NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

by | Apr 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

A list of RFA players ineligible for offer sheets, an update on the Predators’ search for a new general manager, and the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LIST OF RFAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE OFFER SHEETS THIS SUMMER.

PUCKPEDIA: recently released their list of Group 2 restricted free agents classified as 10.2(C) players, making them ineligible for offer sheets or arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article linked above explains the criteria players must meet to avoid becoming 10.2(C) RFAs.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

The notable players this year include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Nikita Grebenkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m linking to this because a few readers have mentioned Gauthier, Nikishin, and Graf as potential offer sheet targets.

There are two ways these players change teams this summer. One is if their respective teams don’t qualify their rights, and they become unrestricted free agents. The other is trading them. I don’t foresee either situation occurring for Gauthier, Nikishin, Graf, and Grebenkin.

PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently reported on the Nashville Predators’ search for a new general manager to replace Barry Trotz, who intends to step down as soon as his replacement is found.

The Predators sought permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak with assistant general manager Brandon Pridham. Former Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has also been linked to the Predators.

Florida Panthers assistant general manager Brett Peterson and Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott are believed to be on the Predators’ search list. Former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has also been mentioned as a candidate.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Predators could be about to begin in-person interviews with the candidates. He believes that Peterson and Scott are among them, along with Dallas Stars assistant general manager Scott White and possibly former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka.

Friedman believes Predators current assistant GM Jeff Kealty could be in the mix. He also thinks they reached out to player agent Matt Kater. Friedman brought up Tom Fitzgerald, given the uncertainty about the New Jersey Devils general manager this season.

CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger addressed recent rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could make a management shakeup, saying that Patrik Allvin has no intention of leaving as general manager. Dreger said Allvin remains “highly regarded” as GM of the team.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2026

by | Apr 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2026

Could the Penguins pursue Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews? What moves could the Leafs make to bounce back next season? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Josh Yohe was asked if he thought the Pittsburgh Penguins would pursue Auston Matthews if the Toronto Maple Leafs captain became available this summer.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Given the previous relationship between Matthews and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, Yohe would be surprised if the latter didn’t look into it. He noted that the Penguins have the salary-cap space and trade pieces to make a deal.

Yohe believes the Maple Leafs would want promising Penguins forward Ben Kindel as part of the return, and he doesn’t know if Dubas would want to trade him. He also doesn’t know how keen the Maple Leafs would be to trade Matthews to the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs downturn this season has fueled speculation over Matthews’ future in Toronto. He has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $13.25 million and a full no-movement clause.

Yohe pointed out that he doesn’t know what’s going to happen with the Maple Leafs, or what Matthews might be thinking. That’s currently the consensus among most NHL pundits. For all we know, Matthews will be patient and see how things shake out next season under new management.

If so, the earliest Matthews would hit the trade block is next summer if he informs Maple Leafs management that he intends to go to market in July 2028. The last thing they’ll want is a repeat of the Mitch Marner saga, where uncertainty over his future hung over the club throughout last season.

Matthews would have complete control over the situation. If he becomes available, Dubas will likely look into it, but there’s no guarantee he’d want to go to Pittsburgh.

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne proposed several ways for the Maple Leafs to improve next season.

One way would be to add a reliable right wing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the Maple Leafs’ first line. Bourne believes they don’t need to pursue a superstar to fill that role, suggesting they find a playmaker who is good defensively. He proposed going the free-agent route this summer by signing Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins or Jaden Schwartz of the Seattle Kraken.

Bourne also believes the Maple Leafs must add another meaningful defenseman. A possible UFA option could be Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He also thinks they should bring in a capable middle-six center such as Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs lack tradeable assets this summer. However, they possess over $23 million in projected salary-cap space next season with 19 active roster players under contract, including all their core players. They can afford to add this summer. 

This summer’s UFA market is thin on talent, which could send more teams into the trade market. That could leave the market open for the Maple Leafs to bring in some decent short-term options to help them stage a turnaround next season.

The downside is that players like Arvidsson, Schwartz, Coyle, and Raddysh might not be available. If they are, the Maple Leafs could end up overpaying to bring them to Toronto. There’s also no certainty that they’ll fit in with the roster.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2026

by | Apr 2, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 2, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, William Nylander talks about his future, plus some potential candidates for the Maple Leafs’ vacant GM position.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston report William Nylander wants to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs through a roster retool, but not if they’re going to stage a complete rebuild.

“Unless it was a full rebuild and we were going to get rid of everybody, then it’s a different story,” Nylander said. “But just to do a retool or whatever, I don’t even know, but I mean, I still want to be here, yeah.”

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (NHL Images)

Nylander said he spoke with former Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving before the trade deadline about the club’s direction. He indicated that Treliving wanted to retool. “That sounded fine to me,” Nylander said.

The Maple Leafs fired Treliving on Monday, but Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment president Keith Pelley said the team was inclined to retool in part because of foundational players like Nylander.

Questions have been raised about team captain Auston Matthews’ future with the Maple Leafs. Nylander said he’s not ready yet to say whether Matthews’ decision would affect his own.

Nylander is signed through 2031-32 with an average annual value of $11.5 million and a full no-movement clause. He believes the Maple Leafs can bounce back, as the Boston Bruins did this season, after finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference last season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Matthews forces a trade this summer or next summer, or departs as a free agent in 2028, Nylander could be eyeing the exit. Retooling the Maple Leafs isn’t possible without their franchise player. But if the Leafs don’t bounce back next season, Matthews could decide his future no longer rests in Toronto. If he goes, Nylander could follow.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau listed five potential candidates to fill the vacant Maple Leafs’ general manager role.

If the Maple Leafs decide to retool the roster, Proteau suggested Chris Pronger and Brandon Pridham, the Leafs’ assistant GM. If they opt to rebuild, he proposed Mark Hunter of the OHL’s London Knights, Steve Yzerman if the Detroit Red Wings fire him as their GM, and Leafs assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser.

RG.ORG: Sergey Demidov reports former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka could be a candidate. Demidov revealed that Chayka interviewed with the Maple Leafs in February.

Chayka was the Coyotes GM from 2016 until 2020, when he abruptly resigned. The league suspended him through 2021 for “conduct detrimental to the league.” He was found to have pursued other opportunities while still under contract and to have been involved in an illegal pre-draft scouting combine.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Other candidates proposed by pundits include St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, former Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, and former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis.

Chayka and Gillis have been mentioned because Pelley indicated that he seeks a “data-driven” person for the job. Both were forward-thinking during their time as general managers with their use of analytics.

Speculation about who the Maple Leafs would hire as their next general manager was going to dominate headlines because of who they are and the market they’re in. Pelley’s deadline of the end of May to have a new GM in place will ensure this story continues to percolate in the rumor mill.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2026

by | Apr 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2026

Who are the potential candidates to become the next GM of the Maple Leafs? Are management changes coming for the Devils and Canucks? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS’ GM SEARCH

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes that Keith Pelley, the head of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, tipped his hand when he said that he favors retooling the Maple Leafs roster over a rebuild. He expects it will be a cue card for the potential candidates for the job.

Darren Dreger reports former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was at least working on retooling the roster before he was fired. Treliving was hoping to use some of the draft picks that he acquired before last month’s trade deadline as trade collateral to acquire a good young defenseman. The Leafs also need a center to take some of the load off John Tavares.

Chris Johnston indicated that Pelley is seeking a data-minded person for the GM job. The Leafs will hire a search firm to help them find some potential candidates.

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong (NHL.com).

LeBrun mentioned that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been linked to the Maple Leafs. Armstrong is stepping down from his current role at the end of this season, but he’s under contract as the Blues’ president of hockey operations. It would be up to Blues owner Tom Stillman whether he’ll permit clubs to speak with Armstrong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic doesn’t expect Stillman to grant permission for the Leafs to talk to Armstrong about their vacant management position. The Blues owner would prefer that Armstrong stick around to help the incoming GM, Alexander Steen.

Johnston mentioned that Pelley has reached out to sidelined Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. It’s expected there will be more discussions between the two regarding the club’s direction. Matthews has two years remaining on his contract.

