NHL Rumor Roundup: McAvoy Speaks Out, McKenna Charges Dropped, and Canadiens Eye Center Market
We’re heading into the Olympic break, but the NHL rumor mill isn’t slowing down. From a star defenseman calling out the league’s Department of Player Safety, to a top draft prospect seeing serious charges dropped, and the Canadiens continuing their search for a long-term answer at center - there’s plenty to unpack.
McAvoy, Walsh, and Others Take Aim at NHL Player Safety
Charlie McAvoy’s had a rough go this season when it comes to facial injuries, and things boiled over after his final game before the break. The Bruins defenseman took an elbow to the face from Sandis Vilmanis - a hit that left him with a visibly swollen jaw and, more importantly, no supplemental discipline from the league.
McAvoy didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to.
He posted a 22-second clip to X (formerly Twitter) showing the hit in slow motion, over and over again. The visual did the talking - a clear shot to the face while McAvoy was wearing a protective bubble.
The message? Loud and clear: he wasn’t happy.
McAvoy wasn’t the only one voicing frustration. Veteran NHL agent Allan Walsh chimed in, reposting the video with a pointed message: “Gary’s NHL!
You can take off another NHL player’s head, just don’t give anyone the finger.” That was a not-so-subtle jab at the league’s decision to fine William Nylander $5,000 for flipping the bird on a broadcast - a gesture that, in the eyes of many, pales in comparison to a dangerous elbow to the face.
Walsh didn’t stop there, taking direct aim at George Parros, the NHL’s Senior VP of Player Safety, with some colorful language. It’s not the first time the Department of Player Safety has faced scrutiny, but when star players and agents are this vocal, the league tends to take notice - even if it doesn’t always act.
Felony Charge Dropped Against Top Prospect Gavin McKenna
In the NCAA world, top draft prospect Gavin McKenna has been at the center of a legal situation stemming from an incident outside a bar in State College, Pennsylvania on January 31. According to the alleged victim, McKenna punched him twice in the face after a verbal exchange between two groups.
The result? A broken jaw in two places and a missing tooth.
But after reviewing security footage and hearing from witnesses, the State College Police and the district attorney determined that the evidence didn’t support a felony charge of aggravated assault. That charge has been dropped.
McKenna still faces a misdemeanor count of simple assault, along with other summary charges tied to the injuries. The preliminary hearing for those charges has been pushed to March 11, 2026.
This development doesn’t erase the legal cloud entirely, but it does shift the narrative. For McKenna - projected to be a high pick in the upcoming NHL Draft - it’s a significant step in what’s likely to be a closely watched legal and professional journey over the coming months.
Canadiens Exploring Centre Market - But Who Fits?
The Montreal Canadiens have a glaring need down the middle. Nick Suzuki is locked in as the No. 1, but the second-line center spot remains a revolving door. Oliver Kapanen has filled in admirably, and veterans like Philip Danault and Jake Evans have rotated through, but none have truly claimed the role.
So, who’s out there? Let’s break it down.
Ryan O’Reilly is a name that’s been floated - Elliotte Friedman mentioned him as a potential fit. The question is whether Nashville is willing to move him.
The Predators aren’t in full rebuild mode, and O’Reilly has a verbal no-move clause. Still, if he’s open to a move, Montreal could make sense.
That said, his brief stint with Toronto might make him think twice about another Canadian market.
Vincent Trocheck is another intriguing option. He’s reportedly available for the right price, and Friedman noted that the Kings were interested in him during talks involving Artemi Panarin.
Trocheck wants to stay in the East, which could work in Montreal’s favor. He’s a gritty, skilled pivot who could slot in nicely behind Suzuki.
Nazem Kadri is also on the radar. His trade value has dipped, and reports suggest he could be moved - but the Canadiens may hesitate to commit long-term to a veteran center on the back half of his career. Marco D’Amico reported earlier interest from Montreal, though talks have cooled.
Robert Thomas? That’s the dream scenario.
He’s young, dynamic, and would be a perfect fit - but the price tag is likely sky-high. If anything happens there, it’s probably an offseason move.
Blake Coleman has also been mentioned, but Friedman doesn’t see that as a realistic option for Montreal.
So where does that leave the Habs? Still searching, but with options. The front office clearly recognizes the need for another top-six center, and with the deadline approaching, the pressure is on to find the right fit - not just for now, but for the future.
Whether it’s frustration with league discipline, legal developments involving top talent, or trade deadline maneuvering, the NHL landscape is as turbulent as ever. And with the Olympic break giving teams a moment to breathe, don’t be surprised if the next few weeks bring even more clarity - and maybe a few surprises.