NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2026

by | Jun 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, Darnell Nurse, and Mathew Barzal heading into the second day of the NHL Draft.

WERENSKI AND MARCHENKO COULD BE ON THEIR WAY OUT OF COLUMBUS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Zach Werenski is unlikely to sign a contract extension next summer. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman has two years remaining on his deal.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Over the past week, the Blue Jackets have been taking calls to gauge Werensky’s value in the trade market. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be traded this summer, but there is now a little more urgency on the Blue Jackets’ part.

LeBrun subsequently indicated that a dozen teams could become suitors for Werenski. He suggested the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes might come calling.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that Kirill Marchenko’s camp told him that it’s unlikely he’ll sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.

The 25-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract and will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He’s earning an average annual value of $3.85 million.

Weekes also indicated that the Marchenko camp will seek a deal comparable to what winger Pavel Dorofeyev signed on Friday with the New York Rangers. The Vegas Golden Knights traded the 25-year-old Dorofeyev to the Rangers, who promptly signed him to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $11 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell didn’t rule out retaining Werenski and Marchenko for next season. Werenski’s no-trade clause becomes a 10-team trade list next July 1, while the Blue Jackets would still retain Marchenko’s rights.

Waddell will continue trying to improve his roster’s depth for next season, but Portzline believes it’s hard for the Blue Jackets GM to proceed when two of the pillars he was building around are starting to crumble.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who claimed the Canadiens made a “MASSIVE” offer for Marchenko. “I don’t know the pieces involved,” Seravalli said, going on to say that he’d been told the Canadiens might look “borderline insane” for putting that deal on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This news is a horrible gut punch for the Blue Jackets. Werenski and Marchenko are two of their core players. Having them indicate that they no longer see their futures in Columbus could have a demoralizing effect on the franchise and its fans at a time when they were hoping to build their roster this summer to push through as a playoff contender next season.

Waddell has a measure of control over this situation. He doesn’t have to move either player right away and can afford to wait for the right offers to come in. On the other hand, starting next season with two players who don’t want to be there will hang like a dark cloud over this franchise, becoming an unnecessary distraction for the players.

UPDATE ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there have been trade negotiations regarding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Before Friday’s draft, there were “deep negotiations” with the Buffalo Sabres, with the fourth-overall pick in this year’s draft as part of those discussions, but those talks cooled before the draft.

Hellebuyck is under contract with the Jets for four more years, so they can afford to remain patient and await the right offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Hellebuyck to Buffalo isn’t happening as the Sabres used that pick to select prospect defenseman Daxon Rudolph. Of course, we can’t rule out other pieces being offered by the Sabres if they wish to revisit the talks, but that high draft pick was likely the main piece in their original discussions.

THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jason Robertson wants to remain with the Dallas Stars, but the two sides are having difficulty finding the right number.

Robertson, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. According to LeBrun, the winger seeks $14 million annually, while the Stars aren’t comfortable with going beyond $12.5 million.

LeBrun said the Stars have gone back to the teams that were interested in Robertson. However, there’s been nothing new because those clubs saw his rejection of a trade to Seattle and are concerned that he wouldn’t sign an extension.

An offer sheet is also a possibility on July 1. A $15 million AAV offer for seven years would mean the Stars would be entitled to four first-round picks as compensation.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus wondered if the Chicago Blackhawks have a shot at landing Robertson. They point out the Blackhawks have the financial freedom to sign Robertson, Connor Bedard, and Bowen Byram to $10-plus million contracts and still have plenty of cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson and the Stars could agree to a new contract, but it seems more likely that he’s going to be playing for a new team next season. The Stars would’ve traded him to the Kraken if he’d been willing to accept their offer (eight years, $15 million AAV). They’re probably going to call around until they find a club he’d be willing to join before someone tries to sign him away with an offer sheet.

As for the Blackhawks, maybe the chance to play alongside Bedard would have more appeal, but Robertson’s preference seems to be playing with a contender.

