NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

by | Apr 25, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 25, 2026

Check out the latest on possible changes for the Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Devils in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby reports former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka and Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White are reportedly emerging as the finalists for the job of Maple Leafs general manager.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports White and Chayka are subject to further diligence, with Chayka holding an edge.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hornby acknowledged Chayka’s messy departure from the Coyotes, but pointed out that he’s done ground-breaking analytics work, which would suit the Maple Leafs’ search for a data-driven general manager.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews (NHL Images).

Terry Koshan believes the first order of business for whoever becomes the next Maple Leafs general manager is speaking with team captain Austin Matthews about the club’s plans going forward and what his role would be.

If Matthews balks at those plans, Koshan believes the Maple Leafs must trade him. The 28-year-old superstar center could fetch a return of top draft picks, top prospects, or players who are either stars or on the cusp of becoming ones.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We already know that Leafs ownership wants to retool the roster rather than stage a rebuild. How that retooling will be done will be of interest to Matthews because it will determine the outcome of next season and of his decision whether to sign a contract extension next summer.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel recently examined which Maple Leafs will go and which ones will stay this summer.

Among the notables most likely to move are forwards Max Domi and Nick Robertson, and defensemen Brandon Carlo and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

WHICH RANGERS COULD BE MOVED THIS SUMMER?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano looked at some of the biggest questions facing the New York Rangers during the offseason.

What happens to Vincent Trocheck topped the list. Rangers GM Chris Drury attempted to move the 32-year-old center at last month’s trade deadline, but found the offers were restricted by limited buyers and limited salary-cap space. Drury believes the market for Trocheck will improve in the offseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be surprising if Trocheck isn’t moved this summer. There was genuine interest in him at the trade deadline, especially from Eastern Conference teams that were not on his no-trade list.

Braden Schneider could also be moved. The 24-year-old defenseman is valued within the organization for his defensive skills, but the need for right-shot blueliners around the league could make him a valuable trade piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schneider recently said he’d love to remain a Ranger, but he seems resigned to his fate. Mercogliano stated that Drury is seeking a scoring forward and could target a team like the San Jose Sharks, who have plenty of young forwards but need blueline depth.

Alexis Lafreniere’s strong finish to this season should ensure he remains with the Rangers. Moving him wouldn’t make sense for a club that’s looking for forward depth. Mercogliano doesn’t rule out Lafreniere being moved as part of a trade package if a top trade target becomes available, but he thinks the young winger will be staying put.

WHAT CHANGES COULD BE IN STORE FOR THE DEVILS?

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at what might be in store for the New Jersey Devils under new GM Sunny Mehta.

It remains to be seen if head coach Sheldon Keefe will be back, but the fact that he was in attendance at Mehta’s introductory press conference suggests he could return behind the Devils’ bench next season.

Mehta must decide what happens with defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has been the subject of frequent trade speculation since last summer. He could decide to move Hamilton and his $9 million cap hit, or see his 28 points in his last 37 games of this season and decide he’s worth retaining.

Whatever happens to Hamilton could determine Simon Nemec’s fate. The young blueliner is coming off his entry-level contract. He’s earned praise for his offense, but his defense game needs improvement.

Nichols also wondered whether Mehta will retain or trade the Devils’ 2026 first-round pick. He also mused about how aggressive the new GM will be to improve the roster, such as pursuing a big-name player like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators or Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars if they were to become available.

Mehta must also open contract extension talks with team captain Nico Hischier, who is UFA eligible next July.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mehta’s coming into his new job with a lot on his plate. It will be interesting to see what he’s got in store for the Devils this summer.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2026

by | Apr 22, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at several suggested free-agent targets for the Maple Leafs and the latest on the Red Wings.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan observed that the next Maple Leafs general manager will have a projected $22.2 million in salary-cap space to work with for 2026-27. That will give them enough room to pursue a player or two via free agency.

Koshan acknowledged that this summer’s unrestricted free-agent market is thin on talent, but he singled out six pending UFAs who might help the Maple Leafs.

Topping the list is Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darryn Raddysh, who had a career-best performance this season with 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points. However, there is a concern that he’d be a one-hit wonder, especially for any team that pays him more than $7 million annually.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh could either succeed beyond the Maple Leafs’ wildest dreams or become a very expensive bust.

Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is a complete power forward, scoring at least 33 goals in three of the last four seasons. He’d slot in nicely on the Maple Leafs’ first line, but his asking price of between $10 million and $11 million is a concern.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tuch would be a great fit on the Maple Leafs, but it seems more likely that he’ll re-sign with the Sabres.

