NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2026

by | Jun 1, 2026

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 1, 2026

The latest on the Golden Knights and Hurricanes ahead of the Stanley Cup Final, Finland wins the 2026 IIHF World Championship, the Kitchener Rangers win the 2026 Memorial Cup, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

NHL.COM: Dan Rosen looked at the notable storylines to watch during the upcoming Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).

Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner will be facing the team he refused to be traded to last season when he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner was in the final season of his contract with the Maple Leafs. However, he invoked his no-movement clause to reject a trade to the Hurricanes because his wife was in the third trimester of pregnancy and he didn’t want to leave her or Toronto.

The potential goaltending battle between the Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen and the Golden Knights’ Carter Hart is another storyline to follow. Another will be Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal chasing his second Stanley Cup after winning his first Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins 17 years ago.

THE SCORE: Buffalo Sabres forward Konsta Helenius scored in overtime to give Finland a 1-0 victory over host Switzerland in the gold medal game at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen stopped 22 shots for Finland, who won their fifth World Championship and their first since 2022.

Norway shocked Canada 3-2 in overtime in the bronze-medal game, marking the first time the Norwegians have medalled in the World Championship. St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas scored both goals for Canada.

Predators defenseman and Swiss captain Roman Josi was named tournament MVP. Team Canada captain Macklin Celebrini, who plays for the San Jose Sharks, was named the tournament’s top forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been a disappointing season for Canada on the international stage, taking silver in the Olympics and bronze in the World Juniors. Some observers wonder whether Canada’s depth in skilled players is declining. That may be true when it comes to goaltending, but the real reason is the rest of the world has caught up. There are no longer any easy games in international play, and if you take your opponent for granted, it will cost you.

Former NHL stars Patrice Bergeron, Niklas Kronwall, and Thomas Vanek were inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to all the inductees for this well-deserved honor.

TSN: The Kitchener Rangers defeated the Everett Silvertips 6-2 to win the 2026 Memorial Cup.

Rangers winger and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly has three points in the game and nine points in the tournament, winning the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham had a goal and an assist in the Cup-clinching game.

It’s the second straight year that Rangers defenseman Jared Woolley has won the Memorial Cup. The Los Angeles Kings prospect won it last year with the London Knights.

TSN: Chris Johnston reported Sunday that there was no validity to speculation linking the Toronto Maple Leafs to University of Denver coach David Carle. The Leafs are searching for a new head coach, and Carle was among those they were interested in Carle.

TWINCITIES.COM: Judd Brackett, the Minnesota Wild’s director of amateur scouting, will be leaving the club for an elevated role with another team. Brackett’s former team, the Vancouver Canucks, are believed to be a potential destination. He’s also been linked to the Maple Leafs.










NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

by | May 28, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 28, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, the latest on Ducks center Mason McTavish, Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, and Islanders captain Anders Lee, plus several teams could be willing to trade their first-round picks, and an update on the Wild.

TEAMS REPORTEDLY CALLING ABOUT MASON MCTAVISH

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun believes Mason McTavish will be a trade target this offseason. He admits there is “zero evidence” that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping the 23-year-old center, but he said he “knows for a fact” that several teams have inquired about him, despite the fact he regressed this season following a contract dispute.

McTavish has another five years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7 million. According to LeBrun, some teams view him as an “ideal reset candidate”, which is all the more reason why the Ducks won’t move him unless a team makes a major pitch.

Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish? (NHL Images)

An ideal pitch would be if the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up Auston Matthews, who could have Anaheim on his list of seven or eight potential landing spots. However, LeBrun believes that Matthews will return with the Maple Leafs next season at least.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks have over $38.7 million in projected salary-cap space for 2026-27, which is more than enough to carry McTavish’s cap hit. However, LeBrun noted that Ducks stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are in line for substantial raises coming off their entry-level contracts. He believes that could be a reason why the Ducks might entertain offers for McTavish.

Several teams are in the market for depth at center. The Los Angeles Kings spring to mind, but it’s unlikely the Ducks will send McTavish to a local rival. The Minnesota Wild need a first-line center, but McTavish isn’t ready yet to fill that role, if ever.

