NHL Rumors: Matthews and McDavid Updates, Bouchard Hurt, Perry’s Future

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs may have found a surprising internal option in goal, Team Canada is dealing with a scary injury to Evan Bouchard, Corey Perry isn’t ready to hang them up just yet, and uncertainty continues to surround several big-name stars and veteran captains across the league. Are things status quo with Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews?

Maple Leafs Eye Internal Goaltending Option

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be quietly shifting their approach in net heading into the offseason. According to Elliotte Friedman, the organization is closely monitoring prospect Artur Akhtyamov and increasingly believes he may be the real deal.

Akhtyamov’s development is turning heads internally, with some in the organization now convinced he has a legitimate NHL future. That belief could have a direct impact on how the Maple Leafs manage their goaltending situation, specifically, who they keep. They have Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby, and it wasn’t likely they’d go into the season with all three still on the roster.

If Akhtyamov is viewed as ready—or close to it—the team may shift gears.

Bouchard Injury Raises Concerns for Oilers

There was a frightening moment for Team Canada in their quarter-final matchup against Team USA, as defenceman Evan Bouchard was forced to leave the game following a high hit from Ryan Lindgren.

The incident occurred just after Bouchard released the puck entering the offensive zone. Lindgren made direct contact with Bouchard’s head, knocking the Oilers blueliner unconscious. He later regained consciousness but needed assistance from a trainer to leave the ice.

Lindgren received a five-minute major penalty and was ejected from the game. The severity of Bouchard’s injury remains unclear, but the situation is undoubtedly concerning for both Team Canada and the Edmonton Oilers.

Corey Perry Not Ready to Retire

At 41 years old, Corey Perry is still not ready to call it a career. The veteran forward confirmed last month that he intends to continue playing, and according to Pierre LeBrun, that stance hasn’t changed.

Perry’s agent, Pat Morris, reiterated this week that his client is actively looking for another opportunity, provided the fit makes sense. After scoring 17 goals this past season between the Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning, Perry has shown he can still contribute offensively.

However, a return to Tampa Bay does not appear likely at this stage.

McDavid and Matthews Have Not Signed Off For Next Season Yet

LeBrun also provided an update on Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, both of whom are currently in a holding pattern regarding their futures.

While the expectation is that each will remain with their respective teams for at least another season, neither has fully committed. LeBrun writes:

“Matthews and his agent, Judd Moldaver, who also represents McDavid, had a Zoom call with Chayka and Leafs senior executive adviser of hockey operations Mats Sundin about 10 days ago, and it went well by all accounts. But Matthews and Moldaver still need to see how the Leafs’ offseason moves play out before they can say that they’re for sure committed for next season. The same goes for McDavid. The Oilers’ moves over the next five or six weeks are important to monitor before McDavid and Moldaver sign off for next season.”

source – ‘NHL rumblings: Massive trade attempts coming, top picks available, latest on Matthews, McDavid, more’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05/27/2026

It’s important to note that both players are still under contract, so they can’t simply walk away. Each would need to inform their own respective teams that they aren’t sold on what’s going on, giving the Leafs and Oilers time to make plans and organize trades to get something back.

Meanwhile, veteran captains Anders Lee and Boone Jenner are also navigating uncertain contract situations. The New York Islanders have expressed interest in re-signing Lee. Jenner, now with new representation, is open to staying in Columbus, though early contract talks revealed a gap between the two sides.