Before the offseason ever achieved liftoff, the Philadelphia Flyers are already about to be down one superstar forward they could have considered signing to an offer sheet this summer.

While he is not a center, Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson was, by far and away, the top RFA of the 2026 free agent class.

The 26-year-old scored 109 points in the 2022-23 season and racked up another 96 this season, scoring 40 goals for the third time in his NHL career.

Robertson also averaged a career-high 20:15 of ice time this season as he emerges as one of the NHL's premier two-way forwards to go with his goal-scoring exploits.

The problem, though, is that the Flyers probably won't even be able to take a crack at signing him now.

According to NHL insider Emily Kaplan's latest report for ESPN,  "The Jason Robertson saga will finally see some clarity and all signs point to an extension in Dallas, rather than a trade."

No trade, no offer sheet, no dice for the Flyers.

Speaking of the offer sheet, Kaplan added that, "for one to actually happen, everything has to line up: cap space, draft-pick compensation, player buy-in and a team willing to push the risk. That's why the noise almost always outweighs the action."

There are not many legitimate offer sheet candidates on the free agent market this year for the Flyers anyway, or at least ones that move the needle like Robertson or a skilled young center would.

Pipe dreams like Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Connor Bedard are almost assuredly not going to happen barring an unforeseen warp in time-space.

It isn't like the Flyers necessarily needed to add another winger, anyway, but any time you can add a player of Robertson's ilk to your roster, you have to do it.

That would have been an ambitious move for a Flyers team that just made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the pandemic, but ultimately, it doesn't seem like it's meant to be.

Plus, signing Robertson to the cap hit needed to choke the Stars out of his price range would have required the Flyers to fork over their first-round pick in each of the next four drafts, starting with 2027, which would severely inhibit their ability to add to the roster in other ways and build a sustainable team flush with young talent to complement the older players.

Going forward, though, the Flyers would be wise to consider other, more low-key offer sheet candidates.

NHL legend Patrick Roy joined the hockey world in paying respects to Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at 60 years old after a reported suicide attempt.

The former Islanders head coach, who was teammates with Lemieux in Montreal and Colorado during his playing career, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” upon learning of the four-time Stanley Cup winner’s sudden death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux’s passing,” Roy said in French in a statement to reporter Renaud Lavoie. “Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport. His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents.

“We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

The Hall of Fame goalie was teammates twice with Lemieux, with the two playing together on the Canadiens from 1984-90 and reuniting on the Avalanche from 1996-2000.

Roy and Lemieux won two Stanley Cups together, once in Montreal in the 1985-86 season and again in Colorado a decade later, taking home the championship in 1995-96.

Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks throughout his career.

The forward racked up a total of 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular season games, along with 158 points through 234 postseason matches.

According to multiple reports, Lemieux’s death was ruled a suicide, with authorities finding him in the warehouse of a furniture store he owned in Lake Park, Fla.

The Athletic reported that deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the store, and the business was secured to conduct an investigation.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release records to the outlet because of a Florida statue that exempts suicide cases from being viewed by the public.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the Devils, with whom Lemieux spent parts of six seasons, said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

NHL legend Patrick Roy joined the hockey world in paying respects to Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at 60 years old after a reported suicide attempt.

The former Islanders head coach, who was teammates with Lemieux in Montreal and Colorado during his playing career, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” upon learning of the four-time Stanley Cup winner’s sudden death.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux’s passing,” Roy said in French in a statement to reporter Renaud Lavoie. “Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport. His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents.

“We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”

The Hall of Fame goalie was teammates twice with Lemieux, with the two playing together on the Canadiens from 1984-90 and reuniting on the Avalanche from 1996-2000.

Roy and Lemieux won two Stanley Cups together, once in Montreal in the 1985-86 season and again in Colorado a decade later, taking home the championship in 1995-96.

Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks throughout his career.

The forward racked up a total of 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular season games, along with 158 points through 234 postseason matches.

According to multiple reports, Lemieux’s death was ruled a suicide, with authorities finding him in the warehouse of a furniture store he owned in Lake Park, Fla.

