NHL Rumors: Raddysh Fallout, Nurse and Penguins, Roslovic Plans

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, does the acquisition of Darren Raddysh in Toronto make a Morgan Rielly trade more likely? Meanwhile, are the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers talking about a Darnell Nurse trade? Jack Roslovic is likely headed to free agency, Radko Gudas chatter surfaces, and the Penguins have welcomed back Ron Francis to their organization.

Raddysh Acquired: What Does That Mean for Morgan Rielly?

The Darren Raddysh sign-and-trade might provide more clarity on the Morgan Rielly situation in Toronto. Is Morgan Rielly more likely to be traded now that Raddysh is in the fold and the Maple Leafs have committed $68 million to him?

Insiders have been steadfast in their belief that a Rielly trade is more likely than not this off-season, with San Jose, Edmonton, Seattle, and Vancouver among the teams in the conversation. Rielly has reportedly submitted a preferred destination list to GM John Chayka, and finally sounds more agreeable to a move. The Raddysh deal also adds the Leafs’ new power play quarterback, giving Rielly less of an opportunity in Toronto.

Raddysh is the upgrade to Rielly, who managed 36 points and a minus-18 last season in a puck-moving role. Raddysh put up 70 points and a plus-21 in the same job description.

Penguins Talking Trades? Ron Francis Returns

For now, we’ll call this rumor speculation more than anything concrete, but The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins have been actively talking about a Darnell Nurse trade, and this is a deal that could get done on the weekend of the NHL Entry Draft on June 26.

The Penguins were quickly linked to Nurse trade talks as Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has a prior relationship with the Oilers defenseman from his time with the Soo Greyhounds. Pittsburgh is also believed to be on Nurse’s short list of approved trade locations. The Penguins have a ton of cap space and the ability to acquire his contract in full.

Meanwhile, Darren Dreger has added a few Penguins forwards to his trade bait board. Bryan Rust is on that list, as is Rickard Rakell. Dreger reports that Dubas is trying to move up spots in the draft.

Speaking of the Penguins, the organization announced on Friday that Ron Francis is back with the organization as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations. The Penguins write, “In his new role, Francis will assist the Penguins’ hockey operations leadership group with strategic planning… Francis will provide expertise and counsel during key events during the season including training camp, the NHL Draft, trade deadline and free agency, while also supporting the Club’s minor league operations and Player Development staff.”

Interest in Radko Gudas Picking Up

ESPN analyst and NHL insider Kevin Weekes suggests that interest in Radko Gudas could be picking up and there are at least two teams that could try to acquire him on the open market.

Kevin Weekes posted, “Per sources, I’m told Anaheim Ducks Captain D Gudas is gaining interest in the marketplace. If him & Ducks can’t get a deal done, @FlaPanthers @MapleLeafs are among potential fits. He’s physical, experienced, playoff tested, on a 2-3Yr term between 3.5M-4M+AAV.”

It would be intriguing to see if the interest from the Maple Leafs his higher or lower now after acquiring and signing Darren Raddysh.

Roslovic Likely Leaving the Oilers

Jack Roslovic will likely be hitting the free agent market, per Pierre Lebrun. Even though the Oilers were open to the idea of retaining him at the right price, they aren’t willing to overspend.

In a recent article for The Athletic, LeBrun writes:

“Roslovic is the youngest of this group at 29 and can also play center. He’s bounced around playing for four teams in the past three seasons. He ended up with the Edmonton Oilers in an Oct. 8 signing after spurning a better offer from the Oilers back on July 1 last year. The Oilers really like Roslovic, but at the moment, he’s also likely headed to market.”

source – ‘NHL rumblings: Checking in on the market for scorers, plus latest on Bobrovsky, Cassidy, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 06-18-2026