NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

by | May 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

Will the Wild soon get clarity about Quinn Hughes’ plans? Which areas must the Maple Leafs improve this summer? What’s the latest on the Panthers and Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST WILD SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes the Minnesota Wild need clarity from Quinn Hughes about his plans as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can sign a contract extension with the Wild on July 1, and he’s indicated that he’s open to that option, but he’s also comfortable with starting next season without one.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If there is no commitment from Hughes on an extension, Amato believes Wild general manager Bill Guerin will have little choice but to shop the former Norris Trophy winner. His trade value would be higher this summer than it would be as a rental player next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that Hughes would one day like to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. However, he sounded like he really enjoyed playing with the Wild this season and seems genuinely interested in discussing an extension with Guerin.

However, the cost of re-signing Hughes is what’s going to be the determining factor for the Wild. They’ve already invested a league-leading average annual value of $17 million for eight seasons in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. As one of the NHL’s elite defensemen, Hughes would be justified in seeking a similar AAV.

The Wild have a projected $48.4 million in cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season of Hughes’ next contract. Nevertheless, some of that cap room will be whittled down by the cost of re-signing or replacing key players between now and then, which could make it difficult to meet whatever Hughes’ asking price might be.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports Filip Gustavsson still sees himself as part of the Wild’s goalie tandem with Jesper Wallstedt next season.

Gustavsson went from being the Wild’s starting goalie during the regular season to backing up Wallstedt during the playoffs. His five-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.8 million begins on July 1.

Following the Olympic break, Gustavsson struggled down the stretch, prompting head coach John Hynes to give Wallstedt the nod during the postseason. Gutavsson said he had no problem with that, admitting that his game wasn’t where he wanted it to be after the Olympics.

Wallstedt was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. Gustavsson acknowledged that his name might surface in the offseason rumor mill, but he’s unconcerned about that possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin could peddle Gustavsson to free up cap space to make additions elsewhere for next season, and to create room for a long-term extension for Quinn Hughes. However, he has a full no-movement clause for this season and for the next two years on his new deal, giving him complete control over that potential situation.

A PROPOSED OFFSEASON SHOPPING LIST FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne recently looked at what should be on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason shopping list.

Bourne believes the Maple Leafs must shore up their depth at center. It’s rumored that Vincent Trocheck could be among the players on their list of trade targets. The 33-year-old New York Rangers center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.275 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether the Leafs could meet the Rangers’ high asking price, and if Trocheck is willing to play for a Canadian team in the Eastern Conference. He’s stated that he prefers to play for a team on or near the East Coast of the United States.

Bourne doesn’t see the Maple Leafs trading winger Matthew Knies even if they draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first-overall pick next month. Moving out the 23-year-old wouldn’t fit with their plans to bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Chayka, the Leafs new GM, has already spoken highly of Knies, sounding as though he intends to retain the young power forward.

Most observers believe Morgan Rielly needs a fresh start elsewhere, and it’s rumored that he agrees with that assessment. If he is moved out, the Leafs will need two new defensemen. Bourne isn’t averse to them signing Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner becomes available in this summer’s free-agent market. However, they’d have to pursue another via trade, given the lack of depth in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Raddysh would be a big gamble for the Leafs or any other NHL club. The 30-year-old’s previous career-high was 37 points in 73 games in 2024-25 before his 70-point campaign this season. Investing big money in him could come back to haunt his new club if he reverts to his 30-point form.

When it comes to the Leafs’ next head coach, Bourne prefers someone with NHL experience, but not a lengthy resume. He suggested former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern, and Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra, who has NHL assistant coaching experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is among Luke Fox’s seven suggested candidates for the Leafs’ coaching job. His list also included former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Minnesota Wild assistant coach (and former New York Islanders head coach) Jack Capuano, David Carle of the NCAA’s Denver Pioneers, Ottawa Senators assistant coach (and former NHL head coach) Mike Yeo, Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, and New York Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco.

