NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has resurfaced in the trade market, the trade chatter about Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make sense, plus the latest on the Oilers and Canadiens.
TEAMS ARE CALLING ABOUT BOWEN BYRAM
TSN: Darren Dreger reported “multiple teams” are looking into acquiring Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.
The 25-year-old blueliner has a year remaining on his two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).
However, Dreger claimed that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, has a history of marching his clients to unrestricted free agency, which is why the Sabres are looking into trading him.
Byram posted a career-best 42 points in 82 games this season. He also had seven points in 13 playoff contests.
FRANKLY HOCKEY: Frank Seravalli reports this has nothing to do with money. He indicated that Byram likes Buffalo and the Sabres’ trajectory.
Seravalli claims Byram sees himself as a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL, and his performance in this postseason makes that case. However, he’s not going to get that opportunity with the Sabres.
BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe believes Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is listening to offers for Byram. However, he expects Kekalainen will set a high asking price for the puck-moving blueliner.
Hoppe believes Byram should fetch a top-six forward, especially if Alex Tuch departs as a free agent on July 1.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram can play left or right defense, but his strong side is on the left, and he’s not supplanting team captain (and Norris Trophy finalist) Rasmus Dahlin from that spot on the top pairing.
Kekalainen doesn’t have to rush into moving Byram, but it might be best to do so this summer while the rearguard has a year left on his contract. That’ll make him more valuable to rival clubs than he’d be as a rental player at the March trade deadline. It would also avoid questions about Byram’s future becoming an unwelcome distraction through next season.
Byram also lacks no-trade protection, giving Kekalainen plenty of potential trade options. Clearing his $6.25 million from the Sabres’ books could make it easier to re-sign or replace Tuch, and to re-sign restricted free agent winger Zach Benson.
THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION
NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes Rangers GM Chris Drury must ensure he has sufficient salary-cap space down the road to recruit Connor McDavid if the Edmonton Oilers superstar decides his path to the Stanley Cup lies elsewhere.
McDavid’s new two-year contract goes into effect on July 1. It’s believed he could move on as a free agent in 2028 if the Oilers haven’t improved their chances of winning hockey’s holy grail by then.
Walker also felt that Drury must do the best he can to build up the Rangers into the type of team that could convince McDavid that they could offer him his best chance of winning the Cup.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: From my end of the telescope, the Rangers won’t be in that position in two years.
They’ve got two aging forwards (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller) on expensive contracts that would be difficult to move, let alone fetch a return that would immediately improve the Blueshirts. Top defenseman Adam Fox seems uncertain whether his long-term future remains in New York, while winger Alexis Lafreniere remains an enigma.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that there’s trade interest in Darnell Nurse, but “no perfect trade prescription”. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman submitted his trade request to management last week.
Making a one-for-one swap with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly would be the cleanest move. However, Rielly has a full no-movement clause, he’s never been a great defender, and his point production has declined.
SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks as potential trade destinations for Nurse.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have plenty of salary-cap space now to take on Nurse, but doing so would run counter to their efforts to replace aging veterans with promising young players. The Bruins are likely to put more effort into shoring up their depth at center. I doubt the Jets are on Nurse’s list of preferred destinations.
That leaves the Sharks as the best option. They have the cap space and desperately need to add veteran depth to their defense corps. They recently added Michael Kesselring, but could use someone like Nurse on the left side. However, they could also be off his list of landing spots. If he’s willing to go to San Jose, the Sharks could prefer the Oilers retain some salary or include a sweetener to take on his full cap hit.
WHY WOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE MATTHEW KNIES?
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the recent trade speculation dogging Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Knies, 23, is young and on his way to becoming a top NHL power forward. He’s also on a team-friendly contract for the next five years.
The Leafs hiring Jim Hiller is another indication that they’re in “win-now” mode. Getting a return of draft picks and prospects for Knies would indicate they’re rebuilding, not retooling. His departure would also leave a gaping hole on the left side of the Leafs’ top-six forwards. It would be better for the Leafs to have Knies and either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg instead of just one of those unproven youngsters.
Koshan doesn’t fault Leafs GM John Chayka for listening to offers for Knies. However, unless the return is something that makes the Maple Leafs demonstrably better, they would be wise to hang onto him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan makes a sensible argument for why the Maple Leafs should retain Knies, and why they probably will. However, that’s not going to stop some pundits from speculating about where he might go and what type of return he’d fetch.
