In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Detroit Red Wings are facing criticism for standing pat at the deadline, the Edmonton Oilers could be headed for major executive changes, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down a potentially franchise-altering decision involving Auston Matthews.
There is still time for teams to make or fall out of the playoff race, and decisions made at the trade deadline could lead to the reason some teams get in and some don’t. How will that impact the offseason for a handful of teams?
Red Wings’ Deadline Inaction Under Scrutiny
Questions are mounting in Detroit after GM Steve Yzerman opted not to move top prospects at the trade deadline. Despite being linked to Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, the Red Wings ultimately passed on a potential deal that could have addressed their need for a top-six center.
Reports suggest Detroit had the assets to make a competitive offer, possibly including a first-round pick and top prospects. Instead, the team added Justin Faulk but failed to land a key forward.
Related: NHL Rumors: Tkachuks in Florida, McDavid on Coach, New Link to Matthews
Now sitting outside the playoff picture, Detroit risks extending its postseason drought. If that happens, criticism of Yzerman’s inaction could lead to changes. As one analyst mentioned, “What GM in the NHL gets eight years of non-playoff hockey and keeps their job?”
Oilers Facing Potential Executive Shakeup
Pressure is building in Edmonton, and it may not stop at the roster or coaching staff. If the Oilers fall short in the playoffs, significant changes could reach the executive level, with Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 suggesting CEO Jeff Jackson could be in jeopardy.
One name gaining traction as a potential replacement is Paul Coffey, who has close ties to owner Daryl Katz and already holds influence within the organization. “I won’t be surprised that at some point in the future, Paul Coffey is President of Hockey Operations,” Gregor said.
With Connor McDavid’s long-term future always a factor, the Oilers may feel added urgency to make sweeping changes if they either miss the playoffs or flame out early. Edmonton is firmly in win-now mode, and anything short of a deep playoff run could trigger thoughts of reshaping the franchise’s leadership at the highest level.
Maple Leafs Could Face Franchise-Altering Fallout
The future of the Maple Leafs hinges heavily on Auston Matthews, and if he decides to move on, the ripple effects could be massive. As noted by Jonas Siegel, a departure by Matthews could trigger a chain reaction affecting multiple core players.
“What would that mean for William Nylander? Would the soon-to-be 30-year-old, still with six years left on his deal, want to stick around with Marner and Matthews both gone? Would the Leafs want him to stick around in that case? And what would a trade like that look like, given that Nylander too holds a full no-movement clause in his contract?”
source- ‘Monday Morning Leafs Report: Auston Matthews’ exit would devastate Toronto’ – Jonas Siegel – The Athletic – 03/23/2026
And, if Nylander and Matthews are gone, what about John Tavares? He may look elsewhere to continue chasing a Stanley Cup.
Even players like Jake McCabe and Morgan Rielly could be moved. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports, “I think they’re gonna move out bodies, I think they’re gonna find a way to find a new home for Morgan Rielly.”
While nothing is certain yet, the mere possibility of Matthews leaving has already cast a shadow over Toronto’s future.
