Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 21, 2026

by | Jun 21, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – June 21, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres’ Bowen Byram, the Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky, and Devils defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at what the Buffalo Sabres should do with Bowen Byram.

The Sabres are reportedly receiving inquiries from multiple teams into the 25-year-old defenseman’s availability. He’s a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility with a cap hit for 2026-27 of $6.25 million, and lacks no-trade protection.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

AFP Analytics projects Byram could receive an AAV of $9.5 million on his next contract. However, Fairburn believes it’ll be higher after the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal worth an AAV of $8.5 million.

Fairburn cited Byram saying last year that his role would factor into whether he’d sign a long-term deal with the Sabres. While he saw more power-play time this season, he’s not going to supplant Rasmus Dahlin on their top defense pairing.

The Sabres could hang onto Byram and let him play out the final season of his contract, but he’s also their most intriguing trade chip.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Byram has informed Sabres management that he’s not going to sign an extension, it’s only logical that they would explore the trade market. They could seek a return that replaces power forward Alex Tuch, who seems headed to free agency on July 1. The savings from moving Byram could also be put toward re-signing Tuch and restricted free agent winger Zach Benson, or in adding a blueliner to replace him.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards weighed in on a recent report by Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, who claimed Sergei Bobrovsky wants a six- or seven-year deal worth $42 million to re-sign with the Panthers.

Richards indicated that the Panthers are continuing to negotiate with the Bobrovsky camp. However, they’re also believed to be keeping an eye on a potential replacement, noting they’ve been linked to Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers would have an easier time landing Binnington than they would Hellebuyck, who has not indicated he’s seeking a trade or willing to waive his no-movement clause. The Jets’ asking price would also be too high for them, because it would likely include center Anton Lundell.

Binnington has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $6.1 million and a 10-team no-trade list. His cap hit is more affordable than Hellebuyck’s $8.125 million (and no, the Jets won’t retain salary), and the Blues’ asking price won’t be as steep.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes that Darren Raddysh coming off the free-agent market shouldn’t adversely affect the Devils’ efforts to move a defenseman such as Dougie Hamilton or Simon Nemec.

Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s priority is adding more scoring punch to his forward lines. Hamilton or Nemec could be used as trade bait to address that need.

Hamilton, 32, has been the subject of trade conjecture since last summer. However, the 22-year-old Nemec is generating plenty of interest around the league. He’s a restricted free agent lacking arbitration rights on July 1.

Teams that could be in the market for a right-shot defenseman include the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders and Utah Mammoth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton and Nemec have been fixtures in the rumor mill for months. One of them could be playing with a new team before the summer’s over.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2026

by | Jun 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 20, 2026

Check out the latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, and Bruins center Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Chris Johnston provided an update on the Connor Hellebuyck trade rumors. He said that teams are calling the Winnipeg Jets about the 33-year-old goaltender, suggesting the possibility of moving him is more real now than it’s ever been at any stage in his career.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

However, Johnston indicated that it’s not a certainty that Hellebuyck gets traded. He added that things are at the conversation stage rather than any firm decisions being made.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are built to win right now, which is why I believe Cheveldayoff won’t move Hellebuyck unless the latter wants out. So far, there is no indication that he’s done so.

This recent speculation appears to be based on Hellebuyck’s end-of-season comments, when he expressed frustration about his performance and that of his teammates this season, adding that things had to improve for the Jets to become Stanley Cup contenders.

There’s no doubt that teams are probably calling the Jets about Hellebuyck, and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is listening to their offers. However, we must remember that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over this situation, especially for potential destinations. Keep in mind that Cheveldayoff will set a high asking price that few teams will be willing to pay.

UPDATES ON KNIES AND RIELLY

TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are gauging the trade market for Matthew Knies. They’re open to the possibility that he could fetch a return that helps them refresh and retool going forward. There’s a lot of interest in the 23-year-old power forward, who lacks no-trade protection in his contract.

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said a trade involving Knies would be “a tough bar to hurdle.” Chayka said the idea of the Leafs could improve their roster by trading a top young player was “not probable.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka seems to be keeping an open mind on the possibility of moving Knies. However, he sounds like he’s not actively shopping him and could set a price that most teams would find too high.

Meanwhile, Johnston believes there’s been “a little bit of progress” towards the Maple Leafs finding a landing spot for Morgan Rielly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly is signed through 2029-30 with an AAV of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Earlier this week, Koshan said that the 32-year-old defenseman hadn’t been asked yet to waive his NMC or to provide a list of landing spots.

COULD THE BRUINS TRADE PAVEL ZACHA?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Boston Bruins are listening to trade offers for Pavel Zacha.

The 29-year-old center has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.75 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list.

LeBrun claims the Bruins’ priority remains signing Zacha to a contract extension. How those talks go will be balanced by whether teams step up in a meaningful way in trade talks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun noted that the lack of available quality centers could boost Zacha’s market value. However, the Bruins are among the teams seeking depth at that position, so they are likely to keep Zacha in the fold.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

by | Jun 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has resurfaced in the trade market, the trade chatter about Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make sense, plus the latest on the Oilers and Canadiens.

TEAMS ARE CALLING ABOUT BOWEN BYRAM

TSN: Darren Dreger reported “multiple teams” are looking into acquiring Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

The 25-year-old blueliner has a year remaining on his two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

However, Dreger claimed that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, has a history of marching his clients to unrestricted free agency, which is why the Sabres are looking into trading him.

Byram posted a career-best 42 points in 82 games this season. He also had seven points in 13 playoff contests.

FRANKLY HOCKEY: Frank Seravalli reports this has nothing to do with money. He indicated that Byram likes Buffalo and the Sabres’ trajectory.

Seravalli claims Byram sees himself as a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL, and his performance in this postseason makes that case. However, he’s not going to get that opportunity with the Sabres.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe believes Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is listening to offers for Byram. However, he expects Kekalainen will set a high asking price for the puck-moving blueliner.

Hoppe believes Byram should fetch a top-six forward, especially if Alex Tuch departs as a free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram can play left or right defense, but his strong side is on the left, and he’s not supplanting team captain (and Norris Trophy finalist) Rasmus Dahlin from that spot on the top pairing.

Kekalainen doesn’t have to rush into moving Byram, but it might be best to do so this summer while the rearguard has a year left on his contract. That’ll make him more valuable to rival clubs than he’d be as a rental player at the March trade deadline. It would also avoid questions about Byram’s future becoming an unwelcome distraction through next season.

Byram also lacks no-trade protection, giving Kekalainen plenty of potential trade options. Clearing his $6.25 million from the Sabres’ books could make it easier to re-sign or replace Tuch, and to re-sign restricted free agent winger Zach Benson.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes Rangers GM Chris Drury must ensure he has sufficient salary-cap space down the road to recruit Connor McDavid if the Edmonton Oilers superstar decides his path to the Stanley Cup lies elsewhere.

McDavid’s new two-year contract goes into effect on July 1. It’s believed he could move on as a free agent in 2028 if the Oilers haven’t improved their chances of winning hockey’s holy grail by then.

Walker also felt that Drury must do the best he can to build up the Rangers into the type of team that could convince McDavid that they could offer him his best chance of winning the Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From my end of the telescope, the Rangers won’t be in that position in two years.

They’ve got two aging forwards (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller) on expensive contracts that would be difficult to move, let alone fetch a return that would immediately improve the Blueshirts. Top defenseman Adam Fox seems uncertain whether his long-term future remains in New York, while winger Alexis Lafreniere remains an enigma.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that there’s trade interest in Darnell Nurse, but “no perfect trade prescription”. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman submitted his trade request to management last week.

Making a one-for-one swap with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly would be the cleanest move. However, Rielly has a full no-movement clause, he’s never been a great defender, and his point production has declined.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks as potential trade destinations for Nurse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have plenty of salary-cap space now to take on Nurse, but doing so would run counter to their efforts to replace aging veterans with promising young players. The Bruins are likely to put more effort into shoring up their depth at center. I doubt the Jets are on Nurse’s list of preferred destinations.

That leaves the Sharks as the best option. They have the cap space and desperately need to add veteran depth to their defense corps. They recently added Michael Kesselring, but could use someone like Nurse on the left side. However, they could also be off his list of landing spots. If he’s willing to go to San Jose, the Sharks could prefer the Oilers retain some salary or include a sweetener to take on his full cap hit.

WHY WOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE MATTHEW KNIES?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the recent trade speculation dogging Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Knies, 23, is young and on his way to becoming a top NHL power forward. He’s also on a team-friendly contract for the next five years.

