NHL Rumors: Benn Returns, Nurse Trade Twist, Bedard Injury, & the Dobes Deal

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Dallas Stars bring back their captain after uncertainty surrounded his future. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse trade nearly looked very different. Jakub Dobes talked about why he re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens early. Finally, the Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with an early offseason scare involving Connor Bedard.

Jamie Benn Returns to Dallas After Uncertain Future

After days of uncertainty, Jamie Benn is returning to the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal worth $850,000. The veteran captain’s future had been unclear as free agency opened, with both sides taking time to evaluate next steps.

Stars GM Jim Nill had recently indicated the organization wanted Benn back but was giving him space following another difficult playoff exit. Benn, known for taking losses hard, stepped away to focus on family and reset mentally before making a decision. “…he just needs to sit down and be a good father and a good husband right now and just chill a little bit, and that’s what he wants to do. So I’m gonna give him some time.”

It took two days.

In the end, both sides found common ground again. One has to wonder, though, if this might be Benn’s last run. He’ll be 37 years old when the season starts.

Was Nurse Almost Traded to Boston Instead?

The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to trade Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks could have played out very differently. According to insider David Pagnotta, a deal with the Boston Bruins was in place before ultimately falling apart. Bruins insider Jimmy Murphy later confirmed that the deal included Nikita Zadorov.

The proposed trade would have required Zadorov to waive his no-trade clause — something that never happened. As a result, Edmonton pivoted quickly and finalized a deal with San Jose instead. It makes some sense why the Oilers would have looked at this. Both Nurse and Zadorov carry similar contract lengths, each with four years remaining on their respective deals. Zadorov just makes $4.25 million less.

In the end, the Oilers moved on and executed a different plan, picking up Ryan Shea, then adding Mathieu Joseph and Frederik Andersen. They also signed Kasperi Kapanen and Max Jones to new deals.

Bedard Injury Scare Raises Concern in Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks are facing an unsettling development after Connor Bedard left an offseason skate early following an awkward fall. The incident occurred during an informal session in Vancouver, where Bedard appeared to injure his left shoulder.

While the visual raised immediate concern, there is at least some reason for optimism. The injury appears to be to the opposite shoulder from the one Bedard dislocated last season, meaning it is not a re-aggravation of the previous issue. Early reactions suggest it could be a less serious problem, though the severity remains unclear.

Because the skate was not part of an official team event, updates may take time. Bedard’s agent has indicated more information should be available in the coming days.

The timing adds another layer of intrigue, as Bedard is still in negotiations on a long-term extension with the Blackhawks.

Jakub Dobes Deal a Win for Canadiens

The Canadiens continue their proactive approach to roster building, signing goaltender Jakub Dobes to a three-year extension worth $5.4 million annually. While the deal doesn’t begin until the 2027–28 season, it’s a strategic move that buys out two of Dobes’ future unrestricted free agent years, locking in several of his prime seasons.

Dobes, coming off a breakout year, is still relatively unproven as a full-time NHL starter, making this a calculated gamble by GM Kent Hughes. The upside is clear: if Dobes develops into a top-tier goalie, Montreal secures cost certainty at a premium position. If not, the financial commitment remains manageable.

From the player’s perspective, Dobes welcomed the timing, saying it removes distractions and allows him to focus entirely on his performance. He’s the latest in a long line of Canadiens players willing to jump on the bus and sign deals that help the team moving forward. “I feel like we have a good group and everyone wants to win, which is really important to get the deals done and keep the guys together,” he said. He added, “I’m just excited that everyone is on the same page. We want to do what’s best for us and for us as a group. I’m excited; I feel like we have a lot of potential to, in the next couple of years, get something exciting done.”