The Athletic reported that deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the store, and the business was secured to conduct an investigation.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release records to the outlet because of a Florida statue that exempts suicide cases from being viewed by the public.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the Devils, with whom Lemieux spent parts of six seasons, said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Claude Lemieux was found dead at the furniture store he owned in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, died Thursday around 3 a.m. ET in Lake Park. Multiple outlets have reported that he died by suicide.

The 21-year NHL veteran was found by one of his adult sons at the furniture storeroom of Andros Home, WPBF reported. The business Lemieux owned with his wife, Deborah, according to The Athletic.

The county sheriff’s office told The Athletic that its deputies responded to the showroom following a suicide attempt.

Andros Home acknowledged Lemieux’s death in a post on Instagram and called him a co-founder of the business.

“With profound sadness we share news of the unexpected passing of our co-founder Claude Lemieux,” the company wrote. “Claude was an extraordinary presence whose vision, generosity and big heart shaped not only Andros, but the many relationships and lives around him.  Our immediate focus is supporting the Lemieux family during this difficult time. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Lemieux played for six different NHL organizations (Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks) in his career was well-known for his work as an agitator on the ice with 1,777 career penalty minutes.

But he was also regarded for his clutch play in the postseason, when he recorded 80 goals and 78 assists in 234 games. In the 1995 playoffs, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP as the Devils hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The Devils, like many in the hockey world, expressed their grief over losing Lemieux far too soon.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the team said. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Lemieux is survived by his wife and four children, including Brendan Lemieux, who played three seasons with the Rangers.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Claude Lemieux was found dead at the furniture store he owned in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, died Thursday around 3 a.m. ET in Lake Park. Multiple outlets have reported that he died by suicide.

The 21-year NHL veteran was found by one of his adult sons at the furniture storeroom of Andros Home, WPBF reported. The business Lemieux owned with his wife, Deborah, according to The Athletic.

The county sheriff’s office told The Athletic that its deputies responded to the showroom following a suicide attempt.

Andros Home acknowledged Lemieux’s death in a post on Instagram and called him a co-founder of the business.

“With profound sadness we share news of the unexpected passing of our co-founder Claude Lemieux,” the company wrote. “Claude was an extraordinary presence whose vision, generosity and big heart shaped not only Andros, but the many relationships and lives around him.  Our immediate focus is supporting the Lemieux family during this difficult time. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Lemieux played for six different NHL organizations (Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks) in his career was well-known for his work as an agitator on the ice with 1,777 career penalty minutes.

But he was also regarded for his clutch play in the postseason, when he recorded 80 goals and 78 assists in 234 games. In the 1995 playoffs, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP as the Devils hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The Devils, like many in the hockey world, expressed their grief over losing Lemieux far too soon.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the team said. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Lemieux is survived by his wife and four children, including Brendan Lemieux, who played three seasons with the Rangers.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

NHL and Avalanche great Joe Sakic joined the hockey world in mourning the death of four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who reportedly took his own life on Thursday. 

Sakic was teammates with Lemieux for parts of five seasons in Colorado from 1995-96 to early in the 1999-2000 season, when Lemieux was traded to the Devils

The two won a Stanley Cup together in 1996. The Avs legend described Lemieux as a “fierce competitor and a champion.”

“We are devastated to learn of Claude’s passing,” Sakic said in a statement released through the Avalanche. “‘Pepe’ was a terrific hockey player, a fierce competitor and a champion in every way. He was also a loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates and someone you could always count on. Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren.

“Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. On behalf of the entire Avalanche organization, we send our love and prayers to Deborah and the Lemieux family. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Lemieux played 21 years in the NHL, spending time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks. 

He won his first of four Cups in 1986 with the Canadiens and helped the Devils win the franchise’s first championship in 1995. 

Lemieux arrived in Colorado before the start of the 1995-96 season via trade and became the 10th player in NHL history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups when he lifted hockey’s greatest prize again in 1996.

His fourth came during his second stint with the Devils in 2000. 

The hockey agitator recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff games during his memorable career. 

According to multiple reports, Lemieux died by suicide and was discovered in a furniture store that the ex-NHL player and his wife owned in Lake Park, Fla. 

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the showroom and the business was secured in order for an investigation to be conducted, authorities office told The Athletic. 

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release any records to the outlet due to a Florida statute that exempts suicide cases from public record requirements.

