NHL Rumors: Crosby Extension, Babcock and Oilers, Nemec Trade?

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is in the news after clarifying comments about his future and how he’ll approach future contract negotiations. Meanwhile, a strange rumor popped up linking Mike Babcock to the Edmonton Oilers. That rumor was quickly shot down. Former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving talked about what went wrong this season, and has Simon Nemec requested a trade out of New Jersey?

Crosby Only Doing One-Year Deals Moving Forward

Saying he would be taking a year-by-year approach to his contract situation, Crosby stressed that it should not be interpreted as a hint toward retirement. Instead, the 37-year-old said his plan to sign one year at a time is about flexibility—for both himself and the Penguins.

He explained:

“It’s pretty obvious why I would just go year to year with the contracts. At the end of the day, I’m just going to do what’s best for the team. It’s got nothing to do with how long I want to play. It’s not like that at all.”

source – ‘Sidney Crosby isn’t close to retiring, wants to play ‘for as many years as possible’ – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 05/21/2026

Crosby currently has one year left on his deal and added, “It’s got nothing to do with how long I want to play.” He intends to keep playing “for as many years as possible.”

Coming off his 21st consecutive point-per-game season, Crosby remains one of the league’s most productive stars. Talks on an extension with GM Kyle Dubas are expected later this summer.

Oilers Coaching Rumor Briefly Swirls Around Mike Babcock

Out in Edmonton, a coaching rumor gained traction before being quickly shut down involving Mike Babcock and the Oilers’ ongoing search for leadership behind the bench. The speculation emerged during a discussion between radio host Bob Stauffer and former NHL executive Brian Lawton, who suggested a scenario where Oilers GM Stan Bowman could consider the veteran coach as an option.

However, the idea was quickly cooled when TSN insider Darren Dreger reached out directly to Babcock. The response was definitive: he is retired and “loving it,” effectively ending any immediate speculation about a return to coaching.

Babcock’s résumé includes a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medals, but his past controversies remain a major factor in any potential NHL comeback.

Maple Leafs Accountability Leads to Major Organizational Reset

In Toronto, former general manager Brad Treliving did his best to explain what went wrong this season, but fell short of having real answers. While speaking on TSN OverDrive, Treliving admitted that the team lacked buy-in across all levels.

While he noted that injuries—including to key goaltenders—played a role, he dismissed them as excuses. Instead, he pointed to deeper concerns, including the team’s inability to control play, drive possession, or consistently dictate games.

While saying everyone shares in the blame, Treliving took responsibility for his part in the team’s failures. “When you’re the manager, you take responsibility.” With both the coach and GM now out, Toronto is potentially looking at more changes, including to the roster.

Names like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly have surfaced in trade speculation, but a recent report suggests that new GM John Chayk is open to currently talking trade about anyone not named Auston Matthews.

Has Simon Nemec Requested a Trade?

According to reports circulating online and through a Slovak media outlet, defenseman Šimon Nemec has reportedly requested a trade from the New Jersey Devils after frustrations regarding his role. The outlet writes, “According to a source who provided them to us on condition of anonymity, the club requested an exchange through their agent.”

This has not been confirmed by the team, nor the player’s agent.

It’s important to note that this is not the first time a Slovak media outlet has claimed that Nemec is unhappy and wants out. Nothing has happened to suggest the accuracy of the reporting. @RonoAnalyst is now reporting, “Another Slovak media outlet has now reported that the claims about Šimon Nemec requesting a trade are FALSE…”