The Leafs hiring Jim Hiller is another indication that they’re in “win-now” mode. Getting a return of draft picks and prospects for Knies would indicate they’re rebuilding, not retooling. His departure would also leave a gaping hole on the left side of the Leafs’ top-six forwards. It would be better for the Leafs to have Knies and either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg instead of just one of those unproven youngsters.

Koshan doesn’t fault Leafs GM John Chayka for listening to offers for Knies. However, unless the return is something that makes the Maple Leafs demonstrably better, they would be wise to hang onto him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan makes a sensible argument for why the Maple Leafs should retain Knies, and why they probably will. However, that’s not going to stop some pundits from speculating about where he might go and what type of return he’d fetch.

MORE CANADIENS CONJECTURE

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked what the cost would be for the Montreal Canadiens to acquire Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish and whether it would be worth it.

Engels believes it’ll cost “something significant” to land the 23-year-old McTavish, and his contract ($7 million AAV through 2030-31) would be exorbitant if he doesn’t blossom into a top-six center, which there are no guarantees that he will.

McTavish’s skating and defensive acumen are cause for concern, raising questions as to whether he can improve those deficiencies. Engels thinks that the Ducks forward isn’t a top priority for the Canadiens.

Asked about whether Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble could be moved, Engel isn’t convinced that they will. He thinks a prospect defenseman such as Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher ends up on the move if Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is able to get what he’s after.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted the Canadiens’ rumored interest in Leafs winger Matthew Knies. He believes they could pursue a second-line left winger if they’re unable to find any suitable options for a second-line center.

Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha might be available. However, the 29-year-old is only a year away from UFA eligibility, and whatever terms he’d seek on his next contract could limit whatever the Canadiens were willing to offer for him. The same applies for 31-year-old winger Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is UFA-eligible on July 1.

Basu also indicated that the Canadiens could be open to bringing back Samuel Montembeault to play out the final season of his contract. That would enable Jacob Fowler to spend another season in the AHL to develop his game, while providing insurance in case Jakub Dobes struggles to build on his strong postseason performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will make a move or two this summer to improve his roster. However, he’s not going to just make deals for the sake of doing so, and it’s unrealistic to expect that he’ll address all his roster issues this summer.

McTavish seems the best option to address that pressing need for a second-line center. However, his struggles this season, combined with his skating and defensive skills, are a concern. They might be easier to handle if he were on a shorter, more affordable contract, but his current deal makes him a riskier trade target.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

by | Jun 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

The latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, Ducks center Mason McTavish, Maple Leaf winger Matthew Knies, Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS JETS GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK AVAILABLE?

TSN: Darren Dreger is the latest to claim there is “noise in Winnipeg” regarding Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Dreger believes teams are calling the Jets about Hellebuyck because the goaltender shared his disappointment about their performance this season. He believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff “is at least in a position where he knows he has to listen.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, the Jets need centers for their second and fourth lines, and they’d also like to look at their blueline. If they trade Hellebuyck, they’ll need a replacement for him as well.

The Jets struggle to make big trades because it’s hard to lure players with no-trade protection to Winnipeg. But if the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Hellebuyck is in play, who has a no-movement clause, and teams are calling, Dreger believes Cheveldayoff “is at least willing at this point to consider that.”

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports there is “lots of noise” growing around the league that Hellebuyck wants a change of scenery. However, he acknowledged that, if the goaltender has requested a trade, both sides have done a tremendous job keeping it quiet.

If Hellebuyck has asked to be traded, Kypreos suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and the Florida Panthers as possible landing spots.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre report the Hellebuyck camp and Jets management aren’t commenting on the trade speculation.

Wiebe and McIntyre noted Hellebuyck’s frustration over the Jets’ disappointing performance during his end-of-season media availability and in his exit interview with Cheveldayoff, who praised his goalie’s competitiveness.

The expectation was that the Jets would attempt to address Hellebuyck’s concerns by making off-season upgrades while he remains front and center in their efforts to put this season behind them.

So far, there’s nothing official about a trade request. Wiebe and McIntyre suggest the recent buzz is an example of playing “connect the dots” after Hellebuyck’s Team USA teammates Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings and Quinn Hughes forced his way out of Vancouver.

The recent speculation doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but the prospect is at least worth acknowledging. If the Jets put Hellebuyck on the block, their asking price will be high.

History shows Cheveldayoff isn’t one to make a panic move when a player requests a trade. Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and Pierre-Luc Dubois weren’t moved until the Jets received what they considered to be suitable offers.