Former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving attempted to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames before he was shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights. Adding Andersson or Raddysh might be more palatable if the Maple Leafs could move Morgan Rielly.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson has a better body of work than Raddysh, making him a better fit on the Leafs’ blueline. However, it’s believed the Golden Knights will re-sign him once they become cap compliant for next season.

Edmonton Oilers winger Jack Roslovic, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba, and Oilers blueliner Connor Murphy round out Koshan’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Roslovic’s inconsistent play explains why he’s bounced around the league so much in recent years. Trouba isn’t likely to return north of the border. The 33-year-old Murphy could quickly become an expensive depth defenseman.

Meanwhile, Koshan’s colleague Lance Hornby listed the top-five general manager candidates to watch as the Maple Leafs’ search for a new GM appears to be nearing its end.

Former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis tops this list, followed by New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin and former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka. Dallas Stars director of hockey operations Scott White and Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold round out his list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What say you, Leafs fans? Who would you prefer to see as your next general manager? Let us know in the comments below.

WHAT WILL THE RED WINGS DO TO IMPROVE THEIR ROSTER?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently looked at what the Detroit Red Wings must accomplish this summer.

Finding a top-line left wing is among their priorities. It’s been an issue plaguing them since last season. Rookie Emmitt Finnie filled that role for most of this season, but they must find a more proven option or a player with the potential to become one.

The options in the free-agent market are weak. Bultman suggested finding a solution in the trade market, perhaps a player who might thrive with a change of scenery.

Bultman also believes the Red Wings must reshape their bottom-six forwards. “They need more offense, more physicality, just more to make the lineup deeper and more balanced.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Improving the bottom six could be an easier task than finding a first-line left winger. Their need for a reliable second-line center could be a greater priority.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes the Red Wings’ need to bolster their roster this summer through trades and free agency means they won’t have much room to retain their unrestricted free agents.

They include right wing Patrick Kane, left wing James van Riemsdyk, left wing David Perron, defenseman Travis Hamonic, and goaltender Cam Talbot.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now expects the Wings will re-sign Kane and part ways with the rest.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2026

by | Apr 18, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 18, 2026

On the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Thatcher Demko, Dylan Larkin, and more from players that didn’t make the postseason in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

WINNIPEG SUN: Gordon Anderson reports Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck expressed his unhappiness over his club’s tumble from winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season to missing the 2026 postseason.

Hellebuyck owned up to his share of blame for the Jets’ demise this season and didn’t put himself above criticism for his performance. He still believes they have “a very good team,” but he believes things have to change if they’re going to challenge for the Stanley Cup.

Hellebuyck said he’s made Winnipeg his home, and he likes it there, but his ultimate goal remains winning the Stanley Cup. He acknowledged the difficulty that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faces bringing in talent through trades and free agency because of the club’s location and its reputation as a city that players don’t want to go to.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anderson noted that Hellebuyck is in a re-evaluating frame of mind, but he believes that doesn’t mean the three-time Vezina Trophy winner could be eyeing the exit. However, not everyone shares that opinion. I’ll have more about that in today’s Rumor Mill.

Jonathan Toews appears to be at a crossroads after this season. The 37-year-old Jet center staged a comeback after three years away recovering from health issues, but admitted that he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Toews was on a one-year contract with the Jets. It remains to be seen if they’ll bring him back for another season, which could leave him facing retirement.

Mark Scheifele has been selected to play for Team Canada in next month’s IIHF World Championship. The 33-year-old Jets center enjoyed a career-high 103-point performance, setting the franchise single-season points record. Teammate Dylan DeMelo has also accepted an invitation to play for Canada.

TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs center John Tavares will also be playing for Canada in the World Championship.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reported St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas and Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly will join Tavares and Scheifele on Team Canada at the Worlds.

SPORTSNET: Speaking of the Maple Leafs, the club is interviewing former captain and Hall of Famer Mats Sundin for a position in their hockey department.

TSN: Aleksander Barkov will play for Finland in the IIHF World Championship. The Florida Panthers captain missed the entire 2025-26 regular season and the 2026 Winter Olympics recovering from knee surgery.

NEW YORK POST: Rangers center Vincent Trocheck revealed his 14-game absence at the start of this season was due to a bacterial infection in one of his lungs. He underwent surgery and spent a week in a hospital, hooked up to chest tubes.

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (NHL Images)

“It was very scary,” Trocheck said. “I thought I was dying.”

