NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026
Will the Wild soon get clarity about Quinn Hughes’ plans? Which areas must the Maple Leafs improve this summer? What’s the latest on the Panthers and Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST WILD SPECULATION
SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes the Minnesota Wild need clarity from Quinn Hughes about his plans as soon as possible.
The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can sign a contract extension with the Wild on July 1, and he’s indicated that he’s open to that option, but he’s also comfortable with starting next season without one.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).
If there is no commitment from Hughes on an extension, Amato believes Wild general manager Bill Guerin will have little choice but to shop the former Norris Trophy winner. His trade value would be higher this summer than it would be as a rental player next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that Hughes would one day like to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. However, he sounded like he really enjoyed playing with the Wild this season and seems genuinely interested in discussing an extension with Guerin.
However, the cost of re-signing Hughes is what’s going to be the determining factor for the Wild. They’ve already invested a league-leading average annual value of $17 million for eight seasons in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. As one of the NHL’s elite defensemen, Hughes would be justified in seeking a similar AAV.
The Wild have a projected $48.4 million in cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season of Hughes’ next contract. Nevertheless, some of that cap room will be whittled down by the cost of re-signing or replacing key players between now and then, which could make it difficult to meet whatever Hughes’ asking price might be.
TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports Filip Gustavsson still sees himself as part of the Wild’s goalie tandem with Jesper Wallstedt next season.
Gustavsson went from being the Wild’s starting goalie during the regular season to backing up Wallstedt during the playoffs. His five-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.8 million begins on July 1.
Following the Olympic break, Gustavsson struggled down the stretch, prompting head coach John Hynes to give Wallstedt the nod during the postseason. Gutavsson said he had no problem with that, admitting that his game wasn’t where he wanted it to be after the Olympics.
Wallstedt was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. Gustavsson acknowledged that his name might surface in the offseason rumor mill, but he’s unconcerned about that possibility.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin could peddle Gustavsson to free up cap space to make additions elsewhere for next season, and to create room for a long-term extension for Quinn Hughes. However, he has a full no-movement clause for this season and for the next two years on his new deal, giving him complete control over that potential situation.
A PROPOSED OFFSEASON SHOPPING LIST FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS
SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne recently looked at what should be on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason shopping list.
Bourne believes the Maple Leafs must shore up their depth at center. It’s rumored that Vincent Trocheck could be among the players on their list of trade targets. The 33-year-old New York Rangers center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.275 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether the Leafs could meet the Rangers’ high asking price, and if Trocheck is willing to play for a Canadian team in the Eastern Conference. He’s stated that he prefers to play for a team on or near the East Coast of the United States.
Bourne doesn’t see the Maple Leafs trading winger Matthew Knies even if they draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first-overall pick next month. Moving out the 23-year-old wouldn’t fit with their plans to bounce back next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Chayka, the Leafs new GM, has already spoken highly of Knies, sounding as though he intends to retain the young power forward.
Most observers believe Morgan Rielly needs a fresh start elsewhere, and it’s rumored that he agrees with that assessment. If he is moved out, the Leafs will need two new defensemen. Bourne isn’t averse to them signing Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner becomes available in this summer’s free-agent market. However, they’d have to pursue another via trade, given the lack of depth in the UFA market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Raddysh would be a big gamble for the Leafs or any other NHL club. The 30-year-old’s previous career-high was 37 points in 73 games in 2024-25 before his 70-point campaign this season. Investing big money in him could come back to haunt his new club if he reverts to his 30-point form.
When it comes to the Leafs’ next head coach, Bourne prefers someone with NHL experience, but not a lengthy resume. He suggested former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern, and Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra, who has NHL assistant coaching experience.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is among Luke Fox’s seven suggested candidates for the Leafs’ coaching job. His list also included former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Minnesota Wild assistant coach (and former New York Islanders head coach) Jack Capuano, David Carle of the NCAA’s Denver Pioneers, Ottawa Senators assistant coach (and former NHL head coach) Mike Yeo, Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, and New York Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco.
WHO’S AVAILABLE FOR THE PANTHERS IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN BOBROVSKY?
FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently looked at potential trade and free-agent options for the Panthers if long-time starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.
The pickings are slim in the UFA market, where the best option besides Bobrovsky is Stuart Skinner. He backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, but his inconsistency led to his midseason trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Connor Hellebucyk could be available, given his recent comments about his unhappiness with the Winnipeg Jets’ direction. He could demand a trade, but with four years left on his contract, it might not force the Jets’ hand. Acquiring him could be expensive.
