NHL Rumor Mill – June 3, 2026

by | Jun 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 3, 2026

Are the Islanders shopping Mathew Barzal? What’s the latest on Vincent Trocheck? Could the Maple Leafs trade a goalie? Which young RFA defensemen would be good trade options for the Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ISLANDERS SPECULATION

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias weighed in on a recent report claiming the Ottawa Senators were testing the trade market on forward Mathew Barzal

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal (NHL Images).

According to Macias’ colleague Stefen Rosner, the Islanders aren’t actively shopping Barzal. He noted that teams have made inquiries, and it’s general manager Mathieu Darche’s job to listen, but the 29-year-old forward is not on the trade block.

Macias also noted that Barzal has four years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9.15 million and a 22-team no-trade list.

According to Macias and Rosner, Darche would like to free up some salary-cap space this summer. They currently have over $10.6 million. He would like to re-sign his UFA-eligible captain Anders Lee, but needs to clear some cap room first.

Anthony Duclair tops the list of Islanders’ trade candidates. They attempted to move the 30-year-old winger, but he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause. However, it drops from a full no-trade to a 16-team list on July 1. He has two years remaining on his deal with an AAV of $3.5 million.

The Islanders could also attempt to move Pierre Engvall ($3 million AAV through 2029-30, 16-team NTC) and Ondrej Palat ($6 million for next season, 10-team trade list).

Defenseman Adam Pelech has also been mentioned as a trade option. He has three years left on his deal with an AAV of $5.75 million and a 16-team no-trade list. Macias suggested the San Jose Sharks as a trade partner given their need for defensemen. He also wondered if Ryan Pulock (four years, $6.15 million AAV) or Scott Mayfield (four years, $3.5 million AAV) might be moved, though both hold full no-trade clauses until next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Duclair’s injury history and inconsistent play could make him difficult to move in the trade market. The same applies to Engvall. Palat is past his prime, making him a potentially tough sell.

Pelech and/or Pulock could draw more serious interest. Macias considered Pelech the better trade candidate, believing his value is high right now. A team in desperate need of blueline depth that isn’t on his no-trade list could have serious interest in him, depending on the asking price.

MAPLE LEAFS INTERESTED IN VINCENT TROCHECK

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have reached out to the Rangers about Vincent Trocheck. This comes after the Maple Leafs learned Max Domi is out indefinitely due to complications from his recent back surgery.

Domi’s absence puts the Maple Leafs in the market for a second-line center. Walker believes Trocheck could be a fit, depending on whether the Maple Leafs are on his no-trade list and the Pittsburgh native is willing to go to Canada.

As for what the Maple Leafs might offer in return, Walker suggested winger Nick Robertson could be a trade option. The Rangers could also target defense prospect Ben Danford. Matthew Knies could be on the Blueshirts’ radar, but it’s unclear if the Leafs would part with the 23-year-old power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the high number of teams seeking a second-line center, the Maple Leafs could have difficulty outbidding other clubs for Trocheck’s services even if he was willing to play for them. Offering up Knies could tip it in their favor, but it’s doubtful the Leafs would do that.

Walker noted the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings were interested in Trocheck before the March trade deadline. A report out of Ottawa earlier this week claimed the Montreal Canadiens had spoken to the Rangers about the 33-year-old center. However, Walker indicated that a league source said there was no communication at all between those two teams.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE A GOALTENDER?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox speculated the Toronto Maple Leafs could attempt to trade a goalie during this offseason.

Fox pointed out that Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby are on one-way contracts for next season, with each of them having to clear waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate. Promising Artur Akhtyamov will be joining them in 2027-28.

However, Fox believes the Leafs could find it challenging to move one of them. A few teams are willing to discuss a goalie trade, but names such as Jordan Binnington, Filip Gustavsson, Jesper Wallstedt, Devon Levi, and Adin Hill could garner more attention in the rumor mill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There could be more interest in the Leafs goalies if those other netminders are out of the market for one reason or another.

The St. Louis Blues could retain Binnington for next season. Gustavsson won’t be going anywhere until he has fully recovered from his recent hip surgery, which means Wallstedt won’t be available until his fellow Minnesota Wild goalie is healthy. Levi is the odd man out in Buffalo and the most likely to be moved among the Sabres’ netminders. The Vegas Golden Knights could move Hill in a cost-cutting deal.

FOUR POTENTIAL DEFENSE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently listed four restricted free agent defensemen who could be suitable trade targets for the Penguins.

They include Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks, and Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kingerski noted their respective pros and cons, but each of them could be a fit for the Penguins as they continue to retool by adding young NHL-ready talent.

The Penguins aren’t the only clubs that could be keeping an eye on those four blueliners. How much it would cost to acquire and sign them will be the determining factor. Clubs with plenty of cap space and draft picks could also try the offer-sheet route.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2026

by | Jun 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Canadiens’ offseason plans, and a rumor claiming the Islanders could be shopping Mathew Barzal.

THE LATEST ON THE CANADIENS

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan examined possible offseason moves for the Canadiens.

General manager Kent Hughes intends to be busy working the phones this summer searching for players to improve his roster. However, he said it’s “unlikely” that he’ll trade for short-term fixes at the expense of the future. Hughes hopes to continue adding players that can help them now and in the future.

Hughes and Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens president of hockey operations, understand that their roster must be better defensively and be more physical. They also took from their series with the Carolina Hurricanes just how hard it is to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Cowan noted that forwards Brendan Gallagher, Patrik Laine, and goaltender Sam Montembeault won’t be back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Gallagher and Montembeault each have a year left on their contracts.

Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher (NHL Images)

Gallagher carries an average annual value of $6.5 million ($4 million in actual salary) and a six-team no-trade list for next season, while Montembeault’s AAV is $3.1 million. They will be traded or bought out this summer. Gallagher indicated that he’d like to play for his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. Montembeault could draw some interest from clubs seeking goaltending depth.

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels reports the Canadiens must add an established second-line center and “a seasoned, high-quality, right-handed defense partner” for Lane Hutson. They also need “two more big, tenacious, intimidating depth wingers”.

The Canadiens have nearly $11 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, and could free up another $6.5 million if Gallagher is traded.

Engels noted that Gorton and Hughes hope to add more to the Canadiens’ core. They will try to address as many of their roster issues as possible, even if it means blocking or trading a prospect who could eventually fill a void but won’t be able to in short order.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens have plenty of trade capital, especially in promising young players. It could mean peddling someone such as center Michael Hage and winger Alexander Zharovsky to accomplish those goals.

TVA SPORTS: Hughes also mentioned that he could revisit the significant deal that he was working on at the trade deadline. “It depends on the other team,” Hughes said. “That doesn’t stop us from making the appeal and revisiting it.” However, he also said that what was available in March might not be available in June.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation at that time linked the Canadiens to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.

The Leafs are under new management, which could ensure Knies stays in Toronto. The Blues set a high asking price for Thomas, who has a no-trade clause and insists he wants to stay in St. Louis.

Nicolas Cloutier believes it could be easier for the Canadiens to trade Gallagher than some people think. He suggested a rebuilding club, such as the Canucks, could take on Gallagher’s contract to stay above next season’s salary cap floor, which $76.9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cloutier pointed out that the Canucks could drop below the cap floor by trading one of their expensive veterans. He noted that Gallagher’s actual salary for next season is lower than his cap hit, which could be appealing to some teams.

Renaud Lavoie shot down a rumor linking the Canadiens to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

The speculation claimed McDavid was in Montreal during the Formula 1 Grand Prix looking at houses in the area. However, Lavoie reports the Oilers superstar wasn’t in Montreal at the time and wasn’t house shopping. McDavid’s wife was in Montreal at the time, attending an event to which she had been invited.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Last year, it was “Sidney Crosby to Montreal.” Now, it’s McDavid. Next summer, it’ll be McDavid, or Auston Matthews, or Brady Tkachuk.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports it’s rumored that the Canadiens were in talks with the New York Rangers regarding Vincent Trocheck at the March trade deadline.