In his column for The Athletic, LeBrun mentioned former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis as a potential candidate. He also believes the Maple Leafs could be looking at multiple hires, with a veteran hand paired with an up-and-comer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “veteran hand” would likely end up in the hockey operations role, while the “up-and-comer” gets the general manager’s chair.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes there will be plenty of interest in the Leafs GM job. He wondered if former Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi would be a candidate for the Leafs job. Lombardi currently works with the Philadelphia Flyers. Other possibilities could be Pittsburgh Penguins assistant GM Jason Spezza and Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta.

COULD THE DEVILS AND CANUCKS SHAKE UP THEIR MANAGEMENT?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos observed that Tom Fitzgerald holds the president of hockey operations and general manager titles. However, some are wondering if they might break up those roles.

Kypreos speculated they could hire a new hockey ops president, keep Fitzgerald around for one more season, and evaluate from there. It’s believed he’s preparing for the worst because he’s been on the hot seat this season.

FULL PRESS MEDIA: Jim Biringer wondered if the Maple Leafs firing of Brad Treliving might lead to a management change for the Devils.

It’s been rumored that Devils ownership might be contemplating some sort of change in the front office. However, Fitzgerald has maintained that he’s been in sync with ownership and the coaching staff.

If the Devils make a management change, Biringer believes it won’t come from within.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems a safer choice to hire a new president and give Fitzgerald one more season to redeem himself. However, the Devils ownership could have an eye on whoever applies for the Leafs’ job and perhaps interview those who didn’t get that role.

Kypreos also noted that changes are coming for the Vancouver Canucks, but it remains unclear to what extent they will take. He’s heard that GM Patrik Allvin doesn’t expect to survive the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin is the right-hand man of Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations. It would be an interesting move by Rutherford to hand Allvin his walking papers.

Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance of The Athletic isn’t sure just how far they are willing to go as they attempt to move on from this disastrous season. He thinks the organization should face some measure of accountability, but it remains to be seen what that could be.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2026

by | Mar 31, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 31, 2026

A list of several proposed trade destinations for Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, and the latest on the Rangers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BETWEEN THE POSTS: Former Toronto sports pundit Howard Berger reports a “good source” told him that Auston Matthews won’t be back with the Maple Leafs.

Berger’s source claimed the 28-year-old center and team captain would be traded this summer to one of three teams: the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, or the Utah Mammoth. Because Matthews grew up in the southwestern United States, those clubs would apparently top Matthews’ list of preferred trade destinations.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings would probably love to land Matthews as a replacement for the retiring Anze Kopitar. However, they might not have sufficient trade capital to win the bidding for his services, unless the Kings are the only team he’d want to be traded to.

BLEACHER REPORT: Based on Berger’s report, Hannah Stuart compiled what the trade packages might look like for the Ducks and Mammoth to acquire Matthews, but she included the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks as destinations.

Stuart admits she is working within the framework of “pie in the sky trade that could still possibly happen”, but that’s because “Leafs fans deserve some nice things sometimes.”

From the Ducks, Stuart proposed a return of center Mason McTavish, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, and a second-round pick, with the Maple Leafs retaining 50 percent of Matthews’ $13.25 million average annual value through 2027-28.

Stuart pitched an offer of prospect Tij Iginla, winger JJ Peterka, and a second-round pick from the Mammoth, with the Maple Leafs retaining 50 percent of Matthew’s cap hit. From the Flyers, Porter Martone, Rasmus Ristolainen, and a second-rounder, with the Maple Leafs retaining 25 percent.

From the Sharks, Stuart proposed an offer of William Eklund, Sam Dickinson, and a third-rounder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that there has been nothing to suggest Matthews and the Maple Leafs will part ways this summer. There has been only some media speculation based on the club’s poor performance this season and the Leafs’ lack of reaction when Radko Gudas of the Ducks ended Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit two weeks ago.

Matthews has two years left on his contract. He could remain patient and see whether the moves Leafs management makes this summer help the club rebound next season.

If Matthews tells management he wants to be traded, most observers will likely scoff at Stuart’s proposed offers. However, his full no-movement clause means he’ll only agree to be traded to a handful of teams.

As we’ve seen in recent years with the trades of Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin, those clubs will have the leverage, especially when Matthews reaches the final season of his contract. In that case, Stuart’s proposed trade offers could be better than what the Leafs might actually get.

Anyway, feel free to weigh in with your reaction to those pitches, and let us know what type of return you think Matthews might fetch in the trade market.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh recently evaluated the recent trades of New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury as he attempts to retool the roster.