Another option could be Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility, carries a 10-team no-trade list, and would be more affordable to acquire than Hellebuyck.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most obvious option for the Panthers is re-signing the 37-year-old Bobrovsky, but inking him to a long-term deal at this stage of his career is risky, especially given the decline in his performance this season.
It’s doubtful the Panthers could outbid other teams for Hellebuyck unless Florida is the only destination he’ll accept. Despite his unhappiness over how this season ended, there’s no indication that he and the Jets are about to part ways.
Binnington would be a more affordable option, but the Blues could hang onto him for next season and listen to trade offers if they’re out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.
THE LATEST RED WINGS GOALIE SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported on the rise of promising Red Wings goaltender Michal Postava and how it might affect Sebastian Cossa’s chances of cracking the Wings roster next season.
Postava’s solid play for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids earned him the starter’s job during the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s raised questions about Cossa’s future, who will not be waiver-exempt next season.
Cossa could become an offseason trade candidate. Bultman suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be an obvious fit, but the need for goalies around the league could make the list of potential suitors a long one.
Quinn Hughes will almost certainly demand at least $15m. AAV on a new deal. That could be a problem. Having more than one player on a stratospheric cap hit, even with the increased cap, could result in the Wild becoming the new Toronto Maple Leafs. A core of highly paid and top level players without the necessary depth and structure to contend for the Cup.
Howard. Minnesota is structured pretty good for future. They have a few older ufa’s that could come back on cheaper 1 year deals. Spurgeon heading into last year of his deal and will be turning 37. His 7.57m cap hit could be off books before Hughes new deal kicks in. Guerin paid a big price to get him and knew the future financial implications. Getting equal value back if he’s forced to trade him will be difficult. Guessing NJ could be only realistic trade partner. IMO, he extends in Minnesota.
Howard, Colorado may be in a worse position than Minnesota. Cale Makar’s current contract ends at the same time as Quinn Hughs’ contract. If he signs for $20 million the Avalanche would have over $77 million committed to 8 players (6 forwards and 2 defensemen). They have an additional $18 million committed to 5 players. If the cap hits $115 million in 2027/28 they would have about $20 million for the other 10 players.
Howard,
Your argument of the Wild (and the Leafs) not having the necessary depth or structure to be considered a legitimate contender can most certainly be applied to the Oilers.
Draisatl ($14M), McDavid ($12.5M), Bouchard ($10.5M), Nurse ($9.25M) & Walman ($7.00M) accounts for over 50% of the total cap for the coming year and it was even worse in past years. Prolific free agents are most likely to avoid going to Edmonton knowing their ice time will be limited and will not allow them to attain good numbers for their next shot at free agency.
Considering the above along with the highly questionable Oiler management group competency as well as perennially sub-par goaltending, and you have a perfect storm of long term mediocrity… just like the Leafs!
And Berube couldn’t manipulate what he was given to coach under those conditions into any promising long-term success for the Leafs … and now they figure he perhaps can for the Oilers???
I saw an interesting comment/prediction on Twitter today that makes some sense.
Don’t be surprised if Bruce Cassidy becomes the Edmonton coach and figures out a way to take Adin Hill with him.
Still hoping that the Leafs snag Cassidy but saw today that Toronto talked to David Carle about the job. Wouldn’t be my first choice but then Chayka wasn’t either.
Time will tell.
BCLeaf fan, that report like many in Toronto are nothing burgers. He did turn down the Hawks and considering his current situation, money and control he’s enjoying…I don’t think he will leave.
I think Woodcroft who I don’t think many of the talking heads would make a decent choice. Like Knoblauch, a victim of horrid goalkeeping but a very good, smart coach who got the boot too soon. McD had his best season with him as coach and if it wasn’t for non league average goaltending things would have been different. Another two interesting names – and they are interesting because they house the same mantra as Chayka has repeatedly said, data and analytics based methodology alone with departmental collaborations, both Misha Donskov and Jussi Ahokas fit that bill to a T.
And just how clueless is Luke Fox? Malhotra was an assistant coach in Toronto for two or three years…he was in charge of the PP during his tenure. The PP was god awful until the Leafs replaced him with Carbery took over and eventually poached from the Leafs to become a good head coach for the Caps. Every name on his list is more lazy, I’m smarter than you writing.
