NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

The latest speculation on potential trade destinations for Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, an update on Blues center Robert Thomas, and the Ducks’ offseason wish list in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH CLUBS COULD BE SUITORS FOR DYLAN LARKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s ability to get a solid return to Dylan Larkin after the latter requested a trade.

Yzerman faced similar circumstances before. As GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, Yzerman got a good return for winger Martin St. Louis after he requested a trade to the New York Rangers. Three years later, he met winger Jonathan Drouin’s trade request by shipping him to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated that Yzerman has received a short list of preferred trade destinations from the Larkin camp. However, he speculated that list could change or grow. LeBrun also thinks it’s not to either side’s advantage to play hardball in this situation, but should instead try to avoid this dragging out throughout the summer and into next season.

According to LeBrun, between 12 and 15 clubs could inquire about Larkin. Obvious potential fits include the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Kings need a replacement for retired captain Anze Kopitar, the Wild seek an established first-line center, and the Canadiens need a second-line center.

LeBrun wondered if the Dallas Stars would be a suitor if they fail to re-sign winger Jason Robertson. He also sees the Boston Bruins as a potential fit.

Meanwhile, Max Bultman wondered where the Detroit Red Wings go from here after team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade this week.

Larkin’s request complicates the Red Wings’ offseason plans. They must now add a top-line center to their existing needs of a top-line left wing, a second-line center, bottom-six scoring, and toughness.

Bultman wondered if trading Larkin would force the Red Wings to retool their roster around their young core of talent rather than push for the playoffs next season. He also pondered the future of winger Alex DeBrincat, who turns 29 in December and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

PIONEER PRESS: Dan Mitzutani believes the Minnesota Wild should pursue a trade for Larkin to address their need for a first-line center. He believes the Red Wings will seek a substantial return, suggesting it could cost the Wild a couple of prospects along with a haul of draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic also believe GM Bill Guerin will look into acquiring Larkin. They believe Guerin won’t be afraid to part with young center Danila Yurov or prospects Charlie Stramel, Hunter Haight, or Adam Benak. However, the sticking point could be which players the Red Wings would want from the Wild’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on how many teams are on Larkin’s list of destinations. If it remains a short list, and if the Wild are on it, that could work in their favor when it comes to the return. The more teams on that list, the more the Wild might have to pay to outbid other clubs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains believes Larkin would be ideal for the Canadiens as their second-line center.

The Red Wings will seek a substantial return, which Hains believes the Canadiens are well-positioned to provide that. They have the prospects, roster players, draft picks, and salary-cap space to pull it off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings will almost certainly ask for center Michael Hage, the Canadiens’ top prospect. Defenseman David Reinbacher or winger Alexander Zharovsky could also be part of it. The Habs could also offer a young roster forward such as Oliver Kapanen or Zach Bolduc in the deal, but the Wings could seek someone more substantial, such as Ivan Demidov, which would be a deal-breaker for Montreal. It would also cost the Canadiens their first-round pick in this year’s or next year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins should look into acquiring Larkin. However, he considers it unlikely that they’ll land him.

One reason is Shinzawa doubts they have sufficient trade assets to outbid other clubs. He suggested a hypothetical offer of center Pavel Zacha, young defenseman Mason Lohrei, prospect center Dean Letourneau, and the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Shinzawa doesn’t see that deal happening unless the Red Wings are permitted to speak with Zacha about a contract extension. Even then, it’s debatable that the return would improve the Wings.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes New York Rangers GM Chris Drury could look into acquiring Larkin. The addition of the Red Wings captain no longer makes the Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck the top center in the trade market, though the latter will still draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

Baugh wondered if the Red Wings would be interested in Trocheck if they trade Larkin and don’t get a top-six center in return. In that case, Drury’s asking price could be a young quality player such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, a draft pick, or a combination of the two, as well as a center such as J.T. Compher to slot in behind Mika Zibanejad.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests pursuing Larkin could be New Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s first chance to make his first big splash.

However, the Devils already have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes as their top two centers. A swap of Hischier for Larkin doesn’t work because it seems that the former’s contract extension talks are likely to find a resolution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring the unforeseen, I expect Hischier will sign an extension, meaning the Devils do not need to pursue Larkin.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes it’ll cost the Penguins one or two first-round picks, a prospect, and an NHL player for Larkin, though the asking price could be even higher. Promising Ben Kindel would likely have to be part of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin likely wants to join a contender, which the Penguins currently aren’t despite exceeding expectations this season by making the playoffs. It’s doubtful they’re among his list of trade destinations.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards isn’t ruling out the possibility of the Panthers acquiring Larkin, pointing to GM Bill Zito’s history of making big moves in the trade market.

An offer from the Panthers would have to include their 2026 first-round pick, which is ninth overall. The cost of acquiring Larkin could also include center Anton Lundell, perhaps forward Mackie Samoskevich, and/or Sandis Vilmanis and more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are already deep at center with Aleksander Barkov, Lundell, and the versatile Sam Bennett. Larkin might not be a fit here.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should be bidders for Larkin if they can afford it. They only have one sure thing at center, and that’s Auston Matthews, assuming he returns with the Leafs next season.

Siegel doesn’t believe the Leafs would put the first-overall pick on the table, but winger Matthew Knies might be. However, if Leafs GM John Chayka were to move Knies, Siegel believes he would lean toward a top defenseman over Larkin. He also doesn’t think the Wings would be excited by an offer of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Colorado’s first-round pick (27th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Wild, if the Maple Leafs are on a short list of Larkin’s trade destinations, the less they might have to pay to get him. If that list is larger, the more they’ll have to pay, and they might not be able to outbid other teams.

ROBERT THOMAS OFF THE TRADE BLOCK?

FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK’s Andy Strickland claims the Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest. He claimed the St. Louis Blues are not shopping their first-line center, and expects Thomas will be on their roster when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was a fixture in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, and has frequently surfaced as an offseason trade candidate.

However, I’d grown skeptical in recent weeks that Thomas was ever available in the first place. Since the trade deadline, he stated he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, adding he wants to remain with the Blues. GM Doug Armstrong said he was never actively shopping Thomas, explaining that he based his high asking price on how much he valued him.

The real clincher was reading a report last month claiming the Blues rejected an offer from the Wild that included promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and young center Danila Yurov. That told me they were never serious about moving Thomas.

THE LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present recently looked at what he believes will be the Anaheim Ducks’ offseason shopping list.

A right-shot defenseman tops that list, along with a second-line center, and a top-nine winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present didn’t speculate as to which players the Ducks might target to address those issues. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring in this summer’s trade market. They have plenty of young players and promising prospects to draw on for trade bait.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

by | Jun 5, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2026

Which teams could pursue Red Wings center Dylan Larkin following his trade request? What’s the latest on Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse? How close did the Canadiens come to landing Leafs winger Matthew Knies? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH TEAMS MIGHT ATTEMPT TO ACQUIRE DYLAN LARKIN?

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade.

Allen believes there will be “widespread interest” in Larkin. The 29-year-old center is “a consistent 30-goal scoring center in a league where many are looking for centers.”

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

Larkin has five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over where he goes.

Allen noted that Larkin has roots in Toronto. He wondered if the Maple Leafs might take a run at acquiring him as their second-line center.

The New Jersey Devils reportedly might be willing to move Nico Hischier. However, he’s slated to become a UFA next summer, and could prove expensive to sign, provided he’s willing to go to Detroit in the first place.

Larkin is friends with Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re a team on the rise that would love to have a center such as Larkin. The Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings are also seeking centers.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings must get a first-line forward, preferably a center, in return for Larkin. His suggested possibilities include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Devils center Nico Hischier, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley thinks Larkin will fill the Bruins’ need for a first-line center. They have five first-round picks over the next three years, top-six forwards, young defenseman, and a reloaded prospect pool to draw on for trade bait.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner expects the New York Islanders will likely look into acquiring Larkin. He speculated whether Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would want Mathew Barzal in return, though the Isles would likely prefer retaining him.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James believes Larkin is just what the Flyers need to address their requirement for a first-line center.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen believes the Avalanche would have long odds of acquiring Larkin, but he thinks it’s worth their while to look into it.

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman points out that, even if the Red Wings were to swap Larkin for another first-line center, they’d still have to find a suitable second-line center.

