Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

by | Mar 22, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 22, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation about Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and some suggested offseason trade targets for the Flyers.

MORE SPECULATION OVER AUSTON MATTHEWS FUTURE WITH THE MAPLE LEAFS

THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston raised the possibility that the knee-on-knee hit that ended Auston Matthews’ season, and the lack of reaction from his Maple Leafs teammates, might be “the final act in Toronto” for arguably the greatest player in franchise history.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Leafs management was bound to have a discussion with Matthews during the offseason about his future before the 28-year-old center was sidelined. The club has suffered the biggest year-over-year points decline in franchise history, forcing management to become sellers at the recent trade deadline.

The Maple Leafs face an offseason of uncertainty in the front office and among the coaching staff. More changes could be coming to the roster. Johnston speculated that it might not be until June before Matthews and the Maple Leafs have a clearer picture of the club’s direction.

Matthews has two more seasons remaining on his contract. His full no-movement clause would severely limit the Maple Leafs’ efforts to get full value if they attempt to trade him. Punting next season is out of the question because they have already traded their 2027 first-round pick, and potentially their 2028 first-rounder, depending on trade conditions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Matthews camp spoke with Leafs management before the Olympic break. Everything seemed fine then despite the club’s sagging fortunes. Following Matthews’ injury, Friedman speculated the two sides could revisit those discussions within the next couple of months.

Matthews could decide to see how next season turns out before getting into more serious talks about his future.

A bounce-back performance by himself and the Maple Leafs could make him amenable to another short-term contract extension. Another season like this one, and he could decide to test the free-agent market in 2028, forcing the Leafs to start shopping him in the summer of 2027.

WHO COULD THE FLYERS TARGET IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco recently looked at what centermen the Philadelphia Flyers might target in this summer’s trade market.

The Flyers were rumored to have made an offer to the Boston Bruins for prospect centers Dean Letourneau and Matthew Poitras. Neither has established themselves as NHL players yet, but they have the potential to become middle-six pivots.

Di Marco noted that the Seattle Kraken were open to trading Shane Wright, but couldn’t find any takers. He wondered if they might consider moving Matty Beniers, noting they have Chandler Stephenson signed long-term and that promising Jake O’Brien is on the way.

Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues could be available. However, the asking price is rumored to be the equivalent of four first-round picks, which may scare off the Flyers. However, they might get into it if the Blues lowered the price a little.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Acquiring a center is a priority for the Flyers this summer. Of Di Marco’s suggested options, landing Letourneau and/or Poitras seems the more likely.

The Kraken aren’t likely to move Beniers despite his offensive difficulties. He’s their first-line center and is in the second season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.142 million. At 23, he still has time to improve, especially if they find a suitable scoring winger for his line.

Thomas might be an option if the Blues lower their price. However, he has a full no-movement clause and might not waive it to go to Philadelphia.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 22, 2026

by | Mar 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 22, 2026

Lighting winger Nikita Kucherov takes over the scoring lead, a five-point night for Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, the Predators move into a playoff berth, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov scored two goals and collected two assists in a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Anthony Cirelli tallied twice for the 43-21-4 Lightning, who sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with 90 points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid netted his 399th career regular-season goal as his club sits in second place in the Pacific Division with a record of 34-28-9 (77 points).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 118 points, Kucherov surpassed McDavid for the lead in this season’s scoring race. Speaking of McDavid, he acknowledged that his struggling club is fortunate to be playing in the weak Pacific Division. “It’s a bit of a pillow fight right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, sidelined Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has returned to his native Germany to receive treatment for his lower-body injury from renowned sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt. Draisaitl hopes to be healthy in time for the postseason.

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield (NHL Images).

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield had a hat trick and two assists as his club pulled away from the New York Islanders by a score of 7-3. Nick Suzuki had four assists, Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice and set up two others, and Kaiden Guhle had a goal and two assists for the Canadiens (38-21-10), who hold third place in the Atlantic Division with 86 points. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 22nd goal of the season for the Islanders (39-26-5), who are one point out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With 43 goals, Caufield sits two behind Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon for this season’s goal-scoring lead. Meanwhile, Schaefer needs one goal to tie Hall of Famer Brian Leetch for the most goals by a rookie defenseman.

The Nashville Predators hold the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference after a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Steven Stamkos led the way with two goals and an assist while goaltender Justus Annunen kicked out 39 shots for the 32-28-9 Predators (73 points). Shea Theodore replied for the Golden Knights (31-25-14), who sit one point behind the Oilers in third place in the Pacific Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators have come a long way from being dead-last in the Western Conference on Dec. 1. Stamkos regaining his scoring touch has played a big part in their resurgence. After finishing last season with 27 goals in 82 games, the 36-year-old sniper has 33 goals in 69 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski collected three first-period assists as his club defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2, extending their points streak to 12 games (8-0-4). Cole Sillinger had a goal and two assists for the 37-21-11 Blue Jackets, who sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 85 points. Kaapo Kakko had a goal and an assist for the Kraken (31-29-9), who sit two points back of the Predators for that final Western wild card.

The Buffalo Sabres picked up their fourth straight victory with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist while Tage Thompson tallied his 36th goal of the season for the 44-20-6 Sabres, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with 94 points. Artemi Panarin scored for the Kings (28-25-16), who’ve dropped four of their last six games to sit one point behind the Predators.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes in points, but the latter holds first place in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand.

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 41 saves to backstop his club over the Detroit Red Wings 4-2. Morgan Geekie collected three assists while David Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm each had a goal and an assist for the Bruins (39-23-8) as they hold the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot with 86 points. Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat scored for the 38-24-8 Red Wings, who cling to the final Eastern wild card with 84 points.

A shootout goal by Sidney Crosby lifted the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Erik Karlsson tallied twice for the Penguins (35-18-16) as they hold second place in the Metropolitan Division with 86 points. Brad Lambert had a goal and an assist for the 28-29-12 Jets (68 points), who sit five points out of the final Western wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard returned to the lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury. Jets blueliner Neal Pionk was back in action after being sidelined for 23 games with a lower-body injury.

The Minnesota Wild nipped the Dallas Stars 2-1 on an overtime goal by Vladimir Tarasenko. Bobby Brink scored in regulation and assisted on Tarasenko’s goal for the 40-19-12 Wild, who sit third in the Western Conference with 92 points. Jason Robertson tallied for the Stars (43-15-11), who sit second in the West with 97 points.

Third-period goals by Michael Amadio and Ridly Greig enabled the Ottawa Senators to hold off the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score of 5-2. Tim Stutzle netted his 32nd goal of the season for the Senators (34-24-9) as they sit three points back of the Red Wings for the final Eastern wild card with 81 points. John Tavares and Easton Cowan replied for the 29-29-13 Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat by a high shot from teammate William Nylander during warm-ups. He was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons. The Leafs also played without defenseman Morgan Rielly, who suffered a lower-body injury on Friday against the Hurricanes.

The Philadelphia Flyers picked up their seventh straight road win with a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Three unanswered third-period goals by Christian Dvorak, Travis Sanheim, and Noah Cates sealed the deal for the 34-23-12 Flyers (80 points), who sit four points out of the final Eastern wild-card berth. Dmitry Orlov scored for the Sharks (32-30-6), who’ve lost four in a row and sit three points out of the final Western wild card.

St. Louis Blues winger Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Defenseman Logan Mailloux picked up two assists for the 28-30-11 Blues. Filip Hronek scored for the 21-40-8 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Blues announced that defenseman Tyler Tucker is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The Canuck activated defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph off injured reserve, but he didn’t play in this game.

IN OTHER NEWS…

CALGARY SUN: Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer faces a disciplinary hearing for boarding Flames forward Connor Zary on Friday. Greer was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Zary left the game with an upper-body injury and did not return. There was no update on Zary’s condition, but head coach Ryan Huska said after the game that he was moving around.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Noah Laba (lower-body injury) and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen (upper body) are listed as week-to-week. Both players were sidelined during Wednesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils.

SI.COM: Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell could make his NHL debut this week after his Swedish team (Djurgardens IF) had its season end with a 3-1 loss to Malmo. Frondell was chosen third overall by the Blackhawks in the 2025 NHL Draft.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 21, 2026

by | Mar 21, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 21, 2026

Check out the latest about Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, Ducks center Mason McTavish, and Avalanche center Jack Drury in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

HURRICANES INQUIRED ABOUT JORDAN BINNINGTON BEFORE THE TRADE DEADLINE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports sources suggested the Carolina Hurricanes checked in with the St. Louis Blues about goaltender Jordan Binnington before the March 6 trade deadline. However, that’s all it was, as the talks never got serious.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (NHL Images).

LeBrun’s report was part of his interview with Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky, which included a discussion about the club’s limited activity at the trade deadline. He noted that Tulsky wouldn’t comment about the Binnington-to-Carolina rumors leading up to the deadline. The Hurricanes GM indicated they tried everywhere to upgrade the roster.

The limited options in this summer’s free-agent market could send Tulsky into this summer’s trade market. He indicated that his club will be “actively pursuing any means” to bolster their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes were expected to take a big swing at a major deal before the deadline. Following the deadline, Tulsky noted that the asking prices were too high for his liking. Whether they’ll become more affordable this summer remains to be seen.

The Blues are expected to remain sellers this summer, with Binnington among the players they’re willing to move. Tulsky could revisit his interest if his current tandem of Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi fails to backstop the Hurricanes on a deep playoff run.

SHOULD THE FLYERS PURSUE DUCKS CENTER MASON MCTAVISH?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Dailey noted the Philadelphia Flyers have had a good trade history with the Anaheim Ducks, bringing in Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale. He wondered if they should continue that streak by inquiring about the availability of center Mason McTavish in the offseason.

McTavish, 23, has struggled this season with 13 goals and 32 points in 62 games, and was a recent healthy scratch against the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. He’s in the first season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million, and lacks no-trade protection until 2029-30.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is McTavish’s first season under head coach Joel Quenneville, which could explain his difficulties this season. He also missed part of training camp last fall due to his contract negotiations.

McTavish never came up in the rumor mill before the trade deadline. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean teams seeking depth at center (like the Flyers) won’t make inquiries about his availability this summer.

COULD THE AVALANCHE TRADE JACK DRURY THIS SUMMER?

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Aarif Deen was asked if the Avalanche might trade Jack Drury. They acquired Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline, and could decide to move the 26-year-old Drury, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Deen thinks trading Drury this summer is a real possibility. It could allow them to recoup some of the assets they gave up to acquire Roy and Nazem Kadri. However, they could keep him if they could get him signed to a reasonable contract.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 20, 2026

by | Mar 20, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 20, 2026

The Blue Jackets ride an 11-game points streak into a playoff berth, Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov is challenging for the scoring title, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews undergoes knee surgery, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF THURSDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their points streak to 11 games (7-0-4) and moved into third place in the Metropolitan Division with a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Adam Fantilli scored two goals while Zach Werenski collected three assists for the 36-21-11 Blue Jackets (83 points). Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers (28-33-8), who have dropped three straight games.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored with 13 seconds left in the third period to nip the New York Islanders 3-2. Shane Pinto and Warren Foegele also scored for the 35-24-9 Senators (79 points), who are five points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Matthew Schaefer and Brayden Schenn tallied for the Islanders (39-25-5), who dropped one point behind the Blue Jackets, and out of a playoff berth with 83 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score 50 points in a season. With 21 goals, he’s two shy of tying Brian Leetch for the most goals by a rookie blueliner.

Speaking of the Islanders, their AHL affiliate will move from Bridgeport, Conn., to Hamilton, Ontario in 2026-27.

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov and Anthony Cirelli each had a goal and two assists in a 6-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Darren Raddysh and Brandon Hagel each had a goal and an assist for the Lightning (42-21-4), who hold second place in the Atlantic Division with 88 points. Marco Rossi collected two assists for the 21-39-8 Canucks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kucherov’s three-point performance moved him within one point of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid for the scoring title. McDavid has 115 points while Kucherov has 114. The Lightning winger won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s scoring champion in each of the last two seasons. He also won the award in 2018-19. Kucherov hopes to join McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux, Phil Esposito, Jaromir Jagr, and Stan Mikita as the only players to win the Art Ross Trophy four times.

Speaking of McDavid, he and his Oilers were blanked 4-0 by the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky turned in a 21-save shutout while Cole Reinhardt, A.J. Greer, Anton Lundell, and Carter Verhaeghe scored for the 34-31-3 Panthers. Connor Ingram stopped 19 of 23 shots for the Oilers (34-27-9, 77 points), who are one point behind the first-place Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Oilers placed Leon Draisaitl (lower body) on long-term injury reserve and recalled forward Roby Jarventie from their AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.

Buffalo Sabres goalie Alex Lyon made 23 saves to shut out the San Jose Sharks 5-0. Sam Carrick tallied twice, and Rasmus Dahlin had a goal and an assist for the 43-20-6 Sabres, who have won 11 of their last 12 games to sit in first place in the Atlantic Division with 92 points. Alex Nedeljkovic gave up five goals on 16 shots as the Sharks (32-29-6, 70 points) dropped their third straight game. They are two points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes, but the latter holds the conference lead with a game in hand.

Speaking of shutouts, Utah Mammoth netminder Karel Vejmelka turned aside 28 shots in a 4-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Clayton Keller scored two goals for the Mammoth (36-27-6), who hold the first Western wild card with 78 points. Adin Hill got the hook after giving up three goals on his first three shots as the Golden Knights (31-24-14) sit third in the Pacific Division with 76 points.

Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat scored the winning goal and collected two assists in a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, handing the latter their third loss in their last four games. John Gibson made 32 saves for the 38-23-8 Red Wings, who hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 84 points. Juraj Slafkovsky scored his 25th goal of the season for the Canadiens (37-21-10) as they cling to third place in the Atlantic Division with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Red Wings center Andrew Copp also scored as he returned to action following a three-game absence with a lower-body injury. Canadiens winger Josh Anderson missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Boston Bruins thumped the Winnipeg Jets 6-1. David Pastrnak had a goal and an assist to extend his points streak to eight games while Pavel Zacha, Viktor Arvidsson, and Lukas Reichel also had a goal and an assist each for the Bruins (38-23-8), who hold the first Eastern wild card with 84 points. Jonathan Toews scored for the 28-29-11 Jets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens hold third place in the Atlantic over the Bruins and Red Wings because they have a game in hand. However, they could soon find themselves outside the playoff picture if they continue to stumble.

A shootout goal by Trevor Zegras gave the Philadelphia Flyers a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Noah Cates and Matvei Michkov each had two points for the 33-23-12 Flyers. Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist for the Kings (28-24-16), who picked up a point to move one point ahead of the Seattle Kraken into the final Western wild card with 72 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers got the win without Sean Couturier, Luke Glendening, and Denver Barkey, who were sidelined by injuries.

Speaking of the Kraken, they dropped a 3-1 decision to the Nashville Predators. Filip Forsberg had a goal and two assists while Justus Annunen kicked out 26 shots for the Predators (31-28-9), who are one point behind the Kings in the race for that Western wild-card berth. Frederick Gaudreau replied for the 31-28-9 Kraken, who’ve lost six of their last eight games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators starting goalie Juuse Saros missed this game as he’s day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

The Chicago Blackhawks upset the Minnesota Wild 2-1. Spencer Knight made 28 saves while Ilya Mikheyev and Connor Bedard scored for the 26-30-12 Blackhawks. Nico Sturm tallied for the Wild (39-19-12), who hold third place in the Central Division with 90 points, but have lost four of their last five contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov missed this game with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.

HEADLINES

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews underwent a successful repair surgery for his torn left MCL. His recovery time is 12 weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews was injured last week by a deliberate knee-on-knee hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, who received a five-game suspension for his actions. While Matthews’ season is over, Gudas could return to action as early as next Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The punishment really doesn’t fit the crime, does it?

HOCKEY 24/7: Frank Seravalli reports sources indicate the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on May 5.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league hasn’t officially confirmed this, but it would be in line with last year’s lottery, which was also held on May 5. The New York Islanders won that lottery, going on to select Matthew Schaefer with the first-overall pick during the draft the following month.

DAILY FACEOFF: Ryan Johansen announced his retirement after a 13-season NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, and the Colorado Avalanche from 2011-12 to 2023-24.

Johansen had 202 goals and 376 assists for 578 points in 905 regular-season games. He also had 19 goals and 35 assists for 54 points in 67 playoff games.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 19, 2026

by | Mar 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 19, 2026

Sidney Crosby returns to action for the Penguins, Alex Ovechkin ties another scoring record, the latest from the general managers’ meetings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: A seven-goal third period set the stage for Sean Walker’s overtime goal from a beautiful set-up by Sebastian Aho as the Carolina Hurricanes nipped the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5. Jackson Blake had a goal and two assists while Nikolaj Ehlers collected three assists for the Hurricanes (43-19-6), who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 92 points. Erik Karlsson scored twice and picked up an assist, and Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in his return to action for the 34-18-16 Penguins, who are in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby suffered a lower-body injury during the Olympics that sidelined him for 11 games. Before this game, the league fined Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis $5,000 for high-sticking Columbus Blue Jackets winger Conor Garland on Tuesday.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 25th goal of the season, and Cole Hutson scored in his NHL debut in a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Logan Thompson made 34 saves for the Capitals (34-27-8). Tim Stutzle replied for the 34-24-9 Senators (77 points), who remain five points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin reached the 25-goal plateau for the 20th time, tying him with Gordie Howe for the most in league history. In case you’re wondering, he holds the record for the most 30-goal seasons with 19. Hutson is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson.

A shootout goal by Wyatt Johnston lifted the Dallas Stars over the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Jake Oettinger stopped 33 shots, and Jason Robertson scored for the 43-15-10 Stars, who sit in second place in the overall standings with 96 points. Cale Makar tallied his 20th goal of the season for the Avalanche (44-13-10), who hold first overall with 98 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Entering 2026, the Avalanche were so far ahead in the overall standings that some observers wondered if they’d break the Boston Bruins’ 2022-23 record for the most wins (65) and points (135). However, they’ve stumbled since Jan. 4 with a record of 13 wins, 11 losses, and three overtime losses.

The Philadelphia Flyers upset the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Noah Cates. Dan Vladar kicked out 34 shots while Luke Glendening and Owen Tippett scored in regulation for the 32-23-12 Flyers. Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist for the 37-27-4 Ducks, who hold first place in the Pacific Division.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Trevor Zegras’ first game in Anaheim since being traded last summer to the Philadelphia Flyers. He spent five seasons with the Ducks and received a loud ovation from the fans when a tribute video was played during a TV timeout.

Before this game, the Ducks announced that forward Ross Johnston will miss the next three to four weeks with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Ducks play-by-play man Steve Carroll will retire at the end of this season. He’s been calling their games for 27 seasons.

A shootout goal by Joel Farabee gave the Calgary Flames a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Connor Zary scored in regulation while Devin Cooley turned aside 26 shots for the 27-34-7 Flames. Dylan Holloway replied for the 27-30-11 Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues matched a league record with three successful coach’s challenges.

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists to lead his team over the New York Rangers by a score of 6-3. Connor Brown also had a goal and two assists for the 35-31-2 Devils. Mika Zibanejad, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Conor Sheary scored for the 28-32-8 Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Hughes, he wasn’t happy that his Olympic “golden goal” puck and that of Team USA women’s team scorer Megan Keller were being held in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He called it “bulls**t” and felt the pucks belonged to the players who scored those goals.

Hughes walked back his comments on Thursday, claiming he’s honored that the puck is in the Hall. “It’s like the most special place in hockey,” Hughes said. “So yeah, I’m honored that it’s there. Obviously, I think things were taken crazy (this week). That’s just the way I felt.”

Meanwhile, Hockey Hall of Fame curator Phillip Pritchard said the puck “was never Jack’s to own.” He explained that the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation stage the Olympic Games. Since 1998, the IIHF has been responsible for collecting, authenticating, and preserving items from the Olympic and world championship tournaments. It was the IIHF that officially donated Hughes’ golden goal puck to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Players who score milestone goals in the NHL are typically allowed to keep the pucks and gear for themselves. The Hall will frequently request items for its collection, but there’s no guarantee that the player or team will donate them.

That’s why Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin kept the puck from his record-breaking 895th goal last season. However, he donated his gear from that game to the Hall last summer.

HEADLINES

THE ATHLETIC: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman continues to swat aside calls for changes to the playoff format, claiming he’s “more than comfortable” with the current setup. Bettman made those remarks to reporters as this week’s three-day meetings of general managers wrapped up on Wednesday.

Things got a bit spicy during the GM meetings when Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek sought further clarification on a controversial goaltender interference ruling that went against his team in a recent game against the Ottawa Senators. He reportedly didn’t sound very satisfied with what he heard.

Russia’s participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey remains in doubt if that country’s war with Ukraine continues. Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly denied a report from Czechia claiming Sweden, Finland, and Czechia wouldn’t participate if Russia does.

Bettman also defended the department of player safety after it received widespread criticism for the five-game suspension handed to Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who is out for the rest of the season as a result.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bettman and Daly discussed other topics, but these were the main points worth passing along. Nothing of any real surprise, other than Verbeek raising a stink about the goaltender interference rule.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers placed winger Brad Marchand on long-term injury reserve with an undisclosed injury. He’s been sidelined since March 6, raising doubts as to whether he’ll return before the end of the season.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Islanders signed winger Cole Eiserman to an entry-level contract.

THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed forward Zachary L’Heureux to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $875,000.

HOCKEY 24/7: Penn State forward and potential 2026 first-overall draft pick Gavin McKenna is among the 10 candidates for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.










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.