NHL Rumors: Sabers Summer Plans, Devils Mega Trade, Nylander’s Thoughts – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor mill, the Buffalo Sabers have some big decisions to make on their blue line, and there may already be some work in progress on that. Meanwhile, William Nylander discussed his plans and how he sees the Toronto Maple Leafs. Finally, are there issues with a few key players in New Jersey, and could the Devils be looking at a potential blockbuster trade?

Sabers Blue Line Summer Plans

Both Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman provided interesting updates on the Buffalo Sabers summer plans. Among them, Friedman reports that the team will make a decision on defenseman Michael Kesselring. Realizing that he is very low on the team chart, other clubs see him as a player who can take a meaningful role. “As a fair shot, I think they will have no problem finding a place for him to play if they decide to do it,” he said.

Meanwhile, LeBrun replaced Bowen Byram and wrote in a recent column for The Athletic that Byram’s agent, Darren Ferris, is expected to meet with GM Jarmo Kekäläinen at the Draft Combine in Buffalo next week.

You write:

“It will be interesting to see how it goes in the future of Byram. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, and I think he likes it a lot in Buffalo, so it will not surprise me if he extends this summer. On the other hand, Ferris in philosophy often advises his clients to make the most of their UFA so I can see the advice of his client in the summer, to play his contract.

source – ‘NHL rumors: Hischier’s future, coaching carousel, Cassidy talks, Byram extension, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05/26/2026

Nico Hischier Worried about New Jersey?

LeBrun also reports that Nico Hischier is a name to watch in New Jersey. While the latest drama surrounds Simon Nemec, Hischier thinks about his future.

LeBrun writes, “Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, stopped in New Jersey for the first meeting with new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta about two weeks ago on his way to Switzerland to meet with his client before the IIHF World Championships. My understanding is that so far, those initial talks have been peaceful and positive. Hischier is on an expiring contract.”

If the Devils feel they have to trade Hischier because he isn’t ready to commit, could there be a blockbuster that could see Hischier and Nemec come out of the same job? Just throwing out ideas here, but Quinn Hughes, anyone?

LeBrun noted that the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens could all be interested if Hischier becomes available.

William Nylander Wants to Stay in Toronto

In a recent interview posted on YouTube, Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave for greener pastures or a fresh start.

Nylander says:

“I mean, I don’t want to go anywhere, I love Toronto, and I’ve been home for a long time, and nothing would make me happier than winning here. So I hope one day that dream comes true.

Nylander talked about the excitement of Mats Sundin’s entry. “He knows what it’s all about and he plays in Toronto. Being a leader of this team and being an amazing, you know, captain here. And you know, he’s going to bring that to the table and I think he’s going to help our club a lot.”

He admitted he’s curious about where the team is headed, but believes the Maple Leafs can bounce back.