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 27, 2026

by | May 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 27, 2026

Check out the latest on the Avalanche and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE AVALANCHE?

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark looked at what could be in store for the Colorado Avalanche after being swept from the Western Conference Final by the Vegas Golden Knights.

Defensemen Brent Burns and Brett Kulak are on expiring contracts. If they don’t re-sign, the Avalanche will need a new third defense pairing.

They must strengthen their supporting cast. Some depth players, such as Ross Colton, have a year remaining on their contracts. They could move on from those players to free up more salary-cap space for more help, or wait until next season begins to make adjustments based on early results.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus also wondered what’s in store for the Avalanche this summer. Their core is aging, with Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, Devon Toews, Josh Manson, Valeri Nichushkin, and Scott Wedgewood in their early to mid- thirties.

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar (NHL Images).

Lazerus cited reports claiming general manager Chris MacFarland could depart this summer to become the VP of hockey operations for the Nashville Predators. If MacFarland stays, Lazerus wondered what he would do with head coach Jared Bednar, whose playoff record since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 includes two first-round losses, a second-round loss, and now a Conference Final loss.

THE DENVER POST: Troy Renck believes it’s time for the Avalanche to part ways with Bednar, pointing to their three early postseason exits since 2022 and getting swept from this year’s conference final as justification for a change behind the bench.

Renck suggests the Avalanche bring in “a young genius” like Denver University’s David Carle or a veteran such as former Golden Knights’ bench boss Bruce Cassidy.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Don’t expect a major roster overhaul for the Avalanche, but a coaching change isn’t out of the question, especially if MacFarland leaves. However, if the Golden Knights are blocking Cassidy from speaking with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, it’s doubtful they’ll let the Avalanche speak to him.

THE LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION

LA PRESSE: Mathias Brunet believes Montreal Canadiens fans shouldn’t get their hope up about acquiring Nico Hischier from the New Jersey Devils.

As per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Devils have had preliminary contract extension discussions with Hischier’s agent. The 27-year-old two-way center has a year left on his contract and will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Brunet believes Sunny Mehta, the Devils’ new general manager, isn’t interested in trading Hischier. The Devils aren’t in a rebuilding situation like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.

The Canadiens are reportedly keeping a close eye on Hischier’s situation. Finding a comparable center won’t be easy.

They likely don’t want to burden themselves with unproductive Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson and his expensive contract. New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck is 33 years old. Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken is still developing. Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks had a disappointing season and is signed for the next five seasons with an average annual value of $7 million.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: A reader asked Stu Cowan if the Canadiens might part with a promising prospect such as Michael Hage or Alexander Zharovsky to land a bona fide No. 2 center.

Cowan believes it’s possible. He also felt that any team giving up that center would want a center such as Hage in return, rather than a winger like Zharovsky.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The problem for the Canadiens is that there aren’t many suitable centers in this year’s trade market that might be available. Those few that could be acquired would be expensive and would require parting with one or two of their top prospects.

It could be worthwhile for someone such as Hischier if he became available, but that seems unlikely at this point. Pettersson carries too much baggage and too much contract. Trocheck will likely prefer joining an American playoff contender, and his age is a concern. Wright hasn’t proven himself yet as a second-line center. As for McTavish, his decline this season is concerning, but the Ducks will likely set a high price anyway.

Brunet didn’t mention Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. He’s been a fixture in the rumor mill for months, with the Blues reportedly setting a high asking price.

However, I’m not convinced that the Blues will move Thomas. They seem to be retooling, not rebuilding. Thomas was a good fit between wingers Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud this season. He also has a full no-trade clause and indicated that he wants to stay in St. Louis and be part of their retooling process.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

by | May 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

Check out the latest on Devils captain Nico Hischier, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, Kraken center Matty Beniers, Red Wings goalie Sebastian Cossa, and Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WILL THE DEVILS RE-SIGN OR TRADE NICO HISCHIER?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports several teams are keeping an eye on what happens to New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier this summer.

The 27-year-old center has a year remaining on his contract with a salary cap hit of $7.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.