Trocheck recovered and played the remainder of this season. The 32-year-old center was the subject of frequent trade speculation as management continues to retool its roster. He said he’s not sure what’s going to happen in the offseason.

THE ATHLETIC: Rangers defenseman Adam Fox raised some eyebrows earlier this season when he appeared noncommittal about his future with the club. However, he’s now encouraged by the “encouraging signs” that he saw from the club during the season’s final weeks, including his own improved performance during that stretch.

THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko believes his season-ending hip surgery will improve his performance going forward. He was upbeat during his exit interview with the press, expressing his belief that the club has addressed the issues that derailed its season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Demko’s new three-year contract (with an average annual value of $8.5 million) begins on July 1. His performance over that period will be crucial to the Canucks’ rebuilding plans.

DAILY FACEOFF: Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said he knew last year that Quinn Hughes wouldn’t sign a contract extension. That is what pushed him to trade the 26-year-old superstar defenseman to the Minnesota Wild last December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford first dropped that hint at his end-of-season media availability last year. That’s what prompted the trade rumors that dogged Hughes and the Canucks until he was shipped to the Wild in December.

MLIVE.COM: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin remains committed to getting the club into the playoffs despite missing its decade-long postseason drought.

NHL.COM: Speaking of the Red Wings, they and Patrick Kane have a mutual interest in bringing him back next season. The 37-year-old winger and future Hall of Famer is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: Kraken winger Jared McCann underwent a medical procedure on Thursday related to the lower-body injury that hampered him during the second half of last season and throughout this season. He anticipated that it would take 8-10 weeks to recover.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL: Golden Knights center William Karlsson continues to rehab a lower-body injury and will miss the club’s upcoming first-round series against the Utah Mammoth. Karlsson has been sidelined since Nov. 8.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars signed defenseman Nils Lundkvist to a two-year contract extension worth an AAV of $1.75 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues announced assistant coaches Claude Julien and Mike Weber will not be brought back. Their contract will expire at the end of June.

NHL.COM: The league announced it has set a total attendance record for the fourth straight year. The new record is 23,158,522, which is 97.3 percent capacity. The per-game average was 17,651.

DAILY FACEOFF: Eight NHL teams will have salary-cap overages for 2026-27. Those expenditures are mostly related to performance bonuses.

The New York Islanders have the largest bonus overage carryover ($3.5 million), all from rookie Matthew Schaefer reaching the maximum possible bonuses for a player on an entry-level contract.

NHL.COM: Winger Ivar Stenberg of Swedish Hockey League club Frolunda sits at No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of the top International skaters. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is ranked as the top North American skater.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2026

by | Apr 17, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 17, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, Canucks center Elias Pettersson, and Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

KNIES AND RIELLY HOPE TO REMAIN MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Sonny Sachdeva reports Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly reiterated their desire to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Rielly has a full no-movement clause in his contract. When asked about waiving it, the 32-year-old defenseman acknowledged that it’s something he must be prepared for, but said he loves being a Maple Leaf and wants to stay.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (NHL Images).

Meanwhile, Knies admitted he’s not pleased that his name surfaced in trade rumors this season, and could continue to pop up in offseason trade speculation. However, he said that those things are out of his control, that he’s not bothered by the rumors, and maintained he wants to stick around.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly and Knies said that any decision to move them rests with whoever becomes the next Leafs general manager. However, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley recently said the club was not rebuilding. Moving Rielly and Knies would be considered part of a rebuilding process.

Ultimately, the futures of Rielly and Knies in Toronto will depend on how much autonomy Pelley is willing to give the Maple Leafs new general manager.

CANUCKS CENTER ELIAS PETTERSSON

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma believes the future of Elias Pettersson is the first order of business facing the Vancouver Canucks as they chart the direction the franchise will take with the expensive center.

Pettersson’s offensive production remains down, netting 51 points this season. However, his defensive play has improved as he led all NHL forwards this season with 108 blocked shots. He has six more seasons remaining on his contract with an expensive average annual value of $11.6 million.

The 27-year-old Pettersson told Kuzma that he remains committed to the Canucks and is invested in their future. However, trade rumors have swirled, with some suggesting the club might be willing to retain salary.

If the Canucks were to trade Pettersson, Kuzma suggested the Detroit Red Wings might be a good fit. However, he has a full no-movement clause and didn’t sound to Kuzma like he wanted a change of scenery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pettersson’s contract gives him full control over his situation. If he doesn’t want to go, the Canucks will have to find a way to get more out of him offensively if they want this rebuild to succeed with him as part of it.

THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nicholls observed that Dougie Hamilton politely declined to speak with the media during the Devils’ locker cleanout day earlier this week. He believes the 32-year-old defenseman’s silence speaks volumes about his future with the club.

Hamilton frequently surfaced in trade rumors going back to last summer, with one report claiming he used his no-trade clause to block a move to the San Jose Sharks. Following last month’s trade deadline, now-former GM Tom Fitzgerald claimed he wasn’t shopping the puck-moving blueliner.

New general manager Sunny Mehta might be able to mend fences with Hamilton, but Nicholls considers it unlikely. He believes the veteran blueliner’s tenure in New Jersey could be drawing to a close.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton has a 10-team trade list, but Nicholls pointed out that he might be willing to expand that list to facilitate a deal. We can expect the Hamilton trade rumors to continue following the postseason.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 16, 2026

by | Apr 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 16, 2026

Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, Predators forward Steven Stamkos, and Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST MATTHEW KNIES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel, Chris Johnston, and James Mirtle recently examined the fall of the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

Part of their examination was on the Maple Leafs’ efforts to make moves before last month’s trade deadline. Among them were conversations that management reportedly had with the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres involving Leafs winger Matthew Knies.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).

Those discussions continued up to the deadline, “with marquee Canadiens and Sabres prospects in play.” They noted that Keith Pelley, the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, “later lauded the young talent of both rivals, and in doing so named several young trade targets”.

Those players were Michael Hage, Adam Engstrom, Jacob Fowler, and David Reinbacher of the Canadiens, and Konsta Helenius and Radim Mrtka of the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the deadline, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said he was involved in talks for a potential blockbuster that didn’t get done in time for the deadline. He didn’t say who the player and the team were, but he didn’t rule out revisiting those discussions in the offseason.

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos was the first to report that Knies was believed to be the Maple Leaf that the Canadiens were interested in. Subsequent reports claimed those discussions were brief and didn’t go anywhere, while others disputed the rumors that Hughes was indeed pursuing Knies.

This latest report isn’t stating that the Canadiens and Sabres were pitching those players for Knies. They could be the ones that the Leafs were interested in, not the ones being offered up.

We also don’t know if Knies will be available once the Maple Leafs hire their new general manager, if he was even available at all. Kypreos’ colleague, Elliotte Friedman, said before the deadline that the Leafs may have floated his name to gauge what return he might fetch.

Pelley insisted that the Maple Leafs will be retooling instead of rebuilding. If so, Knies would be a valuable part of their roster moving forward.

STEVEN STAMKOS FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE IN NASHVILLE

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty reports Steven Stamkos is disappointed that the Nashville Predators didn’t qualify for the postseason.

Despite the club’s improvement this season, including his reaching the 40-goal plateau, the 36-year-old forward believes this season was a failure because they didn’t make the playoffs.

Stamkos could be facing an uncertain future after this season. The Predators are searching for a replacement for outgoing general manager Barry Trotz. Stamkos felt his future in Nashville would depend on the new GM’s intentions, whether they want to rebuild and move out the older players or retain them and retool the roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stamkos return to 40-goal form this season made him a frequent subject of media chatter leading up to last month’s trade deadline. He squealched most of it by repeatedly saying he had no intention of waiving his no-movement clause.

Stamkos has two more seasons left on his contract with an average annual value of $8 million. His NMC is for the duration of his contract. However, he might be willing to waive it this summer if the incoming GM intends to rebuild.

WHAT WILL IVAN DEMIDOV’S NEXT CONTRACT LOOK LIKE?

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was asked what Ivan Demidov’s next contract would look like with the Canadiens’ current internal salary-cap hierarchy.

Demidov has one more season remaining on his entry-level contract. The 20-year-old winger can sign an extension starting on July 1.

Noah Dobson is the highest-paid Canadien with an average annual value of $9.5 million. Lane Hutson will be the next highest starting next season at $8.85 million. Cowan thinks Demidov’s next contract will come in somewhere between those two, possibly around $9 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens’ front office has done a brilliant job of getting their promising young stars under reasonable long-term contracts, locking them up for most of their best years. With the salary cap rising substantially, they will have sufficient cap room moving forward to make additions as required through trades and free agency.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 16, 2026

by | Apr 16, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 16, 2026

The Golden Knights will face the Mammoth in the first round, Blue Jackets players respond to their coach’s criticism, the Blackhawks re-sign GM Kyle Davidson, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Vegas Golden Knights clinched the Pacific Division title by defeating the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Reilly Smith scored twice for the 39-26-17 Golden Knights, who hold first place in the division with 95 points. Shane Wright scored for the Kraken.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights will face the Utah Mammoth in the opening round of the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner scored to reach the 80-point plateau for the fifth consecutive season.

