Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 12, 2026

by | Apr 12, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 12, 2026

Check out the latest on the Rangers and Red Wings, plus updates on the Predators’ and Devils’ search for new general managers in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE RANGERS IN THE OFFSEASON?

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker reports Rangers general manager Chris Drury will continue to retool his roster during the offseason.

Walker estimated the Rangers would have over $33.3 million in cap space if they trade center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Braden Schneider this summer. That would leave enough to add a backup goaltender, a top-four defenseman, a top-six winger, and a fourth-line center.

Current backup Jonathan Quick hasn’t revealed his plans, but a source close to the 40-year-old netminder believes this season will be his last.

It’s hoped that at least one NHL player will be part of a trade return for Trocheck. If Drury can’t find the return he wants for Schneider, exploring a Will Borgen trade could become another route.

Adam Crane reported Schneider remains proud of being a Ranger, and he hopes something will work out to keep him with the team long-term.

Schneider, 24, is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. He saw what happened to former teammate K’Andre Miller last year when he was in the same boat. Miller was tendered a qualifying offer and then traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, signing an eight-year deal.

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (NHL Images).

Crane also reported last week that there are lingering concerns about the future of Adam Fox with the Rangers. They are a better team with the 26-year-old defenseman in the lineup, but his cryptic comments in February about whether he wants to remain through the next stage of the rebuild raise questions about what happens if he decides he wants out.

At the time, Fox said he felt a little helpless about the club’s public commitment toward a retool. When asked about staying with the Rangers, he felt that it was a discussion for after the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trocheck has three more years on his contract with an affordable average annual value of $5.625 million. He has a 12-team no-trade list until July 1, when it drops to a 10-team list. He’s also indicated his preference is to remain in the Eastern Conference.

There was interest in Trocheck and Schneider before last month’s trade deadline, but Drury declined to lower his asking prices. As I’ve mentioned before, clubs that were reluctant to meet Drury’s prices in March could be more willing to do so in June or July, especially with the salary cap rising to $104 million for 2026-27.

Fox is under contract through 2028-29 with an AAV of $9.5 million and a full no-movement clause through next season. Despite his struggles and injuries this season, the 28-year-old right-shot defenseman (and 2021 Norris Trophy winner) would draw plenty of attention if he becomes available this summer.

However, Fox’s desire to discuss his future with Drury may be little more than determining the club’s direction and his role within it. Drury is under no pressure to move Fox unless he wants out. For now, there’s no indication that’s the case.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE RED WINGS AFTER ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING SEASON?

THE ATHLETIC: Max Bultman commented on the Detroit Red Wings extending their playoff drought to a 10th consecutive season. He believes this year’s miss hurts the most because the team now feels stuck after several seasons of promising progress.

Bultman indicates that the Red Wings remain a flawed team, particularly at five-on-five scoring, which will be one of the areas the club attempts to address during the offseason. He also wondered how the Wings can continue to bank on their promising young players as their main driver for improvement.

DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff also cited the Red Wings’ struggles to score at even strength. He also believes their lack of a winning culture contributed to their inability to close out a win. Duff suggested they must also reconstruct their bottom-six forward group.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been speculation and suggestions (including from yours truly) that general manager Steve Yzerman could be fired or will be on the hot seat after this season. However, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported last week that Yzerman remains aligned with team owner Chris Illich. If there’s a management change, it would be because Yzerman feels his time is up, but Dreger said that’s unlikely.

Yzerman’s critics believe he is reluctant to draw on his prospect pool to bring in more immediate help. However, he might not have much choice now. The fans are restless, his players are frustrated, and there’s a growing sense that the Red Wings are spinning their wheels.

That doesn’t mean he must make quick-fix deals. If an opportunity arises to land an impact player in his prime with term remaining on his contract, Yzerman must act. Otherwise, he risks extending the Wings’ postseason drought to 11 seasons, which could cost him his job.

LATEST ON THE PREDATORS AND DEVILS AS THEY HUNT FOR A NEW GM

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports that the Nashville Predators prefer someone who has recently served as an NHL general manager or assistant GM to replace outgoing general manager Barry Trotz.

