NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2026

by | Jun 13, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2026

What could it cost the Penguins or Flyers to acquire Darnell Nurse? Could Brendan Gallagher land with the Canucks? Will the Panthers shop for a new starting goalie? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST DARNELL NURSE SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski noted that there is an unverified report claiming the Penguins are among Darnell Nurse’s list of preferred trade destinations.

Nurse submitted a trade request earlier this week. The 31-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenseman has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $9.25 million and a full no-movement clause.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

Kingerski noted that Nurse and Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas know each other from their days with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. Despite Nurse’s struggles in Edmonton, he could bring speed, puck movement, and physicality to the left side of the Penguins blueline.

However, Kingerski believes the Oilers could ask the Penguins for more than the latter would be willing to give. Nurse’s hefty contract would mean the Oilers would have to sweeten the pot, but they have few expendable assets. The Penguins could also want the Oilers to take little-used defenseman Ryan Graves off their hands.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James looked at whether Nurse would be a fit with the Flyers.

James pointed out that the Flyers already have depth on the left side of their blueline. While they would have the cap space ($37 million) to take on Nurse’s full cap hit, they would probably prefer the Oilers retain up to half of his AAV.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers were also suggested as a possible destination for Nurse. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that he’ll land with them or the Penguins. He’s not really a good fit for either club at this stage, and the Oilers could be unwilling to retain half of his cap hit to facilitate a trade.

WILL THE CANUCKS ACQUIRE BRENDAN GALLAGHER?

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre recently weighed in on the speculation suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could acquire winger Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens.

Gallagher, 34, recently told the Montreal media that he’s played his final game for the Canadiens. He mentioned that he’d be open to being traded to the Canucks, and Canadiens management has allowed his agent, Gerry Johansson, to speak with other teams about a trade.

Johansson confirmed he’s spoken with the Canucks, and that they’re interested in Gallagher. Nevertheless, MacIntyre believes it’s not guaranteed that a deal will go through.

MacIntyre believes the Canadiens will likely wait and see if they can get a draft pick for Gallagher, rather than including a pick to entice a team to take him. He also doesn’t see the Canucks trading a positive asset for Gallagher. MacIntyre wondered if the Habs would be interested in acquiring winger Jake DeBrusk and his $5.5 million AAV for the next five seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: MacIntyre pointed out that Canucks GM Ryan Johnson has bigger priorities to deal with than the option of acquiring Gallagher at a discount for his leadership and experience.

Johnson could take care of some of his more pressing issues first before deciding if he’ll take on a veteran player such as Gallagher.

The Canadiens’ pressing need is a reliable second-line center, but the pickings are slim in the trade market and nonexistent in free agency. They could opt to add another scoring winger, but could prefer a more consistent scorer than the streaky DeBrusk.

WILL THE PANTHER SHOP FOR A STARTING GOALTENDER?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: Alan Greenberg recently looked at the starting goalie options for the Panthers if Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

Stuart Skinner, Connor Ingram, and Cam Talbot could be the best UFA options, but they’re not what the Panthers will be looking for.

Greenberg claimed that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck “apparently wants out of Winnipeg”, suggesting the three-time Vezina Trophy winner could be the Panthers’ next starter if GM Bill Zito can swing a blockbuster deal.

Jordan Binnington could be another option. The St. Louis Blues netminder has a year left on his contract, and would be more affordable to obtain than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hellebuyck has not stated that he wants a trade. He expressed his unhappiness over the Jets’ direction during his end-of-season press conference, but that seemed to be based on his frustration over his club missing the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season.

Hellebuyck’s comments had some observers in Winnipeg uneasy, but there’s been nothing more about it for two months now. That doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t be traded, but as Greenberg admitted, he would be expensive to acquire in both return and contract, which could put him out of the Panthers’ price range.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

by | Jun 9, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 9, 2026

The latest on Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, a list of potential offer-sheet candidates, the Canucks could be interested in Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

DYLAN LARKIN SUBMITS A THREE-TEAM TRADE LIST

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reported Monday that Dylan Larkin submitted a three-team trade list to Red Wings management. The Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers are his preferred destinations.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Minnesota is better-positioned to land Larkin than Vegas and Florida. The Wild has sufficient salary cap space (though they’ll have to move out some salary just the same) to acquire him. While they traded away their best prospects for Quinn Hughes in December, they have enough left to put into an enticing trade package, depending on which roster player or players they’re willing to part with.

