NHL Rumor Mill – March 19, 2026

by | Mar 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 19, 2026

Check out the recent Penguins speculation and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports there’s a feeling within the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization that Sidney Crosby could stick around for a while. The 38-year-old center and team captain is happy with the club’s direction. Crosby has a year left on his current deal, but no one Yohe has spoken to believes it will be his last. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have really turned things around this season under head coach Dan Muse. Meanwhile, general manager Kyle Dubas’ efforts to transition to a younger roster over the past two years have been paying off.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is in the late stages of his career but remains among the league’s elite stars. It wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to keep going past next season, and to do so with the Penguins if they continue to improve. 

Yohe dismissed recent rumors suggesting the Penguins might attempt to trade Erik Karlsson during the offseason. The 35-year-old defenseman has improved after struggling over the past two seasons. 

Karlsson has a year left on his contract, but Yohe wouldn’t be surprised if they extend him for a couple of years. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That extension will come with a significant pay cut from Karlsson’s current $11.5 million average annual value. However, he could accept that if he feels the Penguins are heading in the right direction.

Yohe also doesn’t believe that the Penguins will let Anthony Mantha depart via free agency this summer. He expects they’ll attempt to re-sign the 31-year-old winger. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance this season and seems comfortable in Pittsburgh. He will likely seek stability after bouncing around the league in recent years. If he’s not seeking too much for too long, a deal is possible. 

The Penguins seem interested in bringing back Stuart Skinner next season, but likely on a short-term deal. They also want to retain Arturs Silovs, and the promising Sergei Murashov could be on his way next season. They also have Joel Blomqvist in their system. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner could decide that he’d prefer a long-term deal, which could spell his departure from Pittsburgh on July 1. Much will depend on the Penguins’ confidence in Silovs and Murashov as a future tandem. 

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported earlier this week that Evgeni Malkin sounds optimistic regarding a possible new contract with the Penguins. 

Malkin wouldn’t go into details about his earlier discussions with management. However, he’s okay with waiting until the offseason to begin those talks. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin wants to return for another season or two with the Penguins. They might be willing to do one season with a bonus-laden contract. Things could get dicey if he seeks more than that. 

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes explained that his comments about attempting to make a major move at the trade deadline were to address fans’ concerns that management was more interested in the future and not in its present roster needs. 

Following the deadline, Hughes said his efforts to make a significant deal didn’t quite materialize. He indicated they could attempt to follow up on those efforts in the offseason. 

That sparked speculation that the Canadiens tried to get Matthew Knies, Nazem Kadri, and Rasmus Ristolainen, among others. LeBrun confirmed they called the Toronto Maple Leafs about Knies, but it didn’t get close. He also indicated that whatever Hughes was working on didn’t involve any of the players mentioned as trade targets in the media. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That shouldn’t be surprising. No one saw last summer’s acquisition of Noah Dobson coming. It’ll be interesting to see if Hughes can successfully revisit that deal and who his intended target would be. Let your imagination run wild, Habs fans! 

TVA SPORTS: Columnist Tony Marinaro believes Arber Xhekaj no longer has a future in Montreal. The 25-year-old Canadiens’ defenseman has been in and out of the lineup this season, playing a reduced role on their blueline. 

The Canadiens have several young defensemen in their system, including Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher. That could push Xhekaj out the door. Marinaro said he wouldn’t be surprised if something happened during the draft week in June. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj’s size and physical style made him a fan favorite in Montreal, but there’s no denying that he’s played a decreasing role over the past two seasons. Perhaps he’ll be part of that mystery trade that Hughes could revisit in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

by | Mar 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

Could the Wild make a big offseason move? What’s the latest on Stars winger Jason Robertson? Will the Maple Leafs trade a goalie this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE WILD MAKE A BLOCKBUSTER MOVE THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo speculated that Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin could attempt to make another major move in the offseason.

Guerin made headlines in December by acquiring superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Russo thinks the reason the Wild GM didn’t use up his trade capital at the recent March 6 trade deadline is that he could use it to pursue another superstar this summer.

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

Russo wondered if Guerin might pursue Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, or St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas. Matthews and Tkachuk have full no-movement clauses, while Thomas has a full no-trade clause.

Guerin has multiple assets to draw on for trade bait this summer. They include goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, rookie winger Danila Yurov, prospect forwards Charlie Stramel and Adam Benak, and his 2027 first-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin’s acquisition of Hughes was a bold move that has improved the Wild’s performance this season. A deep playoff run by the Wild could turn them into a favorable destination for stars on struggling teams itching to move on to a potential Cup contender.