NOTHING NEW ON DARNELL NURSE

TSN: Darren Dreger said there was nothing new to report on Darnell Nurse’s trade request. The Edmonton Oilers received a three-team trade list from the 32-year-old defenseman, but there’s been no headway with those clubs.

Dreger believes there is no benefit to either side in having this situation drag on through the summer. He speculated that Oilers management could ask the Nurse camp to expand their trade list.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT MATHEW BARZAL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports cited sources claiming the New York Islanders are getting trade inquiries about forward Mathew Barzal as the trade and free-agent markets dry up.

Two of the teams are believed to be the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars could see Barzal as a potential replacement for Jason Robertson. The Canadiens are trying to find a top-six forward to skate alongside rising star Ivan Demidov on their second line. Rosner pointed out that the Isles previously told the Habs that Barzal wasn’t available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2026

by | Jun 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 27, 2026

Check out the latest from the opening day of the Draft, including the latest on Zach Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, Drew Doughty, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines

MCKENNA CHOSEN FIRST OVERALL IN 2026 NHL DRAFT

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State University winger Gavin McKenna with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday evening in Buffalo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise here, as it was widely anticipated that the Maple Leafs would take McKenna with this pick. The 18-year-old winger is projected to become an elite scoring forward and could be a future franchise player for the Leafs.

The San Jose Sharks chose forward Ivar Stenberg of SHL club Frolunda with the second-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he received an “interesting offer” for that pick, but it evidently wasn’t a strong enough pitch to pry this pick away. Stenberg could go on to become a key piece of the rebuilding Sharks, who are building what could be one of the best teams in the league by 2030.

The Sharks had two other picks in this round, selecting defensemen Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9 and Ryan Lin at No. 21.

The Vancouver Canucks chose center Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is the son of Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, but that’s not the main reason why they chose him. He’s projected to become a first-line center because of his skills and hockey sense.

The Canucks had a second pick in this round, choosing winger Adam Novotny at No. 24.

The Sharks and Canucks weren’t the only teams with multiple picks in this round.

The St. Louis Blues chose centers Tynan Lawrence at No. 11 and Maddox Dagenais at No. 16.

The Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and center Ilya Morozov at No. 20.

The Calgary Flames picked defenseman Carson Carels at No. 6 and center Jack Hextall at No. 30.

The Nashville Predators chose forward Wyatt Cullen (No. 10) and defenseman Tommy Bleyl (No. 31).

The Anaheim Ducks selected forwards Nikita Klepov (No. 15) and Marcus Nordmark (No. 28).

The Ottawa Senators picked forwards Jonas Lagerberg Hoen (No. 25) and Jaxon Cover (No. 32).

Follow the link above for the entire list of the first round and analysis of each selection.

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis has Vancouver Giants winger Mathis Preston, Medicine Hat Tigers center Markus Ruck, and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman Xavier Villeneuve among his top-30 prospects available heading into the second day of the NHL Draft.

The second day of the draft begins Saturday at 11 AM ET.

THE LATEST ON ZACH WERENSKI, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, DREW DOUGHTY, AND JORDAN BINNINGTON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported Friday evening that the Columbus Blue Jackets have started fielding calls from other clubs interested in defenseman Zach Werenski. The 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner is not expected to extend his contract, which expires in 2028.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: During the draft, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko is not going to sign a contract extension.

These reports about Werenski and Marchenko are a double whammy for the Blue Jackets at a time when they were hoping to build on two promising seasons in which they narrowly missed the playoffs. I’ll have more about these two players in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said his club is listening to calls about goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, he wouldn’t confirm if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner has requested a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has been a fixture in the rumor mill over the past two weeks. I’ll have more in today’s Rumor Mill.

MAYOR’S MANOR: Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland said his club will not be signing long-time defenseman Drew Doughty to a contract extension this summer. The 36-year-old Doughty has a year remaining on his contract.

Holland said Doughty loves it in Los Angeles and wants to remain with the Kings. They have agreed to wait and see how this season plays out. He also said he told the veteran blueliner not to bother submitting a no-trade list, adding that nothing was going to happen unless he and Doughty decide that it’s something that needs to happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty has spent his entire 18-season NHL career with the Kings, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. He won the Norris Trophy in 2016.

