Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

by | Jun 28, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 28, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Jason Robertson, Dylan Larkin, and Darnell Nurse.

UPDATES ON ZACH WERENSKI AND KIRILL MARCHENKO

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets face three possibilities regarding defenseman Zach Werenski. They can trade the 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner during this offseason, wait until next summer when he has a year left on his contract, or keep him for the remaining two years of his deal.

LeBrun indicated that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell wants NHL players in return for Werenski, not draft picks and prospects. He also noted that the blueliner’s no-movement clause becomes a 10-team trade list next summer.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

It’s believed that eight to 10 teams have contacted the Blue Jackets about Werenski. LeBrun expects the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes to be among them. He also believes the Toronto Maple Leafs would be one team the blueliner might consider. It’s not believed that Werenski’s agent has given the Blue Jackets a list of preferred trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell can afford to take his time to evaluate his options and suitable trade offers. The fact that he wants players in return could make this situation drag on for a while.

Werenski’s $9.583 million cap hit for the next two seasons will also be a factor. It’s unlikely Waddell will retain any part of it. Of the teams noted by LeBrun, the Stars have the least amount of cap space ($9.26 million), plus they’re also dealing with the Jason Robertson situation. More on that below.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets must also deal with the news that Kirill Marchenko doesn’t intend to sign a contract extension. The 25-year-old winger is a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

LeBrun noted that Marchenko has not requested a trade and is ready to return to play next season and the season after that, as the Blue Jackets will still control his rights for that season. Nevertheless, he doesn’t want to stick around for the long term.

Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, have called about Marchenko. However, Waddell has told teams that he’s not going to trade the winger this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Waddell’s position could change if a team is willing to overpay for Marchenko. As with Werenski, he can afford to be patient with this situation.

STARS STILL NEGOTIATING WITH JASON ROBERTSON

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said his club still wants to re-sign Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Last week, Robertson rejected a trade that the Stars had lined up with the Seattle Kraken by refusing to accept an eight-year contract offer ($15 million average annual value) from the Kraken.

It’s believed the two sides are $2 million apart, with the Stars offering $12 million annually while Robertson seeks $14 million. He lacks a no-movement clause, but many teams won’t agree to trade for him if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nill and the Robertson camp could reach an agreement on a new contract. The winger could file for arbitration, forcing the two sides to settle on a one-year deal that takes him up to unrestricted free-agent status next July. If Robertson files for arbitration, he’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet from another club.

The fact that there was a sign-and-trade scenario with Seattle suggests that Robertson may have played his final game with the Stars. He could be on the move if the right team makes a contract pitch similar to what he received from the Kraken.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reports Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is no closer to trading center Dylan Larkin. The 29-year-old Red Wings captain submitted a trade request earlier this month.

Yzerman made a short statement yesterday, indicating that Larkin has five years remaining on his contract. He said that he will do what’s best for the Red Wings, adding that there is no guarantee that Larkin’s request could or should be met.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman’s statement suggests that he hasn’t received any offers that would entice him to move Larkin. He seems prepared to wait the entire summer if necessary.

Larkin initially listed three clubs (Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights) as preferred destinations. It’s rumored that he’d be open to expanding that list, and he might have to if he hopes to be moved before the start of next season.

DARNELL NURSE IS STILL WAITING FOR A TRADE

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Robert Tychkowski reports the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins are believed to be on Darnell Nurse’s trade list.

Tychkowski suggested the Bruins could be the most likely landing spot. The Bruins need a left-shot defenseman to pair with Charlie McAvoy. They might be willing to include Mason Lohrei in the return, but he’d only be suitable for third-pairing minutes with the Oilers.

The Anaheim Ducks have been mentioned as a destination for Nurse. However, they already have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov as their top four on left defense, and they need depth on the right side of their blueline.

Moving Nurse became more difficult with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski emerging as a trade candidate.

Meanwhile, Kurt Leavins believes Nurse’s situation is holding up management’s roster plans for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Nurse’s performance over the past two years, combined with his $9.25 million AAV for the next four seasons, already made him a difficult sell in the trade market. Werenski’s potential availability will make it even more difficult for the Oilers to move him this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2026

by | Jun 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 28, 2026

The highlights from the second and final day of the 2026 Draft are in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins selecting Markus Ruck with the 39th overall pick was the notable highlight from the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft. Ruck’s twin brother, Liam, was chosen at No. 22 in the first round on Friday.

Liam and Markus Ruck (NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether the Ruck twins would end up on the same team was among the big questions heading into this draft. It seemed that hope was dashed when Liam was taken by the Penguins in the first round, leaving them facing the possibility that they would be split up for the first time in their young hockey careers before the Penguins chose Markus.

The Ruck twins being on the same NHL franchise have drawn comparisons to Hall of Famers Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who were selected by the Vancouver Canucks in 1999. Time will tell if they go on to have great careers like the Sedins.

Several prospects in this year’s draft have NHL bloodlines.

Vancouver Canucks first-round pick (third overall) Caleb Malhotra is the son of former NHL player and current Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra. Wyatt Cullen, chosen 10th overall by the Nashville Predators, is the son of former forward Matt Cullen.

St. Louis Blues prospect center Maddox Dagenais (16th overall) is the son of former forward Pierre Dagenais. Anaheim Ducks first-rounder (28th overall) Marcus Nordmark is the son of former defenseman Robert Nordmark. Detroit Red Wings prospect Victor Plante (chosen 47th overall) is the son of former center Derek Plante.

Calgary Flames winger Joe Iginla (65th overall) is the son of Hall of Fame winger Jarome Iginla. Montreal Canadiens prospect winger Parker Trottier (189th overall) is the grandson of Hall of Fame center Bryan Trottier.

A record-setting four players were from Latvia: Alberts Smits (No. 5 by the New York Rangers), Rudolfs Berzkains (No. 58 by the Edmonton Oilers), Patriks Plumins (No. 114 by the Toronto Maple Leafs), and Oliver Murnieks (No. 124 by the Buffalo Sabres).

San Jose Sharks prospect defenseman Alexander Karmanov (201st overall) is the tallest player ever selected in an NHL draft. The 18-year-old is 7’1” and weighs 280 pounds.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the complete list of picks from every round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes acquired the contract rights of defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a sixth-rounder in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carlson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’d already informed the Ducks that he intended to sign with an Eastern club. The Hurricanes have his exclusive negotiating rights until noon ET on Wednesday.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Jonathan Huberdeau has returned to skating and is trending toward being ready for training camp in September. The 33-year-old winger underwent season-ending hip resurfacing in March.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars GM Jim Nill said forward Radek Faksa underwent surgery to repair a foot injury he suffered during this season. He also said that forward Tyler Seguin is continuing his rehab from a season-ending ACL tear suffered in December.

Both players are expected to be ready for training camp in September.

TORONTO SUN/THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Maple Leafs traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues for two third-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Leafs moved Carlo because he didn’t have the impact the club desired when they acquired him from the Boston Bruins at the March 2025 trade deadline. He’ll get a fresh start in St. Louis, where he’ll be insurance in case promising blueliner Adam Jiricek isn’t ready to make the jump to the NHL next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The move also freed up salary cap space for the Maple Leafs, giving them over $22 million to put toward other moves via the trade and free-agent markets.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins traded forward Fabian Lysell to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Ivan Ivan.

NEW YORK POST/THE TENNESSEAN: The Rangers trade forward Adam Edstrom to the Predators in exchange for the No. 148 pick in this year’s draft and prospect Massimo Rizzo.










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.