Buffalo Sabres and Zach Benson in Seven-Year Deal Discussions
Reports suggest the Buffalo Sabres are in negotiations with pending RFA Zach Benson for a contract that could span seven years and be valued at over $7 million annually. This potential deal is being compared to Josh Doan’s seven-year agreement worth $6.95 million per season.
New York Islanders Unlikely to Pursue Elias Pettersson
There is no indication that the New York Islanders are interested in acquiring forward Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks.
Matthew Knies Not Expected to Be Traded by Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has indicated that trading a young, top player like Matthew Knies to improve the roster is improbable, despite the possibility of any transaction. He believes such a move is unlikely to significantly enhance the team.
Washington Capitals Eyeing Alex DeBrincat if Available
If Alex DeBrincat becomes available, particularly if the Detroit Red Wings trade Dylan Larkin, the Washington Capitals might show interest. The Capitals are actively seeking a top-six winger, and DeBrincat, who has a proven scoring record, has prior chemistry with Dylan Strome from their junior and NHL careers.
Six Mock Trades Ahead of the NHL Draft
Here are six proposed mock trades circulating as the draft approaches:
- Florida Panthers Receive: F Dylan Larkin
- Detroit Red Wings Receive: F Anton Lundell, F Mackie Samoskevich, 2026 second-round pick (from WSH)
- Colorado Avalanche Receive: F Jake DeBrusk
- Washington Capitals Receive: F Valeri Nichushkin
- Vancouver Canucks Receive: 2026 first-round pick (from ANA), 2026 third-round pick (from NSH)
- Carolina Hurricanes Receive: G Connor Hellebuyck
- Winnipeg Jets Receive: D Alexander Nikishin, F Bradly Nadeau, 2026 first-round pick
- Anaheim Ducks Receive: D Colton Parayko
- St. Louis Blues Receive: 2027 first-round pick, D Stian Solberg
- Minnesota Wild Receive: F Vincent Trocheck
- New York Rangers Receive: F Danila Yurov, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
- Montreal Canadiens Receive: F Mason McTavish
- Anaheim Ducks Receive: D David Reinbacher, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick
English Translation:
Buffalo Sabres and Zach Benson in Seven-Year Deal Discussions
Kevin Weekes reports that the Buffalo Sabres and pending restricted free agent Zach Benson are working on a contract that could be for seven years and worth upwards of $7 million per year. This is being compared to Josh Doan’s seven-year deal at $6.95 million annually.
New York Islanders Not Likely Interested in Elias Pettersson
Stefen Rosner suggests that the New York Islanders are probably not interested in Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson.
Matthew Knies Not Expected to Be Traded by Maple Leafs
Regarding the likelihood of trading Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving stated, “The idea we’re going to improve the roster by moving a top young player. Anything’s possible, I guess it’s not probable. I think it makes for good writing, good interest for people, but that’s a tough bar to hurdle.”
Could the Washington Capitals be Interested in Alex DeBrincat if Available?
David Pagnotta mentioned on The Hockey News that if the Detroit Red Wings were to trade Dylan Larkin this offseason, it could put other players into question, including forward Alex DeBrincat. Sammi Silber of The Hockey News notes that the Washington Capitals are in the market for a top-six winger. DeBrincat has scored 40 goals three times and at least 27 goals in eight of nine seasons. He has previously played with Dylan Strome in the OHL’s Erie Otters and with the Chicago Blackhawks. This is a situation to monitor if and when Larkin is traded.
Six Mock Trades
Ryan S. Clarke, Kristen Shilton, and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN provide a look at six mock trades heading into the draft:
- Florida Panthers get: F Dylan Larkin, 2026 seventh-round pick (CGY)
- Detroit Red Wings get: F Anton Lundell, F Mackie Samoskevich, 2026 second-round pick (WSH)
- Colorado Avalanche get: F Jake DeBrusk
- Washington Capitals get: F Valeri Nichushkin
- Vancouver Canucks get: 2026 first-round pick (ANA), 2026 third-round pick (NSH)
- Carolina Hurricanes get: G Connor Hellebuyck
- Winnipeg Jets get: D Alexander Nikishin, F Bradly Nadeau, 2026 first-round pick
- Anaheim Ducks get: D Colton Parayko
- St. Louis Blues get: 2027 first-round pick and D Stian Solberg
- Minnesota Wild get: F Vincent Trocheck
- New York Rangers get: F Danila Yurov, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
- Montreal Canadiens get: F Mason McTavish
- Anaheim Ducks get: D David Reinbacher, 2026 second-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick
