NHL Rumors: McDavid’s Curious Health, Robertson and Perry Contracts – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, was Connor McDavid healthier than the Edmonton Oilers might have suggested? He certainly looked it on Tuesday night in the Oilers’ Game 5 win. Meanwhile, is Nicholas (Nick) Robertson preparing for his next NHL chapter, one that takes him potentially out of Toronto? Finally, will Corey Perry keep playing in the NHL next season?

Is McDavid’s Curious Injury Improving?

It seemed like McDavid was dealing with a lingering issue, one that made him appear noticeably less dynamic and limited his minutes in Game 4 to around 19.

Although he skipped Tuesday’s morning skate, McDavid dismissed any doubt about playing in Game 5, saying it was “never close” and “never in doubt” in separate interviews with TNT and then the local media. He was labeled a game-time decision by head coach Kris Knoblauch, but McDavid looked sharp in warmups and logged over 24 minutes in a 4–1 win for the Oilers against the Anaheim Ducks.

Knoblauch’s decision to keep McDavid’s status a bit of a mystery was a different approach than he took ahead of Game 4. No. 97 seemed to be moving faster, and any signs of a lingering ankle issue appeared to be all but gone. Was publicly calling him a game-time decision a strategy?

Despite the win, the Oilers still trail the series 3–2 and face a difficult Game 6 on the road. McDavid stressed that the team is still in a tough spot and all they did on Tuesday was live to play another day.

Nick Robertson Addresses Future in Toronto

Nick Robertson addressed his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, acknowledging that he’s trying not to dwell on the fact that he doesn’t yet know if the team wants to keep him. After an up-and-down tenure, Robertson appears ready to take control of his situation.

Luke Fox of Sportset reports that Robertson is unlikely to accept his $1.825 million qualifying offer, instead seeking a longer-term deal based on how his play improved last season. Despite the team’s struggles, Robertson feels like he took a personal step forward.

While not pushing to leave Toronto, Robertson made it clear he wants to feel valued. “I want to be somewhere where I’m wanted. That’s up to the team, whether they want me or not. Whether that’s here or somewhere else, I know a team will want me. If the team wants me, they want me. If they don’t, I’ll go on the market.”

Corey Perry Wants to Keep Playing in the NHL

Despite being past the age he thought he would keep playing hockey, Corey Perry doesn’t seem ready to hang up his skates. In a recent article with The Athletic, they write: “The thing about all those late runs is that Perry had very little time to decide each time if he was going to keep going and go out and find another contract. He will be a free agent again on July 1.”

“Five of the last six years it’s been pretty short summers. You end and all of a sudden it’s free agency and you got to figure out what you’re doing like a week later. It doesn’t give your body really enough time to heal. But I still want to continue to play.”

source – ‘Corey Perry is driven by the chase for another Cup title — and plans to keep playing’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 04/29/2026

It is unclear if the Tampa Bay Lightning would have any interest in re-signing Perry or if he’d go to market and try to find a comfortable landing spot for him and his family. Anything longer than one year feels like a stretch.