McTavish would be a good fit, age-wise, with the young Montreal Canadiens. He could address their need for a second-line center, but there is concern about his speed and his struggles this season.

PROPOSED TRADE DESTINATION FOR SIMON NEMEC

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols observed that just because Simon Nemec didn’t ask the Devils to be traded, that doesn’t mean he won’t be. He believes there would be plenty of suitors if the 22-year-old puck-moving defenseman becomes available.

Nichols suggested the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks as potential trade destinations.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks have the cap space and a need for blueline depth. The Blues are retooling their roster but could balk at signing the promising young restricted free agent to an expensive new contract; his lack of arbitration rights would work in their favor.

The Canadiens’ priority is landing a second-line center. The Predators are attempting to transition toward younger talent and could take a serious interest in Nemec. The Kraken seek a scoring winger, not a young defenseman.

The Maple Leafs’ lack of depth on the right side of their blueline would make Nemec an attractive option for them, depending on the cost of the trade package and his new contract. The rebuilding Canucks could also be a serious suitor.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith recently looked at which players on the Minnesota Wild would be considered trade bait this summer.

Goaltenders Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson have surfaced in the rumor mill this season. However, Russo and Smith consider it unlikely that Wallstedt will be traded, with Gustavsson recently having undergone hip surgery.

Russo and Smith include center Joel Eriksson Ek and defenseman Jonas Brodin among the players they believe the Wild would listen on for the right deal. They think the Wild would have to shed salary if they’re re-signing Quinn Hughes and looking to acquire another top player. However, they admit that the Wild should have suitable replacements in place if they’re parting ways with Eriksson Ek and Brodin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild management could have other players in mind as trade candidates. They’ll still need Eriksson Ek and Brodin in the lineup once they’ve acquired that first-line center.

ISLANDERS INTERESTED IN RE-SIGNING ANDERS LEE

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports it’s his understanding that New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche is interested in re-signing team captain Anders Lee. The 35-year-old left wing is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after coming off a contract paying him an average annual value of $7 million.

Darche has reportedly told Lee’s agent that the team wants Lee back. However, they need to make some other moves before negotiations can begin. LeBrun stated that Lee would like to return, but they must find common ground on salary and term, which won’t be easy because of his age.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lee will have to accept less money on a short-term deal. How much less, and how short a term, will be the sticking points.

MAPLE LEAFS, SHARKS, BLACKHAWKS OPEN TO MOVING THEIR FIRST-ROUND PICKS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun cited league sources claiming the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are open to the idea of moving their respective first-round picks in this year’s draft.

The Maple Leafs own the first-overall pick, the Sharks own the second-overall pick, and the Blackhawks have the fourth-overall pick.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Every team that owns picks that high in the draft is always open to offers, but they rarely move them. It will take substantial offers that would accelerate their retooling/rebuilding programs to tempt them into trading those picks.

Speaking of the Blackhawks, Scott Powers of The Athletic recently reported they’re in the market for a quality defenseman to stabilize their blueline. However, it’s unlikely they’ll part with their first-rounder to get him.










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 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.










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 Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

by | May 16, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – May 16, 2026

In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, there’s more speculation about the Wild’s offseason plans, an update on the Flyers, and the Flames could be active in this summer’s trade market.

THE LATEST ON THE WILD

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin could revisit his efforts to land a center. They report that Guerin attempted to do so before the March trade deadline, but a deal never materialized.

Guerin has already traded many assets in recent years, so he and his staff must decide how much more of their future they’re willing to mortgage.

Trade assets could include Jesper Wallstedt, Danila Yurov, Bobby Brink, Daemon Hunt, Charlie Stramel, and future first-round picks.

Roster players with modified no-trade clauses include Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jared Spurgeon, Marcus Foligno, and Jake Middleton. Meanwhile, Jonas Brodin, Nico Sturm, and Yakov Trenin lack no-trade protection.

