NHL Rumor Roundup: Future Murky For Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews; Latest Predators Buzz
The Toronto Maple Leafs' hiring of John Chayka as their new GM was met with skepticism from pundits and fans over whether the former Arizona Coyotes GM is the right man for the job.
Chayka's biggest challenge as he takes over the role will be deciding what to do with captain Auston Matthews.
The 28-year-old superstar center has two years remaining on his contract, which has Leafs Nation worried that he might depart if he feels the club is heading in the wrong direction after missing the playoffs this year.
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Turning to the Nashville Predators, Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean proposed three bold moves for whoever replaces Barry Trotz as their new GM.
One option is buying out left winger Jonathan Marchessault, whose production has declined during his two-year tenure with the Predators. Daugherty believes a trade would be ideal but doubts they could find much of a market for the 35-year-old, who has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.
Daugherty also suggested looking into acquiring Philadelphia Flyers right winger Matvei Michkov via trade or signing Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson to an offer sheet.
The 21-year-old Michkov's production and ice time declined under Flyers coach Rick Tocchet this season. However, it's doubtful they'll part with the promising youngster because of a sophomore slump.
Robertson could seek a long-term deal worth around $12 million annually. The Stars currently have $11.1 million in cap space, which could make the 26-year-old a tempting target for an offer sheet, assuming that he's willing to sign one.
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:28 AM.