NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 28, 2026

by | Apr 28, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 28, 2026

The Penguins beat the Flyers to avoid elimination again, the Golden Knights tie their series with the Mammoth, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: The Pittsburgh Penguins staved off elimination again by nipping the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in Game 5 of their best-of-seven first-round series. A flukey second-period goal by Kris Letang gave the Penguins the win after the Flyers overcame a 2-0 deficit to tie the game on goals by Alex Bump and Travis Sanheim. Elmer Soderblom and Connor Dewar scored for the Penguins. The series returns to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Wednesday with the Flyers holding a 3-2 lead.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins remain on the verge of elimination, but two straight victories have put them back in this series. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic believes the pressure of playoff hockey may be getting to the younger Flyers players, who haven’t faced this level of postseason competition before, especially against a veteran-laden team with considerable playoff experience.

The Flyers can allay that concern with a win in Game 6, but if the Penguins take that game, all bets are off.

An overtime goal by Shea Theodore lifted the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth, tying their series at two games apiece. The Golden Knights had a 3-0 lead, but the Mammoth rallied with four straight goals before Brett Howden made it 4-4 midway through the third period. Howden finished with two goals and an assist, while Jack Eichel had three assists. Mikhail Sergachev also had three assists, and Nick Schmaltz tallied a goal and an assist for the Mammoth. The series returns to Las Vegas for Game 5 on Wednesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was a wild one with the Golden Knights seemingly in control through the first period and the early minutes of the second. The Mammoth stormed back and seemed on the verge of taking a 3-1 series lead until Howden’s tying goal set the stage for Theodore’s winner. The Golden Knights seemed to have won it midway through overtime on a goal by Pavel Dorofeyev, but it was overturned on review as Eichel was offside on the play.

HEADLINES

SPORTSNET: Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot revealed that he played their series against the Carolina Hurricanes despite his broken forearm not being fully healed. He suffered the injury on March 23 and underwent surgery soon afterward. He said his arm is still three weeks away from being fully healed. Chabot played with a cast on his arm to prevent further damage.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chabot’s early return to help his teammates is commendable and a testament to his toughness, but it made him largely ineffective in the series against the Hurricanes.

Senators forward Claude Giroux intends to take some time to assess the club’s early postseason exit and his future. Giroux, 38, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. If he does return for another season, he said it would be only with the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giroux was an effective two-way player for the Senators during the regular season with 49 points in 82 games, but his production has steadily declined over the past four seasons. He played well defensively for the Senators against the Hurricanes, but was held scoreless in that series.

TSN: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk skipped the end-of-season media availability as his wife had given birth to their second child.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation about Tkachuk’s future with the Senators emerged soon after the Hurricanes eliminated them. I’ll have more about that in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CBS SPORTS: Minnesota Wild winger Mats Zuccarello (upper body) practices with his teammates on Monday, but remains questionable for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. Zuccarello missed the last three games of this series. The series is knotted at two games apiece.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist has been ruled out for Game 5 of their series against the Minnesota Wild as he recovers from a facial injury suffered in Game 4.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres center Josh Norris could return to action for Game 5 of their first-round series with the Boston Bruins. Norris missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury. The Sabres lead the series 3-1 and could eliminate the Bruins with a win on Tuesday in Buffalo.

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Bruins, defenseman Nikita Zadorov was fined $5,000 by the league’s department of player safety for cross-checking Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during Game 4 of their series on Sunday.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Sidelined Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson (upper body) skated on his own yesterday, working on puck-handling drills. He’s slated to be reevaluated on Tuesday. The Canadiens will head to Tampa Bay for Game 5 of their series with the Lightning, which takes place on Wednesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dobson was the Canadiens best all-around defenseman this season. He was sixth among his teammates in regular-season points (47) while sitting second in the league in blocked shots with 188. If cleared to return to action, Dobson would provide a boost to their blueline against the Lightning.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The only big question facing Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is whether to start Connor Ingram or Tristan Jarry in goal for Game 5 of their series against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Both goalies have had a difficult time in this series, with the Ducks holding a commanding 3-1 lead.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With the Oilers on the brink of elimination, it’ll be interesting to see who Knoblauch goes with for Game 5.

