NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2026

by | May 30, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 30, 2026

The Hurricanes advance to the Stanley Cup Final, Timo Meier suspended from the World Championship semifinal, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes advanced to the Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, winning the best-of-seven series four games to one.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall (NHL Images).

Taylor Hall and Logan Stankoven each had a goal and two assists, and Frederik Andersen stopped 23 shots for the Hurricanes. Cole Caufield scored the only goal for the Canadiens.

The Hurricanes will face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday, June 2, in Raleigh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a well-deserved series victory by the Hurricanes. After a 6-2 defeat in Game 1, they dominated the Canadiens over the next four games, limiting them to just five goals. Their aggressive forechecking and suffocating defensive play left their opponents in this series, and in this postseason thus far, with little time and space to maneuver. It has given them an impressive 12-1 record after three rounds entering the Stanley Cup Final.

This victory was an emotional one for Andersen. He dedicated the win to his late agent, Claude Lemieux, who died on Thursday. “It’s so special to be able to show up for him and make him proud, just go out and battle,” Andersen said. “The whole team supported me as well. This has been so special to be a part of.”

What’s also notable is the Hurricanes reached this stage without making a significant addition to their roster at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, the moves made by Eric Tulsky since becoming general manager two years ago contributed to this run. Hall and Stankoven were among his acquisitions, along with Nikolaj Ehlers, K’Andre Miller, Shayne Gostisbehere, Eric Robinson, William Carrier, Sean Walker, and Brandon Bussi.

As for the Canadiens, it’s a disappointing end to their surprising playoff run. However, it doesn’t overshadow their impressive improvement this season. They finished fourth in the Eastern Conference with 106 points and eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in the first two rounds.

Given their core of young talent, and with more on the way, the Canadiens have a bright future. They weren’t good enough to defeat the Hurricanes in this series. However, if they can learn from the hard lessons of this series, the same lessons the Hurricanes themselves learned in their last three trips to the Conference Final since 2019, the Habs could soon become a serious Stanley Cup contender.

DAILY FACEOFF: The International Ice Hockey Federation has suspended Switzerland forward Timo Meier from the semifinal of the 2026 World Championship for kneeing Swedish forward Oskar Sundqvist during the quarterfinal game between the two countries.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Utah Mammoth’s acquisition of forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres for forward Josh Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring backfired on them during this postseason.

Peterka put up decent numbers in the regular season (25 goals, 47 points) but was held scoreless in the Mammoth’s six-game playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, raising questions about his postseason readiness.

Meanwhile, Doan had 25 goals and 52 points during the regular season with the Sabres. He thrived during their two-series playoff run, finishing with three goals and 10 points in 12 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Time will tell which team ultimately wins this deal, but the early nod must go to the Sabres.

BOSTON.COM: Former Bruins enforcer and radio host Lyndon Byers was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), his family announced on Thursday.

Byers passed away last June at age 61. Before his death, he had pledged his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at Boston University’s CTE Center for further testing. His family authorized the results of the testing to be revealed to raise awareness about the effects of CTE.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The NHL has consistently rejected the link between head trauma and CTE. However, Byers is among 20 former NHL players to be diagnosed with the condition following their deaths, including Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Henri Richard.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2026

by | May 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, check out the latest on the Rangers, Flyers, and Sabres, plus an update on Morgan Rielly.

WHO COULD THE RANGERS TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano looked at what players could be available to help the Rangers this summer through trades and free agency.

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres would be the most appealing option for the Rangers via free agency. Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning is the top UFA defenseman, but they’re unlikely to splurge on a right-shot power-play quarterback when they already have Adam Fox filling that role.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

The Rangers require a top-four, left-shot defenseman. Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres might be a target option if the Sabres should put him on the block to free up cap room to re-sign Tuch and restricted free agent forwards Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs.

Mercogliano wondered if the Dallas Stars would make Roope Hintz available in a cost-cutting move to free up cap space for Jason Robertson’s next contract. He also mused about the Rangers dangling defenseman Braden Schneider to the San Jose Sharks for a young winger such as William Eklund or one of their promising prospects.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be available, but the Rangers aren’t likely to pay the high asking price. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights might be a trade candidate if the Golden Knights become fearful of losing him to an offer sheet.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker also looked at several options for the Rangers to address their needs through trades and free agency this summer.

Affordable free-agent options on defense could include Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, Ryan Shea of the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Jake Bean of the Calgary Flames. Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks or Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres could make good trade targets.