NHL and Avalanche great Joe Sakic joined the hockey world in mourning the death of four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who reportedly took his own life on Thursday. 

Sakic was teammates with Lemieux for parts of five seasons in Colorado from 1995-96 to early in the 1999-2000 season, when Lemieux was traded to the Devils

The two won a Stanley Cup together in 1996. The Avs legend described Lemieux as a “fierce competitor and a champion.”

“We are devastated to learn of Claude’s passing,” Sakic said in a statement released through the Avalanche. “‘Pepe’ was a terrific hockey player, a fierce competitor and a champion in every way. He was also a loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates and someone you could always count on. Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren.

“Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. On behalf of the entire Avalanche organization, we send our love and prayers to Deborah and the Lemieux family. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”

Lemieux played 21 years in the NHL, spending time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks. 

He won his first of four Cups in 1986 with the Canadiens and helped the Devils win the franchise’s first championship in 1995. 

Lemieux arrived in Colorado before the start of the 1995-96 season via trade and became the 10th player in NHL history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups when he lifted hockey’s greatest prize again in 1996.

His fourth came during his second stint with the Devils in 2000. 

The hockey agitator recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff games during his memorable career. 

According to multiple reports, Lemieux died by suicide and was discovered in a furniture store that the ex-NHL player and his wife owned in Lake Park, Fla. 

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the showroom and the business was secured in order for an investigation to be conducted, authorities office told The Athletic. 

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release any records to the outlet due to a Florida statute that exempts suicide cases from public record requirements.

One of Claude Lemieux’s longtime rivals had touching words for the four-time Stanley Cup winner, who died by suicide at the age of 60.

“This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold,” former Red Wings forward Darren McCarty wrote on X. “My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on.”

McCarty and Lemieux are central figures to the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry of the late 1990s, with Lemieux infamously injuring Detroit’s Kris Draper with a vicious check from behind in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final, breaking multiple bones in Draper’s face and requiring reconstructive surgery.

McCarty and his teammates watched Lemieux raise the Stanley Cup — the third of his career — that spring. The following season, in their fourth matchup of 1996-97 and what would later become known as “Fight Night at the Joe,” the McCarty cold-cocked Lemieux and proceeded to rain down punches on him as he lay on the ice at Joe Louis Arena, and later dragged him to where Draper stood on the Red Wings bench.

The game — the regular season finale — served as a rallying point for Detroit, which went on to win the first of back-to-back Cups.

Any ill will between the pair dissipated over the years, with McCarty and Lemieux becoming friends and using their feud to fundraise for charity.

“As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it,” McCarty opined on X, “‘If your on the ICE with Claude Lemieux and your turn your back. YOU Are an IDIOT. But off the ICE I’ll turn mine.'”

Lemieux’s death was announced Thursday, with TMZ reporting the Devils icon was found after committing suicide by one of his adult sons in the family’s furniture store in Florida.

It came days after he returned to Montreal, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Canadiens, to amp up the crowd ahead of the franchise’s Game 3 against the Hurricanes on Monday.

“If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone,” McCarty wrote.

“Godspeed my friend.”

One of Claude Lemieux’s longtime rivals had touching words for the four-time Stanley Cup winner, who died by suicide at the age of 60.

“This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold,” former Red Wings forward Darren McCarty wrote on X. “My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on.”

McCarty and Lemieux are central figures to the Avalanche-Red Wings rivalry of the late 1990s, with Lemieux infamously injuring Detroit’s Kris Draper with a vicious check from behind in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final, breaking multiple bones in Draper’s face and requiring reconstructive surgery.

McCarty and his teammates watched Lemieux raise the Stanley Cup — the third of his career — that spring. The following season, in their fourth matchup of 1996-97 and what would later become known as “Fight Night at the Joe,” the McCarty cold-cocked Lemieux and proceeded to rain down punches on him as he lay on the ice at Joe Louis Arena, and later dragged him to where Draper stood on the Red Wings bench.

The game — the regular season finale — served as a rallying point for Detroit, which went on to win the first of back-to-back Cups.

Any ill will between the pair dissipated over the years, with McCarty and Lemieux becoming friends and using their feud to fundraise for charity.

