In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the New York Islanders were the latest to make a coaching change, but did Patrick Roy lose the room? Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be eyeing a reunion with a familiar face, and trade chatter involving Matthew Knies may not be what it seems. Finally, several Canadian teams are lining up for one of college hockey’s most intriguing free agents.
Are there more coaching changes in store, or are the teams that made their changes behind the bench the only ones set to make adjustments with a handful of games remaining?
Coaching Changes In the NHL… Why Was Roy Fired?
Few expected the coaching changes that took place this week around the league, but a couple of clubs were hoping for the “bump” that comes with a switch. Both the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Islanders were looking to send a jolt throughout their lineup. In one case (Golden Knights), it’s worked. In the other (Islanders), it’s too soon to tell.
Pete DeBoer is now off the market, but that’s not because he was likely to be scooped up by Toronto. The Islanders felt DeBoer could push them into a playoff spot and help them go on a run. The Maple Leafs weren’t looking at DeBoer to do the same.
The Islanders’ decision to move on from Patrick Roy raised eyebrows, especially with reports suggesting some players felt uneasy in the environment. However, GM Mathieu Darche pushed back on the idea that Roy had lost the locker room. Darche explained: “Patrick hasn’t lost the room. It wasn’t about [that] guys don’t want to play for him, by any means. Guys respected Patrick a ton. Again, we just wanted to move it forward from where things have been trending.”
Maple Leafs Could Revisit Scott Laughton Reunion
As per a report by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, the Maple Leafs may be considering a reunion with Scott Laughton, who was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings at the trade deadline. Despite the move and Laughton’s openness to signing an extension with the Kings, he has not closed the door on returning to Toronto.
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His departure has left a noticeable gap in leadership, with former teammates talking about how much they miss his vocal presence and ability to hold the room accountable. As one player noted, Laughton was often the voice the team leaned on during difficult moments.
Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the possibility of a return, pointing out the player’s ties to the Toronto area. With the Leafs expected to undergo changes following a disappointing season, a reunion could make sense—though much will depend on the vision of incoming management.
Knies Trade Rumors Called a “Red Herring”
Trade speculation involving Matthew Knies and the Montreal Canadiens may be misleading, according to former GM Brian Lawton. While reports suggested Knies was part of a potential deal between Toronto and Montreal, Lawton indicated the real holdup centered around a separate move involving a center.
Several insiders indicated there were talks between the two clubs, but follow-up reports suggested nothing was close and that time ran out at the trade deadline to get something bigger done. Lawton’s comments suggest that once a separate transaction failed to materialize, the entire framework between the Leafs and Canadiens collapsed as well.
The implication is that the Knies chatter—and even speculation involving prospect Michael Hage—may have been more noise than substance, and that it was something else the two teams were discussing.
Canadian Teams in Mix On College Free Agent TJ Hughes
Interest is intensifying in college standout TJ Hughes, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after free agents outside the NHL. Reports indicate that more than a dozen teams are expected to pursue him, and that some Canadian teams are frontrunners.
Among those believed to be in the mix are the Edmonton Oilers, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens, along with clubs like Vancouver and Colorado.
Hughes will have no shortage of options. His decision could come down to opportunity, fit, and a clear path to NHL minutes.
