NHL Rumours: Thomas Not Available, Oilers Done Waiting for Cassidy & Hischier to Canadiens?

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start off with Robert Thomas and the St. Louis Blues. After a chaotic season of trade rumours, Thomas may no longer be available for trade. Next, teams are still waiting to speak with Bruce Cassidy, however, the Edmonton Oilers may not be waiting much longer.

Finally, the New Jersey Devils need to figure out an extension with captain Nico Hischier, and if they can’t, the Montreal Canadiens will be calling about his availability.

Blues Take Robert Thomas Off Trade Market

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Thomas was one of the biggest trade targets for multiple teams. The Minnesota Wild reportedly had a deal involving Jesper Wallstedt and Danila Yurov on the table, the Utah Mammoth were close to crossing the finish line, and plenty of others were involved, too.

With Alex Steen taking over the general manager role, there was an expectation that some things may change when it comes to the Blues’ offseason plans, but it is still the same front office with a bit of reshuffling.

Andy Strickland reported that the expectation now is that Thomas is going to start training camp with the Blues in September, and wrote, “Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest. The Blues are not looking to move their #1 center.”

Having Thomas available was an opportunity for teams to bring in a true top-line centre. That doesn’t happen often, but the teams interested in his services will have a good fallback option of Dylan Larkin.

The Wild would be ready to make a big splash for Larkin, and it would be fair to expect the Mammoth to be in that conversation, too. Looking at the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, who were also connected to Thomas, being divisional rivals doesn’t help their case here, but anything is possible for the right trade offer.

Oilers, Kings Done Waiting for Bruce Cassidy

As the Stanley Cup Final continues on, both the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are still without a head coach.

The Oilers have been doing their due diligence, looking at all options, but it has been clear that they were waiting for the Vegas Golden Knights to finish their playoff run and hope to receive permission to speak with Cassidy.

They have been linked to some other names, including Peter Laviolette, Craig Berube, and others. Cassidy would likely be the best option, but they can’t wait forever, and the Golden Knights have no obligation to let them speak to him.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that while the Oilers were going to wait, it may be time to move past that, and he is starting to hear that they are done waiting.

The Kings are in a similar position. They are looking hard at Laviolette and have a number of other names in the mix for their coaching gig.

Both teams could continue looking at the Golden Knights to see what happens with John Tortorella, too.

Nico Hischier Could Join Canadiens if Not Extending with Devils

One extension-eligible player many will be keeping an eye on this offseason is Hischier. As his seven-year deal is coming to an end, his $7.25 million cap hit is due for an increase, and the Devils have some decisions to make.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported that Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, met with Devils general manager Sunny Mehta for a second time, but hasn’t started the heavy lifting on an extension. LeBrun added, “I still think the most likely scenario is that Hischier stays put and signs an extension with the Devils. He’s a super loyal guy. He’s proud to be their captain.” (from NHL rumblings: Don’t expect Yzerman to wilt on Larkin, plus potential suitors, Hischier update, more, The Athletic, June 5, 2026)

The thought of a player being a captain making it impossible for a breakup is quickly fading. Quinn Hughes was traded mid-season, Larkin has requested a trade, Anders Lee and Boone Jenner may both hit free agency, and others are still in trade talks. Being the captain doesn’t guarantee you’ll stay forever.

LeBrun speculated that if Hischier does become available and extension talks don’t go as planned, the Canadiens would be a prime destination.

LeBrun writes, “Hischier is a left-handed Nick Suzuki. The fit is beyond perfect for Montreal if Hischier were ever actually available. I think the Canadiens would be willing to pay a real price and not mess around in that trade scenario.”