NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2026

by | Feb 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flyers, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH FLYERS COULD BECOME TRADE BAIT?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James recently looked at the Philadelphia Flyers’ potential plans for the March 6 trade deadline.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

James dismissed a recent rumor suggesting the Flyers could shake things up by trading Travis Konecny. He pointed out that the 27-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, is a respected team leader, and will be part of the Flyers’ plans to get better sooner rather than later.

Owen Tippett was also mentioned as a trade candidate. James believes the Flyers would prefer to keep him, but their surplus of wingers could force their hand. Tippett could be someone they could include in a package deal if they were to pursue someone such as St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.

Bobby Brink could also become a trade chip. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent in July and might have to make room for younger wingers in the Flyers’ system.

As for their defensemen, James suggested moving Rasmus Ristolainen as one option before March 6. He also wondered about Noah Juulsen, Emil Andrae, and Nick Seeler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ recent slide in the standings likely killed off their chances of reaching the playoffs. Management will likely be sellers at the deadline, seeking returns that could accelerate their development, such as young NHL players.

The Flyers could use a first-line center, and Thomas would fit the bill. However, he has a full no-trade clause and might not be keen on joining a retooling/rebuilding club. If he is willing to join the Flyers, Tippett could be part of the deal, but it would cost perhaps another good young player, along with the Flyers’ 2026 first-rounder, and one of their top prospects. The Blues are setting high asking prices for guys like Thomas.

WHICH MAPLE LEAFS ARE THE MOST LIKELY TRADE CANDIDATES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes forwards Calle Jarnkrok, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann are the most likely trade candidates for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trio is due to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Siegel also wouldn’t be surprised if defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Troy Stecher, and winger Nick Robertson end up getting moved by March 6.

Ekman-Larsson has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million and a 16-team no-trade list. Stecher is UFA-eligible on July 1, while Robertson is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann, Ekman-Larsson, and Laughton would likely fetch the best returns. McMann is considered their best trade chip because of his style of play and affordable contract.

WHAT WILL THE BLUE JACKETS DO BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline believes Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell and his staff will be busy during the Olympic break attempting to sign forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson. The four are UFA-eligible on July 1.

Given the Blue Jackets’ surge in the standings before the Olympic break, Waddell wants to help his club by the trade deadline. If he can find an offensive finisher with term left on his contract, Waddell could go for it. He could also make depth moves, perhaps by targeting Chicago Blackhawks captain (and former Blue Jacket) Nick Foligno.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell’s trade deadline plans will also depend on whether the Blue Jackets can maintain the hot streak they were on before the Olympics. If they struggle and end up sliding in the standings, he could attempt to move any unsigned UFAs.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2026

by | Feb 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 11, 2026

The latest on Alex Ovechkin, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Martin Necas, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Men’s Olympic hockey schedule begins on Wednesday with Slovakia playing Finland (10:30 AM ET) and Sweden taking on Italy (3 PM ET).

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports KHL president Alexei Morozov intends to touch base with Alex Ovechkin this summer regarding the Washington Capitals captain’s plans.

Ovechkin’s contract with the Capitals expires at the end of this season. However, the 40-year-old left winger hasn’t made any decisions regarding his future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin has indicated that he’d like to finish his playing career back home in Russia with Moscow Dynamo. The NHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader, his production is down from last season’s 44-goal pace, but he’s second among Capitals scorers with 22 goals and 48 points in 59 games.

TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons wonders if Auston Matthews can lead the United States to Olympic gold in the 2026 Olympics despite a lack of big-game history. The 28-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs center was named captain of Team USA.

Team USA captain Auston Matthews (NHL.com).

Since Matthews made his NHL debut in 2016-17, he has led all scorers with 427 regular-season goals, but his production dries up in the playoffs. Simmons also noted he had the opportunity to win last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA, but failed to score in overtime.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leading the Americans to Olympic gold won’t fully silence Matthews’ critics, but it would turn down the volume.

TSN: William Nylander missed Sweden’s practice on Tuesday and is questionable for their game against Italy on Wednesday. Head coach Sam Hallam said it was a “maintenance thing,” adding that Nylander already participated in two practices with the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nylander missed some time last month with a groin injury before returning to the Maple Leafs on Jan. 31.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche winger Martin Necas hopes he can be part of a new golden era for Czechia. The country has medaled in each of the last four World Junior Championships and won gold at the 2024 World Championships.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus reports that the 2026 Olympics are an opportunity for some former NHL players to earn one more chance to return to the big league.

Those former NHLers include Dominik Kahun (Germany), Dominik Kubalik and Ondrej Kase (Czechia), Tomas Tatar (Slovakia), and Rudolfs Balcers (Latvia).

DAILY FACEOFF: Steven Ellis reports sources indicating that 2026 NHL prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to play for Penn State when they face off against the University of Michigan on Saturday.

