NHL Rumors: Matthews, MacKinnon and Domi Injury Message, Oilers Waiting – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL news, the focus is on several headlines involving the Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest star, and an unexpected injury to their top team. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon may be in doubt as the Western Conference Final departs from the Colorado Avalanche. There’s an Edmonton Oilers coaching update, and a growing front office rumor from Nashville.

Matthews’ Future Speech Keeps Calm Maple Leaves

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, there hasn’t been a personal meeting with Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that doesn’t mean the communication has stopped. Friedman explained in his own 32 Thoughts podcast that the two sides have been in contact, including a recent Zoom meeting involving Matthews, GM John Chayka, and Mats Sundin.

The meeting, described as the first in-depth discussion between the two sides, was reportedly positive. Matthews’ message was clear: his priority is still winning in Toronto. Friedman added that the organization is operating under the belief that its star is “bought” and long-lasting.

While no extension or official commitment was discussed, and a trade is still technically possible, it’s not currently on anyone’s radar.

Max Domi Setback Causes Early Roster Concerns

The Maple Leafs received another blow with news that Max Domi may miss the start of the 2026-27 season due to complications from offseason surgery. The club has confirmed that Domi has undergone a procedure to repair the injury he played on during the previous campaign, but unforeseen problems have extended his recovery time.

Domi has been ruled out for good and will be re-evaluated when training camp opens in September. The 31-year-old forward appeared in 80 games last season, recording 12 goals and 36 points while playing a major role in scoring six goals.

The loss creates an early hole in the Maple Leafs’ frontcourt and increases the pressure on management, who already faces a long to-do list.

Oilers May Have to Wait on Cassidy

Chris Johnston reports: “I think the Oilers will have to wait and see with Bruce Cassidy; if not, you have a choice between [Craig] Berube, [Peter] Laviolette, maybe there is a mystery box but I don’t really see it.

There are also questions about whether the narrative surrounding Cassidy is changing. Is the Golden Knights recent success the result of improved play under John Tortorella? Or, did all this happen because Bruce Cassidy was released?

Golden Knights Push Avalanche to the Brink

Speaking of the Vegas Golden Knights, they are now one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals after a stunning 5-3 comeback win over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Despite falling behind 3-0 in the first half, Vegas responded with five unanswered goals to take a 3-0 lead.

Colorado head coach Jared Bednar sums up the performance bluntly, saying “Everything” went wrong.

In Colorado, the situation worsened with an injury scare for Nathan MacKinnon, who blocked a shot and looked limited afterward. Although he came back for a while, his performance was limited. His status for Game 4 is unclear. “You might have to kill him to get him off the ice,” Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood said. “It’s just the type of person he is, the competitor he is. He obviously shows that every time he’s on the ice. He wants to win more than anybody. Just another example.”

Predators GM Rumor Shut Down Soon

A report suggesting the Nashville Predators were preparing to hire Colorado senior Chris MacFarland has been strongly ruled out by insiders as their next manager. Friedman clarified that no consent has been given for negotiations, and no agreement is in place.

Speculation has suggested that Nashville is closing in on a deal, but Friedman insisted that the allegations are “way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, way, ahead of time.” At this stage, there is no indication that the negotiations have progressed beyond informal discussions.