NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

by | Apr 23, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 23, 2026

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

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

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

Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 18, 2026

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

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

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

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

by | Mar 1, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup (Part 2) – March 1, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers, Red Wings, Golden Knights, Sabres, and Blackhawks in Part 2 of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR RANGERS’ ADAM FOX & BRENNAN OTHMANN

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reported Friday that Adam Fox offered up a noncommittal comment about his future with the Rangers following the club’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

When asked if he wanted to stay with the Rangers as they retool their roster, Fox said he was just trying to focus on this season. “That’s really all I can do right now…That’s a conversation for when we’re done playing.”

Walker believes it’s been difficult for Fox and his teammates to deal with the Rangers’ decision in January to retool, which included trading superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings last month. She indicated there is uncertainty about what the team will look like in the foreseeable future and how long it’ll take to return to contender status.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with the Rangers’ leadership group (including Fox) and those locked into long-term contracts. At the time, it seems all of them were willing to see it through, which was contrary to Fox’s comments on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fox’s remarks have already rippled around the league. No one is suggesting that he’s available at the trade deadline or that he wants out of New York, but his comments leave the door open for speculation about his future with the Rangers. It could be something to monitor during the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes it’s time to accept the reality of Brennan Othmann’s situation with the Rangers. The 23-year-old has bounced between the Blueshirts and their AHL affiliate since 2024. He has one goal in 17 games this season, and his play away from the puck has drawn criticism from head coach Mike Sullivan.

Baugh reports the Rangers are open to trading Othmann. They have a logjam of bottom-six forwards, and it would be best for everyone if he were moved by the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Baugh pointed out that Othmann is the latest in a long list of recent developmental letdowns for the Rangers, a problem that predates the current management. Of the nine first-rounders they selected from 2017 to 2021, only Alexis Lafreniere and Braden Schneider are still with the team, and both of them are considered trade candidates.

PROPOSED DEFENSE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE RED WINGS

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Kevin Allen recently listed Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues, MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames, Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Braden Schneider of the Rangers as potential blueline trade targets for the Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allen’s list was published before last Thursday’s news that the Red Wings have an offer on the table for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers.

If Myers declines to accept a trade to Detroit, perhaps the Red Wings will shift their focus to those defensemen listed by Allen.

WHAT COULD THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND SABRES DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Danny Webster believes the Vegas Golden Knights could attempt to acquire a top-nine forward before the March 6 trade deadline, preferably one who can add scoring among their middle-six.

The Golden Knights can’t do anything unless they place William Karlsson on season-ending long-term injury reserve. Karlsson hasn’t played since Nov. 8, and there are varying reports suggesting he could be done for the season or might return in time for the playoffs.

Putting Karlsson on season-ending LTIR would free up $3.5 million in salary-cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights always seem to surprise us around this time of year with their salary-cap gymnastics to make moves that bolster their roster. They’ll definitely do something if Karlsson hits SLTIR for the season.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres on the verge of ending their 14-year playoff drought, Matthew Fairburn recently examined what would be an ideal trade deadline for the club.

Retaining Alex Tuch tops that list. The 29-year-old forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s still unsigned, but Fairburn believes it would be a mistake to trade such an important core player. Both sides have plenty of time before July 1 to negotiate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch’s not going anywhere at the trade deadline. While they would risk losing him to free agency on July 1, moving him now could jeopardize their chances of ending their long playoff drought. It would send the wrong message to his teammates, and to the club’s long-suffering fans.

Fairburn also believes the Sabres must add another defenseman and a forward. Given their limited salary-cap space, he recommends affordable additions such as Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a long time since the Sabres were deadline buyers. They won’t go crazy, largely because of their salary-cap limitations, but they could attempt to add an affordable rental or two.

THE LATEST BLACHAWKS SPECULATION

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who reported the Blackhawks attempted to work out a contract with UFA-eligible forward Ilya Mikheyev. However, they’ve been unsuccessful thus far, and he’s “out there” in the trade market.

Friedman also wondered about promising defenseman Kevin Korchinski. The Blackhawks have a lot of young blueliners. The 21-year-old Korchinski has spent the past two seasons in the minors, and Friedman speculated he could become available for the right price.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 22, 2026

by | Feb 22, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – February 22, 2026

The latest on Blues center Robert Thomas, and an update on the Blue Jackets in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup

SPORTSNET: With the March 6 trade deadline on the horizon, St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas acknowledged the trade rumors swirling around him and his teammates.

The Blues are near the bottom of the standings. That has led to rumors involving several Blues, such as defenseman Justin Faulk and forwards Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jordan Kyrou. They also include the 26-year-old Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

Thomas is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.125 million.

Elliotte Friedman reports the Blues seek a high asking price for Thomas, who declined to say if he’ll waive his NTC. “I don’t really want to talk too much about it now. We’ll talk about it later,” Thomas said. “I have one. That’s kind of where we’re at.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues management has probably spoken to Thomas about whether he’d agree to waive his clause if a rival club is willing to meet their price for him. The fact that it’s expensive suggests few teams are willing to do so, and perhaps even fewer would be on Thomas’ list of preferred destinations.

