NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2026

by | Jun 27, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 27, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: the latest on Zach Werenski, Kirill Marchenko, Connor Hellebuyck, Jason Robertson, Darnell Nurse, and Mathew Barzal heading into the second day of the NHL Draft.

WERENSKI AND MARCHENKO COULD BE ON THEIR WAY OUT OF COLUMBUS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports Zach Werenski is unlikely to sign a contract extension next summer. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman has two years remaining on his deal.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

Over the past week, the Blue Jackets have been taking calls to gauge Werensky’s value in the trade market. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be traded this summer, but there is now a little more urgency on the Blue Jackets’ part.

LeBrun subsequently indicated that a dozen teams could become suitors for Werenski. He suggested the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes might come calling.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that Kirill Marchenko’s camp told him that it’s unlikely he’ll sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.

The 25-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract and will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He’s earning an average annual value of $3.85 million.

Weekes also indicated that the Marchenko camp will seek a deal comparable to what winger Pavel Dorofeyev signed on Friday with the New York Rangers. The Vegas Golden Knights traded the 25-year-old Dorofeyev to the Rangers, who promptly signed him to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $11 million.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell didn’t rule out retaining Werenski and Marchenko for next season. Werenski’s no-trade clause becomes a 10-team trade list next July 1, while the Blue Jackets would still retain Marchenko’s rights.

Waddell will continue trying to improve his roster’s depth for next season, but Portzline believes it’s hard for the Blue Jackets GM to proceed when two of the pillars he was building around are starting to crumble.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Marc Dumont cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who claimed the Canadiens made a “MASSIVE” offer for Marchenko. “I don’t know the pieces involved,” Seravalli said, going on to say that he’d been told the Canadiens might look “borderline insane” for putting that deal on the table.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This news is a horrible gut punch for the Blue Jackets. Werenski and Marchenko are two of their core players. Having them indicate that they no longer see their futures in Columbus could have a demoralizing effect on the franchise and its fans at a time when they were hoping to build their roster this summer to push through as a playoff contender next season.

Waddell has a measure of control over this situation. He doesn’t have to move either player right away and can afford to wait for the right offers to come in. On the other hand, starting next season with two players who don’t want to be there will hang like a dark cloud over this franchise, becoming an unnecessary distraction for the players.

UPDATE ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there have been trade negotiations regarding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Before Friday’s draft, there were “deep negotiations” with the Buffalo Sabres, with the fourth-overall pick in this year’s draft as part of those discussions, but those talks cooled before the draft.

Hellebuyck is under contract with the Jets for four more years, so they can afford to remain patient and await the right offer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It looks like Hellebuyck to Buffalo isn’t happening as the Sabres used that pick to select prospect defenseman Daxon Rudolph. Of course, we can’t rule out other pieces being offered by the Sabres if they wish to revisit the talks, but that high draft pick was likely the main piece in their original discussions.

THE LATEST ON JASON ROBERTSON

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes Jason Robertson wants to remain with the Dallas Stars, but the two sides are having difficulty finding the right number.

Robertson, 26, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1, and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. According to LeBrun, the winger seeks $14 million annually, while the Stars aren’t comfortable with going beyond $12.5 million.

LeBrun said the Stars have gone back to the teams that were interested in Robertson. However, there’s been nothing new because those clubs saw his rejection of a trade to Seattle and are concerned that he wouldn’t sign an extension.

An offer sheet is also a possibility on July 1. A $15 million AAV offer for seven years would mean the Stars would be entitled to four first-round picks as compensation.

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus wondered if the Chicago Blackhawks have a shot at landing Robertson. They point out the Blackhawks have the financial freedom to sign Robertson, Connor Bedard, and Bowen Byram to $10-plus million contracts and still have plenty of cap space.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Robertson and the Stars could agree to a new contract, but it seems more likely that he’s going to be playing for a new team next season. The Stars would’ve traded him to the Kraken if he’d been willing to accept their offer (eight years, $15 million AAV). They’re probably going to call around until they find a club he’d be willing to join before someone tries to sign him away with an offer sheet.

