Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 10, 2026

by | May 10, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 10, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup, we look at what’s next for the Flyers, plus the latest on the Oilers and Maple Leafs.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE FLYERS?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what the offseason could hold for the Philadelphia Flyers, who exceeded expectations by making the playoffs and advancing to the second round before being swept by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras (NHL Images).

Shilton believes the rebuilding Flyers are in a good spot now. Among general manager Daniel Briere’s priorities will be signing forward Trevor Zegras, a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, who is coming off a career-best 26 goals and 67 points in 81 games. The fit between the player and the team is so strong that Shilton expects they’ll get a deal done.

Defenseman Jamie Drysdale and backup goaltender Samuel Ersson are also RFA-eligible with arbitration rights this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zegras, 25, was earning $5.75 million annually on his three-year contract. He could get a long-term deal worth over $8 million annually.

The 24-year-old Drysdale matched his career high for points (32) and is in line for a significant raise after earning an average annual value of $2.3 million. As for Ersson, he might end up as trade bait if Briere decides to add a more experienced backup for starter Dan Vladar.

Shilton observed that the Flyers have salary cap space to spare, which will allow Briere to determine the club’s direction. He’ll also need to figure out how to improve their woeful power play via a coaching or personnel change.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers weren’t expected to make the playoffs this season. However, the additions of Zegras, Vladar, and Christian Dvorak last summer, and those of promising youngsters Porter Martone, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey during the season played key roles in their improvement.

With $38.5 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 and 17 active roster players under contract, Briere has sufficient room to re-sign Zegras and Drysdale, and to sign or replace Ersson, and still have enough for a significant addition or two. They need experienced depth at center, especially on the first line, and on their blueline.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James recently noted the uncertainty over Auston Matthews’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He wondered if the Flyers could afford the steep cost of acquiring the superstar center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Matthews becomes available, there’s no certainty he’ll want to go to the Flyers even if they’re ahead of schedule with their rebuild. He has a full no-movement clause, meaning his list of preferred trade destinations will be a small one.

If Matthews were willing to join the Flyers, the Leafs would probably want a promising center with first-line potential, or a young defenseman with first-pairing capability; two things that the Flyers themselves currently lack. They could also want Martone or Matvei Michkov (probably Martone) as part of the deal.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs…

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined the priorities facing new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka.

Topping the list is selling Auston Matthews on his vision for the Maple Leafs’ future. If successful, the Leafs will continue to retool their roster. If not, and Matthews decides to move on, they’ll go into a rebuild that will likely be centered around potential first-overall draft pick Gavin McKenna.

Siegel noted that Matthews isn’t expected to decide until he sees what the Maple Leafs do during the offseason. It might not be until sometime in July when they learn whether he’s on board with their plans.

Landing a second-line center could also be on Chayka’s “to-do” list. There’s not much available in this summer’s UFA market, with Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets the best short-term option.

Chayka could turn to the trade market to address that issue. Siegel noted there are several theoretical possibilities with a degree of risk, including Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Mike Zibanejad of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both players carry full no-movement clauses and have not indicated that they want to move on. Vincent Trocheck of the Rangers is reportedly available, but he has a 12-team no-trade list and could prefer a destination closer to the Eastern seaboard.

Siegel also mused over making another attempt to bring back Ryan O’Reilly, but he wants to stay in Nashville, and the Predators are treating him as though he has a no-trade clause.

Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News included Coyle and his Blue Jackets teammate Boone Jenner as possibilities to address the Leafs’ need for depth at center. He also suggested trade options such as Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, and Barrett Hayton of the Utah Mammoth. Of those three, Wright might be the most attainable because of his struggles this season under Kraken coach Lane Lambert.

Siegel also speculated that the Leafs could attempt to trade some defensemen, such as Morgan Rielly, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Brandon Carlo. That would require pursuing replacements, perhaps by using winger Matthew Knies as a trade chip.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka faces a daunting challenge trying to retool the Maple Leafs into a legitimate playoff contender in a way that would meet with Matthews’ approval. He’ll likely attempt to make a significant move or two, but it might not be enough.

UPDATE ON THE OILERS

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson wondered if Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse would waive his no-trade clause this summer.

