NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2026
In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Canadiens’ offseason plans, and a rumor claiming the Islanders could be shopping Mathew Barzal.
THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan examined possible offseason moves for the Canadiens.
General manager Kent Hughes intends to be busy working the phones this summer searching for players to improve his roster. However, he said it’s “unlikely” that he’ll trade for short-term fixes at the expense of the future. Hughes hopes to continue adding players that can help them now and in the future.
Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens president of hockey operations, understand that their roster must be better defensively and be more physical. They also took from their series with the Carolina Hurricanes just how hard it is to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Cowan noted that forwards Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine, and goaltender Sam Montembeault won’t be back next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Gallagher and Montembeault each have a year left on their contracts.
Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher (NHL Images)
Gallagher carries an average annual value of $6.5 million ($4 million in actual salary) and a six-team no-trade list for next season, while Montembeault’s AAV is $3.1 million. They will be traded or bought out this summer. Gallagher indicated that he’d like to play for his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. Montembeault could draw some interest from clubs seeking goaltending depth.
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports the Canadiens must add an established second-line center and “a seasoned, high-quality, right-handed defense partner” for Lane Hutson. They also need “two more big, tenacious, intimidating depth wingers”.
The Canadiens have nearly $11 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, and could free up another $6.5 million if Gallagher is traded.
Engels noted that Gorton and Hughes hope to add more to the Canadiens’ core. They will try to address as many of their roster issues as possible, even if it means blocking or trading a prospect who could eventually fill a void but won’t be able to in short order.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have plenty of trade capital, especially in promising young players. It could mean peddling someone such as center Michael Hage and winger Alexander Zharovsky to accomplish those goals.
TVA SPORTS: Hughes also mentioned that he could revisit the significant deal that he was working on at the trade deadline. “It depends on the other team,” Hughes said. “That doesn’t stop us from making the appeal and revisiting it.” However, he also said that what was available in March might not be available in June.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation at that time linked the Canadiens to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.
The Leafs are under new management, which could ensure Knies stays in Toronto. The Blues set a high asking price for Thomas, who has a no-trade clause and insists he wants to stay in St. Louis.
Nicolas Cloutier believes it could be easier for the Canadiens to trade Gallagher than some people think. He suggested a rebuilding club, such as the Canucks, could take on Gallagher’s contract to stay above next season’s salary cap floor, which $76.9 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cloutier pointed out that the Canucks could drop below the cap floor by trading one of their expensive veterans. He noted that Gallagher’s actual salary for next season is lower than his cap hit, which could be appealing to some teams.
Renaud Lavoie shot down a rumor linking the Canadiens to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
The speculation claimed McDavid was in Montreal during the Formula 1 Grand Prix looking at houses in the area. However, Lavoie reports the Oilers superstar wasn’t in Montreal at the time and wasn’t house shopping. McDavid’s wife was in Montreal at the time, attending an event to which she had been invited.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last year, it was “Sidney Crosby to Montreal.” Now, it’s McDavid. Next summer, it’ll be McDavid, or Auston Matthews, or Brady Tkachuk.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports it’s rumored that the Canadiens were in talks with the New York Rangers regarding Vincent Trocheck at the March trade deadline.
Garrioch believes Trocheck would be a “perfect fit” to fill the Canadiens’ second-line center role. He’s also signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $5.625 million. However, he’s not sure if Trocheck was the player at the center of the deal that fell through.
Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere was also linked to the Canadiens. He has a big cap hit at $7.145 million through 2031-32, but Garrioch suggested the Habs should “swing for the fences.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck’s age (33) would be a concern as his production will inevitably decline over the remainder of his contract. There’s also his desire to remain on the East Coast as close to New York as possible. He also might not be keen to join a Canadian team.
As for Lafreniere, he doesn’t address the Canadiens’ priorities. He’s neither a center nor a right-shot, top-four defenseman.
ARE THE ISLANDERS SHOPPING MATHEW BARZAL?
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports a league executive informed him that the New York Islanders are exploring the trade market for Mathew Barzal.
The Islanders want to clear some salary cap space. Barzal carries an AAV of $9.15 million through 2030-31.
