NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2026

by | Apr 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at some big-name players who could be the focus of offseason trade chatter, the latest on the Capitals, and Andre Burakovsky’s uncertain future with the Blackhawks.

AUSTON MATTHEWS, BRADY TKACHUK COULD BE AMONG THE BIG NAMES IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

DAILY FACEOFF: In a recent mailbag segment, Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco was asked about which big-name players fans could expect to see in trade rumors during the coming off-season.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Di Marco believes Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk will be the biggest names in this summer’s rumor mill. He thinks Tkachuk is more likely to be moved, given the off-ice drama this season and his brother’s decision to depart the Calgary Flames four years ago. Matthews’ situation seems more uncertain and could depend on who becomes the next general manager of the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and Tkachuk will definitely be part of this summer’s rumor buzz, but I don’t see either guy moving this summer. Both have full no-movement clauses and have not indicated that they want to be moved.

Next summer seems more likely for one or both to get traded, and that will depend on how well the Maple Leafs and Senators perform in 2026-27. If they miss the playoffs or become first-round roadkill, Matthews and Tkachuk could inform their respective GMs that they’re going to market in 2028, which would force their teams to trade them.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas could resurface in the rumor mill after being the focus of media chatter before last month’s trade deadline. Di Marco speculated that the groundwork may have been set for a summer trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was linked to several teams, including the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Islanders. However, the Blues set a high asking price of at least three pieces that are comparable to first-round draft picks.

Thomas said that he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, nor did he want to be traded. Trading the 26-year-old playmaking center would adversely affect the production of linemates Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway.

Di Marco felt that Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram might want a new long-term destination in the long run despite the Sabres’ surge this season. He signed a two-year extension last summer and was rumored to want an opportunity to be a No. 1 defenseman. The Sabres are also overloaded with top-four, left-shot defensemen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer. However, he signed that contract under the previous management, and had a career-best season with 11 goals and 42 points in 2025-26. With the Sabres having finally turned the corner, he might prefer sticking around.

CAPITALS COULD BE BUSY AGAIN IN THE TRADE MARKET.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported last Thursday that the Washington Capitals could turn to the trade market this summer to address their more immediate roster needs.

The Capitals have been retooling on the fly under general manager Chris Patrick. Finding a scoring winger has been a priority for nearly a year. They attempted to sign Nikolaj Ehlers last summer, but lost out to the Carolina Hurricanes. They also attempted to get Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

Patrick acknowledged the asking prices for top talent in this summer’s trade market could be high. However, he believes he’s put his club in a position where they have the pieces to make a competitive bid.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited depth in this summer’s free-agent market could push the Capitals into the trade market, but they won’t be the only team going that route. Having depth in tradeable assets could give them the edge.

If the Anaheim Ducks make the playoffs this year, the Capitals will own the Ducks’ first-round pick. That will likely be bundled into a trade package to bring in that scoring winger.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR BLACKHAWKS WINGER ANDRE BURAKOVSKY?

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers looked at what the future could hold for struggling Chicago Blackhawks winger Andre Burakovsky.

The Blackhawks acquired Burakovsky last year from the Seattle Kraken partly because they hoped he might regain his form, but also to use his $5.5 million average annual value to reach the salary-cap floor.

With Connor Bedard due to be an expensive re-signing, the addition of Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit, and the possible re-signing of Ilya Mikheyev, they might not need Burakovsky’s contract as much as they thought.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 31-year-old Burakovsky has 11 goals and 32 points in 73 games this season. He has a year remaining on his contract. Trading him won’t be easy, but the Blackhawks have the cap space to buy out that final season. It would count as $3 million against their cap next season, dropping to $1.25 million in 2027-28.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 13, 2026

by | Apr 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 13, 2026

A milestone game for Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, the Islanders are eliminated from the playoff race, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby face each other for the 100th time, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF SUNDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored and collected an assist to surpass 100 points in a 4-1 victory over the New York Islanders, eliminating the latter from the playoff race. Alex Newhook and Zachary Bolduc also each had a goal and an assist, Lane Hutson had two assists, and Jacob Fowler made 30 saves for the 48-23-10 Canadiens, who sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 106 points. Casey Cizikas replied for the 43-33-5 Islanders.