TSN: Canada will have several notable players on their roster for the upcoming 2026 IIHF World Championship. They include San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele, New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, who is projected to be this year’s top prospect in the NHL Draft, will also play for Canada. So will Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Islanders forwards Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman will play for Sweden in the World Championship.

TSN: The Washington Capitals have parted ways with assistant coach Kirk Muller.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2026

by | Apr 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2026

With their postseason over, what’s next for the Senators? What’s in store for the Blackhawks during the offseason? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators enter the offseason facing no shortage of questions about what the future holds after they were swept from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Topping the list is team captain Brady Tkachuk. The 27-year-old power forward has been the subject of speculation this season. He’s downplayed the conjecture, insisting that his focus is on helping the Senators win the Cup. Tkachuk was a physical presence against the Hurricanes but was held off the score sheet during that four-game series.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Garrioch cited New York Rangers fans pining for their club to acquire Tkachuk, who lives in New Jersey during the offseason. He’s often been linked to New York-area teams in the rumor mill.

Tkachuk has two more years left on his contract with a full no-movement clause. The earliest the Senators can re-sign him is next July. However, Garrioch thinks a discussion must occur between Tkachuk and general manager Steve Staios to determine the winger’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL insider Frank Seravalli wondered about Tkachuk’s future in Ottawa. He felt that the Senators captain seemed “a little bit off” over the past several weeks, as evidenced by his body language and frustration. He cited Tkachuk’s post-series interview, which was tinged with a bit of emotion, and mused about whether that was recognition on the winger’s part that this could be the beginning of the end of his tenure in Ottawa.

I don’t believe that the Senators intend to trade Tkachuk this summer unless he asks for it. Both sides will likely take a wait-and-see approach throughout the offseason and into 2026-27. If the Senators improve significantly next season, it could convince Tkachuk to sign an extension. If they don’t, he could be reluctant to stay, which could force Staios to peddle him for the best possible return.

The Senators’ lack of offense among their scoring forwards against the Hurricanes was troubling. Garrioch believes it’ll be up to Staios to determine if he should move out a core player or enhance the roster by acquiring a player.

Staios must also determine what’s next for Linus Ullmark. The 35-year-old goaltender took a leave of absence at midseason for mental health reasons, and his performance improved significantly following his return.

Ullmark has three seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million. Garrioch wondered if Staios might explore the trade market to see if Ullmark’s value has improved. If they retain him, they must find a reliable backup who can play more than 30 games.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers looked at what the offseason could hold for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks.

If the Blackhawks don’t win the draft lottery or if prospect Roman Kantserov doesn’t work out, they might have to add a top-six forward through a trade or free agency. General manager Kyle Davidson has the draft capital (including three first-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft) to use for trade bait. I Davidson pursues a legitimate top-six forward such as Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, or Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Powers believes it’ll take more than draft picks to land one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks were rumored to be among the clubs that were interested in Knies before the March trade deadline. He lacks no-trade protection and would be the easiest to acquire.

Robertson also lacks a no-trade clause, but he’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer who’s also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. If the Blackhawks were to acquire him, they would risk losing him for nothing to next summer’s UFA market.

Thomas has a full no-trade clause. He was the frequent subject of trade speculation before the deadline, but his post-deadline comments suggest he’s not interested in leaving St. Louis. If so, he could be unwilling to join a rebuilding club. 

Powers believes the Blackhawks must also add an experienced top-four defenseman. He suggested the possibility of bringing back Connor Murphy, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline. The 33-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Other possibilities could include Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning or Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy might be open to returning to Chicago, but at this stage of his career, he might prefer joining a Stanley Cup contender. Raddysh had a career-best performance this season with 22 goals and 78 points, but there’s a risk that he might not repeat those numbers, especially if he were to change teams. Ferraro could be a more reliable addition given his all-around play.

