{"id":627148,"date":"2026-07-20T16:00:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T16:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/627148\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T16:00:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T16:00:17","slug":"nhl-rumors-bedard-and-byram-robertson-trade-maple-leafs-buzz-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/627148\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumors: Bedard and Byram, Robertson Trade, Maple Leafs Buzz – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s NHL rumors rundown, the buzz over the weekend involving James van Riemsdyk<\/a> to the Toronto Maple Leafs amounted to nothing, but there is still talk about Morgan Rielly. Was Connor Bedard<\/a>\u2018s extension in Chicago directly linked to the trade that brought in Bowen Byram? Where are things at with Jason Robertson<\/a>? Finally, Jack Campbell announced his retirement<\/a>, and he\u2019s carving a new path and taking on a new career. <\/p>\n

Maple Leafs Create Buzz with Unexpected Throwback<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs caught fans off guard after sharing a highlight of former forward James van Riemsdyk, who hasn\u2019t played in Toronto for years and remains unsigned. The post<\/a>, captioned \u201cDon\u2019t blink\u201d, quickly sparked theories about a possible reunion.<\/p>\n

There is nothing to it. <\/p>\n

While the idea has some logic\u2014van Riemsdyk can still contribute in a limited role\u2014there\u2019s no indication a deal is in place. The Maple Leafs also posted videos about Tyler Bozak and Justin Holl. These videos were merely throwback teasers. <\/p>\n

Is a Morgan Rielly Trade Still Possible?<\/p>\n

NHL insider Chris Johnston said on the season finale episode of\u00a0\u201cThe Chris Johnston\u2019s Show\u201d<\/a>\u00a0that Toronto\u2019s expectation has not changed regarding a Morgan Rielly trade. He believes the Maple Leafs are still trying to find a trade that would move the defenseman. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still curious to see what happens with Rielly,\u201d Johnston said. \u201cI continue to hear that the expectation is \u2018You will still be moved before next season,\u2019 but you know, as I mentioned in our previous trade discussions, some of the steam sometimes goes out of those talks when we get a little deeper into the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MorganToronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly vies for the puck against New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI still think that they\u2019ll be looking at ways to change and shape the roster, so this is probably the one busiest offseason for the Leafs I can remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s Offseason Moves Pay Off with Bedard<\/p>\n

The Blackhawks\u2019 acquisition of Bowen Byram<\/a> may have played a subtle but important role in finalizing Connor Bedard\u2019s extension. The two players share a long-standing connection, and Bedard\u2019s positive reaction to the move reportedly helped move his extension along. <\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s front office understood that Byram had more value beyond what he could do as a top defenseman for the team. His relationship with Bedard helped convince already committed Bedard to stay. <\/p>\n

Robertson Situation Heating Up in Dallas<\/p>\n

Contract talks between the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson remain unresolved, and the situation is becoming one that needs to be addressed prior to his July 25 arbitration hearing. Robertson seems unlikely to move off of his ask \u2014 given the new deals for Carlsson and Bedard, why would he? Meanwhile, Dallas is weighing how to make the numbers work.<\/p>\n

If negotiations stall further, trade discussions will have to pick up. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team to watch. <\/p>\n

Jack Campbell Retires to Become Life Coach<\/p>\n

Former Oilers, Leafs, and Kings goaltender Jack Campbell has announced his retirement from professional hockey at 34. Via an Instagram bio update and video<\/a>, Campbell has said goodbye to his playing days and announced he is becoming an identity and performance coach.<\/p>\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/Da_piT7R49P\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\n<\/p>\n

He put in his description:<\/p>\n

\u201cWalking away from hockey wasn\u2019t easy. It gave me more than I could have ever imagined. But over the last few years, I realized the work that brought me the most fulfillment wasn\u2019t stopping pucks\u2014it was helping people become who they\u2019re capable of becoming. I\u2019m incredibly grateful to begin this next chapter as a coach with\u00a0@novus.global<\/a>\u00a0. I can\u2019t wait to walk alongside athletes, leaders, and high performers as they create bigger visions for their lives and become the people those visions require.\u201d<\/p>\n

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