Garrioch believes Trocheck would be a “perfect fit” to fill the Canadiens’ second-line center role. He’s also signed through 2028-29 with an AAV of $5.625 million. However, he’s not sure if Trocheck was the player at the center of the deal that fell through.

Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere was also linked to the Canadiens. He has a big cap hit at $7.145 million through 2031-32, but Garrioch suggested the Habs should “swing for the fences.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck’s age (33) would be a concern as his production will inevitably decline over the remainder of his contract. There’s also his desire to remain on the East Coast as close to New York as possible. He also might not be keen to join a Canadian team.

As for Lafreniere, he doesn’t address the Canadiens’ priorities. He’s neither a center nor a right-shot, top-four defenseman.

ARE THE ISLANDERS SHOPPING MATHEW BARZAL?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports a league executive informed him that the New York Islanders are exploring the trade market for Mathew Barzal.

The Islanders want to clear some salary cap space. Barzal carries an AAV of $9.15 million through 2030-31.

Garrioch claimed the Utah Mammoth “kicked tires” on Barzal last summer, but opted not to make the move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch included the Barzal tidbit among possible trade targets for the Senators, who are reportedly seeking a top-six forward. He believes Barzal’s cap hit would be difficult to swallow when they’re going to talk contract extension with winger Drake Batherson, who could seek between $9 million and $10 million annually.

Moving Barzal won’t help the offensively anemic Islanders, who must boost their scoring punch if they hope to be a playoff contender next season. He also has a 22-team no-trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2026

by | Jun 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2026

A look ahead at the Canadiens’ potential offseason plans and the latest on Ducks forward Mason McTavish in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

FINDING A SECOND-LINE CENTER WILL BE THE CANADIENS’ PRIORITY THIS SUMMER

TVA SPORTS: Jonathan Bernier examined what could be a busy summer for Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes.

Finding a second-line center tops the list. It’s rumored the Canadiens are monitoring Nico Hischier’s contract extension negotiations with the New Jersey Devils. If those talks break down, the Devils could trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils could trade him, but I doubt that they will. Sunny Mehta, their new general manager, doesn’t seem like he’s interested in tearing down and rebuilding the Devils roster.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier (NHL Images).

Bernier noted that Hughes has said he’d be willing to overpay for a player when the time is right. Whether it’s Hischier or another top player, the cost could mean parting ways with top prospect Michael Hage. If the Canadiens still consider Jacob Fowler their goalie of the future, they could offer up Jakub Dobes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hage will almost certainly be part of the asking price for Hischier if the Devils center becomes available in this summer’s trade market. The same goes for Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, though I have my doubts that the Blues seriously intend to part with him.

Dobes would draw plenty of attention in the trade market given his strong play in this year’s playoffs. However, I believe the Canadiens intend to go into next season with Dobes and Fowler as their goalie tandem and will either trade or buy out Sam Montembeault.

Bernier also believes the Canadiens must bolster their depth on the right side of their blueline, add more grit to their checking lines, part ways with Montembeault and Brendan Gallagher to free up salary-cap space, cut ties with struggling RFA-eligible forward Kirby Dach, and sign Ivan Demidov to a long-term contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these items will be easier to address than finding a quality second-line center. There aren’t many players of that caliber available, and acquiring one will be expensive.

Speaking of Demidov, the Canadiens and other teams will have until Sept. 15 to re-sign players to the maximum eight-year contract. After that date, the maximum is reduced to seven years. The maximum for unrestricted free agent signings will also drop on that date from seven years to six.

THE LATEST ON DUCKS FORWARD MASON MCTAVISH

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators have Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish on their radar.

A league executive told Garrioch that Staios is in the market for a top-six forward to play alongside Senators center Tim Stutzle.

