NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

by | Jun 25, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 25, 2026

Reaction to the Sabres sending Alex Tuch to the Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal, the Sabres re-sign Zach Benson, the Avalanche trade Jack Drury to the Predators, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT/THE HOCKEY NEWS: The Sabres shipped winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday as part of a sign-and-trade deal. In return, they receive a 2027 third-round pick and the rights to pending free-agent center David Kampf.

Buffalo Sabres trade winger Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals (NHL Images)

Before sending Tuch to the Capitals, the Sabres signed the 30-year-old power forward to an eight-year, $84-million contract. The average annual value is $10.5 million, with a full no-movement clause in the first four seasons, dropping to a modified no-trade list for the final four seasons.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second major move by both teams this week. On Tuesday, the Sabres shipped defenseman Bowen Byram and winger Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.

The Sabres reportedly pitched a final offer of seven years at just under $10 million, but they weren’t comfortable with what he was seeking. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen was concerned that it could force them to move out other players to make the dollars fit within their salary cap payroll.

Kekalainen said his club would consider all options to replace Tuch, who played a key role in the Sabres’ ending their 14-year playoff drought this season. They have the draft capital to use as trade bait, including the fourth-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, which they received from Chicago in the Byram deal.

The additions of Tuch and Kyrou bring significant right-wing scoring punch to the Capitals, who are attempting to bounce back from missing the playoffs this season. They might not be done making moves, as they could consider adding another scoring forward and another penalty killer.

These moves also raise questions about Alex Ovechkin’s future with the Capitals. The 40-year-old winger has completed his contract, raising speculation that he’s planning to retire. Bringing in Tuch and Kyrou could be seen as an enticement for Ovechkin to return for another season, or it could be the Capitals’ preparation to offset the loss of his offense if he doesn’t return.

BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: The Sabres signed winger Zach Benson to a seven-year contract worth an AAV of $7.5 million. He has a modified no-trade clause (a seven-team no-trade list) for the final three years of the deal.

Benson, 21, had completed his entry-level contract. He’s coming off a breakout performance in his third NHL campaign, with 43 points in 65 regular-season games, and nine points in 13 playoff contests.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Benson stepped up this season as a pesky, two-way forward. He was a spark plug for the Sabres, pumping up his teammates with his clutch scoring and energetic play. If that sounds familiar, it’s because his style of play is comparable to Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. Benson could become an important core player for the Sabres in the next several years.

THE TENNESSEAN/COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: The Nashville Predators acquired center Jack Drury, prospect forward Chase Bradley, and a third-round pick in 2029 from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forwards Zach L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the second trade in as many weeks that Predators GM Chris MacFarland has made with his former team, having acquired forward Ross Colton last week.

This is a move involving role players who weren’t working out with their former clubs. L’Heureux and Svechkov were former first-round picks with the Predators, while Drury was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last season as part of the Mikko Rantanen trade.

Drury’s RFA status likely played a part in this deal. The Avalanche have limited cap space for next season, and re-signing the 26-year-old center probably would’ve cost more than they could comfortably afford.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher will be named an honorary citizen of the city of Montreal. This honor is bestowed on someone “who has a lasting impact on the well-being of Montrealers through their actions, art, and commitment.”

The 34-year-old Gallagher has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Canadiens, but he’s expected to be traded this summer. His agent has permission to speak with other teams to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gallagher’s pesky, hard-working style made him a fan favorite throughout his tenure with the Canadiens.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

by | Jun 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 18, 2026

The latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, Ducks center Mason McTavish, Maple Leaf winger Matthew Knies, Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and many more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

IS JETS GOALTENDER CONNOR HELLEBUYCK AVAILABLE?

TSN: Darren Dreger is the latest to claim there is “noise in Winnipeg” regarding Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Dreger believes teams are calling the Jets about Hellebuyck because the goaltender shared his disappointment about their performance this season. He believes Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff “is at least in a position where he knows he has to listen.”