Former New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has been added to that list. Fitzgerald has a history with the Predators as he was their first team captain from 1998-99 to 2001-02. It’s believed he’s either already been interviewed for the job or will be soon.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports the Devils are interested in Jamie Langenbrunner as a candidate to replace the departed Fitzgerald. Langenbrunner is currently an assistant GM with the Boston Bruins.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2026

by | Apr 7, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 7, 2026

Recapping Monday’s games, the Devils fire general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the three stars of the week, an update on Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings regained the second wild-card berth in the Western Conference with a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Adrian Kempe scored the winning goal in a shootout, and Anton Forsberg stopped 29 shots for the 32-26-19 Kings (83 points). Roman Josi had a goal and an assist, and Steven Stamkos tallied his 39th goal of the season for the Predators (36-31-10), who sit one point behind the Kings.

Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (NHL Images).

San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund had a goal and an assist as his club nipped the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Will Smith scored what proved to be the game-winning goal while Alex Nedeljkovic made 27 saves for the 37-32-7 Sharks, who are two points back of the Kings. Frank Nazar had a goal and an assist for the 28-36-14 Blackhawks.

The Winnipeg Jets kept their playoff hopes alive with a 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Mark Scheifele had three assists, Kyle Connor tallied twice, and Jonathan Toews and Gabriel Vilardi each had a goal and an assist for the Jets (34-31-12), who are three points behind the Kings in the race for the final Western wild card. Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann replied for the 32-33-11 Kraken.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer left this game after the second period with a lower-body injury. The Jets got a boost with the return of forwards Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov from injuries, but center Morgan Barron missed this game as he’s listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Buffalo Sabres winger Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist as his club doubled up the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. Bowen Byram collected two assists while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned aside 23 shots for the 47-23-8 Sabres, who are tied with the Lightning with 102 points. Nikita Kucherov tallied his 400th NHL regular-season goal while Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist for the 48-23-6 Lightning, who hold first place in the Atlantic Division with a game in hand and one more win than the Sabres.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league is looking into the circumstances that led to Lightning forward Pontus Holmberg injuring his left arm after crashing into an unlatched penalty box door. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper believes the penalty box attendant should be fired for leaving the door open.

HEADLINES

TSN: The New Jersey Devils parted ways with team president and general manager Tom Fitzgerald. This decision was reached after Fitzgerald met with Devils managing partner David Blitzer on Monday.

Fitzgerald had been in the role of general manager since July 2020. During his tenure, the Devils reached the playoffs twice.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Under Fitzgerald, the Devils had the best regular-season performance in franchise history with a record of 52-22-8 (112 points) in 2022-23. It seemed like they had finally broken through as a potential Stanley Cup contender.

However, the Devils struggled in subsequent years. Injuries to key players such as superstar center Jack Hughes and puck-moving defenseman Dougie Hamilton were a factor. The acquisitions of goaltender Jacob Markstrom, wingers Ondrej Palat and Timo Meier, and defenseman Brett Pesce didn’t pan out as hoped. Another issue was Fitzgerald’s inability to find a suitable replacement for winger Tyler Toffoli after trading him to Winnipeg in 2024.

ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reports hearing that former Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan has already been mentioned as a potential replacement for Fitzgerald. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald is believed to be on the Nashville Predators’ list of candidates to replace outgoing GM Barry Trotz.

NHL.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, and St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas are the league’s three stars for the week ending Apr. 5.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers star Leon Draisaitl could miss the start of the opening round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s been sidelined since March 15 with a knee injury. He’ll be returning to the ice later this week, but it will be a long, careful process as they don’t intend to rush him back into action before he’s fully recovered.

NHL.COM: New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov could return to action before the end of the regular season. The 26-year-old blueliner has been sidelined since Nov. 18, recovering from shoulder surgery.

TSN: Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen was fined $5,000 for high-sticking Penguins forward Rickard Rakell.

THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: The Wild signed top prospect Charlie Stramel to a three-year entry-level contract.