Garrioch claimed the Utah Mammoth “kicked tires” on Barzal last summer, but opted not to make the move.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch included the Barzal tidbit among possible trade targets for the Senators, who are reportedly seeking a top-six forward. He believes Barzal’s cap hit would be difficult to swallow when they’re going to talk contract extension with winger Drake Batherson, who could seek between $9 million and $10 million annually.
Moving Barzal won’t help the offensively anemic Islanders, who must boost their scoring punch if they hope to be a playoff contender next season. He also has a 22-team no-trade list.
Trocheks desire to stay “close to home” where made prior to deadline. Obviously, NY was home at time. I believe he didn’t want to uproot family in middle of season. He’s from Pittsburgh where his parents still live. Home will be wherever he ends up now. I’d say start with Pittsburgh and work your way out from there. As far as Montreal goes, Schneider would probably be a better target.
PGH would make Trocheck the third line center behind Sid and Malkin. Cant see the fit.
Boston is a logical fit too…. but Montreal is a better team imho. Guess its up to Vinny
Malkin is now a winger. But Dubas has said he’s not looking for aging vets. So Pittsburgh out.
Chrisms has often mentioned that Malkin has played more on the wing.
He’s no fit in Boston lol if Boston is gonna make a move for a center it’s got to be a clear upgrade
Lindholm Zacha Minten Kastelic Middlestadt Kurley. He’s not better than the top 3 mentioned nor is he coming here to be a 4th liner
@slick
i wasnt active here much during the season, i even cancelled my gotham subs after watching half a season of the rangers
Paul. He’s on par with those top three if not slightly better.
Agree Chrism,
And without looking, probably significantly better in the faceoff dot.
I assume Michael Hage is not available unless a slam dunk trade for a top 6 forward or big rhd ?
Trocheck+Schneider for Hage not gonna happen?
ds: Correct.
Demidov+Lafy on the 2nd line would be fun to watch but the Rangers are too thin to let him go without an immediate replacement
I don’t get the continued attraction of Lafreneire. Certainly I don’t see how he is an upgrade for Montreal.
Lafreniere doesn’t address the Canadiens’ need for a second-line center. I think the automatic assumption is they’d be interested in him because he grew up near Montreal.
@LG -LAf when he plays with any swagger is a good player. he often plays to laidback for me.
the ECF vs the Panthers he was effective and was at the end of last season as well.
I think many feel he might be more consistent in MTL
ds. What exactly do you know of Hage that you think he’s worth either Trochek or Schneider, let alone both?
The guy gets a ton of hype, like most unproven prospects it mostly comes from the fan base.
I just wish I had 1/100000000090 of the faith some show in unproven prospects, and I mean in any sport.
The guy was chosen 21st overall. Greentree taken 5 spots later and was traded. Buium was taken 9 spots ahead and was traded .
I don’t get the overhype of this guy at all. He’s a prospect, not a franchise player or generational player. He’s is NOT untouchable.
Slick: It is true that Hage is a prospect. But your question tells me you didn’t watch the world junior championships where he was selected to the all star team. In college he was Big 10 Rookie of the Year.
If you are really asking a question as opposed to suggesting Hage isn’t a blue chip prospect:
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/michael-hage-montreal-canadiens-scouting-report-nhl-michigan-ncaa-frozen-four-contract
The Habs will only trade Hage if they get an established and talented 2C in return.
@slick
yes watched highlights.
maybe closer to a Zegras. He might not be able to handle the NHL physical side or he might. But he would be more free to be creative in Montreal than NYR imho
I agree Slick. Hage doesn’t land you Trochek alone, especially considering that it is a sellers market for quality C’s. I think most of us are guilty when we overvalue our prospects. I do believe he will turn out to be a 2/3 C, but that is still an unknown. So does a possible future 2/3 C get you a proven 2C, not in my opinion, let alone throwing in a 2nd pairing RD (another difficult position to fill).
Re Hage and all his awards and minor league accomplishments, just a reminder that that alone guarantees zilch.
Kieffer Bellows, Filip Zadina, Nail Yakopov, Patrik Stefan and Alexandre Daigle – all high draft picks just to name some – were also winners of multiple awards before being drafted. Yet all were flops in the NHL.
What would the asking price have been for any of them after being drafted but before making an appearance in the NHL?