MORE CANADIENS CONJECTURE
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked what the cost would be for the Montreal Canadiens to acquire Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish and whether it would be worth it.
Engels believes it’ll cost “something significant” to land the 23-year-old McTavish, and his contract ($7 million AAV through 2030-31) would be exorbitant if he doesn’t blossom into a top-six center, which there are no guarantees that he will.
McTavish’s skating and defensive acumen are cause for concern, raising questions as to whether he can improve those deficiencies. Engels thinks that the Ducks forward isn’t a top priority for the Canadiens.
Asked about whether Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble could be moved, Engel isn’t convinced that they will. He thinks a prospect defenseman such as Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher ends up on the move if Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is able to get what he’s after.
THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted the Canadiens’ rumored interest in Leafs winger Matthew Knies. He believes they could pursue a second-line left winger if they’re unable to find any suitable options for a second-line center.
Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha might be available. However, the 29-year-old is only a year away from UFA eligibility, and whatever terms he’d seek on his next contract could limit whatever the Canadiens were willing to offer for him. The same applies for 31-year-old winger Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is UFA-eligible on July 1.
Basu also indicated that the Canadiens could be open to bringing back Samuel Montembeault to play out the final season of his contract. That would enable Jacob Fowler to spend another season in the AHL to develop his game, while providing insurance in case Jakub Dobes struggles to build on his strong postseason performance.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will make a move or two this summer to improve his roster. However, he’s not going to just make deals for the sake of doing so, and it’s unrealistic to expect that he’ll address all his roster issues this summer.
McTavish seems the best option to address that pressing need for a second-line center. However, his struggles this season, combined with his skating and defensive skills, are a concern. They might be easier to handle if he were on a shorter, more affordable contract, but his current deal makes him a riskier trade target.
Would I love the bruins to get ahold of Byram
And I would love Pastrnak and Geekie in a return. But we live in reality, and an intra-division trade is not going to happen 😆
There has been 30+ inter-division trades since July 1 2025. Not sure what the issue would be.
Exactly, Brian. Any GM who sees a deal as improving his team, but decides not to go ahead because the other team is in the same division, is a GM destined to be fired.
I’ve seen a lot of em in my time no way to give up Pasta who’s twice the play Byram is
The issue is you don’t trade to a rival competing for the same playoff spot as your team unless it is an overpay. Otherwise you’re better off keeping as an own rental or trading out of division/conference.
John Apple, no room for his contract on an expensive grouping. Wonder who Boston would have to give up to get into that conversation. If he thinks he s a number 1, where does that leave Mcavoy?
Mctavish is young and some growing pains is expected I know he’s been in the league a bit and should be more established but this Move if the Habs can make it work has a ton of upside and the potential to be a steal of a trade.
He could be a very good 2 centre behind Suzuki, He would fit in nicely with the youthful Habs and also adds some size that the Habs need in their top 6.
Lack of speed and being engaged. Not sure that can be fixed even @ 23? I dont think he fits the Habs style of play.
I still do agree if the price is right 100% you do try to see if you can wake him up
That draft year was the Covid draft. The rankings or player evaluations were limited and we are seeing how off that draft was compared to past pre covid…so basically the book is still open on a lot of those guys like McT. Too soon to tell.
Nurse to the Penguins?
Yes please.
– The Metropolitan Division
Well done!
Agree it doesn’t make sense to trade Knies. Disagree with a lot of other stuff. “Enigma” Lafreniere is 1 year older than “on his way to be a top power forward” Knies and had 1 more goal last season. Makes a little less than Knies “team friendly” 7.75m per.
Molly Walker thinks Drury job secure enough to save up for a player that might sign in NY in 2 years? When he’ll be 2 years younger than 2 “aging” players” are now. Probably will be highest paid player. 2 years ago NY were Prez trophy winners and in conference finals. Who knows where that are in 2 years from now.
IMO, Byram should be a target. Biggest need at moment. LD.
Completely agree Slick62. I don’t think the Rangers are that far off from returning to the playoffs as many on this site do. I believe Sullivan will turn them around this year, and they will be a much different team from last season. I for one am pretty excited about the youth we saw a glimpse of last year.
Oh God no!
It feels like the Sabres have finally gotten a decent team together and already they are talking about trading some of the core. so weird to me.
Problem with defense is they’re all LH. Don’t get the Byram wanting to be top pair. Hes 3rd on team in toi per game, and only 30 seconds per game less than #2 guy.
