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Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

NHL Rumors: McDavid, Oilers, Demko, Canucks, Capitals

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 12:25 PM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers will be kicking off their road trip without Connor McDavid and a few other key names. Meanwhile, what is Thatcher Demko worth on his next contract? Is there a scenario where the Canucks and Demko part ways? Finally, the Washington Capitals are expected to sign Ryan Leonard, who will make his debut almost immediately.

No McDavid to Start the Oilers Road Trip

On Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers offered an injury update on a few big names, none bigger than Connor McDavid. “We know a ballpark of when it’s going to be, and it’s not going to be the next game or two. We feel it should be before the regular season ends,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch.

Along with McDavid, Edmonton will start the road trip without goalie Stuart Skinner (head) and defensemen Mattias Ekholm (undisclosed) and John Klingberg (lower body). Trent Frederic and Evander Kane will travel on the road and skate with the team. It is not expected that either will play, although it’s possible Frederic could be ready by the end of the California swing.

McDavid may join the Oilers later in the road trip after he stays back to work with his own team of people and Edmonton’s trainers. Knoblauch noted, “I think everybody will be with us before the regular season is over.”

Capitals to Sign Ryan Leonard

As per David Pagnotta, “Sounds like Ryan Leonard will be signing with the #ALLCAPS today and is likely to make his NHL debut tomorrow vs the Bruins in Boston.” Reports suggest that head coach Spencer Carbery reached out to Leonard last night and the two had a quick conversation. Carbery noted:

“Just on their season coming to an end last night. Just a quick exchange…proud of him, of the season that he’s had but also the way he’s conducted himself. The year that he’s had with the world juniors and another really strong season for him at BC. Anytime you don’t win the last game it’s a tough feeling, especially having played college hockey—you put a lot into that, and those one-and-done scenarios are tough. So, just there for him and we’ll see where it goes.”

With Boston College getting eliminated by Denver this weekend, he is free and clear to sign with the NHL club and the timing and location of their next game is impeccable.

Demko Seeking Certain Price Range on Next Contract?

Ben Kuzman of The Province looked at a comparables for goaltender Thatcher Demko, who is trying to play well enough to end this season and for next year to earn a sizeable extension. Demko is making below market value at $5 million per season. Kuzma suggested Demko could fall in the same ballpark as Linus Ullmark.

Ullmark is a former Vezina Trophy winner who just signed a four-year, $33 million extension with the Ottawa Senators, carrying an $8.25 million AAV. There are going to be questions in Vancouver about committing big term and money to Demko based on his injury history. The Canucks aren’t expected to even consider going to a place where netminders like Igor Shesterkin, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Andrei Vasilevskiy earn between $9.5 million and $11.5 million annually.

Demko hasn’t won a Vezina Trophy, and the Canucks recently signed Kevin Lakinen to a multi-year contract. Is this a situation where Demko and the Canucks potentially talk over the summer about a change of scnery? Demko lacks any kind of trade protection in his contract and if a team believes he can stay healthy, his $5 million is affordable as the cap rises.