Top-six forward UFA options could include Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins, though the latter would go against their push to get younger. Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets might be a trade option.

Bobby McMann of the Seattle Kraken or Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres could be good additions to the Rangers’ bottom-six forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury is expected to be busy this summer bolstering his roster. He has $26.575 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, which is plenty of room to make a significant addition or two, which could include at least one of the players mentioned by Mercogliano and Walker.

Drury can free up another $5.275 million by trading veteran center Vincent Trocheck. He could use some of the pieces from whatever return he gets from that deal to put toward acquiring another player.

THE LATEST ON MORGAN RIELLY

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary noted a report by The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, in which the latter claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Morgan Rielly are likely to explore trade options this summer.

Rielly, 32, has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million. He has a full no-movement clause, but Johnston indicated that he’s softened his stance on waiving it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance could hurt his value in this summer’s trade market. It would also prompt teams to request the Maple Leafs retain part of his salary to facilitate a deal.

SUGGESTED OFFER SHEET TARGETS FOR THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James listed four restricted free agents that he believes could be worthwhile offer sheet targets for the Flyers.

They include Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have the cap space to match James’ suggested $10,008 million offer sheet for Fantilli. Ditto the Ducks for the proposed $6.059 million for Mintyukov, and the Hurricanes for the $6.44 million for Nikishin. However, the $8.060 million pitch for Nemec could be difficult for the Devils to match, unless they’re moving out Dougie Hamilton and his $9 million AAV.

**UPDATE** PuckPedia indicates that Nikishin is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. Stick tap to “GP” for pointing that out in the comment section below.

UPDATE ON THE SABRES

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at possible options to upgrade their goaltending via trade or free agency.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets could be a trade option given his pointed questions about the Jets’ direction. However, his $8.5 million salary-cap hit would be an issue for the Sabres, who have only $12.9 million in cap space with forwards Alex Tuch, Zach Benson, and Peyton Krebs to re-sign.

Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers is the best option in this summer’s UFA market. The big question is whether he’d come to Buffalo, and there could be teams that could offer him more.

Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild is a more appealing option given his age (23), solid performance this season, and affordable $2.2 million cap hit for next season. However, it’ll take a lot to acquire him, as the Wild have been in the market for a center for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck’s questioning of the direction of the Jets was understandable given their collapse this season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll force a trade.

Bobrovsky will probably re-sign with the Panthers. If he does become available, his preference could be playing with a southern NHL team.

Wallstedt would be an excellent fit with the Sabres. However, the Wild won’t part with him until Filip Gustavsson has recovered from his recent hip surgery. If they move Wallstedt, it’ll be in a package deal to acquire an established first-line center, which the Sabres don’t have to part with.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 29, 2026

by | May 29, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 29, 2026

The hockey world mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, plus the latest on Evan Bouchard, Bruce Cassidy, Mitch Marner, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

The hockey world is mourning Claude Lemieux, who took his own life in Florida on Thursday at the age of 60.

Claude Lemieux 1965-2026.

Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks from 1983-84 to 2002-03, and his brief comeback in 2008-09.

In 1,215 regular-season games, Lemieux had 379 goals and 407 assists for 786 points, along with 1,777 PIMs. However, it was in the postseason where he earned a reputation as a clutch scorer, with 80 goals and 78 assists for 158 points in 234 playoff games. He won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986, two Cups with the Devils in 1995 and 2000, and another with the Avalanche in 1996. Lemieux’s 80 goals rank ninth all-time among NHL playoff scorers, and he won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995.

Lemieux also garnered a well-deserved reputation as an agitator whose dirty play made him the player fans loved to hate. The most notorious episode occurred in the 1996 Western Conference Final against the Detroit Red Wings, when he hit Wings forward Kris Draper from behind into the boards, resulting in Draper requiring reconstructive facial surgery. It was the start of an intense feud between the two clubs, culminating in a brawl the following season that is still well remembered by their fans.

Nevertheless, Lemieux’s passing prompted heartfelt condolences from former teammates and opponents, who remembered him as a good teammate and a kind and generous man off the ice. His last public appearance was on Monday in Montreal as the torchbearer in the Canadiens’ pregame ceremony before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Tributes to Lemieux came from his former teams, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the NHLPA and NHL Alumni Association, and former players, teammates and executives. They included former Canadiens and Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, former Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur and general manager Lou Lamoriello, and former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman and forward Darren McCarty, who famously clashed with Lemieux in the late 1990s.

