NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2026

by | Jun 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 25, 2026

The latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin, Vincent Trocheck, Erik Karlsson, Alexander Nikishin, Jake DeBrusk, Pavel Zacha, Blake Coleman, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE PANTHERS ACQUIRE CONNOR HELLEBUYCK?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports the Florida Panthers haven’t closed the door on the possibility of acquiring Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets to shore up their goaltending.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates and Shayna Goldman included the Panthers on their list of teams who could or should be pursuing Hellebuyck.

They point out that the Panthers lack sufficient trade assets to tempt the Jets into parting with their franchise goaltender. They shipped young winger Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken and three first-round picks to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk.

If the Panthers are willing to part with two-way center Anton Lundell, he could be the centerpiece that makes the deal happen. Without him, it won’t be enough to make a deal happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers reportedly refused to part with Lundell in the Tkachuk trade, so it’s unlikely that they’ll do it for Hellebuyck, assuming the goalie has requested a trade or is willing to waive his no-movement clause. Even with Lundell as the centerpiece, the Panthers lack the secondary pieces to get it done, unless they’re willing to give up another good roster player in the deal.

Meanwhile, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports the door isn’t closed yet on the Panthers’ efforts to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky, their long-time starting goaltender.

THE WILD ARE STILL TRYING TO LAND DYLAN LARKIN

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report the Minnesota Wild continue to play the waiting game in their efforts to acquire center Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

The Wild are on Larkin’s list of preferred trade destinations, but “it’s painfully obvious” that they lack sufficient trade assets to meet Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s asking price. Wild GM Bill Guerin remains in constant contact with Yzerman and Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo and Smith suggest it could take getting a third team involved to help the Wings acquire the assets they need to land Larkin.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano report that New York Rangers GM Chris Drury is still hoping to receive a return package for Vincent Trocheck that includes a young roster player. If that return fails to materialize, Baugh and Mercogliano wonder if he’d settle for a first-round pick and a prospect.

The Minnesota Wild have faded as a destination for Trocheck. Baugh and Mercogliano mused over whether the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins might pay Drury’s asking price. Other clubs linked to Trocheck in the rumor mill include the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The market could be awaiting the outcome of Dylan Larkin’s situation before shifting focus toward Trocheck, who has three years left on his contract. Drury could be content to wait until next year’s trade deadline if there are no suitable options this summer.

Alexis Lafreniere has also surfaced in the rumor mill. However, two sources told Baugh and Mercogliano that the 24-year-old winger will likely stay put unless they get a mind-blowing offer. The Rangers are seeking scoring forwards, not trying to move them.

COULD THE SENATORS BRING BACK ERIK KARLSSON?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators “visited a trade” for former captain Erik Karlsson during the 2022-23 season when he was with the San Jose Sharks. However, they decided that would undermine the leadership of then-captain Brady Tkachuk and opted against it.

With Tkachuk recently traded to the Florida Panthers and the Senators’ captaincy vacant, Garrioch wondered if they might take another shot at bringing Karlsson back to Ottawa.

Karlsson is now with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has a year left on his contract. Garrioch claimed that the Penguins aren’t interested in moving the 36-year-old defenseman, and if they were, they would want a decent return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins surprised everyone by making the playoffs this season. They’ll likely want to add to their roster this summer, not subtract. After a couple of rough seasons with the Penguins, Karlsson had 66 points in 75 games in 2025-26.

It’s also worth remembering that it was the Senators’ former management that would’ve been interested in bringing back Karlsson. The current management probably has other plans this summer than bringing back a former captain.

HURRICANES OPEN TO TRADING ALEXANDER NIKISHIN

THE SCORE: According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Carolina Hurricanes are considering trading Alexander Nikishin. The 24-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract.

Nikishin joined the Hurricanes as a highly-touted defenseman following a successful tenure in the KHL. He had 33 points in 81 games during this regular season, but his playing time declined during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run, picking up one assist in 17 games. He also suffered a concussion during their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, missing two games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 6’3”, 218-pound Nikishin is a promising right-shot defenseman who could draw lots of attention in the trade market. He’s ineligible to sign an offer sheet.

The Hurricanes have over $11 million in cap space. They could sign Nikishin to an affordable short-term bridge deal, but he could prefer a more lucrative long-term deal.

