NHL Weekend Rumors: McDavid’s Potential Destinations, Gauthier Standoff, Cooper-to-Toronto Talk

In this weekend’s NHL rumors report, Connor McDavid isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but trade talk picked up again, and one analyst named three teams McDavid might consider joining. If he ever decides to move on, which teams should you watch, and will they clear the deck just in case? Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are facing a significant contract standoff with Cutter Gauthier. Adam Fantilli’s negotiations with the Columbus Blue Jackets continue without much drama. Finally, speculation about Jon Cooper eventually coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs refuses to go away.

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Three Potential Destinations for Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid has given the Edmonton Oilers two more seasons at a very reasonable $12.5 million cap hit, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll remain in Edmonton beyond his current contract.

E.J. Hradek of NHL Network recently identified the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings as potential destinations if McDavid eventually decides his best chance to win is elsewhere. The Rangers stand out with a projected $54 million in cap space for 2027-28, and Hradek argues that it is, after all, New York. He didn’t explain why Philadelphia and Detroit would be on McDavid’s approved list.

Hradek admits, ultimately, the decision appears to come down to one thing: winning. That makes the comments all the more intriguing.

Sidney Crosby-to-Montreal Speculation Isn’t Going Away

Sidney Crosby trade speculation has quieted considerably after the Pittsburgh Penguins surprisingly made the playoffs last season, but analyst Sid Seixeiro believes Montreal should still make a bold attempt to acquire the franchise legend.

Seixeiro suggested the Canadiens could offer a first-round pick and prospect Michael Hage for Crosby, arguing that Montreal still needs a legitimate top center and that Crosby’s childhood connection to the Canadiens would make the fit particularly compelling. Crosby, 39, has one year remaining on his current contract after recording 74 points in 68 games last season.

Related: Crosby-to-Canadiens Rumour Sounds Great. Doesn’t Make It Real

The expectation remains that he’ll stay in Pittsburgh, especially after Evgeni Malkin re-signed. Josh Yohe of The Athletic also reported that there have been no contract extension talks, but it is believed Crosby would do another one or two-year extension with the Penguins and on a team-friendly deal.

Cutter Gauthier’s Contract Standoff Could Force Ducks to Make a Trade

The Anaheim Ducks are facing a significant salary-cap problem involving Cutter Gauthier. Reports indicate Gauthier and agent Kurt Overhardt rejected a four-year contract worth $52 million, or $13 million annually. Coming off a 41-goal season, Gauthier clearly believes he has earned more, but Anaheim has only about $9 million in projected cap space.

Even matching the reported $13 million AAV would require the Ducks to clear roughly $4 million. There is now speculation that Gauthier could hold out of training camp if an agreement isn’t reached. Chris Kreider, who carries a $6.5 million cap hit, could become an obvious trade candidate if Anaheim needs room.

If Gauthier’s asking price keeps rising, moving Kreider alone may not solve the problem. Could this get to a point where the Ducks have to consider moving Gauthier?

Adam Fantilli Talks Remain Quiet as Jon Cooper Rumors Continue

The Columbus Blue Jackets appear increasingly comfortable with the pace of Adam Fantilli’s contract negotiations. Aaron Portzline suggested there is little concern about an offer sheet at this point, noting that one probably would have materialized by now if a team were serious about pursuing the young center.

Portzline also believes Fantilli’s eventual contract could land around $13 million to $13.5 million annually, with the asking price rising after Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet.

Jon Cooper to the Maple Leafs?

Jon Cooper-to-Toronto speculation popped up this week when Jeff Marek and Greg Wyshynski of The Sheet suggested Cooper would be open to the challenge. Why it would come up now and right after the Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller is a bit of a headscratcher, but that’s what they said on their recent show.

Marek suggested Cooper might view Toronto as a challenge he would embrace, but Cooper remains committed to Tampa Bay. If he ever did leave, it’s difficult to say Toronto would be the obvious destination—especially if coaching Connor McDavid became an option.

Next: How the Maple Leafs Ended the “Core Four” Problem