McTavish, 23, is a center who can also skate on the wing. Signed to a six-year contract last September worth an average annual value of $7 million, McTavish’s production declined as he slipped down the lineup. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games in March and was scratched from two postseason contests.

Garrioch believes the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens could also be interested in McTavish. The asking price could be a first-round pick and a player who can help the Ducks immediately.

McTavish has a previous connection with Staios. During his tenure as GM of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, he acquired the young forward in a trade with the Peterborough Petes in 2022. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams in the market for a second-line center will be interested in McTavish because they’ll believe a change of scenery could help him regain his form. He also missed training camp and postseason play last September due to his contract talks, which contributed to his inconsistent play.

The asking price for McTavish won’t be as high as it would for Hischier or Thomas. However, a bidding war between multiple teams could drive up his value.

Other forwards who could interest the Senators include Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues and Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken. The asking price for Kyrou is said to be a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a high-end player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou also has a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over potential trade destinations. McCann has a 10-team no-trade list.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss included McTavish in his list of seven players that would be good fits with the Bruins.

The others included Robert Thomas of the Blues, Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, Olen Zellweger of the Ducks, and Simon Nemec of the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins would have an easier time pursuing Bourque, Wright, and Zellweger if they became available. Thomas and Robertson are likely staying put, while Nemec could seek $9 million annually on a long-term contract.

CALGARY SUN: McTavish also turned up on Kent Wilson’s list of potential trade targets for the rebuilding Flames. Shane Wright of the Kraken and Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets were the others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are willing to part with Wright if he helps them land a scoring forward. Johnson’s production declined from his career-best of 24 goals and 57 points in 68 games last season to 22 points in 76 games in a third-line role. The versatile 23-year-old Blue Jackets forward might benefit from playing for a club where he isn’t bouncing around the lineup.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 31, 2026

by | May 31, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 31, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on this summer’s notable UFA-eligible players, and some suggested cost-cutting trade candidates.

UPDATE ON SEVERAL OF THIS SUMMER’S NOTABLE UFA PLAYERS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports on this summer’s notable players eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Fox speculates that Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch could get a significant pay raise if he tests the open market on July 1. As the top forward available, the 30-year-old Tuch could fetch more than the $10.625 million average annual value that Adrian Kempe received from the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Tuch and the Sabres are expected to begin contract talks in early June. Fox believes those negotiations could go either way.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tuch wants to stay with the Sabres, he’ll probably have to accept much less than Kempe’s AAV to do it. Otherwise, he’ll have to test the market, where there will be interest in his services, but his woeful production during the Sabres’ second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens could hurt his value.

It’s believed the Vegas Golden Knights and defenseman Rasmus Andersson intend to sign an extension, but they’ll first have to do some roster surgery. Hanging over this situation is the fate of sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who spent this season on long-term injury reserve.

If Andersson goes to market, Fox speculated the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights only have $4.625 million in cap space for 2026-27. They can exceed next season’s $104 million salary cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be cap-compliant when their season begins in October.

Pietrangelo comes off LTIR at the end of this season. The Golden Knights can place him on LTIR again for next season if his chronic hip injuries prove to be career-ending, freeing up his $8.8 million cap hit to re-sign Andersson.

It was reported that Pietrangelo hasn’t ruled out returning to action in 2026-27. If he does, the Golden Knights must trade someone to free up cap room for Andersson or risk losing him to free agency.

Another complicating factor is that scoring winger Pavel Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent this summer. If he doesn’t go to arbitration, he could become a tempting offer-sheet candidate given the Golden Knights’ cap constraints, especially if Pietrangelo doesn’t return to LTIR.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh could seek a deal nearing that of defense partner JJ Moser’s $6.75 million on a four-year contract. That could price him out of Tampa Bay. If he goes to market, Fox speculated the Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and his hometown Maple Leafs could be some of the teams interested in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh had two solid 30-plus point campaigns before this season’s career-best 70-point performance. The risk is whether he can match that number again or if he’ll regress to a 30-point blueliner.

