In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start with Charlie McAvoy calling out the Department of Player Safety with a post on X. Next, we head to the NCAA, where top draft prospect Gavin McKenna had a felony charge against him dropped. Finally, we look at some centre trade targets for the Montreal Canadiens.
McAvoy, Walsh & Others Call Out Parros, Player Safety
McAvoy has already missed time this season due to a mouth and jaw injury, and in his final game before the Olympic break, he took another shot to the face, but this time, rather than the puck hitting him, it was the elbow of Sandis Vilmanis.
McAvoy, like most other hockey fans, was shocked to see no supplementary discipline after the hit, and late in the day on Feb. 6, he took to X, and without any words spoken or typed, he voiced his displeasure.
— Charlie McAvoy (@CMcAvoy44) February 7, 2026
Sharing the video of the hit being played in slow motion multiple times over a 22-second span, alongside a very swollen jaw in the same place Vilmanis made contact. It is also worth noting that this hit was while McAvoy was wearing a bubble, which helps protect his face.
Related: NHL Rumors: Oilers Coaching Change, Maple Leafs & Konecny, Panarin Snubbed
NHL player agent Allan Walsh took to X to repost this twice, stating, “Gary’s NHL! You can take off another NHL players head just don’t give anyone the finger.”, referencing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander, who received a $5,000 fine for showing the middle finger from the press box on a broadcast. His other post had some colorful language towards George Parros, who is the senior vice president of the Department of Player Safety.
Felony Charge Against Gavin McKenna Dropped
Over the past week, there has been a lot of coverage about Gavin McKenna, who was allegedly involved in an incident outside of a bar in State College, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 31.
The alleged victim says that McKenna punched him in the right side of the face twice following an exchange of words between the two groups of people they were with.
It was confirmed by the State College Police that the alleged victim’s jaw was indeed broken in two places and is missing a tooth.
After a review of security footage and witness testimony, the district attorney and State College Police Department state they do not believe that a charge of Aggravated Assault is supported by the evidence.
Prosecution will go forward with the misdemeanor Simple Assault and other summary charges as they relate to the serious injuries suffered by the victim, and the preliminary hearing for these charges has been continued to March 11, 2026.
Canadiens Have Centre Options Available
The Canadiens don’t have a true second-line centre, and that is no secret. Oliver Kapanen has done a good job there. They brought in Philip Danault, have Jake Evans, and a few other options, but none are a true fit for that job. Not right now, at least.
There are a lot of great centres on the market. Here is a quick breakdown on where they all sit, and if Montreal makes sense:
Ryan O’Reilly is the centre that Elliotte Friedman theorizes about for the Habs, but the question about him is going to be his availability. The Nashville Predators aren’t tearing everything down, and he has his verbal no-move clause. He could be a guy who would like to go to Montreal, though his experience with the Maple Leafs may deter him.
Vincent Trocheck is available for the right price, and Friedman noted in his written 32 Thoughts says the Los Angeles Kings wanted him in the Artemi Panarin trade, too, but Trocheck is looking to stay east. He could be a really good fit behind Nick Suzuki.
Nazem Kadri’s price is lowering, and it has been reported that Kadri would be able to be traded to the Canadiens, though they may not want to commit long-term to the aging centre. Marco D’Amico says the Canadiens explored a trade earlier in the season, but things have gone quiet.
For Robert Thomas, he would be a perfect addition, though his price is likely sky-high and would probably be more of an offseason move.
They have also checked in on Blake Coleman, but Friedman stated he doesn’t believe that is feasable.
