NHL Rumors: Why Hiller and Maple Leafs, Trocheck Switch, Knies Trade, and Babcock Close

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it’s become evident already that this could be a busy summer. Just two days removed from the Stanley Cup being awarded, there have been two trades in the NHL, and it’s clear that teams aren’t wasting time getting down to business. Among the news on Wednesday, Jim Hiller was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vincent Trocheck switched agents, the investigation into Mike Babcock is moving along, and trade talk involving Matthew Knies has resurfaced.

Jim Hiller Wins the Coaching Race with the Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a surprising announcement on Wednesday when they revealed that after interviewing more than 20 candidates, they chose Jim Hiller to be their next head coach.

He wasn’t on many people’s radar. However, James Mirtle noted, “He’s a progressive coach. He likes analytics… he knows some of the Leafs’ best players, and he’s a players’ coach.” Jeff Marek adds, ‘Hiller had a great relationship with Matthews in Toronto and is an analytic thinker (I believe he met Babcock while pitching an analytics company).”

Pierre LeBrun posted, “Leafs’ coaching search was expansive, more than 20 candidates. The likes of Jay Woodcroft, Patrick Roy, Dallas Eakins, and Joe Pavelski were considered in the final phase. But Hiller gets the nod.”

Trocheck Switches Agent Ahead of Possible Move?

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, there might be news involving Vincent Trocheck. He writes, “Sources say Vincent Trochek has hired Pat Brisson and CAA to represent him moving forward. Trochek was a target of trade speculation heading into the Deadline, so this change will fuel more of that in the days ahead. Lots of teams interested.”

Real Interest in Mason McTavish

ESPN analyst Kevin Weekes posted, “Per sources another name getting plenty of attention is F McTavish of the @AnaheimDucks , he has skill, grit, term & upside. Teams are calling, it would have to be a quality “Hockey Trade” I’m told. See how this goes …”

This isn’t the first time that McTavish’s name has popped up, with the Montreal Canadiens linked as a team that might have interest.

Matthew Knies Trade Talk Resurfaces

The Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers completed a surprising trade, with Toronto acquiring Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson, and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit. While the move addresses roster needs, attention has shifted to trade interest in Matthew Knies.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, multiple teams inquired about Knies during those trade discussions. Though Toronto isn’t believed to be actively shopping him, they are listening. Knies has been a recurring name in trade rumors due to his upside and team-friendly contract.

The ongoing speculation could become a storyline as constant trade chatter surrounds the forward.

NHL Not Finding Anything Big On Mike Babcock?

During a recent episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, former NHL GM and player agent Brian Lawton said the investigation into Mike Babcock by the NHL hasn’t uncovered anything, saying that the league likely lacks the “smoking gun” to stop him from returning.

If so, it is believed the Edmonton Oilers will move forward with the hire, despite the rumored pushback from some players both inside the locker room and around the league. Even though John Tortorella is available on June 30th, it sounds like Edmonton would only look that direction if something new surfaced with the Babcock inquiry.

While a guest on The  Nielson show on Edmonton Sports Talk, Dreger also reported: “It is possible that Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights relent, and they allow the Oilers to have permission and get to [Bruce] Cassidy. I highly, highly, highly doubt that.”