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

According to Dreger, the Jets need centers for their second and fourth lines, and they’d also like to look at their blueline. If they trade Hellebuyck, they’ll need a replacement for him as well.

The Jets struggle to make big trades because it’s hard to lure players with no-trade protection to Winnipeg. But if the three-time Vezina Trophy-winning Hellebuyck is in play, who has a no-movement clause, and teams are calling, Dreger believes Cheveldayoff “is at least willing at this point to consider that.”

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports there is “lots of noise” growing around the league that Hellebuyck wants a change of scenery. However, he acknowledged that, if the goaltender has requested a trade, both sides have done a tremendous job keeping it quiet.

If Hellebuyck has asked to be traded, Kypreos suggested the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and the Florida Panthers as possible landing spots.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre report the Hellebuyck camp and Jets management aren’t commenting on the trade speculation.

Wiebe and McIntyre noted Hellebuyck’s frustration over the Jets’ disappointing performance during his end-of-season media availability and in his exit interview with Cheveldayoff, who praised his goalie’s competitiveness.

The expectation was that the Jets would attempt to address Hellebuyck’s concerns by making off-season upgrades while he remains front and center in their efforts to put this season behind them.

So far, there’s nothing official about a trade request. Wiebe and McIntyre suggest the recent buzz is an example of playing “connect the dots” after Hellebuyck’s Team USA teammates Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings and Quinn Hughes forced his way out of Vancouver.

The recent speculation doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, but the prospect is at least worth acknowledging. If the Jets put Hellebuyck on the block, their asking price will be high.

History shows Cheveldayoff isn’t one to make a panic move when a player requests a trade. Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, Patrik Laine, and Pierre-Luc Dubois weren’t moved until the Jets received what they considered to be suitable offers.

Wiebe and McIntyre also point out that this isn’t the first time that Hellebuyck was considered to be on his way out of Winnipeg. He and Scheifele were considered trade candidates entering the final season of their previous contracts, only to sign contract extensions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The only reason I can see for the Jets to trade Hellebuyck is if he wants out. Otherwise, trading him would derail their chances of regaining playoff contender status next season, let alone any chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

The Jets are built to win right now, with Hellebuyck as the centerpiece of that plan. That’s why they re-signed Kyle Connor to a lucrative long-term extension last fall. It’s why Cheveldayoff brought in Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist last summer, who ultimately turned into busts and were contributing factors in the Jets missing the playoffs.

I agree with what Wiebe and McIntyre are saying about this situation. If Hellebuyck wants out, Cheveldayoff won’t rush into a deal. The Jets will also need a new starting goaltender, and no, they won’t want a castoff or a washed-up veteran. They also won’t want a package of solely draft picks and prospects.

The asking price will be high, and Cheveldayoff will wait for the right return, even if it takes until next year’s trade deadline to get it. That shouldn’t adversely affect Hellebuyck’s performance because playing at his best will maintain his high value in the trade market.

As Dreger admitted, everything is just speculation right now, and will remain so until there’s definitive word that Hellebuyck is on the trade block.

THE LATEST MAPLE LEAFS SPECULATION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports “a number of NHL executives” believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade winger Matthew Knies. GM John Chayka is conducting his due diligence, while other clubs are finding out why the 23-year-old power forward would be available.

Dreger also thinks Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly seems more likely to change addresses. Management isn’t pushing it, but that’s the expectation from the Rielly camp.

Teams are also calling about defenseman Jake McCabe. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs would be interested in Darren Raddysh if the Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner hits the open market on July 1.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos also reports that the buzz about Matthew Knies hasn’t gone away with the Leafs’ recent management change. He noted that everyone links Knies to the Montreal Canadiens, but other clubs are also looking into it.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Understandably, Chayka would at least want to find out what Knies’ trade value would be, and whether the return would improve the Leafs. As with Hellebuyck, however, there’s no certainty he’ll be moved. Leafs ownership wants this club to bounce back as a playoff contender, and Knies would play an important role in those efforts.