TSN: Travis Yost reports NHL save percentages have reached their lowest point in 30 years. Save percentages have been in a decade-long decline, and are currently under 90 percent (89.6). If it remains that way, it’ll be the first time that’s happened since 1993-94.

Various factors account for this, including the increase in skilled offensive players, the modernization of the defense position, the reduction of goalie equipment sizes, and the elimination of the workhorse goaltender as teams prefer to balance the workload of their netminders.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars have banned a fan from their arena after video emerged showing a group of fans engaging in what appeared to be a Nazi salute during a Stars home game in December. The team was able to identify the fan who bought the tickets, but not the other individuals in the video.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

by | Apr 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 4, 2026

A list of RFA players ineligible for offer sheets, an update on the Predators’ search for a new general manager, and the latest on the Canucks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LIST OF RFAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE OFFER SHEETS THIS SUMMER.

PUCKPEDIA: recently released their list of Group 2 restricted free agents classified as 10.2(C) players, making them ineligible for offer sheets or arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The article linked above explains the criteria players must meet to avoid becoming 10.2(C) RFAs.

Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier (NHL Images).

The notable players this year include Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Nikita Grebenkin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m linking to this because a few readers have mentioned Gauthier, Nikishin, and Graf as potential offer sheet targets.

There are two ways these players change teams this summer. One is if their respective teams don’t qualify their rights, and they become unrestricted free agents. The other is trading them. I don’t foresee either situation occurring for Gauthier, Nikishin, Graf, and Grebenkin.

PREDATORS

THE TENNESSEAN: Alex Daugherty recently reported on the Nashville Predators’ search for a new general manager to replace Barry Trotz, who intends to step down as soon as his replacement is found.

The Predators sought permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak with assistant general manager Brandon Pridham. Former Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has also been linked to the Predators.

Florida Panthers assistant general manager Brett Peterson and Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott are believed to be on the Predators’ search list. Former Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has also been mentioned as a candidate.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said the Predators could be about to begin in-person interviews with the candidates. He believes that Peterson and Scott are among them, along with Dallas Stars assistant general manager Scott White and possibly former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka.

Friedman believes Predators current assistant GM Jeff Kealty could be in the mix. He also thinks they reached out to player agent Matt Kater. Friedman brought up Tom Fitzgerald, given the uncertainty about the New Jersey Devils general manager this season.

CANUCKS

TSN: Darren Dreger addressed recent rumors suggesting the Vancouver Canucks could make a management shakeup, saying that Patrik Allvin has no intention of leaving as general manager. Dreger said Allvin remains “highly regarded” as GM of the team.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2026

by | Apr 1, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 1, 2026

Who are the potential candidates to become the next GM of the Maple Leafs? Are management changes coming for the Devils and Canucks? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS’ GM SEARCH

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes that Keith Pelley, the head of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, tipped his hand when he said that he favors retooling the Maple Leafs roster over a rebuild. He expects it will be a cue card for the potential candidates for the job.

Darren Dreger reports former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was at least working on retooling the roster before he was fired. Treliving was hoping to use some of the draft picks that he acquired before last month’s trade deadline as trade collateral to acquire a good young defenseman. The Leafs also need a center to take some of the load off John Tavares.

Chris Johnston indicated that Pelley is seeking a data-minded person for the GM job. The Leafs will hire a search firm to help them find some potential candidates.

St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong (NHL.com).

LeBrun mentioned that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been linked to the Maple Leafs. Armstrong is stepping down from his current role at the end of this season, but he’s under contract as the Blues’ president of hockey operations. It would be up to Blues owner Tom Stillman whether he’ll permit clubs to speak with Armstrong.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic doesn’t expect Stillman to grant permission for the Leafs to talk to Armstrong about their vacant management position. The Blues owner would prefer that Armstrong stick around to help the incoming GM, Alexander Steen.

Johnston mentioned that Pelley has reached out to sidelined Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. It’s expected there will be more discussions between the two regarding the club’s direction. Matthews has two years remaining on his contract.

