Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

by | May 17, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 17, 2026

Will the Penguins attempt to move one of their long-time veterans? What’s the latest speculation on the Bruins? Could the Kings make Darcy Kuemper a cost-cutting trade candidate? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WILL THE PENGUINS MOVE ON FROM THEIR AGING CORE?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe believes the time has come for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas to make some decisions that could upset the fanbase, suggesting that it’s time to distance himself from nostalgia.

That means parting ways with Evgeni Malkin. Yohe believes the Penguins badly need young players to assert themselves. Giving Malkin a lesser role won’t solve the issue if he’s not good enough for his current one.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

If Dubas brings back Malkin and Kris Letang, then it makes no sense to support their “Big Three” (which includes Sidney Crosby, whose star continues to shine at age 38) with aging players. In that scenario, Yohe suggested shopping the 34-year-old forward Bryan Rust and the 33-year-old winger Rickard Rakell while their value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Malkin returns, Rust and/or Rakell could hit the trade block. Rust lacks no-trade protection, while Rakell has an eight-team no-trade list. Both would draw interest from playoff contenders looking for experienced depth among their top-six forwards.

In a recent mailbag segment, Yohe was asked if the Penguins could be in the sweepstakes for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews or Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid if they became available in the trade market.

Yohe doesn’t see either player landing in Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, he believes the Penguins could have a chance given the allure of playing with Crosby. Their deep prospect pool could also help their cause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews and McDavid have reached the point in their careers where they need to win the Stanley Cup to cement their legacies among the game’s elite superstars. They’ll want to join teams that give them the best opportunity to achieve that goal. Given where the Penguins are right now in their rebuilding process, they’re unlikely to be on either player’s list of preferred trade destinations.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Andrei Svechnikov of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks as potential trade targets for the Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson could become the best player in this summer’s trade market if he and the Stars are unable to agree on a new contract. However, Stars management has made re-signing him a priority, making it unlikely that he’ll be available.

Svechnikov is also unlikely to be available. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an affordable AAV of $7.75 million and a 10-team trade list. The 26-year-old winger is the Hurricanes’ first-line left winger. They have no reason to move him.

Kyrou and Boeser have frequently surfaced in the rumor mill over the past two years and are on rebuilding teams. However, Kyrou has a full no-trade clause and Boeser a full no-move, giving them full control over their situations.

THE LATEST BRUINS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa looked at what a dream offseason would look like for the Boston Bruins.

They include signing Pavel Zacha to a contract extension; re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent winger Viktor Arvidsson; trading backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick; shipping Mason Lohrei, Matthew Poitras, and Christopher Pelosi to the Calgary Flames for Zach Whitecloud, and signing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh to a long-term deal if he becomes available in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Re-signing Zacha and trading Korpisalo seem the more likely to occur, although the latter could end up with another team besides the Rangers. They could re-sign Arvidson, but perhaps they’ll explore other options first. The Flames appear intent on retaining Whitecloud, and Raddysh could prove far too expensive.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley believes the Bruins face a decision with their backup goaltenders. Korpisalo isn’t a bad netminder, but his contract is. He has two more years left on his deal, with the Bruins paying him $3 million of his $4 million annual cap hit.

Meanwhile, promising Michael DiPietro was named the AHL’s MVP and the top goaltender. He carries an affordable $812,500 cap hit through 2026-27, but he’s UFA-eligible next July and must clear waivers to be sent back to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of goaltending depth in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could help the Bruins find a new home for Korpisalo this summer. His 10-team no-trade list could complicate things a bit.

COULD THE KINGS TRADE DARCY KUEMPER?

MAYOR’S MANOR: Scott Coffman recently observed that the Los Angeles Kings face a salary cap crunch this summer. While the salary cap is rising to $104 million for 2026-27, the Kings aren’t expected to spend to that ceiling.

The Kings need to re-sign restricted free-agent defenseman Brandt Clarke, potentially re-sign UFA-eligible forward Scott Laughton, and find a legitimate second-line center via a trade or free agency.

