NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

The latest speculation on potential trade destinations for Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, an update on Blues center Robert Thomas, and the Ducks’ offseason wish list in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH CLUBS COULD BE SUITORS FOR DYLAN LARKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s ability to get a solid return to Dylan Larkin after the latter requested a trade.

Yzerman faced similar circumstances before. As GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, Yzerman got a good return for winger Martin St. Louis after he requested a trade to the New York Rangers. Three years later, he met winger Jonathan Drouin’s trade request by shipping him to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated that Yzerman has received a short list of preferred trade destinations from the Larkin camp. However, he speculated that list could change or grow. LeBrun also thinks it’s not to either side’s advantage to play hardball in this situation, but should instead try to avoid this dragging out throughout the summer and into next season.

According to LeBrun, between 12 and 15 clubs could inquire about Larkin. Obvious potential fits include the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Kings need a replacement for retired captain Anze Kopitar, the Wild seek an established first-line center, and the Canadiens need a second-line center.

LeBrun wondered if the Dallas Stars would be a suitor if they fail to re-sign winger Jason Robertson. He also sees the Boston Bruins as a potential fit.

Meanwhile, Max Bultman wondered where the Detroit Red Wings go from here after team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade this week.

Larkin’s request complicates the Red Wings’ offseason plans. They must now add a top-line center to their existing needs of a top-line left wing, a second-line center, bottom-six scoring, and toughness.

Bultman wondered if trading Larkin would force the Red Wings to retool their roster around their young core of talent rather than push for the playoffs next season. He also pondered the future of winger Alex DeBrincat, who turns 29 in December and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

PIONEER PRESS: Dan Mitzutani believes the Minnesota Wild should pursue a trade for Larkin to address their need for a first-line center. He believes the Red Wings will seek a substantial return, suggesting it could cost the Wild a couple of prospects along with a haul of draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic also believe GM Bill Guerin will look into acquiring Larkin. They believe Guerin won’t be afraid to part with young center Danila Yurov or prospects Charlie Stramel, Hunter Haight, or Adam Benak. However, the sticking point could be which players the Red Wings would want from the Wild’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on how many teams are on Larkin’s list of destinations. If it remains a short list, and if the Wild are on it, that could work in their favor when it comes to the return. The more teams on that list, the more the Wild might have to pay to outbid other clubs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains believes Larkin would be ideal for the Canadiens as their second-line center.

The Red Wings will seek a substantial return, which Hains believes the Canadiens are well-positioned to provide that. They have the prospects, roster players, draft picks, and salary-cap space to pull it off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings will almost certainly ask for center Michael Hage, the Canadiens’ top prospect. Defenseman David Reinbacher or winger Alexander Zharovsky could also be part of it. The Habs could also offer a young roster forward such as Oliver Kapanen or Zach Bolduc in the deal, but the Wings could seek someone more substantial, such as Ivan Demidov, which would be a deal-breaker for Montreal. It would also cost the Canadiens their first-round pick in this year’s or next year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins should look into acquiring Larkin. However, he considers it unlikely that they’ll land him.

One reason is Shinzawa doubts they have sufficient trade assets to outbid other clubs. He suggested a hypothetical offer of center Pavel Zacha, young defenseman Mason Lohrei, prospect center Dean Letourneau, and the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Shinzawa doesn’t see that deal happening unless the Red Wings are permitted to speak with Zacha about a contract extension. Even then, it’s debatable that the return would improve the Wings.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes New York Rangers GM Chris Drury could look into acquiring Larkin. The addition of the Red Wings captain no longer makes the Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck the top center in the trade market, though the latter will still draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

Baugh wondered if the Red Wings would be interested in Trocheck if they trade Larkin and don’t get a top-six center in return. In that case, Drury’s asking price could be a young quality player such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, a draft pick, or a combination of the two, as well as a center such as J.T. Compher to slot in behind Mika Zibanejad.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests pursuing Larkin could be New Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s first chance to make his first big splash.

However, the Devils already have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes as their top two centers. A swap of Hischier for Larkin doesn’t work because it seems that the former’s contract extension talks are likely to find a resolution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring the unforeseen, I expect Hischier will sign an extension, meaning the Devils do not need to pursue Larkin.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes it’ll cost the Penguins one or two first-round picks, a prospect, and an NHL player for Larkin, though the asking price could be even higher. Promising Ben Kindel would likely have to be part of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin likely wants to join a contender, which the Penguins currently aren’t despite exceeding expectations this season by making the playoffs. It’s doubtful they’re among his list of trade destinations.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards isn’t ruling out the possibility of the Panthers acquiring Larkin, pointing to GM Bill Zito’s history of making big moves in the trade market.

An offer from the Panthers would have to include their 2026 first-round pick, which is ninth overall. The cost of acquiring Larkin could also include center Anton Lundell, perhaps forward Mackie Samoskevich, and/or Sandis Vilmanis and more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are already deep at center with Aleksander Barkov, Lundell, and the versatile Sam Bennett. Larkin might not be a fit here.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should be bidders for Larkin if they can afford it. They only have one sure thing at center, and that’s Auston Matthews, assuming he returns with the Leafs next season.

Siegel doesn’t believe the Leafs would put the first-overall pick on the table, but winger Matthew Knies might be. However, if Leafs GM John Chayka were to move Knies, Siegel believes he would lean toward a top defenseman over Larkin. He also doesn’t think the Wings would be excited by an offer of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Colorado’s first-round pick (27th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Wild, if the Maple Leafs are on a short list of Larkin’s trade destinations, the less they might have to pay to get him. If that list is larger, the more they’ll have to pay, and they might not be able to outbid other teams.

ROBERT THOMAS OFF THE TRADE BLOCK?

FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK’s Andy Strickland claims the Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest. He claimed the St. Louis Blues are not shopping their first-line center, and expects Thomas will be on their roster when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was a fixture in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, and has frequently surfaced as an offseason trade candidate.

However, I’d grown skeptical in recent weeks that Thomas was ever available in the first place. Since the trade deadline, he stated he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, adding he wants to remain with the Blues. GM Doug Armstrong said he was never actively shopping Thomas, explaining that he based his high asking price on how much he valued him.

The real clincher was reading a report last month claiming the Blues rejected an offer from the Wild that included promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and young center Danila Yurov. That told me they were never serious about moving Thomas.

THE LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present recently looked at what he believes will be the Anaheim Ducks’ offseason shopping list.

A right-shot defenseman tops that list, along with a second-line center, and a top-nine winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present didn’t speculate as to which players the Ducks might target to address those issues. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring in this summer’s trade market. They have plenty of young players and promising prospects to draw on for trade bait.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2026

The reasons behind Dylan Larkin’s trade request, Nick Suzuki wins the Selke Trophy and Cole Caufield takes home the Lady Byng Trophy, the latest on the Hurricanes and Golden Knights, remembering Cliff Fletcher, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff pondered what changed for Dylan Larkin that prompted him to request a trade from the Red Wings.

Duff noted the change in Larkin after playing for Team USA’s gold-medal team at the Winter Olympics in February. Perhaps finally getting a taste of victory was behind it. He also wondered if Larkin’s Team USA Olympic teammates such as Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild influenced his decision to move on to a club with a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reported no one from the Larkin camp or the Red Wings is talking about the reason behind the 29-year-old center’s trade request.

One reason could be Larkin is turning 30 in July and apparently doesn’t believe the Red Wings will win the Stanley Cup while he’s in his prime. His frosty relationship with general manager Steve Yzerman probably hasn’t helped. Khan doubted that this relationship can be repaired.

Larkin has a full no-trade clause, which will complicate the Red Wings’ efforts to find a suitable trade partner. If Yzerman doesn’t get an offer to his liking during the offseason, he could hang onto Larkin, which could lead to an awkward situation if he’s still with the team next season.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reports Larkin’s trade request has fired up Red Wings fans. Most of her readers are pointing the blame at Yzerman’s inability to build the club into a playoff contender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Playing for the US Olympic men’s hockey team may have been a factor behind his decision, but not because Tkachuk, Eichel, and Hughes talked him into it.

After spending 11 seasons with a club that has missed the playoffs for the past decade, Larkin represented his country with a team that won the biggest prize in international hockey. That experience may have led to a reevaluation of where he is in his professional career and the Red Wings’ direction under Yzerman’s management.

Larkin’s request continues to raise speculation over where he might be traded. I’ll have the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as this season’s top defensive forward. Teammate Cole Caufield won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of play.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

Suzuki is the third player in Canadiens history to win the Selke, joining Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau. He’s the first Hab to win it since Carbonneau in 1992.

Caufield is the third Canadiens to win the Lady Byng, joining Toe Blake (1945-46) and Mats Naslund (1987-88).

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal is drawing praise from his head coach and his teammates for his leadership, performance, and timely offense during this postseason.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights forward Brett Howden’s play has put him into the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He leads all scorers in this postseason with 13 goals, tying the franchise record for most goals in a single postseason.

TWINCITIES.COM: Marcus Johansson’s NHL career is ending after 16 seasons. The 35-year-old Minnesota Wild forward signed a one-year contract with Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League.

Johansson’s departure leaves a hole on the Wild’s second line that will have to be addressed before next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From 2010-11 to 2025-26, Johansson had 200 goals and 366 assists for 566 points in 1,058 regular-season games with the Wild, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Seattle Kraken, and Boston Bruins. He also had 51 points in 125 playoff games.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators hired former Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake as their new executive vice president of hockey operations. Meanwhile, assistant GM Brian Poile, son of former Predators GM David Poile, is leaving the team after 16 seasons, eight of those in his recent role.

NEW YORK POST: The Rangers hired Jay Leach as head coach of their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

TORONTO SUN: Former Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher passed away on Friday at age 90.

Fletcher began his NHL management career as GM of the expansion Atlanta Flames in 1972. He moved with the club to Calgary in 1980, building them into Stanley Cup champions in 1989.

Hired by the Maple Leafs in 1991, he made one of the biggest trades in franchise history by acquiring Doug Gilmour from the Flames in a blockbuster 10-player trade. Gilmour became the Maple Leafs’ franchise player, leading the Maple Leafs to back-to-back Campbell Conference Finals in 1993 and 1994.

In 1994, Fletcher made another significant trade for the Leafs, shipping Wendel Clark to the Quebec Nordiques for Mats Sundin, who went on to become one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Fletcher stepped down as Leafs GM in 1997. He went on to front-office roles with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Phoenix Coyotes before returning to the Leafs in 2008 as interim GM until Brian Burke was named general manager. He remained with the Leafs in an advisory role until his death.

Fletcher was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2004.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My sincere condolences to Fletcher’s family, friends, and the Flames’ and Maple Leafs’ organizations.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

by | Jun 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

Which teams could pursue Red Wings center Dylan Larkin following his trade request? What’s the latest on Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse? How close did the Canadiens come to landing Leafs winger Matthew Knies? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH TEAMS MIGHT ATTEMPT TO ACQUIRE DYLAN LARKIN?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade.

Allen believes there will be “widespread interest” in Larkin. The 29-year-old center is “a consistent 30-goal scoring center in a league where many are looking for centers.”

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over where he goes.

Allen noted that Larkin has roots in Toronto. He wondered if the Maple Leafs might take a run at acquiring him as their second-line center.

The New Jersey Devils reportedly might be willing to move Nico Hischier. However, he’s slated to become a UFA next summer, and could prove expensive to sign, provided he’s willing to go to Detroit in the first place.

Larkin is friends with Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re a team on the rise that would love to have a center such as Larkin. The Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings are also seeking centers.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings must get a first-line forward, preferably a center, in return for Larkin. His suggested possibilities include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Devils center Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley thinks Larkin will fill the Bruins’ need for a first-line center. They have five first-round picks over the next three years, top-six forwards, young defenseman, and a reloaded prospect pool to draw on for trade bait.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner expects the New York Islanders will likely look into acquiring Larkin. He speculated whether Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would want Mathew Barzal in return, though the Isles would likely prefer retaining him.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes Larkin is just what the Flyers need to address their requirement for a first-line center.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen believes the Avalanche would have long odds of acquiring Larkin, but he thinks it’s worth their while to look into it.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman points out that, even if the Red Wings were to swap Larkin for another first-line center, they’d still have to find a suitable second-line center.

The Red Wings entered the offseason in need of a top-six forward and a retool of their bottom-six forwards. Larkin’s trade request could force management to consider more dramatic changes that could change the franchise’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Larkin into the trade market could affect what happens to other centers who’ve been the subject of trade speculation in recent months. They include Hischier, Thomas, Pettersson and McTavish.

It’s doubtful that the Maple Leafs will move Matthews this summer. He’ll likely take a wait-and-see approach to next season.

One team that wasn’t mentioned was the Montreal Canadiens, but I’d be shocked if they wouldn’t be among the suitors for Larkin, provided he’s willing to waive his NTC to go to Montreal. He’s a cost-controlled player in his prime for the next five years with a reasonable cap hit whose style of play would fit perfectly on their second line.

