In today’s NHL rumors, the Montreal Canadiens are quickly moving on to other matters after signing Lane Hutson. Who is their next priority when it comes to a contract extension? Meanwhile, are the Toronto Maple Leafs ready to give Nick Robertson a fresh start? The attacker is looking for better opportunities elsewhere. Finally, is Matvei Michkov already in the doghouse with Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet?
Canadiens try to sign Mike Matheson
The Montreal Canadiens are looking to make another major move on their blue line this season and are now turning their focus to re-signing veteran defenseman Mike Matheson. Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports this that the 31-year-old, a pending free agent next July, and his agent are open to contract talks.
The main hurdle appears to be the term, with Matheson seeking security in a four- or five-year deal, with a possible AAV of $6.5-$7 million, up from his current $4.875 million.
Related: Canadiens still moving forward after Dach Trade
Matheson has earned praise from Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis and over the past season he has emerged as a reliable top-pairing defenseman, contributing significantly at both ends of the ice. With cap space available, re-signing Matheson appears possible, which is a positive turn from previous speculation that the team would have been open to getting him in the right deal.
Nick Robertson looking for better opportunities
Nick Robertson’s name is popping up in trade rumors again. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger Insider trading, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward is hoping for a bigger role and more opportunities in the NHL. That could mean a deal and the organization seems to believe that “it might be time to give him a fresh start somewhere else.”
General manager Brad Treliving has reportedly spoken to a number of clubs who may be interested.
Despite showing potential and offensive skills in the top six, Robertson has struggled to secure consistent ice time, often finding himself in the bottom six and occasionally being scratched. All the while, rookie Easton Cowan has impressed on the top line early this season.
Previous interest in Robertson reportedly stalled due to high asking prices or lukewarm interest from other teams. It’s unclear if the Leafs are willing to lower their demand.
Foligno retires from Blackhawks
Nick Foligno is temporarily parting ways with the Chicago Blackhawks. The team captain takes his time to be with his daughter, who is undergoing follow-up surgery for her congenital heart defect. The team and the veteran forward will make no further comment, but our best wishes go out to the Foligno family.
Flyers’ Michkov struggles early, but isn’t punished
Philadelphia Flyers superstar Matvei Michkov has had a challenging start to the 2025-2026 season. The 20-year-old right wing is winless in three games and has seen limited ice time, averaging just under 15 minutes per game. He was denied shifts in some key moments, including overtime, raising questions about his role and relationship with new head coach Rick Tocchet.
Tocchet explained that Michkov is still dealing with an ankle injury he suffered before training camp. The latest update came from Kevin Kurz of The Athletic:
However, according to Tocchet, more context is needed. On Monday morning, the Flyers’ coach revealed that Michkov suffered an ankle injury before training camp, and he is apparently still dealing with it.
source – ‘Flyers’ Matvei Michkov struggles with ice age. What’s going on?’ – Kevin Kurz – The Athletic – 10/14/2025
Tocchet emphasized that the forward is now healthy, and that his reduced ice time also reflects team penalties and lineup balance rather than punishment.
Michkov’s mistakes, such as a botched defensive assignment on Sam Reinhart’s short goal, have attracted attention, although Tocchet insists the coaching staff is not yet labeling him as a player who cannot play a 60-yard game.
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