Trading Darcy Kuemper could be one way to free up salary cap space to address those needs. He has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.25 million. Backup Anton Forsberg played well this season, supplanting Kuemper as their starter in the playoffs. They also have Erik Portillo in their system, giving them three goalies under NHL contracts.

Demoting Portillo and his $833,333 would provide the least amount of cap relief. Trading Kuemper would free up $1.45 million after adding Portillo to replace him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kuemper’s inconsistency in recent years could affect attempts to trade him if the Kings wish to go that route. He also has a 10-team no-trade list. Nevertheless, the limited number of quality goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could improve the Kings’ chances of finding a suitable trade partner.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

by | May 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Wild’s offseason plans, an update on the Flyers, and the Flames could be active in this summer’s trade market.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin could revisit his efforts to land a center. They report that Guerin attempted to do so before the March trade deadline, but a deal never materialized.

Guerin has already traded many assets in recent years, so he and his staff must decide how much more of their future they’re willing to mortgage.

Trade assets could include Jesper Wallstedt, Danila Yurov, Bobby Brink, Daemon Hunt, Charlie Stramel, and future first-round picks.

Roster players with modified no-trade clauses include Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jared Spurgeon, Marcus Foligno, and Jake Middleton. Meanwhile, Jonas Brodin, Nico Sturm, and Yakov Trenin lack no-trade protection.

Russo and Smith listed several players they believe Guerin might look into acquiring to address his club’s need for a first-line center. They include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They also included winger Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, but he and Senators management have made it clear that he’s not available.

Matthews might become available if the Maple Leafs new management fails to sell him on their plans for the club. However, we don’t know if Minnesota would be on his list of preferred trade destinations, and if the Wild could afford him.

Russo and Smith reported sources claimed Guerin attempted to acquire Devils defenseman Luke Hughes earlier this season. They admit it’s unlikely that new Devils GM Sunny Mehta would trade Jack Hughes and Hischier, unless the latter is unwilling to sign a contract extension this summer. It’s also doubtful that Mehta will part with Luke.

The Red Wings could also seek depth at center this summer, making it unlikely they’ll part with Larkin. Russo and Smith reported that Guerin offered up Wallstedt and Yurov as part of a trade package for Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. That tells me the Blues prefer to retain Thomas as they rebuild with younger talent.

Trocheck could be the best available option, provided the Wild aren’t on his no-trade list. He made it known that his preference is to remain in the East.

TWINCITIES.COM: Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is open to signing a contract extension. The 26-year-old Hughes has one season remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million, and can sign an extension as early as July 1.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“I really like it here,” Hughes said. “I would definitely be open to re-signing.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s music to Guerin’s ears, but the question is, how much will it cost? The Wild have Kirill Kaprizov set to earn a league-leading $17 million annually starting this July. Hughes could seek as much or more.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: If Hughes and the Wild can’t agree to an extension, James Nichols suggested Devils GM Sunny Mehta make a bold move to acquire him.

The bold part would be offering up center Nico Hischier if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with the Devils. Nichols suggested bundling him with a promising defenseman such as Simon Nemec or Anton Silayev, a first-round pick, and another piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both clubs must ensure Hughes and Hischier agree to contract extensions with their new clubs as part of the deal. Otherwise, they’ll just be swapping two contract headaches, with the risk that both could hit the open market next summer.

NO BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER FOR THE FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere continues to preach patience with his rebuilding plans.

While exceeding expectations by making the playoffs and reaching the second round, Briere insists his club is still in the growth part of the rebuild.

The Flyers could use a top-line center and a defenseman who can quarterback the power play. Briere said he’s keeping his options open if there’s a deal out there that could improve the club and would make sense for the long term.

Nevertheless, with some of their younger players arriving sooner than expected, Briere has the leeway to remain patient with his roster. Those players include forwards Porter Martone, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey. Meanwhile, winger Matvei Michkov is expected to improve after struggling through his sophomore campaign.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James also noted Briere’s comments and the rise of several promising young Flyers.

James noted the way Barkey and Trevor Zegras improved their roles at center this season. They also have promising Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt in their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out Briere making a significant addition or two this summer. However, he seems to be tamping down expectations for such a move, putting his trust in those young players already in the lineup and in their system.

