The NHL landscape is buzzing with speculation surrounding multiple head coaching vacancies. For established teams like the LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers, veteran coaches such as Craig Berube and Peter Laviolette are reportedly being considered, signaling a preference for a ‘closer type of coach.’ Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are also actively searching, with names like Malhotra and Woodcroft emerging as strong candidates. David Carle is also a potential option if he expresses interest.
Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek expressed his willingness to support his coaches in pursuing head coaching opportunities, acknowledging that such positions represent the pinnacle of their profession.
In Calgary, the Calgary Flames are deep into their rebuild, having already moved significant assets like Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri. The team has been actively accumulating draft capital, securing multiple first and second-round picks. Sources indicate that the Flames are not done with their roster moves and are open to trading several players, with the exception of goaltender Dustin Wolf, forwards Matvei Gridin and Matt Coronato, and defenseman Zayne Parekh.
Several players with notable contracts could be on the move. Forward Blake Coleman, with one year remaining at $4.9 million, is expected to attract interest from contending teams. Yegor Sharangovich, carrying a $5.75 million cap hit through 2030, may not command a significant return due to his scoring output last season and a 10-team no-trade list. Morgan Frost, with a $4.375 million cap hit through 2027, presents a valuable trade chip given his goal-scoring ability and versatility at center, potentially making him a fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially if their front office dynamics have shifted.
Connor Zary, with two years remaining on his contract at $3.77 million, could be a player the Montreal Canadiens might consider, given their propensity for taking chances on developing talent. Joel Farabee, who has two years left at $5 million, could be a middle-six addition for some teams but might not yield a large return. The contract of Jonathan Huberdeau is unlikely to be moved, and forwards Ryan Strome and defenseman Zach Whitecloud may hold more value to the Flames internally than on the trade market.
