Check out the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Stars winger Jason Robertson, Avalanche forward Martin Necas, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the uncertainty over defenseman Quinn Hughes’ future with the Vancouver Canucks has several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, keeping an eye on his situation.

Hughes, who turns 26 next month, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires in 2027. Media speculation suggests the Canucks could consider trading their captain if he’s unwilling to sign a contract extension.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, knows his club must improve this season to better its chances of re-signing Hughes. They attempted to acquire a second-line center during the offseason, but the asking prices were high. However, he might have to bite the bullet if he wants to hang onto his franchise player.

Rutherford acknowledged that Hughes might want to move on even if the Canucks improve, perhaps to join his brothers (Jack and Luke), who currently play for the New Jersey Devils. However, he said that’s not a certainty, and the Canucks will try to build the best team they can around him.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This season is a crucial one for the Canucks. If they bounce back from last season’s disappointing performance, it could convince Hughes to sign an extension next summer. If they struggle again, it could set the stage for his departure, perhaps as early as the March 2026 trade deadline.

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Lia Assimakopoulos reports Stars GM Jim Nill said contract talks with Jason Robertson are at a standstill.

The 26-year-old winger is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next July, and he’ll be UFA-eligible by July 2027 unless he and the Stars agree to a long-term deal next summer. His current average annual value (AAV) is $7.75 million.

Rumors swirled this summer suggesting Robertson could price himself out of Dallas because of the club’s limited salary-cap space. Some wondered if he could be traded, but Nill believes things were blown out of proportion.

Nill said the Stars had to shed salary this summer. That prompted teams to contact them about certain players, including Robertson, before they eventually shipped out Mason Marchment to Seattle and Matt Dumba to Pittsburgh in cost-cutting moves.

However, Nill had no intention of trading Robertson. The goal is to reach an agreement on a long-term extension that works for both sides. The Stars GM said neither side is in a rush because plenty of time remains to get a deal done. He indicated that both sides want to see what the market looks like.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It might be a different story if Robertson were UFA eligible next July. In this case, however, both sides can remain patient and see how things unfold this season. If it appears a deal isn’t possible, the Stars can peddle him next summer, where there won’t be a lack of suitors, especially if Robertson has another good season.

THE DENVER POST: Corey Masisak reports Martin Necas had little to say about the possibility of a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche. The 26-year-old forward is UFA-eligible next summer.

“We’re talking, and we’ll see what’s going to happen,” Necas said. “I can’t really tell you. I don’t even know. It will be interesting. It’s more about my agent.”

Masisek believes everyone is waiting for Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov to reset the market, but neither of them is close to signing. Necas joined the Avalanche last season in the Mikko Rantanen trade, and the two sides haven’t had much time to determine if they’re a long-term fit.

Necas could be expensive to re-sign if he plays well this season. If a deal isn’t possible, the Avalanche might not be as lucky in replacing him as they were in replacing Rantanen.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Necas’ situation has been overshadowed by all the attention on McDavid, Kaprizov, Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor, and Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe. Nevertheless, he could become the top forward in next summer’s UFA market if those three end up re-signing with their current teams.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that the New Jersey Devils and restricted free-agent defenseman Luke Hughes continue to “grind away” in their contract talks.

Once Hughes is re-signed, LeBrun wonders what the future holds for Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton. “How many power-play quarterbacks do you need in the modern NHL?”, he asked.

Hamilton has three years left on his contract with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team list of teams that he can be traded to. LeBrun believes that’s something to file away until the March 6 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s name popped up frequently this summer in the rumor mill. The Devils have just over $6 million in cap space, and it could cost them over $8 million to get Hughes under contract. That could result in a cost-cutting trade, which is why Hamilton has surfaced in recent trade speculation.

THE ATHLETIC: Jesse Granger reports the Utah Mammoth will place goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers as the two sides have agreed to part ways.

Ingram recently completed the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The club is happy for him and his path to recovery. However, they are set in goal this season with Karel Vejmelka and offseason acquisition Vitek Vanecek, while Jaxson Stauber is under contract for the next two years.

Granger listed the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators as possible landing spots for Ingram.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ingram, 28, is in the final season of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $1.95 million.

TSN: Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios said forward Alex Formenton will not be returning to the club. Both sides agree he’d be better off with a fresh start elsewhere, and the club is gauging the trade market.

CALGARY SUN: The Flames are not bringing back Dillon Dube. GM Craig Conroy felt the winger would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere.

TSN: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving remains in the market for a top-six forward. However, he dismissed recent speculation linking his club to Dube.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Formenton and Dube were among the five former Hockey Canada players found not guilty of sexual assault stemming from an incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario.