NHL Rumors: Mikheyev Market, Berbube to Oilers, Carlson’s Future with Ducks

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Chicago Blackhawks are exploring their options with Ilya Mikheyev, the Edmonton Oilers are expanding their coaching search beyond a presumed frontrunner, and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore options for their coaching staff while making more managerial changes. Finally, which Anaheim Ducks players might be back, and who might be moving on?

Blackhawks Testing Market on Mikheyev

The Chicago Blackhawks appear to be preparing for a potential split with forward Ilya Mikheyev. According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the team has made Mikheyev’s negotiation rights available after failing to make meaningful progress on a new deal.

A pending UFA, this move suggests Chicago is open to letting another team step in and attempt to sign the winger, rather than risk losing him for nothing. Mikheyev, known for his speed and defensive reliability, could draw interest from clubs looking to add middle-six depth with penalty-killing upside.

Oilers Expand Coaching Search with Berube

The Edmonton Oilers are casting a wider net in their hunt for a new head coach, with former Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Craig Berube emerging as a serious interview candidate. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports that a formal interview is expected following initial discussions between Berube and GM Stan Bowman.

At the same time, Edmonton has yet to secure permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy, widely believed to be their top target. That wrinkle raises questions about whether the Oilers are leveraging interest in Berube or legitimately considering him as a strong alternative. They may also be looking just to get intel from different coaches around the NHL before hiring anyone.

Berube’s résumé is both compelling and polarizing. A Stanley Cup winner with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, he brings a demanding, structured style. However, his most recent season in Toronto—a disappointing 32-36-14 campaign that ended in a playoff miss—has critics questioning his fit.

For an Oilers squad under pressure to contend immediately with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime, Edmonton appears intent on being thorough.

Maple Leafs Shake Up Front Office

Change continues in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs have parted ways with assistant general managers Brandon Pridham and Derek Clancey. Pridham, long considered the team’s salary cap specialist, spent over a decade with the organization and played a key role in navigating many of their current and past contracts.

In a statement, GM John Chayka thanked both executives for their contributions, but reports suggest Pridham’s departure may stem from a failed bid for the general manager position. Despite interest in retaining him as an assistant, the situation appears to have run its course.

Pridham is widely expected to draw interest around the league, potentially landing a larger role elsewhere.

Maple Leafs Begin Coaching Search

Prepared to look at so many different people that Friedman said he wasn’t likely to continue name-dropping, Toronto is also actively exploring coaching options, with University of Denver head coach David Carle among the early names on their radar. Friedman reports that the two sides have had an initial conversation to gauge mutual interest, though the process remains in its infancy with no clear frontrunner.

Carle, one of the most respected young coaches in hockey, would represent a significant philosophical shift if hired. However, the Leafs are expected to conduct a wide-ranging search before making a decision.

Ducks Trade Speculation

Elsewhere, the Anaheim Ducks are generating quiet buzz in trade circles. Friedman noted that players such as Mason McTavish and Olen Zellweger are drawing interest from other teams, giving GM Pat Verbeek some work to do over the summer.

Additionally, any potential return involving veteran John Carlson would likely come strictly on Anaheim’s terms.

Eric Stephens of The Athletic writes:

“The 36-year-old said there have been no numbers exchanged on a new contract with the Ducks. He called his time with the club a “thrill” and a “blast.” But he was also noncommittal, with his wife and family certain to figure into his decision-making.”

source – ‘Breaking down Ducks GM Pat Verbeek’s offseason contract decisions’ – Eric Stephens – The Athletic – 05/07/2026