The Golden Knights lack the cap room to take on Larkin’s $8.7 million average annual value through 2030-31. And no, the Wings won’t retain salary. They don’t have a suitable center to include in the deal.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards looked at what it would cost the Panthers to land Larkin. He believes the Panthers would have to give up center Anton Lundell as part of the return.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would probably jump at the chance to add Lundell, but it’s unlikely the Panthers will part with him. He’s the eventual replacement for Aleksander Barkov when the Panthers captain retires.

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker looks at how Larkin’s addition to the trade market might affect the Rangers’ efforts to move Vincent Trocheck this summer.

Trocheck is no longer the top center in the market. However, he could still prove enticing to clubs seeking a center who are not on Larkin’s trade list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin may be the best center in this trade market, but Trocheck is more affordable and more available. He has a 12-team no-trade list that drops to a 10-team list on July 1. Unless Larkin expands his trade list, it really won’t hurt Trocheck’s trade value.

POTENTIAL OFFER SHEET CANDIDATES

SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen recently did up an offer sheet primer, including a list of players who might get one this summer.

The list includes Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson, Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev, Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves, Colorado Avalanche center Jack Drury, Anaheim Ducks defensemen Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov, and Montreal Canadiens winger Zack Bolduc.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dorofeyev and Bourque could be the most likely offer-sheet candidates, assuming they’re willing to sign. The Golden Knights are squeezed for cap space, while the Stars will have to shed salary to re-sign winger Jason Robertson.

CANUCKS REPORTEDLY INTERESTED IN GALLAGHER

TVA SPORTS: Gerry Johansson, agent of Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, told the Donnie & Dhali podcast that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in his client.

Gallagher, 34, told reporters last week that he would be moving on from the Canadiens. He has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million and a six-team no-trade list.

A Vancouver native, Gallagher expressed an interest in playing for the Canucks. The Canadiens have permitted Johansson to speak with other teams about a trade.

“Vancouver initially expressed interest, but there are many variables. It’s on their desk; they are interested,” Johansson said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: One variable could be what the Canadiens would want in return. The Canucks could also want the Canadiens to retain part of Gallagher’s salary. 

THE BLACKHAWKS ARE SHOPPING FOR A DEFENSEMAN

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope recently reported Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson is interested in making trades this summer to add more established talent into his young roster.

One target is a veteran left-shot defenseman. The Blackhawks’ young defense corps struggled after shipping out Connor Murphy at the trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most notable veteran left-shot blueliners include Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers. However, they’re unlikely to waive their no-movement clauses to join a rebuilding team.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

by | Jun 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2026

The latest speculation on potential trade destinations for Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, an update on Blues center Robert Thomas, and the Ducks’ offseason wish list in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHICH CLUBS COULD BE SUITORS FOR DYLAN LARKIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s ability to get a solid return to Dylan Larkin after the latter requested a trade.

Yzerman faced similar circumstances before. As GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, Yzerman got a good return for winger Martin St. Louis after he requested a trade to the New York Rangers. Three years later, he met winger Jonathan Drouin’s trade request by shipping him to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (NHL Images).

LeBrun indicated that Yzerman has received a short list of preferred trade destinations from the Larkin camp. However, he speculated that list could change or grow. LeBrun also thinks it’s not to either side’s advantage to play hardball in this situation, but should instead try to avoid this dragging out throughout the summer and into next season.

According to LeBrun, between 12 and 15 clubs could inquire about Larkin. Obvious potential fits include the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Kings need a replacement for retired captain Anze Kopitar, the Wild seek an established first-line center, and the Canadiens need a second-line center.

LeBrun wondered if the Dallas Stars would be a suitor if they fail to re-sign winger Jason Robertson. He also sees the Boston Bruins as a potential fit.

