NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2026

by | Apr 24, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 24, 2026

The Red Wings could go shopping for help this summer, plus the latest on the Blues in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RED WINGS TO ATTEMPT MAJOR OFFSEASON ROSTER MOVES

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff reports Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was asked what his club needed to get over the hump and end their decade-long postseason drought.

“Well, the most obvious answer would be we need better players,” Yzerman said. He added that it was “incumbent upon me and my staff to improve the team.”

Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman (NHL.com).

Yzerman made those remarks during his first end-of-season media availability since his club was eliminated from postseason contention last week. Head coach Todd McLellan was seated alongside Yzerman during the presser.

The Red Wings GM indicated that no one on his roster was untouchable, be it a player or a prospect, when it came to trade talks. However, he stressed that he’s not going to get rid of everyone.

Yzerman said the club’s ownership is disappointed with the outcome of this season. However, he said he intends to do his job to the best of his ability and to see this thing through.

Improving the Wings won’t be easy. Duff pointed out that this summer’s free-agent market is thin on the type of talent they need. He speculated that Yzerman could revisit trade talks with the New York Rangers for center Vincent Trocheck, and wondered if the Wings GM would roll the dice on Vancouver Canucks mercurial center Elias Pettersson.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan also noted that Yzerman is prepared to make a major move to improve his club in the offseason, but he wondered if such a move is available.

Khan noted that players such as Trocheck and Pettersson, as well as Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, were the subject of trade rumors this season. He speculated that Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs could become the biggest name in this summer’s rumor mill.

Goalscoring is the Red Wings’ biggest need, especially at even strength. Khan believes Yzerman will seek a top-six forward, preferably a center. They must also improve their bottom-six forwards.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yzerman and McLellan won’t be replaced, but they will be feeling the pressure to bring the Red Wings’ long playoff drought to an end next season.

Most of that pressure will fall on Yzerman, as the past seven years of that 10-year drought occurred on his watch. He could be in real danger of losing his job if the Red Wings fall short next season.

As Duff and Khan observed, finding suitable players to address their roster weaknesses won’t be easy this summer. There’s little available in free agency, and a lot of teams flush with salary-cap space will turn to the trade market, and perhaps even try the offer-sheet route.

Still, Yzerman does have a couple of factors that could work in his favor. The Red Wings have over $32 million in cap space for 2026-27, with 15 active roster players under contract.

Simon Edvinsson is completing his entry-level contract and will get a significant raise. Patrick Kane is the only one of their unrestricted free agents expected to be re-signed. They’ll have plenty of space to add a scorer or two.

Yzerman can also draw on a deep pool of prospects for trade bait. He was reluctant in the past to dangle those players, but his comments on Thursday suggest he understands he must consider that option to address his roster’s pressing needs.

UPDATE ON THE BLUES.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford believes the St. Louis Blues would be open to moving forwards Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, and Jonathan Drouin this summer.

Buchnevich is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8 million. He thinks they’re likely regretting that contract because of the 31-year-old winger’s declining production. As a result, it’s hard to imagine there will be much trade interest in him around the league.

Kyrou’s name wasn’t mentioned as much in trade rumors as other Blues, such as Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, and Jordan Binnington. However, that doesn’t mean they weren’t shopping the 27-year-old winger. There could be more trade talks involving Kyrou this summer. He’s also signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $8.125 million.

Drouin was acquired as part of the return in the Brayden Schenn deal with the New York Islanders. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $4 million and was a healthy scratch in eight of the last 13 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou’s recent minor knee procedure explained why his production was down this season. There could be clubs seeking offense willing to bet that he’ll bounce back.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

by | Apr 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

Check out the latest on Flyers winger Owen Tippett, plus updates on the Canucks and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey noted that Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett was the subject of trade speculation since last summer. However, he believes his performance through 2025-26, including in Game 2 of their current first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, should silence those rumors once and for all.

Bailey admitted the 27-year-old Tippett’s offensive production never quite aligns with his overall skills and athleticism. Nevertheless, his two-way play has established him as a core player for the Flyers as he enters his playing prime.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett has tallied 20-plus goals and 43-or-more points in each of the last four seasons, including two seasons with 28 goals and 50-plus points. His offensive stats could improve as his younger teammates improve, but his all-around play has made him more valuable to the Flyers.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is at a place in his career where it’s about winning and chasing the Stanley Cup.

Kuzma speculated that the 29-year-old could find a rebuild difficult to embrace and might welcome a change of scenery. He has five years remaining on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $5.5 million, which might attract several suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk frequently surfaced in the rumor mill before last month’s trade deadline, and as the Canucks approached the end of this season. Whether he returns with the Canucks or is traded elsewhere depends on who is their general manager. Speaking of which…

The Canucks will interview former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams as they seek a new GM. They’ve also sought permission to speak with Toronto Maple Leafs advisor Shane Doan.

Kuzma believes further changes to the front office could be coming if Jim Rutherford steps down as president of hockey operations. That explains why they’re casting a wide net for candidates, including Adams and Doan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adams’ name on the Canucks list of GM candidates raised eyebrows around the league because of the Sabres’ years of futility during his tenure in Buffalo. However, Kuzma pointed out that Adams’ fingerprints are all over the current Sabres roster.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline believes a culture change is coming for the Blue Jackets with head coach Rick Bowness returning next season.

Portzline wondered if Boone Jenner would return as the Blue Jackets’ captain. The first hurdle is his contract situation. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and played fourth-line minutes under Bowness this season. At 33, he’s not the same player that he was a few years ago.

Forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment and defenseman Erik Gudbranson join Jenner among the Blue Jackets’ prominent UFAs. Portzline considers it unlikely that all of them will be re-signed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline considers Coyle to be the most valuable of the Blue Jackets’ pending UFAs, followed by Marchment, Jenner, and Gudbranson. Management likely shares that opinion and could make re-signing him a priority over the others.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2026

by | Apr 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at several suggested free-agent targets for the Maple Leafs and the latest on the Red Wings.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan observed that the next Maple Leafs general manager will have a projected $22.2 million in salary-cap space to work with for 2026-27. That will give them enough room to pursue a player or two via free agency.

Koshan acknowledged that this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market is thin on talent, but he singled out six pending UFAs who might help the Maple Leafs.

Topping the list is Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darryn Raddysh, who had a career-best performance this season with 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points. However, there is a concern that he’d be a one-hit wonder, especially for any team that pays him more than $7 million annually.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh could either succeed beyond the Maple Leafs’ wildest dreams or become a very expensive bust.

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is a complete power forward, scoring at least 33 goals in three of the last four seasons. He’d slot in nicely on the Maple Leafs’ first line, but his asking price of between $10 million and $11 million is a concern.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch would be a great fit on the Maple Leafs, but it seems more likely that he’ll re-sign with the Sabres.

Former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving attempted to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights. Adding Andersson or Raddysh might be more palatable if the Maple Leafs could move Morgan Rielly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson has a better body of work than Raddysh, making him a better fit on the Leafs’ blueline. However, it’s believed the Golden Knights will re-sign him once they become cap compliant for next season.

Edmonton Oilers winger Jack Roslovic, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, and Oilers blueliner Connor Murphy round out Koshan’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic’s inconsistent play explains why he’s bounced around the league so much in recent years. Trouba isn’t likely to return north of the border. The 33-year-old Murphy could quickly become an expensive depth defenseman.

Meanwhile, Koshan’s colleague Lance Hornby listed the top-five general manager candidates to watch as the Maple Leafs’ search for a new GM appears to be nearing its end.

Former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis tops this list, followed by New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin and former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka. Dallas Stars director of hockey operations Scott White and Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold round out his list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What say you, Leafs fans? Who would you prefer to see as your next general manager? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT WILL THE RED WINGS DO TO IMPROVE THEIR ROSTER?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at what the Detroit Red Wings must accomplish this summer.

Finding a top-line left wing is among their priorities. It’s been an issue plaguing them since last season. Rookie Emmitt Finnie filled that role for most of this season, but they must find a more proven option or a player with the potential to become one.

The options in the free-agent market are weak. Bultman suggested finding a solution in the trade market, perhaps a player who might thrive with a change of scenery.

Bultman also believes the Red Wings must reshape their bottom-six forwards. “They need more offense, more physicality, just more to make the lineup deeper and more balanced.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Improving the bottom six could be an easier task than finding a first-line left winger. Their need for a reliable second-line center could be a greater priority.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings’ need to bolster their roster this summer through trades and free agency means they won’t have much room to retain their unrestricted free agents.

They include right wing Patrick Kane, left wing James van Riemsdyk, left wing David Perron, defenseman Travis Hamonic, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now expects the Wings will re-sign Kane and part ways with the rest.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2026

by | Apr 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 21, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on contract talks between the Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky, plus updates on the Jets and Predators.

COULD THE PANTHERS AND SERGEI BOBROVSKY PART WAYS?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Gaudio cited ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, who claimed he’d heard contract talks between the Florida Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky aren’t going well. The 37-year-old goaltender is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (NHL Images).

During a recent appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Wyshynski claimed the situation between the two sides was “pretty bad” and that the Panthers could decide to go in a different direction.

Both sides are believed to be far apart in contract talks. The Panthers are understandably reluctant to overpay an aging goaltender who struggled this season. His difficulties prompted rumors before the March trade deadline, but the Panthers retained him, with general manager Bill Zito insisting that his club hopes to re-sign their long-time starter.

DAILY FACEOFF: Scott Maxwell recently looked at possible replacements for Bobrovsky if he departs via free agency on July 1.

Pending UFAs include Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, Petr Mrazek of the Anaheim Ducks, Cam Talbot of the Detroit Red Wings, and James Reimer of the Ottawa Senators. Younger options include Eric Comrie of the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers, David Rittich of the New York Islanders, Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Vitek Vanecek of the Utah Mammoth.

Offer-sheet options could include Jet Greaves, but the Columbus Blue Jackets will match any offer for the emerging starting goalie. Others include Akira Schmid of the Vegas Golden Knights, Samuel Ersson of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Arturs Silovs of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The trade market could include former Panthers such as Samuel Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens and Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs. They could also take a shot at acquiring Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild could be available, but he would be more expensive to acquire.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bobrovsky is completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $10 million. He understands he’s not getting another deal like that again.

It’s rumored that Bobrovsky would like a deal similar to the six-year, $31.5 million contract ($5.25 million average annual value) that teammate Brad Marchand received last summer. The Panthers are said to have balked at that option. They might be willing to offer a similar AAV, but on a much shorter term.

Looking at the list of potentially available goalies, Wallstedt would be the best option for the Panthers. However, Maxwell is correct that he’ll also be the most expensive, which could put him out of the Panthers’ reach.

Binnington might be a fit, but his inconsistency in recent years remains a concern.

THE LATEST ON THE JETS

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel didn’t have any answers for their club’s disappointing performance this season during their end-of-season media availability on Monday. Instead, they only promised to work harder to fix the mess their team is in.

Friesen doesn’t expect Cheveldayoff to lose his job, pointing out that Jets co-owner Mark Chapman last year said that Cheveldayoff had a job for life. Friesen believes the Jets have a group of aging core players with no obvious next wave coming behind them.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre also doesn’t see Cheveldayoff losing his job because of the loyalty the ownership has in him. However, McIntyre wondered what his vision would be for the team and how it would be achieved.

Cheveldayoff might not be feeling pressure from above, but there are signs it’s coming from within. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck didn’t mince words during his end-of-season presser last week, publicly expressing his frustration over the state of the team.

If trades and free-agent signings are difficult to pull off, McIntyre wondered how the Jets are supposed to get better. They’re going to get a high first-round pick in this year’s draft, but it won’t help a core of players such as Hellebuyck, who are in win-now mode.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff downplayed Hellebuyck’s remarks a little, adding that the goalie raised the same issues with him beforehand.

Some observers, such as McIntyre, took Hellebuyck’s comments to mean he might not be with the Jets for much longer. However, it’s unlikely that Cheveldayoff will trade him this summer. Instead, he’s going to beat the bushes to try to add veteran talent that can help the Jets return to form next season.

UPDATE ON THE PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Predators forward Steven Stamkos doesn’t think a change of management means there will be major changes to their roster.

The Predators are currently seeking a replacement for outgoing general manager Barry Trotz. Stamkos said he’d heard from the current management that the club intends to remain competitive and push for the playoffs next season.

“I don’t anticipate any huge changes,” Stamkos said. “We’ve talked about it. Is there going to be a rebuild or this or that? It’s safe to say that’s not going to be the case.”

Stamkos wasn’t the only member of the Predators to share that view. Team captain Roman Josi and alternate captains Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg believe the club is close to returning to playoff form, based on their solid performance over the second half of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It appears that whoever takes over from Trotz will not be given the green light to tear things down and commence a rebuild. Instead, it could be to tweak the roster by adding younger NHL players.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

by | Apr 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

Should the Blackhawks make a major move for a scoring winger? What areas could the Rangers look to improve this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLACKHAWKS PURSUE MATTHEW KNIES OR JASON ROBERTSON?

VICTORY+: NHL insider Frank Seravalli was asked if the Chicago Blackhawks would make a bold move this offseason by attempting to trade for more than one superstar this summer. For example, would they go after Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, or only one of them?

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Seravalli thinks going after Knies or Robertson would be a great start for the Blackhawks. He reminded us that he reported several weeks ago that they were among the teams interested in Knies before last month’s trade deadline. He doesn’t think the Maple Leafs were actually planning to move Knies, but were looking for one of those deals where you can accomplish a rebuild in one single trade, which is really hard to do.

The Blackhawks’ interest in Knies indicates what type of player they could be looking for this summer. John Buccigross believes the Blackhawks can afford to be bullish and try to acquire a Matthew Knies or a Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs ownership made it clear that they intend to retool instead of rebuilding, which suggests they’ll be hanging onto Knies unless someone makes them a mind-blowing offer.

Meanwhile, Stars general manager Jim Nill downplayed the trade rumors that dogged Robertson last summer and maintains his intention to re-sign Robertson this summer. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who is also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Of the two, Robertson seems the more likely to be available if he seeks more money than the Stars are willing to pay. He lacks no-trade protection, but the Blackhawks might insist on attempting a sign-and-trade deal before committing assets to acquire him.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported last week that New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan pointed out that there are two areas of concern that he’d like to see addressed in the offseason.

Sullivan would like to add some puck-moving ability to the Rangers’ blueline. He would also like to improve the bottom-six forwards by adding players who can play certain roles that would lessen the burden on some of their top-six forwards.

GM Chris Drury acknowledged Sullivan’s suggestions. He also left the door open for the addition of a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those needs could be addressed by whatever they might get by trading center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider this summer. Both were frequently mentioned as trade candidates this season. It’s believed Drury will remain open to offers for both players.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 19, 2026

by | Apr 19, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 19, 2026

Check out the latest on the Flames, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Sharks, Blues, and Jets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton recently reported that the rebuilding Calgary Flames face major decisions with veterans Blake Coleman, Morgan Frost, and Ryan Strome, who have one year left on their contracts. They could move one or all of them for draft picks or prospects.

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Daniel Austin of the Calgary Sun believes Coleman’s future will be among the Flames’ big decisions this summer. A contract extension is possible, but not a certainty.

The 34-year-old two-way forward has shown no sign of slowing down and could become a valuable trade chip for the Flames. Austin speculated they could peddle him during the summer or wait until next year’s trade deadline.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ priority is re-signing center Connor Bedard. They could also attempt to add some veteran depth to their blueline or elect to let their young defense corps grow.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Scott Powers of The Athletic wondered if Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson will attempt to add a veteran or two to their forward lines and blueline via trade or free agency.

If Davidson attempts those moves, he should land players who are in their mid-to-late twenties who are approaching or in their playing prime. Not easy to do, but the Blackhawks have the salary cap space and the tradeable assets. Finding a suitable target is the challenge.

The Detroit Red Wings must improve their five-on-five scoring. Seeking such depth through trades and free agency is something that GM Steve Yzerman hasn’t done enough of, and that continues to hurt the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Max Bultman of The Athletic stated that their biggest need is their long-term plan at the No. 1 center position. With team captain Dylan Larkin turning 30 this summer and their lack of a reliable second-line center, they could be running out of time to address that issue.

Bolstering the defense should be a priority for the San Jose Sharks. Four veteran blueliners (Nick Leddy, John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, and Vincent Desharnais) are eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, while Shakir Mukhamadullin is a restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News reports Ferraro would like a long-term contract, but if it’s a two, three or five-year contract, he just wants to play and is excited about the Sharks’ future. Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest reports Sharks GM Mike Grier thinks Ferraro will test the UFA market, but hasn’t closed the door on his return.

Clark and Shilton wondered how much of the St. Louis Blues’ core will remain in place. Center Robert Thomas was the subject of trade rumors. Defenseman Colton Parayko seemed headed to the Buffalo Sabres before the trade deadline until he used his no-trade clause to nix the deal. There are also questions about goaltender Jordan Binnington’s future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports Blues outgoing GM Doug Armstrong downplayed the trade talk swirling around Thomas, calling some of the rumors “a bit of a fabrication.” He also said the cost of acquiring Thomas is very high because he values the 26-year-old center highly. It will be up to the incoming GM, Alexander Steen, to decide Thomas’ future.

As for Binnington, keeping him could be part of the Blues’ plan for next season. He has one year left on his contract, but Armstrong pointed out the need for teams to carry two good goaltenders.

Winger Jordan Kyrou has also surfaced in trade rumors. However, he told the press that he wants to stay in St. Louis. Like Thomas and Parayko, he has a full no-trade clause.

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff must find some complementary players to take some of the scoring burden off the club’s top stars. They must also decide what sort of term they’ll give pending RFA forward Cole Perfetti.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murat Ates of The Athletic believes Jets center Jonathan Toews could retire after this season. He also thinks Ville Heinola, Gustav Nyquist, and Jacob Bryson will be moving on.

Ates believes Perfetti and fellow Jets youngsters Dylan Samberg, Elias Salomonsson, Brad Lambert, and Isak Rosen must step up next season. Veterans Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov must also step up or move on.