Max Curran's Prague-to-Colorado arc shows a 6-foot-3, two-way center maturing into a pro-ready asset for the Avalanche after a breakout 74-point WHL season and a 161st overall pick in 2024. A summer spent around Tomas Hertl hints at a fast, physical upgrade and a kid with ceiling on both ends.

Colorado envisions Curran as a versatile forward who can contribute across all zones, with the 2025 Rookie Showcase as his next proving ground as he charts a patient pro timeline after a pivotal junior year and a transformative trade-led path toward an NHL future.

Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, has officially quashed trade rumors surrounding key players William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. Following the signing of star forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs, speculation arose regarding potential trades to manage salary cap space. McCrimmon took the proactive step of contacting both players to assure them of their security within the team.

Hertl, who tallied 32 goals and 61 points last season, was linked to a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. However, both he and Karlsson were informed directly by McCrimmon that they are not on the trading block. Karlsson, who struggled with injuries last season, was also a subject of trade rumors but will remain with the Golden Knights as they seek to build a competitive roster in the upcoming season.

Speculation surrounds the Vegas Golden Knights as trade rumors swirl about key players, notably William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl. However, insiders suggest that a trade involving Karlsson is extremely unlikely. In addition, while the returns of Reilly Smith and Brandon Saad are anticipated, players such as Nick Hague and Nicholas Roy are drawing interest from around the league. Furthermore, the future of Alex Pietrangelo remains uncertain, with the potential for transactions involving him or even Rasmus Andersson. The Golden Knights have a lot of moving pieces to manage as they navigate these rumors.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face significant roster changes this offseason, with key players Mitch Marner and John Tavares hitting unrestricted free agency. Marner is most likely to depart, while the Leafs are focused on reaching a new contract with Tavares. Additionally, restricted free agent Matthew Knies will require a contract extension, and the team must replenish its dwindling prospect pool.

With limited draft picks to offer for trades, including only a second through seventh-round selection, GM Brad Treliving will need to navigate the trade market wisely. Potential moves could involve targeting Vegas for players like William Karlsson or Tomas Hertl to bolster their lineup.

The Vegas Golden Knights are actively exploring trade possibilities involving Tomas Hertl, with discussions pointing towards a potential move to an Eastern Conference team. There have been whispers connecting him to the Carolina Hurricanes, although there's been no confirmation of a deal.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for an active offseason, armed with significant draft picks, including the No. 11 selection and potentially the No. 12 from the New York Rangers. The Penguins are looking to bolster their roster with young talent through trades, potentially involving veterans like Erik Karlsson, whose hefty contract and no-movement clause complicate matters. Additionally, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have garnered interest, with Rust's no-movement clause set to expire soon, making him a viable trade candidate.