“As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it,” McCarty opined on X, “‘If your on the ICE with Claude Lemieux and your turn your back. YOU Are an IDIOT. But off the ICE I’ll turn mine.'”

Lemieux’s death was announced Thursday, with TMZ reporting the Devils icon was found after committing suicide by one of his adult sons in the family’s furniture store in Florida.

It came days after he returned to Montreal, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Canadiens, to amp up the crowd ahead of the franchise’s Game 3 against the Hurricanes on Monday.

“If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone,” McCarty wrote.

“Godspeed my friend.”

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

The entire hockey community was stunned at the news of the tragic passing of four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux at the age of 60 on Thursday. 

Lemieux, who won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils and once each with the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens, was one of the central figures in the iconic rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Avalanche starting in 1996. 

While Lemieux was a fierce rival of the Red Wings during that time, he and Darren McCarty mended fences and routinely held joint autograph sessions with one another.

McCarty himself reacted to the tragic news on Thursday with a touching tribute on social media. 

"Just heard the news on Claude Lemieux," McCarty wrote on X. "This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on. As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it 'If your on the ICE with Claude Lemieux and your turn your back. YOU Are an IDIOT. But off the ICE I’ll turn mine' And please. If you are struggling at all please reach out and talk to someone Godspeed my friend." 

Just heard the news on #ClaudeLemieux
This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on. As I’ve said and will always call it as I…

— Darren McCarty (@DarrenMcCarty4) May 28, 2026

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Amidst an outpouring of tributes from around the NHL as well as Lemieux former teams, the Red Wings posted a memorial tribute for him. 

"The Detroit Red Wings extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and former teammates of Claude Lemieux," the club wrote on X. "Claude was a fierce competitor on the ice who, especially in the playoffs, consistently elevated his play during the game's biggest moments. Our thoughts are with his wife, Deborah, and his four children." 

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman, who faced Lemieux dozens of times in regular season and playoff competition, also released a statement. 

"In his post-playing career as an agent, I got to know Claude on a more personal level and quickly grew to respect his professionalism in our interactions," Yzerman's statement read. "Even more fondly, I will remember and miss the deeper conversations we had beyond the game. 

After retiring from the game, Lemieux became an NHLPA-certified player agent, and among his clients was Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider. 

During his NHL career, Lemieux skated in 1,215 regular season games, scoring 379 goals with 407 assists.

He also contributed 80 goals and 78 assists in 234 career playoff games, and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 after helping the Devils sweep the Red Wings in that year's Stanley Cup Final. 

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The Anaheim Ducks saw their season end two weeks ago, on May 14, after losing their second-round series to the now Western Conference Champion Vegas Golden Knights in six games.

The Ducks saw their first success in a very long time, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018 and winning a series for the first time since 2017. 

On their roster, they have an interesting blend of youth and veterans up and down the lineup, and general manager Pat Verbeek will have a handful of key decisions to make between now and when the 2026-27 season begins in the fall. 

Lessons the Anaheim Ducks can Learn from the Success of the Vegas Golden Knights

Anaheim Ducks Offseason Dilemma: Right Shot Defensemen

With the Stanley Cup Final matchup nearly decided, the 2026 NHL Draft one month away, and free agency to shortly follow, rumors, ruminations, and rumblings regarding offseason transactions are dominating an increasing percentage of the NHL news cycle. 

With a pivotal offseason now underway and after announcing themselves as a young, contending team, the Ducks are no exception to the rumor mill at this moment. 

Here’s what’s being said about the Ducks by various NHL insiders:

John Carlson

The Ducks acquired veteran defenseman John Carlson (36) from the Washington Capitals on the eve of the 2026 NHL trade deadline in exchange for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. 

Verbeek stated that the intention was to give his club the best chance of making a playoff run in 2026 and to potentially re-sign Carlson when the season concluded. Carlson will see his current contract, which carries an AAV of $8 million, expire on July 1 if an extension is not agreed upon.

The day following their exit from the playoffs, SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman took to his “32 Thoughts” podcast to state, “If Carlson wants to come back, and he seemed like a really good fit, it’s going to have to be on Anaheim’s terms.”

