NHL Rumors: Hedman and Henrique Out, and Hellebuyck Done with Jets? – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Montreal Canadiens may have caught a break with Victor Hedman unlikely to return for Tampa Bay, and the Edmonton Oilers could be forced to adjust after an early injury to Adam Henrique. Meanwhile, Connor Hellebuyck is raising serious questions about his future with the Winnipeg Jets.

Injuries are starting to play a key role in a few opening-round playoff series. Can the teams losing players withstand the setbacks?

Canadiens Could Benefit from Victor Hedman’s Absence

The Tampa Bay Lightning may once again be without their captain, as Victor Hedman remains “doubtful” for their series against the Montreal Canadiens. While Hedman has been skating and staying close to the team, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed he is not currently available to play.

That’s a significant development for a Canadiens team already holding a 1-0 series lead. Hedman has been limited to just 33 games this season due to injuries and a personal leave, leaving others like Darryn Raddysh to step into bigger roles. Montreal now has a prime opportunity to push its advantage in Game 2 before heading home, potentially taking firm control of the series if Tampa Bay continues to be without its top defenseman.

Hellebuyck’s Frustration Could Lead to Big Decisions

Tension is building in Winnipeg after Connor Hellebuyck openly criticized the Winnipeg Jets following a disappointing season. The veteran netminder didn’t hold back, calling the team’s performance “unacceptable” and questioning whether the organization can build a true contender.

Does that mean he’s looking for a way out this summer? It might, but not everyone agrees that’s where he was going with his comments.

Hellebuyck is older, coming off Olympic success, and more motivated than ever to win. If he doesn’t believe he can win with the Jets, will he want to spend the final three years remaining on his contract in Winnipeg? “Complacency is not gonna get us moving forward. So, something’s got to happen,” he said.

The Jets’ recent struggles, combined with their never-ending struggles to acquire and attract players, only add to the uncertainty.

Oilers Dealing with Henrique Injury Setback

The Edmonton Oilers may be forced into lineup changes after Adam Henrique exited Game 1 early against the Anaheim Ducks with an apparent injury. Head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated the team is still evaluating things, but he didn’t sound optimistic that Henrique would be back anytime soon. Knoblauch is hopeful, but early signs suggest Henrique could miss time.

While both Josh Samanski and Curtis Lazar will be ready to step in, losing Henrique would be a tough loss for Edmonton, particularly in key areas like faceoffs and penalty killing. His absence was already felt in Game 1, where Anaheim capitalized on a power-play draw.

The Oilers did pick up a win on Monday, getting a 1-0 series lead over the Ducks.

Latest on Nashville and Toronto GM Searches

According to Frank Seravalli, at least three candidates have had multiple in-person interviews with the Nashville Predators: Bill Scott, Brett Peterson, and Scott White. He added that former Devils’ GM Tom Fitzgerald is expected to interview this week.

When it comes to the Maple Leafs, he writes, “sources say two of the ‘finalists’ advancing in the Maple Leafs GM search this week are Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold and Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin. There is likely a third (or more?) candidate to meet with the team for a second in-person interview this week.”