Meanwhile, Max Bultman wondered where the Detroit Red Wings go from here after team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade this week.

Larkin’s request complicates the Red Wings’ offseason plans. They must now add a top-line center to their existing needs of a top-line left wing, a second-line center, bottom-six scoring, and toughness.

Bultman wondered if trading Larkin would force the Red Wings to retool their roster around their young core of talent rather than push for the playoffs next season. He also pondered the future of winger Alex DeBrincat, who turns 29 in December and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

PIONEER PRESS: Dan Mitzutani believes the Minnesota Wild should pursue a trade for Larkin to address their need for a first-line center. He believes the Red Wings will seek a substantial return, suggesting it could cost the Wild a couple of prospects along with a haul of draft picks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild beat writers Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic also believe GM Bill Guerin will look into acquiring Larkin. They believe Guerin won’t be afraid to part with young center Danila Yurov or prospects Charlie Stramel, Hunter Haight, or Adam Benak. However, the sticking point could be which players the Red Wings would want from the Wild’s roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Much will depend on how many teams are on Larkin’s list of destinations. If it remains a short list, and if the Wild are on it, that could work in their favor when it comes to the return. The more teams on that list, the more the Wild might have to pay to outbid other clubs.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Karine Hains believes Larkin would be ideal for the Canadiens as their second-line center.

The Red Wings will seek a substantial return, which Hains believes the Canadiens are well-positioned to provide that. They have the prospects, roster players, draft picks, and salary-cap space to pull it off.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings will almost certainly ask for center Michael Hage, the Canadiens’ top prospect. Defenseman David Reinbacher or winger Alexander Zharovsky could also be part of it. The Habs could also offer a young roster forward such as Oliver Kapanen or Zach Bolduc in the deal, but the Wings could seek someone more substantial, such as Ivan Demidov, which would be a deal-breaker for Montreal. It would also cost the Canadiens their first-round pick in this year’s or next year’s draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa believes the Bruins should look into acquiring Larkin. However, he considers it unlikely that they’ll land him.

One reason is Shinzawa doubts they have sufficient trade assets to outbid other clubs. He suggested a hypothetical offer of center Pavel Zacha, young defenseman Mason Lohrei, prospect center Dean Letourneau, and the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Shinzawa doesn’t see that deal happening unless the Red Wings are permitted to speak with Zacha about a contract extension. Even then, it’s debatable that the return would improve the Wings.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh believes New York Rangers GM Chris Drury could look into acquiring Larkin. The addition of the Red Wings captain no longer makes the Rangers’ Vincent Trocheck the top center in the trade market, though the latter will still draw plenty of interest in the trade market.

Baugh wondered if the Red Wings would be interested in Trocheck if they trade Larkin and don’t get a top-six center in return. In that case, Drury’s asking price could be a young quality player such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, a draft pick, or a combination of the two, as well as a center such as J.T. Compher to slot in behind Mika Zibanejad.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggests pursuing Larkin could be New Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s first chance to make his first big splash.

However, the Devils already have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes as their top two centers. A swap of Hischier for Larkin doesn’t work because it seems that the former’s contract extension talks are likely to find a resolution.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring the unforeseen, I expect Hischier will sign an extension, meaning the Devils do not need to pursue Larkin.

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski believes it’ll cost the Penguins one or two first-round picks, a prospect, and an NHL player for Larkin, though the asking price could be even higher. Promising Ben Kindel would likely have to be part of the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin likely wants to join a contender, which the Penguins currently aren’t despite exceeding expectations this season by making the playoffs. It’s doubtful they’re among his list of trade destinations.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards isn’t ruling out the possibility of the Panthers acquiring Larkin, pointing to GM Bill Zito’s history of making big moves in the trade market.

An offer from the Panthers would have to include their 2026 first-round pick, which is ninth overall. The cost of acquiring Larkin could also include center Anton Lundell, perhaps forward Mackie Samoskevich, and/or Sandis Vilmanis and more.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are already deep at center with Aleksander Barkov, Lundell, and the versatile Sam Bennett. Larkin might not be a fit here.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should be bidders for Larkin if they can afford it. They only have one sure thing at center, and that’s Auston Matthews, assuming he returns with the Leafs next season.

Siegel doesn’t believe the Leafs would put the first-overall pick on the table, but winger Matthew Knies might be. However, if Leafs GM John Chayka were to move Knies, Siegel believes he would lean toward a top defenseman over Larkin. He also doesn’t think the Wings would be excited by an offer of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and Colorado’s first-round pick (27th overall) in this year’s draft.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like the Wild, if the Maple Leafs are on a short list of Larkin’s trade destinations, the less they might have to pay to get him. If that list is larger, the more they’ll have to pay, and they might not be able to outbid other teams.

ROBERT THOMAS OFF THE TRADE BLOCK?

FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK’s Andy Strickland claims the Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest. He claimed the St. Louis Blues are not shopping their first-line center, and expects Thomas will be on their roster when training camp opens in September.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas was a fixture in the rumor mill before the March trade deadline, and has frequently surfaced as an offseason trade candidate.

However, I’d grown skeptical in recent weeks that Thomas was ever available in the first place. Since the trade deadline, he stated he was never approached about waiving his no-trade clause, adding he wants to remain with the Blues. GM Doug Armstrong said he was never actively shopping Thomas, explaining that he based his high asking price on how much he valued him.

The real clincher was reading a report last month claiming the Blues rejected an offer from the Wild that included promising goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and young center Danila Yurov. That told me they were never serious about moving Thomas.

THE LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Patrick Present recently looked at what he believes will be the Anaheim Ducks’ offseason shopping list.

A right-shot defenseman tops that list, along with a second-line center, and a top-nine winger.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Present didn’t speculate as to which players the Ducks might target to address those issues. Nevertheless, they could be worth monitoring in this summer’s trade market. They have plenty of young players and promising prospects to draw on for trade bait.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

by | May 26, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 26, 2026

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

WILL THE DEVILS RE-SIGN OR TRADE NICO HISCHIER?

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

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

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

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

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

ARE THE PANTHERS PURSUING BRADY TKACHUK?

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

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUGGESTED DESTINATIONS FOR RED WINGS GOALIE SEBASTIAN COSSA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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










NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

by | May 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 18, 2026

Will the Wild soon get clarity about Quinn Hughes’ plans? Which areas must the Maple Leafs improve this summer? What’s the latest on the Panthers and Red Wings? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST WILD SPECULATION

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato believes the Minnesota Wild need clarity from Quinn Hughes about his plans as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old superstar defenseman is a year away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He can sign a contract extension with the Wild on July 1, and he’s indicated that he’s open to that option, but he’s also comfortable with starting next season without one.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

If there is no commitment from Hughes on an extension, Amato believes Wild general manager Bill Guerin will have little choice but to shop the former Norris Trophy winner. His trade value would be higher this summer than it would be as a rental player next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s widely believed that Hughes would one day like to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. However, he sounded like he really enjoyed playing with the Wild this season and seems genuinely interested in discussing an extension with Guerin.

However, the cost of re-signing Hughes is what’s going to be the determining factor for the Wild. They’ve already invested a league-leading average annual value of $17 million for eight seasons in superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. As one of the NHL’s elite defensemen, Hughes would be justified in seeking a similar AAV.

The Wild have a projected $48.4 million in cap space for 2027-28, which would be the first season of Hughes’ next contract. Nevertheless, some of that cap room will be whittled down by the cost of re-signing or replacing key players between now and then, which could make it difficult to meet whatever Hughes’ asking price might be.

TWINCITIES.COM: Jess Myers reports Filip Gustavsson still sees himself as part of the Wild’s goalie tandem with Jesper Wallstedt next season.

Gustavsson went from being the Wild’s starting goalie during the regular season to backing up Wallstedt during the playoffs. His five-year contract extension with an AAV of $6.8 million begins on July 1.

Following the Olympic break, Gustavsson struggled down the stretch, prompting head coach John Hynes to give Wallstedt the nod during the postseason. Gutavsson said he had no problem with that, admitting that his game wasn’t where he wanted it to be after the Olympics.

Wallstedt was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. Gustavsson acknowledged that his name might surface in the offseason rumor mill, but he’s unconcerned about that possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guerin could peddle Gustavsson to free up cap space to make additions elsewhere for next season, and to create room for a long-term extension for Quinn Hughes. However, he has a full no-movement clause for this season and for the next two years on his new deal, giving him complete control over that potential situation.

A PROPOSED OFFSEASON SHOPPING LIST FOR THE MAPLE LEAFS

SPORTSNET: Justin Bourne recently looked at what should be on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason shopping list.

Bourne believes the Maple Leafs must shore up their depth at center. It’s rumored that Vincent Trocheck could be among the players on their list of trade targets. The 33-year-old New York Rangers center has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $5.275 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether the Leafs could meet the Rangers’ high asking price, and if Trocheck is willing to play for a Canadian team in the Eastern Conference. He’s stated that he prefers to play for a team on or near the East Coast of the United States.

Bourne doesn’t see the Maple Leafs trading winger Matthew Knies even if they draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg with the first-overall pick next month. Moving out the 23-year-old wouldn’t fit with their plans to bounce back next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: John Chayka, the Leafs new GM, has already spoken highly of Knies, sounding as though he intends to retain the young power forward.

Most observers believe Morgan Rielly needs a fresh start elsewhere, and it’s rumored that he agrees with that assessment. If he is moved out, the Leafs will need two new defensemen. Bourne isn’t averse to them signing Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner becomes available in this summer’s free-agent market. However, they’d have to pursue another via trade, given the lack of depth in the UFA market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Raddysh would be a big gamble for the Leafs or any other NHL club. The 30-year-old’s previous career-high was 37 points in 73 games in 2024-25 before his 70-point campaign this season. Investing big money in him could come back to haunt his new club if he reverts to his 30-point form.

When it comes to the Leafs’ next head coach, Bourne prefers someone with NHL experience, but not a lengthy resume. He suggested former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern, and Abbotsford Canucks bench boss Manny Malhotra, who has NHL assistant coaching experience.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malhotra is among Luke Fox’s seven suggested candidates for the Leafs’ coaching job. His list also included former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Minnesota Wild assistant coach (and former New York Islanders head coach) Jack Capuano, David Carle of the NCAA’s Denver Pioneers, Ottawa Senators assistant coach (and former NHL head coach) Mike Yeo, Toronto Marlies coach John Gruden, and New York Rangers assistant coach Joe Sacco.

WHO’S AVAILABLE FOR THE PANTHERS IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN BOBROVSKY?

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: George Richards recently looked at potential trade and free-agent options for the Panthers if long-time starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky departs via free agency on July 1.

The pickings are slim in the UFA market, where the best option besides Bobrovsky is Stuart Skinner. He backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, but his inconsistency led to his midseason trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Connor Hellebucyk could be available, given his recent comments about his unhappiness with the Winnipeg Jets’ direction. He could demand a trade, but with four years left on his contract, it might not force the Jets’ hand. Acquiring him could be expensive.

Another option could be Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility, carries a 10-team no-trade list, and would be more affordable to acquire than Hellebuyck.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The most obvious option for the Panthers is re-signing the 37-year-old Bobrovsky, but inking him to a long-term deal at this stage of his career is risky, especially given the decline in his performance this season.

It’s doubtful the Panthers could outbid other teams for Hellebuyck unless Florida is the only destination he’ll accept. Despite his unhappiness over how this season ended, there’s no indication that he and the Jets are about to part ways.

Binnington would be a more affordable option, but the Blues could hang onto him for next season and listen to trade offers if they’re out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.

THE LATEST RED WINGS GOALIE SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman recently reported on the rise of promising Red Wings goaltender Michal Postava and how it might affect Sebastian Cossa’s chances of cracking the Wings roster next season.

Postava’s solid play for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids earned him the starter’s job during the Calder Cup playoffs. It’s raised questions about Cossa’s future, who will not be waiver-exempt next season.