WHO’S AVAILABLE FOR THE PANTHERS IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN BOBROVSKY?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently looked at potential trade and free-agent options for the Panthers if long-time starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

The pickings are slim in the UFA market, where the best option besides Bobrovsky is Stuart Skinner. He backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, but his inconsistency led to his midseason trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Connor Hellebucyk could be available, given his recent comments about his unhappiness with the Winnipeg Jets’ direction. He could demand a trade, but with four years left on his contract, it might not force the Jets’ hand. Acquiring him could be expensive.

Another option could be Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility, carries a 10-team no-trade list, and would be more affordable to acquire than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most obvious option for the Panthers is re-signing the 37-year-old Bobrovsky, but inking him to a long-term deal at this stage of his career is risky, especially given the decline in his performance this season.

It’s doubtful the Panthers could outbid other teams for Hellebuyck unless Florida is the only destination he’ll accept. Despite his unhappiness over how this season ended, there’s no indication that he and the Jets are about to part ways.

Binnington would be a more affordable option, but the Blues could hang onto him for next season and listen to trade offers if they’re out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE LATEST RED WINGS GOALIE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported on the rise of promising Red Wings goaltender Michal Postava and how it might affect Sebastian Cossa’s chances of cracking the Wings roster next season.

Postava’s solid play for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids earned him the starter’s job during the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s raised questions about Cossa’s future, who will not be waiver-exempt next season.

Cossa could become an offseason trade candidate. Bultman suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be an obvious fit, but the need for goalies around the league could make the list of potential suitors a long one.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 18, 2026

by | May 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 18, 2026

The Canadiens and Sabres prepare to face off in Game 7 of their second-round series, the Hurricanes set a playoff record, the front office changes continue for the Maple Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens face off in the seventh and deciding game of their second-round series on Monday night in Buffalo at 7:30 pm ET. The winner advances to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn and Arpon Basu examined the key storylines to watch for in Game 7.

Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovsky (NHL Images).

One storyline will be whether Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis shuffles his lines after maintaining continuity in this series. Basu believes Juraj Slafkovsky may be dealing with an injury after watching his performance in Game 6, noting that he had no strength on his stick, was knocked off the puck easily, and had difficulty with his puck handling.

For the Sabres, Fairburn believes the Sabres goaltending has become a concern. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon have been inconsistent in this series, which could become a factor in this critical seventh game.

The Canadiens have experience in this situation, having eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 during the first round. Several of their players, including team captain Nick Suzuki and high-scoring winger Cole Caufield, were also part of the Habs that eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in their 2021 first-round series.

Meanwhile, the Sabres could have the most to lose in this series. While the Canadiens would carry the sting of blowing a 3-2 series lead into the summer, their young roster core will remain intact for next season. This could be the last opportunity for this current Sabres core, given Alex Tuch’s UFA eligibility and the trade rumors that have swirled about Bowen Byram since last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whatever the outcome, the Canadiens and Sabres have provided their fans with an entertaining postseason series. They’ve served notice that they are rising forces in the Eastern Conference. This might not be the last time these two clubs meet in the playoffs over the next several years.

DAILY FACEOFF: The Hurricanes have set a modern NHL playoff record for the longest wait between series. They have 11 days off between the end of Game 4 of their second-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers and the start of the Eastern Conference Final.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will be well-rested and fully recovered from the bumps, bruises, and injuries suffered during the first two rounds. Given how quickly they dispatched Ottawa and Philadelphia, and their first-overall place in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings, they will be considered the favorites to win the Conference Final.

However, the long layoff will leave the Hurricanes rusty for the first game or two. Their opponent must strike quickly in those contests to garner an early series advantage before the experienced Canes inevitably regain their form.

TORONTO SUN: Front office changes for the Maple Leafs continued Sunday as assistant general managers Brandon Pridham and Derek Clancey left the organization.

