NHL Rumors: McTavish Uncertainty, Maple Leafs Rumblings, Oilers Make Move – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are dealing with both uncertainty around Auston Matthews and a growing crease logjam, the Anaheim Ducks are facing questions about Mason McTavish, the Carolina Hurricanes were linked to a surprising goalie target, and the Edmonton Oilers are adjusting after placing Leon Draisaitl on LTIR.
Talk is already starting when it comes to Matthews and his future, and it’s the season isn’t close to over yet. How loud is this noise going to get?
Maple Leafs Facing Big Decisions on Matthews and in Net
There’s growing concern about the long-term outlook between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews. According to James Mirtle, the “math” on Matthews’ situation isn’t trending in the right direction, and the superstar forward may be waiting to evaluate the team’s direction this offseason before committing further.
“You got two years to prove to him why the next seven or eight are going to be worth it for him to stay,” said Bryan Hayes on TSN OverDrive. Hayes says he’ll want to know who is coaching, who the GM will be, and what the plan is in Toronto. If they’re getting bad deals off the books or reloading, Matthews needs to be informed.
Related: Maple Leafs Players Feeling Heat From Treliving in Wake of Matthews Injury
At the same time, Toronto has a completely separate issue brewing in goal. With Artur Akhtyamov now signed, the Leafs have four netminders—Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby—under contract beyond this season.
According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, that’s simply not sustainable. Trade chatter around Woll and Stolarz already surfaced at the deadline, and with a thin goalie market league-wide, Toronto could find itself in a strong position to deal from a position of depth this summer.
Ducks Dealing With McTavish Uncertainty
The Anaheim Ducks are facing some internal questions after Mason McTavish was recently made a healthy scratch, raising eyebrows around the league.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the situation may stem from a difficult contract negotiation that lingered into the start of the season. McTavish signed just a week before puck drop, and it appears he hasn’t quite been the same since. He may also be struggling to live up to his new $7 million per season contract.
That context could explain both his inconsistent play and why he’s being given a game to watch. However, if this situation carries into next season, it could become a much larger concern.
Friedman suggested that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek will need to evaluate where things stand with McTavish once the season ends—and whether the team needs to explore another route. McTavish does not have trade protection in his contract.
Hurricanes Were Linked to Bobrovsky
One of the more surprising rumors involves the Carolina Hurricanes, who reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Sergei Bobrovsky from the Florida Panthers. Insider David Pagnotta noted there may have been legitimate interest, with the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights also believed to be in the mix.
Ultimately, the Panthers chose not to move the veteran and are trying to sign him to an extension.
Oilers Adjust Without Draisaitl
The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant roster move, placing Leon Draisaitl on long-term injured reserve. In a corresponding move, they recalled Roby Järventie on an emergency basis. Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer noted three things: “#1 Roby Jarventie’s emergency recall is tied to an illness. #2. IMO Jarventie and James Hamblin have been the best Condors forwards over the last month. #3. Samanski, Jones, and Jarventie are all up on Emergency Recalls. EDM still has 4 Regular Recalls.”
Draisaitl’s absence creates a major challenge for Edmonton as they push toward the postseason. They are trying to replace him via committee in the hopes that they can stay in the mix and that he’ll return in time for the playoffs.
