NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Ottawa Senators

Clarity on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews May Not Come Until June

The future of Auston Matthews with the Toronto Maple Leafs, including the status of General Manager Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube, is expected to remain uncertain until June. It's believed that Matthews himself has yet to finalize his decision regarding his contract situation. The team's recent trades of first-round picks suggest a strategy focused on retooling rather than a full rebuild, intensifying the pressure on the organization this offseason to make significant decisions.

The Ottawa Senators Will Continue Their Right-Handed Defenseman Search This Offseason – Trade and Free Agent Options

The Ottawa Senators are poised to intensify their search for a right-handed defenseman this offseason, following the expected departure of pending UFA Nick Jensen. Prior to the trade deadline, the Senators had explored options for MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Ristolainen, Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk, Simon Nemec, and Dougie Hamilton. Colton Parayko, who rejected a trade to Buffalo, remains a potential target, though the St. Louis Blues' asking price is steep, reportedly a high-end prospect and a first-round pick. For Ottawa, acquiring Parayko might necessitate parting with a prospect like Carter Yakemchuk or Logan Hensler, alongside a 2027 first-round selection.

In the free agent market, Darren Raddysh of the Tampa Bay Lightning is considered a top right-shot defenseman, likely seeking a long-term deal. Rasmus Andersson is another name, but he is unlikely to waive his no-movement clause for Ottawa. Other potential defensemen mentioned include John Carlson, Brent Burns, Jacob Trouba, John Klingberg, and Radko Gudas, as well as left-shot defensemen Logan Stanley and Jamie Oleksiak who can play on the right. While Senators GM Steve Staois suggested Carter Yaremchuk could be an internal option, some league executives question his current skating ability.