As for Rielly, recent reports indicate he hasn’t been asked to waive his no-movement clause, and he hasn’t submitted a list of preferred destinations.

FOUR CANUCKS ON THE TRADE BLOCK

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks “are virtually shopping everyone this offseason”. That includes center Elias Pettersson and wingers Brock Boeser, Nils Hoglander, and Jake DeBrusk.

The Canucks aren’t going out of their way to trade Boeser, but Johnston said he’s believed to be available. A source claimed that management believes Hoglander needs a fresh start, but he won’t fetch much of a return.

DeBrusk has said he’s not keen to be part of a rebuild, and the Ottawa Senators are believed to be interested. As for Pettersson, Johnston cited a source claiming the Los Angeles Kings considered a move for the 27-year-old center at the trade deadline. He wonders if they might revisit their interest now that Anze Kopitar has retired.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk seems the most likely to be dealt. Boeser could draw some interest, but his contract (with a full no-movement clause) could be a stumbling block. Speaking of contracts, Pettersson’s $11.6 million AAV through 2031-32 makes him almost immovable unless the Canucks retain salary or take back a couple of contracts in return.

UPDATES ON BOBROVSKY AND TUCH

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos reports the Florida Panthers and pending UFA goalie Sergei Bobrovsky remain far apart in contract talks. It’s believed the 37-year-old Bobrovsky seeks a $42 million contract over a six or seven-year period.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Any general manager who signs Bobrovsky to that type of deal should be fired immediately. It doesn’t matter how much the salary cap rises; paying a goalie who turns 38 in September a long-term deal worth between $6 million and $7 million annually is ridiculous.

Kypreos wondered if the Seattle Kraken would pursue Alex Tuch if the Buffalo Sabres winger goes to market on July 1. Kraken GM Jason Botterill is facing a lot of pressure to shake up their roster and add more scoring. Kypreos believes they can afford to sign the 30-year-old Tuch to a long-term deal worth over $10 million annually.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a lot to hand out to a 30-year-old power forward whose best seasons could soon be in his past.

LATEST ON MASON MCTAVISH AND SIMON NEMEC

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes tweeted Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish is drawing plenty of attention in the trade market. The Ducks would be seeking a “hockey trade”.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, the Ducks prefer a player-for-player swap. They could be open to a larger deal where draft picks and/or prospects are involved, but they’ll also want to get an established player (likely a good young forward) in return.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec continues to be a player of interest in the trade market.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2026

by | Jun 12, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2026

Potential trade destinations for Darnell Nurse, the latest on the Blues, and an update on Sabres winger Alex Tuch in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CAN THE OILERS FIND A SUITABLE TRADE PARTNER FOR DARNELL NURSE?

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins weighed in on Sportsnet reporting that Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has requested a trade.

It’s believed Nurse has submitted a list of three to five teams that he would find acceptable as trade destinations. Leavins noted the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings were rumored to be among them, but he doesn’t know how much truth there is to that speculation.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (NHL Images).

Leavins pointed out that Nurse isn’t as physical as he was earlier in his career. While the 31-year-old blueliner has had stretches of very good play, his postseason performances have been below expectations.

Nurse’s contract is a major obstacle in the path to a trade. He’s signed through 2028-29 with an average annual value of $9.25 million. He also has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over where he can be sent.

Meanwhile, Jim Matheson looked at which clubs might be interested in Nurse, and what the Oilers could expect to receive in return.

Nurse’s parents live in Hamilton, Ontario, prompting Matheson to speculate that he might be open to teams in the geographical area, such as Toronto, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Matheson also noted that Nurse has some connections in California, which could make Los Angeles and San Jose potential landing spots.

As for return, Matheson mused about a swap of Nurse for Morgan Rielly with Toronto, or Rasmus Ristolainen or Nick Seeler or Owen Tippett with Philadelphia. He speculated that the Oilers might be reluctant to deal with the Penguins after swapping Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry.

