NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2026

by | Jul 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 17, 2026

What’s the latest on the Red Wings? Will Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli sign an offer sheet? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE FALLOUT FROM THE RED WINGS’ MANAGEMENT CHANGE

TSN: What’s next for the Detroit Red Wings after Steve Yzerman moved out of the general manager role?

Questions persist over whether team captain Dylan Larkin will rescind his trade request. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild’s efforts to land the 29-year-old center have become more complicated.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I examined those issues in greater detail in the July 16 NHL Rumor Mill.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat (NHL Images).

The uncertainty over who replaces Yzerman will also affect the futures of winger Alex DeBrincat and center Andrew Copp. Both are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltender John Gibson, defenseman Justin Faulk, and forward Mason Appleton are also UFA-eligible next summer.

Those UFAs will become trade bait if the Red Wings are out of playoff contention by the March 2027 trade deadline.

DeBrincat will be the most valuable trade chip. He matched his career high of 41 goals last season and set a career high in points with 85. Even if those numbers dip in 2026-27, he will still draw plenty of interest from contenders seeking a scoring winger.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan listed his potential candidates to become the Red Wings’ new general manager.

They include Boston Bruins senior advisor Kevyn Adams, Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Tyler Dellow, Red Wings assistant GM Kris Draper, Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold, Red Wings assistant GM Shawn Horcoff, New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin, and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau included former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan and former New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald among his five-man candidate list.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman included Buffalo Sabres associate GM Marc Bergevin, Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill, Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey ops consultant Brandon Pridham among his proposed list of candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adams and Pridham could be unavailable after being recently hired by their current clubs. Bultman admits Nill is a heavy long shot as he’s unlikely to leave his current job.

The Wings have indicated their search for Yzerman’s replacement will be conducted within and outside the organization. Draper and Horcoff could be suitable options if they can’t find better options from other teams, but they might not deviate very much from the “Yzerplan”.

Gold could be the best option if they prefer a fresh approach. He’s reportedly widely respected around the league. Peterson could be another good “new blood” choice. Still, the Panthers might be reluctant to part with him after letting Sunny Mehta depart to become the New Jersey Devils’ general manager.

THE LATEST ON BLUE JACKETS CENTER ADAM FANTILLI

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reports the Leo Carlsson offer sheet has made the cost of re-signing Adam Fantilli more expensive for the Blue Jackets.

Hedger believes that getting Fantilli’s signature on a contract with an average annual value between $10 million and $12 million is no longer possible. “Now, it’s anyone’s guess how much it might take to keep him.”

The Blue Jackets have $23.2 million in cap space, but Fantilli’s next contract will take a significant chunk out of it.

Meanwhile, the scheduled salary arbitrations for goaltender Jet Greaves and center Cole Sillinger will complicate efforts to re-sign Fantilli. AFP Analytics projects it will cost the Blues Jackets $4.3 million to keep Greaves and $4.2 million to retain Sillinger on one-year deals.

That would leave $14.8 million to re-sign Fantilli, which could be difficult if his asking price exceeds that amount.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have indicated that they are prepared to match any offer for Fantilli, but a rival club with cap space and the need for a first-line center could test that theory, especially if he’s still unsigned after Greaves and Sillinger receive their new contracts.

It was assumed the Flyers would use Fantilli as their “Plan B” once the Ducks matched their offer sheet to Carlsson. However, reports emerged claiming they’re not going that route after failing to land Carlsson.

The threat of an offer sheet could be meaningless if Fantilli isn’t interested in signing one.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2026

by | Jul 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 16, 2026

How does Steve Yzerman’s stepping away as general manager affect the Red Wings? What’s the latest on Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FALLOUT FROM YZERMAN STEPPING ASIDE AS RED WINGS GM

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Kahn reports the Red Wings face several unanswered questions following the club’s announcement that Steve Yzerman was stepping away as their general manager. He will become a special advisor to team owner Chris Illich.

The biggest question is whether it will affect team captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. It was reported in early June that the 29-year-old center asked to be moved soon after the end of the regular season in April.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

On June 9, Larkin submitted a three-time list of trade destinations (Minnesota, Vegas, and Florida). A month later, he added Dallas to his list.

Khan believes Larkin’s request may have triggered the timing of Yzerman’s removal. He thinks that the club’s ownership would rather retain its first-line center than a GM who has underperformed during his seven-year tenure in the role.

Another question is whether this news will lead Larkin to change his mind about a trade. If it does, it means the request was due to problems with Yzerman. Otherwise, it will mean that he’s lost all hope of the Red Wings becoming a contender regardless of who’s in charge.

