NHL Rumor Mill – April 6, 2026

by | Apr 6, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – April 6, 2026

Could this be the final season for Golden Knights captain Mark Stone? What’s the latest Canadiens speculation? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos recently reported that “a lot of people” are speculating about the health of Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone.

The veteran winger turns 34 in May and has a lengthy history of injuries. He has one year remaining on his contract.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (NHL Images).

Kypreos wondered if Stone could be facing a situation similar to teammate Alex Pietrangelo, “where the body breaks down and prolonged time off is necessary.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stone is the third-highest-paid player on the Golden Knights, carrying an average annual value of $9.5 million. He’s among the best two-way forwards in the game, but he’s dealt with back/lumbar issues that required surgery, as well as a wrist injury and various lower-body injuries that have sidelined him for long periods.

Despite being limited to 55 games this season, Stone is third among the Golden Knights’ scorers with 67 points. Based on that performance, he could play out the final season of his contract, but we can’t dismiss the possibility that he might need more time to recuperate from this season’s wear-and-tear.

Pietrangelo has been on long-term injury reserve this season, and it’s expected he’ll remain there for next season. His absence provided the Golden Knights with $8.8 million in cap relief.

If Stone ends up on LTIR, it would free up another significant chunk of cap space that the Golden Knights could put toward bolstering their roster for next season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was again asked about the future of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

The 25-year-old Xhekaj has seen a reduction in his playing time over the past two seasons. He’s a restricted free agent this summer, and could end up as the odd man out on the Canadiens blueline, especially with promising youngsters David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom waiting in the wings.

Cowan believes there will be interest in the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Xhekaj’s mix of size, mobility, and toughness in the trade market. He could fetch a bigger return than Jayden Struble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cowan admitted that the Canadiens would miss Xhekaj’s physical style of play, but he doesn’t think there’s room for him on what’s becoming a crowded blueline. He could fetch a decent draft pick or prospect, or end up packaged in a larger deal this summer.

Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault could also draw some interest in this summer’s trade market. He has a year left on his contract with an AAV of $3.15 million. Cowan noted that the number of teams having goaltending issues this season shouldn’t make it difficult for the Canadiens to find a trade partner for him this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Montembeault hasn’t been the same since tearing two groin muscles in last year’s playoffs. He’s lost his role as the Canadiens starter and now sits behind young netminders Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler on their goalie depth chart.

Nevertheless, the goaltending issues around the league that Cowan mentioned could make Montembeault a trade target. His contract is reasonable, he lacks no-trade protection, and he might rebound with a different team in need of goaltending depth.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 30, 2026

by | Mar 30, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 30, 2026

Do Patrik Laine, Arber Xhekaj, and Jayden Struble fit into the Canadiens’ plans beyond this season? Could Ducks center Mason McTavish become an offseason trade chip? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: A reader asked Stu Cowan if Patrik Laine will play another game for the Canadiens. The 27-year-old winger was sidelined in October by abdominal surgery. He’s been practicing with the team for weeks, but there hasn’t been any room for him in their current lineup.

Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).

Cowan noted the rebuilding Canadiens needed Laine’s offense in 2024-25, and wouldn’t have squeaked into the 2025 playoffs without him. However, the Canadiens are this season’s third-highest-scoring team, and no longer need his power-play contributions. He doesn’t fit into the Canadiens’ fast-paced style of play this season.

Laine is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Cowan believes he will seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble have been battling for the sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline all season. Xhekaj has been a healthy scratch in several recent games as Struble has moved past him on the depth chart.

However, Cowan wouldn’t be surprised if both defensemen were traded during the offseason. Promising young blueliners David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom could be ready to make the jump to the NHL next season. General manager Kent Hughes could also be in the market for a veteran right-shot defenseman.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been another difficult season for the oft-injured Laine. There simply isn’t any room for him now with the improving young Canadiens, who are expected to soon welcome prospect forward Michael Hage into their lineup.

