NHL Rumor: Maple Leaf, Canadian, isn’t the All-Star Game anymore? – Hockey Writer – NHL Rumor

In today’s NHL rumor, Brad Treliving commented on any plans that the Toronto Maple Leafs might have in place for contract talks with Mitch Marner before the end of the season. Meanwhile, Montreal Canadaens confirmed that they are looking for the top six disparities in the deadline. Why don’t they take action to join someone? Ultimately, after the success of the four countries’ matchup, the NHL may not hold the All-Star Game next season. But will future international hockey include matches against Russia?

Maple Leaf and Mana don’t talk?

Ask Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving if the team will have any contract extension negotiations with Mitch Marner and his agent before the playoffs begin. It was reported that when Mana was asked to abandon his no-trade clause on the deadline, fans and insiders were curious that this might affect the negotiations. Treliving didn’t leak any secrets.

“We will focus on ice. Any updates we have in our business, if and when (time comes), we will surely share them. As we all know, Mickey has had a great year and he is a big part of our team… He is a big part of him… We will try our best to complete the next 14 games and keep moving forward. That’s our focus.”

This is not a confirmation of Leaf that the extended conversation has stopped, but it sounds like their current priorities aren’t a new deal for their star wingers.

Canadians try to find reliable additions before trade deadlines

Sportsnet’s Eric Engels reported that Montreal Canadians general manager Kent Hughes said he was following a deal to bring a player to Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook ahead of the recent NHL trade deadline. However, there is no way to trade this season.

“If someone wants us to get someone who can play the roster and help, then someone who can play with Newhook and Patrik Laine, that’s where we’re testing the waters,” Hughes said.

Ultimately, the Canadians chose not to reach a deal because available players would have to play further in the roster, and head coach Martin St. Louis would not change the boundaries he already had with his favorites. “…The cost of injury depth is really huge,” Hughes said.

Related: Montreal Canadians’ 5 first-round goals in the 2025 NHL Draft

The Canadians do plan to follow the top six in the offseason. It sounds like they will watch free agents, but Hughes is not going to overpay free agents for a long-term contract. He noted that he wasn’t eager to get into the club and hoped they didn’t sign a deal for several seasons after offering. Instead, if he is going to overpay, it will be the form of assets needed to obtain assets in the trade market.

Will the NHL fall into the All-Star Game?

It sounds like the NHL is considering eliminating the All-Star Game at least next season.

According to Chris Johnston, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that the NHL has not promised a 2026 All-Star Game. Discussions are underway about where things go. He said the four countries standoff “raised the bar.”

Meanwhile, Elliotte Friedman noted that there is a lot of brainstorming behind the scenes about how to handle the All-Star Game next season. He wrote: “The islanders on the island have announced this, so it is difficult to untie it…but 4 countries cannot perform well on such display cabinets. Therefore, alternative plans are being discussed.”

Bateman confirmed that the islanders will receive “a event” but no one “pinned” it.

Bateman also said the NHL learned yesterday about the discussion of the US-Russian hockey series by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin: “I won’t speculate or anything else. That’s it.”