THE FLAMES COULD BE BUSY IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources have told him that the Calgary Flames could be open to trading “just about anybody” on their roster.

The exceptions would be goaltender Dustin Wolf, forward Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato, and defenseman Zayne Parekh.

Trade candidates include forwards Blake Coleman, Yegor Sharangovich, Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, and Joel Farabee.

The Flames would probably like to move Jonathan Huberdeau, but his hefty contract means there’s little chance of that happening. Center Ryan Strome and defenseman Zach Whitecloud could be trade pieces, but their veteran experience could make them more valuable to the rebuilding Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has been in a full-fledged rebuild for the past two seasons. Players on expiring contracts eligible for UFA status next summer (like Coleman) are the most likely to move.

Those players listed by Di Marco could indeed become trade bait, but that doesn’t mean Conroy is staging a fire sale and will ship them all out. He’ll be open to offers that will fetch promising young NHL players, prospects, and draft picks.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2026

by | May 15, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the Ducks, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ANAHEIM DUCKS?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at the keys for the offseason for the Anaheim Ducks after they were eliminated from the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The biggest challenge facing general manager Pat Verbeek will be signing young stars Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson to new contracts as they emerge from their entry-level deals. Young defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger are also completing their ELCs.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Verbeek has a reputation for playing hardball with players coming off their entry-level deals, as Mason McTavish learned last summer and former Duck Trevor Zegras discovered in 2023. Their negotiations dragged on throughout the summer and into training camp, which adversely affected their performances once they were under contract.

However, Gauthier, 22, and the 21-year-old Carlsson were their leading scorers during this season and in the playoffs, playing significant roles in the rebuilding Ducks ending their seven-year postseason drought. It will be interesting to see how Verbeek handles those two.

Mintuykov surfaced in the rumor mill earlier this season when he started seeing less playing time. However, that changed as the season went on, finishing this season with an average ice time of 18:26.

Clark also noted that veteran defensemen John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas are UFA-eligible this summer. He pointed out that the Ducks have plenty of projected salary-cap space, but it could be difficult to re-sign everyone.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have over $40 million in projected cap space, but that doesn’t mean they’ll spend to the cap ceiling. New deals for Gauthier and Carlsson will take up a significant portion.

They are reportedly in contract talks with Carlson. They could also bring back Trouba. The 35-year-old Gudas could be the odd man out.

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens doesn’t rule out Verbeek making a franchise-altering move for an established star this summer. He pointed out that players such as Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, and “even Brady Tkachuk” of the Ottawa Senators could be available in the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews could be available if he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with new Leafs GM John Chayka’s vision for the club. The Stars intend to re-sign Robertson even if it means shedding salary to free up room.

The Blues set a very high asking price for Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause and isn’t keen to move on. Tkachuk has already shot down the latest spate of trade rumors, so no, he’s going to be available this summer. Speaking of Tkachuk…

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looked at the obstacles preventing the Rangers from acquiring Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk. The speculation over his future persists despite his repeatedly reaffirming his commitment to the Senators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: “This is the song that doesn’t end. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was. And they’ll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that doesn’t end…”

I don’t deny that Tkachuk could decide at some point over the remaining two years of his contract that he won’t win a Stanley Cup in Ottawa and must move on. Or that the Senators could trade him next summer if he won’t commit to a contract extension.

However, we’re not there yet, and Tkachuk and the Senators have made it clear that he’s not going anywhere this summer. If the Rangers want Tkachuk, they’ll have to wait until at least next summer at the earliest to find out, and even then, they might not have sufficient tradeable assets to outbid other clubs on his list of preferred trade destinations.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle looked at what’s next for Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka after firing head coach Craig Berube earlier this week.

Apart from finding a new bench boss, Mirtle believes Chayka has a shopping list “filled with incredibly hard-to-add items.” They include finding a mobile top defenseman to anchor the power play, a top-six forward for Auston Matthews’ line, a “minute-eating center who can play difficult minutes,” and improved depth at nearly every position except perhaps in goal.

