In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we look at Pete DeBoer reaching out to Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube amidst rumours surrounding job security. We then move to the Washington Capitals and how they are looking at making a big addition. Finally, we look at the hesitation Steven Stamkos may have when it comes to waiving his no-trade clause.
DeBoer Reached Out to Berube
On Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman reported that available head coach option, DeBoer, reached out to Berube through a mutual contact, and let him know that he isn’t waiting for the job to open up.
A lot of the time, when a head coach is on the hot seat, it is evident who will be next in line, whether it be internal or an obvious external choice. It isn’t always the case, but many people put together the idea of DeBoer taking over for Berube, and the fit would make a lot of sense.
DeBoer stated that he has been in similar positions in the past and didn’t enjoy it. Both are very well-respected coaches, and DeBoer had the opportunity to help relieve even the slightest bit of pressure.
Now, Berube has gotten public support from general manager Brad Treliving, and there is no expectation he goes anywhere.
Capitals Ready To Make Noise in Buyer’s Market
There have been plenty of teams listed as buyers who are actively looking to add right now. The Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, and a few others have been noted, but the Capitals often get left out of the conversation.
Reports suggested that the Capitals were heavily interested in acquiring Quinn Hughes before the Wild’s package came through. Teams in the market for a guy like Hughes don’t suddenly give up when they miss on a swing that big.
Related: NHL Rumours: Stolarz Mystery Continues, Montembeault Recalled & More
The Capitals are still going to be looking for a big fish. Though the Capitals have Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson, who are both playing well, adding another stud defenseman looks to be on the radar. Are they going to look at Rasmus Andersson?
Tkachuk Returns to Ice in Non-Contact Jersey
Matthew Tkachuk, who has yet to play this season, made his return to the ice for practice on Dec. 28, and while he was in a gold jersey indicating no contact, this is a huge step in his timeline.
Tkachuk dealt with a sports hernia and a torn adductor muscle in the offseason, and had an expected return time of around January, which adds up.
The Florida Panthers were off to a rough start, but have quickly turned their season around and look like true contenders again. Considering they are missing Aleksander Barkov, as well as Tkachuk, plus many more complementary pieces, they are going to be a dangerous team looking for a three-peat come springtime.
Stamkos Waiving No-Move Clause Isn’t a Guarantee
One of the forwards with the most trade chatter around him right now is Stamkos. The Predators are on a clear path to get younger, and moving Stamkos would make a lot of sense, but Pierre LeBrun pointed out the fact that it isn’t a guarantee that he waives to move.
LeBrun writes, “There certainly is no guarantee Stamkos goes anywhere. For one, the Predators have turned around their season. Secondly, Stamkos has a full no-move clause and enjoys living in Nashville with his family, so he’s not going to jump at just any opportunity.” (from NHL trade matchmaker: Predicting where top targets go by the deadline, Part 1, Dec. 24, 2025)
Family is a big factor, especially for the veteran players. If they are in a nice place, have their family happy there, it can be hard to pull a player away. Let’s see what ends up happening with him.