Khan also wondered whether assistant GM Shawn Horcoff or Kris Draper would replace Yzerman, or whether the organization would look elsewhere. He thinks the new GM would be reluctant to fire head coach Todd McLellan because few suitable alternatives are currently available.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith felt that Yzerman’s departure adds a new wrinkle to the Minnesota Wild’s pursuit of Dylan Larkin.

At a minimum, there will be a further delay for the Wild as the Red Wings conduct their search for a new general manager. However, it could kill off any momentum they had toward acquiring Larkin as Yzerman’s replacement takes some time to meet with the Wings captain and assess the situation.

The new Wings GM must determine whether to maintain a win-now mentality to end a decade-long rebuild or retool by acquiring future assets instead of established players.

It will become a headache for the Wild if Larkin changes his mind. There are no suitable “Plan B” options to fill their first-line center position in the trade or free-agent markets. They passed on an opportunity to pursue Vincent Trocheck in favor of going after Larkin.

Max Bultman also wonders what effect the change in management will have on the Red Wings.

He pointed out that they have a clear foundation with defensemen Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson and winger Lucas Raymond. They also have a deep prospect pool, young players, and some serious tradeable assets, led by Larkin. The option of resetting around a younger core could be enticing to a new GM.

Bultman also pointed out that Alex DeBrincat’s future is another major decision facing Yzerman’s replacement. The 28-year-old winger is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s been no indication that Larkin could rescind his request. He could be waiting to find out who replaces Yzerman before making that decision.

If Larkin changes his mind, it will be a significant relief for the Wings, who were facing the prospect of entering this season without their captain and first-line center.

Trading away Larkin would be a significant setback to the Wings’ hopes of ending their decade-long playoff drought. While the argument can be made that they weren’t able to qualify with him, they’d stand even less of a chance without him.

Should Larkin maintain his request, it could work to the Wild’s favor. Yzerman wanted roster players (especially a center) in return rather than draft picks and prospects. If the Wings opt to go in a different direction under a new GM, the Wild might be able to land without giving up a significant roster player in return.

For now, all we’ve got is speculation about what Yzerman’s replacement could have in store for the Red Wings, especially for Larkin. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long to find out.

UPDATE ON MORGAN RIELLY

TORONTO STAR: Dave Feschuk noted the trade chatter surrounding Morgan Rielly has been loud. The 32-year-old Maple Leafs defenseman struggled over the past two seasons, and a trade might be the best option for both sides.

Shedding his $7.5 million cap hit through 2028-29 would help the Maple Leafs create more flexibility for other roster moves. They’ve also already done some renovations to their blueline, bringing in Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae while trading away Brandon Carlo.

Rielly has reportedly provided the Maple Leafs with a four-team, Western-leaning list of trade destinations. However, Feschuk feels that if there were a trade to be had, it would’ve happened by now. It could lead to an uneasy offseason for Rielly that bleeds over into training camp in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long offseason, and trades can still happen. Rielly could also be moved during training camp or preseason should injuries arise that force a rival club into the trade market. Still, Feschuk isn’t wrong about how this could turn into an awkward situation if he’s not moved before the start of the regular season.

Rielly was reportedly under consideration as a trade target by the San Jose Sharks, but they ultimately went with Darnell Nurse from Edmonton.

The Sharks may have been the Leafs’ best chance to unload Rielly and his full cap hit. Any other opportunities might have to involve retaining some salary, depending on which clubs might be interested and how much cap space they have left.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2026

by | Jul 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 15, 2026

Check out the latest on Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DOES CUTTER GAUTHIER WANT THE SAME DEAL AS LEO CARLSSON?

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a recent episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, in which Keith Yandle said he was “fed a little tidbit” that Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier “will not be taking one dollar less” than what teammate Leo Carlsson received on his new contract.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

Carlsson, 21, signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3, which the Ducks matched six days later. The average annual value is a league-leading $18 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jimmy Murphy of The Sick Podcast said there was no truth to this report, adding that there has been no confirmed ask from Gauthier.

Gauthier’s asking price will likely exceed $10 million annually now that Carlsson’s new AAV has become the league benchmark. However, first-line centers are usually more valuable than wingers, which is why the Ducks had to match that offer sheet for Carlsson.

The Gauthier camp could be waiting to see what Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson receives on his next contract. The 26-year-old winger filed for salary arbitration on July 5. He’s reportedly seeking an AAV of $14 million, while the Stars countered with $12 million.

THE LATEST ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin remains in play, but things are currently quiet.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman remains patient in his search for the right return. Smith wouldn’t be surprised if Larkin is still with the Red Wings when training camp opens in September, though the situation could become uncomfortable in Detroit if it comes to that.