Mirtle pointed out that Chayka doesn’t have the luxury of a deep prospect pool or high draft picks to use as trade currency. He also doesn’t have much of value to trade from the roster if the goal is finding immediate help.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs do have the first-overall pick and young power forward Matthew Knies. Either of those could help land a player who can address one of those issues. However, trading that pick sacrifices a big piece of the future, while moving Knies to add, say, a No. 1 defenseman would mean finding two top-six forwards instead of one.

Meanwhile, Mirtle’s colleague Chris Johnston reports league sources claim Matthews is interested in seeing what changes occur during the draft and free-agent period rather than hearing what could theoretically happen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka has to sell Matthews on his vision for the Maple Leafs. That’s going to be difficult if he can’t sufficiently bolster the roster during that time.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2026

by | May 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 14, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: what’s next for the Wild, more speculation about Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, and potential cost-cutting trade candidates for the Stars.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WILD?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looks at what’s ahead for the Minnesota Wild following their second-round elimination by the Colorado Avalanche.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin has eight players slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer. They include Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello, Nick Foligno, Marcus Johansson, Michael McCarron, Zach Bogosian, and Jeff Petry.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have just over $13.5 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27, with 17 active roster players under contract.

Zuccarello should be back for sure, given his value to the Wild. Johansson and Tarasenko might also return on affordable short-term deals if they remain interested in playing for a contender. McCarron’s physical style could also earn him a new contract.

Clark believes the Wild must consider adding top-six help. He noted that they will have limited cap space for next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that Guerin was in the market for a first or second-line center before the March trade deadline. The Wild were linked to Vincent Trocheck, but there’s no certainty the 33-year-old New York Rangers center would agree to be traded to Minnesota when his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference.

Guerin must balance his need to add a center for his top-two forward lines with signing some of those pending UFAs to affordable contracts.

THE LATEST MATTHEW KNIES SPECULATION

TSN: During an appearance on “Overdrive” with Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan, Chris Johnston discussed the potential trade strategies this summer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Among them was what type of return Matthew Knies might fetch in the trade market.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Knies surfaced in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline as former Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was reportedly listening to offers for the 24-year-old power forward.

Johnston wondered if new Maple Leafs GM John Chayka would reopen those Knies discussions. He believes a key part of that deal would be what the Leafs would get back for a defenseman if they’re going to take a forward with the first-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Asked why Knies’ name came up in the trade market before the March deadline, Johnston said his lack of no-trade protection was the biggest factor. Trying to move someone like William Nylander would be difficult because his no-movement clause limits where he might prefer to go.

Johnston said he spoke with someone who works for an NHL team who claimed they would be willing to give up more for Knies than for Leafs superstar Auston Matthews. That’s because Matthews has only two years left on his deal, while they would have five years of Knies in his prime. Johnston claimed one team offered six pieces for Knies before the trade deadline, but it wasn’t good enough for Treliving.

There’s a new front office in Toronto now, and they might not be as willing to move Knies. However, Johnston isn’t ruling it out.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those six pieces were probably mostly draft picks and prospects, whereas Treliving was seeking a return that would provide more immediate help for his struggling roster.

Recent reports suggest Chayka thinks highly of Knies and doesn’t seem keen to move him. We’ll see if that’s the case as the offseason unfolds.

WHICH MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS STARS COULD BECOME COST-CUTTING CANDIDATES?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos listed four players the Stars could trade to create enough cap space to sign winger Jason Robertson to a new contract.

Robertson, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who is also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He’s completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million. Robertson could seek a deal comparable to the eight-year, $96 million contract ($12 million AAV) signed by teammate Mikko Rantanen last year.

Assimakopoulos listed forwards Radek Faksa ($2 million annually through 2027-28), Sam Steel (one year at $2.1 million), and defensemen Ilya Lyubushkin (one year, $3.25 million) and Tyler Myers (one year, $1.5 million) as potential trade candidates.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars have a projected $11 million in cap space for next season with 19 active roster players signed. How much Robertson gets will determine which (or how many) of those four will be moved.

Myers seems the most likely, as he wasn’t a good fit after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks before the trade deadline. However, his struggles with the Stars could also hurt his trade value.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

by | May 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 13, 2026

The latest on Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs, Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins, and Matvei Michkov of the Flyers in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE OR RETAIN MATTHEWS AND RIELLY?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently examined what’s next for the Toronto Maple Leafs and team captain Auston Matthews.