THE LATEST DARNELL NURSE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Edmonton Oilers and Darnell Nurse are headed toward a breakup. He cited several current and former team employees, saying that the club is ready and willing to trade the 31-year-old defenseman as soon as possible.

Spector indicated that Oilers GM Stan Bowman is expected to meet with Nurse soon to discuss his wishes. He has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team trade list. If Nurse won’t waive his current clause, the trade talks will be shelved until next summer.

Despite Nurse’s burdensome contract and questionable hockey sense, Spector believes he remains tradeable to a team seeking a big-minute defenseman, with the Oilers taking on a contract that the other club wishes to shed.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins referred to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer’s take on Spector’s story. Stauffer suggested the San Jose Sharks as a destination, with the Oilers having to take a contract back in the deal. The Sharks need experienced defensemen and could also be interested in Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It comes down to whether Nurse will waive his full NMC this summer, which teams would be his preferred destinations, and whether any of them would be interested in acquiring him.

The Sharks could be a suitable option if they’re interested and he’s willing to go there. As for which contract they’d want to shed in the deal, they could ask the Oilers to take on the final season of permanently sidelined forward Logan Couture, who has an $8 million cap hit.

Couture has a three-team trade list. Given his situation, he won’t have any issue agreeing to his contract being shipped to Edmonton. The Oilers could then place him on LTIR to free up cap space this summer, and season-ending LTIR when the 2026-27 regular-season schedule begins.

DETAILS OF CANADIENS’ RUMORED BID FOR MATTHEW KNIES REVEALED

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Dave Litman cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta telling the DFO Rundown podcast the details about a rumored trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs involving Leafs winger Matthew Knies that fell through at the March deadline.

According to Pagnotta, the Canadiens and Maple Leafs had an agreement in place that would’ve sent prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, two first-round picks, and another prospect to Toronto for Knies. However, there were some complications before the 3 pm ET deadline on March 6.

Pagnotta believes the Canadiens will attempt to revisit their efforts to acquire Knies this summer. However, Litman pointed out that the Maple Leafs now have new management who might be reluctant to part with the young power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pagnotta subsequently indicated that neither Michael Hage nor David Reinbacher was the other prospect that would’ve gone to Toronto.

Regardless, the Canadiens now have more pressing needs this summer. The postseason revealed they must find a suitable second-line center and an experienced right-shot defenseman who can log more than 10 minutes per game.

Pursuing Knies now doesn’t address either need and would waste valuable assets that could be used to address one of those issues.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2026

by | Jun 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2026

The Hurricanes defeat the Golden Knights to tie the Stanley Cup Final at a game apiece, Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requests a trade, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: An overtime goal by Seth Jarvis gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, tying the series at a game apiece.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis (NHL Images).

Brett Howden scored twice to give the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead entering the third period. Howden leads the playoffs with 13 goals, tying Jonathan Marchessault’s franchise record for the most goals in a single postseason.

The Hurricanes rallied to take a 3-2 lead on goals by Logan Stankoven, Mark Jankowski, and Jordan Staal. The latter’s goal was the result of a failed coach’s challenge by the Golden Knights for a disallowed goal by Ivan Barbashev, leading to a power play for the Hurricanes.

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone tied the game with 1:21 remaining in the third, but it was Jarvis who was the hero for the Hurricanes on the power play in the extra frame.

The series shifts to Las Vegas for the next two games, with Game 3 on Saturday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb left this game midway through the first period after the puck struck him in the face. He left the arena to receive treatment at a local hospital. That left the Golden Knights playing the remainder of the game with five defensemen.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade.

Larkin has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Red Wings. The last time the 29-year-old center skated in the playoffs was during his rookie season in 2015-16.

Friedman stated neither Larkin’s camp nor Red Wings management would comment, but his potential availability in this summer’s trade market would be massive. Several teams are in the market for centers.

Larkin is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also has a full no-trade clause until the end of the 2027-28 season, giving him complete control over this situation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report was a bombshell that could be a serious setback for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and his rebuilding efforts, dubbed the “Yzerplan.” Larkin is the Wings’ first-line center, and trading him would significantly deplete their already-thin depth at center.

Yzerman doesn’t have to honor Larkin’s trade request, but having an unhappy team captain would be a major distraction for the Wings next season. Stripping him of the captaincy would only add to the hype surrounding this story.

