Back at the trade deadline, I reported that the Bruins had opened a line of communication with the New Jersey Devils. At the time, the specifics were still behind the curtain. But as the dust settled and other reports surfaced, it became clear those talks had drifted into significant territory — including the possibility that Simon Nemec was part of the conversation.
The Slovak outlet Denník N is now reporting that Nemec has formally requested a trade. Naturally, that immediately invites the idea that the Bruins should circle back if he was indeed the prospect discussed back at the deadline. But it’s important to remember those talks were held under former Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, who was dismissed on April 6. His successor, Sunny Mehta, took over on April 16, meaning any dialogue now would be a clean-sheet negotiation. Even so, this is absolutely a conversation Boston should be trying to reopen.
However, other members of the media have denied that it is true so, grain of salt.
Some have pointed to the number of roster openings in Providence next season and laid that at the feet of Evan Gold. Around that time, I was even asked — and politely declined — to go on a Vancouver Canucks podcast to explain why, if that were the case, he’d still be considered a legitimate candidate for their then‑vacant GM job.
Understanding how AHL rosters are actually constructed is crucial — and it’s something a lot of people misunderstand. Under standard affiliation agreements, NHL clubs are responsible for filling roughly 75 to 80 percent of an AHL roster. By NHL bylaws, Gold has no authority to sign those players. That responsibility sits squarely with Cam Neely and Don Sweeney.
Gold’s lane is different: he handles AHL‑only contracts and PTOs. That’s the scope of his control, and it’s a much smaller slice of the overall roster picture than many assume.
By now, you’ve probably heard the reports that Jay Leach will not be returning to the Bruins. There are reports indicating he could be in line for a head coaching job as well. Read on to find out.
Speculation around the league is in full force:
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: We’ll see where those negotiations go. It really sounds like the player [Simon Nemec] would prefer to try to get off on the right foot with a new organization leadership. We have to simply let this one breathe
Elliotte Friedman on Vingan and Daunic: A lot of teams have cap room, but a lot of teams are saying, we don’t need to spend to the cap with what’s available. Some teams are feeling these aren’t the players you wanna spend home run money on.
Anthony DiMarco on Daily Faceoff: it sounds like the Flyers are comfortable going five years with Dan Vladar. An AAV slightly south of $6 million would make sense for Vladar on a five-year term.
Dave Pagnotta on DFO Rundown: We know there’s all the talk about Matvei Michkov and what’s gonna happen there, they [Philadelphia] really like him, they believe in this kid, they wanna keep him.
Dave Pagnotta on DFO Rundown: They’ve [Philadelphia] got a lot of wingers that they’re working with, so I’m curious to see if they explore any trade routes. They wanna shore up the blueline and also look at the center position.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: One of the rumors is that maybe he [Matvei Michkov] doesn’t have a strong relationship with all of his teammates. Those Flyers players made that very hard to believe, they came out and they supported him.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: Chicago probably isn’t going to be able to sign Ilya Mikheyev, and so his rights are available if any team wants to talk to him in advance of free agency.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: It sure looks to me like this isn’t much of a search beyond Manny Malhotra [Vancouver Canucks].
Darren Dreger on X: Patrik Allvin is officially leaving the Vancouver Canucks. There was a lingering sense he might consider another role within the organization. Allvin is well respected throughout the hockey community and will have opportunities.
Elliotte Friedman on NHL Now: I think Auston Matthews wants to win in Toronto, I don’t think that’s ever changed. At the base, he wants to be in Toronto, and I would be surprised if he wasn’t in Toronto next year.
Dave Pagnotta on Fourth Period: The likes of Jay Woodcroft, Jay Leach, Jeff Halpern and Manny Malhotra are among those already under consideration [Toronto Maple Leafs].
Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show: Look at someone maybe like Jeff Halpern, who’s been on Tampa’s bench. Would he make some sense [Toronto Maple Leafs].
Jeff Marek on Coming In Hot: I’m pretty sure that Ottawa has checked in with Buffalo on Devon Levi.
Frank Seravalli on Frankly Hockey: I don’t have Brady Tkachuk on my board. I’ve checked in with a few managers, some specifically who have asked Steve Staios. Brady Tkachuk’s name has not come up at all.