As for the Blackhawks, maybe the chance to play alongside Bedard would have more appeal, but Robertson’s preference seems to be playing with a contender.

NOTHING NEW ON DARNELL NURSE

TSN: Darren Dreger said there was nothing new to report on Darnell Nurse’s trade request. The Edmonton Oilers received a three-team trade list from the 32-year-old defenseman, but there’s been no headway with those clubs.

Dreger believes there is no benefit to either side in having this situation drag on through the summer. He speculated that Oilers management could ask the Nurse camp to expand their trade list.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT MATHEW BARZAL

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner reports cited sources claiming the New York Islanders are getting trade inquiries about forward Mathew Barzal as the trade and free-agent markets dry up.

Two of the teams are believed to be the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars could see Barzal as a potential replacement for Jason Robertson. The Canadiens are trying to find a top-six forward to skate alongside rising star Ivan Demidov on their second line. Rosner pointed out that the Isles previously told the Habs that Barzal wasn’t available.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

by | Jun 24, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 24, 2026

Brady Tkachuk hopes to write a new chapter in Florida, Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets to discuss his future, analysis of Tuesday’s trade action, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE LATEST ON BRADY TKACHUK AND ZACH WERENSKI

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Brady Tkachuk was formally introduced as the newest member of the Panthers on Tuesday. He was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

Tkachuk said he’s looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and career with the Panthers. He got to know the team well during its back-to-back Stanley Cup championships through his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

“Their sole focus is winning, and that’s something I’m excited to join, to help out,” Tkachuk said.

Tkachuk also thanked his former club, singling out team owner Michael Andlauer, general manager Steve Staios, his former coaches and teammates. He said it wasn’t an easy decision to leave, and would always be thankful to the Senators for what they did for him as a player and a person. “They always have a piece of my heart,” he said.

THE ATHLETIC: Justin Bourne pushed back against the notion that the appeal of warm-weather, US-based teams in no-tax states is a growing trend, suggesting it’s part of a boom-bust cycle.

Teams such as the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars have been riding high in recent years, and NHL players want to play for winning franchises. However, Bourne pointed out several factors that will make it harder for those clubs to maintain their positions.

A significant factor will be the increasing difficulty of maintaining Stanley Cup contenders when they’re getting thin on tradeable assets. Their respective prospect pipelines rank 24th or worst among all NHL clubs. Some are lacking first-round picks over the next two to four years. As key players age out and their contracts remain on their books, it becomes harder to acquire talent to replace them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strong management was the prime reason why those four clubs became preferred destinations for NHL stars. However, as Bourne points out, they could soon reach the point where they will lack sufficient assets to maintain their place as Cup contenders.

Meanwhile, well-managed teams like the Hurricanes and Wild are becoming enticing landing spots for talented players. Rising clubs like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth could join them if they build into Stanley Cup contenders.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski will meet following the upcoming NHL Draft to discuss his future. The 28-year-old superstar defenseman will be eligible for unrestricted free-agent status in July 2028.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

With trade requests around the league dominating headlines and the rumor mill, Werenski’s future in Columbus has become the subject of growing speculation.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets narrowly missed the playoffs over the past two seasons, sparking the conjecture that Werenski might be getting frustrated over their inability to get over the postseason hump. However, he could be willing to see how next season unfolds before deciding if his future lies elsewhere. They could also name him their new team captain if Boone Jenner departs via free agency on July 1, which could also factor into his plans.

ANALYSIS OF TUESDAY’S TRADES

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow this link for the details of the four notable trades that occurred on Tuesday.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe wonders what other moves Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has in store after shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Moving Byram and winger Jordan Greenway free up over $10.25 million in salary cap space. The Sabres could use it to attempt to re-sign pending UFA winger Alex Tuch, or to add another established talent.

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn reported Tuch is expected to test the free-agent market on July 1. He thinks GM Jarmo Kekalainen could use the first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 4 overall) that he received from the Blackhawks as a trade chip if he wants to add another player. However, the Sabres GM could keep the pick and use it to add a potentially franchise-altering talent.

CHICAGO HOCKEY NOW: Jack Bushman believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson overpaid for Byram and Greenway by including the fourth-overall pick as part of the return, along with blueliner Louis Crevier and a 2026 second-round pick.

Bushman also pointed out that Davidson still has to find a suitable winger to play alongside first-line center Connor Bedard. That task becomes more difficult without that No. 4 pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Davidson made no secret of his intent to bolster their blueline. Nevertheless, the reaction to this move has been mostly negative among Blackhawks fans. Some preferred he use that first-round pick to select a promising young defenseman, while others hoped he’d use it as bait for a proper wingman for Bedard.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber believes Jordan Kyrou will be a perfect fit with the Washington Capitals. They acquired the speedy winger from the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. She noted that the Capitals needed scoring depth at right wing.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford pointed out that more moves could be coming for the St. Louis Blues. They got a first-round pick from the Capitals in this deal, giving them four in this year’s draft. He also thinks the addition of Connor McMichael will boost the Blues’ top nine, while forward Milton Gastrin will boost their prospect pipeline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s doubtful the Blues will retain all four of those picks. They could bundle a couple of them in a trade for another young player or two.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch noted that Senators GM Steve Staios wasted little time making another trade after shipping Brady Tkachuk to Florida on Sunday. He bundled the first-round pick (No. 9 overall) he received from the Panthers with two prospects to the San Jose Sharks for winger William Eklund. Garrioch believes Staios will use the No. 25 pick as a trade chip to pursue another player, pointing out their interest in Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish.

SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: Sheng Peng noted the Sharks now hold the No. 2, 9, and 27 picks in this year’s draft. Moving Eklund could clear the path for them to use the No. 2 pick to select prospect forward Ivar Stenberg, but they could also use it as trade bait for an established talent.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks still need to bolster their blueline. One or two of those draft picks could be used to add a quality defenseman.

CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports Flames GM Craig Conroy pursued Simon Nemec because he thought highly of the young defenseman. He traded away two first-round picks (one from the Golden Knights, one from the Colorado Avalanche) to the New Jersey Devils as part of the return for the 22-year-old blueliner.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols noted that the Flames don’t have a contract extension in place for Nemec, who is a restricted free agent on July 1. The move frees up space on the crowded Devils blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nemec should be a good addition to the rebuilding Flames. He was going to be an expensive re-signing for the Devils. They can use those two first-round picks as trade chips to address their need for more scoring punch among their top-six forwards. This move probably means that the Devils won’t be trading veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton.

IN OTHER NEWS…

EDMONTON JOURNAL: As expected, the Oilers officially hired Mike Babcock as head coach.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Hoffman Family of Companies received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to purchase the Penguins. The purchase process had been ongoing since last August.

THE ATHLETIC: The NHL is exploring the feasibility of expansion into either Austin or Atlanta. It has entered a short-term agreement with Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin to put a franchise in one of those cities. The agreed-upon price is $3.5 billion, covering the expansion fee ($2 billion) and the cost of a new arena ($1.5 billion).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The worst-kept secret in the league is now, finally, out in the open. Expect an NHL franchise in at least one of those cities by 2030.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The New York Islanders hired Pascal Dupuis as their new Director of Player Development. Since 2021-22, the former NHL forward has owned the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, serving in different roles with the team.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

by | Jun 23, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 23, 2026

Patrice Bergeron and Carey Price among the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, the Senators plan their future without Brady Tkachuk, Darren Raddysh explains why he joined the Maple Leafs, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Center Patrice Bergeron, goaltenders Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, and winger Keith Tkachuk headline the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will take place in November. 

Longtime NHL executive Brian Burke will be inducted into the builder’s category. Former USA women’s star and coach Cindy Curley was also inducted into the player category. Curley was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.

Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Keith Tkachuk will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (NHL.com)

Bergeron was one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. Spending his entire 19-season career with the Boston Bruins, he won the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward a record six times. Bergeron also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011, and captained the club from 2021 until his retirement in 2023. He’s third all-time among the Bruins with 1,294 games played, 427 goals, and 1,040 points.

Price spent his 15-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the franchise leader with 361 wins in 712 games. In 2014-15, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, Ted Lindsay Award as NHLPA MVP, Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender, and the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals-against. Price also won the Masterton Trophy in 2021-22 and backstopped Canada to Olympic gold in 2014.

Rinne spent his entire 13-season NHL career with the Nashville Predators. He’s their franchise leader for goalies in every major statistical category, including wins (369), goals-against average (2.43), save percentage (.917), and shutouts (60) in 683 games. Rinne won the Vezina Trophy in 2017-18.

Tkachuk was among the greatest American-born goal scorers in NHL history. He’s third all-time in that category with 538 goals. In 18 NHL seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers, Tkachuk had 1,065 points in 1,201 games. He won gold for Team USA at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

Burke began his NHL management career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1987. He went on to become GM of the Canucks, Hartford Whalers, and Anaheim Ducks (winning the Stanley Cup in 2007), and Toronto Maple Leafs, and served as team president of the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to the Class of 2026 for this well-deserved honor.

SPORTSNET: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios has no intention of rebuilding his roster after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers on Sunday.

Staios said he intends to be “active in the (trade) market” when it comes to the ninth and 25th overall picks in the upcoming NHL trade. He acquired those picks as part of the return for Tkachuk.

“I have no intention of this team taking a step back,” Staios said. “We’re active, and we’re open.”

Staios also indicated that Tkachuk told him of his wish to be traded about a week and a half after their season ended. He began with a list of four teams (Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights) but whittled that list down to one.

The Senators GM indicated that he wouldn’t shy away from acquiring American players in the future. “I don’t look at the passport, I look at what they can offer the Ottawa Senators,” he said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are believed to be interested in center Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. They also reportedly “kicked tires” on New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere, and Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.

THE ATHLETIC: James Mirtle examined the factors that have recently led to stars from Canadians teams to head to the United States. Those include notable American players such as Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and the late Johnny Gaudreau, as well as Toronto native Mitch Marner, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and Danish winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

Mirtle cited several factors, including media attention, weather, taxes, and politics, but a key one is that Canadian teams have struggled to contend consistently in the salary cap era.

Before the salary cap, teams asked players to commit to long-term deals, then buy them out or trade them when their play declined. Today, players have more leverage, especially given the decline of the free-agent market and how vital the trade market has become to build a contending team.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Players with no-trade and no-move protection have started using them to their advantage by requesting trades to only a limited number of destinations.

Since the Tkachuk trade, some fans suggested the NHL abolish no-trade or no-movement clauses, or change the rules to void those clauses if the player requests a trade.

Such changes can only occur in collective bargaining with the NHL Players’ Association, and good luck convincing them to buy into it. The CBA already limits eligibility to players with seven full NHL seasons or those 27 and older.

Tkachuk’s contract history is a good example. His first full NHL season was in 2018-19 when he was 18-years-old. Under the CBA, players on entry-level contracts don’t get no-trade protection. Following the completion of his ELC, Tkachuk signed an eight-year contract with the Senators. His no-movement clause (which was negotiated into his contract; they’re not automatic) didn’t begin until this season, after he had played seven full NHL seasons.

If this topic comes up during the next CBA talks in 2030, the PA might be willing to tweak the eligibility period by a year or two, but they’ll want something in return. It’s doubtful they’ll agree to eliminating those clauses or putting further limitations on them.

TORONTO SUN: Darren Raddysh met with the Toronto media via Zoom on Monday for the first time since his acquisition by the Maple Leafs. Having grown up in the Greater Toronto Area, the 30-year-old defenseman said it meant a lot to him to join his hometown team, and it would’ve meant a lot to his father, who passed away in March following a battle with cancer.

“It means the world,” Raddysh said. “To be able to play in front of the home fans, it’s awesome. A lot of friends and family have already texted me and are excited.”

Raddysh was acquired last week from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed an eight-year contract extension with the Leafs worth an average annual value of $8.5 million.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers re-signed defenseman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Vladimir Tarasenko could be preparing to depart the Minnesota Wild. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the veteran winger has changed agents ahead of his UFA eligibility on July 1.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2026

by | Jun 22, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 22, 2026

The fallout from the Panthers acquiring Brady Tkachuk, the Kraken re-signed Bobby McMann, the Oilers inked Jason Dickinson to an extension, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators decided to trade Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers after the 26-year-old winger informed them that he wouldn’t re-sign with them. They received three first-round picks and a second-rounder from the Panthers on Sunday.

Tkachuk is under contract through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $8.2 million and a full no-movement clause. The earliest the Senators could’ve signed him to an extension was July 1, 2027. However, he told general manager Steve Staios that he had no plans to sign an extension when the two met last month. Tkachuk publicly denied the trade speculation that swirled around him this year, but privately, he told teammates he wouldn’t be returning after his contract expired.

Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. (NHL Images).

Staios had been adamant that he wasn’t trading Tkachuk, but his hand was now forced. The winger was willing to waive his NMC for the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Panthers. However, it was apparent when they explored the market that the Panthers would be the only acceptable destination for the Tkachuk camp, reuniting him with his brother, Matthew Tkachuk.

The Wild reportedly made a hard push, but Zito ultimately made the better offer, sending the Senators assets that could be used as trade chips. Garrioch claimed the Senators tried to get Carter Verhaeghe or Anton Lundell as part of the return, but the Panthers wouldn’t budge.

Staios was seeking a top-six winger, a top-four right-side defenseman and a backup goaltender. Now, he needs to add a suitable replacement for Tkachuk to the mix.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators hold three first-round picks (No. 9, 25, and 32) in the upcoming NHL Draft. He could retain one or more of them, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he uses them to address one or two of his current roster needs, preferably with established players who are in the mid-to-late twenties.

THE ATHLETIC: Mark Lazerus believes the Tkachuk trade is the latest in a trend of players with term remaining on their contracts forcing trades to preferred destinations. That list includes Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild, while Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers recently made trade requests.

Lazerus also pointed out that it’s not about going to no-tax states. First and foremost, the players want to join teams where they believe they have a chance to win. Going to cities where the spotlight isn’t as glaring is another attraction.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lazerus believes the rising salary cap and lack of depth in the free-agent market could lead to more notable stars becoming available in the trade market by leveraging moves to landing spots of their choosing, especially if they have no-trade protection. Most of those moves could involve players on teams struggling to build or maintain a contender.

The addition of Tkachuk gives the Panthers one of the best groups of top-nine forwards in the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers’ top nine features Aleksander Barkov centering wingers Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett as the second-line center between the Tkachuk brothers, with Anton Lundell between Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen.

Panthers GM Bill Zito probably isn’t done making moves over the next couple of weeks. He must replace or re-sign goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov. They have over $7 million in cap space, with 19 roster players signed for next season.

THE SEATTLE TIMES: On the same day the Kraken acquired winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers, they announced that winger Bobby McMann has signed a six-year contract with an AAV of $5.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken re-signed the 30-year-old McMann because they’re desperate for offense. The late-blooming winger scored 20 goals last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and had a career-high 29 goals in 79 games this season with the Leafs and Kraken, including 10 goals in 18 games with the latter.

Samoskevich was shipped to the Kraken yesterday in exchange for the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-rounder in 2027. The Panthers used that first-rounder as part of the return to Ottawa for Tkachuk.

The 23-year-old Samoskevich saw checking-line duty with the Panthers, but he could see a larger role with the Kraken. He’s a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level contract and should be an affordable re-signing. Samoskevich is also a former teammate of Kraken center Matty Beniers at the University of Michigan. 

