In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start with the Nashville Predators, who have made a bold ask as they continue their search for their next general manager. Next, we look at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach, Craig Berube, and the current state of uncertainty surrounding his job. Finally, we end with the Carolina Hurricanes, who have some extra help in the net coming their way.
Predators GM Search Includes Current Hurricanes Boss
During an NHL team’s search for a general manager, it is standard practice for them to call other teams and request to speak with someone regarding the opening. Most teams allow for this to happen, as it gives their staff the opportunity to move up in the business, even if it might not be with their team.
The Predators have talked to a few assistant general managers, according to Elliotte Friedman, including Bill Scott from the Edmonton Oilers, Brett Peterson from the Florida Panthers, and Scott White with the Dallas Stars. Some other names that have come up include John Chayka, who formerly managed the Arizona Coyotes, and, quite surprisingly, Eric Tulsky.
It isn’t very often that we hear that a team has asked to speak with another team’s current general manager. The Hurricanes, predictably, said no to this request. Tulsky has been with the Hurricanes for over a decade, and after a great run managing their analytical department, he was named their general manager in 2024.
Tulsky is widely considered one of the smartest minds in hockey. There is no question that every team would love to bring him in, but the Hurricanes clearly aren’t eager to see him go.
Berube’s Fate in the Hands of Next GM
During Keith Pelley’s press conference on March 31, he stated that Berube would stay as the head coach, and the future of the bench boss would be decided by whoever the team brings in as their next manager.
That kind of decision will be looming over him while he coaches the Maple Leafs to a hopeful bottom-five finish for the sake of keeping their 2026 first-round pick. With six games to go in the season, Berube and the Maple Leafs won’t look to tank, necessarily, but organizationally, losing their remaining games would be for the betterment of the team’s future.
As Jonas Siegel notes, this would leave Berube and the rest of the coaching staff in limbo as other teams look to fill their replacements. (from Why did the Maple Leafs leave Craig Berube twisting in the wind?, The Athletic, April 4, 2026)
Related: NHL Rumours: Allvin’s Future, Another Sens Injury & Malkin Done?
Things don’t look promising for his future with the club, and the fit hasn’t been perfect.
While a new manager often likes to look at the coaching position first, some organizations like to get into a cycle. Having a new coach and general manager at the same time can make it hard to evaluate. If they bring in a new manager and leave Berube in that spot for at least a year, the manager can have time to evaluate the coaching staff and make a decision from there.
Siegel suggested that the coaching staff would have been a pretty big part of the conversation and interviews regarding the job. Siegel stated, “Instead, that person’s first move as leader of the Leafs will be to either fire Berube or own what would be a perplexing decision to bring him back. The next president and/or general manager would ideally know exactly what they want to do with the head coach and communicate that to Pelley in the interview process.”
Pelley has been a big advocate for Berube and his role in the organization, dating back to May 23, 2025, when he stated that Berube would have more say in the organizational decisions. Pelley said in his latest press conference that he doesn’t want to be as hands-on with the team, but his fingerprints are all over the decisions.
Kochetkov Returning for Hurricanes Ahead of Playoffs
After a difficult season away from the game, Pyotr Kochetkov was at the Hurricanes’ morning skate on April 4.
On Dec. 29, 2025, head coach Rod Brind’Amour announced that Kochetkov was likely done for the season after having surgery to fix a lower-body injury related to his hip. Seeing him appear at a practice for the club is a great step for him.
Kochetkov talked to the media and stated how tough the recovery was physically and mentally. He said that prior to the surgery, he was experiencing pain on and off the ice, and that he feels much better.
His injury led to the Hurricanes giving Brandon Bussi a lengthy runway, where he sports an exceptional 29-6-3 record, while veteran goalie Frederik Andersen has struggled with a 14-13-5 record. Neither goalie has great individual stats, but considering the great shot suppression from the Hurricanes, the low volume usually leads to a lower save percentage.
Heading into the playoffs, if Kochetkov feels he can be ready to start in the playoffs, he could find himself starting at some point.