Cossa could become an offseason trade candidate. Bultman suggested the Edmonton Oilers would be an obvious fit, but the need for goalies around the league could make the list of potential suitors a long one.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 12, 2026

by | May 12, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – May 12, 2026

The Avalanche take a commanding series lead over the Wild, Shane Doan parts ways with the Maple Leafs, the Sedins to move up in the Canucks’ front office, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: The Colorado Avalanche have taken a 3-1 lead in their second-round series with the Minnesota Wild following a 5-2 victory in Game 4 on Tuesday. Parker Kelly broke a 2-2 tie, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 19 saves in his first start in this postseason, and Nazem Kadri scored to extend his points streak to five games.

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).

Danila Yurov and Nico Sturm scored while Jesper Wallstedt stopped 29 of 32 shots for the Wild.

The Avalanche can wrap up this series in Game 5 on Wednesday in Colorado.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was an ugly moment during the first period when Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson butt-ended Wild forward Michael McCarron in the left side of his face as the two scuffled on the ice. Manson received a double-minor, resulting in Yurov’s game-opening goal.

McCarron was still furious about the incident during his between-period interview with ESPN’s P.K. Subban, calling Manson a dirty player. After the game, Manson claimed he wasn’t trying to butt-end McCarron but was attempting to punch him.

Manson had returned to action after missing several games with an upper-body injury. He and forward Joel Kiviranta’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Avalanche, as forward Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski missed this game with upper-body injuries.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Shane Doan and the Toronto Maple Leafs have mutually agreed to part company. Doan joined the Maple Leafs in 2023 as a special advisor to the general manager. With John Chayka taking over that role, Doan’s contract will not be renewed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doan and Chayka have an unpleasant history from their days when the former was captain of the Arizona Coyotes and the latter was the club’s GM. In 2017, Chayka told Doan that the Coyotes no longer required his services, giving the club’s long-time star no proper send-off or ceremony to honor his tenure.

Doan has been connected to the Vancouver Canucks as they reshape their front office. He could also land with the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators.

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, franchise icons Daniel and Henrik Sedin have reportedly accepted larger roles within the club’s hockey operations department. They’ve spent the past five seasons with the Canucks in a player development role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It remains to be seen what the Sedins’ new roles will be, but it won’t be as general managers. The Canucks are reportedly narrowing down their list of prospective candidates for that job.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard may have suffered a concussion during Game 1 of the first-round series with the Anaheim Ducks. Bouchard finished that game and played in the remainder of that series, which the Ducks won in six games.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: New York Islanders rookie star Matthew Schaefer is teaming up with Northwell Health to create a child support center in honor of his mother, Jennifer, who passed away from breast cancer in 2024.

TSN: Buffalo Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj were fined by the league for their actions in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series on Sunday.

Malenstyn was fined over $3,500 for goaltender interference when he deliberately ran Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes. Xhekaj was fined over $3,300 for roughing Sabres forward Sam Carrick when he sucker-punched the latter in the dying seconds of the game.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll see if those fines serve as a warning to both teams to dial back the chippy play and after-the-whistle antics that were prevalent in Game 3.

BUFFALO HOCKEY NOW: Despite two ugly losses in Games 2 and 3, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff remains confident in his group as they attempt to reset for Game 4 in Montreal on Tuesday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens dominated the Sabres in those two contests. Another lopsided loss in Game 4 could be demoralizing for the Sabres while giving the Habs a commanding lead in the series.

TVA SPORTS: The Canadiens have recalled forwards Owen Beck and Florian Xhekaj and defensemen David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom after their AHL affiliate in Laval was eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs. The foursome will skate with the Canadiens in practice and will be available as reserve players.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Golden Knights’ head coach John Tortorella hopes Tomas Hertl’s late goal in Game 4 of their series against the Anaheim Ducks helps the veteran forward regain his scoring touch. It was his first goal since March 4.

TSN: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Mark Jankowski to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.85 million.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Devils general manager Sunny Mehta hired Braden Birch as his new assistant general manager. Birch is the former Florida Panthers director of hockey operations and salary cap management.