If Nurse is willing to accept a trade, Matheson suggested shipping him to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly. He pointed out that both players are signed through 2029-30, with Nurse carrying a $9.25 million AAV while Rielly’s is $7.5 million. Matheson also noted that Nurse is from Hamilton, and he and Leafs forward Max Domi grew up together.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Swapping two struggling defensemen in their early thirties doesn’t seem like it would improve either club. The Oilers would come out ahead only because Rielly’s cap hit is less expensive.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell looked at some possible UFA targets for the Oilers this summer.

Topping the list is Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres. However, it’s unlikely that he’s going anywhere. If he becomes available, the Oilers would have to move out a big contract to free up the cap space to sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mitchell also included pending Oilers UFAs such as Connor Murphy, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jason Dickinson on his list. It’s more likely those three will be re-signed.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2026

by | May 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2026

What options do the Sharks, Jets, Panthers, Devils, and Penguins have with their first-round picks in this year’s draft? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered what the San Jose Sharks might do with the second-overall pick in this year’s draft.

The lack of quality depth in this summer’s unrestricted free agent market could create more activity in the trade market.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Lazerus mused over whether the Dallas Stars might be willing to part with Jason Robertson for the Sharks’ first-rounder. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. If unable to re-sign Robertson, swapping him for the second-overall pick would give the Stars the chance to replenish their prospect pool.

If Robertson isn’t available, Lazerus suggested looking into the availability of St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas or Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies. He also wondered if Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse might be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman would be thrilled to get the second-overall pick in this year’s draft for Nurse. However, the latter has a full no-movement clause, and his declining performance won’t make him enticing for the Sharks.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon believes Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff must consider all his options with his first-round pick (eighth overall) in this year’s draft.

It’s rare for a top-10 draft pick to be moved ahead of the draft. However, the Jets have a long-running need for a reliable second-line center. Given their high aspirations to become a Stanley Cup contender, it would make sense to see what their pick might fetch in this summer’s trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dixon expects Cheveldayoff to retain that pick and use it to select a promising young player who could help the Jets down the road. Still, one has to believe that he would be intrigued if he got a solid offer for that pick.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards pondered the possibility of the Panthers using their first-round pick (ninth overall) to bolster their current roster.

Richards reports there’s speculation that Panthers GM Bill Zito could use that pick as trade capital. He pointed out that Zito has traded every first-round pick since selecting Mackie Samoskevich in 2021. The Panthers won’t have another first-rounder again until 2029.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers remain in “win-now” mode and could move that pick for an established player who would provide an immediate, significant boost to their roster. However, Richards would not be surprised if Zito retains that pick. He envisioned a scenario in which the Panthers GM bundles his first-rounder with a couple of second-rounders to move up in the draft order.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the Devils should use their 2026 first-rounder (12th overall) to pursue a scoring forward. Their 2.76 goals-per-game average ranked 27th overall this season.

Nicholls’ suggested trade targets include Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, and Alex DeBrincat of the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou might be the only player on this list who might be available in this summer’s trade market. However, that depends on whether he’ll waive his full no-trade clause.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Kelsey Surmacz wondered if this would be the summer when the Pittsburgh Penguins would trade their first-round pick. They hold the 22nd-overall pick, which they could use as a trade chip to add a young NHL-ready player.

Surmacz noted that there are some opportunities in this summer’s trade market. She believes the Dallas Stars will find a way to re-sign RFA winger Jason Robertson, but that could expose other high-upside players such as defenseman Thomas Harley or center Mavrik Bourque.

There’s uncertainty about Auston Matthews’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even if he’s unavailable, Matthew Knies or Nick Robertson might be trade possibilities.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bourque and Nick Robertson seem more likely to be available than Harley or Knies. Regardless, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could be open to moving his first-rounder if a suitable young player becomes obtainable in this summer’s trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2026

by | May 8, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 8, 2026

Check out the latest on the Oilers, Senators, and Bruins in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ARE BIG CHANGES COMING FOR THE OILERS?

SPORTSNET: NHL insider Frank Seravalli believes changes are coming for the Edmonton Oilers this summer. He doesn’t know if those changes will occur on the backs of listening to their superstars (Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl), but he felt that management “heard them loud and clear”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McDavid and Draisaitl were publicly critical of the Oilers’ performance this season. McDavid felt the club was “average with high expectations”, and Draisaitl said they took significant steps backward this season.