Potential UFA D candidates who – if not re-upped by their current teams – are the most likely to be offered contracts include
at LD
28 y/o Mario Ferraro of San Jose who had 7g 16a 23pts in 82gp – expiring cap $3,250,000
28 y/o Logan Stanley of Buffalo who had 9g 12a 21pts in 59gp – expiring cap $1,250,000
29 y/o Jeremy Lauzon of Vegas who had 1g 12a 13pts in 68gp – expiring cap $2 mil
32 y/o Carson Soucy of NYI who had 5g 7a 12pts in 76go with NYR/NYI – expiring cap $3,250,000
at RD
29 y/o Rasmus Anderson of Vegas who had 17g 30a in 81gp w. Calgary/Vegas – expiring cap $4,550,000
20 y/o Andrew Peeke of Boston 5g 9a 14pts in 77gp – expiring cap $2,750,000
30 y/o Darren Raddysh of Tampa 22g 48a 70pts in 73gp – expiring cap $975,000
32 y/o Jacob Trouba of Anaheim 10g 25a 35pts in 81gp – expiring cap $8 mil
34 y/o Connor Murphy of Edmonton 4g 9a 13pts in 60gp – expiring cap $4.4 mil
As for Morgan Rielly needing a “fresh start elsewhere” – getting in the way of that is sure to be his NMC if, for example, a team in some stage of a re-build shows interest, as I doubt he’d be too keen on going down that road.
Where top established teams are concerned, that $7.5 mil per cap hit through to 2030, and his turning 36 in March of that final year, could give them pause for thought.
George O,Peeke is 28!
Heh/ Yeah … typo … thanks Sr. Still fairly young, though
The top stars needs to decide if they want to win or cash in, Kaprizov obviously wanted to cash in, making it hard to build a team around him, I mean why would Hughes take much less. It’s what led, in my opinion, screw up in Toronto when they signed Tavares. Matthew’s would and did point to Tavares and said, I’m better, I’m not taking less, then came Marner and to a lesser degree Nylander and it went downhill after that
Kent
Exactly!
The signing of Tavares not only upset the salary structure of the Leafs, it was money that should have been spent of a high end defenceman, not another forward. Kadri was doing a fine job at 2C on a very reasonable cap hit.
I believe the Panthers were the first NHL team to win a Cup with a player making more than $10M
Human nature being what it is … and simply knowing how difficult it is to reach the top prize in a 32-team league – I would think the mercenary instinct takes over when they see the ever-rising salaries being negotiated.
And that probably is most true where many European-born players are concerned as the majority probably would not have experienced anywhere near the same exposure while growing up to the long history of the NHL and its past “heroes.”
And it’s likely even more pronounced for Russian-born players who, compared to North Americans and Western Europeans, are relative newcomers to the reality and joys of “decadent” capitalism. 🙂
Same thing happening in Edmonton, although McDavid 💯 took a pay cut.
I think 17 mil a year is winning pretty big.
I can’t see the Leafs having the assets needed for a Trocheck trade.
They’re not using the 1st overall to acquire a 32 year old. Could they offer next years 1st acquired in the Roy trade with Colorado?
It would be poor asset management to dangle Cowan or Danford.
One player that may be expendable is Robertson. I would estimate his value at a 2nd round pick. In the right situation he’s a 20-25 goal scorer.
I would think NYR want at least a 1st round pick and two other NHL ready players.
With Knies, Cowan, and Robertson all LW and the consensus top pick a LW, somebody has to move on unless one of those player can play the off wing.
Hopefully Matthews has his conversation with management well before July 1 so the Leafs know what their plan of action looks like.
Where will Morgan Rielly land?
The Edmonton Oilers have received permission to speak with Berube. Maybe the Cheif is going home…..
Honestly that just blows me away. Berube is a likeable guy, according to everyone apparently, but his preferred style of play just doesn’t work in today’s NHL imo.
I think Florida is the perfect fit for hellebuyck.
Florida send their 1st round draft pick this year for lundell and Mikkola for Hellebuyck.
Jets can probably getting a pretty good D or they can use the pick to trade for an already established D.
Craig Button’s list of Top 10 Draft Prospects:
https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/2036483295131603382
Interesting where he has Carson Carels and Ivar Stenberg!
Maybe SJ pays attention to this.