NHL Rumors: Sabres Summer Plans, Devils Mega Trade, Nylander’s Thoughts – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Buffalo Sabres have some big decisions to make on their blue line, and there may already be work happening on that front. Meanwhile, William Nylander discussed his plans and how he sees the Toronto Maple Leafs. Finally, are there issues with a couple of key players in New Jersey, and could the Devils be looking at a possible blockbuster trade?

Sabres Blue Line Summer Plans

Both Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman offered some intriguing updates on the summer plans for the Buffalo Sabres. Among them, Friedman reports that the team will make a decision on defenseman Michael Kesselring. Noting he was far down the team’s depth chart, other clubs see him as a player who can take on a more meaningful role. “As a right shot, I think they’ll have no problem finding somewhere for him to play if they decide to do it,” he noted.

Meanwhile, LeBrun dug into the Bowen Byram situation and wrote in a recent column for The Athletic that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, is slated to meet with GM Jarmo Kekäläinen at the Draft Combine in Buffalo next week.

He writes:

“It will be interesting to see how it goes on the Byram front. He’s scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, and I think he really likes it in Buffalo, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he extended this summer. On the other hand, Ferris philosophically often advises his clients to fully take advantage of their UFA option, so I could also see a scenario in which that’s the advice for his client this summer, to play out his contract. We shall see.”

source – ‘NHL rumblings: Hischier’s future, coaching carousel, Cassidy interviews, Byram extension, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05/26/2026

Nico Hischier Concerns in New Jersey?

LeBrun also reports that Nico Hischier is a name to keep an eye on in New Jersey. While recent drama has surrounded Simon Nemec, Hischier is also contemplating his future.

LeBrun writes, “Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, stopped into New Jersey for a first meeting with new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta about two weeks ago en route to Switzerland to meet with his client before the IIHF World Championships. My understanding is that so far, those preliminary discussions have been amicable and positive. But if an extension isn’t signed this summer, it would be hard to fathom Mehta wanting to begin next season with Hischier on an expiring contract.”

If the Devils feel they have to trade Hischier because he’s not ready to commit, is there a blockbuster brewing that could see Hischier and Nemec go out in the same trade? Just spitballing ideas here, but Quinn Hughes, anyone?

LeBrun noted that the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens would all be interested if Hischier became available.

William Nylander Wants to Stay in Toronto

During a recent interview that was posted on YouTube, Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander made it clear he’s not looking to leave for greener pastures or a fresh start.

Nylander said:

“I mean, I don’t want to go anywhere, I love Toronto, and this has been home for me for so long. And nothing would make me happier than to win here. So I hope that one day that dream comes true.

Nylander talked about the excitement of Mats Sundin coming in. “He knows what it’s all about and playing in Toronto. Being such a leader for this team and being an amazing, you know, captain here. And you know, he will bring that to the table and I think help our club a lot.”

He admitted he’s curious about where the team is headed, but he believes the Maple Leafs are capable of bouncing back.