{"id":558405,"date":"2026-04-23T18:31:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:31:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/558405\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T18:31:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:31:41","slug":"nhl-rumors-canucks-eye-doan-mcdavid-injury-red-wings-and-blue-jackets-player-changes-the-hockey-writers-nhl-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/558405\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Canucks Eye Doan, McDavid Injury, Red Wings and Blue Jackets Player Changes – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are keeping a close watch on Connor McDavid<\/a> after a concerning performance and an injury scare in Game 2 versus the Anaheim Ducks. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks continue to look for the right front office, with several intriguing candidates surfacing and an executive from the Toronto Maple Leafs popping up on their radar. Finally, the Columbus Blue Jackets could be heading toward a major culture shift this offseason.<\/p>\n

Canucks Eye Shane Doan, Among Other GM Candidates<\/p>\n

The Canucks\u2019 search for a new general manager continues to expand, with Elliotte Friedman reporting<\/a> that the team has asked the Toronto Maple Leafs for permission to speak with special advisor Shane Doan. Although he doesn\u2019t have general manager experience, Doan, a long-time NHL veteran, has impressed in Toronto with his accountability and leadership during a difficult season.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s unclear what role Vancouver envisions for Doan, he could be part of a larger leadership group. Meanwhile, Vancouver is eyeing several other candidates, including former Buffalo Sabers executive Kevyn Adams and an internal option like Ryan Johnson. <\/p>\n

McDavid\u2019s Quiet Start Raises Questions in Edmonton<\/p>\n

Something hasn\u2019t looked quite right<\/a> with Connor McDavid through the first couple of games of the playoffs, and an injury scare on Wednesday has many watching closely. McDavid has gone two straight games without a point and appeared to tweak something during a collision with teammate Mattias Ekholm.<\/p>\n

\"ConnorEdmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the San Jose Sharks (David Gonzales-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Head coach Kris Knoblauch didn\u2019t provide<\/a> a clear update postgame, but the media wanted to know after McDavid left the bench during Game 2 and returned looking tentative, if he was alright. McDavid brushed off the injury, suggesting he was fine after his ankle rolled up a little. Knoblauch said, \u201cI haven\u2019t got any updates, so I\u2019m not sure. We\u2019re hoping everything is fine, but ya, I can\u2019t comment on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncharacteristic McDavid turnovers and lack of rhythm have raised eyebrows in this series. The Oilers\u2019 biggest concern now is whether this is just a slump\u2014or something more that could linger.<\/p>\n

Blue Jackets Bracing for Culture Shift<\/p>\n

Change appears to be on the horizon in Columbus, where the Blue Jackets could be heading into a pivotal offseason. According to Aaron Portzline, a culture reset is expected with head coach Rick Bowness returning behind the bench next season.<\/p>\n

He writes:<\/p>\n

\u201cBlue Jackets players headed into the offseason with clear indications that Bowness isn\u2019t going to be everybody\u2019s favorite uncle when they return for training camp in September. It\u2019s obvious that Bowness wants to disrupt what he sees as a dressing room that\u2019s a little too comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

source \u2013 \u2018Blue Jackets Monday Gathering: Could \u2018culture change\u2019 cost Boone Jenner the captaincy?\u2019 \u2013 Aaron Portzline \u2013 The Athletic \u2013 04\/20\/2026<\/p>\n

There are also questions surrounding captain Boone Jenner<\/a>, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Jenner\u2019s role diminished this season, and at 33, there\u2019s uncertainty about whether he fits into the team\u2019s long-term plans.<\/p>\n

Questions also surround veterans like Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson. <\/p>\n

Red Wings Looking for \u201cBetter Players\u201d<\/p>\n

Steve Yzerman opened<\/a> his Red Wings season-ending press conference on Thursday by addressing what this team needs to do to improve. \u201cThe most obvious would be to need better players. We need to improve in particular areas, goal scoring, particularly five-on-five,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He did stress that he wasn\u2019t saying his players are no good. \u201cWe have a lot of good players.\u201d He said that he and Todd McLellan need to better prepare the players they do have. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere needs to be some very blunt conversations with some of our players,\u201d Yzerman said. <\/p>\n

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