McKenna, 18, was allegedly involved in an off-ice incident in State College on Jan. 31. He was charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. However, the felony assault charge was withdrawn by prosecutors.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes James Hagens could be the best Boston Bruins prospect since Tyler Seguin. The 19-year-old center was named tournament MVP as he led Boston College to victory in the 2026 Beanpot Tournament. The Bruins chose Hagens seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Seguin won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, but they traded him to Dallas two years later as he was poised to become a scoring star. Hopefully, the current management will handle Hagens differently. 

THE PROVINCE: Long-time Vancouver Canucks broadcaster Jim Robson passed away on Monday at age 91. Robson was the Canucks first play-by-play man from their first game in 1970 until his retirement in 1999.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robson was the voice of the Canucks through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s on radio and television. He belongs among the greatest hockey broadcasters of all time. My condolences to Robson’s family, friends, and the Canucks organization.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 10, 2026

Could the Blues move Jordan Kyrou by the trade deadline? Will the Kings peddle winger Warren Foegele? What could the Sabres do by the deadline? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ST. LOUIS BLUES?

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently looked at other possible moves by the St. Louis Blues after trading center Nick Bjugstad to the New Jersey Devils last week.

Center Robert Thomas, center and team captain Brayden Schenn, defenseman Justin Faulk, winger Jordan Kyrou, and goaltender Jordan Binnington are considered candidates that could be moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

However, the Blues are currently setting high asking prices for those players. Some teams expressing some interest in these players have cap management issues to sort out. Rutherford also pointed out that these players have some form of no-trade protection this season.

St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if the Blues don’t make at least one more trade before the deadline. The limited options for quality center in the trade market explain the interest in Thomas, but the expensive price tag could make that an offseason move. Schenn and Faulk seem the more likely trade candidates.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Kyrou would be an alluring trade target, suggesting that his “down year” this season is reflective of the team he’s playing for.

Kyrou has averaged 32 goals in 82 games in each of the last four seasons. That justifies the $8 million annual cap hit for a 27-year-old winger in his playing prime. He also carries a full no-trade clause, giving him control over potential trade destinations.

After examining Kyrou’s analytic numbers, Yost considers him a worthwhile target for teams seeking a speedy scoring upgrade on the wing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market for Kyrou would be higher if he were a center instead of a winger. Nevertheless, he’d be a valuable asset for contenders looking for some scoring punch.

Kyrou’s no-trade clause complicates things. The Montreal Canadiens were interested in him last summer until that clause went into effect on July 1, and they instead settled on Zachary Bolduc. His cap hit is reasonable, but it could still be difficult for some teams to absorb.

THE KINGS COULD MOVE WARREN FOEGELE BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently noted that Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland has indicated he could be peddling winger Warren Foegele.

The Kings acquired winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers last week. Asked if he had more moves up his sleeve, Holland replied, “We’ve got a lot of forwards now.”

That glut of forwards has resulted in winger Warren Foegele being a recent healthy scratch.

“Warren Foegele had a great year last year,” Holland said. He acknowledged the 29-year-old winger has been out of the lineup lately, adding that he had to work the phones to address this situation.

Leal also noted that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Kings attempted to get center Vincent Trocheck included in the Panarin deal. Foegele could be used as a trade chip in a package deal to bring in a center.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples suggested the Oilers consider bringing back Foegele, who spent three seasons with them from 2021-22 to 2023-24, including their run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Staples cited several observers suggesting the Oilers swap Andrew Mangiapane for Foegele, citing their nearly identical cap hits. Foegele carries an average annual value of $3.5 million through next season, while Mangiapane earns $3.6 million annually through 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Kings use Foegele as trade bait for a center, they won’t be interested in adding another winger like Mangiapane.

THE SABRES COULD SHOP FOR A DEFENSEMAN

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn recently suggested that Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen must add an experienced depth defenseman at the trade deadline to bolster his blueline.

Injuries have hampered Michael Kesselring, while Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa have struggled, forcing the top-four defensemen to carry the bulk of the workload.

The Sabres will soon have sidelined forwards Josh Norris and Zach Benson back in the lineup following the Olympic break. However, Fairburn believes they still need a forward with postseason experience who can play a heavy game.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 10, 2026

by | Feb 10, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 10, 2026

Canadian goalies hope to silence critics in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament, Leon Draisaitl is named captain of Team Germany, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper defended his goaltenders against criticism that they are the team’s Achilles heel in the upcoming Men’s Olympic hockey tournament.

Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper (NHL.com)

“We have all the faith in the world in them,” Cooper said. “To me, it’s not a story. I don’t know where it comes from.”

Cooper pointed out that Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings are Stanley Cup winners. He also noted Logan Thompson’s rise as a starting goalie with the Washington Capitals.

