 1, which would go into effect next July.
Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov set a new standard with his contract extension that will pay him $17 million annually starting on July 1. Makar or Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes could exceed that on their next contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum individual salary for next season is $20.8 million. It wouldn’t be shocking if Makar (and Hughes) end up earning $20 million annually on their next contracts, either with their current clubs or elsewhere next summer as UFAs.
Masisak believes if the 42-year-old Burns wants to return, it’ll have to be on another one-year, $1 million contract. Kulak will have to accept a cap hit lower than his current $2.75 million to stay with the Avalanche after this season. Meanwhile, Drury has become a solid No. 4 center for the Avs. He has arbitration rights this summer, but he didn’t have great numbers this year. If the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, Drury is the type of player who would be in demand in the trade market.
Ross Colton could become a trade candidate if the Avalanche needs to shed some salary to re-sign other players. He’s struggled offensively the past two seasons and began this postseason as a healthy scratch. Colton has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton is the most obvious trade candidate, but his 12-team no-trade list gives him some measure of control over where he could go.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently compiled a “to-do list” for Senators general manager Steve Staios.
Topping the list is the Senators’ need for a 30-goal right winger with speed on center Tim Stutzle’s line. According to Garrioch, league sources claim St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou is available, but the asking price could be a high-end player, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou also has a full no-trade clause and could be unwilling to waive it. If he is open to a trade, it might not be to the Senators.
Garrioch also mentioned that there’s talk that the Seattle Kraken might move winger Jared McCann, but his production has declined.
The Senators also hope to add a big defenseman who can play big minutes. They could attempt to address that issue from within with promising blueliner Carter Yakemchuk. He doesn’t see them winning a bidding war for Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman hits the open market on July 1.
Garrioch indicated the Senators kicked tires on Blues rearguard Colton Parayko, who refused to waive his no-movement clause to go to the Buffalo Sabres. With the Blues in rebuild mode, Garrioch wondered if he might be open to a trade this summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parayko has a full no-trade, not a full no-move clause. Regardless, he seemed determined to stay in St. Louis. The Blues are retooling more than rebuilding and could rebound next season. If he is willing to accept a trade, there’s no certainty he’ll join the Senators, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
The Senators reportedly pushed hard to acquire Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, but couldn’t get it done before the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen’s solid play with the Flyers this season could ensure he stays with them for at least the final season of his current contract.
Garrioch believes the Senators must also find a reliable backup for starter Linus Ullmark. He suggested keeping an eye on pending UFA goalie Stuart Skinner, who isn’t expected to be back with the Pittsburgh Penguins next summer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner will likely want to sign with a club where he’ll have the chance to be the starting goalie. He won’t get that opportunity in Ottawa with Ullmark already filling that role.
AN UPDATE ON MATTHEW KNIES
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox was asked about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Matthew Knies with John Chayka as their general manager.
Knies has been the subject of trade speculation since the March deadline, but he doesn’t seem like he wants out of Toronto. Meanwhile, Chayka doesn’t sound like he’s keen to move Knies, having had his eye on the power forward since his days with the Junior Coyotes.
Chayka told Fox that he considers Knies to be a “really unique player”, adding that it would be hard-pressed to do better than Knies if you’re trying to improve the team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The change in Leafs management makes it less likely that Knies will be available in this summer’s trade market. One can’t rule out the possibility that they get an irresistible offer, but it appears that Chayka sees him as a key part of the Leafs’ lineup.
But Skinner might accept less than $3M AAV, which is probably acceptable to be a 1B goalie and be on a good team, rather than be a #1goalie on a bad team. I also think he would accept the same role in FLA, if they move away from Bob.
Or Johnny, money talks and BS walks…real athletes believe in themselves more than casual outside viewers like us fans. Taking more money and a bigger more prominent role is what warriors want, I’m sorry but most of these types of alpha players least want is a backup or diminished role.
Is this your projection? Something, that if you were in his position do? I know I wouldn’t unless it was that option or nothing.
Since Ullmark tops at 50 games its 30-35 games for Skinner and he might take that option. I wouldnt trust him to be 1A in Florida though
Neither would I
Florida has a big decision to make in net.
Bob is a UFA and wants term, but he wasn’t very good last year. Team wasn’t either.
Tarasov is also a UFA, and with the goalie market as tight as it is, he could get a very good raise. He was better than Bob behind the same team.
He is the right age for a tender uptick in performance, which is why I thought Vladar might break out a bit last year.
If I was the Oil, or many of the other teams in need of a tender, I would kick the tires on Tarasov if he makes it to UFA.
But guessing Florida gets it done, can’t see them exposing themselves like that.
I agree, Kent.
In 3 full seasons with Buffalo. Ullmark averaged 30gp. After moving over to Boston for 2 seasons that increased to 45, and over another 2 seasons in Ottawa it’s up one to 46gp.