Russo and Smith listed several players they believe Guerin might look into acquiring to address his club’s need for a first-line center. They include Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings, Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They also included winger Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators, but he and Senators management have made it clear that he’s not available.

Matthews might become available if the Maple Leafs new management fails to sell him on their plans for the club. However, we don’t know if Minnesota would be on his list of preferred trade destinations, and if the Wild could afford him.

Russo and Smith reported sources claimed Guerin attempted to acquire Devils defenseman Luke Hughes earlier this season. They admit it’s unlikely that new Devils GM Sunny Mehta would trade Jack Hughes and Hischier, unless the latter is unwilling to sign a contract extension this summer. It’s also doubtful that Mehta will part with Luke.

The Red Wings could also seek depth at center this summer, making it unlikely they’ll part with Larkin. Russo and Smith reported that Guerin offered up Wallstedt and Yurov as part of a trade package for Thomas, but the Blues rejected it. That tells me the Blues prefer to retain Thomas as they rebuild with younger talent.

Trocheck could be the best available option, provided the Wild aren’t on his no-trade list. He made it known that his preference is to remain in the East.

TWINCITIES.COM: Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is open to signing a contract extension. The 26-year-old Hughes has one season remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million, and can sign an extension as early as July 1.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

“I really like it here,” Hughes said. “I would definitely be open to re-signing.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s music to Guerin’s ears, but the question is, how much will it cost? The Wild have Kirill Kaprizov set to earn a league-leading $17 million annually starting this July. Hughes could seek as much or more.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: If Hughes and the Wild can’t agree to an extension, James Nichols suggested Devils GM Sunny Mehta make a bold move to acquire him.

The bold part would be offering up center Nico Hischier if he’s unwilling to sign an extension with the Devils. Nichols suggested bundling him with a promising defenseman such as Simon Nemec or Anton Silayev, a first-round pick, and another piece.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both clubs must ensure Hughes and Hischier agree to contract extensions with their new clubs as part of the deal. Otherwise, they’ll just be swapping two contract headaches, with the risk that both could hit the open market next summer.

NO BIG MOVES THIS SUMMER FOR THE FLYERS?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere continues to preach patience with his rebuilding plans.

While exceeding expectations by making the playoffs and reaching the second round, Briere insists his club is still in the growth part of the rebuild.

The Flyers could use a top-line center and a defenseman who can quarterback the power play. Briere said he’s keeping his options open if there’s a deal out there that could improve the club and would make sense for the long term.

Nevertheless, with some of their younger players arriving sooner than expected, Briere has the leeway to remain patient with his roster. Those players include forwards Porter Martone, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey. Meanwhile, winger Matvei Michkov is expected to improve after struggling through his sophomore campaign.

PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James also noted Briere’s comments and the rise of several promising young Flyers.

James noted the way Barkey and Trevor Zegras improved their roles at center this season. They also have promising Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt in their system.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t rule out Briere making a significant addition or two this summer. However, he seems to be tamping down expectations for such a move, putting his trust in those young players already in the lineup and in their system.

THE FLAMES COULD BE BUSY IN THIS SUMMER’S TRADE MARKET

DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco reports sources have told him that the Calgary Flames could be open to trading “just about anybody” on their roster.

The exceptions would be goaltender Dustin Wolf, forward Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato, and defenseman Zayne Parekh.

Trade candidates include forwards Blake Coleman, Yegor Sharangovich, Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, and Joel Farabee.

The Flames would probably like to move Jonathan Huberdeau, but his hefty contract means there’s little chance of that happening. Center Ryan Strome and defenseman Zach Whitecloud could be trade pieces, but their veteran experience could make them more valuable to the rebuilding Flames.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Flames GM Craig Conroy has been in a full-fledged rebuild for the past two seasons. Players on expiring contracts eligible for UFA status next summer (like Coleman) are the most likely to move.

Those players listed by Di Marco could indeed become trade bait, but that doesn’t mean Conroy is staging a fire sale and will ship them all out. He’ll be open to offers that will fetch promising young NHL players, prospects, and draft picks.