NHL Rumor Roundup: Celebrini Slated for NHL 27 Cover, Bjorck Heads to Jets, Ducks Eye Vatrano Trade

In today’s NHL rumor roundup, a leak reveals that Macklin Celebrini has been selected as the EA Sports cover athlete for NHL 27. Additionally, Viggo Bjorck has departed Djurgården of the Swedish Hockey League to pursue an early impact with the Winnipeg Jets.

Finally, the Anaheim Ducks may need to trade a player to create cap space following Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet, with Frank Vatrano appearing to be the leading candidate.

Celebrini Chosen as NHL 27 Cover Athlete

Although it won’t appear on his eventual Hockey Hall of Fame résumé, being named the cover athlete for EA’s NHL 27 is a notable honor for Celebrini.

The information originates from Mike Straw on X, who indicated that the game’s marketing campaign is set to launch next week.

Straw, a seasoned gaming journalist, uncovered a preorder link that confirms Celebrini as the cover athlete.

The last time EA featured a San Jose Sharks player on its cover was Owen Nolan for NHL 2001, although Joe Thornton also received the honor, appearing on NHL 2K7.

Having just turned 20, Celebrini will become the youngest player ever to grace the cover, surpassing Trevor Zegras, who was 21 when he appeared on NHL 23.

Choosing Celebrini for the cover is straightforward; he is highly marketable, possesses considerable personality, and delivered a breakout sophomore season in 2025‑26 with 115 points.

Additionally, he became the first teenager to represent Team Canada at the Olympics, tallying 10 points in six games to help secure a silver medal, and then added 14 points at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

Selecting Celebrini for the cover was an obvious decision for EA.

Viggo Bjorck Departs Djurgården for an NHL Opportunity with the Jets

As one of the standout talents from the 2026 NHL Draft class, Bjorck was selected by the Jets at eighth overall; following an announcement from his SHL club, he will join the Jets organization to pursue an NHL roster spot.

Although it may be unrealistic to expect him to secure the second‑line center role at age 18, he will receive ample opportunity to demonstrate his suitability.

The Jets must also address the Connor Hellebuyck situation, and, per Chris Johnston, the outcome of related trade discussions remains uncertain.

In addition, acquiring a legitimate second‑line center ranks as the Jets’ top offseason priority.

The club has rotated players such as Vladislav Namestnikov, Jonathan Toews, and Adam Lowry through that spot, yet none have met the performance level the Jets desire.

Despite his modest 5‑foot‑9 frame, Bjorck exhibits a strong, mature two‑way game, ranks among the most competitive players on the ice, and possesses considerable offensive skill and instinct.

There is a genuine possibility that Bjorck will earn a place on the NHL roster this fall and potentially fill the second‑line center void the Jets have been seeking.

Anaheim Ducks May Need to Move Frank Vatrano to Free Cap Space

After receiving an $18 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, the Ducks may consider trading Frank Vatrano to alleviate cap pressure.

Following several productive seasons in Anaheim, the 2025‑26 campaign has been disappointing; Vatrano managed only nine points in 50 games, and his $4.57 million salary over the next two seasons could obstruct the Ducks’ other roster moves.

Rick Dhaliwal reports that the Ducks have contacted several clubs to gauge interest in Vatrano, though no offers have materialized thus far; he also noted that the Vancouver Canucks were among the teams contacted by general manager Pat Verbeek.

The Ducks presently have just over $9 million in available cap space, but must still sign Cutter Gauthier and could use additional defensive upgrades.

Other possible cap casualties include Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider, each earning more than $6 million and entering the final year of their contracts.

While the Ducks face a challenging situation, the long‑term commitments of Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Troy Terry, and Pavel Mintyukov—all signed for at least four seasons—should provide stability as the salary cap rises. The organization’s outlook remains promising despite this temporary hurdle.

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