This request by Larkin shouldn’t come as a surprise. It was evident last season that he was growing weary of the Wings’ inability to become a playoff contender when he openly criticized Yzerman for not making any significant additions at the trade deadline.

Larkin got an overdue taste of winning while playing for Team USA’s Olympic men’s gold-medal team in February. It had to have been crushing to go from that emotional high to missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season, and likely prompted him to reevaluate where he is in his career and whether his Stanley Cup hopes will be fulfilled in Detroit.

Yzerman is largely responsible for the Red Wings’ ongoing playoff drought during his seven-year tenure as general manager, especially over the past three years when they’ve faltered down the stretch.

However, Larkin also deserves his fair share. He’s the team captain and is supposed to lead by example, but at times his performance has seemed uninspiring. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, and he can’t be faulted for those, but that doesn’t fully absolve him from his responsibility as captain to motivate his teammates.

So, which clubs could be suitable trade destinations? Find out later this morning in my daily Rumor Mill update.

NHL.COM: Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno is this season’s winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.”

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: The Flyers are reportedly close to signing goaltender Dan Vladar to a five-year contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar played a major role in the Flyers exceeding expectations by qualifying for the postseason and eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins from the opening round. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the deal is all but done, but it can’t be formally announced until July 1.

SPORTSNET: Ivan Demidov hopes to sign a long-term contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens this summer. The 20-year-old winger has one year remaining on his entry-level contract. He led all rookies with 62 points, and was runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demidov reportedly wants to get a deal done as soon as possible. Canadiens management does as well, especially since the deadline for re-signing players to eight-year contracts is Sept. 15. After that, the maximum term for re-signings will be seven years.

It remains to be seen what the AAV for Demidov’s next contract will be. However, the Canadiens tend to re-sign their young core players to affordable deals. Given that Lane Hutson inked an eight-year extension worth an AAV of $8.85 million last fall, Demidov could get a deal of similar term with roughly a similar cap hit.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 4, 2026

by | Jun 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 4, 2026

The latest on the Canucks, Penguins, and Avalanche in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma looked at the challenges that Ryan Johnson will face as the new general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.

Among them is how he will advance the Canucks’ rebuilding process. Kuzma wondered what winger Jake DeBrusk might fetch in this summer’s trade market.

Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk (NHL Images).

Kuzma also mused over whether Johnson would be interested in Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher to bring some leadership to his rebuilding roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk, 29, has four years left on his contract with a reasonable average annual value of $5.5 million. He’s a streaky scorer, but he has tallied 20-plus goals five times and 40-plus points seven times in his nine NHL seasons, including in this tumultuous campaign for the Canucks. He could bring back a decent return of futures.

Gallagher has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.5 million. He has a six-team no-trade clause, but indicated he’s open to returning to his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. Whether a deal can be worked out to send him there remains to be seen.

SKINNER, MANTHA TO TEST THE UFA MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports goaltender Stuart Skinner and winger Anthony Mantha are unlikely to return with the Pittsburgh Penguins next season.

Skinner and Mantha are UFA-eligible on July 1. The Penguins are expected to re-sign goalie Arturs Silovs and pair him with Sergei Murashov next season, which would spell the end of Skinner’s brief tenure in Pittsburgh. They wouldn’t mind signing Mantha to a short-term deal, but he’s seeking a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner and Mantha were meant to be short-term additions.

They took on Skinner to move out the struggling Tristan Jarry and his burdensome contract, using him to buy time until they were certain that Silovs and Mursahov would be a decent tandem. Mantha was an affordable one-year veteran signing as they continue to transition younger forwards into the lineup.

POSSIBLE GM CANDIDATES FOR THE AVALANCHE

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak listed eight potential candidates to replace Chris MacFarland as general manager of the Colorado Avalanche.

MacFarland departed the Avalanche earlier this week to become president and general manager of the Nashville Predators.

One option is Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic, who has taken over the GM role for the foreseeable future. He previously filled that position from 2014 to 2022, winning the Jim Gregory GM of the Year award in 2022.

Other internal possibilities are special assistant to the GM Andrew Cogliano, assistant GM Kevin McDonald, and director of analytics Arik Parnass.

