NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

by | May 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2026

Which Sabres goaltender could draw some interest in this summer’s trade market? Should the Islanders target a young Sharks winger? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS COULD TARGET SABRES GOALIE DEVON LEVI

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch cited ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, who reported Friday that the Senators have shown an interest in Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres as a potential backup for starting goaltender Linus Ullmark.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi (NHL Images).

Levi, 24, spent last season with the Sabres’ AHL affiliate in Rochester. He would reportedly welcome a change of scenery after being squeezed out of the Sabres’ goalie picture by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis.

Weekes believes Levi still has potential. Garrioch pointed to his collegiate career and his performance with Team Canada in the 2021 IIHF World Juniors. He has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $812,500 and is no longer exempt from waivers.

If the Sabres want a goalie in return, it could cost the Senators Leevi Merilainen, who is a restricted free agent on July 1 and also no longer waiver-exempt.

Garrioch also reports the Senators are believed to be interested in pending unrestricted free agents, such as Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James wondered if the Flyers should pursue Levi. He pointed out that current Flyers backup Samuel Ersson was inconsistent this season and is RFA-eligible on July 1. Given Levi’s reduced trade value, he could become an affordable acquisition for the Flyers, perhaps costing a mid to late round draft pick.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples included Levi among his list of potential goalie targets for the Oilers.

Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings, Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, Samuel Montembeault, and Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets were also on Staples’ list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi would be the most affordable of those goalies for the Senators, Flyers, and Oilers to pursue. His limited NHL experience makes him a gamble, albeit one that won’t create a salary-cap headache or put a serious dent into their tradeable assets.

SHOULD THE ISLANDERS TARGET A YOUNG SHARKS WINGER?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias believes the New York Islanders will attempt to add to their roster this summer. They need a scoring forward and depth on the right side of their defense.

Macias noted that the Islanders have spent the past several years adding stopgap measures and failed experiments to address their roster weaknesses. He recommends that GM Mathieu Darche bring in a clear top-line winger, especially with Victor Eklund looking like a future NHL player.

Macias suggested Darche consider acquiring Eklund’s older brother, William, who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eklund surfaced in trade rumors following the March trade deadline. The Sharks’ growing list of promising young forwards has some observers suggesting the 24-year-old winger could become a trade chip this summer to add an experienced defenseman to their blue line.

So far, there is no indication that the Islanders are interested in Eklund, but if they were, Alexander Romanov could interest the Sharks. The 26-year-old is a physical blueliner who missed most of this season recovering from shoulder surgery.

When healthy, Romanov could make a good addition to the Sharks’ defense corps, and he would be closer in age to the Sharks’ young core players.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 22, 2026

by | May 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest trade speculation about Devils defenseman Simon Nemec and Bruins blueliner Mason Lohrei, plus some proposed backup goalie candidates for the Senators.

TRADE RUMORS PERSIST ABOUT DEVILS DEFENSEMAN SIMON NEMEC

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report from overseas, claiming Simon Nemec had requested a trade from the Devils. Nichols reported the 22-year-old defenseman’s agent was unavailable for comment.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec is a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract. He’s been the subject of trade rumors this season, with some reports suggesting he could seek a new deal equivalent to that of fellow Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, who inked a seven-year contract last fall worth an average annual value of $9 million.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (NHL Images).

The report also claimed that the club’s new general manager, Sunny Mehta, had not reached out to the 22-year-old defenseman or his agent about a new contract. However, a source told Nichols that wasn’t the case.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nichols reported that the Devils had yet to comment on this situation. However, Slovak hockey insider Tomas Prokop claimed Nemec has not requested a trade. Hopefully, we’ll have more clarity on this issue soon.

Speaking of the Devils, Nichols believes they face a real threat of at least one of their restricted free agents being targeted with an offer sheet during the offseason.

Nemec, winger Arseny Gritsyuk, and forward Paul Cotter are eligible to sign offer sheets on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils have $11.875 million in projected salary cap space for 2026-27 with 18 roster players under contract. Matching an expensive offer for Nemec (for example) wouldn’t leave much to fill out the rest of the roster, and would require a cost-cutting trade or two to address the issue.

Bear in mind that a player must be willing to sign an offer sheet from a rival club. If they’re not interested, the Devils have nothing to worry about. Gritsyuk and Cotter have arbitration rights. If they file by the July 5 deadline, they will be ineligible to receive an offer sheet.

Nemec is the most likely target, but it’s unlikely he’ll receive an unmatchable offer. He has plenty of potential as a puck-moving blueliner, but his defensive issues could make him a less attractive offer-sheet candidate.