Sure, George, but with respect:
If there was any such thing as a sure bet there wouldn’t be first round busts. The discussion I am pushing back on is that Hage isn’t a blue chip prospect, not that I think he is a guaranteed McDavid.
Anton Frondel made the same IIHF all star team that Hage did, and Frondel was the third overall pick last year. McKenna didn’t make that all star team and is thought by many to be the presumptive first overall pick.
Captain Obvious dismisses Hage as the 21st pick in his draft, ignoring Hage’s accomplishments since that selection.
I’m not Hage’s agent, nor his Dad. But pre entry level draft accomplishments are exactly what drives selections.
So, one and all, which player not yet in the NHL is is better than Hage, and why?
I’m not saying he won’t be a good player, all I was alluding to is that NYR probably won’t trade a legit 2C and 2nd pair RD for an unproven prospect who was not deemed good enough to enter into the NHL right away.
Owen: Everything I have read about Schneider is that he has been a third pairing D.
Hage was not deemed to be not ready for the NHL. He has elected to go back to college this coming season as his younger brother is joining him.
I’m not sure exactly where Schneider is fitting in the lineup with the Rangers, but I’m pretty sure he’s been their 2nd pair RD…a hard position to fill in the NHL.
So like I said, a 2C and 2RD for a solid prospect would not be something I’d be comfortable with as a GM.
Trocheck is a legit player who puts up 20+ goals a year and is on a great contract. Maybe you do a one for one, but you definetly don’t throw in Schneider. If anything, Montreal adds.
LJ. See Capt O comment. I think you fall into that 1st paragraph.
https://x.com/jimcerny/status/2061846527534846174?s=46
Here’s a good take on possible Hans interest in Trochek and what a deal could look like.
LJ. Last comment on this. Hages “accomplishments” are putting up points on loaded teams. Admittedly, I don’t watch him, but usually awards are stat based. Hes not much of a goal scorer. 13 and 13 in 2 years at Mich. By contrast, Rangers 4th round pick/rookie Noah Laba put up 21 goals in 1st 2 college seasons with not as much talent around him. Michigan had 13 drafted players on their roster, including Rangers draft pick Malcolm Spencer who scored 10 goals in rookie year. Again, my original comment addressed the idea that Hage would get Montreal both Trochek and Schneider.
Thanks for the link, Slick. I didn’t see what paragraph I fell into. If you don’t see the value of Hage, ok, as we’ll both have to wait a few years to really find out.
Nooooo he’s not and he’s older. He’s definitely not better in the dot either. He’s not getting Lindholm out the lineup or Zacha.and both are very good face of men. Minty has 3rd and he’s not playing the 4th line. It makes zero sense. He’s not an upgrade
In a related article on Barzal, it stated that he would not mind going home to Vancouver. Would the Nucks be interested in him as he just turned 29 last week. Probably have to send Rossi++ the other way
Probably not unless it was Pettersson going the other way.
It also stated in the Barzal post that it was necessary for the Isles to clear cap space. Taking Petey back would not clear more space. I don’t see the Nucks retaining that much on him in order for the Isles to be saving much cap space. I would say that these 2 players are at near even value except for Petey’s contract.
I don’t think you trade Gallagher without holding 50% which is the same as a buyout if no takers.
Monte will land somewhere if you want Barzal it would have to include Hage -no ?
Hughes has done a fantastic job getting the team here…but the game changes now for him. Be interesting to see how he adapts.
When the talk comes of being cautious and not dealing the future for short fixes I raise my eyebrow a bit as those short term fixes may be the difference of losing out in the conference finals vs a trip to the cup.
Too cautious and before you know it you sacrificed opportunities in the present.
1Oilerfan: The short term fix is a player on an expiring contract. He’s already proven willing to bring in players with short term left on their deal (Danault, for example).
I hear you, 1Oilerfan. But every year teams try to bolster their lineups with additions to win the Cup and only one team wins it. The Avs traded for Khadri and Roy, giving up conditional first round 2027 and 2028 first round picks. Their view, IMO was that their window was closing fast due to the age of their roster, so all in now.
The Habs window has just opened. Hughes has moved off his position of not making short term trades at the cost of the long term pact. But that is a delicate balance.