Pridham had been with the Maple Leafs since 2014, playing a major role as a salary-cap expert in managing the club’s salary-cap payroll. Clancey spent the past three seasons as the assistant GM of player personnel. He’d previously spent 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given their resumes, both men shouldn’t have much difficulty landing jobs with other NHL clubs.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche got some good news as defensemen Josh Manson and Sam Malkinski were full participants during Sunday’s practice. Both were among several Avs nursing injuries.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal listed all the fines and suspensions handed out thus far during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The most notable was Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella being fined $100,000 and the Golden Knights being forced to forfeit their second-round pick in this year’s draft for flagrant violations of the league’s regulations following their series-ending victory over the Anaheim Ducks last week.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy received the biggest punishment handed down to a player. He will serve a six-game suspension starting next season for slashing Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

Will the Penguins attempt to move one of their long-time veterans? What’s the latest speculation on the Bruins? Could the Kings make Darcy Kuemper a cost-cutting trade candidate? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS MOVE ON FROM THEIR AGING CORE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the time has come for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to make some decisions that could upset the fanbase, suggesting that it’s time to distance himself from nostalgia.

That means parting ways with Evgeni Malkin. Yohe believes the Penguins badly need young players to assert themselves. Giving Malkin a lesser role won’t solve the issue if he’s not good enough for his current one.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

If Dubas brings back Malkin and Kris Letang, then it makes no sense to support their “Big Three” (which includes Sidney Crosby, whose star continues to shine at age 38) with aging players. In that scenario, Yohe suggested shopping the 34-year-old forward Bryan Rust and the 33-year-old winger Rickard Rakell while their value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Malkin returns, Rust and/or Rakell could hit the trade block. Rust lacks no-trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list. Both would draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced depth among their top-six forwards.

In a recent mailbag segment, Yohe was asked if the Penguins could be in the sweepstakes for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews or Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid if they became available in the trade market.

Yohe doesn’t see either player landing in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins could have a chance given the allure of playing with Crosby. Their deep prospect pool could also help their cause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and McDavid have reached the point in their careers where they need to win the Stanley Cup to cement their legacies among the game’s elite superstars. They’ll want to join teams that give them the best opportunity to achieve that goal. Given where the Penguins are right now in their rebuilding process, they’re unlikely to be on either player’s list of preferred trade destinations.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could become the best player in this summer’s trade market if he and the Stars are unable to agree on a new contract. However, Stars management has made re-signing him a priority, making it unlikely that he’ll be available.

Svechnikov is also unlikely to be available. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million and a 10-team trade list. The 26-year-old winger is the Hurricanes’ first-line left winger. They have no reason to move him.

Kyrou and Boeser have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years and are on rebuilding teams. However, Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and Boeser a full no-move, giving them full control over their situations.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what a dream offseason would look like for the Boston Bruins.

They include signing Pavel Zacha to a contract extension; re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent winger Viktor Arvidsson; trading backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick; shipping Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, and Christopher Pelosi to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud, and signing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal if he becomes available in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Zacha and trading Korpisalo seem the more likely to occur, although the latter could end up with another team besides the Rangers. They could re-sign Arvidson, but perhaps they’ll explore other options first. The Flames appear intent on retaining Whitecloud, and Raddysh could prove far too expensive.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins face a decision with their backup goaltenders. Korpisalo isn’t a bad netminder, but his contract is. He has two more years left on his deal, with the Bruins paying him $3 million of his $4 million annual cap hit.

Meanwhile, promising Michael DiPietro was named the AHL’s MVP and the top goaltender. He carries an affordable $812,500 cap hit through 2026-27, but he’s UFA-eligible next July and must clear waivers to be sent back to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of goaltending depth in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could help the Bruins find a new home for Korpisalo this summer. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things a bit.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE DARCY KUEMPER?

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman recently observed that the Los Angeles Kings face a salary cap crunch this summer. While the salary cap is rising to $104 million for 2026-27, the Kings aren’t expected to spend to that ceiling.

The Kings need to re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Brandt Clarke, potentially re-sign UFA-eligible forward Scott Laughton, and find a legitimate second-line center via a trade or free agency.