Thomas could be moved before March 6, but that’s not a certainty. The Blues aren’t under any pressure to move him as they would be if he were a pending free agent. If no one meets their price by March 6 (assuming Thomas agrees to a trade), they’ll revisit it in the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported on Thursday that the Columbus Blue Jackets had not engaged in serious contract talks with UFA-eligible players Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson.

However, general manager Don Waddell said he spoke with the players and their agents to gauge their feelings about staying in Columbus. “Everybody wants to stay here,” Waddell said. We’ve got something going here.”

Coyle and Marchment could be Waddell’s biggest priorities. He’ll have to decide if he’ll keep them or trade them if they’re still unsigned by the March 6 deadline.

NHL.COM: Waddell also indicated that he’s not interested in acquiring rental players if his club remains in playoff contention by the deadline.

“If we could trade for somebody that has term, that we like going forward, that’s a different value that we look at,” Waddell said. “We’ll see. All the UFAs right now on our team on our team play a good role for our team, so if you take anybody off, you’re going to have to replace them because of the positions that they play.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets have over $45 million in projected trade deadline cap space, so they have room to add if Waddell wishes to. They also have over $46 million in projected space for next season with 14 active roster players under contract.

Re-signing Coyle, Marchment, Jenner, and Gudbranson shouldn’t take up too much room, leaving space to re-sign RFAs such as Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Jet Greaves. It should also leave enough space to add a player or two signed beyond this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

by | Feb 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres holding the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, Matthew Fairburn examined some potential trade-deadline targets that could help them clinch their first postseason berth in 14 years.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

Pursuing Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues would be a major move by the Sabres. The Blues are in seller mode, and it would take a major offer to land him. Fairburn suggests that it seems more like an offseason move.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas carries a full no-movement clause. He might not want to waive it to join the Sabres.

Fairburn included Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs. All of them lack no-trade protection.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are reportedly trying to re-sign Jenner. They’re also trying to chase down a playoff berth and could be unwilling to sell if they’re still in the hunt by the March 6 trade deadline.

O’Reilly’s three-year tenure with the Sabres was an unhappy one. It’s doubtful he’ll want to return. Despite his lack of a no-trade clause, the Predators are treating him like he has one.

McMann seems a more realistic possibility if the Leafs become sellers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for McMann, but will likely end up accepting a second-rounder by deadline day.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will continue their search for the right fit on their blueline once the Olympic trade freeze is lifted at midnight on Feb. 22.

General manager Steve Staios is reportedly trying to find a right-shot defenseman and possibly a top-six forward. However, the trade market is thin, and prices for defensemen remain high.

Garrioch claimed the Senators expressed an interest in Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. The Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth have also been linked to Weegar.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, which limits the trade destinations he would find acceptable.

The Senators are also believed to be interested in Zach Whitecloud, who was acquired by the Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade last month.

Other defensemen believed to be available include Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted the Senators’ lack of a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. They’re also not interested in moving top prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. That could hamper their efforts to address their trade-deadline needs.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 12, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest speculation on Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, and a look at possible trade targets for the Penguins.

WHERE COULD THE RANGERS SEND VINCENT TROCHECK AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano recently listed potential trade destinations for Vincent Trocheck.

The 32-year-old New York Rangers winger is under contract for three more years, with an average annual value of $5.625 million. He also has a 12-team no-trade list.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Several of the teams listed (Minnesota, Carolina, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Colorado) have been previously mentioned and analyzed. Baugh and Mercogliano also listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Utah Mammoth, and New York Islanders.

The Penguins are more interested in acquiring younger talent to fit into their long-range plans. They’re unlikely to go after Trocheck. Sending him to the Islanders would be an entertaining swerve, but given the rivalry between the two clubs, don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to occur.

The Mammoth have the cap space and plentiful trade assets (draft picks, prospects, young players) to make a competitive bid for Trocheck. However, they might not be among his preferred destinations, and they could prefer adding a player who isn’t closing in on his mid-thirties.

Trocheck might not fit into the Bruins’ retooling plans as they appear to favor younger talent.

WHAT WILL THE PENGUINS DO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE?

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski recently reported “multiple reports and confirmations” indicating Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is attempting to acquire more young NHL players.

Kingerski also pointed out that the Penguins could use a right-handed defenseman and a scoring top-nine winger if they hope to clinch a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Luke Schenn of the Winnipeg Jets or Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets could be options on the blueline if those teams remain out of playoff contention. Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner or Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine could be available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets surged in the standings in the weeks leading up to the Olympic break. If they pick up where they left off, they could be buyers instead of sellers.

Schenn could be an option, but he will also draw interest from other clubs. The Canadiens are expected to peddle Laine and are reportedly willing to retain half of his $8.7 million cap hit. He has a 10-team no-trade list, but the Penguins might not be on it.