External options could include Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Tyler Dellow, Columbus Blue Jackets assistant GM Chris Clark, and former Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche don’t appear to be in a hurry to replace MacFarland, probably because Sakic’s there to hold the fort until they have sufficient time to find a full-time GM. They could have a new guy in place before the start of the regular season in October, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Sakic remains in the role until next offseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 4, 2026

by | Jun 4, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 4, 2026

Lightning coach Jon Cooper wins the Jack Adams Award, the latest on the Stanley Cup Finalists, plus updates on Anders Lee, Jonathan Toews, Brendan Gallagher, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is this season’s winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. The longest-serving active coach, Cooper guided the Lightning to a 50-26-6 record and a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference.

Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper (NHL.com)

Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres and Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins were runners-up.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Cooper on this long-overdue recognition of his coaching abilities. He should’ve won this award much earlier in his NHL career.

Personally, I think it should’ve gone to Ruff or Muse. Their respective teams weren’t expected to do much this season, but they exceeded expectations and qualified for the playoffs. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t detract from this belated acknowledgement of Cooper’s accomplishments.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Golden Knights hold a 1-0 lead in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, but they know their 5-4 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 wasn’t their best effort. “We’re going to have to play better,” coach John Tortorella said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights fell behind 2-0 early in Game 1. They rallied to take 3-2 and 4-3 leads, only to have the Hurricanes tie the score. It took a goal by Tomas Hertl late in the third period to give the Golden Knights the win.

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Hurricanes need production from their top line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis if they want to defeat the Golden Knights and win the Stanley Cup. They’ve had the occasional goal and a few dangerous shifts in this postseason, but nothing of the level of offense expected of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jarvis has eight points in this postseason while Aho and Svechnikov each have seven points. Half of their production came in the Eastern Conference Final against the overmatched Montreal Canadiens. They had no points in Game 1 against the Golden Knights.

The Hurricanes reached this stage partly because the second line of Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall, and Jackson Blake offset the offensive struggles of the Aho line. Nevertheless, winning the Cup will be more difficult if the top line fails to regain its form. If they don’t, and if the Golden Knights successfully contain the Stankoven line, the Hurricanes will be in big trouble.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports New York Islanders captain Anders Lee is preparing to test the open market. The 35-year-old left wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

LeBrun claimed both sides remain far apart in negotiations, though they intend to keep trying.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lee has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Islanders. He’s completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. LeBrun recently reported the Isles want to re-sign Lee, but they need to make some other moves first. That could mean one or two cost-cutting trades. They have over $10.6 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, but would like to add more scoring punch.

LeBrun’s colleague, Darren Dreger, reports Jonathan Toews is leaning toward retirement. The 38-year-old center staged a comeback with the Winnipeg Jets this season after missing the last two seasons recovering from long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was obvious this season that Toews is well past his playing prime. He played all 82 games, but scored 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, well below his average of 27 goals and 38 assists for 65 points in his 15 NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Toews’ comeback attempt was understandable. It allowed him to settle any nagging doubts in his mind and to go out on his terms.

DAILY FACEOFF: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported the Montreal Canadiens have given permission to winger Brendan Gallagher’s agent to speak with other teams to facilitate a possible trade.

Gallagher, 34, has one year remaining on his contract, but he acknowledged on Monday that he’d played his final game with the Canadiens. Dhaliwal is based in Vancouver, where Gallagher played his junior hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher no longer fits into the Canadiens’ fast-paced system under head coach Martin St. Louis. He indicated that he’d be open to joining the Canucks, but it remains to be seen if they’re interested in acquiring him.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Maple Leafs have conducted 15 virtual interviews as they continue their search for a new head coach. Among the candidates were former NHL coaches Peter Laviolette and Patrick Roy.

Friedman also reported the Los Angeles Kings could be down to two candidates for their head coach position. One of them is interim coach D.J. Smith, and former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft.

Sportsnet’s play-by-play broadcaster Chris Cuthbert is the latest recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.

Swedish hockey writer and US correspondent Gunnar Norstrom received the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Cuthbert and Norstrom. They will officially receive these awards during the Hockey Hall of Fame weekend in November.

YAHOO! SPORTS: With Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights reaching the Stanley Cup Final, a former teammate of Jaromir Jagr has now appeared in the Final in 46 straight seasons.

The notable players include Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier (1980 to 1983), Mark Messier (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994), Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992), Brendan Shanahan (2002), Mark Recchi (2006, 2011), and Henrik Lundqvist (2014). It also includes future Hall of Famer Aleksander Barkov (2023 to 2025).