Meanwhile, the three netminders said they’re looking forward to silencing the doubters. “Excited to go out there and prove everyone wrong,” Thompson said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Binnington was considered Canada’s weakest link in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, but rose to the occasion in the gold-medal game against the United States with an MVP-worthy performance in a 3-2 overtime victory.

Kuemper is no stranger to winning international gold, backstopping Canada to victory in the 2021 World Championship.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (VIA THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS): Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, and Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins give Team USA one of the best goaltending trios in the upcoming men’s hockey tournament.

USA head coach Mike Sullivan has full confidence in his netminders. “Regardless of which guy we put in, we have three elite goaltenders, all of which will give us an opportunity to win,” Sullivan said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck backstopped Team USA to the gold-medal game in last year’s 4 Nations tournament. Swayman was the starting goalie for their gold-medal team in last year’s World Championships, sporting a 7-0 record.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl was officially named captain of Team Germany. The alternate captains are Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle. Draisaitl was also Germany’s flag bearer during last Friday’s opening ceremonies.

TSN: Former NHL forward Tomas Tatar was named captain of Team Slovakia. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak and Washington Capitals blueliner Martin Fehervary are the alternate captains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tatar spent 14 seasons in the NHL from 2010-11 to 2024-25 with the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken.

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky was on the same line as Tatar and former NHL center Adam Ruzicka during Slovakia’s practice on Monday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Slafkovsky was tournament MVP in the 2022 Winter Olympics, leading all players with seven goals as Slovakia won its first medal in men’s hockey.

Ruzicka spent four seasons in the NHL from 2020-21 to 2023-24 with the Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes. Since 2024-25, he’s played for KHL club Moscow Spartak.

NCAA: The Boston College Eagles defeated the Boston University Terriers 6-2 to win the Beanpot tournament for the first time since 2016.

Boston Bruins prospect center James Hagens had two goals and three assists and was named tournament MVP. The Bruins chose Hagens with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

TSN: The preliminary hearing for top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna in an alleged assault case in Pennsylvania has been postponed until March 11.

McKenna, 18, faces charges of misdemeanor simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct following an alleged incident on Jan. 31 in State College, PA.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

by | Feb 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 9, 2026

What kind of moves could the Maple Leafs make by the March 6 trade deadline? Will the Wild use Jesper Wallstedt as a trade chip for a first-line center? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples recently took note of speculation linking the Oilers to Toronto Maple Leafs center Nicolas Roy and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there were rumors circulating in Edmonton before the Olympic trade freeze claiming the Oilers had spoken with the Maple Leafs. While there has been plenty of rumors lately regarding Leafs winger Bobby McMann, Pagnotta believes the Oilers were more interested in Roy and Ekman-Larsson.

Staples also pointed out that Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos recently speculated about the Oilers making a move for Laine.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann (NHL Images).

Insiders such as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Bob Stauffer of “Oilers Now” claim the Oilers seek a third-line winger. Friedman and Stauffer believe McMann’s size, speed, and affordable $1.35 million cap hit would be a good fit for the cap-strapped Oilers. However, Staples believes other clubs will also be interested in McMann and will likely outbid the Oilers.

Staples dismissed the possibility of the Oilers pursuing Laine, who carries an $8.7 million cap hit this season. He noted that the 34-year-old Ekman-Larsson carries an average annual value of $3.5 million for two more seasons, suggesting it’s a coin flip whether he’ll remain a solid NHL defenseman over that period.

The Oilers must move winger Andrew Mangiapane and his $3.6 million AAV through next season. Staples suggested sending Mangiapane to the Maple Leafs for Roy and his $3 million cap hit.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers must move out salary if they intend to make any significant acquisitions by the March 6 trade deadline. They have reportedly been trying to move Mangiapane since December. It’s unlikely the Leafs would take him for Roy, McMann, or Ekman-Larsson without a significant sweetener attached.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen wondered if the Avalanche should target Roy or Scott Laughton of the Maple Leafs to center their third line.

Laughton is 31, and accounts for just $1.5 million of the Maple Leafs’ salary cap. He’s on an expiring contract, while Roy is signed through next season.

Deen believes Roy would be a better fit, especially on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could hang onto Roy for another season if they believe they can bounce back from their current disappointing performance. Nevertheless, they’ll likely be open to offers. Whether the Avalanche could outbid other clubs remains to be seen.

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos observed that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh is playing well in his contract year and is set to cash in. He believes the 29-year-old right-handed defenseman with the booming shot would be a perfect upgrade to the Maple Leafs’ power play.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh is in the final season of a two-year contract with an AAV of $975,000. He had a 33-point performance in 2023-24 and 37 points last season, but has exploded into a scoring star with 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points.

