Patrick Kane explains his return to the Blackhawks, the biggest unresolved storylines of this offseason (thus far), the latest notable contract signings, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Patrick Kane said that nostalgia wasn’t the sole reason why he returned to the Blackhawks after spending the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and part of the 2022-23 season with the New York Rangers.

Kane, 37, signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks last week worth an average annual value of $8 million.

Chicago Blackhawks signed former Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane to a two-year contract. (NHL Images).

During a press conference in Chicago on Friday, Kane said that he didn’t return to the Blackhawks with the intention of “riding off into the sunset.” Instead, he wants to help the new generation of Blackhawks reach the playoffs.

Kane indicated that he’s looking forward to playing alongside young Blackhawks star Connor Bedard once the 21-year-old center returns to action in November. Bedard is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.

“This will be my 20th year in the league, and I’ll probably see passes I’ve never seen before playing with him,” Kane said. He’s also been skating with Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar, and is impressed by his work ethic and speed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks overpaid to bring Kane back to the city where he spent most of his NHL career and had his greatest success. He’s well past his prime, but management believes the investment will be worthwhile if he can help to shape their young players into postseason contenders. They could get closer to that goal if Kane and Bedard find some offensive chemistry.

DAILY FACEOFF: Matt Larkin recently listed the five biggest unresolved storylines of the 2026 NHL offseason.

Dylan Larkin’s trade request tops the list, as the 29-year-old center remains with the Detroit Red Wings.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The removal of Steve Yzerman as general manager has complicated this situation. There’s also no indication the move has changed Larkin’s mind about a trade.

Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets comes in at No. 2. It’s rumored that the 33-year-old goaltender would be open to being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. The two clubs were reportedly close to a deal a month ago. However, it fell through, and there’s no sign those discussions will resume.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been some recent conjecture over what it might cost the Sabres to acquire Hellebuyck and whether it would be worthwhile. However, they don’t seem any closer to a deal, and it’s possible they might never get one done. Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract, and the Jets aren’t in a hurry to move him.

Cutter Gauthier’s contract extension remains a hot topic. The 21-year-old Anaheim Ducks winger is ineligible to sign an offer sheet. However, linemate Leo Carlsson’s new contract (with its league-leading $18 million AAV) could push his asking price much higher than the Ducks originally expected.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s expected the Ducks will re-sign Gauthier, but they’ll also have to shed salary to fit his new contract within their limited salary-cap payroll.

Larkin is also interested to see if Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning sign contract extensions this summer. They are eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next summer, and each stands a good chance to become the NHL’s highest-paid player.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carlsson’s league-leading AAV will affect what Makar, Hughes, and Kucherov seek on their next contracts. Unlike Carlsson, they have the resumes to justify the huge raises they’re expected to get.

Larkin also wondered if we’ll see more offer sheets this summer. The Philadelphia Flyers signing Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million contract (matched by the Ducks) prompted speculation over whether Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets or Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings could become offer-sheet targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It depends on whether Fantilli and Edvinsson are open to offers from rival clubs. Nevertheless, the Carlsson offer sheet will have an impact on what those two youngsters receive, whether it’s with their current clubs or another team via offer sheet. It could explain why they haven’t been re-signed yet.

NHL.COM: The Blue Jackets avoided salary arbitration with Cole Sillinger, signing the 23-year-old forward to a three-year contract with a $4.625 million AAV.

FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers avoided salary arbitration with Akira Schmid. On Friday, the two sides agreed to a two-year contract worth an AAV of $2 million.

THE ORANGE COUNTRY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks signed Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. They drafted the 18-year-old forward with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: The St. Louis Blues hired Hall of Fame defenseman Sergei Zubov as an advisor to hockey operations. He was previously a team consultant with the Blues in 2012-13.