Trading Darcy Kuemper could be one way to free up salary cap space to address those needs. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Backup Anton Forsberg played well this season, supplanting Kuemper as their starter in the playoffs. They also have Erik Portillo in their system, giving them three goalies under NHL contracts.

Demoting Portillo and his $833,333 would provide the least amount of cap relief. Trading Kuemper would free up $1.45 million after adding Portillo to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper’s inconsistency in recent years could affect attempts to trade him if the Kings wish to go that route. He also has a 10-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the limited number of quality goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could improve the Kings’ chances of finding a suitable trade partner.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 17, 2026

The Sabres crush the Canadiens to force Game 7 in their second-round series, examining Mitch Marner’s strong postseason with the Golden Knights, several Avalanche players are nursing injuries, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres overcame an early 3-1 deficit with five unanswered goals to thump the Montreal Canadiens 8-3 in Game 6 of their second-round series, forcing a seventh and deciding game in Buffalo on Monday, May 18.

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin (NHL Images)

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin led the way with a goal and four assists, becoming the first defenseman in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to record five points in a game when facing elimination. Tage Thompson had a goal and three assists, and Jack Quinn tallied twice and collected an assist. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 18 shots after replacing Alex Lyon, who was pulled after giving up three goals on four shots early in the first period.

Jake Evans had a goal and an assist, Ivan Demidov scored for the second straight game, and Arber Xhekaj netted his first-ever playoff goal for the Canadiens. Jacob Fowler replaced starter Jakub Dobes in the third period after the latter gave up six goals on 33 shots.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Facing elimination for the first time in this postseason, the Sabres responded with their best performance of this series, one that may have changed the direction of this series in their favor.

The turning point in the game occurred at 11:47 of the first period when Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson received a double-minor for high-sticking Sabres forward Josh Norris, leading to Jason Zucker’s power-play goal that narrowed the score to 3-2. Led by Dahlin and Thompson, the Sabres dominated the next two periods.

This was the Canadiens’ worst performance of this postseason, something team captain Nick Suzuki admitted after the game. Even when leading 3-1, they were struggling to adjust to the changes that Sabres’ head coach Lindy Ruff made to his forward lines. He shifted Thompson to right wing alongside Norris and Zach Benson on the first line, with Ryan McLeod centering Alex Tuch and Josh Doan on the second line. Rookie Konsta Helenius centered Zucker and Quinn on the third line, with Peyton Krebs between Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn on the fourth line.

Ruff’s quick replacement of Lyon with Luukkonen in the first period also paid dividends, providing some much-needed stability between the pipes that helped to settle down his teammates.

It will be interesting to see what Game 7 brings us. Both teams have played well on the road, but struggled at home. That could work in the Canadiens’ favor, but the momentum the Sabres gained in Game 6 could propel them into the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Regardless of the outcome of Game 7, the Eastern Conference Final will begin on Thursday, May 21, in Carolina.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato looked at what’s behind Mitch Marner’s dominant playoff performance with the Vegas Golden Knights after years of criticism about his postseason play with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Of the factors listed by Amato, getting away from that harsh spotlight in Toronto and the structure of Vegas’ roster are probably the main reasons why Marner’s an early candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Golden Knights play a solid two-way game with several forwards who play well defensively, so he’s not having to carry that burden as much as he did with the Leafs.

Some observers wondered how well Marner would perform after John Tortorella took over as head coach late in the season. Rather than struggling under the demanding Tortorella, Marner is thriving, earning his coach’s respect and support.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche has several players considered day-to-day as they nurse various injuries. They include Cale Makar, Brent Burns, Josh Manson, Artturi Lehkonen, and Sam Malinski.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The first game of their Western Conference Final series with the Golden Knights begins on Wednesday, so those players have several days to recuperate. Don’t be surprised if they’re all ready to go for Game 1.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Hurricanes aren’t concerned about their long layoff between series adversely affecting their performance against the Canadiens or Sabres in the Eastern Conference Final. They will have had 12 days to rest, recuperate, and prepare for their next opponent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will be a little rusty in the first game and perhaps the second, which could work to their opponent’s favor. However, the Canadiens and Sabres won’t have much time to recover from two long, physical series. That could work to the Hurricanes’ advantage as the Conference Final progresses.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anaheim Ducks forward Mikael Granlund is joining Finland’s roster in the 2026 IIHF World Championship.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

by | May 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Wild’s offseason plans, an update on the Flyers, and the Flames could be active in this summer’s trade market.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin could revisit his efforts to land a center. They report that Guerin attempted to do so before the March trade deadline, but a deal never materialized.

Guerin has already traded many assets in recent years, so he and his staff must decide how much more of their future they’re willing to mortgage.

Trade assets could include Jesper Wallstedt, Danila Yurov, Bobby Brink, Daemon Hunt, Charlie Stramel, and future first-round picks.

Roster players with modified no-trade clauses include Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jared Spurgeon, Marcus Foligno, and Jake Middleton. Meanwhile, Jonas Brodin, Nico Sturm, and Yakov Trenin lack no-trade protection.

Russo and Smith listed several players they believe Guerin might look into acquiring to address his club’s need for a first-line center. They include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They also included winger Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, but he and Senators management have made it clear that he’s not available.

Matthews might become available if the Maple Leafs new management fails to sell him on their plans for the club. However, we don’t know if Minnesota would be on his list of preferred trade destinations, and if the Wild could afford him.

Russo and Smith reported sources claimed Guerin attempted to acquire Devils defenseman Luke Hughes earlier this season. They admit it’s unlikely that new Devils GM Sunny Mehta would trade Jack Hughes and Hischier, unless the latter is unwilling to sign a contract extension this summer. It’s also doubtful that Mehta will part with Luke.

The Red Wings could also seek depth at center this summer, making it unlikely they’ll part with Larkin. Russo and Smith reported that Guerin offered up Wallstedt and Yurov as part of a trade package for Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. That tells me the Blues prefer to retain Thomas as they rebuild with younger talent.

Trocheck could be the best available option, provided the Wild aren’t on his no-trade list. He made it known that his preference is to remain in the East.

TWINCITIES.COM: Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is open to signing a contract extension. The 26-year-old Hughes has one season remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million, and can sign an extension as early as July 1.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“I really like it here,” Hughes said. “I would definitely be open to re-signing.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s music to Guerin’s ears, but the question is, how much will it cost? The Wild have Kirill Kaprizov set to earn a league-leading $17 million annually starting this July. Hughes could seek as much or more.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: If Hughes and the Wild can’t agree to an extension, James Nichols suggested Devils GM Sunny Mehta make a bold move to acquire him.

The bold part would be offering up center Nico Hischier if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with the Devils. Nichols suggested bundling him with a promising defenseman such as Simon Nemec or Anton Silayev, a first-round pick, and another piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both clubs must ensure Hughes and Hischier agree to contract extensions with their new clubs as part of the deal. Otherwise, they’ll just be swapping two contract headaches, with the risk that both could hit the open market next summer.

NO BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER FOR THE FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere continues to preach patience with his rebuilding plans.

While exceeding expectations by making the playoffs and reaching the second round, Briere insists his club is still in the growth part of the rebuild.

The Flyers could use a top-line center and a defenseman who can quarterback the power play. Briere said he’s keeping his options open if there’s a deal out there that could improve the club and would make sense for the long term.

Nevertheless, with some of their younger players arriving sooner than expected, Briere has the leeway to remain patient with his roster. Those players include forwards Porter Martone, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey. Meanwhile, winger Matvei Michkov is expected to improve after struggling through his sophomore campaign.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James also noted Briere’s comments and the rise of several promising young Flyers.

James noted the way Barkey and Trevor Zegras improved their roles at center this season. They also have promising Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt in their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out Briere making a significant addition or two this summer. However, he seems to be tamping down expectations for such a move, putting his trust in those young players already in the lineup and in their system.

THE FLAMES COULD BE BUSY IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources have told him that the Calgary Flames could be open to trading “just about anybody” on their roster.

The exceptions would be goaltender Dustin Wolf, forward Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato, and defenseman Zayne Parekh.

