NHL Rumors Rundown: Tkachuk Fallout, Oilers Sign D-Man, Bobrovsky to Toronto? – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Ottawa Senators are looking to reshape their roster after the Brady Tkachuk blockbuster, the Edmonton Oilers have locked in another key piece, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are potentially looking at another goalie move, with a major name linked. Finally, with the NHL Draft around the corner, what big moves are coming?

Ottawa Senators Planning Aggressive Flip of Tkachuk Return

The Ottawa Senators are not expected to keep the draft picks acquired in the Brady Tkachuk trade. Instead, the organization plans to immediately weaponize that capital in either a major trade or potentially an offer sheet as soon as July 1.

Elliotte Friedman reports on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the return of multiple high-end picks was the backup plan to getting an impact player. This was the best Ottawa could do once it became clear that Florida was the team Brady wanted to go to (despite having three other teams on his list). The expectation around the league is that Ottawa will aggressively pursue NHL-ready talent by flipping the draft picks.

It is also being reported that the Senators determined that Tkachuk was unlikely to re-sign long-term and he’d become a big distraction for the team. They wanted to move on sooner rather than later and weren’t willing to wait to get this deal done, risking it becoming public quickly. With Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson ready to assume the leadership of the team, Ottawa views itself as too far along in its competitive window to pivot toward a rebuild.

Jason Robertson to Ottawa Buzz Includes a Hiccup

Speculation is already building around potential targets, including Jason Robertson of Dallas and Buffalo forward Zach Benson. However, Robertson may be a complicated fit, with reports suggesting he may not be interested in a long-term extension in Ottawa.

The Stars could be susceptible to an offer sheet, but it takes Robertson wanting to sign it for any action on that front to be a concern.

Edmonton Oilers Get Connor Murphy Signed, Now What?

The Edmonton Oilers signed a five-year extension with Connor Murphy at $4.1 million per season. Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Ryan Rishaug both indicated the deal was done, but it’s not the only news coming out of Edmonton.

There is an expectation that Mike Babcock’s announcement as head coach could come on Monday, and there’s also ongoing talk about the imminent Darnell Nurse trade.

Maple Leafs Weigh Goalie Market Shakeup

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been active in reshaping their roster and they aren’t done. With multiple high-profile names emerging in early speculation, Friedman reports that the Leafs are evaluating several options, including Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, while also exploring the potential of making a move for Sergei Bobrovsky.

Reports indicate it would not be surprising if he becomes a serious target for Toronto, especially with uncertainty surrounding his future in Florida.

The Leafs are also navigating what else to do with their blue line. Brandon Carlo and Morgan Rielly are both pieces that fans could expect to see moved.

League-Wide Trade and Offer Sheet Buzz Intensifies

Beyond Ottawa, Edmonton, and Toronto, there is a growing sense around the league that this offseason could feature unexpected aggression. Friedman noted that offer sheets are once again being discussed more seriously than in recent years, though it remains unclear how many will actually materialize.

He also suggests that the reported trade requests that have included Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, and in a way, Brady Tkachuk, are just the start.

He says, “…nothing feels stable right now.”