When asked if he’d have interest in returning to the Ducks on a new contract during his exit interview, Carlson said he’s “open, for sure. There’s no bones about that.”

Ducks X Blues

The St. Louis Blues are coming off of one of a dissapointing season, tallying 86 points and finishing 22nd in the overall NHL standings. They were active at the 2026 trade deadline and parted with veteran defenseman Justin Faulk, but reportedly had several more irons in the fire throughout the first half of the 2025-26 season as they look to infuse more youth into their organization. 

Now that the offseason is upon us, the Blues are expected to resume talks involving some of their veteran players, and the Ducks are a name that continues to be attached to St. Louis. 

“Maybe the Blues will revisit some of the conversations that they had with Buffalo around the trade deadline,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said on the “Hockey Sense” podcast. “There was something big brewing with the Anaheim Ducks and the St. Louis Blues around that same time. There was something big brewing, and the pieces just didn’t fall into place.”

The names from the Blues roster that continue to surface are center Robert Thomas (26), forward Jordan Kyrou (28), and right-shot defenseman Colton Parayko (33). 

With three veteran right-shot defensemen about to see their contracts expire (Jacob Trouba, John Carlson, Radko Gudas), the Ducks are in dire need of help on their blueline, specifically a need for a long-term partner for star Jackson LaCombe. 

They have needs, or potentially wants, to add in regards to their forward group as well, so Thomas and Kyrou could be options. However, focus seems to be on Parayko early in the offseason. 

“Parayko is interesting because I know they’re going to revisit that in this offseason out there in St Louis, and he wants to stay out West,” The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said on “Leafs Morning Take." “There was a playoff team that had interested him. I think Anaheim was one of the teams that had interest in Colton Parayko, and I think those discussions are going to be revisited in the summer.”

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported that, after he rejected a trade to the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline, Parayko was willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Ducks or the Los Angeles Kings. 

Parayko has four years remaining on his deal that carries an AAV of $6.5 million.

Mason McTavish

McTavish (23) signed a six-year contract extension roughly halfway through the Ducks’ 2025 training camp, seemingly solidifying his role as the team’s second-line center of the present and future. However, a disappointing season, a move to the wing, a couple of healthy scratches down the stretch of the regular season, and a couple more in the playoffs have caused some to question his future in the Ducks’ organization and have caused opposing GMs to call Verbeek, inquiring about the former third overall pick.

Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic mentioned McTavish, the Ducks, and the potential of a superstar on the move in his latest “Rumblings” column, stating the NHL landscape is ripe for massive trades over the summer.

“One player who fits that criteria is 23-year-old forward Mason McTavish, which is a little obvious after he was scratched for two playoff games,” LeBrun wrote. “I have zero evidence to suggest the Anaheim Ducks are the ones picking up the phone and calling teams about him. But I know for a fact that several teams have inquired about him.”

He went on to speculate on the Ducks’ potential to add a seismic piece over the offseason.

“If Auston Matthews watches the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offseason play out over the next five or six weeks and decides he’s not sure they are still a contender and says he’s open to a move, I would venture to guess Anaheim would be on his list of seven or eight potential desired landing spots,” LeBrun continued. “And the Ducks would have the pieces to make it work in a larger package.

“All things being equal, I think it’s more likely No. 34 stays in Toronto for at least another season, but it’s just an example for the kind of scenario that the Ducks could potentially see come their way.”

McTavish was also featured on Chris Johnston’s NHL offseason trade board for The Athletic on Thursday, coming in at #4 on his list of 25 names that could be on the move this summer.

“While there is no real sense of urgency here from the Ducks’ end of things, that hasn’t stopped other teams from trying,” Johnston stated.

Jay Woodcroft

The Anaheim Ducks hired Jay Woodcroft to run their forward group and power play during the NHL’s free agency period before the 2025-26 season. The former Edmonton Oilers head coach was one of the more popular names during the 2025 head coach hiring carousel, and his name has popped up again this year. 

There are head coaching vacancies with the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks, with the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights situations still very much up in the air. 

Victory+’s Frank Seravalli confirmed via Twitter on Wednesday that Woodcroft interviewed with the Kings last week and has an interview scheduled with the Maple Leafs for this week. 

“Handicapped as ‘one of the front runners’ for the Toronto job. Either spot, solid bet to be an NHL HC again next season,” Seravalli stated on Woodcroft’s future. 

Leo Carlsson Contract Extension

ESPN’s Emily Kaplan suggested in her most recent article that the first two selections of the 2023 NHL Draft, Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson, project to set the market for a slew of young players who will soon see the expiration of their ELCs. 

“Whichever side (Bedard or Carlsson) moves first could help define the next tier of superstar contracts,” Kaplan wrote. “If one signs first, that deal immediately becomes a benchmark, not only on AAV, but structure, term, bonuses, and how aggressively teams are willing to pay elite young centers entering their prime. Many around the league are expecting Bedard to go first; there seems to be no rush on Carlsson and the Ducks' side when I checked in this week.”

Carlsson has established himself as the Ducks’ franchise player and found his first taste of sustained success in the NHL in 2025-26, scoring 67 points (29-38=67) in 70 regular season games and adding 11 (4-7=11) in 12 playoff games. 

Joel Quenneville

In his previous “Rumblings” column from Tuesday, LeBrun ran through a list of NHL head coaches with one year remaining on their current contracts.

Among those names was Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville, who was hired on May 8, 2025, and led the team to their most successful season in nearly a decade. Though an extension may seem a foregone conclusion, LeBrun wrote, “Quenneville had a very successful first season and was a good fit in Anaheim. But he turns 68 in September, so I’m not sure what the rush would be to extend.”

Hometown Remix

Last, but not least, it’s been all but confirmed that the NHL and Fanatics will launch a league-wide alternate jersey program, similar to the NHL’s formerly successful “Reverse Retro” campaigns.

Rumors and leaks have enticed interested fanbases, as it’s being reported as comparable to MLB’s “City Connect” and the NBA’s “City Edition” programs.

Some information, like each team’s base jersey color, has seemingly leaked, along with various tidbits and even potential leaks for the New York Islanders and Florida Panthers.

As far as the Ducks are concerned, it appears their “Hometown Remix” base jersey color will be green like the original “District 5” jerseys from Disney’s first “Mighty Ducks” motion picture.

DJ Bean from the “What Chaos” podcast claims to have seen the Ducks jersey and has stated that it will feature the Ducks’ current branding, logo, lettering, etc., in the green, yellow, and purple “District 5” colors.

It sounds as if Fanatics will simply take the Ducks current home jersey template and swap out the coloring accordingly.

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Anaheim Ducks Offseason Dilemma: Frank Vatrano

Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky has taken a major step in the right direction this season. In 82 regular-season games for the Canadiens this year, the 6-foot-3 winger set new career highs with 30 goals, 43 assists, and 73 points. With this, the 2022 first-overall has cemented himself as a legitimate NHL star.

Now, due to his strong regular-season, Slafkovsky has landed himself some major praise.

The Hockey News recently revealed that Slafkovsky was given the No. 94 spot on their top 100 NHL players rankings for the 2025-26 season. 

When looking at the campaign Slafkovsky put together for the Canadiens, it is easy to understand why he has been named among the top players in the NHL this season by The Hockey News. It was a special year for the young forward, and he was one of the Canadiens' biggest difference-makers because of it. 

With the Canadiens being down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Final to the Carolina Hurricanes, Slafkovsky will be looking to heat back up for the Habs as they try to keep their playoff run alive. In 18 games so far this post-season, Slafkovsky has six goals, six assists, and 12 points. 

The Winnipeg Jets are hoping to pull off a quick retool and climb back into Stanley Cup contention after a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Winnipeg finished 26th in the NHL standings with 82 points this season, a stunning drop for a franchise that captured the Presidents' Trophy just one year earlier. Now, with the NHL Draft approaching in June, the Jets face a major decision: keep their first-round pick or trade it for immediate roster help.

An unfavorable lottery outcome, combined with a surprising jump from a division rival, pushed Winnipeg down the draft board. The Toronto Maple Leafs vaulted ahead to secure the first overall selection, leaving the Jets with the eighth overall pick. 

It marks general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s highest draft selection since 2020, when he chose Cole Perfetti 10th overall, and his first top-10 pick since selecting Patrik Laine second overall in 2016. If Cheveldayoff decides to keep the pick, Winnipeg will have several intriguing prospects to consider.