Raddysh is playing with more confidence this season, partly because he stepped up when team captain Victor Hedman was sidelined. He’s poised for a substantial raise, which the Lightning can afford if they wish. He might not be available for the Leafs (or anyone else) when free agency begins on July 1.

WILL THE WILD TRADE JESPER WALLSTEDT FOR A CENTER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently responded to questions from their readers regarding the possibility of the Minnesota Wild trading Jesper Wallstedt for a center.

Wallstedt, 23, has paired with Filip Gustavsson to give the Wild one of the better goaltending tandems in the league this season. He leads this season’s rookie goalies with a 2.72 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and four shutouts.

With Gustavsson signed through 2030-31, Wallstedt could be expendable. Trying to acquire a first-line center without including him in the deal would be difficult because of the limited trade chips the Wild have left.

It would reportedly take more than Wallstedt for the Wild to land someone like Robert Thomas. That’s because the St. Louis Blues have set a high asking price for the 26-year-old center.

Russo and Smith don’t believe the Wild could land Jack Hughes by using Wallstedt in a package deal. It’s hard to imagine embattled New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald trading his franchise player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild GM Bill Guerin is preaching patience, but it’s no secret he’s in the market for a scoring forward, preferably a first-line center. A deal involving Wallstedt by the March 6 trade deadline is possible, but it’s more likely that kind of blockbuster occurs in the offseason when teams have more cap room and a willingness to make big trades.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 9, 2026

by | Feb 9, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 9, 2026

The captains of Canada, Czechia, Finland, Sweden, and the United States for the 2026 Winter Olympics have been officially announced, a look at the initial practice line combinations for Canada and the USA, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Penguins center Sidney Crosby was officially named captain of Canada’s Men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. Crosby previously served as captain of Canada’s 2014 gold medal-winning team.

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby (NHL.com).

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will serve as Crosby’s alternate captains.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise there. Crosby was the obvious choice, having also captained Canada in the 2015 World Championship, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL center Roman Cervenka was named captain of Czechia’s men’s Olympic hockey team. Cervenka, 40, spent most of his career in Europe, playing for the Calgary Flames in 2012-13. He’s making his fifth straight appearance in the Winter Olympics.

Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas will serve as Cervenka’s alternates.

TSN: Finland named Anaheim Ducks forward Mikael Granlund as their team captain. Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho and Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen are Granlund’s alternate captains.

Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog will captain Sweden’s team, with defensemen Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson serving as his alternate captains.

SPORTSNET: Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews was named captain of the United States’ men’s team. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk will be Matthews’ alternates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby, Landeskog, and Matthews serve as captains of their respective NHL clubs, as do McDavid, Hedman, and Gudas. Karlsson was captain of the Ottawa Senators from 2014-15 to 2017-18.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu reports Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson skated alongside Connor McDavid and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini on Canada’s first line during the team’s initial practice on Sunday.

Crosby centered Vegas Golden Knights wingers Mitch Marner and Mark Stone on the second line. The third line consisted of Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon between Panthers winger Brad Marchand and Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki, while New York Islanders center Bo Horvat was between Lightning winger Brandon Hagel and Panthers winger Sam Reinhart. Panthers center Sam Bennett and Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis were the spares.

Makar and Avalanche linemate Devon Toews were on the first pairing. The second pairing consisted of Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues. Travis Sanheim of the Philadelphia Flyers and Shea Theodore of the Golden Knights were on the third pairing, with the Stars’ Thomas Harley and the Los Angeles Kings’ Drew Doughty on the fourth pairing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wilson skating on the top pairing raised some eyebrows. It’ll be interesting to see how well he meshes with McDavid and Celebrini. He will certainly bring a physical edge to that line.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reported Matthews centered Team USA’s top line with Lightning winger Jake Guentzel and Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy. Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights centered Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk and his brother, Senators winger Brady Tkachuk.

Russo indicated that USA head coach Mike Sullivan mixed and matched the bottom two forward lines with each rush. They included Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres, J.T. Miller of the New York Rangers, Brock Nelson of the Avalanche, Clayton Keller of the Utah Mammoth, Kyle Connor of the Jets, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings.

The defense saw McAvoy pairing with the Minnesota Wild’s Quinn Hughes, the Hurricanes’ Jaccob Slavin with the Wild’s Brock Faber, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside Noah Hanifin of the Golden Knights, and the Senators’ Jake Sanderson with the Ducks’ Jackson Lacombe.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of these line combinations for Canada and the United States might not be what we see throughout this tournament. They could adjust in the coming days depending on performance.

TSN: In recent non-Olympic news, former NHL defenseman Travis Dermott joined the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack on a professional tryout offer on Saturday. The Wolfpack is the affiliate of the New York Rangers.

Dermott, 29, spent eight seasons in the NHL (2017-18 to 2024-25), spending five of them with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played with the Vancouver Canucks, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers, and Minnesota Wild. Dermott has 62 points in 348 NHL games.