The Sharks desperately need experienced blueline depth, but Matheson believes they’d want the Oilers to retain part of Nurse’s cap hit. They might be willing to move defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, but the Oilers might also want a forward, prompting Matheson to wonder if they’d also part with winger William Eklund.

Matheson speculated the Oilers might be open to taking goalie Darcy Kuemper for one year to play with Tristan Jarry. He doubted that the Kings would part with Alex Laferriere.

TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby thinks acquiring Darnell Nurse could work for the Maple Leafs. Like Matheson, Hornby suggested swapping Rielly for Nurse. However, he also mentioned pursuing Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers would love to move Nurse and his entire salary from their books and get back a decent NHL player in return. However, it might not be as easy as that.

Nurse’s $9.25 million AAV for the next three seasons is a significant sticking point. For all we know, the teams on his list of preferred destinations might not be interested in him, and if they are, they would probably prefer the Oilers retain a healthy chunk of his cap hit.

Nurse is the second player in a week to request a trade, following Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. It’ll be interesting to see which player gets moved first. Larkin obviously has more value than Nurse. However, the Oilers’ asking price for Nurse is likely more affordable than what the Red Wings seek for Larkin.

THE LATEST ON THE BLUES

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Julian Guadio recently listed three players whose tenure with the St. Louis Blues could end this summer.

Center Oskar Sundqvist, right wing Jordan Kyrou, and goaltender Jordan Binnington are the trio who may have played their final games with the Blues.

Sundqvist’s second tenure with the Blues has been disappointing, which is why Guadio believes it’s time for him to move on. The Blues have been waiting for Kyrou to take his game to the next level, but he’s yet to do so. Binnington has lost the starter’s job to Joel Hofer, but his big-game reputation still has value in the trade market.

THE ATHLETIC: Jeremy Rutherford recently answered some readers’ questions about Kyrou’s trade value and potential destinations.

Rutherford suggested the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders as potential trade destinations for Kyrou, assuming he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. He believes the Blues would like to get a player “with a proven track record or potential, or a high draft pick”.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols suggested Kyrou as a trade target for the Devils. He suggested offering up center Dawson Mercer or defenseman Simon Nemec, assuming he’d accept a trade to New Jersey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kyrou seems the more likely of the three to be traded this summer. They could opt to stick with Binnington to start the season and see how things go from there. The decline in Sundqvist’s performance hurts his trade value.

Kyrou’s been mentioned as a trade option for the Ottawa Senators, but Rutherford doesn’t see him waiving his clause to join them. He also doesn’t see him going to the Seattle Kraken.

ALEX TUCH REPORTEDLY HEADED TO THE FREE AGENT MARKET

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes it’s increasingly likely that Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch will test the UFA market on July 1.

LeBrun isn’t ruling out a possible deal between Tuch and the Sabres before then. However, he’s doubtful that Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen sees the 29-year-old winger in the “double-digit salary world.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, LeBrun doesn’t see the Sabres signing Tuch to a deal worth $10 million annually on a long-term deal.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 31, 2026

by | May 31, 2026

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – May 31, 2026

In the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on this summer’s notable UFA-eligible players, and some suggested cost-cutting trade candidates.

UPDATE ON SEVERAL OF THIS SUMMER’S NOTABLE UFA PLAYERS

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently listed the latest rumors and reports on this summer’s notable players eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1.

Fox speculates that Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch could get a significant pay raise if he tests the open market on July 1. As the top forward available, the 30-year-old Tuch could fetch more than the $10.625 million average annual value that Adrian Kempe received from the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Tuch and the Sabres are expected to begin contract talks in early June. Fox believes those negotiations could go either way.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Tuch wants to stay with the Sabres, he’ll probably have to accept much less than Kempe’s AAV to do it. Otherwise, he’ll have to test the market, where there will be interest in his services, but his woeful production during the Sabres’ second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens could hurt his value.

It’s believed the Vegas Golden Knights and defenseman Rasmus Andersson intend to sign an extension, but they’ll first have to do some roster surgery. Hanging over this situation is the fate of sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who spent this season on long-term injury reserve.