WILL THE BRUINS PEDDLE MASON LOHREI THIS SUMMER?

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins should use defenseman Mason Lohrei as a trade chip to acquire more skill and speed.

The 25-year-old Lohrei is the youngest player on the Bruins roster. General manager Don Sweeney spoke highly of the puck-moving blueliner, but he was the subject of trade rumors this season. He was also a healthy scratch for the Bruins final three playoff games.

Studley believes Lohrei remains a valuable trade asset with offensive upside, who has also improved his defensive game this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lohrei remains the Bruin most likely to be traded this summer. He could be packaged with a draft pick or a prospect if they intend to pursue a top-six forward.

BACKUP GOALIE OPTIONS FOR THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently examined potential backup goaltending targets for the Senators.

They included Stuart Skinner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers. Both are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. They could also turn to Leevi Merilainen from their AHL affiliate in Belleville.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram might be the easier fit as a backup option. Skinner will likely want to play for a club where he’ll be the starter.

Garrioch also mentioned pending UFA Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, but his performance in this year’s playoffs could raise his value in the free-agent market. Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild could be a trade option, but the asking price will be high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes could retain Andersen for another season. Wallstedt would be too costly to acquire, plus he won’t be available until the Wild knows if starter Filip Gustavsson has fully recovered from offseason hip surgery.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2026

by | May 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 21, 2026

Could the Oilers attempt to acquire Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, trade Darnell Nurse to the Sharks, or hire Mike Babcock? What’s the latest on the Maple Leafs and Penguins? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST OILERS RUMORS

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek believes the Edmonton Oilers could pursue a speedy winger who can play alongside team captain Connor McDavid.

Marek expects that Jordan Kyrou will be mentioned “a ton” as a trade target. The 27-year-old St. Louis Blues winger has been in the rumor mill for the past couple of years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou would first have to waive his full no-trade clause. Another hurdle is meeting the Blues’ high asking price. Kyrou’s production dropped this season, mostly because of injuries, but the Blues won’t sell low. They could seek a good young NHL player, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick.

The Oilers have over $16 million in salary-cap space with 15 roster players under contract. They would likely have to shed salary to make room for Kyrou’s $8.125 million average annual value for the next seven seasons.

And no, the Blues won’t retain salary in this deal. You want Kyrou, you meet their asking price, and take on his full cap hit. They’re under no pressure to move him.

Marek believed the Oilers would attempt to re-sign defenseman Connor Murphy, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. Failing that, he wondered if Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres might be a fit.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

The San Jose Sharks are looking for a defenseman, and they have a surplus of young forwards. Marek wondered if there might be a deal in which the Oilers send them veteran blueliner Darnell Nurse for one of their young excess forwards, such as Colin Graf.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman would probably love a move like that, assuming Nurse waives his no-movement clause. However, Sharks GM Mike Grier could have other trade options in mind to bolster his blueline, especially ones that aren’t carrying a $9.25 million AAV for the next four years.

Marek also mentioned the Oilers’ need to upgrade their goaltending. He mused about whether there might be something there with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers need stability between the pipes, but Luukkonen has had his consistency issues. The Sabres could also prefer to keep their current goaltending tandem intact for next season.

Devon Levi has recently surfaced as a trade candidate given his struggles to crack the Sabres’ lineup. However, the Oilers might prefer a more established NHL starter.

TSN: Darren Dreger contacted former NHL head coach Mike Babcock regarding rumors linking him to the Oilers. “Dregs, I’m retired. Loving it,” Babcock replied.

Babcock last coached in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019-20. He was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets three years later, but resigned before the start of the season after it was reported he had asked his players to share personal photos from their mobile devices.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Dreger’s report, the speculation persists suggesting the Oilers should hire Babcock. However, the Oilers players might not be pleased with that possibility, given what went down in Columbus and his treatment of Mitch Marner when he coached the Maple Leafs.

MATTHEWS COULD BE THE MAPLE LEAFS’ ONLY UNTOUCHABLE

SDPN: During the latest episode of The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new management is open to listening to offers on any player other than team captain Auston Matthews.

Johnston pointed out that some players, such as William Nylander and Morgan Rielly, have no-movement clauses, meaning they could be unwilling to move. Nevertheless, it seems that new GM John Chayka is “basically considering everything but his captain.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka will also set high prices for some of those players, especially Nylander, right wing Matthew Knies, and center John Tavares. Even though he might be open to listening to offers, it doesn’t mean that he’s going to move those players or stage a fire sale.