Holland is leaving the door open for Doughty to remain with the Kings beyond next season. Based on his comments, he’s not shopping Doughty, nor has the blueliner requested a trade.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford believes Jordan Binnington will start next season with the St. Louis Blues. The 32-year-old goaltender has a year left on his contract and is unlikely to get an extension with the Blues.

Nevertheless, Binnington is motivated for a bounce-back performance, which will help the Blues next season. Rutherford also believes that he wouldn’t yield a return that would make it worth breaking up the Blues’ goalie tandem.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington’s been mentioned a lot this season as a trade candidate. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers were among the clubs he’s been linked to in the rumor mill, but it sounds like any team that’s interested in him would have to overpay to get him.

OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild is the 2026 winner of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award.

DAILY FACEOFF: Carolina Hurricanes forwards Seth Jarvis and Eric Robinson underwent successful surgeries. Both will be sidelined for significant periods. Jarvis will require four to six months to recover from shoulder surgery, while Robinson will need six to eight weeks to recover from knee surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robinson should be ready for training camp in September, but Jarvis is going to miss at least the first month of the regular season.

LOS ANGELES TIMES: The Kings signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.4 million starting in 2026-27. Clarke, 23, is completing his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Clarke had a career-best performance this season, finishing with 32 points in 81 games to sit fourth among the Kings’ leading scorers. He was third in the league with 185 blocked shots.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche signed Brent Burns to a one-year, bonus-laden contract with a base salary of $850,000 and $3 million in bonuses. They also re-signed blueliner Brett Kulak to a five-year deal worth an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Burns’ signing was a sensible one for a 41-year-old defenseman. Kulak’s, on the other hand, is a risky move for a 32-year-old depth blueliner. That deal probably won’t age well.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators signed defenseman Jordan Spence to a four-year contract worth an AVV of $5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a good move by the Senators. Spence, 25, is coming off a career-best 31-point performance and will provide them with invaluable depth and skill on the right side of their blueline. He’s coming into his own as a top-four defenseman.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a two-year extension worth an AAV of $4.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeAngelo had 35 points last season with the Isles. He’ll remain on the second-pairing right-side role with Adam Pelech.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens Hall of Famer Yvan Cournoyer has been appointed to the Order of Canada. It is the country’s highest civilian honor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Roadrunner!










NHL Trade Tracker – June 26, 2026

by | Jun 26, 2026

NHL Trade Tracker – June 26, 2026

The Utah Mammoth traded the 23rd overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings for goaltender Sebastian Cossa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth needed a backup for Karel Vejmelka, who could one day become a starter. Cossa will have an opportunity to take over that role in Utah. 

The Anaheim Ducks trade Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues for the No. 15 and 29 picks in this draft (as per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet).

Anaheim Ducks trade center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish was a fixture in the rumor mill for months. He’ll likely slot into their second-line center position with promising Dalibor Dvorsky centering their third line. He can also skate on the left wing. McTavish, 23, is a cost-controlled young player with an AAV of $7 million through 2030-31.

The New York Rangers acquire winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for the No. 26 pick in this draft, a third-rounder in this draft, and a conditional 2028 first-round pick (top-10 protected). 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent, meaning the cap-strapped Golden Knights might not have been able to match an offer sheet for him. The 25-year-old winger is a two-time 30-plus goal scorer who should be a solid fit among the Rangers’ top-six forwards. It’s also a significant loss for the Golden Knights’ offense. 

**UPDATE**  Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Rangers will sign Dorofeyev to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $11 million. 

The Boston Bruins have acquired winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and the 2028 first-round pick (originally from the Florida Panthers, top-10 protected).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A year ago, the Mammoth acquired Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring, signing him to a five-year deal worth an average annual value of $7.7 million. After tallying 68 points with the Sabres in 2024-25, he had 47 points in 82 games with the Mammoth, and no points in six playoff games.

