NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Await Matthews' Future, Senators Seek RHD

Clarity on Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews Expected by June

Chris Johnston indicates that the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, including General Manager Brad Treliving, is currently uncertain about the resolution of Auston Matthews' contract situation. Matthews, 28, is likely to decide on his future after offseason discussions. The statuses of Treliving and head coach Craig Berube also remain undetermined. Definitive answers are not anticipated until June.

With past first-round draft picks having been traded to Boston and Philadelphia, the Maple Leafs are signaling a retooling effort rather than a full rebuild. This strategy places additional pressure on the team during the upcoming offseason.

Ottawa Senators Continue Search for a Right-Handed Defenseman This Offseason

Bruce Garrioch reports that the Ottawa Senators will continue their pursuit of a right-handed defenseman during the offseason. This comes as 35-year-old pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Nick Jensen is not expected to return for the next season.

Before the recent trade deadline, the Senators showed interest in several players, including MacKenzie Weegar (who was traded to the Utah Mammoth), Rasmus Ristolainen (Flyers), Colton Parayko (Blues), Justin Faulk (traded to the Red Wings), and Devils' defensemen Simon Nemec and Dougie Hamilton.

Colton Parayko, who possesses a no-movement clause, previously declined a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. The St. Louis Blues had reportedly demanded a high-end prospect and a first-round pick for his services. For the Senators to acquire Parayko, they would likely need to part with a prospect such as Carter Yakemchuk or Logan Hensler, alongside a 2027 first-round pick.

In the free-agent market, Darren Raddysh, a pending unrestricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Lightning, would be considered the top right-handed defenseman if he reaches free agency, likely seeking a long-term deal. Rasmus Andersson is another prominent name, but it's believed he would not waive his no-movement clause for the Senators, making a free-agent signing improbable. Other right-shot defensemen mentioned include John Carlson (Ducks), Brent Burns (Avs), Jacob Trouba (Ducks), John Klingberg (Sharks), and Radko Gudas (Ducks). Logan Stanley (Sabres) and Jamie Oleksiak (Kraken), though left-handed, are noted for their versatility in playing on the right side.

Senators GM Steve Staois has suggested Carter Yaremchuk could be an internal option, though other league executives reportedly have concerns regarding his current skating ability.