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers signed center Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract with an AAV of $4 million. Dickinson, 30, was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Oilers acquired him before the March trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jim Matheson of the Journal explained that the Oilers were pleased with Dickinson’s defensive play and how well he fit into their dressing room following his acquisition from the Chicago Blackhawks.

It’s an affordable re-signing by the Oilers for a reliable third-line center. However, Matheson pointed out that they now have $10.6 million remaining with 18 players under contract. It won’t leave much room to re-sign pending UFA blueliner Connor Murphy, find a replacement or a backup for starting goalie Tristan Jarry, and fit in whatever player they get whenever they take action on Darnell Nurse’s trade request.

DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Rangers signed goalie Dylan Garand to a two-year contract worth $875K per season at the NHL level. The first year of the deal is two-way, while the second is one-way.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The ECHL’s New Mexico Goatheads have hired Zack Stortini as their head coach. Stortini, a former NHL player, spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

The Goatheads are the ECHL affiliate of the Avalanche.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

by | Jun 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 19, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has resurfaced in the trade market, the trade chatter about Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make sense, plus the latest on the Oilers and Canadiens.

TEAMS ARE CALLING ABOUT BOWEN BYRAM

TSN: Darren Dreger reported “multiple teams” are looking into acquiring Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

The 25-year-old blueliner has a year remaining on his two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. He can sign a contract extension starting on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (NHL Images).

However, Dreger claimed that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, has a history of marching his clients to unrestricted free agency, which is why the Sabres are looking into trading him.

Byram posted a career-best 42 points in 82 games this season. He also had seven points in 13 playoff contests.

FRANKLY HOCKEY: Frank Seravalli reports this has nothing to do with money. He indicated that Byram likes Buffalo and the Sabres’ trajectory.

Seravalli claims Byram sees himself as a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL, and his performance in this postseason makes that case. However, he’s not going to get that opportunity with the Sabres.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Bill Hoppe believes Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is listening to offers for Byram. However, he expects Kekalainen will set a high asking price for the puck-moving blueliner.

Hoppe believes Byram should fetch a top-six forward, especially if Alex Tuch departs as a free agent on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Byram can play left or right defense, but his strong side is on the left, and he’s not supplanting team captain (and Norris Trophy finalist) Rasmus Dahlin from that spot on the top pairing.

Kekalainen doesn’t have to rush into moving Byram, but it might be best to do so this summer while the rearguard has a year left on his contract. That’ll make him more valuable to rival clubs than he’d be as a rental player at the March trade deadline. It would also avoid questions about Byram’s future becoming an unwelcome distraction through next season.

Byram also lacks no-trade protection, giving Kekalainen plenty of potential trade options. Clearing his $6.25 million from the Sabres’ books could make it easier to re-sign or replace Tuch, and to re-sign restricted free agent winger Zach Benson.

THE LATEST OILERS SPECULATION

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker believes Rangers GM Chris Drury must ensure he has sufficient salary-cap space down the road to recruit Connor McDavid if the Edmonton Oilers superstar decides his path to the Stanley Cup lies elsewhere.

McDavid’s new two-year contract goes into effect on July 1. It’s believed he could move on as a free agent in 2028 if the Oilers haven’t improved their chances of winning hockey’s holy grail by then.

Walker also felt that Drury must do the best he can to build up the Rangers into the type of team that could convince McDavid that they could offer him his best chance of winning the Cup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: From my end of the telescope, the Rangers won’t be in that position in two years.

They’ve got two aging forwards (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller) on expensive contracts that would be difficult to move, let alone fetch a return that would immediately improve the Blueshirts. Top defenseman Adam Fox seems uncertain whether his long-term future remains in New York, while winger Alexis Lafreniere remains an enigma.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson observed that there’s trade interest in Darnell Nurse, but “no perfect trade prescription”. The 31-year-old Oilers defenseman submitted his trade request to management last week.