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Suzuki is the fifth player in Canadiens history to reach the 100-point plateau, and the first to do so since Mats Naslund in 1985-86. Meanwhile, Hutson tied Larry Robinson for the most assists in a season (66) by a Canadiens defenseman.

The Habs called up defenseman David Reinbacher to replace blueliner Noah Dobson, who is out for at least two weeks with an upper-body (thumb) injury. Reinbacher collected an assist on Newhook’s goal for his first NHL point.

The Washington Capitals blanked the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 in the 100th head-to-head game between Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin collected an assist, Connor McMichael scored twice and picked up an assist, and Logan Thompson had a 24-save shutout for the 42-30-9 Capitals (93 points), who are one point behind the 41-27-12 Philadelphia Flyers (94 points) for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Stuart Skinner stopped 23 of 25 shots for the 41-24-16 Penguins (98 points), who have already clinched second place in the Metro Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin is in the final season of his contract. Capitals fans chanted “one more year”, but the 40-year-old winger still hasn’t decided if he’ll return. Nevertheless, this game felt like it was the final matchup between Ovechkin and Crosby.

The Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive, but they must win their final game, while the Flyers must lose their last two games in regulation.

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes suffered a blow as they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Boston Bruins. Mark Kastelic snapped a 2-2 tie, Sean Kuraly had a goal and two assists, and Joonas Korpisalo stopped 33 shots for the 44-27-10 Bruins (98 points), who hold a one-point lead over the Ottawa Senators for the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli replied for the Blue Jackets (40-29-12), who sit two points behind the Flyers, who hold a game in hand over the Blue Jackets and Capitals.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins top prospect James Hagens made his NHL debut and collected an assist. The Bruins also scratched veterans Charlie McAvoy, Pavol Zacha, Victor Arvidsson, and Hampus Lindholm from this game.

The Blue Jackets will be eliminated if the Flyers pick up one point in their final two games.

Speaking of the Senators, they fell to the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on an overtime goal by Nico Hischier, who finished with two goals and an assist. Dawson Mercer had a goal and an assist for the Devils. Michael Amadio, Shane Pinto, and Fabian Zetterlund scored for the Senators (43-27-11), who hold the second Eastern wild card with 97 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins and Senators have already punched their tickets to the postseason. Both clubs are now jockeying to determine who their first-round opponents will be. Both clubs have one game left.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk missed this game with an undisclosed ailment, believed to be an upper-body injury suffered during Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Islanders. He will likely sit out their regular-season finale against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, but is expected to be ready for the upcoming playoffs.

An overtime goal by Marco Rossi lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-3 upset of the Anaheim Ducks. Rossi, Brock Boeser, and Jake DeBrusk each finished with a goal and an assist for the Canucks. Cutter Gauthier scored twice to reach the 40-goal plateau for the 42-32-6 Ducks, who sit third in the Pacific Division with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gauthier is the first Duck to score 40 goals in a season since Corey Perry in 2013-14. The Ducks can clinch a playoff berth if the Nashville Predators lose in any fashion to the San Jose Sharks on Monday. The Predators are four points behind the Ducks, with both clubs having two games left.

The Calgary Flames upset the Utah Mammoth 4-1. Brayden Pachal had a goal and two assists while Dustin Wolf kicked out 28 shots for the Flames. Lawson Crouse replied for the 42-32-6 Mammoth (90 points), who hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth clinched a playoff berth last week. This was defenseman MacKenzie Weegar’s first game in Calgary since he was dealt to the Mammoth before last month’s trade deadline. He received a warm standing ovation from Flames fans following a video tribute.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE DENVER POST: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will miss the next two games after suffering facial fractures and a corneal abrasion from being struck by a puck during Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres hope to have Noah Ostlund back for the playoffs. The 22-year-old rookie forward missed the last eight games with an upper-body injury.

SPORTSNET: Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Scott Oake signed off for the last time on Saturday. The long-time host of the program’s “After Hours” interview show began his broadcasting career in the 1970s and has worked with Hockey Night in Canada since the 1980s.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oake will devote his time running The Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, named in honor of his son, who died in 2011 after struggling with addiction, and the Anne Oake Recovery Centre, which is under construction and will offer 75 beds for women in recovery.