We don’t know if Matthews, Tkachuk, or Thomas wants to move on. Thomas was the subject of frequent rumors leading up to the March trade deadline, but he said he was never asked to waive his no-trade clause, has never requested a trade, and remains committed to the Blues.

Nevertheless, if any of those guys are available this summer, Guerin will likely go after them.

STARS MAKE RE-SIGNING JASON ROBERTSON A PRIORITY

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Stars GM Jim Nill told NHL Tonight that he’s making the re-signing of Jason Robertson a priority.

Robertson, 27, is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’ll also be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility, depending on the outcome of his negotiations this summer.

“He’s a big part of our team,” Nill said. “He’s one of the leading scorers in the league, he’s really in the prime of his career. He’s a big part of our team, so a priority for us is to get him signed this summer, and move on.”

Robertson leads the Stars with 80 points and is second on the team in goals with 36.

Nill said the two sides started discussions last summer but decided to table them for now. Robertson has also changed agents since then.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s contract negotiations will be worth following during the offseason.

The Stars have a projected $14.9 million in salary-cap space next season with 18 active roster players under contract. Robertson is their most notable pending free agent, but they must also ensure they have enough space to re-sign RFA Mavrik Bourque (who also has arbitration rights) and team captain Jamie Benn, who is a UFA this summer.

Robertson is earning an AAV of $7.75 million and could seek between $10 million and $11 million annually on his next contract. That won’t leave much room for the Stars to fill out the rest of their lineup for next season without making a cost-cutting move or two.

The threat of an offer sheet could become a concern if negotiations drag on unless one side or the other files for arbitration.

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS SHOP A GOALIE THIS SUMMER?

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox noted the Toronto Maple Leafs have four goaltenders in their system for at least the next two seasons. They signed Artur Akhtyamov over the weekend, joining Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby.

Fox believes something has to give. Carrying more than two goaltenders is problematic, and the Leafs don’t want to risk losing one of them to waivers. He believes that’s why there were murmurs about Stolarz and Woll before the March trade deadline.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving can take his time addressing this issue. The free-agent market is thin on goalies, which could push teams seeking help between the pipes into the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming they don’t move the recently signed Akhtyamov, Woll and Hildeby would be the easiest to move as they have affordable contracts and lack no-trade protection. Stolarz’s four-year contract extension kicks in on July 1 and carries a 16-team no-trade list. He also has a 16-team NTC on his current deal. 










NHL Rumor Mill – March 17, 2026

by | Mar 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 17, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and the latest Senators speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

MORE MATTHEW KNIES SPECULATION

TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos believes trading Matthew Knies would make sense for the Maple Leafs, even if it means shipping him to the Montreal Canadiens.

Knies is what Kypreos calls a unique combination of physicality and scoring. The 23-year-old winger is also on a team-friendly contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million through 2030-31. He also lacks no-trade protection until the final season of his deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

If the Maple Leafs want to make a big splash in the trade pool, shopping Knies would be easier to do than attempting to move Auston Matthews or William Nylander, who have full no-movement clauses. The Leafs would have complete control of trading the young power forward, which could give them better odds of landing high-end talent to help secure the club’s future.

The Canadiens have plenty of exciting young players to choose from, including center Michael Hage and defenseman David Reinbacher. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle and prospect center Owen Beck are names worth watching.

Kypreos also listed the Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth as possible trade partners. Like the Canadiens, they also possess promising youngsters who could be enticing to the Maple Leafs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: William James recently suggested the Philadelphia Flyers should attempt to get into the bidding for Knies. He would bring a needed boost at left wing among their top-six forwards. James proposed dangling Noah Cates and/or Cam York in a trade offer.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope recently wondered if the Blackhawks might pursue Kines, St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas, or Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.

Knies could be the best option of the three. Pope pointed to his youth, ongoing upside, and affordable contract. He also noted that the young winger is likely the Maple Leafs’ best trade chip to acquire draft picks and prospects.

The Blackhawks have plenty of salary cap space to take on Knies’ contract. Like the Canadiens and Mammoth, they have a deep pool of promising young players on their roster and within their system to draw on for trade bait.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knies would be the Maple Leafs’ best trade chip for all the reasons cited by Kypreos, James, and Pope. That would explain why they reportedly floated the young winger’s name in the trade market to gauge his value.

Whether the Maple Leafs revisit that plan in the offseason depends on whoever is sitting in the general manager’s seat. Current Leafs GM Brad Treliving is in the final season of his contract, and it’s rumored he won’t be getting an extension.

If Treliving is let go, his replacement could decide that Knies is worth keeping and consider other options. Those could include moving Matthews or Nylander if they’re open to the idea.

UPDATE ON THE SENATORS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes adding a right-shot defenseman will be an offseason priority for the Senators.

GM Steve Staios scoured the market for such a blueliner before the March 6 trade deadline. His top target was MacKenzie Weegar, but the Calgary Flames traded him to the Utah Mammoth before the deadline.

Staios hasn’t ruled out promoting top prospect Carter Yakemchuk into that role.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Brent Wallace wondered if there might be some changes for the Senators if they miss the playoffs this year.

Wallace expects defenseman Nick Jensen won’t be back, and he doesn’t see where veterans Lars Eller, Claude Giroux, or Nick Cousins fit in next year’s plans. He also doesn’t think that trading struggling starting goalie Linus Ullmark is a discussion.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a difficult season for Ullmark, but the Senators will likely stick with him. He’s in the first season of a four-year contract, and they have no one within their system to replace him. They’ll likely work with him during the offseason to help him regain his form.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2026

by | Mar 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 16, 2026

Check out the recent Canucks speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wondered what the future holds for Brock Boeser with the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).

Boeser is in the first season of a seven-year contract. Meanwhile, questions remain about the Canucks’ current core players. Leading up to the trade deadline, he stated that he is committed to the club and its direction, adding that he hopes to play a leadership role.

The 29-year-old winger was the subject of some speculation leading up to the trade deadline, which he laughingly downplayed. Nevertheless, Parsons noted that there was rumored interest from the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins amid reports he might waive his no-movement clause for the right fit.

Parsons claimed the Canucks weren’t aggressively shopping Boeser, but suggests their interest in keeping the veteran winger long-term isn’t as certain as his. They might consider moving him worthwhile if they get offers that could fetch a solid return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser’s $7.25 million annual average value for the next six seasons isn’t as difficult to move as teammate Elias Pettersson’s $11.6 million over the same period. However, the latter is two years younger than Boeser and has shown elite offensive skill.

Like Pettersson, Boeser’s no-movement clause gives him full control over his situation. There’s always a possibility he could agree to a trade, but it’s a slim one right now.

DONNIE & DHALI: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently wondered why the Canucks didn’t move Teddy Blueger at the March 6 trade deadline.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin claimed he received no offers for the 31-year-old checking-line center. However, Dhaliwal expressed skepticism, noting that they had found a trade partner for David Kampf, who went unclaimed on waivers earlier this season and spent some time in the minors. He doubted that no one was interested in Blueger, who has Stanley Cup experience and is a better center than Kampf.

Dhaliwal believes the Canucks hope to re-sign Blueger, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. However, it’s believed he’s interested in staying in Vancouver.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Dhaliwal observed, the Canucks need depth at center. Losing Blueger will only weaken them at that position. He won’t be an expensive re-signing for them.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 15, 2026

by | Mar 15, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 15, 2026

Check out the latest on the future of Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and the latest Blues speculation in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

QUESTIONS ARISE ABOUT AUSTON MATTHEWS’ FUTURE WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Auston Matthews’ season-ending knee injury could “start the clock” on how the 29-year-old Maple Leafs captain feels about things in Toronto from the time the two sides touched base in February about his future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews suffered a season-ending knee injury on Thursday from a knee-on-knee hit by Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks. A repeat offender, Gudas received what amounted to a slap on the wrist from the league in the form of a five-game suspension.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Friedman believes Matthews will now have more time to think about his situation. He expects the two sides to meet over the next couple of months to determine how everyone feels about Matthews’ overall future in Toronto.

The lack of reaction to Gudas’ hit on Matthews from the latter’s teammates drew plenty of criticism in Leafs Nation. Friedman believes that will have ramifications for the franchise’s future direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is signed through 2027-28. Whatever the Leafs do this summer will determine if he’s still with the franchise before that contract expires.

Matthews’ injury represents the lowest point in what’s been a miserable season for the Maple Leafs. Change is expected in the front office and behind the bench, and there could be more trades. However, their captain’s future will be the biggest question hanging over this team in the offseason.