Seravalli believes head coach Kris Knoblauch and his staff will be sent packing. He also felt there would be changes in the front office and wondered how the Oilers would go about rejigging their roster.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

He mused about whether they can find a team willing to take defenseman Darnell Nurse off their hands and what type of sweetener would have to be included in the deal. They must also find a goaltender.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nurse must agree to waive his no-movement clause. If he does, it’ll likely be for a limited number of teams, most of whom will want the Oilers to retain part of his $9.25 million annual salary-cap hit, or take back a toxic contract, or package Nurse with a high draft pick or a top prospect.

Finding a goaltender will also be a daunting challenge. There are netminders available in free agency, but they’re either starters who are past their prime or backup goalies. The Oilers need a reliable starter, which could send them into the trade market, but the pickings there will also be slim.

WILL THE SENATORS PURSUE A FORWARD THROUGH TRADE OR FREE AGENCY?

OTTAWA SUN: In a recent mailbag segment, Callum Fraser was asked what it would take for the Senators to add a top-six winger to center Tim Stutzle’s line.

Fraser doesn’t see the Senators dangling top prospect Carter Yakemchuk. Prospect defenseman Lance Hensler’s stock is lower than Ottawa would like right now, and they don’t have a high first-rounder to leverage, plus that pick isn’t movable until it becomes a prospect. That means they’ll have to move a roster player or two.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That roster player could be Dylan Cozens, who lacks no-trade protection. However, he carries an AAV of $7.1 million. Rival clubs would love to land Shane Pinto. He’s starting a new long-term deal in July with an AAV of $7.5 million, but the Senators might be reluctant to part with him.

Fabian Zetterlund could be another trade candidate. He has a more affordable $4.275 million AAV, but he’s struggled to regain his 24-goal career-best performance of 2023-24.

The Senators could also turn to the free-agent market to add more depth among their forward lines. Potential UFA options could include A.J. Greer, Mason Marchment, Ilya Mikheyev, Erik Haula, and Jack Roslovic.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchment would provide physicality, which would take part of the burden off team captain Brady Tkachuk. He’s put up decent offensive numbers over the past three seasons, but he also takes costly penalties. Roslovic is a three-time 20-plus goal scorer, but his production tends to be streaky.

COULD THE BRUINS MOVE A DEFENSEMAN?

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa reports the Boston Bruins have all but two of their roster defensemen under contract for next season. Andrew Peeke is UFA-eligible on July 1, while Jordan Harris is a restricted free agent.

However, that doesn’t mean that all of those blueliners under contract will be back next season.

Shinzawa believes Mason Lohrei has an uncertain future in Boston. GM Don Sweeney praised the 25-year-old blueliner’s improvement alongside Hampus Lindholm. However, he finished the season as a healthy scratch.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei might be packaged in a trade deal to bring in a player who can address other roster needs.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2026

by | May 7, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 7, 2026

Who could the Oilers pursue in this summer’s trade market? What could the Sharks do with the second-overall pick in this year’s draft? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHO COULD THE OILERS TARGET IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson wondered how the Oilers would resolve their goaltending situation.

Struggling starter Tristan Jarry has two more seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.385 million. Backup goalies Connor Ingram and Calvin Pickard are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Ingram could be an affordable re-signing for the Oilers.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (NHL Images).

Matheson believes it would be difficult for the Oilers to move Jarry unless they include a high draft pick in the deal or take a bad contract in return. If they do move on from Jarry, Matheson suggested Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild, or Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights as trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t hurt to inquire into the availability of those goaltenders. However, it sounds like Binnington will be back with the Blues next season. Gustavsson has a full no-movement clause and could be unwilling to play for the Oilers. Hill has a 10-team no-trade list, but he also carries an AAV ($6.25 million) that would be too expensive for the Oilers to carry, especially if they’re looking at improving other areas of their roster.

Matheson’s colleague, David Staples, mentioned Oilers insider Bob Stauffer suggesting the Oilers could stick with Jarry but could also make a trade with an NHL team that has deep prospect goalie depth.

Stauffer mentioned an Eastern Conference team that has “four pretty good goaltenders in their system right now.” He declined to name the team, but Staples believes he was referring to the Detroit Red Wings, listing prospect netminders Sebastian Cossa, Trey Augustine, Michal Postava, and Carter Gylander.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree with Staple that Stauffer was likely referring to the Red Wings. They might not part with Cossa or Augustine, but Postava and Gylander could be available. I’d love to see the feedback from Red Wings fans on this. Feel free to weigh in on this in the comments section.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell suggested some potential trade targets for the Oilers this season. He suggested targeting Colorado Avalanche netminder Mackenzie Blackwood, who has been outplayed this season by Scott Wedgewood.