Best wishes to Oake and his family in his new endeavors.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 12, 2026

by | Apr 12, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 12, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Red Wings, plus updates on the Predators’ and Devils’ search for new general managers in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE RANGERS IN THE OFFSEASON?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury will continue to retool his roster during the offseason.

Walker estimated the Rangers would have over $33.3 million in cap space if they trade center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider this summer. That would leave enough to add a backup goaltender, a top-four defenseman, a top-six winger, and a fourth-line center.

Current backup Jonathan Quick hasn’t revealed his plans, but a source close to the 40-year-old netminder believes this season will be his last.

It’s hoped that at least one NHL player will be part of a trade return for Trocheck. If Drury can’t find the return he wants for Schneider, exploring a Will Borgen trade could become another route.

Adam Crane reported Schneider remains proud of being a Ranger, and he hopes something will work out to keep him with the team long-term.

Schneider, 24, is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. He saw what happened to former teammate K’Andre Miller last year when he was in the same boat. Miller was tendered a qualifying offer and then traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, signing an eight-year deal.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

Crane also reported last week that there are lingering concerns about the future of Adam Fox with the Rangers. They are a better team with the 26-year-old defenseman in the lineup, but his cryptic comments in February about whether he wants to remain through the next stage of the rebuild raise questions about what happens if he decides he wants out.

At the time, Fox said he felt a little helpless about the club’s public commitment toward a retool. When asked about staying with the Rangers, he felt that it was a discussion for after the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck has three more years on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $5.625 million. He has a 12-team no-trade list until July 1, when it drops to a 10-team list. He’s also indicated his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference.

There was interest in Trocheck and Schneider before last month’s trade deadline, but Drury declined to lower his asking prices. As I’ve mentioned before, clubs that were reluctant to meet Drury’s prices in March could be more willing to do so in June or July, especially with the salary cap rising to $104 million for 2026-27.

Fox is under contract through 2028-29 with an AAV of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause through next season. Despite his struggles and injuries this season, the 28-year-old right-shot defenseman (and 2021 Norris Trophy winner) would draw plenty of attention if he becomes available this summer.

However, Fox’s desire to discuss his future with Drury may be little more than determining the club’s direction and his role within it. Drury is under no pressure to move Fox unless he wants out. For now, there’s no indication that’s the case.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RED WINGS AFTER ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING SEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman commented on the Detroit Red Wings extending their playoff drought to a 10th consecutive season. He believes this year’s miss hurts the most because the team now feels stuck after several seasons of promising progress.

Bultman indicates that the Red Wings remain a flawed team, particularly at five-on-five scoring, which will be one of the areas the club attempts to address during the offseason. He also wondered how the Wings can continue to bank on their promising young players as their main driver for improvement.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff also cited the Red Wings’ struggles to score at even strength. He also believes their lack of a winning culture contributed to their inability to close out a win. Duff suggested they must also reconstruct their bottom-six forward group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been speculation and suggestions (including from yours truly) that general manager Steve Yzerman could be fired or will be on the hot seat after this season. However, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported last week that Yzerman remains aligned with team owner Chris Illich. If there’s a management change, it would be because Yzerman feels his time is up, but Dreger said that’s unlikely.

Yzerman’s critics believe he is reluctant to draw on his prospect pool to bring in more immediate help. However, he might not have much choice now. The fans are restless, his players are frustrated, and there’s a growing sense that the Red Wings are spinning their wheels.

That doesn’t mean he must make quick-fix deals. If an opportunity arises to land an impact player in his prime with term remaining on his contract, Yzerman must act. Otherwise, he risks extending the Wings’ postseason drought to 11 seasons, which could cost him his job.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS AND DEVILS AS THEY HUNT FOR A NEW GM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that the Nashville Predators prefer someone who has recently served as an NHL general manager or assistant GM to replace outgoing general manager Barry Trotz.

