NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and Senators blueliner Jordan Spence.
HOW WILL THE DEVILS REPLACE JACOB MARKSTROM IF THEY TRADE HIM?
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at how trading Jacob Markstrom would impact the Devils’ goaltending. Earlier this week, it was reported Devils GM Sunny Mehta is gauging the trade market for the 36-year-old netminder.
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).
Shipping out Markstrom would clear his $6 million AAV through 2027-28 from the Devils’ books, creating more cap space to sign center Nico Hischier to a contract extension. It will also leave them seeking a new starting goaltender.
Mehta could attempt to land Sergei Bobrovsky if the Florida Panthers starter goes to market on July 1. He could pursue a promising youngster such as Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings or Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps Connor Hellebuyck would be available if the Winnipeg Jets decide to rebuild after missing the playoffs this year.
Possible trade destinations for Markstrom could include the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Utah Mammoth, or the Jets if they peddle Hellebuyck.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s age (36), cap hit, and struggles last season could hurt his trade value. Nevertheless, some clubs could take the chance because of the lack of quality goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.
Bobrovsky could be an option for the Devils given Mehta’s recent ties to the Panthers. Cossa and Levi are trade possibilities, but they’ve yet to prove themselves as NHL starting goaltenders. As for Hellebuyck, he’s unlikely to be available unless he asks for a trade, and there’s no indication that’s the case.
PENGUINS WILLING TO MOVE RAKELL AND RUST
THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t itching to move Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. However, like last summer, the two veteran forwards are available.
Yohe claimed there is more interest in Rust than Rakell. The 34-year-old Rust tallied 29 goals and a career-high 65 points in 72 games this season. His age and injury history are concerns, but he’s a well-respected two-way forward.
Rust is also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which is another reason why Dubas isn’t shopping him. Nevertheless, Yohe believes he’s available for the right price.
Rakell, 33, had a slow start last season and missed time with a broken hand. However, he had a strong second half, finishing the season with 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games. It was expected he would be moved at the March trade deadline, but the Penguins didn’t receive suitable offers.
Rust ($5.25 million average annual value) and Rakell ($5 million AAV) each have two seasons left on their contracts. The former lacks no-trade protection while the latter has an eight-team no-trade list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe indicated that Dubas prefers getting young players in return for Rust or Rakell.
Veteran defenseman Kris Letang is also available, but Yohe stated that no teams have expressed interest in him yet.
NOTHING BREWING YET FOR MORGAN RIELLY
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. There were discussions between Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, and Leafs GM John Chayka, but things haven’t gone beyond that.
Koshan claimed the Maple Leafs haven’t presented the Rielly camp with any trade proposals, nor has Rielly offered up a list of preferred destinations.
Recent speculation suggested the Maple Leafs ship Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers for Darnell Nurse, but that move doesn’t make salary-cap sense for the Leafs. Nurse carries an AAV of $9.25 million while Rielly’s AAV is $7.5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance over the past two seasons could explain why there aren’t any teams calling about him. That might change as this offseason progresses and teams looking for experienced blueline depth can’t find other options through trades and free agency.
THE LATEST CANADIENS CONJECTURE
THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma looked at options for the Vancouver Canucks to acquire veteran winger Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens.
Gallagher, 34, has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million. He said he was open to a trade to Vancouver. His agent, Gerry Johansson, was permitted to speak with other teams, and he indicated that the Canucks were interested in his client.
The Canadiens aren’t expected to buy out Gallagher’s final season, preferring to move him in a cost-cutting trade to free up salary-cap space to pursue a second-line center. Kuzma pointed out that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wondered if the Canadiens might take a gamble on Canucks center Filip Chytil in return for Gallagher.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil, 26, is younger and bigger than Gallagher. The 6’3”, 209-pounder is also more affordable with a $4.437 million cap hit for next season. He would be a good option as a second-line center for the Canadiens if it weren’t for his concussion history, which is why the Habs are unlikely to take that gamble.
Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette was asked if the Canadiens could get winger Jake DeBrusk from the Canucks for Gallagher. However, he believes it would take more than Gallagher to land DeBrusk, and he sees the Canadiens focusing more on landing a center.
TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette looked at whether the Canadiens should pursue Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old center became the subject of trade rumors after his production and playing time dropped this season. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games and two postseason contests.
The Canadiens are reportedly among the teams to have called the Ducks about McTavish.
