NHL Rumors: Oilers Hire Babcock, McTavish Buzz, Brady Tkachuk Explains – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Brady Tkachuk breaks his silence after a blockbuster move to Florida, Mason McTavish becomes the center of a growing offseason bidding war, the Edmonton Oilers officially usher in the Mike Babcock era, and Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg continues to be a topic of conversation as the NHL Draft arrives.

Tkachuk Explains Decision Behind Florida Move

Just over 36 hours after being dealt from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers, Brady Tkachuk is already opening up about his trade from Ottawa to Florida. He spoke with his brother Matthew on the Wingmen Podcast, then met with Florida media on Tuesday. Tkachuk revealed that while many assumed that playing with Matthew played a major role in his decision, family ties were actually secondary.

Instead, Brady said it was time for the next chapter and that it was about winning. He pointed to the Panthers’ consistent competitiveness and recent success, noting they’ve reached three Stanley Cup Finals and won two championships in the last four seasons. Tkachuk also highlighted how difficult they have been to play against, describing Florida as a team built to win every year. Matthew chimed in and suggested that if not for Florida trying to go for it all the time, Brady wouldn’t have sniffed the Panthers as an option.

McTavish Trade Market Turning Into Bidding War

Trade chatter around Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish continues to intensify, with multiple teams now firmly in the mix. Reports suggest the Ottawa Senators are among the most aggressive suitors, armed with two first-round picks that could be used in a potential package. Ottawa is looking to add an impact center after only getting picks back from the Panthers. Reports are that they wanted Anton Lundell, and the Panthers said no.

The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers are also believed to be interested, with both teams evaluating whether McTavish fits their long-term plans. While Anaheim is not actively shopping him, they do realize that a trade is likely their best option. This one is expected.

McTavish, 22, brings offensive skill, physicality, and a heavy shot, but concerns remain about consistency and skating.

Oilers Officially Hire Babcock, Add D.J. Smith

The Edmonton Oilers officially named Mike Babcock their 19th head coach, marking a major organizational shift and a gamble as they try to make a push for a Stanley Cup. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Babcock arrives with one of the most decorated résumés in NHL coaching history, but a checkered past that included an intense meeting with the Oilers’ leadership group. Apparently, they grilled him pretty hard about what happened with other teams. He grilled them right back about their inability to win a Cup.

Edmonton also added D.J. Smith as associate coach, reuniting him with Babcock after their time together in Toronto. Smith brings head coaching experience from Ottawa and most recently served as interim coach with the Los Angeles Kings.

The Oilers are banking on experience and structure to maximize their core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Hellebuyck Trade Talk Gains Momentum

Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg is becoming increasingly uncertain, with reports indicating the Vezina-winning goaltender is “very much open to a change.” According to Pierre LeBrun, multiple contenders are monitoring the situation closely, including the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers’ interest is complicated by their unwillingness to include Anton Lundell in any deal. And, because they moved so many picks to Ottawa in the Tkachuk deal, it’s hard to imagine they have the assets to pull off a Hellebuyck trade.