NHL Buzz: Red Wings GM Hunt, Mantha’s Devils Pitch, Rielly Stays Put, McDavid-Flyers RumorThe latest NHL rumor roundup covers the Detroit Red Wings’ expanding search for a new general manager, Anthony Mantha’s explanation for signing with the New Jersey Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ reluctance to trade Morgan Rielly, and fresh speculation that Connor McDavid could target the Philadelphia Flyers.
Red Wings Cast Wide Net in GM Search
The Detroit Red Wings are reviewing a broad slate of candidates to succeed Steve Yzerman, evaluating both internal and external possibilities for their next general manager. Internal names include Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff, while outside candidates reportedly span Tom Fitzgerald, Marc Bergevin, Kevyn Adams, Tyler Dellow, Evan Gold, Ryan Martin, and Scott White.
A notable name is Brendan Shanahan, a Detroit legend who reportedly remains interested in an executive role. Whether the Red Wings would swap Yzerman’s blueprint for a Shanahan-led approach is debatable, particularly given his mixed tenure in Toronto.
Mantha Details Why He Chose New Jersey
Anthony Mantha said his free-agent decision was shaped by New Jersey’s recruitment, specifically a 30-minute Zoom call with GM Sunny Mehta. Mantha noted that few general managers show that level of personal engagement, and Mehta’s confidence in his underlying metrics helped finalize the move.
After a career-best season, Mantha said he wanted to be among the NHL’s most discussed players and believes he entered that conversation. He credited a mental-performance coach for his improvement and said a multi-year deal mattered due to his young children.
Stability through a longer contract was also a priority given his family situation.
Maple Leafs Not Rushing a Morgan Rielly Trade
Despite trade chatter, Toronto is not motivated to move Morgan Rielly this offseason. Unless Rielly widens his acceptable destinations, he is expected to start the year with the club. The Leafs also lack a ready replacement, making a deal unlikely.
Rielly remains a key blue-line contributor logging significant minutes. Dealing him for futures or cap space would create a hole difficult to fill, as 17–18 minute defenders are scarce after a busy market. The organization is not prepared to move him without a successor in place.
McDavid-to-Flyers Speculation Sparks Buzz
Late-week rumors about Connor McDavid’s future emerged after ex-NHLer Todd Fedoruk said Philadelphia could appeal to the star.
Fedoruk pointed to the Flyers’ young core, cap room, and draft assets as reasons they could pursue elite talent. Their aggressive offer-sheet approach signals intent, though interest alone does not confirm a fit.
That does not mean McDavid is seeking a move or that Philadelphia is his choice.
Fedoruk said:
“He is going to be a player who will be calling teams. His agent is going to be looking for him to go places. There are rumors that Philadelphia is a place that Connor McDavid wants to go.”
Any hint of McDavid or his representatives contacting clubs would trigger tampering issues while he is under contract. The Oilers captain is beginning a short-term extension after another elite season, and nothing suggests he is leaving Edmonton. If the team underperforms again, however, rumors will grow—with Philadelphia possibly ready to strike.