Duquette noted that the 6’1”, 219-pound McTavish is capable of scoring 20 goals per season and is only 23 years old. However, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his young career and was a healthy scratch in the postseason.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has a terrific shot and was offensively consistent during his first three seasons with the rebuilding Ducks. The decline in his play this season was due in part to missing training camp and preseason play because of contract negotiations.
However, McTavish’s skating has been cited as a concern, and a contributing factor to his poor defensive stats even before this season.
McTavish is the right age to fit within the Canadiens’ young core, and maybe a trade will help him improve his game. The concern here is he’s earning an AAV of $7 million for five more seasons. If he doesn’t improve, the Habs would have an expensive mistake on their roster, eating up valuable cap space.
SENATORS ARE GAUGING JORDAN SPENCE’S TRADE VALUE
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports three league executives claim the Senators are gauging the trade market for Jordan Spence. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.
Garrioch indicated that this doesn’t mean GM Steve Staios is trying to move Spence. However, all options are on the table with all 32 teams trying to improve their rosters. This could also be part of Staios’ negotiations with the Spence camp.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Staios could be conducting due diligence in case contract extension talks with Spence go sideways. It wouldn’t be surprising if the blueliner is back with the Senators next season.
Letang is “available”.
That’s hilarious.
Yup, he’s 39 years old with 2 more years at $6 million. Not sure if there’s a market there. I think Gallagher may be in the same boat at 36 with a year remaining at $6.5 million. Montreal had made it known he’s done but some feel he still has value. Debrusk for Gallagher, really?
Plus he tells pens if he wants to move and to where with his trade protection.
I don’t believe he’s available. But if he is available, then he would be a great pickup for a team with a young defense corps.
If he had one year left maybe. But two years? His only chance to be effective would be as bottom pair with the right partner and 2nd pp unit. Lotta money for that.
Unless the Habs can trade for Matty Beniers, I think they would be better off seeing how Oliver Kapanen performs in a 2nd full season, moving Sam Montembeault and Brendan Gallagher, and bringing in some complementary players. Habs play a high-speed game and McTavish does not fit. They are not gonna win the cup next year so might be better off taking a conservative approach and then re-evaluate closer to the trade deadline. Another year of evaluating their prospects would be wise, too. No sense trading them away prematurely without fully gauging their potential.
Montreal should just stay the course for next season and see where the youth are. This coming season is the 5th in the rebuild. Hage should play first line center in ncaa and there will be spots opening up at the end of next season.
Agree, and I think trading Hage would be a mistake this early in his career. But if they can trade for Beniers without giving up Hage…
and as for Gallagher; its not Vancouver wants to acquire the player its Montreal trying to get rid of the contract and player….it should take a very very very good sweetener like a first rounder
Montreal is starting to look like an OV, or Laurentide Light……doing what Toronto did with a balls out highspeed offense….and a cross your fingers and pray defense. The goalie looks like a keeper. But so did the Sens Meraleinen last year. Hot rookie goalies often have that next 2-3 years of finding their game as the league adjusts to them.
See how well that that style worked for the Leafs. They scored lots. And were scored lots against.
All kidding aside, I think Chytil needs to retire. Concussions are no joke and can lead to serious issues later in life like C.T.E.
I’m afraid you are correct, there were rumors though that the last injury wasn’t concussion related but only Vancouver knows. As for Gallagher, I wouldn’t take him without a sweetener
if even a broken Chytil is offered to the Habs they have to scoop him up. LITR Vegas style until the end of the season. he has speed and a good motor.
I do doubt he plays much longer and he shouldnt
Heh. Yeah. He’s been with the Penguins full time since 2007-08 – 2 less than Sid and 1 less than Malkin – but unlike those two there’s no talk whatsoever of him retiring “a Penguin for life.”
Another summer of trade speculation of players before joining The Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association.
Would Matty Beniers cost the Habs more in a trade than McTavish? I think he should seriously be looked at and with Pascal Vincent as the new coach, he knows the Habs in the system like the back of his hand who could crack their lineup.
I mentioned Chytil last week, he has only this coming season on his contract, cap is $2m less than Gallagher. If he isn’t able to play, LTIR for the year with cap relief.
Beniers would definitely cost more.!! Come on.
How about Zharovsky, Kapanen, Reinbacher, and a 1st for Beniers? Maybe Montour is included and more players go in either direction.
Come on Everyday. Yes, it is much easier to pan trade proposals than to make them, but you want to trade two top prospects and and a first for Beniers?
This is a greater haul than the trade that almost went through for Knies.
Let’s get serious.
It’s no secret that Seattle almost has to add a top-tier game-breaking-type goal scorer, and yes, to acquire that level of talent, you do have to relinquish quality in return. That’s primarily why his name pops up frequently. But none of those names fill that bill.
They don’t need or want prospects/maybes – they would want a goal scorer in return. That’s much the same as Ottawa only dealing a Pinto or a Cozens for that type of winger.
Over 331 games played he has 82-game averages of 20g 28a 48pts, and just finished a season of 20g 30a 5o pts – without the benefit of a game-breaking goal scorer on either wing.
Indeed, the best goal scorers on the team were Bobby McMann, who compiled his 29 goals whiOver 331 games played he has 82-game averages of 20g 28a 48pts, and just finished a season of 20g 30a 5o pts – without the benefit of a game-breaking goal scorer on either wing.
laying for Toronto and Seattle, and soon to be 37y/o RW Jordan Eberle, who had 26.
You’re right on here George, contending teams look to add a known or proven type, not mystery boxes which LJ are exactly what prospects are unfortunately… its like the saying goes, a bird in hand, is worth two in the bush.
Teams don’t trade for something that doesn’t fulfill their own needs first. In the case of Seattle, as George pointed out, they need a goal scorer. By saying Beniers is for the taking, is saying we want someone good right now, proven to be a scorer. Whether or not they achieve that or not, using him or not, will be one of the many stories this offseason to keep an eye on.
LOL. That second para above should read “Indeed, the best goal scorers on the team were Bobby McMann, who compiled his 29 goals while playing for Toronto and Seattle, and soon to be 37y/o RW Jordan Eberle, who had 26. Over 331 games played … “
Somehow got screwed up when I was correcting something … which Linux is prone to do if you hit the cracks between the keys and call up some hidden DOS command.
Same old story with Rust and Rakell. Maybe Pittsburgh won’t be winning a cup but like every team, you want to be competitive. If they wanted to trade those guys, why bring back Malkin? Also, still under cap floor by a little over 10m. Rust and Rakell are also 2 of only 7 current roster players signed after this season.
Perhaps.
Why would Seattle move Beniers when they need scorers in return? Who do the Habs have in return?
Vincent’s loyalty is now to Seattle, no? His loyalty is to the Kraken now.
Re above comments from others, where are the Habs in their evaluation of Kapanen, Dach and Newhook and are they better off developing one of them with their 2C?
I vascillate between Everydayboots’ thinking, and the need for the Habs to grab a legit 2C now that Hage is going to take another year in college.
The problem with Chytil is that while LTIR is an option, it means acquiring him and having him go down means passing on another trade option.
Too many questions in my head this morning …
LJ,
I don’t have any suggestions for which players to trade, as you know I usually list some.
My rationale is if the Habs are planning to pay for McTavish or Knies etc, I’d rather go for Beniers.
Beniers is their 1C but he’s a disappointment for that role. If nothing else Habs know how limiting it is to not have a real 1C, at least other areas could be built up.
As I mentioned regarding Pascal Vincent he knows the players on the Habs and in the system. As the new coach he might want a few young players he has developed and trusts.
Ok, now I understand your comment on Vincent.
Beniers would help, just not at the absurd cost Everyday suggests at 12:51.
When I said I was vacillating between a trade and his comment, I meant the one about not making a rash move and possibly sticking with what the Habs have for another year.
I agree Knies is not a trade I would now make, nor would I be interested in McTavish as we have previously discussed.
That’s fair, LJ. Next time a young top 2C or low end 1C, who is fast, strong defensively, with high playmaking skills, and is signed long-term to reasonable contract gets traded, then we can all appreciate what the market and going rate is.
Spot on Everyday. We’ll see what the market brings.
And lest you think my near cardiac event at your trade proposal for Beniers was an overreaction, here is a prospect ranking of those not yet in the NHL (excluding this year’s draft class):
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/scouts-analysis-the-top-32-prospects-not-yet-in-the-nhl/
Note Zharovski is now #1, given that Hagen’s is playing for the Bs. While we know the Habs were willing to part with him for Knies, I am flabbergasted that he is rated above Hage (albeit just).
Rust is the easier player for the Penguins to move as he does not have trade protection. Why he has not been traded is other teams not meeting the Penguins’ needs. The Penguins will listen if a return is a scoring point-per-game winger and/or first or second pairing right defense that can outplay Letang and Karlsson.
