NHL Rumors: Vladar Deal, Tortorella Future, Hellebuyck Trade, Markstrom and Oilers

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Philadelphia Flyers appear close to locking in their starting goaltender, the Vegas Golden Knights could be making a surprising coaching change after their Stanley Cup Final loss, and the Edmonton Oilers remain at the center of both coaching speculation and goaltending rumors as a pivotal offseason begins. Could an older goalie they once chased be on their radar again?

Flyers Closing In on Vladar Extension

The Philadelphia Flyers look ready to commit to goaltender Dan Vladar after a strong first season as their starter. According to a report by Kevin Weekes, the two sides are working toward a five-year contract extension that could come in around the mid-$5 million range annually.

Vladar, who has one year left on his current deal at $3.35 million, delivered impressive numbers during the regular season with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage over 52 games. He followed that up with an even stronger playoff showing, posting a 2.18 GAA and .922 save percentage in 10 postseason contests while leading the Flyers to a surprising first-round victory over the Penguins.

While committing long-term after just one season carries risk, the Flyers appear confident that Vladar can build on his performance. If he does, the contract could quickly become a bargain.

Golden Knights to Promote Ryan Craig

Despite a deep playoff run that ended in the Stanley Cup Final’s loss, the Vegas Golden Knights may be preparing for a significant change behind the bench. Head coach John Tortorella, who was brought in on a short-term basis, is not expected to return beyond June 30.

Rumors suggest the Golden Knights are planning to promote Ryan Craig from their AHL affiliate in Henderson as their next head coach. If true, it would signal that Tortorella’s hiring was always intended as a temporary solution.

Vegas continues to take the unconventional approach, even after success. Tortorella would then become one of the more intriguing coaching options on the market, with the possibility of retirement or an interview with a team like the Edmonton Oilers.

Oilers Coaching Search and a Goalie Becomes Available

While the Mike Babcock investigation remains ongoing, and there is talk that he might be cleared by the NHL, the uncertainty in Vegas could have ripple effects in Edmonton. Babcock is their top target now, but if he’s not cleared, Edmonton may pivot to Tortorella or Darryl Sutter.

Beyond coaching, the Oilers continue to explore solutions in net, an issue that has persisted for several seasons. With the Tristan Jarry experiment an early failure and Connor Ingram likely heading toward free agency, Edmonton is expected to remain active in both the trade and free-agent markets.

One name recently linked to the Oilers is veteran goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Currently under contract for two more seasons at $6 million annually, Markstrom rumors are popping up, and this is a goalie the Oilers once went after. He posted a 3.07 goals-against average and an .883 save percentage last season, numbers that raise concerns. However, he might be an option if the Devils are willing to retain salary.

Hellebuyck on Devils’ Radar?

Why is Markstrom suddenly a topic of trade talk in New Jersey? Speculation around Connor Hellebuyck requesting a trade from the Winnipeg Jets could be part of the equation.

Right now, a trade request is an unsubstantiated rumor, but he voiced concerns at season’s end. He appears willing to wait and evaluate management’s offseason moves, but the Jets’ actions during the draft, free agency, and the trade market could influence what he ultimately decides to do. The Devils are a potential suitor.

For now, Hellebuyck hasn’t asked out, but if Winnipeg fails to improve, a trade request in the next couple of years remains a realistic possibility.