NHL Rumors: Red Wings GM, Mantha Speaks, Rielly News, and McDavid to Flyers? – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor game, the Detroit Red Wings continue to cast a wide net in their GM search, the New Jersey Devils revealed world-beating Anthony Mantha in free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be in no rush to move Morgan Rielly, and a former NHLer sparked speculation about Connor McDavid possibly trying to make the jump to the Philadelphia F.

Red Wings Cast Wide Net on GM Search

The Detroit Red Wings are exploring a long list of potential replacements for Steve Yzerman, looking inside and out for their next manager. Names linked to the role include insiders Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff, as well as outside options such as Tom Fitzgerald, Marc Bergevin, Kevyn Adams, Tyler Dellow, Evan Gold, Ryan Martin, and Scott White.

One interesting name is Brendan Shanahan. He is a legend in Detroit, and reports say he still wants to be involved in the game as an official. Can the Red Wings replace the Yzer-plan with the Shana-plan? It could be a divisive decision, given how things are going in Toronto.

Mantha Details Why He Chose New Jersey

Anthony Mantha’s decision to join the New Jersey Devils was heavily influenced by the recruiting process. He pointed out that the 30-minute Zoom call with GM Sunny Mehta stood out, noting that not every general manager takes that level of personal interest. Mehta’s belief in Mantha’s advanced metrics also helped seal the deal.

Coming off the best season in his career, Mantha said he wants to leave the year as one of the most talked about players in the NHL. You think you got a little lost in the conversation. He also credited working with a mental coach for his success.

Getting a multi-year contract was also important as he has young children.

Maple Leafs Don’t Run Morgan Rielly Trade

Despite ongoing speculation, the Toronto Maple Leafs do not appear to be willing to move Morgan Rielly this offseason. Analysts suggest that unless he expands his list of preferred destinations, he is likely to remain with the club to start the season. More importantly, Toronto is in no position to trade him without a clear trade.

Rielly continues to play an important role, logging important minutes on the blue line. Moving him for future or cap flexibility alone would leave a gap the Leafs will need to fill. Finding a defenseman who can handle 17–18 minutes per night is not easy, and with so many defensemen now signed, the options are limited. While some fans may want a change, the organization isn’t willing to just dump Rielly without a fill-in.

McDavid-to-Flyers Sparks Sparks Buzz

Here’s a Friday treat.

Speculation about Connor McDavid’s future has resurfaced after former NHLer Todd Fedoruk suggested he heard the Philadelphia Flyers could be a preferred destination. With a growing young core, cap space, and draft capital, the Flyers are positioned to chase prime talent. Their aggressive offer sheet strategy has already made waves and it is clear that they will go for it.

Does that mean McDavid is on their radar or is he looking for himself? That’s not the case.

Fedoruk says:

“He will be a player who will be calling teams. His agent will look for places for him. There are rumors that Philadelphia is the place that Connor McDavid wants to go.”

Any proposal from McDavid or his camp contacting teams would raise concerns while he is still under contract. The Oilers captain is entering the first year of a temporary extension and is coming off another stellar season. For now, there is no indication that he is leaving Edmonton. However, if the team fails again, the speculation will only intensify — and Philadelphia could be among the teams ready to make a serious push.