NHL Rumors: Rielly’s 4 Team List, Babcock and Nurse, and Top Draft Picks Moving

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be closing in on a Morgan Rielly trade as the defenseman has submitted a list to Toronto. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are fielding serious offers for a top draft pick, while the Buffalo Sabres may flip their newly acquired No. 4 selection. Mike Babock spoke and wasn’t at all repentant. Does the coaching staff change plans for Darnell Nurse? Finally, Jesse Puljujarvi is eyeing an NHL comeback after a dominant season overseas.

Morgan Rielly Trade Talks Heating Up

Trade speculation surrounding Morgan Rielly is beginning to intensify, with TSN’s Darren Dreger reporting that Rielly’s agent has submitted a list of four Western Conference teams the defenseman would consider. While the specific teams remain unknown, early speculation is that the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks are two of the four teams.

Both destinations could appeal to Rielly, especially as younger teams look to add veteran leadership on the blue line.

There is also growing belief that this situation won’t drag on. With the NHL Draft approaching, this week could be a crucial window. Dreger also notes, “The Maple Leafs are definitely closing in on deals. Not necessarily related to Rielly, and nothing is done yet, but I’m told things are developing.”

Sharks Drawing Heavy Interest for No. 2 Pick

The San Jose Sharks are reportedly at the center of a bidding war for the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. According to a report from Eric Stephens, multiple teams are aggressively pursuing the selection, with Sharks GM Mike Grier confirming that at least five clubs have shown serious and consistent interest.

While Morgan Rielly is not believed to be directly tied to these discussions, it’s possible Toronto could explore a larger package deal involving multiple assets to try and secure the pick. However, it’s expected that any offer would need to be substantial to outbid competing teams.

San Jose has already made adjustments to its roster (it traded William Eklund on Tuesday to acquire another first-round pick), but it still has room to maneuver. Whether the Sharks ultimately move the pick or are loading up for something bigger, there is a lot of talk surrounding that franchise this week.

Sabres Could Flip No. 4 Pick for Immediate Help

After acquiring the No. 4 overall pick in a trade involving Bowen Byram, the Buffalo Sabres may not be holding onto that selection for long. Reports suggest the team is firmly in a win-now mindset and could use the pick as a key trade chip to acquire an impact player.

The Sabres are coming off a playoff appearance and are looking to build on that momentum. With uncertainty surrounding Alex Tuch’s future and the possibility he tests free agency, Buffalo may prioritize adding a proven top-six forward. The No. 4 pick gives them significant leverage in trade talks.

That said, not everyone believes a deal is inevitable. Some insiders suggest Buffalo could stand pat and use the pick to draft a high-end center prospect. The

Oilers Asked Babcock To Come, Paying Well to Have Him

While the term of his new deal was not disclosed, it is believed that the Edmonton Oilers are paying Mike Babcock extremely well to be their new head coach. It is also being reported that associate coach, D.J. Smith is making head-coaching type of money.

This is because the Oilers came to Babcock and asked for him to coach the team. It wasn’t a sell job by Babcock to get back into the NHL. During his media availability on Tuesday, he said:

“They’ve told me, we have to be better. We expect you to make us better. I said, that’s great to talk about in June, but when camp starts and you’re making a guy do things he might not be so happy. They said, no, that’s not how it’s going to be. We’re all committed, all in on winning, and obviously, in that time period, we had gone through enough things and talked about enough things that they felt comfortable with the process, or I wouldn’t be here. I was very clear, unless your 100% all in on Mike Babcock, I have no interest in being the coach.”

There is also chatter about what happens now with Darnell Nurse. It is still believed a trade is coming, but D.J. Smith talked glowingly about Nurse and said he’d like to coach him. A trade hasn’t materialized yet, and the way the market has been going, the Oilers could do something solid for Nurse.

Puljujarvi Drawing Interest for NHL Return

Jesse Puljujarvi could be set for another NHL opportunity after a standout season in Switzerland, where he recorded 52 points in 52 games. The former fourth-overall pick has had an up-and-down NHL career, but his strong international play has once again caught the attention of teams.

According to reports, multiple clubs are interested in bringing him back as a middle-six option on a low-risk contract. Can he finally find a home where he can translate his international success into NHL production?