Might have something to do with being paid like one, or simply wanting to reach his full potential as a player.
Needs to weigh that with being on an up and coming team and having multiple chances to chase a cup in Buffalo, which they will IMO.
Plenty of things can derail that, but they are set up pretty well as of right now.
Kesserling had issues with shift management by the coach, wanting to be aggressive as a 3rd pairing instead of playing a more defensive role as a top-4 defenseman. His social media profile also suggested he couldn’t handle criticism from fans and media/thin skin from a rabid fan market.
Byram wants time on the PP unit and thinks of himself as a top defenseman. His agent wants him to get paid like one. If he isn’t open to a sign and trade option, most teams won’t offer more than a late 1st/middling prospect in a trade.
I have no more interest in McTavish but I would seriously take a shot at Lafreniere.
Whatever “deal” was supposedly agreed to for Knies, I’d easily do it with NYR for Lafreniere.
Always thought Montreal would be good for Laf, but don’t see a return being worth it for NY. Right now he’s our best RW.
May I remind you the cost for Knies was top prospect Alexander Zharovsky, another high-end prospect, and two first-round draft picks.
Perhaps that will cause you to revise the price you would pay for Lafreniere.
LJ. I’m not sure Montreal gives up that much for either Knies or Laf. Who is the other high end prospect and how does that work cap wise for Habs?
Slick: The high end prospect was not named. Some speculation that it was Engstrom.
LJ
Nope I won’t revise the price I’d be willing to pay for Lafreniere.
HuGo know so much more than all of us combined so whatever the package really was/is for Knies, Lafreniere is definitely worth as much.
Yeah, HuGo does know more than all of us.
So I offer you a bottle of your favourite wine if the Habs make the trade as you advocate. If the paramedics can resuscitate me.
No one for sure knows what the trade proposal was for sure except for Hughes anf Treliving. If we are to believe what is out there, it was two 1st round picks and Zharovsky or Hage and Pickford or Engstrom. Four pieces. The consensus is Montreal needs a 2C and a winger to play with Demidov + a defensive minded RD with some sandpaper. Also some more toughness and size on the bottom six wouldn’t hurt either. Knies would make Montreal a better team but alone would not make Montreal a serious contender for the Cup. So do we package another 4 significant pieces to get a 2C? What do we need to package to get that RD and bottom six help? All of a sudden the cupboard is bare. How are we going to fit these pieces under the salary cap? in 2025, the goal was to play meaningful games and fight for a playoff spot – we overachieved and actually got in before getting our lunch handed to us by Washington. This year the goal was to be a playoff team and make some noise in the playoffs. We got to the semi-finals before Carolina handed us our lunch – we overachieved again. Very unlikely we reach the semifinals next year even if a big trade happens. It will be at least 3 more years before the core of this team learns to play playoff hockey. Reinbacher, Engstrom, Hage and Zharkovsky will all be playing at that time if we don’t give them away. They will all have entry level contracts and so now you can fill out the rest of your roster with some deadline acquisitions.
That’s how I would do it. LJ, I’m sorry to say but I think you will be needing some CPR because I think Hughes will rush the rebuild.
Habsfan30
I’m just glad you’re not the gm!
How about a QEW swap. Knies for Byram and benson. Added benson to balance out the value contract that Knies carries and risk of Byram not signing long-term with the leafs.
Raddysh and Byram decent top pairing
Jeff, according to AI, pundit opinions vary as to whether Byram – definitely a top 4 – can YET be considered a top pairing D:
“Bowen Byram is widely viewed as a legitimate top-four defenseman with top-pairing upside, though opinions vary on whether he is a true, undisputed number one. His blend of raw tools and pedigree makes him a highly valued asset.
Strengths & Draft Pedigree: Selected 4th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, he possesses excellent speed, offensive instincts, and a Stanley Cup ring (2022).
Offensive Output: He is a strong puck-mover who excels at transitioning play and has shown he can put up points.
Playoff Success: He has performed well under pressure, establishing a reputation as a reliable contributor during postseason runs.
Areas of Debate – Analytics and Consistency: Analytical models, such as those from JFresh on Reddit, point out that he can struggle to drive play consistently on his own and relies somewhat heavily on elite partners to maximize his impact.
Role Preference: Reports indicate that he ultimately views himself as a number one defenseman. However, on deep blue lines, he is often best utilized in a high-end number two or number three role.