Former New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has been added to that list. Fitzgerald has a history with the Predators as he was their first team captain from 1998-99 to 2001-02. It’s believed he’s either already been interviewed for the job or will be soon.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils are interested in Jamie Langenbrunner as a candidate to replace the departed Fitzgerald. Langenbrunner is currently an assistant GM with the Boston Bruins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2026

by | Apr 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 12, 2026

Four more teams clinch playoff berths, the Red Wings are eliminated again, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Ottawa Senators clinched a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders. Linus Ullmark turned in a 23-save shutout while Ridly Greig, Jake Sanderson, and Michael Amadio were the goal scorers for the 43-27-10 Senators, who have won four straight and sit in the first Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 96 points. Ilya Sorokin stopped 13 of 15 shots for the 43-32-5 Islanders (91 points), who are three points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators captain Brady Tkachuk left this game in the second period after being struck in the neck/head area by the stick of Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock. There were no postgame details regarding his condition, other than head coach Travis Green saying Tkachuk wasn’t feeling well. It’s unlikely that Tkachuk will be playing against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.

The Islanders are five points out of the final Eastern wild card, but they can make the playoffs if they overtake the Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Both clubs have two games remaining in their schedules.

Speaking of the Flyers, they improved their chances of securing a playoff berth by crushing the Winnipeg Jets 7-1. Sean Couturier and Noah Cates each had three points, and Dan Vladar made 27 saves for the 41-27-12 Flyers (94 points). Haydn Fleury scored for the 35-32-12 Jets (82 points), who are five points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

Meanwhile, the Kings nipped the Edmonton Oilers 1-0, but the Oilers clinched a playoff berth because the Flyers beat the Jets. Anton Forsberg made 27 saves for his third shutout of the season while Artemi Panarin scored the only goal for the 34-26-19 Kings (87 points). Connor Ingram stopped 20 of 21 shots for the Oilers (40-30-10), who sit second in the Pacific Division with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the Kings’ final home game of the regular season. After this contest, team captain Anze Kopitar thanked the fans for supporting him during his 20-season career. He announced in September that he would be retiring at the end of this season. Kings fans could get a chance to see him play again at home if the team makes the playoffs.

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (NHL Images).

The Vegas Golden Knights secured a postseason spot with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Jack Eichel tallied the winning goal, and Carter Hart turned aside 30 shots as the Golden Knights (37-26-17) hold first place in the Pacific Division with 91 points. Devon Toews and Nick Blankenburg replied for the 52-16-12 Avalanche (115 points), who clinched the Presidents’ Trophy earlier in the week with the best regular-season record.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar left this game in the third period after being struck on the right cheek by a shot from Golden Knights winger Keegan Kolesar. Following the game, a team spokesman said Bednar was “fully alert and fully conscious”, but he was taken to a hospital for a CT scan and further evaluation.

Earlier in the day, the Avalanche announced the signing of top college prospect T.J. Hughes to a one-year entry-level contract for 2026-27. Hughes will join the Avs’ AHL affiliate for the remainder of this season on a professional tryout. The 24-year-old forward is considered the best unsigned college free agent from this year’s crop.

Shifting back to the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning got a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins, but the latter clinched a playoff berth. Brandon Hagel and Emil Lilleberg scored for the 49-25-6 Lightning, who sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 104 points. Morgan Geekie scored his 38th goal of the season for the 43-27-10 Bruins, who hold the final Eastern wild card with 96 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators and Bruins have identical records with 80 games played, but the Sens have 37 regulation wins to the Bruins’ 31 wins.

The Bruins clinched a playoff spot because the New Jersey Devils defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 to eliminate them from the postseason chase. Jesper Bratt scored two goals and collected an assist for the 41-36-3 Devils, while Emmit Finnie had a goal and an assist for the 41-30-9 Red Wings (91 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings were booed off the ice by their fans following this game. This is the third straight season that the Red Wings missed the playoffs after entering March holding a postseason berth. Their postseason drought has lasted a decade.

Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle scored twice in a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli each had two points for the 40-28-12 Blue Jackets (92 points), who kept their playoff hopes alive as they sit two points behind the third-place Flyers in the Metropolitan Division. Cole Caufield sniped his 51st goal of the season for the Canadiens (47-23-10), who hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 104 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Caufield sits one goal behind Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (52 goals) in the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy as this season’s top goal scorer, but MacKinnon has a game in hand over Caufield.

The Canadiens also lost defenseman Noah Dobson to a thumb injury from blocking a shot. His absence will be felt keenly if he’s sidelined for the opening round of the upcoming playoffs.

