NHL coaching contracts and trade rumors surface

Several NHL head coaches are entering the final year of their contracts, including Scott Arniel of the Winnipeg Jets, Joel Quenneville of the Anaheim Ducks, Rick Bowness of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators. Arniel has expressed discomfort regarding the lack of a contract extension following the Jets' recent decline from a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season to missing the playoffs.

In trade speculation, the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly looking to improve their roster, specifically targeting blue line depth and players like Dylan Larkin. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck; while his high salary and trade protections are factors, no Canadian teams have officially made a pitch to acquire him.

Additionally, Winnipeg defenseman Elias Salomonsson is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery and has begun non-contact skating.