NHL Rumors: Roy Firing, Maple Leafs Reunion, TJ Hughes News, and ‘Red Herring’ Trade – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s round of NHL rumors, the New York Islanders are the latest to make a coaching change, but has Patrick Roy lost room? Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be looking to reunite with a familiar face, and the trade discussion involving Matthew Knies may not be what it seems. Finally, several Canadian teams have planned one of hockey’s most interesting free agents.

Are there more coaching changes, or are the teams that have made their changes behind the bench the only ones set to make changes with a few games to go?

Coaching Changes in the NHL… Why Was Roy Fired?

Few expected the coaching changes that took place this week during the league campaign, but few clubs were hoping for a “bump” that would come with the change. Both the Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Islanders were looking to send a jolt to their entire schedule. For the other (Golden Knights), it worked. In the other (Islands), it’s too close to say.

Pete DeBoer is now off the market, but that’s not because he might be taken by Toronto. The Islanders felt that DeBoer could push them into the playoffs and help them escape. The Maple Leafs weren’t looking for DeBoer to do the same.

The Islanders’ decision to move on from Patrick Roy raised eyebrows, especially with reports that some players felt uncomfortable in the position. However, GM Mathieu Darche dismissed the idea that Roy was lost to the locker room. Darche explained: “Patrick hasn’t lost his room [that] boys don’t want to play for him, anyway. The boys respected Patrick. Again, we just wanted to take it forward from where things were going. “

Maple Leafs May Revisit Scott Laughton Reunion

As Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reports, the Maple Leafs may be considering reuniting Scott Laughton, who was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings at the trade deadline. Despite this move and Laughton’s openness to signing an extension with the Kings, he has not closed the door on a return to Toronto.

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His departure left a visible gap in the leadership, and those who used to play with him talk about how they remember his speaking and his ability to take responsibility. As one player noted, Laughton was often the voice the team leaned on in difficult times.

Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the possibility of a return, citing the player’s ties to the Toronto area. With the Leafs expected to make changes following a disappointing season, a reunion would make sense—though much will depend on the vision of the incoming management.

Knies Trade Rumors Called “Red Herring”

Trade speculation involving Matthew Knies and the Montreal Canadiens could be misleading, according to former GM Brian Lawton. While reports suggest that the Knies are part of a potential deal between Toronto and Montreal, Lawton indicated that the real delay centers on a different move involving the center.

Several people have indicated that there have been talks between the two clubs, but subsequent reports have indicated that nothing is imminent and that time is running out in the trade period for something big to be done. Lawton’s comments suggest that if a separate transaction failed to happen, the entire structure between the Leafs and Canadiens also collapsed.

The implication that the Knies are talking—and speculation involving prospect Michael Hage—may have been more noise than excitement, and that it was something else the two teams were talking about.

Canadian Teams In The Mix On College Free Agent TJ Hughes

Interest is heating up in college standout TJ Hughes, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after free agents outside of the NHL. Reports indicate that more than ten teams are expected to follow him, with some Canadian teams leading the way.

Among those believed to be in the mix are the Edmonton Oilers, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens, as well as clubs like Vancouver and Colorado.

Hughes will have no shortage of options. His decision may be one of opportunity, balance, and a clear path to NHL minutes.