The Red Wings entered the offseason in need of a top-six forward and a retool of their bottom-six forwards. Larkin’s trade request could force management to consider more dramatic changes that could change the franchise’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The addition of Larkin into the trade market could affect what happens to other centers who’ve been the subject of trade speculation in recent months. They include Hischier, Thomas, Pettersson and McTavish.

It’s doubtful that the Maple Leafs will move Matthews this summer. He’ll likely take a wait-and-see approach to next season.

One team that wasn’t mentioned was the Montreal Canadiens, but I’d be shocked if they wouldn’t be among the suitors for Larkin, provided he’s willing to waive his NTC to go to Montreal. He’s a cost-controlled player in his prime for the next five years with a reasonable cap hit whose style of play would fit perfectly on their second line.

THE LATEST DARNELL NURSE SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector believes the Edmonton Oilers and Darnell Nurse are headed toward a breakup. He cited several current and former team employees, saying that the club is ready and willing to trade the 31-year-old defenseman as soon as possible.

Spector indicated that Oilers GM Stan Bowman is expected to meet with Nurse soon to discuss his wishes. He has a full no-movement clause until the end of next season, when it becomes a 10-team trade list. If Nurse won’t waive his current clause, the trade talks will be shelved until next summer.

Despite Nurse’s burdensome contract and questionable hockey sense, Spector believes he remains tradeable to a team seeking a big-minute defenseman, with the Oilers taking on a contract that the other club wishes to shed.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins referred to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer’s take on Spector’s story. Stauffer suggested the San Jose Sharks as a destination, with the Oilers having to take a contract back in the deal. The Sharks need experienced defensemen and could also be interested in Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It comes down to whether Nurse will waive his full NMC this summer, which teams would be his preferred destinations, and whether any of them would be interested in acquiring him.

The Sharks could be a suitable option if they’re interested and he’s willing to go there. As for which contract they’d want to shed in the deal, they could ask the Oilers to take on the final season of permanently sidelined forward Logan Couture, who has an $8 million cap hit.

Couture has a three-team trade list. Given his situation, he won’t have any issue agreeing to his contract being shipped to Edmonton. The Oilers could then place him on LTIR to free up cap space this summer, and season-ending LTIR when the 2026-27 regular-season schedule begins.

DETAILS OF CANADIENS’ RUMORED BID FOR MATTHEW KNIES REVEALED

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Dave Litman cited The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta telling the DFO Rundown podcast the details about a rumored trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs involving Leafs winger Matthew Knies that fell through at the March deadline.

According to Pagnotta, the Canadiens and Maple Leafs had an agreement in place that would’ve sent prospect winger Alexander Zharovsky, two first-round picks, and another prospect to Toronto for Knies. However, there were some complications before the 3 pm ET deadline on March 6.

Pagnotta believes the Canadiens will attempt to revisit their efforts to acquire Knies this summer. However, Litman pointed out that the Maple Leafs now have new management who might be reluctant to part with the young power forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pagnotta subsequently indicated that neither Michael Hage nor David Reinbacher was the other prospect that would’ve gone to Toronto.

Regardless, the Canadiens now have more pressing needs this summer. The postseason revealed they must find a suitable second-line center and an experienced right-shot defenseman who can log more than 10 minutes per game.

Pursuing Knies now doesn’t address either need and would waste valuable assets that could be used to address one of those issues.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2026

by | Jun 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 1, 2026

A look ahead at the Canadiens’ potential offseason plans and the latest on Ducks forward Mason McTavish in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

FINDING A SECOND-LINE CENTER WILL BE THE CANADIENS’ PRIORITY THIS SUMMER

TVA SPORTS: Jonathan Bernier examined what could be a busy summer for Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes.

Finding a second-line center tops the list. It’s rumored the Canadiens are monitoring Nico Hischier’s contract extension negotiations with the New Jersey Devils. If those talks break down, the Devils could trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils could trade him, but I doubt that they will. Sunny Mehta, their new general manager, doesn’t seem like he’s interested in tearing down and rebuilding the Devils roster.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier (NHL Images).

Bernier noted that Hughes has said he’d be willing to overpay for a player when the time is right. Whether it’s Hischier or another top player, the cost could mean parting ways with top prospect Michael Hage. If the Canadiens still consider Jacob Fowler their goalie of the future, they could offer up Jakub Dobes.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hage will almost certainly be part of the asking price for Hischier if the Devils center becomes available in this summer’s trade market. The same goes for Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, though I have my doubts that the Blues seriously intend to part with him.

Dobes would draw plenty of attention in the trade market given his strong play in this year’s playoffs. However, I believe the Canadiens intend to go into next season with Dobes and Fowler as their goalie tandem and will either trade or buy out Sam Montembeault.

Bernier also believes the Canadiens must bolster their depth on the right side of their blueline, add more grit to their checking lines, part ways with Montembeault and Brendan Gallagher to free up salary-cap space, cut ties with struggling RFA-eligible forward Kirby Dach, and sign Ivan Demidov to a long-term contract extension.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of these items will be easier to address than finding a quality second-line center. There aren’t many players of that caliber available, and acquiring one will be expensive.

Speaking of Demidov, the Canadiens and other teams will have until Sept. 15 to re-sign players to the maximum eight-year contract. After that date, the maximum is reduced to seven years. The maximum for unrestricted free agent signings will also drop on that date from seven years to six.

THE LATEST ON DUCKS FORWARD MASON MCTAVISH

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators have Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish on their radar.

A league executive told Garrioch that Staios is in the market for a top-six forward to play alongside Senators center Tim Stutzle.

McTavish, 23, is a center who can also skate on the wing. Signed to a six-year contract last September worth an average annual value of $7 million, McTavish’s production declined as he slipped down the lineup. He was a healthy scratch for two regular-season games in March and was scratched from two postseason contests.

Garrioch believes the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens could also be interested in McTavish. The asking price could be a first-round pick and a player who can help the Ducks immediately.

McTavish has a previous connection with Staios. During his tenure as GM of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, he acquired the young forward in a trade with the Peterborough Petes in 2022. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams in the market for a second-line center will be interested in McTavish because they’ll believe a change of scenery could help him regain his form. He also missed training camp and postseason play last September due to his contract talks, which contributed to his inconsistent play.

The asking price for McTavish won’t be as high as it would for Hischier or Thomas. However, a bidding war between multiple teams could drive up his value.

Other forwards who could interest the Senators include Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues and Jared McCann of the Seattle Kraken. The asking price for Kyrou is said to be a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a high-end player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou also has a full no-trade clause, giving him complete control over potential trade destinations. McCann has a 10-team no-trade list.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss included McTavish in his list of seven players that would be good fits with the Bruins.

The others included Robert Thomas of the Blues, Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, Olen Zellweger of the Ducks, and Simon Nemec of the Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins would have an easier time pursuing Bourque, Wright, and Zellweger if they became available. Thomas and Robertson are likely staying put, while Nemec could seek $9 million annually on a long-term contract.

CALGARY SUN: McTavish also turned up on Kent Wilson’s list of potential trade targets for the rebuilding Flames. Shane Wright of the Kraken and Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets were the others.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken are willing to part with Wright if he helps them land a scoring forward. Johnson’s production declined from his career-best of 24 goals and 57 points in 68 games last season to 22 points in 76 games in a third-line role. The versatile 23-year-old Blue Jackets forward might benefit from playing for a club where he isn’t bouncing around the lineup.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2026

by | May 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 30, 2026

What could the offseason hold for the Canadiens and Ducks? What’s the latest on Vincent Trocheck, Morgan Rielly, and Matvei Michkov? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CANADIENS?

RDS.CA: Francois Gagnon examined what could be in store for the Montreal Canadiens following their elimination from the Eastern Conference Final.

Gagnon believes the Canadiens need a second-line center who can help winger Ivan Demidov and take some of the burden off first-line center Nick Suzuki.

The Canadiens could also use a third line with more offensive bite, a fourth line with more bite overall, and a reliable sixth defenseman who can skate more than eight to 10 minutes per game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Finding the second-line center is the priority, but it won’t be easy to do.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues is often mentioned as a trade target, but I’m not convinced they want to move him given the high asking price they’ve set for him. He also has a full no-trade clause and stated his preference is to stay in St. Louis.

Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks could be available. The 23-year-old center could fit in well among the Canadiens’ young stars, but the decline in his performance this season and concerns about his foot speed could be red flags for a forward carrying a $7 million average annual value for the next five years.

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton also looked at what could be ahead for the Canadiens during this offseason

Shilton anticipates the Canadiens could attempt to shore up their defense with veteran talent to support their younger talent. She suggested bringing in a free agent to boost the third pairing and improve the penalty kill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The depth of talent in this summer’s free-agent pool is shallow, even for third-pairing defensemen. Most are in their early to mid-thirties and might not be much of an improvement over the promising youngsters within their system. The best of the bunch will be seeking raises that could price them outside the Canadiens’ $10.9 million cap space.

That doesn’t mean Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes won’t attempt to improve his blueline depth. However, he could prefer going the trade route for options that will fit within his club’s age group and salary-cap constraints.

THE LATEST DUCKS SPECULATION

THE CHRIS JOHNSTON SHOW: The Anaheim Ducks aren’t under pressure to trade Mason McTavish this summer. The 23-year-old center is coming off a disappointing performance in the first season of his six-year contract.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

However, Johnston suggested the Ducks might have to consider moving McTavish. Center Leo Carlsson is a restricted free agent this summer, and Johnston believes he could get a “monster contract” worth an AAV of $14 million. Winger Cutter Gauthier is also an RFA in line for a significant raise.

Despite McTavish’s struggles this season, Johnston felt that some teams believe the young center could be a good fit with them if the Ducks attempt to trade him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite the concerns I noted earlier about McTavish, I concur with Johnston that he could still attract plenty of interest from clubs seeking depth at center, particularly on the second line. Whether the Ducks are willing to go that route remains to be seen.

The Ducks have over $38 million in salary-cap space, which should give them plenty of space to re-sign Carlsson and Gauthier. GM Pat Verbeek has a reputation for playing hardball with RFA players coming off their entry-level deals, which could result in those two being signed for less than expected.

However, Carlsson and Gauthier are bigger stars than the previous young RFAs that Verbeek has dealt with in the past. He might have to pay much more this time around. If the Ducks aren’t going to spend to the cap, it could turn McTavish into a cost-cutting trade candidate.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal listed Olen Zellweger of the Ducks, Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils, Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers, and Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres as four restricted free agents who could be traded this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec, Schneider and Kesselring have surfaced in the rumor mill in recent weeks, especially Nemec and Schneider. However, it’s interesting that Dayal mentioned Zellweger as a trade candidate.

Dayal noted that Zellweger averaged between 17 and 19 minutes of ice time per game over the past two seasons. However, he was a healthy scratch for nine straight games before the postseason. Dayal also noted that the Ducks already have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov on the left-side defense chart. The club could also face a salary-cap crunch with Carlsson and Gauthier in line for substantial raises.

SHOULD THE BRUINS PURSUE VINCENT TROCHECK?

NESN: Evan Cormier suggested the Boston Bruins should attempt to acquire Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers if they are unable to land one of the few big-dog centers that might become available in this summer’s trade market.

The 32-year-old Trocheck’s experience and ability could make him a good short-term first-line center for the Bruins. With the Rangers wanting to get younger, trading draft picks and prospects for him might make sense from the Bruins standpoint.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck is better suited for a second-line role. The Rangers’ asking price could also include a promising young player such as Fraser Minten or James Hagens, which would be deal-breakers for the Bruins.

SUGGESTED TRADE DESTINATIONS FOR MORGAN RIELLY

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed several potential trade destinations for Morgan Rielly if the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is willing to waive his no-movement clause.

They include the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Vancouver Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the Sharks and Blackhawks will be in the market for blueline depth this summer. However, Rielly might not be keen to join a rebuilding club, even one as promising as the Sharks.

The Jets might be willing to take the chance on Rielly improving on a better team, but they could prefer the Leafs retain part of his cap hit. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas knows Rielly from his days as the Leafs GM, but he’s been shipping out aging veterans for younger talent, and acquiring Rielly would fly in the face of that process.

Given the potential high cost for the Ducks to re-sign Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, they might not be keen to add a declining defenseman with an AAV of $7.5 million for the next four years. As for the Canucks, see my previous comment about the Sharks and Blackhawks.

DOES FLYERS WINGER MATVEI MICHKOV NEED A CHANGE OF SCENERY?

ESPN.COM: Rachel Kryshak included Matvei Michkov on her list of under-25 players who might benefit from a change-of-scenery trade. The 21-year-old Philadelphia Flyers winger struggled during his sophomore season under head coach Rick Tocchet, who joined the team last summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players on Kryshak’s list have been noted here before. Other pundits have also mused about the possibility of Michkov getting traded this summer.

Kryshak makes a good case for moving Michkov, noting that Tocchet hasn’t had a strong track record with promising young talent. Nevertheless, I don’t believe the Flyers intend to give up on Michkov after one poor season. They seem intent on remaining patient with the promising young winger, who acknowledged his struggles and vowed to do better next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

by | May 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 25, 2026

Will the Sabres sign defenseman Bowen Byram to a contract extension? Could the Bruins pursue Devils blueliner Simon Nemec? Could the Blue Jackets and Boone Jenner part ways? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn looked at the offseason “to-do” list for Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Bowen Byram’s future with the Sabres is part of that list. The 24-year-old left-shot defenseman is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility and can sign a contract extension on July 1.

Kekalainen told Byram during his exit interview that he’d love to keep the puck-moving blueliner. The Sabres’ top-four defense, of which Byram was a part, played a significant role in the club’s impressive improvement this season.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

Byram wants to play for a winner, and the Sabres check that box. However, Fairburn wondered if he wants to remain a second-pairing defenseman with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson also playing big minutes.

If Byram wants a top-pairing role and a contract to match, free agency might be his best option. However, if he’s happy with his current role, the Sabres must find a way to re-sign him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram was the subject of media trade speculation last year, but he surprised the pundits by inking a two-year contract. His situation will be worth monitoring this summer.

Byram could opt for a long-term deal. He could also opt for another short-term deal, ensuring he could be UFA eligible again while still in his playing prime. He and the Sabres could also wait to see how next season pans out before committing to serious contract talks.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias suggested Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring could be on the New York Islanders’ radar this summer.

Kesselring, 26, is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.4 million. He will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Injuries sidelined him for 29 games, and he was a healthy scratch for all but three games from March 12 to May 18.

Macias expects Kesselring to be traded this summer. He expects the asking price to be a second or third-round pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres acquired the 6’5”, 215-pound Kesselring from the Utah Mammoth last year to skate alongside Owen Power, but it didn’t work out as hoped. He put up good numbers (29 points in 82 games) during his final season with the Mammoth.

MORE DEVILS TRADE RUMORS

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Nick Goss believes the Boston Bruins should pursue New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec if he becomes available in the trade market this summer.

Conflicting reports emerged last week regarding a supposed trade request by the 22-year-old Nemec. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Goss believes Nemec’s puck-moving ability, offensive skills, and right-hand shot are what the Bruins desperately need on their blueline. He would also be a younger, more affordable option than pursuing Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh or Vegas’ Rasmus Andersson via free agency.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins won’t be the only club interested in Nemec if the Devils shop him in this summer’s trade market. They do have some promising young players and draft picks, including two first-rounders in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, to draw on for trade capital.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols listed several players he considers trade targets that could bolster the Devils’ lack of scoring depth.

Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche tops that list, followed by Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames, and Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Colton has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4 million. Zary has two years left with an average annual value of $3.775 million. Perfetti and Bourque are both restricted free agents with arbitration rights.

The Jets could be reluctant to part with Perfetti despite the drop in his production this season. Colton could be available if the Avs shed salary to make some roster changes, especially if they get swept in the Western Conference Final.

Zary hasn’t progressed as the Flames had hoped, but they might give him another season. Bourque could be an affordable offer-sheet target if he’s willing to sign. If he’s not, he could become a trade candidate if the Stars’ efforts to re-sign Jason Robertson leave them little cap room for other players.

COULD THE BLUE JACKETS PART WAYS WITH BOONE JENNER?

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline speculated that long-time Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner might be moving on this summer.

Jenner, 32, is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Blue Jackets captain is completing a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.

This is Jenner’s last opportunity to sign a multi-year contract via free agency. Portzline believes he will draw plenty of suitors, pointing out that the Blue Jackets received plenty of calls about him at the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline observed that nothing’s settled yet, and Jenner could still re-sign with the Blue Jackets. However, he doubted that the veteran forward would be happy with a one or two-year deal. He also pointed out that it appears the Jackets management hasn’t made re-signing him a priority.










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.