Fox indicated that fans of the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets would like to see their respective teams pursue Bobby McMann if the Seattle Kraken forward becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann fit in well with the Kraken after joining them from Toronto at the trade deadline. It wouldn’t surprise me if he inks an extension with them.

Boone Jenner’s long tenure with the Blue Jackets could be ending. They already signed Charlie Coyle to a $36 million contract. The Jackets must also re-sign restricted free agents Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves.

It’s expected that Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner could get a term deal in free agency worth an AAV of $4 million.

POTENTIAL COST-CUTTING TRADE CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed 10 players who could become salary cap-casualty trade fodder this offseason.

Larkin’s list (in alphabetical order) includes Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens, Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche, Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anderson remains a solid power forward for the Canadiens, especially in the playoffs. He also carries a reasonable $5.5 million AAV through next season. The Habs will more likely trade or buy out winger Brendan Gallagher ($6.25 million) and goalie Samuel Montembeault ($3.15 million).

Colton, Greenway, and Hartman have frequently come up as cost-cutting candidates this summer. So has Hamilton, who first surfaced in the rumor mill last summer. He reportedly rejected a trade to the San Jose Sharks. He has a 10-team trade list, but reportedly would be open to expanding it for the right destination.

Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, Ilya Lyubushkin of the Dallas Stars, Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes, Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers round out Larkin’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hill’s Stanley Cup run in 2023 could make him enticing for teams seeking goaltending help. Merzlikins has one year left on his deal, which could make him a more palatable trade option.

Kotkaniemi’s decline this season could make him a buyout candidate if the Hurricanes can’t find any suitors. Lyubushkin will be moved to enable the Stars to free up sufficient cap space to re-sign Jason Robertson.

As for Nurse, plenty of Oilers fans hope their club can find a suitor in this summer’s trade market. His performance has declined, and his $9.25 million AAV through 2029-30 takes up a big chunk of their cap payroll. However, those factors could also ensure he remains an Oilers. His full no-movement clause further complicates things.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2026

by | May 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2026

What could the offseason hold for the Canadiens and Ducks? What’s the latest on Vincent Trocheck, Morgan Rielly, and Matvei Michkov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS?

RDS.CA: Francois Gagnon examined what could be in store for the Montreal Canadiens following their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

Gagnon believes the Canadiens need a second-line center who can help winger Ivan Demidov and take some of the burden off first-line center Nick Suzuki.

The Canadiens could also use a third line with more offensive bite, a fourth line with more bite overall, and a reliable sixth defenseman who can skate more than eight to 10 minutes per game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding the second-line center is the priority, but it won’t be easy to do.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues is often mentioned as a trade target, but I’m not convinced they want to move him given the high asking price they’ve set for him. He also has a full no-trade clause and stated his preference is to stay in St. Louis.

Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks could be available. The 23-year-old center could fit in well among the Canadiens’ young stars, but the decline in his performance this season and concerns about his foot speed could be red flags for a forward carrying a $7 million average annual value for the next five years.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton also looked at what could be ahead for the Canadiens during this offseason

Shilton anticipates the Canadiens could attempt to shore up their defense with veteran talent to support their younger talent. She suggested bringing in a free agent to boost the third pairing and improve the penalty kill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The depth of talent in this summer’s free-agent pool is shallow, even for third-pairing defensemen. Most are in their early to mid-thirties and might not be much of an improvement over the promising youngsters within their system. The best of the bunch will be seeking raises that could price them outside the Canadiens’ $10.9 million cap space.

That doesn’t mean Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes won’t attempt to improve his blueline depth. However, he could prefer going the trade route for options that will fit within his club’s age group and salary-cap constraints.

THE LATEST DUCKS SPECULATION

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: The Anaheim Ducks aren’t under pressure to trade Mason McTavish this summer. The 23-year-old center is coming off a disappointing performance in the first season of his six-year contract.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

However, Johnston suggested the Ducks might have to consider moving McTavish. Center Leo Carlsson is a restricted free agent this summer, and Johnston believes he could get a “monster contract” worth an AAV of $14 million. Winger Cutter Gauthier is also an RFA in line for a significant raise.

