The Vancouver Canucks have been told to cut even deeper, and that’s the kind of directive that sends the rumor mill spinning fast. According to Postmedia, the club not only cheaped out on hiring the new coaching staff, but also instructed new GM Ryan Johnson to dump $20 million in salaries. That kind of number immediately puts more names into the trade conversation, and Brock Boeser stands out as Vancouver’s biggest chip.
Elsewhere in the NHL chatter, the Chicago Blackhawks made the Patrick Kane homecoming official by throwing their wallet on the table and bringing him back on a hefty new contract.
A different kind of noise came out of Sportsnet’s PuckPedia podcast, where agent Darren Ferris didn’t hold back. Ferris said a team had offered Bo Byram $14 million a year, but his bigger blast was aimed at the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Mitch Marner situation. Ferris spent nearly eight minutes ripping Toronto for brushing off misinformation about Marner and failing to protect their star player.
Sportsnet also rolled out a ranking of the active first overall picks, and the list drew plenty of side-eye. Sidney Crosby being lower can be explained by the fact that he’s 39 years old, but the players ahead of him raised eyebrows. Nathan MacKinnon being left behind in the order drew the sharpest reaction.
There was also a small deal in Columbus, where the Blue Jackets and Jet Greaves reached a compromise on a one-year, $5 million contract, with the middle ground leaning a bit more toward the Blue Jackets.
On the radio side, TSN pushed back on the Marner criticism, with Brian Hayes downplaying what the Maple Leafs could have done for their player.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins were described as “miles” behind the competition in Vince Comunale’s latest story, while the Pirates’ draft-day picture keeps taking shape with four more signings, including early-round picks and a prep pitcher.
And one more note from the day’s hockey and baseball shuffle: Bruins opening night lineup.
In Other News...
Penguins Just Added A Goalie Prospect Fans Will Want To Size Up
The Penguins goaltending pipeline picked up a familiar name with a long pro rsum, as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton signed Cam Johnson to an American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 regular season. Johnson arrives with plenty of mileage in both the ECHL and AHL, and his latest stop only strengthened the case for another look after he helped the Florida Everblades capture the Kelly Cup again.
Johnsons postseason run in Florida ended with another championship and a playoff MVP award, the kind of resume line that tends to turn heads in an organization always watching for depth in net. He also brings a championship pedigree that goes back to college, where he was the starter for North Dakotas 2016 NCAA title team, leaving the Penguins with a veteran option whose next chapter is still taking shape. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Suddenly Linked To A Risky Plan B After Missing Out
The Penguins spent the offseason chasing a bigger swing, but Jason Robertson is off the board after re-signing with Dallas, forcing Kyle Dubas to keep working the trade market for another impact piece. One name that has surfaced as a possible fallback is Matthew Knies, a player Dubas knows well from his time with the Maple Leafs and someone who would fit the kind of long-term addition Pittsburgh has been trying to find.
Knies is still viewed as a player with real upside, which is exactly why he would come with a meaningful price tag and plenty of uncertainty. For a Penguins front office trying to balance urgency with patience, the appeal is obvious, but so is the risk if the player they target does not develop the way they hope. [Read more 🡒]
Former Penguins Defenseman Jack Johnson Lands Surprising Coaching Role
Jack Johnsons post-playing career took a sharp turn this week, with the former Penguins defenseman stepping into a new role at Ohio State. The longtime NHL veteran, who spent two seasons in Pittsburgh during his 19-year career, has joined the Buckeyes womens hockey program and said he is excited about the opportunity.
For Ohio State, the hire brings in a recognizable name with pro experience and a fresh voice for a program looking to keep building. Head coach Nadine Muzerall said Johnson should have a positive impact on the team and on recruiting, adding another layer of intrigue to a move that stands out even in a sport where former players often find their next path behind the bench. [Read more 🡒]