NHL Rumors: Zacha Interest, Schmaltz Contract, Plan for Woll
As the NHL season progresses, several teams are navigating various challenges, leading to intriguing rumors and plans for the future. The Vancouver Canucks' search for a centerman has brought them to the Boston Bruins, while the Utah Mammoth face a potential contract hurdle with one of their star players. Meanwhile, in Toronto, the Maple Leafs are carefully managing the return of a key goaltender.
Canucks Eye Pavel Zacha
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly expressing strong interest in acquiring forward Pavel Zacha from the Boston Bruins. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, discussions between the Canucks and Bruins regarding Zacha have been ongoing since the summer. The Canucks' need for a center is evident, and Zacha's versatility and ability to play both center and wing make him an attractive option. Zacha is currently in the third season of his four-year, $19 million contract with a $4.75 million annual average value. He has been a consistent performer for the Bruins, with three straight 40-plus point seasons. This season, he has two goals and nine points in the team's first ten games.
While the Canucks' interest is clear, the Bruins have set a high asking price for Zacha. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney is reportedly fielding calls on Zacha, but it remains to be seen if a trade will materialize. Friedman believes that Vancouver is not on Zacha's no-trade list. The Canucks lost J.T. Miller and Pius Suter last season via trades. Their issues have continued as both Filip Chytil and Teddy Blueger found themselves injured this month.
Schmaltz and Mammoth at Odds
The Utah Mammoth and forward Nick Schmaltz are reportedly not close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension. Schmaltz is in the final year of his current deal and will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Friedman noted that the two sides are far apart in negotiations. Schmaltz is currently signed to a 7-year, $40,950,000 contract with a cap hit of $5,850,000 per season. In 2025-26, Schmaltz will earn a base salary of $8,500,000, while carrying a cap hit of $5,850,000. Schmaltz has been a key player for the team, currently near the top of the NHL standings in total points.
Woll's Return to the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs welcomed goaltender Joseph Woll back to practice this week after he took a personal leave on September 23. General Manager Brad Treliving outlined the plan for getting Woll back up to speed. The focus will be on a measured, day-to-day approach. Treliving said Woll has been skating and kept himself in great shape. The plan is to get him reps, working in traffic during practice, and possibly sending him down for some conditioning games with the Toronto Marlies.
Woll is currently on long-term injured reserve and is eligible to return on November 1, but Treliving stated that he will not be ready by then. Treliving also mentioned that he has a date circled for Woll's return but will not rush him back. The team wants to give him space and allow him to return when he is ready. Teammates are excited to have Woll back, noting his popularity in the locker room. Woll played 42 games last season with a 27-14-1 record, a 2.73 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage.