Wiebe and McIntyre also point out that this isn’t the first time that Hellebuyck was considered to be on his way out of Winnipeg. He and Scheifele were considered trade candidates entering the final season of their previous contracts, only to sign contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only reason I can see for the Jets to trade Hellebuyck is if he wants out. Otherwise, trading him would derail their chances of regaining playoff contender status next season, let alone any chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

The Jets are built to win right now, with Hellebuyck as the centerpiece of that plan. That’s why they re-signed Kyle Connor to a lucrative long-term extension last fall. It’s why Cheveldayoff brought in Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist last summer, who ultimately turned into busts and were contributing factors in the Jets missing the playoffs.

I agree with what Wiebe and McIntyre are saying about this situation. If Hellebuyck wants out, Cheveldayoff won’t rush into a deal. The Jets will also need a new starting goaltender, and no, they won’t want a castoff or a washed-up veteran. They also won’t want a package of solely draft picks and prospects.

The asking price will be high, and Cheveldayoff will wait for the right return, even if it takes until next year’s trade deadline to get it. That shouldn’t adversely affect Hellebuyck’s performance because playing at his best will maintain his high value in the trade market.

As Dreger admitted, everything is just speculation right now, and will remain so until there’s definitive word that Hellebuyck is on the trade block.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports “a number of NHL executives” believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade winger Matthew Knies. GM John Chayka is conducting his due diligence, while other clubs are finding out why the 23-year-old power forward would be available.

Dreger also thinks Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly seems more likely to change addresses. Management isn’t pushing it, but that’s the expectation from the Rielly camp.

Teams are also calling about defenseman Jake McCabe. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs would be interested in Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner hits the open market on July 1.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports that the buzz about Matthew Knies hasn’t gone away with the Leafs’ recent management change. He noted that everyone links Knies to the Montreal Canadiens, but other clubs are also looking into it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Understandably, Chayka would at least want to find out what Knies’ trade value would be, and whether the return would improve the Leafs. As with Hellebuyck, however, there’s no certainty he’ll be moved. Leafs ownership wants this club to bounce back as a playoff contender, and Knies would play an important role in those efforts.

As for Rielly, recent reports indicate he hasn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause, and he hasn’t submitted a list of preferred destinations.

FOUR CANUCKS ON THE TRADE BLOCK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks “are virtually shopping everyone this offseason”. That includes center Elias Pettersson and wingers Brock Boeser, Nils Hoglander, and Jake DeBrusk.

The Canucks aren’t going out of their way to trade Boeser, but Johnston said he’s believed to be available. A source claimed that management believes Hoglander needs a fresh start, but he won’t fetch much of a return.

DeBrusk has said he’s not keen to be part of a rebuild, and the Ottawa Senators are believed to be interested. As for Pettersson, Johnston cited a source claiming the Los Angeles Kings considered a move for the 27-year-old center at the trade deadline. He wonders if they might revisit their interest now that Anze Kopitar has retired.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk seems the most likely to be dealt. Boeser could draw some interest, but his contract (with a full no-movement clause) could be a stumbling block. Speaking of contracts, Pettersson’s $11.6 million AAV through 2031-32 makes him almost immovable unless the Canucks retain salary or take back a couple of contracts in return.

UPDATES ON BOBROVSKY AND TUCH

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reports the Florida Panthers and pending UFA goalie Sergei Bobrovsky remain far apart in contract talks. It’s believed the 37-year-old Bobrovsky seeks a $42 million contract over a six or seven-year period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any general manager who signs Bobrovsky to that type of deal should be fired immediately. It doesn’t matter how much the salary cap rises; paying a goalie who turns 38 in September a long-term deal worth between $6 million and $7 million annually is ridiculous.

Kypreos wondered if the Seattle Kraken would pursue Alex Tuch if the Buffalo Sabres winger goes to market on July 1. Kraken GM Jason Botterill is facing a lot of pressure to shake up their roster and add more scoring. Kypreos believes they can afford to sign the 30-year-old Tuch to a long-term deal worth over $10 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a lot to hand out to a 30-year-old power forward whose best seasons could soon be in his past.