The Wild have made their offer to the Red Wings, who are seeking roster players rather than futures. Regarding Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos’ report that the Red Wings want Matt Boldy in return for Larkin, Smith doesn’t see a scenario in which the Wild move on from Boldy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith believes the Wild will wait if they can’t trade for Larkin. Other options could become available over the course of the summer or during training camp.

UPDATE ON ZEGRAS AND DRYSDALE

NHL.COM’s Bill Meltzer cited two team sources claiming the Flyers expect new contracts for forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale to be hammered out before their scheduled arbitration hearings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players usually file for arbitration to set a deadline for signing their new contracts, rather than having them drag on throughout the summer. Few end up needing arbitration to settle things.

Drysdale’s hearing is scheduled for July 20, and Zegras’ is July 22.

TEAMS ARE SHOWING INTEREST IN ARBER XHEKAJ

TVA SPORTS: cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, claiming more than one team has contacted the Montreal Canadiens about Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Canadiens defenseman is a restricted free agent this summer. He’s completed a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj sees third-pairing minutes while also serving as the Canadiens’ enforcer. His physical style has made him popular among his teammates and a fan favorite in Montreal. Nevertheless, some Montreal pundits believe he could be traded to make room for one of their up-and-coming blueliners.

The Canadiens could wait and see how things shake out in training camp and the preseason before deciding whether to move Xhekaj.










NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2026

by | Jul 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 14, 2026

Are the Canucks getting any closer to trading center Elias Pettersson? Are they interested in Kraken center Shane Wright? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ELIAS PETTERSSON SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Thomas Drance was asked if the Vancouver Canucks will give center Elias Pettersson the chance this season to regain some semblance of his previously high-scoring form to increase his trade value.

Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (NHL Images).

Drance believes the Canucks’ preference is to trade the 27-year-old Pettersson if the opportunity presents itself. However, it’s a complicated move to pull off because of his declining production and expensive long-term contract.

TSN: Travis Yost believes the question that teams should ponder if they’re interested in Pettersson is whether he’s an intriguing buy-low trade candidate or one that screams, “buyer beware!”

Yost dives into the analytics to lay out how Pettersson’s performance has dropped over the past two years, particularly how his skating has changed since his productive seasons. He also pointed out how much the quality of talent around Pettersson has declined.

Ultimately, Yost believes Pettersson’s days are numbered in Vancouver. If his play improves this season, he could garner more attention in the trade market, noting that the rising salary cap would make his contract go from toxic to intriguing.

OILERS NOW WITH BOB STAUFFER: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal was asked about trade speculation linking Pettersson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dhaliwal believes the Penguins “have some level of interest” in Pettersson. He noted there’s a rumor claiming the Canucks want center Ben Kindel in return. However, Dhaliwal rejected that idea, saying the Penguins aren’t giving up a promising young player such as Kindel for a bad contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong bounce-back performance this season will definitely enhance Pettersson’s value in the trade market. Teams will likely still prefer the Canucks retain salary to facilitate a trade, but with the cap rising in 2027-28 to $113.5 million, his contract could become more palatable for some clubs willing to take the risk.

Dhaliwal doesn’t believe a Pettersson trade to the Penguins (or anyone else) is close to happening. He said Pettersson has not been approached by the Canucks about waiving his no-trade clause.

THE CANUCKS ARE INTERESTED IN SHANE WRIGHT

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Canucks are the preferred destination for Shane Wright. The Seattle Kraken are reportedly shopping the 22-year-old center.

According to Kuzma, the Canucks are intriguing to Wright because of what the club could become in a few years. He has a year remaining on his entry-level deal, which gives him incentive to produce and contribute to the Canucks’ rebuild, and if he does, they can lock him up.

OILERS NOW WITH BOB STAUFFER: Rick Dhaliwal recently said the Canucks were interested in Wright. However, he indicated that the Kraken’s asking price was high. Dhaliwal believes they want players like Zeev Buium or Tom Willander in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken aren’t under pressure to move Wright. They’ve indicated they want what they consider a fair return and won’t be forced into making a move they don’t like.

Speaking of the Canucks, Dhaliwal also indicated that the Anaheim Ducks called them about taking forward Frank Vatrano off their hands. He believes the Ducks must include some sweeteners in the deal to “get rid of guys like Frank Vatrano.”










NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

by | Jul 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – July 13, 2026

Will the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer, and could they go shopping for second-line depth? What’s the latest on the Predators? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST JETS SPECULATION

MIKE MCINTYRE ON SPORTS: Winnipeg Free Press columnist Mike McIntyre firmly believes Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be traded this summer, putting the odds “somewhere north of 95 per cent.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

McIntyre isn’t sure when the deal will go down or where Hellebuyck will be traded, but he believes the Buffalo Sabres are the most logical landing spot for the 33-year-old netminder. He also suggested the San Jose Sharks as a suitable destination, with the Carolina Hurricanes a distant third.

Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract. That means Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can afford to be patient in waiting for the right deal for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

One reason McIntyre is certain Hellebuyck will be moved is that the Jets didn’t re-sign backup goalie Eric Comrie, instead signing former Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Jets and Sabres had a deal in place involving Hellebuyck, but it fell through before the opening round of last month’s NHL Draft weekend. Some observers claim he’s still willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but working out the return remains the sticking point.

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was rumored to be part of the return in that June trade scenario, but he has a five-team no-trade list, and the Jets may have been on it.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Massimo De Luca-Taronno doesn’t share McIntyre’s certainty that Hellebuyck will be traded. He felt that it was “increasingly likely” that the Jets’ franchise goalie would report to training camp this fall. He believes if a truly tempting trade offer were out there, Cheveldayoff would’ve pulled the trigger by now.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a long summer, and deals involving big-name players can happen when we least expect it. For example, Erik Karlsson was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Pittsburgh Penguins in August 2023.

Nevertheless, the longer the summer goes without any sign of a Hellebuyck trade, the less likely it’ll happen before the start of the regular season.

De Luca-Taronno felt the Jets must bolster their second-line forward depth. He suggested Buffalo Sabres winger Jack Quinn, New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer, Vegas Golden Knights’ forward Brett Howden, and Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright as trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn was believed to be part of last month’s failed Hellebuyck trade to Buffalo. He could be part of the Jets’ asking price if the two clubs revisit that deal.

Howden’s performance last season makes it unlikely that the Golden Knights will part with him right now. Mercer frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the last two years, but new Devils GM Sunny Mehta could be reluctant to part with him. Wright is available, but the Kraken want a good young player in return.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently listed the players most likely to be moved by the Nashville Predators following their recent additions of forward Mavrik Bourque, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, and winger Alex Kerfoot.

The moves leave the Predators with 26 active players under contract, meaning three must be dealt to get down to the maximum of 23.

Daugherty doubted that Lyubushkin would play a game for the Predators. Acquiring him was a key part of the trade that brought Bourque to Nashville. He could be peddled to a club in need of blueline depth during training camp.

It may be time to find Jonathan Marchessault a new home. The 35-year-old winger’s production has declined since signing with the Predators two years ago. However, it could be difficult to convince a team to take on his $5.5 million average annual value through 2028-29.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored the Montreal Canadiens were interested in signing Marchessault before he opted to join the Predators. Given his age and how his production has sagged, it’s doubtful they’ll revisit that interest.

Joakim Kemell could also be peddled. The 22-year-old forward has offensive potential, but his development with the Predators’ AHL affiliate has stalled.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

by | Jul 12, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – July 12, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, it’s Part Two of my answers to some of the lingering questions for every NHL team this summer.

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently listed one lingering offseason question for each NHL team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On Saturday, I provided my answers for the first 16 teams on Boylen’s list. Today, I look at the remaining 16 teams, starting with the New Jersey Devils.

Boylen wants to know how the New Jersey Devils’ goaltending will look in the fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not that great, considering it consists of three backup goalies. Jake Allen used to be a starter, but he hasn’t filled that role for a long time. Nico Daws has only 55 NHL games under his belt, and David Rittich hasn’t had a 40-game season since 2019-20. There was talk of the Devils pursuing Connor Hellebuyck, but Elliotte Friedman doesn’t see that happening.

The New York Islanders haven’t made any big splashes yet this summer, prompting questions over whether they intend to do so. Elliotte Friedman believes the Isles are in a position right now where they don’t want to block any of their promising young players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If that’s the case, then they won’t be making any big additions this summer.

Boylen mused over whether Alexis Lafreniere gets caught up in the changes going on with the New York Rangers. The 24-year-old winger has come up in trade rumors, but with Artemi Panarin gone, that could give him a chance to play a role where he’ll be successful.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lafreniere finished strong last season, matching his career high of 57 points. He’ll likely see first-line minutes this season alongside Mika Zibanejad, which could see the 2020 first-overall pick finally break out as the scoring winger he was projected to become.