Baugh observed that younger players traded away by Drury (Kaapo Kakko, K’Andre Miller) have improved with their new clubs. He believes the Rangers must examine what went wrong with their handling of Kakko and Miller before bringing in more young talent.

If the Rangers are headed toward a full rebuild, the addition of aging center J.T. Miller looks ill-advised, making the club older while costing them a first-round pick in the process.

Baugh is concerned about how Drury intends to retool after moving on from Artemi Panarin. He noted that this summer’s free-agent class is weak, and the Rangers don’t have as many trade chips as other clubs closer to contention. While the Blueshirts will have salary-cap space to add to their roster, Baugh believes it works only if there are players to use it on.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Center Vincent Trocheck remains a significant trade chip for the Rangers. That lack of quality talent in this summer’s free-agent pool could force teams to turn to the trade market. Those who were reluctant to meet Drury’s asking price for Trocheck at the trade deadline could be more willing to do so in the offseason.

Nevertheless, Baugh makes some good points about the Rangers’ development system and how they might not be as enticing a destination for top talent hoping to join a playoff contender. It will take some significant salesmanship by Drury to pull it off.

What say you, Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments below.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 30, 2026

by | Mar 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 30, 2026

Do Patrik Laine, Arber Xhekaj, and Jayden Struble fit into the Canadiens’ plans beyond this season? Could Ducks center Mason McTavish become an offseason trade chip? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: A reader asked Stu Cowan if Patrik Laine will play another game for the Canadiens. The 27-year-old winger was sidelined in October by abdominal surgery. He’s been practicing with the team for weeks, but there hasn’t been any room for him in their current lineup.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Cowan noted the rebuilding Canadiens needed Laine’s offense in 2024-25, and wouldn’t have squeaked into the 2025 playoffs without him. However, the Canadiens are this season’s third-highest-scoring team, and no longer need his power-play contributions. He doesn’t fit into the Canadiens’ fast-paced style of play this season.

Laine is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Cowan believes he will seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have been battling for the sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline all season. Xhekaj has been a healthy scratch in several recent games as Struble has moved past him on the depth chart.

However, Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if both defensemen were traded during the offseason. Promising young blueliners David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom could be ready to make the jump to the NHL next season. General manager Kent Hughes could also be in the market for a veteran right-shot defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been another difficult season for the oft-injured Laine. There simply isn’t any room for him now with the improving young Canadiens, who are expected to soon welcome prospect forward Michael Hage into their lineup.

Laine’s injury history means he won’t be getting any lucrative long-term offers in this summer’s free-agent market. Nevertheless, his big shot should help him land with another NHL club seeking a power-play specialist, though he’ll likely have to accept a significant pay cut on a one-year contract.

Xhekaj’s physical style has made him a fan favorite in Montreal, but he’s struggled to nail down a full-time spot on the Canadiens’ third defense pairing. A strong performance in the upcoming playoffs might help him, as his style of play seems better-suited to the postseason’s physical grind.

However, with those promising youngsters knocking on the door, this could be Xhekaj’s final season with the Canadiens. He might’ve been part of that mysterious blockbuster trade that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was working on before the trade deadline.

Struble seems the least likely to be moved this summer, but that doesn’t ensure his long-term future in Montreal. He could be moved next season if Engstrom or Reinbacher make the club.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton recently spoke with Felix Sicard of the Crash the Pond podcast regarding Mason McTavish’s future with the Anaheim Ducks.

McTavish missed most of training camp last fall before signing his six-year, $42 million contract. The 24-year-old center has struggled this season and was recently scratched from a couple of games. He has 14 goals and 34 points in 66 games.

Sicard noted that McTavish was supposed to have nailed down the second-line center position. His struggles could be attributable to missing camp or playing under a new head coach. Sicard doesn’t think it’s reached the point where McTavish will get traded, but he didn’t dismiss the possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sicard also pointed out that the Ducks have succeeded this season despite McTavish’s difficulties. That could make his future in Anaheim less certain than it was a year ago.

Nevertheless, I concur with Sicard that it’s unlikely McTavish will be traded this summer. The Ducks will remain patient and anticipate a bounce-back performance from him next season.