Powers also looked at which players will return with the Blackhawks next season and which ones could be moving on.

It’s 50-50 that winger Andre Burakovsky, Andrew Mangiapane, and Ilya Mikheyev return. Burakovsky and Mangiapane struggled this season, and could be bought out of their contracts depending on how the offseason goes for the Blackhawks. They want to re-sign Mikheyev, who turned down a contract offer at the trade deadline.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 27, 2026

by | Apr 27, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 27, 2026

The Avalanche eliminate the Kings as Anze Kopitar’s playing career ends, the Sabres humble the Bruins, the Ducks push the Oilers to the brink, and the Lightning even their series with the Canadiens. Details and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-1 to sweep their best-of seven first-round series. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and collected an assist while Gabriel Landeskog picked up two assists for the Avalanche. Joel Edmundson replied for the Kings in what was the final game for team captain Anze Kopitar, who announced last fall that he would be retiring at the end of this season.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche await the winner of the Dallas Stars-Minnesota Wild series, which is currently tied at two games apiece. The previous three games in this series were closely contested, but the Avs’ depth made the difference as the series progressed.

Kopitar received a standing ovation from the Los Angeles crowd as he skated out for his final shift. He was among the best two-way forwards in the game, and ended his career as the greatest player in franchise history.

In 20 NHL seasons (all with the Kings), Kopitar is their all-time leader in games played (1,521), assists (864), and points (1,316). He helped them win two Stanley Cups, took home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy three times, and the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2015-16.

A four-goal first period powered the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-1 romp over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their first-round series. Alex Tuch, Bowen Byram, Josh Doan, and Peyton Krebs each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who hold a 3-1 lead over the Bruins as the series returns to Buffalo for Game 5 on Tuesday. Sean Kuraly scored for the Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Sabres win Game 5, it’ll be their first playoff series victory since 2007.

The Bruins were justifiably embarrassed by their lackluster performance in this game. Head coach Marco Sturm refused to blame starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who was hung out to dry by his fellow Bruins. Swayman had some harsh words for his teammates on the bench after he was finally pulled from the game, prompting Sturm to say that at least one of his players had some fire in them on Sunday.

Speaking of the Bruins, winger Viktor Arvidsson left this game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

An overtime goal by Ryan Poehling gave the Anaheim Ducks a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of their first-round series. The Oilers took 2-0 and 3-2 leads, but the Ducks battled back with Jeffrey Viel scoring the tying goal that sent the game into OT. Evan Bouchard had a goal and an assist for the Oilers, who are now on the verge of elimination with the Ducks holding a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is in Edmonton on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some controversy over Poehling’s goal. The puck appeared to fully cross the goal line, but it was pinned under the skate of Oilers goalie Tristan Jarry. The on-ice officials had no clear view of it from their vantage points, and there was no conclusive footage in the video reviews. Nevertheless, the ruling from the Situation Room was that the puck had indeed fully crossed the goal line.

The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a 2-0 deficit to nip the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, tying their series at two games apiece. Brandon Hagel scored twice in the third period while Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist for the Lightning. Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield scored their first goals of this postseason for the Canadiens. The series returns to Tampa Bay for Game 5 on Wednesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens were cruising with that 2-0 lead in the second period until Lightning defenseman Max Crozier laid out Habs winger Juraj Slakovsky with a thunderous, clean hit at center ice. Slafkovsky left the game but returned for the third period none the worse for wear. Nevertheless, that hit was the turning point, energizing the Lightning players as they rallied back for the victory.

Hagel has been the Lightning’s best player in this series. He leads all postseason scorers with six goals. Meanwhile, sidelined Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson (thumb injury) has resumed skating and will be reevaluated on Tuesday. If he’s good to go, he could make his series debut on Wednesday.

HEADLINES

THE ATHLETIC: Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy’s poise and timely scoring have made him a clutch player in his club’s first-round series with the Dallas Stars.