LeBrun reports preliminary discussions between Devils general manager Sunny Mehta and Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, have been “amicable and positive.” Nevertheless, Mehta will want clarity on Hischier’s intentions. LeBrun doubts he’ll want to go into next season with his captain on an expiring contract.

The Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens would be among the clubs that will be interested if Hischier becomes available in this summer’s trade market. However, LeBrun believes an extension is the more likely outcome, though the discussions are at “an early and delicate stage”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It could cost the Devils up to $13 million annually to re-sign Hischier. They have over $47 million in projected cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season for his new contract. A new contract for Simon Nemec this summer could cost $9 million, but that could be offset by finding a suitable trade destination for blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

ARE THE PANTHERS PURSUING BRADY TKACHUK?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg reports rumors “continue to swirl” claiming Panthers GM Bill Zito is attempting to acquire Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tkachuk might one day be united with his brother, Matthew, on the Panthers, but that day hasn’t arrived yet. Brady and Senators GM Steve Staios recently shot down any notion that he wants a trade or that they’re going to listen to trade offers.

If Tkachuk became available in this summer’s trade market, it would cost the Panthers at least two of their good young players, such as Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich. Unless Tkachuk only wants to go to Florida, the Panthers are unlikely to outbid other clubs that would be interested in his services.

The best way for the Panthers to land Tkachuk would be to wait until 2028, when he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent, assuming he wouldn’t re-sign with the Senators before then. That’s assuming they’ll have sufficient cap space to sign him.

WOULD MATTY BENIERS BE A GOOD TRADE TARGET FOR THE FLYERS?

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James suggested Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken could be a good “under-the-radar” trade target to address the Flyers’ need for depth at center.

With Chandler Stephenson locked up long-term and promising Berkly Catton knocking at the door, the 23-year-old Beniers could become the perfect trade candidate. James speculated it might take a scoring winger to tempt the Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trading Beniers to add a scoring winger would address one issue while creating another. The Kraken need more offense, but they’re unlikely to trade their first-line center to get him. Catton has promise, but he’s not ready for first-line duty yet, while Stephenson is best-suited as their second-line center.

SUGGESTED DESTINATIONS FOR RED WINGS GOALIE SEBASTIAN COSSA

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen noted the rise of promising goalies Trey Augustine and Michal Postava has made Sebastian Cossa the subject of trade rumors. It’s been reported that GM Steve Yzerman is considering moving the 23-year-old netminder.

Allen suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and New York Rangers as potential trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cossa was expected to become the Red Wings’ backup goaltender next season. He could fill that role with those other clubs, but his struggles this season might be a cause for concern.

ARE THE PREDATORS INTERESTED IN THE AVALANCHE’S GENERAL MANAGER?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland is a “logical target” for the Nashville Predators to fill their GM role.

Friedman doesn’t believe it’s guaranteed that MacFarland is leaving the Avalanche or going to Nashville. However, he thinks the amount of time it’s taking the Predators to find a new GM suggests they’re waiting to talk to somebody.

It’s been reported that MacFarland would be taking a VP of hockey operations position with the Predators. However, Friedman said he doesn’t think the Predators have permission to speak with him or that any agreement is in place.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Predators could be waiting until the Avalanche’s postseason is over before seeking permission to talk to MacFarland. Even then, there’s no certainty they’ll be allowed to, especially since he’s a finalist for the GM of the Year award.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

by | May 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

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

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

NO BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER FOR THE FLYERS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 5, 2026

by | May 5, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 5, 2026

The Hurricanes take a 2-0 series lead over the Flyers, the Golden Knights take Game 1 of their second-round series with the Ducks, the Masterton Trophy finalists are announced, the 2026 Draft Lottery will be held Tuesday evening, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING MONDAY’S PLAYOFF GAMES

NHL.COM: Carolina Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall scored his first NHL overtime playoff goal to give his club a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 2 of their best-of-seven second-round series. The Flyers took an early 2-0 lead on goals by Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier, but the Hurricanes rallied as Nikolaj Ehlers and Seth Jarvis scored to send the game to overtime. Frederik Andersen stopped 34 shots for the Hurricanes, who hold a 2-0 lead as this series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4. Dan Vladar made 40 saves for the Flyers.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Taylor Hall (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers had a much better effort in this game compared to the series opener, but they couldn’t build on their lead or shut down Carolina’s offense. Once again, it was the second line of Hall, Jackson Blake, and Logan Stankoven that made the difference for the Hurricanes. Speaking of Stankoven, this was the first game in this postseason that he was held off the score sheet.