If Andersson goes to market, Fox speculated the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Golden Knights only have $4.625 million in cap space for 2026-27. They can exceed next season’s $104 million salary cap by 10 percent during the offseason, but must be cap-compliant when their season begins in October.

Pietrangelo comes off LTIR at the end of this season. The Golden Knights can place him on LTIR again for next season if his chronic hip injuries prove to be career-ending, freeing up his $8.8 million cap hit to re-sign Andersson.

It was reported that Pietrangelo hasn’t ruled out returning to action in 2026-27. If he does, the Golden Knights must trade someone to free up cap room for Andersson or risk losing him to free agency.

Another complicating factor is that scoring winger Pavel Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent this summer. If he doesn’t go to arbitration, he could become a tempting offer-sheet candidate given the Golden Knights’ cap constraints, especially if Pietrangelo doesn’t return to LTIR.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh could seek a deal nearing that of defense partner JJ Moser’s $6.75 million on a four-year contract. That could price him out of Tampa Bay. If he goes to market, Fox speculated the Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and his hometown Maple Leafs could be some of the teams interested in him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Raddysh had two solid 30-plus point campaigns before this season’s career-best 70-point performance. The risk is whether he can match that number again or if he’ll regress to a 30-point blueliner.

Fox indicated that fans of the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets would like to see their respective teams pursue Bobby McMann if the Seattle Kraken forward becomes available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McMann fit in well with the Kraken after joining them from Toronto at the trade deadline. It wouldn’t surprise me if he inks an extension with them.

Boone Jenner’s long tenure with the Blue Jackets could be ending. They already signed Charlie Coyle to a $36 million contract. The Jackets must also re-sign restricted free agents Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves.

It’s expected that Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner could get a term deal in free agency worth an AAV of $4 million.

POTENTIAL COST-CUTTING TRADE CANDIDATES

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed 10 players who could become salary cap-casualty trade fodder this offseason.

Larkin’s list (in alphabetical order) includes Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens, Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche, Jordan Greenway of the Buffalo Sabres, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, and Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anderson remains a solid power forward for the Canadiens, especially in the playoffs. He also carries a reasonable $5.5 million AAV through next season. The Habs will more likely trade or buy out winger Brendan Gallagher ($6.25 million) and goalie Samuel Montembeault ($3.15 million).

Colton, Greenway, and Hartman have frequently come up as cost-cutting candidates this summer. So has Hamilton, who first surfaced in the rumor mill last summer. He reportedly rejected a trade to the San Jose Sharks. He has a 10-team trade list, but reportedly would be open to expanding it for the right destination.

Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights, Ilya Lyubushkin of the Dallas Stars, Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Carolina Hurricanes, Elvis Merzlikins of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers round out Larkin’s list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hill’s Stanley Cup run in 2023 could make him enticing for teams seeking goaltending help. Merzlikins has one year left on his deal, which could make him a more palatable trade option.

Kotkaniemi’s decline this season could make him a buyout candidate if the Hurricanes can’t find any suitors. Lyubushkin will be moved to enable the Stars to free up sufficient cap space to re-sign Jason Robertson.

As for Nurse, plenty of Oilers fans hope their club can find a suitor in this summer’s trade market. His performance has declined, and his $9.25 million AAV through 2029-30 takes up a big chunk of their cap payroll. However, those factors could also ensure he remains an Oilers. His full no-movement clause further complicates things.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

by | May 20, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 20, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Flyers, and Golden Knights in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST SABRES SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Matthew Fairburn believes the Buffalo Sabres have a big summer ahead if they want to build on this season’s success.

Re-signing Alex Tuch will be the biggest roster issue facing the Sabres. Meeting his asking price could require making some moves to free up some salary-cap space.

Forward Beck Malenstyn is also an unrestricted free agent, while Zach Benson and Peyton Krebs are restricted free agents.

Defenseman Bowen Byram is a year away from UFA status and eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Fairburn noted that Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen showed his willingness to attempt to make big moves with his pursuit of St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko and center Robert Thomas.