They also learned that top prospect Michael Hage will return to the University of Michigan next season. His agent, Pat Brisson, said Hage wants to spend another season working on his physical and mental strength. He also wants another shot at winning a championship next season after Michigan was eliminated from the Frozen Four last week.

Washington Capitals rookie Ilya Protas had a goal and two assists while his brother Aliaksei Protas had a goal and an assist in a 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ryan Leonard tallied two goals for the 41-30-9 Capitals (91 points) as they sit three points behind the Flyers. Anthony Mantha scored his 32nd goal of the season for the 41-23-16 Penguins, who are second in the Metropolitan Division with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin received a standing ovation from Penguins fans in what may be his final game in Pittsburgh. Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois and defenseman Rasmus Sandin left this game with injuries. There was no postgame update regarding their conditions.

The Penguins scratched seven players, including Sidney Crosby, from this game. Crosby is expected to be in the lineup for today’s game between the two clubs in Washington.

The St. Louis Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from being eliminated from postseason contention. Cam Fowler scored what proved to be the game-winning goal for the Blues (34-33-12). Ilya Mikheyev tallied twice for the 28-38-14 Blackhawks.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time since 2015-16 in a 4-1 win over the Utah Mammoth. Staal also collected an assist while Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho also scored for the 52-22-6 Hurricanes, who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 110 points. Dylan Guenther netted his 40th goal of the season for the playoff-bound Mammoth (42-31-6), who hold the first Western wild card with 90 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes scratched eight regulars from this game. Among them were Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and K’Andre Miller.

The Dallas Stars clinched the second seed in the Central Division by blanking the New York Rangers 2-0. Jake Oettinger turned in a 22-save shutout, and Jason Robertson scored both goals for the 48-20-12 Stars (108 points). Igor Shesterkin stopped 17 of 18 shots for the 33-38-9 Rangers.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos tallied his 40th goal of the season and collected an assist in a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Matthew Wood also scored for the 38-32-10 Predators (86 points), who sit one point behind the Kings for that final Western wild-card berth. Michael McCarron scored for the Wild (45-23-12), who are third in the Central Division with 102 points.

A shootout goal by Linus Karlsson lifted the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, leaving the latter’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Jake DeBrusk scored his 20th goal of the season for the 23-48-8 Canucks. Igor Chernyshov scored twice, and Macklin Celebrini had two assists to reach 110 points this season for the 37-34-8 Sharks (82 points), who are five points behind the Kings for that final Western wild card.

The Seattle Kraken scored four unanswered goals to beat the Calgary Flames 4-1, but it didn’t prevent them from being eliminated from the playoff race. Rookie goalie Nikke Kokko stopped 26 shots to win his first NHL game while Matty Beniers scored his 20th goal of the season for the 34-34-11 Kraken. Hunter Brzustewicz scored for the 32-38-9 Flames.

Florida Panthers forward Tomas Nosek scored his first two goals of this season in a 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mackie Samoskevich and Eetu Luostarinen each had three points for the 38-38-4 Panthers. William Nylander scored both goals for the 32-34-14 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Maple Leafs announced that goaltender Anthony Stolarz, defenseman Brandon Carlo, and forward Dakota Joshua have been shut down for the rest of the season due to injuries.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 11, 2026

by | Apr 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 11, 2026

Will the Blues trade Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou this summer? Are big changes coming this summer for the Canucks? What’s the latest Canadiens speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLUES PEDDLE ROBERT THOMAS AND JORDAN KYROU THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, St. Louis Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford was asked if the club’s improvement of late might affect Robert Thomas’ willingness to stay or management’s desire to trade him.

Rutherford noted Thomas has improved since returning from an injury, scoring at nearly a point-per-game rate. He also pointed out that moving Thomas could adversely affect the play of linemates Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

When the Blues were engaged in trade talks, Thomas expressed his desire to stay in St. Louis. That could change if the club revisits those discussions, but the 26-year-old center sees the young talent joining the club and wants to be a part of it.