In his column for The Athletic, LeBrun mentioned former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis as a potential candidate. He also believes the Maple Leafs could be looking at multiple hires, with a veteran hand paired with an up-and-comer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The “veteran hand” would likely end up in the hockey operations role, while the “up-and-comer” gets the general manager’s chair.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes there will be plenty of interest in the Leafs GM job. He wondered if former Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi would be a candidate for the Leafs job. Lombardi currently works with the Philadelphia Flyers. Other possibilities could be Pittsburgh Penguins assistant GM Jason Spezza and Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta.

COULD THE DEVILS AND CANUCKS SHAKE UP THEIR MANAGEMENT?

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos observed that Tom Fitzgerald holds the president of hockey operations and general manager titles. However, some are wondering if they might break up those roles.

Kypreos speculated they could hire a new hockey ops president, keep Fitzgerald around for one more season, and evaluate from there. It’s believed he’s preparing for the worst because he’s been on the hot seat this season.

FULL PRESS MEDIA: Jim Biringer wondered if the Maple Leafs firing of Brad Treliving might lead to a management change for the Devils.

It’s been rumored that Devils ownership might be contemplating some sort of change in the front office. However, Fitzgerald has maintained that he’s been in sync with ownership and the coaching staff.

If the Devils make a management change, Biringer believes it won’t come from within.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It seems a safer choice to hire a new president and give Fitzgerald one more season to redeem himself. However, the Devils ownership could have an eye on whoever applies for the Leafs’ job and perhaps interview those who didn’t get that role.

Kypreos also noted that changes are coming for the Vancouver Canucks, but it remains unclear to what extent they will take. He’s heard that GM Patrik Allvin doesn’t expect to survive the season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Allvin is the right-hand man of Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations. It would be an interesting move by Rutherford to hand Allvin his walking papers.

Canucks beat writer Thomas Drance of The Athletic isn’t sure just how far they are willing to go as they attempt to move on from this disastrous season. He thinks the organization should face some measure of accountability, but it remains to be seen what that could be.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2026

by | Jan 15, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 15, 2026

Brady Tkachuk reaches a scoring milestone in a lopsided win over the Rangers, the Sabres move back into a wildcard berth, the Canadiens re-sign Alexandre Texier, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk scored his 200th career NHL regular-season goal and collected three assists in an 8-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig each had three points for the Senators, who picked up their second straight win and improved to 22-19-5. Gabe Perreault tallied twice for the Rangers (20-22-6) as their winless skid reached five games (0-4-1).

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin and top defenseman Adam Fox sidelined, the wheels are coming off fast for the Rangers. This was their second lopsided loss in three games, prompting Blueshirts fans to chant for general manager Chris Drury to be fired. Drury recently received a vote of confidence from team owner James Dolan, but that could be tested if the losses keep piling up.

The Buffalo Sabres regained a wildcard berth in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2. Team captain Rasmus Dahlin scored two goals while Tage Thompson, Josh Doan, and Ryan McLeod each had two points for the 25-16-4 Sabres, who’ve won four of their last six games. Owen Tippett had a goal and an assist for the Flyers, who are winless in their last four contests (0-3-1) and have slipped to 22-15-8.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sabres center Josh Norris left this game in the second period with an upper-body injury. Earlier in the day, the Sabres announced forward Josh Dunne will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a mid-body injury.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia goaltender Daniel Vladar left this game after the first period with an undisclosed injury. Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen missed this game with an upper-body injury and is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, blueliner Jamie Drysdale was activated off injured reserve and returned to action in this game.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier scored twice, including the winning goal in overtime, in a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. Jack and Luke Hughes each assisted on both of Hischier’s goals as the Devils improved to 24-21-2. Jared McCann had a goal and an assist for the Kraken (21-15-9).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald met with the media on Wednesday afternoon, taking full responsibility for the club’s struggles this season. However, he pushed back against making wholesale changes to the roster. “You can’t trade your way out of this,” Fitzgerald said. “This has to come from within.”

