The NHL will never say it outright, but the league isn’t exactly thrilled when off‑ice news drops during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their stance has always been that the spotlight should stay on the ice this time of year. Others argue that with 16 teams (now more) already done for the season, off‑ice storylines help keep those fanbases engaged. Either way, the media is feasting on every bit of “news” that surfaces right now.
The Department of Player Safety announced Saturday that Charlie McAvoy has been offered an in‑person hearing for his slash on Buffalo’s Zach Benson late in Game 6. Notably, DOPS made no mention of Benson’s apparent slew foot on McAvoy in its ruling.
I don’t blame McAvoy for responding to Benson — the frustration was justified — but the two‑handed slash was the part he’ll wish he had back. If a suspension comes down, it could complicate his chances of representing Team USA at the World Championship later this month. The IIHF typically recognizes and upholds NHL suspensions, which would leave McAvoy ineligible if he were interested in going.
Speaking of the World Championships, several Bruins — beyond McAvoy — should draw consideration from their respective national teams. Jeremy Swayman, David Pastrnak, Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, Hampus Lindholm, Viktor Arvidsson (if healthy), Henri Jokiharju and Morgan Geekie all fit the profile of players who could receive invites based on performance and availability.
Rick Dhaliwal via X (formerly Twitter): Jamie Langenbrunner also interviewed with the Canucks and was very impressive.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: Steven Stamkos has indicated that if they bring something to him, he would think about it. As far as I know about the trade deadline, the Predators didn’t bring anything to him, but we’ll see where that goes in the offseason.
More Friedman from 32 Thoughts: I think a lot of this is gonna come down to, how good does he [Alex Ovechkin] think the team is going to be, and does he think he can get through an 84-game season.
Another tidbit from Friedman on 32 thoughts: [On Canucks Management search] The names that we’re aware of are Shane Doan, Jeff Tambellini, Brad Pascall, Ryan Johnson, Patrick Burke, Ray Whitney, Evan Gold, Ryan Martin, Brett Peterson, Jamie Langenbrunner.
Friedman keeps on adding on 32 Thoughts: It’s very clear, the Senators are not doing this [Brady Tkachuk trade] unless it is forced upon them. It’s not going to be their choice, never, it’s going to have to be forced upon them for them to move on.
Friedman won’t stop adding on 32 Thoughts: I do think everybody here has to have a conversation and make sure they’re all on the same page with where he [Evgeni Malkin] plays, what’s expected. Whenever you have a fun season, I tend to think these things can sort themselves
Finally, from Friedman on 32 Thoughts: This executive was telling me everybody’s making a note of who’s playing and who’s not. Anaheim, Olen Zellweger not playing. Whenever Anaheim’s season is done, there’ll be teams that call and say “okay, what are you thinking here?”
Friedman on Oilers Now: We are waiting for Mats Sundin’s decision, I believe if he says yes. it’s going to be a Mats Sundin–John Chayka combination [Toronto Maple Leafs].
Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Citizen: The expectation is veteran defenceman Nick Jensen won’t be back [Ottawa Senators].
Garrioch with more: Linus Ullmark has three years left and has been under the microscope. Does he want to come back to Ottawa? You have to wonder if the Senators will at least explore the trade market.
Dave Pagnotta on DFO Rundown: I expect more changes on the ice to occur this offseason, I think they explore Jake DeBrusk, I think they’re gonna have more Elias Pettersson talks.
Pagnotta on Inside Sports then adds: There’s a lot more to happen with this team roster-wise. We know Jake DeBrusk did not sign up for a rebuild, Elias Pettersson, what’s gonna happen there?
Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live: They’re [Washington Capitals] gonna look to address the blueline, obviously they moved out John Carlson, and perhaps they approach him again this offseason.
Pagnotta on Oilers Nation Everyday: I think there’s a good chance he’s [Shane Wright] traded. I think there’s an understanding on both sides. They’ve made him available. If they can make a big play for a big guy, he’s that piece they’re dangling.
Pagnotta on Leafs Morning Skate: Seattle’s trying to make a big splash, that would probably be a team that were to inquire, Carolina, St. Louis. This Brady Tkachuk conversation will be picking up this summer.
Pagnotta with more on the Morning Skate: I believe the Canucks had internally some interest in talking to former Leafs GM Brad Treliving, but I don’t believe that’s a spot that he’s interested in going.
Jeremy Rutherford from The Athletic: Oskar Sundqvist will become an unrestricted free agent and seems likely to move on. [St Louis Blues].
Frank Seravalli in The Big Show: If it is to be a competitive team, they’re gonna have to go out and hire a veteran. I’m sure Bruce Cassidy would be considered. I am expecting a coaching change in Toronto.
Chris Johnston on Leaf Report: I know at least one of the teams that did have discussions with the Leafs kind of doubted all along that the Leafs were serious about moving him [Matthew Knies].
James Mirtle on the JD Bunkis Podcast: I have been asking around and talking to executives with other teams, and they’re a bit baffled that this [John Chayka] is the choice [Toronto Maple Leafs].
I’m no NHL team executive, but I’m just as baffled.
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