NHL Rumors: Tkachuk to Bruins, Nurse Move, and Maple Leafs Lottery Win Means Big Trade? – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs shocked the league by winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery. What dominoes fall as a result? Could a wild blockbuster idea involving Auston Matthews and the San Jose Sharks gain traction? Meanwhile, there are still major questions looming for the Pittsburgh Penguins when it comes to Evgeni Malkin. The Boston Bruins could be open to chasing Brady Tkachuk. Finally, front office changes are confirmed in Vancouver, while Darnell Nurse trade chatter surfaces in Edmonton.

Maple Leafs Win Lottery, Face Franchise-Altering Decisions

The Toronto Maple Leafs landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, instantly changing the direction of their offseason. With a premium selection in hand, Toronto now has a rare opportunity to reshape its roster—but that opportunity comes with difficult questions about the future of Auston Matthews.

Holding the top pick could allow the Leafs to draft a franchise talent like Gavin McKenna or address other key needs. However, it also opens the door to a potential reset if management believes the current core can’t contend. With Matthews’ long-term future still uncertain, the organization must decide whether to double down on its star or pivot.

Blockbuster Matthews-to-Sharks Idea Sparks Debate

A wild trade scenario involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks is making the rounds after Macklin Celebrini followed Auston Matthews on social media. The theory (which is only just a fun theory) suggests Matthews could be dealt to San Jose in exchange for the No. 2 overall pick and additional assets.

While speculative, the idea is intriguing. The Sharks would land a franchise superstar to pair with Celebrini, accelerating their rebuild. Meanwhile, Toronto would walk away with both the No. 1 and No. 2 selections—potentially fast-tracking a retool around elite young talent.

It’s important to remember that Matthews holds a full no-move clause and would need to approve any deal. San Jose would also likely want assurances of a long-term extension.

Penguins Still Haven’t Spoken to Malkin

The Pittsburgh Penguins have yet to engage in contract talks with Evgeni Malkin, raising questions about the veteran’s future. Josh Yohe of The Athletic writes:

“Sources within Malkin’s management team said that, as of Monday night, Dubas and Malkin’s representatives have not spoken since the Penguins’ season ended. Malkin’s camp said it has opted to remain quiet while Dubas handles his end-of-season exit meetings and focuses on AHL Wilkes-Barre during its playoff series with Hershey.”

source – ‘Deciphering Evgeni Malkin’s NHL future: Penguins contract, new team or retirement?’ – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 05-05-2026

Yohe also notes that Malkin intends to reach out to setting a meeting this week, and that it’s unclear if Dubas has changed his mind on not offering Malkin an extension, even though Sidney Crosby would like to see him return.

Bruins to Check in on Brady Tkachuk?

Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic wondered if the Boston Bruins would be among the teams that would check in on the availability of Brady Tkachuk this summer. Tkachuk said he’s tired of the rumors, but that hasn’t slowed the speculation that he could be moved.

Shinzawa writes:

“…given Ottawa’s first-round exit and Tkachuk’s zero-point postseason output, the Senators may be concerned about whether he wants to stay upon the conclusion of his contract. There would be a line at the U.S.-Canada border of parties interested in acquiring the power forward. Whether the Bruins would have enough assets to catch Ottawa’s eye is unknown.”

source – ‘Bruins offseason priorities: Trade Lohrei? Extend Minten? Check in on Tkachuk?’ – Fluto Shinzawa – The Athletic – 05-05-2026

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are exploring several offseason options—such as dealing Joonas Korpisalo or Casey Mittelstadt.

Canucks’ Rutherford Stepping Back

The Vancouver Canucks are undergoing a leadership shift, as Jim Rutherford prepares to step back into an advisory role following the draft. He confirmed this would be his plan and that he’s been thinking about it for a few seasons.

With a new general manager expected soon, sometime in the next week, Vancouver is keeping its options open. Rutherford said the new GM would make all decisions going forward, including the possibility of trading down from the No. 3 pick to add more assets.

Oilers to Revisit Darnell Nurse Trade Talks?

In Edmonton, trade chatter continues to swirl around Darnell Nurse. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was a guest on Oilers Nation and reported that the Edmonton Oilers previously explored a deal with Toronto, though nothing materialized. He’s not sold the Maple Leafs, and the Oilers would revisit these talks.

The Oilers are reportedly open to moving the defenseman, but Nurse’s contract, ties to Edmonton’s core group, and no-move clause complicate matters.