Kekalainen could pursue a goaltending upgrade if an opportunity arises this summer. He could also try to bring in another center.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I noted yesterday, it’s rumored that Tuch’s camp seeks a deal comparable to the eight-year, $85 million contract ($10.625 million annual average value) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall.

Fairburn noted that the Sabres enter the offseason with $12.9 million in salary cap space for 2026-27. A new contract for Tuch will eat up most of that and would result in a couple of cost-cutting moves.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jonathan Bailey noted that Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek recently claimed that the Sabres could part ways with young goaltender Devon Levi. Bailey suggested the Philadelphia Flyers should look into acquiring the 24-year-old netminder.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Levi was a college star who made a promising debut with the Sabres in 2022-23, but struggled to crack their roster full-time. Maybe Kekalainen would include him in a trade package for a center.

UPDATE ON THE FLYERS

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz looked at who could stay or go for the Philadelphia Flyers during the offseason.

Sophomore winger Matvei Michkov and winger Owen Tippett are among the players Kurz believes won’t be moved unless it’s in a blockbuster trade. Others in the category include Jamie Drysdale, Noah Cates, and Tyson Foerster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Michkov and Tippett surfaced in trade rumors this season. I expect they (and the others on that list) will be back in the Flyers’ lineup this fall.

Defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Garnet Hathaway are among those who could be pushed out if the Flyers make additions via trades or free agency this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen was a fixture in the rumor mill for the past three seasons, but the Flyers held onto him. Barring a significant addition that would an upgrade on the blueline, it’s doubtful he’ll be moved this summer.

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco looked at what it could cost the Flyers to sign goaltender Dan Vladar to a contract extension.

Team sources claim the club is comfortable with a five-year deal worth slightly south of $6 million annually. If Vladar seeks closer to $7 million annually, a three-year deal might make sense for both sides.

Di Marco also claimed that the Flyers remain uncertain about what direction they’ll go with backup Samuel Ersson. If they decide to move on, Joseph Woll of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a goalie they like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vladar finally got the chance to be a full-time starting goalie when the Flyers signed him to his current two-year contract. He played a major role in the club exceeding expectations and reaching the playoffs. Both sides will get something done to their mutual satisfaction that ensures he sticks around for at least another three years after next season.

COULD GOLDEN KNIGHTS WINGER PAVEL DOROFEYEV RECEIVE AN OFFER SHEET?

THE ATHLETIC: Shayna Goldman and Jesse Granger suggested that Pavel Dorofeyev’s scoring exploits in this postseason could make him the target for an offer sheet this summer.

The 25-year-old winger is completing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.835 million. He has arbitration rights this summer. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights’ limited salary cap space could make Dorofeyev an enticing offer-sheet target for clubs seeking scoring depth.

A two-time 35-plus goal scorer, Dorofeyev could get a two-year deal with an AAV of $6.75 million. A six-year extension could reach $8.99 million annually, and an eight-year deal around $9.14.

The Golden Knights have about $11.7 million in projected salary-cap space. They must also re-sign pending UFA defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames in January. It could cost a combined $16 million to retain Dorofeyev and Andersson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goldman and Granger are taking into account the $8.8 million that will be available with Alex Pietrangelo on LTIR. The Golden Knights could find themselves having to shed salary to re-sign Dorofeyev and Andersson or risk losing the former to an offer sheet and the latter to free agency.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

by | May 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 19, 2026

Check out the latest on the Sabres, Wild, Blackhawks, and Jets in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SABRES?

ESPN.COM: Kristen Shilton looked at what’s in store for the Buffalo Sabres in the offseason following their elimination from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The first task for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is to nail down a contract extension for Alex Tuch. The 29-year-old power forward is completing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $4.75 million and is in line for a significant raise.

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (NHL Images)

Given the limited depth in this summer’s UFA market, Tuch will be highly coveted by other clubs if he becomes available on July 1.