Are the Ottawa Senators “good enough as constructed to be competitive again in 2026-27?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some fans point to the Senators’ improved performance when Brady Tkachuk missed 20 games last season as proof they can survive the departure of their former captain. Others cite their solid analytic numbers. However, it will come down to whether goaltender Linus Ullmark’s strong second-half performance from last season carries over throughout 2026-27.

Boylen wondered what effect the Philadelphia Flyers’ failed effort to prize Leo Carlsson from the Anaheim Ducks would have on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It still leaves them without a true first-line center. They reportedly won’t try to pursue Chicago’s Connor Bedard or Columbus’ Adam Fantilli with offer sheets, so it’s off to the trade market for help, where there aren’t many available options.

Dylan Larkin wants a trade from Detroit, but Philadelphia isn’t on his list of destinations. At least they now have enough cap space to re-sign Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, who filed for salary arbitration last Sunday.

Boylen wants to know if the Pittsburgh Penguins can add a center before next season. Elliotte Friedman recently mused over whether they should acquire Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, suggesting that playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin might do him some good.

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Many teams are in the market for centers this summer. Pettersson is often mentioned as a trade candidate, but his $11.6 million AAV and declining performance aren’t likely to entice the Penguins or any other club.

Regarding the San Jose Sharks, Boylen asked, “What will Macklin Celebrini’s next deal look like?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Considering Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks signed a five-year contract worth a league-record AAV of $18 million, Celebrini could become the league’s first $20 million man.

Can the Seattle Kraken acquire a star who wants to be there, or how can they build themselves into a desirable destination?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s no easy solution for the Kraken. They could start by staging a complete rebuild with promising young prospects, as the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, and San Jose Sharks did, but they don’t appear keen to go that route. For now, they’re going to try to build with what they have and what they can afford.

Boylen wondered if goaltender Jordan Binnington would be with the St. Louis Blues when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent word out of St. Louis suggests the Blues are fine starting the season with Binnington and Joel Hofer as their goalie tandem. That could change if they get a substantial offer from a club he’s willing to join, but for now, expect him to start the season with the Blues.

Boylen suggested that Nikita Kucherov’s contract situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning could be this season’s most fascinating. The 33-year-old is a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and won his second Hart Trophy this season, but age will soon start to catch up with him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov earns an AAV of $9.5 million on his current deal. If he were a few years younger, he could command a much higher price, but his age will be an issue in his contract talks. It could come down to how much he wants to stay in Tampa, where there is no state tax.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Morgan Rielly? Elliotte Friedman believes there’s a chance they might keep him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The San Jose Sharks reportedly had the choice between Rielly and Darnell Nurse and picked the latter. While Rielly gave the Leafs a list of proposed trade destinations, he’s not really pushing to be moved, and there hasn’t been much trade buzz about him lately. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still with the Leafs when the regular season opens in October.

Boylen wonders if Utah Mammoth goalie Sebastian Cossa is ready to become an NHL backup. They acquired the 23-year-old netminder from the Detroit Red Wings last month.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Mammoth are counting on Cossa rising to the occasion after struggling to establish himself as a starter with the Wings’ AHL affiliate. This season is a critical one in the young netminder’s career. If he can’t get the job done, the Mammoth will have to go shopping for another option.

Can the Vancouver Canucks build a better culture, and what else needs to happen this summer to put them on that path?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ve already overhauled their front office and coaching staff, who are committed to continuing the roster rebuild begun by their predecessors last season. It will be up to general manager Ryan Johnston and head coach Manny Malhotra to improve the culture and to get the players to buy in.

Boylen wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights had a “Vegas-type” move in them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doubtful. They shipped their best trade chip (Pavel Dorofeyev) to the New York Rangers last month because they couldn’t afford to re-sign him. They have limited salary-cap space and insufficient trade assets to pull off a significant acquisition. If they were going to do so, it would’ve happened by now.

How will all the Washington Capitals’ new pieces come together?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Alex Ovechkin is returning for another season, but Capitals management is preparing for the post-Ovechkin era. They want to prove to their fans that they will be a contender after he’s gone, which explains their significant additions of forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner. They’re also done making any more major moves this summer.

Boylen mused over whether the Winnipeg Jets will trade Connor Hellebuyck this summer. They were reportedly close to a deal with the Buffalo Sabres, but it fell through before the opening round of the NHL Draft last month. Signing free-agent goalie Stuart Skinner stoked the speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, but Elliotte Friedman reported the deal didn’t go through because some of the Sabres players involved wouldn’t waive their no-trade clauses. Some observers tied Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, butFriedman wasn’t buying that hype.

A Hellebuyck trade remains a possibility, but finding the right destination and return could make it difficult to pull off this summer.