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NHL Free AgentsNHL Rumors

NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Detroit Red Wings

Mark Easson 05/22/2026
4 Min Read
Alex Tuch needs to decide if he wants to stay. Ilya Mikheyev can talk to teams, but could re-sign. Bobby McMann would fit in Detroit.
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (95) shoots against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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The Buffalo Sabres want to re-sign Alex Tuch; he’ll have a decision to make

Mike Harrington: Alex Tuch said that during his exit interview, GM Jarmo Kekalainen said they wanted to re-sign him. Tuch added:

“Obviously, in the next month or so, I’m going to have to make some decisions here.”

Ilya Mikheyev can talk to teams, but a Chicago Blackhawks return is also a possibility

Scott Powers of The Athletic: The Chicago Blackhawks would like to bring back pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev, and he’s open to the idea after spending the past two years there.

Avalanche, Hurricanes Stunned As Underdogs Strike First

Money and term are the stumbling blocks. The Blackhawks made Mikheyev a contract offer at the trade deadline, believed to be either two or three years at around his current salary cap hit, $4.75 million. The 31-year-old turned it down, and he still has an offer on the table. Since it’s likely his last big contract, can’t blame him for being tempted to see if the open market offers more.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson doesn’t blame him. Mikheyev’s agent has permission to talk to teams to see if they would offer more term or money. The Blackhawks can then offer more or let him walk. It’s unlikely his rights are traded.

AFP Analytics projects Mikheyev at three years and a $3,456,960 cap hit, with The Athletic at three years and $3.8 million.

The Detroit Red Wings should look at Bobby McMann, and a bottom-six upgrade could come from within

Max Bultman of The Athletic: (mailbag) The Detroit Red Wings could look at winger Bobby McMann if he gets to free agency on July 1st. He has speed and is coming off a 29-goal season with the Maple Leafs and Kraken, and 20 goals the previous year. He’s 6′ 2″ and had 165 hits last season. He might fit nicely beside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

Dallas Stars Mavrik Bourque is more of a winger than a center, so he may not fit the second-line center spot. He did score 20 goals last year and is only 24 years old, and the Red Wings can use goals.

Did Simon Nemec Request a Trade or Not?

The Red Wings’ bottom-six additions may come from within next, but Minnesota Wild’s Michael McCarron could be an option if they look outside. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård and Carter Mazur will have a shot. If they add a left winger for their top line, that could bump Emmitt Finnie down to the third line.

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TAGGED:Alex TuchBobby McMannBuffalo SabresCarter MazurChicago BlackhawksDetroit Red WingsEmmitt FinnieIlya MikheyevMavrik BourqueMichael Brandsegg-NygardMichael McCarronSeattle Kraken
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