Making a one-for-one swap with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly would be the cleanest move. However, Rielly has a full no-movement clause, he’s never been a great defender, and his point production has declined.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon listed the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and San Jose Sharks as potential trade destinations for Nurse.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have plenty of salary-cap space now to take on Nurse, but doing so would run counter to their efforts to replace aging veterans with promising young players. The Bruins are likely to put more effort into shoring up their depth at center. I doubt the Jets are on Nurse’s list of preferred destinations.

That leaves the Sharks as the best option. They have the cap space and desperately need to add veteran depth to their defense corps. They recently added Michael Kesselring, but could use someone like Nurse on the left side. However, they could also be off his list of landing spots. If he’s willing to go to San Jose, the Sharks could prefer the Oilers retain some salary or include a sweetener to take on his full cap hit.

WHY WOULD THE MAPLE LEAFS TRADE MATTHEW KNIES?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes the recent trade speculation dogging Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Knies, 23, is young and on his way to becoming a top NHL power forward. He’s also on a team-friendly contract for the next five years.

The Leafs hiring Jim Hiller is another indication that they’re in “win-now” mode. Getting a return of draft picks and prospects for Knies would indicate they’re rebuilding, not retooling. His departure would also leave a gaping hole on the left side of the Leafs’ top-six forwards. It would be better for the Leafs to have Knies and either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg instead of just one of those unproven youngsters.

Koshan doesn’t fault Leafs GM John Chayka for listening to offers for Knies. However, unless the return is something that makes the Maple Leafs demonstrably better, they would be wise to hang onto him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Koshan makes a sensible argument for why the Maple Leafs should retain Knies, and why they probably will. However, that’s not going to stop some pundits from speculating about where he might go and what type of return he’d fetch.

MORE CANADIENS CONJECTURE

SPORTSNET: Eric Engels was asked what the cost would be for the Montreal Canadiens to acquire Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish and whether it would be worth it.

Engels believes it’ll cost “something significant” to land the 23-year-old McTavish, and his contract ($7 million AAV through 2030-31) would be exorbitant if he doesn’t blossom into a top-six center, which there are no guarantees that he will.

McTavish’s skating and defensive acumen are cause for concern, raising questions as to whether he can improve those deficiencies. Engels thinks that the Ducks forward isn’t a top priority for the Canadiens.

Asked about whether Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble could be moved, Engel isn’t convinced that they will. He thinks a prospect defenseman such as Adam Engstrom or David Reinbacher ends up on the move if Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is able to get what he’s after.

THE ATHLETIC: Arpon Basu noted the Canadiens’ rumored interest in Leafs winger Matthew Knies. He believes they could pursue a second-line left winger if they’re unable to find any suitable options for a second-line center.

Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha might be available. However, the 29-year-old is only a year away from UFA eligibility, and whatever terms he’d seek on his next contract could limit whatever the Canadiens were willing to offer for him. The same applies for 31-year-old winger Mason Marchment of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who is UFA-eligible on July 1.

Basu also indicated that the Canadiens could be open to bringing back Samuel Montembeault to play out the final season of his contract. That would enable Jacob Fowler to spend another season in the AHL to develop his game, while providing insurance in case Jakub Dobes struggles to build on his strong postseason performance.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes will make a move or two this summer to improve his roster. However, he’s not going to just make deals for the sake of doing so, and it’s unrealistic to expect that he’ll address all his roster issues this summer.

McTavish seems the best option to address that pressing need for a second-line center. However, his struggles this season, combined with his skating and defensive skills, are a concern. They might be easier to handle if he were on a shorter, more affordable contract, but his current deal makes him a riskier trade target.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2026

by | Jun 19, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 19, 2026

Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh, Mike Babcock cleared to join the Oilers, Jonathan Toews to announce his retirement, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

TSN: reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL Images).

Raddysh’s new contract, which will go into effect on July 1, is an eight-year deal worth an average annual value above $8 million. The Lightning are believed to be receiving a late-round pick.

The 30-year-old blueliner had 22 goals, 48 assists, 70 points, along with a plus-minus of plus-21 while averaging 22:42 of ice time per game. All of those stats were career highs.

