From Ottawa Senators speculation that's "completely out of the question" to suspenseful futures for Jonathan Marchessault and Kaapo Kakko, Lyle Richardson gathers the latest.

The Hockey News' Steve Warne has a request for pundits dabbling in conjecture over Brady Tkachuk's future with the Ottawa Senators: “Just stop.”

Warne was referring to a recent headline on 101 ESPN in St. Louis musing over whether Tkachuk was available, why a big move like that wasn't out of the question, and what type of return the Senators might get for him. 

“Actually, it is completely out of the question,” wrote Warne. He cited Senators GM Steve Staios telling The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun there was no validity to such rumors. “We are building this team around Brady. His leadership and unique skill set are rare.”

Warne noted the four years remaining on Tkachuk's contract. He felt that any discussion of a trade becomes valid only if the Senators haven't worked out their kinks by the final year of his contract.

Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos shares that view. In his Toronto Star column, Kypreos wrote that he didn't believe the Senators are shopping Tkachuk but felt he could want out of Ottawa if they don't vastly improve soon. 

Turning to the Vegas Golden Knights, Jonathan Marchessault recently appeared at the World Series of Poker, where he said he's still awaiting a phone call about a contract extension. 

Marchessault is slated to become a UFA after completing a six-year, $30-million contract. The 33-year-old winger won the Conn Smythe Trophy last year, leading the Golden Knights to their first-ever Stanley Cup.

Following the Golden Knights' recent post-season elimination, GM Kelly McCrimmon indicated a strong mutual willingness to discuss an extension. Marchessault acknowledged there's still time as they have until June 30 to get a deal done.

The delay could be due to McCrimmon looking to free up sufficient cap space for Marchessault. They have a projected cap space of $1.797 million and will get another $5 million in cap flexibility, with Robin Lehner expected to remain on long-term injury reserve.

That could involve peddling defenseman Shea Theodore ($5.2-million cap hit) or goaltender Adin Hill ($4.9 million). Both are UFA-eligible at the end of next season.

Meanwhile, Kaapo Kakko has managed just two points in 14 games with the New York Rangers this post-season. He was a healthy scratch in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Florida Panthers, sparking questions about his future with the Rangers.

Kakko will become an RFA with arbitration rights this summer. Sportsnet's Luke Fox believes those contract negotiations could get tense.

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau speculated the Rangers could peddle Kakko for futures this summer, suggesting the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens as possible trade destinations. The Tennessean's Alex Daugherty suggested the Nashville Predators look into acquiring Kakko.

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