Matthews has surfaced in the rumor mill amid reports claiming the 28-year-old superstar center isn’t sure if he’ll return to the Maple Leafs this fall. He’s under contract for two more seasons, and Kypreos noted that Matthew’s agent, Judd Moldaver, hasn’t spoken out against the rumors.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Kypreos noted the Maple Leafs have yet to confirm if head coach Craig Berube will be back. He believes they’ll conduct due diligence on Matthews before committing to a coach. He also believes the Leafs must act quickly to confirm Matthews’ status. The longer Matthews remains silent on this matter, the louder the speculation becomes.

**UPDATE** The Maple Leafs fired Berube this morning. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews likely wants to find out first what the Leafs’ plans are under their management. John Chayka, the Leafs’ new general manager, is expected to meet with his team captain soon.

If Matthews is on board with Chayka’s vision, he won’t be going anywhere. If he’s not, that could lead to a blockbuster trade this summer. For now, we have to wait.

TSN: During a May 11 appearance on “First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo”, NHL insider Darren Dreger said that Maple Leafs management is expected to meet with Morgan Rielly to discuss the possibility of the 32-year-old defenseman waiving his no-movement clause.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly said that he wanted to stay with the Maple Leafs and be part of their retooling process, but he also acknowledged the possibility of a new Leafs general manager asking him to waive his clause.

However, it might not be easy to move Rielly. He’s signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $7.5 million and has a full NMC through 2027-28. His production has declined, and he seems to have lost a step over the past couple of seasons.

PENGUINS COULD BRING BACK MALKIN, BUT MIGHT NOT SPEND TO THE CAP MAXIMUM

THE SCORE: Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said his club would love to bring back Evgeni Malkin next season. The 39-year-old forward completed his 20th season with the club and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Dubas cited Malkin’s resilience and ability to bounce back after a down year. He also indicated that the Penguins currently have no one in their prospect pipeline who can step up and replace the future Hall of Famer in their lineup for next season.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: Tim Benz reported Dubas hinted he might not spend to next season’s salary cap of $104 million.

The Penguins have over $42 million in cap space for next season, the highest among all NHL clubs. However, Dubas cautioned that he might not be spending as much as people think come July. He said that he didn’t want to burn through all that cap space and have nothing left in a year or two when better trade and free-agent options might become available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The lack of quality talent in this summer’s UFA market could partly explain why Malkin might be back next season, and why Dubas is cautioning Penguins followers not to get their hopes up for some major additions this summer.

That doesn’t mean Dubas won’t be eyeing the trade market to see who’s available who might improve the Penguins. Instead of acquiring established NHL stars, it could be more affordable to acquire short-term options or younger players with potential. That might not be a bad thing, as he brought in Egor Chinakhov, Samuel Girard, Elmer Soderblom, and Arturs Silovs that way.

If Dubas goes the trade route, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested the Penguins’ best trade chips are winger Rickard Rakell, prospects such as Tristan Broz, Owen Pickering, and Rutger McGroarty, and their 19 picks in the first three rounds of the next four NHL drafts.

FLYERS WON’T GIVE UP ON MICHKOV

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco weighed in on the speculation about Matvei Michkov’s future with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 21-year-old winger had a difficult sophomore campaign, reporting to training camp out of shape, and at times having his playing time reduced or being benched by new head coach Rick Tocchet for his inconsistent play.

The Flyers aren’t in a hurry to run Michkov out of town. He remains a valuable part of their rebuild. Besides, trading him during a down year wouldn’t be the best asset management. Nevertheless, he’s no longer considered “untouchable”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: William James of Philly Hockey Now noted that Michkov was in a positive mood while talking to reporters during his end-of-season media availability. He cited the youngster’s appreciation of the Flyers fans and his determination to improve.