Raddysh is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $975,000.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh had back-to-back 30-plus point seasons before his breakout performance this season, which was largely due to his filling in for sidelined Lightning star Victor Hedman, especially on the power play.

This is the biggest move thus far by John Chayka, the Maple Leafs’ new general manager. It will mollify his critics, who weren’t impressed with his hiring of Jim Hiller as head coach and his trading away popular goalie Joseph Woll to the Philadelphia Flyers.

It remains to be seen if Raddysh can replicate his 70-point performance on the Maple Leafs. If he can, he’ll provide a big boost to their offense while providing much-needed puck-moving skill on the right side of their blueline. If he can’t, his contract will become a millstone that Chayka’s critics will happily hang around his neck.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The NHL completed its investigation into the reasons behind coach Mike Babcock’s brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. It ruled that, “even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”

The decision clears the way for Babcock to be hired as head coach of the Oilers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This decision received an overwhelmingly negative response from pundits and fans on social media, but the Oilers aren’t concerned with the public’s reaction. Everyone in the franchise, from the team owner to management to the players, reportedly wants to bring in Babcock as their next head coach.

If they hire Babcock as expected, it feels like a desperation move by a club that came oh-so-close to winning the Stanley Cup two years ago but declined significantly this season as their roster weaknesses worsened.

Should Babcock somehow guide this team to the Stanley Cup despite its obvious roster weaknesses (including the glaring hole in net), he’ll be praised as a genius. If it doesn’t work (especially if Babcock’s reputation as a bully dominates headlines again), it could hasten the demise of the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl era in Edmonton.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Jonathan Toews is expected to announce his retirement on Friday. The 38-year-old center staged a comeback with the Jets this season after being sidelined for two seasons by health issues.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was clear that age and the time away from the game had taken their toll on Toews. He played all 82 games, but his 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points were career lows as he was unable to fill the Jets’ second-line center position.

Nevertheless, Toews’ 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks ensure that he’ll be a first-ballot inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He captained them to three Stanley Cups, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, the Selke Trophy in 2012-13, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2014-15.

Toews finishes with 912 points in 1,149 regular-season games, and 119 points in 137 postseason contests.

TSN: The Boston Bruins will retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 during a pregame ceremony next season.

Bergeron spent the entirety of his 19-season NHL career with the Bruins from 2003-04 to 2022-23. He served as team captain during his final three seasons, and won the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward a league-record six times. Bergeron also helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bergeron is eligible for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year. He’s expected to be a first-ballot inductee.

NHL.COM: Left wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has announced his retirement. His 700 NHL regular-season games are the most by a player from France. He had 64 goals and 74 assists for 138 points from 2014-15 to 2023-24 with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Seattle Kraken, along with 15 points in 85 playoff games.

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry underwent surgery on June 9 to repair a right hip impingement and labral tear. He’s expected to be sidelined for five to six months.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils assistant coach Jeremy Colliton is leaving the organization to pursue other business opportunities.

OTTAWA SUN: The Senators have cut ties with winger Alex Formenton, making him eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Formenton was among the five players of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team charged with sexual assault and later acquitted.

KUKLA’S KORNER: Paul Kukla, who ran the hockey blog Kukla’s Korner, passed away earlier this week. He was among a group of pioneering hockey bloggers who rose to prominence during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, going on to carve out a long career covering the NHL, particularly the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I got to know Paul during that season-killing lockout, striking up an online friendship that lasted two decades. We frequently corresponded on all things hockey or to commiserate during the difficult times that come with being freelance writers.

When I was laid off by Fox Sports in 2011, Paul hired me to write a column for the 2011-12 season. I’m forever grateful to him for that.

Paul had been dealing with health issues in recent years, which at times required him to take some time away from his blog.

Nevertheless, the strong hockey community that he built never wavered, supporting him to the end.

Paul was an inspiration to aspiring hockey bloggers, providing a home for those trying to launch careers, and helping those (like myself) who were trying to keep a writing career alive during a low point.

Rest in peace, Paul, and thank you.