Current Status Entering the offseason, Byram is generating significant interest on the trade market with one year remaining on his contract. His legitimate top-four status is unquestioned, but whether a team views him as their top-pairing anchor largely depends on their overall roster construction.”
George, Byram on Rangers would get more minutes than he gets in Buffalo. Would be top 4 as Gavrikov would probably still be paired with Fox, but probably equal time overall. Who knows really what he wants. It’s all speculation and assumptions. I believe Buffalo do want to add some right shot guys though. Especially after trading Kesselring.
George: I have used AI a couple of times for this site myself.
But a word of caution on AI: while it quickly gathers and synthesizes a great deal of information it does not assess or weigh the credibility or quality of that information.
To make my point in a cheeky way, I asked AI what AI’s weaknesses are. In part this is what I got back:
‘Technical LimitationsHallucinations & Accuracy:
AI models generate plausible-sounding responses rather than verifying facts, which can result in fabricated references and misleading data.
Lack of Reasoning:
AI struggles with true conceptual understanding, nuance, and original, creative problem-solving.
Complexity & Opacity:
The “black box” nature of deep learning models makes it difficult to understand exactly how the AI arrived at a specific conclusion.
Ethical & Social Concerns
Bias and Discrimination: AI algorithms are trained on historical data. If this data contains societal or demographic biases, the resulting systems can perpetuate discrimination.”
Short version: AI would give as much credibility to LJ’s Count on His Fingers and Toes blog as it would Natural Stat Trick, and as much weight to Don Quixote’s hockey blog as Pierre Lebrun.
Hope you find that helpful.
George O. Appreciate your research on byram; however, IDK why it is a debate at all? Now, according to this reporting is the same drum whomever is beating to say byron is convinced he is a #1 top dman. Of course he is 25y.o. and has a SC to his name. He was a big contributor to the Avalanche 22 cup. I’m sure the sabres are glad he is on the team. I wasn’t for trading him; he has great hockey IQ and skill. His concussion issue was the concern on the Avalanche I believe but I would welcome him back on the team if he wanted to again. Don’t get the debate about him; he’s already proven he is a top NHL defenseman.
Don’t get the debate on lafrenierre either. Good hockey player. It seems ranger fans are hellbent on trading him or the writer’s are?
If I were the AVS, I would look to bring a byram back or acquiring lafrenierre in a trade; wouldn’t have any problem at all
Those are the exact reasons, beyond the horrific environmental damage and increased chip costs caused by AI data centers, I stopped using and turned off AI assisted searches.
Another reason i don’t use it, is because they scrape comment sections or website articles to source their “findings” making smaller content producers such as Lyle here, potentially lose money because ai scrapes the info from the sites and hands it to you so you won’t have to visit that site.
I like things to be easy too, but I prefer things to be really good more.
Oh, I know better than to put COMPLETE faith in AI, LJ.
But I do find it useful in at least gathering and presenting “expert” consensus by pulling from established sports networks. When you ask about a player’s general strengths or weaknesses, what you get is the combined evaluation of analysts from outlets like Sportsnet or TSN, as examples. And while referring to them as “experts” is open to conjecture, it’s their livelihood, and they do have connections not available to us among the great unwashed who are far removed from being “experts” in any way shape or form.
In short, I find it a useful tool in presenting facts and opinions that I maybe never stopped to consider.
Ahh well … chaqu’un a son gout, I guess. I won’t “clutter up” the site any further with clips gathered that way, even though it contains snippets of information that are at least more credible to digest than the frequent “canoes for battleships” trade suggestions.
George: I’m not saying you ditch AI completely a la Ron (though he does make good points). I’m just advocating caution.
Tommy Boy, it’s not the Ranger’s fans who are calling for LaFreniere to be traded, it’s the sport’s writers who are constantly saying that he should be. He wasn’t properly utilized the first several seasons in NY and when he was paired with Panarin, he always seemed reluctant to drive the play. Once Panarin was traded he started showing what he is truly capable of and was the Ranger’s best forward after the Olympic break. I for one believe he is going to take a big step forward this year. Playing on a line with Mika and Perrault seems to have ignited a fire in him. He is on a very reasonable contract and will be worth every penny of it.
You’re right about AI Ron. I will go further, it is, in many cases, copyright and IP theft.
Now smaller AI companies, including outside NA, are stealing the big guys AI technology. It’s the wild west out there. But what’s good for the goose….. It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious.
