NHL Rumors: Rielly Talks, Gauthier Holdout, and a Zacha Trade – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Morgan Rielly is feeling relieved and motivated heading into another season in Toronto. He spoke about the drama that surrounded him this offseason. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks could be facing a significant salary-cap problem after Cutter Gauthier reportedly rejected a massive contract offer. Finally, could the Boston Bruins trade Pavel Zacha?

Morgan Rielly Feeling Refocused and Motivated

Morgan Rielly appears to be heading into the upcoming season with a renewed sense of confidence after an offseason that included some uncertainty about his future in Toronto.

Speaking to the media this week, Rielly acknowledged there was uncertainty this summer but confirmed Toronto has always been where he wants to play. “I feel grateful to be a part of this organization and this team.”

After representing Canada at the world championship, he returned home, refocused and put together a strong offseason of training. Rielly admitted he feels nervous, excited and motivated heading into the season, while also stressing that he doesn’t take being a Maple Leaf for granted.

“I feel nervous. I feel excited, motivated. I just try not to take being a Leaf for granted. This is a great market to play in, a great place to live. Like I said, this is home now. To be a part of this team means a lot to me.”

Cutter Gauthier’s Contract Standoff Creates Ducks’ Cap Problem

The Anaheim Ducks may have a serious problem developing with Cutter Gauthier. According to reports, Gauthier and agent Kurt Overhardt rejected a four-year contract worth $52 million, or $13 million per season. That was learned earlier this week.

The new update is that things could get ugly, with Gauthier possibly holding out and missing the start of training camp. Coming off his first 40-goal season, Gauthier’s camp apparently believes he can command more than the Ducks can afford. They have only about $9 million in projected cap space, meaning they would need to clear roughly $4 million just to accommodate a $13 million AAV. And, if Pat Verbeek, who is known to be tough during contract negotiations, gets annoyed, how long could this drag out?

The immediate belief is that Chris Kreider, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit, will get tossed into trade conversation. If Gauthier’s demands continue climbing, more than Kreider could be moved.

Bruins Have Important Pavel Zacha Decision Looming

Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald noted that Pavel Zacha’s durability and consistency make him a player the Bruins would have good reason to keep. At the same time, Zacha’s trade value may never be higher, meaning Boston could potentially bring back a significant return if it decided to move him.

Conroy writes:

“They also have young centers already in Boston or in the pipeline (Fraser Minten, James Hagens, Dean Letourneau) who could be blocked by a Zacha signing. The third option is hanging on to him and waiting until the trade deadline. If they’ve fallen out of playoff contention, then moving him is easy. But if they’re in the thick of things, how palatable will it be to trade one of your top two centers, especially if the return is for futures? Not very.”

source – ‘Five lingering Bruins questions with training camp slowly approaching’ – Stgeve Conroy – Boston Herald – 08-10-2026

The Bruins are believed to prefer keeping Zacha. However, if the two sides don’t reach an agreement before the season, expect chatter to pick up as the 2026-27 campaign rolls along.

The deadline is the most likely date for a move.