Mitchell also suggested some options to improve the Oilers offense. He proposed looking into the availability of St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou and Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackwood would be an interesting alternative if Binnington, Gustavsson, or Hill were unavailable to the Oilers. He’s in the first season of a five-year contract with an AAV of $5.25 million and a six-team no-trade list. Blackwood might be easier to obtain, but his cap hit could still be a concern.

Kyrou and Tippett have frequently appeared in trade rumors this season. Of the two, Kyrou would be more expensive ($8.125 million AAV) and probably unobtainable given his full no-trade clause.

Tippett is more affordable (but still expensive) at $6.2 million annually, and perhaps easier to obtain as his 10-team no-trade clause doesn’t begin until July 1. However, the Flyers seem reluctant to part with him.

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka examined the options facing the San Jose Sharks after they landed the second-overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs take winger Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick, the Sharks could select forward Ivar Stenberg, a high-end center such as Caleb Malhotra, or a defenseman like Chase Reid or Keaton Verhoeff.

With the Sharks hoping to challenge for a playoff berth next season, general manager Mike Grier could shop that pick for more immediate roster help. Grier is open to moving that pick, but Pashelka believes his asking price will be steep.

Pashelka suggested Grier could also retain the No. 1 pick, select a winger like Stenberg, and peddle winger William Eklund, who lacks no-trade protection in his contract.

Grier could hang onto the pick and get another high-end talent in the draft. It could be the last time for a while that they’ll be this high in the draft order again.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Sheng Peng reports it’s no secret that the Sharks must upgrade their defense corps this summer.

Veteran Dmitry Orlov and 19-year-old Sam Dickinson are the only Sharks blueliners under contract for next season. Restricted free agent Shakir Mukhamadullin could be back, as could a pending unrestricted free agent such as Mario Ferraro or Vincent Desharnais.

Peng suggested Grier could attempt to add a defenseman via this summer’s UFA market, since it wouldn’t cost any of his promising young players.

Options could include Darryn Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning, John Carlson and Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks, and Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson will likely be re-signing with the Golden Knights. It’s believed they’re waiting until July 1, when they will be cap-compliant, to announce the signing.

Grier could also test the trade market. Potential targets could include Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks, Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers, Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dougie Hamilton of the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Devils can move Hamilton, they’ll likely re-sign Nemec. Hamilton reportedly rejected a trade to the Sharks last summer, so it’s unlikely he’ll have changed his mind. The Canucks will likely hang onto Hronek.

Nurse and Rielly are veteran blueliners in decline. They might improve with a change of scenery, but that could be an expensive gamble not worth taking.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

by | May 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Bruins, Blue Jackets, and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO WITH EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources with Evgeni Malkin’s management team say they have not yet spoken with Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas about a contract extension. Dubas is currently handling end-of-season interviews and focusing on their AHL affiliate during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin’s camp intends to reach out to Dubas later this week to set a date for an in-person meeting to discuss a new contract. Yohe believes the Penguins GM has not yet offered Malkin a new contract. Sources within the 39-year-old center’s camp say he’s not seeking a raise from his current $6.1 million average annual value.

Yohe cited sources with the Penguins last summer, claiming that Dubas had no intention of re-signing Malkin once his contract expired. However, the veteran star exceeded expectations this season, and team captain Sidney Crosby has said he’d like Malkin to return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Opinion seems divided among the Pittsburgh media regarding Malkin. Some, like Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, believe it’s time for the Penguins to part company with Malkin and focus on the future. Others, like Mark Madden of TribLive.com, see no problem with bringing back Malkin, though he acknowledged it would mean another year or two of being no better than they were this season.

Dubas seems reluctant to re-sign Malkin. It would surprise me if he inks the aging star to a new contract.

SOME OFF-SEASON PROPOSALS FOR THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa proposed several options for Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s off-season “to-do” list.

Checking into Brady Tkachuk’s trade availability is his most notable suggestion. He wondered if the Ottawa Senators might be concerned about whether their captain wants to stay after his contract expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios shot down the notion of Tkachuk getting traded this summer, while the 26-year-old left winger insisted that he wants to stay in Ottawa. Maybe that changes by this time next year if the Senators fail to improve in 2026-27. For now, he’s not going anywhere.

Other suggestions by Shinzawa include trading backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo, defenseman Mason Lohrei, and center Casey Mittelstadt. He also thinks Sweeney should keep an eye on New Jersey Devils restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Nemec and on Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA blueliner Darren Raddysh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo, Lohrei, and Mittelstadt have surfaced in trade rumors since last year. One of them could be used as a trade chip to add to their roster. Nemec would be an expensive addition via trade, while Raddysh could cost over $8 million annually on a long-term deal.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets’ management sees re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment as priorities. Losing both to free agency would be tough losses and could prompt other moves.

Portzline rules out the possibility of the Blue Jackets targeting a restricted free agent star from a rival club.

GM Don Waddell is likely to go the trade route to improve his club this summer. Waddell has indicated that the Blue Jackets’ 2026 first-round pick (14th overall) could be in play for the right offer.

The Blue Jackets could be in the market for a reliable backup goaltender. However, they would first have to attempt to move Elvis Merzlikins, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited number of decent goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could make Merzlikins easier to move, but there’s still no certainty the Jackets will find any takers. They might have to retain part of his salary or bundle him with a draft pick or prospect to make him more enticing.

SHARKS OPEN TO TRADING THEIR 2026 FIRST-ROUND PICK

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s open to trading his 2026 first-round pick, which sits second overall following Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

Grier said he’d consider moving that pick for the right offer. However, he also has no problem using it to add another promising youngster to his deep prospect pipeline.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2026

by | May 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 5, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and Stars winger Jason Robertson, and some suggested targets for the Jets.

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston believes the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock with team captain Auston Matthews. The 28-year-old superstar center has two years left on his contract, but league sources say he still isn’t sure if he’ll be back in the fall.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Matthews has reasonable concerns over the Maple Leafs’ direction under new general manager John Chayka. The two are expected to meet within the next two weeks. Chayka said he’s not putting a deadline on the Leafs captain regarding his own intentions.

Johnston believes Matthews wants to see a roster meaningfully upgraded by trades and free-agent signings. Keeping the high-scoring center in the fold will be critical to the club’s plans to retool the roster rather than a full-fledged rebuild.

As great a player as Matthews is, the Maple Leafs won’t get full value for him in a trade. Johnston believes the best-case scenario would be a return comparable to the package of future assets the Vancouver Canucks received from the Minnesota Wild for Quinn Hughes last December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka faces a daunting task attempting to retool the Leafs this summer. Selling Matthews on his plans could be his biggest challenge.

If Chayka fails, he’ll have to peddle Matthews for the best return he can find, which won’t be easy given the latter’s no-movement clause.

Matthews will waive his clause if he wants out, but he will likely only have a handful of preferred destinations. The fewer he has, the harder it would be for Chayka to land a quality return.

Convincing Matthews to stay will be a far better option for Chayka than trying to move him for a return that won’t come close to being fair market value.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Jason Robertson left a bit of uncertainty about his future with the Stars during his end-of-season media availability on Monday.

The 26-year-old left winger is due to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million. He’s also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility unless he signs a long-term deal.

Robertson acknowledged that it’s a business on both sides, but he’s optimistic. “It’s a business,” Robertson said. “I learned that four years ago. It’s not my first time.”

Assimakopoulos believes Robertson is due for a significant pay raise. She speculated he could seek an extension similar to teammate Mikko Rantanen’s eight-year deal worth $12 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson lacked arbitration rights after completing his entry-level contract four years ago, giving Stars management the leverage in those negotiations. It’s a different story this time.

A lack of salary cap space further complicates things for the Stars, prompting speculation that they’ll shed salary to free up sufficient cap space to re-sign Robertson.

The Stars could peddle Robertson rather than making a cost-cutting trade or two that might weaken their roster depth. However, they would have difficulty replacing the offense he brings to their lineup.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently looked at several types of players the Winnipeg Jets could target to upgrade their defense this summer.

One option could be free agency if they want to add a big, physical defenseman. Ates suggested e Carson Soucy, Andrew Peeke, and Connor Murphy as possible targets.

Another could be targeting a young RFA-eligible defenseman capable of more, such as Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils or Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks.