NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2026

by | May 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 1, 2026

What’s next for the Oilers and Stars following their postseason eliminations? What’s the latest on the Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE OILERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Sean Gentille and Chris Johnston looked at what’s next for the Edmonton Oilers after their first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks. They don’t have much time to rebuild back into perennial Stanley Cup contender status. Team captain Connor McDavid will be starting his new two-year contract next season.

League sources claim McDavid remains determined to bring the Oilers to the promised land despite this season’s setback. However, he’ll expect management to deliver on specific roster adjustments this summer.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images)

Finding a suitable starting goaltender remains a prime issue for the Oilers. Tristan Jarry has two years remaining on his contract, and didn’t imbue any confidence that he can handle the starter’s job. Connor Ingram is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The pickings are slim in this summer’s UFA market. Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues and Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights could be trade candidates, though it’s hard to imagine the latter helping out a division rival.

Forwards Adam Henrique, Jason Dickinson, Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, Curtis Lazar, and defenseman Connor Murphy are also UFA-eligible.

The biggest decision could be what to do with Darnell Nurse. He has four years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9.25 million and a full no-movement clause. If the Oilers can find a way to trade him, it would free up cap space to address other needs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Stan Bowman faces what could arguably be the biggest challenge of his management career this summer. This club is at a crossroads, and trying to rebuild around the core on the cheap likely won’t work any better than it did this season.

Puckpedia indicates the Oilers have over $16.4 million in projected cap space for 2026-27, with 15 active roster players under contract.

Finding a suitable goaltender will be difficult given the limited talent in the trade and free-agent markets. It’s easy to suggest trading for Binnington or Hill, but they both have 10-team no-trade lists, and there’s no certainty they’ll accept a trade to the Oilers.

Nurse’s contract makes moving him a daunting challenge. Even if he agreed to waive his clause, few teams will be willing to take on his full cap hit. The Oilers would have to retain some of it to facilitate a deal.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ryan O’Hara believes the Oilers’ collapse raises questions about McDavid’s future and head coach Kris Knoblauch’s job.

If the trade whispers about McDavid were to become reality, O’Hara believes the Los Angeles Kings would make sense.

While the Kings also made an early postseason exit, O’Hara believes their defensive structure and reliable goaltending are things that McDavid hasn’t had in Edmonton, and could make them an enticing destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I put no stock into those “whispers” that McDavid wants out. Assuming he did, I don’t see the Kings as a destination.

Like the Oilers, the Kings are at a crossroads, with Anze Kopitar retiring and long-time defenseman Drew Doughty in the twilight of his career. Yes, they play better defense and have better goaltending, but that hasn’t been enough to get them past the first round over the past five years. They also lack the assets to meet what will be a significant asking price for McDavid.

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark believes the only concern for the Oilers is how to build up a better roster around superstar Connor McDavid. He acknowledged there are other needs to be addressed, but improving the supporting cast around McDavid is the main concern.

The Oilers will have to accomplish that by finding help at team-friendly prices. One way they could resolve that is move one of their higher-paid players not named McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If they can’t move Nurse (and I doubt that they can without adding a significant sweetener to the deal), trading away any of their other high-salaried guys (Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) would do more harm than good. They could attempt to trade defenseman Jake Walman ($7 million AAV starting next season), but he has a full NMC.

The easier player to move that would free up considerable cap space is Evan Bouchard. He earns an AAV of $10.5 million, lacks no-trade protection, and he would fetch a better return than the aforementioned players. However, moving him would take away their top puck-moving defenseman, leaving them scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Trading Bouchard could also send the wrong signal to McDavid, making the prospect of his early departure more likely.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STARS?

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports that losing in the first round of the playoffs was never an acceptable outcome for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations like the Stars. They will start again and try to get back to the level they were a year ago.

The roster might have a slightly different look next season. They still have to re-sign winger Jason Robertson, who is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. They could also have a new team captain if Jamie Benn retires.

ESPN.COM: Ryan S. Clark believes the cost of re-signing Robertson will be expensive, pointing to the expensive deals signed by wingers Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild and Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau wondered if Robertson’s play could price him out of Dallas. The 26-year-old winger had 45 goals and a team-leading 96 points this season, and was second among his teammates in this postseason with eight points in six games.

The Stars have $11.1 million in projected cap space next season. Robertson is coming off a four-year contract with an AAV of $7.75 million, and his next deal will exceed $10 million annually. That could force general manager Jim Nill to make a cost-cutting move or two to free up space to re-sign him.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus wondered if Nill will re-sign Robertson or dangle him in the trade market for a return that replenishes their depleted prospect and draft-pick pools.

Like Proteau, Lazerus believes Nill would have to make a salary-dumping deal to re-sign Robertson. He wondered if veteran center Matt Duchene or the oft-injured (but still highly respected) Roope Hintz would become a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marner is earning an AAV of $12 million on an eight-year contract, while Kapizov will earn $17 million annually when his new contract kicks in next season. Robertson won’t get Kaprizov money, but he could end up in the same neighborhood as Marner.

Hintz would be more valuable than Duchene in the trade market, but both players have full no-movement clauses. Thomas Harley ($10.5 million starting next season) and Wyatt Johnston ($8.4 million) would each fetch significant returns and lack no-trade protection, but Nill isn’t going to move those core players.

THE LATEST ON THE RED WINGS

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman looked at some potential offseason free agents and trade targets for the Detroit Red Wings to boost their chances of ending their long playoff drought.

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres, Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders top his list of potential free-agent candidates.

Trade targets could include Buffalo Sabres forwards Josh Norris and Jack Quinn, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson.

Bultman also looked at which players on the current Red Wings roster are likely to stay and which ones are likely to move. Players with term remaining on their contracts (J.T. Compher, Michael Rasmussen, and Mason Appleton) are potential trade candidates. Pending UFAs James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, and Cam Talbot could move on.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2026

by | Apr 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 27, 2026

With their postseason over, what’s next for the Senators? What’s in store for the Blackhawks during the offseason? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SENATORS?

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators enter the offseason facing no shortage of questions about what the future holds after they were swept from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Topping the list is team captain Brady Tkachuk. The 27-year-old power forward has been the subject of speculation this season. He’s downplayed the conjecture, insisting that his focus is on helping the Senators win the Cup. Tkachuk was a physical presence against the Hurricanes but was held off the score sheet during that four-game series.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

Garrioch cited New York Rangers fans pining for their club to acquire Tkachuk, who lives in New Jersey during the offseason. He’s often been linked to New York-area teams in the rumor mill.

Tkachuk has two more years left on his contract with a full no-movement clause. The earliest the Senators can re-sign him is next July. However, Garrioch thinks a discussion must occur between Tkachuk and general manager Steve Staios to determine the winger’s future in Ottawa.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NHL insider Frank Seravalli wondered about Tkachuk’s future in Ottawa. He felt that the Senators captain seemed “a little bit off” over the past several weeks, as evidenced by his body language and frustration. He cited Tkachuk’s post-series interview, which was tinged with a bit of emotion, and mused about whether that was recognition on the winger’s part that this could be the beginning of the end of his tenure in Ottawa.

I don’t believe that the Senators intend to trade Tkachuk this summer unless he asks for it. Both sides will likely take a wait-and-see approach throughout the offseason and into 2026-27. If the Senators improve significantly next season, it could convince Tkachuk to sign an extension. If they don’t, he could be reluctant to stay, which could force Staios to peddle him for the best possible return.

The Senators’ lack of offense among their scoring forwards against the Hurricanes was troubling. Garrioch believes it’ll be up to Staios to determine if he should move out a core player or enhance the roster by acquiring a player.

Staios must also determine what’s next for Linus Ullmark. The 35-year-old goaltender took a leave of absence at midseason for mental health reasons, and his performance improved significantly following his return.

Ullmark has three seasons remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million. Garrioch wondered if Staios might explore the trade market to see if Ullmark’s value has improved. If they retain him, they must find a reliable backup who can play more than 30 games.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BLACKHAWKS?

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers looked at what the offseason could hold for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks.

If the Blackhawks don’t win the draft lottery or if prospect Roman Kantserov doesn’t work out, they might have to add a top-six forward through a trade or free agency. General manager Kyle Davidson has the draft capital (including three first-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft) to use for trade bait. I Davidson pursues a legitimate top-six forward such as Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, or Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Powers believes it’ll take more than draft picks to land one of them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks were rumored to be among the clubs that were interested in Knies before the March trade deadline. He lacks no-trade protection and would be the easiest to acquire.

Robertson also lacks a no-trade clause, but he’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer who’s also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. If the Blackhawks were to acquire him, they would risk losing him for nothing to next summer’s UFA market.

Thomas has a full no-trade clause. He was the frequent subject of trade speculation before the deadline, but his post-deadline comments suggest he’s not interested in leaving St. Louis. If so, he could be unwilling to join a rebuilding club. 

Powers believes the Blackhawks must also add an experienced top-four defenseman. He suggested the possibility of bringing back Connor Murphy, who was traded to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline. The 33-year-old defenseman is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Other possibilities could include Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning or Mario Ferraro of the San Jose Sharks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy might be open to returning to Chicago, but at this stage of his career, he might prefer joining a Stanley Cup contender. Raddysh had a career-best performance this season with 22 goals and 78 points, but there’s a risk that he might not repeat those numbers, especially if he were to change teams. Ferraro could be a more reliable addition given his all-around play.

Powers also looked at which players will return with the Blackhawks next season and which ones could be moving on.

It’s 50-50 that winger Andre Burakovsky, Andrew Mangiapane, and Ilya Mikheyev return. Burakovsky and Mangiapane struggled this season, and could be bought out of their contracts depending on how the offseason goes for the Blackhawks. They want to re-sign Mikheyev, who turned down a contract offer at the trade deadline.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

by | Apr 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 20, 2026

Should the Blackhawks make a major move for a scoring winger? What areas could the Rangers look to improve this summer? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD THE BLACKHAWKS PURSUE MATTHEW KNIES OR JASON ROBERTSON?

VICTORY+: NHL insider Frank Seravalli was asked if the Chicago Blackhawks would make a bold move this offseason by attempting to trade for more than one superstar this summer. For example, would they go after Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, or only one of them?

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Seravalli thinks going after Knies or Robertson would be a great start for the Blackhawks. He reminded us that he reported several weeks ago that they were among the teams interested in Knies before last month’s trade deadline. He doesn’t think the Maple Leafs were actually planning to move Knies, but were looking for one of those deals where you can accomplish a rebuild in one single trade, which is really hard to do.

The Blackhawks’ interest in Knies indicates what type of player they could be looking for this summer. John Buccigross believes the Blackhawks can afford to be bullish and try to acquire a Matthew Knies or a Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maple Leafs ownership made it clear that they intend to retool instead of rebuilding, which suggests they’ll be hanging onto Knies unless someone makes them a mind-blowing offer.

Meanwhile, Stars general manager Jim Nill downplayed the trade rumors that dogged Robertson last summer and maintains his intention to re-sign Robertson this summer. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who is also a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

Of the two, Robertson seems the more likely to be available if he seeks more money than the Stars are willing to pay. He lacks no-trade protection, but the Blackhawks might insist on attempting a sign-and-trade deal before committing assets to acquire him.

THE LATEST ON THE RANGERS

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano reported last week that New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan pointed out that there are two areas of concern that he’d like to see addressed in the offseason.

Sullivan would like to add some puck-moving ability to the Rangers’ blueline. He would also like to improve the bottom-six forwards by adding players who can play certain roles that would lessen the burden on some of their top-six forwards.

GM Chris Drury acknowledged Sullivan’s suggestions. He also left the door open for the addition of a top-six forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those needs could be addressed by whatever they might get by trading center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider this summer. Both were frequently mentioned as trade candidates this season. It’s believed Drury will remain open to offers for both players.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2026

by | Apr 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 9, 2026

What does Rangers GM Chris Drury have in store for the offseason? Which player could the Penguins target this summer? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered which path New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury will take during the offseason. Will he preach patience and focus on rebuilding for the future, or aim for a quicker turnaround by trying to add to his roster?

Mercogliano stated that two league sources claimed Drury prefers to acquire young, NHL-ready players in any trade involving Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, defenseman Braden Schneider, or others.

The Rangers had planned to use their cap space this summer to pursue a premium unrestricted free agent, but the depth in that talent pool has drained. They could instead turn to this summer’s trade market if any big-name players hit the block.

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (NHL Images).

Mercogliano said it’s no secret the Rangers have long coveted Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and Auston Matthews’ situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs has grown murkier. However, he’s doubtful they have sufficient trade capital to pull off a trade of that magnitude.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of Drury’s actions have been to stage a quick turnaround rather than a full-fledged roster rebuild.

Drury is following the example of Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, whose trades usually involve a return of promising NHL-ready players. Dubas has also found some bargain signings via free agency (Anthony Mantha, Justin Brazeau, Parker Wotherspoon) that have worked out well for the Penguins.

The Rangers GM held firm on his asking prices for Trocheck and Schneider at the trade deadline. With this summer’s UFA market depleted, teams will be turning to the trade market to address their needs. By then, some of those clubs could be more willing to meet Drury’s price than they were in March.

NEW YORK POST: Andrew Crane recalled the trade rumors that swirled around Rangers center Mika Zibanejad at this time last season.

The Rangers were in the middle of dismantling their roster. Meanwhile, Zibanejad was coming off a disappointing performance. Nevertheless, he reminded everyone that he had a full no-movement clause and that he still believed in this team.

