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.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

by | Jun 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

Reaction to the Sabres sending Alex Tuch to the Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal, the Sabres re-sign Zach Benson, the Avalanche trade Jack Drury to the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT/THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Sabres shipped winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday as part of a sign-and-trade deal. In return, they receive a 2027 third-round pick and the rights to pending free-agent center David Kampf.

Buffalo Sabres trade winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images)

Before sending Tuch to the Capitals, the Sabres signed the 30-year-old power forward to an eight-year, $84-million contract. The average annual value is $10.5 million, with a full no-movement clause in the first four seasons, dropping to a modified no-trade list for the final four seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second major move by both teams this week. On Tuesday, the Sabres shipped defenseman Bowen Byram and winger Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.

The Sabres reportedly pitched a final offer of seven years at just under $10 million, but they weren’t comfortable with what he was seeking. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen was concerned that it could force them to move out other players to make the dollars fit within their salary cap payroll.

Kekalainen said his club would consider all options to replace Tuch, who played a key role in the Sabres’ ending their 14-year playoff drought this season. They have the draft capital to use as trade bait, including the fourth-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, which they received from Chicago in the Byram deal.

The additions of Tuch and Kyrou bring significant right-wing scoring punch to the Capitals, who are attempting to bounce back from missing the playoffs this season. They might not be done making moves, as they could consider adding another scoring forward and another penalty killer.

These moves also raise questions about Alex Ovechkin’s future with the Capitals. The 40-year-old winger has completed his contract, raising speculation that he’s planning to retire. Bringing in Tuch and Kyrou could be seen as an enticement for Ovechkin to return for another season, or it could be the Capitals’ preparation to offset the loss of his offense if he doesn’t return.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres signed winger Zach Benson to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $7.5 million. He has a modified no-trade clause (a seven-team no-trade list) for the final three years of the deal.

Benson, 21, had completed his entry-level contract. He’s coming off a breakout performance in his third NHL campaign, with 43 points in 65 regular-season games, and nine points in 13 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benson stepped up this season as a pesky, two-way forward. He was a spark plug for the Sabres, pumping up his teammates with his clutch scoring and energetic play. If that sounds familiar, it’s because his style of play is comparable to Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. Benson could become an important core player for the Sabres in the next several years.

THE TENNESSEAN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Nashville Predators acquired center Jack Drury, prospect forward Chase Bradley, and a third-round pick in 2029 from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forwards Zach L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second trade in as many weeks that Predators GM Chris MacFarland has made with his former team, having acquired forward Ross Colton last week.

This is a move involving role players who weren’t working out with their former clubs. L’Heureux and Svechkov were former first-round picks with the Predators, while Drury was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last season as part of the Mikko Rantanen trade.

Drury’s RFA status likely played a part in this deal. The Avalanche have limited cap space for next season, and re-signing the 26-year-old center probably would’ve cost more than they could comfortably afford.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher will be named an honorary citizen of the city of Montreal. This honor is bestowed on someone “who has a lasting impact on the well-being of Montrealers through their actions, art, and commitment.”

The 34-year-old Gallagher has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Canadiens, but he’s expected to be traded this summer. His agent has permission to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher’s pesky, hard-working style made him a fan favorite throughout his tenure with the Canadiens.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, Morgan Rielly, Jake DeBrusk, Kirill Marchenko, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s some interest in goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, though not as much as Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would want at this point. Dreger thinks a number of teams have made inquiries, including the Florida Panthers, but the offers simply haven’t been good enough.

Dreger also pointed out that the Jets aren’t in a rush to move Hellebuyck, who is signed through 2030-31. To get him moved, the offers must improve.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers lack sufficient trade assets to land Hellebuyck. The Jets would likely want center Anton Lundell as part of the return, but the Panthers don’t want to part with him. They would also have to free up cap space to absorb his $8.125 million cap hit, and it’s doubtful that the Jets would retain any part of it.

FRANKLY HOCKEY: NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Panthers, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible landing spots for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming any of those clubs would be acceptable destinations for Hellebuyck, who has a full no-movement clause. Some of them probably are, but you can make cases for and against each of them.

WILL THE STARS RE-SIGN OR TRADE JASON ROBERTSON?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Dallas Stars are expected to make their best, perhaps final offer to Jason Robertson. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from UFA eligibility.

Dreger noted there’s been a lot of interest in Robertson, with speculation about a possible sign-and-trade scenario. There’s also the threat of an offer sheet. He could also end up going to arbitration, getting a one-year arbiter-awarded contract, and then departing next summer as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since his rookie campaign in 2020-21, Robertson has become one of the highest-scoring players in the league. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the eight-year contract ($12 million AAV) signed by teammate Mikko Rantanen last year. That’s put the cap-strapped Stars into a bind, which is why he’s popped up so much in trade and offer-sheet rumors.