Laine’s injury history means he won’t be getting any lucrative long-term offers in this summer’s free-agent market. Nevertheless, his big shot should help him land with another NHL club seeking a power-play specialist, though he’ll likely have to accept a significant pay cut on a one-year contract.

Xhekaj’s physical style has made him a fan favorite in Montreal, but he’s struggled to nail down a full-time spot on the Canadiens’ third defense pairing. A strong performance in the upcoming playoffs might help him, as his style of play seems better-suited to the postseason’s physical grind.

However, with those promising youngsters knocking on the door, this could be Xhekaj’s final season with the Canadiens. He might’ve been part of that mysterious blockbuster trade that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was working on before the trade deadline.

Struble seems the least likely to be moved this summer, but that doesn’t ensure his long-term future in Montreal. He could be moved next season if Engstrom or Reinbacher make the club.

DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton recently spoke with Felix Sicard of the Crash the Pond podcast regarding Mason McTavish’s future with the Anaheim Ducks.

McTavish missed most of training camp last fall before signing his six-year, $42 million contract. The 24-year-old center has struggled this season and was recently scratched from a couple of games. He has 14 goals and 34 points in 66 games.

Sicard noted that McTavish was supposed to have nailed down the second-line center position. His struggles could be attributable to missing camp or playing under a new head coach. Sicard doesn’t think it’s reached the point where McTavish will get traded, but he didn’t dismiss the possibility.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sicard also pointed out that the Ducks have succeeded this season despite McTavish’s difficulties. That could make his future in Anaheim less certain than it was a year ago.

Nevertheless, I concur with Sicard that it’s unlikely McTavish will be traded this summer. The Ducks will remain patient and anticipate a bounce-back performance from him next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 19, 2026

by | Mar 19, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 19, 2026

Check out the recent Penguins speculation and the latest on the Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill. 

LATEST ON THE PENGUINS

THE ATHLETIC: Josh Yohe reports there’s a feeling within the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization that Sidney Crosby could stick around for a while. The 38-year-old center and team captain is happy with the club’s direction. Crosby has a year left on his current deal, but no one Yohe has spoken to believes it will be his last. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins have really turned things around this season under head coach Dan Muse. Meanwhile, general manager Kyle Dubas’ efforts to transition to a younger roster over the past two years have been paying off.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).

Crosby is in the late stages of his career but remains among the league’s elite stars. It wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to keep going past next season, and to do so with the Penguins if they continue to improve. 

Yohe dismissed recent rumors suggesting the Penguins might attempt to trade Erik Karlsson during the offseason. The 35-year-old defenseman has improved after struggling over the past two seasons. 

Karlsson has a year left on his contract, but Yohe wouldn’t be surprised if they extend him for a couple of years. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That extension will come with a significant pay cut from Karlsson’s current $11.5 million average annual value. However, he could accept that if he feels the Penguins are heading in the right direction.

Yohe also doesn’t believe that the Penguins will let Anthony Mantha depart via free agency this summer. He expects they’ll attempt to re-sign the 31-year-old winger. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mantha enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance this season and seems comfortable in Pittsburgh. He will likely seek stability after bouncing around the league in recent years. If he’s not seeking too much for too long, a deal is possible. 

The Penguins seem interested in bringing back Stuart Skinner next season, but likely on a short-term deal. They also want to retain Arturs Silovs, and the promising Sergei Murashov could be on his way next season. They also have Joel Blomqvist in their system. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Skinner could decide that he’d prefer a long-term deal, which could spell his departure from Pittsburgh on July 1. Much will depend on the Penguins’ confidence in Silovs and Murashov as a future tandem. 

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski reported earlier this week that Evgeni Malkin sounds optimistic regarding a possible new contract with the Penguins. 

Malkin wouldn’t go into details about his earlier discussions with management. However, he’s okay with waiting until the offseason to begin those talks. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin wants to return for another season or two with the Penguins. They might be willing to do one season with a bonus-laden contract. Things could get dicey if he seeks more than that. 

UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes explained that his comments about attempting to make a major move at the trade deadline were to address fans’ concerns that management was more interested in the future and not in its present roster needs. 

Following the deadline, Hughes said his efforts to make a significant deal didn’t quite materialize. He indicated they could attempt to follow up on those efforts in the offseason. 

That sparked speculation that the Canadiens tried to get Matthew Knies, Nazem Kadri, and Rasmus Ristolainen, among others. LeBrun confirmed they called the Toronto Maple Leafs about Knies, but it didn’t get close. He also indicated that whatever Hughes was working on didn’t involve any of the players mentioned as trade targets in the media. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That shouldn’t be surprising. No one saw last summer’s acquisition of Noah Dobson coming. It’ll be interesting to see if Hughes can successfully revisit that deal and who his intended target would be. Let your imagination run wild, Habs fans! 

TVA SPORTS: Columnist Tony Marinaro believes Arber Xhekaj no longer has a future in Montreal. The 25-year-old Canadiens’ defenseman has been in and out of the lineup this season, playing a reduced role on their blueline. 

The Canadiens have several young defensemen in their system, including Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher. That could push Xhekaj out the door. Marinaro said he wouldn’t be surprised if something happened during the draft week in June. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj’s size and physical style made him a fan favorite in Montreal, but there’s no denying that he’s played a decreasing role over the past two seasons. Perhaps he’ll be part of that mystery trade that Hughes could revisit in the season.










NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2026

by | Mar 4, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – March 4, 2026

The trade deadline is Friday. Check out the latest on Robert Thomas, Jordan Binnington, Brady Tkachuk, Simon Nemec, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

ROBERT THOMAS RUMORS HEATING UP

TSN: Darren Dreger reports trade discussions between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving Blues center Robert Thomas are heating up. While there are other teams interested in the 26-year-old Thomas, the Sabres appear to be the frontrunners.

Chris Johnston said the Blues are seeking three or four premium assets for Thomas. It’s believed the discussions with the Sabres have reached the point where they’re talking about a package of picks, players, and prospects that gets to about four players.

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).

Pierre LeBrun believes the Blues’ high asking price will be too expensive for the Montreal Canadiens. They’ve inquired about Thomas, but the asking price would involve top prospects such as Michael Hage, David Reinbacher, and other assets. It doesn’t make sense from the Canadiens’ perspective to get into that kind of move unless the price comes down.

THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun also reports the Utah Mammoth is among the clubs linked to Thomas.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Rutherford and Matthew Fairburn looked at what it might cost the Sabres to land Thomas.

The Sabres might have to part with Owen Power or prospect defenseman Radim Mrtka. The Blues would also want a young center in the deal, which could cost the Sabres Zach Benson or a prospect such as Konsta Helenius or Noah Ostlund. Fairburn wondered if the Blues might be interested in prospect goaltender Devon Levi.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It certainly sounds like the Sabres are the favorites in the bidding for Thomas. Whether the two sides can close the deal by Friday is another matter. Thomas has a full no-trade clause, and he might not be keen to go to Buffalo. However, it would provide a big boost to the Sabres’ roster if he’s willing to make that move.

WILL THE BLUES FIND A TAKER FOR JORDAN BINNINGTON?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Blues have been talking to other teams about goaltender Jordan Binnington, defensemen Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, and winger Jordan Kyrou.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples reported that Friedman believes there’s a chance that Binnington gets traded to the Oilers, Canadiens, or Vegas Golden Knights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That’s a change from what Friedman said over the weekend, when he claimed the Oilers were going to stick with their current goalies and focus on addressing other roster needs.

THE ATHLETIC’s Jeremy Rutherford reports a source said he doesn’t see Binnington moving until the summer. The 32-year-old goalie has a year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million and a 14-team no-trade list.

The Blues have to make the best deal they can. However, general manager Doug Armstrong will give Binnington some consideration in his preferred destination.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Binnington trade could happen by Friday, but it seems more likely that it’ll occur in the offseason.