Darren Dreger on X: I asked [Mike] Babcock this morning about the idea of coaching again and the speculation around the Oilers. He said, “Dregs, I’m retired. Loving it”.
Elliotte Friedman on The Fan Hockey Show: I don’t think they’re [Minnesota Wild] moving Jesper Wallstedt anymore, I think if they deal anyone it’ll probably be the other guy.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: He [Boone Jenner] fired his long-time agent. You don’t hire Pat Morris when you’re looking for a discount, put it that way. I could be proven to be wrong, but it’s a bad sign for where things are going.
Aaron Portzline on The Athletic: The fact that Boone Jenner’s re-signing wasn’t a priority before the trade deadline, and hasn’t been treated like a priority so far this offseason, makes you wonder. One of the more revered players might be moving on.
Elliotte Friedman on The Fan Hockey Show: I know that one of the challenges this year for the Sabres was fitting everybody in, and I think they were trying to hold Zach Benson to a line. It’s gonna challenge Buffalo’s cap situation a bit, but man he’s a heck of a player.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: They [Buffalo] have decisions to make. I still heard Alex Tuch and the Sabres were apart. They’re gonna wanna take care of Zach Benson. They wanna keep Bowen Byram too. How do you do make all that fit?
Dave Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live: It’s just been a lot of back and forth [Buffalo & Tuch] and nobody’s nailed the number. The number’s probably gonna be anywhere from 10.5 to 11 million.
Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show: I look at this market and he’s [Alex Tuch] not coming in under 10 million in my view.
Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff Live: Could there be a deal with Edmonton for someone like Jiri Kulich and a Devon Levi or an Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen?
Jeff Marek on the same show: There’s a lot of teams right now, and I think maybe we do start to put the Sabres in this mix, that are looking for upgrades with their netminding.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: I have heard they [Vegas] are adamant they were not letting Edmonton or LA talk to Bruce Cassidy; I don’t know about Toronto.
Dave Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live: 15 million range wouldn’t entirely shock me, but I don’t know if they’ll go full term on it, I think this might be a 5 year, get to the last year of your RFA status and then kind of go from there – re Macklin Celebrini.
Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show: I’m at the stage personally where I’d be surprised if he [Quinn Hughes] left.
Michael Russo from the Athletic: It seems like if Mats Zuccarello plays, it’ll be here [Minnesota], and it’ll just be a matter of the term.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: I think he [Quinn Hughes] will reward them [Minnesota] for taking the chance.
Dave Pagnotta on DFO Rundown: If Florida does not re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky, I believe Jordan Binnington will be a target.
Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff Live: I still think this guy [Bobrovsky] wants to get paid. I’ve wondered about San Jose. He might just be the guy that goes to July 1st, has a look around, and says nah, I’m going back.
Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Citizen: The expectation is that Stuart Skinner could get a term deal worth $4 million per season in free agency.
Dave Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live: Unless you’re one of the young up-and-coming studs on that team [Calgary Flames], it looks like [Craig Conroy] is gonna be willing to listen on pretty much anybody.
Dave Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live: He [Scott Laughton] likes it there. He’s gelled well with that group; he’s got a relationship with DJ Smith.
The NHL’s U.S. national broadcast deals with ESPN and TNT are set to expire after the 2027‑28 season, and the league is already signaling interest in adding a third partner or streaming platform to the mix. For American fans, that almost certainly translates to another hit to the wallet. North of the border, viewers are insulated from that shuffle — the NHL’s agreement with Sportsnet runs through the end of the 2037‑38 season, locking in long‑term stability for Canadian audiences.
Dave Pagnotta on Oilers Nation Everyday: Connor Hellebuyck’s name is out there, but it’s not the Jets initiating these conversations, it’s other teams.
Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff Live: I would expect to hear the name Jordan Kyrou a ton this offseason as someone that can skate with Connor McDavid, and it’s not exactly a secret that Kyrou’s been out there for a couple of years.
Coming up on the blog: my Bruins prospect rankings drop on May 31. Then, beginning June 2, I’ll be rolling out a four‑part series breaking down potential Bruins targets for the 2026 draft. Check back—or subscribe—so you don’t miss any of it.
I’m also working on a new project that will expand my Boston Bruins coverage. Keep an eye on Twitter/X for updates as it comes together.
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