Remember, Chayka’s taking his marching orders from Leafs ownership. They made it clear that they are retooling, not rebuilding, with the intent of staging a bounce-back performance next season.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski suggested four young players as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

They include winger Brad Lambert of the Winnipeg Jets, defenseman Mason Lohrei of the Boston Bruins, center Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, and blueliner Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks.

Kingerski noted that the four have struggled with their current clubs and might benefit from a change of scenery with a retooling team like the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lambert, Lohrei, Wright, and Mintyukov have surfaced in the rumor mill from time to time this season. Their respective clubs aren’t facing any serious pressure to move them, but they could be worth monitoring in what could be a busy summer for trade activity.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

by | May 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Flyers, and Golden Knights in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the Buffalo Sabres have a big summer ahead if they want to build on this season’s success.

Re-signing Alex Tuch will be the biggest roster issue facing the Sabres. Meeting his asking price could require making some moves to free up some salary-cap space.

Forward Beck Malenstyn is also an unrestricted free agent, while Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs are restricted free agents.

Defenseman Bowen Byram is a year away from UFA status and eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Fairburn noted that Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen showed his willingness to attempt to make big moves with his pursuit of St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and center Robert Thomas.

Kekalainen could pursue a goaltending upgrade if an opportunity arises this summer. He could also try to bring in another center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted yesterday, it’s rumored that Tuch’s camp seeks a deal comparable to the eight-year, $85 million contract ($10.625 million annual average value) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Fairburn noted that the Sabres enter the offseason with $12.9 million in salary cap space for 2026-27. A new contract for Tuch will eat up most of that and would result in a couple of cost-cutting moves.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey noted that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek recently claimed that the Sabres could part ways with young goaltender Devon Levi. Bailey suggested the Philadelphia Flyers should look into acquiring the 24-year-old netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi was a college star who made a promising debut with the Sabres in 2022-23, but struggled to crack their roster full-time. Maybe Kekalainen would include him in a trade package for a center.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at who could stay or go for the Philadelphia Flyers during the offseason.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov and winger Owen Tippett are among the players Kurz believes won’t be moved unless it’s in a blockbuster trade. Others in the category include Jamie Drysdale, Noah Cates, and Tyson Foerster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov and Tippett surfaced in trade rumors this season. I expect they (and the others on that list) will be back in the Flyers’ lineup this fall.

Defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Garnet Hathaway are among those who could be pushed out if the Flyers make additions via trades or free agency this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen was a fixture in the rumor mill for the past three seasons, but the Flyers held onto him. Barring a significant addition that would an upgrade on the blueline, it’s doubtful he’ll be moved this summer.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco looked at what it could cost the Flyers to sign goaltender Dan Vladar to a contract extension.

Team sources claim the club is comfortable with a five-year deal worth slightly south of $6 million annually. If Vladar seeks closer to $7 million annually, a three-year deal might make sense for both sides.

Di Marco also claimed that the Flyers remain uncertain about what direction they’ll go with backup Samuel Ersson. If they decide to move on, Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a goalie they like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar finally got the chance to be a full-time starting goalie when the Flyers signed him to his current two-year contract. He played a major role in the club exceeding expectations and reaching the playoffs. Both sides will get something done to their mutual satisfaction that ensures he sticks around for at least another three years after next season.

COULD GOLDEN KNIGHTS WINGER PAVEL DOROFEYEV RECEIVE AN OFFER SHEET?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jesse Granger suggested that Pavel Dorofeyev’s scoring exploits in this postseason could make him the target for an offer sheet this summer.

The 25-year-old winger is completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.835 million. He has arbitration rights this summer. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ limited salary cap space could make Dorofeyev an enticing offer-sheet target for clubs seeking scoring depth.

A two-time 35-plus goal scorer, Dorofeyev could get a two-year deal with an AAV of $6.75 million. A six-year extension could reach $8.99 million annually, and an eight-year deal around $9.14.

The Golden Knights have about $11.7 million in projected salary-cap space. They must also re-sign pending UFA defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames in January. It could cost a combined $16 million to retain Dorofeyev and Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goldman and Granger are taking into account the $8.8 million that will be available with Alex Pietrangelo on LTIR. The Golden Knights could find themselves having to shed salary to re-sign Dorofeyev and Andersson or risk losing the former to an offer sheet and the latter to free agency.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

by | May 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Wild, Blackhawks, and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what’s in store for the Buffalo Sabres in the offseason following their elimination from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The first task for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is to nail down a contract extension for Alex Tuch. The 29-year-old power forward is completing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $4.75 million and is in line for a significant raise.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Given the limited depth in this summer’s UFA market, Tuch will be highly coveted by other clubs if he becomes available on July 1.

Meanwhile, forwards Peyton Krebs and Zach Benson are restricted free agents. Krebs has arbitration rights, while Benson is coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored earlier this season that the Tuch camp could seek a deal comparable to the eight-year contract ($10.625 million AAV) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall. The Sabres could prefer signing him for between $8.5 million and $9.5 million. It’ll be interesting to see if they can meet in the middle.

Shilton believes Kekalainen must find “suitable scoring depth, a little extra physicality, and some defensive help.” She noted that there could be some “intriguing names” in this summer’s free-agent market that could help them, such as Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that the Golden Knights have an agreement with Andersson on a new contract, but they must wait until July 1 to make it official once they place sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on offseason LTIR.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin believes his club is in a window now where they could win the Stanley Cup. “If there’s a chance for us to get better, we will,” Guerin said.

Russo and Smith believe Guerin’s objective is to find a No. 1 center. Given how weak this year’s free-agent class is, the Wild GM must find that player in the trade market.

Doing so will mean giving up more of their future after parting with three young assets and a first-round pick last December for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. Speaking of Hughes, Guerin said signing the 26-year-old blueliner to an extension is his top priority.

The Wild have about $15 million in cap space, and that doesn’t include re-signing some of their pending UFAs and re-signing restricted free agents such as Bobby Brink and Daemon Hunt.

TWINCITIES.COM: Dane Mizutani believes Guerin must find that first-line center regardless of the cost. He recommends packaging young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in a trade package, depending on the outcome of Filip Gustavsson’s offseason hip surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s well known that Guerin attempted to acquire a center before the March trade deadline. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers was thought to be the target, but the 33-year-old center prefers to remain on the East Coast or as close as possible.

A recent report claimed Guerin made a trade offer to the St. Louis Blues for center Robert Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. Thomas joins Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils as potential trade targets for the Wild. However, those players carry various forms of no-trade protection, and their teams could be unwilling to move them.

Wallstedt was floated as a trade candidate before the deadline, so it’s unsurprising that he’s come up again. If Gustavsson makes a full recovery and is good to go for the start of next season, Wallstedt could get packaged with draft picks and prospects for a first-line center at some point.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS BE AGGRESSIVE IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson must be more aggressive in this summer’s trade market to acquire high-end players who will accelerate his rebuilding plans.

Pope noted this summer’s shallow free-agent pool could result in a busy summer trade market. He wondered if notables such as winger Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, forward Thomas and Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, or goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be available this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have the cap space and the trade assets in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait if any of those players become available. Thomas, Kyrou, and Hellebuyck all have full no-trade or no-move protection. Robertson doesn’t, but Davidson would have to ensure that he’s willing to sign an extension before pursuing him. 

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating the Blackhawks are willing to trade the signing rights for pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev. He’s in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks offered Mikheyev a contract extension before the March trade deadline, but he rejected it. His signing rights won’t fetch much of a return, but Davidson could bundle him into a trade package in his pursuit of a high-end player.

COULD THE JETS GO THE OFFER SHEET ROUTE?

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates suggested the Winnipeg Jets should target players with offer sheets this summer. He believes it will be difficult to upgrade their roster this summer through free agency, trades, or with the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Ates observed that some exciting young players will be restricted free agents this summer. He proposed that the Jets should target teams facing a salary-cap crunch this summer. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights would be the best target.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre suggested the Jets consider bringing back Patrik Laine on an affordable short-term contract. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer and won’t be re-signed by the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both scenarios seem unlikely, but the Jets targeting Dorofeyev with an offer sheet is more plausible than bringing back Laine.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

by | May 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

Will the Wild soon get clarity about Quinn Hughes’ plans? Which areas must the Maple Leafs improve this summer? What’s the latest on the Panthers and Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST WILD SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes the Minnesota Wild need clarity from Quinn Hughes about his plans as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can sign a contract extension with the Wild on July 1, and he’s indicated that he’s open to that option, but he’s also comfortable with starting next season without one.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If there is no commitment from Hughes on an extension, Amato believes Wild general manager Bill Guerin will have little choice but to shop the former Norris Trophy winner. His trade value would be higher this summer than it would be as a rental player next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that Hughes would one day like to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. However, he sounded like he really enjoyed playing with the Wild this season and seems genuinely interested in discussing an extension with Guerin.

However, the cost of re-signing Hughes is what’s going to be the determining factor for the Wild. They’ve already invested a league-leading average annual value of $17 million for eight seasons in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. As one of the NHL’s elite defensemen, Hughes would be justified in seeking a similar AAV.