It’s been suggested that the Hurricanes could be a destination for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If so, Nikishin could be an intriguing trade chip as part of a package offer for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

ARE THE CANADIENS INTERESTED IN JAKE DEBRUSK?

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reports a source claims the Montreal Canadiens have expressed interest in Jake DeBrusk.

The Canadiens reportedly attempted to sign DeBrusk when he was a UFA two years ago, and they looked into acquiring him at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Patrick Johnston of The Province recently quoted a source claiming that DeBrusk isn’t keen to return to the East. If so, the Canadiens will have to look elsewhere for a top-six winger.

WHAT’S BRUIN IN BOSTON?

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney said all options are on the table to improve his roster as the draft weekend approaches.

Sweeney could use his first-round pick (23rd overall) as a trade chip. However, the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks hold multiple first-rounders in this draft, and their intentions could affect the Bruins’ efforts to make an impact trade with just the 23rd overall pick.

The Bruins GM didn’t rule out moving a roster player for a return that bolsters the roster. Conroy speculates that Sweeney is likely getting plenty of calls about center Pavel Zacha, who is a year away from UFA eligibility and in line for a significant raise over his current $4.75 million cap hit. Sweeney said his intention remains to sign Zacha to an extension.

Defenseman Mason Lohrei could also be a trade candidate. Meanwhile, contract discussions with pending UFAs Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke continue, but there’s still a gap between the parties on terms and dollars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bruins fans (especially some who are regular commenters on this site) have been grumbling over Sweeney’s inactivity in the trade market thus far. However, it’s apparent that attempts to use their 2026 first-rounder as trade bait are hampered by whatever the Sharks and Blues have in store.

Zacha is drawing a lot of interest, but moving him would weaken the Bruins’ depth at center. The clubs calling about him are probably offering draft picks and prospects. That return doesn’t provide immediate help for the Bruins. Sweeney could use them as bait for another roster player, but that can be easier said than done.

UPDATES ON FLAMES FORWARDS BLAKE COLEMAN AND CONNOR ZARY

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the trade market is quiet for the moment on Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman. It appears the 10 teams on his list of approved trade destinations either lack sufficient cap room to acquire his $4.9 million cap hit or they’re working on other deals at the moment.

Meanwhile, Darren Dreger reported the Flames are open to trading Connor Zary. They’re seeking a second-round pick for the 24-year-old center, who has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.775 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 24th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Zary was projected to become a top-six forward for the Flames. However, injuries have hampered his development. Zary had 34 points in 63 games this season.

WHAT WILL THE SHARKS AND BLUES DO WITH THEIR DRAFT PICKS?

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s getting several calls about the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft. The Sharks acquired that pick in the William Eklund trade from the Ottawa Senators, who acquired it from the Florida Panthers in the Brady Tkachuk trade.

Grier also said he got a “really interesting call” about the No. 2 pick, which the Sharks got in last month’s draft lottery.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Lou Korac reports the St. Louis Blues have positioned themselves to make a major move in the trade market. They now have four first-round picks (Nos. 11, 15, 16, and 29) after acquiring one from the Washington Capitals in the Jordan Kyrou trade. The Blues hold 13 total picks in this year’s draft.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he’s open to using those picks to move up in the first-round order, especially if they can move into the top four. He could also use them to pursue a talented young NHL player.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 24, 2026

Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, Morgan Rielly, Jake DeBrusk, Kirill Marchenko, and much more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s some interest in goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, though not as much as Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would want at this point. Dreger thinks a number of teams have made inquiries, including the Florida Panthers, but the offers simply haven’t been good enough.

Dreger also pointed out that the Jets aren’t in a rush to move Hellebuyck, who is signed through 2030-31. To get him moved, the offers must improve.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers lack sufficient trade assets to land Hellebuyck. The Jets would likely want center Anton Lundell as part of the return, but the Panthers don’t want to part with him. They would also have to free up cap space to absorb his $8.125 million cap hit, and it’s doubtful that the Jets would retain any part of it.

FRANKLY HOCKEY: NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested the Panthers, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres as possible landing spots for Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s assuming any of those clubs would be acceptable destinations for Hellebuyck, who has a full no-movement clause. Some of them probably are, but you can make cases for and against each of them.

WILL THE STARS RE-SIGN OR TRADE JASON ROBERTSON?

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Dallas Stars are expected to make their best, perhaps final offer to Jason Robertson. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from UFA eligibility.

Dreger noted there’s been a lot of interest in Robertson, with speculation about a possible sign-and-trade scenario. There’s also the threat of an offer sheet. He could also end up going to arbitration, getting a one-year arbiter-awarded contract, and then departing next summer as a free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Since his rookie campaign in 2020-21, Robertson has become one of the highest-scoring players in the league. It’s rumored he’s seeking a deal comparable to the eight-year contract ($12 million AAV) signed by teammate Mikko Rantanen last year. That’s put the cap-strapped Stars into a bind, which is why he’s popped up so much in trade and offer-sheet rumors.

If they re-sign Robertson, they’ll have to move a player or two in cost-cutting deals. It could also make young RFA forward Mavrik Bourque a tempting target for an offer sheet.

UPDATE ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports the agent for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly submitted a list of four preferred trade destinations in the Western Conference. “This will be a team-by-team assessment, and depending on the fit, there could be some flexibility to add teams to the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly, 32, has been the subject of frequent media trade chatter for weeks. He has a full no-movement clause, giving him control over where he can go. As of this writing, there was no indication of what clubs he’s willing to join, but the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth are teams that could use some experienced blueline depth.

Rielly isn’t the only Leafs defenseman in the rumor mill. Dreger’s colleague, Chris Johnston, mentioned that Brandon Carlo has surfaced in trade speculation.

SHARKS LISTENING ON SECOND OVERALL PICK

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the San Jose Sharks are still entertaining offers for the second-overall pick in this year’s draft. He claimed they’re getting serious interest in that pick, but it would take a substantial offer to pry it away from them.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng believes Sharks general manager Mike Grier isn’t done making moves in the trade market. He speculated that Grier could use the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft as trade bait to acquire an established defenseman, pointing out that the Sharks GM was reportedly interested in Bowen Byram before his trade to Chicago on Tuesday.

Peng suggested Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks as a trade option, suggesting that the No. 9 pick would be a suitable centerpiece for a deal. He also wondered if they might package the No. 2 and 9 picks to Columbus for Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Werenski is scheduled to meet with the Blue Jackets after the draft to discuss his future. That makes it unlikely that the Sharks will make that package offer unless Werenski forces the issue before the first round of the draft on Friday.

MORE TRADES COMING FOR THE DEVILS?

TSN: Chris Johnston noted the New Jersey Devils received two future first-round picks in the Simon Nemec trade with the Calgary Flames. They also hold the No. 35 pick in this year’s draft.

Johnston wouldn’t be surprised if they use those picks as trade bait in a larger deal for an established player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils GM Sunny Mehta wasn’t interested in rebuilding the roster when he recently took over his new job. He’ll likely use those picks to pursue a scoring forward.

UPDATES ON JAKE DEBRUSK AND KIRILL MARCHENKO

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports that a source claims that Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk doesn’t want to return to the Eastern Conference. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, and while he wouldn’t be opposed to a trade, he’s not willing to go everywhere.

Trade rumors linked DeBrusk to the Ottawa Senators, but it appears that’s unlikely if he wants to remain in the West.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could partly explain why the Senators acquired William Eklund from the Sharks. If they were interested in DeBrusk, they might’ve been told that he wasn’t available.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports teams have been calling the Columbus Blue Jackets about Kirill Marchenko. He stated that the Jackets aren’t shopping the 25-year-old winger and want to retain him, but his name has come up when other general managers make inquiries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most general managers, Don Waddell is willing to listen to trade offers for most of his players. That doesn’t mean he’s going to move them. It would take a substantial pitch to tempt him.










NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Trade Tracker – June 23, 2026

St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images).

 The Buffalo Sabres trade defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, defenseman Louis Crevier, and a 2026 second-round pick.

The St. Louis Blues trade winger Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Connor McMichael, prospect forward Milton Gastrin, and a first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2026 NHL Draft. Kyrou waived his no-trade clause to join the Capitals.

The Ottawa Senators acquire winger William Eklund, forward Kasper Halttunen, and the rights to forward prospect Brandon Svoboda from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. That pick originally belonged to the Florida Panthers.

