NHL Rumors: Canucks Eye Doan, McDavid Injury, Red Wings and Blue Jackets Player Changes – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are keeping a close watch on Connor McDavid after a concerning performance and an injury scare in Game 2 versus the Anaheim Ducks. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks continue to look for the right front office, with several intriguing candidates surfacing and an executive from the Toronto Maple Leafs popping up on their radar. Finally, the Columbus Blue Jackets could be heading toward a major culture shift this offseason.

Canucks Eye Shane Doan, Among Other GM Candidates

The Canucks’ search for a new general manager continues to expand, with Elliotte Friedman reporting that the team has asked the Toronto Maple Leafs for permission to speak with special advisor Shane Doan. Although he doesn’t have general manager experience, Doan, a long-time NHL veteran, has impressed in Toronto with his accountability and leadership during a difficult season.

While it’s unclear what role Vancouver envisions for Doan, he could be part of a larger leadership group. Meanwhile, Vancouver is eyeing several other candidates, including former Buffalo Sabers executive Kevyn Adams and an internal option like Ryan Johnson.

McDavid’s Quiet Start Raises Questions in Edmonton

Something hasn’t looked quite right with Connor McDavid through the first couple of games of the playoffs, and an injury scare on Wednesday has many watching closely. McDavid has gone two straight games without a point and appeared to tweak something during a collision with teammate Mattias Ekholm.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t provide a clear update postgame, but the media wanted to know after McDavid left the bench during Game 2 and returned looking tentative, if he was alright. McDavid brushed off the injury, suggesting he was fine after his ankle rolled up a little. Knoblauch said, “I haven’t got any updates, so I’m not sure. We’re hoping everything is fine, but ya, I can’t comment on that.”

Uncharacteristic McDavid turnovers and lack of rhythm have raised eyebrows in this series. The Oilers’ biggest concern now is whether this is just a slump—or something more that could linger.

Blue Jackets Bracing for Culture Shift

Change appears to be on the horizon in Columbus, where the Blue Jackets could be heading into a pivotal offseason. According to Aaron Portzline, a culture reset is expected with head coach Rick Bowness returning behind the bench next season.

He writes:

“Blue Jackets players headed into the offseason with clear indications that Bowness isn’t going to be everybody’s favorite uncle when they return for training camp in September. It’s obvious that Bowness wants to disrupt what he sees as a dressing room that’s a little too comfortable.”

source – ‘Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Could ‘culture change’ cost Boone Jenner the captaincy?’ – Aaron Portzline – The Athletic – 04/20/2026

There are also questions surrounding captain Boone Jenner, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Jenner’s role diminished this season, and at 33, there’s uncertainty about whether he fits into the team’s long-term plans.

Questions also surround veterans like Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson.

Red Wings Looking for “Better Players”

Steve Yzerman opened his Red Wings season-ending press conference on Thursday by addressing what this team needs to do to improve. “The most obvious would be to need better players. We need to improve in particular areas, goal scoring, particularly five-on-five,” he said.

He did stress that he wasn’t saying his players are no good. “We have a lot of good players.” He said that he and Todd McLellan need to better prepare the players they do have.

“There needs to be some very blunt conversations with some of our players,” Yzerman said.