NHL Rumors: Robertson Nixes 2 Trades, DeBrincat Move, Canadiens Calling, McTavish Trade

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, are the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs calling the Red Wings about Alex DeBrincat? Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens are aggressively exploring the market ahead of the draft. The Maple Leafs appear to be hanging onto two key players, two teams are in on Mason McTavish, and the Jason Robertson situation gets stranger by the minute.

Canadiens Calling on Big Names

The Montreal Canadiens are once again proving they won’t sit quietly. GM Kent Hughes has reportedly been calling around the league — not just on available players, but on names many would consider untouchable.

Pierre LeBrun writes in a recent column for The Athletic:

“My sense from talking to people around the league is that Habs GM Kent Hughes has not been shy about calling about guys who likely aren’t even available. My understanding is that he called the Islanders about Bo Horvat, too. And the answer was that he’s not available.”

source – ‘NHL rumblings: Capitals’ plan pays off, what it means for Ovechkin, plus latest on Marchenko, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 06-26-2026

The Canadiens have a track record of finding value in unexpected places, but they’re also not afraid to swing big, as seen in last year’s acquisition of Noah Dobson.

Jason Robertson Drama Headlines Draft Day

Meanwhile, Robertson’s situation in Dallas continues to grow more complicated. He has reportedly turned down multiple trade-and-sign scenarios, including a massive offer from the Seattle Kraken worth around $15 million annually. He’s also declined interest from St. Louis and Ottawa, significantly narrowing his potential landing spots.

Pierre LeBrun reports, “Told this morning it’s hard to predict if Robertson moves today or not, so many moving parts right now in all the conversations Dallas has going on him.”

DeBrincat Drawing Interest Amid Red Wings Uncertainty

One of the more intriguing developments involves Alex DeBrincat, who has quietly become a name to watch as the Detroit Red Wings navigate trade discussions involving captain Dylan Larkin. According to insider David Pagnotta, several teams have reached out to gauge DeBrincat’s availability.

The Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken, and Buffalo Sabres are among the clubs believed to have interest in a top-line scoring winger. DeBrincat is coming off a career-best 85-point season and is entering the final year of his deal.

For teams like Edmonton and Toronto, the fit is obvious. The Oilers are seeking another elite winger to complement Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, while the Leafs’ new management group has shown a willingness to make bold moves.

Maple Leafs Holding Core, Shopping Carlo

Despite ongoing speculation, the Toronto Maple Leafs are not expected to move Morgan Rielly or Matthew Knies. When GM John Chayka was asked if he expects a trade to move Rielly: “I don’t think so. As I stand here today. No. But, again, those are the discussions we’ll continue to have.”

He added, “It’s a great relationship. We’ve had great discussions. He loves being a Toronto Maple Leaf and we certainly think he’s a great player.”

Instead, the focus has shifted to defenseman Brandon Carlo, who is reportedly being shopped more aggressively. Since the acquisition and extension of Darren Raddysh, Carlo has become expendable, and trade talks have started to pick up.

Carlo carries a manageable cap hit just under $3.5 million, which could make him appealing to teams seeking defensive depth. However, concerns about his injury history and physical play have tempered expectations on return value.

Rangers and Blues Have Offers in For Mason McTavish

Two teams are being linked to Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish.

The Ducks are reportedly weighing offers from the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. St. Louis is believed to be offering the 11th overall pick, while the Rangers’ package includes a roster player. Anaheim’s preference for NHL-ready talent adds an interesting wrinkle, as they could flip that draft pick for immediate help.

It is being speculated that if the Ducks take the offer with the 11th overall pick, they will immediately try to flip it for a roster player.