LATEST ON MASON MCTAVISH AND SIMON NEMEC

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes tweeted Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is drawing plenty of attention in the trade market. The Ducks would be seeking a “hockey trade”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Ducks prefer a player-for-player swap. They could be open to a larger deal where draft picks and/or prospects are involved, but they’ll also want to get an established player (likely a good young forward) in return.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec continues to be a player of interest in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

by | Jun 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 17, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: The latest noise about Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the Flyers could be interested in landing one of the Senators’ centers, and updates on Flames winger Blake Coleman and Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.

“A LOT OF NOISE” AROUND JET GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos believes Connor Hellebuyck could be the player we hear the most about in trade rumors this summer. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender publicly expressed his frustration about the club’s direction at the end of this season.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Kypreos claims there’s “a lot of noise” about Hellebuyck, saying other teams are watching his situation closely. He’s not sure how this will end up, but he’s an intriguing name

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kypreos’ colleague, Elliotte Friedman, said the same thing recently about “a lot of noise” around Hellebuyck.

This speculation is based on Hellebuyck’s end-of-season comments. With his Team USA teammate Dylan Larkin requesting a trade, some observers wonder if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner will do the same.

However, there’s a big difference between Hellebuyck’s situation and Larkin’s. The latter’s request was the result of the Wings’ decade-long postseason drought with no end in sight amid growing tension between Larkin and general manager Steve Yzerman.

The Jets, meanwhile, are a year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time. It’s understandable why Hellebuyck would be frustrated about their struggles this season, and his public remarks were likely no different than his private comments to Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that he wants out of Winnipeg, though he was likely putting Cheveldayoff on notice that he could go that route if things don’t improve down the road. So far, there’s no indication that he wants a trade or that the Jets intend to move him.

THE LATEST SENATORS SPECULATION

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources claim the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Ottawa Senators centers Shane Pinto, Dylan Cozens, and Ridly Grieg, in that order. The two clubs have had off-and-on trade discussions going back to the 2024-25 season.

Senators GM Steve Staios is in the market for a right-shot defenseman. He’s reportedly shown on-and-off interest in Flyers blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen.

At this point, it’s uncertain if the Senators are willing to move one of their centers. Nevertheless, Di Marco believes the Flyers will be circling if they do.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators are interested in adding a top-six winger for Tim Stutzle’s line and a backup goaltender, as well as a top-four, right-shot blueliner.

They’re open to offers for defenseman Jordan Spence, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Winger Fabian Zetterlund is also out there in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Senators move a center, it could be Cozens, who hasn’t fully met expectations as a second-line center. However, it would likely be for that elusive scoring winger.

UPDATES ON BLAKE COLEMAN AND PATRIK LAINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames will be gauging the trade market for Blake Coleman. However, they are open to re-signing the 34-year-old winger to a contract extension. If they move him this summer, they prefer a hockey trade over a return of draft picks and prospects.

LeBrun also reports there’s a decent amount of interest in Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible on July 1 and isn’t expected to be re-signed by the Canadiens. A team can sign him to a low-risk, performance-bonus-based contract with a low AAV because he spent over 100 days on injured reserve this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

by | Jun 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly, Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and Senators blueliner Jordan Spence.

HOW WILL THE DEVILS REPLACE JACOB MARKSTROM IF THEY TRADE HIM?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols looked at how trading Jacob Markstrom would impact the Devils’ goaltending. Earlier this week, it was reported Devils GM Sunny Mehta is gauging the trade market for the 36-year-old netminder.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

Shipping out Markstrom would clear his $6 million AAV through 2027-28 from the Devils’ books, creating more cap space to sign center Nico Hischier to a contract extension. It will also leave them seeking a new starting goaltender.

Mehta could attempt to land Sergei Bobrovsky if the Florida Panthers starter goes to market on July 1. He could pursue a promising youngster such as Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings or Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres. Perhaps Connor Hellebuyck would be available if the Winnipeg Jets decide to rebuild after missing the playoffs this year.

Possible trade destinations for Markstrom could include the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Utah Mammoth, or the Jets if they peddle Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom’s age (36), cap hit, and struggles last season could hurt his trade value. Nevertheless, some clubs could take the chance because of the lack of quality goalies in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets.

Bobrovsky could be an option for the Devils given Mehta’s recent ties to the Panthers. Cossa and Levi are trade possibilities, but they’ve yet to prove themselves as NHL starting goaltenders. As for Hellebuyck, he’s unlikely to be available unless he asks for a trade, and there’s no indication that’s the case.

PENGUINS WILLING TO MOVE RAKELL AND RUST

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t itching to move Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. However, like last summer, the two veteran forwards are available.

Yohe claimed there is more interest in Rust than Rakell. The 34-year-old Rust tallied 29 goals and a career-high 65 points in 72 games this season. His age and injury history are concerns, but he’s a well-respected two-way forward.

Rust is also Sidney Crosby’s linemate, which is another reason why Dubas isn’t shopping him. Nevertheless, Yohe believes he’s available for the right price.

Rakell, 33, had a slow start last season and missed time with a broken hand. However, he had a strong second half, finishing the season with 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games. It was expected he would be moved at the March trade deadline, but the Penguins didn’t receive suitable offers.

Rust ($5.25 million average annual value) and Rakell ($5 million AAV) each have two seasons left on their contracts. The former lacks no-trade protection while the latter has an eight-team no-trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yohe indicated that Dubas prefers getting young players in return for Rust or Rakell.

Veteran defenseman Kris Letang is also available, but Yohe stated that no teams have expressed interest in him yet.

NOTHING BREWING YET FOR MORGAN RIELLY

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports there is nothing imminent regarding a trade for Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. There were discussions between Rielly’s agent, J.P. Barry, and Leafs GM John Chayka, but things haven’t gone beyond that.

Koshan claimed the Maple Leafs haven’t presented the Rielly camp with any trade proposals, nor has Rielly offered up a list of preferred destinations.

Recent speculation suggested the Maple Leafs ship Rielly to the Edmonton Oilers for Darnell Nurse, but that move doesn’t make salary-cap sense for the Leafs. Nurse carries an AAV of $9.25 million while Rielly’s AAV is $7.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance over the past two seasons could explain why there aren’t any teams calling about him. That might change as this offseason progresses and teams looking for experienced blueline depth can’t find other options through trades and free agency.

THE LATEST CANADIENS CONJECTURE

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma looked at options for the Vancouver Canucks to acquire veteran winger Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens.

Gallagher, 34, has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million. He said he was open to a trade to Vancouver. His agent, Gerry Johansson, was permitted to speak with other teams, and he indicated that the Canucks were interested in his client.

The Canadiens aren’t expected to buy out Gallagher’s final season, preferring to move him in a cost-cutting trade to free up salary-cap space to pursue a second-line center. Kuzma pointed out that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek wondered if the Canadiens might take a gamble on Canucks center Filip Chytil in return for Gallagher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chytil, 26, is younger and bigger than Gallagher. The 6’3”, 209-pounder is also more affordable with a $4.437 million cap hit for next season. He would be a good option as a second-line center for the Canadiens if it weren’t for his concussion history, which is why the Habs are unlikely to take that gamble.

Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette was asked if the Canadiens could get winger Jake DeBrusk from the Canucks for Gallagher. However, he believes it would take more than Gallagher to land DeBrusk, and he sees the Canadiens focusing more on landing a center.

TVA SPORTS: Vincent Duquette looked at whether the Canadiens should pursue Mason McTavish. The 23-year-old center became the subject of trade rumors after his production and playing time dropped this season. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games and two postseason contests.

The Canadiens are reportedly among the teams to have called the Ducks about McTavish.

Duquette noted that the 6’1”, 219-pound McTavish is capable of scoring 20 goals per season and is only 23 years old. However, he’s coming off the worst offensive season of his young career and was a healthy scratch in the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McTavish has a terrific shot and was offensively consistent during his first three seasons with the rebuilding Ducks. The decline in his play this season was due in part to missing training camp and preseason play because of contract negotiations.

However, McTavish’s skating has been cited as a concern, and a contributing factor to his poor defensive stats even before this season.

McTavish is the right age to fit within the Canadiens’ young core, and maybe a trade will help him improve his game. The concern here is he’s earning an AAV of $7 million for five more seasons. If he doesn’t improve, the Habs would have an expensive mistake on their roster, eating up valuable cap space.

SENATORS ARE GAUGING JORDAN SPENCE’S TRADE VALUE

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports three league executives claim the Senators are gauging the trade market for Jordan Spence. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million.

Garrioch indicated that this doesn’t mean GM Steve Staios is trying to move Spence. However, all options are on the table with all 32 teams trying to improve their rosters. This could also be part of Staios’ negotiations with the Spence camp.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Staios could be conducting due diligence in case contract extension talks with Spence go sideways. It wouldn’t be surprising if the blueliner is back with the Senators next season.