NHL Rumors: McKenna’s Mom Charged, Playoff Marner and Wallstedt Bounceback – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In today’s edition of NHL rumors, we start with Mitch Marner, who, in his first season away from the Toronto Maple Leafs, is having the best playoff game of his career. Elsewhere, Krystal McKenna, the mother of high-profile veteran Gavin McKenna, is facing charges.

Finally, the Minnesota Wild went with Filip Gustavsson in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche, putting Jesper Wallstedt on the bench for the first time this postseason. Who are they going with in Game 3?

Playoff Marner: A Different Animal in Vegas

After facing so much criticism during his time with the Maple Leafs, Marner has been doing very well with the Vegas Golden Knights in his first playoff contest with his new team.

Much of the criticism Marner received came from his performance in the finals. Before this season, Marner had just 13 goals in 70 playoff games. Although his total score was decent, the biggest problem was later in the series.

From 2019 to 2025, Marner played in 20 games that were a Game 5, Game 6, or Game 7. During that time, he recorded just seven points, all of them unassisted. The belief was that he didn’t have what it took to make it to the big time.

Now, it’s important to note that those games are almost always low-scoring areas where the defense is strong. The first four games in the series are usually very open, take advantage of it.

The Golden Knights, in nine games, lead the league with 13 points, and his six goals are the most.

His previous career high in goals in a single playoff contest was three, which he scored just once. Every other season it was one, two, or no goals. On May 8, 2026, Marner scored a hat-trick in just over 23 minutes of ice time.

Was it the pressure of the Toronto market? Is it about the equity he has in Vegas? While there may be no concrete answer to that, Marner has absolutely made any argument he can’t make in the playoffs.

Krystal McKenna Charged with Third-Degree Misdemeanor

On Jan. 31, Gavin McKenna filled the headlines after an altercation at a Penn State bar. McKenna allegedly broke another man’s jaw during the altercation, but assault charges were dropped after prosecutors reviewed the video.

On May 8, a report came out, “Krystal McKenna, mother of Penn State men’s hockey player Gavin McKenna, has been charged with selling or providing alcohol to minors.” (from Gavin McKenna’s mother charged with providing alcohol to minors, The Daily CollegianMay 8, 2026)

Charges for providing alcohol to minors have vague terms, but usually include someone providing alcohol to minors or letting them know they are drinking on their premises.

The report shows that the incident happened on Jan. 31, 2026, the same night as the bar fight.

His trial will be held on June 3.

Wild Almost Back to Wallstedt in Game 3

After a dominant first-round series against the Dallas Stars, Wallstedt was hit in the first game against the Avalanche, allowing eight goals on 34 shots.

It was a controversial decision to go with Wallstedt at all in the playoffs, but until Game 1, it looks like the right call, no doubt.

Gustavsson started in Game 2, but allowed four goals on 18 shots, didn’t make his mark and stole the crease back.

The Athletic’s Joe Smith spoke to Wallstedt, and his thoughts were about bouncing back from the loss. (from Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt ‘has no bad feelings’ over Game 2 snub, wants to bounce back, The Athletic, May 9, 2026)

Smith notes that when asked what kind of conversation he had with head coach John Hynes, Wallstedt said, “It was a good time to get ‘Gus’ back to play.

There is a good chance that Hynes will go back to the goalie they got in the first round. There could be his frustration with Gustavsson, who after almost three weeks, did not have a good show.

Will the Wild move a goaltender in the offseason? Wallstedt was in trade rumors earlier this year, but now it may be Gustavsson who is more readily available.