In today’s NHL rumors rundown, one insider/analyst teases the idea of Brady Tkachuk joining his brother in Florida. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are dealing with potential tension behind the bench, and their superstar raised serious questions about coaching. Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a move following the injury to goaltender Anthony Stolarz, and there is a new team linked to Auston Matthews.
There are a handful of theories in today’s rumors report, but it’s important to note that many of them are just theories and there is little in the way of concrete evidence that teams are making changes.
Tkachuk-to-Florida On Matthew’s Radar?
Despite there being no indication that anything is near, trade speculation surrounding Brady Tkachuk never seems to go away. The Florida Panthers are the latest team to re-emerge as a potential landing spot, with the idea being Brady would join his brother, Matthew Tkachuk. It’s a dream scenario for many, but is there anything to it?
David Bean of What Chaos! said:
“We’ve talked about the Panthers and their draft pick situation. It’s protected, but it’s going to fall in the top 10, so they’re probably going to keep it. They could draft a star, get a young player—or they could do something else. They could trade that pick for Brady Tkachuk. We’ve reached a place where a Brady Tkachuk-to-the-Panthers move could happen, could be possible.
He adds that Brady has a no-move clause and two years left on his deal after this, but it’s a near given he would waive it for Florida. He notes, “I think the Senators might feel this offseason would be the time to do it, and a team he’d want to go to has a premium asset to offer.”
McDavid’s Comments Raise Coaching Questions in Edmonton
Tension may be quietly building in Edmonton after Connor McDavid openly praised the structure and “perfect” coaching of the Tampa Bay Lightning following a 5–2 loss. His comments, which he had to know would be dissected, raised eyebrows, especially when it comes to Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Some around the league are beginning to connect the dots between McDavid’s admiration for Tampa Bay and some unrest with the way things are going in Edmonton. What exactly was McDavid trying to say?
Related: Oilers’ McDavid Seemingly Calls Out Coach, Team After Tough Loss to Lightning
While a coaching change seems unlikely this late in the season, Knoblauch is on the hot seat, and McDavid’s indirect examination of how things are being handled by the Oilers isn’t helping Knoblauch’s cause.
Matthews Trade Talk Expands to the Flyers?
Uncertainty surrounding Auston Matthews continues to fuel speculation, with the Philadelphia Flyers the latest team linked in hypothetical trade discussions. A proposed deal by Anthony DiMarco, involving young talent like Trevor Zegras or Owen Tippett, plus prospects and picks, highlights the kind of return Toronto might consider if things go in that direction.
The Maple Leafs are expected to conduct a full organizational and roster review in the summer, which will include discussions with Matthews about his future. The lack of clarity around the Leafs’ captain will create trade hypotheticals like this. However, it’s important to note that these are just hypotheticals.
Maple Leafs Monitoring Goaltending Situation
The Maple Leafs are also keeping a close eye on their crease after Anthony Stolarz returned to the ice following a scary pregame incident. The goaltender took a puck to the neck during warmups, which sent him to the hospital for examination. From there, uncertainty around his return prompted an emergency recall of Dennis Hildeby.
While Stolarz appears to be OK, the situation raises questions about how much he’ll play down the stretch.