TRIBLIVE.COM: If the Pittsburgh Penguins hope to overcome a 3-1 series deficit against the Philadelphia Flyers, forwards Anthony Mantha and Egor Chinakhov must regain their scoring touch. Both players have been held scoreless in this series.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Speaking of the Flyers, sophomore winger Matvei Michkov could be a healthy scratch in Game 5 against the Penguins on Monday in Pittsburgh. Michkov skated with two of the Flyers’ extra forwards during practice on Sunday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Young Flyers such as Trevor Zegras and Porter Martone have thrived in their first-ever NHL playoff series. However, Michkov has struggled to adjust to the postseason pace and was held scoreless through the first two games.

SPORTSNET: MacKenzie Weegar is relishing his leadership role with the Utah Mammoth in his return to the playoffs for the first time in four years. Weegar was acquired from the Calgary Flames at the March trade deadline and is tied for the team scoring lead in this series with two goals and three points.

TSN: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin suffered a concussion on Saturday after taking a crushing hit by Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven. The Hurricanes swept that series, and Nikishin returned to Carolina with his teammates, where he will continue concussion protocols.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There is currently no timetable for Nikishin’s return.

OTTAWA SUN: Speaking of the Senators, forward Ridly Greig will have a hearing with the league’s department of player safety for sucker-punching the Hurricanes’ Sean Walker during the second period of Game 4.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was no excuse for Greig’s actions in that situation. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets a slap on the wrist or a multigame suspension at the start of next season.

TSN: Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist avoided having to go to the hospital after being struck in the face by a skate blade during Game 4 of his club’s series with the Wild.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 26, 2026

by | Apr 26, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 26, 2026

Check out the latest speculation about the Jets and the Kraken in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates examined the decline of the Winnipeg Jets into a “mushy middle” team (too good to tank, too flawed to win), and suggested how they can get out of it.

One way could be trading one of their core players, such as goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, winger Kyle Connor, defenseman Josh Morrissey, or center Mark Scheifele.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Hellebuyck could fetch a top-four defenseman or a second-line center. Connor might be able to fetch a return comparable to what the Calgary Flames received when they traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in 2022. The return for Morrissey or Scheifele would include a young player who might develop into a top defenseman or a top center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ates doubted that the Jets would take a proactive approach to that kind of deal. Nevertheless, he thinks such deals are worth discussing.

Ates also looked at some trade options to address their need for a second-line center.

The top one would be Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause to come to Winnipeg. However, Ates admits that Thomas serves the purpose of an unattainable star talent.

Targeting a restricted free agent center stuck in a third-line role on another club is another option. Ates suggested someone such as Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars or Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres.

They could also pursue a young center lacking no-trade protection, such as Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames, Ridly Greig of the Ottawa Senators, or Emmitt Finnie of the Detroit Red Wings. However, there’s no certainty that those clubs will part with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ates also looked at veterans past their prime or those on bad contracts, but he doesn’t see the Jets going those routes. Pursuing someone like Bourque or Krebs might be an easier route, but that doesn’t mean they’re available. If they are, the Jets will have competition to get them. It seems most clubs are in the market for skilled centers.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Tim Booth and Kate Shefte looked at which players on the Kraken could be on the move this summer.

Shefte noted that Kraken general manager Jason Botterill wants to upgrade his forward lines. She believes Matty Beniers is safe, and she doesn’t see the Kraken parting with promising forward Berkly Catton. She also thinks Chandler Stephenson’s contract would be difficult to move.

Everyone else should at least be on the table. Shefte believes pending UFA Bobby McMann is worth keeping and acknowledged they’ll have to “throw a wad of cash at him” to get him to stay, but she doesn’t want them to overpay too much.

Booth believes goaltender Philipp Grubauer’s improvement this season could improve his value in the trade market. He would let defenseman Jamie Oleksiak depart via free agency, and also wondered whether moving one of Ryker Evans, Vince Dunn, or Adam Larsson would be unreasonable. He thinks they’ll have to part with one of them if they hope to bring in help for their forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken were among the league’s lowest-scoring teams. That popgun offense was largely responsible for their inability to remain in the playoff race this season. It must be addressed, which could force Botterill to make a bold move or two this summer.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 26, 2026

by | Apr 26, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 26, 2026

The Hurricanes eliminate the Senators, the Penguins stave off elimination, the Wild tie their series with the Stars, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING SATURDAY’S ACTION

NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Ottawa Senators 4-2 to sweep their best-of-seven series. Logan Stankoven scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, Sebastian Aho tallied twice, and Frederik Andersen made 25 saves for the Hurricanes. Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens replied for the Senators, who got a 26-save performance from goalie Linus Ullmark.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven (NHL Images)

The Hurricanes await the winner of the Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game was another close-checking affair, but both clubs ramped up the physical play. The flashpoint was a devastating (but clean) hit by Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven on Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikitin, knocking the latter out of the game with a suspected concussion.

The Senators gave everything they had to avoid elimination. Ullmark silenced his critics with his outstanding play while the injury-depleted blueline did its best despite the absence of Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub. However, their offense struggled against Andersen’s solid goaltending and the Hurricanes’ suffocating defense. Team captain Brady Tkachuk was a physical presence in this game, but was held scoreless throughout this series.

Carolina’s second line of Stankoven, Tayler Hall, and Jackson Blake was a factor in this game and throughout this series. Stankoven was the star of this series with four goals, including three game-openers. The Hurricanes got the win without winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who missed this game with a lower-body injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist as his club avoided elimination with a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Kris Letang netted the game winner, Rickard Rakell also had a goal and an assist, and Arturs Silovs stopped 28 shots in his series debut for the Penguins. Denver Barkey and Travis Konecny replied for the Flyers, who hold a 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven series. Game 5 is in Pittsburgh on Monday at 7 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby finally broke through offensively after being held to an assist through the first three games. The Penguins still had their issues defensively, but were bailed out by Silovs, whose performance in this game should earn him the start in Game 5.

An overtime goal by Matt Boldy lifted the Minnesota Wild to a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars, tying their first-round series at two games apiece. Brock Faber had a goal and an assist while Jesper Wallstedt kicked out 43 shots for the Wild. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen scored, Matt Duchene and Mikko Rantanen collected two assists each, and Jake Oettinger stopped 40 shots for the Stars. This series returns to Dallas for Game 5 on Tuesday at 8 pm ET.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild winger Mats Zuccarello missed his third straight game in this series with an upper-body injury. Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist left this game in the second period after being struck in the face by the skate blade of Wild forward Michael McCarron. Following the game, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said Lundkvist suffered a deep facial cut. He will be reexamined in Dallas.

HEADLINES

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont listed his top-three reasons why the Canadiens hold a 2-1 lead in their first-round series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They include high-danger scoring chances and the Canadiens’ secondary scoring.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis isn’t concerned over the lack of scoring from first-line forwards Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. He pointed out that they’re always a big part of the club’s success, whether they’re on the scoresheet or not. “They’re going to be fine,” St. Louis said.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers have struggled against the Anaheim Ducks in their first-round series, which the Ducks lead two games to one. Their top players have been invisible, they’ve given up 13 goals in their last two games, goaltender Connor Ingram has a save percentage of .849, and their penalty killing is the worst among the 16 playoff clubs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the headline suggests, the Oilers must find a way to address these issues, or this will be a short series.

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres are shaking up their power play ahead of Game 4 of their series with the Boston Bruins, which is Sunday at 2 pm ET. They’re hoping the addition of Noah Ostlund to their top unit will help them snap a 0-for-36 funk with the man advantage.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Bruins are making a change to their third line, replacing rookie James Hagens with winger Lukas Reichel. Hagens struggled with the Sabres’ physical play through the previous two games.