Meanwhile, forwards Peyton Krebs and Zach Benson are restricted free agents. Krebs has arbitration rights, while Benson is coming off his entry-level contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored earlier this season that the Tuch camp could seek a deal comparable to the eight-year contract ($10.625 million AAV) that Adrian Kempe signed with the Los Angeles Kings last fall. The Sabres could prefer signing him for between $8.5 million and $9.5 million. It’ll be interesting to see if they can meet in the middle.

Shilton believes Kekalainen must find “suitable scoring depth, a little extra physicality, and some defensive help.” She noted that there could be some “intriguing names” in this summer’s free-agent market that could help them, such as Rasmus Andersson of the Vegas Golden Knights, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Viktor Arvidsson of the Boston Bruins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that the Golden Knights have an agreement with Andersson on a new contract, but they must wait until July 1 to make it official once they place sidelined defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on offseason LTIR.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report that Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin believes his club is in a window now where they could win the Stanley Cup. “If there’s a chance for us to get better, we will,” Guerin said.

Russo and Smith believe Guerin’s objective is to find a No. 1 center. Given how weak this year’s free-agent class is, the Wild GM must find that player in the trade market.

Doing so will mean giving up more of their future after parting with three young assets and a first-round pick last December for superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. Speaking of Hughes, Guerin said signing the 26-year-old blueliner to an extension is his top priority.

The Wild have about $15 million in cap space, and that doesn’t include re-signing some of their pending UFAs and re-signing restricted free agents such as Bobby Brink and Daemon Hunt.

TWINCITIES.COM: Dane Mizutani believes Guerin must find that first-line center regardless of the cost. He recommends packaging young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in a trade package, depending on the outcome of Filip Gustavsson’s offseason hip surgery.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s well known that Guerin attempted to acquire a center before the March trade deadline. Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers was thought to be the target, but the 33-year-old center prefers to remain on the East Coast or as close as possible.

A recent report claimed Guerin made a trade offer to the St. Louis Blues for center Robert Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. Thomas joins Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils as potential trade targets for the Wild. However, those players carry various forms of no-trade protection, and their teams could be unwilling to move them.

Wallstedt was floated as a trade candidate before the deadline, so it’s unsurprising that he’s come up again. If Gustavsson makes a full recovery and is good to go for the start of next season, Wallstedt could get packaged with draft picks and prospects for a first-line center at some point.

WILL THE BLACKHAWKS BE AGGRESSIVE IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET?

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Ben Pope believes Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson must be more aggressive in this summer’s trade market to acquire high-end players who will accelerate his rebuilding plans.

Pope noted this summer’s shallow free-agent pool could result in a busy summer trade market. He wondered if notables such as winger Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, forward Thomas and Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues, or goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be available this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks have the cap space and the trade assets in draft picks and prospects to use as trade bait if any of those players become available. Thomas, Kyrou, and Hellebuyck all have full no-trade or no-move protection. Robertson doesn’t, but Davidson would have to ensure that he’s willing to sign an extension before pursuing him. 

DAILY FACEOFF: cited a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating the Blackhawks are willing to trade the signing rights for pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev. He’s in the final season of a four-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks offered Mikheyev a contract extension before the March trade deadline, but he rejected it. His signing rights won’t fetch much of a return, but Davidson could bundle him into a trade package in his pursuit of a high-end player.

COULD THE JETS GO THE OFFER SHEET ROUTE?

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates suggested the Winnipeg Jets should target players with offer sheets this summer. He believes it will be difficult to upgrade their roster this summer through free agency, trades, or with the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft.

Ates observed that some exciting young players will be restricted free agents this summer. He proposed that the Jets should target teams facing a salary-cap crunch this summer. Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights would be the best target.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Mike McIntyre suggested the Jets consider bringing back Patrik Laine on an affordable short-term contract. The 28-year-old winger is UFA-eligible this summer and won’t be re-signed by the Montreal Canadiens.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both scenarios seem unlikely, but the Jets targeting Dorofeyev with an offer sheet is more plausible than bringing back Laine.