NHL Rumor Mill – July 22, 2026
A look at the latest regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently looked at the latest speculation regarding the top remaining unrestricted free agents.
Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (NHL Images).
Patrick Kane tops Fox’s list. He noted there were rumors that the 37-year-old winger was considering contract offers from his former club, the Chicago Blackhawks, and his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane seems to be taking his time to consider his options. He’s unlikely to be an expensive signing for either club.
Defenseman Logan Stanley is reportedly still weighing his options. The 28-year-old is said to be seeking a four- or five-year contract worth up to $25 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Stanley might have to revise his asking price. The best opportunity for him to get that deal was within the opening week of the market.
Winger Eeli Tolvanen is believed to be seeking term on his next contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 27-year-old Tolvanen is among the youngest players in this summer’s market. It’s a little surprising that he hasn’t signed yet. The longest term he’s had on his previous contracts was three years.
Some observers wonder if the Edmonton Oilers might have an interest in winger Vladimir Tarasenko after they previously “kicked tires” on Claude Giroux before he signed with the Ottawa Senators.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Julian Gaudio of The Hockey News has the Oilers on his list of suggested destinations for Tarasenko. The others include the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Utah Mammoth.
Defenseman John Klingberg is fifth on Fox’s list. He noted the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers remain eager to boost the right side of their defense corps.
Winger Patrik Laine remains available. The New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild were reportedly considering him as a reclamation project.
Other notables include forwards Michael Bunting, Reilly Smith, and Philipp Kurashev, and goaltender Cam Talbot.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The remaining players on this list might have to wait until late August or early September to get new contracts. Some could end up on professional tryout offers during training camp.
Logan Stanley I think would an excellent addition to the bruins unfortunately he’s left d.
Bruins desperately a good r d. have to agree with Spector not too many people will bite at his asking price. Payrolls getting tight at this time of the year.
Tolvanen and Bunting, both 30-40p players, I doubt that they will get term, and at that production, teams with prospects will let them play instead
Kent Nilsson, I agree about Tolvanen, even though his game translates well to today’s NHL and a middle 6 role, teams would see him as a stop gap until their own prospects are ready for larger roles. I can’t see him signing for anything more than a 2-3 yr deal, possibly around the 4-5 mil/yr range. Lots of good attributes though, I’d like him on my team, doesn’t take a night off.