If they re-sign Robertson, they’ll have to move a player or two in cost-cutting deals. It could also make young RFA forward Mavrik Bourque a tempting target for an offer sheet.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the agent for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly submitted a list of four preferred trade destinations in the Western Conference. “This will be a team-by-team assessment, and depending on the fit, there could be some flexibility to add teams to the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly, 32, has been the subject of frequent media trade chatter for weeks. He has a full no-movement clause, giving him control over where he can go. As of this writing, there was no indication of what clubs he’s willing to join, but the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth are teams that could use some experienced blueline depth.

Rielly isn’t the only Leafs defenseman in the rumor mill. Dreger’s colleague, Chris Johnston, mentioned that Brandon Carlo has surfaced in trade speculation.

SHARKS LISTENING ON SECOND OVERALL PICK

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the San Jose Sharks are still entertaining offers for the second-overall pick in this year’s draft. He claimed they’re getting serious interest in that pick, but it would take a substantial offer to pry it away from them.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng believes Sharks general manager Mike Grier isn’t done making moves in the trade market. He speculated that Grier could use the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft as trade bait to acquire an established defenseman, pointing out that the Sharks GM was reportedly interested in Bowen Byram before his trade to Chicago on Tuesday.

Peng suggested Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option, suggesting that the No. 9 pick would be a suitable centerpiece for a deal. He also wondered if they might package the No. 2 and 9 picks to Columbus for Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski is scheduled to meet with the Blue Jackets after the draft to discuss his future. That makes it unlikely that the Sharks will make that package offer unless Werenski forces the issue before the first round of the draft on Friday.

MORE TRADES COMING FOR THE DEVILS?

TSN: Chris Johnston noted the New Jersey Devils received two future first-round picks in the Simon Nemec trade with the Calgary Flames. They also hold the No. 35 pick in this year’s draft.

Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they use those picks as trade bait in a larger deal for an established player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Sunny Mehta wasn’t interested in rebuilding the roster when he recently took over his new job. He’ll likely use those picks to pursue a scoring forward.

UPDATES ON JAKE DEBRUSK AND KIRILL MARCHENKO

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports that a source claims that Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk doesn’t want to return to the Eastern Conference. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, and while he wouldn’t be opposed to a trade, he’s not willing to go everywhere.

Trade rumors linked DeBrusk to the Ottawa Senators, but it appears that’s unlikely if he wants to remain in the West.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could partly explain why the Senators acquired William Eklund from the Sharks. If they were interested in DeBrusk, they might’ve been told that he wasn’t available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports teams have been calling the Columbus Blue Jackets about Kirill Marchenko. He stated that the Jackets aren’t shopping the 25-year-old winger and want to retain him, but his name has come up when other general managers make inquiries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most general managers, Don Waddell is willing to listen to trade offers for most of his players. That doesn’t mean he’s going to move them. It would take a substantial pitch to tempt him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

Brady Tkachuk hopes to write a new chapter in Florida, Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets to discuss his future, analysis of Tuesday’s trade action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK AND ZACH WERENSKI

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brady Tkachuk was formally introduced as the newest member of the Panthers on Tuesday. He was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

Tkachuk said he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and career with the Panthers. He got to know the team well during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships through his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

“Their sole focus is winning, and that’s something I’m excited to join, to help out,” Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk also thanked his former club, singling out team owner Michael Andlauer, general manager Steve Staios, his former coaches and teammates. He said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and would always be thankful to the Senators for what they did for him as a player and a person. “They always have a piece of my heart,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Justin Bourne pushed back against the notion that the appeal of warm-weather, US-based teams in no-tax states is a growing trend, suggesting it’s part of a boom-bust cycle.

Teams such as the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars have been riding high in recent years, and NHL players want to play for winning franchises. However, Bourne pointed out several factors that will make it harder for those clubs to maintain their positions.

A significant factor will be the increasing difficulty of maintaining Stanley Cup contenders when they’re getting thin on tradeable assets. Their respective prospect pipelines rank 24th or worst among all NHL clubs. Some are lacking first-round picks over the next two to four years. As key players age out and their contracts remain on their books, it becomes harder to acquire talent to replace them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strong management was the prime reason why those four clubs became preferred destinations for NHL stars. However, as Bourne points out, they could soon reach the point where they will lack sufficient assets to maintain their place as Cup contenders.