BRADY TKACHUK SURFACES IN THE RUMOR MILL

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reported that Keith Yandle of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast speculated that Senators captain Brady Tkachuk could be traded to the Dallas Stars for Jason Robertson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch was quick to dismiss Yandle’s conjecture, pointing out that Tkachuk indicated last week that the thought of leaving the Senators hasn’t crossed his mind. He has two more years left on his contract, and management has no intention of moving him.

Garrioch also noted TSN’s Jeff O’Neill said he wouldn’t be surprised if Tkachuk and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews go to their respective clubs at the end of this season and request to be traded this summer. O’Neill cited the criticism both players have received in their respective markets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted earlier, Tkachuk said he’s given no thought to leaving the Senators. Meanwhile, recent reports from Toronto indicated that the Maple Leafs received assurances from the Matthews camp that he’ll be back next season.

Next summer, however, could be a different story. By then, both players will be a year away from unrestricted free-agent eligibility. Much will depend on the performances of both clubs during 2026-27. If they make little or no improvement over this season, one or both players could have second thoughts about signing extensions, which could force their clubs to move them next summer rather than lose them to free agency in 2028.

DEVILS TAKING CALLS ABOUT SIMON NEMEC

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the New Jersey Devils are taking calls about Simon Nemec. The Devils are happy to keep the 22-year-old defenseman, but they’re willing to listen if there’s a deal that upgrades their forward lines in a real way. LeBrun claimed there’s no shortage of interest.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Draft picks and prospects won’t cut it. The Devils want a hockey trade that fetches a good forward. 

If the Devils are willing to move Nemec, it suggests they’re not getting much interest in veteran Dougie Hamilton, who was a hot topic in the rumor mill last summer and in January. However, most of that speculation has faded in recent weeks.

FLAMES INTERESTED IN XHEKAJ

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE’s Herb Zurkowsky said he’s heard the Calgary Flames have an interest in Arber Xhekaj.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Xhekaj is a big, heavy-hitting defenseman who is a fan favorite in Montreal, but has seen his playing time reduced this season because of the growing depth on the Canadiens’ blueline. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

The Canadiens could move the 25-year-old Xhekaj if they get a solid return. However, they’ll likely hang onto him for the playoffs when his physical style will be of greater use.










NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

by | Feb 18, 2026

NHL Rumor Mill – February 18, 2026

Which teams are interested in Blues defenseman Justin Faulk? Could the Canadiens trade blueliner Arber Xhekaj? Check out the latest speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

RG.ORG: James Murphy reports a source claiming the Boston Bruins are among multiple teams interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.

According to Murphy, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains aggressive in his pursuit of a top-four, right-shot defenseman after losing out to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (NHL Images)

Other clubs believed to be pursuing Faulk include the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth. However, the Blues have set a high asking price for the 33-year-old puck-moving defenseman. They seek a return comparable to what the Flames received from the Golden Knights in the Andersson deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames received defenseman Zach Whitecloud, defense prospect Abram Wiebe, a conditional first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft (top-10 protected, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder, which would upgrade to a 2028 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup this year.

Faulk has a year remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, but he’ll be paid $4.5 million in actual salary next year. He also has a 15-team no-trade list.

Both factors could limit the number of potential trade destinations for Faulk, especially if the Blues aren’t willing to retain salary. Convincing them to do so would mean giving up an additional asset in the deal.

The Sabres, Red Wings, Stars, and Mammoth could use Faulk, but he wouldn’t be a fit with the Canadiens. They have limited cap space ($1.7 million) at the trade deadline. The Habs also have Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, and Alexandre Carrier as their right-side defensemen, with Lane Hutson capable of shifting from left to right if necessary. Guhle is a left-shot defenseman playing on the right side, but they’re not going to demote him or Carrier. 

The Canadiens have a right-side need, but it’s for a scoring winger on their top line.

Speaking of the Canadiens’ blueline…

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: In a recent mailbag segment, Stu Cowan was asked if this season could be the last for Arber Xhekaj with the Canadiens.

