NHL Rumors: Bedard’s Next Deal, Knoblauch Out, Maple Leafs Meetings – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Chicago Blackhawks are preparing for a massive Connor Bedard extension that could reset the market. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are staring down major organizational changes after a disappointing season. Is that limited to just a coaching change? Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs are working to gain clarity on Auston Matthews’ future as they prepare for a big meeting with head coach Craig Berube.

Bedard’s Next Deal Could Reshape Blackhawks’ Future

The Chicago Blackhawks are getting to work on Connor Bedard’s next contract. He holds significant leverage as he negotiates his second NHL deal, and The Athletic argues he could ask for as much as Kirill Kaprizov did in Minnesota ($17 million per season).

Scott Powers and Shayna Goldman write:

“There’s been no indication Bedard will seek that much, though both sides have been careful not to play their cards in public. When Bedard was asked about specific numbers at the end of the Blackhawks’ season, he pretended as if the discussion was above his pay grade, but he did hint that he understands the deal’s significance in a larger team context.”

source – ‘Connor Bedard’s next Blackhawks contract is franchise-defining — and he has leverage’ – Scott Powers & Shayna Goldman – The Athletic – 05/08/2026

Chicago would prefer an eight-year, long-term extension, but Bedard is firmly in control. “No one within the Blackhawks expects his contract to be as team-friendly. He’s likely to become the team’s highest-paid player next season and for as long as he’s with the organization.”

Estimates for his next deal range between $13 million and $15 million annually, though some projections suggest he could push even higher.

Oilers Bracing for Major Offseason Changes

The Edmonton Oilers could be headed for one of their busiest offseasons in franchise history. According to several insiders, the most candid, from Frank Seravalli, is that sweeping changes may be coming at multiple levels of the organization.

Seravalli believes a coaching change is “more likely than not,” with head coach Kris Knoblauch potentially on the way out. There is also speculation about front office changes.

Roster changes are likely, and Seravalli believes the Oilers will try to find a new home for defenseman Darnell Nurse. The team is also expected to address its ongoing goaltending issues.

Pressure Mounting on Knoblauch as Options Emerge

Darren Dreger reports that there is “a ton of heat” on Knoblauch after Edmonton’s early playoff exit, raising serious questions about his future. Part of that pressure may be tied to former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy being available and potentially interested in the Edmonton job. He has been mentioned as a possible option.

Maple Leafs Looking for Clarity on Matthews, Berube

The Toronto Maple Leafs are working towards important conversations with superstar Auston Matthews and head coach Craig Berube. Both are expected to sit down with new general manager John Chayka in the coming days.

Chayka wants to have a face-to-face meeting with Matthews to better understand his long-term outlook and alignment with the team’s vision. He’s got to sell Matthews on being part of the solution.

At the same time, the Maple Leafs are assessing what comes next for Berube. Early indications suggest the team may be comfortable keeping him in place. Berube has posted a mixed record over two seasons, making the playoffs once but also finishing near the bottom of the division.