Meanwhile, well-managed teams like the Hurricanes and Wild are becoming enticing landing spots for talented players. Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski will meet following the upcoming NHL Draft to discuss his future. The 28-year-old superstar defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2028.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

With trade requests around the league dominating headlines and the rumor mill, Werenski’s future in Columbus has become the subject of growing speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs over the past two seasons, sparking the conjecture that Werenski might be getting frustrated over their inability to get over the postseason hump. However, he could be willing to see how next season unfolds before deciding if his future lies elsewhere. They could also name him their new team captain if Boone Jenner departs via free agency on July 1, which could also factor into his plans.

ANALYSIS OF TUESDAY’S TRADES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the details of the four notable trades that occurred on Tuesday.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe wonders what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Moving Byram and winger Jordan Greenway free up over $10.25 million in salary cap space. The Sabres could use it to attempt to re-sign pending UFA winger Alex Tuch, or to add another established talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported Tuch is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. He thinks GM Jarmo Kekalainen could use the first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 4 overall) that he received from the Blackhawks as a trade chip if he wants to add another player. However, the Sabres GM could keep the pick and use it to add a potentially franchise-altering talent.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson overpaid for Byram and Greenway by including the fourth-overall pick as part of the return, along with blueliner Louis Crevier and a 2026 second-round pick.

Bushman also pointed out that Davidson still has to find a suitable winger to play alongside first-line center Connor Bedard. That task becomes more difficult without that No. 4 pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson made no secret of his intent to bolster their blueline. Nevertheless, the reaction to this move has been mostly negative among Blackhawks fans. Some preferred he use that first-round pick to select a promising young defenseman, while others hoped he’d use it as bait for a proper wingman for Bedard.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber believes Jordan Kyrou will be a perfect fit with the Washington Capitals. They acquired the speedy winger from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. She noted that the Capitals needed scoring depth at right wing.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford pointed out that more moves could be coming for the St. Louis Blues. They got a first-round pick from the Capitals in this deal, giving them four in this year’s draft. He also thinks the addition of Connor McMichael will boost the Blues’ top nine, while forward Milton Gastrin will boost their prospect pipeline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful the Blues will retain all four of those picks. They could bundle a couple of them in a trade for another young player or two.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Senators GM Steve Staios wasted little time making another trade after shipping Brady Tkachuk to Florida on Sunday. He bundled the first-round pick (No. 9 overall) he received from the Panthers with two prospects to the San Jose Sharks for winger William Eklund. Garrioch believes Staios will use the No. 25 pick as a trade chip to pursue another player, pointing out their interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted the Sharks now hold the No. 2, 9, and 27 picks in this year’s draft. Moving Eklund could clear the path for them to use the No. 2 pick to select prospect forward Ivar Stenberg, but they could also use it as trade bait for an established talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks still need to bolster their blueline. One or two of those draft picks could be used to add a quality defenseman.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy pursued Simon Nemec because he thought highly of the young defenseman. He traded away two first-round picks (one from the Golden Knights, one from the Colorado Avalanche) to the New Jersey Devils as part of the return for the 22-year-old blueliner.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Flames don’t have a contract extension in place for Nemec, who is a restricted free agent on July 1. The move frees up space on the crowded Devils blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec should be a good addition to the rebuilding Flames. He was going to be an expensive re-signing for the Devils. They can use those two first-round picks as trade chips to address their need for more scoring punch among their top-six forwards. This move probably means that the Devils won’t be trading veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: As expected, the Oilers officially hired Mike Babcock as head coach.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Hoffman Family of Companies received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to purchase the Penguins. The purchase process had been ongoing since last August.

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is exploring the feasibility of expansion into either Austin or Atlanta. It has entered a short-term agreement with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin to put a franchise in one of those cities. The agreed-upon price is $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee ($2 billion) and the cost of a new arena ($1.5 billion).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The worst-kept secret in the league is now, finally, out in the open. Expect an NHL franchise in at least one of those cities by 2030.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders hired Pascal Dupuis as their new Director of Player Development. Since 2021-22, the former NHL forward has owned the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, serving in different roles with the team.










NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images).

 The Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Louis Crevier, and a 2026 second-round pick.

The St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect forward Milton Gastrin, and a first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2026 NHL Draft. Kyrou waived his no-trade clause to join the Capitals.

The Ottawa Senators acquire winger William Eklund, forward Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to forward prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. That pick originally belonged to the Florida Panthers.

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, and prospect defenseman Etienne Morin. Both conditional picks are top-10 protected.