One player drawing significant attention at the eighth overall spot is Windsor Spitfires winger Ethan Belchetz, who projects as a potential NHL-ready scorer. However, another prospect may offer an even higher ceiling while also filling one of hockey’s most valuable positions.

Swedish forward Viggo Björck has emerged as one of the most exciting players available in the 2026 draft class.

Fresh off his 18th birthday, Björck stands at five-foot-10 and 172 pounds. While he can shift to the wing when needed, he primarily plays center, a position NHL teams covet more than ever in today’s game. Scouts have been impressed by the maturity and composure he brings to the middle of the ice against elite competition.

Björck boosted his profile significantly at the World Junior Championship in January, recording three goals and six assists for nine points in seven games as Sweden captured its first gold medal at the tournament since 2012. He was later named one of Sweden’s top three players at the event.

His strong international play has continued at the IIHF World Championship, where he has spent time on Sweden’s top line against some of the best players in the world. Björck has skated alongside fellow 2026 draft prospect Ivar Stenberg, considered by many to be the strongest challenger to projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna.

He has also shared the ice with Detroit Red Wings star Lucas Raymond and has looked comfortable against top-level professional competition, a rare feat for a teenager. He was again named one of Sweden’s top three players at the event with his two linemates. 

Despite concerns from some scouts about his profile, Björck has consistently proven his ability to compete at a high level. His hockey IQ, defensive awareness, and relentless work ethic have made him one of the safest projections among top forwards in the class.

Viggo Björck 🚨 #SHL#difhockey#nhldraft2026
🎥 TV4 Play pic.twitter.com/LITCMeXd0i

— SwehockeyGIFs (@swehockeygifs) September 25, 2025

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman projects Björck as a future top-six NHL center who can contribute on both the power play and penalty kill. Even if he falls short of that ceiling, Pronman believes Björck’s two-way reliability gives him the tools to become an effective middle-six center and top penalty killer at the NHL level.

Björck’s draft stock has continued to rise throughout the season. The Hockey News’ Tony Ferrari ranked him as high as third overall, while TSN’s Craig Button placed him fourth. Other respected evaluators, including TSN’s Craig Peters, Daily Faceoff, and Sportsnet analysts Sam Cosentino and Jason Bukala, all ranked Björck among the top eight prospects in the draft.

Most projections have Björck coming off the board somewhere in the middle portion of the lottery, meaning there is a realistic chance he could still be available when Winnipeg selects eighth overall. If he is, the Jets may not want to overthink the decision.

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Martin St. Louis finds himself in a difficult situation. 

The Montreal Canadiens are down 3-1 in their Eastern Conference Final Series against the Carolina Hurricanes, on the brink of elimination. 

While St. Louis has never been in this position as a head coach, he’s overcome a 3-1 deficit three times over the course of his 16-year NHL career as a player. 

Two of those miraculous comebacks came with the New York Rangers in 2014 and 2015. 

In 2014, down 3-1 in the second round to the Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis decided to join his team for Game 5 just three days after the sudden passing of his mother. 

The Rangers were able to climb their way back in the series, winning three consecutive games. 

That second-round comeback was headlined by St. Louis’s emotional Game 6 goal, which happened to fall on Mother’s Day. 

The Blueshirts would go on to reach the Stanley Cup Final, but ultimately lost at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings. 

One year later, in 2015, the Rangers found themselves in an identical position, down 3-1 in their second-round series against the Washington Capitals. 

Winning two out of the next three games in overtime, the Rangers overcame a 3-1 series deficit to reach the Eastern Conference Final. 

Now, St. Louis is using his past experiences with the Rangers to inspire his young Canadiens team, conveying the message that no matter how difficult it will be to come back from their 3-1 series hole, it’s possible.

“He’s done it twice,” Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobeš said of St. Louis’s past experiences coming back from a 3-1 series deficit. “If Marty can do it, we can do it.”

From his days as a player to now as a coach, St. Louis is keeping the same mindset in this situation. 

“It’s just not worrying about the hole. It’s just winning a game, one game. You can’t look at the mountain, you just gotta look at what’s in front of you and stay present,” St. Louis said.