Trade candidates include forwards Blake Coleman, Yegor Sharangovich, Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, and Joel Farabee.

The Flames would probably like to move Jonathan Huberdeau, but his hefty contract means there’s little chance of that happening. Center Ryan Strome and defenseman Zach Whitecloud could be trade pieces, but their veteran experience could make them more valuable to the rebuilding Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has been in a full-fledged rebuild for the past two seasons. Players on expiring contracts eligible for UFA status next summer (like Coleman) are the most likely to move.

Those players listed by Di Marco could indeed become trade bait, but that doesn’t mean Conroy is staging a fire sale and will ship them all out. He’ll be open to offers that will fetch promising young NHL players, prospects, and draft picks.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 16, 2026

by | May 16, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 16, 2026

The Canadiens and Sabres prepare for Game 6, Matthew Schaefer garners praise from several Hall of Fame defensemen, the latest on the Golden Knights, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Montreal Canadiens hope to advance to the Eastern Conference Final on home ice in Game 6 against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. The Canadiens hold a 3-2 series lead following their 6-3 victory over the Sabres in Game 5 on Thursday.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis understands that eliminating an opponent will be difficult. He pointed out that he believed his team played their best game of this postseason in their Game 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on home ice in the first round.

“So, you know, it probably takes your best. And more,” St. Louis said.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said his players will likely stay at their hotel on Saturday morning and not hold a pregame skate so they can save their energy for Game 6.

Ruff stressed that his club has responded well to every challenge they’ve faced this season, rising from last place in the Eastern Conference in early December to finishing first in the Atlantic Division and eliminating the Boston Bruins in the first round.

The Sabres need more from their top-six forwards. Power forward Alex Tuch has been held scoreless in this series. Center Tage Thompson has only scored twice against the Canadiens and may be playing injured.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Carolina Hurricanes await the winner of this series in the Eastern Conference Final. If the Canadiens win tonight, Game 1 of the Conference Final starts on Tuesday, May 19, in Carolina. If it goes seven games (which would be held on Monday, May 18), the winner will face the Hurricanes in Carolina on Thursday, May 21.

THE ATHLETIC: New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer earned praise from several Hall of Fame blueliners after he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.

Raymond Bourque believes Schaefer has “a great chance” to become a generational player. Chris Pronger pointed out his positive impact on the Islanders since his debut, and Nicklas Lidstrom lauded the 18-year-old’s speed and heads-up performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer’s rookie performance took some of the sting out of the Islanders’ failure to make the playoffs. He is now their franchise player, and management will do all it can to build a contender around him.

TSN: Mitch Marner “feels great” after advancing to the Conference Finals for the first time in his NHL career. Nevertheless, he and his Vegas Golden Knights’ teammates are keeping their focus on winning the Stanley Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner leads all scorers in his postseason with 18 points. He must be considered among the favorites to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Speaking of the Golden Knights, they must forfeit a second-round pick and were fined $100,000 for not speaking to the media postgame at Honda Center following their series-clinching win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.

The Golden Knights will have a chance to appeal the punishment to league commissioner Gary Bettman in New York next week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights didn’t open their dressing room for interviews, but rather in an adjacent room. Shea Theodore spoke briefly in that room, while forwards Mitch Marner and Brett Howden both spoke at the podium for less than five minutes.

The collective bargaining agreement requires players and coaches to be made available for interviews daily during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

ESPN.COM: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek revealed that they were unable to play in their club’s second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche because of broken bones in their feet. The Avalanche took that series in five games.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier revealed he broke the L1 and L2 vertebrae in his back against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 30. He praised the Ducks’ medical staff for helping him return to action sooner than expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier played in all 12 playoff games for the Ducks with a team-leading 12 points.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: The Flyers signed goaltender Aleksei Kolosov to a one-year, $850,000 contract extension.

CALGARY SUN: Flames defenseman Daniil Miromanov has reportedly signed with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg. The 28-year-old blueliner spent most of this season playing for the Flames’ AHL affiliate.