The Chicago Blackhawks trade winger Andre Burakovsky to the Ottawa Senators for a 2027 sixth-round pick (as per Frank Seravalli).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Straightforward salary dump by the Blackhawks. Burakovsky has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.5 million. His best season was in 2021-22 with the Avalanche, netting 61 points. He hasn’t come close to those numbers since.

The Anaheim Ducks trade defenseman Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres for prospect center Anton Wahlberg and a second-round pick (45th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s your replacement for Bowen Byram, Sabres fans.

Ottawa Senators acquire goaltender Samuel Ersson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs acquired Ersson from the Philadelphia Flyers in a multiplayer trade on June 16.

The Montreal Canadiens acquire forward Brett Berard from the New York Rangers for defenseman William Trudeau.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2026

by | Jun 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 26, 2026

On the eve of the first round of the 2026 draft, here’s the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Mason McTavish, Kirill Marchenko, Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HELLEBUYCK LINKED TO PANTHERS, SABRES, HURRICANES

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are getting offers for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. However, they’re willing to remain patient.

The Florida Panthers have expressed an interest in the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, but they aren’t willing to part with the assets necessary to meet the Jets’ asking price.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Dreger thinks the Buffalo Sabres could be a good destination. They have the assets to make an offer, but general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has a lot going on right now.

Pierre LeBrun reports the Panthers aren’t willing to part with Anton Lundell for Hellebucyk. He indicated the Carolina Hurricanes are another club that’s shown an interest in the Jets netminder.

HOCKEY 24/7: Frank Seravalli reports the Hurricanes made a pitch this week for Hellebuyck. The offer was believed to have included defenseman Alexander Nikishin. Seravalli listed the Sabres, Utah Mammoth, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks among the teams well-positioned to take a run at Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Nikishin, TSN’s Darren Dreger reports there are six teams in the mix for the 24-year-old Hurricanes defenseman. A contract extension is a major factor in trade talks. Nikishin is a restricted free agent on July 1.

WINNIPEG SUN: Massimo De Luca-Taronno reports there have been no official reports that Hellebuyck has requested a trade. However, some notable insiders, such as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, claim the goaltender would be open to a “change of scenery.”

Hellebuyck has five seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8.5 million. His full no-movement clause gives him control over where he could be traded. However, the Jets aren’t facing any pressure to move him, and can afford to remain patient until they get the right offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jacob Trouba both waited two seasons before Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff received suitable offers to move them, and both deals worked out well for the Jets. He’ll take the same approach with Hellebuyck if the latter wants out of Winnipeg.

BLUES AND RANGERS ARE PURSUING MASON MCTAVISH

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford reports the St. Louis Blues are one of two teams involved in trade talks with the Anaheim Ducks for center Mason McTavish.

The Blues are seeking a second-line center to ease the burden on promising Dalibor Dvorsky, and having McTavish and Dvorsky as their second and third-line centers would strengthen that position.

Acquiring McTavish could come at a steep price. It’s uncertain what the Ducks’ asking price would be, but the Blues have plenty of draft picks, including four first-rounders in this year’s draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Remy Mastey noted that NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed the New York Rangers are also in the bidding for McTavish. It’s unclear what the Blueshirts are offering, but veteran center Vincent Trocheck isn’t involved in their trade offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish’s age, size, and physical scoring style have made him an enticing trade target. However, there are concerns about his speed and his defensive play. His performance dipped this season, partly due to missing training camp because of his contract negotiations. He was a healthy scratch from two regular-season games and two postseason contests.

Those issues could be overlooked if it weren’t for McTavish’s contract. He’s got five years left on his deal with an average annual value of $7 million. Even with a rising salary cap, that’s still a big chunk of change to invest in a player who took a step backward in his development.

CANADIENS SHOPPING AROUND FOR A TOP-SIX FORWARD

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens are aggressively calling around the league in search of a top-six forward. He said they’re monitoring New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck’s situation. They called the New York Islanders about center Bo Horvat, but were told he’s not available. The Habs also looked into winger Kirill Marchenko, but got “a big fat no” from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

LeBrun also suggested Mason Marchment might be a good fit with the Canadiens or Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1, but the Blue Jackets haven’t given up on re-signing him.