Game 3 of this series is Thursday at 8 pm ET.

A controversial tie-breaking goal by Ivan Barbashev gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of their second-round series. Barbashev’s goal came moments after a linesman waived off what appeared to be an icing call, infuriating Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville, who pleaded his case with the officials to no avail. Brett Howden extended his goal streak to four games while Mitch Marner had an empty-netter for the Golden Knights. Mikael Granlund replied for the Ducks. Game 2 of this series is on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This game saw Golden Knights center William Karlsson’s postseason debut after being sidelined since November with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon is expected to miss this series with an undisclosed injury suffered during his club’s series-clinching win over the Utah Mammoth last Friday.

HEADLINES

NHL.COM: Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, and Jonathan Toews of the Winnipeg Jets are the finalists for the 2025-26 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 6, in real time starting at 7 pm ET at NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. It will involve the 16 teams that failed to qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers have the best odds of winning the lottery based on their position in the standings at the end of this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A team that sits lower in the order can move up 10 places if they win the lottery. However, only those sitting among the top 11 seeds can win the first overall pick.

Last year, the New York Islanders won the lottery despite having the 10th-best odds of doing so. They used that pick to select defenseman Mathieu Schaefer in the 2025 Draft. Schaefer had an immediate positive impact with the Islanders this season and is considered the favorite to win the 2026 Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs formally introduced Mats Sundin and John Chayka as their new management team. Sundin is the Leafs new senior executive advisor of hockey operations, while Chayka is their new general manager.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs ownership was already facing criticism from pundits and fans in Leafs Nation for these hirings before the introductions were made.

Sundin is a former captain of the Leafs and among the greatest players in franchise history, but he’s never held a management position before, and his role as a “senior executive advisor” suggests he won’t have a direct role in hockey ops decisions.

Most of the criticism was leveled at Chayka. His checkered past as GM of the Arizona Coyotes has many observers questioning Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment honcho Keith Pelley about the vetting process involved in Chayka’s hiring.

It led to an awkward moment when Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons directly challenged Pelley and Chayka, citing anonymous league sources critical of the latter’s previous experience with the Coyotes. Pelley insisted that the Leafs conducted their due diligence, while Chayka sidestepped questions about his complicated past.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that “at least one team” raised a tampering concern with the league, claiming that employees under contract may have been contacted by the Maple Leafs without proper permission. However, the league looked into the matter and found the complaint to be unsubstantiated. Seravalli stated that a Maple Leafs spokesman declined to comment but acknowledged the interaction with the league.

OTTAWA SUN: Senators forward Ridly Greig will miss the first two games of the 2026-27 season for sucker-punching Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker during Game 4 of the first-round series between the two clubs.

D MAGAZINE: Robert Tiffin reports Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said he tore an oblique muscle during the Apr. 9 regular-season game against the Minnesota Wild. He said the injury was slowly improving with each game, and he expects he’ll be fully healthy over the summer.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres center Sam Carrick (upper-body injury) might be available for his club’s upcoming second-round series with the Montreal Canadiens after all. He was initially considered unavailable, but is further along in his recovery than expected.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils forwards Nico Hischier and Timo Meier will play for Switzerland in the upcoming 2026 IIHF World Championship.

DAILY FACEOFF: Former NHL defenseman Korbinian Holzer has retired. He played in 206 NHL games from 2010-11 to 2019-20 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, and Nashville Predators, finishing with six goals and 27 points. Holzer spent the past six seasons playing in Russia, Germany, and Austria.