What? Rust isn’t even a ppg player? Maybe you meant a young player who if surpasses his expected ceiling becomes that … but again… what?
LJ
What is your fascination with Hage?
Yes, he had a good year in the NCAA and at the WJC.
Keep in mind he is 20 and at the WJC he scored 1 more point than McKenna who had just turned 18 a couple weeks previous.
Zharovsky just got KHL Rookie of the Year. A professional league.
That may be why Zharovsky is rated slightly higher than Hage.
Yes, Hage is an excellent prospect, however, if they can get a young, proven NHL talent for a guy that’s likely 2 years away they should pull the trigger.
Bobrovsky played 8 more games than Markstrom last season and had numbers similarly as bad. Even if he was an upgrade, will he sign for less than 6m and 2 years? If so, would that mean Florida wasn’t willing to pay same? A week and a half to draft, will we see some trades soon?
Markström this season started bad and when he finally seemed to turn it around he got injured. But he was pretty good at the Olympics and down the stretch
Toronto. We have a trade.
https://puckpedia.com/trade/1125
Yep. Some more details
https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-acquire-joseph-woll-and-simon-benoit-from-toronto
Chayka certainly isn’t wasting time putting his mark on the organization. But although he clears some $4.9 mil in cap space, both Ersson and Andrae are RFAs coming off cap hits of $1,450,000 and $903,333 respectively. Their new deals will eat heavily into that.
Slick62, not only the question as to whether we’ll see trades soon, will any of them involve the names mentioned in Lyle’s blurb above and, if so, who goes first? These are – in order of oldest to youngest
Letang – RD Pittsburgh – $6 mil per 2 more years – turns 40 next April – NMC/MNTC
Markstrom – G New Jersey – $6 mil per 2 more years – turns 37 next January – MNTC
Gallagher – RW Montreal – $6.5 mil 1 more year – just turned 34 – NMC/MNTC
Rust – RW Pittsburgh – $5,125,000 per 2 more years – just turned 34 – no restrictions
Rakell – C/RW Pittsburgh – $5 mil per 2 more years – just turned 33 – MNTC
Rielly – LD Toronto – $7.5 mil per 4 more years – turned 32 in March – NMC
Nurse – LD Edmonton – $9.2 mil per 4 more years – turns 32 in February – NMC
DeBrusk – LW Vancouver – $5.5 mil per 5 more years – turns 30 in October – NMC
Chytil – C Vancouver – $4,437,500 per 1 year – turns 27 in September – no restrictions
Spence – RD Ottawa – $1.5 mil and an RFA with arb. – turned 25 in February – no restrictions
McTavish – C Anaheim – $ 7 mil per 5 more years – turns 24 in January – no restrictions
Ah but your forgetting the piece that Bobrovsky has a poor year then wins a Vézina the next. It’s just playing the waiting game, this year he was bad, next year Vézina winner.
You heard it here first.!! Gally isn’t getting the Habs anything but a salary retention and a 6th round pick.!!
Lyle you’re a big Habs fan, can anyone else tell.?
I read your stuff as soon as it comes out.. keep up the great work Buddy.!
Go Leafs Go lol
Stu Cowan. Thinking Gallagher could be traded for DeBrusk. Is dam right laughable
Read it again, Mrbruin4. Cowan was asked if he thought the Canadiens could get DeBrusk for Gallagher. He replied that it would take more than Gallagher to get him.
That’s a poor trade by the Leafs. Woll is the best player in this deal by far.
These are the deals you have to make when you or your predecessors have mismanaged the Cap
I agree … but not by a huge margin Shoreorrpark.
Woll 6’3″ 212lbs turns 28 in July – 39gp 3.31 gaa 0.899 save%
Ersson 6’3″ 195lbs turns 27 in October – 33gp 3,12 gaa 0.870 save %
The hidden gem could be Andrae.
Also George the Leafs were going in this season with 3 goalies that needed to clear waivers and which ever they were going to send through them would have been lost. So far I’ve seen Andrae is small but plays big and helps the team when on the ice far more than hurts it. It looks like a purely analytical type move.
Like I mentioned, the trade seems to have some benefit to both teams. Hard to call a winner or loser at this point…only if there was a Philly freak on here to shed some insight on both players from Philly…Ron come out from under your bridge, please.
Andrae, a LD, was a 54th overall pick – Round 2 – in 2020 and this past season had 2g 11a 13 pts in 61gp.
