Overview
- Insider Frank Seravalli said Monday the team advanced to finalist interviews, naming Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold and Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin as in the mix with a hire possible by week’s end.
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported roughly 10 Zoom interviews, listing candidates such as Mike Gillis, John Chayka, Ryan Bowness, Ryan Martin, Brandon Pridham, Chris Pronger, and Ryan Hardy, with Gillis widely linked by multiple outlets.
- Reporting notes Gold and Martin are two of the finalists rather than the only ones, and Seravalli indicated a third candidate could also get a second in‑person interview this week.
- At locker cleanout, captain Auston Matthews declined to commit long term, and he holds a full no‑move clause with two years left on his contract, while Darren Dreger reported he would stay if the club avoids a full teardown.
- MLSE’s process follows a first missed playoff in nine years and features debate over front‑office structure, with the hire expected to define a fast retool or deeper rebuild and to guide decisions on Craig Berube’s status, roster moves, and use of draft capital.