Despite McTavish’s struggles this season, Johnston felt that some teams believe the young center could be a good fit with them if the Ducks attempt to trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the concerns I noted earlier about McTavish, I concur with Johnston that he could still attract plenty of interest from clubs seeking depth at center, particularly on the second line. Whether the Ducks are willing to go that route remains to be seen.

The Ducks have over $38 million in salary-cap space, which should give them plenty of space to re-sign Carlsson and Gauthier. GM Pat Verbeek has a reputation for playing hardball with RFA players coming off their entry-level deals, which could result in those two being signed for less than expected.

However, Carlsson and Gauthier are bigger stars than the previous young RFAs that Verbeek has dealt with in the past. He might have to pay much more this time around. If the Ducks aren’t going to spend to the cap, it could turn McTavish into a cost-cutting trade candidate.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal listed Olen Zellweger of the Ducks, Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers, and Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres as four restricted free agents who could be traded this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec, Schneider and Kesselring have surfaced in the rumor mill in recent weeks, especially Nemec and Schneider. However, it’s interesting that Dayal mentioned Zellweger as a trade candidate.

Dayal noted that Zellweger averaged between 17 and 19 minutes of ice time per game over the past two seasons. However, he was a healthy scratch for nine straight games before the postseason. Dayal also noted that the Ducks already have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov on the left-side defense chart. The club could also face a salary-cap crunch with Carlsson and Gauthier in line for substantial raises.

SHOULD THE BRUINS PURSUE VINCENT TROCHECK?

NESN: Evan Cormier suggested the Boston Bruins should attempt to acquire Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers if they are unable to land one of the few big-dog centers that might become available in this summer’s trade market.

The 32-year-old Trocheck’s experience and ability could make him a good short-term first-line center for the Bruins. With the Rangers wanting to get younger, trading draft picks and prospects for him might make sense from the Bruins standpoint.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is better suited for a second-line role. The Rangers’ asking price could also include a promising young player such as Fraser Minten or James Hagens, which would be deal-breakers for the Bruins.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MORGAN RIELLY

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed several potential trade destinations for Morgan Rielly if the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is willing to waive his no-movement clause.

They include the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the Sharks and Blackhawks will be in the market for blueline depth this summer. However, Rielly might not be keen to join a rebuilding club, even one as promising as the Sharks.

The Jets might be willing to take the chance on Rielly improving on a better team, but they could prefer the Leafs retain part of his cap hit. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas knows Rielly from his days as the Leafs GM, but he’s been shipping out aging veterans for younger talent, and acquiring Rielly would fly in the face of that process.

Given the potential high cost for the Ducks to re-sign Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, they might not be keen to add a declining defenseman with an AAV of $7.5 million for the next four years. As for the Canucks, see my previous comment about the Sharks and Blackhawks.

DOES FLYERS WINGER MATVEI MICHKOV NEED A CHANGE OF SCENERY?

ESPN.COM: Rachel Kryshak included Matvei Michkov on her list of under-25 players who might benefit from a change-of-scenery trade. The 21-year-old Philadelphia Flyers winger struggled during his sophomore season under head coach Rick Tocchet, who joined the team last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Kryshak’s list have been noted here before. Other pundits have also mused about the possibility of Michkov getting traded this summer.

Kryshak makes a good case for moving Michkov, noting that Tocchet hasn’t had a strong track record with promising young talent. Nevertheless, I don’t believe the Flyers intend to give up on Michkov after one poor season. They seem intent on remaining patient with the promising young winger, who acknowledged his struggles and vowed to do better next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2026

by | May 29, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 29, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, check out the latest on the Rangers, Flyers, and Sabres, plus an update on Morgan Rielly.