He certainly isn’t big at 5′ 9″ but weighs a solid 195lbs…so built like a fire hydrant.
The Flyers now have a good goalie rotation…the Leafs get an interesting 3rd pairing D so basically, it’s a swap of one bad goalie for a good one, one bad D for a good one.
This is a cap move and for some reason an upgrade on the third pairing for the Leafs. Over all, good trade for both teams that eventually might move the needle for both teams. It’s a solid 5/10 trade. People who don’t follow either team might not see the value in a trade like this. It’s funny how anyone can call a win for anyone in this trade. Personally, I’d like to know more why Andre was the target.
Flyers fan here, hopefully this deal puts to rest any talk of the Flyers trading for Nurse. GM Briere prefers size on the back end, and Benoit addresses that.
Add in the fact that the Flyers have four D-men in the minors (Bonk, McDonald, Murchinson and Jiricek) who will be competing for a roster spot this coming season, leaves no reason to pursue Nurse.
I’ve never been a fan of Andrae, imo he’s a marginal NHLer at best.
Haven’t seen enough of Woll to have any kind of informed opinion.
Thanks Fly Guy. I think Benoit is a 3rd pair physical, sort of stay at home Dman who can kill penalties, block shots, and have the occasional brain fart. He’s a guy you can put in and out of the line up but in small stints he’s a good place holder. I liked the way he played physical…good hits takes no crap.
Woll on the other hand, is great when not injured but that might of only been a phase during his development. He can steal games, can hold the fort more often than not and seems immune to pressure. Probably challenge for the starter role.
Ron, not sure how much the cap will enter into the deal.
The combined cap hit of Woll and Benoit is $5,016,667. Ersson and Andrae are RFAs coming off cap hits of $1,450,000 (Ersson) and $903,333 (Andrae). So the immediate difference – in Toronto’s benefit – is $2,663,334.
But what will Ersson and Andrae get each in their new deals? If Ersson goes up marginally to, say, $2,000,000 and Andrae gets a boost to to, say, $1.5 mil. the saving to the Leafs is $1,516,667. Not bad … but not a whole lot either.
George you’re assuming they offer a QO to either. The problem is we don’t know what Toronto thinks of either guy they got plus that 3rd also could be in play if they use their own 3rd in an offer sheet, which I think they might do.
But honestly, even if the Leafs do end up with a bit of extra cap space, they just waste it on some overpriced UFA.
Shoreorrpark
I have to agree with you.
The Leafs already have too many goalies. Let’s trade for another one.
Leafs already have plenty of “tweener” LHD…let’s trade for another, smaller one. Villeneuve, Thrun, and Rifai could take Benoit’s spot. Actually, Benoit may be worth a 3rd rounder on his own.
Daryl, as Ron points out … Woll, Stolarz and Hildeby wouldn’t all be kept up with the Leafs and not one would likely clear waivers if they tried to park him with the Marlies. None of them have options left. Even then, if Stolarz is likely the # 1 with Ersson his back-up, they could still lose Hildeby to waivers.
As for Andrae, his strongest points are his puck-moving skills and strong possession abilities, both in tight situations and moving into the offensive zone. You’ll notice a diference between what h e contributes and what you got from Benoit.
In fact, it would not surprise me to see Hildeby as the next to go somewhere in a deal – or maybe even Stolarz instead depending upon the return.
SC is done, NHL draft is happening soon, so what’s happening in Montreal?
Zharovsky flew into town and he’s on the ice training with Demidov.
Yesterday under Paul Byron.
Today under Adam Nicholas
For Hab fans not in the city
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxlpMTFUb8U
Showcasing him to the Kraken?
Cheeky boy!
Ron Moore,
Just continuing what they did all last summer, a lot of Habs live in the city and 10-15 were on the ice regularly together.
Zharovsky came over as soon as the KHL season ended and will be in Montreal through July including development camp.
Adam Nicholas and the video team work with them.
I think the Woll trade for 2 RFAs is all about the cap-space as Chayka is non-committal about qualifying these guys. A late 3rd round pick? OK, and possibly fodder to move up in the second round or to use in a trade for a prospect who is behind a logjam in another organization.
Most likely, this is about the extra cap-space to use on a UFA or a trade for a guy with a large contract.
Ron mentioned something like that as well … interesting slant doktor dave. But could they not get the same cap benefit by trying to flip them in other deals for whatever picks they could get in return? Can’t have too many of those.