Example: Despite the dismissal of others about Hage’s value (which frankly bemuses me given his accomplishments so far outweigh any other prospect) IMO Hughes would not move him for someone like Trocheck, an immediate upgrade now but who will be 33 next season. How does that make sense for a team with the Habs’ profile?
I don’t believe it’s a “dismissal “. It’s just more of a reality check.
The success of any 1st rounder (taken after #20) becoming a successful ( successful = a long term nhl player, not a superstar) is 40-50%. A coin flip or worse. Regardless of their pre nhl resume or accomplishments.
If Montreal can upgrade NOW, I doubt Montreal’s brass is going to hope that coin lands their way.
Montreal looked like a team that didn’t belong in the ECF’s, at all.
To say this guy is untouchable or is a sure thing is kinda hoping and betting on a one sided coin.
Kent Hughes made it clear that his preference continues to be adding players who can help his team now and for the future.
For example, if the Blues’ asking price for Robert Thomas includes Michael Hage, and depending on what else they’d want, then I can see Hughes making that swap. He’s the right age (26) and carries a reasonable $8.15 million AAV for the next five years.
If the Canadiens were interested in Trocheck (and he was willing to move to Montreal), and Hage is part of the asking price, I think he’d pass on that given Trocheck’s age.
I made absolutely zero mention of a Trocheck for Hage trade.
I’m just saying Hage is a 21st overall pick. He’s not Mcdavid, Crosby , Lemieux etc. Hell, at this point he’s not even a Trocheck.
To think this guy is untouchable as some here suggest is pretty optimistic on this guys future.
Hage is a far cry from a sure thing or untouchable. But again, I wish I had 1/1000000000th of the optimistic outlook on a coin flip as others do.
It’s 50/50. Plenty of guys in the NHL are already on the right side of that flip. Hage is not yet.
Malkin plays wing? i didnt watch many Pens game this season
Two best contenders who NEED Trocheck are Habs and Wild. Detroit needs to get over the hump but not sure Tro would go?
Trocheck has quite a few ties to Detroit having lived there and played there as a teen and spent his JR years in Saginaw and Plymouth.
Moving him to wing probably bought him the one more year he just got.
McFarland to the Preds????
“According to several sources, MacFarland met face-to-face last night with (Predators) owner Bill Haslam and the goal is for the Predators to close this quickly. They know they will have to hand the keys to MacFarland and are prepared to do it.”
I don’t know why you’re surprised, Johnny. I’ve twice cited that speculation in as many weeks, including last week…😉
That’s an interesting situation. The roster is already more or less set up for next season, but only 6F, 3D, and the 2 goalies under contract the following season. I wouldn’t want to inherit an ageing core of Forsberg, Stamkos, Marchessault, Josi, and Skjei, but outside of that, there’s time and cap space to overhaul the roster for ’27.
It is official now
Predators hire Chris MacFarland as GM and president of hockey operations
Not to my surprise, they was rumored for a couple of weeks now.
What would Montreal offer for Hronek, a 1B RD on a good contract
Depends on what the Canucks want, Kent. I’m not trying to be wise guy with this response, but we’d need to know what type of asking price they’re setting for him.
You’re not being a smart ass. All trades depend on what you give up for what you get.
The Canucks could want a promising right-shot defenseman as part of the return. Would they ask for Reinbacher or Peckford?
Of the two, surely they would want Reinbacher on the basis of his being closer to the NHL. But who or what else, as I doubt the Canucks would do a one for one.
Oh, I agree, it won’t be one for one, LJ. Reinbacher or Pickford would be one piece of the return.
I think it partly depends on what they draft. A first rounder is a given, top ten or eight protected by Habs. Then either a C or a RD top prospect and lets say a 3rd rounder. So Hague/Reinbacher+first+third, would that be about right for either party?
I can see Vancouver trading him+ to Chicago for the 4th. And lets say they send one of their seconds to SJ for not taking Stenberg. If SJ is on the fence they might pick a D anyway.
I on the other hand would see what Seattle, Calgary and Winnipeg would want for one of their picks on the draft floor and get Bjork in that range
Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky fall into the untouchable category despite or more so because they are blue chip prospects.
Of course it’s possible that they won’t pan out but it’s a risk that I’m happy to take or to be more precise , it would have to be an offer that would blow me away and I don’t see one happening.
It isn’t about evaluating our prospects too highly, it’s about having the time to wait and see.
There are other roster players and prospects that could be fair trades for the names that are being offered.
On another note, Lafreniere is showing himself to be a good NHL player that most teams, including Montreal could use. If he wouldn’t have been a “1OA generational player” nobody would be knocking him.
I have seen no realistic trade offer in a Habs trade for Lafreniere just stupid ones the NYR would die laughing. Eg “the hockey writers” Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, 2027 2nd round pick- talk about insulting.
Lafrenier a decent player, I don’t want to diss the guy. But he falls between the chairs of what the Habs need:
He isn’t a strong 2C.
He isn’t a bottom 6 winger with piss and vinegar.
He isn’t a top 4 RHD.
He is a middle 6 winger who would be an upgrade but not enough to move the needle at a price the Habs would have to pay. That payment would take away what they can offer for what they do need.
I don’t think there’s a person on this planet that considered Lafreniere a “generational player” not even his parents.
To play devils advocate for a moment, if he was considered a generational player prior to being drafted, wouldn’t that further solidify the idea of not counting you chickens before they hatch?
I don’t understand your post, Captain.
As you don’t think Lafrenier has been ranked as a generational talent, why then use him as an example of not counting one’s chickens?
And where has it been said that first round picks are a guarantee?
McFarland to the preds? I thought this was a rumor site. Where was spectors on this one? Slackers.
Don’t make me post the link, Chris! 😉🤣
habfan30 – LJ
You two are perfectly illustrating the point made above about putting too much value on Montreal’s prospects.
Both of you seem to think Hage is the second coming…untouchable or “somebody would have to blow our doors off with a trade”
Hage is a good prospect. Untouchable? Why? If STL called and said we’ll do Robert Thomas for Hage and Reinbacher you think Hughes says no? A legit, proven #2C for a guy playing NCAA and a couple years away and a RHD that can’t stay off IR?
You are not getting any impact player from any other team unless you’re offering up your best prospects. Especially if you’re looking for a premium position like C or #1B defence.
Daryl,
I’m not putting too much value on Hage and Zharovsky, I recognize they are a couple of years away and that they may not reach the levels that I/we think.
I’m saying we have other assets to use in a trade instead of these two that are either on the roster, in Laval or in the draft.
Why is Hage so important for St. Louis in a trade package for Robert Thomas instead of an existing roster player like Newhook, Kapanen or Owen Beck??? Obviously they value him as more than just a prospect who might make it someday or not.
Apparently the ask is Hage, Guhle and 2 1st round picks. Makes sense but no thanks.
As for NYR, the only player I have real interest in is Schneider.
habfan30
I think MTL would be better off as a team to keep guys like Kapanen and Newhook. They’re proving themselves daily. Newhook was very good during the playoffs.
Keeping a solid NHL roster while moving surplus picks or prospects is a better route in my opinion.
Montreal management has done a great job stocking picks and prospects. Time to start cashing them in.
I think Montreal hit the wall against the Canes most likely due to a few key injuries to their top guys (Suzuki, Slavkovsky, and Dobson.
As a Leafs fan I am a bit jealous of the management team in Montreal. They’ve made some very shrewd moves.
If they could add proven NHL talent without subtracting from their roster they’ll be tougher to handle
Daryl,
I don’t disagree with you on keeping Kapanen and Newhook, I’m just pointing out that the Blues aren’t asking for them, it’s Hage they want.
Doesn’t that tell you that he isn’t being overvalued?
In my personal opinion, signing NJD Paul Cotter and Cakgary’s Brayden Pachal are 2 guys at the right age, right qualities to plug holes on RD and LW. Under MSL and the surrounding cast they are gambles worth taking as they’d come cheap.
habfan30
It’s not opposing GM’s that overvalue Hage. It’s Montreal’s fan base.
Trading a prospect for a prover NHL talent is part of the game.
Look at the Niewendyk for Iginla trade. It worked out for both teams. Dallas won a Cup and Calgary got a future star.
If you’re asking for one of their best players, be prepared to give up one of your best prospects/picks