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, and prospect defenseman Etienne Morin. Both conditional picks are top-10 protected.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 23, 2026

The latest on Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, Jason Robertson, Bowen Byram, Jake DeBrusk, Valeri Nichushkin, and John Carlson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL ZACH WERENSKI REQUEST A TRADE?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports the Brady Tkachuk trade has increased speculation about the future of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.

Like Tkachuk, Werenski has two years remaining on his contract. Team USA teammates such as the Tkachuk brothers and Quinn Hughes have forced trades to teams where they wanted to play, and Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is attempting to do the same.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Given the Blue Jackets’ difficulties in becoming a playoff contender, Columbus fans could be worried that Werenski might do the same.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell recently met with Werenski’s agent, Judd Moldaver. He said both sides don’t know where the “noise” about the Norris Trophy winner’s future is coming from. Waddell remains confident that the 28-year-old defenseman wants to stay in Columbus.

Portzline’s colleague, Pierre LeBrun, believes Waddell’s moves during this offseason could determine Werenski’s future.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger believes Waddell will “seek a king’s ransom” if they end up having to trade Werenski.

“My line is usually, ‘It would be a boatload,” Waddell said. “We don’t want to trade him, but if it ever came to that, then year, it would be (a high price).”

Werenski has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: So far, there’s no indication that Werenski wants to move on. The Blue Jackets came very close to making the playoffs last season, and he could be willing to wait and see if they can get over the hump next season. If they do, it’ll improve the Jackets’ odds of signing him to an extension next July. If they fail again, it could lead to his departure via trade next summer.

UPDATE ON DYLAN LARKIN

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who believes there won’t be any common ground found between the Detroit Red Wings and Dylan Larkin that would see him return with the team for next season.

Larkin submitted a trade request earlier this month, with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers his initially preferred destinations. It’s believed he’s been asked to expand that list.

Friedman believes the Red Wings will trade Larkin this summer. He thinks GM Steve Yzerman believes they can’t bring him back and have to move on.

Meanwhile, Michael Whitaker noted that Friedman’s colleague, Nick Kypreos, believes the Dallas Stars are now Larkin’s destination of choice. Kypreos also thinks Anaheim Ducks GM (and former Red Wings assistant GM) Pat Verbeek might try to get in on this.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild are believed to be Larkin’s preferred landing spot, but that might not be possible if they can’t afford the Wings’ asking price. Yzerman will want to get the best possible deal for moving his top center.

As for the Stars, that’ll depend on whether they re-sign winger Jason Robertson. If they do, they won’t be able to afford Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV.

Speaking of Robertson…

COULD JASON ROBERTSON BECOME AN OFFER-SHEET TARGET?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos looked at how the threat of an offer sheet could affect the Stars’ contract talks with Jason Robertson.

The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

After the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, reports emerged that they would make a big push for Robertson via trade or offer sheet. The Senators have over $25 million in cap space for 2026-27, enabling them to pitch a $14 million to $15 million per season offer to Robertson. The Stars, with just over $10 million in cap space, likely couldn’t match it.

If the Stars manage to re-sign Robertson, Mavrik Bourque could become an offer-sheet target. However, the young forward indicated that he believes he’ll be back with the Stars this fall.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assimakopoulos noted that Robertson would have to want to be open to signing an offer sheet to receive one, and he’d have to be open to joining the Senators for them to make a pitch. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter what they’re willing to offer.

The Senators could attempt to acquire Robertson via trade. He lacks a no-trade clause, but if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension, the Sens are unlikely to give up assets for a player who would depart next summer via free agency.

Some of you might point out that the Senators did that a few years ago with Alex DeBrincat, but that was under different management. Senators GM Steve Staios isn’t likely to waste valuable trade assets on a one-year player.

COULD THE PENGUINS PURSUE BOWEN BYRAM?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports a league source told him that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is “going big-game hunting” this summer.

Yohe believes Bowen Byram is a player worth watching. The 25-year-old Buffalo Sabres defenseman has a year left on his contract and will seek a significant raise. It would cost a lot in trade pieces and future cap space, but Byram is a player the Penguins like a great deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas and the Penguins have the trade assets that could entice the Sabres if they put Byram on the block. It will depend on how much the Sabres want, especially if they seek a good roster player as part of the deal.

THE LATEST ON JAKE DEBRUSK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston believes the Ottawa Senators trading Brady Tkachuk puts them in the market for a left winger. He speculated that they could make a move for Jake DeBrusk. The 29-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause, but he’s looking to join a contender and doesn’t want to play for the rebuilding Canucks.

DeBrusk could be a good fit with the Senators. He also carries an affordable $5.5 million annual cap hit. The Canucks’ asking price could be the 25th overall pick, which they could pair with the 24th overall pick would be a good return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some observers suggested the Canucks could use those two picks to select twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruff. That’s assuming the two forwards are still available at that point. Liam is the 20th ranked North American skater while Markus is 23rd.

Johnston also reports the Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in DeBrusk. The Blue Jackets hold the 14th overall pick.

NICHUSHKIN AVAILABLE? CARLSON TO THE LIGHTNING?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported he’s started hearing Valeri Nichushkin being mentioned in the rumor mill.

“Colorado is looking for some (cap) flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see,” Friedman said during Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichushkin’s inconsistency, his health, and well-documented off-ice issues make him a risk acquisition. The 31-year-old winger carries an AAV of $6.125 million and a 12-team no-trade list.

RMNB: cited Friedman saying “most people” wouldn’t be surprised if John Carlson signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 36-year-old defenseman recently told the Anaheim Ducks that he was going to test the market, and it’s believed he wants to return to the Eastern Conference.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2026

by | Jun 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 22, 2026

What’s next for the Senators and Panthers following the Brady Tkachuk trade? Are the Blues interested in Elias Pettersson? Could Dylan Larkin’s trade request affect Alex DeBrincat’s future with the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

FALLOUT FROM THE BRADY TKACHUK TRADE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators are going “big-game hunting” to find a suitable replacement for Brady Tkachuk, whom they traded to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can read my take on that trade here.

According to Garrioch, a league executive said he expects the Senators will use some of the assets they received in the Tkachuk trade (three first-round picks and a second-rounder) to pursue a top-six forward in the trade market.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

It’s believed they will step up their efforts to acquire center Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks. The Senators are seeking a forward to play alongside first-line center Tim Stutzle, and they’re not going to find that forward in this year’s upcoming free-agent market. It’s believed the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers are also interested in McTavish, who has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators could dangle one of those first-rounders to the Ducks for McTavish, but the Ducks could prefer more than that, such as an established young player.

Garrioch believes the Senators might revisit their interest in Pittsburgh Penguins wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. They also had an interest in St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, but he won’t waive his no-trade clause to come to Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rust lacks no-trade protection, but he’s also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which could ensure he stays put in Pittsburgh. Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list, and if Ottawa’s on it, they’ll have to look elsewhere.

Garrioch noted that Kyrou’s unwillingness to come to Ottawa will be an issue if they pursue players with some form of no-trade protection.

THE FOURTH PERIOD’s Dave Pagnotta reports sources claim the Senators are “making a big push” for Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson. If a trade can’t be worked out and he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, the Senators could present him with a significant offer sheet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators have over $25 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27 and all their first-round picks to sign Robertson to a lucrative offer sheet with an AAV over $11.6 million.

The only sticking point is whether the 26-year-old Stars winger wants to sign with the Senators.

If the Senators are going to pursue Robertson in a trade, they better make sure he’s willing to sign an extension. He lacks no-trade protection and can be sent anywhere, but he’s also a year away from UFA eligibility.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Panthers acquisition of Tkachuk takes them out of the running for Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers were reportedly on Larkin’s three-team list of preferred destinations, which also included the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Wild are Larkin’s true destination. The Panthers’ acquisition of Tkachuk suggests they weren’t seriously entertaining Larkin as a trade option.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork reports the Panthers still have to address their goaltending situation. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky and backup Daniil Tarasov are UFA-eligible on July 1, and Bobrovsky’s contract demands (six-seven years, $42 million) could price him out of Florida.

The Panthers have just over $7 million in cap space to work with. Dwork noted that Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets and Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues have surfaced in the rumor mill.

Given what the Panthers parted with to get Tkachuk, it’s unlikely they have sufficient assets to pry Hellebuyck away from the Jets. Binnington could be a more affordable target, but the Panthers would still have to free up salary to take on his $6.1 million cap hit and to have enough space to fill out the remainder of their roster.

Dwork suggested Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames as a bargain option. They could also take a look at Penguins pending UFA Stuart Skinner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames re-signed Cooley to a two-year contract in December as Dustin Wolf’s backup, so it’s doubtful they’ll part with him unless the Panthers are willing to overpay.

Skinner could be the Panthers’ best option if there’s nothing suitable in the trade market.

ARE THE BLUES INTERESTED IN ELIAS PETTERSSON?

DONNIE & DHALI: Rick Dhaliwal recently reported the Vancouver Canucks could move Elias Pettersson this summer if they can find a club willing to take on his contract.

Dhaliwal indicated that a source told him the St. Louis Blues were “sniffing around” the 27-year-old center, adding that he’s looking into it.

Pettersson has six years remaining on his contract with an AAV of $11.6 million. He’s underachieved since signing that deal two years ago. Nevertheless, Dhaliwal pointed out that teams are desperate for centers, and some of them believe they can turn him back into a point-per-game player.

The Canucks don’t want to retain salary or take on a bad contract for Pettersson because they’re trying to offload.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s hard to envision a trade scenario where the Blues (or anyone else) takes on Pettersson’s full cap hit without the Canucks taking back an expensive contract as part of the return. Teams may be desperate for help at center, but they’re probably not that desperate.

COULD DYLAN LARKIN’S TRADE REQUEST AFFECT ALEX DEBRINCAT’S FUTURE?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber recently noted that the Washington Capitals need secondary scoring. She wondered if Alex DeBrincat of the Detroit Red Wings might be available.

Silber noted a report by Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, where he suggested that DeBrincat’s future with the Red Wings could be in doubt if they honor Dylan Larkin’s trade request.

DeBrincat, 28, has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $7.875 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to find out how Larkin’s eventual departure could affect the Red Wings’ efforts to sign DeBrincat to an extension. He could end up on the trade block this summer if he decides to test the market next summer.










Panthers to Acquire Brady Tkachuk From Senators, Trade Mackie Samoskevich to Kraken

by | Jun 21, 2026

Panthers to Acquire Brady Tkachuk From Senators, Trade Mackie Samoskevich to Kraken

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Ottawa Senators are close to trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers.

Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. (NHL Images).

LeBrun believes the Senators will receive three first-round draft picks plus a second-round pick if the deal is finalized.

Earlier in the day, the Panthers traded forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for the No. 25 pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the picks are the No. 9 and 25 selections in this year’s draft, a first-rounder in 2029, and a second-rounder in 2030. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panthers general manager Bill Zito appeared to be setting the stage for something when he shipped out Samoskevich and got back that first-round pick as part of the return. Considering the Panthers are built to win now, it was apparent that he would use that pick, along with his own first in this year’s draft, as bait to bring in an established top-six forward.

The Senators now have three picks in the first round of this year’s draft, as they also held the 32nd overall selection. It’ll be interesting to see what GM Steve Staios intends to do with them. He’s either preparing for a roster retool or rebuild, or he’ll use them as bait to find a suitable replacement for Tkachuk.

Whatever Staios does, this feels like the end of an era in Ottawa. Tkachuk was the face of the Senators going back to when he was chosen fourth overall in the 2018 Draft. For the past eight seasons, he was their leader, part of the young group of promising players expected to turn the Senators into Stanley Cup contenders.

The Senators made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but they were eliminated from the first round both times. Meanwhile, trade rumors dogged Tkachuk throughout those seasons. Despite his denials and those of Staios, the speculation never went away, with a lot of it claiming he’d like to one day join his brother, Matthew, on the Panthers.

So now, the Tkachuk brothers are reunited in Florida at last. Having those two together could boost the Panthers’ hopes of staging another run at the Stanley Cup, provided they avoid another rash of injuries to their core players.

With Brady’s $8.205 million AAV through 2027-28 added to the Panthers’ ledger, PuckPedia indicates they have just over $7 million in projected cap space for next season, with 19 active roster players signed.

That won’t leave enough to re-sign or replace goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov, meaning Zito likely isn’t done making moves, either through more trades or free agency.