NHL Rumors: Rielly Open to Move, Trocheck Talk, Vegas-Edmonton Tension Grows

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, several teams near the top of the draft board are surprisingly open to moving their prized picks. Will a blockbuster trade go down, or will the top teams keep their selections? Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers are caught in a growing coaching controversy that has gotten even more interesting after GM Kelly McCrimmon accused the Oilers of leaking news. The New York Rangers have reignited trade talks surrounding Vincent Trocheck, and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly may be reconsidering his long-held stance on staying put.

Maple Leafs, Sharks, Blackhawks Open to Moving Top Picks

It’s shaping up to be an unpredictable NHL Draft, with multiple teams at the top reportedly willing to entertain trade offers. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are all open to moving down, even with elite talent available.

He writes:

“Not that the Maple Leafs are intent on moving the No. 1 pick, but new general manager John Chayka also isn’t hanging up the phone if and when teams call. Why would he? If a team steps up in a meaningful way with the kind of package that helps the Leafs get back in contention, Chayka will at least listen, according to league sources.”

source – ‘NHL rumblings: Massive trade attempts coming, top picks available, latest on Matthews, McDavid, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05/27/2026

One team to watch is the St. Louis Blues, who are believed to be exploring options to trade up and make a splash.

Golden Knights, Oilers Clash Over Bruce Cassidy Situation

Tensions are rising between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers over the handling of head coach Bruce Cassidy. Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon recently accused the Oilers of leaking news that the team had been denied permission to interview Cassidy, who remains under contract.

McCrimmon confirmed that requests from Edmonton—and reportedly Los Angeles—were rejected, but suggested the situation only became news because Edmonton made it known.

Cassidy himself has expressed frustration while a guest on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, saying, “It’s upsetting…There was two teams that asked it’s public knowledge now, and I would like to talk to them. I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.”

If it’s true that the Oilers leaked this, one has to wonder why. If they were trying to apply pressure on the Golden Knights, they had to know that the franchise couldn’t care less what everyone thinks of them.

Rangers Reopen Vincent Trocheck Trade Talks

The New York Rangers are once again exploring the trade market for veteran center Vincent Trocheck. After pausing discussions around the trade deadline in hopes of stronger offseason offers, GM Chris Drury has resumed talks with interested teams.

Trocheck is capable of playing heavy minutes in a top-six role while contributing on both special teams. His strengths as a faceoff specialist and penalty killer make him an appealing target for teams needing depth down the middle.

Several potential fits have emerged. The Los Angeles Kings could be searching for a replacement with Anze Kopitar retiring, while the Minnesota Wild continues its long-standing search for a reliable top-six center. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been linked, with reported interest in adding experience down the middle.

Morgan Rielly’s Trade Stance Appears to Be Shifting

One of Toronto’s longest-tenured players might be willing to accept a move. According to Chris Johnston, defenseman Morgan Rielly is softening his previous unwillingness to waive his no-movement clause.

Johnston writes:

Johnston wrote in a recent column:

“With a new management group running the front office and a new coaching staff soon to be hired, this is a time of change in Toronto. That means the writing is on the wall for Rielly, the Leafs’ longest-tenured player, who has previously been unwilling to consider waiving his no-movement clause but has since softened on that stance.”

source – ‘NHL offseason trade board: Early look at summer’s top targets, from Trocheck to Knies to Robertson’ – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 05-28/2026

While he still controls his fate contractually, the tone around his future has clearly shifted.

Despite some concerns about his defensive play, his $7.5 million cap hit is no longer the albatross some might have argued it once was. It makes him an intriguing option for teams seeking a puck-moving defenseman.