Lemieux’s son, former NHL player Brendan Lemieux, took to social media on Thursday to post a heartfelt goodbye to his father.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lemieux’s career was a polarizing one. He was a player you loved to hate unless he was on your team. His ability to elevate his game in high-pressure postseason action made him one of the greatest scorers in Stanley Cup history.

Lemieux’s sudden passing shocked and saddened the hockey world. It appears he was dealing with mental health issues that finally overwhelmed him. Whether they were related to head trauma suffered during his career remains to be seen—my condolences to his family, friends, and former teammates.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard was injured playing for Canada during its quarterfinal game against the United States in the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Bouchard was elbowed in the head by USA defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Canada won the game 4-0.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bouchard was briefly knocked out by the blow, sparking fear that he suffered a concussion. However, the injury is reportedly less serious than originally feared, and it’s believed he’ll be okay. Nevertheless, Bouchard will not be playing in the remainder of the tournament.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wants to talk to other teams about filling their vacant coaching jobs. However, he’s feeling frustrated by the Golden Knights blocking his attempts to speak with those teams.

“It’s upsetting, I’m going to be honest,” Cassidy said. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams who have sought permission to speak with him. However, the Golden Knights are within their rights to deny permission because he has a year remaining on his contract with them.

Even if Cassidy were willing to forfeit his remaining salary ($4.5 million), he said he still wouldn’t be able to be interviewed by other clubs because it would violate the non-compete clause in his contract.

TSN: Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon lamented that Edmonton’s interest in Cassidy became public, blaming the Oilers for leaking it to the media. McCrimmon said he’s spoken with his former coach and understands his frustration, but insists that his focus “first and foremost” is on the Golden Knights’ organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights are contractually within their rights to deny other teams permission to speak with Cassidy. Still, it gives the perception that they’re being petty about this situation.

McCrimmon also weighed in on the attention that Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner’s strong performance thus far in this postseason has garnered from fans of his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. He believes it’s time for Leafs fans to get over Marner’s departure from Toronto.

“I know it’s Toronto, I know it’s Mitch Marner, I know it’s polarizing, but for me, it’s a little bit about, the guy’s ex-girlfriend moving away and doing well. At some point, you gotta get over it.”

NHL: The Stanley Cup Final will begin on June 2 if the Carolina Hurricanes eliminate the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday. If the series goes to Game 6 or 7, the Final will begin on June 4. The Vegas Golden Knights advanced to the Final earlier this week by sweeping the Colorado Avalanche.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, they will interview former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft. The Leafs are seeking a new bench boss after firing coach Craig Berube earlier this month.

TVA SPORTS: Montreal Canadiens prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky was named KHL Rookie of the Year for 2025-26.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zharovsky is following in the footsteps of Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov, who won that award last season. Demidov was runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

by | May 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, and Islanders captain Anders Lee, plus several teams could be willing to trade their first-round picks, and an update on the Wild.

TEAMS REPORTEDLY CALLING ABOUT MASON MCTAVISH

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Mason McTavish will be a trade target this offseason. He admits there is “zero evidence” that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping the 23-year-old center, but he said he “knows for a fact” that several teams have inquired about him, despite the fact he regressed this season following a contract dispute.

McTavish has another five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7 million. According to LeBrun, some teams view him as an “ideal reset candidate”, which is all the more reason why the Ducks won’t move him unless a team makes a major pitch.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

An ideal pitch would be if the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up Auston Matthews, who could have Anaheim on his list of seven or eight potential landing spots. However, LeBrun believes that Matthews will return with the Maple Leafs next season at least.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have over $38.7 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27, which is more than enough to carry McTavish’s cap hit. However, LeBrun noted that Ducks stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are in line for substantial raises coming off their entry-level contracts. He believes that could be a reason why the Ducks might entertain offers for McTavish.

Several teams are in the market for depth at center. The Los Angeles Kings spring to mind, but it’s unlikely the Ducks will send McTavish to a local rival. The Minnesota Wild need a first-line center, but McTavish isn’t ready yet to fill that role, if ever.

McTavish would be a good fit, age-wise, with the young Montreal Canadiens. He could address their need for a second-line center, but there is concern about his speed and his struggles this season.

PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATION FOR SIMON NEMEC

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols observed that just because Simon Nemec didn’t ask the Devils to be traded, that doesn’t mean he won’t be. He believes there would be plenty of suitors if the 22-year-old puck-moving defenseman becomes available.

Nichols suggested the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks as potential trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have the cap space and a need for blueline depth. The Blues are retooling their roster but could balk at signing the promising young restricted free agent to an expensive new contract; his lack of arbitration rights would work in their favor.

The Canadiens’ priority is landing a second-line center. The Predators are attempting to transition toward younger talent and could take a serious interest in Nemec. The Kraken seek a scoring winger, not a young defenseman.

The Maple Leafs’ lack of depth on the right side of their blueline would make Nemec an attractive option for them, depending on the cost of the trade package and his new contract. The rebuilding Canucks could also be a serious suitor.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently looked at which players on the Minnesota Wild would be considered trade bait this summer.

Goaltenders Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson have surfaced in the rumor mill this season. However, Russo and Smith consider it unlikely that Wallstedt will be traded, with Gustavsson recently having undergone hip surgery.

Russo and Smith include center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin among the players they believe the Wild would listen on for the right deal. They think the Wild would have to shed salary if they’re re-signing Quinn Hughes and looking to acquire another top player. However, they admit that the Wild should have suitable replacements in place if they’re parting ways with Eriksson Ek and Brodin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild management could have other players in mind as trade candidates. They’ll still need Eriksson Ek and Brodin in the lineup once they’ve acquired that first-line center.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN RE-SIGNING ANDERS LEE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports it’s his understanding that New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche is interested in re-signing team captain Anders Lee. The 35-year-old left wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after coming off a contract paying him an average annual value of $7 million.

Darche has reportedly told Lee’s agent that the team wants Lee back. However, they need to make some other moves before negotiations can begin. LeBrun stated that Lee would like to return, but they must find common ground on salary and term, which won’t be easy because of his age.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lee will have to accept less money on a short-term deal. How much less, and how short a term, will be the sticking points.

MAPLE LEAFS, SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS OPEN TO MOVING THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are open to the idea of moving their respective first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Maple Leafs own the first-overall pick, the Sharks own the second-overall pick, and the Blackhawks have the fourth-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Every team that owns picks that high in the draft is always open to offers, but they rarely move them. It will take substantial offers that would accelerate their retooling/rebuilding programs to tempt them into trading those picks.

Speaking of the Blackhawks, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently reported they’re in the market for a quality defenseman to stabilize their blueline. However, it’s unlikely they’ll part with their first-rounder to get him.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 28, 2026

by | May 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 28, 2026

The Hurricanes are on the verge of advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, plus the latest on the Golden Knights, Avalanche, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes are a game away from reaching the 2026 Stanley Cup Final after blanking the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (NHL Images).

Frederik Andersen turned in an 18-save shutout while Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, and Logan Stankoven gave the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead in the first period, with Andrei Svechnikov scoring an empty-netter late in the third period. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 39 of 42 shots.

The Hurricanes hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, and can wrap things up on home ice on Friday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersen set a franchise record for the most playoff shutouts with five, but it was his teammates’ performance that gave him an easy night for the third straight game.

Carolina dominated the play with their high shot volume, their puck possession in the offensive zone, and their stifling defensive game. The frustration was getting to the Canadiens as they took six penalties to the Hurricanes’ two. Montreal fans weren’t pleased with their club’s lack of offense, chanting “shoot the puck” midway through the third period.

To be fair, the Hurricanes benefited from nearly two weeks off before this series after sweeping the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. Meanwhile, the Canadiens played grueling back-to-back seven-game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres.

Nevertheless, the Canes have been the better team after dropping a 6-2 decision in Game 1. They reached this stage because of their experience, their roster depth, and the hard lessons they learned from being swept from the 2023 Eastern Conference Final and bounced in five games from last year’s Conference Final, both times by the Florida Panthers.

The Hurricanes have become a highly conditioned, well-disciplined veteran team whose strong two-way game has stymied the young Canadiens, leaving the latter searching for answers as they face elimination on Friday. However, the physical and mental toll of the past three games could prove too much for the Habs to overcome.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart’s performance has been sensational during this postseason. However, his involvement as one of the players charged and subsequently acquitted of sexual assault last year would make him a controversial candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The leading candidate is Hart’s teammate Mitch Marner. If the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, it’ll likely be Marner taking home the Conn Smythe.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered what the future holds for Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland and head coach Jared Bednar following the disappointing end to a season in which they won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top regular-season team. Earlier this week, the Avs were swept from the Western Conference Final by the Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacFarland is a finalist for the NHL GM of the Year Award, but it’s rumored that he could be heading to the Nashville Predators to take over as their head of hockey operations. Meanwhile, Bednar’s critics believe it may be time for a change after nearly 10 years behind the Avalanche bench.

