NHL Rumors: Bedard and Byram, Robertson Trade, Maple Leafs Buzz – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In today’s NHL rumor game, the buzz over the weekend involving James van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs came to nothing, but Morgan Rielly is still being talked about. Was Connor Bedard’s extension to Chicago directly connected to the trade that brought in Bowen Byram? Where are things with Jason Robertson? Finally, Jack Campbell has announced his retirement, and is charting a new path and taking on a new career.

Maple Leafs Create Buzz With Unexpected Throwback

The Maple Leafs caught fans off guard after sharing the highlights of former forward James van Riemsdyk, who has been out of Toronto for years and is unsigned. The post, with the caption “Don’t Blink”, quickly sparked speculation about a possible reunion.

There is nothing in it.

While the idea makes some sense—van Riemsdyk could still contribute in a limited role—there is no indication that a deal is in place. The Maple Leafs also posted videos about Tyler Bozak and Justin Holl. These videos were just jokes.

Is The Morgan Rielly Trade Still Possible?

NHL insider Chris Johnston said on the season-ending episode of “The Chris Johnston’s Show” that Toronto’s expectations have not changed regarding the Morgan Rielly trade. He believes the Maple Leafs are still trying to find a trade that could move the defenseman.

“I’m still looking forward to seeing what happens with Rielly,” Johnston said. “I continue to hear that the expectation is ‘He’s going to be moved before next season,’ but you know, as I’ve said in our previous trade talks, some of the talk sometimes comes out of those talks as we head into the summer.”

He added, “I still think they’re still going to look for ways to change and shape the roster, so this might be one of the busiest seasons for the Leafs that I can remember.”

Chicago’s offseason moves to pay for Bedard

The Blackhawks’ acquisition of Bowen Byram may have played a subtle but important role in finalizing Connor Bedard’s extension. The two players share a long-standing connection, and Bedard’s positive reaction to this reportedly helped move his extension.

Chicago’s front office understood that Byram had more value than he could as the team’s top defender. His relationship with Bedard helped convince Bedard that he was committed to staying.

Robertson Situation Heating Up in Dallas

The contract negotiations between the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson have not been resolved, and the situation is one that must be discussed before his July 25th arbitration hearing. Robertson doesn’t seem to shy away from asking – given Carlsson and Bedard’s new deals, why would he? Meanwhile, Dallas is weighing how to make the numbers work.

If negotiations continue, trade negotiations will have to begin. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team to watch.

Jack Campbell Retires to Become a Life Coach

Former Oilers, Leafs, and Kings goaltender Jack Campbell has announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 34. In an Instagram bio update and video, Campbell said goodbye to his playing days and announced that he is becoming a fitness and performance coach.

He added his explanation:

“Leaving hockey was not easy. It gave me more than I could have imagined. But in the last few years, I realized that the job that brought me the most satisfaction was not blocking pucks—helping people become who they can be. I am very grateful to start this next chapter as a coach with @novus.global, high-level players, representing international leaders, playing well and playing well. Big ideas for their lives and being the people those ideas need.”