And since I know Lyle doesn’t want us getting into an AI debate on his hockey site, I will say that I am a big Byram fan and think he would thrive in a #1 role. The guy is a gamer.
But I also understand why he would want to stay in Buffalo as they are an up and coming team with a bright future if they play their cards right. But ya, they have a glut of left shot D, so dealing one of them for another area of need does make sense.
I would just pick one not named Byram or Dahlin, assuming Byram would be willing to stay.
Benson is a player similar to a Logan Stankoven…these players you keep…no deal
I wonder if Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust and a couple of draft picks would bring Knies to Pittsburgh? I mean, Toronto would be stupid to get rid of Knies but maybe the Leaf wants more draft capital or something?
No offense, but you’re kidding right?
So subtracting Byram, Benson and most likely Tuch to FA and thinking Knies will make them better ? Buffalo is better to keep Benson and make a hockey trade for Byram. Your not replacing Tuch easy but bringing in a top six forward in the Bryam deal will be a better plan.
Koshan has set the trap…first say it’s crazy to trade Knies, really and over value him card…see who takes the bate.
Raddysh sign and trade to the Leafs.
8.5 x 8 for a 5 round pick ? Same division
George
You aren’t pasting AI as a definitive source, as you know it’s a compilation. In fact frequently the sources are actually tagged in AI.
With that being said most of our source information on the fan level is just regurgitated speculation by people not in the room.
I believe you temper AI info with your own gut, instincts and mostly eyes when it comes to players you have seen or watch.
Don’t stop your findings, lists, as your accumulations are informative and we are able to try deeper dives into anything we see in them.
Thanks Habfan30. And that’s exactly right re my intention when quoting AI,i and when I do post their findings I usually precede t with “for what it’s worth” – although for some reason I neglected to do so in the Byram post.
In short, it’s more or less “food for further thought.”
I think the only reason Buffalo would trade Byram is the next contract amount. Not sure they could afford him. That being said, Knies at $7.5M for the next 7 years is a steal. Freeing up the Byram cap space could allow Buffalo to sign Tuch to his $10.5M. So when you factor in the cap savings you are basically trading Byram, Benson for Knies and Tuch.
Byram to SJ seems like a perfect match. He can step right into the #1 D spot and SJ has plenty of young forwards to offer back to Buffalo if (when) Tuch goes elsewhere.
Plus, SJ could then use the #2 pick this year to grab Stenberg or McKenna to replace the forward they trade away.
As for Raddysh to Toronto, I have to believe that Rielly will now be dealt somewhere.
You’re right on Rielly, foleyd7. Raddysh will eat heavily into his pp minutes and no doubt be part of the 1st pairing. Then there’s the general belief that Chayka is not finished with transforming the D. More to come for sure.
foleyd7, yes, the goal is to move Rielly but Morgan has to agree to the destination. The media consensus is somewhere West, but not Vancouver. Since Raddysh only cost a 5th round pick, Toronto is probably willing to trade Rielly for little return, providing the other team picks up the entire contract ($7.5 M x 4 years, but only $6 M cash per yr). Maybe Seattle.
Everyone saying “Stenberg or McKenna”. smh
I heard the same when it was Matthews as the consensus #1, until Toronto won the lottery. Then suddenly the media in the other markets started this push about Patrick Liane possibly going #1, and Toronto media fell for it.
McKenna is going #1, guaranteed. It’s just a matter of keeping the pick, or trading it. And they’ve already told McKenna they are picking him.
In light of his $7.5 mil AAV through to 2029-30 (his actual salary for the duration is $6 mil per), I would bet he lands in one of San Jose, Chicago or Anaheim, who each have lots of cap space and a need for a veteran D. Assuming, of course, he waives his NMC for any of them, although San Jose would be a great place given their rising status in the Western Conference.
That was meant to follow the Rielly speculation above.
I agree on the 1st overall comment, happened before and will/is happen again. As for Byrum, SJ is a good match, for SJ and player but he has a year left on his current deal and his agent isn’t something I’ll want to trade for without an extension in place and that just ain’t happening…FERRIS!
As for Rielly, I don’t know…the Leafs love the guy and if they do try to move him, they’ll probably want too much or something dumb. Hey maybe this new guy the just signed, plus a new coach…you never know. 🤣
I just hope they do it without much getting out like they have so far.
You need 3 top tier D to go anywhere
Nurse and Howard for Reilly and Robertson