THE SCORE: Penn State winger Gavin McKenna said he would be “very honored” if the Toronto Maple Leafs select him with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old McKenna isn’t assured of going first overall, but many experts consider him to be the top prospect in this year’s draft.

SPORTSNET: Jason Bukala considers Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg to be the top prospect in this year’s draft. The 18-year-old is often praised for his defensive game, but his offensive upside shouldn’t be ignored, especially based on his performance for Sweden in the IIHF World Championship, which has entered the quarterfinal round.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna is considered to have the best offensive skills among this year’s draft class, but Stenberg is believed to be the best all-around player. I’m guessing the Maple Leafs will select McKenna, but they also couldn’t go wrong with Stenberg.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2026

by | May 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2026

Check out the latest on the Avalanche and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE AVALANCHE?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at what could be in store for the Colorado Avalanche after being swept from the Western Conference Final by the Vegas Golden Knights.

Defensemen Brent Burns and Brett Kulak are on expiring contracts. If they don’t re-sign, the Avalanche will need a new third defense pairing.

They must strengthen their supporting cast. Some depth players, such as Ross Colton, have a year remaining on their contracts. They could move on from those players to free up more salary-cap space for more help, or wait until next season begins to make adjustments based on early results.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus also wondered what’s in store for the Avalanche this summer. Their core is aging, with Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, Devon Toews, Josh Manson, Valeri Nichushkin, and Scott Wedgewood in their early to mid- thirties.

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar (NHL Images).

Lazerus cited reports claiming general manager Chris MacFarland could depart this summer to become the VP of hockey operations for the Nashville Predators. If MacFarland stays, Lazerus wondered what he would do with head coach Jared Bednar, whose playoff record since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 includes two first-round losses, a second-round loss, and now a Conference Final loss.

THE DENVER POST: Troy Renck believes it’s time for the Avalanche to part ways with Bednar, pointing to their three early postseason exits since 2022 and getting swept from this year’s conference final as justification for a change behind the bench.

Renck suggests the Avalanche bring in “a young genius” like Denver University’s David Carle or a veteran such as former Golden Knights’ bench boss Bruce Cassidy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect a major roster overhaul for the Avalanche, but a coaching change isn’t out of the question, especially if MacFarland leaves. However, if the Golden Knights are blocking Cassidy from speaking with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, it’s doubtful they’ll let the Avalanche speak to him.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

LA PRESSE: Mathias Brunet believes Montreal Canadiens fans shouldn’t get their hope up about acquiring Nico Hischier from the New Jersey Devils.

As per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Devils have had preliminary contract extension discussions with Hischier’s agent. The 27-year-old two-way center has a year left on his contract and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Brunet believes Sunny Mehta, the Devils’ new general manager, isn’t interested in trading Hischier. The Devils aren’t in a rebuilding situation like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.

The Canadiens are reportedly keeping a close eye on Hischier’s situation. Finding a comparable center won’t be easy.

They likely don’t want to burden themselves with unproductive Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson and his expensive contract. New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck is 33 years old. Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken is still developing. Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks had a disappointing season and is signed for the next five seasons with an average annual value of $7 million.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: A reader asked Stu Cowan if the Canadiens might part with a promising prospect such as Michael Hage or Alexander Zharovsky to land a bona fide No. 2 center.

Cowan believes it’s possible. He also felt that any team giving up that center would want a center such as Hage in return, rather than a winger like Zharovsky.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem for the Canadiens is that there aren’t many suitable centers in this year’s trade market that might be available. Those few that could be acquired would be expensive and would require parting with one or two of their top prospects.

It could be worthwhile for someone such as Hischier if he became available, but that seems unlikely at this point. Pettersson carries too much baggage and too much contract. Trocheck will likely prefer joining an American playoff contender, and his age is a concern. Wright hasn’t proven himself yet as a second-line center. As for McTavish, his decline this season is concerning, but the Ducks will likely set a high price anyway.

Brunet didn’t mention Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. He’s been a fixture in the rumor mill for months, with the Blues reportedly setting a high asking price.

However, I’m not convinced that the Blues will move Thomas. They seem to be retooling, not rebuilding. Thomas was a good fit between wingers Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud this season. He also has a full no-trade clause and indicated that he wants to stay in St. Louis and be part of their retooling process.