In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Pittsburgh Penguins will have to navigate another potential setback with Sidney Crosby, but it’s unclear how long the captain will be out of action. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are already beginning their organizational meetings, and the Leafs’ goaltending depth could give them a unique advantage in a thin goalie market.
The expected changes everyone believes are coming to Toronto may be underway. What else is expected to come out of these meetings?
Crosby Leaves Game, Penguins Hope for the Best
Sidney Crosby left Thursday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators after favoring his right leg, returning only for a single shift in the second period before the Penguins announced he would not play the remainder of the contest. While the exact severity of the injury is unclear, reports from Penguins insider Josh Yohe offered cautious optimism.
Crosby walked off the ice without a limp and didn’t appear to need a brace, suggesting the injury may not be serious.
This marked only Crosby’s fifth game since returning from a monthlong absence caused by a Grade 2 MCL injury in his left knee at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Pittsburgh remains tight in the playoff race, and with Evgeni Malkin also sidelined by injury, Crosby’s availability is critical as the Penguins push toward the postseason.
Maple Leafs Begin Their Off-Season Meetings
Clearly, what happens with Auston Matthews remains the big storyline of the summer for Toronto. However, it sounds like management recognizes the need to begin their conversations about other matters.
While discussions about a rebuild occasionally surface, one of Toronto’s pressing priorities is shoring up its defense. Longtime blueliner Morgan Rielly could be moved this offseason as management seeks to strengthen the team’s blue line.
Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Woll, Joshua & Burn It All Down?
There is also Toronto’s goaltending situation, which, while imperfect, positions the team uniquely in a weak NHL goalie market. TSN OverDrive hosts Jeff O’Neill and Chris Johnston discussed the shortage of quality goaltenders, noting that trades rarely yield much in return and that teams in need are limited by call-up rules and waiver requirements.
Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll provide potential trade or depth options, while Dennis Hildeby, currently on the roster, remains under team control. Artur Akhtyamov, fourth on the depth chart, recently signed an extension, further insulating the Leafs if a top goalie is moved. With almost no free-agent goalies available—Sergei Bobrovsky being the notable exception—the Leafs could leverage their surplus to take advantage of a seller’s market.
What Happens with Maple Leafs’ Management?
Beyond the ice, Toronto’s front office remains active. Insider trading reports suggest that team executive Kyle Pelley has conducted one-on-one meetings with staff across the organization, and there are rumblings of a potential GM change.
Meanwhile, on the ice, forward Bo Groulx was reassigned to the Toronto Marlies after nine NHL games. The reason is likely that an additional NHL appearance would have required waivers to return him to the AHL. He could still rejoin the Leafs later in the season under an emergency recall scenario.
Other GM News Around the NHL
There will likely be changes to other clubs’ general managers. Pierre LeBrun posted, “My sense of the Preds’ executive search is that they are not feeling rushed by any deadline, they’ve cast a wide net (spoken to 15 or so people), and it’ll take as long as it needs to take until they make the hire(s) they feel are right. So if outgoing GM Barry Trotz needs to run the June draft, so be it. But obviously, a hire could happen before then.”
This came after Darren Dreger reported, “The St. Louis Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in Nashville’s interview process, and Maxwell is expected to return to the New York Rangers in a management role.”