A year later, Zibanejad has had a bounce-back performance with 33 goals and 75 points. He’s played a significant role in the blossoming of rookie Gabe Perreault and winger Alexis Lafreniere. No longer considered a trade candidate, he’s become a bridge to the future.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers’ plummet to the bottom of this season’s Eastern Conference standings prompted some observers to wonder if Zibanejad might reconsider staying in New York. Based on Crane’s report, don’t hold your breath waiting for him to waive his no-movement clause.

THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Josh Yohe was asked which star players the Pittsburgh Penguins might target in this summer’s trade market.

He believes Penguins GM Kyle Dubas could take a swing at Jason Robertson if the Dallas Stars put him on the trade block. The Penguins have the trade capital and the salary cap space necessary to acquire him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson is a restricted free agent on July 1 with arbitration rights who will also be UFA eligible next summer if he and the Stars agree to a one-year deal. Dubas may love Robertson’s game, but he will want assurances that the 26-year-old winger will sign a long-term contract before agreeing to acquire him.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2026

by | Mar 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 28, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at some of this summer’s notable restricted free agents.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports regarding this summer’s notable NHL restricted free agents.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The limited talent in this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market has some observers suggesting some teams could attempt to poach away a top restricted free agent with an offer sheet. Some of the players on this list could also become trade targets if their contract negotiations stall.

Fox also pointed out that eight-year contract extensions will be nonexistent starting on July 1, which could provide an incentive to get these players under contract before then.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. He’ll also be a year away from UFA eligibility if he and the Stars settle on a one-year contract.

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson (NHL Images).

Fox indicated that Stars general manager Jim Nill reportedly explored Robertson’s value in last summer’s trade market, but he prefers to retain the 26-year-old winger. Nill also claimed the trade rumors were overblown. Robertson leads the Stars in scoring this season, which ensures his value will rise. A maximum eight-year extension could match teammate Mikko Rantanen’s average annual value of $12 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson’s situation will draw the most attention among this summer’s RFA class. The Stars have a projected $14.9 million in salary-cap space for 2026-27 with 18 active roster players under contract.

A $12 million extension would leave little room for Nill to fill out the remainder of his roster for next season. If he intends to re-sign Robertson to that much, he’ll have to shed salary to free up more cap room.

It will be interesting to see how Leo Carlsson’s contract talks progress this summer. The 21-year-old center has played a pivotal role in the Anaheim Ducks’ improvement this season, with 61 points in 60 games. He could be poised to become the Ducks’ highest-paid player, but he’s also coming off his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights.

Carlsson’s teammate, Cutter Gauthier, is in the same boat. The 22-year-old winger is the Ducks’ leading scorer with 36 goals and 63 points in 71 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks GM Pat Verbeek usually plays hardball with players completing their ELCs, as Mason McTavish found out last summer, and former Duck Trevor Zegras in 2023. If Verbeek does the same with Carlsson and Gauthier, their negotiations could carry over into training camp before they’re resolved, which could also tempt some rival clubs to check their availability via trade or offer sheet.

Salary-cap constraints could affect the Vegas Golden Knights’ efforts to re-sign Pavel Dorofeyev. The versatile 25-year-old winger has arbitration rights this summer. Fox speculates he could get a two-year extension, taking him up to UFA eligibility at $5.6 million AAV, while an eight-year deal could cost around $8 million annually.

However, the Golden Knights already have five forwards earning between $5 million and $13.5 million. They must also re-sign UFA-eligible defenseman Rasmus Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights usually find some creative way to retain their best player whilst staying within the boundaries of the CBA. They could get $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on long-term injury reserve, which could create sufficient wiggle room to retain Dorofeyev or Andersson. However, they must free up more room to keep both.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec surfaced in the rumor mill before the March 6 trade deadline. Fox believes he’ll either be traded for a nice return or sign a nice bridge deal. He noted that the Devils were rumored to have turned down an offer of winger William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks at the deadline.

After the trade deadline, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald hinted that he might draw from his blueline depth to bring in some help for his forward lines, like a top-six winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils could try to trade veteran Dougie Hamilton, but his inconsistent play, hefty salary, and 10-team trade list have made him difficult to move. Nemec seems the more likely trade candidate. Some have suggested sending him to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a package deal for power forward Matthew Knies.

Other notable players among this summer’s RFA class include Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli and goaltender Jet Greaves, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale, and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I didn’t bother breaking down their individual situations because I don’t expect their teams to have any difficulty re-signing them. It’s unlikely those players will sign offer sheets, and if they did, their teams have the cap space to match such offers.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

by | Mar 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2026

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

WILL THE WILD MAKE A BLOCKBUSTER MOVE THIS SUMMER?

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

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

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

STARS MAKE RE-SIGNING JASON ROBERTSON A PRIORITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COULD THE MAPLE LEAFS SHOP A GOALIE THIS SUMMER?

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

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

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

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