NHL Rumors: Vladar Deal, Toews Done, Greer to Market, Trocheck Trade and the Maple Leafs – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring both the trade and coaching markets, the New York Rangers are fielding major interest in Vincent Trocheck, the Philadelphia Flyers appear set to lock in their starting goaltender, a veteran is retiring, and a depth forward could be on the move after a Stanley Cup run.

Maple Leafs Eye Trocheck, Coaching Search Intensifies

According to Molly Walker of the New York Post, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring upgrades down the middle, with Vincent Trocheck emerging as a prime target. With Max Domi sidelined indefinitely due to back surgery complications, Toronto is searching for a reliable second-line center — and Trocheck seems to be their top target. He would slot in behind Auston Matthews, potentially allowing John Tavares to shift into a more sheltered third-line role.

However, acquiring Trocheck won’t be easy. The Rangers are believed to be seeking a significant return, including a first-round pick, a roster player, and a prospect. While Toronto is unlikely to move its first-overall selection, they do have future picks and young assets like Nick Robertson or Ben Danford to include.

At the same time, the Leafs’ coaching search is heating up. With younger options off the board, veteran names like Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette have surfaced as candidates.

Rangers Getting Heavy Interest in Trocheck

Having already mentioned Toronto’s interest in Vincent Trocheck, the Rangers aren’t going to be stuck with only one offer. After opting not to move him at the trade deadline, his value has only increased. With a thin free-agent market for top-six centers, multiple teams — including Toronto, Minnesota, and Detroit — have shown interest.

Trocheck’s contract is attractive at $5.6 million annually for three more seasons. It’s increasingly viewed as a bargain, especially with the salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming years. That affordability, combined with his two-way reliability, makes him one of the more coveted centers potentially available.

Montreal is also said to be interested, but there have been no confirmed talks between the Rangers and Canadiens.

Flyers Closing In on Vladar Extension

The Philadelphia Flyers appear poised to secure their long-term answer in goal, with Daniel Vladar reportedly nearing a five-year extension. As reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the deal, expected to be finalized after July 1, reflects the organization’s confidence in Vladar following a breakout season.

The 28-year-old played a key role in Philadelphia’s playoff push, logging over 50 regular-season games and delivering strong postseason numbers.

This move, however, creates questions surrounding Samuel Ersson. While he showed improvement in the second half of the season, the Flyers’ commitment to Vladar suggests Ersson could become expendable. With solid NHL experience, he may attract interest from teams seeking a dependable backup or tandem option.

Greer Likely to Test Free Agency

Depth forward A.J. Greer is expected to test the free-agent market, according to Friedman. Greer played a valuable role as a fourth-liner during a recent Stanley Cup run, bringing energy and physicality. Greer might be able to secure a bigger role and larger payday on a different roster, while the Panthers might be looking to change out a few pieces after a tough season.

Jonathan Toews Retiring

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that nothing is official yet, but it appears veteran forward Jonthan Toews is likely retiring from the NHL.

Toews did say at the end of the season that he would think things through, and if he continued playing, he would want to stay in Winnipeg. If this is the end for Toews, at least he got to return and go out on his own terms.