THE LATEST BLUES MUSINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently examined how a Robert Thomas trade could affect the growth of the St. Louis Blues’ young players.

The Blues entertained trade offers for the 26-year-old center before the March 6 deadline. He is signed through 2030-31 with an average annual value of $8.125 million and a full no-trade clause.

Rutherford expects the Blues could revisit the situation in the offseason, when they could find a suitable offer and eventually ask Thomas to waive his NTC. However, he wondered what effect moving Thomas might have on young wingers Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud, whose upward development is crucial for the club’s future.

DAILY FACEOFF: Jeff Marek and Steve Peters recently discussed what the Blues’ plans might be for the offseason.

Marek believes a lot depends on what strides their young players make. How quickly promising Dalibor Dvorsky becomes a legitimate second-line center will determine a lot of what management does in the offseason. He also wondered what would happen to Pius Suter if Dvorsky proves himself as a top-six forward.

Jordan Kyrou was among the Blues believed to be available. Marek pointed out that there had been talk linking him to the New York Islanders. Marek wondered if the Washington Capitals might be interested.

The Blues still require a right-shot defenseman. He thinks the Montreal Canadiens would’ve made sense for any type of Robert Thomas deal, because they have the right-shot blueliners that the Blues would covet.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doug Armstrong will be handing over the general manager role to assistant Alex Steen at the end of this season, though he’ll remain as president of hockey operations. Armstrong will have input, but it will be Steen’s show.

Thomas said he remains committed to the Blues, that he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, and doesn’t want to be moved. He has full control over this situation. Management can continue listening to offers, but we don’t know what it will take to convince Thomas to waive his clause.

Kyrou is in the same situation as Thomas. He’s in the first season of his eight-year contract with the same AAV and a full NTC.

Nevertheless, we can expect to hear their names floating around in the offseason rumor mill. The same applied to goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a year left on his contract with a 12-team no-trade list.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2026

by | Mar 14, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 14, 2026

Predators forward Steven Stamkos drew plenty of interest at the trade deadline, plus the latest Rangers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TEAMS CALLED ABOUT STEVEN STAMKOS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reported Tuesday that Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated he received “a lot of calls” about Steven Stamkos before last week’s trade deadline.

Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)

Trotz cited Stamkos’ performance as the reason why the 36-year-old forward garnered plenty of interest in the trade market. “He’s hot, and he’s got to stay hot because we’re in a playoff race,” Trotz said.

Stamkos had a slow start to this season, but he picked up his production in December. As of March 13, he leads the Predators with 31 goals, sitting 17th in the league.

Trotz said he turned down some “really good offers” for Stamkos. However, the veteran forward has a full no-movement clause in his contract, and told reporters before the trade deadline that he didn’t intend to waive it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos publicly stated twice that he wouldn’t waive his NMC, but that didn’t stop teams from making inquiries. He could become the subject of offseason trade rumors, especially if Trotz’s successor decides to take a more aggressive approach to retooling their roster.

THE LATEST RANGERS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes that securing a substantial trade package for Vincent Trocheck will remain a priority for the New York Rangers. They attempted to move the 32-year-old center before the trade deadline, but couldn’t find any suitable offers.

Mercogliano cited sources from around the league claiming GM Chris Drury sought a forward with top-six potential as the centerpiece of the deal. Draft picks will also likely be part of a Trocheck trade, but the bigger concern is adding players who can have a more immediate impact on the roster.

Drury was reportedly negotiating with playoff teams like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Boston Bruins. However, they were reluctant to part with any active roster players of consequence. That could be less of a barrier in the offseason.

Trocheck carries a 12-team no-trade list for this season. On July 1, it drops to 10 teams.

Mercogliano also considers defenseman Braden Schneider as a player to watch this summer. Trade discussions took place before last Friday’s deadline and could continue in the offseason.

The Rangers will continue to explore the trade value of winger Alexis Lafreniere, but they’re hesitant to sell low on the 2020 first-overall pick. He’s struggled over the past couple of seasons, but his performance has improved lately.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless one of the Rangers’ bigger stars asks to be moved, Trocheck remains their best trade chip. Some observers believe they missed a golden opportunity to move him at the trade deadline while his value is high. However, a solid performance over the remainder of this season should ensure that he remains a valuable trade commodity.

Schneider seems more likely to move this summer than Lafreniere. The latter’s improved performance in recent weeks suggests the 24-year-old winger is worth retaining as part of their rebuild.