Nevertheless, trade rumors involving the Devils persist, with the focus on defenseman Dougie Hamilton. I’ll have the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

The Vegas Golden Knights extended their win streak to five games by nipping the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on an overtime goal by captain Mark Stone. Braeden Bowman and Mitch Marner also scored for the Golden Knights (22-11-12), who hold first place in the Pacific Division. Kevin Fiala had a goal and an assist for the 19-16-11 Kings.

IN OTHER NEWS…

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens signed winger Alexandre Texier to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $2.5 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Texier signed a $1 million prorated contract with the Canadiens on Nov. 23 after terminating his deal with the St. Louis Blues. He’s been a solid addition for the Habs as a versatile forward throughout their lineup, including his current stint on their top line. After managing one point in eight games with the Blues earlier this season, he has 16 points in 25 games in Montreal.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Avalanche activated goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from injured reserve.

TSN: Winnipeg Jets defensemen Neil Pionk, Haydn Fleury, and Colin Miller are week-to-week with injuries.

NHL.COM: Winger Ivar Stenberg of Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League topped the league’s Central Scouting mid-term rankings of International skaters. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna was the top North American skater.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenna was considered the favorite to be the first overall pick in this year’s draft. However, his adjustment period to NCAA action after dominating Junior A last season has some observers suggesting Stenberg could be the top prospect.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2025

by | May 9, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – May 9, 2025

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: changes are coming for the Devils, the latest on former Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, and the Flyers could be heading to arbitration with Noah Cates.

CHANGES ARE COMING FOR THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols reports Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald isn’t happy with his club’s performance this season. He explains there will be changes coming for next season.

Fitzgerald indicated there are decisions to be made about certain players, saying the Devils won’t be back with the same group for next season. He acknowledged the injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton adversely affected the club’s play, but felt several players did not play up to expectations.

New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer (NHL Images).

The Devils’ offense suffered this season, dropping from a goals-per-game of 3.22 last season to 2.98 in 2024-25. Depth scoring was an issue, as off-season acquisitions Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter cooled off after strong starts to this season.

Nichols also pointed out Dawson Mercer’s struggles this season. Expected to have a breakout performance, the 23-year-old center managed only 19 goals. Nichols suggested the Devils need a top-six winger and a few bottom-six forwards who can score.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of the changes Fitzgerald could be referring to are the Devils’ pending unrestricted free agents. They include forwards Tomas Tatar, Daniel Sprong, Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian.

Fitzgerald proved last summer that he’s willing to make big off-season moves to improve his club, acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom and signing defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. He has over $12 million in projected cap space with 19 active roster players under contract, but a big chunk of it will go toward re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes.

The Devils GM alluded to the possibility of making trades this summer. He could gauge Mercer’s value in the trade market. The young center’s name surfaced occasionally in this season’s rumor mill.

THE BRUINS ARE INTERESTED IN RICK TOCCHET

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has emerged as the top targets for the Boston Bruins to fill their vacant coaching position.

An NHL source told Murphy the Bruins are trying to secure an interview with Tocchet. CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal also believes they’re a club worth watching as a possible destination for the former Canucks bench boss.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Winner of the Jack Adams Award last season, Tocchet is the hottest coaching commodity available this summer. The Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken are among the clubs he’s been linked to.

FLYERS COULD HEAD TO ARBITRATION WITH NOAH CATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco believes the Philadelphia Flyers are likely to go to arbitration with Noah Cates.

The 26-year-old center is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and is a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. He’s completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.625 million. Cates had 16 goals and 37 points in 82 games this season.

Di Marco writes that it was assumed Cates would be in line for a long-term extension, but it doesn’t appear that’s in the works, suggesting arbitration is the most likely destination.

A Flyers source said Cates isn’t interested in a long-term deal and is willing to bet on himself on a one-year contract. The team views his value in the range of $3.5 million annually on a four to six-year contract.

Di Marco believes Cates would be willing to commit to the Flyers long term. However, it would be at a price the club considers too high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A trade is possible if the Flyers don’t see Cates as a part of their long-term future. Doing so would hurt their depth at center unless they can swing a deal that brings in a suitable replacement.