NHL Rumors: Minten Signs, Buium Balks, Batherson Talks, and McDavid to Toronto… Again?

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Boston Bruins have made a major long-term commitment to Fraser Minten, but questions remain about another young defenseman in Mason Lohrei. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid-to-Toronto speculation continues to make noise, though the reporter behind the viral comments has clarified what he actually meant. Plus, the Vancouver Canucks have locked up Zeev Buium to a massive eight-year extension, while Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson hopes to get his own contract situation resolved before training camp.

Bruins Commit to Fraser Minten Long Term

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Fraser Minten to a seven-year contract extension carrying a $7.2 million annual cap hit. The deal runs through the 2033-34 season and represents a significant vote of confidence in the 22-year-old after his breakout 2025-26 campaign. Minten appeared in all 82 games, posting career highs of 17 goals, 18 assists, and 35 points. He also led NHL rookies with a plus-21 rating and earned Rookie of the Month honors in January.

“Since joining our organization, Fraser has continued to grow and earn the accelerated trust of his teammates and coaching staff,” GM Don Sweeney said. The former Maple Leaf was acquired in the Brandon Carlo trade and will now be expected to continue developing into a key Boston forward.

It will be interesting to see how the Minten deal impacts other contracts around the NHL. $7.2 million per season for a 35-point player is likely to turn the heads of a few agents.

Mason Lohrei Still Floating in Trade Rumors

While the Bruins have committed to Minten, Mason Lohrei’s future in Boston remains less certain. Jimmy Murphy of RG Media reported that Boston’s surplus of left-shot defensemen could see him become the odd man out.

One NHL executive told RG Media, “I keep hearing Mason Lohrei as a guy that’s still out there and someone they’d still consider moving.” Two additional NHL team sources reportedly confirmed that Lohrei’s name continues to circulate in trade circles. However, those sources stressed that this does not necessarily mean the Bruins are actively shopping him.

McDavid-to-Toronto Speculation Gets Clarified

Connor McDavid-to-Toronto speculation went viral after The Hockey News’ Michael Augello discussed a theory he had heard from another reporter. I spoke with Augello directly, and he has since emphasized that the comments were never meant to suggest McDavid wants to leave Edmonton.

“I don’t know why… I said it was another reporter’s theory… and it was conditional on the Leafs being good, and even then it’s not guaranteed!” Augello said. His original comments suggested that if Toronto is a strong team when McDavid potentially reaches free agency, the Maple Leafs could have a chance. “If the Leafs are good, their chances of getting McDavid are good because I think he would want to play in Toronto if they pay him,” he said. Augello later called it “a potential scenario,” but also said he could see a team like the New York Rangers or Los Angeles Kings getting in on McDavid if he ever tests free agency.

Canucks’ Zeev Buium Balks at Idea of Leaving for the U.S.

The Vancouver Canucks have made a massive long-term commitment to defenseman Zeev Buium, agreeing to an eight-year contract extension worth $9.38 million annually. As per Steve Ewen of The Province, general manager Ryan Johnson said Buium has made it clear that he wants to be part of the Canucks’ future and help bring a championship to Vancouver.

“He wants to see a championship here,” Johnson said, adding that Buium “really doesn’t understand the rhetoric behind the American not wanting to be in Canada.” Buium reportedly wanted to be in Vancouver from the beginning and views his time with the organization as part of a long-term journey.

Drake Batherson Talks Status of Extension Negotiations

Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson is hoping to get a contract extension signed before the start of camp this season. Batherson said, “Steve knows I want to be here,” and the rest he’ll leave up to the GM and his own agent.

When asked about the captaincy and who gets it, he said he didn’t care and that all the candidates would go a great job. He joked about messaging Brad Marchand after the veteran took a shot at Tim Stutzle and said he told his teammate that this is just what Marchand does. “He’s been doing it for 20 years.”