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson is considered unlikely to play in Game 4 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings. Manson suffered an upper-body injury in Game 3 of this series, in which the Avalanche holds a 3-0 lead.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights need their top players to get going if they’re to overcome a 2-1 series deficit to the Utah Mammoth. Team captain Mark Stone has scored two power-play goals but none at even strength. Ivan Barbashev has two, but one was an empty-netter. Jack Eichel has one goal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitch Marner has two assists, and Tomas Hertl has one. Puck-moving defensemen Shea Theodore and Rasmus Andersson have no points through three games.

Meanwhile, the Mammoth are getting production from their best players, including Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley, who each have two goals and an assist, while winger Lawson Crouse has two goals.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

by | Apr 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

Check out the latest on possible changes for the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White are reportedly emerging as the finalists for the job of Maple Leafs general manager.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports White and Chayka are subject to further diligence, with Chayka holding an edge.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby acknowledged Chayka’s messy departure from the Coyotes, but pointed out that he’s done ground-breaking analytics work, which would suit the Maple Leafs’ search for a data-driven general manager.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Terry Koshan believes the first order of business for whoever becomes the next Maple Leafs general manager is speaking with team captain Austin Matthews about the club’s plans going forward and what his role would be.

If Matthews balks at those plans, Koshan believes the Maple Leafs must trade him. The 28-year-old superstar center could fetch a return of top draft picks, top prospects, or players who are either stars or on the cusp of becoming ones.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We already know that Leafs ownership wants to retool the roster rather than stage a rebuild. How that retooling will be done will be of interest to Matthews because it will determine the outcome of next season and of his decision whether to sign a contract extension next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined which Maple Leafs will go and which ones will stay this summer.

Among the notables most likely to move are forwards Max Domi and Nick Robertson, and defensemen Brandon Carlo and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

WHICH RANGERS COULD BE MOVED THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano looked at some of the biggest questions facing the New York Rangers during the offseason.

What happens to Vincent Trocheck topped the list. Rangers GM Chris Drury attempted to move the 32-year-old center at last month’s trade deadline, but found the offers were restricted by limited buyers and limited salary-cap space. Drury believes the market for Trocheck will improve in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if Trocheck isn’t moved this summer. There was genuine interest in him at the trade deadline, especially from Eastern Conference teams that were not on his no-trade list.

Braden Schneider could also be moved. The 24-year-old defenseman is valued within the organization for his defensive skills, but the need for right-shot blueliners around the league could make him a valuable trade piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schneider recently said he’d love to remain a Ranger, but he seems resigned to his fate. Mercogliano stated that Drury is seeking a scoring forward and could target a team like the San Jose Sharks, who have plenty of young forwards but need blueline depth.

Alexis Lafreniere’s strong finish to this season should ensure he remains with the Rangers. Moving him wouldn’t make sense for a club that’s looking for forward depth. Mercogliano doesn’t rule out Lafreniere being moved as part of a trade package if a top trade target becomes available, but he thinks the young winger will be staying put.

WHAT CHANGES COULD BE IN STORE FOR THE DEVILS?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at what might be in store for the New Jersey Devils under new GM Sunny Mehta.

It remains to be seen if head coach Sheldon Keefe will be back, but the fact that he was in attendance at Mehta’s introductory press conference suggests he could return behind the Devils’ bench next season.

Mehta must decide what happens with defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has been the subject of frequent trade speculation since last summer. He could decide to move Hamilton and his $9 million cap hit, or see his 28 points in his last 37 games of this season and decide he’s worth retaining.

Whatever happens to Hamilton could determine Simon Nemec’s fate. The young blueliner is coming off his entry-level contract. He’s earned praise for his offense, but his defense game needs improvement.

Nichols also wondered whether Mehta will retain or trade the Devils’ 2026 first-round pick. He also mused about how aggressive the new GM will be to improve the roster, such as pursuing a big-name player like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars if they were to become available.

Mehta must also open contract extension talks with team captain Nico Hischier, who is UFA eligible next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mehta’s coming into his new job with a lot on his plate. It will be interesting to see what he’s got in store for the Devils this summer.