The 6’4”, 240-pound defenseman has averaged just over 11 minutes this season playing on their third pairing. Meanwhile, Jayden Struble has averaged over 14 minutes as he jockeys with Xhekaj for that sixth spot on the Canadiens’ blueline.

Xhekaj, 25, is eligible to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1. Struble, 24, has one more year left on his contract with an AAV of $1.412 million.

As competition for blueline spots gets tougher, Cowan believes it might be best for Xhekaj if he were traded to a club where he’ll get more playing time. He doesn’t see the Canadiens trading the big blueliner to a division rival, but noted that Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is a big fan of Xhekaj’s from their time together with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022.

Cowan wondered if the Senators or another club might attempt to sign Xhekaj to an offer sheet this summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Cowan observed, Xhekaj could become expendable after this season, with David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom likely to push for roster spots this fall.

That will upset Canadiens fans who love Xhekaj’s physical style. However, that could be offset if they get a decent trade return or if Engstrom and Reinbacher blossom into quality NHL defensemen.

The Canadiens aren’t likely to peddle Xhekaj before the trade deadline because they need his size and toughness for the playoffs. However, they could trade him before July 1 if they feel they no longer have room for him. They could also re-sign him to an affordable short-term deal and then attempt to move him during the preseason.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

by | Nov 22, 2025

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – November 22, 2025

Recaps of Friday’s action, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck sidelined, Predators GM Barry Trotz stands by his coach, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

RECAPPING FRIDAY’S GAMES

NHL.COM: The Buffalo Sabres crushed the Chicago Blackhawks 9-3. Alex Tuch collected four assists, Josh Doan scored twice, and Jason Zucker had a goal and two assists for the Sabres, who’ve won three of their last four games and improved to 8-9-4. Tyler Bertuzzi tallied two goals for the 10-7-4 Blackhawks.

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal tallied twice as his club extended its points streak to five games by downing the Winnipeg Jets 4-3. Nikolaj Ehlers collected an assist in his first game back in Winnipeg to face his former club. With the win, the 14-5-2 Hurricanes (30 points)opened a three-point lead over the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Eastern Conference. Gabriel Vilardi tallied twice for the 12-8-0 Jets.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Before this game, the Jets announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will undergo knee surgery on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. His absence will be a significant test for the Jets. Hellebuyck was last season’s winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson turned in a 19-save shutout in a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Matt Boldy scored two goals and picked up an assist for the Wild (11-7-4), who’ve won four straight and eight of their last 10 games. Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs gave up four goals on 10 shots and was replaced in the second period by Sergei Murashov, who stopped 10 of 11 shots for the 10-6-4 Penguins.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Wild forward Vinnie Hinostroza left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period. He is flying back to Minnesota for a reevaluation. Meanwhile, the Wild activated Zach Bogosian and Nico Sturm off injured reserve, and placed winger Vladimir Tarasenko on IR.

An overtime goal by Morgan Geekie lifted the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Geekie netted both goals for the 13-10-0 Bruins, who regained first place in the Atlantic Division with 26 points. Joel Armia scored for the Kings (10-6-6), who are winless in their last three games (0-2-1).

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz praised Head Coach Andrew Brunette and his staff despite the club’s 6-10-4 record.

“I believe our coaches have done a really good job,” Trotz said. “Our record may not show it, but they are coaching their butts off.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz also defended Brunette and his staff through last season’s disappointing performance. His recent comments might quell the speculation about Brunette’s future for now, but if the Predators’ struggles continue, the pressure will grow to shake things up behind the bench and on the ice.

SPORTSNET: Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen was fined $5,000.00 for embellishment by the NHL department of player safety. The incident occurred during a Nov. 11 game against the Ottawa Senators.

CALGARY SUN: Flames rookie forward Samuel Honzek underwent season-ending surgery for an upper-body injury. He’s expected to be sidelined for six months.

MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens recalled center Florian Xhekaj from their AHL affiliate in Laval. He’s the younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The move comes after center Jake Evans was injured during Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals.