NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 13, 2026

by | May 13, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 13, 2026

The Golden Knights push the Ducks to the brink of elimination, the Sabres tie their series with the Canadiens, the finalists for GM of the Year are announced, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF TUESDAY’S PLAYOFF ACTION

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev scored twice, including the winner in overtime, to give his club a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 5 of their second-round series. Tomas Hertl had a goal and an assist while Jack Eichel collected two assists for the Golden Knights, who hold a 3-2 lead in the series. Beckett Sennecke and Olen Zellweger scored while Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier each had two assists for the Ducks.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev (NHL Images).

The Golden Knights can win this series in Game 6, which will be held in Anaheim on Thursday, May 14.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was an entertaining, closely contested game. Zellweger’s goal tied it to force overtime late in the third, but Dorofeyev was the star of this one with his clutch scoring for the Golden Knights.

Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was ejected for interference when he laid out Ducks center Ryan Poehling with a big hit when the latter no longer had possession of the puck. Poehling was helped from the ice and didn’t return.

The Golden Knights played this game without team captain Mark Stone, who remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury suffered during Game 3 of this series.

Game 6 will be a big test for the Ducks as they try to counter the Golden Knights’ experience to force Game 7 back in Las Vegas.

The Buffalo Sabres knotted their series with the Montreal Canadiens at two games apiece with a 3-2 win. Zach Benson snapped a 2-2 tie with a third-period power-play goal, Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 28 shots in his return to the Sabres’ net. Alex Newhook extended his goal streak to three games while Cole Caufield tallied his second straight power-play goal for the Canadiens. Game 5 is in Buffalo on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thompson’s goal was a flukey one. With the Canadiens up 2-1 in the second period, he fired a dump-in from center ice that took a weird bounce off a stanchion that surprised Habs goalie Jakub Dobes, bouncing off his right pad into the net. It was a game-changer that set the stage for Benson’s winner in the third.

The Canadiens were flat through the first half of the opening period, but they had the better of the play for most of the game. They also had seven power-play opportunities but only scored on one of them, while the Sabres went 2-for-4 with the man advantage. Luukkonen was outstanding for the Sabres, who regained home-ice advantage as the series narrowed to a best-of-three.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild, Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche, and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks are the finalists for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award. The award is given annually based on a vote of NHL general managers and a panel of league executives, print, and broadcast media.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin and MacFarland got the nod for their trades this season, including the Wild’s acquisition of superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes in December and the Avalanche’s obtaining Nazem Kadri, Nicolas Roy, Brett Kulak, and Nick Blankenburg before the trade deadline.

Verbeek also made a splash by landing defenseman John Carlson from the Washington Capitals, but he’d be my choice because of his work rebuilding the Ducks, who returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017-18.

HOCKEY 24/7: Frank Seravalli reported the Edmonton Oilers sought permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to speak with their former head coach Bruce Cassidy, who was fired in March. However, the Golden Knights have thus far withheld permission from their division rival.

Seravalli said the Golden Knights haven’t outright rejected the Oilers’ request, but they’re keeping the Oilers waiting as they continue their second-round series with the Ducks. Cassidy is also reportedly being targeted by the Los Angeles Kings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cassidy remains under contract with the Golden Knights, which is why teams must seek permission to speak with him. Seravalli speculates this could prompt a call from league commissioner Gary Bettman to sort this out.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes this is a weird bit of gamesmanship by the Golden Knights in line with their front-office reputation for ruthlessness. It’s garnered a mix of puzzlement and criticism around the league, with those in the latter camp (myself included) considering it an unprofessional, classless act.

This also isn’t a good look for the Oilers, who are searching for a new bench boss while leaving their current coach, Kris Knoblauch, twisting in the wind.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed center Charlie Coyle to a six-year, $36 million contract worth an average annual value of $6 million. Coyle, 34, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s completing a six-year deal with an AAV of $5.25 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are trying to maintain a roster that narrowly missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Coyle played a key role with his versatility, leadership, and two-way play.

Nevertheless, this contract won’t age well. The salary increase is marginal, and the Blue Jackets can afford it in the short term, but six years is way too long for a player at this stage of his career. He’s also getting a full no-movement clause for the first four years.

This contract could complicate things for the Blue Jackets down the road if they need cap room to retain or acquire a better player.

SPORTSNET: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson was fined $5,000 by the NHL for butt-ending Minnesota Wild forward Michael McCarron during Game 4 of their playoff series on Monday.

Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin will remain sidelined by injuries for Game 5 against the Avalanche.

TSN: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will replace New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal on Team Canada in the upcoming 2026 IIHF World Championship. Barzal is coping with a minor, preexisting injury.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended from the first six games of the Bruins’ 2026-27 regular-season schedule for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The incident happened late in that game when Benson took McAvoy’s skates out from under him with a slew-foot move, sending him crashing into the end boards. An infuriated McAvoy got up, charged at Benson, and leveled a two-handed chop of his stick to Benson’s upper body.

McAvoy’s anger was understandable as he could’ve been injured, but that didn’t justify his subsequent action.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Flyers winger Owen Tippett revealed that he missed his club’s second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes with an internal-bleeding issue. He said that he was dealing with a sports hernia injury during their first-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett said he’s confident he’ll make a full recovery and will be ready for training camp in September.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Flyers rookie forward Porter Martone will be joining Team Canada for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: The Kraken have hired Sportsology Group to conduct an audit of its hockey operations department, including the organizational structure, scouting, and player development departments.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2026

by | May 11, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 11, 2026

What is the top offseason priority for the Bruins and Flyers, and how can they address it? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

BRUINS COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING A FIRST-LINE CENTER

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jack Studley recently reported that Bruins team president Cam Neely believes his club needs more talent and more speed to compete with the top teams in the league.

Neely believes the Bruins need a first-line center. Studley noted that promising forwards Fraser Minten and James Hagens are candidates to fill that role at some point in their careers. The Bruins felt they had one two years ago when they signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract, but his offensive output is not what is expected of a first-line center.

The Bruins are projected to have over $16.3 million in cap space for 2026-27. They also have another future first-round draft pick to work with if they choose to explore trade partners.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins have limited options to find a No. 1 center in the offseason.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (NHL Images).

The Bruins have the cap room to add one, and they have tradeable assets such as three 2028 first-round draft picks, forward Matthew Poitras, and defenseman Mason Lohrei.

However, the few centers potentially available, such as Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, could be outside the Bruins’ price range.

The pickings are slim in the free agent market. Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins is 39, spent as much time this season on right wing as he did at center, and isn’t a good match. Former Bruin Charlie Coyle of the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins might be forced to return with Pavel Zacha centering the first line and Lindholm the second. They could also see how Poitras, Minten, and Hagens develop next season, but it’s doubtful either of them will be ready to fill that role.

THE FLYERS COULD TRADE A WINGER FOR A CENTER THIS SUMMER

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sam Carchidi believes the Philadelphia Flyers must find a high-end center and a defenseman to anchor their power play during the offseason.

The free-agent market is thin on center, prompting Carchidi to speculate that general manager Daniel Briere could turn to the trade market by peddling a winger.

Carchidi noted the Flyers have over $38 million in projected salary-cap space for next season. However, that will be reduced by new contracts for Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and perhaps Samuel Ersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As with the Bruins, the asking price for Pettersson and Thomas (if they’re available) could be too high for the Flyers. The same goes for Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, who has recently surfaced in trade rumors amid speculation over his future.

Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers might be a more affordable option. He has three seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.625 million. However, he’s best suited in a second-line role.

Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken has also popped up in rumors. He seemed poised for a breakout performance after a promising 44-point performance last season, but he struggled under head coach Lane Lambert this season. The 22-year-old was projected to become a first-line, two-way center during his draft year. He hasn’t established himself in that role yet, but he might benefit from a change of scenery.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

by | May 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 6, 2026

Check out the latest on the Penguins, Bruins, Blue Jackets, and Sharks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO WITH EVGENI MALKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports sources with Evgeni Malkin’s management team say they have not yet spoken with Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas about a contract extension. Dubas is currently handling end-of-season interviews and focusing on their AHL affiliate during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).

Malkin’s camp intends to reach out to Dubas later this week to set a date for an in-person meeting to discuss a new contract. Yohe believes the Penguins GM has not yet offered Malkin a new contract. Sources within the 39-year-old center’s camp say he’s not seeking a raise from his current $6.1 million average annual value.

Yohe cited sources with the Penguins last summer, claiming that Dubas had no intention of re-signing Malkin once his contract expired. However, the veteran star exceeded expectations this season, and team captain Sidney Crosby has said he’d like Malkin to return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Opinion seems divided among the Pittsburgh media regarding Malkin. Some, like Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, believe it’s time for the Penguins to part company with Malkin and focus on the future. Others, like Mark Madden of TribLive.com, see no problem with bringing back Malkin, though he acknowledged it would mean another year or two of being no better than they were this season.

Dubas seems reluctant to re-sign Malkin. It would surprise me if he inks the aging star to a new contract.

SOME OFF-SEASON PROPOSALS FOR THE BRUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa proposed several options for Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s off-season “to-do” list.

Checking into Brady Tkachuk’s trade availability is his most notable suggestion. He wondered if the Ottawa Senators might be concerned about whether their captain wants to stay after his contract expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators GM Steve Staios shot down the notion of Tkachuk getting traded this summer, while the 26-year-old left winger insisted that he wants to stay in Ottawa. Maybe that changes by this time next year if the Senators fail to improve in 2026-27. For now, he’s not going anywhere.

Other suggestions by Shinzawa include trading backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo, defenseman Mason Lohrei, and center Casey Mittelstadt. He also thinks Sweeney should keep an eye on New Jersey Devils restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Nemec and on Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA blueliner Darren Raddysh.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Korpisalo, Lohrei, and Mittelstadt have surfaced in trade rumors since last year. One of them could be used as a trade chip to add to their roster. Nemec would be an expensive addition via trade, while Raddysh could cost over $8 million annually on a long-term deal.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUE JACKETS

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets’ management sees re-signing pending unrestricted free-agent forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment as priorities. Losing both to free agency would be tough losses and could prompt other moves.

Portzline rules out the possibility of the Blue Jackets targeting a restricted free agent star from a rival club.

GM Don Waddell is likely to go the trade route to improve his club this summer. Waddell has indicated that the Blue Jackets’ 2026 first-round pick (14th overall) could be in play for the right offer.

The Blue Jackets could be in the market for a reliable backup goaltender. However, they would first have to attempt to move Elvis Merzlikins, who has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.4 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited number of decent goalies available in this summer’s trade and free-agent markets could make Merzlikins easier to move, but there’s still no certainty the Jackets will find any takers. They might have to retain part of his salary or bundle him with a draft pick or prospect to make him more enticing.

SHARKS OPEN TO TRADING THEIR 2026 FIRST-ROUND PICK

THE MERCURY NEWS: Curtis Pashelka reports San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier said he’s open to trading his 2026 first-round pick, which sits second overall following Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

Grier said he’d consider moving that pick for the right offer. However, he also has no problem using it to add another promising youngster to his deep prospect pipeline.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

by | Apr 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

Check out the latest on Flyers winger Owen Tippett, plus updates on the Canucks and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey noted that Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett was the subject of trade speculation since last summer. However, he believes his performance through 2025-26, including in Game 2 of their current first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, should silence those rumors once and for all.

Bailey admitted the 27-year-old Tippett’s offensive production never quite aligns with his overall skills and athleticism. Nevertheless, his two-way play has established him as a core player for the Flyers as he enters his playing prime.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett has tallied 20-plus goals and 43-or-more points in each of the last four seasons, including two seasons with 28 goals and 50-plus points. His offensive stats could improve as his younger teammates improve, but his all-around play has made him more valuable to the Flyers.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is at a place in his career where it’s about winning and chasing the Stanley Cup.

Kuzma speculated that the 29-year-old could find a rebuild difficult to embrace and might welcome a change of scenery. He has five years remaining on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $5.5 million, which might attract several suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk frequently surfaced in the rumor mill before last month’s trade deadline, and as the Canucks approached the end of this season. Whether he returns with the Canucks or is traded elsewhere depends on who is their general manager. Speaking of which…

The Canucks will interview former Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams as they seek a new GM. They’ve also sought permission to speak with Toronto Maple Leafs advisor Shane Doan.

Kuzma believes further changes to the front office could be coming if Jim Rutherford steps down as president of hockey operations. That explains why they’re casting a wide net for candidates, including Adams and Doan.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adams’ name on the Canucks list of GM candidates raised eyebrows around the league because of the Sabres’ years of futility during his tenure in Buffalo. However, Kuzma pointed out that Adams’ fingerprints are all over the current Sabres roster.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline believes a culture change is coming for the Blue Jackets with head coach Rick Bowness returning next season.

Portzline wondered if Boone Jenner would return as the Blue Jackets’ captain. The first hurdle is his contract situation. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and played fourth-line minutes under Bowness this season. At 33, he’s not the same player that he was a few years ago.

Forwards Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment and defenseman Erik Gudbranson join Jenner among the Blue Jackets’ prominent UFAs. Portzline considers it unlikely that all of them will be re-signed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Portzline considers Coyle to be the most valuable of the Blue Jackets’ pending UFAs, followed by Marchment, Jenner, and Gudbranson. Management likely shares that opinion and could make re-signing him a priority over the others.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

Check out the latest on the Jets, Blues, and Blue Jackets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre believes Connor Hellebuyck sounded like someone who might not be with the Jets for long during his end-of-season media availability on Friday.

McIntyre suspected that Hellebucyk had emerged from a “fiery” face-to-face meeting with the coaching staff and management to face the press. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner called his club’s performance this season “unacceptable,” wondering where the club would go from here, prompting McIntyre to suggest that the answer might involve moving on from their long-time starting goaltender.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

When asked by McIntyre if his candid comments might mean some difficult conversations with management about his future, Hellebuyck took several seconds to respond. The 32-year-old goalie said he didn’t want to leave any speculation, adding that he loves Winnipeg and loves playing there.

McIntyre noted that speculation about Hellebuyck’s future began after he backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold in February, drawing some criticism for celebrating at the White House when there are tensions between the United States and Canada.

Hellebuyck has five more years on his contract at a reasonable average annual value of $8.5 million. McIntyre believes plenty of teams would engage in a bidding war for his services if he became available in the trade market. Moving Hellebuyck would be a “seismic shift” in the club’s direction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McIntyre acknowledged that Hellebuyck’s comments may have been a case of the superstar goaltender blowing off steam following a disappointing season.

It must be remembered that there was speculation over Mark Scheifele’s future in Winnipeg in 2022 after he expressed unhappiness over the Jets’ performance. He and Hellebuyck wound up signing long-term contract extensions.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will likely downplay the notion that Hellebuyck’s unhappiness might lead to his departure when he meets with the media next week. Nevertheless, it will put pressure on Cheveldayoff to address the issues that led to the club’s downfall a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

TSN: On Thursday, Darren Dreger said he expected this offseason to be a busy one for Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

He’ll have to sort out whether Jonathan Toews might do with his playing future and whether it’ll be in Winnipeg. Winger Cole Perfetti is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights coming off a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.25 million.

Dreger believes the Jets would like to add a second-line center and a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One of those would be in any asking price for Hellebuyck, but I don’t expect Cheveldayoff to have any intention of moving his star goaltender unless he asks to be traded. That’s something else I don’t believe Hellebuyck wants, despite his frustration with how this season turned out.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford wondered if the St. Louis Blues intend to trade Robert Thomas. The 26-year-old first-line center surfaced in the rumor mill before last month’s trade deadline, but his strong performance after returning from injury is more evidence that leads to keeping him.

Rutherford believes the Blues must find a trade fit for winger Jordan Kyrou, whose performance declined this season. He thinks a change of scenery might be good for both sides, but his $8.13 million AAV over the next five seasons could be difficult to move. He also has a full no-trade clause.

Management should also explore moving winger Pavel Buchnevich, who has six years left on his contract with an AAV of $8 million. However, his contract and declining production could require adding a sweetener in the deal.

The Blues should also revisit efforts to move Colton Parayko, who used his no-movement clause to block a trade to the Buffalo Sabres before the March deadline. They should also chat with goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a year left on his contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Blues intend to tear down their roster and rebuild, it’s doubtful they’ll part with Thomas. Outgoing general manager Doug Armstrong set a high asking price, and it’s unlikely that incoming GM Alexander Steen will lower it.

Kyrou and Buchnevich are more likely trade candidates. The 27-year-old Kyrou would likely be easier to move than the 31-year-old Buchnevich, as the latter’s production has steadily declined since his career-high 76-point performance in 2021-22.

Steen could revisit Armstrong’s efforts to move Parayko, but his NMC gives him full control over his situation. Binnington seems a more likely trade candidate because several teams that struggled with their goaltending this season will be seeking upgrades this summer.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger looked at what’s in store for Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell during the offseason.

Forwards Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson can become unrestricted free agents on July 1. It’s unlikely all four will be re-signed. Meanwhile, center Adam Fantilli, goaltender Jet Greaves, and forward Cole Sillinger are among their restricted free agent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jenner has spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Blue Jackets, but Hedger wondered if they’ll re-sign the 32-year-old forward. Fantilli and Greaves will be in line for expensive raises given their value to the Blue Jackets.

The rising salary cap will leave the vast majority of NHL teams, including the Blue Jackets, flush with salary-cap space,. Hedger believes it’ll be difficult to find impact talent in this summer’s UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Newly re-signed head coach Rick Bowness vowed he would change the Blue Jackets’ culture after blasting his players for what he felt was how comfortable they were with losing.

Finding character players who can also address the Jackets’ roster needs could be top of mind for Waddell this summer. This summer’s shallow free-agent pool could send him into the trade market, where he could indeed find himself having to outbid many rivals with as much cap space as he has.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2026

by | Apr 3, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 3, 2026

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

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

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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