So, if Skinner would accept, say, a 3-year $3 mil per offer from Ottawa, he’d likely get around 35/36 games for each of those years b/o a solid D to take him to 30 y/o, at which point he’d become a UFA again. And if he put up solid numbers over that span he could parlay that into a decent contract somewhere – if not Ottawa.
If the Leafs are “retooling” as opposed to “rebuilding” then they need to keep Knies as an important piece.
If a “rebuild” is the plan then they should move him for as many quality assets as they can.
Every team “retools” in the offseason, right? Some cut deeper but all teams rejig their roster. If the Leafs do decide to put 72 in blue, it will give the Leafs a second tier of young talented core under the age of 23 with Knies, Cowan, and McKenna and the “old” guard with Nylander and Matthews anchoring that.
Who knows, maybe one or both of them could be traded which one could argue a valid move but you can’t pretend to know that trading away star players isn’t going to make your team worse if and when you do. We have more than enough proof of that being the case.
I gotta disagree there, Ron.
Regardless of which path they ultimately take, Knies is the sort of player you DON’T let get away for “maybes.” And if it turns out to becoming a re-build, he’s one of the key elements of that, and if by not dealing him the re-build takes a bit longer – so be it.
News flash: Kings and Oiers vying for Bruce Cassidy!
AND: Blue Jackets Sign Charlie Coyle To Six-Year, $36M Extension
So, Coyle plays at age 40????
I like Coyle, solid 3C and character guy. But ya that contract won’t age well.
But players are playing longer and staying productive.
Seems to be a pretty significant improvement in that regard of late.
If Cassidy wants to win another cup, Edmonton would seem like a better place to accomplish that goal.
Doesn’t age well. Why? He just turned 34 on May 2. I think a 6-year contract is right and I can guarantee he would have gotten more if he went on the market. Quality man and great in the locker room. Congrats Charlie glad to have you
Fred, the reason the contract won’t age well is because of age.
Ovi and Sid are outliers. It’s no coincidence that teams like the Sabres, Ducks and Habs are giving teams a bad time: speed via youth. Colorado is the exception in teams still remaining in the playoffs.
And not to be unkind, but the reason Coyle got such a contract is because of the difficulty they have in attracting players to Columbus.
One reason only Fred, he will be 40 at the end of it. So last 3 years or so of it, performance will likely decline.
It’s what always happens, to varying degrees.
Agree there Ray – look at Bobrovsky’s past 3 seasons ages 35, 36, 37
2.17gaa 0.915 save %
2.44gaa 0.906 save %
3.07gaa 0.877 save %
If he’s re-upped – or signs elsewhere – does anyone think he’ll reverse that trend at age 38, 39, 40?
I haven’t seen the details yet, but if Coyle’s contract is structured something like $7M + $7M + $7M + $6M + $5M + $4M, with or without signing bonuses, and little to no trade clauses in the last three years especially, it’s not too bad of a contract.
Ya George, father time is undefeated.
Crosby and Ovie stayed productive, but both are not what they were in their prime or even early/mid 30’s.
Even Crosby who while still a very good player, top 5, 6 or 7 C in the league, he was the best player in the entire NHL in his prime.
And that guy is as talented, dedicated and driven as they come.
Not saying Coyle isn’t a dedicated player, by all accounts he is, he is just starting from a lower level.
Injuries start to take a toll more often and become more difficult to recover from as you age, we all know that from personal experience.
Having said al that, I get why Columbus did it. Cost of doing business these days.
No Offense guys but I didn’t just fall of the turnup
truck. You mean to tell me that players lose some of their ability to play as they age? Shazam I guess you learn something everyday. The one comment about how hard it is to get players to come to Columbus and Charlie resigning for a 750,000 a year raise doesn’t make much sense does it. That is a slap in the face of all CBJ fans. Their attendance is pretty well up there and they have only made to playoff 6 times and only made past the 1st round once. In their 25 years they have has exactly Zero,Nadda number 1 over all picks. Except for Rick Nash and that was a trade. Never was spoon fed a team witch is the case now . No the Jacket and the wild got to split the craps when they came in . Everyone loves a winner case in point the Blackhawks winning we go losing we don’t .
Hoo ya. Father Time. First … the legs … learned that the hard way!
Fred, no offense taken. My comment on the age factor would have been the same if the player in question was, say, a Vancouver Canuck … a team that, incidentally, hasn’t had a 1st overall pick in 56 years!
They are joined in 0 – nada 1st overalls in their history by Calgary (54 years), Anaheim (33 years), Carolina (including their stint as the Hartford Whalers) – some 47 years, Nashville (28 years), Minnesota Wild (26 years).
Recent teams like Vegas and Seattle also have yet to see their 1st overall.
Sounding just a wee bit defensive, Fred. The fact that Columbus has dedicated fans has nothing to do with its appeal to UFAs.
It’s a small city market, and joins Winnipeg as a place that has difficulty attracting top flight talent. Except for the last half of this year you could add Buffalo to that list.
Show me I’m wrong: Aside from the sadly departed Gaudreau, name a top flight UFA who has signed in Columbus this decade. Did you consider that might be the reason for extending a current player until he is 40?
Understood George Here is Columbus we also had the Doug McClean factor. And with the 5th pick in the draft the Columbus Blue Jackets select
Gilbert Brule. As we sit in shock think that is that the name Kopitar says his name now?? It’s been a difficult 25 years. Have I been upset I sure have but I have never missed a home game. Holy crap I never missed a game of the Columbus seals either and they went a cool 2 years and 146 games
25-117-4-0-0
Who is spoon feeding Fred to witches?
None of Garioch’s thoughts make much sense, except the Ristolainen move. Locked on Sens podcasters spit ball a move for Lafreniere. They suggested trading Greig as the cornerstone. A lot of mixed reviews from the fans, most hate it. I love Greig’s game and he’s got a great contract, but you have to give to get. Lafreniere has had very underwhelming numbers, and has been poor defensively, and although he’s not the fastest skater, he could theoretically keep up.
Ranger fans, would you trade Lafreniere for Grieg, Hensler and a third?
I wouldn’t Owen.
Lafreniere is on his way to becoming a 1st overall who had what can best be described as OK NHL careers but not in the “great” category established by the likes of Lemieux. Others who come to mind like Lafreniere include Gary Monahan and Mel Bridgeman. Taylor Hall is another – although he’s certainly having a resurgence in these playoffs.
In the end I just don’t think the difference in seasonal production between Lafreniere and Greig would be worth giving up a versatile F like Greig who is equally adept at C or wing.
Drury is playing very well for the Avalanche and example was his part in that go ahead goal by kelly last night; however, he has been outstanding all over the place as far as I can tell! Hope they keep him. Colton finally found the back of the net last night; timely goal. He hasn’t played all that well this year. I think bednar scratching him a couple of times worked well. He needs to keep it up. Sometimes, I ‘d rather have kiviranta in there as opposed to colton. Kivi plays good defense and you can trust him. Played well last night but sometimes he has trouble scoring. He does everything else well. Good hockey player. The Avalanche need to close this out on Wednesday. Bring the same effort as in game 4.
I tend to agree with you George. Greig also knows how to get under the skin and draws a ton of penalties and plays with an edge.
Like I said, many Sens fans were against the trade, but the podcasters are throwing theoreticals out there with the idea being Staois needs to find someone who can play with Stutzle. Stutzle should be close or over a 100pt player with the right winger. Unfortunately Zetterlund just hasn’t been that solution.
I agree George. Laf will never have a career like super Mario. Are we judging simply by draft position? Owen. Adding Hensler to deal plus a 3rd rd pick doesn’t get you Laf. He’s already a top 6 winger who never misses games. Seasonal production gap is pretty big. Will get bigger with Panarin (Trochek?) gone and his pp time increases. Greig? Will he ever be more than a 3C? He’s only 10 months younger than Laf
Slick62, here’s what the Web has to say in consensus about Lafreniere’s pace of NHL production compared to his stellar Major Junior career. Is this how you’ve viewed it to date pretty much?
“The primary difference between Alexis Lafrenière’s stellar QMJHL production (112 points in 52 games in his draft year) and his early NHL career was the inability to translate his “dominant puck-possession” playstyle to a high-paced, elite level, forcing him to adapt into a more methodical, responsible 200-foot forward rather than an elite offensive driver.
While he has recently developed into a top-six impact player with the New York Rangers, the initial gap was defined by several factors:
• Pace of Play: Scouting analysis highlighted that while his game excelled in the QMJHL, which features lower-paced, soft-pressure defensive structures, the NHL’s high-paced environment required him to adjust his game to be more effective, according to a report in The Hockey News.
• Role and Opportunity: Early in his career, Lafrenière did not receive the top-line minutes or top-unit power-play time (PP1) that many first-overall picks receive, partly due to the depth of the Rangers (playing behind Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider).
• From “Driver” to “Support”: In Juniors, he was the primary offensive driver. In the NHL, he had to adapt to being a supporting player, focusing on grinding out games in the dirty areas (the “blue paint”) and improving his board work rather than relying on coast-to-coast dominance.
• Development and Linemates: Critics often pointed to his lack of explosive skating (an “average” NHL skater) compared to other top-tier prospects like Jack Hughes or Connor McDavid.
By 2024–2025, Lafrenière began to turn his game around, shifting from a “disappointment” to a key contributor, albeit with a different, more physical style than the pure playmaker he was in Juniors.”
Colton might be a Dubas type trade. Take on salary with an asset. See how he fits on the 4th line. Hold salary and move at the deadline if pens are out.