NHL Rumor Roundup: Changes Continue For Maple Leafs, Flyers Not Parting With Michkov
The changes continue for the Toronto Maple Leafs as new GM John Chayka fired Craig Berube on Wednesday.
Before Berube's firing, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos speculated the Maple Leafs' new management team hadn't decided on their coach because they might have wanted to speak with Auston Matthews first. Chayka told reporters Wednesday that players weren't consulted on Berube's firing.
Matthews' future has made him a recent fixture in the rumor mill amid reports suggesting he might not return with the Maple Leafs this fall. Considering he has two years remaining on his contract, he would have to request a trade.
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Turning to the Philadelphia Flyers, this season was a disappointment for Matvei Michkov.
The 21-year-old right winger had a promising 63-point performance as a rookie in 2024-25. However, he reported to training camp last fall out of shape, struggled to adjust under new coach Rick Tocchet and saw his production drop to 51 points this season.
That made Michkov the subject of trade speculation, especially after he was scratched from the Flyers' final game of their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco reported they have no intention of giving up on the promising youngster.
Di Marco believes Michkov isn't as "untouchable" as he was after last season. Nevertheless, he pointed out that Michkov remains a big part of the Flyers' rebuilding process. He also indicated that trading him following a down year wouldn't be wise asset management.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 8:25 AM.