Overview
- The 2026 NHL Draft is underway Friday in Buffalo and multiple outlets report the Toronto Maple Leafs have told Gavin McKenna they will use the No. 1 pick on him.
- Montreal is actively calling teams about a top-six forward with reported interest in Mason McTavish, Vincent Trocheck and Kirill Marchenko but the Canadiens face tight cap room and would likely need to move salary such as Brendan Gallagher to absorb a high-cost target.
- Winnipeg has been fielding offers for goalie Connor Hellebuyck yet is taking a patient approach because he holds a full no-movement clause and carries several years remaining on a large contract.
- Teams including the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers are among suitors for Mason McTavish, though Anaheim’s high asking price and McTavish’s $7 million AAV make any trade expensive and complicated.
- Some clubs have concentrated draft capital — the Blues hold four first-round picks — leaving them the option to draft multiple prospects or package picks for NHL-ready help as free agency and cap realities press teams to win now.