Rutherford was also asked if Jordan Kyrou will be moved this summer. He believes he will, pointing out that the 27-year-old winger’s production has dried up in recent weeks.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has been reluctant to move players for less than their value in his eyes. Rutherford acknowledged Kyrou’s skill and scoring ability, but believes the Blues must move him for the best available offer if they don’t see him as part of their plans moving forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was the focus of considerable speculation before last month’s trade deadline. Afterward, he expressed his desire to stay put, adding that he wasn’t approached by management about waiving his no-trade clause. He’s signed through 2030-31 with a reasonable average annual value of $8.125 million.

Kyrou also surfaced in the rumor mill before the deadline. However, there wasn’t as much buzz about him, partly because Thomas is a center (and those players are more highly prized), and partly because of his offensive inconsistency. His contract is identical to Thomas’. Both players have full control over their situations.

Thomas would fetch the best return, but it would take a significant offer to pry him away from the Blues. The asking price was reportedly at least three pieces comparable to high first-round draft picks. It was too expensive at the trade deadline and could be the same this summer, and that’s before they get around to asking Thomas if he’ll agree to move.

Kyrou seems the more likely of the two to move this summer, provided he’s open to the possibility. He won’t fetch as high a return, but it should still be decent enough for the Blues to put toward retooling their roster. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested in him last summer, but wound up settling for Zachary Bolduc.

LATEST ON THE CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger reported the Vancouver Canucks are considering changes in their front office and behind the bench after this dismal season.

According to Dreger, there is a “50/50 chance” that the Canucks might consider replacing Patrik Allvin as general manager. It was also rumored that the Nashville Predators sought permission to speak with Canucks assistant GM Ryan Johnson, but were rebuffed. However, Dreger said the Predators never made that request.

There’s speculation the Canucks could move on from head coach Adam Foote, who was hired last year to replace the departed Rick Tocchet.

Dreger stressed no decisions have been made yet as the Canucks brass continues to evaluate their options.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reported a league source claiming Allvin could end up working for the Minnesota Wild as their top scout if he’s fired by the Canucks. His departure would open the door for Johnson to step into the GM role.

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance recently reported speculation that the Canucks sign promising youngsters Zeev Buium and Liam Ohgren to eight-year contract extensions this summer before the term limits on contracts are reduced by one year on Sept. 15.

However, the Canucks won’t be pushing with any urgency to make those sorts of deals this summer.

The Canucks could consider using their various second and third-round draft picks as trade bait this summer for young NHL-ready players. They’ll also be willing to consider reclamation projects of young players similar to Justin Sourdif with the Washington Capitals, Trevor Zegras with the Philadelphia Flyers, and Egor Chinakhov with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see what decisions the Canucks make regarding their management and coaching positions. This club is definitely rebuilding, but they’re going to try to hasten the process by bringing in as much young NHL talent as possible.

The Canucks have two first-round picks in this year’s draft. Those will be off-limits, especially if they win the draft lottery with their own pick. They have two second-round picks and three sixth-rounders this year, two second-rounders and two fourth-rounders next year, and in 2028. That gives them some good trade capital to work with this summer and over the next two years.

THE SICK PODCAST WITH TONY MARINARO: Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes shed a little more light on the speculation that he was working on a blockbuster move before last month’s trade deadline.

Following the deadline, Hughes hinted that he had been working on a big deal that he could revisit during the offseason. That prompted speculation that Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Matthew Knies was his target, while other reports claimed Hughes was pursuing different players.

Hughes revealed he was working on two deals before the deadline, but they decided the asking prices were too high, or they didn’t necessarily want to go after players on expiring contracts. He stressed that his club is looking to “get better today and get better in the future at the same time.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens didn’t suffer from Hughes’ inability to swing a major deal at the deadline. Nevertheless, his recent comments will keep Habs fans buzzing during the offseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 11, 2026

by | Apr 11, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 11, 2026

Five teams can clinch playoff berths on Saturday, the Ducks sign GM Pat Verbeek to an extension, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominees are announced, the latest on Alex Ovechkin, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: After taking a break on Friday, the schedule resumes with 15 games on Saturday, with five teams facing playoff-clinching scenarios.

The Boston Bruins face several clinching scenarios in the Eastern Conference, with the most direct being to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in any fashion.

The Ottawa Senators can punch their ticket to the postseason if they defeat the New York Islanders in any fashion and if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Detroit Red Wings in any fashion.