RATINGS.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports the Canadiens are among several teams linked to Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. The Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, and Ottawa Senators are among several clubs interested.

The Ducks are maintaining a high asking price for McTavish. An NHL source said the Canadiens don’t want to overpay to get him.

D’Amico noted the Canadiens’ earlier efforts to acquire Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies. However, the Leafs and their new GM, John Chayka, want to avoid the optics of dealing Knies to their long-time rival. The Leafs are also looking for teams willing to overpay to get him.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports the Canadiens are among several teams looking into Marchenko. The Blue Jackets aren’t shopping him, but he’s got a year left on his contract, and it’s uncertain if they can re-sign him. He’ll be a restricted free agent next summer with arbitration rights.

Engels also noted the rumors linking the Canadiens to Mason McTavish. However, the 23-year-old isn’t a player they consider an ideal fit with winger Ivan Demidov, or as a player they’d give up premium assets to obtain.

Other players who would be more appealing, such as Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, or Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha, aren’t currently available for the Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are making calls, but it doesn’t appear that they’re feeling any pressure to make moves based on the recent trade activity around the league. They’ll remain patient in the trade market as they search for the right deal. They could also look into the free-agent market for depth players this summer.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said he’s been receiving offers for Matthew Knies, but hasn’t gotten one yet that would convince him to move the 23-year-old winger.

TSN: Chayka also said that he doesn’t anticipate trading defenseman Morgan Rielly. However, those are discussions that he’s continuing to have.

However, Chris Johnston reports Rielly remains very much in play in the trade market. He claims Chayka continues to listen to trade offers.

SABRES NOT DONE IN THE TRADE MARKET

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is far from finished in the trade market after shipping out Bowen Byram to Chicago and Alex Tuch to Washington this week.

Kekalainen is in good shape to make a major addition because his club holds the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Friedman believes the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets are eyeing that pick.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes that the pick is definitely in play. He reported that the Sabres spoke to the Rangers about Vincent Trocheck, the Jets about Connor Hellebuyck, and the Maple Leafs about Matthew Knies.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers have suggested the Sabres offer up that pick plus goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the Jets for Hellebuyck. If he’s willing to go to Buffalo, that could be an offer that the Jets find tempting.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators hope to use the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft as part of the package for a top-six forward or a right-shot, top-four defenseman.

The Senators were interested in Ducks center Mason McTavish, but were told he’s not interested in coming to Ottawa. They had also “kicked tires” on Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere. They’ve been chasing Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen since last spring’s trade deadline, but haven’t been able to come up with the necessary assets. The Sens have also been linked to Calgary Flames blueliner Zach Whitecloud.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2026

by | Jun 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 26, 2026

The 2026 NHL Draft begins Friday, Jason Robertson rejects a trade to the Kraken, Wild owner vows to re-sign Quinn Hughes, the latest on Zach Werenski and Alex Ovechkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WHO WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS CHOOSE WITH THE FIRST-OVERALL PICK?

NHL.COM: The Toronto Maple Leafs face a big decision with the first overall pick as the 2026 NHL Draft begins with the first round on Friday in Buffalo.

Penn State winger Gavin McKenna and forward Ivar Stenberg of SHL club Frolunda are the top two prospects.

The San Jose Sharks hold the second overall pick, followed by the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers to round out the top five. The Calgary Flames possess the sixth overall selection, followed by the Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, Sharks, and Nashville Predators to complete the top 10.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that the Leafs will select McKenna. San Jose is expected to take Stenberg, provided they haven’t traded that pick beforehand. Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he’s received at least one interesting trade offer. The Sabres could also peddle their pick for an established player, and the Rangers could dangle their pick for more immediate help. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON, QUINN HUGHES, ALEX OVECHKIN & ZACH WERENSKI

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports sources claim the Dallas Stars permitted the Seattle Kraken to speak with Jason Robertson. They offered him an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $15 million, but the 26-year-old winger rejected the offer.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Friedman indicated that the two clubs were believed to have worked out a trade before the Kraken were permitted to talk to Robertson, with the Kraken’s first-round pick in Friday’s draft (seventh overall) as part of the return.