WHO COULD THE RANGERS TARGET THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano looked at what players could be available to help the Rangers this summer through trades and free agency.

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres would be the most appealing option for the Rangers via free agency. Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning is the top UFA defenseman, but they’re unlikely to splurge on a right-shot power-play quarterback when they already have Adam Fox filling that role.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

The Rangers require a top-four, left-shot defenseman. Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres might be a target option if the Sabres should put him on the block to free up cap room to re-sign Tuch and restricted free agent forwards Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs.

Mercogliano wondered if the Dallas Stars would make Roope Hintz available in a cost-cutting move to free up cap space for Jason Robertson’s next contract. He also mused about the Rangers dangling defenseman Braden Schneider to the San Jose Sharks for a young winger such as William Eklund or one of their promising prospects.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be available, but the Rangers aren’t likely to pay the high asking price. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights might be a trade candidate if the Golden Knights become fearful of losing him to an offer sheet.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker also looked at several options for the Rangers to address their needs through trades and free agency this summer.

Affordable free-agent options on defense could include Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks, Ryan Shea of the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Jake Bean of the Calgary Flames. Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks or Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres could make good trade targets.

Top-six forward UFA options could include Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins, though the latter would go against their push to get younger. Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets might be a trade option.

Bobby McMann of the Seattle Kraken or Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres could be good additions to the Rangers’ bottom-six forward lines.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rangers general manager Chris Drury is expected to be busy this summer bolstering his roster. He has $26.575 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27, which is plenty of room to make a significant addition or two, which could include at least one of the players mentioned by Mercogliano and Walker.

Drury can free up another $5.275 million by trading veteran center Vincent Trocheck. He could use some of the pieces from whatever return he gets from that deal to put toward acquiring another player.

THE LATEST ON MORGAN RIELLY

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary noted a report by The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, in which the latter claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Morgan Rielly are likely to explore trade options this summer.

Rielly, 32, has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $7.5 million. He has a full no-movement clause, but Johnston indicated that he’s softened his stance on waiving it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The decline in Rielly’s performance could hurt his value in this summer’s trade market. It would also prompt teams to request the Maple Leafs retain part of his salary to facilitate a deal.

SUGGESTED OFFER SHEET TARGETS FOR THE FLYERS

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James listed four restricted free agents that he believes could be worthwhile offer sheet targets for the Flyers.

They include Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have the cap space to match James’ suggested $10,008 million offer sheet for Fantilli. Ditto the Ducks for the proposed $6.059 million for Mintyukov, and the Hurricanes for the $6.44 million for Nikishin. However, the $8.060 million pitch for Nemec could be difficult for the Devils to match, unless they’re moving out Dougie Hamilton and his $9 million AAV.

**UPDATE** PuckPedia indicates that Nikishin is ineligible to receive an offer sheet. Stick tap to “GP” for pointing that out in the comment section below.

UPDATE ON THE SABRES

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at possible options to upgrade their goaltending via trade or free agency.

Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets could be a trade option given his pointed questions about the Jets’ direction. However, his $8.5 million salary-cap hit would be an issue for the Sabres, who have only $12.9 million in cap space with forwards Alex Tuch, Zach Benson, and Peyton Krebs to re-sign.

Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers is the best option in this summer’s UFA market. The big question is whether he’d come to Buffalo, and there could be teams that could offer him more.

Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild is a more appealing option given his age (23), solid performance this season, and affordable $2.2 million cap hit for next season. However, it’ll take a lot to acquire him, as the Wild have been in the market for a center for some time.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck’s questioning of the direction of the Jets was understandable given their collapse this season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last year. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll force a trade.

Bobrovsky will probably re-sign with the Panthers. If he does become available, his preference could be playing with a southern NHL team.

Wallstedt would be an excellent fit with the Sabres. However, the Wild won’t part with him until Filip Gustavsson has recovered from his recent hip surgery. If they move Wallstedt, it’ll be in a package deal to acquire an established first-line center, which the Sabres don’t have to part with.