We can’t fully dismiss the possibility of Michkov getting traded this summer if the Flyers receive an irresistible offer, such as an established first-line center. However, it’s more likely that he’ll return to the club next season in better shape and motivated to silence his critics.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 12, 2026

by | May 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 12, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest on the Avalanche and Senators, plus an update on Matthew Knies’s status as a trade candidate.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak recently looked at the offseason decisions facing the Colorado Avalanche with the salary cap for next season set at $104 million.

The good news is that most of their core players are under contract for next season. They have 17 active roster players signed through 2026-27. The bad news is they have less than $3 million in salary cap space, with four players eligible to become unrestricted free agents (including Brent Burns and Brent Kulak) and two players (including Jack Drury) becoming restricted free agents.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images)

Masisak wondered what kind of megadeal Cale Makar will get to re-sign with the Avalanche. The 27-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from UFA status. He can sign an extension as early as July 1, which would go into effect next July.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov set a new standard with his contract extension that will pay him $17 million annually starting on July 1. Makar or Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes could exceed that on their next contracts.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The maximum individual salary for next season is $20.8 million. It wouldn’t be shocking if Makar (and Hughes) end up earning $20 million annually on their next contracts, either with their current clubs or elsewhere next summer as UFAs.

Masisak believes if the 42-year-old Burns wants to return, it’ll have to be on another one-year, $1 million contract. Kulak will have to accept a cap hit lower than his current $2.75 million to stay with the Avalanche after this season. Meanwhile, Drury has become a solid No. 4 center for the Avs. He has arbitration rights this summer, but he didn’t have great numbers this year. If the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, Drury is the type of player who would be in demand in the trade market.

Ross Colton could become a trade candidate if the Avalanche needs to shed some salary to re-sign other players. He’s struggled offensively the past two seasons and began this postseason as a healthy scratch. Colton has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton is the most obvious trade candidate, but his 12-team no-trade list gives him some measure of control over where he could go.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently compiled a “to-do list” for Senators general manager Steve Staios.

Topping the list is the Senators’ need for a 30-goal right winger with speed on center Tim Stutzle’s line. According to Garrioch, league sources claim St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou is available, but the asking price could be a high-end player, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou also has a full no-trade clause and could be unwilling to waive it. If he is open to a trade, it might not be to the Senators.

Garrioch also mentioned that there’s talk that the Seattle Kraken might move winger Jared McCann, but his production has declined.

The Senators also hope to add a big defenseman who can play big minutes. They could attempt to address that issue from within with promising blueliner Carter Yakemchuk. He doesn’t see them winning a bidding war for Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman hits the open market on July 1.

Garrioch indicated the Senators kicked tires on Blues rearguard Colton Parayko, who refused to waive his no-movement clause to go to the Buffalo Sabres. With the Blues in rebuild mode, Garrioch wondered if he might be open to a trade this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parayko has a full no-trade, not a full no-move clause. Regardless, he seemed determined to stay in St. Louis. The Blues are retooling more than rebuilding and could rebound next season. If he is willing to accept a trade, there’s no certainty he’ll join the Senators, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

The Senators reportedly pushed hard to acquire Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, but couldn’t get it done before the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen’s solid play with the Flyers this season could ensure he stays with them for at least the final season of his current contract.

Garrioch believes the Senators must also find a reliable backup for starter Linus Ullmark. He suggested keeping an eye on pending UFA goalie Stuart Skinner, who isn’t expected to be back with the Pittsburgh Penguins next summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner will likely want to sign with a club where he’ll have the chance to be the starting goalie. He won’t get that opportunity in Ottawa with Ullmark already filling that role.

AN UPDATE ON MATTHEW KNIES

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox was asked about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading Matthew Knies with John Chayka as their general manager.

Knies has been the subject of trade speculation since the March deadline, but he doesn’t seem like he wants out of Toronto. Meanwhile, Chayka doesn’t sound like he’s keen to move Knies, having had his eye on the power forward since his days with the Junior Coyotes.

Chayka told Fox that he considers Knies to be a “really unique player”, adding that it would be hard-pressed to do better than Knies if you’re trying to improve the team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The change in Leafs management makes it less likely that Knies will be available in this summer’s trade market. One can’t rule out the possibility that they get an irresistible offer, but it appears that Chayka sees him as a key part of the Leafs’ lineup.