Robertson is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He and the Stars are reportedly $2 million apart in negotiations. The Stars’ top contract belongs to winger Mikko Rantanen at $12 million annually, and the hope was that Robertson might come in around that number.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: According to Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek, the St. Louis Blues offered a trade package to the Stars that included multiple first-round picks. However, the deal didn’t go through because Robertson wasn’t interested in signing with the Blues.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs tried to get involved in the Kraken-Stars deal by offering up Matthews Knies to the Stars for the seventh-overall pick had the Robertson trade gone through. The Ottawa Senators were also believed to be interested in Robertson, but were told that he wasn’t willing to sign with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If these reports are anything to go by, Robertson has played his final game with the Stars. The two sides could continue their contract negotiations, but the fact that the Stars were close to trading him to Seattle suggests the salary gulf between them can’t be bridged.

Robertson lacks no-trade protection, but his RFA status gives him leverage over where he can be traded. No one is going to part with significant assets for a star who won’t commit to a contract beyond next season. The Stars will likely keep searching for trade offers from clubs that are acceptable destinations for Robertson.

The Kraken’s offer could be based on what Robertson seeks in his negotiations with the Stars. His rejection of that proposal busts the myth that free-agent talent only wants to play in no-tax states. Robertson is the second player to reject a big-money offer from the Kraken, as Artemi Panarin did the same in February when he rejected a trade to Seattle in favor of a move to the Los Angeles Kings. Their odds of landing either player would’ve been better if they were a winning franchise.

Robertson could receive an offer sheet on July 1, but the cost of signing him would include four first-round picks to the Stars as compensation, as it’s clear he’s seeking well over $12 million annually. However, the Stars’ attempt to trade him suggests they’re seeking a return that could also provide more immediate help.

TSN: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold expects his club to re-sign Quinn Hughes. The 26-year-old superstar defenseman has one season remaining on his contract and will be UFA-eligible next July.

“We had to give up a lot to get him in this past year,” Leipold said, referring to the trade last December with the Vancouver Canucks. “We are going to re-sign him. The question is for how long. We would like to go as long as we could.”

Leipold believes Hughes will probably want a shorter deal than the one Kirill Kaprizov signed with the Wild last fall. “Shorter being maybe three years,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leipold made similar comments about Kaprizov months before his club inked the superstar winger to an eight-year extension. The Wild can sign Hughes starting on July 1.

A three-year extension would give Hughes four years with the Wild, which is probably the window that Leipold and general manager Bill Guerin believe their club has to win the Stanley Cup. After that, Hughes could pursue his dream of playing with his brothers, Jack and Luke, in New Jersey.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carberry said Alex Ovechkin is “very impressed, very happy” with the big trades the club made this week.

The Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. The following day, they brought in winger Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

Ovechkin is expected to decide in July whether he’ll return for another season with the Capitals. If he does commit for 2026-27, Carberry said the 40-year-old winger is willing to accept a modified role with the club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some saw the acquisitions of Kyrou and Tuch as the Capitals preparing for Ovechkin’s retirement, while others saw them as a way to entice him to play one more season. Bringing in those two should address both possibilities.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said he intends to meet with Zach Werenski soon to discuss his future with the club.

Werenski won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as this season’s top NHL defenseman. The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, but there’s been speculation about how long he plans to remain with the Jackets.

“I know for right now, there’s some matters that we’re dealing with that should probably stay internal,” Waddell said. He added that he’s had some conversations with Werenski’s agent, saying there’s been “no definitive plan, for sure.”

Waddell also said he didn’t get the sense that Werenski was basing his decision on the Blue Jackets’ offseason plans, but that could factor into it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We saw one of those plans on Thursday when the Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche. I’ll have more on that below.

Waddell’s cryptic comments about keeping some things internal suggest that Werenski may have expressed his frustration over the Blue Jackets’ inability to clinch a playoff berth over the past two seasons. The uncertainty over his future ensures he will be a frequent subject for trade speculation.

NHL TRADE TRACKER FOR JUNE 25

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall), a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin is a replacement for Boone Jenner or Mason Marchment. Both are pending UFAs who are unlikely to return. As for the Avalanche, this was a cost-cutting move, freeing up Nichushkin’s $6.125 million AAV from their books. They now have almost $11 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, which will likely be used to shore up their blueline.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW/FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Philadelphia Flyers traded forward Garnet Hathaway and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-rounder. The Flyers are retaining half of Hathaway’s $2.4 million AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hathaway will be a replacement for UFA-eligible forward AJ Greer.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Washington Capitals traded forward Hendrix Lapierre to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

THE HOCKEY NEWS/NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: The Capitals also traded defenseman Declain Chisholm to the New Jersey Devils for a 2027 fourth-round pick.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2026

by | Jun 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2026

The latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Vincent Trocheck, Erik Karlsson, Alexander Nikishin, Jake DeBrusk, Pavel Zacha, Blake Coleman, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PANTHERS ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports the Florida Panthers haven’t closed the door on the possibility of acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets to shore up their goaltending.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates and Shayna Goldman included the Panthers on their list of teams who could or should be pursuing Hellebuyck.

They point out that the Panthers lack sufficient trade assets to tempt the Jets into parting with their franchise goaltender. They shipped young winger Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken and three first-round picks to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk.

If the Panthers are willing to part with two-way center Anton Lundell, he could be the centerpiece that makes the deal happen. Without him, it won’t be enough to make a deal happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers reportedly refused to part with Lundell in the Tkachuk trade, so it’s unlikely that they’ll do it for Hellebuyck, assuming the goalie has requested a trade or is willing to waive his no-movement clause. Even with Lundell as the centerpiece, the Panthers lack the secondary pieces to get it done, unless they’re willing to give up another good roster player in the deal.

Meanwhile, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports the door isn’t closed yet on the Panthers’ efforts to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky, their long-time starting goaltender.

THE WILD ARE STILL TRYING TO LAND DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild continue to play the waiting game in their efforts to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Wild are on Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations, but “it’s painfully obvious” that they lack sufficient trade assets to meet Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s asking price. Wild GM Bill Guerin remains in constant contact with Yzerman and Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest it could take getting a third team involved to help the Wings acquire the assets they need to land Larkin.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano report that New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is still hoping to receive a return package for Vincent Trocheck that includes a young roster player. If that return fails to materialize, Baugh and Mercogliano wonder if he’d settle for a first-round pick and a prospect.

The Minnesota Wild have faded as a destination for Trocheck. Baugh and Mercogliano mused over whether the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins might pay Drury’s asking price. Other clubs linked to Trocheck in the rumor mill include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market could be awaiting the outcome of Dylan Larkin’s situation before shifting focus toward Trocheck, who has three years left on his contract. Drury could be content to wait until next year’s trade deadline if there are no suitable options this summer.

Alexis Lafreniere has also surfaced in the rumor mill. However, two sources told Baugh and Mercogliano that the 24-year-old winger will likely stay put unless they get a mind-blowing offer. The Rangers are seeking scoring forwards, not trying to move them.

COULD THE SENATORS BRING BACK ERIK KARLSSON?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators “visited a trade” for former captain Erik Karlsson during the 2022-23 season when he was with the San Jose Sharks. However, they decided that would undermine the leadership of then-captain Brady Tkachuk and opted against it.

With Tkachuk recently traded to the Florida Panthers and the Senators’ captaincy vacant, Garrioch wondered if they might take another shot at bringing Karlsson back to Ottawa.

Karlsson is now with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has a year left on his contract. Garrioch claimed that the Penguins aren’t interested in moving the 36-year-old defenseman, and if they were, they would want a decent return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins surprised everyone by making the playoffs this season. They’ll likely want to add to their roster this summer, not subtract. After a couple of rough seasons with the Penguins, Karlsson had 66 points in 75 games in 2025-26.