The Ottawa Senators finished the regular season with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Claude Giroux collected two assists for the playoff-bound Senators, who will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. William Nylander scored his 30th goal of the season for the Maple Leafs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With this season-ending loss, the Maple Leafs finish 28th in the overall standings, putting them in the top five for the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5. They had traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins last season, but it was top-five protected, meaning they should retain it.

However, the Leafs aren’t out of the woods yet. If a non-playoff team higher than them in the standings wins the lottery, they move up a maximum of 10 spots, which would knock the Leafs out of the top five, sending that pick to the Bruins. The exception is the Washington Capitals, who would move up into the sixth spot.

A shootout goal by Wyatt Johnston lifted the Dallas Stars over the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. Esa Lindell had a goal and an assist for the Stars, who will face the Minnesota Wild in the upcoming playoffs. Zach Benson had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who meet the Boston Bruins in the first round.

New York Rangers forward Tye Kartye tallied twice to double up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry scored for the Lightning, who meet the Montreal Canadiens in their first-round playoff series.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier scored two goals as his club overcame a 2-0 deficit for a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Kiefer Sherwood picked up two assists for the Sharks.

The Florida Panthers crushed the Detroit Red Wings 8-1. Luke Kunin and Mike Benning each scored twice for the Panthers. Justin Faulk replied for the Red Wings.

HEADLINES

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets players pushed back against interim head coach Rick Bowness’ rant about them not caring enough following their season-ending loss to the Washington Capitals.

Zach Werenski, Sean Monahan, and Adam Fantilli appreciated Bowness’ frustration and emotion in the heat of the moment, but they disagreed with his assessment that they didn’t care and were comfortable with losing.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Whether Bowness returns as head coach or not, he wasn’t wrong about the lack of effort by the Blue Jackets over their final 13 games of this season.

The Jackets rose from last place in the Eastern Conference at the time of Bowness’ hiring in mid-January to second in the Metropolitan Division by March 25, only to go 3-9-1 to finish outside the postseason picture.

It’s now up to general manager Don Waddell to assess his roster and make some changes to address what Bowness believes is a culture of losing.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: The Blackhawks signed general manager Kyle Davidson to a multi-year contract extension.

Hired in 2022, Davidson has been attempting to rebuild the roster around young talent such as Connor Bedar, Frank Nazar, and Anton Frondell, but there’s some frustration among Blackhawks fans over the pace of the rebuilding process.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Under Davidson, the Blackhawks have a well-stocked prospect pool, recently ranked by The Athletic as the best in the league. However, those efforts have not resulted in any significant improvement for this rebuilding club, which is starting to test the fans’ patience.

TSN: New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer said he’s open to playing for Canada in the 2026 IIHF World Championships next month in Switzerland. Schaefer’s Islanders were eliminated from the NHL postseason race. The 18-year-old blueliner is considered the favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year.

SPORTSNET: Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman will return to the lineup for their final regular-season game against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. He missed the last five games with an undisclosed injury. The Oilers clinched a playoff berth earlier this week.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby weighed in on an article by The Athletic on the collapse of the Maple Leafs, in which it revealed how much involvement Keith Pelley, the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, had in the club’s pre-trade deadline meetings.

During those meetings, Pelley was reportedly “armed with in-house AI figures on possible deals and offering strong opinions.” Hornby believes that will raise questions about how much autonomy the next Leafs general manager will have under Pelley.

The story also raises questions about how much AI will influence the Maple Leafs’ roster decisions, and how much other NHL front offices are using AI to build and maintain their teams.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pelley indicated that the next Maple Leafs GM must be “data-driven”, which had fans and pundits automatically assuming he was referring to analytics. There’s no doubt analytics will be a big part of it, but AI will likely also play a significant role.

Whether it will reverse the Leafs’ fortunes this summer, and in the long term, remains to be seen. Like analytics, AI could be a useful tool, but it shouldn’t be the primary one for building and maintaining a competitive team.

NESN: Boston Bruins forward Fraser Minten won the NESN 7th Player Award. It is an annual award to the club’s unsung hero, as voted by Bruins fans.