The Wild have a projected $48.4 million in cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season of Hughes’ next contract. Nevertheless, some of that cap room will be whittled down by the cost of re-signing or replacing key players between now and then, which could make it difficult to meet whatever Hughes’ asking price might be.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports Filip Gustavsson still sees himself as part of the Wild’s goalie tandem with Jesper Wallstedt next season.

Gustavsson went from being the Wild’s starting goalie during the regular season to backing up Wallstedt during the playoffs. His five-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.8 million begins on July 1.

Following the Olympic break, Gustavsson struggled down the stretch, prompting head coach John Hynes to give Wallstedt the nod during the postseason. Gutavsson said he had no problem with that, admitting that his game wasn’t where he wanted it to be after the Olympics.

Wallstedt was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. Gustavsson acknowledged that his name might surface in the offseason rumor mill, but he’s unconcerned about that possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin could peddle Gustavsson to free up cap space to make additions elsewhere for next season, and to create room for a long-term extension for Quinn Hughes. However, he has a full no-movement clause for this season and for the next two years on his new deal, giving him complete control over that potential situation.

A PROPOSED OFFSEASON SHOPPING LIST FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne recently looked at what should be on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason shopping list.

Bourne believes the Maple Leafs must shore up their depth at center. It’s rumored that Vincent Trocheck could be among the players on their list of trade targets. The 33-year-old New York Rangers center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.275 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether the Leafs could meet the Rangers’ high asking price, and if Trocheck is willing to play for a Canadian team in the Eastern Conference. He’s stated that he prefers to play for a team on or near the East Coast of the United States.

Bourne doesn’t see the Maple Leafs trading winger Matthew Knies even if they draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first-overall pick next month. Moving out the 23-year-old wouldn’t fit with their plans to bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Chayka, the Leafs new GM, has already spoken highly of Knies, sounding as though he intends to retain the young power forward.

Most observers believe Morgan Rielly needs a fresh start elsewhere, and it’s rumored that he agrees with that assessment. If he is moved out, the Leafs will need two new defensemen. Bourne isn’t averse to them signing Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner becomes available in this summer’s free-agent market. However, they’d have to pursue another via trade, given the lack of depth in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Raddysh would be a big gamble for the Leafs or any other NHL club. The 30-year-old’s previous career-high was 37 points in 73 games in 2024-25 before his 70-point campaign this season. Investing big money in him could come back to haunt his new club if he reverts to his 30-point form.

When it comes to the Leafs’ next head coach, Bourne prefers someone with NHL experience, but not a lengthy resume. He suggested former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern, and Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra, who has NHL assistant coaching experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is among Luke Fox’s seven suggested candidates for the Leafs’ coaching job. His list also included former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Minnesota Wild assistant coach (and former New York Islanders head coach) Jack Capuano, David Carle of the NCAA’s Denver Pioneers, Ottawa Senators assistant coach (and former NHL head coach) Mike Yeo, Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, and New York Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco.

WHO’S AVAILABLE FOR THE PANTHERS IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN BOBROVSKY?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently looked at potential trade and free-agent options for the Panthers if long-time starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

The pickings are slim in the UFA market, where the best option besides Bobrovsky is Stuart Skinner. He backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, but his inconsistency led to his midseason trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Connor Hellebucyk could be available, given his recent comments about his unhappiness with the Winnipeg Jets’ direction. He could demand a trade, but with four years left on his contract, it might not force the Jets’ hand. Acquiring him could be expensive.

Another option could be Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility, carries a 10-team no-trade list, and would be more affordable to acquire than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most obvious option for the Panthers is re-signing the 37-year-old Bobrovsky, but inking him to a long-term deal at this stage of his career is risky, especially given the decline in his performance this season.

It’s doubtful the Panthers could outbid other teams for Hellebuyck unless Florida is the only destination he’ll accept. Despite his unhappiness over how this season ended, there’s no indication that he and the Jets are about to part ways.

Binnington would be a more affordable option, but the Blues could hang onto him for next season and listen to trade offers if they’re out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE LATEST RED WINGS GOALIE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported on the rise of promising Red Wings goaltender Michal Postava and how it might affect Sebastian Cossa’s chances of cracking the Wings roster next season.

Postava’s solid play for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids earned him the starter’s job during the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s raised questions about Cossa’s future, who will not be waiver-exempt next season.

Cossa could become an offseason trade candidate. Bultman suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be an obvious fit, but the need for goalies around the league could make the list of potential suitors a long one.