NHL Rumors: Red Wings Remove Yzerman, Mantha Signs, Gauthier’s Ask

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Detroit Red Wings have made a major front-office change, the New Jersey Devils are betting two years on a risky free-agent scorer, and contract chatter is heating up as Cutter Gauthier has reportedly told the Anaheim Ducks what he wants.

Yzerman Steps Aside as Red Wings Begin GM Search

The Detroit Red Wings are entering a new era after Steve Yzerman stepped down as Executive Vice President and General Manager on Wednesday. The team is transitioning him into a senior advisor position. The move comes after a disappointing stretch that saw the franchise miss the playoffs for a decade, including all seven years under Yzerman’s leadership.

While the organization framed the shift as a transition, the timing—just weeks after captain Dylan Larkin reportedly requested a trade—has raised questions. Yzerman will remain involved during the transition and sit on the committee to find his replacement alongside team ownership.

Internal candidates like Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff are expected to receive strong consideration, but Detroit could also look externally after several other teams filled GM vacancies earlier this offseason.

Devils Take Short-Term Swing on Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha’s free agency didn’t unfold the way many expected. After a career-best 33-goal, 64-point season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the winger signed a two-year, $9.5 million deal with the New Jersey Devils—far less term than initially projected.

Mantha had reportedly been seeking a longer-term contract worth significantly more, but the market wasn’t meeting him at his ask. Josh Yohe of The Athletic writes:

“Mantha let the Penguins know during the regular season that a three-year deal was his starting point for extension talks. The Penguins didn’t want to give him three years or more. Neither did anyone else, apparently. Penguins probably would have considered bringing Mantha back if they had known that would be the price…”

For the Devils, this is a calculated gamble. The lack of trade protection in his deal also gives New Jersey flexibility if things don’t pan out, making this a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition.

Ducks Facing New Contract Reality with Gauthier

The Anaheim Ducks may soon face another challenging negotiation, as rumors swirl around Cutter Gauthier’s next contract. Following Leo Carlsson’s massive five-year, $90 million offer sheet—matched by Anaheim—Gauthier’s camp is reportedly asking a lot.

On the latest Spittin’ Chiclets episode, Keith Yandle said he was “fed a little tidbit” that Cutter Gauthier isn’t willing to accept anything less than Leo Carlsson’s $18M AAV. Meanwhile, Jimmy Murphy writes, “Confirmed, this is not true!”

Carlsson’s $18 million AAV has reset expectations, even if centers traditionally command more than wingers. It’s unlikely Gauthier gets what Carlsson got. Still, he’s about to be paid more than the Ducks probably needed to if not for the offer sheet.

Flyers Expect Zegras, Drysdale Deals Before Arbitration

Speaking of the offer sheet, the Philadelphia Flyers appear confident they can avoid arbitration with two key young players. According to team sources, both Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale are expected to sign new contracts before their scheduled hearings later this month.

Drysdale’s hearing is set for July 20, with Zegras following on July 22, but neither situation is expected to reach that stage.

Locking up both players would provide stability for the Flyers as they continue shaping their roster. Some wondered if the Flyers would be a target after what Briere did. That may not be a worry if Zegras and Drysdale sign.