It’s also worth remembering that it was the Senators’ former management that would’ve been interested in bringing back Karlsson. The current management probably has other plans this summer than bringing back a former captain.

HURRICANES OPEN TO TRADING ALEXANDER NIKISHIN

THE SCORE: According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trading Alexander Nikishin. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Nikishin joined the Hurricanes as a highly-touted defenseman following a successful tenure in the KHL. He had 33 points in 81 games during this regular season, but his playing time declined during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run, picking up one assist in 17 games. He also suffered a concussion during their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, missing two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’3”, 218-pound Nikishin is a promising right-shot defenseman who could draw lots of attention in the trade market. He’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Hurricanes have over $11 million in cap space. They could sign Nikishin to an affordable short-term bridge deal, but he could prefer a more lucrative long-term deal.

It’s been suggested that the Hurricanes could be a destination for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If so, Nikishin could be an intriguing trade chip as part of a package offer for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

ARE THE CANADIENS INTERESTED IN JAKE DEBRUSK?

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reports a source claims the Montreal Canadiens have expressed interest in Jake DeBrusk.

The Canadiens reportedly attempted to sign DeBrusk when he was a UFA two years ago, and they looked into acquiring him at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Johnston of The Province recently quoted a source claiming that DeBrusk isn’t keen to return to the East. If so, the Canadiens will have to look elsewhere for a top-six winger.

WHAT’S BRUIN IN BOSTON?

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney said all options are on the table to improve his roster as the draft weekend approaches.

Sweeney could use his first-round pick (23rd overall) as a trade chip. However, the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks hold multiple first-rounders in this draft, and their intentions could affect the Bruins’ efforts to make an impact trade with just the 23rd overall pick.

The Bruins GM didn’t rule out moving a roster player for a return that bolsters the roster. Conroy speculates that Sweeney is likely getting plenty of calls about center Pavel Zacha, who is a year away from UFA eligibility and in line for a significant raise over his current $4.75 million cap hit. Sweeney said his intention remains to sign Zacha to an extension.

Defenseman Mason Lohrei could also be a trade candidate. Meanwhile, contract discussions with pending UFAs Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke continue, but there’s still a gap between the parties on terms and dollars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins fans (especially some who are regular commenters on this site) have been grumbling over Sweeney’s inactivity in the trade market thus far. However, it’s apparent that attempts to use their 2026 first-rounder as trade bait are hampered by whatever the Sharks and Blues have in store.

Zacha is drawing a lot of interest, but moving him would weaken the Bruins’ depth at center. The clubs calling about him are probably offering draft picks and prospects. That return doesn’t provide immediate help for the Bruins. Sweeney could use them as bait for another roster player, but that can be easier said than done.

UPDATES ON FLAMES FORWARDS BLAKE COLEMAN AND CONNOR ZARY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the trade market is quiet for the moment on Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman. It appears the 10 teams on his list of approved trade destinations either lack sufficient cap room to acquire his $4.9 million cap hit or they’re working on other deals at the moment.

Meanwhile, Darren Dreger reported the Flames are open to trading Connor Zary. They’re seeking a second-round pick for the 24-year-old center, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.775 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 24th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary was projected to become a top-six forward for the Flames. However, injuries have hampered his development. Zary had 34 points in 63 games this season.

WHAT WILL THE SHARKS AND BLUES DO WITH THEIR DRAFT PICKS?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s getting several calls about the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft. The Sharks acquired that pick in the William Eklund trade from the Ottawa Senators, who acquired it from the Florida Panthers in the Brady Tkachuk trade.

Grier also said he got a “really interesting call” about the No. 2 pick, which the Sharks got in last month’s draft lottery.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports the St. Louis Blues have positioned themselves to make a major move in the trade market. They now have four first-round picks (Nos. 11, 15, 16, and 29) after acquiring one from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade. The Blues hold 13 total picks in this year’s draft.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he’s open to using those picks to move up in the first-round order, especially if they can move into the top four. He could also use them to pursue a talented young NHL player.