In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers need one point against the Los Angeles Kings, or with any result in the Winnipeg Jets-Philadelphia Flyers game other than a Jets regulation win.

Like the Bruins, the Vegas Golden Knights face several clinching scenarios. The most direct is defeating the Colorado Avalanche in any fashion.

The Anaheim Ducks aren’t playing today, but they can clinch if all of the following occur: the Vancouver Canucks defeat the San Jose Sharks in any fashion, the Flyers defeat the Jets in regulation, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators in regulation.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed general manager Pat Verbeek to a multiyear contract extension.

The Ducks hired Verbeek in Feb. 2022. He’s conducted most of the franchise’s roster rebuild, putting them on the verge of reaching the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

Under Verbeek’s management, the Ducks drafted center Leo Carlsson and rookie winger Beckett Sennecke, acquired winger Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers, defenseman Jacob Trouba and winger Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers, and blueliner John Carlson from the Washington Capitals. He also hired Joel Quenneville as head coach last year.

SPECTOR’ S NOTE: The Ducks still have room for improvement, but there’s no denying the steady progress they’ve made thus far under Verbeek.

NHL.COM: Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin are among the 32 nominees for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It is presented annually to the NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Other notable nominees include Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly, New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares, and Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is looking forward to facing long-time rival Sidney Crosby for what might be the final time this weekend when his club meets the Pittsburgh Penguins in a home-and-home series. The two games will be in Pittsburgh on Saturday and in Washington on Sunday.

Speculation is growing that this could be the 40-year-old Ovechkin’s final NHL season. Earlier this week, he said he’d decide on his future during the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin once said that he and Crosby saved the NHL when it emerged from a season-killing lockout in 2005. His remarks sparked some criticism, but his assessment was correct. The rivalry between those two (especially during the early years of their NHL careers) renewed the interest of fans disillusioned over years of labor strife while also attracting a new generation of fans.

Today, the rivalry between Ovechkin and Crosby isn’t as heated as it once was, having mellowed into a mutual respect. Nevertheless, we could be watching history if this weekend’s games are indeed the final time they’ll face each other. Sean Gentille of The Athletic reports uncertainty over Ovechkin’s future has sent ticket prices surging for the Capitals’ final home game.

TORONTO SUN: Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the job of Maple Leafs general manager. However, he’s taking a cautious approach as he wants to know what the job parameters will be.

Pronger said he hasn’t been contacted by the Maple Leafs yet, but he’s interested in talking to them.

Other potential candidates include Florida Panthers assistant general managers Sunny Mehta and Brett Peterson. The Panthers have reportedly permitted the Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils to speak with Mehta.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pronger is likely low on their list of candidates. Based on recent reports, it appears the Maple Leafs are focused on current and former management types who will fill their main requirement of a “data-driven” general manager.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Devils, they’ve shut down goaltender Jacob Markstrom for the remainder of the season due to an array of nagging injuries.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars are expected to be without sidelined defenseman Miro Heiskanen and center Roope Hintz for what’s left of the regular season.

Heiskanen underwent an MRI on Friday for a lower-body injury suffered on Thursday. Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan is hoping the blueliner will return during their first-round series against the Minnesota Wild.

Hintz has been sidelined since late February with a lower-body injury and remains week-to-week.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Having those two core players sidelined for their first-round series will test the Stars’ roster depth against the Wild. The sooner they can return, the better the Stars’ odds of winning that round.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal is the winner of the Steve Chiasson Award. Named in honor of the late defenseman, the award is given out annually to the Hurricanes player “that best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game.”

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Hurricanes, they assigned goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to their AHL affiliate in Chicago for conditioning. He’s been sidelined since Dec. 20 with a lower-body injury.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings prospect Max Plante is the 2026 winner of the Hobey Baker Award, honoring the most outstanding player in NCAA men’s hockey. Plante, 20, is a left winger with the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. He’s the first Red Wings prospect to win this award.

DAILY FACEOFF: Another Red Wings prospect, Trey Augustine, won the Mike Richter Award as this season’s top goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings are potentially facing another disappointing season if they fail to make the playoffs. However, they have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which should continue to provide a measure of hope for Wings fans.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames signed prospect Abram Wiebe to a three-year entry-level contract. The 22-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the return in the Rasmus Andersson trade.